Salmokji: Whispering Water

Salmokji: Whispering Water
Theatrical release poster
Hangul
살목지
Hanja
殺木池
RRSalmokji
MRSalmokchi
Directed byLee Sang-min
Written byLee Sang-min
Produced byPark Eun-kyung
Starring
CinematographyKim Sung-an
Edited byLee Kang-hee
Production
company
The Lamp
Distributed byShowbox
Release date
  • April 8, 2026 (2026-04-08)
Running time
95 minutes
CountrySouth Korea
LanguageKorean
BudgetUS$2.02 million[1]
Box officeUS$22.1 million[2]

Salmokji: Whispering Water (Korean: 살목지) is a 2026 South Korean folk horror film directed by Lee Sang-min.[3] Based on the Salmokji Reservoir in Yesan County, the film stars Kim Hye-yoon, Lee Jong-won, Kim Jun-han, Kim Young-sung, Oh Dong-min, Yoon Jae-chan, and Jang Da-ah. It centers the filming crew, who head to a reservoir to reshoot the scene, encounter something lurking within the dark and deep waters.

The film received positive reviews from both critics and audiences and went on to become the highest-grossing Korean horror film of all time, surpassing the 23-year record previously held by A Tale of Two Sisters (2003).[4]

Plot

A road-view filming crew is sent to a remote reservoir to reshoot footage that was previously deemed unusable due to unexplained visual distortions. Led by Su-in, the team documents the surrounding roads and landscape, but during a routine review of the recordings, they seemingly notice unfamiliar figures and unsettling details that none of them recall encountering while filming.

As the crew investigates the origin of the footage, they learn that the reservoir has been linked to a past incident that was never fully resolved. Tensions rise as additional anomalies appear in newly recorded images, blurring the line in between technical malfunction and deliberate concealment, and the crew begins to suspect that the site itself is connected to a hidden crime.

Cast

A determined producer director who steps up to lead the reshoot at the reservoir in place of her missing senior colleague.
Su-in's ex-boyfriend and a producer from the same media company. He arrives at the reservoir later to assist the crew.
Su-in's senior PD who previously visited the Salmokji Reservoir and mysteriously disappeared.
  • Kim Young-sung as Song Gyeong-tae[8]
A skeptical veteran cameraman, he leads the reshoot at the reservoir after an unexplained figure appears in their footage.
  • Oh Dong-min as Song Gyeong-jun[8]
Part of the crew led by Su-in. A former Navy special salvage unit member.
The youngest PD on the filming team.
A junior PD who runs a vlog channel. She joins the crew hoping to capture ghost footage for her content.

Production

The film was produced by The Lamp and later distributed by Showbox.[3]

Casting for the film was announced in stages in 2025. On April 8, Kim was offered the first-billed lead role.[11] The following day, Lee was reported to be in talks for the co-lead.[12] Kim confirmed her participation on the same day. On April 15, Showbox officially confirmed both Kim and Lee in the lead roles.[13] In the following month. Jang Da-ah and Kim Jun-han were announced as additional cast members alongside Kim and Lee. The full ensemble cast, including Kim Young-sung, Oh Dong-min, and Yoon Jae-chan, was also finalized.[14]

Principal photography began in May 2025. On May 14, Showbox posted on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the start of full-scale filming.[13] Some scenes were shot on location at the actual Salmokji Reservoir at South Chungcheong Province. Filming wrapped after approximately three months.[15]

Release

It was released theatrically on April 8, 2026 in South Korea distributed by Showbox.[16]

Reception

Box office

On its opening day, Salmokji: Whispering Water debuted in first place at the South Korean box office, recording 89,912 admissions. Including its pre-release screenings, the film reached a cumulative total of 116,825 moviegoers on its first day, [17] surpassing major competitors including the historical drama The King's Warden and the Hollywood film Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling.[18]

During the weekend of April 10–12, the film continued to dominate the South Korean box office, earning $3.7 million from 536,451 admissions and capturing 47.17% of the total market share. Since its release, it has accumulated $5 million from 724,036 admissions. This marked the strongest opening weekend for a domestic horror film since Exhuma (2024), outperforming recent genre entries such as Noise (2024), Dark Nuns (2025), and The Medium.[19]

