Hello, everyone! How’s it going? Today, I want to share my thoughts on a series I’ve been eagerly anticipating—”Newtopia” on Prime Video. And what a peculiar mix it is: Jisoo from BLACKPINK, zombies, and romantic comedy all rolled into one! When I first caught a glimpse of the trailer, I thought to myself, “This could either be incredible or a total flop.” Spoiler alert: it’s a blend of both, but in a delightful way!
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Jisoo Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone
First off, we need to address the major topic: Jisoo from BLACKPINK starring in a zombie series! Following the success of “Snowdrop”, fans were excited to see her back in action. What a bold choice for a project! She portrays Kang Young-joo, a young rookie professional navigating her identity amidst a zombie apocalypse.
You’ve got to give her props: she genuinely immersed herself in the action sequences. The director mentioned that she spent nearly a year filming and underwent rigorous physical training. Just picture Jisoo sprinting from zombies, engaging in fights, and performing stunts… It’s surreal! And guess what? She exceeded my expectations.
Park Jeong-min: The Heart of the Show
While Jisoo is the surprise element, Park Jeong-min is the emotional core that keeps everything together. This actor is AMAZING! He takes on the role of Lee Jae-yoon, a man who joins the army later in life and is burdened with anxieties about his future. As the zombie apocalypse unfolds, he must step up as the leader of his squad, despite being the most insecure member of the group. The character’s evolution is beautiful to witness. Initially, he’s a guy who’s a bit aimless, with one certainty: his love for his girlfriend. As the series advances and he confronts zombies, he matures both personally and as a leader. Park Jeong-min captures every facet of this transformation brilliantly.
A Breakup at the Most Inopportune Moment
The series starts with a fantastic premise: Jae-yoon and Young-joo break up over the phone just as the zombie apocalypse erupts in Seoul. Talk about bad timing, right? They were struggling because he was serving in the military while she was embarking on her career, and the distance was creating tension.
So, on the very day they choose to break up, the city descends into utter chaos with zombies swarming everywhere. Now, they must fight to reunite and survive simultaneously. It’s as if fate said, “You want a breakup? How about doing it during an apocalypse?”
The Blend of Zombies and Romance = Zom-Com!
The series markets itself as a “zom-com” (zombie comedy), and surprisingly, this combination works even better than I anticipated! The intense zombie moments are balanced with comedic scenes, especially involving Jae-yoon and his military buddies. The humor feels organic, emerging naturally from the absurd situations they encounter.
There’s a standout scene where they find themselves trapped atop a luxury skyscraper in Gangnam while zombies are climbing the stairs, and the guys are trying to uphold military hierarchy amidst the chaos. It’s both hilarious and tense!
The Dream Team Behind the Production
Guys, check out the incredible team behind this series: directed by Yoon Sung-hyun (known for “Bleak Night” and “Time to Hunt”), with a script co-written by Han Jin-won (who contributed to “Parasite!”) and Ji Ho-jin (from “A Shop for Killers”). With such a talented crew, you can expect top-notch quality.
Moreover, the production values are impressive—evident in the action sequences, zombie special effects, and cinematography. Each frame resembles a cinematic experience rather than just a TV show.
Seoul as an Apocalyptic Backdrop
One aspect that truly amazed me was how they transformed Seoul into a post-apocalyptic landscape. Witnessing famous tourist spots overrun by zombies is unsettling! The series cleverly utilizes Seoul’s geography, particularly the Gangnam district where much of the action unfolds.
The zombies themselves are impressively crafted—no cheap CGI here. They are terrifying when necessary, but the gore is kept in check. This balance ensures the series remains accessible even to those who might not be fans of horror.
A Relationship That Develops Over Time
I’ll be honest: initially, I wasn’t entirely sold on the chemistry between Jisoo and Park Jeong-min. It felt somewhat forced, you know? But as the show progresses and reveals more flashbacks of their relationship, things improve significantly.
These flashbacks illustrate how they met and fell in love, and these moments are genuinely adorable. Witnessing their relationship’s growth helps to clarify why they’re fighting so hard to reunite amid the apocalypse. It’s about true love, not merely physical attraction.
Jisoo’s Growth as an Actress
I need to touch on Jisoo’s performance. While she is still finding her footing as an actress, she has made remarkable strides since “Snowdrop”! The action sequences, in particular, showcase a more confident and determined version of Jisoo.
She mentioned that she discovered her passion for filming action scenes. And you can tell! There’s a breathtaking scene where she battles zombies in a single take. It’s clear she prepared intensely for these moments.
Genuine Moments of Tension
Despite its comedic undertones, “Newtopia” doesn’t shy away from tension. There are genuinely frightening moments that keep you on the edge of your seat, cheering for the characters’ survival. The series masterfully balances humor and suspense, ensuring you remain captivated.
Particularly in the scenes set in the skyscraper, where Jae-yoon’s team is trapped and struggling to escape. It feels like a claustrophobic action film, yet with comedic moments that ease the tension at just the right times.
A Polarizing Conclusion
Without revealing major spoilers, the series’ conclusion is quite polarizing. Some fans adored it, while others felt let down. It presents an open ending that leaves several questions unanswered, paving the way for a potential second season.
What I can share is that the reunion between Jae-yoon and Young-joo is thrilling, but it comes with unexpected twists. There’s even a mysterious supernatural creature that makes an appearance in the final episodes—because apparently, zombies weren’t enough!
Comparing with Other Zombie K-Dramas
It’s hard not to compare “Newtopia” with other successful entries in the genre like “Kingdom”, “Sweet Home”, and “All of Us Are Dead”. Honestly, “Newtopia” stands apart from these. It’s lighter, more centered on romance, and carries a more hopeful tone.
While other zombie dramas delve into horror and despair, “Newtopia” focuses on love and hope amid turmoil. It’s a refreshing take on the genre that might appeal even to those who typically shy away from zombies.
Should You Watch It?
The burning question is: is it worth your time? My answer is: it depends on your expectations. If you’re seeking a gritty, grim zombie series, this may not be the right fit. However, if you’re after an enjoyable blend of action, comedy, and romance sprinkled with apocalyptic elements, “Newtopia” hits the mark.
The series does have its flaws—sometimes uneven pacing, questionable character choices, and not every plot is fully fleshed out. Yet, the charm lies in its uniqueness. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s quite refreshing.
For Jisoo Enthusiasts and New Viewers
If you’re a fan of Jisoo or BLACKPINK, it’s definitely worth tuning in to see her in a completely different light. And if you haven’t seen her act before, this could serve as an excellent introduction—it’s much more dynamic than “Snowdrop”.
For k-drama enthusiasts in general, it’s an intriguing choice if you’re looking for something outside the norm. It may not be a masterpiece, but it’s solid entertainment featuring an original concept.