[Limelight] Why Did Jeong Su-in Give Tuna to a Stray Cat?

Netflix 'Gisaengsu The Gray' Jeon Sony Interview
Recovering Sociality Through Interaction with Parasites
"Coexistence Possible by Understanding and Accepting Differences"
Realizing the Value of Living Together and Working at a Convenience Store

Parasites are invisible passengers. They sneak into our bodies, causing rashes, lesions, and pain. They also directly and indirectly manipulate our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Not all outcomes are bleak. Parasites invading the body must fight not only the immune system but also the formidable microorganisms already established there. In a way, parasites serve a protective function. The host also develops powerful psychological defense mechanisms to counter parasites. This mental shield is called the 'behavioral immune system.'

'Parasite Doug Gray' is a Netflix series depicting the process of Jeong Su-in (Jeon So-nee), who has suffered all kinds of misfortunes, developing a behavioral immune system. Before the parasite invades her body, Jeong Su-in was almost a loner. She experiences social isolation and marginalization simultaneously after reporting her violent father to the police. After the parasite enters and settles inside, things change. She learns how to interact and gains the strength to live together with others.

The paradoxical development poses provocative questions. Can we truly say we think freely by our own will? How do parasites affect moral values and cultural norms? Actress Jeon So-nee answers with a face seeking free will at the end of the series, reading a letter sent by the parasite Heidi... 'Whether you like it or not, you are not alone.' Below is a Q&A.

- Despite being hurt by family and society, Jeong Su-in does not let go of human connections. However, before being with Heidi, she hardly shows such a side.

"I interpreted that she did not feel any intrinsic motivation at all. I thought it would be okay to portray her as someone living each day blindly. For human relationships to become close, one must connect with someone. Jeong Su-in had almost no such opportunities. It would be fair to say she first felt the reassurance of having an ally in Heidi. Coexisting with a shared purpose, the motivation and will buried deep inside her heart gradually emerged."

- The scene where, under Heidi’s guidance, she reflects on the origin of her negative perspective serves as a turning point in her thinking.

"That’s why I felt confident showing a face that even she did not trust until the previous scenes. Acting it out was actually upsetting. She even thinks of herself as a monster. Perhaps that’s why Heidi’s line, unfolding the past and saying, 'Just knowing that there are people who think about you and worry about you means a person cannot be alone,' felt like immense comfort."

- The anguish and conflict Jeong Su-in shows are real emotions anyone can feel as a human.

"Director Yeon Sang-ho initially asked me to portray a realistic character when explaining the role. Analyzing Jeong Su-in’s personality helped me understand the meaning. I thought it would be okay to imbue humanity not only in Jeong Su-in but also in Heidi. Although a parasite, I wanted to depict her essentially as human. I believed that would be the power to build a reality-based fantasy."

- Jeong Su-in and Heidi cannot meet but provide solace to each other.

"That’s why coexistence in one body is possible. At the core is an attitude of understanding and accepting differences in the other. I think it’s a value much needed in our society."

- Did you set the difference between the two beings based on the presence or absence of emotions?

"Yes. When acting as Heidi, I used facial muscles unnaturally, such as not blinking. I hoped an uncomfortable feeling would seep out even when still. The situations of being chased were also differentiated. Jeong Su-in often looked back several times with a tense and fearful face. Heidi was the exact opposite. She focused only on movements fitting the purpose of escape. I thought such differences could greatly affect viewer immersion."

- Heidi’s appearance in the final product relies entirely on visual effects (VFX). There must have been times you doubted it since you couldn’t confirm it while acting.

"With no model to refer to, I just trusted and followed Director Yeon Sang-ho’s instructions. He expressed it so passionately that I could seriously observe even the ridiculous movements (laughs). I think I gradually gained confidence that way. The trust of fellow actors also helped a lot. Especially senior actor Koo Kyo-hwan, who played Seol Kang-woo, asked about my interpretation first and adjusted accordingly, which gave me much support. I gained great confidence in my acting."

- Jeong Su-in resolves a series of incidents and works alone at a convenience store instead of a supermarket. Since she has realized the value of living together, this choice feels unexpected.

"You can see it as a preparation process for going out into the world. Her perspective toward humans and society has definitely changed significantly. However, it seems she needs time before putting it into practice. She might also be cautious because she coexists with Heidi."

- Jeong Su-in gives tuna to a stray cat at the convenience store. She watches it eat from a certain distance. You must have given special meaning to this and acted it out.

"She probably felt a sense of kinship with a creature alone from before. She likely projected her own situation a lot. Before going through the series of events, she lacked the courage and only watched from afar. After coexisting with Heidi, she changed to be more proactive, approaching closely to feed it."

- Does the final smile indicate hope brought by such transformation and closeness?

"Yes. I wanted to naturally show the recognition and thought that she is no longer alone. I also hoped a little gratitude toward Heidi would be mixed in. I hope Jeong Su-in can communicate with people and smile more. She is a child fully deserving of that."