In a recent interview, actress Han So Hee opened up about her decision to take on the challenging role in the Netflix original series 'Gyeongseong Creature' without hesitation.
'Gyeongseong Creature' is a period fantasy drama set during the Japanese colonial period, shedding light on the struggles of independence activists and the actions of the Japanese military. Han So Hee portrayed Yoon Chae Ok, a young woman who spent a decade searching for her mother while known for finding deceased individuals.
Despite knowing that the drama would stir controversy, particularly with Japanese audiences due to its portrayal of historical events and figures, Han So Hee had no reservations. She recounted her response to the casting offer, saying, "I said OK as soon as I received it." She emphasized that she wasn't concerned about its popularity in Japan and explained, "We have previously produced period dramas of this nature in our country. If anything, it's because of Japan that we hesitate to take on such projects."
Han So Hee viewed 'Gyeongseong Creature' as an opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction. She remarked, "I believe I showcased a different side of myself through this period drama, highlighting my determination and single-minded pursuit."
Having portrayed an era she didn't personally experience, Han So Hee also acknowledged the importance of respecting the historical context and the people who lived during that time. She urged viewers to empathize with the characters and the challenges they faced, emphasizing that it's not a subject to be taken lightly. "There's a difference between intellectual knowledge and the emotional impact of visually witnessing it," she noted.
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The reality is that Japan was not a gracious occupier around those times and through the second World War. They regarded a conquered population as a cowardly lower species. As a history buff, I have found very little evidence that says otherwise. Maybe they didn't make monsters....but they did conduct medical experiments on local populations, and they did bury their misdeeds with genocides. It is good for countries to acknowledge the sacrifices their ancestors made so that they can live the lives they are living now. Also, important to realize, that the two countries have moved on and are now in a much better relationship.
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