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 showโs 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 Vโs possible involvement. Both gave vague answers, neither confirming nor denying the rumors. This made fans even more convinced that a cameo was coming.
“I canโt 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 wasnโt 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 didnโt show upโฆ we got clowned so bad,” a third fan added.
Some fans tried to stay hopeful, saying BTSโ Vโs “huge deal” might be a different project.
“He’s coming with something bigger yโall,” 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 Vโs 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 probablyโฆ Maybe if we wait a little longer, I think itโll come out. But itโs not really a big deal. Oh, but to me, itโs 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 didnโt 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 BIGBANGโs T.O.P.
The season focuses on Gi-hunโs 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 Gameโฆ. FK YOU!!!” one frustrated fan tweeted.
Despite the letdown, ARMYs continue to support Vโs future projects. His next move remains unknown, but fans are ready for whatever he does next.
