Hellbound 2 Review and Ending Explained: Kim Sung Cheol and Kim Hyun Joo deal with cults, redemption, and fight against fate in the dystopian K-drama supernatural thriller

In 2021, Netflix captivated audiences with its chilling supernatural thriller Hellbound, a six-episode series adapted from a webtoon by writer-director Yeon Sang Ho. Set in a hauntingly dystopian world, the drama explores the extreme consequences of a society where human morality is held in the highest regard. The narrative unfolds as a mysterious figure appears seemingly out of nowhere, delivering ominous decrees that label individuals as sinners doomed to face eternal damnation. On their designated day of reckoning, these condemned souls are hunted down by colossal, greyish creatures that inflict torment before incinerating them to ashes. As these terrifying events unfold, fear permeates the fabric of society, leading individuals to reevaluate their actions in a desperate bid for survival. The resulting paranoia and dread spiral into chaos, paving the way for the emergence of a fervent religious sect that capitalizes on the widespread panic, illustrating the profound interplay between fear, morality, and fanaticism. The first season ended on a great cliffhanger. It created a space for a lot of theories, discussions, and guesstimates regarding what could happen in the next season. The questions were finally answered on October 25, 2024, when Hellbound 2 was released on Netflix.

The new season continued with six episodes like its predecessor. It took the story ahead by five years and gave us answers to some burning questions like “What happened to Park Sung Ja?”, and “What happened to Jung Jin Su?” In the fresh new season, we see the world more divided than ever. Anarchy seems to be on the rise for the Arrowheads have claimed a massive following amongst the masses. The lines between the right and the wrong no longer exist in this world. The only right thing is to side with the ones in power and play a role in their big, bad circus.

Park Sung Ja (Kim Shin Rok) is held captive by The New Truth after her resurrection. She has lost her normal capabilities to speak and function well, but she mutters random gibberish at times. It is later revealed that she can see a person’s death and that is what she used to mutter to anyone coming to talk to her. Min Hye Jin (Kim Hyun Joo) has taken a stronghold over Sodo and that faction has an agenda of its own. She undertook the baby who survived the demonstration. Lee Su Jeong (played by Moon So Ri) tries to make the best of the situation and turn the tide in her boss’ favour. The elusive leader Jung Jin Su also makes a comeback, literally from Hell. His appearance each time has only thrown the world into more chaos and it was no different this time.

As the story progresses, we see how each faction, despite proclaiming a ‘better’ and ‘highly moralistic’ agenda, continues to share one common goal – establishing abject control over society. No matter the promises made or dreams shown, each faction only cares to be in power. Everyone goes after Park Sung Ja, either to ‘keep her safe’ or to use her as a new weapon to terrorize society.

What truly turned the tables was the revelation that the baby who ‘survived’ the demonstration all those years ago was the very first living being to be resurrected. This raises quite a few questions again. We saw Jin Su and Jung Ja possessing certain supernatural abilities. But we are unsure of the talents this young toddler holds now. Hye Jin and the young girl ride into the sunset. Jung Ja’s prophecy of Hye Jin’s death has also not come true yet. The world around them plunged into chaos following multiple decrees issued simultaneously. There is a good scope for season three of Hellbound. As the world prepares for a new beginning, it will be interesting to see which new factions rise again. We can estimate that the story might take a two-year leap to coincide with Su Gyueong’s demonstration.

Season two of Hellbound takes the story ahead beautifully. It once again proves the fact that when a cult-like behaviour takes over society, it leads to theocracy or absolute anarchy. When Jin Su switched sides from The New Truth to the Arrowheads, it just became clear that all the morals he dictated in the past were nothing but a sham. They were simply the attempts of a cowardly man seeking abject power and dominance that feeds on others’ fears.

The story moves at a steady pace. The frames get darker and darker as the story gets more and more intense. Sometimes it does get a little difficult to see some action as it takes place, but that is the price we have to pay for indulging such a dark story. The cast embodies their roles with a finesse like never before. Some of them are stock characters which made some of their actions more or less predictable but at the same time, it adds to the interest to see how they would manage in the scene.

Writer Choi Gyu Seok’s screenplay keeps the viewers engaged for the entire episode. The plot devices are reserved for minimal twists and turns which keeps the plot running smoothly and the viewers’ attention on the actions unfolding on screen. Yeon Sang Ho’s signature style of horror sees a return once again. With the story here, we see that the makers are not just scaring people with gore and disfigured creatures. There is a true sense of fear that questions one’s morals and makes them spiral into a deep, dark hole.

The webtoon by Yeon Sang Ho which is the basis for this thriller drama is currently not being updated. It might be a long wait until we hear about season three of Hellbound. Until then, it might do us all some good to look within, and to look outward, and judge for ourselves – have we sinned today?

ENDING EXPLAINED

Hellbound Season 2 concludes with a mix of supernatural horror and philosophical musings. The series delves into the nature of good and evil, the power of belief, and the human capacity for both destruction and redemption. The central figure of the season, Park Jung Ja, returns from the dead with the ability to foresee deaths and the subsequent arrival of the “executors.” This power, however, seems to be a curse, as it brings with it a sense of impending doom. Jung Ja’s visions paint a bleak picture of a world on the brink of destruction.

Amidst this chaos, we witness the rise and fall of various factions, each with their own interpretation of supernatural events. The New Truth Society, led by the charismatic but ultimately misguided Jung Jin Su, struggles to maintain its grip on power. The Arrowhead, a fanatical cult, seeks to exploit the situation for their own ends. And Sodo, a group dedicated to protecting the innocent, grapples with its own internal conflicts. The season’s climax revolves around Jung Jin Su’s resurrection and his subsequent descent into madness. His return from hell transforms him into a creature of darkness, driven by a thirst for power and control.

In the end, it is the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit that prevails. Hye Jin, the unwavering protagonist, emerges as a beacon of hope, fighting to protect the innocent and challenge the forces of darkness. Her reunion with Jung Ja’s children symbolizes the enduring power of love and family. The series concludes with a message about the importance of empathy, compassion, and the ability to find meaning in even the darkest of times.

Also Read: Kim Sung Chul replaces Yoo Ah In in Hellbound 2; Kim Hyun Joo, Kim Shin Rok & more confirmed

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