SEOUL (ANN/KOREA HERALD) – Netflix’s “Gyeongseong Creature,” one of the platform’s most expensive Korean original productions with a reported budget of KRW70 billion (USD53 million), initially garnered excitement for its star-studded cast and unique portrayal of the Japanese colonial era, where Koreans were subjected to horrific experiments that turned them into monstrous beings.
However, upon its release in December, the series faced significant criticism. Viewers expressed dissatisfaction with its slow and uneven narrative, limited appearances of the creatures despite its title, and even raised concerns about the negative depiction of Korean independence fighters.
Responding to the backlash, director Jung Dong-yoon revealed at a press conference on September 25 that he made the decision to re-edit the second season based on audience feedback.
“By the time the first season was released, the editing for the second season was already completed. However, after seeing the public’s reactions, I felt it was my responsibility to address the concerns and requested to re-edit the series,” Jung explained.
Perhaps as a result of these changes, the new season—released on Friday and set 79 years after the first—features a faster pace and delivers more excitement compared to its predecessor.
Season 2 jumps straight into the main storyline, avoiding lengthy exposition and creating a more engaging experience for viewers. The action-packed sequences, featuring numerous creatures and adrenaline-fueled battles, add a visual spectacle that was lacking in the first season. Notable moments include Captain Kuroko’s thrilling encounters with part-monster, part-human characters like Ho-jae and Chae-ok, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
Despite these improvements, the second season still has its shortcomings. Several key questions remain unanswered, such as the whereabouts of Chae-ok’s monster and the nature of the relationship between Seung-jo and Ho-jae, leaving the narrative feeling incomplete.
One of the series’ major flaws lies in how it conveys its central theme—the horrors of the Japanese colonial era and their lingering effects on modern Korea. Unfortunately, these ideas are delivered too directly through dialogue, which feels forced and disrupts the flow of the story.
In summary, while Gyeongseong Creature Season 2 addresses some of the pacing issues that plagued the first season, it may have sacrificed important details in its focus on action and fast-paced development. The core message, though meaningful, struggles to emerge naturally from the narrative.
All seasons of Gyeongseong Creature are available for streaming on Netflix.