By April 14, 2026, six days after its release, the film had reached its break-even point of 800,000 admissions, becoming the fastest South Korean film released in 2026 to achieve this milestone.[20]

The film surpassed 1 million cumulative viewers on April 17, 2026, ten days after its release.[21] By April 23, it had exceeded 1.6 million viewers, more than doubling its break-even point.[22]

As of April 27, the film had surpassed 2 million moviegoers, just 19 days after its release, becoming the first South Korean horror film in eight years to reach this milestone.[23] The film also maintained the top position at the box office for 21 consecutive days, from its release on April 8 to April 28, marking the longest such run for a film released in 2026.[24]

On May 10, It had surpassed 3 million moviegoers, becoming only the second Korean horror film in the past 23 years to reach this milestone.[25]

On May 17, distributor Showbox announced that the film had become the highest-grossing Korean horror film of all time after recording 3.15 million admissions, surpassing the 23-year record set by A Tale of Two Sisters (2003).[26]

Critical response

Salmokji: Whispering Water scored an average score of 6.29 out of 10 on Cine21.[27] Critics praised the film for its immersive atmosphere and its ability to revitalize the South Korean horror genre. Writing for Maxmovie, Cho Hyun-na highlighted the film's "solid narrative structure," noting its effective use of a multi-layered mystery centered on the Salmokji Reservoir to build tension.[28]

Reviewers also described the film as possessing a "damp realism" that allows horror to "seep into the body," emphasizing the "overwhelming mise-en-scène" created by the reservoir setting.[29] Its technical elements, including the use of "fresh camera techniques" and water as a central horror motif, were further credited with creating an "experiential horror" that reinforces its impact within the genre.[30][31]

The “exquisite casting” was frequently cited as a major strength of the film. The performance of actress Kim Hye-yoon in her first horror role received critical acclaim. Writing for The Fact, reporter Park Ji-yoon praised her for revealing a "new side" through a "dry, laughter-less expression" and a "restrained emotional performance," marking a departure from her previous romantic comedy roles.[30] Critics noted her ability to subtly convey her character’s psychological transition from rationalism to terror through nuanced physical expressions, such as trembling fingertips and shifting gaze, rather than relying on conventional horror tropes. Her portrayal was described as the "solid center" of the ensemble cast, and she was subsequently referred to as a new "horror queen" by multiple South Korean media outlets.[30][32]

Actor Lee Jong-won was also recognized for his "delicate expressive power" and "distinctive voice," which heightened the psychological dread."[33] The chemistry between Kim and Lee was also highlighted, with their portrayal of ex-lovers Su-in and Ki-tae adding a layer of "unexpected romance" to the horror through subtle gazes and nuanced tension, without detracting from the film's suspense.[34]

Furthermore, Oh Dong-min was praised for his "bold acting" and intense screen presence,[35] while Jang Da-ah was noted for her "sharp, cold charm" in her big-screen debut.[36]

The film was collectively viewed as a successful "resurgence of Korean horror," bolstered by "exquisite casting" and a solid narrative structure.[37]

Cultural Impact

Following the box office success of the film, the Salmokji Reservoir emerged as a popular tourist attraction, particularly among visitors seeking to experience its surrounding atmosphere. Increased nighttime visits, roadside parking, and camping activity around the reservoir were widely reported following the film’s release. Local officials credited the film with boosting local tourism in the area, while the surge in visitors prompted authorities to implement safety measures and limit nighttime access to the site.[38]

The commercial success of the film also contributed to renewed public interest in Yesan County's local folklore and oral storytelling traditions. Media coverage surrounding the film also highlighted youth-led cultural initiatives that documented regional ghost stories and reinterpretations of local history through folk horror narratives.[39]

Accolades

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee Result Ref.
Blue Dragon Ranking Awards[a] 2026 Best Actress Award[b] Kim Hye-yoon Won [40]
Buil Film Awards 2026 Best New Actress Jang Da-ah Pending [41]
Best New Director Lee Sang-min Pending

Notes

  1. ↑ The Blue Dragon Ranking is a popularity award organized by Sports Chosun, the organizer of the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Blue Dragon Series Awards. It recognizes trend-setting actors by presenting semiannual awards for Best Actor and Best Actress.
  2. ↑ First Half of 2026.

