The popular Japanese horror manga “Parasyte” by Hitoshi Iwaaki is being adapted into a live-action television series by Netflix. Known for its unsettling blend of sci-fi and body horror, “Parasyte” revolves around high school student Shinichi Izumi, whose right hand becomes infected by a parasitic alien that gives him special abilities.
Leading the Netflix adaptation is acclaimed Korean director Yeon Sang Ho, best known for his hit zombie film “Train to Busan.”
His proficiency with horror and action will likely translate well to bringing “Parasyte’s” terrifying parasite attacks and philosophical themes to life. The series, titled “Parasyte: The Grey,” has already completed filming as of February 2023.
Starring in the series are three gifted Korean actors. The lead role of the infected student Shinichi went to singer-actor Lee Jung Jae.
Portraying the chilling parasite in Shinichi’s hand is Jeon So Nee, while actress Park Shin Hye takes on the role of Shinichi’s compassionate classmate Satomi.
With its disturbing source material, visionary director, and talented cast, “Parasyte: The Grey” has the potential to become a benchmark for live-action manga adaptations.
Netflix will likely release the highly anticipated Korean horror series at some point in 2024, thrilling fans of the manga worldwide.
Netflix’s First Korean Live-Action Series Adaptation
The original Parasyte manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki first started being published in 1988 and kept running until 1995. It was printed in two Japanese magazines – Morning Open Zōkan and Monthly Afternoon.
Parasyte became a hugely popular manga series, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. It led to an acclaimed anime adaptation as well as two live-action Parasyte films made in Japan.
This new Netflix live-action TV series is groundbreaking in two ways. It is the first adaptation of Parasyte to be made outside of Japan.
It is also the first time the story will be adapted into a live-action series rather than a movie. The Netflix show promises to bring the horrifying world of the Parasyte manga to life in a new format for fans.
After decades of manga and anime, this Korean adaptation aims to expand the reach of the parasitic sci-fi story.
What Is ‘Parasyte: The Grey’ All About?
The official synopsis from Netflix introduces the core premise – strange alien parasites are infiltrating human hosts and working to expand their power, leading a group of humans to fight back against this growing threat.
Additional character descriptions from Korean media give more insights. The main protagonist, Jung Soo In, gets infected with a parasite in her hand, but it fails to take over her brain, forcing a strange coexistence.
Seol Kang Woo is searching for his missing sister, believing she was taken by the parasites. Choi Jun Kyung leads the team called “The Grey,” whose mission is to eliminate the parasitic aliens after she loses her husband to them.
Together, these details paint a picture of a sci-fi horror story centered around human hosts living with intelligent alien parasites while others seek to stop the spread of these invasive creatures.
Fans can expect thrilling action and thoughtful exploration of the human condition as characters deal with these literally life-changing infections.
The Netflix adaptation aims to bring this complex manga world to life through a uniquely Korean lens.
‘Parasyte: The Grey’ Cast
So far, Netflix has announced the three lead actors for the Korean adaptation.
Jeon So Nee will play the main character Jung Soo In, which is the Korean version of Shinichi Izumi from the manga. This will be Jeon So Nee’s first Netflix original role. She has previously starred in Korean dramas like Scripting Your Destiny and movies like An Algorithm.
Koo Kyo Hwan joins as Seol Kang Woo, the character searching for his missing sister. Koo recently had roles in the Netflix series D.P. and Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
Singer and actress Lee Jung Hyun takes on the role of Choi Joon Kyung, leader of the parasite-fighting team. This will be Lee’s Netflix debut, though she co-starred with Koo Kyo Hwan in the movie Peninsula.
Together, this talented Korean cast aims to bring fresh life to the classic manga characters through this highly anticipated adaptation. Fans can look forward to their performances as humans living with and combating the alien parasite invasion.
‘Parasyte: The Grey’ Release Date
Now that filming has wrapped up on Parasyte: The Grey, the show is in post-production with editing, visual effects, and more. This means the Korean adaptation is getting closer to being ready for release.
Current expectations are that Netflix will debut Parasyte: The Grey in the summer of 2024, likely in the June-August timeframe.
However, an earlier spring release in March-May 2022 is possible if post-production moves swiftly. With no preliminary release date announced yet, summer 2024 seems the safest bet for now.
Regardless of the exact launch date, fans can take comfort in knowing the creepy world of the Parasyte manga is coming soon in live-action series form.
After a long wait, the parasitic sci-fi horror story will invade Netflix in stunning fashion in less than two years. The countdown is on for the chilling K-drama adaptation.
