The sound comes from Kayako Saeki, the ghost in Ju-On: The Grudge and its 2004 American remake, where her death rattle became one of the franchise's most recognisable signatures. The croak, often described as a throat-clicking groan, was carried through sequels and parodies and later clipped for soundboards, reaction videos and short-form horror edits. It endures because it is instantly recognisable even without any visuals, instantly signalling Japanese horror and a ghost about to appear.