Hi, everyone! How are things going? Today, I’m here to discuss a series I’ve eagerly anticipated – “Newtopia” on Prime Video. And wow, what a unique mix it is: Jisoo from BLACKPINK, zombies, and a romantic comedy all blended together! When I first saw the trailer, I thought, “This will either be epic or a total flop.” Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both, but in a highly entertaining way!
Jisoo Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone (Big Time!)
Let’s address the big topic: Jisoo from BLACKPINK starring in a zombie series! After “Snowdrop”, fans were excited to see her return to the screen. And what a bold project she chose! She portrays Kang Young-joo, a young rookie figuring out life amidst a zombie apocalypse.
Credit where it’s due: she fully embraced the action scenes. The director mentioned that she spent almost a year filming with intense physical prep. Imagine Jisoo dodging zombies, fighting, performing stunts… It’s surreal! And guess what? She exceeded my expectations.
Park Jeong-min: The Emotional Core
While Jisoo is the surprise, Park Jeong-min is the emotional heart holding everything together. This actor is INCREDIBLE! He takes on the role of Lee Jae-yoon, who joined the military later in life and is anxious about the future. As the zombie apocalypse hits, he must lead his squad despite being the most insecure among them.
Seeing his character’s transformation is captivating. Initially, he’s someone lost in life, sure only about his love for his girlfriend. As the series unfolds and he faces zombies, he evolves as a person and leader. Park Jeong-min beautifully captures each nuance of this growth.
The Worst Timing for a Breakup
The series’ premise is genius: Jae-yoon and Young-joo break up via phone at the EXACT moment the zombie apocalypse erupts in Seoul. Perfect timing, right? They were facing challenges due to his military service and her budding career, with distance causing tension.
So, on the day they decide to break up, chaos ensues with zombies everywhere. Now they must fight to reunite and survive. It’s as if the universe said, “Thinking of breaking up? Try doing it amidst an apocalypse!”
Zombie + Romance = Zom-Com!
The series dubs itself a “zom-com” (zombie comedy), and this blend works surprisingly well! The terror of zombies is punctuated by hilarious scenes, especially with Jae-yoon and his military pals. The humor isn’t forced – it emerges naturally from absurd situations.
One standout scene involves being stranded atop a luxury skyscraper in Gangnam while zombies ascend the stairs, with the group trying to maintain military order in chaos. It’s both hilarious and tense!
The Creative Team Behind the Lens
Check out the dream 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 (of “Parasite” fame!) and Ji Ho-jin (from “A Shop for Killers”). With such talent, quality is a given.
And it’s not just the creative team that shines. The production invested heavily – evident in the quality of action scenes, zombie effects, and cinematography. Each frame resembles a movie, not just a series.
Seoul as an Apocalyptic Backdrop
What amazed me most was the transformation of Seoul into a post-apocalyptic scene. Seeing iconic tourist spots overrun by zombies is chilling! The series cleverly uses Seoul’s geography, particularly the Gangnam area where much action unfolds.
The zombies are well-crafted – no cheap CGI here. They’re terrifying when needed, without overdoing gore, striking a balance that makes the series accessible even to non-horror fans.
The Gradual Relationship Success
I’ll be honest: initially, I wasn’t convinced about the chemistry between Jisoo and Park Jeong-min. It felt a bit forced, you know? But as the series progresses with more flashbacks of their relationship, it improves significantly.
The flashbacks show how they met and fell in love, and these scenes are genuinely sweet. Seeing the relationship evolve clarifies why they’re fighting so hard to reunite amid the apocalypse. It’s about true love, not just attraction.
Jisoo’s Growth as an Actress
Jisoo’s acting deserves mention. Yes, she’s still finding her niche as an actress, but wow, she’s come far since “Snowdrop”! The action scenes showcase a more confident and determined Jisoo.
She mentioned discovering her love for filming action sequences. And you can see it! There’s a scene where she fights zombies in a single take that is breathtaking, showing her serious preparation for these scenes.
Moments of Genuine Tension
Despite the comedy, “Newtopia” doesn’t skimp on tension. There are genuinely scary moments where you’re rooting for the characters’ survival. The series balances humor and suspense, keeping you hooked.
Especially scenes in the skyscraper, where Jae-yoon’s squad is trapped and seeking an escape. It’s like a claustrophobic action film, with comedic relief at just the right moments.
The Polarizing Finale
Without major spoilers, the series’ ending is somewhat divisive. Some fans loved it, others were left wanting more. It’s one of those open-ended conclusions that leaves questions and potential for a second season.
What I can reveal is that Jae-yoon and Young-joo’s reunion is thrilling, but comes with unexpected twists. There’s even a mysterious supernatural creature introduced in the final episodes – because evidently, zombies weren’t enough!
Comparisons to Other Zombie K-Dramas
It’s hard not to compare “Newtopia” to other hits like “Kingdom”, “Sweet Home”, and “All of Us Are Dead”. Honestly, “Newtopia” stands apart. It’s lighter, romance-focused, and has a more hopeful tone.
While other zombie dramas lean into horror and despair, “Newtopia” is about finding love and hope in chaos. It’s a refreshing take on the genre that might attract even non-zombie enthusiasts.
Is It Worth Watching?
So, is it worth watching? My take: it depends on your preference. If you’re after hardcore, bleak zombie content, this might not suit you. But if you crave a fun blend of action, comedy, and romance with an apocalyptic twist, “Newtopia” is for you.
The series has its flaws – pacing issues, questionable character decisions, and underdeveloped subplots. But its charm lies in its uniqueness. It’s a series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s refreshing.
For Fans of Jisoo and Newbies Alike
If you’re a Jisoo or BLACKPINK fan, it’s a must-see to witness her in a completely new role. And if you’re new to her acting, this is a great entry point – much more dynamic than “Snowdrop”.
For k-drama fans in general, it’s an intriguing choice if you’re seeking something different. It’s not a masterpiece, but it offers quality entertainment with an original premise.