The Gossip

Netflix’s latest Korean fantasy thriller, ‘Gyeongseong Creature’, captivates its audience through its mesmerizing opening theme, captivating plot, and exceptional acting. The series features Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee in crucial roles, delivering stellar performances that leave viewers enthralled.

To put it briefly, ‘Gyeongseong Creature’ is a Netflix series helmed by director Chung Dong Yoon, known for his work on ‘Hot Stove League’. This show stars the popular Hallyu actors Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee. The storyline revolves around a perplexing creature that emerges from human experiments conducted in a hospital located in the Gyeongseong area. As the plot unfolds, the main characters find themselves entangled in this enigma. With its mesmerizing visuals and impressive visual effects, this series guarantees an exhilarating experience for its audience.

It is an uncommon occurrence to witness the opening credits of a television show and become instantly engrossed. The sole instance that springs to mind is possibly ‘Game of Thrones,’ which mesmerized viewers from the very beginning. ‘Gyeongseong Creature’ captivates you with its introductory theme right from the outset. Showcasing artwork depicting a person undergoing a transformation into a creature, blood, lifeless bodies, and a somber, melancholic melody, you are well aware of what awaits you!

The announcement of director Chung Dong Yoon taking the helm of Netflix’s high-budget Korean show ‘Gyeongseong Creature’ sparked immense excitement. South Korea’s triumph in the creature genre through shows like ‘Sweet Home,’ ‘All of us are Dead,’ ‘Duty After School,’ and ‘Happiness’ has set a remarkable standard, thus elevating the anticipation for ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Blending elements of fantasy and action-thriller, Dong Yoon has set his sights on delivering an exceptional production.

Featuring two of the biggest stars in Hallyu, Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee, this period fantasy thriller takes place in the Gyeongseong region of 1945, just before the Japanese colonization ended in Korea. Our protagonist is Jang Tae-sang [Park Seo-jun], the owner of The House of Golden Treasure, a man who knows how to survive no matter what and is the go-to person for any task in Gyeongseong. He is given the mission of locating a woman named Myeong-ja who has gone missing. Along the way, he becomes entangled with Yoon Chae-ok [Han So-hee], a detective who has returned to find her mother, who has been missing for a decade.

The mysterious hospital in the region becomes the battleground for the duo, as they are forced to confront a creature born from unethical human experiments. In this life-or-death situation, they have no other option but to fight for their survival.

Director Dong-yoon skillfully develops the characters’ storylines, but it is the region of Gyeongseong that truly stands out as a significant character in the narrative. Supported by a talented cast including Wi Ha-joon as Kwon Jun-taek, Kim Hae-sook as Nawol, Claudia Kim as Lady Maeda, and Jo Han-chul as Yoon Joong-won, the show effectively captures the essence of the time period, the conflicts, and the fantastical elements in a captivating manner.

The initial episode of the series dedicates ample time to constructing the entire storyline, but once you immerse yourself in the era, the fantastical elements, and the concept, you will embark on an exhilarating journey that you simply cannot afford to overlook! It is imperative to acknowledge the cinematography and the director’s contribution to the ‘Gyeongseong Creature’.

The utilization of cameras to portray gruesome visuals and leave a lasting impact is truly remarkable. There are moments where you catch a glimpse of the ‘creature’s’ power through the reflection of bloodshed. Additionally, in a scene where the creature sprouts branches to form a shield, it is undeniably awe-inspiring. The action choreography effectively builds the necessary tension for this thriller, ensuring that the audience remains captivated throughout.

There are numerous instances where the VFX has been skillfully executed to ensure that the creature appears realistic, rather than cartoonish.

During the press conference, Dong Yoon emphasized that the creature in ‘Gyeongseong Creature’ is truly unique and unlike anything seen before. And he was not exaggerating. This creature is genuinely one-of-a-kind.

Park Seo-jun effortlessly portrays a vulnerable and nonchalant pawnshop owner who is solely focused on money, as well as a courageous rescuer with a brave heart. The credit for this seamless transition goes to the exceptional writing. Writer Kang Eun-kyung takes the time to establish the reasons behind this gradual character development, making it feel completely natural. Seo-jun’s performance is nothing short of brilliant.

Han So-hee’s on-screen presence is truly captivating. Her ability to execute action sequences with grace and precision is unparalleled. She effortlessly glides across the screen, leaving a lasting impact with her intense performances. Additionally, her portrayal of emotional scenes is nothing short of mesmerizing. The chemistry between Seo-jun and So-hee adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative, making it a delightful experience for viewers.

The combination of Wi Ha-joon and Seo-jun is a true delight to behold. These talented actors complement each other perfectly, resulting in a heightened level of performance. The inclusion of EXO’s Suho’s “Forever” as the main theme further enhances the storytelling, creating a seamless blend between music and narrative.

The initial stages of the show may require some patience from fans, as it takes time to establish itself. Additionally, while the gory scenes are visually stunning, they can be overwhelming if viewed all at once. The characters frequently switch between Korean and Japanese due to the historical setting, which may cause some confusion for non-Korean speakers in the global audience. However, this language barrier does not detract from the overall impact of the show.

The show will be divided into two parts, with the first part consisting of seven episodes. The second part is scheduled to be released on January 5, 2023.

For those seeking a well-crafted fantasy thriller, I highly recommend binge-watching ‘Gyeongseong Creature’, which is currently available on Netflix