Some K-horror movies are so good, they deserve to be adapted into TV series for richer storytelling. Others, while lacking in quality, could benefit significantly from a series adaptation, especially if their narratives are convoluted or riddled with plot holes. Numerous acclaimed horror films have successfully transitioned into television, such as Scream and Evil Dead, with their success largely attributed to the strength of their original source material.
If certain K-horror movies embraced the formulas utilized by the creators of shows like Scream: The TV Series and Ash vs. Evil Dead, they could achieve similar success. Although one of these franchises, Scream, may not have resonated as strongly as its counterpart, Ash vs. Evil Dead, the horror genre presents a plethora of options. From chilling tales to thrilling zombie pursuits and terrifying creature features, many Korean horror films hold the potential to become captivating TV shows. With intriguing plots, the possibilities for a captivating 5 to 10-episode season are boundless.
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‘The 8th Night’ (2021) – Unraveling the Mysteries of K-Horror
Written and Directed by Kim Tae-hyung – The Vision Behind the Horror
The 8th Night is an underrated K-horror released on Netflix in 2021, marking the directorial and writing debut of Kim Tae-hyung. The film follows two monks, the youthful Cheongseok and the seasoned Jin-soo (Lee Sung-min), on a thrilling quest to confront a 2,500-year-old supernatural force known as the Red Eye. When this entity unites with its counterpart, the Black Eye, it poses an existential threat capable of annihilating humanity.
The 8th Night is an ideal candidate for a series adaptation.
Lee Sung-min is a well-respected figure in the South Korean film industry, known for his roles in Misaeng and The Drug King. While The 8th Night showcases impressive performances and stunning cinematography, many viewers have noted that the plot’s complexity leads to confusion, leaving the experience feeling incomplete. This makes The 8th Night a prime candidate for a series adaptation, as it could delve deeper into the lore of the Red and Black Eye, explore Jin-soo’s backstory, and expand on the horror inflicted by the Red Eye on its victims. The film’s title even hints at a narrative that could fit neatly into an eight-episode series, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
Watch on Netflix
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‘#Alive’ (2020) – A Zombie Tale for the Ages
Written and Directed by Il Cho and Jo Il-hyung – Crafting the Perfect Zombie Narrative
#Alive achieved remarkable success on Netflix, emerging as a notable zombie horror film released during the COVID-19 pandemic. While its themes resonated with the times, the film’s premise felt somewhat on the nose. The plot revolves around Joon-woo (Yoo Ah-in), the sole survivor of a mysterious and rapidly spreading infection in his city, who becomes trapped in his family apartment while his parents are away. In his isolation, he attempts to reach out for help via his phone and forms a bond with Yoo-bin (Park Shin-hye</b), his neighbor across the hall.
The two characters navigate their new reality, communicating and forming a connection as the zombie threat looms. However, their greatest challenges don’t solely arise from the infected; the presence of other survivors poses significant dangers as well. #Alive received critical acclaim and quickly became the most-watched film on Netflix in 2020, despite its pandemic-related themes not striking a nerve with audiences. Instead, viewers appreciated the fresh content during a challenging time. With its potential, #Alive is an excellent candidate for a TV series?delving deeper into Joon-woo and Yoo-bin’s backstories, the infection’s origin, and the ensuing rescue operations could create a gripping narrative enriched by multiple perspectives.
#Alive
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‘The Host’ (2006) – A Masterpiece of Creature Horror
Written and Directed by Bong Joon-ho – The Visionary Behind the Monster
One of the greatest modern auteur directors, Bong Joon-ho, crafted The Host, a film that solidified his status as an influential figure in the genre and in South Korean cinema. The Host features Bong’s frequent collaborator Song Kang-ho alongside South Korea’s beloved Bae Doona. The storyline follows Gang-du, a snack bar owner portrayed by Song, whose daughter, Hyun-seo, is kidnapped by a terrifying mutant monster that emerges from the Han River in Seoul, wreaking havoc on the city. Gang-du’s sister, Nam-joo (Bae Doona), and their brother Nam-il (Park Hae-il) join forces to rescue Hyun-seo from the clutches of the monstrous creature.
The Host is packed with suspense, featuring breathtaking action scenes, relatable characters, and a masterfully orchestrated narrative. Although Adam McKay is reportedly adapting Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film Parasite into a series, The Host might serve as an even more compelling basis for a show, exploring the origins of the creature, delving deeper into Nam-joo and Nam-il’s backstories, and expanding on Gang-du’s relationship with Hyun-seo prior to the chaos. The potential for rich storytelling is immense, especially if Bong himself helms the adaptation.
The Host
