Netflix’s popular reality show, ‘Devil’s Plan: Death Room‘ (also known as ‘Devil’s Plan 2‘), drew to a dramatic close on May 20th with its 12th and final episode. Among the standout contestants, model and KAIST mathematics graduate Choi Hyun Jun quickly became a focal point of discussion, especially after his recent Instagram apology following the finale. His handwritten message has shed light on the intense “scorching week in August last year” that shaped the participants and revealed unexpected layers to the show’s strategic gameplay.
Choi Hyun Jun’s reflection on the experience resonated deeply with viewers.
“That one scorching week in August last year meant everything to us. At times I cried, at times I laughed, and sometimes I came face to face with parts of myself I had never seen before,” he wrote, acknowledging the profound impact of the competition.
He further expressed his honor at sharing “such a vivid summer memory, perhaps the most intense of my life,” with the audience.
However, it was his humble apology that truly caught the attention of fans:
“I’m full of regret for not being able to show a calmer, more composed, and rational side of myself. But I think the other 13 players truly made up for that.”
This sentiment, initially puzzling to some, has now been clarified by a behind-the-scenes revelation.
Throughout ‘Devil’s Plan 2,’ Choi Hyun Jun was perceived by many as a key figure in orchestrating betrayals against fellow contestants, forming alliances only to shatter them in pursuit of victory. This perception led to him being “harshly painted… to be the villain” by some viewers. Yet, a recent discussion involving Choi Hyun Jun and fellow contestants Son Eun Yoo, Yoon So Hee, Jung Hyun Kyu, and 7High, exposed a critical piece of information: the betrayal had, to a certain extent, been pre-planned with the producers.
Choi Hyun Jun himself admitted,
“(The betrayal was planned from the beginning) but actually from the start… that was the plan all along.”
This revelation deeply affected contestants like Yoon So Hee, who confessed,
“That’s why I felt more betrayed. We had this huge fight there that didn’t even make the cut. Kyuhyun and I were arguing like crazy whether we should betray or not.”
She struggled with the guilt of a planned betrayal, only to discover she was being played from the outset.
“Watching it back, I was like ‘Why did I even care so much?’ If I had known about this situation, it would’ve been an easy decision,” she stated.
Producer Jung Jong Yeon revealed a crucial misunderstanding on Choi Hyun Jun’s part regarding the game’s rules.
“You’re misunderstanding something, Hyun Jun. What the host actually said was not that betrayal and lies would earn applause,” the producer clarified. He explained the true meaning of the host’s statement: “‘Even if your victory is built on ugly lies and betrayal, we’ll applaud you and reward you with the prize money.’ So say you win. But that win was built on lies and betrayal. Even so, we’ll still clap for the winner.”
Choi Hyun Jun’s shock upon understanding this nuance was evident.
“I kept thinking ‘I’ll get applause for betrayal! When should I betray? When’s the best timing?’ I kept thinking this. And then no one clapped… [Realizing what that applause meant] Now I get why,” he shared.
This newfound understanding has resonated strongly with Korean netizens and viewers, who now comprehend the timing and sincerity of Choi Hyun Jun’s post-finale apology. As one netizen commented,
“They were harshly painting Choi Hyun Jun to be the villain. Now I understand why he apologized as soon as the final episode was revealed.”
What do you think of this revelation and Choi Hyun Jun’s apology? Let us know in the comment section below!
