In an industry where creativity meets fierce competition, director Yeon Sang-ho has made a significant impact with his latest venture, "Parasyte the Grey," a Netflix series that has swiftly climbed the global charts. During an exclusive interview with News1 at a cafe in Sogyeok-dong, Seoul, on April 9, Yeon shared insights into his creative process, the challenges of appealing to a broad audience, and the future of this intriguing series.
"Parasyte the Grey" expands the universe of Hitoshi Iwaaki's beloved manga "Parasite" by setting the narrative in Korea, where a team named 'The Grey' embarks on a mission to thwart parasitic beings aiming to extend their dominion over humans. The drama intertwines the lives of these beings with humans, particularly focusing on the character Su-in, played by Jeon So-ni, who forms a symbiotic relationship with a parasite.
Since its release on April 5, the series has not only dominated the Korean Netflix charts but also achieved the number one spot on FlixPatrol's global OTT rankings, surpassing even the highly acclaimed "The Three-Body Problem" to become a worldwide phenomenon. Yeon expressed gratitude towards the enthusiastic global reception and highlighted the positive feedback from Japan, the origin of the manga, which had initially been a concern.
Yeon elaborated on the narrative's emphasis on coexistence and the dramatic journey of Su-in and the parasite, Heidi. The inclusion of characters such as Kang-woo, Cheol-min, and Jun-kyung adds depth to the storyline, culminating in a powerful climax that has resonated well with audiences.
Regarding the deviation from the original protagonist setup, Yeon explained that "Parasyte the Grey" imagines simultaneous events in Korea and Japan, necessitating new characters. The director also touched upon the potential for a second season, hinting at the involvement of Suda Masaki's character, Shinichi, and the thoughtful casting decisions that led to Suda taking on this iconic role.
Suda's passion for the "Parasite" manga and his positive engagement with the Korean culture and team members were highlighted, alongside his experience working on the drama. Despite previous controversies surrounding his comments on Korean dramas, Yeon perceived Suda's attitude towards Korea and the project as genuinely positive.
Yeon further discussed the unique challenges of integrating CG into the storytelling, the casting considerations, including waiting for actress Lee Jung-hyun's pregnancy, and his ongoing relationship with Netflix. With three projects under his belt this year, Yeon humorously wished for a lifetime contract with the streaming giant and expressed his anticipation for the release of "Hellbound 2."
Addressing the pressure of maintaining a "Yeoniverse" brand, Yeon candidly shared his struggles with balancing artistic integrity and mass appeal. Despite the challenges, the director remains committed to his creative vision, viewing each project as a step towards bridging the gap between his distinctive style and the broader audience's expectations.
As "Parasyte the Grey" continues to captivate viewers around the globe, Yeon Sang-ho's journey in the Korean entertainment industry is a testament to the power of innovative storytelling and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression. With anticipation building for future projects, Yeon's work promises to be a beacon of creativity and resilience in the ever-evolving world of film and television.
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