The Devil's Plan 2 Episode 11 Controversy: Jung Hyung Gyu's Victory Sparks Massive Backlash and Fan Outrage

The Shocking Finale That Divided Fans

The Devil's Plan: Death Room Season 2 concluded on May 20, 2025, with its 12th and final episode, but the aftermath has been anything but celebratory. What should have been a triumphant moment for winner Jung Hyung Gyu has instead become a lightning rod for controversy, with viewers expressing widespread disappointment and anger across social media platforms.

Jung Hyung Gyu, known as Seoul National University's Song Kang from Tving's Transfer Love Season 2, emerged victorious with a grand prize of 380 million KRW (approximately USD 273,000). However, his path to victory has been overshadowed by intense criticism from fans who felt the season's conclusion was both predictable and unfair. The finale has sparked debates about the show's format, the contestants' behavior, and the production team's direction choices.

The controversy reached such heights that Jung Hyung Gyu himself changed his social media status to I'm sorry, acknowledging the backlash he received. This unprecedented move by a reality show winner highlights just how divisive the season's conclusion has become among the Korean entertainment community.

Jung Hyung Gyu's Controversial Victory and Arrogant Remarks

At the center of the storm is Jung Hyung Gyu's behavior throughout the season, particularly a moment that went viral on social media. During a strategic discussion with fellow contestant Choi Hyun Joon, Jung made a sarcastic remark asking, Can you do arithmetic? This comment was especially problematic considering that Choi Hyun Joon is a mathematics major from KAIST, one of South Korea's most prestigious science and engineering universities.

The moment quickly gained traction online, with viewers criticizing Jung for what they perceived as arrogance and disrespect. The irony wasn't lost on fans that Jung was questioning the mathematical abilities of someone who was clearly qualified in that field. Social media users began mocking Jung with variations of his own words, while others expressed disappointment in the condescending tone he maintained throughout the competition.

Despite his strategic prowess and ultimate victory, Jung's approach to the game has been characterized by many as overly calculating and emotionally detached. While these qualities may have served him well in the competition, they've also made him a polarizing figure among viewers who expected more sportsmanship and humility from the winner.

The Alliance Controversy and Unfair Gameplay Dynamics

One of the most significant criticisms leveled against The Devil's Plan 2 has been the dominance of certain alliances and the perceived unfairness of the game's structure. Jung Hyung Gyu, along with Yoon So Hee and Kyuhyun, formed a powerful alliance that many viewers felt had unfair advantages throughout the season.

The prison division twist, which split players into different living conditions, drew particularly sharp backlash from fans. Many argued that this mechanic created unequal playing fields and served more as a social control device than a legitimate game element. The prison team, despite featuring strong players like Harin, Justin, and Eun Yu, found themselves at a systematic disadvantage that made it nearly impossible for them to compete effectively.

Viewers expressed frustration that the prison matches, which were some of the most intense and strategic moments of the season, were worth only minimal pieces. This structural imbalance meant that no matter how well the prison team performed, they had little chance of changing their circumstances or competing on equal footing with the main living area contestants.

Yoon So Hee's Emotional Decision and Dating Show Accusations

Yoon So Hee, initially expected to be a formidable brain player as a KAIST graduate, became another target of criticism for her performance in the final episodes. Her emotional decision-making in the crucial final match, where she appeared to concede victory to Jung Hyung Gyu, sparked outrage among viewers who felt she had abandoned the competitive spirit that defines survival reality shows.

The relationship dynamics between Jung Hyung Gyu and Yoon So Hee led to accusations that the show had transformed from a strategic competition into a dating show. Comments like They turned survival into a dating show and Jung Hyung Gyu ♥ Yoon So Hee, well done flooded social media, expressing viewers' frustration with what they perceived as romantic considerations influencing game decisions.

Critics argued that Yoon So Hee's tendency to avoid direct competition and her apparent emotional attachment to Jung Hyung Gyu undermined the integrity of the game. Despite her impressive academic background, many felt she didn't demonstrate the ruthless competitive edge required for a show like The Devil's Plan, leading to disappointment among fans who had high expectations for her strategic gameplay.

Kyuhyun's Viral Moment and Community Backlash

Kyuhyun also found himself at the center of controversy, particularly after a viral video from Episode 10 showed him in conversation with Kang Ji Young about strategy and morality within the game. In the clip, Kyuhyun expressed conflicted feelings about the gameplay, saying, Even if I win, I think I'd be really angry at myself. I just feel like this is not really the way I want to do it.

Kang Ji Young's response, questioning whether they didn't feel sorry for eliminated contestants like Lee Se Dol while acting righteous now, sparked intense debate among viewers. Some fans defended Kyuhyun's moral stance, praising him as the kindest contestant, while others criticized what they saw as hypocrisy and selective empathy.

The incident highlighted the complex moral dynamics within the show, where contestants struggled between strategic necessity and personal ethics. Kyuhyun's comment that everyone has their own position made via a fan community platform further fueled angry sentiments, with some interpreting it as dismissive of the criticism he was receiving.

Production Failures and Directing Criticism

Much of the blame for the season's controversial reception has been directed at Producer Jeong Jong Yeon and the production team's handling of the show's format and narrative structure. Critics argue that the production team failed to create compelling gameplay mechanics that would allow for dynamic shifts in power and genuine competition.

The editing choices have also come under fire, with many pointing out that Jung Hyung Gyu's rude remarks could have been edited out but were instead presented as humor, which overshadowed his strategic advantages. This editorial decision contributed to the negative perception of his character and gameplay style.

Viewers have compared the season unfavorably to The Devil's Plan Season 1, noting that the first season managed to maintain tension and unpredictability throughout its run. The second season's predictable alliance dynamics and lack of meaningful consequences for prison matches created a viewing experience that many found frustrating and boring, leading to calls for significant format changes if the show continues.

Global Viewer Reactions and Long-term Impact

Despite the domestic controversy, The Devil's Plan 2 performed well internationally, earning a place in Netflix Korea's top variety list and ranking ninth globally in non-English TV content. However, the disconnect between commercial success and viewer satisfaction has raised questions about the show's future direction.

International fans have echoed many of the same criticisms as Korean viewers, with comments like The devil's plan first season was so good, how did they fumble the second season so badly and Devils Plan had so much potential but the status quo just never changed becoming common sentiments across global social media platforms.

The controversy surrounding The Devil's Plan 2 serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of maintaining quality and fairness in competitive reality television. While Jung Hyung Gyu's strategic mastery cannot be denied, the overwhelmingly negative reception of his victory and the season as a whole suggests that future seasons will need to address fundamental structural issues to regain viewer trust and enthusiasm.