As the curtain rises on a new season of film in Asia, two standout productions are captivating audiences and critics alike—each in their own way redefining what it means to blend pop culture with the supernatural. From the haunting corridors of a Korean high school to the neon-lit stages of a global pop phenomenon, both "The Ghost Game" and "K-Pop Demon Hunters" are making waves across the region, drawing in moviegoers with fresh approaches to genre and storytelling.
Starting August 22, 2025, Vietnamese horror fans are in for a treat with the official release of the South Korean supernatural school film "Bẫy Hồi Sinh" (The Ghost Game). According to reports from local distributors and coverage by Vietnamese entertainment outlets, the film is directed by Son Dong Wan and promises to deliver a chilling, contemporary experience that taps into the anxieties and obsessions of the digital age. The story zeroes in on Ja Young, portrayed by Kim Ye Rim (better known as Yeri, the former Red Velvet member), whose performance has already garnered significant attention from both K-pop fans and film critics.
"The Ghost Game" isn’t just another entry in the crowded field of horror. It’s a tale that weaves together the lure of social media and the dangers lurking in the past. Ja Young and her friends, in pursuit of viral fame, venture into an abandoned building for a YouTube challenge—a set-up that feels all too familiar in an era where online stunts often blur the lines between entertainment and peril. But what begins as a harmless prank soon spirals out of control. The group’s attempt at a "spirit-summoning" ritual unwittingly unlocks a true spiritual realm, awakening terrifying secrets linked to the mysterious disappearance of Ja Young’s older sister. The film’s narrative, as described by Beta Distribution, is a potent mix of supernatural horror and social commentary, spotlighting the psychological pressures facing young people in today’s hyperconnected world.
Yeri’s performance as Ja Young is being widely hailed as a pivotal moment in her evolving acting career. After her notable role in the TV drama "Chị Đại Học Đường" (Bitch Rich), this film marks a significant leap forward, with critics at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) praising her for bringing depth and vulnerability to a character caught between personal trauma and public spectacle. The supporting cast—Lee Chan Hyeong, Seo Dong Huyn, Oh So Huyn, Kim Eun Bi, and Park Seo Yeon—round out a youthful ensemble that embodies the anxieties and aspirations of a generation living under the constant gaze of social media.
Before its Vietnamese debut, "The Ghost Game" made its mark at BIFAN, one of Asia’s most influential genre film festivals. There, it was lauded for its innovative fusion of supernatural horror with the zeitgeist of social media trends. According to festival coverage, audiences responded positively to the film’s fresh take on classic horror tropes, especially its unflinching look at the mental health challenges faced by today’s youth. The film’s running time clocks in at a tight 94 minutes, keeping viewers on edge without overstaying its welcome—a quality that’s becoming increasingly rare in an era of sprawling cinematic universes.
Meanwhile, another Korean production is electrifying audiences on a very different stage. The Netflix animated feature "K-Pop Demon Hunters" has become a bona fide global sensation, and it’s about to get even bigger with a special Sing-Along screening at the Busan International Film Festival in September 2025. The festival’s organizers announced on August 22 that this interactive event will allow fans to belt out the film’s chart-topping original songs—including "How It’s Done," "Soda Pop," "Golden," and "Your Idol"—in a communal, high-energy setting. The screening will take place at the So Hyang theater in Dongseo University, a venue known for hosting some of the festival’s most memorable premieres.
The Sing-Along format isn’t just a novelty; it’s a testament to the film’s crossover appeal and the power of music to unite audiences across continents. In North America, the event was a runaway success, with all 1,000 tickets for the screenings selling out at a rapid clip. This overwhelming demand is fueling anticipation for the Korean premiere, where local fans are eager to join the global celebration. As reported by the Busan International Film Festival office, details about the screening schedule and ticketing will be made available soon on the festival’s official website, ensuring that no one misses out on the chance to be part of this unique cinematic experience.
What’s striking about both "The Ghost Game" and "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is how they reflect the evolving landscape of Asian pop culture, where boundaries between genres—and even between media—are increasingly porous. "The Ghost Game" taps into the viral energy of online challenges and the dark undercurrents of internet fame, while "K-Pop Demon Hunters" leverages the global reach of K-pop and the immersive potential of animation to tell a story that’s both fantastical and deeply resonant with contemporary audiences. In both cases, the supernatural serves as a metaphor for the very real anxieties and aspirations of young people navigating a world that’s as thrilling as it is unpredictable.
For Yeri, the leap from pop idol to serious actress is emblematic of a broader trend in Korean entertainment, where stars are increasingly expected to be multi-hyphenates—equally at home on stage, screen, and social media. Her performance in "The Ghost Game" is being watched closely by fans and industry insiders alike, many of whom see her as a bellwether for the next generation of K-pop idols seeking to reinvent themselves beyond music. According to coverage from BIFAN, "Yeri’s role in this film is considered a significant advancement in her acting career, following her performance in the TV series 'Chị Đại Học Đường' (Bitch Rich)."
On the other hand, "K-Pop Demon Hunters" is riding the crest of a wave that’s seen Korean pop music and animation break out on the world stage. The film’s infectious soundtrack has dominated global music charts, and the Sing-Along screenings are giving fans a chance to become part of the story themselves—a level of engagement that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. As the Busan International Film Festival office put it, "The Sing-Along event was very successful in North America, where 1,000 tickets for the screenings sold out quickly, indicating strong interest and anticipation for the screening in South Korea."
As both films continue to draw crowds and spark conversation, they serve as reminders of the creative dynamism at the heart of Korean cinema and animation. Whether you’re in it for the scares or the songs, one thing’s clear: this is a moment when Asian pop culture isn’t just reflecting the world—it’s helping to shape it.
