Come join me as I discuss my feelings about Netflix’s latest drama Hellbound. Does it live up to the hype? Would I join a cult for Yoo Ah In? Do I recommend that everyone go watch ASAP? Come find out as I share some of my thoughts about the drama.

So, I am one of those people that is loving Netflix’s new habit of producing dramas and airing them all at one time. I know that most of my life now is simulcasting due to the blog and podcast. But binging is really the way I prefer to do my drama watching… I just don’t often have the patience to wait for a drama to actually be done before I hit play, so Netflix totally works for me. Which lead me to push play on its latest Korean show Hellhound starring Yoo Ah In. And unlike Squid Game and My Name, I was a lot more conflicted about my final feelings.

First, I want to say how impressed I was with everyone’s performance. Yoo Ah In as a messed-up religious/cult leader was so creepy, yet engaging. Yang Ik Jun and Kim Hyun Joo complete the trio of veteran stars that give Hellbound the gravitas to ground the story of mystical creatures that come and rip “sinners” to shreds when it is their time to die. Even when the drama unexpectedly replaces the majority of the actors with new characters halfway through, the quality of the performances keeps the story compelling.

Where Hellbound starts to lose my interest in the neverending rounds of death and bad decisions. I understand that Hellbound has a story touching on propaganda, religious zealots, and greed. How the common person is so easy to push into a state of mob paranoia, willing to do horrible things if they become scared. But sometimes this kind of show just doesn’t hit right.

I also suspect that part of my frustration was wanting something a bit more horror/action rather than a deep dive into the horrible depths of humanity. Yes, there was a glimpse of light at the end of the show but it was fleeting, and overridden by the unexpected cliffhanger, setting the show up for a season 2.

Now you might be thinking that I am telling you that Nay, you should not watch Hellbound. But to be honest, my enjoyment of this drama might have a lot to do with what is going on in my real life. So before you kick this show to the curb, go give episode one a try and see if it grabs your interest. Also, if you are looking for some really well-written in-depth discussion on the show’s meaning, go check the tags on Twitter. I read several really deep dives into the content and meaning that were amazingly thought out. Much deeper thought than I am able to provide at this time.

What did you think about Hellbound? Let me know in the comments and be sure to check back later this month as we review Netflix’s next big Korean hit The Silent Sea.

Til the next time I hit play,

Kmuse

Dramas With a Side of Kimchi