The Korean drama "Death's Game," which started airing last December 15, is currently trending on Amazon Prime worldwide, with its engaging plot that explores thought themes. The drama stars a stellar lineup of actors including Seo InGuk, Park SoDam, Jang SeungJo, Choi SiWon, Lee JaeWook, Sung Hoon, Kim JiHoon, Kim JaeUck, Lee DoHyun, and more.

The drama revolves around Choi YeeJae (Seo InGuk), a young man raised in dire poverty yet known for his bright and compassionate spirit. Seven years of relentless job rejections have left him drowning in desperation. Considering an end to his life, Choi YeeJae's decision leads him to a meeting with Death (Park SoDam), at the gates of Hell. Sentenced to endure death 12 more times in different bodies, his only chance to avoid damnation is to survive each harrowing experience.

"Death's Game" is available for worldwide viewers on Amazon Prime (Note: The drama is yet to be available for a number of countries). Based on the data from FlixPatrol, the drama ranked 2nd most popular TV show on Amazon Prime worldwide on January 7, 2023.

The drama has entered the top 10 of several countries, and placed no. 2 on Amazon Prime worldwide on January 7. "Death's Game" is currently part of top 10 most popular TV show on countries and territories such as Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, and more.

If you want to access the data for more details, you can find it here. (Note that FlixPatrol does not have access to data from all the countries of the globe but a huge majority).

Are you following "Death's Game"? What are your thoughts about the drama?

The popular webtoon "Death's Game" by LEE WONSIK & GGULCHAN is finally getting a K-Drama adaptation, and fans could not be more excited. Often lauded by fans and critics alike as exceptionally well-written, "Death's Game" is one of those webtoons that fans have always envisioned as a K-Drama.

At the time of writing, the lead actors for the K-Drama adaptation are reportedly Seo InGuk and Park SoDam. In addition, Go YounJung, Lee JaeWook, Jang SeungJo, Sung Hoon, Super Junior's Choi SiWon, Lee DoHyun, and Kim JaeUck are in talks to join the cast too. If you're wondering how such excellent actors got cast in the same drama, keep reading!

T/W: Self-harm, Suicide

"Death's Game" is a fantasy melodrama webtoon that tells the story of Choi YiJae (to be played by Seo InGuk), a young man beaten down by society. After a constant spell of unemployment, romantic defeat, and financial perils, he takes the drastic decision of ending his own life. What's more is that he does this in an indignant manner, claiming to be able to control death because death is only an insignificant way to end his pain. The moment he thinks he has ended it all, he wakes up on a plane with a different face. A white-haired woman sits by his side, reading out his suicide note. This, is Death (to be played by Park SoDam).

Introducing herself, Death expresses her vexation at YiJae insulting her, which is why she is going to punish him. Death doesn't care about YiJae's attitude towards Life. Instead, she is solely concerned with his disrespect towards Death. So, naturally, she decides to punish him with death...over and over again. For the sin of belittling Death, Choi YiJae must face death 13 times, and every time, he will be reborn as someone else who is also on the verge of imminent death. The nature of these deaths will be unavoidable but if YiJae is able to avert it, he may live out that life.

Thus, with the exposition of her "game", Death disappears, leaving YiJae on a plane that he thinks is about to crash. It turns out to be simple turbulence and YiJae lets his paranoia go. Now that he is reborn as a young and rich entrepreneur - Park TaeSu, who is dating YiJae's favorite celebrity Kang InA, he doesn't really want to die anymore. Optimism washes over him as he dreams of living his life as Park TaeSu, when suddenly his plane explodes and he dies, again.

YiJae is transported to Death's "space", back in his original body, where she explains to him that when she shoots a bullet into his head, his new life will start. She also makes it clear that while this game is meant to teach him the pain of death, there is indeed a life where he can change the ending and survive. Death shoots, and YiJae is reborn, only to die again in an instant. The game is on and YiJae must figure out a way to survive before he runs out of lives.

With Seo InGuk as Choi YiJae and Park SoDam as Death incarnate, it will be interesting to see how the iconic dynamic of the characters translates on screen. We cannot wait to see these two acting geniuses join forces to bring us the fantasy masterpiece of our dreams. Until then, you can read the webtoon in English here.

Are you excited for "Death's Game"? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!

 

Contract marriage has been a huge trend in 2023 K-Dramas. However, they have been around for quite a while now, almost as far back as we can remember. Some of the most popular and iconic romance K-Dramas have historically included the contract marriage theme and it is a popular trope for a reason. So, if you're like us and can't get enough of it, check out our starter pack for the top 7 contract marriage K-Dramas that you need to watch now!

Note: This list is in no particular order!

