Death's Game (2024) 이재, 곧 죽습니다 — Part 2
Literal title: Yi-jae, You're Going to Die Soon
Directed by Ha Byung-hoon, starring Seo In-guk as Choi Yi-jae, Park So-dam as Death, Go Youn-jung as Lee Ji-su, and Kim Mi-kyung as Yi-jae's mother.
Watched 26 - 27 November 2025 — 4 episodes (KISSKH)
(Beware of a MAJOR spoiler!)
*With a compelling storyline and great performances by the entire cast, I can totally understand the hype and love for this series. Part 2 is definitely stronger than Part 1. Part 1 has to build up the story first, where the first episodes and reincarnations are less interesting. But with the 2nd part everything comes together and we begin to understand how the stories are intertwined and how Choi Yi-jae uses the memories and skills of his former reincarnations to achieve what he wants. The plot is well written and cleverly structured.
*Episode 5 with the reincarnation of the painter/serial killer is very bloody and full of gore. Despite being a good episode, I was glad it was over. I love episode 6 with Oh Jung-se playing the 9th reincarnation, a righteous police detective.
*Whereas the 11th incarnation is a nice surprise, the 12th incarnation is a brilliant choice. It's only natural that Choi Yi-jae wants his mother to survive. Through her, he's showing a strong will to live. I found the final episode very emotional. When Yi-jae's mother dies in the chair with the camera zooming out and beautiful music swelling, I cried. It would have been a beautiful ending but it wasn't resolved yet and there was one more encounter with Death.
*Some online reviewers criticise this show and feel that it shames suicide; that it implies that suicide is selfish when you don't think about your loved ones. I didn't really see it as a commentary on suicide. I thoroughly enjoyed the show as a fantasy piece and found the way the reincarnations were interconnected very exhilarating.
*What to take away from this drama: Identity is what makes us human.
Lee Ji-su: "People are happiest when they can truly be themselves. In the end, life would be meaningless if you can never really be yourself."
Choi Yi-jae: "I finally came to understand that being reborn time and again as different people was all pointless if I could no longer live as my true self."
*This show really reaches its peak in the final stage. Such a satisfying ending!
*Lovely OST!