On July 3, 2025, Squid Game editor Nam Na-young revealed why numerous VIP scenes were cut from the show’s third and final season, released June 27, 2025. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, he prioritised contestants’ emotions over VIP drama
Nam Na-young, the editor of Squid Game, told Entertainment Weekly, “There were more scenes with the VIPs, but as I was editing, I cut them a lot because the VIP room releases tension.” The decision aimed to maintain the show’s intense focus on contestants’ emotions and reactions during deadly games, such as jump rope, where even a five-foot height posed safety concerns. By reducing VIP scenes, creators ensured the narrative stayed gripping, centred on Gi-hun’s return to the high-stakes competition.
Remember those obnoxious VIP characters from Squid Game season 1? They're back in season 3, and they're even more disgusting than before. https://t.co/SfIlF42l95
— /Film (@slashfilm) July 2, 2025Squid Game Season 3, the final chapter of Netflix’s global phenomenon, follows Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he re-enters the brutal game for a massive cash prize, with only one survivor. Released on June 27, 2025, the season has garnered 1.4 billion viewing hours, according to Netflix data, surpassing its predecessors. The editing choice to prioritise contestants over the VIPs’ opulent sidelines enhances the emotional stakes, aligning with the show’s theme of survival under pressure.
Fans on X praised the streamlined focus, with posts like “Cutting VIP scenes made Season 3 even more intense!” However, some expressed curiosity about the removed content, speculating on potential director’s cuts. Variety noted that the editing decision reflects creator Hwang Dong-hyuk’s vision to keep viewers immersed in the players’ struggles, which has boosted the season’s 97% Rotten Tomatoes score. The cuts underscore Squid Game’s commitment to narrative tension over secondary plots.
