The 2015 hit The Priests, starring Gang Dong-won, made waves in the South Korean film industry by introducing the “Korean occult” genre. Now, its much-anticipated spin-off, The Priests 2: Dark Nuns, is set to expand the narrative with a fresh director and cast. This installment centers on a nun who defies a ban on exorcisms in a desperate attempt to save a child possessed by a malevolent spirit. Marking Song Hye-kyo’s debut in the occult genre and her return to the big screen after 11 years, the film is generating significant buzz. Scheduled for release on Jan. 24, it has already surged to the top of advance ticket sales.
The success of last year’s hit Exhuma has expanded the appeal of occult films, transforming a once niche genre into a box-office contender during major seasons like the Lunar New Year holiday. This shift breaks with the tradition of releasing comedies during this festive period. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional box-office formulas no longer guarantee success,” said Ryu Sang-heon, head of the distribution strategy team at NEW, the film’s distributor. “As we’ve seen with Exhuma, a strong film can create new markets.”
A key strength of The Priests 2: Dark Nuns lies in its unconventional and multi-dimensional characters. Song Hye-kyo’s Sister Junia makes a striking impression, her defiant personality evident as she smokes a cigarette and speaks with unrestrained conviction. Sister Michaela, portrayed by Jeon Yeo-been, adds another layer of intrigue. Straddling the line between religion and shamanism, Michaela’s character reflects a unique spiritual identity shaped by her decision to escape the inherited fate of a shaman by becoming a nun.
Song’s performance, described as a “revelation,” makes the most of her expressive features, combining strength and vulnerability. Her deep, resonant voice further complements the film’s occult themes. At a press screening on Jan. 20, Song shared her motivation for the role: “After The Glory, a Netflix series, I wanted to explore something beyond romantic narratives. This project felt like the right opportunity to showcase a different side of me.”
Blending Western occult traditions with Korean shamanism, the film offers a distinctive approach to the genre. From sea-bound rituals to collaborative exorcisms between nuns and shamans, the narrative incorporates visually striking scenes. Traditional Korean cultural elements, such as the Samshin Halmoni (three goddess ancestors) and rhythmic drumming, are seamlessly woven into the story, adding richness and authenticity.
Rated for audiences 15 and older, the film adopts a tone that balances horror with accessibility. While this may not fully satisfy fans of intense horror, its mix of human connection and light humor makes it a strong option for family audiences. However, some audience members noted that unclear dialogue left them yearning for the clarity of streaming service subtitles.
Beyond its supernatural elements, the film tackles deeper themes, including the Catholic Church’s restrictions on nuns performing exorcisms. The story challenges traditional gender roles within religious institutions as its heroines confront patriarchal clergy while battling sinister forces. The narrative also highlights the struggles of marginalized characters—women, disabled individuals, and social outcasts—against insurmountable odds, infusing the film with emotional depth.
Although prior knowledge of The Priests is not required to enjoy the sequel, fans of the original will find familiar elements. Sister Junia is introduced as a disciple of Father Kim Beom-shin, played by Kim Yun-seok in the first film. The central antagonist, the “12 Figures,” returns to wreak havoc, spreading disease and disaster. The film’s ending teases the possibility of a third installment, hinting at the creation of a “Korean occult Avengers” franchise.
