As a lifelong student of world religions and their impact on society, I found myself utterly captivated by the South Korean series, Hellbound. Having spent years delving into the complexities of faith, I can attest that this show masterfully dissects the human psyche’s vulnerability to religious fervor and extremism.
**Warning: Major spoilers for Hellbound season 2 ahead.**
The much-anticipated return of Netflix’s Korean supernatural drama series, Hellbound, which delves into themes of faith, the afterlife, and the consequences of sin, has graced our screens once more following a break of three years on our streaming playlists.
Let’s analyze the key events, their outcomes, and potential implications for a hypothetical season 3.
In Season 1, we were introduced to a group of individuals inhabiting an alternate reality in which mystical beings known as ‘angels’ arrive to indicate when someone is about to pass away, with their destination being hell.
At the designated hour, three ominous beings known as Executors materialize, with the intent of brutally attacking the hapless individual until they are near death. It seems that following this assault, these entities extract what appears to be their soul, leaving behind charred remains.
As a cinephile, I find “Hellbound” intriguing because it shifts the focus away from solving the enigma surrounding these entities, and rather delves into the human response when they unexpectedly arrive in our world.
Additionally, it’s important to mention that while Season 1 does incorporate elements from the global landscape, its primary emphasis lies in depicting the responses of the locals to this extraordinary, supernatural event.
Hellbound season 2 ending explained: What is the mass decree?
Now, viewers understand that we’ve only witnessed resurrections and displays in season 2 so far; this marks the initial comeback of the ‘angels’. Interestingly, Lee Sugyeong is the first target, who has been tricking Kim Jeong-chil for the past few hours, unbeknownst to him.
Every individual is set to make a grand proclamation, condemning hundreds to eternal suffering according to their predetermined schedules, thereby potentially paving the way for a third season.
Different characters may resonate with us positively, negatively, or be brand new acquaintances. However, each of them will eventually journey to the same destination, though not necessarily together or simultaneously.
It’s a beautiful scene, but also chilling, as everyone from the good, the bad and the down-right ugly see themselves being sentenced.
The story concludes at that point, hinting at a fractured, further religiously divided world in the next season.
Although an official announcement is still pending, the dramatic ending suggests that we might expect Season 3, perhaps after some delay.
What happened to Kim Jeong-chil?
In stark contrast to the first season, which was more of an episodic journey, the second season unfolds as one continuous narrative. If you recall, the events of the first season took place roughly between 2020 and 2027. Fast forward four years, and we find ourselves in the 2030s, a world that has been irrevocably altered by the looming threat of hell. As a cinephile immersed in this captivating storyline, I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
In Episode 1, Kim Jeong-chil manages to maintain his position as chairman of New Truth, with Park Jeong-ja detained by them. She’s visibly shaken and speaks sparingly, but her ability to foresee deaths becomes apparent when she warns Jeong-chil about his impending doom.
In simpler terms, “New Truth” considers her as ‘The One Who Rises Again,’ and in this role, she is seen as the originator of a fresh set of teachings claimed to be directly from God. She is expected to echo or repeat these new teachings.
Additionally, he forms a tentative partnership with the South Korean administration, led by Secretary Lee Sugyeong, who skillfully convinces him of their mutual alliance. However, this seemingly beneficial arrangement eventually proves detrimental to him.
Currently, Min Hye-jin has joined a team that focuses on conserving and nurturing the rapidly multiplying Toughie species, all the while still offering assistance wherever possible, such as to Park Jeong-ja.
In my perspective, I’m diligently caring for my ailing daughter who’s bravely battling cancer, all while waiting for the reemergence of the ex-chairman from the New Truth organization.
Differently from Park Jeong-ja, Jung Jinsu appears almost ordinary, save for the recurring visions of Executors that manifest in mirrors. Unlike him, Jung Jinsu doesn’t seem to carry any recollections of hell. However, given the mystery surrounding his past, he can reemerge and make his way into the Arrowhead, with the intent to aid Park Jeong-ja in her rescue mission.
