Latest news with #HwangDong-hyuk
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Squid Game season 3 review: Darker and emotionally more impactful, Netflix show gets an imperfect but fitting finale
Squid Game season 3 review Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, Jo Yu-ri, Lee David, and Roh Jae-won Creator: Hwang Dong-hyuk Rating: ★★★ The second season of Squid Game, Netflix's sensational show, had raised fears that the quality was dipping. Amid revelations that creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and Netflix had split the second season into two, there were fears of the quality being diluted. The third and final season both alleviates and reinforces those fears. Yes, the show isn't as good as that stupendous first act, but then that was a high bar to reach. On its own, Squid Game season 3 is a fitting end to a great indictment of capitalism, greed, and inequities; one that not only ties up loose ends but also sets up a potential franchise. Squid Game season 3 review: Lee Jung-jae is the backbone of the show. In Squid Game season 3, a shattered Seong Gi-hun resigns to his fate after his failed coup at the games in season 2. But the games continue, under increased surveillance. And soon Gi-hun realises he must get out of his stupor if he is to survive the onslaught. Meanwhile, Detective Hwang Jun-ho is closing in on the island, while guard Kang No-eul is planning a daring escape. How it all comes to a close together forms a thrilling journey. Squid Game season 3 moves at a faster pace, largely because of the shorter six-episode duration. A lot happens in a quick time, much of it outside the island. That keeps the viewer engaged, even as the goings-on in the games get a little dull. There are fewer games left, so makers have fewer chances to surprise the audience with their ingenuity. Yet, the shock value is there, with the plot twisting and turning every now and then. Yet, there is a feeling that the show is not at its best. It lurches ahead on occasions and stutters in between. There is almost a phase where the narrative loses steam. The redemption comes from Gi-hun's arc, which brings the emotional heft of the story. His character's development, complemented by Lee Jung-jae's masterful acting, is the backbone of the show. He makes you feel for the players again and shows that the series is much more than just innovative new ways to show death. What works This emotion is where Squid Game season 3 succeeds. It connects with the audience, even threatening to touch the vulgar VIPs who watch this carnage without as much of a second thought. The anti-capitalist undercurrent of the show has never been stronger than in season 3, and Hwang Dong-hyuk goes all out to indict modern consumerism and greed without any subtlety at all. Squid Game season 3 is imperfect because it has its fair share of flaws. It gets predictable in the middle, resorts to using gore to shock, and even stretches the boundaries of suspension of disbelief every now and again. Yet, all this is offset by how it ties up all the plots and includes a sense of finality, while not saying goodbye. On top of it, the show retains its ability to surprise the audience, and what more do you want?
News18
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
What To Watch Next After Squid Game? List Of Top Intense Survival Dramas
Last Updated: If you have finished watching Squid Game or are planning to, here are some interesting TV shows you might like. When Squid Game came out on Netflix in 2021, it quickly became one of the most watched foreign shows on the platform. The show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, came up with a second season in 2024 and wrapped up the main story in 2025. While season three is said to be the final part, there's a possibility of spin offs or new stories related to the series in the future. If you have finished watching the dystopian drama or are planning to, you might wonder what to watch next to fill that empty feeling. To help with that, here are some interesting TV shows you might like if Squid Game was your favourite. Alice In Borderland If you liked Squid Game, this Japanese survival thriller might be your next pick. The Netflix series is set in a strange and empty version of Tokyo, where young people find themselves trapped and forced to survive by playing deadly games that test their minds, strength and teamwork. The show is based on a popular manga. Two seasons are already out and the third is expected very soon. 3% If you want a survival style show without too much blood, this drama is a great choice. The Portuguese dystopian drama focuses on a small group of people who get the chance to escape poverty. Every year, 20 year olds take part in a series of tough tests to earn a spot on the Offshore, a peaceful and rich island. Those who fail don't die, but they're sent back to live in harsh conditions forever. It's filled with twists and shows how far people will go for a better life. Panic The series was released before Squid Game in 2021 and shares a similar plot where people risk everything to have a better life. Set in a small town in Texas called Carp, the show follows high school graduates who enter a secret game each summer to win $50,000, which is enough to leave their boring lives behind. Although it was cancelled after just one season, it's still a fun series to watch. The 8 Show While this show is often compared with Squid Game and Alice in Borderland, it has its own unique style. In this series, eight people are locked in separate rooms, each on a different floor. They earn money based on how long they stay, but there's a catch. They have to spend that money to buy food, water and other basic needs. As the days pass, greed, fear and desperation slowly take over, and things become chaotic. The story takes time to build up, but it has some great moments and unique challenges. If you're a fan of dark thrillers, this is another gripping South Korean series worth checking out. Based on a popular webtoon, the show has horror, action and emotional drama. The story begins when people suddenly start turning into terrifying monsters. It follows a young man named Cha Hyun-su and a group trying to survive by fighting not only the monsters but also their struggles. In seasons two and three, the story expands as the survivors face new dangers. If you liked the intensity of Squid Game but want something with a horror twist, Sweet Home is perfect. First Published: June 28, 2025, 15:46 IST
