“Newtopia” Recovers from Jisoo’s Acting Controversy Thanks to Park Jung Min’s Standout Performance 

Premiering on February 7, Newtopia is set to conclude with its 8th and final episode on March 21. The story follows soldier Jae Yoon (played by Park Jung Min) and his girlfriend Young Joo (Jisoo) as they try to reunite in a Seoul overrun by zombies.

Unlike typical zombie series that focus heavily on horror and dystopia, Newtopia offers a lighter tone, blending elements of B-grade comedy with a youthful romance. While the earlier episodes stick to the traditional zombie aesthetic, the series shifts gears by highlighting quirky characters who, despite being bitten, don’t turn into zombies bringing humor into the narrative. Scenes of zombies clumsily attacking or getting knocked over add a comedic twist to the tension, giving the genre a refreshing spin.

The show’s core plot is simple: a couple in their twenties on the verge of breaking up finds themselves reaffirming their love amidst a zombie outbreak. Flashbacks to their sweet campus romance paired with their unpredictable journey to find each other add emotional depth and keep viewers engaged.

Although Jisoo’s performance especially her vocal delivery and facial expressions continues to draw mixed reactions, Park Jung Min has emerged as the undeniable anchor of the series. His portrayal of Jae Yoon not only drives the central love story but also brings intensity and realism to the survival scenes, helping to offset the weaknesses in Jisoo’s acting.

Cultural critic Kim Sung Soo commented, “Newtopia blends a unique genre mix with contrasting tones suspense from Jae Yoon’s perspective and humor from Young Joo’s storyline. This dynamic brings a sense of freshness to the series. The suspense in Jae Yoon’s arc keeps viewers hooked, and it’s all thanks to Park Jung Min’s excellent performance.”

Episode 7 especially showcased Park Jung Min’s acting chops, as Jae Yoon faces a new life-threatening challenge after narrowly surviving previous ordeals. His performance drew even more attention and praise from viewers.