Netflix’s ‘The 8 show’ is an upcoming Korean thriller dark comedy set to be released on May 14. Similar to another Korena sensation, ‘Squid Game’, The 8 show also features a fictional game show where the stakes are high and lives are in “very-real” danger. The show is being directed by Han-Jae Rim. But did you know that the story behind the show is based on a popular Webtoon series released in 2021?
Yes, you heard it right! The story behind the 8 show is based on a Webtoon series titled ‘Money Game’ by artist Bae Jin Soo. The first episode was released in August 2021 and the final 60th episode was released in September 2022. The webtoon has been viewed by 2.8 million people and has a 9.8-star rating on the platform.
The 8 Show Story
Similarly, the show’s premise in IMDb states that eight contestants in financial hardship take part in Money Game, a reality competition with 44.8 billion won up for grabs. To win, they must endure 100 days in a sparse studio as all purchases carry a 1000x markup, subtracted from the prize.
Money Game Story:
The webtoon depicts the story of 8 participants left marooned in a specially designed TV set with 8 levels, with a shared pot of about 44.8 billion won (around 38 million USD). The participants try to spend as little of the money as they can in order to walk out with as much of the pot as they can. However, every item they purchase is 1,000 times the original price.
There is also a sequel to the Webtoon titled ‘Pie Game’, which features 7 contestants, where each contestant’s individual pot grows with time. However, time is gained by spilling blood. The contestants are marooned on a specially designed seven-floor TV set with a set of clothes and daily rations, every other item they purchase reduces their time.
The 8 Show’s first episode will air on Netflix on May 17. The show stars Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jeong-min, Lee Yul-eum, Park Hae-joon, Lee Zoo-young, Moon Jeong-hee and Bae Seong-woo in leading roles.
Watch the trailer: