Plot
In the late 19th century, during the Joseon Dynasty, there was a remote island called Donghwado, which prospered from making paper. One day, a cargo of paper products from the island, destined for delivery to the supreme court, burns up on board a freighter ship. Several criminal detectives are dispatched to Donghwado to investigate the fire. On the day they arrive on the island, however, a tragic murder takes place right in front of the head investigator, Won-gyu, and his colleagues, who had counted on swiftly solving the case and being on their way. The island villagers, shaken up by the murder, start to go mad, convinced that the accident is the result of a curse placed upon them by the ghost of an islander named Merchant Kang. All members of Kang's family had been killed long ago, suspected of being connected to rebellious Catholics. With no solid leads, and feeling increasingly isolated on the horror-stricken island, Won-gyu and his crew finally start to feel the influence of the mad atmosphere of the village. Moreover, the murders continue, as Won-gyu is increasingly coming under pressure to try to solve the case by using his sharp investigative mind. In the meantime, In-gwon, the son of a local paper manufacturer, seems to hold ultimate power over the shaken village, and is continuously being confronted by Won-gyu. The appearance of Do-ho, who once received help from the executed Merchant Kang, adds another level of mystery to the sinister case.
