Singer and actor Kim Jae Joong is making a notable return to cinema with a genre-defining project that marks a first in his career. The upcoming film "The Shrine" sees the artist step into the world of occult horror, expanding his acting repertoire with a dark, supernatural role set against a haunting Japanese backdrop.

The release info came out earlier this month. Mystery Pictures, the production company, announced that "The Shrine," directed by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, will first be released in theaters in Japan on February 6, according to AllKpop, which has excited fans eagerly awaiting Kim's return to the screen.

"The Shrine" is about a scary mystery where in the mountains outside of Kobe, Japan, a group of college students go missing while conducting research on an ancient shrine.

Their disappearance sparks a series of disturbing incidents related to a dark and malevolent entity, which serves as the primary plot point of the film. The publication says the story mixes classic horror with psychological tension from folklore and superstition.

Kim plays Myeong Jin, a shaman caught between gods and demons. It's his first time acting in horror. His character is like a dark hero who carries a lot of emotional weight, guiding the story between the human and supernatural worlds. DIPE mentioned that the role needed a controlled but strong performance, saying Kim really transformed for the part.

Gong Seong Ha acts alongside Kim as Yumi, Myeong Jin's junior from college and a project manager involved in the investigation. The story depicts Kim and Gong Seong Ha working together to uncover the identity of the evil spirit that is abducting students, gradually revealing larger fears and instances of corruption, according to the source.

The film is directed by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, a Japanese director famous for Yoko (2023), which won three awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival. It's Kumakiri's first time directing a Korean movie. His style, which involves looking closely at human psychology and extreme emotions, should go well with the occult horror genre..

They filmed the entire movie in Kobe, where the story takes place. Shooting on location has been applauded for making the movie feel more ominous and real, with the natural surroundings being a key part of the horror. The Shrine will be released in South Korea after its early release in Japan.