“Exhuma” (2024) hails from South Korea, delving into the mystery-occult genre. It premiered on February 22, 2024, in South Korea and on February 28, 2024, in Indonesian cinemas. “Exhuma” has garnered significant popularity, with a viewer count exceeding 1.5 million in Indonesia as of March 13, 2024, making it the highest-grossing Korean film in Indonesia, surpassing “Parasite” (2019).
The film follows the eerie disturbances faced by a Korean conglomerate family residing in the United States. Seeking resolution, they enlist the help of two young shamans from Korea. However, their troubles escalate when a deeper, unforeseen danger emerges after disturbing ancestral graves.
If you’re drawn to gripping, mysterious occult narratives akin to “Exhuma,” here are some Korean dramas you wouldn’t want to miss:
1. The Guest (2018)
Director: Kim Hong Sun
Screenwriter: Seo Jae Won, Kwon So Ra
Player: Kim Dong Wook, Kim Jae Wook, Jung Eun Chae
Synopsis:
Detective Kang Kil Young (Jung Eun Chae), skeptic of the supernatural, finds herself collaborating with priests and shamans to solve cases caused by mysterious forces. Alongside psychic Yoon Hwa Pyung (Kim Dong Wook) and Catholic priest Choi Yoon (Kim Jae Wook), they delve into unsettling mysteries.
2. Priest (2018)
Director: Kim Jong Hyeon
Screenwriter: Moon Man Se
Player: Yeon Woo Jin, Jung Yu Mi, Park Yong Woo
Synopsis:
Young priest Oh Soo Min (Yeon Woo Jin) joins an exorcism group after his mother’s tragic encounter with mystical disturbances. Under the guidance of senior priest Moon Ki Sun (Park Yong Woo), he confronts dangerous supernatural cases.
3. The Cursed (2020)
Director: Kim Yong-Wan
Screenwriter: Yeon Sang-Ho
Player: Uhm Ji Won, Jung Ji So, Sung Dong Il, Jo Min Soo
Synopsis:
Reporter Im Jin Hee (Uhm Ji Won) uncovers irregularities within Forest Company, led by a chairman heavily reliant on shamanism. As she digs deeper, she faces terrifying mystical disturbances linked to the company’s secrets.
4. Sell Your Haunted House (2021)
Director: Park Jin Suk
Screenwriter: Ha Soo Jin, Lee Young Hwa, Jung Yeon Seo
Player: Jang Na Ra, Jung Yong Hwa
Synopsis:
Psychic exorcist Hong Ji A (Jang Na Ra) teams up with fraudster Oh In Bum (Jung Yong Hwa) to tackle mysterious cases involving haunted properties.
5. Monstrous (2022)
Director: Jang Kun Jae
Screenwriter: Yeon Sang Ho, Ryoo Yong Jae
Player: Koo Gyo Hwan, Shin Hyun Bin, Kim Ji Young, Park Ho San, Kwak Dong Yeon, Nam Da Reum
Synopsis:
Archaeologist Jung Ki Hoon (Koo Gyo Hwan) and his ex-wife, Lee Soo Jin (Shin Hyun Bin), encounter supernatural phenomena after dealing with a possessed artifact, embarking on a journey to unravel its mysteries.
6. Island (2022—2023)
Director: Park Kwang Hyun
Writer script: Yoon In Wan (webcomic), Yang Kyung Il (webcomic), Jang Yoon Mi
Player: Kim Nam Gi, Lee Da Hee, Cha Eun Woo, Sung Joon
Synopsis:
Descendant of a conglomerate, Won Mi Ho (Lee Da Hee), faces perilous mysteries on Tamra Island, joining forces with half-demon Van (Kim Nam Gil) and young priest Johan (Cha Eun Woo) to break a curse.
7. Revenant (2023)
Director: Lee Jung Lim
Screenwriter: Im Eun-Hee
Player: Kim Tae Ri, Oh Jung Se, Hong Kyung
Synopsis:
Gu San Yeong (Kim Tae Ri) unwittingly harbors an evil entity, leading folklore lecturer Yeom Hae Sang (Oh Jung Se) and Lee Hong Sae (Hong Kyung) to collaborate in ending a deadly curse.
These dramas promise a suspenseful, enigmatic journey, rivalling the eerie atmosphere of “Exhuma.” Don’t miss out on adding them to your watchlist!