Jung Hyun-kyu Breaks Silence on Seong Hae-eun Relationship: “We’re on Good Terms”

On May 20, Netflix released all 12 episodes of its variety series The Devil’s Plan: Death Room (hereafter The Devil’s Plan 2), the second season of The Devil’s Plan, which first aired in 2023. This new season is directed by Jung Jong-yeon, known for his brain-game-based shows such as The Genius, Society Game, Great Escape, Girl’s High Mystery Class, and Mystery Squad.

The cast was packed with high-profile names: former Go champion Lee Sedol — the only human to ever defeat AI AlphaGo, Hollywood actor Justin H. Min, KAIST graduate and actress Yoon So-hee, news anchor Kang Ji-young, entertainer and K-pop's known “brain” Kyuhyun, professional poker player Seven High, KAIST alum and model Choi Hyun-jun, and influencer Jung Hyun-kyu, who reportedly has an IQ exceeding Mensa’s measurable limit of 156.

After 12 intense episodes of mental warfare, Jung Hyun-kyu emerged as the winner. However, his gameplay received some harsh criticism in online communities.

On May 27, PD Jung Jong-yeon and Jung Hyun-kyu sat down for a joint interview at a café in Bukchon, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to share behind-the-scenes stories and reflect on the outcome of The Devil’s Plan 2.

The interview opened with a behind-the-scenes look from the production team, as the producer addressed media criticism and concerns surrounding the show’s contestants. The latter half shifted focus to prize winner Jung Hyun-kyu, who was asked about his gameplay, the backlash over his perceived poor sportsmanship, and his reflections on winning and competing in such a high-pressure environment.

However, much of the public attention centered on his relationship with rumored ex-girlfriend Seong Hae-eun — and for the first time, Jung offered a direct response after months of online speculation.

Jung Hyun-kyu Responds to Controversy — and Finally Speaks on Seong Hae-eun

When asked how he planned to use the prize money, Jung Hyun-kyu shared,

"I received the prize after the show ended. I haven’t made any specific plans yet, but I’d like to treat the other contestants to a nice meal. Also, since my actions may have caused discomfort to viewers, I plan to donate a portion of it."

He also reflected on his personal growth throughout the experience, saying,

"This experience made me reflect a lot. I realized I’m still immature and imperfect. I want to take some time to heal on my own."

Finally, when asked about his relationship with Transit Love 2’s Song Hae-eun, Jung offered a candid response:

"Hae-eun and I have been supporting each other and staying on good terms since Transit Love 2. Even though we received attention as a couple through the show, we didn’t want our relationship itself to become a product. That’s why we chose to protect it and keep it private. We never officially announced we were dating — we only hinted at it. Even now, all I can say is that we continue to support each other."

Jung Hyun-kyu and Song Hae-eun quickly rose to fame as one of the standout couples from the dating reality show Transit Love 2. Their natural chemistry and emotional journey on the show captivated viewers, turning them into not just influencers, but a full-fledged celebrity couple. They confirmed their relationship during the show’s run and gained massive popularity — both individually and as a pair. However, in recent months, the couple made headlines once again, sparking renewed interest and speculation about where things stand now.

The Devil’s Plan and the Future of High-Stakes Reality TV

The Devil’s Plan: Death Room has proven once again that reality television can be more than just spectacle — it can be a battle of wit, strategy, and psychological endurance. With its intense group dynamics, clever twists like the “Death Room” format, and a diverse cast of thinkers from across disciplines, Season 2 pushed its players to the edge and gave audiences a front-row seat to cerebral chaos.

At its core, the show isn’t just about winning — it’s about navigating alliances, reading people, and confronting one’s own flaws under pressure. For Jung Hyun-kyu, that meant not only walking away with the prize, but also with personal lessons in growth, humility, and self-reflection.

As viewers continue to debate the gameplay, characters, and moral choices made throughout the series, one thing is clear: The Devil’s Plan has carved out a space for intelligent competition in the realm of reality TV — and fans are already eager to see what mind-bending twists future seasons may bring.

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