Netflix's 'Death Game' has made a successful debut with its fresh format of 1-on-1 brain battles devoid of politics. Notably, Hong Jin-ho showcased his prowess as a survival game expert by securing consecutive victories against formidable opponents Lee Sedol and Seven High.
The first two episodes of Netflix's daily variety show 'Death Game' (directed by Kwon Dae-hyun, produced by TEO), released on the 28th, featured intense matchups between Lee Sedol and Hong Jin-ho, and Hong Jin-ho and Seven High. The format, which excludes politics and alliances, captivated viewers with its nail-biting tension, as each match is decided in a single round with immediate elimination upon defeat.
Another highlight was the appearance of 'brain survival legend' Jang Dong-min, who participated as a commentator rather than a player. Teaming up with caster Park Sang-hyun, Jang Dong-min added intrigue by stating, "I would have liked to participate in 'Death Game,' but I wanted to give humans a chance. I'm very curious about what they think and how they play the game."
The first showdown was between Lee Sedol and Hong Jin-ho. The initial game, 'Memory Feast,' required players to memorize the number of tokens in 20 bowls and find the same number of tokens, demanding both exceptional memory and strategic calculation. Lee Sedol, a legend in the Go world known for his 1-on-1 skills, and Hong Jin-ho, a former pro-gamer turned poker player with proven crisis management abilities, engaged in a tense battle.
Jang Dong-min emphasized, "This game is not just about memorization but about adapting to changes." Hong Jin-ho strategically used his social security number to place numbers and responded flexibly to variables, ultimately securing a perfect victory. With his near-flawless adaptability and judgment, he accumulated a prize of 10 million won and advanced to the next challenge.
Hong Jin-ho's second opponent was poker player Seven High. Their game, 'Position, Combo!' involved strategically placing dice numbers on a game board to create larger combinations than the opponent. Despite Seven High's advantage in poker play, he stated, "I'm here to enjoy." Hong Jin-ho acknowledged his losses to Seven High but expressed determination, saying, "I'll defeat all the 'Devil's Plan' members," setting a tense atmosphere before the match.
In 'Position, Combo!' the unpredictable dice numbers were a major variable. Players had to calculate moves based on memorized numbers. Jang Dong-min focused on which numbers players would place in the central squares, crucial for various combinations. After a high-stakes psychological battle, Hong Jin-ho emerged victorious once again. The next challenger, Pengsoo, a first in brain survival variety shows, was teased, drawing attention. With two seeds and a total prize of 15 million won, anticipation builds to see if Hong Jin-ho will face Pengsoo head-on and achieve five consecutive wins to become the Death Game Master with a 50 million won prize.
'Death Game' has unveiled a unique 1-on-1 survival format that maximizes the essence of brain play. The absence of politics, immediate elimination structure, and Jang Dong-min's insightful analysis of player psychology have enhanced the program's quality. His commentary, highlighting key game points and winning strategies, adds another layer of enjoyment beyond simple broadcasting. As Hong Jin-ho continues his winning streak, viewers eagerly anticipate the strategies of new challengers and the thrilling matches to come.
'Death Game' will release its third episode on Netflix on February 4th at 5 PM, with subsequent episodes airing every Wednesday at 5 PM.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr