The highly anticipated Korean sci-fi K-Drama "Parasyte: The Grey" is finally streaming, and over the weekend, it has already taken the #1 spot on Netflix's most-watched TV shows chart. This is the first #1 in a while for a Korean production on Netflix, which speaks volumes of the drama's high quality, but also of its mass appeal.

"Parasyte: The Grey" is a wonderful extension of Hitoshi Iwaaki's "Parasyte" universe, but it makes a bold creative choice in adopting broader themes and a more easily palatable plotline than the original, thus serving as a gateway for the popularization of Korean sci-fi. However, it's a far cry from the idiosyncratic humor and particular complexity of Hitoshi Iwaaki's work.

As a result, much like the title, "Parasyte: The Grey" falls a bit in the grey area. You see, fans of the manga and/or anime will easily recognize the recurring parallels while acknowledging the deviations, but they might find themselves grappling with the lack of humor that the original work is characterized by. On the other hand, viewers who have not encountered the original work yet may be left underwhelmed by the simplicity of the K-Drama, especially when considered as a part of Yeon SangHo's oeuvre.

However, despite this, there remains a wide scope for the general audience, who perhaps checked out "Parasyte: The Grey" simply by chance or out of sheer curiosity and unaffected by biases, to enjoy this work. Not only is "Parasyte: The Grey" a fantastic K-Drama for beginners, boasting outstanding set design, impeccable CGI, fleshed-out characters, and a storyline that is neatly wrapped up with a bow of the perfect happy ending, but it also unveils the novelty of Korean sci-fi to the world, drawing attention to this budding genre from a wider audience.

So, in order to appreciate this K-Drama for what it is and not what it could/should have been, it is important to look at "Parasyte: The Grey" as an isolated work.

Spoiler Alert!

The Positives

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First, let's justify the title of this review. "Parasyte: The Grey" is undoubtedly an action-packed, riveting thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The episodes seem to fly by, and before you know it, you've binge-watched the entire series in one day. Then, why am I calling it a slow burn?

This is because despite all the breathless momentum, the quick turn of events, and quite a few shockers, the true essence of "Parasyte: The Grey" doesn't really settle in until the last two episodes. Most of the action scenes involve parasites sprouting out from human heads and having it out with our heroine, Jung SuIn (Jeon SoNee), or, more appropriately, Heidi.

When it's not that, it's Seol KangWoo (Koo KyoHwan) evading gangsters, which is brilliantly choreographed, albeit slightly dampened by the shaky camera cinematography. Such scenes are complete with the Koo KyoHwan breed of humor we're familiar with from "D.P.", which gives viewers just enough space to breathe and unclench our tense jaws.

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However, despite all the extraterrestrial spectacle, the heart of the drama is hidden in the most ordinary human themes - identity, belonging, and loneliness vs. being alone. Throughout the first half, Jung SuIn is pained by the fact of her endless misfortune, unable to find community or comfort. Darkness veils her peripheral vision, so all she can register is the despair she keeps stepping into.

From being abused as a child to getting stabbed for no reason and even ending up hosting a parasite, essentially becoming a monster - Jung SuIn has lost all sense of agency and identity. All that is left is the husk of a woman who wants nothing to do with her own self because, to her, no one else does either!

Still, when she is repeatedly consoled by Detective ChulMin (Kwon HaeHyo) or "ahjussi",  feels needed by Seol KangWoo, and on a larger scale, the world, she regains clarity, empathy, trust, and camaraderie. All these feelings are those she longed for from others but inadvertently ended up finding in her own self. Such a realization only dawns after SuIn spends some time inside her head, literally, but it leaves a deep enough impact on her to want to save the world.

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By this time, Seol KangWoo joins hands with Detective ChulMin to save SuIn, and the action picks up. We are thrown into a compelling sequence of gore and destruction but hope shines feebly in the midst. Only then does the drama find true conviction, bringing the slow burn to a most satisfying climax.

Now, when speaking of positives, we cannot forget about the unmatched acting performances we got from the cast of "Parasyte: The Grey". Jeon SoNee is an absolute master of her craft, effortlessly weaving through light and dark, SuIn and Heidi, while Koo KyoHwan is at one with his character, a soft-hearted delinquent. Kwon HaeHyo holds a lot of the story's substance together with his firm resolution, and Lee JungHyun sprinkles in the much-needed unhinged genius of Choi JunKyung.

Nevertheless, "Parasyte: The Grey" is not without its shortcomings, although they are few.

