Netflix's Greatest Action Thriller Of 2023 Has Clearly Set Up Season 3, And Even The Studio Agrees

Jul 17, 2026 - 07:04

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Netflix's Greatest Action Thriller Of 2023 Has Clearly Set Up Season 3, And Even The Studio Agrees

Published Jul 16, 2026, 9:32 PM EDT

An experienced Editor representing Canada via ScreenRant's Team Anime, J.R. has been reading manga since the first printing of Shonen Jump in North America. This passion drove him to write about anime, manga, and manhwa since 2022, having recently served as Lead Anime Editor for ComicBook.com.

His favorite moments in media coverage include reviewing the series premieres of Zom 100 and Bleach: TYBW Part 2 back-to-back and briefly meeting Junji Ito at a VIZ gallery event in 2023.

Netflix hasn't exactly ever had trouble pumping out engaging exclusive thrillers for its platform, whether it's star-studded Hollywood productions or equally loaded shows from all around the world. But one particular winner, Bloodhounds, has hardly seen a low point yet, loosely adapting its webtoon source material before striking out for a wholly new story in season 2. It's continued to grow the profiles of its primary lead actors, and even drawn in impressive and internationally-recognized talent to a pretty solid K-drama all around. But unlike season 1, Bloodhounds season 2 opened things up nicely for the possibility of more seasons, and this is entirely intentional.

This is no simple conjecture, either; unlike season 1, in which Kim Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Hong Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi) take down Smile Capital once and for all and bring them to justice, season 2 deliberately leaves loose ends as the story's world broadens. It's no longer a seedy domestic firm preying on post-COVID locals struggling to make ends meet: an illegal underground boxing ring patronized by shadowy clients around the world headlined season 2, with its ringleader, Im Baek-jeong (played by Rain) captured by spec ops agents, and put into their service by the finale. Bloodhounds season 3 has plenty of setup, and ScreenRant even previously confirmed this was no accident on a studio level.

Netflix's Smash-Hit Spring 2026 Action Thriller Return Easily Set Up Season 3

Bloodhounds season 2 Gun-woo in the ring

The last viewers saw of Gun-woo and Woo-jin was finally another moment of calm, having dinner at home and affirming plans for both to stay strong and take down any similar disturbers of the peace in the future. But Baek-jeong's predicament more directly sets up at least one potential plotline for Bloodhounds season 3, no less because he's specifically turned by his new handler, Choi Sin-hyeong aka "Premium", to serve as his personal bloodhound, owing his life in exchange for faking his death and taking him off the grid. Pressed to give up his contact in Thailand who's setting up a massive ₩300 billion ($200 million USD approximately) drug shipment, Baek-jeong eventually relents, revealing his contact is Paichit Chaichana.

Nothing is known yet about Paichit Chaichana, except for the fact that he'd make a compelling international drug lord and a great way to broaden the horizons for Bloodhounds even further. This is the same seedy element who rank among the organ harvesters and deep-pocketed patrons of the Iron Knuckle Fighting Championship from season 2, making Baek-jeong an interesting choice as a mole or infiltrator on the Thai side, while Gun-woo and Woo-jin are easily invested in preventing the harmful effects of such a concentrated drug shipment on Korean soil. It'd be a great way to more organically reincorporate their police allies once again, as well.

Viewer demand speaks for itself in terms of Bloodhounds having a basis to return for season 3. It handily proceeded to chart strongly across all of April 2026, peaking at #1 on the week of April 6-April 12, with its five weeks on the charts ending on a cumulative 19.8 million views, and 137.8 million hours watched, even boosting season 1 back onto the charts for the first three of said weeks.

The series was eventually supplanted by the likes of Teach You a Lesson, currently labeled as a limited series, with Agent Kim Reactivated pulling the #1 spot from the former's death grip by the end of June 2026. So not only is there plenty of demand for action series; webtoon adaptations are flying high, and their studios are watching intently.

Bloodhounds' Studio N Has Expressed Hopes For Season 3 Renewal As Well

Netflix action thriller bromance Bloodhounds season 2 Coach Woo-jin

While these matters largely lie in Netflix's hands in terms of renewing Bloodhounds for a third season, given it's the home network, this hasn't stopped its primary production company, Studio N, from speaking about the show's continued success. In a previous interview with ScreenRant, Studio N CEO Michelle Kwon confirmed the clues picked up by viewers were planted details, feeling there's still plenty of opportunity should the series get a third season.

"While it might be too soon to discuss a third season officially, we do feel there is still a lot more story to tell within the Bloodhounds universe. It is encouraging to see fans picking up on the details we’ve planted, as they certainly open up interesting possibilities for the future.

We have truly enjoyed working with Netflix not only on this project but on many of our other series like Sweet Home, Chicken Nugget, and The 8 Show. They have a deep understanding of the value of WEBTOON-adapted content and the immense fandoms surrounding these IPs. While nothing is confirmed at this stage, we value our ongoing relationship with Netflix and are always open to exploring how we can continue bringing these stories to life together."

