Anticipation Builds for 'Hellbound 2' with New Cast Members at Busan International Film Festival

The anticipation for 'Hellbound 2' has been heightened with the introduction of new cast members.

On the 4th, an open talk event for Netflix's 'Hellbound 2' was held at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan, as part of the 29th Busan International Film Festival. Director Yeon Sang-ho, writer Choi Gyu-seok, and actors Kim Hyun-joo, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Shin-rok, Lim Seong-jae, and Moon So-ri were in attendance.

'Hellbound 2' (directed by Yeon Sang-ho) follows the story of supernatural events where people receive decrees to hell from mysterious emissaries, and the chaos that ensues as the religious group New Truth Society rises to power, intertwined with those seeking to uncover the truth behind the events.

The new season features a notable change in the cast lineup. Kim Hyun-joo, Kim Shin-rok, Lee Dong-hee, Yang Ik-june, and Lee Re return from season 1, while Kim Sung-cheol, Yang Dong-geun, Min Hye-jin, Lim Seong-jae, Jo Dong-in, and Moon Geun-young join the cast.

Director Yeon Sang-ho revealed that Moon Geun-young was cast after he saw her in the KBS drama special 'Memories of the Sea'. He stated, "From the moment writer Choi Gyu-seok and I created the character of the Sunshine Class teacher in 'Hellbound 2', we were excited to write such a character."

He continued, "While contemplating which actor would be suitable, I watched the drama 'Memories of the Sea'. Moon Geun-young's performance was striking. I thought she would be perfect for the role of the Sunshine Class teacher. I was thrilled when she accepted the offer."

Moon So-ri highlighted the scene revealing the narrative between Lim Seong-jae and Moon Geun-young as the most memorable. She also noted Moon Geun-young's intense gaze as impressive. Kim Hyun-joo added, "Moon Geun-young delivered an outstanding performance. The story between Lim Seong-jae and Moon Geun-young was heartwarming."

Moon So-ri, who also joins the cast, expressed her concerns about fitting into the intense world of 'Yeoniverse'. She said, "I was worried about surviving among the intense characters in this world. It seemed like it would take time to understand the universe." She added, "I made the director anxious as if I wouldn't shoot, but once filming started, we worked well together."

Reflecting on season 1, she said, "I watched it with great interest. The hell emissaries had various charms. It was the first time I felt drawn to a creature feature. The actors' performances were impressive, and I watched with tension until the end." She added, "Director Yeon Sang-ho and I often crossed paths as seniors and juniors in the film industry, and it was a good memory to work together."

Kim Sung-cheol, who takes on the role of Jung Jin-soo, previously played by Yoo Ah-in in season 1, stated, "Since Jung Jin-soo's narrative was already established in season 1, it had to naturally continue to his revival in season 2." He added, "I wanted the audience to naturally engage with the emotional story, not just the image of Jung Jin-soo known to many. It was a lengthy scene, but I discussed it with the director during filming."

Director Yeon Sang-ho was impressed by Kim Sung-cheol's musical performance. He said, "At the time, Kim Sung-cheol was performing in a musical, so I went to see it. It was amazing. His ability to captivate the audience was impressive. That's why I looked into 'Death Note'. Musicals often have multi-casting, each with its charm. I felt there was a Jung Jin-soo in Kim Sung-cheol. My role was to direct how to naturally convey Kim Sung-cheol's Jung Jin-soo to an audience that isn't familiar with musicals."

Writer Choi Gyu-seok shared insights about season 2, saying, "By incorporating the bizarre setting of resurrection into the world of hell, a new phase emerges. We focused on brainstorming ideas for larger-scale disasters that have worsened compared to season 1."

Director Yeon Sang-ho described it as "a philosophical battle among various extraordinary characters. While the visuals are captivating, the philosophical confrontations presented by each unique character are intriguing." He added, "It wasn't a project planned with large-scale capital or as a series. It was conceived as a comic, allowing for such a story to unfold. We could proceed as we wished, leading to an unpredictable narrative."

Busan Kim Seo-yoon, Ten Asia Reporter seogugu@tenasia.co.kr