▲ Japanese poster of the movieSouth Korean occult film "Exhuma," which made headlines by becoming the first film of 2024 to surpass 10 million admissions, is slated to premiere in Japanese theaters this October.

Kadokawa, the Japanese distributor for "Exhuma," announced that the film will be released across theaters in Japan on October 18th. Directed by Jang Jae-hyun, known for his previous successes in the occult genre with films like "The Priests" (2015) and "Svaha: The Sixth Finger" (2019), "Exhuma" features esteemed actors Choi Min-sik and Kim Go-eun in leading roles.

"Exhuma" has captivated Korean audiences with its compelling depiction of Korean shamanism and the exceptional performances of its veteran cast. As of last Sunday, the film had sold 11.9 million tickets, securing its position as the most-watched film in Korea for 2024.

The film also received critical acclaim, sweeping multiple awards at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards. Director Jang Jae-hyun won the Best Director award, while Kim Go-eun was honored with the Best Actress award in the film category. Additionally, Lee Do-hyun, who played a supporting role, received the Best Male Rookie award.

As "Exhuma" prepares to enter the Japanese market, there is considerable interest in how it will be received by Japanese audiences. The film explores themes of Korean imperialism under Japanese rule and incorporates elements of Japanese "onmyoji," traditional practitioners of esoteric cosmology, which may resonate with viewers familiar with these historical and cultural contexts.

Sayart / Chloe Kim, 2022chloe.k@gmil.com