The iconic symbols of Squid Game—the triangle, square, and circle—have captivated fans around the globe. From masks to Dalgona candy and invitation cards, these shapes are deeply embedded in the show’s universe. But what do they actually signify?

During a recent press conference, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk finally shared the origins of the mysterious symbols. He revealed that the trio of shapes were among the first concepts he envisioned while developing the series.

Drawing inspiration from his childhood, Hwang explained how these basic shapes often appeared in the playground games of his youth. “I remember drawing them on the ground,” he said, highlighting their nostalgic value.

In the context of the show, however, these shapes carry a layered meaning.

Each shape not only symbolizes different ranks among the game’s enforcers—circles for workers, triangles for armed guards, and squares for managers—but also represents the rigid hierarchy and structure of the dystopian society the show critiques.

Hwang further explained that the symbols reflect the “endless competition and systemic oppression” characteristic of late-stage capitalism. The simple geometry is intentionally used to contrast the complexity and cruelty of the games.

Interestingly, these shapes also form the design of the final battleground in Season 1, further embedding them into the show’s visual identity.

While Squid Game is set to expand with spin-offs, Season 3 concludes the storyline of Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae). However, fans were left stunned by the finale’s major twist—a surprise cameo by Cate Blanchett, who appears in the final scene as a recruiter playing ddakji in a Los Angeles alley.

Her appearance hints that the deadly games are far from over, and the haunting symbols may continue to resurface in unexpected ways—even beyond the original narrative arc.