Top 6 Must-Watch K-Dramas During the Wait for Hellbound Season 2

The highly anticipated second season of Hell Bound is scheduled to launch on Netflix on October 25, 2024. This season kicked off at the esteemed 29th Busan International Film Festival. Under the direction of Yeon Sang-ho, known for Train to Busan, the series delves deeper into its central theme, examining complex moral questions.

The narrative picks up with the character Jung Jinsu, portrayed by Kim Sung-cheol. This season is marked by a whirlwind of confusion and disorder. After enduring torment in hell, Jinsu returns to a world now governed by a new reality, where he discovers that his friends have been reincarnated.

Hell Bound, based on a webtoon created by Yeon and Choi, explores societal anxieties and introduces a new belief system steeped in dark themes. Yeon describes the plot as an adventure through a realm shaped by individuals facing their fears and uncertainties. The introduction of monstrous entities adds a horrific twist to the drama.

Similar Series to Check Out While Awaiting Hell Bound Season 2

Here are some select shows to enjoy while waiting for the arrival of Hell Bound season 2:

• Sweet Home
• Tale of Nine-Tailed
• Gyeongsang Creature
• Parasyte: The Grey
• Duty After School
• The School Nurse Files

1) Sweet Home (2020)

Cast: Song Kang, Go Min-si, Go Youn-jung

Available on: Netflix

Based on the webtoon by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, Sweet Home is perfect for binge-watching until the premiere of Hell Bound season 2. The story unfolds within the crumbling walls of Green Home Mansion, where a group of tenants must confront an array of monsters.

The tale kicks off with Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang), a socially withdrawn high schooler who descends into deep despair following the loss of his family. His life takes a darker turn when he discovers a plague that transforms people into horrific creatures.

Like Hell Bound, this K-drama examines the fears of the unknown, the intricacies of human relationships, and primal survival instincts.

2) Tale of Nine-Tailed (2020)

Cast: Lee Dong-wook, Jo Bo-ah, Kim Bum

Available on: Netflix

The Tale of Nine-Tailed blends fantasy and romance, intertwining the life of a Gumiho (a mythical nine-tailed fox) with the love interest of a human. The show delves into supernatural themes and explores elements of Korean folklore.

The plot follows a human journalist specializing in the paranormal who crosses paths with Lee Yeon, a former mountain spirit. The series is packed with unexpected twists, enhancing character depth as the story evolves. Though primarily a fantasy rom-com, the show’s mystical aspects resonate with fans of Hell Bound.

3) Gyeongsang Creature (2023)

Cast: Han So-hee, Park Seo-joon, Claudia Kim

Available on: Netflix

Set against the backdrop of 1945 during the Japanese occupation, Gyeongsang Creature is a historical K-drama filled with intrigue, monsters, and the will to survive. It’s an excellent choice to occupy your time before Hell Bound season 2 arrives.

The protagonist, Jang Tae-sang (Park Seo-jun), is a prosperous pawnbroker who teams up with Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee), who searches for her missing mother. Together, they venture to Ongseong Hospital amidst the chaos of war.

The creators expertly weave together World War II’s horrors with science fiction, delivering spine-tingling suspense that appeals to fans of Hell Bound.

4) Parasyte: The Grey (2024)

Cast: Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun, Kwon Hae-hyo

Available on: Netflix

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for his work on Train to Busan and Hell Bound, Parasyte: The Grey is a thrilling sci-fi horror series inspired by the celebrated manga Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki.

The plot centers around Jeong Su-in (Jeon So-nee), a supermarket cashier who unwittingly becomes the host of a deadly parasite during a rainstorm. Meanwhile, Seol Kang-woo (Koo Kyo-hwan) embarks on a ruthless quest to find his missing sister, transforming into a relentless parasite hunter, enriching the storyline with emotional complexity.

Su-in battles her tragic past marked by childhood trauma, but her journey is primarily expressed through stylized dream sequences rather than a standard character arc.

5) Duty After School (2023)

Cast: Moon Sang-min, Kim Ki-hae, Shin Hyun-soo

Available on: Viki, Apple TV

Another compelling series akin to Hell Bound season 2 is Duty After School, a sci-fi fantasy drama that follows high school students forced to combat alien invaders. Adapted from a webtoon by Ha Il Kwon, this series draws attention to the pressures of academic success intertwined with the realities of combat.

The Defense Department offers these students incentives, such as guaranteed college admissions, for enlisting in the reserve forces. The students soon find themselves fighting against enigmatic alien spheres that pose a lethal threat, echoing the themes of fear present in Hell Bound.

6) The School Nurse Files (2020)

Cast: Jung Yu-mi, Park Haeeun, Nam Joo-hyuk

Available on: Netflix

Adapted from Chung Serang’s 2015 novel, The School Nurse Files features Ahn Eun-young, a school nurse endowed with a unique ability to see “jellies,”supernatural beings that embody human emotions.

Wielding a toy rainbow sword and a BB gun, she battles the jellies that invade her school located near a cursed pond. Her interactions with Hong In-pyo, a teacher whose enigmatic presence enhances her abilities, add further layers to the narrative.

Though The School Nurse Files is primarily a horror-comedy, it resonates with themes found in Hell Bound, captivating audiences with its engaging premise.

These recommended shows offer similar themes and storytelling approaches, making them excellent viewing options while you await the release of Hell Bound on October 27 via Netflix.

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