K-Drama"Parasyte: The Grey" And Its Filming Locations

“Parasyte: The Grey” is based on the manga “Parasyte” by Hitoshi Iwaaki, which is over 30 years old and contains imaginative and philosophical messages about parasitic organisms taking over human brains to control their bodies.

In an interview with the original creator Hitoshi Iwaaki conducted by Netflix, he mentioned about this Korean drama, “While respecting the original, I could see unique concepts and ideas everywhere. It was very interesting because each episode was dynamic and the pace was fast.” He also marveled, “I was completely overwhelmed by the part of the parasitic organisms implemented with VFX, and I just lost myself and enjoyed it.” Let’s delve into this drama then.

“Parasyte: The Grey” Talks About Coexistence

This drama, even admired by the original creator, is a zombie drama but as Director Yeon Sang-ho mentioned in the production announcement, “It conveys to us what coexistence means, just like the special message for us living on Earth now.”

The drama asks if humans can coexist with other creatures, but if you think about it, we are already living with other organisms. Apart from COVID-19, many unknown viruses live inside our bodies. Moreover, the COVID-19 lives smartly, showing off its power only to the extent that its host, humans, do not become extinct.

Korea, once a single-ethnic nation, no longer sees foreigners as something special as multicultural families have increased. In some way or another, all life forms and non-life forms on Earth coexist.

And those who cannot coexist will eventually disappear forever. In other words, coexistence is our only survival strategy.

The Meaning Of Coexistence in “Parasyte: The Grey”

Let’s take a look at how this drama expressed the meaning of coexistence.

In the drama, the character Su-in, played by Jeon So-nee, starts a strange symbiosis with the parasitic organism “Heidi.” In traditional zombie movies or dramas, the setting is mostly that humans become demons like zombies when they turn into zombies. However, Su-in is not completely taken over by the parasitic organism.

The main character Su-in has lived her life alone without parents after reporting her father due to domestic violence in her childhood and has a close relationship with Cheol-min (Kwon Hae-hyo), who has occasionally helped her like a father and daughter.

However, one day, while working as a mart clerk, she was stabbed with a knife by a schizophrenic patient during an altercation at the checkout counter, putting her life in danger. At this time, the parasite “Heidi” enters her. But instead of completely taking over her brain, the parasite heals her body for survival. The parasitic organism, which spent its energy healing her body, could not completely take over Jeon So-nee’s body, but could move the body itself for about 10 to 15 minutes a day and exert explosive power.

Doesn’t this seem similar to the life of COVID-19? The coronavirus leaves room for humans to be treated for its own survival rather than completely taking over humans to make them extinct.

In the original “Parasyte,” unlike in this drama, the protagonist coexists with the parasitic organism that has eaten only his right arm.

Meaning Of “The Grey”

There are special agents in the drama who try to exterminate the parasitic organisms. There are White agents who reveal their identity and Black agents who conceal their identity and operate. It has a dual meaning that matches the meaning of grey, in that the team uses both White and Black agents flexibly and that the main character Su-in is a mediator between humans and parasitic organisms and looks at the opposing two worlds.

Is Su-in truly an enemy of humanity, or a part of us? The answer, much like the drama’s subtitle suggests, lies in a shade of grey.

Let’s take a look at the filming locations of the drama.

Filming Locations Of “Parasyte: The Grey”

Jamsil Sports Complex

This is a comprehensive sports complex built for the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It offers the opportunity to watch a variety of sports games such as basketball, baseball, and soccer, and hosts numerous concerts by both domestic and international artists.

If you have the opportunity to watch a game here, you can enjoy the sight of Korean stadiums as well as the passionate support of Koreans. On game days, the traffic is very congested, so it’s better to use the subway. The complex is accessible via the Jamsil Sports Complex Station, which is an interchange station for Seoul Subway Line 2 and Line 9.

Near this stadium, there are Lotte World Tower and Lotte World Mall where you can enjoy amusement and shopping.

Google Map : Jamsil Sports Complex

Baekje Military Museum in the “Parasyte: The Grey”

Located in Nonsan, Chungnam, this museum offers a chance to experience the military culture of Baekje, imbued with the spirit of General Gyebaek. There is also a digital experience hall that three-dimensionally represents General Gyebaek and the Battle of Hwangsanbeol. It is especially popular among children, who can enjoy games such as shooting arrows and riding horses as Baekje soldiers.

Additionally, it serves as a cultural and artistic space with various exhibitions and performances.

Google Map: Baekje Military Museum

Yangju, Korea Hospital In “Parasyte: The Grey”

It is the first general hospital built in 2021 in Yangju city.

Nearby is Okjeong Lake Park, where “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay(사이코지만 괜찮아)” was filmed. The night view is very beautiful, and there is a fountain show in the summer, making it worth a visit.

Google Maps link:Yangju, Korea Hospital

Bucheon Lake Botanical Garden, Supia

This botanical garden located in Sangdong Lake Park in Bucheon has the theme “Whether it rains or snows, always going on a picnic to the forest.” It offers attractions, activities, and food throughout all seasons. There are also parks, botanical gardens, and cafes, with various events held each season, and you can see special trees from tropical and subtropical regions.

At Skywalk in the garden, which is 190 meters long and 1 meter wide, and you can walk around the botanical garden and look down at the whole area. There is a theme Cafe Supia inside the botanical garden where you can enjoy coffee and other beverages while admiring the plants.

Also there are experiential programs such as flower embroidery, macrame, and natural dyeing.

Google Maps location of Bucheon Lake Botanical Garden