"What are the true colors of the water ghost haunting the Black River?' The title alone is a killer, don't you think?"

Dark Waters begins when the team of the investigative journalism program, Secrets and Lies, receives an anonymous tip-off call. The tip claims that a water ghost lives in Hyeoncheon River in Paju City, and that the caller is a victim who was drowned by the ghost. Captivated by this implausible yet intriguing tip, the main producer decides to feature the water ghost in the next broadcast and leads a team composed of shamans, a feng shui expert, and crew members to Hyeoncheon River. From the very first morning of filming, strange things begin to happen.

Min Sihyeon, the youngest writer on the Secrets and Lies show, witnesses a murder through psychometry as she returns to her crew members in Hyeoncheon River after conducting interviews in the village. Later, during another interview, she encounters Cho Chilbok, who has the same voice she heard from the murderer in her psychometric vision. Upon returning to Hyeoncheon River after the interview, Sihyeon finds the midday surroundings eerily dark. Then she learns from Yoon Dongwook, a shaman’s disciple, that the shaman is not feeling well and has warned that a heavy rain will bring the water ghost out of the swollen river. At that moment, Min Sihyeon hears over her walkie-talkie that the body of the main writer, Jeon Sura, has been found floating in the river.

As filming progresses, the tragic events entangled with Hyeoncheon River and Hyeoncheon Village slowly come to light. The story takes the seemingly conventional themes of drowning accidents and water ghosts, but builds upon them with Jeon Gun Woo’s unique suspense and delivers vivid horror. When the story reaches its climax, readers are left with a chilling truth that questions who the real demon is and are led to a spine-tingling conclusion. With its fast-paced narrative, gripping tension, and immersive experience, Dark Waters showcases the true allure of authentic horror amidst the K-occult craze.