The Coupang Play series Newtopia, starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Park Jeong-min, offers a fresh take on the zombie genre by weaving in strong romantic elements. The eight-episode series, directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, tells the story of Jae-yun, a soldier played by Park Jeong-min, and his girlfriend Young-ju, played by Jisoo, as they try to reunite in a Seoul overrun by zombies. Combining the chaos of an apocalyptic world with a heartfelt love story, the series introduces a new genre, dubbed the “zom-com.”
Director Yoon, an avid fan of zombie films, was captivated by the unique script co-written by Han Jin-won, the writer of Parasite (2019), and Ji Ho-jin, known for A Shop for Killers (2024). Yoon explained that while modern zombies are often depicted as fast and terrifying, he was inspired by the slower, more humorous zombies of the 1970s. This nostalgic approach to the undead felt innovative and relevant for today’s audience, which motivated him to take on the project.
The title Newtopia reflects the story’s irony. Yoon pointed out that young people often worry about military service, jobs, and love, but in the face of disaster, these concerns become irrelevant. The series captures this shift in perspective, highlighting the emotional and existential challenges faced by the characters.
Park Jeong-min described his character, Jae-yun, as a late-enlisting soldier who is torn about his relationship with Young-ju as she begins her career. Just as he decides to end the relationship for her benefit, disaster strikes, and he embarks on a journey to reunite with her, driven by love and determination. This marks Park’s third collaboration with Yoon, following his roles in Bleak Night (2011) and Time to Hunt (2020).
Jisoo plays Young-ju, a courageous woman who defies the chaos around her to reach her boyfriend. Jisoo described her character as someone who realizes the depth of her love for Jae-yun in the midst of disaster. Director Yoon noted that Young-ju evolves into a quirky and unexpected figure as the story progresses, requiring an actress who could balance humor and depth. Jisoo’s portrayal exceeded his expectations.
To prepare for the role, Jisoo attended action school, training rigorously to handle physical stunts. She shared how she learned to perform forward rolls and build the strength needed for the demanding shoot. The intense preparation helped her stay resilient throughout the filming process.
Director Yoon expressed his hope that audiences will embrace the series’ innovative approach to the zombie genre. The team has worked hard to create something unique, blending action, emotion, and humor. Newtopia premieres on Coupang Play on February 7 at 8 p.m., promising a fresh and engaging experience for viewers.
