Newtopia

A WILD, ROMANTIC ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

Newtopia is a fresh and chaotic mix of romance, action, and zombie comedy that manages to bring something new to the well-trodden apocalyptic genre. With a star-studded cast, solid direction, and an engaging premise, it delivers both thrilling moments and unexpected humor.

The premise of a breakup-turned-survival-quest adds an interesting emotional layer, making their journey more than just about escaping zombies. It's also about navigating their relationship and figuring out if they should even be together.
The pacing is fast and intense, with chaotic chase scenes, absurd comedy, and moments of raw emotion. It doesn't waste time with unnecessary exposition, diving straight into the outbreak and throwing the protagonists into extreme situations.

Park Jeong-min shines as the everyman-turned-reluctant-hero, balancing desperation with determination. Jisoo delivers a strong performance, bringing depth to her character’s frustrations and fears. Their chemistry is believable, especially in the tension between rekindled love and unresolved issues.

The supporting cast adds to the drama, with some memorable side characters who provide both comic relief and emotional weight. Unlike typical zombie dramas that focus solely on survival, Newtopia explores how people react in absurd, almost satirical ways when society collapses.

This drama doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering ironic twists and playful commentary on relationships. Some moments are outright ridiculous (in a good way), making it feel more like a Train to Busan meets Shaun of the Dead rather than a straight horror-thriller.

Conclusion:
Newtopia is a fresh and engaging take on the zombie genre, offering a mix of romance, action, and absurdity. If you’re looking for something fun, fast-paced, and different from typical apocalypse dramas, this is worth watching.

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Started with No Soul (Just Like Zombies) but Actually Improved Over Time (Not Like Zombies)

Honestly, the second half was way better than the first one. At first, the show gave us some action, some comedy, some romance, and some good looking gore, but none of these elements really came together to create a solid picture. That's why I said it was without soul, it just felt empty. Later on, though, they actually started utilizing these elements much better.

The first episode was pretty weak to me (I think Coupang thought similarly, so they released two episodes in the first week lol). Not just because it dragged a bit, but also because it didn't properly introduce the characters. They focused much more on showing the leads relationship rather than making them interesting as individuals, which was unfortunate because, for most of the drama, they don't really interact with each other. I feel like it would've been better to first make them interesting as standalone characters and then develop their relationship as a couple.

That's why, in the first half, I didn't really care about anyone, which was quite disappointing because, having seen the director's previous works, I knew he has the ability to present characters you're curious about or at least feel some kind of connection to. Sam Su and Su Jeong had some fun moments, but nothing that really amazed me. That changed in the second half. Both Jae Yun and Yeong Ju were given more time to develop as individuals, and suddenly, they became much more interesting to watch. The whole metro sequence with one of them was SO GOOD.

Everything that started happening at that point was just so much better to watch. It felt like they finally managed to blend the genres the way they wanted to.

The performances were pretty good. Jisoo really isn't as bad as people are saying. It will take her a while to break away from her idol image since she was in it for so long, but with a few more projects, I think she'll be fine.

There was some wasted potential in certain characters, though, like Ra In Ho. At one point, they teased us into believing there might be something more to his character, but they never really addressed it later.

The music? Guess it was fine. There were some cool BGMs, but nothing extraordinary.

Overall, I feel quite mixed. I feel like I'm giving it a higher rating than it actually deserves, but the second half left me with a really good impression, so I'm letting it stay this way. I think I expected more because of the director and cast (and the fact that I usually love zombie dramas), but despite its problems, it's still a decent watch. Definitely not a bad drama, just not the great one it could have been.

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Not My Cup of Tea

As you can probably tell, I'm not a huge fan of this drama. I see a lot of people enjoying it and honestly, good for them but to offer my two cents on why I didn't like it.

First of all, two things that caught me off guard were the level of gore and comedic tendencies. Now, I do realize it's my fault since the tags are pretty clear but if you are someone who's not very good with gore, this drama is probably not for you as it can be pretty graphic at times.

As for the comedy, I feel like it had real potential but failed to deliver most of the time. Instead of feeling like a comic relief after heavy moments, they turned the situation into some kind of joke, so it just ends up keeping you hanging between a really dark incident and a complete joke - unable to immerse into either.
One of my biggest issues with this drama was the absolute lack of collective braincells that the soldiers had. Funny is not equals to dumb. Aaron Park is a good example of that. Him along with Alex and Su Jeong were my favourite characters.
The complete lack of seriousness, order, intelligence, fighting skills and just about anything useful from a bunch of so-called military trained men, was so seriously ridiculous to me. And the only person with some common sense among them was disregarded because he wasn't exactly polite in a life and death situation and didn't want to cater to their dumb decisions.