References

  1. ↑ Moon Ki-hoon (April 14, 2026). "Horror movie about haunted reservoir is crushing it at box office". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on April 28, 2026. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  2. ↑ "KOFIC, KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) The Box office: Korean films of 2026". KOFIC. Retrieved May 31, 2026.
  3. 1 2 "'Salmokji' begins filming with Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won leading cast". ChosunBiz. May 14, 2025. Archived from the original on December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025 – via OSEN.
  4. ↑ Kim Soo-in (May 18, 2026). "역대 한국 공포 영화 흥행 1위, 공포물의 새 역사 '살목지'" ['Salmokji', the all-time highest-grossing Korean horror film, writing a new chapter in the history of horror.”]. Marie Claire Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 18, 2026. Retrieved May 18, 2026 – via Naver.
  5. ↑ Lee Sook-hee (April 9, 2025). "배우 김혜윤, 영화 '살목지' 주연 확정…로코퀸에서 호러퀸 도전" [Actress Kim Hye-yoon confirmed to star in the film "Salmokji," challenging herself from romantic comedy queen to horror queen.]. Job Post Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 1, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025 – via Naver.
  6. ↑ Kang Nae-ri (April 15, 2025). "김혜윤·이종원, 공포 영화 '살목지'로 뭉친다…5월 크랭크인" [Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won will team up for the horror film "Salmokji," which begins filming in May.]. YTN News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025 – via Naver.
  7. ↑ Kang Hyo-jin (May 12, 2025). "[단독]김준한, 호러 장르 첫 도전…'살목지'로 김혜윤과 호흡" [[Exclusive] Kim Jun-han takes on the horror genre for the first time… Teaming up with Kim Hye-yoon in "Salmokji."]. SPOTV News (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025 – via Naver.
  8. 1 2 Jang Ye-sol (May 14, 2025). "김혜윤 이종원→장다아, 공포물 '살목지'서 뭉쳤다…초호화 캐스팅 [공식]" [Kim Hye-yoon, Lee Jong-won, and Jang Da-ah join forces for the horror film "Salmokji"… A stunning cast [Official]]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025 – via Naver.
  9. ↑ Kim Won-gyeom (May 15, 2025). "윤재찬, 공포영화 '살목지'로 스크린 데뷔…김혜윤·이종원과 호흡" [Yoon Jae-chan makes his big-screen debut in the horror film "Salmokji," starring Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won.]. SPOTV News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025 – via Naver.
  10. ↑ Jang Min-soo (May 14, 2025). "'장원영 언니' 장다아, 김혜윤 '살목지'로 스크린 데뷔한다" [Jang Da-ah, known as "Jang Won-young's older sister," and Kim Hye-yoon will make their screen debuts in "Salmokji."]. MHN Sports (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 11, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025 – via Naver.
  11. ↑ Jo Yeon-gyeong (April 8, 2025). "[단독] 김혜윤, 로코퀸 이어 호러퀸 노린다 '살목지' 원톱 주연" [[Exclusive] Kim Hye-yoon Aims to Become Horror Queen Following Rom-Com Queen; Leads Solo Role in 'Salmokji']. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 13, 2026. Retrieved April 8, 2026.
  12. ↑ Oh Seo-rin (April 10, 2025). "이종원, 김혜윤과 공포 케미 보여줄까…'살목지' 남자 주인공 물망" [Will Lee Jong-won show horror chemistry with Kim Hye-yoon? ... 'Salmokji' male lead being considered]. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2026. Retrieved April 8, 2026.
  13. 1 2 Park Jin-young (April 15, 2025). "김혜윤x이종원, 공포영화 '살목지' 출연 확정⋯5월 크랭크인" [Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won confirmed to star in the horror film “Salmokji” filming to begin in May.]. Joy News 24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2026. Retrieved April 17, 2026 – via Naver.