News18
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Miss Granny To Love Forecast: 8 K-Dramas To Watch While Travelling
Last Updated: Miss Granny is a fantasy comedy-drama that follows an elderly woman who magically finds herself in the body of her 20-year-old self. Looking for something entertaining but not too complex to binge while you are on the go? Whether you're catching a flight, riding a train, or going for a long drive, there are multiple Korean dramas that can be your perfect travel companion. From heartwarming romances to gripping thrillers, these Korean dramas will keep you hooked while you are travelling. Miss Granny This fantasy comedy-drama directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk stars Na Moon-hee as an elderly woman who magically finds herself in the body of her 20-year-old self after she took a picture at a mysterious photo booth. Filled with humorous elements, the film is a nostalgic take on age and identity. Love Forecast This touching romantic saga follows the relationship between men and women. The story follows a weather forecaster and her childhood friend on a journey of love and friendship. Starring Lee Seung-gi and Moon Chae-won, this romantic comedy is perfect for binge-watching. Twenty This coming-of-age comedy-drama follows three best friends as they navigate early adulthood after turning 20. This hilarious and relatable comedy perfectly captures youth in all its messy glory and innocence. Because I Love You This fantasy comedy starring Cha Tae-hyun and Kim Yoo-jung depicts the story of a man whose soul, after meeting with an accident, hops into different bodies to help others in love. Because I Love You is truly a feel-good fantasy romance that is easy to follow. On Your Wedding Day This romantic comedy follows the 10-year love and friendship of two people from teenage to adulthood. Starring Park Bo-young and Kim Young-kwang, the plot highlights a simple nostalgic tale of love that makes the drama perfect for binge-watching. Luck-Key This action comedy, directed by Lee Gae-byok, depicts the story of a failed actor who swaps lives with a hitman after a bathroom accident. Starring Yoo Hae-jin, this drama has an entertaining premise that will keep you glued to the screens. Extreme Job This action comedy follows a police narcotics unit that runs a fried chicken joint as an undercover operation for their investigation but ends up running a successful business. The fast-paced and entertaining plot makes it perfect for binge-watching. Spellbound This horror romantic comedy follows a magician who falls in love with a woman who has the ability to see ghosts. This drama starring Son Ye-jin and Lee Min-ki, highlights a spooky but sweet, not too complex plot for a travel watch. First Published: June 28, 2025, 14:43 IST
News18
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Squid Game To Business Proposal: Best K-Dramas On Netflix That You Should Not Miss
Last Updated: Squid Game is a dystopian survival thriller created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, which revolves around a mysterious game containing 456 players. South Korean culture has firmly secured its place on the global stage. From Parasite's historic Oscar win in 2019 and BTS dominating international charts to Squid Game becoming a worldwide phenomenon – Korean content is not just making waves, but it is leading the tide. Here's a list of the best Korean shows on Netflix that you cannot afford to miss: Squid Game This dystopian survival thriller created by Hwang Dong-hyuk revolves around a mysterious game where 456 players, dealing with financial hardships, risk their lives to play a series of deadly games to win around $40 million. The series features an ensemble cast including Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon and Jo Yu-ri, among others. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix Korea | 넷플릭스 코리아 (@netflixkr) Alchemy of Souls This fantasy period K-drama follows the story of two mages who have the ability to move their souls across bodies using a forbidden magic spell. The series cast a versatile lineup of actors, including Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Hwang Min-hyun and Go Youn-jung. Business Proposal This feel-good office romance stars Ahn Hyo-seop as a rich CEO and Kim Se-jeong as a researcher working at the company. Although a fake date brings them closer, they slowly grow to have genuine feelings for each other. All Of Us Are Dead This webtoon adaptation is set in the fictional city of Hyosan and follows a group of teenagers stranded in school as they fight for survival after a zombie outbreak. With a hint of high school romance and unlimited suspense, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the 12 episodes. Lost in Starlight Netflix Korea's original animated series Lost in Starlight transcends space and time. Set in a futuristic Seoul in 2050, the story follows the love story of astronaut Nan-young and musician Jay as they navigate their relationship through the painful reality of long-distance across the universe – one that bridges Earth and Mars. When Life Gives You Tangerines This series stars K-drama fans' favourites IU and Park Bo-gum as Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, long-time friends and inhabitants of Jeju Island, where their love story blossoms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) This slice-of-life drama begins in the 60s as Korea's urbanisation sees an increased popularity where Jeju serves as the main backdrop for both the show's character arcs as well as the larger social commentary.
