Hellbound is Netflix’s latest hit from South Korea. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix
In the Netflix series Hellbound, giant demons terrorize Seoul to torture and kill individuals, and then carry them to hell. The sociological turmoil that ensues is even more intriguing.
These demonic incidents prompt public hysteria and religious fanaticism in the show’s universe. People claiming to have insights into what is causing these attacks are looked upon like messiahs, while conspiracy theories run amok, fostering more confusion, fear, and paranoia than the demonic attacks alone.
In Hellbound, otherworldly beings appear out of nowhere and condemn individuals to hell, spurring chaotic events that turn the world itself into a living hell. A new religious group tries to take advantage of the mayhem, while other citizens try to uncover the truth behind the supernatural occurrences.
The show’s literal overnight success comes as no surprise, as it was directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who directed another global phenomenon, Train to Busan.In the six-episode Netflix series, which gained critical acclaim in screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, and Busan International Film Festival, Yeon forces his audience to ponder topics like life and death, good and evil, crime and punishment, and justice.
Yoo Ah-in as cult leader Jeong Jin-soo. Photo: Jung Jaegu, Courtesy of Netflix
What Is “Hellbound” Based On?
The Netflix show is based on a webtoon, which Yeonalso co-wrote, and shares much of the same plot.Other popular K-dramas that were adapted from webtoons include Sweet Home, Itaewon Class, Nevertheless, and Love Alarm.
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The otherworldly beings in “Hellbound.” Photo: Courtesy of Netflix
Who Is in the Cast of “Hellbound”?
Balancing the eerie premise and terrorizing deaths is a familiar cast of South Korean actors.The series stars Yoo Ah-in, who viewers might recognize from the films Veteran and Burning, among other things. In Hellbound, he plays cult leader Jeong Jin-soo. He’s joined by Kim Hyun-joo (I Have A Lover), Park Jeong-min (Time to Hunt), Won Jin-ah (Rain or Shine), and Yang Ik-june (Breathless).
One of the characters in “Hellbound,” a live streamer and member of the gang Arrowhead. Photo: Jung Jaegu, Courtesy of Netflix
Will There Be a “Hellbound” Season 2?
Hellbound already has fans asking if they’ll get a second season. In an interview with VarietyYeon said that he and his partner Choi Kyu-seok would like to expand the Hellbound story through a webtoon first, before discussing possibilities for the show’s second season. Follow Romano Santos on Instagram.
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