Dubai: South Korean director Yeon Sang-ho’s chilling paranormal series “Hellbound” has become a hot topic in Saudi Arabia, ranking on the country’s Netflix top 10 list for the third week in a row.
This success reflects the universal appeal of stories that explore complex themes such as morality, fear and power, and confirms the growing popularity of Korean dramas in Saudi Arabia.
Sanho spoke to Arab News Japan about his inspiration, vision, and the factors behind Hellbound’s resonance with international audiences, including viewers in Saudi Arabia.
Basically, “Hellbound” is a dark fantasy thriller set in the future in 2022. In the show, supernatural beings suddenly appear out of nowhere and condemn people to hell.
Sang-ho explained that his inspiration comes from humanity’s deep-rooted fear of random misfortune.
“Unexpected misfortune is something we humans often face,” he says. “There is no real reason or cause for such misfortune. That is why we cannot get used to it, and that is why we feel fear. The fear of such unexpected misfortune is the origin of this story.”
This theme resonates with musings on our shared human destiny and existential questions, making Hellbound’s terrifying world both haunting and thought-provoking.
The show delves into complex moral conflicts, including harrowing scenes in which parents witness the sentencing of their newborns.
Sang-ho explained his intention to explore the fragility and nobility of human emotions by forcing the characters into such impossible situations. The story’s juxtaposition of human frailty and the strength of parental love adds emotional depth to “Hellbound,” which leaves many viewers deeply moved.
The series also explores how ideological power struggles divide societies, a theme of particular relevance globally.
Sang-ho revealed that “Hellbound” is “more of an ideological catastrophe than a physical catastrophe.”
He added: “If Season 1 focused on how civilians deal with an ideological catastrophe, Season 2 sees certain unusual characters take this inexplicable ideological catastrophe into their own hands. You can see how it can be manipulated as an opportunity to promote philosophies. In the midst of this ideological chaos, various power groups push their philosophies to normalize the world and prove themselves. We are fighting for each other.”
Sang-ho shared insight into the creative process behind the iconic performers of “Hellbound,” grotesque beings designed to evoke humanity’s darkest emotions.
“The design started with the basic human shape,” he explains, and how these creatures symbolize humanity’s inherent aggressiveness and the tendency for the majority to overwhelm the minority. I explained.
This choice reflects a visceral fear that extends across cultures and borders, and touches on universal themes of judgment and condemnation.
Saudi Arabia’s recent wave of enthusiasm for “Hellbound” is part of a larger trend of Korean dramas gaining attention around the world.
“It’s great to see fans from all over the world overcome that barrier and really enjoy Korean content,” Sang-ho said, stressing the importance of creating stories that resonate with viewers from diverse backgrounds. did.
Sang-ho touched a universal chord with “Hellbound” and resonated with audiences not only in Saudi Arabia but also overseas.
