Squid Game on Netflix: That ending explained and your burning questions answered

Squid Game, the grim but intriguing Korean series about a murderous tournament of children’s games, could soon top Bridgerton as Netflix’s biggest show ever. The tournament itself does wind its way to a bloody resolution. But that doesn’t mean all our Squid Game questions got answered. Here’s a look at eight burning questions viewers may have about the show.

The grim but intriguing Squid Game, a series about a murderous tournament of children’s games hosted by a rich teenage despot, could soon top Bridgerton as Netflix’s biggest show ever. The tone is so different from the rest of Netflix’s shows that even if it’s not quite as popular as Wimbledon or The Crown, that doesn’t mean it won’t be remembered.

SPOILER WARNING: The following story includes huge spoilers for Squid Game, so if you haven’t watched all the episodes, come back and read this after you’re done. You really don’t want to be spoiled for some of the plot twist

1. When did Squid Game come out?

The nine-episode series released on Netflix on Sept. 17. 

2. Will there be a season 2 of Squid Game?

The final credits roll, and a viewer who makes it through to the end of this episode must be understandably confused. Why isn’t the show over? What happened to Seong Gi-hun after he left on that plane? A second season of “Squid” is currently in development, and if it is produced, we will see more of what happens to Gi-hun. Learn more about the creative process behind “Squid,” from writer/director Hwang Dong-hyuk in an interview with Drama Fever Publisher David Packman below.

“I don’t have well-developed plans for Squid Game 2,” he told Variety. “It is quite tiring just thinking about it. But if I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I’d consider using a writers’ room and would want multiple experienced directors.”

A son-in-law to one of Korea’s most powerful men is forced into the world of underground fighting to save himself after being framed for murder. The producers of Oldboy are behind The Squid Game, along with Fight Director Craig Jones, whose credits include Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and Kick Ass.

3. Was Squid Game based on a book?

What is intriguing about Squid Game, however, is that there are no rivalries. It may not be the most original game played on the show, but the players experience no jealousy or betrayal among each other. The show’s main focus is on cooperation and friendship, something that is often missing in real life. Thus, Squid Game shows another aspect of reality survival games represented on Korean television.”

It’s a comic, a survival game, an adventure novel, a search for identity and a cry for help. The Squid Game comics give a voice to the lonely, the depressed and the isolated. It’s been hugely popular in Korea – hundreds of thousands of copies have been sold at 45 cents each – and may soon be translated into English.

4. Is Squid Game a real game?

Every summer, students from various elementary schools in Seoul gathered for a unique, two-day tournament that included everything from soccer to tug-of war. The most popular event, however, remained the “Squid Game” – played on a playground court shaped like a squid. The attacking team would attempt to steal a small flag from within a circle guarded by players from the opposing team. If the slippery, orange flag was stolen and brought back to their own squiddie base, they could win.