This review may contain spoilers
A Thrilling Descent into Chaos
*Hellbound* Season 2 wastes no time plunging viewers back into its dark, morally complex universe where divine judgment and human corruption intertwine. This season raises the stakes, delving deeper into the mysteries surrounding the resurrection phenomenon while expanding its character dynamics in ways both shocking and exhilarating.The return of Jinsu (Kim Sung-cheol): His visions and ultimate transformation into one of the very monsters that once terrified humanity underscore the show’s central theme: no one is above judgment, not even the messiah-like figures they create.
Kim Jeongchil’s political machinations, in alliance with the government, form another key pillar of the season. His desperate attempt to maintain control over the New Truth by using Park Jungja (Kim Shin-rok) as a pawn adds a layer of intrigue and treachery.
Thematically, this season explores the devastating consequences of blind faith and power-hungry institutions. The New Truth’s “Resurrected One” plan, though initially grand in its ambition, becomes a symbol of their crumbling control. The demonic monsters serve as an ever-present reminder that divine retribution, though wielded by men like tools, remains uncontrollable and terrifying.
Meanwhile, Hyejin (Kim Hyun-joo) continues to act as the moral center of the show, pushing against the tide of corruption and madness. Her rescue mission for Park Jungja is one of the season's most thrilling arcs, showcasing her resilience and determination to protect the innocent, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The poignant moment of Jungja reuniting with her son provides a much-needed emotional reprieve amidst the chaos.
Director Yeon Sang-ho masterfully balances action, horror, and character-driven drama, creating a tense, chaotic atmosphere that builds relentlessly toward the finale. The introduction of new power players like Senior Secretary Lee, who manipulates events from the sidelines, adds political intrigue that complements the show’s exploration of spiritual fanaticism.
While the season provides plenty of answers, it also raises new questions, particularly about the resurrection and the true nature of divine judgment. The ending leave the future wide open for another chapter, rife with potential.
In short, *Hellbound* Season 2 intensifies its exploration of morality, faith, and the consequences of power, delivering a season that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. It masterfully intertwines human emotion with its dark, supernatural premise, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological and religious horror.
Theories I found good:
While Jin-su taunts Se-hyeong for wasting his last chance by trusting Jin-su, it is ultimately proven to be Jin-su who wastes his resurrection. He spends his second chance the same way he did most of his first life: selfishly, seeking a salve for his emotional pain without care for the pain he knowingly inflicts on others. Jung-ja’s declaration is its own kind of decree, as Jin-su realizes they are not the same.
Jae-hyeon may have a latent power, just as Jung-ja does.
What we do in this life—and how we care for each other—does matter. Even when Jin-su came back from hell, he feared he might still be in it. We create our own hell, individually and collectively, and even when there is a supernatural power also getting in on the game.
Stories have power, and Hye-jin is giving Jae-hyeon a good and true one. It is the kind of story that Jin-su was never told when he was little and alone. The kind of story Secretary Lee, the New Truth Society, or the Arrowhead would never bother telling because it doesn’t feed the kind of fast, uncaring power they are looking to grow. The kind of story Detective Jin Kyung-hun (Yang Ik-june) tells his daughter, Hee-jung (Lee Re), as she dies from cancer in his arms. Hee-jung lived most of her life under the thrall of Jung Jin-su and his empty promises, but it’s a family picture, a story of love, that gives her comfort in her final moments.
Was this review helpful to you?
Needed more
I thought this season would give us some answers and it would all culminate in an epic finale, but it looks like we need a season 3, since we're left with still, more questions.Even though there are only 6 episodes and the world itself is quite chaotic, somehow the pacing felt really slow. The scenes of riots or religious rallies have escalated from season 1, but they're exactly as you'd expect and it all gets a little repetitive once you've seen one. The scenes of people talking or debating each other go on for longer than I think is necessary, especially once their stances are already clear. Other than that, though, I do like the plot developments we get to see. I wish we got more of them and that they were more cohesive, rather than scattered throughout the show.
