Netflix’s hit Korean game show The Devil’s Plan: Death Room returns with its second season, titled Death Room, premiering May 6, 2025. The 14 contestants, a diverse mix of celebrities and strategists, recently shared their excitement and challenges at a press conference, building anticipation for the intense mind games ahead.
A Bigger, Bolder Season
The Devil’s Plan: Death Room builds on the success of its first season, which aired in 2023. The show features contestants living together for seven days, competing in complex strategy games for a prize of ₩500 million (about US$370,000). This season, the cast grows from 12 to 14 players, and the set expands to 1,000 pyeong (roughly 36,000 square feet), creating a grander stage for psychological battles.
Director Jung Jong-yeon, known for The Genius and The Great Escape, shared that the new season introduces a “prison wing” system. After each Main Match, the top half of players move to comfortable living quarters, while the bottom half face the tense prison wing, adding drama and stakes. Small rule changes also shift the game’s dynamics, making strategies more unpredictable.
“For the new season, the diversity of the characters was the primary casting criterion. Ultimately, the final goal was to find completely new characters,” said Jung Jong-yeon.
Meet the Star-Studded Cast
The 14 contestants bring a mix of fame, intellect, and competitive spirit. The lineup includes:
- Chuu, a beloved K-pop singer from LOONA, known for her bubbly personality.
- Kyuhyun, a member of Super Junior, bringing charisma and wit.
- Lee Sedol, a legendary Go player famous for defeating AI AlphaGo.
- Yoon So-hui, an actress recognized for Ruler: Master of the Mask.
- Justin H. Min, an actor from The Umbrella Academy, adding international flair.
- Choi Hyun-joon, a model with a sharp strategic mind.
- Jung Hyun-kyu, a popular influencer and content creator.
- Kim Jae-young, a musical actor with stage presence.
- Kim Ji-hoon, a lawyer with analytical skills.
- Park Ji-yeon, a former national fencer, bringing athletic discipline.
- Lee Soo-min, a broadcaster with quick thinking.
- Hwang Dong-ju, a doctor known for problem-solving.
- Shin Jae-hyuk, a game developer with a knack for puzzles.
- Oh Hyeon-min, a Mensa member and former The Genius contestant.
This diverse group promises dynamic interactions, with alliances and betrayals at the core of the gameplay. Jung Jong-yeon emphasized casting for unique personalities to spark fresh strategies.
Cast Reflections at the Press Conference
At a recent press conference, the cast shared their thoughts on joining The Devil’s Plan: Death Room. Chuu expressed excitement but admitted feeling nervous about the intense competition.
“I’m thrilled to be here, but the games look so tough! I hope my energy helps me connect with others,” said Chuu.
Kyuhyun, known for his humor, jokingly mentioned preparing by watching the first season. He highlighted the challenge of balancing trust and strategy.
“You have to be friendly but also ready to outsmart everyone. It’s a wild ride,” said Kyuhyun.
Lee Sedol, a strategic master, surprised attendees by admitting even he found the games daunting. His comment sparked buzz online, with fans eager to see how the Go legend fares.
“There are things even I can’t predict in this game. It’s a new challenge,” said Lee Sedol.
Yoon So-hui spoke about the mental stamina needed, drawing from her acting experience to read opponents. Justin H. Min shared his excitement as a fan of Korean variety shows, noting the global appeal of the format.
“I grew up watching Korean shows, so being here is surreal. The strategy is next-level,” said Justin H. Min.
What to Expect from Death Room
The season’s trailer, released on April 22, introduces the Death Room theme, hinting at darker, more complex challenges. The prison wing system escalates tension, forcing players to fight for survival in every match. The trailer shows the cast reacting to the rules, with moments of shock and determination.
The show will release in phases: episodes 1–4 on May 6, episodes 5–9 the next week, and episodes 10–12 in the third week. This format keeps viewers engaged over weeks, building suspense toward the finale.
The first season ranked No. 1 on Netflix Korea and hit the Top 10 in 23 countries, making Death Room a highly awaited follow-up. Fans expect sharper gameplay, deeper alliances, and surprising twists.
Netizen Reactions
Posts on X show fans buzzing with excitement. Many praised the diverse cast, especially Chuu and Kyuhyun, for their charm. Others are curious about Lee Sedol, with comments like:
“Lee Sedol saying he’s nervous? This is going to be insane!”
“Chuu in a strategy game? I’m here for the chaos!”
“Kyuhyun’s wit vs. Lee Sedol’s brain? Take my money!”
Some fans expressed hope for more screen time for lesser-known players like Oh Hyeon-min and Shin Jae-hyuk, whose backgrounds suggest hidden strengths. The mix of celebrities and strategists has sparked debates about who will dominate.
As of April 29, 2025, the cast continues to promote the show through interviews and social media. Netflix Korea shared behind-the-scenes clips from the press conference, showing the cast bonding. Fans are counting down to the May 6 premiere, with X posts predicting intense rivalries. The trailer’s view count on YouTube has crossed 1 million, signaling strong global interest.
CREDITS: Netflix Korea