  14. ↑ Jung Hyun-tae (May 14, 2025). "김혜윤·이종원부터 김준한·장다아까지...공포물 '살목지' 크랭크인" [From Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won to Kim Jun-han and Jang Da-ah… horror film “Salmokji” begins filming.]. Singe List Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 16, 2026. Retrieved April 17, 2026 – via Naver.
  15. ↑ Jung Hyun-mok (April 5, 2026). "'Salmokji: Whispering Water' builds on urban legends to weave tale of creeping dread". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on April 28, 2026. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  16. ↑ Lee Seung-mi (April 6, 2026). "'살목지' 웰메이드 프로덕션으로 완성한 '숨 막히는 공포'" ['Suffocating horror' completed with well-made production of 'Salmokji']. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 28, 2026. Retrieved April 17, 2026 – via Naver.
  17. ↑ Jeong Ji-yeon (April 10, 2026). ""이틀 만에 18만"…'살목지', 공포 흥행 계보 다시 쓰나" [“180,000 in just two days”… will ‘Salmokji’ rewrite the box office success history of horror films?]. ETO Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 28, 2026. Retrieved April 28, 2026 – via Naver.
  18. ↑ Ha Soo-jung (April 9, 2026). "호러퀸 김혜윤, 라이언 고슬링 꺾었다..'살목지' 첫날 흥행 1위 [공식]" [Horror Queen Kim Hye-yoon Beats Ryan Gosling... 'Salmokji' Tops First Day Box Office [Official]]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 28, 2026. Retrieved April 28, 2026 – via Naver.
  19. ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (April 12, 2026). "Korea Box Office: 'Salmokji: Whispering Water' Dominates Weekend". Variety. Archived from the original on April 24, 2026. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  20. ↑ Cho Ji-young (April 14, 2026). "[공식] '호러퀸 된 마멜 공주' 김혜윤, 기세 美쳤다..'살목지' 손익분기점 달성 "올해 가장 빨라"" [[Official] 'Mamel Princess' Kim Hye-yoon becomes a 'horror queen' Salmokji reaches break-even point, 'fastest this year']. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 29, 2026 – via Naver.
  21. ↑ Cho Ji-young (April 17, 2026). "[공식] 김혜윤 '살목지' 제대로 터졌다..10일 만에 100만 돌파 "2019년 이후 호러 장르 최단 기록"" [Kim Hye-yoon’s Salmokji proves to be a major hit, surpassing 1 million viewers in 10 days—reportedly the fastest record for a horror film since 2019.]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 29, 2026 – via Naver.
  22. ↑ Park Jin-young (April 23, 2026). "'살목지', 160만 돌파→무대인사 확정⋯손익분기점 2배 공약 지킨다" [Salmokji surpasses 1.6 million viewers and confirms stage greetings, fulfilling its pledge to double the break-even point.]. Joy News 24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 29, 2026 – via Naver.
  23. ↑ Jung Rae-won; Park Won-hee (April 27, 2026). "'살목지' 200만 관객 돌파…공포 장르론 '곤지암' 이후 8년만(종합)" [“Salmokji surpasses 2 million moviegoers… first for a horror film in 8 years since Gonjiam (comprehensive)”]. Yonhap News (in Korean). Retrieved April 28, 2026 – via Navee.
  24. ↑ Lee Seung-mi (April 29, 2026). "'살목지', 21일 연속 박스오피스 1위…올해 개봉일 기준 최장 기록" ['Salmokji' tops the box office for 21 consecutive days... Longest record based on release date this year]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 29, 2026. Retrieved April 29, 2026 – via Naver.
  25. ↑ Yeon Hwi-seon (May 12, 2026). "Exclusive: Korean Horror 'Salmokji' Surpasses 3 Million Viewers After 23 Years". The Chosun Ilbo. Archived from the original on May 15, 2026. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  26. ↑ "'Salmokji' becomes the most watched Korean horror film of all time". Korea JoongAng Daily. Yonhap News. May 18, 2026. Archived from the original on May 18, 2026. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
  27. ↑ "살목지". Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved April 26, 2026.
