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ON POINT: Critic's take on success of S. Korean Netflix series 'Hellbound'
- December 07, 2021 | Broadcasting
ON POINT: Critic's take on success of S. Korean Netflix series 'Hellbound'
Updated: 2021-12-03 05:35:48 KST
Now it’s time for On Point, where we speak to experts to delve deeper into the biggest news stories in the spotlight right now.
The series “Hellbound” is the most recent Korean-language hit on Netflix, hitting number one as the most watched series on the streaming service.
Millions of people have binged watched all six episodes of the supernatural thriller and are thirsting for more South Korean content after “Hellbound” and “Squid Game.”
Given the success of “Hellbound” it seems likely Netflix will green light a second series if its creator Yeon Sang-ho - also the director of the movie “Train to Busan” agrees.
For more on the success of “Hellbound” and South Korean content on Netflix, we cross to Jason Bechervaise, a Seoul-based film critic.
Good morning Jason Jason, first there was "Squid Game," now the buzz has transitioned to “Hellbound,” in your view, what is it about South Korean content that’s hooking so many international viewers?
You will have seen Yeon Sang-ho’s 2016 zombie movie “Train to Busan,” which won rave reviews when it was released. “Hellbound” and “Train to Busan” share a mix of horror and the supernatural, is this a hallmark of Yeon’s work or does he also tackle other genres? And for fans of his, what other films or TV shows would you recommend?
Comparisons are going to be drawn between “Hellbound” and “Squid Game,” considering they are both South Korean series, dystopian and came out within weeks of each other. Do you think “Hellbound” would have enjoyed such international success were it not for “Squid Game”? And as a critic, which of the two do you prefer and why?
“Hellbound” and “Squid Game” were produced on modest budgets. With their success, will Netflix and other streaming services significantly hike budgets for South Korean shows? And - I have to ask you - since you’re a huge fan of Oscar-winning director, Bong Joon-ho, do you think he would be tempted to make a series for Netflix… if the price was right?
Jason, always good to get you on and we’re glad you could join us again. Thanks and have a great weekend.
The series “Hellbound” is the most recent Korean-language hit on Netflix, hitting number one as the most watched series on the streaming service.
Millions of people have binged watched all six episodes of the supernatural thriller and are thirsting for more South Korean content after “Hellbound” and “Squid Game.”
Given the success of “Hellbound” it seems likely Netflix will green light a second series if its creator Yeon Sang-ho - also the director of the movie “Train to Busan” agrees.
For more on the success of “Hellbound” and South Korean content on Netflix, we cross to Jason Bechervaise, a Seoul-based film critic.
Good morning Jason Jason, first there was "Squid Game," now the buzz has transitioned to “Hellbound,” in your view, what is it about South Korean content that’s hooking so many international viewers?
You will have seen Yeon Sang-ho’s 2016 zombie movie “Train to Busan,” which won rave reviews when it was released. “Hellbound” and “Train to Busan” share a mix of horror and the supernatural, is this a hallmark of Yeon’s work or does he also tackle other genres? And for fans of his, what other films or TV shows would you recommend?
Comparisons are going to be drawn between “Hellbound” and “Squid Game,” considering they are both South Korean series, dystopian and came out within weeks of each other. Do you think “Hellbound” would have enjoyed such international success were it not for “Squid Game”? And as a critic, which of the two do you prefer and why?
“Hellbound” and “Squid Game” were produced on modest budgets. With their success, will Netflix and other streaming services significantly hike budgets for South Korean shows? And - I have to ask you - since you’re a huge fan of Oscar-winning director, Bong Joon-ho, do you think he would be tempted to make a series for Netflix… if the price was right?
Jason, always good to get you on and we’re glad you could join us again. Thanks and have a great weekend.
Reporter : markbroome@arirang.co.kr
