Kim Hye-yoon expands into horror with new film

Apr 03, 2026, 09:59 am

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A scene from the film Salmokji, starring Kim Hye-yoon as Su-in, a producer who heads to a mysterious reservoir to investigate an unidentified figure. /Showbox

South Korean actress Kim Hye-yoon is expanding her acting range by stepping into the horror genre with her upcoming film Salmokji, set to premiere on April 8.

“‘Horror queen’? I’ll do my best,” she said with a smile during an interview in Seoul on April 2, expressing her excitement about taking on a new challenge beyond the romance and youth roles she has previously been known for.

Salmokji follows a filming crew that heads to a reservoir after an unidentified figure is captured on a road-view screen, only to encounter a mysterious presence beneath the dark water. The film marks Kim’s return to the big screen four years after The Girl on a Bulldozer (2022).

In the film, Kim plays Su-in, a producer who ventures to the site to uncover the truth behind the mysterious footage. “Horror films are appealing because of the tension, immersion, and the sense of release at the end,” she said. “I’ve always liked the genre and wanted to try it. The concept of a water ghost felt fresh.”

Unlike her previous works that emphasized emotional expression, Kim said she focused on restraint in this role. “Su-in has trauma and fear related to water, so I tried to suppress emotions rather than express them openly,” she explained. “There were many scenes where I had to convey feelings through my eyes, which wasn’t easy.”

She also recalled the eerie atmosphere on set, particularly while filming a boat scene on the reservoir. “It was so quiet, and the bare tree branches sticking out of the water made me imagine what might be beneath,” she said. “It was a scene I had never experienced before. I don’t think I could have endured it alone.”

Following Salmokji, Kim is set to appear in a variety of projects, including the film Land, the drama Good Partner 2, and a spin-off of the variety show Unnie’s Direct Delivery.

“I’m excited to show different sides of myself through diverse characters and genres,” she said. “It’s all thanks to the support of my fans. I want to keep challenging myself and present new aspects of who I am.”

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