BTS’ V Not in Squid Game Season 3; Fans Joke About Being “Clowned” After Premiere

BTS' V Not in Squid Game Season 3; Fans Joke About Being "Clowned" After Premiere

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Sougata Nandi

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The much-awaited third season of Squid Game premiered on June 27, 2025, but BTSโ€™ V (Kim Taehyung) was nowhere to be seen. Fans had speculated for weeks that the K-pop star would make a surprise cameo, but the rumors turned out to be false. Social media exploded with jokes as ARMYs (BTS fans) called themselves “clowns” for believing the theories.

The speculation started after V hinted at a “huge deal” during a Weverse live session. Many fans thought he was referring to Squid Game Season 3, but the showโ€™s release confirmed he was not part of the cast.

How the Rumors Started

Fans first suspected BTSโ€™ V might appear in Squid Game after he wore a guard costume from the show during BTSโ€™ Permission to Dance concert in 2022. His dramatic mask removal went viral, sparking theories that he might join the series someday.

Earlier this year, Squid Game actors Lee Jung-jae and Wi Ha-joon were asked about BTSโ€™ Vโ€™s possible involvement. Both gave vague answers, neither confirming nor denying the rumors. This made fans even more convinced that a cameo was coming.

“I canโ€™t say anything about that,” Lee Jung-jae told BuzzFeed UK.
“No comment,” Wi Ha-joon added.

These responses fueled excitement, leading many to believe V would appear in the final season.

Fan Reactions After the Premiere

As soon as Squid Game Season 3 dropped on Netflix, fans searched every scene for V. When they realized he wasnโ€™t in the show, social media filled with jokes about being tricked.

“So we all collectively got clowned again,” tweeted @mypurplearmy.
“Tae is not there. Go back to your work. Thank me later,” another fan wrote.
“Squid Game s3 ended and Taehyung didnโ€™t show upโ€ฆ we got clowned so bad,” a third fan added.

Some fans tried to stay hopeful, saying BTSโ€™ Vโ€™s “huge deal” might be a different project.

“He’s coming with something bigger yโ€™all,” one fan tweeted.
“Really wanted a brief cameo from him, even if he just steps in, says hi, and gets eliminated in seconds,” another commented.

Why Fans Believed the Theories

Besides BTSโ€™ Vโ€™s concert outfit and the actorsโ€™ vague answers, another reason fans believed the rumors was his recent military discharge. After finishing his mandatory service, V teased a new project, making fans think it could be Squid Game.

In his Weverse live, he said:
“This is probablyโ€ฆ Maybe if we wait a little longer, I think itโ€™ll come out. But itโ€™s not really a big deal. Oh, but to me, itโ€™s actually a huge deal.”

Fans interpreted this as a hint toward acting, but it turned out to be unrelated.

Who Is in Squid Game Season 3?

While BTSโ€™ V didnโ€™t appear, the final season features many returning and new stars. Lee Jung-jae (Gi-hun), Wi Ha-joon (Jun-ho), and Lee Byung-hun (Front Man) lead the cast. New additions include Kang Ha-neul, Yim Si-wan, and BIGBANGโ€™s T.O.P.

The season focuses on Gi-hunโ€™s final attempt to stop the deadly games. Fans who expected V were disappointed, but many still enjoyed the intense storyline.

V last acted in the 2016 drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. Fans hope he will return to acting soon, just not in Squid Game.

“Whoever made theories about Taehyung appearing in Squid Gameโ€ฆ. FK YOU!!!” one frustrated fan tweeted.

Also read: Squid Game Season 3 Ending Explained: Baby Wins, Gi-hun Sacrifices Himself, and Cate Blanchett Teases Spinoff

Despite the letdown, ARMYs continue to support Vโ€™s future projects. His next move remains unknown, but fans are ready for whatever he does next.

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