‘More Beautiful Than Paradise’: A Descent into Hell for Love

JTBC’s weekend drama More Beautiful Than Paradise (Directed by Kim Seok-yoon, written by Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Soo-jin, produced by Studio Phoenix and SLL) is taking audiences deeper into the chilling afterlife. Ahead of its fifth episode airing on June 3rd, the production team released captivating stills foreshadowing a descent into hell for lead characters Lee Hae-sook (played by Kim Hye-ja) and Go Nak-joon (played by Son Seok-koo).

In the previous episode, tension grew between Hae-sook and Nak-joon over the true identity of Som-yi (played by Han Ji-min). Hae-sook began suspecting that Som-yi could actually be Lee Young-ae (played by Lee Jung-eun), based on her familiar habits and actions. Nak-joon, on the other hand, questioned whether Som-yi was a deserter from hell, misled by the belief that forcibly transferred souls to paradise lose their memories.

This theory was debunked when it was revealed that the new Heaven Church follower, Park Chul-jin (played by Jung Seon-cheol), was the true hell runaway. Meanwhile, Lee Young-ae reappeared in her original form, yet Som-yi’s identity remains shrouded in mystery.

In the newly released stills, a dramatic confrontation is captured between Hae-sook and the stern leader of hell’s administration (played by Park Soo-young). Like airport security in paradise, the “hell counter” evaluates the sins and punishments of every newcomer. Hae-sook, now abruptly dropped into hell, stands overwhelmed with fear as she faces the hardened, unfeeling authority of the staff — a stark contrast to paradise’s warm personnel.

Meanwhile, Go Nak-joon is seen wandering the landscape of hell, visibly crushed yet determined. Despite despair, his eyes burn with resolve to save his beloved wife. In a previous teaser, Nak-joon witnesses Hae-sook’s forced departure to hell and pleads for help from the center director (played by Chun Ho-jin). Rejected, he ultimately chooses to journey into hell himself, heightening audience anticipation.

Episode 5 will see Hae-sook receive her final grape — a symbolic gateway to hell. The journey continues with Nak-joon following her and the mysterious return of Lee Young-ae, weaving a poignant narrative of love, sacrifice, and the metaphysical battle for salvation.

“The veil over the unknown world of hell finally lifts,” said the production team, “Get ready to witness unimaginable horrors and new storylines unfold in the ruthless realm where sin meets judgment.”

Episode 5 of More Beautiful Than Paradise airs on JTBC on June 3rd at 10:40 PM KST.