Zombie apocalypse narratives are no longer strangers to Korean dramas. Moreover, K-zombie, which blends with various genres from historical dramas to school series and family narratives, has long enjoyed global popularity. Coupang Play’s new series Newtopia confidently stepped out on the 7th, presenting itself as a “zom-com” (zombie + comedy) that adds romance and comedy to the zombie genre. How does this series differentiate itself from existing K-zombie projects and appeal to audiences?
Jae Yun (Park Jung Min), who enlisted in the military at a relatively late age, is overwhelmed with worries. Beyond the daunting military service ahead, he’s particularly concerned about his girlfriend Young Ju (Jisoo). After all, there’s bound to be no shortage of suitors eyeing Young Ju, who wants for nothing, while he’s away. Meanwhile, Young Ju, who’s just started her career, faces her own daily struggles. Work life remains challenging, and she’s constantly rattled by people around her saying things like “You shouldn’t wait for a boyfriend in the military” and “You’re not actually planning to marry him, are you?” As misunderstandings pile up day by day, the couple reluctantly decides to part ways.
Their heartbreak is short-lived as another trial awaits them. The entire nation descends into chaos due to a zombie virus that seems straight out of a movie. Jae Yun finds himself stranded on a high-rise rooftop he was in for his service, while Young Ju, who happened to be out nearby, fights for survival against the zombies that have overtaken the city. Can these two navigate through the horrifying zombie hordes to find their way back to each other?
Newtopia showcases ambitious genre-blending aspirations, combining zombies and comedy with romance, action, and military drama. While some might criticize it for trying to pack too much into one show, each genre element actually holds its own charm when examined separately. The issue lies in the sequencing of these narrative elements.
The series’ biggest hurdle is undoubtedly its first episode. Those expecting a blood-splattered, thrilling zombie series might find the premiere episode excruciatingly slow, as it’s entirely devoted to establishing character relationships, storylines, and world-building. Even viewers who prioritize narratives over thrills might struggle. Between the inconsiderate and obsessive Jae Yun, the indecisive Young Ju, and the unlikeable supporting characters surrounding them, the characters fail to engage viewers, making it difficult to commit to the next episode. In a long-form series, lacking that curiosity about what happens next can be fatal.
However, once you survive the first episode, the show’s true colors begin to emerge. The pace picks up considerably with the zombies’ proper introduction. While blood and gore splash across the screen, the stylish and colorful cinematography keeps things visually engaging, and the B-movie style comedy, while not laugh-out-loud funny, consistently delivers chuckles. The chemistry between Park Jung Min and Jisoo goes without saying. The initially hard-to-relate-to protagonists gradually become more endearing through their clumsy attempts at escaping the crises and revealing flashbacks. The show’s strengths are so clear that it’s particularly frustrating to imagine how much better it could have been had they distributed the world-building and character development across multiple episodes instead of cramming everything into one.
Once the characters become relatable, the actors’ performances truly shine. Park Jung Min displays versatile charm as he switches between a lovable ex-boyfriend, an obsessive current boyfriend, and a bumbling private. Jisoo, contrary to concerns, breathes life into Young Ju, convincingly portraying everything from a relatable rookie professional wrestling with everyday concerns to a loving partner, and finally, a growth-oriented character willing to do anything for love. The supporting cast, including Lim Seong Jae, Kim Jun Han, Lee Hak Ju, and Hong Seo Hui, who play the reliable(?) allies around the two leads, add to the fun with performances that perfectly match the show’s B-movie sensibilities.
There’s a saying, “Second time’s the charm.” While the start may have been disappointing, Newtopia is now moving past its early stumbles with an engaging progression. As casualties begin to appear in the military base and zombies start flooding in around Jae Yun, while Young Ju wages a life-or-death battle through the city to reach him, can these two safely reunite and reaffirm their feelings for each other? (6.5/10)
Edited by Young Jun Yang
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Editor Yang Young Jun: There is at least one good part in every movie or TV series. A media geek who isn’t picky with genres.
