Coupang Play’s highly anticipated series Newtopia made its grand debut on February 7, immediately becoming the talk of the town. Starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and actor Park Jung-min, the drama received a massive response upon its premiere, setting a new record for the most-watched series on the platform. The unique combination of zombies and comedy, dubbed a “zom-com,” has drawn significant attention for its originality.
Set in a zombie-ravaged Seoul, Newtopia follows soldier Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min) and his long-distance girlfriend Yeong-ju (Jisoo) as they fight to reunite amidst chaos. The first two episodes focus on their realistic relationship, blending moments of humor and heartfelt emotion. Jae-yoon, struggling through military life, longs for Yeong-ju and often reminisces about her, creating touching yet comedic scenes. His interactions with his subordinate Line-ho (Lim Seong-jae) bring additional laughter, while his inner yearning for Yeong-ju is portrayed with emotional depth, resonating with viewers.
Meanwhile, Yeong-ju, a newly hired office worker, navigates the struggles of maintaining communication with Jae-yoon while dealing with societal pressures as a military girlfriend. Her relatable moments, from answering awkward questions about her relationship to balancing work stress, struck a chord with the audience. Adding to the tension is her college senior Seo Jin-wook (Kang Young-seok), whose frequent presence hints at an underlying love triangle. By the end of the first episode, their separation leads to a heart-wrenching breakup, but this is only temporary as an impending zombie outbreak forces their paths back together.
The second episode dives headfirst into action as the zombie crisis escalates. Jae-yoon, trapped in a high-rise building, teams up with hotel manager Aaron Park (Kim Joon-han) and hotelier Soo-jung (Hong Seo-hee) to fend off the undead. A suspenseful scene involving makeshift firebombs created from alcohol and lighters had viewers on the edge of their seats, showcasing the show’s gripping action sequences.
Yeong-ju also faces danger when the car she shares with Jin-wook is ambushed by zombies, bringing celebrity CEO Alex into the mix. Together, they navigate perilous situations, setting the stage for an unpredictable journey. Throughout the chaos, Yeong-ju solidifies her resolve to find Jae-yoon, heightening the emotional stakes with her mix of longing and fear.
What sets Newtopia apart is its seamless blend of zombie thrills and romance, a fresh twist on the traditional K-zombie genre. Park Jung-min and Jisoo’s chemistry shines, while a diverse cast of dynamic characters drives the suspenseful, ever-changing narrative. This new take on the genre has already captured the attention of global audiences.
Newtopia releases new episodes every Friday at 8 PM KST on Coupang Play.