-Michelle Kwon, Studio N

This is the typical "executive-level" response that avoids outright committing to a new season, and series star Woo Do-hwan has similarly avoided confirmation when asked the same sorts of questions. But confirming the unsubtle breadcrumbs of a Thai syndicate as the possible big bad of a hypothetical third season and the prospect of the story's world broadening further, on the condition of fans continuing to support the series, seems like a fair bet given how strong K-drama viewership is on the platform. K-content is so prevalent that it stays overwhelmingly well-represented on viewership charts for Netflix week-over-week.

Bloodhounds Trivia - How Well Do You Know Bloodhounds?

Seoul · Underground Edition How Well Do You Know
Bloodhounds?

🥊CharactersFighters

💣PlotSurvival

🥇BoxingKnockout

😈VillainsPredators

🎥ProductionBehind

ENTER THE RING! →

Bloodhounds follows two young boxers who become entangled in the dangerous world of predatory loan sharks in Seoul. The two main protagonists are Gun-woo and Woo-jin. Which actors star as this duo?

APark Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shik BWoo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi CSong Joong-ki and Park Bo-gum DNam Joo-hyuk and Lee Je-hoon

✓ Correct! Woo Do-hwan stars as Kim Gun-woo and Lee Sang-yi plays Hong Woo-jin. Their chemistry as the two young boxers turned reluctant vigilantes was widely praised and formed the emotional core of the series.

✗ That answer took a knockout punch! The answer is Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi. Woo Do-hwan brings raw intensity to Gun-woo while Lee Sang-yi portrays the more experienced and composed Woo-jin. Together they deliver one of the best buddy dynamics in recent K-drama history.

In Bloodhounds, the two young boxers get drawn into the criminal underworld when they try to help someone victimized by a ruthless loan shark operation. What drives Gun-woo to confront the loan sharks in the first place?

ARevenge for his father’s murder BHis mother falls into debt with them CHe wants to become a gangster DHe is recruited by the police

✓ Correct! Gun-woo’s mother becomes trapped in the predatory lending scheme, forcing him into a desperate confrontation with the loan sharks. This personal stake grounds the entire series and makes Gun-woo’s fight deeply emotional rather than simply heroic.

✗ That answer took a knockout punch! The answer is that his mother falls into debt with the loan sharks. Gun-woo’s fierce loyalty to his mother is what pulls him into the dangerous underworld — he’s not seeking power or revenge, but trying to protect the person he loves most.

The main antagonist of Bloodhounds is a terrifying and powerful loan shark boss who controls a vast illegal lending empire. Which veteran Korean actor plays this villain, Kim Myeong-gil?

ALee Sung-min BPark Sung-woong CHeo Joon-ho DKim Yun-seok

✓ Correct! Veteran actor Heo Joon-ho delivers a chilling performance as Kim Myeong-gil, the ruthless loan shark boss. His portrayal of cold, calculated menace made the character one of the most memorable K-drama villains in recent years.

✗ That answer took a knockout punch! The answer is Heo Joon-ho. While all four are respected Korean actors, it was Heo Joon-ho who brought the terrifying Kim Myeong-gil to life — a villain whose calm demeanor makes him even more frightening than any physical threat.

Both Gun-woo and Woo-jin are boxers, but they have very different fighting styles and backgrounds. What is Gun-woo’s key characteristic as a boxer at the start of the series?

AHe is an undefeated champion BHe has incredible natural talent and power but is relatively inexperienced CHe is a retired professional DHe fights in underground matches

✓ Correct! Gun-woo is defined by his raw, natural talent and devastating punching power, but he’s still relatively green in the ring. This combination of overwhelming physical ability and lack of experience mirrors his journey through the criminal underworld — powerful but vulnerable.

✗ That answer took a knockout punch! The answer is that Gun-woo has incredible natural talent and power but is relatively inexperienced. He’s not a seasoned champion or underground fighter — he’s a young man with extraordinary potential who hasn’t yet learned all the ropes.

Bloodhounds is based on a popular Korean webtoon of the same name. The series was released on which streaming platform in 2023?

ADisney+ BAmazon Prime CNetflix DApple TV+

✓ Correct! Bloodhounds was released as a Netflix original series in June 2023. It quickly became one of the most-watched non-English titles on the platform, proving the global appetite for Korean action thrillers continues to grow.

✗ That answer took a knockout punch! The answer is Netflix. Bloodhounds premiered on Netflix in 2023 and became a major hit for the platform. Netflix has been a key player in bringing Korean content to global audiences, and Bloodhounds was one of their standout K-drama releases.

In Bloodhounds, the two protagonists are taken under the wing of an older, wealthy businesswoman who helps them fight against the loan sharks. What is this character’s name?

