Jang Jae-hyun's Film to Be Featured in Berlinale’s Forum Section, Alongside Notable Korean Works

Courtesy of Showbox

The occult thriller "Exhuma," directed by Jang Jae-hyun, has received an invitation to the prestigious 74th Berlin International Film Festival. Showbox, the film's distributor, confirmed on Thursday that "Exhuma" will be showcased in the Berlinale’s Forum section, focusing on avant-garde and experimental film genres and highlighting emerging talents. The Berlin International Film Festival is scheduled to open on Feb. 15 for a 10-day run. 

▲ Courtesy of ShowboxJang Jae-hyun, recognized as a master of Korean occult films, returns with "Exhuma," his first work in five years. The film features a star-studded cast including Choi Min-sik, Yoo Hae-jin, Kim Go-eun, and Lee Do-hyun. Notably, this marks veteran actor Choi Min-sik's first foray into the occult genre in his impressive 35-year acting career.

"Exhuma" follows Sang-deok (Choi), tasked with relocating a tomb alongside undertaker Young-geun (Yoo). The plot unfolds as young exorcists Hwa-rim (Kim) and Bong-gil (Lee) discover a dark omen linked to a wealthy Los Angeles family through a supernatural phenomenon, leading to a gripping narrative.

The Forum section at the Berlinale has previously featured notable Korean works, including director Bong Joon-ho’s "Snowpiercer" (2013), director Kim Tae-yong’s "Late Autumn" (2011), and director Kim Ji-woon’s "A Tale of Two Sisters" (2003).

In addition to "Exhuma," two other Korean films have been invited to the Berlinale this year. Don Lee’s action franchise "The Roundup: Punishment" will be screened during the special gala section, while director Joung Yu-mi's animation "Circle" will compete in the short film category. "Exhuma" is scheduled for a February release in local theaters.

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Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com