Netflix Korea Drama recommendation 'Gyeongseong Creature' Part1 , Plot summary/Characters/Drama Locations/OST
"GyungSung Creature" is a 2023 horror drama series aired on Netflix, set in the backdrop of Gyungsung during the Japanese colonial era. The series depicts the confrontation with monsters born from human greed. Comprising a total of 8 episodes (Part 1), each part's title and content are as follows (referenced from Netflix):
Plot summary
1. Part 1: "Najin (納)": Jang Taesang, a gravedigger rumored to find even the dead, is coerced by the Japanese military police Ishikawa to locate a pregnant gisaeng named Myeongja. Yun Chaeok, searching for her mother whose whereabouts are mysterious after being taken by the Japanese army, discovers a connection to Ongseong Hospital.
2. Part 2: "Seongsim (惺)": Chaeok and Yun Jungwon, searching for Myeongja, follow clues to the hospital but find themselves trapped due to a sudden crisis. Taesang begins to worry about the two.
3. Part 3: "Sinho (信號)": Taesang, deciding to re-nter the hospital, learns that Sajimoto Ryu is nearby. Chaeok and Jungwon plan a risky rescue mission from the hospital.
4. Part 4: "Gak-in (刻)": Taesang and Chaeok, reunited while searching for Myeongja, reveal the monster's presence as they try to rescue other survivors.
5. Part 5: "Satu (死鬪)": Taesang and Chaeok confront the monster head-n and get captured by enemies. Taesang plans an escape while Chaeok decides to stay to find her loved one.
6. Part 6: "Hondon (混)": Taesang, determined to rescue the captured Koreans and Chaeok, encounters the harsh truth while searching for his mother.
7. Part 7: "Sullae (鬼)": Taesang and Chaeok must escape within 10 minutes. In a moment of risking danger to rescue people, one of them faces a life-threatening situation.
8. Part 8: "Jagak (自)": Taesang attempts to escape the hospital with unexpected help. In front of Taesang and Chaeok, Myeongja appears in a unfamiliar state, leading to a heartwarming reunion.
Characters
▶Jang Tae-sang (played by Park Seo-oon):
The owner and leader of Gyeongseong's premier black market, Geum Ok-dang. Known as a skilled trouble-shooter who can find even the dead, he faces a crisis where his fortune is at risk of being confiscated. He becomes entangled in uncovering the secrets of the scheming Ongseong Hospital.
▶ Yoon Chae-ok (played by Han So-hee):
A capable troubleshooter and Jang Tae-ang's partner. A girl for whom survival has always been paramount, she lives with her mother. She discovers the connection between the secrets of Ongseong Hospital and her own past.
▶ Maeda Yukiko (played by Su-yun):
Maeda Yukiko is a Japanese aristocratic lady who commands influence and power in the Gyeongseong area. She holds significant wealth and power, to the extent of sponsoring Ongseong Hospital. She conducts human experiments in the secretive Ongseong Hospital and holds the key to the secrets that Jang Tae-sang and Yoon Chae-ok are trying to uncover.
▶ Myeongja (played by Jiwon):
Myeongja is a courtesan at Chunwolgwan and the woman Jang Tae-ang cherishes. She is transformed into a monstrous being called "Poesikja" after being injected with a drug called "Najin" by a Japanese army doctor. Poesikja possesses superior regenerative and combat abilities compared to ordinary people, gaining strength by drinking the blood of others. In the Japanese style, Myeongja is referred to as Akiko, and the Japanese army calls her by that name.
▶ Na Wol-daek (played by Kim Hae-sook):
The housekeeper of Geum Ok-ang, the premier black market in Gyeongseong, and a reliable support for Jang Tae-sang, serving as a family-like presence. Having been a steadfast partner since childhood, she actively guards Geum Ok-dang and carries out Jang Tae-sang's commands.
▶ Gu Gap-pyeong (played by Park Ji-hwan):
A reliable ally of Jang Tae-sang, the owner of Geum Ok-ang, a prominent black market. Alongside Na Wol-daek, the housekeeper of Geum Ok-dang, Gu Gap-pyeong genuinely cares for Tae-sang and actively supports him with a strong sense of loyalty.
Drama Locations
The filming locations for "GyungSung Creature" include Daejeon Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency, Culture Station Seoul 284, Incheon Ganghwa Wuilgak, Jeonju Hanok Village, Nonsan Sunshine Land, Hapcheon Film Theme Park, Gyesung Middle School, Namsa Yeodam Village, and Unbo's House.
Drama OST
The title track "FOREVER" by SUHO in the soundtrack of "GyungSung Creature" is a synth-pop-based up-tempo dance genre song. It blends synth melodies with a kitschy pop sound, creating a leadmical flow with synthesizer riffs, drums, bass, and diverse FX sounds. The song's melody is both dark and lively, making it even more charming. Expressing a sense of urgency and exciting emotions about upcoming events, the song adds a new dynamic to the drama with SUHO's mature and boyish vocals.
The second and third tracks, "Time," evoke loneliness and provide a lyrical touch. In Baek A's "Time," a classical arrangement with a foundation of gentle piano gradually intensifies with percussion in the latter part, highlighting Baek A's clear and poignant vocals. The dreamy guitar riff and string pad enhance the immersion of the song. On the other hand, "Time (Elec. Ver.)" delivers a different feel by using analog synthesizers and modular synths, creating a sophisticated and dramatic atmosphere. LEAFY's unique emotional vocals add depth to the song, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in its mood.
