Netflix’s Squid Game returned for its highly anticipated third season on June 27, 2025. While the dystopian series continues to deliver gripping drama and high-stakes competition, one scene in Episode 2 has sparked widespread outrage online. A childbirth sequence involving contestant Kim Jun Hee has been slammed by viewers for being grossly unrealistic and insensitive.

In the controversial moment, Kim Jun Hee goes into labour during a deadly mission inside the competition. She is shown giving birth with minimal assistance from fellow contestant Geum Ja. The entire process unfolds in under five minutes—with barely any signs of physical strain, no medical support, and little acknowledgement of postnatal realities such as amniotic fluid or placental delivery.

The scene quickly went viral on social media. One tweet mocking the “five-minute labour” scenario garnered over 7 million views, with users criticising the male director for demonstrating a lack of understanding of basic birthing physiology. “Player 222 gave birth to her first child in less than 10 minutes, when actually first labour lasts many hours,” one user wrote. Another said, “So no one’s gonna talk about how she gave birth in 5 minutes? #SquidGame3.”

Critics also highlighted how the baby appeared unfazed despite the dangerous surroundings and absence of medical care, labelling the portrayal as both medically inaccurate and narratively jarring. Many argued the scene disrupted the show's grounded emotional tone and trivialised the intensity and trauma of childbirth.

One viewer noted, “The introduction of the baby in Squid Game Season 3 turned the show into one of the most horrifying commentaries on greed and humanity I’ve ever seen. I’ve never felt so physically uncomfortable during a series.”

While Squid Game has always relied on stylised violence and social satire, this particular depiction has raised questions about tone and representation. Fans suggested the scene could have benefited from better research or consultation with medical professionals.

Despite the controversy, Squid Game Season 3 continues to trend globally, with millions tuning in. However, Episode 2’s depiction of childbirth has undeniably left a sour note for many fans, reigniting the conversation around responsible storytelling—even in dystopian fiction.