Rumors have been swirling about BTS member Kim Taehyung, known as V, potentially joining the cast of Netflix's Squid Game for its third season. These speculations caused a significant surge in online interest, with Taehyung reaching a 100% peak on Google's worldwide search trends as of January 5, 2025.
The conjecture began when fans noticed subtle hints suggesting the Love Me Again singer-songwriter's involvement in the popular series. During a recent interview with BuzzFeed UK, lead actors Lee Jung-jae and Wi Ha-joon were questioned about these rumors.
Wi Ha-joon added, "No comment," accompanied by a knowing smile, while Lee Jung-jae responded cryptically, stating,
"I can't say anything about that."
Their ambiguous responses only fueled further speculation among fans, who are eager to see the K-pop idol transition into acting through such a high-profile project. The possibility of BTS' Taehyung joining Squid Game has elicited enthusiastic reactions from fans.
One fan wrote on X:
"His damn clout"
Many are thrilled at the prospect of seeing the Grammy-nominated musician expand his artistic repertoire.
"This is just the beginning!!!!!! Of what can happen in the next YEARS," one fan wrote.
"He's not even confirmed yet and already trending oh the king he is," another fan said.
"I am NOT surprised cuz we've been waiting since 2021." another fan added.
Others underscored the global popularity of BTS' Taehyung and how just a simple rumor made the BTS musician trend on Google worldwide.
"That's what I said guys, don't be smart, be delusional, make the hype, keep the hype, make nonkpoop public curious, make them search him and his music and his art. Be smart in this way babies," one fan wrote.
"He's such a KING, He absolutely deserves all the attention n love in the world," another fan stated.
"Not even a glimpse of him in Either of S1 or S2 but still he somehow manages to be the Show stealer. He's going to pop Out in S3 mark my words," one other fan remarked.
More about Kim Taehyung's military service and Squid Game series overview
Adding complexity to these rumors is Kim Taehyung's current military service. He enlisted on December 11, 2023, and is scheduled for discharge on June 10, 2025.
Given that Squid Game season 3 is expected to premiere in the summer or fall of 2025, the timelines could potentially align, allowing for his participation post-discharge. However, on January 3, 2025, Forbes reported that Netflix Korea may have accidentally disclosed the release date when they posted a now-deleted YouTube video that mentioned a specific date of June 27, 2025.
Squid Game has been a global phenomenon since its debut. Here's a brief overview of its seasons:
- Season 1: Premiered on September 17, 2021, introducing audiences to a deadly competition where contestants play children's games for a massive cash prize, with fatal consequences for losers.
- Season 2: Released on December 26, 2024, continuing the harrowing journey of protagonist Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae. The season concluded with significant plot twists, including betrayals and the ultimate defeat of Gi-hun's rebellion.
- Season 3: Set to be the final installment, expected to premiere in June 2025. It will continue Gi-hun's fight against the deadly games orchestrated by a secret organization.
Season 2 featured a blend of returning and new lead cast members, including:
- Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun
- Lee Byung-hun as Front Man
- Gong Yoo (cameo)
- Wi Ha-joon
- Yim Si-wan
- Park Sung-hoon
- Park Gyu-young
- Kang Ha-neul
- Lee Jin-uk
- Jo Yu-ri
- Choi Seung-hyun (aka BIGBANG's T.O.P)
- Yang Dong-geun
- Kang Ae-sim
- Lee Seo-hwan
- Chae Kuk-hee
- Lee David
- Won Ji-an
The season ended with several characters' fates hanging in the balance, such as Gi-hun, Jun-hee, No-eul, and more, setting the stage for the concluding season.
While the rumors of Kim Taehyung's involvement in Squid Game season 3 remain unconfirmed, the speculation has undeniably amplified anticipation for the series' final season. Fans worldwide eagerly await official announcements to see if the beloved BTS member will make his acting debut in the acclaimed series.