In the last episode, the rescue operation encounters several setbacks, unfortunately resulting in the demise of Kim Jeong-chil.
Amid the turmoil, numerous ethereal figures appear, their faces aglow, singing harmoniously, predominantly in female tones: these entities are often referred to as ‘angelic beings’.
What happened in season 1?
In Season 1, we were acquainted with various factions, among them was a religious group known as the New Truth. This group emphasizes justice as a fundamental teaching in their faith. Headed by Chairman Jung Jinsu, who is both composed and persuasive, this leader seeks to guide others towards comprehending God’s intentions and transcending their sinful natures.
Additionally, we have the Arrowheads, a militant group with strong ties to the New Truth, who eventually split off. This group is predominantly composed of young individuals who find great pleasure in acts of violence, often viewed as zealots. They believe in inflicting pain upon those they perceive as sinners, believing such suffering will send them to hell.
In conclusion, the police perceive the initially intriguing ‘demonstration’ as a heinous crime, and through Detective Jin Kyung-hun, we witness the transformation of society from curiosity about the mysterious event to fear and chaos as Korea evolves into a theocratic state.
One intriguing aspect of the success of this series lies in its exploration of religion, ranging from South Korea’s ancient shamanistic roots to its contemporary fascination with monotheism.
In that region, Christianity, specifically Protestantism and Catholicism, holds significant influence. Yet, there’s an impressive variety of emerging religious groups and sects that originate from the traditional Christian faith, even diverging significantly from typical large churches.
Instead of focusing on proving whether God exists and distinguishing between angels and demons in Hellbound, the story delves into exploring societal responses when people assume these entities to be real.
It’s widely accepted by both New Truth and Arrowhead, although they might respond differently, that there’s been an error in this crucial piece of information they received.
Furthermore, they each assert, in their respective fervent and alarming manners, that they are the ones privy to God’s design for condemning apparently righteous souls to damnation – whether by exposing their transgressions or capitalizing on religious performances.
In the initial phase of Season 1 (consisting of episodes 1 to 3), we witness Korea grappling with the decrees and protests, leading to the emergence of a group or movement symbolically referred to as “Arrowhead.” This initiative initially gains traction online on platforms similar to TikTok and Twitch.
Additionally, it highlights Park Jungja, a mother of two, who is presented with an official order and subsequently serves as a prominent symbol of public protest.
As the clock ticks down toward her inevitable demise, she finds herself pursued by two opposing groups who view her as a symbol of their warped ideologies. Despite this, Jungja is primarily concerned with safeguarding her children, and if participating in the first public show of solidarity means they’ll have financial security without her, then she’s prepared to do so.
In addition, we meet Min Hye-jin, initially acting as Jeong-ja’s attorney. However, in episodes 3 and 4, a time leap occurs, leading to her personal transformation and integration into a different group, one that aims to assist those considered cursed.
The initial storyline culminated with the disclosure that Jung Jinsu had been granted a decree long ago, prior to these events, and is now destined for eternal damnation; forcibly taken away, disappearing forever from sight.
The second segment revolves around a newly born infant named Toughie, who receives a proclamation immediately after her delivery. As the concluding episodes unfold, characters find themselves in a race to determine ways to save her life, while also grappling with the potential implications of this event on the long-held beliefs of both the New Truth and Arrowhead factions.
As a cinephile, I’ve always found it fascinating how religions evolve over time, and in this case, I find myself intrigued by the North Korean context. Originally, the concept of Original Sin, where a newborn is deemed tainted, wasn’t part of their teachings. However, this shift in doctrine has sent our new leader, Kim Jeong-chil, into a state of unease. You see, he’s not a real chairman yet, and the video of Toughie’s decree has left him and his organization reeling, grappling with the doctrinal ramifications that threaten to spin us off course.
The season concludes as Toughie’s parents selflessly die to protect their child, while an enigmatic event leads to the revival of Park Jeong-ja.
Hellbound is streaming on Netflix.
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2024-10-25 14:34