Tired of the same old, same old? Looking for a K-Drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat while also giving you food for thought? Well, look no further than Hellbound (2021), a series that does not just dip its toes into the dark waters, but dives headfirst into a bottomless abyss of horror and existential questioning. This is a spoiler-free review, but trust us, there is no need for spoilers when the show itself starts with a bang. Or more accurately, a blaze.

From the opening scene, where a nameless man sits in a cafe nervously watching the clock, you are thrust into a world where every second counts. As the clock strikes 1:20 p.m., there is a momentary sigh of relief, and then chaos ensues. Demonic beings descend upon the city, subjecting the man to a gruesome fate. But this is not just about horror; it is about what follows, the unraveling of society, and the question of whether we are all just one step away from becoming monsters. And if you need more convincing of how dark this series can get, the director is none other than Yeon Sangho, the mastermind behind Train to Busan. 

Based on a WEBTOON titled The Hellbound, this show is about more than just the terror of monsters. It delves deep into philosophical discussions about sin, retribution, and what humans truly deserve from a vengeful higher power. The story initially focuses on a group of seemingly unrelated characters thrown together by the emergence of these creatures. Detective Jin Kyeonghoon (played by Yang Ikjune) is assigned to investigate the deaths, a task that seems futile in the face of such supernatural carnage. Attorney Min Hyejin (Kim Hyunjoo) is tasked with defending a terrified woman doomed to damnation. Then there is Jeong Jinsoo (played by Yoo Ahin), a charismatic figure leading the New Truth Society, a cult that believes these creatures are a divine sign of humanity's deviation from the path of God.

As charismatic as Jeong may appear, his veneer hides the true toxicity of his beliefs, and it is in these moments when the audience comes face to face with his terrifying wrath. The wrath of God is one thing, but the judgment of man is another, and in the world of Hellbound, it takes mere moments for society to devolve into a state of hysteria, hatred, and religious extremism. In this new world, there is no room for shades of gray; you are either a sinner or you are not, and everyone believes you deserve to suffer.

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching aspect of this series is the plight of one damned sinner, Park Jeongja, portrayed brilliantly by Kim Shinrok. Her performance stands out in a show filled with impressive acting. Hellbound does not offer easy answers to the questions it raises. It is unapologetically merciless, relentless in its exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche.

So, if you are looking for a K-Drama to keep you up at night, a series that does not hold back, and a story that explores the depths of human despair and fanaticism, Hellbound is your perfect match. It is not for the faint of heart, and it does not offer comforting resolutions, but it is a gripping journey into a world where humanity's worst instincts are laid bare. If you are brave enough to face the darkness, Hellbound awaits you on Netflix. And if a second season becomes a reality, it seems the show's potential for unrelenting darkness knows no bounds. Happy watching!

Edited by Cara Musashi