SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – As the new year unfolds, a wave of intriguing occult narratives is set to captivate both global audiences and enthusiasts of Korean-style thrillers. Leading the charge is “The Bequeathed,” an upcoming Netflix original series scheduled to premiere on January 19.
Helmed by director Min Hong-nam, previously acclaimed for his role as an assistant director on the groundbreaking 2016 zombie thriller “Train to Busan,” the six-part occult thriller promises an immersive and spine-chilling experience.
In “The Bequeathed,” viewers will be taken on a gripping journey alongside Seo-ha, portrayed by Kim Hyun-joo, as she grapples with the sudden notification of her father’s younger brother’s demise.
The series weaves a mysterious tapestry, blending familial intrigue with the supernatural, creating a narrative that is sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
As his only surviving relative, Seo-ha inherits the family gravesite, but her half brother Young-ho (Ryu Kyung-soo) approaches her, arguing for his share of the estate. Days later, cops Seong-joon (Park Hee-soon) and Sang-min (Park Byung-eun) show up to investigate a series of mysterious murders that had taken place nearby.
Based on the webtoon of the same title, “The Bequeathed” was co-written and planned by Yeon, extending his unique occult worldview of characters and stories from global hit series “Hellbound” and zombie thriller “Peninsula,” which was a sequel to “Train to Busan.”
While the story is relatable to those in Korea, it is unclear whether the international audience will share the feelings that Koreans attach to the topic of protecting the family burial site.
Following the occult series’ release, star-studded mystery flick “Exhuma” is expected to hit theatre screens sometime in February.
Helmed by “K-occult master” Jang Jae-hyun, known for “The Priests” (2015) and “Svaha: The Sixth Finger” (2019), the film boasts a cast of renowned actors, including Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Do-hyun of “The Glory.”
“Exhuma” centres on Sang-deok (Choi), who is tasked with relocating a tomb with Young-geun (Yoo), an undertaker, after young exorcists Hwa-rim (Kim) and Bong-gil (Lee) notice through supernatural phenomenon that a wealthy family in Los Angeles will become bathed by dark power.
Jang, acclaimed for popularising the occult genre in Korea with his exorcist and cult films, returns for the first time in five years with his new project.
As Jang’s two previous aforementioned works attracted 5.4 million moviegoers and 2.4 million admissions, respectively, “Exhuma” is likewise anticipated to lure fans of the occult genre to the theatre.
The release date for “Exhuma” remains undecided, according to the distributor ShowBox.
