Park Seo-joon and Han So-hee, two rising actors in Korea, have come together in the Netflix original drama “Gyeongseong Creature.” Set against the backdrop of 1945, “Gyeongseong Creature” combines elements of monster features, history and thrillers, offering a fresh take with its unique genre fusion.
Just as in Hollywood, the influence of traditional TV networks in Korea has waned, making many top-tier talents such as actors and writers to move onto OTT-produced dramas. Thanks to the trend, OTT contents elevated their quality, fostering innovative storytelling and higher production values with creating a virtous cycle.
Since Netflix released “Kingdom” in 2019, followed by “Sweet Home” and “All of Us Are Dead” in 2020, Korean monster-themed dramas have solidified their place with distinctive characteristics. With its star-studded cast, accomplished creators, and original storyline, “Gyeongseong Creature” is anticipated to become the next hit monster drama in Korea.
Expected Release of Gyeongseong Creature
The first season of “Gyeongseong Creature” is scheduled to be released as a 10-episode series in December 2023. There were reports indicating an unusual renewal for Season 2 before the premiere of Season 1, and filming for the second season was already completed. This situation suggests either extreme confidence from Netflix due to anticipated success or a unique strategy.
Although the exact release date for Season 2 is yet to be confirmed, considering that filming has wrapped up, it is expected to be released within the coming year.
Synopsis of Gyeongseong Creature
In the desolate darkness of a tragic era, spring of 1945 in Korea under the Japanese imperialism, two youths confront monsters born from human greed and fight for survival in Gyeongseong, the former name of Seoul, Korea.
CASTING of Gyeongseong Creature
Park Seo-joon(박서준) Portrays Jang Tae-sang
The wealthiest merchant and the most knowledgeable individual in the entirety of Bukchon, Gyeongseong. He’s the proprietor of Geumokdang pawnshop, a resilient figure who has weathered through dark forces and adversities. Instinctively adept at navigating the intricate web of the world, he emerges as a prominent figure in Bukchon, owing to his sharp intellect, perceptive insight, and unique kindness. Initially prioritizing present realities over notions of justice, his encounter with Yoon Chae-ok prompts him to reconsider his priorities, steering him towards a more humane existence. As he delves deeper into investigating a series of disappearances, he finds himself embarking on an entirely new path.
Han So-hee(한소희) Portrays Yoon Chae-ok
A renowned Toduggun(토두꾼) known for her knack in locating the lost. Raised by her father, she acquired survival skills during her travels between Manchuria and Shanghai. Proficient in weaponry and survival tactics, she ventures to Gyeongseong in search of her mother, who vanished a decade ago. She forms a connection with Tae-sang and, while delving into the enigmatic string of disappearances, confronts a daunting reality.
The term “Toduggun” seems to be an unconventional title, likely referring to someone with expertise in finding missing persons. This unique moniker adds an aura of intrigue and expertise to her character.
Wi Ha-joon(위하준) Portrays Kwon Joon-taek
A close friend of Jang Tae-sang, he’s part of the Korean independence movement against Japan. Born into wealth, he holds deep resentment towards pro-Japanese households. He feels a particular kinship with Tae-sang, both considering themselves outsiders. He joins Tae-sang’s perilous journey to rescue a missing comrade
Kim Hae-sook(김해숙) Portrays Na Wol-dak
She serves as the housekeeper of Jang Tae-sang’s pawnshop, Geumokdang. An unwavering pillar of support for Tae-sang, she emanates a commanding presence, often the grounding force amidst tumultuous situations.
Su-hyun(수현) Portrays Maeda
She holds sway as the mistress of a prominent household in the heart of Gyeongseong. With a flawless poker face that conceals myriad secrets, her involvement in the chain of disappearances adds an undeniable air of tension and mystery to the unfolding events.
Jo Han-chul(조한철) Portrays Yoon Jung-won
He’s Yoon Chae-ok’s father, actively pursuing the disappearance cases while on a quest to find his wife, who vanished a decade ago.
Among the cast are Jiwoo, Woo Jung-won, Park Ji-hwan, Kim Do-hyun, Hyun Bong-sik, Choi Young-joon, Jo Jae-ryeong, Yeon Je-uk, Lim Cheol-soo, Ahn Ji-ho, Im Ki-hong, Kim Yul-ho, Ok Ja-yeon, Bae Hyun-seong, and more
Production Crew of Gyeongseong Creature
Director Jung Dong-yoon, who directed the drama ‘Hot Stove League,’ takes charge of the direction for ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ The screenwriter Kang Eun-kyung has over 20 years of experience as a veteran writer, starting with the work ‘Baekya 3.98’ in 1998 and more recently contributing to ‘Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim.’
Behind the scenes of Gyeongseong Creature
There was an incident involving the lead actress, Han So-hee, last June during action scene shooting, where she sustained a facial injury and required emergency treatment.
In September, during the filming of season 2, lead actress Han So-hee tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the suspension of the shooting.
Additionally, there was an incident in the same month where a prop team staff member passed away, but details about this incident were not disclosed.
Park Seo-joon took to his Instagram on the 17th of last month, sharing a brief message: ‘About 2 years. The end!’ Accompanying the post was a letter from the production team of ‘Gyeongseong Creature,’ signaling the completion of the approximately two-year-long filming process.
Season 1 of “Gyeongseong Creature” is scheduled to be released on December 22, 2023, and Season 2 on January 5, 2024.
