The Netflix series ‘The 8 Show’ has captivated audiences by depicting the intense struggle of eight individuals trapped in a vertically divided, class-representative space, where they must battle for an ever-increasing prize, showcasing the brutal reality of the class system and human nature. However, some critics argue that the show bears a strong resemblance to other movies and dramas, such as ‘Squid Game,’ due to its similar premise.
Since its release on May. 17, the Netflix series The 8 Show, which features protagonists who participate in a mysterious show to win prize money due to financial difficulties, has become a hit, ranking first domestically and second globally.
The show also topped the ‘WatchaPedia Hot 10′, a ranking compiled by Watcha based on domestic online video service (OTT) content, newly released movies, and TV dramas, using major portal trend indicators in Korea.
‘The 8 Show’ chronicles the two and a half months of struggle faced by eight individuals trapped in a secretive space divided into eight floors. As time progresses, the prize money each participant can take home increases indefinitely, driving them to continue the show despite losing their humanity.
The theme, overall story flow, characters’ uniforms, and the contrast between the show’s brutality and its charming set design evoke comparisons to one of Netflix’s biggest hits, ‘Squid Game’. However, unlike Squid Game, where the game ends when a participant dies, The 8 Show continues solely based on the participants’ capabilities, with no hosts or organizers involved.
A significant difference between The 8 Show and Squid Game is its stark depiction of the class system in Korea through the eight-floor structure. This aspect also brings to mind Bong Joon-ho’s film ‘Snowpiercer’, but in a vertical layout: the tail section is represented by the first floor, while the luxurious front section of the train corresponds to the eighth floor.
Director Han Jae-rim, known for films like “The Face Reader” and “The King,” makes his debut in a Netflix series with The 8 Show. He stated, “Through ‘The 8 Show,’ I wanted to move beyond a simple good vs. evil structure and reveal the various facets of humanity within different interests.” For instance, while people feel sorry for the first-floor resident, they also dump their waste in his room. The middle class, who extend their time by exploiting the labor and sacrifices of the lower floors while siding with the upper floors, appear more realistic and cruel than any villain.
With the release of ‘Squid Game 2′ approaching later this year, it seems difficult to avoid comparisons despite Director Han’s insistence that the 8 show is different. The show has received mixed reviews, with some criticizing its slow start and lackluster ending. One wonders if it would have been better not to insist on an eight-episode format for a tighter narrative and more tension.
However, the performances of the actors driving the story, including Ryu Jun-yeol (third floor), Chun Woo-hee (eighth floor), Park Jung-min (seventh floor), Lee Yeol-eum (fourth floor), Park Hae-joon (sixth floor), Lee Joo-young (second floor), Moon Jung-hee (fifth floor), and Bae Sung-woo (first floor), leave a lasting impression even after the show ends.
