Who this person was suddenly made sense to Zeno.
The Ninth Circle.
Who hasn’t heard of the show by now? It was a Bingeflix exclusive that originally came out in 2023. It was one of those shows that no one paid attention to in the beginning because the director didn’t have a hotshot reputation.
However, when the promotional period started kicking in, with blood and gore adorning each material, people naturally became drawn to its unique plot.
The Ninth Circle was a brutal survival reality series set in post-apocalyptic South Korea after a global collapse caused by environmental devastation and biological warfare. The population became even more concentrated in the 9 provinces and 7 metropolitan cities, each governed under a rigid resource allocation system.
In an attempt to reduce population and increase support from the rich private sectors, the government has curated a special game—the Ninth Circle.
Each region sends a group of individuals known as Desperates—those willing to risk their lives for the chance to win resources for their home city. Some volunteer, while some are forced to join due to the unhelpable circumstances of their cities.
However, what they didn’t know was they are going to fight to the death.
The Desperates are given code names: Numbers 1 through 100, and thrown into a sprawling, nightmarish complex, divided into nine concentric circles, each more horrifying than the last. The first circle tests physical survival in harsh weather and terrain. The second circle introduces food scarcity, forcing contestants to turn on one another. By the fifth circle, killing becomes the only currency for advancement—you don’t pass unless someone else falls.
The rule was simple. Only one person can survive.
The higher the circle, the more brutal the trials are. All of it is broadcast to the global public, who have become desensitized and obsessed. Betting syndicates form. Fan favorites rise. Killers become celebrities.
The prize is enough food, medicine, water, and fuel to sustain the province for the year until another game will take place.
The story focuses on Desperate #41, a soft-spoken man from Jeju Province whose wife is dying from lung cancer. He enters The Ninth Circle for her. He proves underestimated. Reluctant to kill—but always survives.
By the Ninth Circle, he’s not the same man.
He returns home as the hero of his province; however, it’s too late. His wife is gone, and his main reason for fighting and living has now turned to ashes.
What set The Ninth Circle apart from other domestic dramas was that it hit big across the globe. It wasn’t like the popularity of The Forsaken Prince, which was still considered niche. Instead, it became truly well-loved by the public despite not winning many international awards.
Its influence on global pop culture during the year 2023 was unmatched, and nearly everyone was talking about it for a good three months when it was airing exclusively on Bingeflix.
However, as much as it was loved, there was one flaw that everyone pointed out—the obvious cliffhanger in the end. For most of the viewers, it felt like a very complete show with a bittersweet ending.
– Why would they do something like that for the ending?
– But it was already so perfect!
– I will not be tuning in.
– That’s a lie. We all know we’re all watching it.
– The first season was too good for me to pass on it (well, except for the ending)
Desperate #41 was drowning in money from sponsors who loved his killing performance; however, it seemed he still wasn’t satisfied. In the end, it showed him applying to become one of the Desperates again.
And now, in the year 2025, it seemed that the second season was truly coming.
“Do you know this show?” Devon asked, making Zeno snap out of his thoughts.
“Yes,” Zeno answered.
Devon smirked and brought something out of his pocket—a calling card. “Well, this is my number. I never thought we would meet personally before I tried contacting your company, but here we are.”
“The Ninth Circle cast is almost complete, and all, I mean all of the new characters had auditioned for the roles. Even those from the first season did. However, I am giving you this grand opportunity to become one of the cast members.”
Zeno took the calling card and stared at it for a while. Yuan and Doha watched the interaction with an agape mouth.
Meanwhile, Jiwoo nudged Billy, who was laughing with his guests. “Billy, I think Mr. Yoon is trying to cast Zeno.”
Billy frowned as he turned toward them, confirming that the two were indeed having a conversation. He felt heat climb his veins.
The reason why he threw this party in the first place was because he wanted to impress Devon before his audition for The Ninth Circle. However, before he could even speak to him, he was already all over Zeno?
This was supposed to be his time to celebrate!
Meanwhile, Misha, who was also a part of the new cast, heard what they were talking about. She shook her head and downed the last of her cocktail before standing from her seat. She grabbed some money from her bag and placed it on the table, not wanting to be indebted to Billy.
She then walked away without a word and closed the door softly. “I really hate people like him,” she muttered, shaking her head.
“So, what do you say?” Devon finally asked.
Zeno let out a soft sigh. Of course, he couldn’t answer right at this moment. Devon chuckled and patted his shoulder. “I understand,” he said.
“You don’t have to give me an answer now. However, you can reach out to me using that number. We have a few weeks before the start of the filming, and the earlier you confirm, the better.”
Devon took a beer bottle and raised it into the air. “With you as part of our cast, I believe you can propel your career internationally.”
“So, I’ll be waiting patiently for your answer, Zeno Han.”