Home 'Sweet Home': Cast and director of apocalyptic Netflix drama hope to end series on 'high note'

“Sweet Home” returns with its grand finale, exploring a world where a new breed of humanity arises.

From left, actors Kim Moo-yul, Oh Jung-se, Yu Oh-seong, Jinyoung, director Lee Eung-bok, actors Ko Min-si, Lee Si-young, Kim Si-A and Lee Jin-uk pose at a press conference held in Dongdaemun District, eastern Seoul, on July 17. [NEWS1]

Will there be an end to this apocalyptic universe, or will it be a new beginning? Netflix horror series “Sweet Home” returns with its grand finale, exploring a world where a new breed of humanity arises. The cast and director hope to end the series on a high note.

“I hope that the fun of the series is back [for the viewers],” director Lee Eung-bok said during a press conference held in Dongdaemun District, eastern Seoul, on Wednesday. He acknowledged the negative feedback from the previous season, which was criticized for its loose narrative and failure to meet the high expectations set by the popular first season.

However, the director showed his confidence in the upcoming series, saying he went back to basics while producing the new installment.

Director Lee Eung-bok speaks during a press conference held in Dongdaemun District, eastern Seoul, on July 17. [NEWS1]

“I heard various opinions about season two, and based on that, I thought about what the core story is for the series,” the director said.

“Song and Lee Do-hyun will also appear a lot [in this season],” the director added, as many pointed out the two actors’ lack of appearances in season two.

The third season and last installment of Neflix’s “Sweet Home” will be released on Friday. The series centers around a world where the boundary between humans and monsters is blurred, and a new type of humanity, the so-called neohuman, arises. The season's story follows people struggling and battling for their lives in the “new age.”

Based on the Naver webtoon of the same name, created by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, the webtoon and series are both set in a world where humans suddenly become monsters driven by their desires, and their monstrous figures reflect their wishes.

A still from the third season of Netflix's apocalyptic horror series ″Sweet Home″ [NETFLIX]

A still from the third season of Netflix's apocalyptic horror series ″Sweet Home″ [NETFLIX]

The series’ first season, which came out in 2020, garnered major international popularity, becoming the first Korean drama to rank in the U.S. Netflix top 10 list. The first season centered on the survival of the people trapped in an apartment complex called Green Home. The following seasons are set in a more open space as the characters leave the apartment complex, expanding the “Sweet Home” universe.

Director Lee Eung-bok took the helm of its new installment once again, featuring actors Song Kang, Lee Jin-uk, Lee Si-young, Ko Min-si, Lee Do-hyun, former B1A4 member Jinyoung, Oh Jung-se, Kim Si-a and more, who appeared in the previous season.

“'Sweet Home' season three is literally about ‘coming home,’” Lee Eung-bok said. “This season will revolve around the people reuniting after they were separated due to the ‘monsterization’ situation in the first two seasons.”

The director and cast said that the transformations and emotional changes in the characters are things that viewers will find interesting, especially in the cases of actor Lee Do-hyun’s character, Eun-hyeok, and Song’s character, Hyun-su, according to the director.

A still from the third season of Netflix's apocalyptic horror series ″Sweet Home″ [NETFLIX]

“In season one, Eun-hyeok was more of a character using his brain, rather than being physical,” the director said. “However, in season three, as he becomes a neohuman, he shows more actions and faster body movements."

As for the nice and kind Hyun-su, a darker side of him will appear as he succumbs to his desires — according to Lee Eung-bok — and Eun-yu, played by Ko, is there to calm him down.

Five years have passed since the series kicked off production in 2019. During that time, the actors grew a lot, especially those who were rookies in the beginning, such as Song, Ko and Lee Do-hyun.

“During a shoot, I once told Song that there is a story in his eyes,” Ko said. “As a colleague, I thought such sadness in his eyes was cool.”

A still from the third season of Netflix's apocalyptic horror series ″Sweet Home″ [NETFLIX]

A still from the third season of Netflix's apocalyptic horror series ″Sweet Home″ [NETFLIX]

As the series' final chapter comes to a close, the cast and director reflect on their five-year journey, stating that they have become like family.

“'Sweet Home’ has become my sweet home.” Lee Jin-uk said, saying that the series will always be a work that he will reminisce on.

For Ko, who is now 29, “Sweet Home” will be a piece that will remind her of her 20s, as she debuted in 2017 and started shooting the series in 2019.

“I spent most of my 20s with ‘Sweet Home,'” Ko said. “I truly loved [the series] because when I think of my 20s, the first thing that pops up into my mind is ‘Sweet Home.'”

A still from the third season of Netflix's apocalyptic horror series ″Sweet Home″ [NETFLIX]

Actors Lee Do-hyun and Song could not attend the press conference, as they are currently completing their mandatory military service. However, a surprise short video of Song, which was prerecorded before his enlistment, was played, telling viewers to look forward to the upcoming series.

“I can’t believe that season three is already coming out,” Song said in the video. “It feels like yesterday when I first shot for the series. We have come this far thanks to the viewers. We hope you'll give season three as much love as you've given us so far.”

The story will be speedier than the previous season, according to Ko, showing her confidence about the series. “I hope everyone will follow with us on our last journey.”

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]