‘Dark Nuns’ is an upcoming South Korean occult thriller film set to be released on January 24, 2025. Directed by Kwon Hyuk-jae, the movie serves as a spin-off to the 2015 film The Priests.
Dark Nuns ㅣInformation
Category | Dark Nuns |
---|---|
Native Title | 검은 수녀들 |
Country | South Korea |
Genre | occult, dark fantasy, mystery, drama |
Director by | Kwon Hyuk-jae |
Story by | Kim Woojin |
Starring Cast | Song Hyekyo, Jeon Yeobin, Lee Jinwook, Moon Woojin |
Running time | 114 minutes (1 hour 54 minutes 17 seconds) |
Release dates | Korea : January 24, 2025 |
Streaming |
Main Cast
Song Hye-kyo as Sister Yunia
A nun who goes out to save a boy with a strong will and relentless action. He never gives up a boy who is overcome by strong pain and has not been resolved in any way.
Song Hye-kyo 송혜교
◾Date of Birth: November 22, 1981
◾Place of Birth: Dalseo District, Daegu, South Korea
◾Debut Work: First Love (1996)
◾Notable Works: Autumn in My Heart, Full House, That Winter, the Wind Blows, Descendants of the Sun, The Glory
◾https://www.instagram.com/kyo1122/
Jeon Yeo-bin as Sister Michaela
Jeon Yeo-bin 전여빈
◾Date of Birth: July 26, 1989
◾Place of Birth: Gangneung, Gangwon Province, South Korea
◾Debut Work: The Treacherous (2015)
◾Notable Works: After My Death, Be Melodramatic, Vincenzo, Night in Paradise, Glitch
◾https://www.instagram.com/jeon.yeobeen/
Lee Jin-wook as Father Paolo
a psychiatrist who believes he can treat a boy with medicine.
Lee Jin-wook 이진욱
◾Date of Birth: September 16, 1981
◾Place of Birth: Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea
◾Debut Work: Resurrection (2005)
◾Notable Works: Glass Castle, Nine: Nine Time Travels, The Time We Were Not in Love, Voice, Sweet Home
◾https://www.instagram.com/actor_jinwook/
Heo Jun-ho as Father Andrea
a priest performing a ritual to save a boy.
Heo Jun-ho 허준호
◾Date of Birth: April 14, 1964
◾Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
◾Debut Work: The Moon of Seoul (1994)
◾Notable Works: Volcano High, All About My Romance, The Emperor: Owner of the Mask, Come and Hug Me, Kingdom
Moon Woo-jin as Hee-jun
a boomerang boy possessed by a powerful evil spirit.
Moon Woo-jin 문유진
◾Date of Birth: February 19, 2009
◾Place of Birth: South Korea
◾Debut Work: The King in Love (2017)
◾Notable Works: The King in Love, Mr. Sunshine, The World of the Married, Mouse, Racket Boys
Dark Nuns ㅣPlot
Set in the 1980s in a secluded mountain village in South Korea, Dark Nuns follows the mysterious and chilling events that unfold within a quiet convent. The peaceful lives of the nuns are disrupted when a young boy, Hee-jun, arrives at their convent, showing signs of bizarre and unexplainable behavior. It soon becomes evident that he is possessed by a powerful and malevolent spirit.
Sister Yunia, a devoted and courageous nun, along with her aide, Sister Michaela, decides to save the boy through an ancient and forbidden exorcism ritual. As the ritual progresses, the two uncover shocking secrets about the convent’s dark past and the village’s hidden ties to the supernatural. The story delves deep into themes of faith, sacrifice, and the terrifying battle against a force that threatens to consume everything.
With its haunting atmosphere, intense performances, and intricate exploration of Korean spiritual traditions, Dark Nuns offers a gripping narrative that combines horror and drama. This film, a spiritual successor to the 2015 hit The Priests, expands upon its shared universe, presenting a new layer of suspense and mystery for fans of occult cinema.
Points to Watch
The Shared Universe of Dark Nuns and The Priests
Dark Nuns is set within the same universe as the 2015 South Korean film The Priests. Both films explore themes of exorcism, faith, and the battle against dark forces, delving into the spiritual and psychological struggles faced by their characters. While Dark Nuns focuses on the events within a secluded convent, The Priests introduced audiences to the intense and harrowing world of exorcism within modern Korean society.
What Is The Priests About?
The Priests follows the story of Father Kim (Kim Yoon-seok), a veteran priest, and Deacon Choi (Kang Dong-won), a young seminary student, as they attempt to perform an exorcism on a high school girl named Young-shin (Park So-dam). Young-shin falls mysteriously ill after a hit-and-run accident, and it’s revealed that she is possessed by a malevolent spirit.
As the two priests prepare for the dangerous ritual, they face resistance from skeptics, including authorities who dismiss their mission as superstition. The tension escalates as the exorcism progresses, forcing both Father Kim and Deacon Choi to confront their own doubts, fears, and faith.
The film is known for its gripping narrative, atmospheric cinematography, and powerful performances. It combines elements of horror and drama while offering a unique take on the exorcism genre, rooted in Korean culture and spirituality.
Why This Shared Universe Matters
By tying Dark Nuns to the world of The Priests, the upcoming film expands on the dark, mysterious atmosphere that captivated audiences in the original. Fans can expect to explore new layers of the spiritual battle against evil, with Dark Nuns delving deeper into themes of sacrifice, faith, and the strength of the human spirit.
Whether you’re a fan of The Priests or new to this universe, Dark Nuns promises a chilling and emotionally compelling story that builds on the foundation of its predecessor.
Faith, Shamanism, and the Occult: The Unique Charm of Korean Cinema
South Korea has produced a wealth of critically acclaimed films that seamlessly blend elements of religion, shamanism, and the occult. These movies delve into the supernatural while drawing from deeply rooted cultural beliefs and traditions, creating a genre that feels both universally relatable in its exploration of fear and uniquely Korean in its spiritual undertones.
The Wailing (곡성)
Director: Na Hong-jin
Release Year: 2016
The Wailing is a supernatural mystery thriller set in a remote rural village plagued by a series of unexplained deaths and illnesses. The story follows Jong-goo, a local policeman, who becomes embroiled in the chaos while trying to save his young daughter. The film masterfully combines shamanistic rituals, Christian symbolism, and Korean folklore, crafting a chilling narrative that questions the very nature of evil. Its ambiguous ending and layered storytelling have cemented it as a masterpiece of the genre.

