‘Gyeongseong Creature’ a ‘genre mash-up, visual feast,’ says Park Seo-jun | ABS-CBN

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‘Gyeongseong Creature’ a ‘genre mash-up, visual feast,’ says Park Seo-jun

‘Gyeongseong Creature’ a ‘genre mash-up, visual feast,’ says Park Seo-jun

Jaehwa Bernardo,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Dec 19, 2023 05:33 PM PHT

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Han So-hee and Park Seo-jun in a still from ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Photo courtesy of Netflix
Han So-hee and Park Seo-jun in a still from ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Photo courtesy of Netflix

MANILA — For South Korean actor Park Seo-jun, the much-awaited series “Gyeongseong Creature” offers an intriguing story that brings together different genres and a visual treat that audiences can enjoy.

Set in 1945 during Japan’s colonization of South Korea, the 10-episode show follows a wealthy pawnshop owner and sleuth who infiltrate a hospital in Gyeongseong (a former name of the capital Seoul) and confront a creature “born from human greed.”

During an online press conference held Tuesday, Park highlighted how the show brings together the creature (monster) and historical drama genres.

“It’s a creature genre but it’s also about two young people who are living in a turbulent era. So I think that it’s a very complex mash-up of different genres and it’s going to be a visual feast for you,” Park said through an interpreter.

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In the series, Park plays Jang Tae-sang, the wealthy owner of the House of Golden Treasure pawnshop. He becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Ongseong Hospital after meeting Yoon Chae-ok (played by Han So-hee), a specialist in finding missing people.

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Explaining how the show came about, director Jung Dong-yoon said he wanted a story set in the colonial period and added the monster element to attract international audiences.

“When I talked to writer Kang [Eun-kyung] about the show, I said that I wanted to talk about this era, the Gyeongseong era, I’m very intrigued with this era. And when I was talking with her, I said, ‘Let's make this into a story that's not just about us but a story where people around the world can all enjoy,’” he recounted.

“If it’s a creature genre, I can talk about our history but also creatures, which can be more intriguing to a lot of global fans. So that’s why I wanted to mash up the two genres together. This is my first time trying to mash up two different genres so this is a challenge for myself too,” said Jung, who previously directed the acclaimed series “Hot Stove League.”

Park Seo-jun in ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Photo courtesy of Netflix
Park Seo-jun in ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Photo courtesy of Netflix

Park said it was a “no-brainer” for him to accept the project, considering the story, director, writer and his fellow cast members.

“When I was in ‘Itaewon Class,’ director Jung’s work was also airing, ‘Hot Stove League,’ so I wanted to meet with him. And we have So-hee playing Chae-ok in the show so it’s just a no-brainer for me because it’s just going to be really fun,” Park said.

Similarly, Han said she accepted the project for the opportunity to work with Jung and Park. “I [also] thought a creature genre will be of immense help for me as an actress going forward,” she said.

Han So-hee in ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Photo courtesy of Netflix
Han So-hee in ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Photo courtesy of Netflix

Han shared that she also sustained an injury while filming action scenes for the show.

“When you’re on set and you begin shooting the scenes, everyone goes at it 100 percent but one thing I felt that I didn’t think of prior was discerning what I’m capable of and what I’m not able to do,” said Han, who previously starred in the action-revenge series “My Name.”

“There's always emotional expressions along with the action too so sometimes trying to do both of those leads to minor injuries, but don’t worry about me,” she said reassuringly.

Impressive set

Veteran actress Kim Hae-sook, who plays Tae-sang’s butler, praised the elaborate production design.

“When I first set foot in the House of Golden Treasure, I was really impressed... because I've been in a lot of period dramas but this one was different, I've never seen a set like this,” said Kim, whose other notable dramas include “Under the Queen's Umbrella” and “Strong Girl Nam-soon.”

“So when the shooting was over, I heard that they were going to take it down, I was really mad because I didn’t want it to be taken down… Every little prop in the scene was just perfect. It was jaw-dropping. It was just so grandiose and it really was like I was in 1945,” she said.

