“Hellbound” is a film that revolves around the story of an organization that always spreads fear to people.
Just 10 days after its release on November 19, 2021, the work quickly became a global phenomenon, recording a total of 110 million viewing hours, topping the top 10 charts in 93 countries and territories.
Returning with part 2 after 3 years, the film continues the story 8 years later with a dramatic turn when Min Hye Jin (Kim Hyun Joo) - Sodo's lawyer gets entangled in the New Truth Society, the Arrowhead faction and the shocking revival of leader Jung Jin Soo (Kim Sung Cheol) and Park Jung Ja (Kim Shin Rok).
Ahead of its premiere on October 25, “Hellbound 2” has received attention from the media and audiences. The Korea Times expects the work to once again “fascinate” audiences with a more complex world and a richer cast of characters.
According to director Yeon Sang Ho, part 2 is like a “chess game with extraordinary individuals struggling with their own unique ideologies.
If part 1 depicts people bewildered by the sudden appearance of supernatural phenomena, part 2 depicts individuals facing a new situation: resurrection. The film tells the story of these people and those who seek to establish new principles.
The Korean director added that “Hellbound 2” will be a philosophical and morally complex expansion of the plot.
“For season 2, I wanted to expand this world, rather than just retelling the same story. Taking inspiration from the society around us, I wanted to create something new within the existing world of “Hellbound 1”. I also wanted viewers to feel the need to discuss the questions the film raises,” he explained.
Regarding choosing Kim Sung Cheol to replace Yoo Ah In, the director said that he was most impressed with the actor because his appearance was very similar to the character in the original webtoon. He was also attracted by the male star's energy on musical stages.
“I know this could be a double-edged sword, since different actors will be playing the same character in part 1 and part 2, but I feel like Kim Sung Cheol can do this role better than anyone else.”
Kim Sung Cheol himself also expressed confidence in bringing a fresh interpretation to the revived leader, focusing on capturing the character's ultimate suffering.
“I imagined the scene of enduring 8 years of constant torment and fear, and I wanted to portray Jung Jin Soo resurrecting as someone who still carries deep scars.
I tried my best to convey the voice and expression with the hope that when watching the movie, the audience will feel: "This is how Jung Jin Soo in the webtoon would speak."
Previously, YTN praised the Korean actor's performance. Korean newspapers commented that Kim Sung Cheol completely mastered his role when he focused on deeply expressing Jung Jin Soo's inner pain and fear vividly with engaging dialogue.
It is known that the ending of part 2 will be different from the original webtoon.
