[REVIEW] Park Jung-min & Jisoo ‘Newtopia’: A Zombie Rom-Com That Unexpectedly Became Controversial

Premiering sequentially from 8 PM (KST) on January 7, “Newtopia” is an eight-episode Coupang Play series that follows soldier Park Jung-min (Jae-yoon) and his girlfriend Jisoo (Young-joo) as they fight their way across a zombie-infested Seoul to reunite. Directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, known for “Bleak Night” and “Time to Hunt,” the drama is based on Han Sang-woon’s novel “Influenza.” The screenplay was penned by Han Jin-won (Parasite) and Ji Ho-jin (A Shop for Killers on Disney+).

According to the OTT Content Viewer Evaluation Report for the first week of February, released by Consumer Insight on January 6, “Newtopia” has generated significant buzz even before its release, ranking first in awareness and viewing intention, surpassing highly anticipated titles such as Netflix’s “Melo Movie” and TVING’s “The Scandal of Chunhwa.”

Martial Law Declared in Zombie-Ridden Seoul

Zombies have become a familiar theme for Korean audiences. When “Train to Busan” was first released, the concept of a Korean zombie film felt fresh and surprising. However, over the years, K-zombie films and dramas have carved out their own niche, offering unique takes that distinguish them from Hollywood productions.

Amidst this landscape, “Newtopia” has emerged, with its production team defining it as a “zombie rom-com” (zom-com). However, standing out from other K-zombie content seemed like a challenge.

Then, unexpectedly, reality took an ironic turn. While the show was originally intended as a blend of zombies and romantic comedy, it also incorporated various elements reflecting present-day South Korea. Strikingly, real-life events unfolded that mirrored aspects of the drama, unintentionally making Newtopia a controversial work.

In the series, the zombie outbreak begins with a plane crash in downtown Seoul, throwing the city into chaos. Director Yoon Sung-hyun admitted, “Since this scene marks the beginning of the story, I did feel some concern. But as it was a crucial opening moment, I focused on faithfully depicting the script.”

As the virus spreads, citizens of Seoul begin transforming into zombies, and the government declares martial law. Given that the military plays a central role in the series, the drama captures the shock and confusion of soldiers faced with this unprecedented crisis. The outbreak is even referred to as a “riot,” and the line, “This is neither terrorism nor war, but it poses a threat to national security,” resonates in an eerily familiar way despite being from a fictional script.

How audiences will interpret Newtopia’s themes, scenes, and dialogue remains uncertain. Some may find its lighthearted tone off-putting, while others may appreciate how it subtly reflects real-world issues, making it all the more immersive.

Getting Through the First Episode

The series’ biggest weakness is its first episode. It devotes so much time to establishing relationships, emotions, and character backstories that viewers may find themselves wondering, “When will the zombies actually appear?”

Park Jung-min, a conscript who enlists at a relatively old age, and Jisoo, a fresh-faced office worker, are introduced in a way that doesn’t feel particularly unique. The extensive buildup aims to lend credibility to their actions after the outbreak, but it drags on and risks losing viewers’ interest.

However, once past the first episode, “Newtopia” finds its rhythm. The series combines gory action sequences with a stylish mise-en-scène, and its unexpected B-movie humor keeps things entertaining. The contrast between meticulously symmetrical backgrounds and the chaotic zombie outbreak creates a visually striking effect. While some scenes are brutally graphic, they are presented in a campy, almost playful manner, making the violence more palatable. Thanks to the solid groundwork laid in the first episode, audiences can fully immerse themselves in each character’s struggles as the story unfolds.

How Does Jisoo Fare as an Actress?

One of the biggest questions surrounding “Newtopia” is BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and her acting performance. Can she hold her own as a lead actress?

The answer: she has improved. Though not completely free of past criticisms regarding her vocal delivery, she presents a more refined performance compared to her previous work. Reports indicate that Jisoo dedicated over four days a week, spending hours at a time, to intensive acting training in preparation for this role.

Meanwhile, Park Jung-min, known for his expertise in playing exasperating characters, fully embodies his role as a soldier obsessed with keeping in touch with his girlfriend. His performance is so convincing that viewers may find themselves siding with Jisoo and seeing his character as irritating, proving that he has done his job well.

Supporting actors such as Lim Seong-jae, Kim Jun-han, and Lee Hak-joo initially come across as exaggerated caricatures. However, as the series progresses, their performances align seamlessly with Newtopia’s quirky B-movie aesthetic, making them an integral part of the show’s charm.