This review may contain spoilers
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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This review may contain spoilers
highly recommended!!
first of all, the acting in this was superior, park seojoon and han sohee did an amazing job they were incredibleoverall 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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this is my favorite kdrama of all time after years of watching them.
This kdrama was a masterpiece. A combination of mysteries, loves, actions, suspense, everything was perfect. It's rare that I'm not bored at some point during a kdrama, but this one, I was always captivated by what was happening. I think the actors are perfect and they were perfectly chosen to play their roles. I went through all kinds of emotions. I cried, I laughed, I was anxious and the list goes on. This kdrama was perfect. I listen to a lot of different kdramas and this is by far the best I've seen. I don't have enough words to write how I love and admire it. After seeing the ending, I hope there will be a season 2. If you're interested in seeing it, watch it, you won't regret it. I'm so happy to have discovered this kdrama.Was this review helpful to you?
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perfect drama
well i started this with 0 expectations, even tho i waited for it for so long, i just finished after staying up all night.so let's talk about it
Plot?
the drama is not only about missing people, you can see they did a really good job expressing how some people Really suffered in the 1940's when south korea was under Japan's control, this made it even better, the whole hospital thing is just amazing and i never expected it, it fits the plot perfectly, Japan using poor korean citizens and stuffing them in a hospital try on experiments, turn them into Monsters to use them in war? its pretty smart to be honest.
Acting/cast?
Perfect cast, park seo joon, han so hee and wi ha joon are the perfect combination for a 1940's drama, and since they're amazing actors, the acting was really good. amazing actors, fluent in japanese.
the drama was pretty unique, unlike any other drama about monsters or zombies, gives 1940's vibes, war vibes, colonisation vibes, soldier vibes, also it was emotionally in the right place with some good plot twists , a solid 10 for me, can't wait for part 2
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Don't fool with evolution
In "Gyeongseong Creature" Park Seo Joon plays Tae Sang, and Han So Hee is Yoon Chae Ok. During the final year of WWII Korea, the setting reminded me of a mix of "Mr Sunshine" and "Song of the Bandits".The first episode rolls hard right away. Through the episodes, the leads are steadily challenged in their roles. Considering the constant threat from not just the creature but also the Japanese, there wasn't a lot of time for romance. But our leads are united by mutual agendas, and their interest in each other progresses as the plot allows. The acting and structure are great. Kim Su Hyun was also good as Lady Maeda. My favorite male actor is Park Seo Joon, but as anyone who has read my profile or previous reviews knows, I'm all about the story first. No story gets an automatic pass just because it's starring my favorite stars.
I can say, my dude Park Joon performed well. It wasn't the finest I've seen. Nevertheless, his performance still stood out, and I couldn't help but appreciate it.
As for the supporting cast, they were okay. The main villains were believable, they did the job in making me hate them. As far as the cinematography and sets are concerned, they were excellent. I was sold on the premise. Korea during 1945, costumes and cars. The prison cells and experimental wards in the lower layers of Ongseong Hospital. I thought the creature effects were okay considering the end results and the atmosphere. This dark tale highlights war's devastating effects of enemy occupation, while also exploring human emotions and relationships. In addition, there is a creature lurking around.
All in all, the series was a great watch and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good creature movie or series.
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exceeded my expectations, can't wait for part 2
this was one of my most awaited kdramas this year and it did not disappoint. i went into this having watched one trailer, and a couple of teasers, and this was beyond all of my expectations. i didn't expect any romance as the main plot because the entire setting suggested otherwise and it served. what did it serve? lots of action packed moments that were well choreographed, some horrifying moments with the monster and the gore, some really well written emotional scenes and enough time to bond with the main characters.i love how they didn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of what their people had gone through at that time, the biological warfare and chemical experimentation being done on prisoners of war. these are things which are not talked about enough, and i'm glad the show shone light upon this particular matter (unit 731).
i'm giving it 9 stars at the moment, because it took 4 episodes to get me invested. after i did get invested, it sucked me in. not a very fresh story, but still narrated in a very good way. the cinematography and some of the shots were so pretty i literally paused a couple of times to admire them. i think tae sang was written perfectly, as someone not so likeable with his lack of patriotism and whatnot at the beginning, but a lot of selflessness and concern towards the end. chae-ok istg i would give her a hug if i could, and i was so glad her dad made it till the end (atleast for now, i can't say for sure bc there are still 3 episodes left)
gave the music a 6, because the ending credits were abrupt bc of it, and the songs didn't seem to capture the mood of the drama at all. the paintings in the intro were absolutely stunning though.
