[Press Release] Inside the 'Hellbound' Universe: A Special Panel With Director Bong Joon-ho and Creators Yeon-Sang-ho and Choi Kyu-sok

One day after the release of the much-awaited "Hellbound - Season 2", a special panel talk brought three-time Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon-ho ("Parasite", "Okja") to discuss the Hellbound universe with the series' director Yeon Sang-ho and writer Choi Kyu-sok. Moderated by film critic Lee Dong-jin, the event attracted over 200 attendees and was live-streamed to a wider audience.

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A self-proclaimed fan of the Hellbound series, director Bong Joon-ho called it a masterpiece. "It almost made me feel like I was burning in hell myself", he said. He continued to express admiration for Yeon Sang-ho and Choi Kyu-sok's long-standing collaboration and their ability to create something remarkable.

As the universe expands, a solid partnership is key to keep the ideas flowing. Yeon Sang-ho shared insights into his creative process with Choi Kyu-sok, explaining how their discussions often lead to new storylines for the Hellbound universe: "When something worth connecting comes up, I start writing, then he listens to the script and asks questions".

Film critic Lee Dong-jin also expressed his awe at the expanded universe in Season 2, saying, "I was blown away by Season 1 and wondered what more there could be. The concept of resurrection brought incredibly interesting stories". When asked about the decrees, demonstrations, angels and executors in Hellbound, Bong Joon-ho noted that these terms, though short and straightforward in the Korean language, carry profound meaning and impact within the series. "When the demonstrations begin, you feel a mix of fear and adrenaline, wanting to see more while simultaneously wanting to run away", he explained. "It's like a sudden rush of blood".

The dynamic visuals of the executors in Season 2 are also generating excitement among fans. Yeon Sang-ho explained that while the executors in Season 1 were made by slightly editing one model through VFX, Season 2 introduces bold changes to show that there are many executors.

In line with fans' praise for the actors' performances, Bong Joon-ho commended their exceptional ability to bring the series' fast pace and drama to life. Choi Kyu-sok added, "Even though I drew the comics while considering many factors such as facial expressions and acting, there were so many elements I couldn't have imagined. As I witnessed the comic on screen, I was impressed by how certain lines were delivered".

"As a fan of director Yeon Sang-ho, I love Hellbound because it exposes the fear and weakness that people feel, and their efforts to break free", Bong Joon-ho concluded. "These themes are similar to why I make films".

"Hellbound - Season 2" is now streaming, only on Netflix.