 |
| A poster for Wavve's survival show "Game of Blood 2" / Courtesy of Wavve |
By Woo Da-bin
Wavve's survival show, "Game of Blood 2," has become an instant hit, helping the local streaming service increase the number of subscribers. The second season of the reality competition show, which premiered on April 28, features 14 contestants from different backgrounds.
They are taken to a remote area in Bali, Indonesia, to play a series of games that require both intelligence and physical strength to win a 300 million won ($223,780) prize. On top of winning the games, they must play politics within the group to avoid elimination and become the sole survivor for the prize.
"Game of Blood 2" has defied expectations to become the most-watched show in Korea in the final week of May. It topped the over-the-top (OTT) drama category and the TV-OTT integrated buzz index, surpassing other popular shows like "Earth Arcade Season 2," "Heart Signal Season 4," and "I Live Alone."
The show's success has also been a boon for Wavve, which has attracted the highest number of new subscribers of any streaming platform in Korea in the second week of May.
Inspired by Korean YouTube channel Jin Yong-jin's "Money Games," the first season generated a lot of buzz with its constant battles of wit and unexpected twists. Building on this success, the second season continues to showcase fierce competitions and exhilarating viewer experiences.
Season 2 being set in Bali contrasts with season 1 which was shot in a studio. Despite concerns surrounding the fact that all the contestants had been on other survival shows before, which might lessen the challenge, the second season has been met with acclaim.
"The Game of Blood 2" features gripping content and social dynamics to keep the viewers engaged, as the contestants make or break temporary alliances or take on challenges alone depending on their situation.
Woo Da-bin (ekqls0642@hankookilbo.com) is a reporter at The Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times. This article, previously published in The Hankook Ilbo, has been translated as part of a news-sharing program.
