Debuted at No.1, Now Dividing Viewers—One Episode Left for This R-Rated K-Drama

With just one episode left, Coupang Play’s original series 'Newtopia' is sparking polarizing reactions among viewers. While the drama initially dominated pre-release buzz rankings, securing No.1 in awareness and viewing intent, opinions have become increasingly divided as the finale approaches.

Premiering on February 7, Newtopia quickly became one of the most talked-about series, even surpassing highly anticipated releases like Netflix’s Melo Movie and TVING’s The Scandal of Chunhwa in early viewer surveys. The drama is an eight-episode adaptation of Han Sang-woon’s novel Influenza, directed by Yoon Sung-hyun (Time to Hunt) and written by Han Jin-won (The King’s Affection) and Ji Ho-jin. Produced by Bound Entertainment and Billions Plus, the series underwent a nine-month filming process from December 2023 to August 2024.

A Bold Genre Experiment: Zombie Meets Rom-Com

Newtopia gained attention for its genre fusion, blending zombie horror with romantic comedy, a fresh take often dubbed "zom-com." Adding to its uniqueness, the drama incorporates military action, thriller, gore, disaster, and dystopian elements, creating a layered storytelling experience. Given its R-rated (19+) classification, the show differentiates itself with intense action and heightened realism compared to traditional zombie dramas.

The story follows Jae-yoon (Park Jung-min), a soldier on active duty, and Young-joo (Jisoo), his devoted girlfriend waiting for his return. As a zombie outbreak engulfs Seoul, the two fight through the chaos to reunite.

Episode 7: A Rollercoaster of Twists and Turns

Episode 7 delivered unpredictable developments and shocking twists, keeping viewers on edge. With Jae-yoon on the verge of turning into a zombie, Young-joo fiercely battling hordes of the undead on an electric scooter, and an unexpected cameo from Yoon Jong-shin, the episode left audiences breathless.

The tension peaked when Jae-yoon’s group, attempting to escape through a ventilation shaft, faced a zombie-infested hotel. As they discovered a gondola outside the building, a suspenseful aerial showdown unfolded when zombies suddenly plummeted from above.

While some characters managed to escape, Jae-yoon fell from the gondola, landing on a different floor. Meanwhile, a once-silent model soldier, Kyung-sik (Kim Jung-jin), shockingly lashed out at his superiors, adding another layer of tension. The most bizarre moment? Jae-yoon skydiving from the tower wearing a Bellygom mascot suit, leaving fans questioning if he could survive.

Young-joo, now more fearless than ever, wielded a chainsaw to take down zombies in a dramatic display of courage. However, after finally reuniting with Jae-yoon, she was shocked to see him transform into a zombie—only to wake up and realize it was a dream. The episode ended with Yoon Jong-shin making a surprise real-life appearance, subverting all expectations.

Mixed Reactions: Groundbreaking or Too Over-the-Top?

The latest episode of Newtopia has sparked intense discussions online, with some viewers praising its bold creativity and thrilling pace, while others criticized its exaggerated execution. Many fans were captivated by the emotional depth and unexpected twists, expressing their excitement over the unfolding story. Some commented that Young-joo and Jae-yoon deserved happiness and hoped they would reunite in the finale. Others were surprised by how the show continued to get better, saying they did not want it to end. Park Jung-min’s performance as a zombie was widely praised for its realism, while Young-joo’s character development was seen as deeply satisfying, with viewers eager to see her reunite with Jae-yoon. Yoon Jong-shin’s unexpected cameo also caught many off guard.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some viewers felt that while the show was entertaining, it was also frustrating to watch due to excessive complaints from fans. Others voiced concerns about the pacing, questioning how the story could be properly concluded in just one more episode. Some expressed skepticism about whether there would be a second season, fearing that the ending might feel rushed. Others criticized the series for resembling a B-movie and felt that zombie dramas were becoming repetitive and predictable.

Additionally, some viewers critiqued the casting, particularly Jisoo’s acting. While some acknowledged that she had improved, they still felt that her performance lacked depth compared to the other actors.

As Newtopia approaches its finale on March 22 at 8 PM KST, viewers remain divided between anticipation and skepticism. With its unique combination of zombie thriller and romantic comedy, unpredictable twists, and intense action sequences, the show has built a strong identity. However, whether it can deliver a satisfying conclusion remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder if a second season will follow.

Meanwhile, Jisoo successfully held her 2025 fan meeting tour, 'LIGHTS, LOVE, ACTION!', at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines, on March 14, and at Queen Sirikit Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 15.

This marks Jisoo’s first-ever solo tour in her nine-year career. Following the successful release of her new mini-album Amour Tage last month, she captivated global fans by performing her new songs live, creating unforgettable memories for her audience.