Currently, Parasyte: The Grey is taking the world by storm as the most-watched series on Netflix just days after its official release. According to data from FlixPatrol, on April 8, the show ranked in 41 countries, including Vietnam, South Korea, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, and Peru. The film’s allure is partly due to the famous manga it is based on, which first debuted in Japan in 1989 and has sold over 22 million copies. Additionally, the performance of leading actress Jeon So Nee has been a significant factor in the production’s success.
Jeon So Nee captivates with her role in Parasyte: The Grey.
Breaking the “Original Concept” to Captivate Viewers
In the film, Jeon So Nee plays Jung Soo In, a girl who is possessed by an extraterrestrial parasite. Unlike others, she maintains her consciousness and transforms into a powerful ally. She collaborates with Seol Kang Woo (played by Koo Kyo Hwan), a hunter of extraterrestrial beings, hoping to find her lost sister.
Initially, Jeon So Nee’s role faced skepticism since the main character in the original Japanese work was a male high school student. The South Korean team decided to pivot the narrative around a female character, drawing inspiration from the manga. According to Kpopmap, in just six episodes, Jeon So Nee’s performance has left many viewers utterly captivated.
For those who have been following Jeon So Nee from her previous projects, the actress is known for her refreshing beauty and captivating presence in Korean dramas. However, in Parasyte: The Grey, the 90s star has taken on a character with much more depth. Jung Soo In faces numerous challenges both before and after the alien invasion.
Jeon So Nee’s artistic performance has stirred deeply emotional responses from the audience, showcasing a raw inner conflict. Simultaneously, her portrayal has been widely praised for matching the character’s complexity and the film’s darker themes.
Alongside action scenes and intense interactions, Jeon So Nee and co-star Koo Kyo Hwan have also received accolades from viewers for their chemistry. She also skillfully balances her role as she has to portray two distinct personalities: Jung Soo In and the parasite, Heidi, that takes over her body.
The Emotional Depth of a Troubled Character
In essence, Parasyte: The Grey is not Jeon So Nee’s first major breakout role. However, despite being 31 years old, her career has seen remarkable growth compared to many contemporaries. She has been steadily building her career since participating in several short films while still in college. At 23, she landed her first role in the independent film Photo.
However, it wasn’t until 2018 that Jeon So Nee gained significant recognition from South Korean audiences for her role in the series Encounter alongside Park Bo Gum. From that point on, her career trajectory began to ascend, though not without its hurdles. In 2020, she took on a leading role in the tvN series When My Love Blooms, featuring well-known stars like Yoo Ji Tae and Lee Bo Young, but this project did not achieve outstanding ratings.
Jeon So Nee in Encounter.
With her striking visuals and impressive acting skills, Jeon So Nee’s career is poised for significant development. As of 2023, she returned to the spotlight with the lead role in the blockbuster Our Blooming Youth, adapted from the Chinese webtoon Thanh Trâm Hành. Her performance has left many viewers in awe, as she portrays a character that embodies both strength and vulnerability. Concurrently, her interactions with male leads in this series have also garnered much attention.
Jeon So Nee in Our Blooming Youth.
A fortunate turn for Jeon So Nee is her leading role in the film Soulmate (Tri Kỳ) this year. Unlike Our Blooming Youth, her performance in this project has received widespread acclaim from both South Korean and international audiences. In this film about young love, Jeon So Nee shines as she portrays a character caught in the complexities of friendship and romance alongside actress Kim Da Mi. Together, they create a deep and touching connection that resonates with the audience.
Jeon So Nee in Soulmate.
With the success of Parasyte: The Grey, Jeon So Nee has now secured a globally recognized role, elevating her career to new heights. Soon, she will also star in a major project titled Melo Movie, alongside a lineup of well-known stars such as Choi Woo Shik, Park Bo Young, and Lee Jun Young.
