Gyeongseong Creature (2023)

In its monstrosity hardly dealt with war crime pulled off the dusty shelf in vividly stylized mode

The Netflix production “Gyeongseong Creature” turns out to be quite an idiosyncratic mix. Studio Dragon had the opportunity to experiment and make full use of an illustrious cast. Despite some clichés, "Gyeongseong Creature" is not a banal K-drama that you quickly forget.

Basically it's another hero´s quest of some hero against his will, discovering unexpected sides of himself. It´s another ´mission impossible´ right into the lion's den - in this case: the military hospital of the Japanese colonial army base in the middle of the capital of the Chōsen colony in 1945. It is not the fair maiden who is to be saved, but the kidnapped, impregnated courtesan of the chief of the Japanese police. It turns out that a 'dragon' - in this case an artificially created monster - also has to be overcome along the way. The hero is flanked by a motley crew of long-standing and spontaneous companions...

Now this old wine comes in a freshly spiced-up Korean-style bottle. The personal touch of "Gyeongseong Creature" is precisely that Gyeongseong in those final months of the Pacific War, when Seoul bore that name. The historical setting as well as the historically and socially significant issues of Japanese colonial rule give the plot its selectivity and a quite serious foundation, so that "Gyeongseong Creature" does not simply offer interchangeable run-of-the-mill entertainment. Here, a painful chapter of South Korean suffering is intertwined with personal fates in the form of loosely interspersed critical events during colonial rule that is officially (by Japan) to this day preferable neglected, not to mention rehabilitated. With this Netflix production it has been nonchalantly thrown onto the World Channel to be proclaimed and acknowledged in HD.
This involves in general: the arbitrary racist violence and oppression against the Koreans as well as the systematic torture and execution of suspected resistance fighters in Sodaemun Prison; the forced military conscription and bullying of Korean soldiers within Japanese units; the forced recruitment or abduction of comfort women for (mass rape for the pleasure of) frontline soldiers... And specifically in the case of this story: the monstrous machinations of Unit 731 as part of the Imperial Japanese Army, which went down in history for its inhumane experiments on human subjects. Although these experiments actually took place mainly in Harbin in Manchuria (see side note below), they were for this KDrama also imported to Gyeongseong for a compact narrative stringency.

Against this background, "Gyeongseong Creature" tells its fictional story with artistic license. In some scenes you may get the impression that you have lost your way in a parody. Despite of such incomprehensible human menace and distress, the story presents itself at times completely unimpressed by any seriousness. There is room for humor and coolness, (which sometimes made me think of a parody of 'James Bond' or alike production). There is this reluctant hero who sometimes appears naive, sometimes quite cheeky and self-confident. He´s someone who has learned to achieve his goals, but who prefers to stay out of any trouble, wearing a stylish suit. And then, out of nowhere, he can withstand torture and injuries as if it were nothing at all. You can't really take this seriously. And yet...
In contrast, there is plenty of objective seriousness and expertise from the two foreign travelers on their detective mission. Pleasant extra: a clever, self-confident FL who is quick-witted in every respect.
In contrast, there is also the extremely dark world of medical experiments (and their artistic documentation) – underground on the military site.
In contrast, there are also the monsters, the army and the imprisoned test subjects.
And in the middle of the perfidious chase, the great feelings of humanity shine through: familial bonds and solidarity as well as wounded pride and jealousy act as driving forces, flanked by patriotic resistance and questionable scientific ambition. It's hardly surprising that Cupid also shoots his arrow in passing.

Not only do the individual characters at times feel like caricatures of themselves, Gyeongseong's production, choreographed in light and colors, also seems to come from an unreal fairytale world. While the pawnshop shimmers in all colors, the Japanese research laboratory is stylized as a dark dungeon beneath the military prison. And then there is the Moonlight Bar on the one hand and the police chief's property on the other - each of them control centers with a certain (political) impact. All of this is impressively aestheticized again and again in hand-picked scenes and settings. Sometimes you can feel like you're in the theater and then again like you're in the high-resolution digital world of a computer game.

So is the KDrama worth watching? On the one hand, "Gyeongseong Creature" takes itself very seriously with regard to its historical contemporary themes, but on the other hand, in the clichéd exaggeration of the individual characters, it apparently doesn't. This KDrama mix chosen for "Gyeongseong Creature" is, in my opinion, quite daring. However, I mean this in a benevolently positive way, in the sense of 'feeling free to experiment'. You might have to get used to it - but easily so. The (let´s say) rather 'banal' entertainment element - the Mission Impossible in view of the numerically superior Japanese military and the monster creation - is effectively intertwined with painful historical reality in a strikingly piquant and catchy manner. During the action-packed and visually stunning ride through the episodes, the KDrama subtly but consequently throws its barbs of memory at the audience.

