Korean Box Office Dominated by Strong Performance of Occult-Themed Films in 2024

Courtesy of Showbox

As of Friday, "Exhuma," directed by renowned "master of K-occult" Jang Jae-hyun, is on track to surpass 7 million total viewers during its third weekend in theaters since its release on February 22. The film has consistently performed well, accumulating 6.7 million ticket sales, exceeding its production cost of 1.4 billion won ($1 million) and reaching the breakeven point of 3.3 million ticket sales just one week after its premiere. Currently, "Exhuma" stands as the most-viewed film released in 2024.

Jang's first project in five years, "Exhuma," revolves around the story of Sang-deok (Choi Min-sik), tasked with relocating a tomb alongside undertaker Young-geun (Yoo Hae-jin). Young exorcists Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun) and Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun) become entangled in a supernatural phenomenon, uncovering a dark omen linked to a wealthy Los Angeles family. 

▲ “Exhuma” / Courtesy of Showbox

The surge in occult-themed films continues this year, with "Devils Stay," a mystery horror directed by Hyun Moon-sub, marking actor Park Shin-yang's return after a decade. The movie depicts a father's struggle against a demon following the sudden loss of his daughter, with Lee Min-ki portraying a priest.

Don Lee, also known as Ma Dong-seok, takes the lead in "Holy Night: Demon Hunters," directed by Lim Dae-hee. The film blends occult and action genres, portraying a devil-worshipping criminal network affecting lives in chaotic Seoul. Police collaboration with Holy Night, a trio of demon hunters led by Don Lee, becomes imperative.

▲ “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” / Courtesy of Bigpunch Ent.Song Hye-kyo, star of "The Glory," returns to the silver screen after 10 years in "Dark Nuns" (working title), directed by Kwon Hyeok-jae. The movie follows a strong-hearted nun, played by Song, attempting to rescue a boy possessed by an evil spirit, and features actors Jeon Yeo-been, Lee Jin-wook, and Huh Joon-ho.

Additionally, actors Kwak Si-yang and Jo Yoon-seo team up for "Three Evil Island" (working title), another occult horror film centered around investigating a pseudo-religion believed to have disappeared during the Japanese colonial era.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com