Gyeongseong Creature (Korean: 경성크리처) is a South Korean historical mystery-horror series starring Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee, Claudia Kim, Lee Moo-saeng, and Bae Hyun-sung. The story takes place in 1945, during the Japanese occupation of Gyeongseong (now Seoul). It shows the suffering of civilians, secret experiments on humans, and the rebels who fight back, along with a monster created from these experiments. Inspired by the real-life Unit 731, the series mixes history, suspense, and horror. Season 1 was on Netflix from December 22, 2023, to January 5, 2024, and Season 2 came out on September 27, 2024.
Plot Synopsis (2 Seasons)
Season 1
In the spring of 1945, during the Japanese occupation of Gyeongseong (now Seoul), pawnshop owner Jang Tae-sang and tracker Yoon Chae-ok, who is looking for her missing mother, encounter a strange creature created by secret experiments at Ongseong Hospital.
Season 2
Set in modern-day Seoul, the story follows Ho-jae, who looks like Jang Tae-sang, and Yoon Chae-ok as they meet and explore the unfinished relationships, fate, and dark secrets from Gyeongseong.
Main Cast
Park Seo-joon (as Jang Tae-sang and Jang Ho-jae)
- Stage Name: Park Seo-joon (박서준)
- Name (English): Park Yong-kyu
- Name (Korean): 박용규
- Revised Romanization: Bak Yonggyu
- Birthdate: December 16, 1988
- Age: 36
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Occupation: Actor
- Active Since: 2011
- Agency: Awesome ENT
Han So-hee (as Yoon Chae-ok)
- Stage Name: Han So-hee (한소희)
- Name (English): Lee So-hee
- Name (Korean): 이소희
- Revised Romanization: I Sohui
- Birthdate: November 18, 1993
- Age: 31
- Birthplace: Ulsan, South Korea
- Occupation: Actress
- Active Since: 2016
- Agency: 9ato Entertainment
Claudia Kim (as Yukiko Maeda)
- Name (English): Claudia Kim
- Name (Korean): 김수현
- Revised Romanization: Gim Suhyeon
- Birthdate: January 25, 1985
- Age: 40
- Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
- Occupations: Actress, model
- Active Since: 2004
- Agencies: Saram Entertainment (Korea), United Talent Agency (United States)
Lee Moo-saeng (as Captain Kuroko)
- Name (English): Lee Moo-saeng
- Name (Korean): 이무생
- Revised Romanization: I Musaeng
- Birthdate: May 10, 1980
- Age: 45
- Birthplace: Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Occupation: Actor
- Active Since: 2005
- Agency: Alien Company
Bae Hyun-sung (as Seung-jo)
- Name (English): Bae Hyun-sung
- Name (Korean): 배현성
- Revised Romanization: Bae Hyeongseong
- Birthdate: May 3, 1999
- Age: 26
- Birthplace: Jeonju, South Korea)
- Occupations: Actor, model
- Active Since: 2018
- Agency: Awesome ENT
Drama OSTs
Forever – by Suho
Time – by Baek A
Time (Elec. Ver.) – by Leafy
Forever (Inst.)
Time (Inst.)
Time (Elec. Ver.; Inst.)
Gyeongseong Creature Opening Title
Gyeongseong Creature Main Theme
Time (Orchestra Ver.)
Maruta
Ties
Only
My Fatherland
Keumokdang
Cherry Blossom
Mother
The Birth of a Goddess
Irrevocable
Na Jin
Sacrifice
The Shape of Life
Same Dream
To. My Daughter
Gradation in Light – by Hong Isaac
Lean – by Solar
Forever (Acoustic Ver.) – by Kim Daniel
Dawn – by Kim A-reum
Audience Ratings
Season 1
Season 1 of Gyeongseong Creature received mostly positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it earned a 92% rating with an average score of 7.3/10. Critics praised its strong production, suspenseful story, and mix of horror and romance. CNN called it “a monster hit,” and TV5’s MJ Marfori said it successfully blended suspense and romance. However, some reviewers, like Collider and Decider, thought the story missed its full potential and struggled with pacing.
Season 2
Season 2 got mixed to negative reviews. Critics said that while it moved faster than the first season, it lost depth and focus. The Korea Herald noted that the main message felt forced, while the South China Morning Post said the story became “overstuffed” with too many elements. NME gave it 3 out of 5 stars, calling it an okay but less satisfying ending.
Viewership
Gyeongseong Creature became a major hit soon after its release, ranking first in South Korea within three days. It also reached Number 3 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English TV shows and received a strong response from viewers in more than 20 countries, including India, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. The series stayed in Netflix’s Top 10 for three weeks.
When Season 2 was released, the first season climbed back into Netflix’s Global Top 10, becoming the second most-watched non-English show worldwide. It continued to stay on the list for several more weeks. In addition, Gyeongseong Creature ranked as the seventh most searched TV show in the Philippines in 2024 according to Google.
Gyeongseong Creature FAQs
Who created the monster in Gyeongseong Creature?
The monster was created through secret biological experiments at Ongseong Hospital during the Japanese occupation.
Is Gyeongseong Creature based on true events?
While the story is fictional, it was inspired by Unit 731, a real Japanese military unit that performed biological experiments on civilians during World War II.
Who plays the role of the monster?
The monster is primarily portrayed using CGI and special effects, rather than a specific actor.
Where was the series filmed?
Most of the series was filmed in South Korea, with sets designed to replicate 1940s Gyeongseong.
Does the series have supernatural elements?
Yes, it includes horror and fantasy elements, mainly through the monster and the consequences of the experiments.
Can non-Korean speakers watch the show?
Yes, Netflix provides subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages for international audiences.
Is there a romantic storyline in the series?
Yes, the show explores relationships and emotional connections, particularly between Jang Tae-sang and Yoon Chae-ok.
How historically accurate is the series?
The historical setting and references to Japanese occupation are accurate, but the monster and some plot elements are fictionalized for entertainment.
Are there plans for a Season 3?
As of now, Netflix has not officially announced a third season.
Are there any real-life references to Ongseong Hospital?
Ongseong Hospital is a fictional location, inspired by real hospitals used for secret experiments during WWII.
Is Gyeongseong Creature suitable for all audiences?
No, the show contains horror, violence, and adult themes, so it is recommended for mature audiences.
How can I watch Gyeongseong Creature internationally?
The series is available worldwide on Netflix, with subtitles and dubbing for many regions.
Watch Gyeongseong Creature on Netflix