The KDrama surely is offering cinematically solid entertainment with a star cast, but at the same time, based on the different personal backgrounds of the main and supporting characters, it demands acknowledgement of how the Japanese dealt with Koreans at that time. By stylizing the manifestation of Unit 731's monstrous experiments and research in the form of a concrete monster with superpowers, "Gyeongseong Creature" symbolically brings the unsatisfactorily dealt with war crime off the dusty history shelves in an unmistakable monstrosity.


...
Well, a second season has already been announced.
This will obviously be set in contemporary Seoul, though. We´ll see...























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SIDE NOTE: --- Unit 731 of the Kwantung Army of the Imperial Japanese Army ---

From 1932 onwards, Unit 731 of the Kwantung Army of the Imperial Japanese Army under the leadership of Ishii Shirō was stationed in Harbin, the largest city of the puppet state of Manchukuo in northern Manchuria. Around 3,000 mostly bacteriologists carried out experiments on living people there. The test subjects imprisoned and tortured there were predominantly Korean and Chinese civilians as well as Soviet prisoners of war. Later, including American prisoners of war, too.
Unit 731 of the Kwantung Army of the Imperial Japanese Army was disguised as the “Main Branch of the Epidemic Prevention and Water Supply Department.” In fact, Unit 731 in Harbin is responsible for the most cruel experiments on living humans. Later, field research was also carried out using the biological weapons developed in Harbin. The victims based on this research alone were mostly civilians - tens of thousands came together over the course of the war years.
I would like to ad that the main perpetrators of these war crimes by Unit 731, who had the full support of the later Japanese prime ministers and the Japanese imperial family, remained unpunished in exchange for the research results that they handed over to the USA...


PS:
There was no offshoot of Unit 731 in the fictional Onseong Hospital in Geyeongseong. That's fictional.
There was no Onseong Hospital in Gyeongseong either.
However...


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SIDE NOTE: --- Gyeongseong Japanese Military Hospital ---

The main KDrama setting is a colorful look and feel of Gyeongsong (Seoul at that time). The focus is on the architecture of the Republic's former Defense Security Command Center. On the area between the palace and the old town of Bukcho a military hospital was built by the Japanese in 1928. The Onseong named Hospital in "Gyeongseong Creature" is fictional, but the architecture that takes center stage is in fact related to a real Japanese military hospital before later actually becoming part of the Republic's Defense Security Command Center.
Until about two decades ago, this area was an urban area closed to the public and with bad memories for the people - not only of the activities of the colonial rulers, but also of their own military, which staged a coup against the people here in the 1970s. Furthermore, many South Koreans were tortured and mistreated there (by the security officers of South Korea's dictatorial regime). Until recently, human rights was an unknown concept behind those walls.
The ensemble could have been demolished, but the people decided to preserve the building as a memorial. The historical witness is now part of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The bloody past is thus being countered with something positive: the imagination and emotional power of modern art.

Here, with the KDrama "Gyeongsong Creature", the dark past of this military area bearing a bloody and painful past, which began with Japanese colonial rule and was later continued by South Korean government officials, comes to life again with artistic license, too - as representative contemporary witness in HD.

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I love crime. I love mystery. And it’s set in the 1900s?

This was the first drama I’d completed since 2 years ago, and it was definitely a nice reintroduction back into kdrama watching for me. I’m seriously a sucker for crime/mystery set in the 20th century, and this drama certainly didn’t disappoint. As with many of these types of thriller dramas, there was some deus ex machina, but it wasn’t as in the face, if you will, compared to other thriller/action dramas. I’m certainly no movie critic by any means, but as a casual viewer, I really loved the pacing and the sudden cuts between the more comedic scenes and action scenes. There were a few plot holes of note, but I assume they’ll be explained by whatever happens in the second season. I’m so stoked for season 2!

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Must-watch for K-drama enthusiasts

"Gyeongseong Creature is a captivating K-drama that artfully weaves historical intricacies with a hint of fantasy, creating a mesmerizing narrative that unfolds over the course of its episodes. The storyline is a tapestry of suspense, romance, and intrigue, expertly crafted to keep viewers on the edge of their seats from the very beginning to the climactic finale.

One of the standout features of the drama is its exceptional cast, whose performances elevate the narrative to new heights. Each actor brings depth and authenticity to their characters, making the emotional journey of the story all the more compelling. The chemistry between the lead characters is palpable, adding an extra layer of resonance to the unfolding drama.

What sets Gyeongseong Creature apart is its unique setting against the historical backdrop of Gyeongseong. The meticulous attention to detail in recreating the time period adds a rich and immersive quality to the viewing experience. From costumes to set design, every element contributes to the authenticity of the historical setting, transporting the audience to a bygone era.

