The Shrine

"The Shrine" is an upcoming occult horror film that promises to deliver chills through shamanism, supernatural mystery, and an abandoned shrine setting in Japan.

Overview

"The Shrine" (native title: "신사: 악귀의 속삭임," also known as "Sinsa: Akgwiui Soksakim") is a South Korean horror movie directed by Japanese filmmaker Kumakiri Kazuyoshi. It marks his first time directing a Korean film and Kim Jae-joong's first foray into the occult horror genre. The story blends supernatural elements, shamanic rituals, and psychological tension, filmed on location in Kobe, Japan, to enhance its eerie realism. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in South Korea on June 17, 2026, with an advance release in Japan earlier that year.

Plot Synopsis

Three college students mysteriously disappear during an expedition to an abandoned shrine deep in the mountains of Kobe, Japan. The only clue points to the forbidden shrine, from which strange and unexplainable events begin to spread.

Yoo Mi, a project manager for a Korea-Japan joint village revitalization initiative and connected to one of the missing students (her younger sibling), reaches out to her former college senior, the shaman Myung Jin. Suffering from ominous nightmares, Myung Jin travels to Japan and confronts the evil spirit lurking within the shrine. Together, they uncover the identity of the malevolent force behind the disappearances while facing horrors beyond human understanding.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Kim Jae-joong as Myung Jin: A skilled shaman with special abilities and a dark hero figure who stands between the realms of gods and demons. He performs rituals and directly challenges the evil spirit.
• Gong Seong-ha (Kong Seong-ha) as Yoo Mi: Myung Jin’s college junior who becomes entangled in the bizarre incidents while searching for her missing sibling. She embarks on an emotional journey filled with fear, determination, and discovery.

Supporting Cast

• Ko Hoon-jung as Han Ju: Pastor.
• Song Woo-ju: A supporting role.

Reception

As a pre-release title, "The Shrine" has generated significant anticipation among fans of horror and Kim Jae-joong’s acting projects. Teasers and posters highlighting the hidden evil spirit and atmospheric torii gate have built excitement for its shamanism-based occult horror. The collaboration between Korean cast and a Japanese director known for intense psychological storytelling has been noted as a promising mix.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Filming Location

The film was shot entirely on location in Kobe, adding authenticity to the abandoned shrine setting.

Poster and Tagline

It features a chilling poster with the tagline “Welcome the new god,” showing a mysterious entity with a hidden face near an old torii gate.

Teasers and Atmosphere

Teasers emphasize tension with possessed students, vanishing acts, and shamanic rituals.

Kim Jae-joong’s Performance

This project represents Kim Jae-joong’s bold entry into horror, showcasing a weighty, intense performance.

Final Thoughts

"The Shrine" looks set to offer a fresh take on supernatural horror with its cross-cultural elements, strong lead performances, and atmospheric dread. For fans of occult mysteries and shaman-themed stories, it promises an unsettling journey into the unknown. Its blend of Korean and Japanese talent could make it a standout in the 2026 horror lineup.

Where to Watch

Festival Debut

The film was first introduced at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

It was screened three times at the 2024 Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival on July 5, 2024.

Theatrical Release

"The Shrine" is slated for its theatrical release in Japan on February 6, 2026 and in South Korea starting June 17, 2026.

Gallery