The Negatives

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"Parasyte: The Grey" is, for the most part, less show and more tell. The drama drags on with a lot of exposition, such as when the pastor parasite (Lee HyunKyun) explains his philosophy, when Choi JunKyung presents her findings about the parasitic creatures, or in the final episode, when a parasite-possessed Kang WonSeok (Kim InKwon) bitterly reflects on the monstrosity of humans and their selfishness, destroying the earth with evils like war.

This anti-war sentiment is an incredibly important theme of the show and yet, its impact falls short of its potential. The dialogue between Kang WonSeok and Heidi, representing a clash of philosophies between two of a kind, lacks the profound impact it aims to deliver. Instead, it comes across as somewhat preachy, especially coming from a man-eating parasite, missing the opportunity to resonate deeply with the audience.

Even stranger is Heidi trying to reassure SuIn that she isn't alone. This scene inside SuIn's head is especially inconsistent with what we're told about parasites so far. These parasites are supposed to have little to no understanding of human emotions. After all, they're barely getting by with their best imitation of humans. So, it is a little disconcerting when Heidi can not only offer sympathy to SuIn but also rationalize her mother's actions!

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If we are to understand that Heidi could scan SuIn's memories and come to the logical conclusion that her mother didn't really hate her, it still does not explain how Heidi is so confident about her mother's perspective. Alternatively, she might just be telling SuIn what she needs to hear to move on. Either way, such emotional intelligence is unexpected from a parasite unless, of course, Heidi isn't like other parasites. Perhaps, this connection between SuIn and Heidi is what gives this show the K-Drama sensibility.

The change in scenery as we enter SuIn's inner thoughts for this sequence, though, is quite reminiscent of Netflix's latest sci-fi offering, "3 Body Problem," so it doesn't leave too deep an impression but rather appears out of place.

Still, undoubtedly, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making "Parasyte: The Grey" a worthy watch.

Will There Be "Parasyte: The Grey" Season 2?

One of the best parts about "Parasyte: The Grey" is how beautifully the show ties the loose ends, signals a happy ending on the horizon and gives fans of the original work the best cameo possible. Izumi Shinichi, the protagonist of the manga "Parasyte" by Hitoshi Iwaaki, played by Japanese top star Masaki Suda, makes a cameo in the very last scene of the K-Drama, as he meets Choi JunKyung.

This has left many fans wondering if Netflix is leaving the possibility open for a second season. While "Parasyte: The Grey" season 2 has not been confirmed yet, the fact that this K-Drama is not labeled as a "limited series" means there is a chance for a second season.

Netflix usually decides whether or not to renew a show based on the response of viewers worldwide, quantified through numbers like hours streamed and completion rate metric. The completion rate metric measures how many viewers completed the show after starting it. As such, the number of people who watch all the episodes within, say, 30 days of the show's release, matters the most in Netflix's decision to renew it or not.

So, if you really want to see "Parasyte: The Grey" season 2, hopefully with the original cast returning alongside Masaki Suda joining the main cast, then rewatch all the episodes of the show, share the show as much as possible, post about it all over social media, and hope for the best!

"Parasyte: The Grey" is now streaming on Netflix.

Another K-Drama has joined the ever-growing catalogue of Netflix shows: "Parasyte: The Grey". Adapted from the manga, "Kiseiju" by Iwaaki Hitoshi, the sci-fi series is a stunning display of thrilling mystery, heart-racing action, and a portrayal of humanness by a supposed "monster". The drama stars Jeon SoNee, Koo KyoHwan, Lee JungHyun, and Kwon HaeHyo.

The new Netflix K-Drama shows what happens when a wave of parasites fall from space and take control of innocent human bystanders. What ensues next is bloodshed, panic, and the need for a special task force. The show's main focus falls upon Jung SooIn (Jeon SoNee), who becomes infected by a parasite but continues to retain her human consciousness. She teams up with Seol KangWoo (Koo KyoHwan) who looks into the parasites in order to find his missing little sister. And together, they confront Choi JunKyung (Lee JungHyun), hellbent on exterminating the extraterrestrial beings as team leader of the parasitic life team, "The Grey".

In just six episodes, the talented cast and riveting storyline fully immerse audiences into the action. The smooth mixture of genres and acting prowess make it easy to binge within a single day. Of course, Jeon SoNee deserves some of that praise.

She offers an acting masterclass, speaking to her innate skills. The actress once again makes a stunning transformation for her role, impressing audiences far and wide.