The fusion of historical elements with a touch of fantasy is a masterstroke, providing the series with a distinctive flavor. It strikes a delicate balance between staying true to the historical context and introducing fantastical elements that enhance the overall narrative. This creative choice adds an element of unpredictability, keeping viewers guessing about what twists and turns may lie ahead.

Gyeongseong Creature is more than just a K-drama; it's a visual and emotional journey that leaves a lasting impression. The meticulously crafted plot, coupled with outstanding performances and a captivating setting, make it a must-watch for K-drama enthusiasts and anyone looking for a storytelling experience that transcends the ordinary. From the historical charm of Gyeongseong to the magical threads woven into the plot, this drama is a testament to the brilliance of Korean storytelling in the world of television."

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monstrous surprise

no spoilers here :)
this is a story of survival & anguish, and follows the themes in all the episode titles.
a father daughter(FL) duo 'sleuths' that finds missing people, including the ML 's mother, missing for 10years. the ML is an orphan who built a 'golden' empire with his shop & ressources. everything is set for a promising journey. and oh how it was!

I watched it as it was released, and the last episodes were released a few days later.

it's not perfect , but its memorable and left a huge mark on me, especially with the state of the world right now.
here are a few things i disliked:
the show felt like a stitch of many tropes, definitely sounding cliché at first but it gets a lot better!! I really appreciated the themes of the show ( usually displayed as their episode titles like chaos, despair, anguish etc)

some negative feedback:
- I never thought a ML could become more AND less shallow at the same time as the show progressed, but he does gain more depth.. so thats a relief
- not enough backstory or evolution of the enemy in the beginning, one has to be patient to get a deeper look there as its not given in the early episodes
- had some stranger things vibe with the sci fiction of the creature, but they sure added the kdrama touch !
- no spoiler but *some* elements don't add up or aren't explained. however its not a lot of things, most of the story holds well

some neutral feedback: i have the biggest deja-vu of the the Kako(Gato) character but i just can't seem to point my finger on it!!!! especially with experimentation & the glasses! i

some positive feedback
- the period style was superb!
-I loved all the characters and their evolution (almost)
- i loved the underground rebellious vibes (Especially the nuance within it)
- main story is very interesting and terrific
-loved the episode titles!! the themes were brillantly portrayed
-a light romance touch, i think it was perfectly balanced neither over/underdone
-the mother theme was deep yet barely put in our faces.
- also... BRILLANT SCRIPT!!! i looooved most of the dialogues especially between the power and the oppressed.

So-hee has come such a long way! been following her since nevertheless , and so much growth in her performances! she has a way of being subtle yet full of emotion & power!
i also am also very impressed with the whole cast! even the evil characters, young joon was so brillant in performing the disturbingly evil character! as well as su hyun!

IHAVE YET TO UNDERSTAND THE ENDING FULLY ( as it may be pointing for a s2, but thats not always a positive thing as they already had a big story in these episodes!)
things to watch out for: the first clue is in episode 7'th ending ( there was a long hiatus before the remaining episodes)
and the scenes in the last episode AFTER THE FIRST CREDITS!
the producers did put some clues but i am not sure about all of them!

brillant show!!!

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The year begins with a good start even though the first part of this was released just before Christmas Eve. Reminds a bit of song of the bandits, but a few years later with fantasy elements. Even at the end of the Japanese occupation and World War II in 1945. Spoken almost as much Japanese as well. Delivered good action that makes it very exciting. With a bit of light horror and no war, but a bit more scary at times. Experienced it a bit slow at the beginning but it still has a pleasant pace.

I like the chemistry between the leads, a bit odd. No one who falls for the one at the first moment, the relationship is formed over time which I like. Playful, caring and serious is how I would describe their relationship. Like that their relationship doesn't take a lot of focus on the seriousness they are involved in. The moments come when they can get closer to each other. I perceive Jang Tae Sang as way too confident to an almost comical level in the beginning. He is brave and rightfully so.

This is a very different hospital series with its Frankenstein inspired way. Also see similarities with the host and duty after school when it comes to monsters. Also better than expected, as I don't watch much sci-fi/fantasy. Can also find that Vincenzo has similarities to this one that I can see without mentioning any details. Surprising with its characteristics and plot twists during the course of the action.

For those of you who have seen Mouse, you can also say that this contains a philosophical and ethical thought experiment. Which is practiced practically in an impossibly good way. You can see and decide for yourself. No value is placed on this for you to experience and judge for yourself. However, much more extreme and inhuman in my opinion. Many well-known main roles and supporting roles that many of you have probably seen before. I was a little skeptical at first, but I can really say that it is good. Great soundtracks and very interesting!!!!

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enjoyable action-packed...

It's a very enjoyable drama, I really had fun watching all 7 episodes... Not a single episode was boring. The start was enjoyable too, with the beautiful streets and historic places of Geosang. It portrayed a world outside of the film industry just like I wanted to see in Korea. My mom is very strict, but seeing a mother's love here melted my heart. Whatever happens, a mother will always remain a mother, even if she becomes a bit crazy, she never forgets her children. I don't understand why this drama received such views, but it's a very interesting and enjoyable action-packed drama. I had a lot of fun watching it.

