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        "Gyeongseong Creature": A Thrilling Tale Of History, Humanness, And Heart

        Explore three of the many themes that make "Gyeongseong Creature" a globally loved masterpiece.

        Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor
        5 min to read  ·  Published : Jan 9, 2024
        "Gyeongseong Creature": A Thrilling Tale Of History, Humanness, And Heart

        Netflix Korea

        Released in two parts, Netflix's "Gyeongseong Creature" became a worldwide hit with millions offering it endless praise. The series employs well-known stars in Park SeoJun and Han SoHee as its main leads.

        The K-Drama follows the story of Jang TaeSang (Park SeoJun), a prominent figure in Bukchon, Gyeongseong, known for his wealth and undeniable charm. With his experience and business knowhow, he has become the figurehead of the area and a go-to source for any and all information. However, upon meeting Yoon ChaeOk (Han SoHee), he reallocates his efforts and looks to aid her in any way possible — which includes searching for her long, lost mother. It's in this search that they discover a harrowing secret hiding underneath the floors of a local hospital.

        The immersive plot and talented cast and crew have propelled "Gyeongseong Creature" to the very top of watchlists everywhere. There's an allure that certainly needs to be addressed and themes that cannot be overlooked.

        So let's take a look at what makes "Gyeonseong Creature" great on various levels.

        Note: this article might contain spoilers.

         

        1. The Seamless Merge Of Fiction And History

        "Gyeongseong Creature": A Thrilling Tale Of History, Humanness, And Heart

        Netflix Korea

        Set in 1945, "Gyeongseong Creature" is a seamless merging of fact and fiction. The Netflix series masterfully incorporates the brutal nature of Japanese rule over Korea, doing well not to avert its gaze from the grueling misfortunes of the time. It shows a glimpse of what life was like on the Korean peninsula, filled with feelings of fear, a lack of hope, and utter despair.


        While the heartwarming romance, immersive fantasy, and riveting action does well to grab hold of viewers' attention, the historical backdrop does not go unnoticed. In creating "Gyeongseong Creature", director Chung DongYoon fully understood that he would not be able to replicate this specific time perfectly, however, he strived to "focus on the overall sentiment of the era—the overall look and feel that the time must have had back then."

        Through his efforts, "Gyeongseong Creature" served as more than a work of entertainment, but also as a nod of acknowledgment to the past and how people lived during that time. And although they could have remained silenced while oppressed, "Gyeongseong Creature" also showcased the Korean people's resilience and desire for a better and brighter future.

         

        2. Blurring The Line Between Human And Monster

        "Gyeongseong Creature": A Thrilling Tale Of History, Humanness, And Heart

        Netflix Korea

        The Netflix series remains true to its name as it presents audiences with a truly ferocious beast that some might even refer to as a monster. Everything from its otherworldly appearance to its mindless bloodlust fills people in the room with fear — aside from Colonel Kato (Choi YoungJoon) and Dr. Ichiro (Hyun BongSik), two of the few who wish to see its advancement.

        While the beast is seen as menacing and fearsome, once it comes into contact with its precious child, something changes. There's a sliver of docileness and the small, yet noticeable aura of maternal warmth resonating through its frightening presence. Compared to the wartime atrocities, pile of bodies, and the layers of blood on Colonel Kato and crew's hands, the creature they created almost seems human.

        "Gyeongseong Creature": A Thrilling Tale Of History, Humanness, And Heart

        Netflix Korea

        In a similar vein to author Mary Shelley's iconic "Frankenstein", "Gyeongseong Creature" begs the question: "What does it mean to be human?" This question looms over the heads of audiences all throughout the series, sparking thoughtful conversations and reviews all across the globe. There's a statement to be said that true monsters aren't the ones who are deemed different, but the self-serving intentions wrapped in similar human skin. The way "Gyeongseong Creature" is able to bring out such philosophical conversations speaks to its sheer brilliance as something more than your everyday K-Drama.

         

        3. The Heart That Connects Everything Together

        "Gyeongseong Creature": A Thrilling Tale Of History, Humanness, And Heart

        Netflix Korea

        There are many themes at work within "Gyeongseong Creature", intricately woven to create the masterpiece that stands in front of us today. And while they all do their part and are equally as important, there's one aspect of the Netflix series that holds everything together, essentially becoming the core of the series: love.

        In a K-Drama filled with nail-biting action, chilling suspense, and jaw-dropping mystery, the concept of love might be seen as the least important proponent of such a captivating series. However, love does not only pertain to the romance. Through "Gyeongseong Creature" we see the love of one's country, as a secret group bides their time and gather various resources in order to free themselves from Japanese rule.

        "Gyeongseong Creature": A Thrilling Tale Of History, Humanness, And Heart

        Netflix Korea

        There's love of family, both blood-related and the family made along the way. We see shining examples of this through Yoon ChaeOk and her father, Yoon JoongWon (Jo HanChul), as they tirelessly search for her mother. Then, there's Jang TaeSang who, despite losing his mother long ago, meets a select few whom he can call family; sturdy pillars of support that he count on when the going gets tough. And despite their faults, he's willing to look past that, out of his respect and undying love for them. Then there also exists the love of friendship, a bond that's built upon and strengthened over the years that various characters hold close to their hearts.

        "Gyeongseong Creature": A Thrilling Tale Of History, Humanness, And Heart

        Netflix Korea

        And of course, there's the driving force of romance that changes TaeSang completely and makes him see that there's another world outside of business and mere survival. Interwoven within the various plot lines and characters are the different types of love that keeps both the fictional universe of "Gyeongseong Creature" and real life moving forward.

        Have you watched "Gyeongseong Creature"? What do you think of the Netflix series?

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