[MyDaily = Reporter Kim Ha-young] Hello. I’m Kim Hye-yoon, playing the horror queen in 'Salmokji.'
Long known among horror aficionados for her tastes, actress Kim Hye-yoon has channeled that passion into a focused, unsettling turn in the new film 'Salmokji.'
The film, which opened April 8, launched at No. 1 at the box office and got off to a commanding start. After holding the top spot for two consecutive days, 'Salmokji' is riding a wave of momentum—following the 16‑million‑attendance hit 'The Man Who Lives with the King'—and is reinvigorating the Korean film market.
'Salmokji' follows a film crew that heads to a reservoir to update a Road View entry after an unidentified shape appears in the images. While on location, they encounter something dark and deep in the water. The picture draws on local legends about Salmokji Reservoir—famous among anglers as a haunted site—which gives the film an added layer of authenticity and immersion.
Kim’s performance is a standout. She avoids genre clichés and proves her range, using precise shifts in intensity to map her character’s psychological unraveling. Her nuanced work, amplified by strong chemistry with Kim Jun-hwan and Lee Jong-won, anchors the film. Critics have hailed 'Salmokji' as the most accomplished Korean horror film since 'Gonjiam,' praising its inventive camera work and stylish homages; it currently holds a 90% Golden Egg score.
Earlier, Kim sparked a cultural moment with tvN's Seon-jae Upgo Ttwieo and was named to Forbes Korea’s 'Power Celebrity 40,' underscoring her distinct standing in the industry. With this bold genre leap, she now seems well positioned to make the “horror queen” mantle she jokingly claimed at stage greetings a reality, provided this upward trajectory continues.
Since her 2013 debut, Kim has drawn notice for her layered work on JTBC's 'SKY Castle' and proved her star power in the MBC series 'Extraordinary You.' She further demonstrated range across screen and television with the film Bulldojeoui Tan Sonyeo, building a filmography that has made her a reliably watchable performer.
The timing of 'Salmokji' is significant for Kim. Earlier this year, her SBS series Starting Today, I’m Human struggled amid CG controversies that dogged its promotional rollout, leaving a sense of disappointment. This box‑office success offers a clean reset and a springboard for a striking comeback.
All eyes now turn to her next move, SBS's Good Partner 2. Tasked with following a predecessor that peaked at a 17.7% rating, Kim—stepping in after Nam Ji-hyun—will join Jang Nara in what promises to be a fresh on‑screen womance. Audiences will be watching to see if she can transition from big‑screen horror queen to a new ratings queen on television.
