Chronicle of Exorcism 2. Portrait Painting is Summoning

Author: Li Yuhui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: Fantasy, Wuxia, Suspense, Horror. A seminal work by the pioneer of Korean fantasy, Li Yuhui. An adaptation of the novel is coming to China in the form of a film and an online game. The English version has caused a sensation in Europe and America, hailed as a classic of Eastern fantasy. In the summer of 1993, in a Korean internet chatroom named "SUMMER," Li Yuhui, a young engineer who graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in mechanical design, posted excerpts of his creation, "The Demonic Record," online. It immediately sparked a sensation, boosting his popularity, and the entire chatroom transformed into a "The Demonic Record" room. In 1994, the first seven volumes of "The Demonic Record" were published by Seoul-based Dulnyouk Publishing, causing a massive reaction. It almost led to a nationwide frenzy of reading, with some readers even saying that he lived solely to await the publication of the next volume of "The Demonic Record." Spanning until July 2001, "The Demonic Record" was published in its 19th volume, becoming a monumental work. Statistics show that by the end of last year, "The Demonic Record" had sold over 10 million copies in Korea, where the total population exceeds 40 million. Although the first release in China only includes the first three volumes—"A Voice Calls You to Open Your Eyes," "The Portrait Paints a Call," and "The Secret of the Kusanagi Sword"—the magical, wuxia, horror, suspense, and psychological analysis characteristics of Korean horror fiction are fully evident in them. The unique esoteric Buddhism and legendary tales of Korean culture are also blended into this work. "The Demonic Record" is hailed as the cornerstone of "Korean-style horror." It follows the struggles of four main characters—four "Demon-Exorcists"—against evil forces in the human world. The story narrates how supernatural demons, ghosts, and other paranormal phenomena torment humanity, as the four "Demon-Exorcists" step forward to fight them. Along the way, tales of sages who aid them and malevolent figures who obstruct them are interwoven. The four "Demon-Exorcists" are super-powered individuals who have experienced extraordinary encounters. Under no circumstances would they harm humans or use their abilities on ordinary people. Initially, they secretly rescued people tormented by vengeful spirits and malevolent ghosts, gradually embarking on the "Demon-Exorcism" path and ultimately embracing their mission to dispel evil. "The Demonic Record" is divided into four parts—Domestic, International, Mixed World, and Apocalypse—with a total of 19 volumes. Each book contains several stories of varying lengths and quantities. These stories are relatively independent yet interconnected. "The Demonic Record" not only features thrilling and exhilarating plots but also showcases meticulous world-building. The use of Eastern symbols such as summoning spirits, exorcising demons, samurai imagery, and supernatural mental powers constructs a unique atmosphere of horror that blends fantasy and wuxia characteristics.