THE DIVINE FURY (2019)
August 14, 2025
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The Divine Fury (2019) — A Dark Clash of Faith and Evil
Overview
The Divine Fury is a 2019 South Korean supernatural action-horror film written and directed by Kim Joo-hwan, known for blending intense action sequences with elements of spiritual warfare. Released on July 31, 2019, the movie stars Park Seo-joon, Ahn Sung-ki, and Woo Do-hwan. Combining themes of faith, trauma, and redemption, it offers a unique twist on the exorcism genre rarely seen in Korean cinema.
Plot Summary
The story follows Yong-hoo (Park Seo-joon), a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts. Haunted by the tragic death of his father in his youth — and feeling abandoned by God — Yong-hoo grows into a man who rejects religion entirely. His life takes a strange turn when mysterious stigmata-like wounds appear on his hands.
Seeking answers, he meets Father Ahn (Ahn Sung-ki), an experienced priest and exorcist. Father Ahn recognizes Yong-hoo’s wounds as a divine gift meant to combat evil. Together, they face off against demonic forces, leading them to Ji-shin (Woo Do-hwan), a charismatic cult leader whose dark powers are rooted in sinister rituals.
What begins as a reluctant alliance turns into a fight for survival — and for Yong-hoo, a journey toward confronting his trauma, reclaiming his faith, and discovering his true purpose.
Main Cast
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Park Seo-joon as Yong-hoo, the MMA champion turned reluctant exorcist.
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Ahn Sung-ki as Father Ahn, a veteran priest devoted to fighting evil spirits.
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Woo Do-hwan as Ji-shin, the stylish yet menacing occultist and main antagonist.
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Choi Woo-shik in a cameo role, connecting the film to Kim Joo-hwan’s earlier hit Midnight Runners.
Themes & Tone
The film blends action, horror, and fantasy with a heavy dose of emotional drama. Its core themes include:
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Loss of faith and redemption — Yong-hoo’s struggle with belief in the face of tragedy.
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Good vs. evil — A spiritual war fought not only with holy relics but also with martial arts.
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Personal healing — Overcoming grief and rage through acceptance and courage.
The tone alternates between high-energy fight scenes and eerie, suspenseful exorcism sequences, creating a unique rhythm that appeals to fans of both action and horror.
Reception
Upon release, The Divine Fury received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised its strong performances — especially Park Seo-joon’s physicality and Ahn Sung-ki’s gravitas — as well as the ambitious fusion of genres. However, some noted that the story leaned on familiar exorcism tropes and occasionally sacrificed depth for spectacle.
Commercially, the film performed moderately well at the Korean box office, attracting attention for its Hollywood-style production values and its unusual premise for a K-film. Over time, it has developed a niche fanbase, particularly among viewers who enjoy faith-based supernatural thrillers.
Legacy & Potential Sequel
The ending of The Divine Fury hints at a larger battle between divine warriors and demonic forces, leaving the door open for a sequel. While there has been fan interest in expanding the story, no official sequel has been confirmed.
Final Thoughts
The Divine Fury stands out as an ambitious attempt to bring the exorcism genre into the realm of action cinema. With stylish visuals, memorable performances, and a protagonist who fights demons with both fists and faith, it delivers a dark yet inspiring story about redemption and courage.