Ma Dong-seok trades punches in demon-slaying movie ‘Holy Night: Demon Hunters’
From left, actors Seohyun, Ma Dong-seok and Gyeong Su-jin attend a press conference for their movie “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” at a theater in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
Actor and producer Ma Dong-seok, who has delivered catharsis to audiences by taking down heinous criminals with his fists in "The Roundup" series, has returned as a member of a demon-exorcising team in the upcoming occult-action flick "Holy Night: Demon Hunters."
The 54-year-old actor said he was able to deliver even more powerful punch action for audiences in “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” compared to his previous work in "The Roundup” because the movie contains fantasy elements.
"I put a lot of effort into the action sequences, and seeing the final result, I anticipate that the fantasy genre will allow for explosive and refreshing action," Ma told reporters after a press preview of the movie in Seoul, Monday.
"Fortunately, it was well-portrayed, and I think the action turned out to be even more explosive. The crime action movies I've done before were based on reality, so there were limitations to the action to maintain that realism. But here, I could expand on it more, which felt more satisfying."
He added that he hopes audiences will feel a sense of excitement through this film, as the antagonists are even more wicked than the criminals he has faced in his previous movies.
"Holy Night: Demon Hunters" depicts the story of the "Holy Night" team as they confront evil and save possessed individuals in a city thrown into chaos by a group that worships evil.
The team consists of leader Bau (Ma), a troubleshooter who exorcises demons with his fists, Sharon (Seohyun), an exorcist with special abilities for performing exorcisms, and Kim (Lee Da-wit).
From left, actors Seohyun, Ma Dong-seok and Lee Da-wit in a scene from “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment
Director Lim Dae-hee mentioned that while the film aligns with existing exorcism movies, it also presents distinct differences.
"The movie is similar to other exorcism films from a big perspective. Many high-quality exorcism genre films have already been made, and we tried to give it our own variation," the director said. "For example, many existing exorcism films end before the possession fully takes hold, but we structured our film to show the progression of demonization."
Seohyun, also known as a member of K-pop band Girls' Generation, shared that she paid close attention to the costumes and hair to better portray Sharon, the exorcist with mystical abilities.
"To show that Sharon appears strong on the outside but isn't on the inside, I tried to portray a more human side to her," she said. "I thought Sharon was a unique character, so I felt it was important to have a visual point that immediately establishes her style. I tried to showcase a character design that blends the feeling of Eastern and Western exorcism rituals."
The film sticks closely to audience expectations — evil exists, and it is defeated. Offering cool action sequences and excellent sound that amplifies those actions, this movie will be another enjoyable ride for fans of Ma.
“Holy Night: Demon Hunters” will hit theaters on April 30.