Kim Hae-sook, Han So-hee, Cho Han-cheul and Park Seo-jun in a scene from ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Photo courtesy of Netflix
Kim Hae-sook, Han So-hee, Cho Han-cheul and Park Seo-jun in a scene from ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Photo courtesy of Netflix

Director Jung said “Gyeongseong Creature” was challenging for him due to the visual effects. “It’s my first show with so much VFX (visual effects) work. I didn’t expect that I’d come across such a show but it was a good challenge for me and I wanted to pull it off well,” he said.

He added that the production team also wanted to create a monster “that’s never before seen,” even providing it with a detailed backstory.

“We thought of how it all begins with a parasite inside your body and how the creature is born, what process it goes through in order to become a creature, what kind of abilities it has and how it looks. All the history needs to be in place in order to persuade people... Our creature is one of a kind, it’s something that we created ourselves originally,” he said.

“Gyeongseong Creature” will release its first seven episodes on Netflix on December 22, while the final three parts are scheduled to drop on January 5, 2024.

For more news and features on K-pop, K-drama, and K-stars, visit the Hallyu Corner microsite.

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BGYO sparks kilig among students during their 'ACEpecially Yours' School Tour

BGYO sparks kilig among students during their 'ACEpecially Yours' School Tour

Push Team

 | 

Updated Feb 20, 2025 07:53 PM PHT

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Filipino boy group BGYO set hearts racing as they sparked kilig among students from various schools in Bulacan during their ACEpecially Yours School Tour last Valentine’s day.

In their latest YouTube vlog, the BGYO members gave roses and met with students. Their first stop was at JPI Sta. Maria in Bulacan, a school owned by Akira's family.

“Hi guys! So, mamimigay kami ng roses for the students. Ang first school namin ay ang aming school, JPI,” Akira said as he started the vlog.

As they walked through the campus, the students couldn't help but gush, while the boys pointed out that there was even music playing.

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Gelo noticed, “May pa-background music May (music) scoring pa eh.”

“Parang movie,” Akira added.

The boys handed flowers to the excited students as they entered the classrooms.

“We are so happy to celebrate Valentine's Day. Thank you so much for having us,” Mikki told the students.


Some students even became emotional upon receiving flowers from the boys.

“Thank you po kay kuya Nate. Ang swerte ko po kasi birthday ko po bukas. Ang saya ko lang po kasi nabigyan ako ng flowers, tears of joy po,” one female student expressed.

Right after, the boys headed to their next stop, STI College Balagtas, where they were welcomed with an incredibly warm reception.

“Grabe ‘yung welcome. Pag pasok namin may mga estudyanteng nakaabang, meron sa balcony so nakakatuwa kasi pag pasok pa lang nagsisigawan na,” Akira mentioned..

The boys humbly introduced themselves to the students who were cheering them on.

‘Hello, STIers! Kami nga po pala ang BGYO and we’re so happy na nandito kami ngayon,” Mikki greeted the students.

He also took the opportunity to promote their upcoming extended play (EP) and single.

“(Sa) March magri-release kami ng bagong single namin. I hope you guys could follow us” Mikki shared.

BGYO is set to release their self-titled EP and its carrier single, titled 'Divine,' along with its music video on March 13.

As the tour continued, students all over the campus also took selfies and videos with the boys.

“Sobrang ingay nila, the best. Sobrang ramdam namin yung warm welcome, love, support, and hope... and hope?” JL playfully shared.

One of the highlights of the vlog was when the boys greeted and hugged an excited female student-fan girl who told them it was her birthday.

“Best gift ever! Thank you so much po!” she shouted.

Their last stop was STI College Malolos, where the students welcomed them just as warmly. Even teachers and male students were seen enjoying the moment with the Filipino boy group.

BGYO's management assured viewers that the content was filmed with full consent from the schools and in adherence to all safety protocols.

—By Jemuel Tandoc

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