Netflix's global hit "Squid Game" is back with season 3, amidst mixed reviews from foreign critics.

On the 27th, "Squid Game 3" was released worldwide. "Squid Game 3" depicts Gi-hun, who reenters the game with his own goals, the Frontman who infiltrates the game while concealing their identity, and the final fates of the participants who survived within that cruel system.

Although the last story was unveiled with anticipation, various U.S. media outlets drew attention with harsh criticisms.

The U.S. daily The New York Times (NYT) noted, "For the second or third season to have value, it needed something to surprise us," expressing disappointment. It continued, "While most TV series can contain some degree of formula, if you just created that formula and immediately repeat it, it's harder not to notice it."

It also pointed out that "the character types derived from the long history of westerns and war movies are more monotonous and predictable than ever this season." Regarding director Hwang Dong-hyuk, it added a criticism that "while still skillfully orchestrating action, he lacks imagination."

Film magazine Hollywood Reporter conveyed harsh criticism with the headline, "Once a sensation, Netflix's hit ended in a disappointing conclusion." Variety also stated that "the repetitive game structure and the absence of new characters make it less intense than the previous two seasons," mentioning the surprise appearance of Cate Blanchett at the end, while suggesting that "the series may not be completely over."

Some media outlets provided mixed reviews. Time praised, "The final season regains its original cruel charm and delivers a powerful punch," while Collider described it as "an overwhelming finale that maximizes all strengths and shows even more."

Bloomberg described it as "a series that questions what remains of our humanity," while Decider reported that "Season 3 contains the most shocking twists, but ultimately embodies human dignity." IndieWire lauded it, saying, "The brief moments of hope rather expose the grim reality even more starkly."

In the meantime, the lead actor Lee Jung-jae expressed in an interview with Weekly, "I had no idea what the ending would be like," adding, "I realized it could end like this."

He continued, "I have been with 'Squid Game' for a long time, and even I, who focused on Gi-hun, was shocked," and shared, "It was such a sensational ending that I was stunned after reading that page and I remember taking a moment to pause before reading it again."

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