BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Shines in the Zombie Comedy Drama Newtopia
The highly anticipated return of BLACKPINK’s Jisoo to the acting scene comes with the fantasy series Newtopia, which wrapped up its run on March 21, 2025. This engaging drama, featuring Park Jeong-min alongside Jisoo, provides a fresh twist on the zombie genre. The storyline follows Kang Young-joo, an engineer, and her boyfriend Lee Jae-yoon, as they navigate the turmoil of a city overwhelmed by a zombie apocalypse. Separated by the chaos, the couple faces numerous challenges in their desperate quest for survival and reunion.
A Unique Blend of Humor and Horror
Newtopia distinguishes itself with a clever mix of horror, sharp comedy, and satire, offering a witty examination of human nature and societal flaws during a crisis. Boasting an impressive lineup of performers, the series transcends being a mere survival narrative; it serves as a humorous commentary on contemporary issues, making it a compelling watch.
Plot Overview: A Comedic Perspective on a Zombie Apocalypse
The initial premise centers around Lee Jae-yoon, an engineering student portrayed by Park Jeong-min, who, despite being just short of his graduation, chooses to enlist in the military. In a comedic turn, he finds himself preoccupied with thoughts of his girlfriend, Kang Young-joo, played by Jisoo.
Meanwhile, Young-joo has moved on post-graduation, securing a prominent position at a major corporation. The juxtaposition of their lives highlights their growing distance, especially as Jae-yoon’s two-year military service progresses with minimal communication.
The Unexpected Arrival of Zombies
This tension-filled narrative takes a dramatic shift with the onset of the zombie apocalypse. Newtopia skillfully retains its comedic elements amidst the horror, intertwining moments of tension with humor. Its ability to balance these contrasting tones emerges as one of its defining strengths.
From the very first encounter with zombies, which comically features an eyeball incident, the series sets the stage for a unique blend of absurdity and fright. The humor isn’t forced; it arises organically, highlighting the characters’ desperate situations and human instincts in the face of danger.
Social Commentary Through Humor
The series uses its comedic lens to reflect significant societal issues. For instance, the characters face not only the undead but also their fellow humans — a gang of thugs focusing on destruction rather than confronting the actual menace of the zombies. In a poignant scene, a woman who has defeated numerous zombies finds herself powerless against a group of men.
These scenarios illustrate the absurdity of social hierarchies, especially during crises, making Newtopia a rich narrative that blends supernatural threats with pointed social commentary and humor.
Exceptional Storytelling and Character Development
The storytelling and screenplay are both commendable. The series carefully constructs its foundation, slowly thriving towards the main conflict. Once the first zombie appears, however, the pace accelerates, keeping viewers engaged with unexpected twists and turns, all while maintaining a comedic touch. Remarkably, the entire series unfolds in just 24 hours, amplifying the intensity and urgency of the storyline.
Flashbacks provide additional depth, showcasing the relationship dynamics before the outbreak, allowing the audience to connect with the characters emotionally. When presenting the imminent challenges, the stark contrast of their earlier romantic moments resonates even more profoundly.
Jisoo’s Acting Comeback
Marking Jisoo’s return to acting following her role in Snowdrop (2021), her performance in Newtopia is compelling. She effectively portrays Young-joo, evolving from a vulnerable character to a determined survivor. Her comedic timing shines, further enriching the show’s dynamics.
Park Jeong-min brings to life the anxious Jae-yoon, effectively capturing the character’s eagerness to return to his girlfriend amid chaos. Their chemistry, particularly showcased in scenes with fellow cast member Im Sung-jae, is a highlight, adding layers of enjoyment to the series.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
The drama is bolstered by a talented supporting cast, including Hong Seo-hui, Kim Joon-han, Bin Chan-uk, Kang Young-seok, Lee Hak-joo, and Tang Joon-sang. Notably, Kang Young-seok and Kim Joon-han frequently steal the spotlight, contributing significantly to the comedic elements.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Series
In summary, Newtopia captures attention with its innovative approach to comedy set against a zombie apocalypse backdrop. Jisoo’s commendable return, strengthened by an outstanding cast, makes it a series worth every minute.