Can one person's life become a microcosm of a nation's modern history?
The historical life simulation visual novel "General Jeon" launched a free demo on Steam on October 2nd, along with a new gameplay PV.
In the game, players take on the role of "Jeon Du-hyeok," born into a poor family, and plan his life from youth: studying, exercising, earning money, making friends, finding his place in military school, and facing choices amidst the era's dramatic changes.
From thatched huts, streets, and military school playgrounds to military factions and centers of power—this time, players must personally walk through this life spanning several decades.
The full version of the game is currently planned to launch on Steam on December 12, 2026.
Demo Available: Starting from the Birth of an Ordinary Boy
"General Jeon" is a visual novel × turn-based life simulation game inspired by modern Korean history.
Unlike stories that start directly on the political stage, the game turns back time to the protagonist's childhood.
No prestigious family background, no easily accessible future. The initial questions facing players might be very simple:
Study today, or work to earn money?
Exercise your body, or go out to meet new friends?
Limited action points mean players cannot have all choices. Seemingly ordinary decisions will gradually shape the protagonist's attributes, wealth, and relationships, returning to players in completely different ways years later.
Young Jeon Du-hyeok
The story of "General Jeon" does not stop at personal growth.
According to currently released game introductions, the protagonist's life will span several decades: from a boy in a poor family, to a military school student and soldier, gradually approaching that turbulent era.
In 1961, he needs to choose his position amidst gunfire;
In 1979, the power vacuum after the leader's assassination will once again push him to a crossroads in life;
Jeon Du-hyeok during Military School
Afterward, he may move toward the center of power, or due to some previously unnoticed failure, enter a life unrecorded by history.
"General Jeon" does not require players to strictly follow the historical path. The game offers various branching choices, leading to different alternate branches and life endings. Sometimes, one wrong step leads to an entirely different life.
History has its predetermined answers, but your fate may not.
Life Timeline
History records "what happened," while the game asks "why"
Besides changing fate, "General Jeon" also attempts to address another question:
If historical events are already determined, what can players still choose?
In some main historical plotlines, what players need to face is not "to do or not to do," but rather:
"Why did I do this?"
Life Choices
Genuine affection, or feigned intent?
Idealism, or opportunism?
Forced by circumstances, or prepared in advance?
These answers won't change history that has already happened, but they will affect how the protagonist understands his actions and change the meaning presented when looking back on the same events years later.
A seemingly insignificant thought in youth may only truly receive its response decades later.
Thus, when players finally reach the end of their lives, the game leaves behind not just stats, victories, defeats, and endings, but a more personal question:
"How did I become the person I am today?"
Jeon Du-hyeok's Unconventional Life
Korean Modern History Life Simulation in Korean Webtoon Style
Visually, "General Jeon" adopts a cold-toned, low-saturation Korean webtoon style, showcasing character growth through images at different ages.
Jeon Du-hyeok: From Youth to Old Age
The game extends from daily life, military school, and service experiences to a broader historical background, while also incorporating easter eggs and memes from contemporary culture, films, and internet contexts.
"Fifth Republic" Easter Eggs
For players familiar with relevant history and films, there may be many details recognizable at a glance; for those unfamiliar with the subject, "General Jeon" is first and foremost a life simulation game about "how one becomes president through their own choices."
If you are interested in historical themes, life simulations, visual novels, or multi-ending games, you can now experience the demo on Steam and add "General Jeon" to your wishlist.
One person's life is a nation's modern history.
How far can you go in this lifetime?