Another Korean Occult Work, Yeon Sang-ho's New Netflix Series 'Seonsan'

The Netflix original series from director Yeon Sang-ho, who created the films “Train to Busan,” “Hellbound,” and “Peninsula,” is set to be released.

Director Yeon Sang-ho, who spectacularly launched the Korean zombie genre with “Train to Busan,” is releasing a new Netflix series titled “The Bequeathed,” which begins with a phone call. The protagonist, ‘Yoon Seo-ha,’ receives news of the death of her uncle, whom she never knew existed. While identifying the body, the police suggest the possibility of foul play. However, Yoon Seo-ha shows reluctance to get involved in the death of a relative she didn't even know. Then, she hears about the existence of the ancestral gravesite (seonsan) owned by her deceased uncle.

Seonsan refers to a mountain where ancestral graves are located. It can be considered one of the properties passed down through generations of a family. Upon learning that she is the only heir to the seonsan, Yoon Seo-ha changes her mind. She decides to take on the responsibility of her uncle's funeral in order to inherit the seonsan.

During the funeral, a man appears in shabby attire. Suddenly, he approaches Yoon Seo-ha with a chilling expression and claims to be her half-brother, asserting his right to inherit the seonsan. Yoon Seo-ha becomes even more confused by the sudden appearance of her half-brother, ‘Kim Young-ho.’

The police investigating the death discover that the seonsan owned by Yoon Seo-ha's uncle is the only land excluded from the redevelopment zone. A construction company had been purchasing surrounding land to build a golf course, but the seonsan remained untouched due to the owner's resistance. The police learn that the villagers were overjoyed at the prospect of the village's development following the death of Yoon Seo-ha's uncle, and they start to gather evidence of murder smoothly.

Just as the case seems to be nearing resolution, another incident occurs: Yoon Seo-ha's husband dies.

Meanwhile, Yoon Seo-ha's half-brother, Kim Young-ho, repeatedly emphasizes that he must possess the seonsan to survive. He exhibits strange behavior, engaging in conversations with a portrait of his deceased father, as if he were truly communicating with the dead.

Korea has a cultural practice called ‘gut’ (굿). A shaman with spiritual powers performs rituals involving offerings and dancing to appease the deities. The trailer for “The Bequeathed” features several scenes showcasing this aspect of Korean culture. The use of the seonsan, a mountain containing the graves of the deceased, as the central setting likely serves to enhance the mysterious atmosphere. Korean occult works have cultivated a dedicated fanbase, and if you enjoyed works like “Revenant” or “Svaha: The Sixth Finger,” you'll likely find “The Bequeathed” appealing. As with occult works in general, be advised that the series contains numerous scenes of graphic violence.

Director Yeon Sang-ho, the creator of “The Bequeathed,” stated in an interview that ‘this series is a story about family.’ He explained that the element of inheritance and the ensuing family conflicts will impede the characters' rational decision-making, emphasizing the unpredictability of their choices as a key viewing point.

The Netflix original series “The Bequeathed” consists of six episodes and will premiere on January 19th.