tvN's flagship escape room reality show, "The Great Escape," aired four seasons from 2018 to 2021. Produced by Jung Jong-yeon (정종연) PD, the series created a comprehensive "Great Escape Universe (DTCU)" with its intricate plots, cinematic sets, and expansive world-building. It garnered a dedicated fanbase and is considered one of Korea's most iconic escape room variety shows.
The series went on hiatus after Jung Jong-yeon PD moved to production company TEO. After a four-year break, the show is set to return in 2025 as "The Great Escape: The Story." The fifth season's lineup saw significant changes, with only Kang Ho-dong (강호동), Kim Dong-hyun (김동현), and Yoo Byung-jae (유병재) remaining as fixed cast members. Shindong (신동) and Kim Jong-min (김종민) were replaced, disappointing many long-time fans.
Early last month, Korean media reported that Shindong and Kim Jong-min were confirmed to return for the second season of "The Great Escape: The Story," raising hopes for a reunion of the original cast. However, when the official lineup for the new season was announced on the 5th, it confirmed the departure of Kang Ho-dong, a key figure who had been with the show for eight years. The news shocked a large number of fans.
The new season of "The Great Escape," set to air on TVING in the second half of 2026, will feature a new escape team comprising Kim Jong-min, Kim Dong-hyun, Super Junior's Shindong, Yoo Byung-jae, Go Kyung-pyo (고경표), and SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan (승관), embarking on fresh adventures.
The production team introduced Kim Jong-min as once again showcasing his deductive charm as a "key clue discoverer" and "intermittent genius." Shindong, known as the "genius captain" and "divine strategist," will continue to serve as the team's brain, leading members to solve puzzles with his keen observation and reasoning skills.
Kim Dong-hyun, with his excellent physical abilities, will be responsible for various high-difficulty physical challenges. Yoo Byung-jae will continue to analyze plots and organize clues, while Go Kyung-pyo will energize the team with his high level of immersion and enthusiasm.
SEVENTEEN member Seungkwan, joining "The Great Escape" for the first time, was described by the production team as possessing high empathy, strong affability, and excellent variety show sense, as well as being skilled in improvisational acting. Expectations are high for the new chemistry he will create with the other members.
Meanwhile, Kang Ho-dong, who was with "The Great Escape" for eight years, released a statement through the production team, officially passing the torch to his juniors. He stated, "Every moment of 'The Great Escape' was a joyful and happy memory for me." He then warmly wished the new lineup well, saying, "I believe this season will have colleagues and juniors who are more imaginative and wiser than me, and everyone will do their best for the success of 'The Great Escape'."
Finally, he left the show's most iconic catchphrase: "No matter where you are, there will always be clues." This single sentence instantly brought back a flood of memories for old fans, leaving many viewers feeling regretful.
News of Kang Ho-dong's departure immediately sparked heated discussions on various Korean online forums. Many fans commented, "I always felt like Kang Ho-dong was the soul of the entire show," "It won't be fun without him," and "Was it really his own decision? It's such a shame."
Other viewers expressed, "I loved watching Kang Ho-dong's exaggerated screams and Yoo Byung-jae's scared reactions. No one was as immersed in the plot as he was, and he even reasoned from the production team's perspective." Another added, "I just loved how deeply Kang Ho-dong got into character, especially with plots involving children; he always got particularly invested."
Many long-time fans exclaimed, "The show was even called 'Kang Ho-dong's Great Escape' at the beginning, and now he's leaving? I loved the Zombie Hospital episode, but now I suddenly don't feel like watching this season." Others asked, "Who will say the classic line 'If your body is weak, you must use your brain to compensate' now?" and "I started watching because of Kang Ho-dong in the first place."
Additionally, some fans questioned the official promotional methods, stating, "Didn't they say the original members were returning? Kang Ho-dong and P.O aren't there, making us happy for nothing. It really feels like dashed hopes." Another commented, "I never expected Kang Ho-dong to leave, so I'm even more shocked."
Some netizens even hoped for Kang Ho-dong's return as a special guest in the future: "Even if he can't be a fixed cast member, he could make occasional cameos, appearing like an NPC!" Others wondered, "Without Kang Ho-dong, who will shout 'Great Escape, great success!' and 'See you next week!' in 'The Great Escape'?" and "Kang Ho-dong didn't understand escape rooms at first, but he secretly went to play them to do his homework. Even if he was teased for hogging the spotlight, he always worked hard to make the show good. All the old fans know this."
