Is Squid Game Season 3 about to confirm the biggest fan theory from Season 2’s ending? 

Squid Game
Young-hee and Cheol-su (Image via Instagram @squidgamenetflix)

Ever since Squid Game Season 2 wrapped up on December 26, 2024, one eerie image has stuck with fans: Young‑Hee, the creepy killer doll, glaring at a new addition by her side who happens to be her boyfriend, Cheol‑su.

As a railway signal flicked from red to green, that quiet but chilling moment during the end credits exploded across social media. It didn’t take long for fans to come up with a theory: Season 3 would raise the stakes by unleashing both dolls in a deadlier version of the Red Light, Green Light game.

Now, five months later, Netflix has dropped new footage ahead of the show’s return on June 27, 2025, and it all but confirms the fear. The new footage released in May gives our clearest evidence yet. In it, Young‑Hee and Cheol‑su each grip one end of a massive rope that swings like a pendulum while participants balance on narrow planks.

Miss the timing and you tumble into the abyss. What’s more, series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has officially confirmed that Cheol‑su isn’t just a creepy lookalike, but Young‑Hee’s boyfriend, designed to make the final season’s games even more intense.

Now that the dolls are returning in Squid Game Season 3, fans might be seeking an answer to this big question: will this lethal couple finally validate the theory that sprouted in those final seconds of season 2?

Keep reading to find out more!


The killer doll Young-hee has a companion in Squid Game Season 3

After Gi-hun's failed rebellion at the end of Squid Game Season 3, there were still many survivors in the game. However, the real gut‑punch came after the credits rolled. A quick shot introduced Cheol‑su, framed opposite Young‑Hee as warning lights flipped colors.

For those who have been confused about Young-hee's relationship with the maker doll, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk previously confirmed that he's her boyfriend. Following his appearance in the post-credits scenes, fans quickly connected the dots.

If Young-Hee tracked motion in front of her while in "Red Light, Green Light" then placing Cheol-su behind or across the play area could eliminate the only blind spot Gi-hun took advantage of in season 2. The teaser's imagery of the dolls facing each other across a rope practically screams that they are on board with this double-doll setup, which only makes this Squid Game Season 3 theory that much more viable.

Also Read: What is Park Sung-hoon's Squid Game controversy? Explained in depth


The jump-rope teaser hints at a double doll showdown in Squid Game Season 3

As mentioned above, the new teaser hints at a game where Young-hee and Cheol-su will play a key role. The dolls are expected to hold the ends of the giant rope that swings, and players would have to ensure their survival.

The game eliminates season 2's sole flaw: hiding in the doll's blind spot, because each jump needs flawless synchronization. Players are now completely exposed regardless of which way they are facing. It's a clever escalation that respects the original idea and avoids reusing tactics.

Moreover, jump rope is a playground staple worldwide, hinting that the final season wants a broader cultural resonance even as it maintains its Korean roots by keeping the dolls front and center.

When combined, the jump-rope mechanics and the boyfriend reveal nearly perfectly support the popular fan theory that the mid-credits scene was a literal preview, which will be confirmed in Season 3. One deadly rope, two dolls, and no safe angles.

Don't miss out on watching how the finale chapter of Squid Game unfolds on June 27, 2025, only on Netflix.


Also Read: Will Gi-Hun die in Squid Game Season 3? Speculations explored as Season 2 wraps with an underwhelming ending

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Edited by Alisha Khan