7 Shocking Secrets Behind 'The Hounds Of Sisyphus' Webtoon: Plot, Characters, And The Dark Mythological Meaning

The Hounds of Sisyphus has rapidly become one of the most talked-about webtoons of the year, captivating a global audience with its dark, apocalyptic setting and intense Boys' Love (BL) narrative. Released in 2025, this ongoing series by the author and illustrator known as 945 has redefined the boundaries of the genre, blending high-stakes survival horror with deep psychological drama and romance. The story plunges readers into a world teetering on the brink of collapse, where the struggle for survival is complicated by a shadowy, controlling entity and the moral ambiguities of its central characters.

This article, updated for the current date of December 10, 2025, will break down the latest information on the plot, the complex dynamics between the main duo, the significance of the title's Greek mythology reference, and why this manhwa is generating so much fervent discussion and fan theories across platforms like Lezhin Comics and various Reddit communities.

Key Character Profiles: The Protagonists and Their Fateful Bonds

The narrative of The Hounds of Sisyphus revolves around a small, desperate group of survivors, but centers primarily on the explosive relationship between two men: the seemingly cynical survivor and the enigmatic figure known as 'Salvation'.

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• Heo Jinwoo:
  • Role: One of the main protagonists.
  • Characteristics: Often portrayed as a weary, perhaps cynical survivor in the post-apocalyptic world. He is the one who ultimately seeks to "save" the person named Salvation, rekindling a lost sense of humanity in him.
  • Intention: To survive and to navigate the chaos, often acting as the grounded anchor for the more mysterious Pyo Guwon.
• Pyo Guwon ('Salvation'):
  • Role: The other main protagonist, whose name literally translates to 'Salvation' (Guwon).
  • Characteristics: A figure shrouded in mystery and red flags. Fan theories suggest he is not a normal human—he might be an 'entity,' a body taken over by another being, or a highly intelligent infected individual. He is often depicted as naive regarding human emotions.
  • Thematic Significance: Despite his name, the narrative flips the script, suggesting he is the one who needs to be saved from his own chaos or nature.
• Supporting Entities:
  • Lim Jicheol: A key supporting character whose role is integral to the group's dynamics and survival efforts.
  • Jin Soo-ah & Jin Soo-ha: Other named characters in the ensemble cast who help flesh out the dangerous, corrupt world the protagonists inhabit.

The Core Plot: A World Controlled by a Shadowy Entity

The setting of The Hounds of Sisyphus is a grim, dystopian future ravaged by an apocalyptic event. The world is not just overrun by the dead—suggesting a zombie or infected scenario—but is also under the oppressive thumb of a powerful, controlling entity. This dual threat creates a narrative that is both a physical fight for survival and a philosophical battle against systemic corruption and loss of freedom.

The plot begins with Heo Jinwoo's desperate struggle to survive. His path intersects with Pyo Guwon, the man whose very name, 'Salvation,' hints at a false or ironic hope. The central conflict is the journey of these two characters as they navigate the chaos, with the question of whether Guwon is a savior, a monster, or a victim of a fate he cannot escape.

The Thrilling Blend of Genres and Themes

What sets this webtoon apart is its sophisticated blend of genres. It operates as a psychological thriller, a survival horror story, and a deeply emotional Boys' Love romance. The themes explored are heavy and complex:

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• Power and Corruption: The series directly tackles the abuse of power and systemic corruption within the remnants of society.
• The Absurdity of Existence: This is the most direct link to the title, exploring the futility of their struggle against an overwhelming force.
• Redemption and Salvation: The interplay between Jinwoo and Guwon explores who is truly saving whom, and if redemption is even possible in their world.
• The Nature of Humanity: With Guwon potentially being a non-human 'entity,' the story constantly questions what it means to be human and what emotions truly define us.

The Mythological Allusion: Unpacking the Meaning of Sisyphus

The title, The Hounds of Sisyphus, is a direct and profound reference to Greek mythology, which provides the philosophical backbone for the entire series. Understanding the myth of Sisyphus is crucial to grasping the webtoon's deeper meaning.

The Punishment of Sisyphus

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was the cunning king of Corinth who famously cheated death multiple times. For his hubris and trickery, the gods imposed an eternal punishment on him in Hades: he was forced to roll an immense boulder up a steep hill. Every time he neared the summit, the boulder would inevitably roll back down, condemning him to repeat the futile, endless task for eternity.

The Meaning of the 'Hounds'

The 'Hounds' in the title likely represent the relentless, unavoidable forces that chase the protagonists—the "dogs" of their eternal punishment. These hounds can be interpreted as:

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• The Infected/Dead: The literal, physical threats that constantly pursue the survivors.
• The Controlling Entity: The powerful, unseen force that keeps society in a state of perpetual struggle and corruption.
• Fate/The Absurd: The philosophical hounds of the Sisyphus myth itself—the constant, futile quest that defines their existence. The characters are trapped in a cycle of fighting, surviving, and losing, only to start the struggle over again.

The connection is particularly strong with the character of Pyo Guwon. Like Sisyphus, who was a trickster that cheated death, Guwon is an elusive figure whose true nature is constantly questioned, suggesting he is also trapped in a cycle of pain, or perhaps, a repeated attempt at 'Salvation' that always fails.

The Latest Updates and Why It's a Must-Read

As of late 2025, The Hounds of Sisyphus is an ongoing series that has completed its first season. The author, 945, has communicated a special statement to readers, confirming that the series is making a comeback soon, fueling intense anticipation for the next installment. The webtoon is officially available on platforms like Lezhin Comics, where readers can access the chapters.

The series' popularity stems from its willingness to explore sensitive, dark themes with a mature and visually stunning art style. It is a prime example of a BL manhwa that uses the genre not just for romance, but as a vehicle for profound philosophical and apocalyptic storytelling. The intense character chemistry, combined with the constant threat of the outside world and the internal mystery surrounding Guwon, creates a compelling and addictive reading experience. If you are looking for a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping, this ongoing tale of survival, power, and the eternal struggle against the absurd is highly recommended.