The Divine Fury (사자)
Director: Kim Joo-hwan
Release Year: 2019
This film blends Catholic exorcism with Korean spiritual traditions in an action-packed narrative. It follows Yong-hoo, a champion fighter who gains mysterious powers after losing faith due to a personal tragedy. Teaming up with Father Ahn, a seasoned exorcist, Yong-hoo battles demonic forces threatening humanity. With its intense action sequences and themes of redemption, The Divine Fury boldly mixes faith-based horror with modern fantasy elements.

The Cursed: Dead Man’s Prey (방법: 재차의)
Director: Kim Yong-wan
Release Year: 2021
Based on the hit drama The Cursed, this film delves into the intersection of traditional Korean shamanism and corporate corruption. It follows a reporter investigating a string of gruesome murders tied to a powerful conglomerate and a deadly shamanistic curse. By intertwining ancient beliefs with modern societal issues, the film delivers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the genre.
Why These Films Resonate
Cultural Context
Korean occult films often incorporate shamanism (mudang), a centuries-old practice rooted in animism and folk traditions. This cultural backdrop, paired with the influence of Christianity in contemporary Korea, creates a fertile storytelling ground. The tension between these faith systems adds complexity and depth to the narratives.
Themes of Duality
These films explore striking dualities: good versus evil, tradition versus modernity, and skepticism versus belief. By rooting supernatural elements in the struggles of ordinary people, they craft stories that are both profoundly unsettling and universally relatable.
Visual and Ritualistic Appeal
Elaborate rituals, vibrant costumes, and haunting chants are often central to these films, immersing audiences in the spiritual world of Korean culture. The visual spectacle of shamanistic exorcisms or ceremonial dances becomes a powerful storytelling device, amplifying the tension and atmosphere.
Global Appeal
Themes of fear, faith, and redemption resonate globally, while the distinct cultural elements of these films provide international audiences with a unique perspective on Korea’s spiritual landscape. Movies like The Wailing have garnered worldwide acclaim, proving how Korean filmmakers elevate horror and thriller genres by integrating their cultural heritage.
Dark Nuns ㅣOST
update soon
Dark Nuns ㅣTrailer Video
Dark Nuns ㅣPoster
Secret: Untold Melody l Korean movie overview

I love all kinds of stories.
Now I’m dreaming of becoming a pretty lady someday. Let’s join me if you like it!