Same Parasite, Different Questions: Messages from Japanese Film and Korean Series
Hitoshi Iwaaki's manga "Parasyte" wrapped profound philosophical questions within the guise of SF horror. When this work was adapted into film in Japan and as a series in Korea, an interesting phenomenon emerged. Despite being based on the same source material, the questions and messages each version posed to audiences were completely different. This went beyond mere differences in adaptation—it reflected the social context and cultural concerns of each nation.
Japanese Film: "Are Humans Really the Masters of Earth?"
The 2014 Japanese live-action film "Parasyte" faithfully follows the core theme of the original manga. That theme is the fundamental question of "the relationship between humans and nature."
The parasites in the film prey on humans, but simultaneously pose cold, hard questions about humanity as a species. Through the character Ryoko Tamura, the film delivers central messages asking: "How many other species do humans kill?" and "Aren't humans the most harmful beings to Earth?"
What Shinichi learns through his symbiosis with Migi isn't simply about fighting parasites. It's a process of rediscovering the value of life, a shift in perspective from human-centered thinking to viewing all living beings as equals.
Environmental Message: The Japanese film delivers to 2010s audiences the same environmental awareness contained in the 1990s original. At a time when climate change and ecosystem destruction have become more severe, it sharply criticizes the reality where humans have forgotten they are part of nature and have become destroyers.
Philosophy of Respect for Life: Shinichi's journey from losing his humanity to recovering it isn't merely personal growth. It carries a message about recognizing the inherent value of all life and the possibility of coexisting with beings different from ourselves. The evolution of Migi and Shinichi's relationship from hostility to symbiosis symbolically demonstrates this.
Korean Series: "Who Am I, and Who Are We Protecting?"
In contrast, the 2024 Korean Netflix series "Parasyte: The Grey" focuses on entirely different questions. Rather than environment or coexistence with nature, it explores the more personal and social themes of "identity" and "survival."
Protagonist Jung Su-in experiences an identity crisis while sharing her body with the parasite 'Heidi'. Questions like "Am I myself?" and "What is this other being within me?" reflect the identity crisis faced by modern Korean society. This can be interpreted not simply as coexistence with a parasite, but as a process of accepting the multiple aspects within oneself.
Critique of Organizations and Power: "The Grey" addresses structural problems in Korean society through the conflict between the parasite-hunting organization 'The Grey' and government agencies. Who is the real monster? The parasites, or the human organizations that sacrifice others for their own interests? These questions embody Korean society's concerns about power and justice.
Survival Instinct and Humanity: The choices Su-in makes to survive alongside Heidi demonstrate how far humans can go in extreme situations. This mirrors the image of modern people who must continuously redefine themselves to survive in a competitive society.
Perspective of the Minority: Su-in, coexisting with a parasite, is an outsider and minority in society. She doesn't fully belong anywhere, standing at the boundary between human society and the parasite world. This can be read as the story of the marginalized in modern society, those who don't fit into the mainstream.
Differences Created by Cultural Context
The difference in messages between the two works is deeply connected to the social context of each nation.
In Japan's case: In Japanese culture, which frequently experiences natural disasters and values coexistence with nature, reflection on the relationship between humans and nature is a theme with long tradition. Moreover, after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, as social interest in environmental issues heightened, the message of "Parasyte" resonated even more urgently.
In Korea's case: In modern Korean society, with its rapid industrialization, competitive culture, and deepening individual identity confusion, the message of "The Grey" strikes more directly. The conflict between organizations and individuals, corruption of power, and discrimination against minorities are actual problems Korean society faces today.
Which Message is More Important?
Between the Japanese film's environmental message and the Korean series' social critique, which is more important? This isn't a matter of choice. Both messages address themes that modern society must contemplate.
The Japanese film makes us reflect on humanity's place from a global perspective. The Korean series forces us to confront problems within our society and the existential concerns individuals face. Ultimately, both works are asking the ultimate question "What does it mean to be human?" from different angles.
Conclusion: Two Interpretations Shaped by Era and Culture
The fact that the single source material "Parasyte" was interpreted with such different messages in Japan and Korea is a fascinating phenomenon. This is also the power of great works. Good stories can be reinterpreted according to era and culture, posing the questions each society needs.
Through the Japanese film, we think about environment and life; through the Korean series, we contemplate identity and social structures. Experiencing both works allows us to receive the questions posed by "Parasyte" from a richer perspective.
What matters in the end isn't the SF concept of parasites, but the power to make us reflect on ourselves and our society through it. And that is precisely why "Parasyte" remains a relevant work across borders and eras.