Hellbound (TV series)

Hellbound, also known as Jiok, is a South Korean dark fantasy streaming television series directed by Yeon Sang-ho, based on his own webtoon of the same name. The series explores themes of sin, justice, and religious fanaticism in a world where supernatural beings emerge to condemn individuals to hell at a predetermined time.

The series follows the chaos and social upheaval that ensues after these otherworldly figures, referred to as "Angels of Death," begin appearing to deliver pronouncements of damnation. These pronouncements are followed by monstrous creatures, "Executioners," who arrive at the decreed time to brutally kill and drag the condemned directly to hell.

Hellbound depicts the rise of a new religious group, the New Truth Society, led by Chairman Jung Jin-soo, who interprets the supernatural events as divine punishment for sinners and advocates for a more righteous society. The series follows both the investigations of detectives attempting to understand the phenomenon and the struggles of individuals facing damnation.

The series is characterized by its intense violence, morally ambiguous characters, and exploration of complex philosophical questions about free will, judgment, and the nature of good and evil. Hellbound has been praised for its thought-provoking narrative, strong performances, and its commentary on social anxieties and the potential for extremism.