The Netflix series 'Squid Game' Season 3 is set to premiere today (June 27) at 4 PM, alongside the release of a video titled 'The Story of Squid Game,' which delves into the series' records and behind-the-scenes moments through numbers.
With its ingenious creativity and unique universe, Seasons 1 and 2 of 'Squid Game' have sparked an unprecedented global frenzy, amassing a combined viewership of approximately 600 million (calculated by dividing the total watch time by the total runtime of the series).
Moreover, Season 1 has climbed the ranks to become Netflix's most popular series ever, capturing both critical acclaim and mass appeal. Following in its footsteps, Season 2 also made headlines by setting a record for the most views in its first week of release, entering the Top 10 non-English series on Netflix within just three days, and eventually securing the third spot in the list of Netflix's most popular series. The anticipation is high for what kind of impact Season 3 will make upon its release today.
# A Global Event with 1,000, 66,000, 47,000, and 18,000 Participants
The 'Squid Game' series has become a global phenomenon, drawing attention from fans worldwide. Prior to the release of Season 3, a massive event was held on June 20 in Brooklyn's Domino Park, New York, where around 1,000 fans participated in a new game from Season 3 called 'Jump Rope,' catching everyone's eye.
Notably, the event was graced by the presence of director Hwang Dong-hyuk and actor Lee Byung-hun, making it even more special. During the release period of Seasons 2 and 3, fan events were held in over 25 countries across six continents, attracting a total of 66,000 visitors, with 47,000 participating in games and over 18,000 'Pink Guards' conducting marketing worldwide, showcasing the unparalleled craze 'Squid Game' has generated.
'Squid Game: The Experience,' where fans can become participants in the game, has been met with enthusiastic responses in New York, London, Madrid, Sydney, and Seoul, with over 500,000 expected to visit by the end of this summer. The 'Squid Game Parade Finale Fan Event' in Seoul, happening the day after Season 3's release on June 28 (Saturday), is anticipated to draw thousands of fans with the attendance of leading actors from Seasons 1 to 3.
# A Final Farewell from Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, and Lee Byung-hun
With the release of 'Squid Game' Season 3, a video titled 'The Story of Squid Game,' which contains the true final story of the series, will also be unveiled. This video features a candid discussion between director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, and Lee Byung-hun, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, memorable games, characters, and the various emotions experienced during production.
Additionally, it offers a deep dive into the decisions and choices of the cast from Seasons 1 to 3, the epic narrative of 'Gi-hun' (Lee Jung-jae) and 'The Front Man' (Lee Byung-hun), providing an opportunity to reflect on the series' overall journey.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk expressed, "In this deluge of content, I hope 'Squid Game' will be cherished and remembered for a long time," extending his gratitude to fans worldwide. The final farewell from Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, and Lee Byung-hun in 'The Story of Squid Game' is expected to soothe the sadness of the series ending and leave a lasting impression.
'Squid Game' Season 3 premieres on Netflix on June 27 (Friday).
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)