and as for the ending cliffhanger, i'm glad they made myeong-ja have the najin bc things are really going to get interesting from here on. can't wait to watch the finale on 5th of jan.
that being said, merry christmas and a happy new year everyone
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This review may contain spoilers
Good for its primary focus which is monster/horror genre
8.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2023, South Korean historical, action, suspense, thriller, horror and romance series with 10, 65-73 minute episodes.First I provide a Unique synopsis then review.
Synopsis
Jang Tae-sang (Park seo-joon) runs a very successful Korean business in Japanese occupied Gyeongseong (later renamed Seoul) occupation. He is determined to survive in an environment that is hostile to Koreans by amassing wealth and influence as a form of protection. Known as Master Jang he is perceived as selfish and uncaring if his fellow South Korean’s plight when, in reality, he takes great care of all his friends and family like associates. If you need something in the way of information he probably knows a guy or a girl. That all changes when he is blackmailed to locate a woman who went missing. He is skilled at using his connections to broker information but this time his livelihood is at stake. His mission puts him in contact with Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee) who is part of a team who are experts at finding people. During the spring of 1945, lots if people are going missing after visiting, or being taken to, a Japanese run hospital. Seems more than just medicine is being practiced there, people are being used to run experiments with a violent creature.
Review
It is a great addition to the monster “movie” genre. The monster in this is terrifying and seems invincible. It has exciting action scenes, edge of your seat suspense and fingernail biting horror. If you are a fan either leads, they do an excellent job in their roles. It can be hard, emotionally, to watch realizing the Japanese did occupy South Korea and they did perform horrific medical experiments on the Koreans. It is a lens on how occupation forces dehumanize their “enemy.” The romance is there but it is not what makes the series stand out. It is complex enough I would watch it again to catch things I missed. I would recommend it highly for those wanting great monster, suspense, historical backdrop, and/or action series.
Spoilers
Prepare for a gore fest. I lost count of how many people the creature killed. I was a little disappointed that the Korean prisoners were killed indiscriminately by the monster when, later, we discovered the creature maintained enough of its original humanity to recognize its daughter.
I wonder if they misinterpreted Anthrax because that is what they said they injected the creature with that caused its horrible mutation. Then, the creature emitted bubbles of Anthrax in a “sleeping” state but it wasn’t characteristic of what we know of Anthrax. This “Anthrax” causes acid burns when it hits the skin. It did not seem like Anthrax so I wonder if it was a translation issue.
Several people betrayed their friends under torture and I liked they called it out and Tae-sang and others acknowledged it was not the fault of the victim as they temporarily lose their humanity.
I feel we never got the full back story of what kind of revenge was being exacted on Chae-ok’s mother that she was turned over for medical experimentation. There was mention of betrayal and I suspect it was also jealously on the part of Yukiki Maeda (Soo Hyun) as she mentions their association when they were younger but that situation was only vaguely explained.
The ending was mostly up in the air with the main creature still alive, a second creature having just delivered what appears to be an alien baby and Chae-ok now revived from death but infected with the parasite. It is clear there will be another season and I think there is a confirmed 2024 production date. I do not trust Netflix though so prefer a well tied up ending. WhatI love about South Korean shows is they rarely leave cliffhangers. Netflix is all about profit and leaves the endings open so, if the series does well, they can do additional seasons. A lot of Asian drama fans likely find leaving it open like that annoying.
#GyeongseongCreature
#ParkSeoJoon
#HanSoHee
#SooHyun
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A Thrilling 9/10 Ride with Park Seo Joon
As a fan of Park Seo Joon, "Gyeongseong Creature" was everything I expected and more. With a solid 9/10 rating, this drama showcased Park Seo Joon's exceptional talent and charisma, reaffirming his status as a powerhouse in the industry. The series delivered an enthralling narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, keeping me thoroughly engaged from start to finish. Park Seo Joon's performance, as always, was a standout, infusing his character with depth and authenticity.The well-developed supporting cast and intricate plot made for a memorable viewing experience. However, as the series concluded, it left me with an abundance of unanswered questions, making me eagerly anticipate the possibility of a second season to provide the closure and exploration of its captivating world that I so crave. "Gyeongseong Creature" is undoubtedly a must-watch for Park Seo Joon enthusiasts and anyone seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking drama.
