**’Squid Game’ Season 2 Concludes with a Cliffhanger, Hints at a Distorted Future in Season 3**
*Squid Game* Season 2 might have left viewers stunned with its shocking cliffhanger, but there’s some exciting news: the third and final season is officially set to premiere in 2025. To keep fans engaged, the Season 2 finale features an enticing post-credits scene that suggests the turmoil ahead.
### A Preview of Season 3
Following Seong Gi-hun’s (portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, *The Acolyte*) unsuccessful uprising against the lethal games, *Squid Game* turns its attention to an enigmatic sneak peek of Season 3. In the post-credits moment, three new participants — 096, 100, and 353 — enter a strange game room. Here, they come face-to-face with a hauntingly recognizable figure: Young-hee, the colossal animatronic doll from the notorious “Red Light, Green Light” challenge.
This time, however, Young-hee is not alone. Facing her is another enormous animatronic doll, this one depicting a young boy in a cap. Who is this new character, and what will be his significance in the forthcoming season? Fortunately, *Squid Game* creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has already started to reveal some insights.
### Introducing Cheol-su: Young-hee’s Counterpart
The identity of the boy doll was initially hinted at in a letter Hwang penned to fans in June 2022, coinciding with Netflix’s announcement of the show’s renewal. In that letter, Hwang suggested the return of pivotal characters such as Gi-hun, the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), and the enigmatic recruiter (Gong Yoo). Yet, the most captivating detail emerged towards the end of the letter:
“You’ll also be introduced to Young-hee’s boyfriend, Cheol-su,” Hwang disclosed.
Considering that no other animatronic dolls have made an appearance in the series to date, it’s reasonable to conclude that the boy doll showcased in the Season 2 post-credits scene is indeed Cheol-su.
### Why Was Cheol-su Introduced at This Point?
If you’re curious about why Cheol-su was hinted at in the Season 2 announcement yet had minimal exposure, you’re not alone. As reported by *Entertainment Weekly*, Hwang initially imagined Seasons 2 and 3 as a combined, lengthy season. The choice to separate them was likely made after the letter’s creation, which accounts for Cheol-su’s lack of presence — for now.
### What Lies Ahead for Young-hee and Cheol-su?
With Cheol-su’s identity clarified, the bigger question remains: What twisted challenge will he and Young-hee compel the players to face? The post-credits scene provides a hint. It illustrates a train signal shifting from red to green, potentially suggesting a variant of “Red Light, Green Light.” However, the train symbolism hints at a more sinister twist. Could the contestants be thrust into a real-world rendition of the trolley problem? The possibilities are as terrifying as they are fascinating.
For now, fans can theorize about the grim challenges awaiting them in Season 3. In the meantime, *Squid Game* Season 2 is presently streaming on Netflix.