"A Tough Genre to Crack…" But This ‘Unexpected’ K-Drama Hit No. 1 Globally

The zombie romantic comedy genre—dubbed "Zom-Com"—is making waves not only in Korea but also internationally. Coupang Play's original series 'Newtopia' has taken the global stage by storm, setting record-breaking numbers immediately after its release. The lead roles are played by BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and actor Park Jung-min.

Premiered on February 7, Newtopia follows soldier Jae-yoon and his girlfriend Young-joo as they navigate through a zombie apocalypse in the heart of Seoul to reunite. Unlike traditional zombie series, Newtopia incorporates elements of romantic comedy, offering a fresh take on the genre. This unique approach has resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to an explosive response.

Breaking Records with Overwhelming Praise

The series has been receiving exceptional reviews on major global rating platforms. On IMDb, Newtopia boasts nearly 100 reviews, with over 90 of them awarding a perfect 10/10 score. Rotten Tomatoes has also seen a flood of positive reactions.

International viewers have been raving about the show, calling it "the best zombie series ever and the must-watch show of the year."

Some reactions include: "I’ve only watched two episodes, and I’m already hooked!" and "The combination of comedy and zombies is fresh and entertaining." Viewers are also praising the show’s "cinematography, visual effects, and direction," describing them as "so dynamic that I can’t take my eyes off the screen." The success of Newtopia is largely attributed to its unexpected blend of genres, with the premise of a couple navigating through hordes of zombies to reunite offering a refreshing twist rarely seen in zombie series.

Global Rankings Reflect Massive Popularity

Coupang Play revealed on February 13 that Newtopia is dominating the FlixPatrol OTT rankings. Since its release, the series has reached No. 1 on Amazon Prime Video in six countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. It has also secured a spot in the Top 5 across 39 countries, including Singapore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Mexico, Peru, and Egypt.

Korean zombie series have long been popular globally, with hits like 'Kingdom' and 'All of Us Are Dead', but few have successfully incorporated comedy and romance into the mix. This makes Newtopia’s success even more significant, proving that the Zom-Com genre has international appeal.

Redefining the Zombie Genre

Audiences are praising Newtopia for breaking the conventional zombie formula. Unlike traditional K-zombie dramas that focus on survival and horror, this series centers on a love story set amidst the chaos. It masterfully balances suspense with unexpected humor while portraying the emotional depth of its characters, making it a standout in the genre.

Scenes of zombie confrontations are infused with both tension and comedic moments, setting Newtopia apart from its predecessors. International fans have particularly responded well to the heartfelt moments and witty interactions, which are rarely seen in zombie thrillers.

With its overwhelming global reception, Newtopia has positioned itself as the latest sensation in K-content. What was once considered a niche genre is now trending worldwide, proving the limitless potential of Korean storytelling.

To sustain the momentum, Coupang Play will release new episodes every Friday at 8 PM KST. As anticipation continues to build, fans are eager to see how far Newtopia will go and whether it will redefine the future of the zombie genre.