Earth Arcade Quartet Heads on a Space Race
Geographically expanding into the scenery of Southeast Asia, Earth Arcade explores a carefully crafted conceptual alternate universe. Based on the explosion of reactions and posts, it’s valid to assume the show landed a high level of success with the audience (particularly resonating with the millennial and Gen Z generations).
This isn’t the first time that tvN, the broadcasting network that houses the reality-variety show, launched a program that weaves in a rather detailed plot. With unique characters, terms, and missions, the company builds a solid novel world that is grounded in the foundation of the show.
A short throwback plug here: just in case you didn’t know, Earth Arcade’s forerunner is New Journey to the West, a mascot of the network’s reality-variety series. tvN establishes a brand new genre in the entertainment world through the craft of an alternate universe featuring the appearance of the beloved Shin Myohan (신묘한). Ultimately, the success of this creative input seems to have been the main drive in initiating this production of a different world.
Earth Arcade is structured to concurrently emulate the high-action energy and vibrant spirit that one would find in an arcade. In parallel, the show outlines a descriptive conceptual backstory that involves the prime non-evil antagonist: Torong the rabbit.
To fully understand how the protagonist crew came to assemble as the Earth Arcade squad, it’s necessary to narrate the relationship dynamics between Torong and his employer.
So, here’s how the story goes: the Jade Emperor (옥황상제) owns an extremely popular rice cake shop called Space Rice Cake Shop (우주 떡집). The consistent growth in sales gives him immense joy, but this success story brings indescribable stress and fatigue to Torong, the sole employee of the shop. From making signature rice cakes to sending out deliveries, poor Torong is stuck in a rabbit hole of mass production and working overtime. The overly stressed rabbit is pushed to its limit; and so, the rabbit proceeds to travel to Thailand after wordlessly leaving a simple resignation letter addressed to its boss. Anger fueling up inside him, the Jade Emperor turns on Instagram Live and makes a public announcement to his followers offering a cash reward for anyone who catches Torong.
The alternate universe of Earth Arcade is where our brave souls join forces to capture the runaway Torong. Fully immersed in the digital age, Torong not-so-subtle hints of its location through Instagram posts (you can check out its account @arms_torong.ok). Ultimately, it’s up to the quartet to follow the footsteps of Torong and capture it at the right opportunity.
Earth Arcade Heroes Assemble
Although a rather unexpected combination of individuals make up the team, the Earth Arcade cast surely encompasses some of the most admired stars in one frame.
Lee Eunji, the oldest member out of the four Earth Arcade soldiers, takes on the unofficial leader role within the group. A comedian of eight years, the personality has expanded her realm into the general entertainment scene with appearances in mainstream variety shows like Running Man and I Live Alone. Lee Eunji’s specialty lies in exuding her charm even from a distance, which translates into overwhelmingly chaotic energy with time. Aside from her confident dancing, the entertainer strives to find the perfect window of communication alongside her Gen Z co-stars.
Oh My Girl’s main dancer and rapper Mimi joins as the second oldest member of the Earth Arcade cast. Renowned for her free-spirited character, Mimi embodies an optimistic mindset that furthers her lovely nature. It’s worth noting that the unpredictable yet hilarious answers she offers during the show’s unique games gave her the nickname “K-Mim” (K-meme) which stuck with her throughout the airing of the show.
Rapper Lee Youngji takes on the role of the third oldest soldier of the Earth Arcade squad. A rising icon of primarily the Gen Z mass, the star’s authentic representation of herself paints a sense of closeness between audience members and her public persona. Above all, this show strongly speaks on the fact that the epitome of an energizer is Lee Youngji––just see her vast energy capacity that is often used to overturn PD Na Youngseok’s decisions (which greatly helped the team get further than they originally were!).
The final and youngest member of the Earth Arcade cast is IVE’s An Yujin. A highly recognized and loved talent of the fourth generation idols, the multifaceted singer emits a refreshing sense of youth and energy. Through Earth Arcade, Yujin’s so-called idol persona loosens with the help of her castmates as she progressively gets more comfortable expressing herself. The star is not afraid to show off her competitive spirit and drive for success in every mission––especially when food is the reward.
A major reversal of this unexpected cast lineup stands as proof that the Earth Arcade quartet is extremely compatible with one another. The members’ wholesome interactions create an overflow of chemistry and many unforgettable moments filled with humor and/or emotions.
Capturing the co-existing contemporary and ancient beauty of Thailand, tvN’s original hybrid multiverse action-adventure variety show (quoting the official poster) Earth Arcade successfully finished its first season. Hopefully, there are more seasons to come––stay tuned! But in the meantime, check out the first season of Earth Arcade and enjoy your time in the beautiful land of Thailand.
Edited by Omani