This R-Rated Drama Becomes Most-Watched Series Ever on Streaming Platform

Coupang Play’s latest R-rated zombie series Newtopia has shattered records, becoming the platform’s most-watched series in history—and it only took three episodes.

On February 17, Coupang Play announced that Newtopia has attracted the highest number of cumulative viewers across all of its series just 10 days after release. The show’s momentum continues to rise, making waves on the global OTT scene, even securing a spot in Amazon Prime Video’s TOP 10 across 54 countries.

Premiering on February 7, Newtopia is set in a zombie-infested Seoul, following soldier Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min) and his girlfriend Young-joo (Jisoo) as they fight their way toward each other. Unlike traditional zombie thrillers, the series blends romance and comedy, offering a fresh spin on the genre.

Episode 3: Tension Peaks with Brutal Zombie Battles

The latest episode, released last week, kicked things up a notch as full-scale zombie combat began. One of the most shocking moments saw Chef Jung (Park Kwang-jae)—a friend from a hotel restaurant—suddenly transform into a zombie, forcing Jae-yoon and his squad into a deadly fight for survival. The gruesome rooftop battle, featuring guns, scrapers, and even a jiu-jitsu guillotine choke, showcased the intense survival stakes, leaving the characters in an even more dire situation as the infection spread.

Meanwhile, Young-joo, who believed she had found safety in a police station, soon realized she was far from secure. Teaming up with Jin-wook (Kang Young-seok) and Alex (Lee Hak-joo), she navigated the zombie-infested streets of Gangnam in a desperate attempt to reach Jae-yoon’s tower. Their unlikely partnership and team chemistry became a major highlight, adding layers of both action and humor to the gripping storyline.

One of the most emotional moments came when the separated couple finally managed to text each other, rekindling hope amid the chaos. Young-joo’s nostalgic flashback to her college days, triggered by an old Yoon Jong-shin cassette tape she found at an LP bar, struck a chord with viewers, showcasing the drama’s ability to balance gore with heartfelt storytelling.

At a press event held before the drama’s release, Jisoo expressed her excitement about her role, saying:

"I was drawn to Young-joo's character—she's someone who makes her own choices and grows through them. And with director Yoon Sung-hyun and Park Jeong-min involved, I knew I couldn’t pass up this opportunity."

Park Jeong-min shared a fun behind-the-scenes story, revealing an unexpected connection with Jisoo:

"I actually have a signed BLACKPINK CD at home. It says, ‘Thank you for supporting me, Park Jeong-min sunbae-nim’ and ‘Jeong-min oppa, I’ll rely on you!’ Never in my life did I think I’d go from owning that CD to casually working alongside Jisoo. It’s an honor."

Viewers Praise the Series’ Unique Take on the Genre

Audiences have been raving about the drama’s fresh and entertaining approach to the zombie genre:

"I’m already counting down to the next episode!"

"The chemistry between the leads is so fun. Can’t wait for more!"

"Why is Newtopia only airing one episode a week?! The wait is killing me!"

"This zombie comedy is so quirky and addicting—finally, something different!"

"It’s fast-paced but still has great character moments. Highly recommend!"

"Surprisingly lighthearted for a gory show, which makes it even more fun!"

Many viewers particularly appreciate the comedic undertones woven into the horror:

"I’ve never seen a zombie series this playful yet still intense."

"Even with the gore, it never feels overwhelming—such a fresh take on the genre."

Where to Watch Newtopia

Rated 19+, Newtopia is an 8-episode series with new episodes dropping every Friday at 8 PM KST exclusively on Coupang Play.

With its explosive start, fresh concept, and rising global popularity, the series is quickly cementing itself as one of K-drama’s most talked-about zombie hits of the year.