Seoul became the ultimate Squid Game set on Saturday night. Netflix and the Seoul Metropolitan Government co-hosted a massive parade to celebrate the show that became a global phenomenon.
According to the Korea Herald, Everyone came together to celebrate the launch of the third and final season of the global phenomenon.
Traffic was blocked off, and fans poured into the streets. The city pulsed with the kind of anticipation usually reserved for the show’s Red Light, Green Light doll herself.
Killer Doll, Piggy Banks, and Dalgona Dreams Take Center Stage
Leading the Seoul parade was a towering Young-hee doll, flanked by glowing O and X signs, a giant golden piggy bank, and floating dalgona cookie orbs.
Actors in green tracksuits reenacted key scenes, while a marching band in pink guard uniforms played Squid Game‘s eerie soundtrack.
This event brought the world of the hit show to life for fans who had waited years for this moment.
‘Squid Game’ Cast Reunites in Seoul for Star-Studded Finale Celebration
After the parade arrived at Seoul Plaza around 9 p.m., the celebration continued with a fan event featuring cast members from all three seasons.
Lights projected Squid Game symbols onto the Seoul Metropolitan Library as Season 1 favorites like Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, Anupam Tripathi, Lee Yoo-mi, and Kim Joo-ryeong took the stage.
They were joined by Season 2 stars including T.O.P, Im Si-wan, Jo Yu-ri, Yang Dong-geun, and Kang Ae-sim.
Series leads Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun appeared alongside creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, who reflected on the show’s journey from underdog to global phenomenon.
“A Mix of Emotions”: Director Hwang Reflects on the End
During a live discussion—also streamed on Netflix Korea’s YouTube—Director Hwang opened up about the weight of closing this chapter.
“I was so caught up in filming on the last day that I didn’t really feel it,” he said.
“But since I poured everything I had into this project, the thought of it ending does make me feel a bit sad… at the same time, I’ve been carrying such a heavy burden on my shoulders for so long that it also feels like I can finally let go of that weight — it’s a mix of emotions.”
Hwang also shared playful behind-the-scenes tidbits, including Korean childhood games he had hoped to include but didn’t—such as hopscotch and a game loosely translated as “finding flowers.”
Lee Jung-jae: “Now It Really Feels Like the Finale”
Lead actor and Emmy winner Lee Jung-jae echoed the bittersweet mood:
“When foreign media interviewed me, I said it still didn’t feel like Squid Game had ended — but being here today, it finally hits me that the series is truly over.”
With three unforgettable seasons, unforgettable deaths, betrayals, twists, and truths about society, Squid Game didn’t just entertain — it shook the world.
And on July 1, Seoul gave it the kind of sendoff that would’ve made even the VIPs put down their champagne.
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Seoul Bids Farewell to ‘Squid Game’ With Spectacular Parade [PHOTOS]