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Acting wise, I really like most of the characters, which a lot. I am really happy with Park Seo Jeon as the main lead, he carried the show alongside the people at the pawnshop. Han Seo Hee seems to having getting the same roles as her previous works but she is good at it.
It was a story of a mother's love.
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Juggles too much, risks being forgettable
The pilot episodes failed to effectively draw me into the characters & hindered my emotional investment in their journeys. This weak start sets the stage for subsequent disappointments. However, I was able to finish the drama because of my love for Han So-hee.Notable, was the lack of nuance in Park Seo-jun's portrayal of Tae-sang. Despite the character's complexity, Seo-jun's performance falls short, making it challenging to connect with Tae-sang's internal conflicts about self serving motives and altruism. His comedic moments lacked freshness and the clever wit needed to bring more depth to his character.
The forced and unconvincing romantic plotline between the leads is totally unnecessary & almost childish.
So-hee's acting prowess is evident but is hindered by shortcomings in the script, making her character's journey less compelling.
Lastly, the quality of dialogue was notably subpar & lacked the richness it needed, coupled with the majority of scenes taking place at Onseong Hospital being repetitive and boring, which diminished the overall viewing experience, especially given the historical context of the drama.
Overall, the multiple plot lines could've been better integrated to make the drama seem more cohesive.
I'm skeptical but I hope part 2 of season 1 will renew my interest for season 2.
Edit: I finished all 10 episodes & I'll stick by my initial rating. Now that I have finished the drama, I think I can confidently say the casting for this drama was absolutely OFF. I felt like a lot of people were miscast and that is why this drama does not deliver what it should've - I did not find myself at the edge of the seat, the creature was not scary tbh, the villains were boring and nothing stood out per se. It is what it is.
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Could have been better !!!
This drama held significant potential as it delved into the human experiments during World War II and the colonization of Korea by Japan, shedding light on atrocities not often explored in KdramaLand. While the premise promised an amazing survival thriller, the execution fell short due to a lack of depth in the screenplay and character development.For those familiar with typical survival Kdramas, the plot followed a somewhat predictable trajectory, and many scenes felt familiar. The main concern centered around the characters' decisions, particularly Yoon Chae Ok, whose actions often lacked common sense in serious situations. Numerous plot points didn't make sense, with characters engaging in lengthy discussions during crucial moments when urgency was paramount.
The primary issue lies with the leads, as the romance between them seemed forced and lacked organic development. The male lead's love-at-first-sight syndrome overshadowed any meaningful connection, and their relationship didn't progress convincingly. Aside from the male lead, other characters were relegated to mere side roles, despite having potential for more depth. The male lead's character development felt inconsistent, leaving room for speculation about the outcome in a potential second season. Park Seo Jun met my expectations with his performance, and this drama notably contributed to elevating his skills as an actor. Additionally, Han So Hee truly excelled in capturing emotional moments, standing out in those particular scenes.
Kim Su Hyun's portrayal of Maedo Yukiko stood out as a highlight, delivering a splendid and subtle performance. Her character was well-written, with meaningful actions and motives, contrasting with the underdeveloped leads. Other notable performances include Joong Won as Han Chul and various side actors. The older generation actors, including Kim Hae Sook, Park Ji Hwan, and Choi Young Joon, were the main reason the drama surpassed being just underwhelming. Their performances seamlessly carried the entire show. The production design deserves praise for capturing the historical vibe of Joseon accurately, from hospital sets to costumes. The CGI was particularly commendable, creating a realistic visual experience. This K-Drama stood out as the only one where I felt they provided a satisfying conclusion for the first season, setting the stage for an exciting start to the second season.
Ultimately, it's not a K-Drama that is a must-watch. However, if you find yourself with some free time or if your favorite actors are part of the cast, it might be worth checking out, especially considering its concise length of just 10 episodes. Looking forward to a potential second season, there is hope for improved character development, a tightly written screenplay, and more unpredictable plot points.
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