The Bequeathed
The Bequeathed | |
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![]() Promotional poster | |
Hangul | 선산 |
Hanja | Trước sơn |
Literal meaning | Family Burial Ground |
Revised Romanization | Seonsan |
McCune–Reischauer | Sŏnsan |
Genre | |
Created by | Yeon Sang-ho |
Based on | The Bequeathed by Kang Tae-kyung |
Written by |
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Directed by | Min Hong-nam |
Starring | |
Music by | |
Country of origin | South Korea |
Original language | Korean |
No.of episodes | 6(list of episodes) |
Production | |
Producers | |
Cinematography | Lee Eui-tae[4] |
Editor | Han Mi-yeon[4] |
Running time | 39–56 minutes |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network | Netflix |
Release | January 19, 2024 |
The Bequeathed(Korean:선산) is a 2024 South Koreanoccultthrillertelevision series created and written byYeon Sang-howithMin Hong-nam andHwang Eun-young ,directed by Min, and starringKim Hyun-joo,Park Hee-soon,Park Byung-eun,andRyu Kyung-soo.Based on thewebtoonof the same name by Kang Tae-kyung.[5]It was released onNetflixon January 19, 2024, and received generally positive reviews.
Synopsis
[edit]Yoon Seo-ha, a college lecturer, is surprised to learn that her long-forgotten paternal uncle has died, leaving her as the sole heir to the family's burial ground. This news brings back painful memories of her father who abandoned her and her mother. At the uncle's funeral, Seo-ha's half-brother, Kim Young-ho, demands inclusion in the inheritance. The situation triggers a series of ominous events, causing her immense unease. Meanwhile, police detective Choi Sung-jun discovers that the murder case is not a simple manslaughter case. He investigates the case, which is elusive and leads to many dead ends. Park Sang-min, the chief inspector, disapproves of Sung-jun and excludes him from the case. However, his investigation, which focused on key persons surrounding the burial ground, leads nowhere. Another murder occurs, and the village is turned upside down.
Cast and characters
[edit]Main
[edit]- Kim Hyun-jooas Yoon Seo-ha[6]
- A college instructor who hopes to upgrade her hourly status to a faculty position as an appointed professor.
- Park Hee-soonas Choi Sung-jun[6]
- A detective with a keen sense of investigation from Namil Police Station's homicide team.
- Park Byung-eunas Park Sang-min[6]
- Chief inspector of homicide team at Namil Police Station.
- Ryu Kyung-sooas Kim Young-ho[6]
- Park Jae-joon as young Kim Young-ho[4]
- Seo-ha's half-brother who wants to inherit their family's burial ground.
Supporting
[edit]- Cha Mi-kyungas Yoon Myung-hee[7]
- A grandmother from Jinseong-ri village and Young-ho's biological mother.
- Yoo Seung-mok as Choi Tae-song[8]
- A building owner who tries to convince Seo-ha to buy his building.
- Hyun Bong-sik as President Kang Hong-sik[7]
- A private detective hired by Seo-ha to catch her husband's affair.
- Kim Jae-bum as Yuk Sung-soo[7]
- The chief of Jinseong-ri village.
- Lee Hyun-kyun as Jin Dae-su[4]
- A detective at Namil Police Station.
- Cha Si-won as Kim Jung-hyun[4]
- A detective at Namil Police Station.
- Jung In-gias Professor Kim Chang-seok[7]
- Choi Yu-hwaas Professor Han Na-rae[7]
- Kim Ho-yeon as Yoon Myung-ho[4]
- Seo-ha and Young-ho's father.
- Shim Hyun-seo as Choi Joon-hyung[4]
- Sung-jun's son.
- Kim Jae-geon as Yoon Myung-gil[4]
- The owner of the burial ground and Seo-ha's uncle.
