- Coupang Play has introduced the series ‘University Wars’ featuring students from renowned universities engaging in a competition that puts the reputation of their respective institutions on the line. (Photo: a screenshot of Coupang Play’s ‘University Wars’)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – In a notable addition to its original programming, Coupang Play has introduced the series ‘University Wars’ featuring students from renowned universities engaging in a competition that puts the reputation of their respective institutions on the line.
Premiering on November 30, ‘University Wars’ gathers participants from institutions such as Korea University, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, KAIST, the Pohang University of Science and Technology, and even Harvard University. The series unfolds as these students demonstrate their cognitive capabilities through brain games, including tasks that evaluate mental arithmetic, deduction, and memory recall.
Conceived by Kim Jeong-seon, ‘University Wars’ intentionally omits elements such as alliances, bluffing, and luck, crafting challenges that force participants to rely exclusively on cognitive prowess.
Renowned industry veteran Jung Jong-yeon, known for producing hits such as ‘The Genius’ and ‘The Great Escape,’ is also releasing a new TV series.
Netflix’s ‘The Devil’s Plan’ is set to return for its second season next year, embracing a format reminiscent of ‘The Genius.’ Contestants, who reside together during the competition, undertake various missions that demand not only memorization but also problem-solving skills.
The success of ‘The Devil’s Plan’ is evident in its rapid ascent on the global Netflix rankings. (Photo: a screenshot of Netflix’s ‘Devil’s Plan’)
The success of ‘The Devil’s Plan’ is evident in its rapid ascent on the global Netflix rankings, securing the seventh position within two days of release. In South Korea, it claimed the second spot in the top 10 series within a single day.
Expanding the spectrum of brain-centric shows, Jung Jong-yeon is also said to be producing a new series titled ‘Mystery Investigation Team.’ The upcoming show promises a unique experience as a team delves into solving peculiar cases that conventional investigative departments find challenging. Notable figures, including comedian Lee Yong-jin, singer John Park, and singer/actress Lee Hye-ri are expected to make appearances.
Another favorite returning after a six-year hiatus is ‘Crime Scene’ an original series on the streaming platform Tving. The fourth season, dubbed ‘Crime Scene Returns’, continues with the formula of reconstructing actual crime scenes, with participants assuming roles as suspects and related individuals, actively engaging in solving the mystery.
Additionally, ‘Girls’ High School Mystery Class,’ a popular series on Tving, is gearing up for its return with ‘ Girls’ High School Mystery Class 3.’ The show explores a detective team unraveling hidden secrets within an elite girls’ high school. The cast includes traditional brainiacs alongside popular figures like YouTuber Kwak Joon-bin, singer ViVi, and comedian Lee Eun-ji.
‘University Wars’, ‘Devil’s Plan’, and ‘Girls’ High School Mystery Class’ (Image courtesy of Coupang Play, Netflix, Tving)
Pop culture critic Kim Seong-su commented on the evolution of brain-centric entertainment, noting that unlike traditional quiz shows, modern brain entertainment emphasizes building empathy. Viewers are drawn to programs that allow them to immerse themselves in the fun of participation rather than merely witnessing genius-level performances.
As brain survival programs continue to evolve into mainstream entertainment through online streaming services, the diversity of participants, including YouTubers, singers, and comedians, underscores a shift toward a more inclusive and engaging format. Culture critic Kim has emphasized that finding an appropriate difficulty level is crucial to ensure viewers can enjoy the games, highlighting the growing importance of relatable content in the genre.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
