What was meant to be a funpsychological game show,The Devil’s Plan,has now turned into a public spectacle and the controversies surrounding the winner have caused him to make an important public apology. In May 2025, the hit South Koreanreality TVshow,The Devil’s PlanSeason 2, was released onNetflix.The Devil’s Planis a strategic reality TV game show with a strong element of psychological warfare. The show was created by famous producer Jeong Jong-Yeon, the creator ofThe Great EscapeandThe Genius, two other mind-bending game shows. In this game show, 16 contestants live together.
Each day, the contestants play two games. One is considered the main game and the second game contributes to their prize pool.By playing a series of intellectual and strategic games within the group, contestants either gain advantages or risk being eliminated or being put in the prison room.Season 1 winnerHa Seok-jinwas praised for his strategic adaptability and emotional growth throughout the gameplay. However, the winner of the Season 2 prize pot of 380 million won ($277,000) went toJeong Hyun Gyu,but he may not have played the game with the same integrity as the Season 1 winner.
‘The Devil’s Plan’ Controversy
When it comes toreality TV shows,there’s one questionalmost all viewers wonder about: how much of the show is real?Unfortunately, one of the biggest concerns of the reality TV and game show industry has officially come true. In a Korean interview, the winner revealed just how much the producers intervened with the game show. The translated interview stated, “Producer Jeong explained the somewhat jarring moment when Jeong Hyun-gyu shouted that he would use the benefit just before heading to the prison ward: ‘Maybe it was my own desire, but the production team actually suggested he say it at that timing.’”
This Wicked Netflix Reality Series Features Some of the Most Intense Gaslighters in Dating Show History
‘Cheat: Unfinished Business’ combines sun, scandal, and second chances with full-out gaslighting.
This meant the winner had a little bit of help in knowing when to use his benefits for maximum potential, all thanks to the people who ran the show. The creator also claimed, “‘During his individual interview before the results were announced, Jeong Hyun-gyu had already planned to use the benefit, but he asked when would be the best time to use it. From a director’s perspective, I thought placing it as late as possible would have the most impact, so we coordinated the timing that way.’”Not only did Jeong have some help from producers, but he executed a much more manipulative gameplay style, especially compared to the Season 1 winner, which also contributed to some of the winner’s backlash.
‘The Devil’s Plan’ Winner Jeong Has Apologized
In truth, theNetflixgame showleaves a lot of wiggleroom within its rules. Manipulating each other, forming alliances, and so much more is allowed on the show. As a result,Jeong’s tactics weren’t necessarily against the rules.However, some of his strategies, to some fans, were unethical. More specifically, the game moves Jeong made in relation toKyuhyunandYoon So Heewere perceived as betrayals and caused outcries from fans.
After reflecting, Jeong took to social media and said, “I sincerely participated with the goal of winning, but I understand that some viewers felt uncomfortable with my approach.I take full responsibility and have spent time reflecting.” He then continued to say, “I don’t think I won because I was better than everyone else. I just did my best in each situation and was lucky to have support from others.”
In the end, this turned out to be one of the most disappointing issues tohappen on a game show.With so many game shows on air with large cash prizes, it’s common for viewers to wonder how much of the game is real. Now with contestants admitting to collaborating with producers and making public apologies,the possibility of game shows being a hoax seems that much more plausible.While Jeong’s public apology, reflection, and promise to donate the money shows his maturity and willingness to grow, it still raises concerns that may be unforgettable for future game shows.