- Yeo Moo-young as Seo-ha's grandfather[4]
- Park Joo-yong as a detective[4]
- Seo Mun-ho as a detective[4]
- Lee Yeong-seok as an old man working in kiln[4]
- Baek Soo-ryeon as a buddhist nun's teacher[4]
- Shin Bok-sook as abuddhist nun[9]
- Choi Dong-goo as Kim Kwang-soo[4]
- A development team leader at Jijo Construction.
- Lee Yoon-hee as a chief of police[4]
- Hong Suk-bin as a medical examiner[4]
- Kim Seong-nyeo as a tavern owner's older sister[4]
- Lee Soo-mias a tavern owner[4]
- Nam Ji-bok as Kim Jung-tae[4]
- Kang Jin-ah as Seo Ha-mo[4]
- Park Jin-ah as a shaman[4]
Special appearance
[edit]- Park Sung-hoonas Yang Jae-seok[10]
- Seo-ha's husband.
Episodes
[edit]No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | "Episode 1" | Min Hong-nam | Yeon Sang-ho,Min Hong-nam &Hwang Eun-young | January 19, 2024 |
2 | "Episode 2" | Min Hong-nam | Yeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-young | January 19, 2024 |
3 | "Episode 3" | Min Hong-nam | Yeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-young | January 19, 2024 |
4 | "Episode 4" | Min Hong-nam | Yeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-young | January 19, 2024 |
5 | "Episode 5" | Min Hong-nam | Yeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-young | January 19, 2024 |
6 | "Episode 6" | Min Hong-nam | Yeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-young | January 19, 2024 |
Production
[edit]In October 2022,Kim Hyun-joo,Park Hee-soon,Park Byung-eun,andRyu Kyung-soowere cast to play various roles for the Netflix seriesThe Bequeathedwhich is created and written by directorYeon Sang-ho,and the production is managed by Wow Point, a global content production company and RedPeter Films, a film company that created movies such asPeninsula(2020),Another Child(2019),Birthday(2019),Psychokinesis(2018) andTrain to Busan(2016).[11]
In December 2023, it was announced that director Min Hong-nam who assisted Yeon in the filmTrain to Busanis set to debut his directorial work, co-written by Yeon together with Min and Hwang Eun-young.[5]
Release
[edit]The series was released exclusively on Netflix on January 19, 2024.[12]
Reception
[edit]Critical response
[edit]On thereview aggregatorwebsiteRotten Tomatoes,83% of 6 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.3/10.[13]Christopher Cross ofAsynchronous Mediastated that the series "is an even, but ultimately satisfying procedural that leaves plenty on the table in its search for narrative closure".[14]Jonathan Wilson ofReady Steady Cutrated it a 3/5 and said that "don't go in expectingTrain to Busanand you won't leave disappointed, but you probably won't be thrilled either ".[15]Pierce Conrad ofSouth China Morning Postrated it a 3/5 and stated that it "draws us in quickly with its atmosphere but the mystery of its central premise soon loses its lustre" and "viewers looking for full-on supernatural horror may be wise to readjust their expectations".[16]Kate Sánchez ofBut Why Tho?stated that the series "blends shamanism with a supernatural edge and classic detective noir storytelling to craft something unique" and overall it "expertly uses genre storytelling and a deep human focus to thrill its audience both in flashbacks and in the present-day timeline".[17]Ronak Kotecha ofThe Times of Indiarated it a 2.5/5 and stated that it "succumbs to a sluggish pace, challenging the viewer's patience".[18]Stephanie Morgan ofCommon Sense Mediastated that the series' "uninspired writing will only appeal to diehard fans of horror and mystery, leaving other viewers underwhelmed".[19]
Pushpangi Raina ofOutlook Indiarated it a 2.5/5 and stated that "the show stings so much after much-anticipation because the plot was there, the story was there, actors were decent, but the ending really made me get up and think 'Is that it?'" and "leaves you with only questions, with no scope for answers".[20]Rhian Daly ofNMErated it a 3/5 and stated that "the main focus of the show, meanwhile, is let down by muddy and convoluted storytelling that rips away the power from the eerie scene-setting", continuing that "everything is largely predictable, which leaves the horror being played out on screen feeling more like a balloon slowly, sadly leaking out air than one commanding your attention (and fear) with a sudden pop", and "despite some strong performances from the actors, though, [The Bequeathed] doesn't come close to living up to the expectations around it ".[21]Nandini Iyengar ofBollywood Hungamastated that "there was a lot of potential that went unchecked as the makers tried to fit in more stories in a limited time".[22]
Viewership
[edit]The Bequeathedranked fourth in Netflix's Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) category after three days of its release and received a warm response in 10 countries being listed in the Top 10 including South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Qatar, and Singapore.[23]The following week, the series topped the chart with 14.5 million hours watched by 3.1 million viewers,[24]and remained on the chart for another week.[25]
Accolades
[edit]Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baeksang Arts Awards | 2024 | Best Supporting Actor | Ryu Kyung-soo | Nominated | [26] |
References
[edit]- ^abKim, Da-sol (January 2, 2024)."Korean occult film, series open the new year".The Korea Herald.Archivedfrom the original on January 3, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 4,2024.
