This article contains major spoilers from the “Squid Game” series finale, now streaming on Netflix. Lee Jung-jae’s Seong Gi-hun has always been the beating heart of “Squid Game,” and his ultimate sacrifice allows the dour finale to have a flash of humanity shine through.

When asked what those conversations looked like, Lee emphasized that “Squid Game” was originally intended to be a one season show. The series’ creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk only returned to make Seasons 2 and 3 because of the resounding popularity of the first installment.