Naver Webtoon is preparing to launch a new prequel series, "Maengjong," which will delve into the supernatural world of the critically acclaimed Korean occult blockbuster, "Exhuma." This webtoon adaptation is set to explore the origins and early lives of the film's central shamanic figures, Hwarim and Bonggil, offering fans a deeper insight into their compelling backstory and the development of their unique partnership. The series will translate the rich, distinctly Korean occult mythology of the film into a new artistic medium, tailored for the vertical-scroll format of webtoons.

The film "Exhuma" achieved significant commercial success, captivating over 11.9 million viewers and grossing $83.1 million in Korea, establishing itself as the highest-grossing film of its year and the first Korean occult film to surpass the 10-million admissions mark. This widespread popularity underscores the strong interest in its narrative and characters, paving the way for the webtoon expansion. "Maengjong" aims to leverage this established fan base while also attracting new readers to the horror-occult genre, promising a fresh and engaging experience for both film enthusiasts and webtoon aficionados.

Prequel Webtoon "Maengjong" to Explore Origins of "Exhuma" Characters

Naver Webtoon is poised to debut "Maengjong" on May 30, an eagerly anticipated prequel series that will expand the narrative universe of the smash-hit Korean occult film, "Exhuma." This new webtoon, skillfully created by Haemuri, an artist renowned for the psychologically rich artwork in "Olgami," will transport readers back in time to chronicle the high school experiences of the shaman duo, Hwarim and Bonggil. The series aims to illuminate how these pivotal characters first crossed paths and began their intertwined journey, providing foundational context to their roles in the feature film. The title "Maengjong" itself, roughly translating to blind obedience without moral judgment, hints at the profound thematic depth awaiting readers, offering a fresh perspective on the lore established by "Exhuma."

The narrative of "Maengjong" initiates with Hwarim, who has meticulously concealed her true identity following a childhood encounter with a powerful snake spirit named Jin. Her carefully constructed facade begins to unravel when she crosses paths with Bonggil at their shared high school, setting the stage for their destined partnership. Haemuri's adaptation promises to seamlessly integrate the intricate Korean occult mythology of "Exhuma" into the dynamic vertical-scroll format characteristic of webtoons, ensuring a visually compelling and narratively immersive experience. Jang Jae-hyun, the director of the original "Exhuma" film, was actively involved in the early conceptual review of the webtoon project, underscoring a commitment to maintaining the integrity and essence of the film's unique world within this new medium. This collaborative effort is expected to deliver a webtoon that resonates deeply with fans, enriching their understanding of the "Exhuma" universe.

"Exhuma" Success Paves Way for Genre Expansion in Webtoon Format

Released in 2024, the occult thriller "Exhuma" achieved remarkable success, drawing in approximately 11.9 million moviegoers and generating an impressive $83.1 million at the Korean box office. This monumental achievement not only solidified its status as the highest-grossing Korean film of the year but also marked it as the first occult film in the country's history to surpass the 10 million admissions milestone. The film's overwhelming popularity and critical acclaim have created a fertile ground for its expansion into other media, most notably the upcoming "Maengjong" webtoon, demonstrating the strong appetite among audiences for its distinctive horror-occult genre and compelling characters.

Showbox's managing director of the film business division, Lee Hyeon-jeong, emphasized the significance of this spin-off, stating that it's meaningful for the beloved "Exhuma" story to expand through the innovative grammar of webtoons, anticipating it will offer a fresh experience for both film enthusiasts and webtoon readers. Lee Jeong-geun, Naver Webtoon's content leader for Korea, further highlighted the strategic timing of "Maengjong's" launch ahead of the summer season, noting its potential to captivate genre fans with the high school narrative of Hwarim and Bonggil. He also praised Haemuri's characteristic tense direction, which is expected to enhance the webtoon's appeal. The transition of "Exhuma's" universe into a webtoon format not only celebrates the film's success but also signifies a growing trend in multimedia storytelling, where popular cinematic narratives are reimagined and extended to engage broader audiences across different platforms.