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| Salmokji poster / Photo=Showbox |
[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won] A horror film with a fresh, youth-driven sensibility has arrived in theaters. In an era that craves diversity and originality, Salmokji opened determined to enthrall audiences.
Released April 8, Salmokji follows a film crew that spots an unexplained form in a road-view image. When they head to a reservoir to reshoot, they encounter something lurking in the black, bottomless water. The film is director Lee Sang-min’s first solo feature after shorts such as Hamjinabi and Dollimchong.
According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network, Salmokji launched strongly at No. 1 in real-time advance bookings. On April 7, the day before release, it recorded 60,000 advance tickets—easily outpacing the comparable pre-sale pace of the hit Gonjiam, which totaled about 23,000.
Early audience response has been positive. As of 2 p.m. on the 8th, Salmokji held a 95% score on CGV’s Egg Index (actual audience rating), an unusually high mark for the genre. Critics have praised it as a well-crafted horror entry that has been missing from screens for some time, raising expectations for its box-office run.
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| Salmokji still / Photo=Showbox |
Salmokji attracted interest from horror fans as soon as it entered production because it was inspired by a chilling true account. In 2022, the person involved recounted their experience at Salmokji in Yesan County, South Chungcheong Province on MBC’s Midnight Ghost Stories, and later expanded the tale on a horror YouTube channel, thrusting the location into the spotlight.
As Salmokji became known as a haunted spot, several YouTubers visited the reservoir at night; one even donned a wetsuit and dove into the water to film inside. The legend left a strong impression on viewers and has since been regarded as a classic eerie tale.
A compelling premise alone doesn’t guarantee a successful film. Salmokji also feels fresh thanks to the combination of a young director and a roster of rising actors. Born in 1995, director Lee Sang-min has built a distinct sensibility through horror shorts and experimented with techniques—360-degree panoramic cameras, motion-directing tools and ghost boxes—to increase immersion.
He also leaned into the theatrical experience, amplifying the film’s scare potential with SCREENX (three-screen immersive projection), motion seats and 4DX presentations.
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| Salmokji still / Photo=Showbox |
The cast includes proven performers. Kim Hye-yoon, who has shown range across SKY Castle, The Girl on a Bulldozer and Run, Sunjae, Run; Lee Jong-won, who reinforced his position with Golden Spoon and Flowers Blooming at Night; and Kim Joon-han, known for substantial turns in Hospital Playlist, Anna and Good Partner, all appear in Salmokji.
Several Gen Z newcomers also stand out. Yoon Jae-chan, who first appeared on Mnet’s Produce 101 Season 2, has transitioned to acting and steadily built his credits with Sparkling Watermelon, Try: We Become a Miracle and Siren. Jang Da-ah—who appears opposite him and is the real older sister of IVE’s Jang Wonyoung—earned notice in Pyramid Game and My Precious Star, and makes her big-screen debut in Salmokji.
In a time when foot traffic to theaters is slowing, Salmokji offers a welcome jolt for horror fans. After a polished opening, all eyes are on whether it can eclipse Gonjiam’s record and emerge as a new benchmark.
[Sports Today reporter Jeong Ye-won ent@stoo.com]
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