Naver Webtoon announced on the 29th that it is launching serialization of the new horror–occult series 'Maengjong'. 'Maengjong' is a spin-off webtoon of the box-office smash Exhuma, which drew 10 million moviegoers, and it spotlights shamans Hwarim and Bong-gil in their high school years — revealing how they first met and the hidden backstory that predates the film.
The story kicks off when Bong-gil, a fellow student at the same school, appears before Hwarim, who has been hiding her identity ever since a childhood incident involving the snake deity Jin. This release is also drawing attention as the next project from creator Haemuri, known for serializing 'Olgami' on Naver Webtoon.
Lee Hyun-jung, Executive Director of Showbox's Film Business Division, said, "It's meaningful that the film's story is expanding through the new grammar of webtoons," adding, "We hope 'Maengjong' offers a fresh experience for both movie fans and webtoon readers." Lee Jeong-geun, Naver Webtoon's Korean Webtoon Content Leader, said, "Just in time for peak summer, we're unveiling the new horror–occult title 'Maengjong'," and added, "With Haemuri's signature tension-filled direction amplifying the high school days of Hwarim and Bong-gil, who left a strong impression in the film Exhuma, we expect this to be a welcome treat for genre fans."
Meanwhile, Exhuma is an occult mystery that fuses traditional geomancy and shamanism. Released in 2024, it attracted more than 11.91 million viewers. The film stars Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun, among others.