As fans around the world bid farewell to Squid Game with the release of Season 3, there’s been one big question on everyone’s mind: will there be a Season 4? The short answer is no, and the creator of the hit series, Hwang Dong-hyeok, has recently explained why he chose to wrap up the show after three seasons. Here’s what we know about the decision to end Squid Game.
Why Squid Game Won’t Get a Season 4, According to the Creator
After the immense global success of Squid Game, it would have been tempting to keep the show going for another season—or even more. But according to Hwang Dong-hyeok, the creator and director behind the series, it was always his intention for the story to end after three seasons. He explained in a recent interview that the narrative was always meant to center around Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and his journey. “The story I wanted to tell about Gi-hun’s path has been told in these three seasons. I don’t think there is anything left to say,” he revealed. For him, the third season provides a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the character’s arc and the overarching narrative .
Fans of the show might have hoped for more episodes, especially after such a thrilling ride through Season 1 and 2. However, Dong-hyeok felt that the series had reached its natural endpoint, and continuing the story would risk diluting its impact. It’s a decision many creators face—knowing when it’s time to say goodbye to something that’s captured the world’s attention. For him, telling a complete story outweighed the lure of keeping the success going .
The Origins of Squid Game and the Pressure of Expanding It
Interestingly, Squid Game wasn’t always meant to be the multi-season phenomenon it became. Dong-hyeok originally envisioned the story as a one-season series, and it wasn’t until the first season’s monumental success that he began to consider a continuation. “In 2008, I came up with the idea for Squid Game, but it wasn’t until years later, after multiple rejections, that it finally took shape,” he explained.
The unexpected popularity of the first season placed new pressure on him to deliver equally compelling seasons 2 and 3. But as he told us, he tried not to let the hype dictate his creative process. “Of course, I felt the pressure to create seasons 2 and 3 that people would love just as much as the first season. But I tried not to focus too much on that. I concentrated on the story I wanted to tell, as that is my mission as a creator,” he said. This commitment to his vision helped him avoid falling into the trap of fan expectations, instead delivering the conclusion that felt right for the story .
In the world of television, it’s rare to find a show that doesn’t try to extend its run just for the sake of more content. Shows that know when to call it quits are often remembered more fondly, leaving a lasting impression. For Squid Game, Dong-hyeok made sure that its conclusion was true to the characters and themes that had captivated millions .
As we wrap up the journey of Squid Game, it’s clear that its impact will continue to ripple through popular culture long after the final credits roll. But for now, fans can take solace in the fact that the show ended on its own terms—bringing closure to a truly unique story.
