Picture: The 8 Show – Netflix
Has Netflix already found its new Squid Game? Many subscribers will ask that question with the upcoming adaptation of Bae Jin Soo’s Money Game. Titled The 8 Show, it features a star-studded cast that every subscriber should be excited for. Coming to Netflix in May 2024, we’re keeping track of everything you need to know about The 8 Show, including the plot, cast news, and the Netflix release date.
The 8 Show is an upcoming South Korean Netflix Original thriller drama series written and directed by Han Jae Rim. It is an adaptation of Bae Jin Soo’s Korean webtoon Money Game.
What is the plot of The 8 Show?
The synopsis of The 8 Show has been sourced from Asianwiki:
“8 people in need of money are invited to appear on reality variety show Money Game. The 8 people are to stay at the studio that consists of nothing but concrete walls. If they are able to hang in there for 100 days, they can divide the winning prize of 44.8 billion won equally. But, everything they spend for, including necessities like food, water, electricity, costs 1,000 times more than normal prices and are deducted from the winning prize.”
The 8 Show and Squid Game share some similarities, what will be interesting is whether or not the former can match even half of the latter’s popularity. Given just how large Squid Game is, even if The 8 Show saw a quarter of the same success, it would still be a massive hit for Netflix.
Picture: The 8 Show – Netflix
When is the Netflix release date for The 8 Show?
We’ve learned earlier this year that The 8 Show has a preliminary release date of May 17th, 2024. Netflix has finally confirmed the release date by releasing a date announcement trailer.
An official teaser was released on April 23rd, 2024.
Who are the cast members of The 8 Show?
There are eight confirmed lead roles for The 8 Show.
Ryu Joon Yeol has been cast in the role of Jin Soo, aka “3.” The actor has starred in fewer drama roles and is most well-known for parts in films such as Alienoid, Money, Believer, Taxi Driver, and Little Forest. The 8 Show will be the actor’s first Netflix Original.
The character description of “3” is as follows;
“After falling victim to fraud and losing everything, 3 finds a lifeline in an invitation to “The 8 Show.” With nothing left to lose and a significant hourly wage on offer, he seizes what could be the opportunity of his lifetime.”
Chun Woo Hee has been cast in the role of Se Ra, aka “8.” So far, the actress has only had one role in a Netflix series, in the 2019 K-drama Be Melodramatic. She has made a name for herself by starring in films such as Rustle, A Little Princess, The Beauty Inside, Love Lies, and many more.
The character description of “8” is as follows;
“8 is a free-spirited and unpredictable participant who joined not just for the money but for the entertainment. Her capricious nature and the euphoria she experiences in the show add a unique dynamic to the series.”
Picture: Chun Woo Hee in Be Melodramatic (left) and Agron (right)
Park Jung Min has been cast in the role of Philip, aka “7.” The actor’s appearances on Netflix have been limited, with Hellbound fans recognizing him as Bae Young Jae. He also has a guest appearance in an episode of Mr. Sunshine. The actor has found success in movie roles, starring in films such as Deliver Us From Evil, Miracle: Letters to the President, Start-Up, and Keys to the Heart.
The character description of “7” is as follows;
“7 is the brains of the group, the first to decipher the game’s demands and strategize solutions, establishing himself as a pivotal player.”
Park Hae Joon has been cast in the role of “6.” The actor starred in one of the most popular K-dramas in history, The World of the Married. Netflix subscribers will be more familiar with him as Moo Baek in all three parts of Arthdal Chronicles.
The character description of “6” is as follows;
“6 uses physical means to resolve conflicts, adding a layer of tension to the group.”
Pictured from Top Left to Bottom Right: Ryu Joon Yeol, Chun Woo Hee, Park Jung Min, Lee Yeol Eum, Bae Sung Woo, Park Hae Joon, Moon Jung Hee, and Bae Sung Woo.
Bae Sung Woo has been cast in the role of Sang Gook aka “1.” The actor has only starred in one Netflix Original, in 2018 as Oh Yang Chon in the beloved police drama Live. The actor has featured prominently in film roles in movies such as The King, Metamorphosis, The Phone, Office, and The Phone.
The character description of “1” is as follows;
“1 is the only contestant with a disability. Despite his limited foot mobility, he concentrates on what he can do to keep going.”
Moon Jung Hee has been cast in the role of Moon Jung, aka “5.” Her role in The 8 Show is her first leading role in a Netflix series, having previously starred in a guest role in Mystic Pop-Up Bar and a supporting role in Vagabond.
The character description of “5” is as follows;
“5 serves as the peacemaker, a character who slowly spirals as the game becomes more intense and unforgiving.”
Lee Yeol Eum has been cast in the role of “4.” The actress starred alongside Song Kang in the 2021 romantic drama Nevertheless.
The character description of “4” is as follows;
“4 is both likable and practical, known for her exceptional ability to read people.”
Lee Joo Young has been cast in the role of Chun Ja, aka “2.” The actress was recently seen in Believer 2 as Joo Young. She also starred in supporting roles in The School Nurse Files and Live.
The character description of “2” is as follows;
“2 is a fierce advocate for fairness, driven by a deep-seated aversion to injustice, which fuels her actions in the game.”
Picture: The 8 Show – Netflix
What is the production status of The 8 Show?
Official Production Status: Post-Production (Last Updated: 06/02/2024)
We recently learned that filming for The 8 Show took place much earlier than expected. The series was filmed between June 25th, 2022, and December 23rd, 2022.
Picture: The 8 Show – Netflix
Could The 8 Show be Netflix’s new Squid Game or something else entirely? Let us know in the comments below!
