Hellbound Season 2 Early Review: Kim Sung Cheol's takeover of cult leader role brings weighted energy to screen amid heightened plot complexity

Hellbound Season 2 has finally premiered and we are here with an early review. Read on to find out if the show is worth the watch.

Updated on Oct 25, 2024  |  06:54 PM IST |  618.4K
Hellbound Season 2 poster: Netflix
Hellbound Season 2 poster: Netflix

Hellbound Season 2 has finally premiered and just like the first part, it starts with a bang! The newest face of the series, Kim Sung Cheol, effortlessly takes over as Jung Jin Su, making it one of the most compelling season openings. With just the first episode, the show has managed to draw in the audiences for the long haul. 

  • Name: Hellbound Season 2
  • Premiere date: October 25, 2024
  • Cast: Kim Sung Cheol, Kim Hyun Joo, Kim Shin Rok, Hong Eui Joon, Yang Ik June, Lee Re, Im Sung Jae, and Lee Dong Hee, among others.
  • Creators: Choi Gyu Seok and Yeon Sang Ho
  • Number of episodes: 6
  • Genre: Thriller, Supernatural, Mystery, Psychological, Drama
  • Where to watch: Netflix


Hellbound Season 2 plot

Hellbound is set in South Korea between 2022 and 2027, where an unsettling phenomenon takes hold of society. An ethereal being, referred to as an angel, begins to appear, delivering decrees that foretell when certain individuals will be condemned to Hell. These prophecies can predict a person's demise within seconds or years. 

At the exact moment of the predicted time, three terrifying supernatural creatures arrive to brutally kill and incinerate the condemned in a dramatic and violent spectacle known as a demonstration. As fear spreads across the country, two organizations rise to power—the New Truth Society, a cult-like group, and Arrowhead, a violent gang—both exploiting the public's terror to tighten their grip on society.

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In the second season, chaos continues to escalate as hellbound decrees show no signs of stopping. Lawyer Min Hye Jin of Sodo, along with the New Truth Society and the Arrowheads, become even more entangled in the turmoil. This intensifies further when shocking resurrections occur, bringing back New Truth’s former chairman, Jung Jin Su, and another condemned individual, Park Jung Ja. These unexpected events deepen the mystery and unrest, leaving the characters to navigate a world increasingly driven by fear, power struggles, and supernatural occurrences.

Hellbound Season 2 strongest points

The best part of the series is that it doesn’t waste time beating around the bush, diving straight into the key plot points. The first episode opens with the return of Jung Jin Su, the former cult leader who died in a brutal demonstration. However, his resurrection is far from simple, as it reveals his journey through a unique hell that exposes the darkest aspects of his life. When Park Jung Ja was pressed about her own experience in hell, she described it as full of despair, especially her longing for her children. Could this imply that hell is personalized for each person, designed as a means of salvation rather than punishment?

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Another equally intriguing aspect of the series is the role of the child who survived the demonstration. As the only person ever to live through it, her survival has shaken the world and sparked new beliefs. But was she saved because she’s special, or was it the power of her parents’ love that protected her? This mystery is yet to be explored, and it could take the plot in an entirely new direction.

Hellblound Season 2 strong performances

Kim Sung Cheol had big shoes to fill, yet he did so effortlessly. The actor embraced the role of a formidable yet vulnerable leader with ease, balancing an intense presence with just the right amount of naivety needed for the character. As the remaining episodes unfold, it will be exciting to watch how he continues to develop his character.

Meanwhile, Kim Hyun Joo delivers an equally phenomenal performance. Her fierce spirit and commanding attitude light up the screen every time she appears. Yet she also reveals a softer side, especially in her interactions with the child. While others view the survivor as a weapon, she alone seeks to give the child the normal life she deserves.

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Moon So Ri, Lee Dong Hee, Kim Shin Rok, and others have also brought their characters to life in remarkable ways, building intrigue and heightening anticipation for the episodes to come.

Hellbound Season 2 losses

While it may be early to identify weaknesses in the series, one possible drawback is the large cast of characters, which can sometimes cause confusion. It becomes overwhelming for viewers to keep track of every character’s storyline.  Additionally, the plot occasionally moves too quickly from one incident to another without giving each moment time to marinate, leaving the audience little room to soak in what just happened. With so many shocking elements, a slower pace would enhance the viewing experience.

Hellbound Season 2 Early Review Verdict

The second season has successfully retained the intrigue of the first. While Season 1 established the premise, viewers can finally expect the answers they’ve been waiting for. With such well-built suspense, it’s only fitting that the revelations carry the same intensity as the buildup.

ALSO READ: 'Seokjin's love language': Top 7 heartwarming fan reactions to BTS' Jin's pre-release single I'll Be There's music video

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