SBS's new drama "EXCITATIO" (written by Jang Yoon-mi, directed by Oh Jun-hyeok) is an occult exorcism series. Set in the heart of college entrance exam hell—a crucible of jealousy and desire—it follows students who, in their desperate pursuit of higher grades, are lured by stimulants and awaken horrifying abilities. Amidst this chaos, an exorcist priest risks his very soul to save them. This is the highly anticipated new occult project from SBS, which previously opened a new horizon for Korean-style occult dramas with "Revenant" in 2023. Actor Lee Jun-hyuk has already generated significant buzz by taking on the role of Antonio, an exorcist priest dispatched to Sungryung High School to investigate evil spirits.
Amid this excitement, the special teaser for "EXCITATIO", which was pre-released to reporters at the SBS Drama Media Day on June 1, was officially released on online channels today (June 8), capturing the public's attention. The released teaser delivers intense suspense, showcasing Lee Jun-hyuk's perfect transformation into an exorcist priest alongside the bizarre and brutal events unfolding at Sungryung High School.
The video begins with the low, heavy voice of Antonio (played by Lee Jun-hyuk) saying, "The exorcism ritual begins with watching the possessed," as scenes of students possessed by evil spirits unfold. Blood-stained school hallways, the bizarre movements of students who appear to be controlled by someone, and the gradually emerging traces of evil spirits create a suffocating sense of terror. Added to this are eerie laughter piercing the ears and anxiety-inducing sound effects, raising the immersion of the drama to its peak.
The teaser then fully depicts Father Antonio's desperate struggle as he throws everything on the line to save the students. Clutching a crucifix and performing an exorcism while praying, "Lord, come here," his solemn and determined demeanor delivers a powerful sense of catharsis. Furthermore, the scene where he declares war on the massive evil spirit consuming the students, saying, "I will cast you out of that child's body," sends a thrilling shiver down viewers' spines, exploding expectations for the actual broadcast.
Above all, Lee Jun-hyuk's striking visual transformation, fully synchronized with Father Antonio in the teaser, completely dominates the screen. He promises a passionate, physically demanding performance, ranging from extreme situations like drowning and being engulfed in wild flames to intense exorcism scenes performed with all his soul. Global drama fans are highly anticipating the limitless acting transformation that Lee Jun-hyuk, who is leading an occult genre project for the first time since his debut, will showcase through "EXCITATIO".
Anticipation is high for SBS's new drama "EXCITATIO", which features Lee Jun-hyuk's overwhelming aura as an exorcist priest and a fresh, unique worldview. The series is scheduled to hit television screens in 2027.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)