Attention: This is no spoiler review, so feel free to read it without any worry.
Bloodhounds is a Netflix Original Thriller in its K-Content universe which has penetrated my heart with its gripping storyline, epic action sequences, bromance, familial love and the shirtless boxing sequences that are worthy of pausing and replaying again and again. Sorry to being so thirsty, I cant help it.
Here is a photo montage for you to enjoy!
Woo Do-hwan as Kim Geon-woo and Lee Sang-yi as Hong Woo-jin playing two young boxers whose friendship is forged in mutual respect, loyalty and circumstances in Bloodhounds has made a permanent place in my heart. The photo montage is evidence enough that the amount of training that went to forge the chiseled gods of boxing who are up against the dark underbelly of the loan shark business that gained popularity in the financially desperate times of the pandemic. Here is some interesting information regarding the action gods that have captivated my heart. I am a personal affinity towards non-bulky muscular bodies especially from Korean actors who get into the character both externally and internally.
From boxing rivals to allies. Bromances to brutal battles fighting side by side.
Premiering on the sizzling hot streaming platform, Netflix( pay your writers), Bloodhounds follows the journey of two young boxers, portrayed by Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, as they join forces against a notorious loan shark preying on the poor. The age old story premise of the rich preying on the poor.
Bloodhounds Poster/Netflix
Adapted from a webtoon by Jung Chan, the action series centers on boxing to deliver a powerful, high impact and fast-paced narrative with no pauses making it a perfect show to binge.
“Powerful hits are crucial in creating an action series with a fast tempo,” said director Jason Kim, known for his work on action hits like Midnight Runners and The Divine Fury. “The action scenes in this series are five times more intense than those in Midnight Runners.”
To the director, the keyword is the portrayal of authenticity that bursts through the screen as he ensured that no shortcuts were taken both on and off set. The astounding result: a tight compact eight-episode one hour episode series that pulls no punches, as revealed in an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette.
Getting into the Lovable Characters
Kim Gun-woo and Hong Woo-jin/Netflix
To make it even more realistic, the actors went through intensive training to prepare for their roles. Clearly as the boxing sequences are phenomenally great. Need I go on.
Kim Gun-woo and Hong Woo-jin sparing on roof/Netflix
Woo, who portrays rookie boxer Kim Gun-woo, prepared his own meals every day and tried to eat four meals a day.
“I trained extensively before and after filming, gaining about 10kg,” he explained. “I believe viewers will notice the changes in my physique throughout the series.”
I definitely noticed the changes in his physique as the story progresses. Oh la la, what a treat for the eyes and inspirational as hell.
Lee Sang-yi as Hong Woo-jin in the boxing ring/Netflix
For Lee, Bloodhounds marks his first foray into the action genre which is hard to believe as he did a fantastic job as a part of the Marine duo. Playing southpaw (left-handed) boxer Hong Woo-jin, he trained extensively for his left-handed stance, and followed a strict diet of brown rice, chicken breast, sriracha sauce and zero-sugar soda( instead of zero sugar soda, natural iced teas are a much healthier alternative, my inner health nerd jumped out)
“I never went to the gym so diligently in my life until now,” he enthused. “I felt as if I had become an athlete.”
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping action, Bloodhounds showcases the undeniable chemistry between the two main characters, mirroring their off-screen friendship which is heartwarming.
“We are closer than real siblings. I really count on him,” said Woo.
The hard work invested in the production shines through in the series’ physical and emotional peaks and pivots into the parallel storylines.
One standout moment, cherished by stunt choreographer Park Young-sik, is a nail-biting showdown between the two protagonists and one of the show’s primary adversaries. You have to watch for this one. And the comedy is also undeniably great with a sprinkle of levity in the otherwise serious series.
“The scene where Gun-woo and Woo-jin fight against In-beom, two against one, for the first time is the most representative scene in Bloodhounds,” explained Park.
“We designed the combat sequence, focusing on the story of two youths combining forces to conquer an insurmountable obstacle.”
Jung Da-eun as Da-min/Netflix
The unsung MVP of this series is Jung Da-eun who plays an archer who helps these Marine Duo with her amazing archery skills.
Catch the thrilling action on ‘Bloodhounds’ only on global streaming platform Netflix.