Happiness

해피니스 ‧ Drama ‧ 2021
Completed
Chatriel
3 people found this review helpful
Aug 27, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
This is an excellent drama. It was action packed, but also had its slower moments so the audience has time to catch it's breath. The rush to tie up the storyline in the final episode was it's only drawback, in my opinion. Other than that, the story was thorough, well scripted, and well acted.

I love that neither mains are weak characters. (For instance, the strong ML isn't always having to rescue the weak FL.) Both are strong, physically and mentally, fighting against the bad guys WITH each other instead of one always fighting to save the other. When one goes out alone, the other pities their opponents. Yes, they do protect each other, but they also trust in each other's skills. [The takedown of the pastor is the best physical (wrestling? martial arts?) move I have ever seen....I rewatched that, like, 8ish times!]

I also love that the drama didn't depend on tropes in order to portray the mains falling for each other. There was no awkwardness, only a clear and obvious friendship that allowed itself to deepen naturally as time passed. (Granted, the ML developed feelings 10 years earlier, but his one-sided love was willing to wait for her.)

I was surprised that they never called the infection zombie-like. There was never one mention of zombies. But the infected people's actions and appearance was clearly within the zombie universe. I'm personally fine with that, as I like zombie stories, even though I am not the biggest fan of gore. Ya can't have one without the other though.

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Completed
Genom
3 people found this review helpful
Jan 29, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Zombie like genre peak kdrama 9/10

Happiness 9/10 - 2021
plot - disease which makes people mad wanting to drink blood of noninfected appears. This drama is story about infected closed in one place. And military trying to stop spreading of disease + looking for cure

even though its not zombie drama its alot alike one only difference. Zombie states turns on and off by time. Will rate this drama like it was zombie one.

In such case its peak drama. Second good zombie type movie I have seen from koreans right after Train to Busan 1.

Even though this drama happens mostly in one skyscraper it can be quite chaotic since at each floor is always something happening and camera goes from place to place.
Action, Thriller, Love story, zombie type all in one.

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Completed
uniDJar
3 people found this review helpful
Oct 5, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Curiosity 'almost' killed the cat

- This is what comes to mind when I think about the female lead of this drama, though a badass through and through.
The way the healthy relationship of the lead couple is portrayed is pragmatic and sweet.

Slow-burn romance, talented cast and gripping storyline are the plus points of this survival thriller. I really liked how the infected switched between their normal selves and the infected ones.
Kudos to the writer and director, for putting together different shades and executing them perfectly.

Who knows? maybe this kind of drama foreshadows what might be waiting for us in our near future. ;)
PS: now I'm scared of taking any pill for sometime.

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Completed
DOHere
3 people found this review helpful
Aug 13, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Similar to Squid Game

Dark, Psychological and touching at times. I wish we had more happy episodes, but someone got infected, or died or something like that in every episode and each episode was stressful. But, nonetheless, a good and unique drama.

One thing that might have made the drama even better are romantic melodies. There were so many heart-warming moments between the main leads, between families and even between strangers. If only they were accompanied by fitting music, they would have had way more impact.
There were a few creepy, dark BGM songs, a few which were good, played seldom anyway.

A few of the inconsistencies I noticed are:
1. Why didn't they prepare animal for the infected to attack? Would they not have been interested in animal blood because they can't pass the virus on to them?
2. How come their doors worked when they didn't lock it & no electricity?
3. Why didn't the health service under Han Tae Seok use shielded/anti-missile cars to travel to Yoon Sae-Bom's area? I think they would have been safe against zombies and could have easily retrieved her/protected her since she was so important.
4. Did Andrew like the boyish girl? Why did he give her food? Why did he give the cleaning lady he later killed an apple? IF he's a serial killer, than what was the point of those acts?
5. Maybe the biggest inconsistency is that no character mentioned even the word "zombie", but only used the terms "infected", "sick" or "mad person disease". Let's be honest, people would definitely associate them to zombies in real life.

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Completed
melipl0706
3 people found this review helpful
Dec 30, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

MY GOD THIS DRAMA MADE ME POP A BLOOD VESSEL

Okay the story itself was good it had a pretty neat twist it on the whole zombie “apocalypse” (not really an apocalypse but whatever) it kept me entertained and the characters outside of the apartment complex i really liked them solid characters not the best but still pretty the thing that pmo SO MUCH was the characters INSIDE the apartment WHY WERE THEY SO FUCKING STUPID I WAS ITCHING FOR ALL OF THEM TO DIE THE ONLY REASONABLE AND SMART CHARACTERS WERE THE MAIN LEADS AND MY BABY SEO YOON ACTUALLY NO FUCK YOU THE MAIN LEADS ALSO PMO WHY??? BECAUSE WHY TF WERE THEY VERBALLY EDGING EACHOTHER AND THE AUDIENCE EVERYBODY KNEW THAT THEY WANTED EACHOTHER SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING AND WHAT DID THEY DO??? THEY STAYED IN AND I QUOTE MIND NUMBING AND BORING MATING RITUAL LIKE FUCK YOU THIS ISNT A SLOW BURN IF THEY WERE GIVING EACHOTHER FUCK ME EYES FOR THE WHOLE OF IT AND THEY STAYED LIKE THAT FOR WHAT??? AN EDGING KINK??? IDK BUT YOU CANT CONVINCE IT WAS ANYTHING ELSE MY GOD anyway imma rewatch and hopefully not pop another blood vessel

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Completed
MG Mayre
3 people found this review helpful
Sep 18, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
Happiness (2021) - another zombie type drama. I like it but I think I was not as excited for this as with other zombie type dramas. Both leads are great and I am in awe with their acting, coming from a fan of Han Hyo Joo. As for the other actors in the drama, very good as well, I really felt hatred towards the "villains" in the drama. It’s a good watch but I have some disappointments with some of the characters. Some characters in the drama have not been given the justice to be a significant persona that is why I felt dismayed with their roles. The ending is fine with me. In between recommended and not.

