If you told me at the start of the year that 2023 would end with me talking to a couple of Hallyu stars over Zoom, I wouldn’t have counted on it… but I would secretly wish it became true. And by some stroke of luck, it actually happened! While all eyes were on the Asia Artist Awards 2023, I had a date with Death…and Yee Jae–okay, not them, but the actors that played these unique characters in the new Prime Video series, Death’s Game.
In an exclusive virtual interview for Cosmopolitan Philippines, I got the chance to talk to Seo In Guk (from Doom at Your Service, Café Minamdang, and Reply 1997) and Park So Dam (from Parasite, Record of Youth, and The Priests). The two award-winning actors gave us a sneak peek into their experience in the anticipated drama. They also shared more about their personalities and gave us more than one reason to stream the thriller, STAT.
Lights, Camera, Reincarnation: What is Death’s Game All About?
Death's Game, based on a popular webtoon, follows the tumultuous journey of Choi Yee Jae, played by Seo In Guk, as he faces the consequences of controlling death. He thought he’d finally get a break as he ended his life after years of struggling and failing at his job. However, he ends up receiving a cruel punishment from Death herself, portrayed by Park So Dam. Reincarnated 12 times, Yee Jae must prevent the impending demise of others in a high-stakes game orchestrated by Death. Will he be able to escape death a dozen times? Tune in to find out!
While the lead actors are more than enough reason to watch the series, what makes it even more unique is the level of star power it’s bringing to the table. Death’s Game will feature appearances by Super Junior's Choi Siwon (Love Is for Suckers), Lee Do Hyun (Good Bad Mother, The Glory, Sweet Home, and more), Lee Jae Wook (Alchemy of Souls), Sung Hoon (Love ft. Marriage & Divorce), and Jang Seung Jo (Good Detective), among others.
You will also see young stars Go Yoon Jung (Hui Soo in Moving) and Kim Kang Hoon (who has played various child roles like young Jin Do Joon in Reborn Rich and Pil Goo in When the Camellia Blooms). Plus, you need to watch out for veteran actors Kim Jae Wook (Her Private Life) and–someone you’ll recognize from many great dramas–Oh Jung Se (Sweet Home, Revenant, It's Okay to Not Be Okay, and more)
The Off-Camera Charms of Seo In Guk
We asked Seo In Guk, known for his versatile roles, about his experience in portraying 12 different characters. He pointed out certain aspects of distinctive storytelling by Death’s Game. "Because my character is the one who goes through the 12 lives, it wasn’t too much that I had to study the characters, but they had to study my character because they were the ones I was living in," he explains.
"It was more about how I’m going to do the voice acting for them in a way that feels familiar and befitting the situation." In a game of death, where every life is unique, In Guk's favorite character is none other than Choi Yee Jae himself, followed closely by the mysterious Death. And if he had to pick one among the 12, it's the character played by Kim Jae Wook that stole his heart. “I felt like that character had the most charm.”
A Dark Yet Different Death Played by Park So Dam
Grim reapers and other characters personifying death are no strangers to K-dramas. Yet, Park So Dam brings a fresh perspective to Death's character. "This is the first time I played a non-human character who was righteous," she reveals. In Death’s Game, Death becomes a guiding force, making Yee Jae reflect on his life choices and the people he's left behind.
So Dam, captivated by Yee Jae's emotional journey, says, "All of the experiences and processes Yee Jae went through resonated with me very strongly. And I think the way I was able to relate to Yee Jae’s emotions allowed me to portray avcharacter who was the one who let him learn all of those things." So Dam says the well-written script allowed her to immerse herself in the role of a character guiding Yee Jae through his enlightening journey.
Who Would You Want to Be Reincarnated As?
In a lighthearted turn, we asked both actors about who they’d want to be reincarnated as. Seo In Guk, ever the optimist, answered, “If I had to choose, I’d want to be reborn as myself, really.” He admits, “First of all, I love myself very much and I’m very well aware of my strengths as well as my shortcomings. So, if I had another chance, I think I’d try to make up for all my shortcomings and be better at life."
Park So Dam has similar sentiments. "I’m not trying to be a copycat here but my genuine answer is that I’d also love to be reincarnated as me.” She reflects and expresses gratitude for another chance at life. “There’s a line in our drama that says ‘Humans die only once across a very long period of time,’ and you know how in life, whether it’s in the past or now, you have moments where you’re disappointed in yourself and feel moments of regret. I think if I were given another chance at life, I’d be extremely grateful for it, so again, I’d like to be reborn as myself."
Stream Death's Game on Prime Video Now!
Seo In Guk and Park So Dam have given us a glimpse into the complexities of their characters and the unique dynamics of the series. Get ready for an exhilarating journey through life, death, and everything in between, exclusively on Prime Video. The first four episodes of Death's Game are now available. Meanwhile, the last four are slated to premiere on January 4, 2024, so you won’t have to wait long for part two. Mark your calendars, drama enthusiasts, Death's Game is about to begin!
Watch Death’s Game and other exciting series with a Prime Video subscription at only P149 per month.
