Director Yeon Sang Ho makes a comeback with the Korean drama titled Parasyte: The Grey (2024). This six-episode drama is set to premiere on Friday, April 5th, 2024.
Adapted from the manga titled Kiseijuu, this drama unfolds the story of parasitic terror in South Korea. In the process of adapting Kiseijuu, Director Yeon personally reached out to the author, Hitoshi Iwaaki.
1. Director Yeon’s Lifelong Passion for Parasyte Manga
Press conference for the Korean drama Parasyte: The Gray (26/3/2024) (doc. Netflix/Parasyte: The Grey)During a press conference for the Korean drama Parasyte: The Grey (March 26, 2024), Director Yeon Sang Ho revealed his deep connection with the original Parasyte manga dating back to his school days.
Director Yeon, who began his career as an animation director and pursued animation studies in college, described the original manga as akin to a holy book for animation students.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Director Yeon confessed that directing Parasyte: The Grey was a manifestation of his long-standing admiration for the manga. He described it as a dream come true and a pinnacle moment of fanboy excitement.
2. Willingness to Create a Spin-off Version
Press conference for the Korean drama Parasyte: The Gray (26/3/2024) (doc. Netflix/Parasyte: The Grey)Driven by curiosity about how a parasitic terror scenario would unfold in South Korea, Director Yeon envisioned a spin-off version with distinct characters and plots.
To pursue this vision, he personally contacted Hitoshi Iwaaki, the original author of Kiseijuu, seeking permission and creative freedom. Fortunately, Iwaaki granted his request, expressing interest in seeing his manga adapted.
Director Yeon’s initiative to explore new narrative possibilities underscores his dedication to expanding the Parasyte universe.
3. The Rationale Behind the Title Parasyte: The Grey
Press conference for the Korean drama Parasyte: The Gray (26/3/2024) (doc. Netflix/Parasyte: The Grey)Director Yeon’s adaptation of Kiseijuu manga into the Korean drama Parasyte: The Grey carries dual significance.
Firstly, it references the name of the parasite eradication task force depicted in the drama. Director Yeon, in collaboration with Writer Ryu Yong Jae, conceptualized this task force to embody a blend of white agents, whose identities are known, and black agents, who conceal their identities.
Secondly, the title reflects the theme of coexistence between humans and parasites. The protagonist, Jeong Su In, portrayed by Jeon So Nee, embodies this theme as she grapples with being half-human and half-parasite, occupying a gray area between the two worlds.
With its six episodes, Parasyte: The Grey offers viewers an opportunity to delve into this nuanced exploration of humanity and parasitic existence. The drama is scheduled for release on Netflix starting Friday, April 5th, 2024.
Have you had the chance to read the original manga version?