In terms of characters, I feel like the only one that truly captured my attention was Jung Jin-Su. The re-casting, although it does take some getting used to, actually works well. Kim Sung-Cheol does a great job acting in both his manipulative cult leader scenes, and also in the more personal, emotional moments where the show explores the character's trauma.
The other characters are recognizable if they were already established in S1, but for me they now seem more like representations of different aspects of human nature, rather than individual characters with stories that I could emotionally understand. There was one character story that I really did enjoy (the husband whose wife got wrapped up in religious extremism) but the way it was confined to a single episode made it feel like it was in its own bubble.
Overall, I still think the premise is really interesting, but I really wanted a bigger focus on new world-building infrastructure, like the resistance movement or on the researchers trying to figure out the origins of the monsters, the decrees, and the resurrected. Especially with the latter, it feels like we got left with "we are observing them but haven't found out anything," which is a good place to start but not a great place to end after 6 episodes. Addressing the symptom (society's spiral) is a really important part of this story, but I just wanted to learn more about the initial problem too.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
My hand are still shaking from excitement
This season really did deliver more than what i was waiting for. I was skeptical about the change of Yoo ah-in because of his important role. But Kim Sung Cheol did a great job. The whole show did not disapoint me in any way. They are certainly some points that i wished to be added like the origin of the monster (which i think we got a glimpse of it from jinsu's death) and why was all of this hapening, but not everythings needs answer. It's thrilling that way. From the start i knew we will get little to no informations on those monsters because the drama focused more on the battle struggle of humans believes than knowing the truth or taking mesure against those monsters. The ambiguity added more taste to the show. I Highly doubt there will be a third season. But if there was, I hope they will show us more of the resurrected abilities and if the child is normal or not.Was this review helpful to you?
The Human Condition
For fans of Hellbound season 1, season 2 may or may not impress depending on what you are looking for. If your aim is to find answers, then you might get some but it will leave you with more questions searching for the meaning of all the events. The point is that this is exactly what is happening in this dystopian world of Hellbound. Every person is either looking for an answer or trying to control the narrative in the form of religion or politics.There are 3 main groups. The New Truth, whose new chairman is not religious but simply seeking power. The arrowheads that are an extreme fanatical group that resorts to violence and extreme displays to prove they are the true believers. The third being Sodo. A group that lost loved ones to demonstrations and are now trying to protect others from public demonstrations. The third group is what HyeJin, the lawyer, is working with.
Season 1 left us with the return of Park Junja, the mother of two who had a public demonstration at her home in exchange for money and safety of her children. What season 2 highlights is the chaos that ensues in the world and every group vying for power over the people by trying to be the one that gives people the answer behind the greusome phenomenon of their new reality. And Junja ends up becoming an unwitting participant. Season 2 also depicts what the original chairman of the New Truth - Jung Jinsu, went through during his time in "hell". It is followed by his eventual return to the chaotic world. Though I truly miss Yoo Ah In (especially in scenes that were reshot), Kim Sung Cheol does an admirable job thereafter. From depicting confusion and panic to taking over control and manipulatinb others, we get a real insight into what made him a leader to begin with.
The director's aim is the viewers to try to imagine what we would do if that was our reality and this is where many viewers might end up feeling disappointed considering the long wait between the seasons. However, if you try to enjoy the show with the director's mindset, you might enjoy the journey more. The CGI is as good, if not better in season 2. The characters are interesting and quite realistic if you understand cults and how politicians work. There are some elements of horror and it did freak me out at times. I managed to binge watch it in a day but I needed to recap season 1 just because so much time had passed.
I am sure if we will get a third season but if we do, I hope we will get an explanation of the phenomenon and the new information that this season revealed.
If I had to compare both seasons, I would definitely prefer season 1 because it was something completely new and a treat to watch. Season 2 is a good watch as well but I am still looking to make sense of the series. I can't fault it on not being entertaining because it was despite it not giving me the answers I had hoped for.
Those looking to decide whether to watch or not, I hope this review helps. I would urge you to give it a chance to see some wonderful performances.
