The Netflix original series 'Squid Game' Season 3 has taken the global charts by storm upon its release, showcasing its status as a 'global mega hit.' However, the evaluations from critics and viewers have been mixed. Amidst sharp criticisms from the media, some have expressed doubts about the acting of lead actor Lee Jung-jae, keeping the conversation alive.
According to the online content service ranking site Flix Patrol on the 29th, 'Squid Game 3' recorded the number one spot in the Netflix TV program category worldwide as of the previous day. It topped the charts in all 93 countries where Flix Patrol compiles rankings, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The content that successfully achieved a global 'all kill' on its first day is 'Squid Game' Season 3, marking a first. Previously, Season 2 achieved this feat on its second day of release.
However, this is interpreted as being influenced by the global buzz of its predecessor.
Released in 2021, 'Squid Game' Season 1 recorded the highest box office among Netflix's English and non-English TV show content, gaining phenomenal popularity worldwide. Season 2, which came out at the end of last year, also quickly rose to the top of the TV show viewing rankings in its first week. Cumulatively, 'Squid Game 1' ranks third among TV shows, following 'Wednesday' Season 1.
In particular, many were curious about the conclusion as the story of Season 2 was left unresolved, leading into Season 3.
Thanks to this, the start of 'Squid Game 3' was grand as expected, but the evaluations are mixed.
While overseas critics gave relatively high scores compared to domestic ones, general viewers felt it did not meet their expectations.
The Tomato Score, calculated based on the ratings given by critics on the American film and drama rating site Rotten Tomatoes, was 83%, but the audience score, known as the Popcorn Score, was only 51%.
This means that nearly half of the viewers who watched this work gave negative evaluations. This is in contrast to Season 1, which had a Tomato Score of 95% and a Popcorn Score of 84%, receiving acclaim from both critics and the public. It is the lowest score in the series.
The Washington Times in the U.S. stated, "If it is an Emmy-winning work, it should have created an emotionally weighty conclusion," and evaluated that "'Squid Game' failed in this regard, ending with a scene featuring a famous actor in a cameo, leaving the audience with nothing to ponder."
The British daily The Guardian pointed out, "The cruelty has intensified, the violence continues unabated, and the satire is gradually disappearing," stating that "there are things to see, but it is not as sharp as before."
Critics mainly pointed out unnatural plot developments and character settings, particularly highlighting the absurdity of a pregnant participant's 'newborn baby' being converted into a game participant, as well as the protagonist Seong Gi-hun's (Lee Jung-jae) empty and tragic end.
North American media outlet Looper criticized, "The baby setting is ridiculous and 'forced,' hindering immersion," while The Hollywood Reporter pointed out the "disappointingly weak character" build-up, even using the phrase "unpleasant experience."
Looking at the comments from netizens on the article, there are many disappointed reactions regarding Lee Jung-jae's acting skills. Comments include, "It got weird from Season 2," "How did he win an Emmy...," "No emotion in his words," "I understand Gi-hun's feelings, but the actor can't carry it," "He was an unstable character in Season 1, but now he is just slow and lethargic," "No charm, no appeal," and "He has no presence," expressing their disappointment.
