Director Lee Sang-geun’s second film, ″The Devil Has Moved In,″ is poised to be the final major release in Korean summer theaters. Following his successful debut with ″Exit,″ which attracted 9.24 million viewers six years ago, Lee reunites with his previous film’s star, Im Yoon-ah, to deliver a blend of humor and heartwarming moments. Unlike his first film, ″The Devil Has Moved In″ is an original story, stemming from Lee’s revised draft of ″2 O’Clock Date,″ written in 2014. This return to his roots allowed him to refine and develop a previously ill-fated scenario.

″Exit″ portrayed the escape from a city disaster through the eyes of an unemployed young man, emphasizing that hard work, even if unrecognized, will eventually bear fruit. The film’s fresh perspective on urgent urban escape, intertwined with everyday life, was elevated to comedy. Lee Sang-geun has consistently succeeded by merging popularity with a diverse storytelling style.

″The Devil Has Moved In″ is a family film that weaves together elements of mystery, thriller, and horror with a romantic theme. This genre-blending approach allows for varied interpretations based on the viewer’s perspective. Im Yoon-ah shines in her role, delivering a performance that contrasts her character’s quiet elegance by day with a darker transformation at night. Ahn Bo-hyun effectively portrays a timid character with a gentle demeanor, and the chemistry between the two actors creates a compelling dynamic.

In the film’s first half, Im Yoon-ah takes center stage as her character, Seon-ji, roams the neighborhood in flashy attire between 2 and 5 a.m., only to wake up with no memory of the previous night. This raises questions about whether Seon-ji is sleepwalking, experiencing dissociative disorder, or possessed. As the story unfolds, the truth reveals that the source of her curse lies within her, with her family having kept her secret safe.

Meanwhile, Gilgu, struggling to adapt to his job, quits and finds himself unemployed. He falls for Seon-ji, who lives downstairs, and their relationship blossoms under the guidance of her father and cousin. Their bond, which begins as a neighborly connection, deepens as they share moments at a bakery by day and navigate the streets by night, though Gilgu faces choices that lead him down different paths.

The protagonist’s chaotic circumstances intertwine with themes of exorcism and shamanism, infused with elements of fantasy. As the demon comes to understand Gilgu’s true nature, it begins to open its heart. The film’s central theme revolves around the humanism of ″harmlessness,″ where this quality becomes a powerful weapon. The narrative of two contrasting characters meeting and addressing each other’s shortcomings conveys a touching message.

Highlighting altruism and empathy among individuals isolated from society, this film evokes a wide range of emotions. As audiences exit the theater with diverse feelings, the lingering question remains: will Gilgu’s kindness resonate fully? All eyes are on how ″The Devil Has Moved In″ will be received in Korean summer theaters.