Da-kyung, a horror YouTuber struggling to retain her audience, notices her subscribers steadily declining. Desperate to revive her channel, she becomes obsessed with one last shot at fame. After hearing urban legends surrounding the eerie Gwanglim Station—a subterranean subway hub notorious for unexplained disappearances—she decides to investigate. She enlists the help of her producer, Woo-jin, and approaches the enigmatic stationmaster, whose initial hesitation gives way under her persistence. His cryptic tales ignite her curiosity, and she begins to weave horror content that soon turns viral.
As the view count soars, Da-kyung’s fascination deepens, blurring the line between content creator and thrill-seeker. The stationmaster hints at darker forces at play, and Da-kyung convinces him to guide her onto the fabled “ghost train.” When she finally steps into the dimly lit carriage, her livestream becomes a harrowing descent into supernatural terror—what started as a platform for clicks becomes her worst nightmare, and the channel’s success suddenly feels like a curse.
The film unfolds through an omnibus-like structure, interlacing multiple chilling endings into one haunting narrative. From a demonic vending machine that swallows the greedy to a disfigured bandaged woman chasing victims through dark corridors, each segment propels the horror forward with unpredictable shocks. These vignettes not only offer jump-scares and unsettling visuals but also serve as cautionary tales about human vices like greed and vanity.
Visually, the film excels at creating an oppressive atmosphere. Gwanglim Station is portrayed with claustrophobic tunnels, flickering lights, and echoing sounds that amplify the dread of the unknown. Special effects are handled with skill — not relying on cheap jump scares but building tension through environment, makeup effects, and lingering dread. The performances by Joo Hyun‑young (Da‑kyung), Jeon Bae‑soo (stationmaster), and Choi Bo‑min (Woo‑jin) add to the film’s emotional depth, helping the audience connect with the story even as the terror mounts.
However, the narrative comes with imperfections. Critics and viewers point out that the plot leaps around in time, spreading suspense thin across too many storylines. Some feel the transitions between episodes are jarring and disjointed, leaving character arcs underdeveloped and certain plot threads unresolved. The ending, instead of delivering a satisfying payoff, leaves certain mysteries hanging—perhaps intentionally ambiguous, but not always gratifying.
In spite of its structural flaws, Ghost Train (2024) stands out as a visually compelling entry in modern Korean horror. Its commentary on relentless ambition in the digital age, combined with stylized supernatural frights, offers both entertainment and a probing reflection on how far people will go for online validation. For horror fans drawn to atmospheric tension and moral undertones, it’s a ride that’s well worth taking—even if the final stop remains eerily out of reach.
