Based on Hitoshi Iwaaki’s manga, “Parasyte”, the Korean sequel showcases an additional story to the “Parasyte” universe, featuring Jeong Su In (portrayed by Jeon So Nee) who co-exists with a parasite named Heidi—after the latter’s failed attempt to take over control of her brain and body.
Here are 5 reasons to watch the series on Netflix:
1.) It’s not your usual live-action adaptation.
The concept is the same, but—as director Yeon Sang Ho said during their Netflix press conference—the original manga writer Hitoshi Iwaaki gave him permission to create his own version and give his own take on the Japanese fan-favorite story.
He said, “Fortunately, Hitoshi Iwaaki enjoyed my film “Train to Busan,” and that was how “Parasyte: The Grey” was able to happen.”
This expanded the world of “Parasyte,” as the situation is not only happening in Japan but also in Korea.
The director also stated, “The manga has an intense and unique universe. This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was young—to be able to expand on it and create something new. It’s a great honor to work on this series.”
2.) The Korean adaptation is still in the same timeline as the Japanese counterpart.
As previously stated, “Parasyte The Grey” in Korea is happening simultaneously to the one in Japan.
Hence, both Jeong Su In and Shinichi Izumi (played by Masaki Suda—in this version—in Japan), are living in the same period and co-existing with their parasytes: Heidi and Migi, respectively.
3.) The Netflix series is directed by the director of not only the award-winning film “Train To Busan,” and also other zombie and “body-snatching” works.
Director Yeon Sang Ho started his career working on animated films and now has a long list of directing successful Korean thrillers—including “Peninsula” (“Train To Busan” sequel), “Hellbound,” and “Jung_E.”
His expertise clearly shows in “Parasyte The Grey,” from the impressive CGI and a rather gripping storyline, to character interpretations and merging of worlds without veering away too much from the original work.
It’s also a bonus that the director is a fan of the original manga, and was able to add “Easter Eggs” in the Netflix series for fans of the original work to recognize.
4.) Jeon Soo Nee’s and Koo Kyo Hwan’s tandem.
Jeon Soo Nee as Jeong Su In is rather calm and collected, even when she’s taken over by her parasite counterpart, Heidi. Su In, however, decides mostly on what she feels is right. While Heidi is more logical.
On the other hand, Koo Kyo Hwan’s Seol Sang Woo adds a bit of comedy to the story with his eccentric personality and lighthearted adlibs.
Their differences compliment each other, as we witness Su In learning to choose herself and Sang Woo’s character development when faced with crossroad decisions—choosing between staying and risking his life or running away to save his neck.
5.) It’s all about survival, and the characters end up being a lot more rational than expected.
It boils down to the question: Are they eevil, or were they born without a choice? (Or was it wrong that they were born from the start?)
All in all, “Parasyte: The Grey” can be enjoyed whether you’ve seen the original work or not. But one thing is for sure, you’d definitely want to watch the Japanese counterpart when you finish the Korean version.
“Parasyte: The Grey” is now streaming on Netflix.
Gia Allana 