Squid Game Season 3: What’s New as Lee Jung-jae Dismisses Major Fan Theory

With the highly anticipated Squid Game Season 3 just around the corner, fans have been buzzing with theories about how the series will conclude. After the shocking and intense finale of Season 2, many wondered how the story would unfold for the protagonist, Gi-hun, and whether he’d continue to battle the darkness or fall victim to it. But just a week before the release, Lee Jung-jae, the actor behind Gi-hun, has put a major fan theory to rest—one that had dominated fan discussions for months.

Gi-hun’s Struggle: A New Beginning or a Dark Turn?

The end of Squid Game Season 2 left Gi-hun devastated and broken, with the tragic loss of his friend and the crushing weight of betrayal hanging over him. In the final moments, viewers were left questioning whether he would bounce back or spiral into further darkness. Would he seek revenge and become the new “Game Master,” or could his character find a way to heal?

Ahead of the Season 3 premiere on June 27, 2025, Lee Jung-jae opened up during a press conference with European media about the emotional journey Gi-hun would face. He described Gi-hun at the start of Season 3 as someone in a deep state of despair. “He feels the guilt of being responsible for his friend’s death. He has abandoned himself and has no desire to continue living,” Lee said. The actor also mentioned that Gi-hun’s strength to move forward would come from the people around him. “Even in these moments of despair, the reason he can keep going is because of those who are with him,” he added¹.

The End of a Major Fan Theory: Gi-hun’s Dark Path is Not to Be

For months, one particular theory had taken hold among fans. After the heart-wrenching events of Season 2, many speculated that Gi-hun, disillusioned and emotionally crushed, would embrace a darker path. This theory suggested that, by the end of the series, Gi-hun would become the new Game Master, taking over the horrific games that had destroyed so many lives. It seemed to fit with the cynical nature of the show, which has often highlighted the destructive power of capitalism, showing that the system always wins.

However, Lee Jung-jae has now dismissed that possibility. “Despite the betrayals and disappointments Gi-hun faces, he always tries to believe in humanity,” Lee explained². He emphasized that Gi-hun’s constant struggle throughout the series is whether or not he can trust people, even after everything he’s been through. “No matter how many times he is deceived, betrayed, or mocked, Gi-hun is someone who will always try to find ways to keep believing in humanity,” Lee stated, highlighting one of the core messages of Squid Game.

This directly contradicts the fan theory that saw Gi-hun turning to the dark side. Instead, Gi-hun’s journey in Season 3 will focus on his perseverance to keep faith in others, despite the immense pain and loss he’s endured. For fans hoping for a dramatic shift in his character, this news will come as a bit of a disappointment—but it’s a reflection of the show’s deeper philosophical underpinnings.

The Future of Squid Game: What’s Next for Gi-hun?

With this new information, it’s clear that Gi-hun will not succumb to the temptation of revenge. Instead, his story in Season 3 will be about resilience and redemption. Despite his immense suffering, Gi-hun will continue to fight for hope, inspired by the people who have stood by him. This may not be the conclusion many fans were hoping for, but it speaks to the core theme of the show: humanity’s ability to endure even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

As the countdown to the premiere begins, it’s exciting to think about how Gi-hun’s journey will evolve. Will he be able to overcome his inner demons and reclaim his sense of purpose? Or will the system he fought against continue to haunt him? One thing is certain—Squid Game is far from over, and the twists and turns of Season 3 will likely leave us questioning everything we thought we knew about the game, and about Gi-hun himself.

Squid Game Season 3 promises to dive even deeper into the complexities of its characters and the dystopian world they inhabit. Whether you’re rooting for Gi-hun’s redemption or hoping for a darker twist, the upcoming season is sure to captivate viewers around the world. And with Lee Jung-jae’s revelation, we can expect a journey of hope, humanity, and, of course, shocking suspense³.

Footnotes:

1. Lee Jung-jae talks about Gi-hun’s emotional journey: https://icecreamconvos.com/squid-game-season-3-lee-jung-jae-reveals-how-he-transformed-into-a-darker-broken-gi-hun/

2. Gi-hun’s struggle for humanity in Squid Game Season 3: https://gamerant.com/from-survivor-saboteur-squid-game-season-3-turning-gi-hun-villain/

3. Squid Game Season 3: The anticipation builds for Gi-hun’s journey: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10504972