Squid Game season two's gripping cliffhanger finale has met with mixed reactions from its avid Netflix viewership.
It's been over two years since the South Korean horror series first captivated audiences worldwide, quickly shattering records and emerging as Netflix's most popular programme to date.
The show's renewal for a second season by the streaming giant was hardly a shock, although fans were not expecting quite such a lengthy interval before the new episodes dropped.
Subscribers were overjoyed when it was revealed that Squid Game season two would launch on Boxing Day, Thursday, December 26, delivering a holiday binge-watching treat.
However, the latest series, which is two episodes shorter than its predecessor, left some feeling underwhelmed after its seventh and ultimate chapter.
In an intense final scene featuring a savage clash in the dorms involving players and guards, Gi-hun (portrayed by Lee Jung-Jae) and his old pal Jung-bae (played by Leo Seo-hwan) are confronted by the ominous Front Man.
The Front Man chillingly informs Gi-hun: "Look closely at the consequences of your little hero game", before gunning down Jung-bae.
As Gi-hun gets thrown to the ground by the guards, Front Man strides away, leaving Gi-hun to cry out in despair for Jung-bae as the screen fades to black, ending the episode.
Social media buzzed with the shocked reactions of subscribers who voiced their astonishment and letdown at the cliffhanger's abruptness.
"I waited years for this man, and it ends like that, the season actually felt good but it was too short", one viewer lamented. "Like come on, 3 years for only seven episodes and this ending bro."
Another expressed disappointment: "Don't waste your time by watching #SquidGame2 worst episodes. The ending is the worst. Netflix tried to drag too much and tried to expand to another season. What are they even thinking?"
A third viewer vented their frustration: "Honestly f*** Squid Game s2 for purposefully ending on a cliffhanger."
One subscriber shared their reaction: "Just finished the second season of Squid Games.."
"I am left with so many questions and no answers. The ending was upsetting. If there's one thing I hate in cinema, it's cliffhangers."
Echoing the sentiment, another subscriber said: "Started off so strong but such a weak last episode. What was that ending! Do we have to wait another three years? ", while another added: "To leave us with a cliffhanger, Squid Game I hate you."
Netflix has confirmed that Squid Game will be back for a third and final season, although they haven't announced a release date yet, only indicating that it will return sometime in 2025.
Squid Game is available to watch on Netflix.
