Star writer Kim Eun Hee is back with a new work that prospective viewers anticipate.
A Korean occult mystery thriller, Revenant tells the story of Gu San-yeong, a woman born into poverty whose life goes from bad to worse when her father dies under mysterious circumstances.
Unable to explain why tragedy seems to follow her at every turn, Sanyeong begins to discover the truth behind her cursed existence after meeting Yeom Hae-sang, a man who can see the demons that hold sway over our lives. Together, the pair will work to uncover a demonic doorway and break the curse that has destroyed both of their families.
“Revenant” Teases With First Meeting Stills of Kim Tae Ri and Oh Jung Se
Known for her various genre works, Kim Eun Hee boasts a decorated career. Her notable works include Sign, Phantom, Signal and Kingdom.
Through the Kingdom series, she created a Joseon-set zombie story different from Western sentiment catapulting an addicting Korean zombie syndrome all over the world.
For her latest work, Kim Eun Hee is back with a Korean-style occult mystery genre that incorporates folklore. In a written media interview, she discloses the passionate time she has poured into Revenant in the past two years.
Quickly introducing the story of Revenant, Writer Kim described it as a story of a poor young woman who is obsessed with evil spirits and a folklorist who can see evil spirits.
Regarding the reason why she chose a Korean occult mystery genre, she explained the influence of a legendary hometown that she saw as if she was possessed was the reason why.
Interestingly, the writer confesses that she easily gets scared but she likes horror stories. Thus, she is driven to write an occult story at least once.
“So, when I wrote the plan for Kingdom, I also planned Revenant. While writing the script for Kingdom, it seems that Korean feelings naturally melted into Revenant.“
When asked why folklore was fused into her new work, she reveals wanting to creatively tell folk beliefs that ordinary people believed in as well as taboos melted in everyday life.
“While thinking about folk beliefs, I thought of the National Folk Museum and went there, but it turned out to be a rainy weekday. It was still bleak, but before I knew it, I was the only one around. I looked around by myself, and things I was used to, such as school uniforms, matches, and biers, seemed unfamiliar and scary. I thought it would be nice to melt this feeling into a drama.”
Creative Preparations for Revenant
It seems that a lot of research was needed to incorporate folklore into Revenant. Conveying the creative process of her new work, Writer Kim remarked started writing the series in 2021.
“I started researching materials while reading books and papers related to folklore. She received help from the head of the National Folk Museum of Korea and other people, and also visited Andong University folklore professors. After learning that folklore is a study of people. Even while writing the script, he continued to work by seeking advice. The most memorable moment was when she participated in a party on the beach in Hongseong, Chungcheongnam-do. At that time, she could write 4 or 5 copies based on what she experienced.”
Relaying the focus in developing the narrative of Revenant, she admitted being careful.
“In the case of the occult genre, it seems that it was difficult to strike a balance because there were clear likes and dislikes. Although ghosts appear in the drama, I was careful not to bury the narratives of the characters in scary stories.“
Working Together With Talented Cast
Relaying her impression of the casting of the series, Kim Eun Hee narrated her thoughts.
“When I first met Kim Tae Ri, she looked so strong and energetic. The synchro rate with San-yeong is about 1000%. After Oh Jung Se was cast, it became much easier to write the script. While talking about the script, the way he continued to explore with a serious face was just like Professor Yeom. She thought of Hong-sae as a youth different from San-yeong, but she was impressed with actor Hong Kyung‘s boyish clear face. However, with a calm tone, he kept on biting until the end until he can understand situations.”
Highlighting more about the meaning of evil spirit haunting San-yeong, Writer Kim explains the idea of making difficult choices.
“If another person similar to Sanyoung is possessed by an evil spirit, I wonder if that person might make a different choice than her. She may have someone who thinks of herself first or someone who is more earnest. In that sense, I thought that it was the presence of demons that could paradoxically show San-yeong what kind of life was most important to her. She is put at a crossroads due to her demon, and she wanted to show what her own choice was.“
Wrapping up the interview, Kim Eun Hee divulged the viewing points to enjoy Revenant more.
“You would think that it is a scary drama from the title. It’s not that there aren’t scary parts, but it’s a drama where the stories of Sanyeong, Hae-sang, Hong-sae and other people are the main focus. When you’re scared, just close your eyes for a moment. I think it would be more enjoyable to watch it together with family or friends over a glass of beer.”
Revenant will be broadcast for the first time at 10 pm on June 23. International fans can watch it on Disney+!
Source: xportsnews
Photo = Studio S, BA Entertainment
