The story begins with the protagonist, deeply in debt, being offered a chance to play a mysterious game to win money. Despite initial reservations, the protagonist is forced to participate and is taken to a large room with 455 other players. The rules of the game are explained: the players will participate in six games, and the winner will receive a huge sum of money. The first game is a version of "Red Light, Green Light" using a giant doll, and the protagonist survives by using a clever strategy.
After the first game, 255 players are eliminated, and the remaining players are offered a chance to leave, but the majority decides to continue playing. The second game involves a traditional Korean game called "Pogee," where players must use a needle to crack a shape without breaking it. The protagonist chooses the square shape but fails to figure out the correct strategy.
The story then jumps to the third game, where players must form groups and participate in a game of tug-of-war. The protagonist mistakenly chooses a thug instead of a grandpa, who turns out to be a master of tug-of-war. The grandpa's strategy involves leaning back and waiting for the opposing team to get frustrated before quickly pulling them towards their deaths.
The protagonist's team loses, and they are given a bonus life due to "desperation" or "content" reasons. The story ends with the protagonist having one life left and wondering if they will survive the remaining rounds.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The protagonist is in debt and participates in a game to win money.
2. The game is hosted by men in red overalls with masks that have circles, squares, and triangles.
3. The Square Man speaks and explains the rules, stating that the winner will receive a huge sum of money.
4. The players are all in debt and the game is a chance for them to pay off their debts.
5. The first game is a traditional Korean game called "Red Light, Green Light".
6. The players are sent to a large room with a holographic environment that appears to be outside.
7. The players must reach a giant doll without being detected by the doll's spinning head.
8. If a player is detected, they are eliminated and a loud bang is heard.
9. 255 players are eliminated in the first round.
10. The remaining players are sent to a new room for the second game.
11. The second game is a traditional Korean game called "Pocky Game".
12. Players must choose a shape (circle, square, umbrella, or star) and use a needle to crack the shape without breaking it.
13. The players are formed into groups for the third game.
14. The third game is a tug-of-war game, where players are chained to a rope and must pull the opposing team to their deaths.
15. The players can choose to form alliances with other players, including a grandpa, an edgy girl, or a thug.
16. The grandpa is revealed to be a skilled player who has experience in tug-of-war.
17. The players who fail to pull the opposing team to their deaths are eliminated.
18. The protagonist loses a life but gains an extra life due to a bonus point.
19. The game continues with three remaining rounds, and the protagonist's fate is left uncertain.