Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

'Salmokji: Whispering Water' builds on urban legends to weave tale of creeping dread

A cursed reservoir, a distorted road view image, and a film crew pulled into an unfolding mystery. These elements set the stage for “Salmokji: Whispering Water,” a Korean horror debut that favors creeping .

2026-04-05

K-shamanism reads its own fate, finding overseas success

Unlike the dark and frightening sensibility often associated with Western occultism, Korean shamanism is being received as a fresh and unusual cultural phenomenon, especially after the success of the Netflix animation “KPop Demon Hunters” (2025).

2026-04-01

Interest in shamanism grows as political turmoil, societal pressures affect Koreans

Social turmoil in the country has led more Korean people to lean on shamanism, with an marked increase in interest.

2024-12-30

[WHY] 4,000 years later, why are Koreans still visiting shamans?

Why is Korean shamanism, historically stigmatized and discounted by many as the stuff of superstition, still thriving in the 21st century? It has to do with the answers it provides to people's innermost desires.

2024-10-12

'Dear Evan Hansen,' 'Chicago' and other shows, concerts to check out Seoul

The Korean production of the Broadway hit musical "Dear Evan Hansen” is currently underway at the Chungmu Art Center in central Seoul.

2024-06-20

Feng shui and urban legends in 'Exhuma': What you should understand

For viewers overseas, it may be helpful to gain some insight into some of the rituals, traditions and superstitions that appear in director Jang Jae-hyun’s latest film, “Exhuma.”

2024-03-24

Jeju's shamanistic rituals are explored through Nam June Paik

Jeju Island is known to be home to 18,000 gods that the islanders carry out a number of rituals in honor of throughout the year to pray for safety as well as big catches for the fishermen and haenyeo (women divers) — two of the main jobs of ...

2023-06-14

Presidential office gets skittish about shaman reports

The presidential office distanced itself from a so-called shaman who allegedly has been flaunting his closeness with President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee.

2022-08-03

[WHY] Phone recordings take center stage in presidential election

Did the presidential candidate try to force his brother into a psychiatric ward? Does the possible future first lady follow Shamanism? Strange questions like these are befuddling the public in Korea with less than a month to go until they cast...

2022-02-13

[WHY] Shamanism, phone calls and the presidential election

One of the main presidential contenders, Yoon Suk-yeol of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), and his wife have been questioned for their possible ties to Shamanism after phone call recordings were leaked to the public....

2022-02-08