- ARAB NEWS
- 03 May 2024
Since 1975
Netflix has announced a South Korean live-action adaptation of Hitoshi Iwaaki’s renowned manga series ‘Parasyte,’ which will be released on April 5.
The Japanese science fiction manga was published from 1989 to 1994. It follows 17-year old student Shinichi Izumi, whose right hand gets infected by a parasite called Migi.
‘Parasyte’ received an anime adaptation, titled ‘Parasyte -the maxim-,’ that was aired from 2014 to 2015 on Nippon TV.
The award-winning manga is considered one of the best-selling series of all time, as it sold more than 25 million copies in 2022.
Parasyte: The Grey brings the beloved manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki to life in an all-new setting and story: Korea.
— Netflix (@netflix) February 6, 2024
Parasitic life-forms that live off of human hosts strive to grow their power and disrupt society. A group of humans wage war against the rising evil. Coming soon. pic.twitter.com/66Ibs3IC2y
The South Korean adaptation, titled ‘Parasyte: The Grey,’ will put a twist on the original. It will follow Su-in, played by Jeon So-nee, who tries to coexist with the parasite. The series will also follow “Team Grey,” a group of people dedicated to fighting parasites that live off humans.
Alongside So-nee, the cast will also include Koo Kyo-hwan, known for his role in the Korean drama ‘D.P,” who is devoted to fighting the parasites to find his sister. Additionally, Korean singer and actress Lee Jung-hyun will play Jun-kyung, the leader of “Team Grey.”
According to Netflix, Iwaaki commented on the series, saying, “I am most excited that this is ‘a new story;’ while I am the author of the original manga, I could also be a member of the audience that experiences thrill and awe. “
Parasites are hidden amongst us.
— Netflix (@netflix) February 28, 2024
Parasyte: The Grey, based on the manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki, premieres April 5. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho (Hellbound, Train to Busan) and starring Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, and Lee Jung-hyun. pic.twitter.com/Xkp2BDQkGd
“The manga is like a ‘child’ to me, born from my own work in a small room…I believe that this ‘new story’ taking place in a different location will lead us into a world beyond my imagination,” Iwaaki added.
The drama will be directed by Yeon Sang-ho, who gained international success after directing ‘Train to Busan’ and ‘Hellbound.’
“In my twenties, ‘Parasyte’ was a staple for those of us who were passionate about manga and animation. Having the opportunity to build upon it and create something new is not only a great honor but also a dream come true from my younger years,” Sang-ho commented on the live-action adaptation.
