In a fresh twist on the zombie genre, Prime Video’s upcoming Korean series “Newtopia” promises to deliver a unique blend of heart-pounding action and light-hearted romance. The show, set to premiere globally on Prime Video and Korean streamer Coupang Play, stars Blackpink’s Jisoo and acclaimed actor Park Jeong-min in a story that unfolds against the backdrop of a zombie outbreak in Seoul.
“Newtopia” follows the journey of Lee Jae-yoon, portrayed by Park Jeong-min, a late military conscript, and Kang Young-joo, played by Jisoo, a rookie professional. Their relationship faces the ultimate test when a breakup coincides with the onset of a zombie apocalypse. The series, directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, aims to strike a delicate balance between the grimness of a world overrun by the undead and the humor of characters navigating chaos while maintaining their humanity.
Park Jeong-min describes the show as a “fairytale disguised as a zombie series,” drawing comparisons to the 2013 cult film “Warm Bodies.” He credits director Yoon Sung-hyun’s innovative approach for presenting a fresh narrative style that steps away from traditional zombie genre formulas. The actor, who admits to being a Blackpink fan, found instant chemistry with his co-star Jisoo, making it easy to form a close bond essential for their on-screen relationship.
For Jisoo, “Newtopia” marks her second K-Drama role following her success in “Snowdrop.” The pop star-turned-actress faced new challenges with this project, particularly in the action department. She reveals that the role required nearly a year of filming and extensive physical preparation, including regular workouts and stretching routines to prevent injuries during demanding action sequences.
The series’ unique selling point lies in its ability to balance the heavy theme of a zombie apocalypse with characters who navigate the chaos in unexpected ways, all while maintaining a sense of humor. This approach sets “Newtopia” apart in the crowded landscape of zombie-themed content, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the genre.
Behind the scenes, the creative team boasts impressive credentials. The screenplay is co-written by Han-Jin won, known for his contribution to Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film “Parasite.” This collaboration suggests that “Newtopia” may deliver the kind of sharp social commentary and unexpected twists that Korean content has become renowned for in recent years.
As anticipation builds for the series, industry observers are keen to see how “Newtopia” will be received by global audiences. The show’s premise of love surviving—and even thriving—in the face of an apocalypse offers a unique hook that could set it apart from other entries in both the romantic comedy and zombie genres.
“Newtopia” is poised to join the ranks of Korean content that has found significant success on international streaming platforms. With its blend of action, romance, and humor, set against the backdrop of a zombie outbreak, the series aims to carve out its own niche in the ever-expanding world of K-dramas.
The global premiere of “Newtopia” is scheduled for February 7, 2025, on Prime Video and Coupang Play.
Where to Watch “Newtopia”
The Cast
Lim Su-Bin
Kim Jun-han
Kang Young-suk
Kim Jeong-jin
Lee Hak-ju
