SQUID GAME Season 3 and the Popularity Dilemma: The Bigger It Gets, The More It Loses Its Soul?

This extraordinary success led Netflix to decide to extend the life of the series to Season 2, and now it continues to Season 3. However, the continuation has not been as smooth as the beginning. Although it remains a hot topic of conversation, both Season 2 and Season 3 have received a lot of pros and cons.

Some fans appreciate the deeper storytelling and broader exploration of the Squid Game world, but many feel that the emotional intensity and tension characteristic of the first season are gradually fading.

The most striking criticism comes from the script, which is considered to have expanded towards commercialization rather than focusing on the strong social critique present in the first season.

It is suggested that this change in direction is not unrelated to the ambition of making Squid Game a global franchise akin to Hollywood, a kind of cinematic universe that can be expanded into various media and spin-offs. Netflix seems to want to emulate the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or the John Wick action universe, which have successfully spawned derivative series and expanded narratives into the international realm.

From a business perspective, this is clearly enticing. The more content there is, the greater the potential profits. However, the question is, is every story suitable to be transformed into a cinematic universe?

In reality, building a cinematic universe also comes with consequences. From a creative standpoint, the space for exploration becomes more limited because it has to consider long-term narrative continuity. Stories can no longer move freely like the first season, which stands strong with a single idea.

From a commercial perspective as well, viewers are starting to show signs of fatigue. The allure of Squid Game, which once emerged from its freshness, now feels somewhat diminished by repetition and industry calculations.

Although Squid Game Season 3 remains interesting to watch and is full of high-quality production, it cannot be denied that the success of its first season still sets a standard that is hard to match.

The question now is whether Squid Game will continue to develop into a solid, expansive universe, or will it sink as a franchise that has lost its direction?

Have KLovers watched Squid Game season 3? What do KLovers think of this third season? Are you excited to wait for the Hollywood version of Squid Game?