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Squid Game Surpassed On Netflix By New South Korean Series Hellbound

Squid Game Surpassed On Netflix By New South Korean Series Hellbound

The series has quickly gained a reputation for its graphic gore and horror - something that has been a hit with fans of Squid Game

Abigail Murray

Abigail Murray

If you're looking to fill that Squid Game-shaped hole in your heart, then look no further as Netflix's newest South Korean horror show, Hellbound, has stolen the number one streaming spot from its gory predecessor.

Directed by Train to Busan's Yeon Sang-ho, the series, which follows a group of demons who hunt down sinners and send them to hell, has quickly gained a reputation for its graphic gore and horror - something that has been a hit with fans of Squid Game

The horror series sees sinners informed of the date and time of their death before being hunted down by giant hairy monsters who deliver their fates.

The terrifying monsters then incinerate their victims and send them to hell, prompting an outbreak of public hysteria and religious fanaticism.

Ryu Kyung-Soo in Hellbound.
Climax Studio / Netflix

According to FlixPatrol, Hellbound was the most streamed Netflix show globally on November 20 and, as of November 22, the show has retained the top spot.

And to be more precise, Hellbound surpassed Squid Game in more than 80 countries within just 24 hours of its release. Now that's what we call impressive.

Previously, Squid Game lasted 46 non-consecutive days as the most streamed Netflix series after its September release, making it Netflix's most-watched show of all time.

It also generated a whopping $900m in profit for the streaming-platform giant as an estimated 142m households in 94 countries watched the series, according to The Observer.

The series managed to surpass Bridgerton - the binge-worthy British romance that previously held the most-streamed Netflix title at 82 million streams in its first 28 days back in lockdown.

This year has seen a rise in global popularity of K-dramas and currently, Hellbound and Squid Game are joined by historical drama The King's Affection, which is in the global Top 10.

Squid Game was soon surpassed by Hellbound in the first 24 hours of its release.
Netflix

However, their newfound popularity has brought criticism from those who speak both Korean and English, as they have complained that the translations are simply not up to scratch. What's more, this has meant that English-speaking viewers have lost out on important plotlines and conversations, as they have been translated 'terribly'.

Nevertheless, earlier this month, Squid Game's director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, confirmed that a second series is definitely happening.

Dong-hyuk said: "So, there's been so much pressure, so much demand, and so much love for a second season. So I almost feel like you leave us no choice.

"But, I will say there will indeed be a second season. It's in my head right now. I'm in the planning process currently. But I do think it's too early to say when and how that's going to happen."

Hellbound is now available to stream on Netflix.

Featured Image Credit: Climax Studio / Netflix

Topics: South Korea, Netflix, Squid Game