Newtopia – A Zombie Apocalypse Romance: What We Know So Far

"Newtopia" is an upcoming South Korean romantic fantasy zombie comedy television series starring Park Jeong-min and Kim Ji-soo (Jisoo) of BLACKPINK. The series is set to premiere on February 7, 2025, on Coupang Play and will also be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in selected regions. 

Plot Overview

The story follows Lee Jae-yoon, a conscripted soldier, and his girlfriend Kang Young-ju, an engineer. Their relationship faces challenges due to Jae-yoon's protective nature, leading Young-ju to suggest a temporary break. Amidst their personal struggles, a zombie outbreak engulfs Seoul. Separated by the chaos, both navigate through the undead-infested city, striving to reunite and survive the horrors that have befallen their world. 

Cast

Park Jeong-min as Lee Jae-yoon: A 26-year-old soldier stationed in Seoul during the outbreak.

Kim Ji-soo (Jisoo) as Kang Young-ju: Jae-yoon's girlfriend, an engineer working in the city.

Im Sung-jae as Ra In-ho: Jae-yoon's older platoon mate, providing comedic elements to the story.

Hong Seo-hee as Oh Soo-jung: A VIP lounge employee.

Tang Jun-sang as Sam-soo: Young-ju's strong supporter.

Lee Hak-joo as Sung Tae-sik / Alex: The CEO of Alex Entertainment.

Kim Jun-han as Aaron Park: A hotel manager near Jae-yoon's unit.

Kang Young-seok as Seo Jin-wook. 

Production Team

Director: Yoon Sung-hyun, known for "Bleak Night" (2010) and "Time to Hunt" (2020).

Writers: Han Jin-won ("Parasite") and Ji Ho-jin ("A Shop for Killers").

Production Companies: Bound Entertainment and Billions Plus.

The series is based on the novel "Influenza" by Han Sang-woon. 

Release Details

Premiere Date: February 7, 2025, at 20:00 (KST).

Platforms: Coupang Play in South Korea and Amazon Prime Video in over 240 regions. 

What to Expect

"Newtopia" uniquely combines elements of romance, comedy, and horror. Early reviews highlight the series' ability to blend humor with the suspense of a zombie apocalypse. The first episode focuses on character development and setting up the impending chaos, with subsequent episodes promising more action and emotional depth. 

For fans of K-dramas and zombie narratives, "Newtopia" offers a fresh and engaging experience, balancing heartfelt moments with thrilling suspense.