Was this review helpful to you?
Gigantic and visionary
Having the main lead changed was a very huge loss to the production, yet they were able to make up for it with some extravaganza stuff that is completely out of this world. An ulimate world building of complex systems with a full blown religious war that spans across the far stretched political spectrum. All the buildups that lead to the action sequences were perfectly executed in great cinematic techniques and how it plays out with the plot is just extremely clever. It is truly a visionary production for Netflix Korea, unbelievably intense from the start to finish without a break, a complete madness that will leave everyone speechless for sure.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It was the turn of events for me!
When I started watching the show, I wasn’t particularly excited. By episode 3, I even thought, Did we really wait almost three years for this? But then things began to come together. Episodes 5 and 6 were fantastic they had me glued to my screen!I haven’t read the webtoon, so for those who have, let me know if the adaptation is at least 85% accurate. I appreciated the way the show explores multiple characters rather than focusing solely on Jung Jin-Su. I had my suspicions about him since season 1,he was up to no good. Both actors portraying Jung Jin-Su did an incredible job. I've seen Kim Sung-Cheol in other roles, and he consistently impresses. You Ah-In is also an outstanding actor, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting his return as a better healthy individual.
I love shows that offer lessons. Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just say this: God and life do give second chances. Never lose hope in humanity, and always stay true to yourself.
Was this review helpful to you?
A reflection on society today
First I rewatched S1, as it's been ages since that came out. Sailed through it and enjoyed the watch all over again, especially knowing I could go straight into S2.Yoo Ah-in was a tough act to follow, but I have to say, Kim Sung-cheol, picking up the character Jung Jin-su, was excellent.
There was a flashback to a pivotal scene from S1, which obviously couldn't just be edited in, due to YAI's sad departure. His acting in that scene was excellent and I would have doubted it could be replicated.
However, KSC was so good, and must have watched it umpteen times, to recreate YAI's part so faithfully, as well as accurately.
The dark and somewhat depressing society that emerged from S1, is by no means any better in S2.
As humans do, the supernatural events that unfolded in S1 have been manipulated by groups, with leaders determined to make money and/or rule over others. (It is exactly what some do with religion now; use it as an excuse to murder, control and wreac havoc.)
Their 'laws' are contrived and as seen in S1, often an excuse to abuse power, bully and use violence against others.
It is sickening how those groups, including the government, spout 💩 about sins and damnation, when they themselves are the most guilty.
The drama's Director has said he's used the drama as a vehicle to send a message about the state of today's society (he's not wrong, either, with how in S Korea for example, K-nutz judge, slander and even drive some to take their own lives).
The shocking 'Decree' given towards the end of S1, together with Jung Jin-su's revelation, and the new twist of resurrection, changes everything.
Groups fight for power as they also have different stances on what to do about resurrection.
Many characters are present from S1, but the dynamics have altered considerably.
It's a bumpy, sometimes confusing, and violent, frustrating ride.
A gripping watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
Nhé...
Não sei o que falar dessa temporada. A primeira temporada trouxe uma série de elementos muitos interesantes para a trama além de deixar um cliffhanger interessante. Mas nessa segunda temporada, para mim foi uma série de situações as quais não tinham relação com a primeira temporada. Personagem que era importantes anteriormente aqui foram jogados de escanteio, além de não dar nenhuma explicação do que aconteceu depois desse pulo temporal de 8 ANOS. Vi diversos comentários falando que o importante é os aspectos da manipulação social, mas do que adianta focar o enredo da trama nisso se não mostra nenhum aspecto dessa influência e manipulação na sociedade e na política desde seu inicio, as mudancas que esta gerou. Apenas se faz entender que a sociedade esta dividida e com medo, mas não mostra o porquê disso. O cliffhanger dessa temporada era dedutível desde o princípio, não me pegou de forma alguma. Resumindo, não sei se a série possui novos elementos a serem abordados em uma 3 temporada, deixou muito a desejar.Was this review helpful to you?