 

1. "Full House"

The OG of contract marriage K-Dramas, "Full House" continues to be one of the best renditions of this theme. Starring Rain and Song HyeKyo, this lovely and wholesome romantic comedy will make your heart flutter to no end. Laced with Y2K nostalgia, "Full House" tells the story of Han JiEun, a young woman who is duped by her friends and loses her cherished house to superstar actor Lee YoungJae.

Determined to get her house back, she starts working for him as a maid, but the two eventually enter into a contract marriage. Despite not getting along well, enemies turn to lovers soon enough, and an exciting romance blooms between the two, full of ups and downs. If you're concerned about how old this K-Drama is, rest assured because the writing is not the least bit outdated, and although there are stereotypical tropes, you'll find them endearing nonetheless.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

2. "Because This Is My First Life"

Widely recognized as one of the best rom-com K-Dramas of all time, "Because This Is My First Life" is all about contract marriage. However, unlike most K-Dramas where this trope is used, this one is actually quite realistic and has a relevant critique of society at large.

Two young people, each suffering from their own financial difficulties, decide to get married on the terms and conditions of a 2-year contract but live as landlord and tenant. However, the forced proximity and the play pretend of being a married couple allow them to open up to each other in ways they never imagined and heal the wounds in their hearts. Jung SoMin and Lee MinKi are fantastic in this series, and it is also the perfect K-Drama to get out of a viewing slump.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

3. "You Are My Destiny"

Another outstanding classic, "You Are My Destiny", also known as "Fated To Love You", has something for everyone. From the hilarity for the comedy lovers to the melodrama for the ones who like their K-Dramas a little more serious, a love triangle that will keep you on your toes and character development that makes you feel proud as an audience, this K-Drama continues to be a must-watch even today.

The story revolves around Lee Gun (played by Jang Hyuk) and Kim MiYoung (played by Jang NaRa), who accidentally sleep together, leading to an unplanned pregnancy. This pregnancy comes just in time when Lee Gun is facing a power struggle at his family company and needs an heir. The two enter into a contract marriage and slowly warm up to each other.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

4. "Marriage Contract"

If "You Are My Destiny" didn't fulfill your appetite for melodrama, check out "Marriage Contract". The name of this K-Drama couldn't have been more obvious because that's exactly what it's about - a contract marriage of convenience. Our male lead, Han JiHoon (played by Lee SeoJin) needs someone to donate a part of their liver to his mother, and our female lead, single mother Kang HyeSoo (played by Uee), needs a little financial help to raise her daughter while she fights a terminal illness herself.

The two enter into a contract marriage, and what follows is the most heart-rending tale of love, loss, and family that will move you to tears. The warm family dynamics and the strikingly passionate chemistry between the two leads definitely make this show worth the watch. Yes, this K-Drama might be on the heavier side but you won't regret adding it to your watchlist.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

5. "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract"

Once again, this K-Drama's title is self-explanatory. Starring Bae InHyuk and Lee SeYoung, "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" tells the story of a Joseon woman who is transported forward in time to modern-day South Korea, where she meets her husband anew. This husband, who had died in Joseon, is alive in Seoul, and in desperate need of a wife. The two enter into a contract marriage, which soon gives way to true love.

"The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" is easily one of the best and most well-rounded K-Dramas of 2023. There are elements of fantasy with time travel as well as reincarnation but at the same time, the love story at its core is universally resonant and touching. The colorful cast of supporting characters makes the viewing experience even better.

Watch on Viki.

 

6. "My Demon"

Song Kang and Kim YouJung's fantasy romance K-Drama "My Demon" is making waves all over the world. Not only is the drama giving us the most breathtaking cinematography and captivating visuals, thanks to our lead actors, but the story is also pleasantly engaging, maintaining a balance between darker themes and light-hearted romance.

"My Demon" tells the story of Jung KooWon (played by Song Kang), a demon who can live on forever by making devilish deals with humans. However, when he loses his powers to a young woman named Do DoHee (played by Kim YouJung), he must protect her to survive. Do DoHee is the prospective heir of Future Group, entangled in a succession battle. When she gets involved with Jung KooWon, they enter into a contract marriage for mutual benefit and slowly find themselves falling in love.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

7. "Perfect Marriage Revenge"

Voted by Kpopmap readers as one of the top K-Dramas of 2023, "Perfect Marriage Revenge" is a satisfying contract marriage story that will sweep you off your feet. Starring Jung YooMin and Sung Hoon, this K-Drama tells the story of a scorned woman who is abandoned by her family, betrayed by her husband, and even murdered, but instead of ending her life, fate takes her back exactly one year before her death, with a chance to change her destiny.

The K-Drama was highly rated in South Korea and loved by global viewers, too. The cathartic revenge, the healing relationship, and best of all, the impeccable romance are the strongest points of this K-Drama. It will draw you in unexpectedly, and you won't be able to resist binge-watching.

Watch on Viki.