Possessed (2009 South Korean Film)

Possessed, originally titled Bulsinjiok (literally translating to Distrust Hell), is a 2009 South Korean horror-mystery film written and directed by Lee Yong-Joo. The film explores themes of religious obsession and supernatural phenomena within the confines of an apartment complex.

Promotional image for the film Possessed — Promotional material for Possessed (2009).

Plot

The story follows Hee-Jin (Nam Sang-Mi), a college student living in Seoul who returns to her hometown after her 14-year-old sister, So-Jin (Shim Eun-Kyung), goes missing. Upon her return, Hee-Jin finds her mother consumed by obsessive religious prayer, desperately seeking her daughter's return. As the investigation into the disappearance begins, Detective Tae-hwan (Ryu Seung-Ryong) initially treats the case as a standard runaway situation. However, the mystery deepens when a resident named Jeong-Mi (Oh Ji-Eun) falls from a rooftop and a note belonging to So-Jin is discovered. Neighbors and building staff, including Kwi-Kap (Lee Chang-Jik) and Kyeong-Ja (Moon Hee-Kyeong), suggest that So-Jin was possessed by a spirit, leading to a series of unexplained deaths and psychological turmoil.

Production

The film was directed by Lee Yong-Joo, who also penned the screenplay. During its development phase, the project was known by the working title Bi Myeong (Scream). The cinematography was handled by Jo Sang-Yoon. The film was released in South Korea on August 13, 2009, and distributed by Showbox.

Reception and Festivals

Possessed opened at number six at the South Korean box office during its opening weekend (August 14–16, 2009), selling 114,161 tickets. Following its domestic release, the film was screened at several international film festivals, including the International Film Festival Rotterdam (2010), the Udine Far East Film Festival (2010), the Jeonju International Film Festival (2010), the Fantasia Film Festival (2010), and the Sitges Film Festival (2010).

Awards

The film received recognition for its screenplay and performances, notably winning the Best Original Screenplay award at the 30th Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2009. Additionally, Kim Bo-Yeon was honored as Most Popular Actress at the 32nd Golden Cinematography Awards in 2009.