This film delves into the controversies surrounding the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, blending occult themes, politics, and suspense.
In June 2025, a new South Korean film titled “The Pact” (신명) is being screened, tackling sensitive and controversial topics. This movie delves into allegations surrounding former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who declared martial law on December 3, 2024, and was subsequently impeached. Blending elements of occultism, politics, and thriller, “The Pact” dramatizes many (or some) events and allegations that have, in fact, been discussed in South Korea.
It’s crucial to note that the film includes scenes reminiscent of the tragic crowd crush on October 15, 2022, where over 150 young people lost their lives—an event not officially recognized as a ‘fact’ within the film’s narrative but clearly alluded to. Furthermore, the movie touches upon suspicious accidents involving peripheral figures and allegations that certain characters believed in or were influenced by shamanistic practices. These suspicions have not yet been fully resolved in Korean society.
The critical point is that while we cannot ascertain if such events are truly occurring within South Korea’s political sphere, questions, suspicions, and doubts surrounding these issues persist. The film’s appeal is greatly amplified by its dramatic portrayal of various controversies that have rocked society, such as politics influenced by shamans, identity fraud, and even scenarios involving martial law and war.
“The Pact” doesn’t merely present ambiguous aspects of Korean politics. It also explores the raw face of power, the blurred lines between superstition and reality, and the desperate struggles of those who seek to uncover hidden truths. Personally, I felt that many Koreans are at a point where it’s difficult to discern what is fact or fiction regarding these narratives, given the sheer volume of information constantly inundating them.
A significant highlight of this film is the superb acting, particularly from Kim Gyu-ri. A highly renowned and skilled actress in South Korea with numerous works to her name, her portrayal of the former President’s wife, delivering an extreme performance, has garnered considerable attention in the Korean media. For those interested in a political black comedy that dares to explore the controversial underbelly of South Korean society, “The Pact” comes highly recommended.
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