Note: spoilers ahead.

The Duality Of Jeon SoNee

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Fans who've seen Jeon SoNee outside of acting know that she's extremely bright and exudes an aura of warmth that can be felt right through the screen. However, she makes a stunning transformation through "Parasyte: The Grey". Her character Jung SooIn isn't the luckiest, faced with hurdle after hurdle in her unfortunate life. Seeing her dejected expression, both before and after she's infected by the parasite, makes you feel sorry for her character.

Jeon SoNee does well in expressing this sentiment of bleakness that causes audiences to feel sympathy towards Jung SooIn. Everything from her facial expressions to her body language suits both the character and overall mood of the series. You can't help but nod your head in acknowledgement and care, becoming a witness of SoNee's acting prowess.

A Human Vulnerability And Need For Help

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Despite being a victim of childhood trauma and having a parasite try to take over her body, Jung SooIn shows small glimpses of hope. This can be seen through her interactions with other people, most particularly Detective Kim CheolMin (Kwon HaeHyo). He was the person who protected SooIn after she reported her father for abuse. In becoming a sturdy pillar of support she could rely on, SooIn was able to face each day with confidence. He became the shining light that she needed to continue forward and ignore all the negativity thrown at her.

After being infected by a parasite, her partnership with Seol KangWoo also needs to be highlighted, as he becomes a vital piece in helping to unpack these extraterrestrial mysteries. Watching Jeon SoNee's facial expressions change from scared to relief, as well as confident determination strikes a chord in your soul, pushing you to continue watching until the very end.

Reflection On 'Human' Vs. 'Monster'

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Most of all, Jeon SoNee is able to express the clear distinction between human Jung SooIn and parasite, "Heidi", a name suggested by Seol KangWoo. It is almost in Frankenstein-esque fashion, as famous author Mary Shelley's creation also brought on debates on whether it could be considered human or monster. In the same vein, SooIn manages to keep all her human qualities and consciousness, but must now share her body with a parasite.

Even a series of tests could not discover a foreign substance in her body, but due to other people's conceived notion on these parasitic creatures and the death that follows in their wake, she is deemed dangerous and a threat to society. Audiences very clearly see SooIn's vulnerability throughout all this and her desire to help maintain the human relationships she holds so near and dear to her heart. The plot, combined with Jeon SoNee's incredible acting, makes you consider what it truly means to be human and how people should be given the opportunity to prove themselves.

"Parasyte: The Grey" is an intriguing K-Drama that brings you into an unimaginable world where one human-parasite hybrid wishes to live in peace. And Jeon SoNee is a big part in showcasing the various emotions and situations this character, Jung SooIn, must face.

If you're still on the fence about watching this series, check out the trailer down below.

Have you already watched the Netflix series? What do you think of "Parasyte: The Grey"?

"Parasyte: The Grey" is starting off strong right out the gate, captivating the entire international audience. The sci-fi mystery K-Drama received much hype since it was announced by Netflix, breaking every expectation and more upon its opening weekend. It stars a magnificent cast in Jeon SoNee, Koo KyoHwan, Lee JungHyun, and Kwon HaeHyo.

The new Netflix series portrays the story of parasites that fell from space who take control of innocent human bystanders. What ensues afterwards is bloodshed, panic, and the need for a special task force. The show mainly focuses on Jung SooIn (Jeon SoNee), who becomes infected by a parasite but retains her human consciousness. She teams up with Seol KangWoo (Koo KyoHwan) who looks into the parasites in order to find his missing little sister. And together, they confront Choi JunKyung (Lee JungHyun), hellbent on exterminating the extraterrestrial beings as team leader of the parasitic life team, "The Grey".

Netflix Korea

"Parasyte: The Grey" is available for viewers worldwide on Netflix (Note: The drama is yet to be available for a number of countries). Based on the data from FlixPatrol, the drama is the 1st most popular TV show on Netflix on April 7, 2024.

FlixPatrol Screenshot (04/08/2024)

The drama steadily entered the top 10 of several countries, and placed no. 1 on Netflix Worldwide on April 7th. "Parasyte: The Grey" is part of the top 10 most popular TV show in countries and territories such as Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, and more.

FlixPatrol Screenshot (04/08/2024)

FlixPatrol Screenshot (04/08/2024)

If you want to access the data for more details, you can find it here. (Note that FlixPatrol does not have access to data from all the countries of the globe but a huge majority).

Are you watching "Parasyte: The Grey"? What are your thoughts on the drama so far?