Death’s Game (Review)

(이재, 곧 죽습니다; released between December 15, 2023 and January 5, 2024 on Amazon Prime Video; 8 episodes)

Death’s Game is an unconventional series, and its core concept can be perplexing. The narrative primarily revolves around the theme of suicide — a profoundly serious subject. The treatment of this topic in “Death’s Game” is, in my view, contentious at best. Although it appears that the creators intended the series to serve as a form of suicide prevention support, based on the overarching message, I would still recommend that individuals dealing with mental health issues steer clear of this show.

Right from the start, the show promotes the notion that individuals who die by suicide face punishment after death. This is exemplified by the main character, Choi Yee-jae (played by Seo In-guk), who encounters Death (portrayed by Park So-dam, known for ‘Parasite’) in the afterlife. Death decides to punish him by forcing him to live and die as 12 different people, all destined to die soon. Subsequently, he is fated to be consigned to hell. The show suggests that those who die by suicide endure the torment of 12 additional deaths before an eternity in hell — a concept reminiscent of the Middle Ages, making its presence in a 2024 show quite astonishing. While Death initially presents Choi Yee-jae with a set of ground rules that offer a potential escape, it soon becomes evident that these rules are designed to be broken, seemingly without repercussions. Moreover, the outcomes of the 12 reincarnations that Yee-jae undergoes appear to be largely predetermined.

In Death’s Game, the protagonist Yee-jae experiences 12 reincarnations, each connected to his former life, providing him with a window into the aftermath of his suicide. These vignettes reveal the anguish and despair inflicted on his loved ones, which, while expected, also trigger a cascade of tragedies such as murders and accidents. This narrative choice is questionable as a means of suicide prevention, as it underscores the potential for further anguish and calamity rather than offering solace or understanding.

The series completely sidesteps the topic of mental health, which is a primary contributor to suicide. It’s widely recognized that individuals with mental health conditions, such as depression — which the main character Choi Yee-jae evidently struggles with — often cannot manage these issues without support. Despite this, the show implies that Choi Yee-jae was solely accountable for his actions and fully capable of preventing self-harm. This represents a significant misinterpretation of mental health challenges and further fuels the controversy surrounding the series.

The series is presented as an anthology, with different actors portraying the various reincarnations, alongside a host of other characters. Revealing their identities would give away too much of the plot, so suffice it to say that the cast includes many prominent Korean actors. These include: Lee Jae-wook, Lee Do-hyun, Oh Jung-se, Kim Ji-hoon, Go Youn-jung, Kim Mi-kyung, etc. Initially, the reincarnations in the show seem to span various genres, such as a John Wick-style action thriller, a romance, and a crime mystery. However, this concept veers off track in the final two episodes. The last episode, in particular, relies heavily on flashbacks and takes a rather bizarre turn. Without divulging too much, it’s fair to say that the show’s earlier segments are more compelling than its conclusion.

Another concern of mine is the creators’ apparent fascination with death and murder. Death is not only a main character, but themes of death, homicide, and extreme violence recur frequently. The characters include at least two serial killers and numerous other criminals. Some scenes verge on the grotesque. This preoccupation seems inappropriate in a show that addresses the topic of suicide.

I may be overlooking certain cultural nuances or other aspects that could potentially alter my perception of the show. However, at present, ‘Death’s Game’ makes me rather uneasy. Although I’m not dissuading anyone from watching it, as it’s a show that warrants individual judgment, I would advise against viewing it for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Death’s Game on Wikipedia and MyDramaList