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Good drama to watch

I didn't expect much from this drama, as I have read some negative reviews on it, however, I ended up really liking it.

The acting of the whole cast, especially Han So Hee's, was fantastic and was what drew me into the story more. I read some comments about Park Seo Joon's character and acting being a bit off, but I thought he brought a fun, easygoing vibe that made the show different in a good way. It made me care about his character and his relationships with others and gave a bit of breathing space between all the action-packed sequences.
One thing I wished we had more, was for a slower buildup between the main characters. It felt like PSJ character fell in love too quickly with HSH character. The 'monster' part of the story was good, but I preferred the other conflicts that were in the show. It was intriguing, however, it seemed secondary as compared to other plotlines. Overall, I enjoyed this show and would recommend it!

Side note: Some music in this show felt out of place, but overall the sound, music and VFX generally fit well with the show.

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need season 2 for that last scene!!!

started watching for the cast specially PSJ and HSH. the show was good watch but the cliffhanger....
the story of drama was good and it have potential to have more season because it doesn't show more of past of cast. there are many question that are unanswered in the drama.
I personally like the Fl as villain and she done very good job, her scenes with PSJ was very good and the tention was all over the scene. the cast have done a very good job as expected but wanted WHJ role more time period and korean actor playing Japanese role was not that much good idea. their accent was clearly not good enough.
the chemistry between the leads was very good but somehow I thought it was forced or rushed.
as always HSH have stolen the show and hearts too.



P. S. waiting for FL to come back as a creature and save ML LOL..

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Han So Hee killed it in this drama

Han So Hee blew me away! She showed a wide variety of emotions and she nailed each one every time. She finally got rid of her blank expressions which were noticeable in her earlier works but I didn't see one blank expression at all in this series. She has grown so much as an actress in such a short amount of time. She's no longer just a pretty face and her acting skills has definitely surpassed her visuals. I truly believe she deserves an award for the way she portrayed this role. Outstanding to the point she outshone PSJ on several scenes, eventhough PSJ was excellent as well. Love love love this drama. although it's fiction , I really felt like the dialogue had more meaning as if giving a tribute to what happened in the past in real life. You can feel the injustice and pain of war's victims while watching this drama. Excellent cast, very good script, outstanding acting.

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Trotted as the most awaited drama of 2023 to be a mediocore story line with Zero chemistry

Even though this is not my preferable genre, the only reason I went ahead with this drama was because of Park Seo Joon. I had low expectations, so honestly this drama didn't disappoint me. The story was subpar and all over the place. The drama didn't give a good backstory nor make us feel connected to the characters and care for their aspirations and dreams or root for them. We are directly introduced to the problem which didn't make me care at all for their troubles or what they are trying to solve here.

As for the chemistry.... there was none! There are tons of drama with worst plot lines out there but have insanely good chemistry between leads that somehow makes it bearable to watch. Here, Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee looked liked they were forced to share the screen. Or more like their character were. Was it love at first sight for PSJ's character? And what did HSH's character see in JTS? There was no spark, no moment, we were just shown PSJ looking at her with concern allllll the time. I don't know, halfway through I just gave up guessing on how or when did the supposed romance even begin with?

PSJ look lost with his character. I have loved him as an actor, but in this drama he looked lost not knowing what to do with his character. I guess that is what happens when the writer doesn't do their job properly. Jang Tae Sang was not a fully fleshed character and it showed on PSJ's acting. Whereas HSH.... gosh she is gorgeous, no doubt about that but I wish she would improve her acting a bit. It was painful to watch her wooden performance with the same tone and expression. Or maybe she should stick to second leads, rather than main so better talents would do justice.

And the creature unleashed and the mistress to be saved plot line was just a repeat till episode 7. I couldn't care less by ep 5 and had to skip the rest...

This drama could've been great with a tightly written script, especially set as a period drama. Period dramas always have a charm no matter what, but even that wasn't captured in this drama. Overall, most mediocore drama of 2023.

Rating: 2/10

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highly recommended!!

first of all, the acting in this was superior, park seojoon and han sohee did an amazing job they were incredible
overall i really loved this drama it kept me hooked from the beginning to the end, i loved the storyline and the characters, there were some plot holes here and there (like how did they save juntaek from the hospital? one moment he was imprisoned the moment later he was outside of it, and how did he recovered so fast?) but overall it was great, i loved lady maeda character, she is one of the best villains in recent kdramas. the production and the editing, the special effects, everything is superior!!
and not to mention the finale? like WTF??? the scene after the firsts ending credits it was totally unexpected and shocking i’am so excited for season 2!!

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