Issue Focus

K-Content Meets Shamanism : 
How Korean Occult Stories Conquered Global Screens

This article shows how Korean occult narratives-rooted in shamanism, afterlife myths, and historical

reinterpretations-are evolving into a global cultural identity. This offers valuable insights for buyers

seeking fresh, culturally distinctive IP with worldwide appeal.

♦  Webtoons Lead the “K-Occult” Wave

     • Naver Webtoon’s “Mirae's Antique Shop” blends Barigongju mythology, Buddhist scriptures, and

       Korean history into a modern occult epic.

     • Awarded both Grand Prize and Popularity Prize at the Bucheon International Comics Festival, proving

       both artistic merit and commercial viability.

♦  Korean History Meets Supernatural Storytelling

     • Story arcs span 200 years, connecting Joseon, Japanese colonial rule, and the Korean War with ghosts

       and exorcism rituals.

     • Realistic depictions of shamanistic practices-amulets, exorcisms, and ancestral spirits-strengthen

       immersion and heightened cultural resonance.

♦  Cross-Media Success on Global Platforms

     • Netflix’s hit “K-Pop Demon Hunters” reimagines girl groups as demon hunters, staging occult lore

       within musical performances.

     • U.S. theaters hosted 1,000 sold-out screenings with “sing-along” boosting fan interaction and online

       visibility.

♦  Cultural Impact Beyond Entertainment

     • Traditional folk art inspired breakout character “Duffy the Tiger”, prompting a surge in museum visits

       and merchandise sell-outs.

     • The “K-occult wave”, following Kingdom's K-zombies, is becoming a key driver of Hallyu’s cultural

       identity and global market expansion.

Source

The Digital Times. (2025. 9. 2)

https://www.dt.co.kr/article/12015374 (Korean version only)