- ^Tartaglione, Nancy (October 20, 2022)."Netflix Sets Suspense Series 'The Bequeathed' From 'Hellbound' & 'Train To Busan's Yeon Sang-ho".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 4,2024.
- ^Lim, Jeong-won (January 16, 2024)."'The Bequeathed' is Yeon Sang-ho's latest occult horror with a Korean edge ".Korea JoongAng Daily.Archivedfrom the original on January 19, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 21,2024.
- ^abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabThe Bequeathed.Episode 1 (in Korean). January 19, 2024.Netflix.
- ^abKim, Da-sol (December 21, 2023)."Director Min Hong-nam's debut Netflix thriller 'The Bequeathed' to release Jan. 19".The Korea Herald.Archivedfrom the original on January 3, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 4,2024.
- ^abcdMoon, Ji-yeon (October 18, 2022).[공식] 김현주·박희순·박병은·류경수, 연니버스 '선산' 라인업 완성[[Official] Kim Hyun-joo, Park Hee-soon, Park Byung-eun, and Ryu Kyung-soo completed the lineup for Yeonniverse 'The Bequeathed'] (in Korean).Sports Chosun.Archivedfrom the original on January 4, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 4,2024– viaNaver.
- ^abcdePark, Jae-hwan (January 18, 2023).[인터뷰] 연상호 감독 "트윈픽스급 충격" (넷플릭스 '선산' 기획/극본)[[Interview] Director Yeon Sang-ho's "Twin Fix-like Shock" (Netflix's 'The Bequeathed' Planning/Screenplay)] (in Korean).KBS Media.Archivedfrom the original on January 28, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 28,2024– viaNaver.
- ^Jung, Jin-young (January 21, 2024).'선산' 연상호 감독 "가족 때문에 비이성적 선택... 가족의 양면성에 주목"[Director Yeon Sang-ho of 'The Bequeathed' "Irrational choices because of family... Pay attention to the ambivalence of the family" ] (in Korean).Kookmin Ilbo.Archivedfrom the original on January 28, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 28,2024– viaNaver.
- ^Kim, Ji-hyun (October 14, 2022).신복숙, 연상호 '선산' 합류...연기인생 40년 첫 삭발[Shin Bok-sook, Yeon Sang-ho join 'Seonsan'...To shave her head in 40 years of acting career].TV Daily(in Korean).Archivedfrom the original on January 4, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 4,2024.
- ^Park, Jung-seon (November 2, 2022).[단독] 박성훈, '연니버스' 합류...연상호 넷플릭스 시리즈 '선산' 출연[[Exclusive] Park Sung-hoon joins 'Yeonniverse'...appears in Netflix series 'The Bequeathed' by Yeon Sang-ho] (in Korean). JTBC News.Archivedfrom the original on January 4, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 4,2024– viaNaver.
