The highly anticipated K-drama The 8 Show premiered on Netflix. Directed by South Korean filmmaker Han Jae-Rim, who’s famous for movies like The King and The Face Reader. The show has a really interesting concept: eight people who need money are locked in mysterious rooms on different floors of a building. They have to stay in these rooms to earn a big amount of cash, and the longer they stay, the more money they make.
However, they have to deal with tougher challenges to win. The show will follow their journey as they tackle these risky tasks. Now, let’s dive into the cast of The 8 Show on Netflix and see who’s who in the series!
What is The 8 Show Based on?
The 8 Show is based on Bae Jin-soo‘s webtoon series “Money Game” and “Pie Game.” Like Squid Game, it shows the harsh truths of capitalism and how it can hurt people, starting from those in power and spreading down to everyone else.
Advertisement In the story, eight people are stuck in a mysterious eight-story building. They must play a dangerous game where they can earn money as time goes by. As they face this risky situation, they have to make tough choices. The show looks at how the pressure to make money and succeed can push people to their limits. It shows how capitalism affects both individuals and society.
Ryu Jun Yeol as Jin Soo
Ryu Joon Yeol began his career in independent films like Socialphobia (2014) before landing a leading role in the hit K-drama Reply 1988, which became the highest-rated cable TV K-drama at that time. Throughout his career, he focused mainly on films, with successful movies such as The King (2017), A Taxi Driver (2017), and Alienoid (2022). The 8 Show is his first K-drama in three years, following his role in Lost (2021).
He has been playing Jin Soo, Character 3, in The 8 Show‘s cast. This will be his first Netflix Original series. After being defrauded and losing everything, 3 gets a chance to join The 8 show. With nothing to lose and a chance for a significant hourly wage, he sees it as the opportunity of a lifetime.
Chun Woo Hee as Se Ra
Chun Woo-hee has received many awards for her acting, including a Blue Dragon Award for Best Actress in 2013 for her role in Han Gong-ju as the main character. While she is best known for her work in films like The Anchor (2022) and The Wailing (2016), Chun has also appeared in several K-dramas, including Be Melodramatic (2019) and Delightfully Deceitful (2023). She is currently starring in The Atypical Family (2024) on Netflix.
8 is a free-spirited and unpredictable contestant who joined the show for both money and entertainment. Her nature and enjoyment add a unique element to the series.
Park Jeong Min as Philip
Park Jeong-min is a well-respected actor with a successful career. His big break came with the independent film Bleak Night (2011), and his role in Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet (2016) earned him many awards for Best New Actor. Recently, he appeared in Hellbound (2021) as production director Bae Young-jae and in the action crime thriller Smugglers (2023).
Park Jeong-min’s character, “7,” lives on the 7th floor and is the smartest member of the group, making him very important to their plans.
Park Hae Joon as 6
Park Hae-jun, whose real name is Park Sang-woo, started gaining success in 2014 with his roles in the office K-drama Misaeng: Incomplete Life and Doctor Stranger, where he played a North Korean official named Cha Jin-soo. However, his biggest success came from his role as aspiring director Lee Tae-oh in The World of the Married. This show is the most-watched cable K-drama in South Korean history.
Unlike “7,” who relies on brains, “6” prefers to use his strength to solve problems, which creates tension in the game.
Bae Sung Woo as Sang Gook
Bae Seong-woo started his acting career in musicals before moving to film and TV with the K-drama Conspiracy in the Court (2007). He has since starred in several award-winning movies, including Office (2016) and The King (2017). Bae Seong-woo will also appear in the new K-drama Light Shop with Park Bo-young and Ju Ji-hoon, which will be released on Disney+ later this year.
Unlike the other members of The 8 Show, “1” has trouble moving his feet, but he still focuses on how he can contribute to the group.
Moon Jung Hee as Moon Jung
Moon Jeong-hee started her acting career in 1998 with the stage play Blood Brothers and made her film debut in I Wish I Had A Wife (2001). After more than ten years, she gained success with films like Deranged (2013), Hide and Seek (2013), and Cart (2014), which earned her fame and several award nominations and wins at the Baeksang and Blue Dragon Awards. The 8 Show is her first K-drama in three years, following Times (2021).
Even though Moon Jeong-hee’s character “5” really believes in peace, the stress of the game makes her struggle.
Lee Yeol Eum as 4
Lee Yeol Eum, known for her roles in the romantic drama, has been cast as contestant 4, in The 8 Show. She started her acting career in 2013, but she is still a new face in the Korean entertainment scene. Her role in The 8 Show is her biggest so far. She is best known for playing Yoon Seol-a in Nevertheless, the ex-girlfriend of Song Kang’s character, Park Jae-eon. After the movie Urban Myths came out in 2022, The 8 Show is Lee Yul-eum’s first appearance on screen in two years.
4 is likable, practical, and known for her exceptional ability to understand people.
Lee Joo Young as Chun Ja
Lee Zoo-young, not to be confused with Lee Joo-young from Itaewon Class, is a newer face in the Korean entertainment industry. Recently, she played Joo-young in Believer 2 (2023) with Han Hyo-joo and Cho Jin-woong. Lee Zoo-young is best known for her role as police officer Song Hye-ri in the K-drama Live (2018).
Lee Joo-young’s character “2” serves as the voice of reason in the group, and her strong sense of right and wrong guides her actions in the game.
FAQs
Wrapping it up!
The cast of The 8 Show excited fans of the thriller series and became a Netflix hit. In the series, contestants spent 100 days in rooms with only concrete walls to win the collective prize. However, they encountered various difficulties along the way. As these eight individuals faced these challenges, the show promised a series of unfolding events.
Also, check: Your Guide to ‘Queen of Tears Season 1’: An Emotional Rollercoaster