Monstrous (South Korean Television Series)

Monstrous (Korean: 괴이; RR: Gwoei) is a South Korean supernatural thriller television series that premiered on April 29, 2022. The six-episode series was directed by Jang Kun-jae, with a screenplay co-written by Yeon Sang-ho and Ryoo Yong-jae. The story centers on the discovery of a cursed Buddhist statue, known as a Gwibul, which brings chaos and supernatural phenomena to the residents of Jinyang County.

Plot

Jung Ki-hoon (played by Koo Kyo-hwan) is a former archaeologist who once specialized in supernatural phenomena. Following a life-altering event, he shifts his focus to publishing the occult-themed Monthly Strange Story magazine and managing a corresponding YouTube channel. His life intersects with his ex-wife, Lee Soo-jin (Shin Hyun-bin), an archaeologist who previously excelled at deciphering ancient letters and symbols. After the tragic death of their child, Soo-jin relocates to Jinyang County, where she encounters inexplicable events. Ki-hoon travels to the county to investigate the Gwibul, a statue possessed by an evil spirit, leading both characters to confront a terrifying, supernatural reality.

The chaos in Jinyang County affects various residents, including the local police substation chief Han Seok-hee (Kim Ji-young), her son Han Do-kyung (Nam Da-reum), the county governor Kwon Jong-soo (Park Ho-san), and a local troublemaker named Kwak Yong-joo (Kwak Dong-yeon).

Promotional poster for the drama Monstrous — Promotional artwork for the series.

Cast

The series features an ensemble cast portraying the residents and officials of Jinyang County:

Koo Kyo-hwan as Jung Ki-hoon
Shin Hyun-bin as Lee Soo-jin
Kim Ji-young as Han Seok-hee
Park Ho-san as Kwon Jong-soo
Kwak Dong-yeon as Kwak Yong-joo
Nam Da-reum as Han Do-kyung

Production

The series was produced for the streaming platform TVING. The screenplay was developed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for his work in the horror and thriller genres, alongside Ryoo Yong-jae. The production focuses on the psychological and supernatural tension arising from the discovery of the cursed artifact in a small, isolated community.