A new competitive reality show from ViuTV, Dice World, has launched, featuring a dynamic lineup of Hong Kong celebrities including Jeremy Lee (MIRROR), Ivy So (COLLAR), Dee Gor [193] (ERROR), Jason Loi (ROVER), Sofie Ng, and Neo Yau. The program centers on strategic tabletop games, pitting the stars against each other in challenges that test wits, teamwork, and deception. However, the show’s debut has been overshadowed by persistent rumors surrounding the conspicuous absence of 193 from promotional events, prompting speculation about a feud with his management.
The initial buzz surrounding Dice World quickly shifted into a debate over its format, which relies heavily on dice rolls and gameplay strategy. Cast members were quick to address unavoidable comparisons to ViuTV’s highly popular, unscripted variety show Gau Zin. Sofie Ng quipped that the Dice World cast “might be more brainy,” while Neo Yau welcomed the controversy, stating, “All noise is good noise. If people scold me on social media, I’ll say, ‘Thank you.’ The two shows are entirely different in their approach and mechanics.” The participants stressed that Dice World is not a revamped version of its predecessor but a completely new concept.
Cast Dynamics: The ‘Village Idiot’ and the Master Deceiver
Despite the emphasis on cerebral gameplay, the cast unanimously designated Jason Loi as the show’s “weak link” or “village idiot.” Ng playfully mocked Loi’s perceived lack of numerical acumen, joking, “He’s incredible; whether his calculation is right or wrong doesn’t matter, only that he calculated with all his heart.” Ivy So found Loi’s reaction to being teased “adorable,” a sentiment echoed by Jeremy Lee, who referred to him as an endearing younger brother. Loi took the ribbing in stride, noting that while everyone aspires to be smart, he doesn’t mind the role and plans to leverage his ROVER bandmates for assistance in future episodes.
The intense, high-stakes nature of the games quickly shattered the idols’ polished images. Ivy So admitted her primary “baggage” was the fear of appearing unintelligent. “After filming the second episode, I had nightmares about being stupid, dreaming people would ask, ‘Can this girl even play? She’s so dense.’ That was my biggest nightmare,” she shared, adding that while she didn’t fear losing fans, being ridiculed by all of Hong Kong would be “a minor stain on one’s life.” Lee, on the other hand, dismissed any “godly idol” pressure, humorously stating he only suffers from the “nerve-wracking” kind of idol pressure.
The Price of Strategic Deception
The stakes in Dice World are not punitive, with winners receiving rewards, but the cast agreed that “making a fool of oneself in front of the entire Hong Kong audience is the true punishment.”
A major source of internal conflict was strategic deception. Sofie Ng revealed she developed genuine anger toward her co-stars after being tricked, holding grudges against Ivy So for two days, Neo Yau for a week, and Jason Loi for two weeks. However, she spared Lee, citing his good nature. Lee, whose quiet demeanor often hides his competitive edge, confessed to being a master manipulator. “Don’t be fooled by my appearance. This is my natural camouflage, and it’s very powerful,” he boasted, claiming he even managed to deceive 193. Yau confirmed Lee was initially perceived as the most honest, only to be revealed as the “greatest enemy” by the season’s end.
With the first season wrapped, the cast expressed nostalgia for the camaraderie and hope for the show’s continuation. Lee voiced a strong desire for a second season, ideally filmed overseas, suggesting a “Dice World travel group” would be a “very happy” experience. The program’s blend of celebrity star power, strategic intrigue, and emotional fallout appears poised to keep audiences engaged, regardless of the behind-the-scenes drama.