- ^Lee, Chang-gyu (October 18, 2022).넷플릭스, '선산' 김현주→박희순 캐스팅 확정...연상호 기획·각본[Netflix confirms casting for 'Seonsan' Kim Hyun-joo → Park Hee-soon...Planning and Screenplay by Yeon Sang-ho] (in Korean). Xports News.Archivedfrom the original on January 4, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 4,2024– viaNaver.
- ^Ziwei, Puah (January 4, 2024)."Watch the trailer for Netflix's new K-drama, 'The Bequeathed'".NME.Archivedfrom the original on January 3, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 4,2024.
- ^"The Bequeathed".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango Media.RetrievedJune 16,2024.
- ^Cross, Christopher (January 18, 2024)."'The Bequeathed' Review ".Asynchronous Media.Archivedfrom the original on June 16, 2024.RetrievedJune 16,2024.
- ^Wilson, Jonathan (January 19, 2024)."The Bequeathed Season 1 Review – Richly atmosphere, but not quite horrifying enough".Ready Steady Cut.Archivedfrom the original on January 19, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 25,2024.
- ^Conrad, Pierce (January 23, 2024)."Netflix K-drama review: The Bequeathed – horror thriller series created by Train to Busan and Hellbound director Yeon Sang-ho uncovers dark rural secrets".South China Morning Post.Archivedfrom the original on January 23, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 25,2024.
- ^Sánchez, Kate (January 24, 2024)."REVIEW: 'The Bequeathed' Is A Genre-Blending Stunner".But Why Tho?.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 25,2024.
- ^Kotecha, Ronak (February 14, 2024)."The Bequeathed Season 1 Review".The Times of India.Archivedfrom the original on June 16, 2024.RetrievedJune 16,2024.
- ^Morgan, Stephanie (March 13, 2024)."The Bequeathed TV Review".Common Sense Media.Archivedfrom the original on June 16, 2024.RetrievedJune 16,2024.
- ^Raina, Pushpangi (January 20, 2024)."'The Bequeathed' On Netflix Review: 'Train To Busan' Creator's Slow Paced Solid Crime Thriller Doesn't Leave A Mark ".Outlook India.Archivedfrom the original on January 24, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 25,2024.
- ^Daly, Rhian (January 22, 2024)."'The Bequeathed' review: grisly occult thriller is a deathly disappointment ".NME.Archivedfrom the original on January 22, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 25,2024.
- ^Iyengar, Nandini (January 25, 2024)."The Bequeathed Review: Kim Hyun Joo and Park Hee Soon shine in intriguing whodunit but story loses momentum".Bollywood Hungama.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 25,2024.
- ^Tae, Yoo-na (January 24, 2024).'선산' 잔잔하지만 거세다...글로벌 4위, 10개국 TOP 10 진입['The Bequeathed' Calm But Strong...Ranked 4th in Global, Entered Top 10 in 10 Countries] (in Korean). Ten Asia.Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2024.RetrievedJanuary 25,2024– viaNaver.
- ^Ahn, Tae-hyun (January 31, 2024).'선산' 넷플릭스 비영어권 TV 주간차트 1위...글로벌 흥행 성공['The Bequeathed' ranks first on Netflix's non-English TV weekly chart...Global box office success] (in Korean). News1.Archivedfrom the original on June 16, 2024.RetrievedJune 15,2024– viaNaver.
- ^"Top 10 Non-English TV Show on Netflix Right Now".Netflix.Archivedfrom the original on June 16, 2024.RetrievedJune 15,2024.
- ^Hwang, So-young (April 8, 2024).60회 맞은 '백상예술대상' TV·영화·연극 후보 공개[60th 'Baeksang Arts Awards' TV, Film and Theater Candidates Revealed] (in Korean). JTBC News.Archivedfrom the original on April 8, 2024.RetrievedApril 16,2024– viaNaver.