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September 11, 2026Sources cited
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The Wailing

The Wailing is a 2016 South Korean horror film written and directed by Na Hong-jin.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Wailing is a 2016 South Korean horror film written and directed by Na Hong-jin. The film follows a police officer investigating mysterious killings and illnesses in a rural village while trying to protect his daughter. It became both a critical and commercial success.

Plot

The film follows a policeman in a rural Korean village who investigates a series of unexplained killings and illnesses. The case becomes personal when his daughter begins showing similar symptoms.

Production

The Wailing was written and directed by Na Hong-jin. It is a South Korean production with a Korean-language cast led by Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, and Chun Woo-hee.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2016 and received strong commercial and critical response. Sources describe it as a notable horror film and a success at the box office.

Themes and style

The Wailing blends horror, mystery, and thriller elements. Reviews often note its atmosphere, ambiguity, and use of superstition and rural fear.

Key facts

  • The Wailing is a South Korean horror film released in 2016.
  • Na Hong-jin wrote and directed the film.
  • The story centres on a police officer investigating violent incidents and a spreading illness in a remote village.
  • The film stars Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, and Chun Woo-hee.
  • It was described as both a commercial and critical success.
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Canadian context

The Wailing is part of the international horror film canon and is available to Canadian audiences through mainstream film distribution and streaming platforms, contributing to the visibility of South Korean cinema in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Wailing?
The Wailing is a 2016 South Korean horror film written and directed by Na Hong-jin.
What is The Wailing about?
It follows a policeman investigating mysterious killings and a spreading illness in a village while trying to save his daughter.
Who directed The Wailing?
Na Hong-jin wrote and directed the film.
Who stars in The Wailing?
The main cast includes Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, and Chun Woo-hee.
What language is The Wailing in?
The film is in Korean.
Was The Wailing successful?
Yes. It was described as both a commercial and critical success.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wailing_(2016_film)
    Supports: Basic identification, original title, director, cast, plot, and general reception
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/hi/title/tt5215952/
    Supports: Plot synopsis and main premise
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_wailing
    Supports: Genre, director, screenwriter, language, release date, runtime, and synopsis
  4. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-wailing-2016
    Supports: Critical reception and atmospheric horror styling