Korean Horror Film to Feature Indonesian Jelangkung Ritual

A Korean horror film adaptation of "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" will incorporate the Indonesian spirit-calling ritual Jelangkung. The creative team chose the ritual to add a distinct Indonesian cultural element to the film.

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When we rewatched the original film, what we took was the spirit of young people going to a haunted hospital for a horror experience. We then thought, if young Indonesians came to Korea to look for ghosts, what would they do?

Screenwriter Lele Laila explained that the goal was not to simply remake the original movie but to infuse it with Indonesian culture. The team focused on the spirit of young people seeking horror experiences, wondering what Indonesian youth would do if they visited a haunted hospital in Korea.

"When we rewatched the original film, what we took was the spirit of young people going to a haunted hospital for a horror experience. We then thought, if young Indonesians came to Korea to look for ghosts, what would they do?" Lele said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

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Based on the data and research we conducted, many people immediately remember Jelangkung when talking about spirit-calling rituals. That's why we felt Jelangkung was the most appropriate choice.

Research indicated Jelangkung is the most recognizable spirit-calling ritual in Indonesia, making it the ideal choice. Director Anggy Umbara stated that including Jelangkung adds value beyond a simple location change, giving the film a strong Indonesian identity. The film, which follows a group of young people exploring a haunted hospital in South Korea and encountering mysterious events, is set to premiere on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

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We want something that truly shows this is an Indonesian film. Jelangkung is one of the cultural elements we brought into the story without losing the spirit of the original film.