Is V from BTS joining Squid Game Season 3? Cryptic posts and speculations explored

Could BTS' V (Kim Taehyung) be Netflix's newest wildcard? Lee Jung-jae and Wi Ha-joon's mysterious remarks in Squid Game have fans wondering if V will have a role in the highly anticipated third season. Rumors have been buzzing ever since. He has posted selfies with the cast, and there is that popular Squid Game-themed cosplay that no one can ignore.

With V's military discharge set to June 10, 2025, conveniently matching the rumored release window for the show's third season, ARMYs have been piecing together clues (for a while), but now the theories are just multiplying. Is V about to trade his mic for a mask, or is this just another well-orchestrated masterclass in misdirection?

The short answer is maybe—and day by day leaning toward a yes. Let's examine the clues.

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Masked truths? What the cast isn't saying

It all (re)started with a BuzzFeed UK interview where Lee Jung-jae and Wi Ha-joon were asked about the rumors linking BTS' V to Squid Game season 3. Their reactions? Lee Jung-jae carefully dodged the question, saying, "I can't say anything about that," while Wi Ha-joon's playful "no comment" came with a knowing smile.

For ARMYs, this wasn't just a brush-off. It only added even more fuel to the fire. ARMYs (BTS fans) are trained to read between the lines, and "no comment" in the Hallyu/k-pop world often means "wait and see." Add in the microexpressions (nervous laughs and darting glances), and it's no wonder the conspiracy theories exploded.

But it's not just their words, or the lack thereof, that raised eyebrows. Even though they are seasoned performers, the hesitancy on both of their parts felt natural. They seemed to have been taken off-guard. Lee Jung-jae's deliberate wording and Wi Ha-joon's cunning smile gave the impression that they were concealing more information than they were admitting.

Another point brought up by viewers (and ARMYs) was the way Netflix has successfully used cryptic remarks and intentional ambiguity to pique viewers' interest in its shows before. If the streaming giant continues with its current strategy. They have been teasing his participation in the series without confirming it (but neither denying it) and having cast members evade questions about it in interviews, giving such comments that imply they know more than they are letting on.

The increasing practice of incorporating elements of international pop culture into Korean dramas only adds to the intrigue. Also, some K-pop idols seen in Season 2 are friends of V.

Shows like Squid Game are all about surprises, and by bringing in V, whose fame goes way beyond music, Netflix might reach more people than simply ARMYs. Such a move would be right at home in the Squid Game strategy manual.

Extra mystery surrounds V's post-military schedule, as industry sources have noticed an odd trend of scheduling problems. The production schedule of Squid Game coincides closely with a suspicious window of availability caused by the covert shelving or postponement of other previously rumored projects.

This strategic clearing of schedules is a common practice when major casting announcements are in the works, though they are rarely acknowledged publicly.

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Spoilers in plain sight? V's masked performance revisited

Fans didn't need much to connect the dots, but V practically handed us a neon sign during Permission to Dance On Stage in LA. Dressed in the red uniform and black square mask of Squid Game guards, Taehyung walked out looking ready to enforce the rules—or break them.

At the time, it felt like a fun nod to the show's cultural impact. Now, it feels like a carefully planned breadcrumb (or an entire loaf of bread, in fact).

Taehyung has built a reputation for dropping spoilers disguised as harmless moments, and ARMYs have learned to pay attention. One of the most famous examples? The BTS Meal at McDonald's. Before the official announcement of the BT21 collab, V casually posted a photo of fries on Instagram. It looked like just another snack break, but ARMYs quickly sensed something bigger.

The fandom, always detail-oriented, started connecting the dots when other members also posted food-related photos. Soon after, McDonald's announced the BTS Meal, complete with fries, nuggets, and exclusive sauces. It was classic Taehyung—breadcrumbs so subtle they seemed accidental until the reveal.

The Squid Game cosplay during Permission to Dance? The ARMY is convinced it's another well-planned teaser disguised as a playful moment.

To ARMYs, V's history of clever hints and staged teasers makes the Squid Game cosplay impossible to dismiss as coincidence. If history repeats itself, this could be one of his most elaborate spoilers yet.

Given V's track record, fans are also questioning whether his Squid Game cosplay was more than just playful fan service. Could it have been Netflix's way of secretly testing audience reactions? If so, the overwhelming response proves that casting him might be the show's smartest move yet.

What's particularly telling is the timing of V's recent social media activity. Eagle-eyed fans have noticed him following several key Netflix creative executives and production companies associated with Squid Game. While following industry professionals isn't unusual for K-pop idols exploring acting opportunities, the specific pattern of connections to Squid Game's creative team seems far from random.

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Netflix knows what we know—V can't be hidden

After V wore the Squid Game mask during Permission to Dance, Netflix jumped on social media, calling him indirectly too handsome to wear a mask.

The comment instantly became legendary—and a rallying cry for fans who believe he's destined to join the cast.

Netflix's playful engagement with fans suggests they're well aware of the rumors—and might even be encouraging them. The platform has built a reputation for leaning into speculation to build hype, making V's involvement feel less like a wild guess and more like a deliberate tease.

And what if the mask itself is part of the story? Fans have speculated that V's character could be hiding behind a disguise—only to reveal his true identity in a jaw-dropping moment. Given V's natural charisma and reputation for dramatic reveals, the possibility seems almost too perfect.

Further fueling speculation, Netflix's regional social media accounts have been unusually active in engaging with posts about V and Squid Game. Their strategic likes and cryptic responses to fan theories show a level of coordination that typically precedes major casting announcements. The platform's social media team has a history of such careful orchestration, having used similar tactics before revealing other high-profile additions to Netflix originals.

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The Smoking Gun? V's December revelation

In what might be the most compelling evidence yet, V dropped what appears to be his boldest hint on December 5th. The BTS star posted on Instagram with a cryptic caption that read simply "27 v2." While V's posts during his military service are rare, this one caught special attention—and for good reason. The numbers align perfectly with Squid Game Season 3's rumored release date of June 27, 2025.

The "v2" portion of the caption adds another layer of intrigue. While it could simply mean "V version"—suggesting a new chapter in Taehyung's career. ARMYs speculate it might reference his second major acting role following his debut in Hwarang. The timing of this post, combined with its minimalist style matching Squid Game's stark aesthetic, has sent both ARMYs and Netflix fans into detective mode.

For a star known for leaving breadcrumbs about future projects, this post feels less like a coincidence and more like a calculated reveal. The precise match with the rumored release date is difficult to dismiss as random chance, especially given V's history of strategic social media use.

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The game isn't over—V's wildcard potential

Whether Taehyung is Netflix's secret weapon or the ultimate red herring, his presence has already turned speculation into spectacle. From cryptic poses to playful teasers, connections to the cast, and timelines that fit too perfectly, the theory of V in Squid Game season 3 refuses to die.

For fans, V's role wouldn't just be about acting. It would be about redefining what's possible for idols in mainstream entertainment. His inclusion could bridge the gap between music and film, bringing a new layer of cultural fusion to a show already rooted in global impact.

Because in Squid Game, appearances deceive. And with Taehyung involved, the game might be just getting started.

[무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다 = The mugunghwa flower has bloomed.]

Industry analysts have noted that V's potential casting would represent more than just another idol-turned-actor transition. His global recognition and proven ability to draw international audiences could help Squid Game maintain its momentum as a cultural phenomenon. With streaming platforms increasingly competing for worldwide viewership, the strategic value of casting someone who can naturally bridge Eastern and Western entertainment markets cannot be underestimated.