The Korean dramaThe Escape of the Seven(also known as 7ì¸ì íì¶ or7 Escape) debuted on SBS in September 2023 and quickly captured viewers’ attention with a dark, twisted tale of missing persons, greed, betrayal, and revenge. Spanning one season of 17 episodes and a second season titledThe Escape of the Seven: Resurrection, the series weaves a complex narrative around seven morally compromised characters connected to a tragic disappearance. With sensational plot twists, emotionally charged performances, and polarizing themes, this drama became both a hit and a hot topic among viewers.
Plot Overview
The Central Mystery
The story opens with the disappearance of a teenage girl, Bang Dami. Seven key individuals become suspects or accomplices in the incident. Each character harbors secrets linked to the girl, whether through ambition, manipulation, or blind loyalty.
A Twisted Game of Sins
At the heart of the narrative is Matthew Lee (Um Kijoon), a mysterious figure with a hidden identity. He orchestrates a deadly psychological game targeting each of the seven individuals for their sins: greed, betrayal, falsehood, distortion, incitement, envy, and indulgence. They are forced to both cooperate and deceive each other in a high-stakes quest for survival and redemption.
Main Characters and Their Sins
- Matthew Lee / Sim Junseok(Um Kijoon) A powerful tech CEO who was born as the true heir of a conglomerate. After plastic surgery he returns as Matthew, mastermind behind the scheme.
- Geum Lahui(Hwang Jungeum) Dami’s biological mother, a ruthless drama producer exploiting her own daughter to claim inheritance.
- Min Dohyuk(Lee Joon) Former gangster who becomes entangled in betrayal and survival politics.
- Han Mone(Lee Yoobi) Idol trainee whose deception spins out of control and devastates others.
- Cha Juran(Shin Eunkyung) A wealthy woman married to an older man who values status and money.
- Yang Jinmo(Yoon Jonghoon) CEO of an entertainment agency, manipulative in pursuit of profit.
- Go Myungji(Jo Yoonhee) An art teacher who spreads rumors to protect her own reputation.
Reception and Controversy
Ratings and Initial Buzz
The show premiered with strong viewership, topping its time slot and drawing over 6% national ratings, a hit for weekend primetime on SBS. Audiences expected another dramatic rollercoaster from writer Kim Sunok, famous for sensational series likePenthouse.
Criticism over Excess and Makjang Tropes
Critics and viewers soon voiced concerns about the excessive use of shocking elements teenage pregnancy, sudden births, child abuse, fake news, and violent scenes that many found unrealistic or distasteful. Reviews described the show as absurd and overthetop, accusing it of prioritizing sensationalism over coherent plotting and character depth.
Moral and Narrative Fallout
By midseason, many felt the drama had abandoned its initial revenge theme in favor of increasingly implausible twists. Script holes, inconsistent leadership among characters, and relentless morally corrupt behavior reduced viewer sympathy and engagement.
Season 1 Finale and Cliffhanger
Episode 17 Highlights
- Min Dohyuk narrowly survives as allies rescue him from a burning building.
- Spy apps and hidden cameras reveal Geum Lahui and Matthew’s conspiracies.
- Dohyuk and Han Mone expose the truth at a press conference, but Matthew nearly flees with fortune.
Ambiguous Endings and Next Season Setup
The season ends with Matthew escaping via helicopter, leaving behind some fallen allies and raising questions about whether Dohyuk truly died. A second season titledThe Escape of the Seven: Resurrectionis set to continue the revenge saga in 2024.
Thematic Depth and Makjang Style
Exploring Fake News & Power Dynamics
Though controversial, the drama attempts to highlight societal problems: media manipulation, exploitation within the entertainment industry, and systemic corruption. Yet many critics argued these themes were shallowly handled amid the constant chaos and sensational scenes.
Villains as Antiheroes
Rather than heroes, the seven are deeply flawed figures whose sins drive the story. Their alliances shift violently as each tries to preserve power, often betraying others to survive. This moral ambiguity is central but also leaves little room for sympathetic characters.
Why It Still Captivated Viewers
- The allure of twisted revenge: viewers were hooked by the initial mystery and clever plotting.
- Starstudded cast: performances by Um Kijoon, Hwang Jungeum, Lee Joon, and others were praised despite the harsh storyline.
- Makjang appeal: shocking twists and high drama drew viewers looking for intense storytelling.
Looking Ahead to Season 2
With the second season confirmed under the subtitleResurrection, audiences are curious to see how the survivors regroup, how Matthew consolidates power, and whether justice or further chaos will prevail. The sequel promises more elaborate deceptions and higher stakes exactly what the writer Kim Sunok is known for.
The Escape of the Sevenis an extreme example of Korean makjang drama full of betrayal, secrets, and sensational twists. While it succeeded in ratings and generated buzz with its dark premise and ensemble cast, it also drew controversy for pushing boundaries in ways many found excessive and illogical. At its core is a story about revenge and survival among seven morally compromised individuals. Whether seen as a guilty pleasure or a cautionary tale of overindulgent melodrama, the series left a strong impression. As its sequel unfolds, viewers remain divided some eager for more chaos, others hoping for a more coherent payoff.