‘Squid Game’ Prize Money: $45.6 Billion Won in USD

Season 2 of 'Squid Game' has returned, with contestants once again competing for the grand cash prize. Read on to learn more about the prize money.

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An inflatable Young-hee doll is displayed to promote Netflix's South Korean series "Squid Game Season 2" at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on December 26, 2026. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)
Image Credit: AFP via Getty Images

Squid Game has made a triumphant return with the release of its highly anticipated second season. The gripping thriller series, which first took the world by storm in 2021, has once again captivated audiences and left them on the edge of their seats.

The concept for Squid Game was born from the personal experiences of its creator and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk. Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, Hwang faced significant financial struggles, which later inspired the series. Reflecting on his journey, he shared with The Guardian: “I read Battle Royal and Liar Game and other survival game comics. I related to the people in them, who were desperate for money and success. That was a low point in my life. If there was a survival game like these in reality, I wondered, would I join it to make money for my family? I realised that, since I was a film-maker, I could put my own touch to these kinds of stories so I started on the script.”

The series follows financially desperate individuals who are invited to participate in a brutal survival game, with a staggering cash prize awaiting the ultimate winner.

How Much Is the Prize Money in Squid Game?

In the series, the prize money is an astounding 45.6 billion won.

How Much Is 45.6 Billion Won in USD?

When converted to USD, 45.6 billion won amounts to approximately $31.42 million, according to Screen Rant.

When Will Season 3 of Squid Game Be Released?

With Season 2 now streaming, fans won’t have to wait too long for more. Season 3 is expected to premiere in 2025, as both seasons were developed simultaneously per Forbes.

According the outlet, director Hwang shared insight into the creative process: “I wrote seasons two and three at the same time, and we were in production for both simultaneously, and currently we are in the post-production process for season three.” He added, “When I was writing the script for the two seasons, I felt like there was a big turning point or an inflection point, and that was the end of episode seven, so I thought that it would do it justice to have a separate season after that. That’s why I had first seven episodes as season two and then the rest of season three.”