Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.
J-horror meets K-occult in spiritual thriller ‘The Shrine’
Actors Kim Jae-joong, left, and Kong Seong-ha in a scene from “The Shrine” / Courtesy of Library Company
By Baek Byung-yeul
Singer and actor Kim Jae-joong is making his long-awaited return to the big screen in a unique horror movie that bridges the chilling aesthetics of Japanese and Korean cinema.
Directed by Japanese filmmaker Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, upcoming horror movie “The Shrine” marks Kim’s first movie in 14 years since his appearance in the 2012 comedy “Code Name: Jackal.”
“The Shrine” follows the story of three university students who mysteriously disappear after visiting an abandoned shrine in Kobe, Japan.
Shaman Myung-jin (Kim) tries to uncover the truth behind the disappearances, but faces a bizarre and terrifying evil spirit. Joining him is Yu-mi (Kong Seong-ha), Myung-jin’s university junior who seeks his help.
Kim described the film as a refreshing departure from typical Korean horror movies, largely due to the cross-cultural collaboration.
“Even though this is a Korean production, about 90 percent of the crew members were Japanese,” Kim said Monday after the premiere.
“Because we worked with a Japanese director, it became a movie where the distinct characteristics of J-horror and K-horror blend together. I expected this synergy from the very beginning, and that is why I wanted to take on this challenge.”
Actors Kim Jae-joong, left, and Kong Seong-ha pose during a press conference for their movie “The Shrine” at a theater in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
Kim also emphasized the unique effort that went into creating his shaman character.
“I initially tried to research traditional stories and common knowledge about male shamans in Korea, but the director told me that my character should be completely different,” Kim said.
“The director wanted a very different shaman who has special powers that don’t make sense in real life,” Kim said. “I couldn’t think of this kind of character by myself, so we talked a lot to make it work.”
The filming environment was physically demanding for both lead actors, as many scenes were shot in cold, dark and remote locations in Japan.
“Our onscreen chemistry was quite rough,” Kim joked. “It was because we didn’t film in refreshing places, but rather in dusty, cold and dark locations. It was a continuous cycle of feeling exhausted, but we kept our spirits up by sharing laughs.”
Kong agreed with Kim, saying that the difficult shooting conditions actually helped the two actors bond very quickly.
“We filmed in deep and low tunnels in Kobe,” Kong said. “We even had to take a car just to go to the restroom up on the surface. Because of those challenges, the entire cast and crew became close very quickly, and we ended up having a comfortable and fun time shooting.”
Kong expressed her deep gratitude toward Kim, who utilized his fluent Japanese skills to serve as a translator on set for the cast and crew.
She added the movie will offer a rich tapestry of cultural and religious elements that sets it apart from other occult films.
“The movie blends a variety of folk religions and beliefs,” Kong said. “It features a beautiful location in Kobe, Korean shamanism, an encounter with a Hindu demon and even a Christian pastor. This mix of diverse traditions will be the main point to watch for the audience.”
“The Shrine” is scheduled to hit local theaters on June 17.