Naver WEBTOON debuted a new horror-occult webtoon called Maengjong on May 30, capitalizing on the massive success of the Korean film Exhuma, which drew over 10 million moviegoers and revitalized interest in the genre.

Maengjong serves as a prequel to the film, following the high school years of Ha-rim and Bong-gil—two characters who made strong impressions in Exhuma. The webtoon explores how these shamans first met and uncovers the untold events that shaped them before the movie's timeline.

The story begins with Ha-rim, who has been living in isolation after a traumatic childhood incident involving the serpent deity "Jin." Her world shifts when Bong-gil, another student, suddenly enters her life. As the two form their initial connection, eerie supernatural incidents begin to unfold around them.

The title "Maengjong" refers to blind obedience, a thematic thread that connects the mysterious events surrounding the characters and expands the Korean occult mythology introduced in the original film. This concept deepens the psychological horror elements that drive the narrative forward.

Creator Haemuri, known for the webtoon Trapped, brings considerable storytelling credentials to the project. Haemuri has built a reputation for crafting intense character dynamics and psychological depth, qualities that should translate well to the horror genre and the tension surrounding Ha-rim and Bong-gil's connection.

At present, English readers don't have official access to Maengjong. While WEBTOON has released Haemuri's previous work Trapped in English, the publisher hasn't announced similar plans for this new series. International fans interested in following the prequel will need to rely on fan translations or wait for an official localization announcement.

The webtoon represents a strategic expansion of the Exhuma universe, allowing the creative team to flesh out backstories and world-building that the film could only touch on. For viewers of the movie and Korean horror fans generally, Maengjong offers a chance to experience more of the supernatural mythology that made Exhuma a cultural phenomenon.