Most of the characters also had little to no background story which made them feel flat and hard to connect at times. Moreover, despite the slow start, it still failed to effectively give a proper world building to either the story or the characters. But some characters like Alex, Aaron Park, Jin Uk, Gyeong Sik, that drunk kid did manage to stand out and gave the story some much needed depth. Overall, the acting was okay, nothing exceptional but not bad. And as far this story goes, Jisoo's character was actually rather interesting. In fact, I started this drama after watching the metro scene in an insta reel. Her scenes made more sense in both serious and comedic settings, since Young Ju is a regular girl who is winging her way through a crisis despite being scared. Civilians overall, had a way better writing than the soldiers.

As for the romance, I just wasn't feeling it. It could be due to the leads having barely any scenes together in present time, but even with all the flashbacks, I still didn't feel any chemistry between them.

That being said, I do agree that this drama did get relatively better towards the later episodes. Unfortunately, it still wasn't enough for me. But if you like zombie dramas and mindless comedy, and do not mind gore, stupid soldiers and the general lack of a good plot- this might be worth a shot to you as it does take a different - albeit much narrower - angle to the apocalypse and certainly had its moments. I, however, liked a little more serious dramas like Happiness and All of Us are Dead, so this was not really my cup of tea.

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zombies, comedy, and character growth: a surprisingly solid journey

updated review

after finishing the series, i can confidently say it got a lot better as it went on. the second half was hands down the best, with perfect comedic timing and excellent character dynamics. youngjoo and aaron park ♡ became the standout characters! their swag and unique way of thinking brought so much life to the show. it felt like the characters finally found their rhythm, and the humor really clicked.

jisoo's performance was the highlight. while i initially felt she was somewhat restrained by the fast paced humor, she truly shone in the later episodes. her acting was phenomenal, and her character became the emotional core of the show. it was clear that she had a lot to offer when given the right material. <3

the supporting characters also stepped up their game. jae yoon and young joo brought depth to their roles, making the story more engaging... i was especially impressed by how well the two female characters were written. they were absolutely the backbone of the series, and i believe they were the smartest of all.

i'm indeed sad by the deaths of some major characters. it’s always tough to see favorite characters go, but in a zombie drama, it’s part of the territory. their deaths added emotional weight to the narrative, making the stakes feel much higher.

☆ while the beginning of the series was a bit slow, especially episodes 1 and 3 (they were AWFUL) the later episodes made up for it. the pacing issues were real, but once the series hit its stride, it was hard to deny its charm. i still think it would’ve been better if all the episodes had been released at once (or at least in batches). the one episode per-week model didn’t help build momentum, especially when the show had its slow moments early on. i believe binge-watching it would have made for a more satisfying experience. the ending was beautiful tho.

that said, it met my expectations and then some. the blend of zombie-action and comedy was unique, and the characters were what really kept me hooked. i’m giving it an 8/10. better writing, much-improved pacing, and a fantastic cast. hope there's a second season!

also, stream amortage while you are at it. no matter how much jisoo thrives in her acting career, her music is always gonna top it.

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review for the first half of the drama:

i know this review might get some people ruffled up, but i’m going to say it anyway. this drama definitely has its moments, but it’s also lacking in uhh some areas. first off, i don’t think jisoo is the weak link when it comes to the acting, despite what some viewers are saying. the other actors are pretty good too. the issue isn’t her performance…in fact, in this comedy, it feels like she’s being pushed into something that doesn’t let her show her full potential. the fast paced humor and exaggerated situations just don’t match her natural style, which is a bit of a shame because i think she could’ve really thrived like in snowdrop (for the record, no i have not watched that drama but have seen of the clips).

now, my biggest problem with this drama is the “writing”. comedy isn’t for everyone, and this drama is a clear example of that. i really dislike when characters are dumbed down just to make the audience laugh. it feels like the male characters, in particular, are written to be ridiculously clueless, and instead of being funny, it just makes everything feel forced. it’s frustrating because the potential for more depth and everything is there, but it’s being sacrificed for cheap laughs 🫠. honestly…it’s hard to enjoy a show when the characters’ intelligence is treated like a punchline.

as much as i’m a blink and sooya, and still having fun with the show, i can’t ignore the pacing issue. the drama would have worked SO MUCH better if all the episodes were released at once. watching one episode per week feels like a drag. it’s hard to build momentum when you’re just getting small pieces of the story at a time. if it were all available to binge, i think it’d be a much more satisfying experience. the slow pacing really hurts the overall flow of the show, and it’s starting to feel like it’s dragging on longer than it needs to. 😓

for now, i’ve dropped my rating to a 7. the writing needs work, and the pacing is a real problem. i’m still hopeful the drama will improve as the last 3 eps come out, but at this point, i’m tempted to just wait until the entire season is available and binge-watch it in one go!!

