Discovering Gyeongseong Creature: Chae-ok's Quest for Her Mother

In Netflix's Gyeongseong Creature Part 1, Yoo Chae-ok (Han So-hee) embarks on a journey to Gyeongseong to find her long-lost mother. However, amidst the terrifying events, will she finally be reunited with her? Chae-ok's mother has been missing for a decade, and she, along with her father, has been tirelessly searching for her in Manchuria. They have gained a reputation as skilled sleuths or bounty hunters, specializing in locating missing individuals.

For years, they've struggled to find any information about her mother, so they decide to go to Gyeongseong in search of the truth. Their quest leads them to Jang Tae-sang (played by Park Seo-Joon), a wealthy pawn shop owner with a reputation for having reliable information in the world of K-drama.

Chae-ok ventures into Onseong to find her mother

Indeed, Chae-ok and her father locate her mother at Onseong Hospital in Gyeongseong Creature Part 1. However, they are stunned to uncover the horrifying truth that the Japanese government has transformed her into a monstrous being.

Chae-ok and her father join forces to assist Tae-sang as he is coerced by a Japanese military general to locate his missing pregnant lover. The trio's investigation leads them to Onseong, where they devise a plan to sneak into the area. Meanwhile, chaos ensues in the secret laboratory beneath the hospital as a dangerous monster wreaks havoc, prompting an evacuation of the facility.

Amidst the turmoil, Tae-sang, Chae-ok, and her father remain inside to search for survivors and solutions. Chae-ok starts to realize that the events unfolding within the hospital are reminiscent of what they witnessed in Manchuria, as the government conducts experiments on innocent civilians. As the Gyeongseong Creature Part 1 unfolds, it becomes evident to the audience which prisoner is Chae-ok's mother, identified by her wooden necklace given to her by her daughter.

Gyeongseong Creature Part 1 brings Chae-ok’s face-to-face with her mother

Chae-ok’s mother was among the few prisoners who were infected with a parasite known as Najin. While the rest of them went mad and eventually perished, she somehow managed to survive. However, the Najin resurfaces and transforms Chae-ok’s mother into a horrifying and relentless monster. Even when subdued with nitrogen, the monster’s defense mechanism produces anthrax to protect itself.

In Episode 5 of the K-drama, Chae-ok confronts her mother, a monster, and fights alongside Tae-sang. They're chased by Director Ichiro and his men, managing to escape briefly before ultimately surrendering. Chae-ok then meets Commissioner Ishikawa and realizes the true identity of the monster. Later, finding a message from her mother in prison, Chae-ok gains clarity about her mother's nature and whereabouts in Gyeongseong Creature Part 1.

In Episode 6, Chae-ok is once again captured, this time being used as bait for the monster. However, she manages to compel her mother to remember her human life, leading the monster to protect her from gunfire upon realizing Chae-ok is her daughter. Tae-sang comes to Chae-ok's rescue, while the soldiers subdue the monster with nitrogen. Despite having to leave her mother behind for the time being, Chae-ok has no other choice. Check out more K-drama content, Dexerto’s Gyeongseong Creature review, and character explainers for Death’s Game.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am fascinated by the captivating storyline of Gyeongseong Creature Part 1. The series takes viewers on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, horror, and emotional depth. Han So-hee's portrayal of Chae-ok is particularly captivating as she embarks on a relentless quest to find her missing mother. The show's ability to blend historical elements with supernatural horror creates a unique and immersive atmosphere that keeps me on the edge of my seat.

The series also delves into the complex relationship between Chae-ok and her mother, adding a layer of emotional resonance to the narrative. The transformation of Chae-ok's mother into a monstrous being due to government experiments adds a tragic dimension to their story. The show's exploration of themes such as identity, sacrifice, and the lengths one would go to protect their loved ones resonates deeply with me as a Gen Z viewer. Overall, Gyeongseong Creature Part 1 is a well-crafted series that combines thrilling horror with poignant storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.