Excitatio

"Excitatio" is an upcoming occult exorcism thriller that promises to blend the intense pressures of Korea's education system with supernatural horror.

Overview

"Excitatio" (Korean title: "각성" or Gakseong), also known as "Awakening", is a 12-episode South Korean drama scheduled to air in 2027 on SBS. Directed by Oh Jun-hyeok with a screenplay by Jang Yun-Mi, the series falls under thriller, mystery, and fantasy genres. It explores themes of academic pressure, jealousy, ambition, and demonic forces in a high school setting. The drama is produced by Studio S and TME Group, with music by Kim Jun-seok.

Plot Synopsis

In the exam-obsessed hell of Daechi-dong, where jealousy and desire boil over, students resort to every trick imaginable in pursuit of better grades. After swallowing a forbidden “stimulant” to boost their scores, they begin to hear the whispers of the dead. This exam-driven inferno turns into a playground for evil spirits, as classmates die one by one amid strange supernatural abilities. An exorcist priest risks his very soul to save the children and confront the demonic forces at play.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Lee Jun-hyuk as Antonio: A new guiding priest assigned to Seongryeong High School who is secretly an exorcist priest ordained by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Beneath his distant exterior lies sharp instincts, warm empathy, and a history of facing horrific situations alone while triumphing over evil spirits. He investigates the strange incidents and tracks the source pushing students into danger.
• Oh Ye-ju as Kong Ha-rang: Main female role (transfer student).
• Ryu Da-in as Kim Ye-jin: Main role.
• Yoon Se Ah: Main role.

Supporting Cast

• Kim Tae-young as Jang Si-hun: A student.

Additional cast

• Jo Beom-Gyu: Unknown role.

Reception

As a yet-to-air production set for 2027, "Excitatio" has generated early buzz for its unique fusion of occult horror and the high-stakes Korean education system. First-look stills and casting announcements have heightened anticipation among fans of supernatural thrillers.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Cast Returns and Reunions

The series marks Lee Jun-hyuk's return to SBS dramas after about two years.

It reunites Lee Jun-hyuk and Yoon Se-ah, who previously worked together on projects like "City Hall" and the "Secret Forest" series.

Oh Ye-ju and Kim Tae-young reunite after "The Splendid Season of You".

New Cast Member

Ryu Da-in makes her SBS drama debut.

Production and Broadcast

Filming began around March 2026.

The drama airs on Fridays and Saturdays.

Final Thoughts

"Excitatio" stands out as a fresh take on exorcism stories by grounding its supernatural elements in the very real anxieties of academic competition and youth pressures. With a strong lead performance expected from Lee Jun-hyuk and an intriguing premise, it has the potential to deliver chilling suspense and emotional depth. Fans of occult mysteries and school-set thrillers should mark their calendars for this 2027 release.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

The drama is expected to air on SBS TV (with additional channels like SBS Plus, SBS funE, SBS LIFE, and ENA).

Streaming Access

"Excitatio" will stream on Netflix in South Korea and potentially internationally

Main Role

Lee Jun-Hyuk

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