Netflix’s latest Korean drama, The 8 Show, premiered on May 17, 2024. The show, spanning eight episodes, is adapted from two webtoons: Money Games (2020) and Pie Games (2020).
Unique Characters in Drama and Webtoon
Money Games depicts eight participants in a real variety show, tasked with maintaining a total balance over 100 days to win a prize. Pie Games presents a similar scenario, with participants in separate rooms on different floors, each having a distinct balance. The game ends when the timer hits 00:00 in the Hall.
Character Comparisons
- Floor 1 (Bae Sung Woo)
- Drama: Bae Sung Woo plays a character with a leg disability, adding a layer of vulnerability and determination. His portrayal brings out the struggles and perseverance of someone dealing with a physical challenge.
- Webtoon (Pie Game): The character also has a leg disability, making the adaptation faithful to the original. The focus on his disability highlights themes of resilience and survival.
- Floor 2 (Lee Joo Young)
- Drama: Lee Joo Young’s character differs in appearance but retains the same personality traits. She is portrayed as resourceful, intelligent, and determined to win.
- Webtoon (Money Game): The character’s fate and personality are consistent with the drama, showing her as a strong and strategic participant.
- Floor 3 (Ryu Jun Yeol)
- Drama: Ryu Jun Yeol’s character is Floor 3, characterized by his cunning and strategic mind. His role is pivotal in creating alliances and manipulating outcomes.
- Webtoon (Pie Game): The character is known as Number 8 in Money Game, maintaining his clever and manipulative nature, but with different game dynamics.
- Floor 4 (Lee Yul Eum)
- Drama: Lee Yul Eum plays Floor 4, depicted as a resilient and resourceful character. Her determination and quick thinking are central to her survival.
- Webtoon (Pie Game): In the webtoon, Floor 4 is male, showcasing a different dynamic and character arc. The gender swap in the drama adds a fresh perspective to the role.
- Floor 5 (Moon Jeong Hee)
- Drama: Moon Jeong Hee’s character is akin to Number 7 in Money Game. She brings a mix of compassion and strategic acumen, influencing the game’s dynamics significantly.
- Webtoon (Money Game): There is no Floor 5 in Pie Game, but her character in the drama retains the essence of Number 7 from the webtoon, focusing on strategic gameplay.
- Floor 6 (Park Hae Joon)
- Drama: Park Hae Joon portrays Floor 6, known for his calm demeanor and strategic mind. He plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and navigating challenges.
- Webtoon (Pie Game): The character is Floor 5 in the webtoon, highlighting his tactical skills and leadership qualities. The drama adaptation stays true to his calculated approach.
- Floor 7 (Park Jeong Min)
- Drama: Park Jeong Min’s character is Floor 7, depicted as cunning and opportunistic. His quick thinking and adaptability make him a formidable player.
- Webtoon (Pie Game): In the webtoon, he is Floor 6 but shares similar traits of cunning and strategic prowess. His adaptability is a key trait in both versions.
- Floor 8 (Chun Woo Hee)
- Drama: Chun Woo Hee plays the most attention-grabbing character, Floor 8. Her portrayal is intense, and she stands out for her emotional depth and complexity.
- Webtoon (Pie Game): The character is Floor 7 in the webtoon, known for being strategic and emotionally driven. The drama enhances her complexity and emotional nuances.
As a fan of both webtoons and dramas, I find it fascinating to see how characters are adapted and transformed. The 8 Show offers a fresh perspective on the intense dynamics and psychological challenges faced by the participants. Whether you’ve read the webtoons or are new to the story, this drama brings a thrilling and engaging experience. The slight character adjustments between the webtoon and the drama add depth and uniqueness to the viewing experience. If you enjoy psychological dramas with complex characters, The 8 Show is definitely worth watching!