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Completed
Wonderfool Noona
3 people found this review helpful
Jun 22, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

An unconventional Thriller

It's not run of the mill, just another apocalyptic thriller, mind you. It's not a zombie show either.

Happiness is good enough to keep you hooked. Unconventional zombie show as it defines "Happiness" via emotions, actions & empathy during survival of the fittest. Every character is distinctive & well performed.

Park Hyung Sik turns macho from his cute MinMin image yet oh so charming. FL was so damn good too. Nothing about This show deserves negative marking. Genius writing & a gripping tale.
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Completed
callmebookaholic
6 people found this review helpful
Dec 11, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

I didn't expect this show to play with my heart like this!

Albeit a diamond in the rough, the concept of this drama is so well thought out. The storyline and the post Covid setting have been so relevant to the current global scenario. I think that adds to the thrilling experience of the ride it takes you on. The characters and their crisis-driven actions are beautifully illustrated and it really brings out their fatal flaws with clarity. Moreover, (omg) the main couple has such a wonderful dynamic throughout the show. You will love the energy Hyo Joo and Hyung Sik bring through their characters. It was refreshing to see a platonic take on their profound relationship.

I was a bit disappointed with the ending because it seemed a little rushed and I would have liked to see a more detailed picture of how they all bounced back from the quarantine and this proliferating virus. Yet, this show will totally leave you satisfied in the end, you'll never regret watching it! Also, props to the beautiful soundtrack which provides an immersive experience!

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Completed
PHope
5 people found this review helpful
Jan 13, 2022
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

Good Enough

Korean Drama "Happiness" is a dystopian drama that feels, nevertheless, close to home. The drama doesn't focus too much on the horror aspect, with the zombie-like disease, that could have been easily overused with loads of gory scenes and bloodbath.

Rather, the drama opted for a more character-centric story, with the focus being maintained on the neighbors and their dynamics when a crisis hits home. The addition of the corporation mystery, along with the family drama, were all a nice touch that added more twists to the main plot.

However, the drama missed making the conclusion clear, or more dramatic. Everything was actually too conveniently solved when everyone was straggling to come to a conclusion all throughout the drama. Also, the drama felt like it was missing something, like the story needed something more to leave a bigger impact.

Nonetheless, the performances were great and aided the entertainment value of the drama a lot. The CGI were also well made.

So, overall, 6.5 out of 10.

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Completed
Big Boss
5 people found this review helpful
Dec 12, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 10

A series filled with all the emotions.

This series gave me all the emotions. I was happy, sad, scared, surprised, and everything. This is the best drama ever.
I usually don't write reviews, but this the only way that I can thank the cast and crew for giving us such a superb drama.
Thanks to Han Hyo Joo and Hyung Sik this drama was always exciting. They did a superb job with acting. Love you two very much.
Other cast was amazing too. If you are not scared and courage enough to experience all the emotions definitely try this amazing drama,
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Completed
Lizzie Peng
5 people found this review helpful
Dec 24, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Happiness? Perhaps everyone just try to find their own happiness in different ways.

First off, just like many other, I didn't expect much and only gave it a try because of PHS and HHJ. Unexpectedly, the drama is very well written in a way that i didn't imagine. I couldn't predict what is gonna happen next. Each characters have flaws and the writer always make sure to include it as tiny details which often overlooked. And of course my favorite character has to be Saebom and Yihyun. Saebom is badass female lead who had bad past which make her like to act first then think later and selfish sometimes. On other hand, Yihyun is smart male lead who believes that as a police he should lead and protect the resident and of course his love for 12 years, Saebom. Both characters have flaws and the writer make sure to include as tiny details which often overlooked. However, both characters filled in for each other. This drama isn't focus on romance but these two chemistry are just over the top and even their little moments holding hands make me excited. And I must say that main leads, Han Taeseok and other characters are all just trying to find their happiness just that everyone do it in different way. For instance, Andrew, his happiness is killing people and making people suffer but it's still a kind of creepy happiness for himself. The only thing I don't like about this is there are few plot holes, a bit rushed, it could have done better for last episode or extend it a bit. And of course, i would love to see season 2.

For acting, the casts did a great job, especially the main leads. Also the annoying residents and everyone else. The makeup and styling are definitely on point.

The music are in my playlist, even the bgm are good. My favorite one have to be " She " and " Heaven "

I'll definitely watch it again!

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Ongoing 10/12
givemeabettername
6 people found this review helpful
Dec 7, 2021
10 of 12 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

NOT a long review but is short and sweet :)

Firstly all I need to say is that this show has me checking ever 2 minutes on Friday and Saturday if the episodes are out.. I wish I was lieing 😩

WATCH THE SHOW ITS SO GOOD!!! ONE OF THE BEST I'VE SEEN SO FAR!!!!

It really keeps you engaged and hooked. I need them to start releasing all episodes at the same time if they are going to be this quality of a show...

I don't even need anything to happen between the fl and the ml as long as none of them die, if one of them or the little girl dies I'm changing my rating for the show 🤓

Yeah so that concludes my review..idk if it was helpful but it give a different view point I think lol. No joke though the series is so freaking good, Can't get over it 🙊

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Happiness poster

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  • Score: 8.8 (scored by 81,680 users)
  • Ranked: #153
  • Popularity: #62
  • Watchers: 144,125

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