Hit Occult Film 'Exhuma' Expands Universe with Prequel Webtoon

Naver Webtoon is set to launch 'Maengjong,' a highly anticipated prequel series that expands the supernatural narrative of the 2024 South Korean box-office sensation, 'Exhuma.' The digital comic, which debuts on May 30, shifts the focus from the film's central mystery to the formative years of its breakout characters, the shaman duo Hwarim and Bonggil. By exploring their initial meeting and early development, the series promises to provide deeper context for the complex relationship portrayed by Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun in the original feature.

The project features creative direction from artist Haemuri, renowned for the psychological depth of the series 'Olgami.' The title, 'Maengjong,' carries a thematic weight, translating to a concept of blind, uncritical obedience, which suggests that the prequel will delve into the darker, more philosophical underpinnings of the characters' occult practices. This narrative choice indicates a shift toward character-driven storytelling that complements the film’s atmospheric horror roots.

This expansion highlights the growing trend of transmedia storytelling within the Korean entertainment industry, where successful intellectual properties are increasingly leveraged across multiple formats to maintain audience engagement. By bridging the gap between cinema and webtoons, the 'Exhuma' franchise is effectively building a long-term ecosystem that keeps fans invested in its lore long after the film’s theatrical run. For the industry, this move underscores the strategic value of repurposing cinematic hits into serialized digital content to sustain brand momentum in a competitive global market.