On May 10, according to the Korean Film Council, "Salmokji: Whispering water" (Vietnamese title: Korean Ghost: Swallowing People) officially surpassed 3 million views after 32 days from its release (April 8). This is the first Korean horror film in 23 years to reach this milestone.
Previously, "Salmokji: Whispering water" also surpassed "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" with 2.68 million views to become the second highest-grossing Korean horror film in box office history. Currently, the work is only behind "A Tale of Two Sisters" - a film that reached 3.14 million views in 2003.
Salmokji: Whispering water" (abbreviated: Salmokji) tells the story of a film crew returning to the Salmokji reservoir (Yesan, South Chungcheong province, South Korea) for additional filming after discovering a strange entity appearing in the old scene. Here, they gradually face a mysterious force hidden under the water.
Notably, the work is produced with a budget of only about 3 billion won (2.04 million USD), significantly lower than the current level of Korean commercial films. The film stars Kim Hye Yoon - Lee Jong Won in the main role and is chosen based on acting ability.
Korean media assessed that the success of "Salmokji" continues to show that horror films are still a rare genre that can achieve high profits even with modest budgets, if they have a story that is attractive enough and creates a word-of-mouth effect.
While director Lee Sang Min praised the two main actors: "Their acting and appeal have turned unexplained moments into great strengths.
The achievements of "Salmokji" also increase expectations for upcoming horror projects, including "Idiot girls and school ghost: School anniversary" by director Kim Min Ha, expected to premiere on May 13 in Korea.
The work tells the story of Eun Gyung (Han Sun Hwa) - a trainee teacher who returns to her old school to investigate legends related to the dark magic club and supernatural phenomena in schools.
According to Korean media, the film won an award at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival 2005, where Han Sun Hwa won the Best Fantastic Actress award, and also recorded all screenings sold out at the film festival immediately after opening for sale.
