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The Bequeathed

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The Bequeathed
Promotional poster
Hangul
선산
Hanja
先山
Literal meaningFamily Burial Ground
Revised RomanizationSeonsan
McCune–ReischauerSŏnsan
Genre
Created byYeon Sang-ho
Based onThe Bequeathed
by Kang Tae-kyung
Written by
Directed byMin Hong-nam [ko]
Starring
Music by
  • Chae Min-joo[4]
  • Kim Dong-wook[4]
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes6 (list of episodes)
Production
Producers
  • Yang Yoo-min[4]
  • Lee Dong-ha[4]
  • Ahn Seung-ho[4]
CinematographyLee Eui-tae[4]
EditorHan Mi-yeon[4]
Running time39–56 minutes
Production companies
  • Wow Point
  • RedPeter Films
Original release
NetworkNetflix
ReleaseJanuary 19, 2024 (2024-01-19)

The Bequeathed (Korean: 선산) is a 2024 South Korean occult thriller television series created and written by Yeon Sang-ho with Min Hong-nam [ko] and Hwang Eun-young [ko], directed by Min, and starring Kim Hyun-joo, Park Hee-soon, Park Byung-eun, and Ryu Kyung-soo. Based on the webtoon of the same name by Kang Tae-kyung.[5] It was released on Netflix on 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[edit]

Main[edit]

  • Kim Hyun-joo as Yoon Seo-ha: a college instructor who hopes to upgrade her hourly status to a faculty position as an appointed professor.[6]
  • Park Hee-soon as Choi Sung-jun: a detective with a keen sense of investigation from Namil Police Station's homicide team.[6]
  • Park Byung-eun as Park Sang-min: a chief inspector of homicide team at Namil Police Station.[6]
  • Ryu Kyung-soo as Kim Young-ho: Seo-ha's half-brother who wants to inherit their family's burial ground.[6]

Supporting[edit]

Special appearance[edit]

Episodes[edit]

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
1"Episode 1"Min Hong-nam [ko]Yeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-young [ko]January 19, 2024 (2024-01-19)
2"Episode 2"Min Hong-namYeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-youngJanuary 19, 2024 (2024-01-19)
3"Episode 3"Min Hong-namYeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-youngJanuary 19, 2024 (2024-01-19)
4"Episode 4"Min Hong-namYeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-youngJanuary 19, 2024 (2024-01-19)
5"Episode 5"Min Hong-namYeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-youngJanuary 19, 2024 (2024-01-19)
6"Episode 6"Min Hong-namYeon Sang-ho, Min Hong-nam & Hwang Eun-youngJanuary 19, 2024 (2024-01-19)

Production[edit]

In October 2022, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Hee-soon, Park Byung-eun, and Ryu Kyung-soo were cast to play various roles for the Netflix series The Bequeathed which is created and written by director Yeon 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 as Peninsula (2020), Another Child (2019), Birthday (2019), Psychokinesis (2018) and Train to Busan (2016).[11]

In December 2023, it was announced that director Min Hong-nam who assisted Yeon in the film Train to Busan is 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 the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 83% of 6 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.3/10.[13] Christopher Cross of Asynchronous Media stated 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 of Ready Steady Cut rated it a 3/5 and said that "don't go in expecting Train to Busan and you won't leave disappointed, but you probably won't be thrilled either".[15] Pierce Conrad of South China Morning Post rated 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 of But 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 of The Times of India rated it a 2.5/5 and stated that it "succumbs to a sluggish pace, challenging the viewer's patience".[18] Stephanie Morgan of Common Sense Media stated that the series' "uninspired writing will only appeal to diehard fans of horror and mystery, leaving other viewers underwhelmed".[19]

Pushpangi Raina of Outlook India rated 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 of NME rated 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 of Bollywood Hungama stated 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 Bequeathed ranked 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]

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
Baeksang Arts Awards 2024 Best Supporting Actor Ryu Kyung-soo Nominated [26]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Kim, Da-sol (January 2, 2024). "Korean occult film, series open the new year". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  2. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (October 20, 2022). "Netflix Sets Suspense Series 'The Bequeathed' From 'Hellbound' & 'Train To Busan's Yeon Sang-ho". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 25, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  3. ^ Lim, Jeong-won (January 16, 2024). "'The Bequeathed' is Yeon Sang-ho's latest occult horror with a Korean edge". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab The Bequeathed. Episode 1 (in Korean). January 19, 2024. Netflix.
  5. ^ a b Kim, Da-sol (December 21, 2023). "Director Min Hong-nam's debut Netflix thriller 'The Bequeathed' to release Jan. 19". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d Moon, 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. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024 – via Naver.
  7. ^ a b c d e Park, 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. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024 – via Naver.
  8. ^ 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. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024 – via Naver.
  9. ^ 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). Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  10. ^ 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. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024 – via Naver.
  11. ^ 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. Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024 – via Naver.
  12. ^ Ziwei, Puah (January 4, 2024). "Watch the trailer for Netflix's new K-drama, 'The Bequeathed'". NME. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  13. ^ "The Bequeathed". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  14. ^ Cross, Christopher (January 18, 2024). "'The Bequeathed' Review". Asynchronous Media. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  15. ^ Wilson, Jonathan (January 19, 2024). "The Bequeathed Season 1 Review – Richly atmosphere, but not quite horrifying enough". Ready Steady Cut. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  16. ^ 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. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  17. ^ Sánchez, Kate (January 24, 2024). "REVIEW: 'The Bequeathed' Is A Genre-Blending Stunner". But Why Tho?. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  18. ^ Kotecha, Ronak (February 14, 2024). "The Bequeathed Season 1 Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  19. ^ Morgan, Stephanie (March 13, 2024). "The Bequeathed TV Review". Common Sense Media. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  20. ^ 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. Archived from the original on January 24, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  21. ^ Daly, Rhian (January 22, 2024). "'The Bequeathed' review: grisly occult thriller is a deathly disappointment". NME. Archived from the original on January 22, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  22. ^ 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. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  23. ^ 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. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024 – via Naver.
  24. ^ 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. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024 – via Naver.
  25. ^ "Top 10 Non-English TV Show on Netflix Right Now". Netflix. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  26. ^ 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. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Naver.

External links[edit]

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