Coupang Play's original series "Newtopia" has been capturing hearts globally since its premiere on February 7, 2025. This innovative Korean drama combines zombie apocalypse thrills with romantic comedy elements to create what Korean viewers affectionately call a "zomcom" (zombie + romantic comedy).
About the Series
"Newtopia" is based on the novel "Influenza" (2012) by Han Sang-woon and directed by Yoon Sung with screenwriting by Han Jin-won and Ji-ho. The series features an impressive cast including Park Jung-min, Jisoo, Im Sung-jae, Kim Jun-han, and Kang Young-seok. New episodes are released every Friday at 8 PM KST on Coupang Play.
Plot Overview
The story unfolds in the heart of Seoul during a zombie virus outbreak. It follows the journey of Jae-yoon, a soldier, and his lover Young-joo as they search for each other amidst chaos. What makes "Newtopia" stand out is its unique setting of a military unit stationed on a rooftop, creating a distinctive backdrop for both survival struggles and blossoming romance.
Cast Performance
Park Jung-min as Jae-yoon
Park Jung-min delivers a compelling performance as soldier Jae-yoon, skillfully balancing realistic acting with moments of humor that ground the series despite its apocalyptic setting.
Jisoo as Young-joo
As Young-joo, Jisoo brings emotional depth to her character. While some viewers initially debated her acting range, her chemistry with the character has evolved throughout the series, winning over audiences.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Im Sung-jae, Kim Jun-han, and Kang Young-seok, enriches the narrative with diverse character portrayals. The character known as "Abeom" has become particularly popular as the show's scene-stealer.
Global Reception
"Newtopia" has achieved remarkable international success beyond South Korea. On IMDB, it has received perfect 10/10 scores from 90 out of approximately 100 reviews. Rotten Tomatoes has praised it as "the best zombie series of all time and this year's standout series."
The show has reached #1 in viewership in six countries through Prime Video, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and establishing a global "zomcom" phenomenon.
Genre Innovation
"Newtopia" successfully bridges two seemingly contrasting genres – zombie apocalypse and romantic comedy. This creative fusion offers viewers a unique emotional experience, alternating between heart-pounding zombie chases and sweet romantic moments. The series exemplifies Korea's talent for genre hybridization, creating something fresh and engaging for international audiences.
Why International Viewers Should Watch
For international viewers new to Korean content, "Newtopia" offers an excellent entry point that showcases Korea's storytelling strengths. The universal themes of love and survival transcend cultural barriers, while the uniquely Korean approach to genre-blending provides a fresh viewing experience.
The high production values, compelling performances, and innovative premise make "Newtopia" accessible and enjoyable regardless of familiarity with Korean dramas or language (subtitles available in multiple languages).
How to Watch
"Newtopia" is available globally through Coupang Play, with new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays. The series represents the next evolution in Korean content's international appeal, following the global success of works like "Parasite," "Squid Game," and "Train to Busan."
Experience this groundbreaking Korean "zomcom" that's redefining genre expectations and captivating viewers worldwide!
