MANILA — The first season of Gyeongseong Creature captivated viewers by blending a thrilling monster mystery with the historical setting of Japanese-occupied Korea. However, as the series transitions to present-day Seoul in its second season, the shift in time raises an intriguing question: how will the story evolve in this new era?
“In season one, the Japanese occupation was the visible enemy. We saw people fighting for their freedom and survival. But in modern-day Seoul, our enemies are more hidden, making it harder to see who they are,” director Chung Dong-yoon explained in a recent interview with ABS-CBN News.
“Because they’re less obvious, it feels like we compromise too easily with these unseen foes in today’s world. That’s the theme I wanted to explore in season two – that we shouldn’t give in so easily,” Chung shared through an interpreter.
Season one took place in Gyeongseong, the historical name for Seoul during the Japanese occupation, where pawnshop owner Jang Tae-sang (Park Seo-jun) and sleuth Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee) uncovered a dark mystery involving a creature born from secret experiments. The second season, released on Netflix on September 27, jumps to the present, with Chae-ok surviving the events of season one and now facing new challenges involving modern crimes and encountering Jang Ho-jae, a man who strikingly resembles Jang Tae-sang.
The shift to present-day Seoul required the lead actors to approach their roles differently.
“With the modern setting, the way we speak and interact has changed compared to 1945. That was a major difference for my character,” Seo-jun noted, adding that the way people think and behave has evolved as well.
For So-hee, the time shift meant changes in Chae-ok’s appearance and tools. “The wardrobe changed, and with new technology, Chae-ok now uses more advanced tools in her work as a sleuth,” she explained.
Director Chung revealed that season two introduces not just one, but three distinct monsters, each with its own unique characteristics, adding a new level of excitement to the show.
“In season one, there was only one creature, but in season two, we have three, each with different personalities and traits,” Chung said. “One is large and muscular, another has a high-pitched, somewhat feminine voice, and the third is the biggest and most terrifying.”
Chung also teased enhanced visual effects, saying the creatures’ movements are now more intricate and fascinating.
After working together in the first season, Seo-jun and So-hee shared that their bond strengthened in the second season, making their collaboration smoother.
“We became really close after a year of working together, which made season two easier because we could rely on each other more,” So-hee said.
So-hee, known for her work in The World of the Married, Nevertheless, and My Name, said reprising her role as Chae-ok was an easy decision. “I was drawn to the character’s many charms and the creature genre was something I wanted to explore,” she said.
Seo-jun added that their intense action scenes helped forge their strong connection. “The hand-to-hand combat scenes really brought us closer, and we were able to execute fierce action sequences thanks to our chemistry,” he said.
When asked about a central theme for season two, Seo-jun reflected, “The show isn’t just about good versus evil; it’s also about the things we must not forget. That theme carries over from season one.”
“There’s something for everyone in this show – melodrama, action, creatures, and even a blend of different eras. Audiences will have a lot of fun watching,” Seo-jun concluded.