Gyeonseong Creature isn’t just another action-packed monster thriller—it’s a complex, heart-wrenching journey that takes you through a world of betrayal, love, and the devastating consequences of human greed. With every twist and turn, this series pulls you deeper into its terrifying universe, where nothing is as it seems, and the fight for survival is just as much about the monsters they face as the demons within. But does it deliver on its ambitious premise, or does it get lost in its own spectacle?

Season 1: Horror, Action, and Survival

The story begins in 1945 during the harsh Japanese occupation of Korea. Amidst the brutality of war, a horrifying secret experiment takes place in Ongseong Hospital. This experiment gives birth to a terrifying creature. It represents the pure evil and greed of those in power.

The heart of Season 1 lies with the rebels who rise against the invasion. Jang Tae-sang, played by Park Seo-joon, is a wealthy pawnshop owner. He is a beloved informant and an unexpected hero. His fight is against both the creature and the forces controlling him. The emotional stakes of the series are elevated through the personal connections between the characters, particularly the relationship between Jang Tae-sang and Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee), who is on her own journey to uncover the truth behind the monsters of Gyeongseong.

The horror isn’t just in the creature. It lies in the deep emotional toll on the characters. Each action sequence feels like a battle for survival and for their very souls.

What Works in Season 1:
✔ Atmosphere & Production Design – The historical setting is beautifully realized, immersing viewers in a tense, eerie version of 1945 Korea. The cinematography effectively balances grand action shots with intimate, emotionally charged moments.
✔ Creature Design & Horror Elements – The monster itself is grotesque and terrifying, evoking genuine fear while also serving as a symbol of human corruption.
✔ Character Depth & Themes – The themes of oppression, survival, and rebellion add weight to the narrative, making it more than just a monster flick.

Where Season 1 Falls Short:
✖ Pacing Issues – While the build-up is effective, certain moments drag, especially when the show leans too heavily into exposition. Some subplots feel stretched out rather than adding to the suspense.
✖ Over-Reliance on Flashbacks – While important for backstory, the frequent shifts in time occasionally disrupt the flow of tension.

Season 2: A Legacy of Horror and Hope

In 2024, the scars of the past continue to haunt the city. Jang Tae-sang, now called Ho-jae, wakes up with no memory of his past. He does not understand who he is, yet he remains linked to the monster’s legacy. As the world changes, he grapples with how much of the past still lingers.

Yoon Chae-ok has her memories intact. She struggles to piece together the fragmented truths of their history. Meanwhile, new and terrifying threats emerge in the modern world. The tension between their fates and buried secrets unfolds. Season 2 is not just about facing new monsters; it’s also about confronting the ghosts of the past that refuse to die.

What Works in Season 2:
✔ Time Jump Adds a New Layer – The transition to 2024 brings a fresh, unexpected angle to the story. Watching Jang Tae-sang navigate a world he doesn’t recognize is both heartbreaking and intriguing.
✔ Deeper Psychological Horror – The idea that the past still has its claws in the present adds a haunting depth to the show. The existential horror of forgotten identities and lingering trauma is handled well.

Where Season 2 Stumbles:
✖ Jarring Transition from 1945 to 2024 – While conceptually interesting, the time jump feels abrupt. The shift in setting and tone might not sit well with all viewers.
✖ Less Focus on Creature Horror – The second season leans more into psychological and mystery elements, which may disappoint fans expecting more monstrous encounters.

The Heart of the Show: Love, Activism, and Heartbreak

What truly makes Gyeonseong Creature stand out is its heart. Beneath the monster battles and action-packed sequences, there’s a deeply emotional story about sacrifice, love, and hope. Wi Ha-joon’s portrayal of Kwon Jun-taek, an independence activist, brings an emotional depth to the show. His fight for freedom takes place against a backdrop of unimaginable cruelty. It serves as a powerful reminder of how far people will go for justice, even when the odds seem impossible.

Gyeonseong Creature Cast: A Powerful Ensemble

✅ Park Seo-joon as Jang Tae-sang / Jang Ho-jae – A complex character whose journey from a powerful man in 1945 to a broken man in 2024 is nothing short of heartbreaking. His fight against the past and his struggle to reclaim his identity add immense emotional depth.

✅ Han So-hee as Yoon Chae-ok – Strong, determined, and driven by justice, Yoon Chae-ok is more than just a tracker. She’s the emotional anchor of the series, holding onto the past while trying to navigate a terrifying present.

✅ Wi Ha-joon as Kwon Jun-taek – His portrayal of the independence activist is a standout, full of emotional weight and passion. His character’s sacrifice adds a level of heart to the show that stays with you long after the episode ends.

✅ Claudia Kim as Yukiko Maeda – A powerful Japanese noblewoman, Yukiko’s role in controlling Gyeongseong is a chilling reminder of the cruelty of the occupying forces, adding a layer of mystery and danger to the series.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch Gyeonseong Creature?

Gyeonseong Creature isn’t just a creature feature—it’s a saga of love, loss, and resilience in the face of monstrous evil. It explores the horrors of the past and how they shape the future, blending thrilling action with emotional stakes and heartfelt moments. This series doesn’t just keep you at the edge of your seat—it makes you care deeply about the characters, their journeys, and the world they’re trying to survive in.

However, it’s not without flaws. The pacing can be uneven, and the transition between timelines may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a pure monster horror, the second season’s shift in focus might not be ideal. But if you appreciate stories that mix historical tragedy, thrilling action, and emotional weight, this is a must-watch.

⭐ Rating: 4/5 – A gripping and emotional blend of horror, action, and historical drama, though slightly uneven in execution.

What did you think of Gyeonseong Creature? Did the time jump from 1945 to 2024 catch you off guard? Which character’s journey stood out to you the most? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you think! 💬

If you would like to watch Gyeonseong Creature, you can check it out on Netflix.

Make sure you also check out my review of Park Seo-joon in The Divine Fury, and my review of Wi Ha-Jun in Squid Game and Bad and Crazy.