Hello, everyone! How’s everything? Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the drama Happiness, which stands out as one of Netflix’s most distinctive and socially aware zombie thrillers, blending horror with insightful commentary on contemporary society and class disparities.
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Happiness debuted in November 2021 on tvN and was later made available on Netflix, featuring 12 episodes, each approximately 65 minutes long. This Korean drama was crafted by writer Han Sang-woon and directed by Ahn Gil-ho, both renowned for their impactful series.
Set in a near-future Korea, this zombie thriller revolves around a new drug named “Next” that induces zombie-like symptoms, confining residents of a luxury apartment complex during a city-wide lockdown. The series skillfully intertwines horror, social satire, and romantic drama, using the zombie apocalypse as a platform to delve into themes of class inequality, human nature, and societal collapse.
The show’s distinctive take focuses less on conventional zombie action and more on psychological suspense and social interactions, creating a stifling atmosphere that reflects real-world fears regarding pandemics, isolation, and the disintegration of community.
Human Nature Amid a Pandemic Lockdown
Happiness revolves around Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun, two police officers who engage in a sham marriage to secure an apartment in a high-end building. As a new synthetic drug called “Next” triggers violent, zombie-like behavior in its users, the entire city enters lockdown, trapping the residents within their building.
As the infection spreads and resources dwindle, the residents of the apartment expose their true colors, revealing class divides and personal biases. The series examines how crises peel away social veneers, showcasing both the most admirable and the most appalling aspects of human behavior.
Each episode uncovers layers of the residents’ characters while heightening the tension surrounding the spreading infection, weaving a dual narrative about the external zombie threat and the internal human monsters.
Yoon Sae-bom’s Unyielding Resolve
Han Hyo-joo delivers a stellar performance as Yoon Sae-bom, a former military officer turned police detective who possesses innate immunity to the zombie virus. Her character embodies resilience, loyalty, and moral strength amid chaos.
Sae-bom’s journey throughout the series highlights her growth from a focus on personal survival to becoming a leader committed to safeguarding the entire community. Her fierce resolve and steadfast moral compass render her a captivating protagonist who stands by her principles in the face of impossible dilemmas.
Jung Yi-hyun’s Devoted Protection
Park Hyung-sik plays Jung Yi-hyun, a police detective who has harbored feelings for Sae-bom since their high school days and becomes her faux husband to assist her in securing the apartment. His character symbolizes loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of unconditional love in times of crisis.
Yi-hyun’s character development delves into themes of protection, devotion, and moral ambiguity as he balances his responsibilities as a police officer with his desire to keep Sae-bom safe. His relationship with Sae-bom acts as the emotional cornerstone of the series, illustrating how love can provide resilience during humanity’s darkest hours.
The Ultimate Showdown of Humanity versus Monsters
The series culminates in a thrilling showdown where the apartment residents must decide between self-preservation and the survival of their community. This confrontation involves not only fending off zombie threats but also addressing the human monsters that have surfaced during the crisis.
The final episodes expertly balance action with emotional resolution as characters confront the ramifications of their choices throughout the lockdown. The climax questions whether humanity can rise above its worst instincts when faced with extinction and whether communal bonds can withstand the ultimate tests.
The Apartment Community Dynamics
Happiness showcases a diverse ensemble of apartment inhabitants reflecting various facets of Korean society, from affluent, entitled families to struggling middle-class individuals. Characters like the self-serving lawyer Oh Ju-hyung and the privileged housewife Han Tae-seok act as antagonists, with their classist views and selfishness generating internal strife.
These supporting roles effectively demonstrate how crises unveil true character, with some rising to heroism while others succumb to selfishness and cruelty, creating a microcosm of society’s response to disaster.
Netflix Success Story
Happiness garnered international acclaim on Netflix for its intelligent take on the zombie genre, recognized for utilizing horror elements to provide incisive social commentary on class inequality and communal responsibility. The series was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of pandemic-like conditions and lockdown psychology, resonating with global viewers who faced similar experiences during COVID-19. The chemistry between Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik was widely praised, with many deeming their relationship one of the most genuine romantic partnerships in recent K-drama. The show’s success proved that zombie thrillers can be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, advancing the genre beyond simple horror into meaningful social discourse.
If you’re a fan of zombie thrillers that incorporate profound social commentary and strong romantic elements, Happiness is a must-watch series on Netflix.
An exceptional fusion of horror and social satire that uses the zombie apocalypse to reveal the best and worst of human nature during crises.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Platform: Netflix (originally tvN)
- Rating: 7.9/10 (IMDb)
- Genre: Zombie Thriller, Social Drama, Romance, Horror
- Protagonists: Han Hyo-joo (Yoon Sae-bom), Park Hyung-sik (Jung Yi-hyun)
- Antagonist: The Next virus/infected zombies, self-serving residents like Oh Ju-hyung and Han Tae-seok who embody human greed and classism