Hellbound (South Korean Television Series)

Hellbound (Korean: 지옥; RR: Jiok) is a South Korean dark fantasy television series directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The series is based on the webcomic of the same name, which was written by Yeon Sang-ho and illustrated by Choi Kyu-seok. It premiered on Netflix on November 19, 2021.

Premise

The series depicts a world where supernatural beings suddenly appear to deliver prophecies, informing individuals of the exact time of their death. When the appointed time arrives, otherworldly entities manifest to execute the individual in a violent display. Amidst this phenomenon, a new religious organization known as the New Truth Society gains significant influence by framing these events as divine revelations. The narrative follows various characters, including those investigating the cult and those attempting to survive the societal upheaval.

Promotional image for the series Hellbound — Promotional artwork for the series.

Production

Hellbound is an adaptation of the webtoon Jiok, which began serialization on August 25, 2019. The television adaptation consists of six episodes. The series explores themes of social order, religious extremism, and human morality in the face of inexplicable terror.

Cast and Characters

The series features an ensemble cast, including:

Yoo Ah-in as Jung Jin-su, the charismatic leader of the New Truth Society.
Kim Hyun-joo as Min Hey-jin, a lawyer who opposes the influence of the religious group.
Park Jeong-min as Bae Young-jae, a television producer investigating the cult.
Won Jin-a as Song So-hyun, the wife of Bae Young-jae.
Yang Ik-june as Jin Kyung-hun, a detective tasked with investigating the supernatural occurrences.

Actor Yoo Ah-in — Yoo Ah-in as Jung Jin-su.

Actress Kim Hyun-joo — Kim Hyun-joo as Min Hey-jin.

Sequel

A second season, titled Hellbound 2, was released in 2024.