Kyu-young Park's Bold Transformation in Netflix's 'Mantis' Captivates Global Audiences

Kyu-young Park's daring transformation in 'Mantis' leaves a lasting impression. Previously, she appeared on the web variety show 'Narae-sik' last month, revealing that she is not naturally thin and has lost 15kg compared to her school days.

Since her debut in 2016, actress Kyu-young Park has solidified her presence with an impressive filmography. In the Netflix film 'Mantis,' she once again delivers a perfect transformation that captivates audiences. Released on September 26, 'Mantis' is an action film about an A-list assassin, 'Mantis,' returning from a long hiatus to a world where all rules have collapsed. The film also features his trainee and rival 'Jae-i,' and retired legendary killer 'Dok-go,' competing for the top spot. In its second week, 'Mantis' ranked second in the global non-English top 10 and entered the top 10 lists in 57 countries, including the US, drawing significant global attention.

Kyu-young Park plays 'Jae-i' in the film. With her attractive and sophisticated visuals, she captures attention, portraying a character full of complex emotions with subtlety, enhancing the film's immersion. Her nuanced emotional shifts towards 'Mantis' (played by Si-wan Im) intensify the narrative, making it more engaging. As Jae-i's emotions and choices play a crucial role in the plot, Park's delicate acting shines brightly.

Park's impressive action performance is also noteworthy. She lost body fat to portray the killer role, and her efforts are evident. With various weapons, she delivers captivating action scenes, combining light yet solid movements with sharp expressions to create her unique style. Her intelligent execution of traditional action, despite it being her first attempt, showcases her skillful movements and emotional depth. The climactic showdown with Si-wan Im and Woo-jin Jo is particularly impactful, delivering a thrilling experience.

In her first leading film role in 'Mantis,' Kyu-young Park anchors the narrative with intense energy and detailed emotional arcs. Her immersive performance elevates the film's quality, adding credibility to 'Mantis's' unique charm and capturing viewers' hearts with her broad acting spectrum.

Kyu-young Park continues to build her distinct acting style by taking on unique characters. In Netflix series like 'Sweet Home,' 'Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3,' and Disney+ original series 'Nine Puzzle,' she brings unconventional characters to life with depth and unique charm. As a master of genre films, her fearless transformations and solid acting skills consistently surprise audiences, fueling high expectations for her future projects.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr