'The Genius' to find out the best of best

The cast members of “The Genius” pose at the press conference at CGV in Sangam-dong, Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of CJ E&M

By Kim Jae-heun

The reality game show: “The Genius: Grand Final” enters its fourth season, cable channel tvN announced Tuesday at a press meeting at CGV in Sangam-dong, Seoul.

In the Grand Final series, the top two contestants from each of seasons one to three will compete to be named the ultimate champion, and premieres this Saturday at 9:45 p.m.

The 90-minute game show started its first season back in June 2013. Each season has featured 12 episodes, where 13 contestants or “geniuses” engage in a variety of games. In each episode, one contestant is eliminated while the winners receive a red garnet that can be exchanged for money in the final episode.

“I want to achieve my second major win this season,” said former pro-gamer Hong jin-ho, the winner of season one. “Winning against strong opponents gives me confidence. I will be watching out for Jang Dong-min (the comedian who won season three). It will make me more comfortable if Jang is eliminated at an early stage,” Hong said.

Lee Sang-min, a rapper who won season two of the series, identified news anchor Kim Kyung-ran as a participant he hopes will win this season.

“Throughout season one and two, I only lost one time and it was to Kim,” Lee said. “She is the only person who defeated me, so I want to see her win this time. I hope no winners from previous seasons win the Grand Final.” Lee said.

Kim lost to Hong in the final stage after eliminating Lee in the first season.

Lee confessed that it was not an easy decision to join the final season that will decide the best of the best, because once it begins, he feels he must win.

“Sometimes I feel disappointed with myself or with other players. The Genius is stressful, but it also makes you to look back on yourself. I have already forgotten that I was the winner of season two. Every match will be a serious and I am already afraid,” Lee said.

Apart from the six winners and runner-ups of season one to three, seven spots will be filled by participants from previous seasons including contestants not from the world of entertainment.

Politician Lee Jun-seok and Seoul National University student Choi Jung-mun from season one and lawyer Lim Yoon-sun from season two will also attempt to claim the grand prize.