Yoo Ah In - Lee Sung Min Ready to Star in the Film 'VAMPIRE' by Director 'EXHUMA'

Kapanlagi.com - Director Jang Jae Hyun has officially announced his latest feature film project titled VAMPIRE, also known as Vampir. This occult-themed mystery thriller features Yoo Ah In, Lee Sung Min, and Lee Jun Hyuk, with a cinema release targeted for 2028 following the success of EXHUMA.

The announcement of the cast formation immediately drew attention as it marks Yoo Ah In's return to active film production after several years away from the big screen. This news also continues the speculation about his involvement that has been circulating since the end of last year.

Vampire offers a distinctive Korean interpretation of vampire myths and religious elements, in line with Jang Jae Hyun's storytelling style that previously successfully blended horror and local spirituality in EXHUMA.

1. Synopsis of VAMPIRE: The Hitman, The Pastor, and The Cult Trail

Cast of the Film VAMPIRE (credit: mydramalist.com)

The story of VAMPIRE centers on an unidentified hitman hired by a clergyman to track down a mysterious pagan group. This hunt drags the hitman into a circle of dark conflict confronted by supernatural entities.

The film combines vampire myths with a Korean perspective, presenting a religious touch through the figure of the pastor and various outsiders who become entangled in the whirlpool of conflict. This blend becomes a stage for clashes of beliefs, rituals, and mysteries.

The thematic approach aligns with the works of Jang Jae Hyun, who is familiar with the world of occultism. As in EXHUMA, horror and spiritual elements are once again crafted to push the story's tension into darker territories.

2. List of Cast and Key Roles

Yoo Ah In has been cast as the main character portraying the hitman, a figure who becomes the center of the story's dynamics. His involvement marks an important moment as it signifies a comeback to active film production after a several-year hiatus.

Lee Sung Min plays a clergyman grappling with guilt and the responsibilities of his ministry. Meanwhile, Lee Jun Hyuk appears as a mysterious pagan figure seeking eternal life.

Choi Hyun Wook and Yoon Kyung Ho fill the supporting roles that are also drawn into the main conflict. Kim Doi adds a layer of mystery through the character of a young girl discovered via an open audition process.

3. Production Begins August 2026, Release Target 2028

The main cast has undergone their first script reading along with a traditional blessing ritual in August 2026. This agenda marks the beginning of the production phase, with principal photography scheduled to take place in the same month.

The distribution of Vampire is handled by NEW, the company that previously released EXHUMA. NEW's involvement reunites Jang Jae Hyun's team with a partner that understands the character of the occult film they are working on.

With the shooting schedule just beginning in 2026, Vampire is targeted to hit theaters in 2028. The long production timeline allows the team to delve deeper into the details of supernatural and occult elements.

4. Jang Jae Hyun's Footprint in the Occultism Genre

Jang Jae Hyun is known through a series of commercially successful Korean occultism films, including THE PRIESTS, SVAHA: THE SIXTH FINGER, and EXHUMA. These works position him as one of the key directors in this genre.

VAMPIRE is his first major project after EXHUMA, once again raising themes of horror with a spiritual nuance through an original story. Elements of myth and ritual are presented to support the layers of mystery that drive the plot.

With a strong track record in the occultism genre and a top-notch cast, VAMPIRE is anticipated as one of the most awaited Korean film projects leading up to its release in 2028.

(kpl/rsp)