According to the Korean Film Council, as of April 17, the movie "Salmokji: Whispering water" (tentatively translated: Salmokji: Whispering water) reached more than 1.04 million tickets - the fastest growth rate of the horror film genre since "Metamorphosis" (Transformation) in 2019. With a budget of about 3 billion won (2.02 million USD), the film has recovered capital since April 14.
Salmokji: Whispering water" tells the story of a film crew led by Su In (Kim Hye Yoon) and Ki Tae (Lee Jong Won), who are sent to the Salmokji reservoir (Yesan, South Chungcheong province, South Korea), to complete the scene in a hurry. However, they are gradually drawn into an endless horror, like being trapped in a "sink" as time runs out.
The work is the debut film of director Lee Sang Min - who previously made his mark with horror short films. The film attracted attention when it gathered a cast including Kim Hye Yoon, Lee Jong Won, Jang Da Ah, Kim Jun Han, Sung Bin...
Korean media assessed that the film clearly shows the director's bold style, especially in the way he exploits water elements to create a tense atmosphere. Details such as reflected water surfaces, vague images after waves or unusual sounds are used to increase the feeling of insecurity. In addition, 360-degree camera angles and motion sensors contribute to enhancing the visual experience.
Director Lee Sang Min said that the film's idea originated from a small detail: a map section was suddenly cut off at the entrance. From the question "why did the recording stop there", he built a story about a place where anyone can walk in but cannot leave.
Besides the plot and visual elements, the acting of the cast also creates an impression. In which, Kim Hye Yoon has made a shift to the horror genre. After a series of roles in romantic movies, the actress shows a clear change in her way of controlling emotions and expressing fear through her eyes. The scenes opposite Lee Jong Won also show harmony.
Sharing about the role, Kim Hye Yoon said: "I consider each project as a diary page. What I show at this time only happens once, so I always try to put everything into it.
In this project, the female star learned how to restrain herself, keep a distance from her familiar energy and express fear more discreetly. At the same time, witnessing colleagues striving for the role also became a motivation for her to continue to develop.
Not only attracting attention on screen, "Salmokji: Whispering water" also creates real-life effects. The main setting of the film - Salmokji Lake is sought after and experienced by many audiences. Local authorities also take advantage of this attraction to promote tourism.
