The gripping premiere of Squid Game Season 3 unfolds as soldiers encircle the remnants of the rebellious players, leaving Player 145's fate sealed in悲剧. In a twist of fate, No-eul saves Player 246, alias Kyung-suk, by shooting him in the abdomen, a move misconstrued by the triangle-emblazoned soldier who marks his coffin, believing she has allied with their organ-trafficking syndicate.
Aboard the vessel, mercenaries comb for the elusive drone operator, while Captain Park weaves a tale of drunken misadventure culminating in an accidental plunge overboard, a narrative that seemingly deceives loan shark Woo-seok.
Within the bunker's confines, Gi-hun awakens amidst his comrades. Just as voting is poised to commence, he stages a commotion, desperate for an explanation behind his survival. His spirit, shattered, concedes the Frontman's triumph. Scenes shift to In-ho, indulging in alcohol while observing Gi-hun, subsequently instructing Captain Park to isolate the mercenaries until the games conclude. Should matters deteriorate, In-ho issues a grim ultimatum: to slaughter all, Jun-ho inclusive. He then commands an officer to restore the venue to perfection, as VIP arrivals loom on the horizon.
Voting resumes, yet Gi-hun relinquishes his turn. The blues taunt the reds, a predictable spectacle that fails to dampen the game's momentum. Player 100 speculates that the failed uprising was Gi-hun's cunning plot to decimate players and inflate the prize pot. The Shaman pronounces a curse, asserting that Gi-hun will forever be haunted by the specters of his fallen comrades. This prophecy jolts him from his stupor, sparking a chokehold on her before he's summarily dislodged.
Concurrently, No-eul arrives at the workroom at the eleventh hour, forestalling the doctor's impending incision on 246. She confronts the soldiers, who return fire promptly, only to find themselves outgunned by her. With the doctor pleading for mercy, she issues a directive: save 246 at all costs.
As the players indulge in their meals, Min-su's eyes catch the sight of 124 gulping down Thanos' pills with relish. Meanwhile, Myung-gi generously offers his own portion to Jun-hee, while Dae-ho retreats into his solitude, avoiding all interactions. Geum-ja, Yong-sik, and Hyun-ju make their way to check on Gi-hun, where Hyun-ju expresses remorse for the failed rebellion. Yong-sik, however, shifts the blame onto Dae-ho, revealing his treacherous actions to a stunned Gi-hun. After their departure, Gi-hun turns his gaze upon Dae-ho, who, engrossed in his meal, finally notices the piercing look and feels a chill run down his spine.
At a port where the mercenaries halt their journey, Woo-seok brings Jun-ho some refreshing beverages. In a moment of solitude, Woo-seok unburdens himself, revealing that Captain Park was holding a screwdriver when the drone operator plummeted from the boat, hinting at his suspicious demeanor. Yet, Jun-ho remains unconvinced, refusing to believe that the man who had been his savior and the architect of his island adventures could ever betray him. Instead, he accuses Woo-seok of indulging in drinks with the very person he now suspects.
Inside the bunker, Gi-hun's scrutiny of Dae-ho intensifies, finally catching the latter's attention and filling him with discomfort. The VIPs' arrival heralds the introduction of the fourth game. As the players are ushered out, they are confronted by the sight of the deceased rebels hung up like targets. Dae-ho's nerves fray as he spots Jung-bae's lifeless body and feels Gi-hun's intense stare boring into him.
In the workroom, the doctor attends to 246, who has lost copious amounts of blood. No-eul commands the doctor to use her blood for a transfusion, keeping a gun trained on him at all times, ensuring her demand is met without question.
Transitioning back to the game, it's a harrowing game of Hide and Seek. The players are randomly divided into two teams. The Blue Team, armed with a key capable of unlocking any door but unable to relock them, must hide. The Red Team, wielding a knife, must seek them out and eliminate them. Failure to do so means certain death for the Red Team members. Prior to the game's commencement, players have the option to switch teams with a willing member of the opposing side.
The Blue Team comprises Yong-sik, Hyun-ju, Myung-gi, Dae-ho, the Shaman, and Player 100. Meanwhile, the Red Team boasts Geum-ja, Jun-hee, Gi-hun, Min-su, and Player 124, setting the stage for a tense and perilous encounter.
Meanwhile, the mercenaries introduce a fresh face to man the drones. To maintain his disguise, Captain Park insists, with unwavering resolve, that everyone dons a life jacket. Woo-seok, skeptical of Captain Park's intentions, declines, opting instead to delve deeper into uncovering his true colors. Jun-ho dismisses his efforts as futile, yet is taken aback when Captain Park, acutely aware of Woo-seok's absence, labels him a drunken coward in front of the team. The pre-game atmosphere is thick with playful yet harsh team ribbing.
When 124 discovers that Min-su had been hiding and witnessing Se-mi's demise, he teases the young boy mercilessly. Player 100 attempts to switch teams but meets with universal rejection. The Shaman boasts of her intimate knowledge of the perfect hiding spots, fueling anticipation. Myung-gi proposes a switch with Jun-hee, pleading that he cannot bring himself to kill. Initially offended, Jun-hee softens when Myung-gi vows to eliminate anyone who threatens her safety, convincing her of his sincerity.
Yong-sik seeks refuge by switching places with his mother, arguing that she isn't a killer. However, Geum-ja, wielding her sharp hairpin and recounting her survival against an abusive husband, reminds him that she is far from helpless. Dae-ho's attempts to swap with anyone fall flat as his hollow promises of protection ring hollow. Frustrated by Gi-hun's unwavering gaze, Dae-ho confronts him, shifting blame for the failed rebellion onto Gi-hun's shoulders. A guard intervenes, pulling Dae-ho away from the silently staring Gi-hun.
The game begins, with the Blue Team granted two precious minutes to conceal themselves. Player 100 convinces everyone to give up hiding and instead look for an exit. Jun-hee, Geum-ja, and Hyun-ju form an alliance, Jun-hee's pain binding them together. Outside, 124 informs Myung-gi that the Blue Team will put up a fierce fight, necessitating their cooperation. Driven by the desire to fulfill his quota and then shield Jun-hee, Myung-gi assents.
As the clock ticks down to zero in the climactic ending of Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1, the Red Team storms the arena. Gi-hun, burdened by guilt, claims responsibility, asserting that it is "his" fault.
