Today : Apr 30, 2025
Arts & Culture
29 April 2025

Lee Se-dol Joins Netflix's New Brain Survival Show

The former Baduk champion shares insights ahead of 'Devil's Plan: Death Room' premiere.

On April 29, 2025, the former Baduk player Lee Se-dol attended the production presentation for the Netflix entertainment show 'Devil's Plan: Death Room' held at Hotel Naroo in Seoul. This highly anticipated series features a diverse cast of players, including Lee Se-dol, Kyuhyun from Super Junior, and Kang Ji-young, among others. The show is set to be released on May 6, 2025, and promises to deliver an intense brain survival competition.

'Devil's Plan: Death Room' is a unique game show where participants from various professions will compete over a span of seven days to determine who possesses the greatest brain power. The format encourages strategic thinking and psychological warfare, as players must navigate challenges while living together in close quarters.

The production presentation was attended by an array of notable figures, including the show's producer, Jung Jong-yeon, and other contestants such as Yoon So-hee, Sebin, Lee Seung-hyun, Jung Hyun-kyu, Choi Hyun-joon, Kkae, Kim Ha-rin, Park Sang-yeon, Son Eun-yu, and Teno. During the event, Jung emphasized that this season aims to present a narrative that is completely distinct from the first season. "We planned for the story to be entirely different from Season 1," he stated. "The various players will change and grow throughout the competition, which will be a key point of interest for viewers."

Lee Se-dol, who is renowned for his strategic prowess in Baduk, shared his thoughts on participating in the show. He remarked, "This is the first time I've felt a desire to win outside of Baduk. Initially, adapting to this new environment was challenging, but as I continued, I realized I was enjoying myself." His admission highlights the competitive nature of the show, which is expected to push participants to their limits.

In an amusing twist, Lee Se-dol claimed, "'Devil's Plan' is definitely more difficult than Baduk," drawing laughter from the audience. This comment underscores the show's complexity and the mental challenges that await the contestants.

As for the format changes, this season introduces a new element known as the "prison cell," which adds a hierarchical aspect to the competition. Players in the prison cell will have to compete against each other while also collaborating with those in the main living quarters. Jung explained, "The prison cell signifies a lack of resources, and those within it will ultimately need to engage in prison matches. However, they are also companions, which introduces a competitive yet cooperative dynamic. This hierarchical structure will enhance the viewing experience significantly."

The show has already generated substantial buzz, particularly because of its intriguing premise and the caliber of its participants. Lee Se-dol's participation, in particular, has sparked considerable interest among fans and viewers alike. He expressed that he does not feel burdened by the attention, viewing it instead as an opportunity for personal growth and experience. "I think of it as a good experience, and indeed, it has been a rewarding one," he stated.

In addition to Lee Se-dol, the cast features a range of personalities, including influencer Jung Hyun-kyu, singer Chuu, and Hollywood actor Justin H. Min, who has appeared in Netflix series like 'Angry People.' Chuu shared her motivation for joining the competition, saying, "I wanted to approach the game with a serious attitude, unlike my usual cheerful character. Watching Season 1 inspired me to prepare thoroughly, even solving problems late into the night while on tour. I wanted to compete fiercely, without any smiles."

As anticipation builds for the show's premiere, viewers can look forward to a fresh and engaging format that promises to be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The combination of various professionals and the new competitive dynamics are expected to create captivating content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

With the first four episodes set to be released in the initial week, followed by additional episodes in subsequent weeks, 'Devil's Plan: Death Room' aims to captivate viewers with its thrilling gameplay and the unique interactions among its contestants. As the release date approaches, fans are eager to see how the competition unfolds and which player will emerge victorious in this cerebral showdown.