Thirst (Korean: 박쥐; Bakjwi; literally: Bat) is a 2009 South Korean horror film written, produced and directed by Park Chan-wook. It is loosely based on the novel Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola. The film tells the story of a Catholic priest—who is in love with his friend’s wife—turning into a vampire through a failed medical experiment. Park has stated, "This film was originally called 'The Bat' to convey a sense of horror. After all, it is about vampires. But it is also more than that. It is about passion and a love triangle. I feel that it is unique because it is not just a thriller, and not merely a horror film, but an illicit love story as well." The film won the Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. It is the first mainstream Korean film to feature full-frontal male nudity.
Sang-hyun is a Catholic priest who volunteers at the hospital, providing ministry to the patients. He is well respected for his unwavering faith and dedicated service, but he secretly suffers from feelings of doubt and sadness. Sang-hyun volunteers to participate in an experiment to find a vaccine for the deadly Emmanuel Virus (EV). Although the experiment fails, and Sang-hyun is infected with the seemingly fatal disease, he makes a complete and rapid recovery after receiving a blood transfusion.
When I think of fates worse than death
All I can think of is something you said
You said we were golden, bright like the sun
And now I am stranded knowing I'm not the one
An ocean of anger, flowing through me
Bloodstained and broken from what I failed to see
And just like a snake charmer you led me astray
Living in distress hoping help was on the way
In the midst of the storm searching for shelter
A half-hearted wish for something better
Gracefully cursed, I thirst
Attached to the soil, I'm dyed in the wool
There's iron in my blood, yet so vulnerable
But after I'm gone, once I finally leave
You will be left alone to the wolves and the thieves
In the midst of the storm searching for shelter
A half-hearted wish for something better
Gracefully cursed, I thirst
Gracefully cursed, I thirst
Gracefully cursed, I thirst