Holy Night: Demon Hunters
Holy Night: Demon Hunters is a 2025 South Korean action-horror film directed by Lim Dae-hee, marking his feature film debut. Featuring a high-profile cast including Ma Dong-seok (also known as Don Lee), Seohyun of Girls' Generation, Lee David, Kyung Soo-jin, and Jung Ji-so, the movie blends supernatural elements with intense action, wrapped in a modern urban setting. Released in South Korea on April 30, 2025, the film quickly topped box office charts, leading in both advance bookings and first-day ticket sales. It was later released in various international markets, including Vietnam, where it screened with both dubbed and subtitled versions.
Set in contemporary Seoul, the story follows a secretive demon-hunting organization known as Holy Night, a specialized unit tasked with tracking and eliminating demonic threats. The group is composed of Ba Woo (played by Ma Dong-seok), a powerful frontline brawler with unmatched physical strength; Sharon (played by Seohyun), a graceful yet fierce exorcist with spiritual sensitivity; and Kim Gun (played by Lee David), a sharp-witted strategist and documentarian. Together, they operate in the shadows, keeping the public unaware of the growing supernatural chaos surrounding them.
The team is drawn into a desperate mission when psychiatrist Jung-Won (Kyung Soo-jin) seeks their help to save her younger sister, Eun-seo (Jung Ji-so), who has been possessed by an ancient and malevolent demon. As the team investigates, they uncover a sinister cult called the Black Mass, which is attempting to summon the demon Asmodeus to unleash hell on Earth. What begins as a single possession spirals into a larger battle between good and evil, with the fate of Seoul hanging in the balance.
The film’s action sequences are a highlight, particularly those featuring Ma Dong-seok, whose physicality and on-screen presence have become a hallmark of Korean cinema. Seohyun delivers a strong performance as Sharon, balancing elegance with deadly precision. The film also injects moments of dark humor and stylized combat, giving it a comic-book-like energy that contrasts well with its more horrifying scenes.
Visually, Holy Night: Demon Hunters boasts stylish cinematography, using urban landscapes, dimly lit sanctuaries, and eerie cult imagery to build atmosphere. The combination of practical effects and CGI contributes to a believable and immersive supernatural world. While the film occasionally leans into familiar genre tropes, it maintains momentum with its brisk pacing and charismatic performances.
Accompanying the film’s release is a prequel webtoon titled Holy Night: The Zero, which debuted on Naver Webtoon in late 2024. Illustrated by Jeong Han-gil, the series explores the origin stories of the main characters, including how Ba Woo, Sharon, and Kim Gun came to join the Holy Night team. This expanded universe approach gives fans deeper insight into the mythology and character development that drive the film.
In summary, Holy Night: Demon Hunters stands out as an entertaining fusion of horror, action, and urban fantasy. With a strong cast, thrilling sequences, and an intriguing supernatural narrative, the film delivers a satisfying experience for fans of genre-blending Korean cinema. It also hints at potential sequels or spin-offs, making it a promising start for what could become a larger franchise.
