J-Horror Meets K-Shamanism in 'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil' Starring Kim Jaejoong and Gong Seongha

J-Horror and K-Shamanism converge in a new occult horror film. As titles like 'Salmon' and 'Back Room' gain traction in theaters, anticipation builds for 'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil,' starring Kim Jaejoong and Gong Seongha, which aims to continue the summer horror trend.

On June 8, a press screening and conference for 'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil' took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, featuring actors Kim Jaejoong and Gong Seongha.

The film follows three college students who disappear while exploring an abandoned shrine in Kobe, Japan. Kim Jaejoong plays Myung-jin, a shaman who investigates the case and confronts strange evil spirits in this shamanistic occult horror. The film is directed by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, known for '658km, Yoko's Journey' and '#Manhole.'

Filmed on location in Kobe, Japan, the movie captures the vivid terror of the actual setting and the chilling essence of Japanese horror. It has been invited to the 'Mad Max' section of the 28th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, drawing interest from genre fans.

Kim Jaejoong remarked, "The script is based on a book written by the director's wife. When it was adapted into Korean, there were changes in character interpretation. Initially, I received a character that felt very Korean, but through communication with the director, I was able to embody a character from his imagination."

He added, "This isn't just a typical Korean horror film; it blends the unique characteristics of J-Horror with K-Horror, creating something new. I look forward to that challenge."

Gong Seongha also noted that working with director Kumakiri helped him understand his character better. He shared, "When I first went to Japan, the director recommended films for reference. I later watched them in Korean, but as a horror fan, they helped me analyze my character."

He continued, "The director has an exceptional sense of mise-en-scène. He draws the storyboards himself and even sketches the costumes beforehand. Collaborating with him was a fascinating experience."

For Kim Jaejoong, 'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil' marks his return to the big screen after a long hiatus since 'The Jackal Is Coming.' He expressed, "It felt like my first time filming again. Although it's a Korean production, 90% of the staff were Japanese, which contributed to that feeling."


Portraying Myung-jin, the shaman, required a different approach than typical shamanistic portrayals. Kim Jaejoong explained, "I initially studied the stories associated with shamans, but the director insisted that Myung-jin should not conform to those expectations. He wanted a shaman with universal abilities that transcends cultural boundaries."

He added, "I aimed to portray abilities that go beyond common perceptions. There are scenes where Myung-jin recites Buddhist terms, and I pointed out that Korean shamans typically do not do that. The director was fine with it, which allowed me to explore a unique character."

Gong Seongha reflected on the fresh experience of collaborating with Japanese staff on 'Gentleman,' saying, "It was exciting and nerve-wracking to work with a Japanese director for the first time. When we first met, the director and cinematographer conducted a reading, and I felt that this was the beginning when they called out 'Ready, Action' in Japanese. I understood the nuances overall."

He added, "The terms for starting, ending, and 'good job' are quite similar, so I picked up on them quickly. There was a feeling that transcended language. The director was a wonderful person, and we joked that he was like a bear." Kim Jaejoong chimed in, "The director was so lovely that it was hard to concentrate."

The filming environment was challenging, and the chemistry between the two actors was intense. Kim Jaejoong described their dynamic as "very rough." He noted, "I met Seongha for the first time on this project, and we worked together in cold, dark, and eerie spaces. We were not in a refreshing atmosphere but rather in dusty environments, which made it a continuous struggle for both of us."

However, this challenging environment also fostered a closer bond. Kim Jaejoong said, "We managed to share smiles and support each other. When an actor performs a personal scene, it can be embarrassing if others are watching, but in this space, everyone had to observe each other’s scenes, which likely strengthened our relationship."

Gong Seongha recalled their first meeting in Kobe, saying, "I thought he was someone who makes people feel at ease. As we ventured deeper into the dark tunnel in Kobe, we bonded through shared experiences. Even going to the restroom required us to go up to the surface, which brought us closer together. Thanks to him, I felt comfortable and had fun filming."

He also mentioned the catharsis he experienced while acting in horror. Gong Seongha stated, "Reading the script sparked my interest in horror, and reacting to the scares provided a sense of catharsis. I wondered if I could feel fear from things that are not familiar to us, and I realized that, the more I thought about it, people can be scarier than the evil spirits in the film."

Kim Jaejoong also contributed to the film's ending song. He shared that he was invited by the director to participate in the OST, saying, "The director suggested I join the film's OST, and I gladly accepted. I received a demo of a unique style of song that I had never done before, but I felt it suited the film well, so I recorded it right away."

He added, "I believe it fits the film's complex ending and conclusion. The movie features many brutal scenes from the start, with unexpected moments of violence throughout. Overall, I think the flow of the film and the OST complement each other well."

Finally, both actors emphasized the genre appeal of 'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil' for summer audiences. Kim Jaejoong stated, "Summer is synonymous with horror. While some may not be fans of horror, watching it two or three times can help you adapt. I believe you can enjoy a refreshing summer once you fully acclimate to the fear and brutality."

He added, "I think this film fills some gaps that K-Horror has had. It has many layers, and there may be interpretations or conclusions that remain unresolved after one viewing. I hope audiences will engage with 'Gentleman' and find their own conclusions and interpretations throughout the year."

Gong Seongha remarked, "I believe the film successfully blends diverse themes. It features the location in Kobe, Japanese shamanism, and even a Protestant pastor encountering Hindu evil spirits. The combination of various beliefs makes this an intriguing occult film."

Meanwhile, 'Gentleman: Whispers of Evil' is set to be released on June 17.