Singer and actor Kim Jae-joong is set to take on his first occult horror role with the upcoming film ‘Shrine: Whispers of the Demon,’ marking a new chapter in his acting career as the movie prepares for its theatrical release in Japan.
On January 13, production company Mystery Pictures announced that ‘Shrine: Whispers of the Demon’ (original title: ‘신사: 악귀의 속삭임’) will receive an early theatrical release in Japan on February 6, ahead of its later rollout in Korea.
An Occult Horror Rooted in Disappearance and Fear
The film belongs to the occult horror genre and opens with a chilling mystery. A group of university students conducting field research at an abandoned mountain shrine in Kobe, Japan, begin to disappear one by one under unexplained circumstances. As fear spreads, the story unravels the dark history surrounding the shrine and the malevolent presence believed to haunt it. The narrative combines traditional occult elements with psychological tension, building atmosphere through isolation, folklore, and the gradual erosion of reality.
Kim Jae-joong as a Dark Hero on the Border of Faith
Kim Jae-joong stars as Myung-jin, a shamanic exorcist who stands at the boundary between gods and demons. The role marks his first challenge in the horror genre, as well as a significant tonal shift from his previous screen work.
Portrayed as a dark hero, Myung-jin is a figure of both authority and ambiguity someone capable of confronting supernatural forces while carrying emotional weight of his own. Kim is expected to bring a grounded intensity to the role, anchoring the film’s supernatural elements with a strong on-screen presence.
A Dual Investigation Into the Supernatural
Actress Gong Sung-ha appears opposite Kim as Yumi, Myung-jin’s junior from university and a project manager involved in the shrine investigation. Together, the two characters trace the origins of the malevolent spirit, navigating danger as they uncover hidden truths behind the disappearances. Their dynamic forms the emotional core of the film, balancing investigative tension with moments of vulnerability.
Directed by Kumakiri Kazuyoshi
The film is directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Kumakiri Kazuyoshi, known for ‘Yoko’s Journey’ (2023), which won three awards at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival. ‘Shrine: Whispers of the Demon’ marks his first Korean language project, bringing his signature focus on inner turmoil and extreme emotional states into the horror genre.
The film was shot entirely on location in Kobe, utilizing real mountain settings to heighten realism and an ominous atmosphere.