Unveiling ‘Salmokji’: What to Expect from the Chilling Horror Film Releasing on April 8

The horror film “Salmokji” has locked in its April 8 release date and is generating significant buzz with the unveiling of its first trailer.

Distributor Showbox made the announcement on the 10th, showcasing a trailer that delves into the heart of terror. The narrative unfolds after an unidentified figure appears in a street view of Salmokji, prompting a seven-member film crew to venture to a reservoir where they confront an ominous presence lurking in the dark, deep waters.

Helmed by Lee Sang-min, this marks his solo feature directorial debut. Lee has carved out a niche in the horror genre with short films like “Hamjinabi” and “Dollimchong,” as well as the February release “The Ghost-Calling App: Yeong.” Horror aficionados are eagerly anticipating the authentic scares this new project promises to deliver.

The released trailer vividly captures the terror that engulfs the seven-member film crew. It opens with a chilling line from PD Su-in (Kim Hye-yoon), who exclaims, “It’s Salmokji.” This is followed by Se-jeong (Jang Da-ah), who runs a horror exploration channel, ominously stating, “This place has long been famous for encounters with the dead,” setting a haunting tone.

The calm is short-lived. An eerie voice emanates from a ghost box, while the forest echoes with the sound of clashing stones. The tension mounts as Kyung-tae (Kim Young-sung) is drawn toward an unseen entity, Kyung-jun (Oh Dong-min) races toward the reservoir, and Seong-bin (Yoon Jae-chan) watches in horror as Gyo-sik (Kim Joon-han) stacks stones. Ki-tae (Lee Jong-won), who followed Su-in to Salmokji, attempts to escape but finds himself trapped in a loop, intensifying the suspense.

The trailer concludes with a chilling declaration: “You can’t leave here alive,” promising absolute terror.

Kim Hye-yoon returns to the big screen after a three-year hiatus, following her rise as a rom-com queen in the tvN drama “Carrying Seonjae and Running.” She portrays Su-in, who encounters inexplicable events at the reservoir. Lee Jong-won makes his feature film debut as Ki-tae, joining Su-in in unraveling the reservoir’s mysteries.

Kim Joon-han plays Gyo-sik, Su-in’s superior, adding layers to the film’s intrigue. He has previously showcased his nuanced acting in dramas like “Good Partner” and “Hospital Playlist,” as well as the film “Beasts Clinging to a Straw.”

Kim Young-sung embodies Kyung-tae, a jaded veteran. He clinched the Best New Actor award at the 2024 Buil Film Awards for his role in “Big Sleep.” Oh Dong-min portrays Kyung-jun, a PD with a background in the Navy’s Search and Rescue Team. His powerful performances include roles in “The Love Story of a Big City,” “Gyeongseong Creature Season 2,” and “Doctor Slump.”

Yoon Jae-chan and Jang Da-ah make their silver screen debuts with this film. Yoon, known for his versatile acting in dramas like “Shining Watermelon” and “The Intimate Betrayer,” plays Seong-bin, the crew’s youngest member. Jang, who made waves in the series “Pyramid Game,” transforms into Se-jeong, the host of a horror broadcast channel.

Director Lee Sang-min shared his enthusiasm: “Collaborating with such talented actors and crew has been exhilarating. I aim to create a film that offers a novel experience, leaving audiences feeling they made the right choice to see it in theaters.”

“Salmokji” is set to screen in premium formats, including CGV ScreenX and 4DX. It will immerse viewers in terror through various viewing experiences, from standard theaters to ScreenX’s expanded side views, 4DX’s motion chairs and environmental effects, and integrated formats combining both technologies.

Promising an indescribable, inescapable, and irresistible horror experience, “Salmokji” is slated to hit theaters on April 8.

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