Lee Jung-jae attends the Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum on May 31.
The countdown is on for the conclusion of a cultural phenomenon. As fans gear up for the third and final chapter of Netflix’s global sensation Squid Game, Lee Jung-jae, the Emmy-winning actor behind the iconic character Seong Gi-hun, admits to feeling both excitement and nerves.
Set to premiere on June 27, season three of Squid Game promises to raise the stakes higher than ever before. At the Netflix Tudum 2025 event at The Kia Forum on May 31, a thrilling new trailer was unveiled. The preview revealed glimpses of deadly new games and the intense path Gi-hun must follow after the failed rebellion that closed season two.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet, Lee Jung-jae opened up about the pressure of concluding such a beloved series. “We are going to be releasing quite soon. I am very nervous,” he shared. “I know that a lot of you out there are curious about what’s going to happen in season three, but all of us are more curious about how much you’re going to enjoy it. So I can’t wait. I’m very nervous.”
Lee’s honesty resonated with fans, many of whom credit his powerful performance with anchoring the emotional weight of the show. After winning an Emmy in 2022, Lee has remained central to the series’ massive appeal. According to Nielsen, Squid Game topped the charts as the most-watched series of the 2024–2025 TV season.
Also weighing in on the finale was Lee Byung-hun, who plays the mysterious Front Man. “Reading the scripts for seasons two and three together, it was just perfectly written,” he said. “It was such an intriguing and gripping read and I was once again in awe of director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s abilities.”
As for how the series ends, Lee Jung-jae shared a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. “I’m happy with how it ended, but I know that the fans out there, they each have what they want to see happen. So I really am curious about how they’re going to respond to it. And I’m very nervous to find out.”
With its final season around the corner, Squid Game is preparing to leave a lasting mark in television history. The series finale is expected to provide closure while sparking conversation around the fate of its unforgettable characters.
