tvN's 'The Great Escape' is making a grand comeback, and this time, it's bigger and better than ever! With the addition of superstar Baekhyun, versatile actor Yeo Jin-goo, and fan-favorite Ko Kyung-pyo joining original members Kang Ho-dong, Kim Dong-hyun, and Yoo Byung-jae, the legendary escape room series is set to deliver unparalleled teamwork and thrilling adventures. Kim Jong-min, Shindong, and P.O. will not be returning this season.
Titled 'The Great Escape: The Story,' the show promises to elevate its signature out-of-this-world adventure to a whole new level. Packed with unpredictable plot twists and entirely new stages, it’s a must-watch for fans of suspense and creativity.
The series has captivated viewers since its 2018 debut, earning its place as a cultural phenomenon. Among its most memorable episodes is the 11th episode of 'The Great Escape 3,' titled 'Back to Gyeongseong 1,' which aired on May 31, 2020. This episode, featuring a time machine that transported the cast to a different era, remains a fan-favorite.
In this episode, the cast found themselves trapped in a bunker filled with safes, maps, and everyday items. They stumbled upon a dusty notebook containing world and Korean maps, leading them to suspect the bunker was from the Korean War era. Thanks to the efforts of members Yoo Byung-jae and Kang Ho-dong, they unlocked the bunker door and discovered a time machine inside.
The time machine took the cast to the Gyeongseong era, where they marveled at the recreated historical setting. Kang Ho-dong reflected, "The moment the door opened, it felt like a dream." The detailed set, a replica of Gyeongseong, was built in Sunshine Land, a filming location also used for tvN's 2018 drama 'Mr. Sunshine.'
Upon arrival, the members were captured by police and taken to the home of a resistance leader. There, they were tasked with delivering a letter to a contact at a café and ultimately met a key figure in the independence movement. With the help of a double agent planted within the Japanese government, they managed to escape via the time machine, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger captioned "To be continued in 2021."
The upcoming series will see a new directorial team, Lee Woo-hyung and Yang Seul-gi, following the departure of original director Jung Jong-yeon from CJ ENM in 2022. The cast includes original members Kang Ho-dong, Kim Dong-hyun, and Yoo Byung-jae, joined by newcomers Go Kyung-pyo, Baekhyun, and Yeo Jin-goo, promising dynamic teamwork and fresh chemistry.
Jung Jong-yeon, who spearheaded previous seasons of 'The Great Escape,' has since joined TEO, the production company founded by Kim Tae-ho. His departure led to the temporary halt of 'The Great Escape' under CJ ENM’s IP. Reflecting on the challenges of creating and showcasing a single IP, Jung noted, "It’s not just about the creative struggle but also aligning with platforms and securing approvals."