Seo In-guk from “Reply 1997” and Park So-dam from “Parasite,” both adorned with sparkling accolades and acknowledged for their acting prowess, have teamed up on TVING. The platform has released four episodes of Part 1 and 2 of “Death’s Game” based on the Naver webtoon, marking a new venture for these two actors who have not seen significant commercial success in recent years.”
Broadcasting Information for “Death’s Game”
“Death’s Game” unfolds as an 8-episode drama series. The initial part, comprising 4 episodes, premiered on December 15, 2023, followed by the release of the remaining 4 episodes in the second part on January 5, 2024.
Viewers can catch the drama via streaming on TVING and Amazon Prime Video.
It carries a rating indicating that it is not suitable for a youth audience.
official trailer of “death’s Game”
synopsis of “death’s Game”
After seven years of unsuccessful attempts to secure a job following his university graduation, Choi I-jae, a protagonist from a humble background, faces another setback when he is rejected in a job interview he thought was a sure thing. On the same day, he loses his entire investment, entrusted to a trusted friend, discovers his girlfriend with another man, and gets evicted from his rented room. Plunged into despair, Choi I-jae decides to take his own life, only to face the punishment of experiencing death 12 times for that sin.
casting of “death’s Game”
Seo In-guk Portrays Choi I-jae
A resilient protagonist, Choi I-jae, grapples with seven years of post-graduate job rejections, enduring a cascade of life-altering setbacks. He loses his entire investment in a business venture, witnesses his girlfriend with another man, and faces eviction from his rented room. Plunged into despair, Choi I-jae attempts suicide, only to discover that he is condemned to experience death twelve times for his chosen act.
Park So-dam portrays Death
An immortal seeking retribution against those who dare to defy and disrespect her, much like the troubled Choi I-jae.
production crew of “death’s Game”
Director Ha Byung-hoon takes charge of both the script and direction. His notable previous works include dramas such as “18 Again,” “Confession Couple,” and the sitcom “The Sound of Your Heart.”
behind the scene of “death’s Game”
- The Korean title, “이제 곧 죽습니다,” cleverly incorporates a linguistic play on the protagonist Choi I-jae’s name. The pun arises as “I jae” sounds phonetically similar to the Korean word for “again.” In this linguistic twist, the title signifies not only the character’s name but also introduces a play on the concept of “again.” The English title, “Death’s Game,” is a more straightforward rendition of the content, offering a clear representation of the drama’s theme.
- Various creative adaptations have been made from the original, including aspects of the protagonist Choi I-jae’s character and various details. However, these alterations generally do not significantly impact the essence of the story. For instance, in the original, Choi I-jae’s uncle blames him for not getting a job, while in the series, it’s a passenger he meets during his part-time driving.
- The use of computer-generated imagery (CG) is quite extensive throughout the series. They even created depictions of hell, not present in the original, increasing the overall use of CG. However, the quality of CG scenes is not notably superior to other works. While budget constraints compared to Hollywood productions are understandable, it’s crucial to consider the audience’s discerning eye, sharpened by exposure to high-quality CGI in mainstream films.
- The series is an 8-episode split into two parts, with Part 1 releasing four episodes on December 15, 2023, and Part 2 releasing the remaining four on January 5, 2024. The decision to split the series into parts remains somewhat puzzling.
- As of now, with four episodes released in Part 1, the reception is not particularly favorable. The pacing is slow, and the early emphasis on death in the drama’s world feels tediously explained. There’s a sense of déjà vu in many scenes, giving the impression of recycled content, which is a significant drawback.
- Several male actors, including Choi Si-won, Sung Hoon, Kim Kang-hoon, Jang Seung-jo, Lee Jae-wook, Lee Do-hyun, Kim Jae-wook, Oh Jung-se, Kim Ji-hoon, Kim Sung-cheol, Yoo In-soo, and Ryu Won, make special appearances. Most of them play the original owners of Choi I-jae’s 12 lives. As for female actors, Go Yoon-jung makes a special appearance as Choi I-jae’s girlfriend, Lee Ji-soo.