  28. ↑ Cho Hyun-na (April 11, 2026). "공포영화 '살목지', '곤지암'의 흥행 계보 잇는다" [Horror film 'Salmokji' continues the box office lineage of 'Gonjiam.']. Maxmovie (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 3, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  29. ↑ Choi Song-hee (April 8, 2026). "[최씨네 리뷰] 눅눅한 리얼리티, 몸으로 스미는 공포…'살목지'" [[Choi’s Cine Review] A damp realism, horror that seeps into the body… 'Salmokji']. Aju Business Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 16, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  30. 1 2 3 Park Ji-yoon (April 12, 2026). "김혜윤의 믿고 보는 변신…'살목지'로 확인 완료" [Kim Hye-yoon’s trustworthy transformation… Confirmed with 'Salmokji']. The Fact News (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 3, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  31. ↑ Kang Bo-ra (April 9, 2026). "김혜윤, 호러퀸 등극…'살목지' 개봉 첫날 박스오피스 1위" [Kim Hye-yoon crowned Horror Queen… 'Salmokji' tops box office on opening day]. Single List Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 3, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  32. ↑ "김혜윤 '호러퀸' 등극..'살목지', '왕사남' 제치고 개봉일 1위(공식)" [Kim Hye-yoon crowned "horror queen"… Salmokji tops opening-day box office, surpassing King’s Warden (official)]. Herald Muse (in Korean). April 9, 2026. Archived from the original on May 3, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  33. ↑ Kim So-mi (April 8, 2026). "언제 눈 가려야 할지 알면서도 무섭네, <살목지>" [It’s scary even though I know when to cover my eyes, <Salmokji>] (in Korean). Cine21. Archived from the original on May 3, 2026. Retrieved April 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  34. ↑ Kim Hyun-rok (April 20, 2026). "김혜윤·이종원 '망사'에 N차까지…'살목지', 2주연속 1위→150만 목전[박스S]" [Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won’s ‘disastrous love’ draws repeat viewings… Salmokji tops box office for two consecutive weeks → nearing 1.5 million admissions]. SPOTV News (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 3, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026 – via Naver.
  35. ↑ Yoo Yong-ju (April 9, 2026). "'살목지' 오동민 강렬한 눈빛으로 존재감 폭발...스크린 장악한 대담 연기" [Oh Dong-min in Salmokji explodes with presence through an intense gaze… bold acting that takes over the screen]. MHN Sports (in Korean). Retrieved April 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  36. ↑ Jang Ah-reum (April 23, 2026). ""꿈 현실됐다"…장다아, '살목지' 흥행 공약 이행…피칠갑 섬뜩 비주얼" ['A dream came true'… Jang Da-ah fulfills her box office promise for Salmokji… chilling blood-covered visual.]. News 1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 3, 2026. Retrieved May 3, 2026 – via Naver.
  37. ↑ Oh So-yoon (April 10, 2026). "'살목지', 김혜윤+이종원+장다아 캐스팅 절묘-한국 호러의 부활" [Salmokji: Perfect casting of Kim Hye-yoon, Lee Jong-won, and Jang Da-ah — the revival of Korean horror]. Mediafine (in Korean). Retrieved April 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  38. ↑ Baek Byung-yeul (April 14, 2026). "Horror hit 'Salmokji' turns filming site into late-night hot spot". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on May 7, 2026. Retrieved May 18, 2026.
  39. ↑ Kim Nam- hyung (May 17, 2026). "[청년이 살고 싶은 마을] 살목지 괴담부터 예당호 설화까지…지역 이야기를 일거리로 만든다" [[A Village Where Young People Want to Live] From the Salmokji Ghost Story to the Legends of Yedangho — Turning Local Stories into Creative Work]. Asia Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 18, 2026. Retrieved May 18, 2026 – via Naver.
  40. ↑ Kim, Kang-seop (July 13, 2026). [청룡랭킹 상반기 결산] 김혜윤, 박은빈 명품 배우들의 숨막히는 접전 끝..... 트로피는 김혜윤에게. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved July 14, 2026 – via Naver.
  41. ↑ Kim, Ji-hye (August 20, 2021). 부일영화상, 10월 7일 개최…'어쩔수가없다' 9개 부문 '최다 후보' [Buil Film Awards to Be Held on October 7…“No Other Choice” Leads with 9 Nominations]. SBS News (in Korean). Retrieved August 22, 2026.
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