Niche
Season 1 was really great.In season 2, I think a lot of people expected some explanation. I think the creators intentionally left questions unanswered. Philosophical show, yes. Although I like that idea, I think the show lacks entertainment value for ordinary audience like me who needs to be tickled to fully appreciate the message.
While I applaud the brilliant premise, the show should have balanced the intentions of creators with the expectation from viewers. This has become pretty niche that only fans of cosmic genre will rave about, thus limiting its reach and seemingly failing at its purpose of imparting its philosophical message to wider audience.
Also, I wish there were more scenes with Min Hye Jin and the baby (now a cute toddler) just to soften the show, as there are a bunch of baddies and craziness almost the entire show. Min Hye-Jin and Park Jung-ja have very limited scenes you would think they were just supporting roles. The creators could have shown them more. as many fans of the first season attached the series to those characters. Bringing in new characters is fine, but they are given much more focus than those two main characters who only appear sporadically throughout the show.
Can't really help but sigh... I guess the creators opted for a different route deliberately to not satisfy the viewers.
Still, I am hoping for season 3. This series has great premise and potential. I still have hope that this can really be a philosophical masterpiece viewers can relate to if the succeeding season/s deliver.
Was this review helpful to you?
Two religious sects fighting for divine power!
finished 8/10 ✨💞In general it followed the same line of the first season, Kim Sung Cheol did a great job although I admit that at first it was hard for me to get into the rhythm... the ending was super open, let's hope there is a third part... there was a lot of politics that's why I gave it this score, it bored me at times, I would have liked to see more special effects like in the first part but overall it is watchable
Last thing to mention but not least, the ending of Lee Re's character left me super bad, I didn't think I would cry with her 🥲
Was this review helpful to you?
Expectativas não correspondidas!
Criei uma infinidade de expectativas para essa segunda temporada, e a frustração veio de forma quase descomunal. Imaginei que seria uma oportunidade perfeita para aprofundar a origem dos julgadores monstruosos e demoníacos, entender por que esses julgamentos começaram e explorar detalhadamente os pecados dos julgados. Queria respostas sobre se o arrependimento genuíno ou o perdão sincero poderiam salvá-los em vida. Mas o que recebi? Mais um drama coreano arrastado, com aquele ritmo tedioso e previsível centrado em seitas religiosas na Coreia do Sul – um tema que eles insistem em revisitar à exaustão.Ainda assim, devo destacar a atuação de Kim Sung Chul como Jin Su. Mesmo não sendo o ator da primeira temporada, ele conseguiu tomar posse do personagem com uma entrega impressionante, dominando cada cena em que apareceu. É uma pena que esse talento tenha sido desperdiçado em um enredo tão apático e desconectado das questões intrigantes que a série poderia ter abordado.
Perdi meu tempo? Talvez. Mas uma coisa é certa: este é um drama que me deixou sem absolutamente nenhuma vontade de conferir uma possível terceira temporada, hipotética ou não.
Was this review helpful to you?
Quem me dera voltar atrás e apagar isto da memória...
2 anos à espera... de nada!Desilusão. Se estava confusa com a primeira temporada porque não tinha explicações para nada, ainda mais fiquei na segunda! Acho que não trouxe nada à história (a não ser que estejam a planear fazer mais, mas é idiotice na minha opinião) e confundiram ainda mais o povo ao não explicarem as dúvidas que já existiam.
Acho que o facto de terem feito um comeback tão tardio (não bateram o recorde de 3 anos do Squid Game) contribuiu para a confusão que senti. Tive de ver um recap da primeira temporada porque, salvo raras exceções, não me lembrava de nada do que tinha acontecido.
Curiosidade: Fui dar uma espreitadela no webtoon... Não existe nada disto! A intenção do escritor era mesmo continuar com um final sem conclusão, aberto às hipóteses e conspirações dos leitores. Quem me dera que tivessem ficado por aí...
Conclusão: A nota já não foi grande coisa na primeira temporada, agora de certeza que desceu...
Was this review helpful to you?
