Get ready, CARATs and variety show enthusiasts! The legendary Korean escape room variety series, ‘The Great Escape,’ is making a grand return to TVING with a brand-new season in the second half of 2026, promising an even more thrilling adventure. And the biggest news for K-Pop fans? SEVENTEEN’s very own Seungkwan is joining the star-studded cast, ready to dive into the show’s famously intricate puzzles and immersive worlds!
New Faces and Familiar Favorites for ‘The Great Escape’ Season
On August 5, CJ ENM officially unveiled the refreshed lineup set to become the new team of “escape artists.” Returning to lead the charge are original cast members Kim Jong Min, celebrated for his “occasional genius” and sharp clue-finding skills, and Shindong, affectionately known as “Commander Shin” and “Shin Zhuge Liang” for his strategic prowess. They’ll be joined by veterans Kim Dong Hyun, Yoo Byung Jae, and Go Kyung Pyo, who have consistently impressed with their dedication and wit in previous installments, carrying on the legacy of ‘The Great Escape.’
Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan joins the cast as the youngest member and newest face of the series. Known for his empathy and outgoing personality, he is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the show, potentially adding unique perspectives and even more relatable moments of panic and triumph. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation to see how Seungkwan navigates the show’s notoriously challenging scenarios.
A Heartfelt Departure: Kang Ho Dong Passes the Torch
Perhaps the most significant change for long-time fans is the departure of original cast member Kang Ho Dong, who has been a foundational pillar and the charismatic heart of ‘The Great Escape’ since its inception. CJ ENM stated that Kang Ho Dong made the decision to pass the baton, allowing the franchise to embrace a new direction with its younger cast members. “‘The Great Escape’ has brought me immense joy and happiness every step of the way,” Kang Ho Dong shared. “I believe my fellow cast members and juniors, who have even greater imagination and wisdom than I do, will give their all to make this season a success.” He left the new team with a poignant piece of advice: “No matter where you are, there’s always a clue.” His departure marks the end of an era but opens the door for exciting new chemistry within the team.
The Enduring Legacy of Korea’s Premier Escape Room Series
For those new to the phenomenon, ‘The Great Escape’ is far from a typical variety show. Produced by CJ ENM, it first captivated audiences on tvN in 2018, running for four highly acclaimed seasons until 2021, establishing itself as one of Korea’s signature adventure variety programs. The franchise then saw a thrilling revival in 2025 with the TVING original spin-off ‘The Great Escape: The Story.’ The series quickly garnered widespread praise for its revolutionary approach to the escape room genre, setting itself apart with its massive, custom-built sets, intricate storytelling, and an expansive fictional universe that has cultivated a devoted, passionate fanbase.
Rather than relying on simple quizzes or mission-based games, ‘The Great Escape’ broke new ground by transforming entire abandoned buildings and large unused spaces into elaborate escape room sets. Intricately designed mechanisms, immersive production design, and detailed props created a cinematic experience that captivated both the cast and viewers. One of the show’s greatest strengths has been its interconnected storylines and unique world-building. Episodes spanning genres—from the terrifying zombie outbreak storyline ‘Apocalypse’ to supernatural exorcism-themed adventures, the time-travel arc ‘Time Mix,’ the mysterious ‘Evil Spirit Prison,’ and the larger DTCU (‘The Great Escape Universe’)—have all been meticulously woven together across multiple seasons. This serialized approach has made the program feel more like a high-quality genre film or an immersive video game than a traditional variety show, elevating the standard for Korean entertainment.
Anticipating Fresh Dynamics and Epic Adventures
Combined with the cast’s genuine reactions to unpredictable situations, moments of panic, and relatable comedic mishaps, the series has developed its own distinctive charm. With a newly assembled cast featuring the dynamic addition of SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan and an even larger scale promised, ‘The Great Escape’ now aims to build on that incredible legacy and deliver its most ambitious season yet. Mark your calendars for the second half of 2026 – this is one escape you won’t want to miss!
