New World: Dissolving the Line Between Dream and Reality

Netflix brings to its global viewers another Korean reality series. New World undeniably stands for the epitome of a perfect, idealistic world at first glance. But what if the world is not quite what is being imagined? 

Enter the New World

Released on November 20, New World encompasses a quite interesting dynamic of elements that shape the series into a dazzling and alluring work of art. Featuring a ravishing view of the ocean, the Netflix series owns a remarkable sight that strikes the viewers with a sense of amazement. Taking place on an island of, quite literally, impeccable character, New World gives way to a utopian world. Gorgeous, magnificent, and simply flawless, the stage of the reality show is a small island called Oedo in the city of Geoje. The location, already a popular tourist attraction in the South Gyeongsang province, not only resembles western architecture but various sections throughout it are dominated by beautiful botanical gardens, giving it its rightful title of Oedo Botania. The striking scenery is nothing but the start of why this Oedo Botania serves as the home of the New World: dream homes set to fulfill individual desires and the so-called luxurious life the contestants are aiming to live throughout their stay.

Just a few minutes into the first episode of the show, a noticeable strong resemblance between New World and Busted! popped up in mind, and sure enough, this instinctive hunch that lingered as a personal peeve turned out to be right. Producing director Cho Hyojin, also known as the creator of South Korea’s longest-running show SBS’s Running Man, meets once again with Company SangSang, which functioned as a supportive production company to Netflix shows Busted! and Twogether. First Busted! and now New World, the producing duo is narrowing into a more definite boundary, interweaving the virtual reality into the typical worldview dimension.

The show takes on the form of an unscripted series, which significantly characterizes its reality aspect. When coming upon every twist and turn caused by one’s action, the cast’s realistic reactions intensifies the curiosity among the audience who is waiting to find out the unpredictable end to the challenges and character developments. The cast is expected to be faced with competitions and missions throughout their time in the new world. Essentially, their main objective is to gather as much virtual currency as they can so that they can redeem the cash on their very last day at the utopian islet.

At this point, it is essential to note that the dichotomous nature of the new world is a direct yet natural way to engage the viewers. In the new world, virtual currency is the only way of sustaining a living and is the best way of multiplying one’s possession. Prized opportunities appear out of nowhere, but many prizes come with a price. The price requires obstruction of wealth, particularly of a targeted individual selected through voting by all contestants situated in the competitive games hosted by New World.

A Peek at the Cast

Now, it is about time to introduce the contestants who have captured the scene with their unbeatable chemistry and expertise and/or a knack for entertainment.

The all-around entertainer Lee Seunggi makes his appearance as the first New World contestant. With extensive experience in variety shows and games, his competitive nature moves him to approach and continue an undefeated streak of mission victories until he ultimately ends up as the winner with most virtual currency.

Eun Jiwon, a member of SECHSKIES, a beloved iconic first-generation idol group, joins his co-star as a cast member on New World. His strong impact as a player on variety shows like New Journey to the West and 2 Days & 1 Night directly transfers to the energy he puts in to manage his ways through the ups and downs of the utopia in the most clever way possible.

Superstar Kim Heechul of Super Junior shows up to get the winning prize after breaking through the challenges provided for him and his fellow costars. From being rich to hitting rock bottom with the very clear “0” in his banking account, it is quite interesting to see how the singer will take things to the next level and climb back up the ladder.

Renowned actress Cho Boah makes her mark as a motivated participant. Her wise decision-making skills and energetic nature peeking through amid the battle of the brains, the star contributes to the tension in the air that brings the cast to remain alert of their surroundings and work their way up to the top.

Entertainer Park Narae joins the crew on their journey in the islet. Her distinctive charm of humor and wit simply unravels the meticulous tension that surrounds all of the members; the star’s efforts to follow through with the ever-changing and transitioning time at the island is surely a sight to see.

Last but not least, EXO’s Kai garners attention from the public as a renowned idol member but also for his recognized charm as an entertainer in his recent variety show appearances. Further, his dedication and urge to reach the ultimate goal become extremely strong motives for the star to move on with the New World challenges.
Wrap up your 2021 cozily in your bed with New World. Witness the aesthetically striking view of the Oedo Botania––the very location of the utopian new world. Immerse yourself into the drastic give-and-take moments that the utopian islet demands from contestants. And last but not least, find yourself synchronized with the experiences of the cast (maybe even cheer on for one!) and stay tuned for the last episode reveal on December 11!