India.com
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Squid Game Season 3 Review: Brutal And Bold, But Emotionally Out Of Reach
Directed by: Hwang Dong-hyuk Language: Korean Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, Jo Yu-ri, Lee David, and Roh Jae-won Episode: 6 Rating: 3.5/5 One of the most anticipated K-drama, has finally come to an After four long years of anticipation and the deaths of countless beloved characters, Squid Game Season 3 has finally arrived, and concluded, bringing closure to lingering questions: Will Player 456 survive? What will happen to Player 222? What about the long-awaited backstories? At its core, Squid Game has always been more than just a survival thriller; it's a brutal analysis of greed, desperation and how greed for money turns life into a ruthless competition, where survival is secondary to wealth. Season 3 continues to bring attention to that theme. One of the most powerful parts of the series is the democracy, the moment when the players are asked, 'Do you want to keep playing?' This question becomes especially significant for Player 456, who begins to feel increasingly trapped and gradually understands the dominance, not by the structure of the game, but by the other players' responses. Despite witnessing the violence and loss, the majority consistently choose to continue, driven by greed. Writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk deserves credit for the way he uses this mechanic to expose not only the characters' desperation but also their evolving moral extent and does an impressive job using that simple question to show who's really in control, not by force, but by making the players believe they have a choice. The series cleverly implicates its audience, positioning viewers as passive VIPs who, despite witnessing the escalating horrors, find themselves invested in the continuation of the game. Season 1 emotionally devastated viewers with tragic deaths and vulnerable character arcs. However, Season 2 stumbled with its slow pacing and messy introduction of new characters leaving a gap in emotional resonance, making it harder to invest in the returning and new faces alike. This emotional disconnect lingers into Season 3, weakening the impact of otherwise powerful scenes. That said, the final season finds some deliverance. While not as gripping or heartbreaking as the original, it is far more unified than Season 2, successfully building tension. Unlike earlier seasons where the focus was on emotional loss, this season shifts the experience to anxiously calculating alongside the players, gripped by the suspense of who will survive and what sacrifices. The performances across the board are strong, with particular praise for Lee Jung-Jae (Player 456) and Kim Jun-hee (Player 222). However, due to the rapid pacing and lack of character depth inherited from the previous season, the emotional connection feels somewhat muted. Visually, Squid Game remains a masterclass in cinematic storytelling. The set design, colour palettes, and framing continue to reflect the series' mixed tones, where childlike games clash with violent despair, making the thriller all the more surreal. While Season 2 pulls the thread a bit too far, nearly unravelling what made Squid Game special, Season 3 tightens the narrative. It doesn't quite elevate the series to five-star territory. Ultimately, while Season 3 may not quite reach the groundbreaking impact of the original, it succeeds in restoring the series' momentum and delivering a satisfying yet jaw-dropping conclusion. Therefore Squid Game remains a compelling and culturally relevant thriller that powerfully exposes the darker aspects of human nature and the corrupting influence of greed, continuing to challenge its audience.