AChoi Sung-hee BHong Sang-mi CKim Yeon-ji DPark Mi-young

✓ Correct! Choi Sung-hee is the wealthy CEO who becomes an unlikely ally to Gun-woo and Woo-jin. She has her own score to settle with the loan sharks and provides the resources the young boxers need to take on the criminal empire.

✗ That answer took a knockout punch! The answer is Choi Sung-hee. She is a crucial character who brings financial power and strategic thinking to complement the physical strength of the two boxers, creating a compelling alliance against the villainous loan shark operation.

The title “Bloodhounds” (사냥개들, literally “Hunting Dogs”) is a metaphor used in the series. What does the title refer to?

AThe police officers hunting criminals BThe loan sharks who hunt down debtors like prey CThe two protagonists who fight back against predators DThe boxers in the underground fight ring

✓ Correct! The “hunting dogs” of the title refers to Gun-woo and Woo-jin themselves — two young fighters who turn from prey into predators, hunting down the corrupt loan sharks who exploit the vulnerable. It’s a powerful metaphor for their transformation throughout the series.

✗ That answer took a knockout punch! The answer is the two protagonists who fight back against predators. The title captures the essence of Gun-woo and Woo-jin’s journey — they start as victims of the system but become the hunters, turning their boxing skills against the criminals who prey on the weak.

Bloodhounds Season 1 was a hit for Netflix, praised for its intense action sequences and compelling characters. How many episodes are in the first season?

A6 B8 C10 D12

✓ Correct! Bloodhounds Season 1 consists of 8 tightly-paced episodes, each running approximately 50–60 minutes. The compact episode count kept the story lean and intense, with no filler — every episode drives the action forward relentlessly.

✗ That answer took a knockout punch! The answer is 8 episodes. Bloodhounds kept its first season tight at 8 episodes, which many fans and critics praised for maintaining tension throughout without unnecessary padding — a hallmark of well-crafted Korean drama storytelling.

REVEAL MY SCORE →

Final Bell Your Bloodhounds Scorecard

/ 8

Are you a champion of the ring — or still in the corner?

↻ FIGHT AGAIN

Bloodhounds Trivia - How Well Do You Know Bloodhounds?

Seoul · Underground EditionHow Well Do You KnowBloodhounds?

🥊CharactersFighters

💣PlotSurvival

🥇BoxingKnockout

😈VillainsPredators

🎥ProductionBehind

ENTER THE RING! →

Bloodhounds follows two young boxers who become entangled in the dangerous world of predatory loan sharks in Seoul. The two main protagonists are Gun-woo and Woo-jin. Which actors star as this duo?

APark Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shikBWoo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yiCSong Joong-ki and Park Bo-gumDNam Joo-hyuk and Lee Je-hoon

ARevenge for his father’s murderBHis mother falls into debt with themCHe wants to become a gangsterDHe is recruited by the police

The main antagonist of Bloodhounds is a terrifying and powerful loan shark boss who controls a vast illegal lending empire. Which veteran Korean actor plays this villain, Kim Myeong-gil?

ALee Sung-minBPark Sung-woongCHeo Joon-hoDKim Yun-seok

Both Gun-woo and Woo-jin are boxers, but they have very different fighting styles and backgrounds. What is Gun-woo’s key characteristic as a boxer at the start of the series?

AHe is an undefeated championBHe has incredible natural talent and power but is relatively inexperiencedCHe is a retired professionalDHe fights in underground matches

Bloodhounds is based on a popular Korean webtoon of the same name. The series was released on which streaming platform in 2023?

ADisney+BAmazon PrimeCNetflixDApple TV+

In Bloodhounds, the two protagonists are taken under the wing of an older, wealthy businesswoman who helps them fight against the loan sharks. What is this character’s name?

AChoi Sung-heeBHong Sang-miCKim Yeon-jiDPark Mi-young

The title “Bloodhounds” (사냥개들, literally “Hunting Dogs”) is a metaphor used in the series. What does the title refer to?

AThe police officers hunting criminalsBThe loan sharks who hunt down debtors like preyCThe two protagonists who fight back against predatorsDThe boxers in the underground fight ring

Bloodhounds Season 1 was a hit for Netflix, praised for its intense action sequences and compelling characters. How many episodes are in the first season?

A6B8C10D12

REVEAL MY SCORE →

Final BellYour Bloodhounds Scorecard

/ 8

Are you a champion of the ring — or still in the corner?

↻ FIGHT AGAIN

Considering the particular name-drop of Chicken Nugget, Studio N has proven that even its most bonkers, outlandish webtoon adaptations have secured a spot in the hearts of Netflix K-drama viewers. With K-dramas in high demand, and webtoon adaptations continuing to be a viable avenue, Bloodhounds' future as a series is a fascinating middle ground at this point, firmly past its manhwa roots, an exceptional cast with dedicated fans who will always return for more, and some of the best fight choreography Netflix has to offer.