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Overhyped but Fails to Deliver – A Huge Disappointment

When this series was first announced, I was genuinely excited and had high expectations. After all, it's a zombie drama, which is always an interesting genre, and Jisoo was part of the cast, making it even more exciting. Naturally, I was eager to see how the story would unfold. However, to my disappointment, the series completely failed to live up to my expectations.

The biggest issue is the lack of a solid storyline. The plot feels weak and unstructured, making it difficult to stay engaged. There are hardly any thrilling moments that one would expect from a zombie drama. Instead of keeping me on the edge of my seat, it felt dull and predictable. The comedy, which could have been a saving grace, falls flat and doesn’t add any real entertainment value.

Another major drawback is the acting. While I was looking forward to Jisoo’s performance, I found it to be underwhelming. The emotions often felt forced, and the overall execution was cringeworthy at times. Additionally, the pacing of the series is painfully slow. The story drags on without any significant development, making it feel like a chore to watch.

Honestly, it felt like I was watching this drama only for Jisoo, hoping that it would get better, but unfortunately, it never did. I sincerely hope she improves her acting skills and chooses better projects in the future because she has the potential to do much better. This series, however, was a huge letdown, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting zombie thriller.

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IS IT WORTH WATCHING OR NOT??!! A real review from a non biased person

First of all there are just 2 episodes out for now but it caused a huge argument whether it’s worth the watch or not.

• the first episode:
- it was an introduction and did a great job doing it. so it was a bit boring and slow paced but escalated as it went towards the end & went super interesting and entertaining to ep 2

• the second episode:
- as I said it was entertaining from the start of this ep. It had so many intriguing scenes.

• general thought: criticism and the bad side of it..
- my issue was with the direction.. the camerawork was just putting me off so bad it was giving me vertigo and did NOT suit the drama I know it means to be a guffy quirky drama but it did not serve it justice, those transitions were so so unnecessary.
- it was so unhinged from time to time, like what do you mean a man was hanging into a car and all the people were standing there videotaping it??? Huh??? Like we know “goofy” but make it realistic
- also the ml and his friend were such embarrassments, like if you’ve been in military for a maximum 2 weeks you’ll still be able to use a gun, why were they just running and whining??? Like pleaseee
- the CGI was shit I’m sorry, I’m sure they had a decent budget for it but it didn’t serve it right. But not terrible

• general thought: the good side of it..
- it has such a fresh and unique structure in terms of storytelling and pacing and character introduction etc..
- the mixture of comedy and thriller was just great and fit so well it was hilarious and kinda chaotic, I wish they would’ve made it realistic tho..
- the acting was so good, jisoo’s acting was surprisingly great and natural but I hope she wouldn’t scream as much as she does..
- the comedic musics in the intense scenes kinda put me off but it did blend well tho.
- the cinematography was immaculate also there were
some shots that each individually needed a Oscar
- also jisoo’s voice is raspy and deep her voice is different from the stereotypical Korean actress voices her voice is unique and rare just like seo yeji.. people have not gotten used to it they will eventually and I do tend to love her voice honestly.


“Those are my initial thoughts and opinions till now, it’s worth a watch, you either love it or don’t like it”

I HOPE IT GETS BETTER AS IT RELEASES AND DO NOT END UP DISAPPOINTING.

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not a typical zombie drama

"New Utopia" – A Visually Stunning Sci-Fi Drama with Thought-Provoking Themes (7.5/10)

"New Utopia" is a futuristic K-drama that explores the balance between human free will and AI-controlled perfection. Starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo as kang Yoon-seo, the story follows her journey from a believer in the system to a rebel uncovering its dark secrets.

Jisoo delivers a solid performance, showing growth in her acting, though some intense scenes could have been more expressive. The cinematography and production design are breathtaking, immersing viewers in a sleek, high-tech world. However, while the premise is intriguing, the later episodes struggle with pacing, and some character arcs feel underdeveloped.

Overall, "New Utopia" is an engaging watch with impressive visuals and a strong lead performance, but its narrative execution falls short of its full potential

Compared to other zombie K-dramas, New Utopia offers a fresh take by incorporating a fun element alongside its dystopian and sci-fi themes. While most zombie dramas focus on intense survival and horror, this one balances suspense with moments of entertainment,but due to these fun or comedy elements for some people this might not me as good.for people who are looking for an intense survival zombie drama like happiness, all of us are dead this might not be your cup of tea.

