Netflix’s “The Devil’s Plan: Death Room” promised a high-stakes battle of wits, bringing together brilliant minds for a week of intense mental and psychological challenges. However, as the final episode dropped on May 20th, what viewers got wasn’t just strategic masterminds at play, but a fiery online debate centered on participants Yoon So Hee and Jeong Hyun Gyu – with many asking,
“Did they mistake this for a dating show?”
The controversy ignited after the finale, which saw Jeong Hyun Gyu make a surprising comeback from the brink of elimination. While Yoon So Hee initially captivated audiences with her sharp intellect and strategic prowess, her later performance drew significant criticism. Viewers accused her of making emotionally driven decisions and seemingly prioritizing Jeong Hyu Hyun survival over everything else, which some felt blunted her competitive edge in a show designed for ruthless strategic play.
Social media platforms quickly became a battleground of disappointment. Comments like,
“I used to root for her, but now I’m disappointed.”
and
“Why did she even join a survival game show?”
The most stinging critiques went a step further, drawing parallels to dating shows and questioning whether Yoon So Hee had fundamentally misunderstood the premise of a survival game. The sentiment was clear: this wasn’t about finding a partner; it was about outsmarting opponents.
This isn’t the first time “The Devil’s Plan: Death Room” has courted controversy. Jeong Hyun Gyu himself previously faced backlash for a dismissive remark aimed at KAIST graduate and model Choi Hyun Joon, questioning his mathematical abilities. While he issued a brief apology (“I’m sorry”) on his social media bio on May 14th, the incident highlighted a perceived lack of respect among some contestants.
What are your thoughts on the controversy? Did Yoon So Hee’s desire to protect Jeong Hyun Gyu ruin the game for you, or do you think the online criticism went too far? Share your opinions in the comments below!