Actress Diandra Agatha excited for Indonesian remake of Korean horror film 'Gonjiam'

Actress Diandra Agatha is enthusiastically embracing her role as Arum in "402 Rumah Sakit Angker Korea," an Indonesian adaptation of the acclaimed South Korean horror film "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum." As a self-proclaimed horror genre enthusiast, Agatha confessed her deep excitement upon joining the project, having long considered the original film one of her favorites and the best of its kind from South Korea.

"I really love horror, and I watched the Korean film, it was really good. When I found out this film was going to be adapted, I was immediately curious. Then I didn't expect to be invited to audition, so I was super excited," Agatha shared during an interview in Jakarta.

While acknowledging the film is an adaptation, Agatha emphasized that the Indonesian version offers a distinct experience. She highlighted the inclusion of numerous local elements, a change in setting, and added mystical flavors tailored to resonate with Indonesian culture. "Even though it's an adaptation, there are many local elements or spices, so it will relate to the Indonesian audience. When you watch it, you'll definitely realize it's very Indonesian," she stated.

Agatha also expressed personal satisfaction with the Indonesian script's narrative, finding its conclusion more fulfilling than the original. The adaptation shifts the setting from the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital to Yongwon Hospital. Despite being an Indonesian production, filming took place entirely in Seoul, where the production team converted a building into the abandoned Yongwon Hospital. "We filmed in Seoul, so the production team turned that building into the abandoned Yongwon Hospital. And when we arrived on set, it felt incredibly real, the sensation was truly horrifying," Agatha recalled. The film, directed by Anggy Umbara, blends local Indonesian horror with South Korean cultural elements, notably featuring an actual Korean shaman. "402 Rumah Sakit Angker Korea" also employs a found-footage concept, presenting the narrative as if it were amateur video recordings, aiming for an immersive viewer experience.