Led once again by Lee Jung-jae, the dystopian Korean thriller continues to grip fans, but this time, it's not just the contestants who are being watched. The mysterious VIPs, previously anonymous spectators, take a more active and deadly role in the games.

And now, the show's creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has drawn an intriguing real-world parallel, noting a resemblance between the VIPs and one of the world's most high-profile billionaires.

"Of course, I thought… some of the VIPs resemble Elon Musk"

In a recent interview with Time, Hwang Dong-hyuk reflected on how the show's depiction of power mirrors real-life figures.

"Elon Musk is everywhere these days, right? Everybody talks about him. Not only is he the head of a huge tech company that controls the world almost, but he's also this showman. After writing (Season 3), of course, I thought, 'Oh, some of the VIPs do kind of resemble Elon Musk'," he shared.

The connection might feel uncanny to viewers familiar with Musk's public image, an eccentric billionaire known for his dominance in the tech world and flair for spectacle.

When the powerful step into the arena

Season 3 doesn't just reintroduce the masked elite, this time, they don't stay on the sidelines. The VIPs, known for their wealth and influence, abandon their perch as mere observers and physically enter the game, killing some of the contestants themselves.

According to Hwang, this shift was intentional and rooted in commentary on modern power structures.

"They take their masks off and go into the game and kill others with their own hands. In the past, those who really controlled the system and maintained power were hidden behind the curtain, almost like this big, unseen conspiracy. However, it's no longer the case, especially in America," he said.

We're the ones in control

The VIPs, cloaked in lavish animal masks, have always symbolised power without accountability. But in Season 3, they become more direct and visible, echoing changes in the real world where the rich and powerful increasingly place themselves in the spotlight.

Hwang continued, "We talk a lot about oligarchy these days, but these so-called big tech owners, they step up, telling everyone who they're backing with their money. The people who really control the power and the system no longer hide behind a curtain. They willingly take their masks off, almost as if to declare, 'We're the ones running everything. We're the ones in control.'"

A new chapter for Squid Game

While the creator's reflections draw attention to deeper themes, Season 3 doesn't forget its roots in high-stakes drama.

Lee Jung-jae reprises his role as Gi-hun, with Lee Byung-hun returning as the Front Man/In-ho. The latest season also features Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha-jun, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Jo Yuri, Lee David, and Roh Jae-won.