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Let me start off by saying this, Newtopia deserves more than a 7.5 rating.. Sure, May not have had a unique storyline or offered anything different from what we have seen from other dramas except the comedy maybe.. Had way too many flaws and had issues with the screenplay and the pacing.. But still this drama is worth the 6+ hours you spend watching it.. It’s got this vibe that makes it feel different in a good way.. This might be a funny show but it has some serious undertones.. I started this drama without much expectations but ended up feeling it was short.. It deserved at least two more episodes..

Park Jeong Min and Ji Soo were were solid.. Ji Soo felt bland at times but honestly she was pretty fun to watch.. And I absolutely loved the supporting cast.. Kim Joon Han as Aaron Park was super cool..

I liked the Express Bus Terminal Arc, thats the final episode.. Her illusion about that Bus terminal staff which leads her to safety and a moment of peace on her journey to Jae Yun.. The team not giving up on Aaron park.. The ML, who spent most of the drama fumbling his gun suddenly started nailing every shot as he got closer to finding her.. And The friends going back to save Jae Yun and Yeong Ju.. I think the final episode made me feel that even in the middle of madness there are people who still try, still care and still show up for one another..

Overall Newtopia is a good drama that is underrated.. I don’t think it’s just a comedy or horror.. I think its about people who feel a little lost, a little weird, a little clueless and are doing their best anyway.. The script doesn’t try to judge or solve anything.. It just captures that messy, stubborn will to keep going.. Even when the world’s gone to hell.

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If you came here to check reviews before watching Newtopia, please take a moment to read mine!

If you’re a fan of Korean zombie dramas, you know that each one has its own unique style. Train to Busan and All of Us Are Dead are completely different from each other, and Newtopia is no exception—it brings something fresh to the genre.

I’ve seen many people saying, "Not my type" or "Not worth watching," but if you look at their comments, most of them only watched one or two episodes before judging.

Yes, the first two or three episodes might feel a bit slow, but trust me—if you stick with it until the end, it’s absolutely worth it!

I had no expectations going in, and I honestly didn’t think Jisoo’s acting would stand out, but she proved me wrong. She was absolutely fantastic!

Although we don’t see some of the cast members as often, by the time you finish watching, you’ll realize just how talented they all are. The entire cast delivered incredible performances, making Newtopia a truly memorable series.

So if this drama intrigues you, give it a chance—you won’t regret it!

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So stupid to the point that it's funny

Newtopia is an identity crisis in a nutshell. The script can't decide on whether it wants to be something goofy and comedic, a la Daybreak or Anna and the Apocalypse, or something more serious such as The Last of Us. It constantly flips back and forth between themes with whiplash, wherein it tries to get you to laugh at how much the characters are "lil goofballs" only for the next scene to be gruesome carnage.

You honestly couldn't pay me any amount of money to believe most, if any, of these characters wouldn't have died day one of the apocalypse. They're all total numbskulls who only survive because of ridiculous plot armor or elements that get brought up only to never be expanded upon.

That being said, the show did admittedly make me laugh a couple times. The first half is definitely the weakest link, with the second part of the show standing on much more solid ground. If you have some time to kill, you might as well give it a watch due to the short run-time.

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Unique Zombie Apocalypse Experience

Newtopia" (2025) is a standout K-drama that blends romance, comedy, and zombie chaos into a thrilling and unique experience. The story revolves around the lives of Young-joo (played by Jisoo) and Jae-hoon (played by Park Jeong-min) as they navigate a world turned upside down by a sudden zombie outbreak. The drama masterfully balances emotional depth with moments of hilarity, creating a refreshing take on the zombie genre.

Jisoo's portrayal of Young-joo is nothing short of remarkable. Her nuanced performance brings authenticity and relatability to her character, making her journey through the chaos both compelling and heartfelt. The chemistry between Jisoo and Park Jeong-min is palpable, adding layers of emotion to their relationship and making viewers root for them amidst the turmoil.

The zombie outbreak scenes are well-executed, building tension without relying solely on jump scares. While the pacing may feel slow at times, it allows for character development and a deeper exploration of the story's themes. The blend of suspense, romance, and comedy keeps the narrative engaging and unpredictable.

Overall, "Newtopia" is a refreshing addition to the K-drama landscape, offering a unique perspective on the zombie genre. With its strong performances, captivating storyline, and impressive visuals, it's a must-watch for fans of romance and apocalyptic tales.

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