The world of Squid Game has once again gripped global audiences with the release of its highly anticipated third season. Debuting on June 27, Season 3 dives deeper into the twisted reality of the deadly competition, following Seong Gi Hun as he reenters the game with newfound determination—only to suffer the heartbreaking loss of a close companion. This season also peels back the layers of the enigmatic Front Man, who covertly inserts himself into the chaos, and explores the ultimate fates of the survivors who have managed to outlast the game’s ruthless trials.
The explosive return quickly catapulted Squid Game to the top spot in Netflix’s global TV show rankings, signaling the franchise’s undiminished appeal and confirming its status as a pop culture juggernaut.
Riding the wave of excitement, Netflix teamed up with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to host the grand 2025 K-Content Seoul Travel Week: Squid Game Parade and finale fan celebration on June 28. The event brought together fans and the entire Squid Game ensemble in a spectacle that transformed the heart of Seoul into a surreal, interactive playground.
From Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul Plaza, the 1.2-kilometer-long parade was a feast for the senses. Massive recreations of the series’ most iconic elements—the triangle, square, and circle game cards, towering pink coffins, a giant piggy bank, and even dalgona candy-themed balloons—turned central Seoul into a living tribute to the show. The highlight was an imposing 7.5-meter Younghee statue presiding over the crowd, while Pink Guards paraded in formation with a marching band, captivating fans with theatrical flair.
Seoul Plaza was transformed into an immersive Squid Game universe, offering interactive zones where fans could challenge themselves with games from the series. These included the jump rope segment featuring Younghee and Cheolsu, and the infamous Ddakji Man challenge, giving attendees a chance to feel like contestants—minus the deadly consequences.
The fan event reached a fever pitch with appearances from a star-studded lineup that spanned all three seasons. Creator Hwang Dong Hyuk joined lead actors Lee Jung Jae and Lee Byung Hun, along with Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Wi Ha Jun, Park Gyu Young, Lee Jin Wook, Park Sung Hoon, Yang Dong Geun, Kang Ae Shim, Jo Yu Ri, Chae Gook Hee, Lee Da Wit, Noh Jae Won, and Jeon Seok Ho.
Beloved cast members from previous seasons also graced the stage, including Season 2’s Choi Seung Hyun, Lee Seo Hwan, Won Jian, Kim Beom Rae, Kim Si Eun, and Season 1 fan favorites Park Hae Soo, Jung Ho Yeon, Kim Joo Ryeong, Anupam Tripathi, and Lee Yoo Mi. The reunion of the entire ensemble culminated in a commemorative group photo that sparked both fanfare and nostalgia.
The event’s sheer scale reflected the show’s cultural impact. Nearly a year in the making—348 days of preparation beginning July 2024—it involved a dedicated team of 456 staff members, a symbolic nod to Player 456, Gi Hun. Over 38,000 people turned up for the parade, with 9,000 more attending the fan gathering, while the online live broadcast drew a staggering 4.4 million views within just two hours.
From its intense storytelling to its spectacular real-world celebrations, Squid Game Season 3 has once again proven that this is more than just a show—it’s a global phenomenon that continues to raise the stakes.
