Gyeongseong Creature (2023) Review – A Gripping Blend of History & Horror

Genre: Horror, Action, Historical Thriller  

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) | **Streaming on:** Netflix  

Introduction

Set in 1945 during Japan's occupation of Korea, *Gyeongseong Creature* masterfully combines **heart-pounding action**, **body horror**, and **political intrigue**. Starring Park Seo-joon (*Itaewon Class*) and Han So-hee (*My Name*), this Netflix series delivers:  

- ✔️ Brutal creature horror  

- ✔️ High-stakes resistance drama  

- ✔️ Stunning 1940s period detail  

The Story (No Spoilers)

When pawnshop owner **Jang Tae-sang** (Park) teams up with tracker **Yoon Chae-ok** (Han) to find a missing person, they uncover:  

- 🏥 A hospital hiding monstrous human experiments  

- ⚔️ A resistance movement fighting Japanese forces  

- 😱 A terrifying creature symbolizing colonial trauma  

Why It Works

### **1. Genre-Blending Excellence**  

| **Horror** | **Action** | **Thriller** |

|------------|------------|-------------|

| Body transformation scenes that rival *The Fly* | Park Seo-joon's alley knife fight (Episode 5) | Mystery of the missing women |

| Claustrophobic hospital chases | Prison break sequence | Political conspiracy twists |  

### **2. Standout Performances**  

- **Han So-hee** – Her fight scenes and emotional range cement her as Korea's next superstar  

- **Wi Ha-joon** (*Squid Game*) – Chilling as a Japanese officer  

### **3. Visual Mastery**  

- **Cinematography:** Moody shadows reminiscent of *Penny Dreadful*  

- **Creature Design:** Practical effects mixed with CGI (best viewed in 4K)  

## **What Could Be Better**  

⚠️ **Note for Binge-Watchers:**  

- Episodes 3-4 slow down for character development  

- Finale may divide viewers (sets up Season 2)  

Final Verdict

"*Gyeongseong Creature* reinvents historical drama with **edge-of-your-seat horror** and **social commentary**. While not perfect, it's Netflix's best K-horror since *Kingdom*."  

Best For Fans Of:

- *The Terror: Infamy* (historical horror)  

- *Sweet Home* (creature action)  

- *Mr. Sunshine* (Korean resistance stories)