Korean reality game show, The Devil’s Plan, became a huge hit for Netflix. Season 1 of the competition show featured a cast of 12 players who competed in cerebral games for one week. So, what did the winner receive? A handsome prize pot equal to $370,000 in U.S. money. Not too shabby!
However, the challenges were incredibly difficult. One “piece” was given to each player at the start of the competition. Unfortunately, the two players with the fewest pieces were sent to jail. During Season 1, it was a cave with beds, lamps, and water. Harsh! And my brain literally hurt while watching these games.
Of course, one of the draws of the series is the cast. During the first season of The Devil’s Plan, actress Lee Si-won and Seungkwan from SEVENTEEN competed in the game. Now, Season 2 of The Devil’s Plan is upon us, and it has leveled up. There are more contestants in the game and famous names among the cast, and of course, some new twists. Here’s why The Devil’s Plan Season 2 could be Netflix’s biggest reality TV hit of the year.
What is The Devil’s Plan and why is everyone talking about it?
Season 2 of the series, titled The Devil’s Plan: Death Room, features some well-known names in the cast. The Korea Herald reported that actor Justin H. Min, who stars in The Umbrella Academy, former JTBC announcer Kang Ji-young, KAIST alum and actress Yoon So-hee, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, and Seven High, a professional music producer and poker player, are in it to win it. Also joining the cast is Go player legend Lee Se-dol, who challenged the artificial intelligence program, AlphaGo, from DeepMind.
During Season 1, the contestants participated in the main match, where they could win or lose pieces. If a player loses all their pieces, which are currency, they are immediately sent home.
Meanwhile, the prize match was played at night. The jailed contestants could not compete. This challenge was a group effort that helped to grow the prize pot. The last two players with the most pieces competed to win the game and the cash.
According to The Devil’s Plan Season 2 trailer, the rules are once again explained by the Devil, a creepy dude in a mask. This time, there are 14 contestants instead of 12. And half of the players will be staying in the Prison Area, while the rest reside in the Living Area. Does Human Resources know about this?
The show’s producer, Jung Jong-hyun, explained to The Korea Herald, “Players in the Prison Area must compete in Prison Matches, and the place where these matches are held is called the Death Room. It may sound simple, but the Death Room brings a significant shift to the entire tone of this season.” Way to boost the pressure!
Why The Devil’s Plan Season 2 has breakout potential
The Devil’s Plan Season 2 has the potential to break big, just like The Traitors did in the U.S. with its second season. The Devil’s Plan is already very popular, but now it is reaching a wider audience. Part of the show’s appeal is its addictive quality. Viewers are privy to the wild emotions of the contestants living together, as well as the social strategy of the game. Plus, each contestant must wrestle with the choice to pursue their own interest or the “common interest” of the group.
Add in alliances, false direction, and vicious back-stabbing, and you have a reality show gem. And I must admit, watching the players face these grueling mental puzzles and challenges is oddly satisfying. This series is geared towards brainiacs, so I enjoy watching these gamers from the comfort and safety of my sofa.
In addition, there was one player in the trailer who was feared by all the other contestants. “I’m especially scared of Lee Se-dol,” one player stated. “I think I need to eliminate him.” Well, Lee Se-dol is certainly a formidable opponent to have in the house. And he has the biggest target on his back, so he may be ousted early. Or he could cruise directly to the finale and compete for the prize pot. Fans will have to wait and see.
Global audiences are hooked on Korean competition shows like The Devil’s Plan
When Season 1 of The Devil’s Plan premiered in 2023, it landed at number three in Netflix’s 10 Non-English TV Shows listing. And that was during Week 1! Korean TV shows have increased in popularity, with Squid Game being a prime example.
According to NME, Netflix is adding more Korean films and TV shows to its programming schedule for 2025, such as Physical: 100 and Culinary Class Wars. For example, Netflix’s Tudum reported that Culinary Class Wars pits established chefs against those with little or no formal training. The 100 chefs battle it out to see who is the best. The show debuted on Netflix in 2024. Meanwhile, Physical: 100 Season 2 dropped in March 2024, treating viewers to a quest to find the most fit body.
Besides the trendiness of Korean competition shows, The Devil’s Plan has another ace in the hole. It’s unique focus on players who are using their intelligence during challenges, and social game play. Watching these competitors size up the competition, form and break alliances, and use manipulation (when necessary) serves up a quirky and thrilling take on reality TV game shows. And if The Devil’s Plan is wrong, I don’t plan to be right. Welcome to your newest reality TV obsession!
The Devil’s Plan is available to stream on Netflix.
TELL US – WILL THE DEVIL’S PLAN SEASON 2 BE NETFLIX’S BIGGEST REALITY TV HIT OF THE YEAR?
