Im Yoon-ah transforms in new horror rom-com, shocking with a dramatic 180-degree performance.
🎭 Im Yoon-ah Takes on Her Most Unusual Role Yet
"Get ready for something spicy and intense," Im Yoon-ah teased at the press conference for her new film The Devil Moved In. The actress will play a dual role—by day a sweet bakery owner, and by night, a fierce, possessed demon.
Known for her range in dramas like Love Rain and God of War, Zhao Yun, Yoon-ah said this is her "most bizarre and uniquely challenging character yet."
📽️ About the Film: A Demon Upstairs, a Slacker Downstairs
The Devil Moved In is a romantic comedy with a twist. Seon-ji (Im Yoon-ah) runs a neighborhood bakery during the day but transforms into a demonic force at 2 a.m. every night—without realizing it.
Living just above her is Gil-gu (played by Ahn Bo-hyun), an unemployed man who accidentally discovers her secret and starts spying on her after dark.
🎨 From Innocent to Intense—Visuals That Pop
Yoon-ah crafted two strikingly different styles for her character. "During the day, I went with long, natural hair and soft visuals. But at night, it's all about bold curls, intense makeup, dark nails, and colored lenses," she explained.
She also worked hard on creating a unique laugh for the demon version of Seon-ji, collaborating closely with director Lee Sang-geun on the right tone and expression.
🎬 Reuniting with the 'Exit' Director
This marks Yoon-ah's second film with director Lee Sang-geun, following the 2019 blockbuster Exit, which drew over 9.4 million moviegoers. "We had such great memories working on Exit. I knew this project would be just as fun," she said.
💪 Ahn Bo-hyun Brings the Muscle (and the Chemistry)
Ahn Bo-hyun plays Gil-gu, who becomes deeply entangled in Seon-ji's demonic double life. The role required physical stamina, as his character is always chasing or supporting her. "Gil-gu is someone who's done every kind of sport, so he's a lot like me," said Ahn.
Director Lee praised Ahn's performance, saying, "He brought the character to life in ways I didn't even imagine."
Yoon-ah and Ahn's on-screen dynamic—dubbed the "Muscle Couple" chemistry—also drew attention. "He's way taller than I expected," Yoon-ah joked. "There were a lot of scenes where he had to carry or catch me, and they came out great visually."
Ahn added, "We were almost never apart on set. I think that helped make our chemistry really natural on screen." He also complimented Yoon-ah's off-screen personality, saying, "She's so down-to-earth, it helped lift the atmosphere on set."
🎟️ A Summer Hit in the Making?
With Korean cinemas still recovering from a pandemic slump, the team hopes The Devil Moved In can bring back audiences. "I hope this movie, along with other summer releases, revives the energy of Korean theaters," said director Lee.
Yoon-ah wrapped up with a message for Exit fans: "If you enjoyed Exit, you'll love how this film deepens the director's signature charm."
Ahn Bo-hyun added, "Our chemistry is real—hope you all feel it. Let's beat the heat this summer with a cool movie night."
'The Devil Moved In' hits theaters on August 13.