K-Drama Review: The Guest
We are going to start October and my favorite spooky month off right with a discussion about one of my favorite horror K-Dramas, The Guest. Before diving into it, however, I want to be clear with those who haven't seen it yet. Don't watch this drama if you are afraid of things that go bump in the night. Don't watch this drama if jump scares and loud music make you uncomfortable. The Guest is the first drama I had to watch during the day and with every light on in the house. If that disclaimer did nothing but intrigue you, read on!
This horror thriller was released in 2018 on the OCN Network. OCN Network has a penchant for dramas that get the blood running; this drama is no exception. Yoon Hwapyung (Kim Dongwook) comes from a family of shamans. He is next in line to become one, but like any typical child, he tries to reject the role.
A powerful demon comes to Hwapyung's town and causes chaos. The townsfolk begin to suspect Hwapyung after his mother and grandmother are found dead. The church sends two people to perform an exorcism on Hwapyung. Unfortunately, his father doesn't think it works, so he tries to take matters into his own hands. Hwapyung runs away from home, and heads after Priest Choi, one of the men that tried to help him.
Unfortunately, the demon gets to Priest Choi first. While possessed, the priest kills everyone in the family except his younger brother, who was hiding under the bed. As Hwapyung stands outside, frozen in terror, Kang Gilyoung (Jung Eunchae) and her mother drive by. Gilyoung's mother is a cop, so she runs in to help the family, only to be murdered as well. The only survivor is Choi Yoon (Kim Jaewook). While Priest Choi attacks Gilyoung's mother, he runs out to stand with the others. The three children form a trauma bond that night, witnessing something so unbelievable they don't speak of it for a long time.
Twenty years later, Hwapyung works as a taxi driver. He now has psychic abilities and uses them to look for the demon that still inhabits Priest Choi. Unfortunately, Gilyoung has become a cop that no one is willing to work with, and Choi Yoon is now a priest named Matthew. The three haven't spoken to each other since that fateful night, but their lives are soon thrown together again when Gilyoung investigates a murder in which Hwapyung is involved. When the real suspect is caught and requires an exorcism, Matthew steps in to help. During the exorcism, the trio realizes the demon that possessed Priest Choi is ordering lesser demons to possess people who are vulnerable with troubled pasts.
Gilyoung, Hwapyung, and Matthew work together to defeat demons, and all is going as well as expected until they realize they were together twenty years ago. Gilyoung is angry about her mom's death, and when she realizes who Hwapyung is, she wants nothing to do with him. It takes a while, but the three get past their differences. Soon they fight to end the demon that has been tormenting them for so long.
The Guest didn't win any awards, and their ratings weren't high, but it had some of the most solid acting this drama watcher has seen in a while, and I've watched a lot of them. Even the supporting cast was well-picked. Lee Yongnyeo guest starred as a shaman priestess, and honestly, I can't think of anyone else who could play the role better. Lee Wonjong played a comedic shaman that brought just the right touch of comedy to this dark show.
The soundtrack was released in two parts, with songs from Son Seungyeon, Ha Jin, and O3ohn (pronounced Oh John). The music that wasn't on the soundtrack also aided in the creep factor. Every sound, every note, made me want to look over my shoulder because I for sure felt like someone, or something, was watching me.
This drama gives you mystery, horror, and a strong female lead. Unfortunately, it can also give you nightmares if you aren't careful, so if things like that bother you, don't watch this show. If, however, despite the multiple warnings given you still want to watch The Guest, you can check it out on Netflix.
Edited by Cara Musashi