Happiness

worst zombie kdrama, insufferable characters

usually, my reviews are in a specific format. but this show... this show broke me. this was a show i speedran (aka watched at x2 speed and pressed the skip 10 sec ahead button every other second) initially. then i forgot, and i gave it an actual watch. it... was... awful... if i could, i would sue them and demand for compensation for the hours i wasted watching it. the characters are ABSOLUTELY INSUFFERABLE. INSUFFERABLE I TELL YOU. they ONLY exist to cause a problem for the main characters. there is no "main story" it's just a peak into one zombie kdrama universe. and i understand that in times of panic (like a zombie outbreak...), ppl get stupid bc society blah blah fear mongering blah blah... but this- i cannot fathom this level of stupidity. just thinking abt this show makes me angry. if i could, i would pay ppl $10 to not watch this.

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Different and Enjoyable

I don't normally go for zombie content because I generally think it gets too repetitive and doesn't reflect well on what the horror genre can truly offer BUT I enjoyed Happiness particularly because the zombies aren't what we usually see. You've got your standard virus outbreak causing people to turn into mindless flesh-eating savages but this is only for a limited time, after which they become lucid and can speak, think, and behave like a regular person before their next 'episode'. With each episode you have, the less likely you are to come out of the zombie-like state.

The stakes might seem lower than the usual zombie infections we're used to from other zombie content but I enjoyed this twist because it raises the moral and ethical considerations of killing someone who is infected, which we do see in the show. In a series like The Walking Dead, there's no question about putting down a zombie; it's not a person, they're already dead. But in Happiness, wait out the episode and you'll be able to have a conversation with the person who attacked you. Maybe this isn't what some zombie enthusiasts would enjoy, but I thought it made the scenario quite interesting. One line I absolutely loved was in a scene where the main leads were forced to do something that might attract the zombies toward them so they asked for a weapon but they were told instead, "You said the infected are people too. Sort it out through conversation."

Classism rears its ugly head here as well, with the richer residents continuously insisting they deserve more than the renters on the lower floors simply because they have more wealth. I quite liked this aspect of the story as well. It baffles me personally how someone would think money holds any value in the middle of an apocalypse, especially because they don't truly know when or if life will go back to normal. I just think it made for an interesting commentary on society. At a time when people should be coming together to help each other survive, instead we see humanity crumbling away.

I also loved the OST. It felt quite different from the usual soundtracks we hear and added a lot to the tone of the show.

I give this an 8 because although there was a lot I liked about this, there were some decisions the characters made that seemed a bit out of place and the ending left me wondering about a couple of story threads (but nothing major). Some of the character stories could have been expanded on a little more as well and I also felt that, for a show about zombies, more could have been done with the element of suspense.

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Unique and enjoyable story despite a lot of unfulfilled potential

Likes:
-The premise of a zombie outbreak in a post-covid world was really interesting, especially with it being more of a rabies-like virus where people had violent episodes before going back to normal. It raised a lot of interesting questions about whether they were still human, whether it was a moral failing, whether they could resist their thirst, and whether they could go back to being a part of society after being cured.
- A lot of people have complained about the tone being inconsistent or unrealistic, but honestly, given what we now know about how people responded to COVID, it felt realistic to how a zombie apocalypse might actually play out. It wasn't all violence and gore, but instead it was filled with people trying to go about their lives as normal while an unsettling, suspenseful feeling pervaded everything. Those with power tried to maintain the status quo, many didn't want to believe the true horror of what was going on, and others tried to take advantage of the situation to their own benefit. It showed how you could remain hopeful and find happiness amid an apocalyptic event. The soundtrack was great in setting up that both suspenseful but hopeful tone.
-Lastly, of course, Han Hyojoo and Park Hyungshik's characters and chemistry were great and kept me interested even when the plot started to drag and get inconsistent. I'm a sucker for slow burn and friends to lovers romances, and I loved that they always cared for each other from the start. They were both equally badass, and they both saved each other in so many ways.

Dislikes:
-A lot of the questions posed in the first half were kind of abandoned in the end, and the moral/lesson was unclear (the power of love? Help your loved ones before others? Leaving the infected to die works? The rich and powerful will get away with it?)
-It was also ridden with plot holes, like if Saebom had the antibodies that would save everybody, how come they didn't get her out of the apartment sooner? How was everything outside back to normal that fast?
-The side character's motivations weren't really fleshed out super well, and Andrew, 1201 ajumma, and 601 ajusshi were basically just evil foils to our righteous ML and FL (copaganda much?)
-They really kissed while Yihyun was infected?? Insane behavior.

Conclusion: it didn't quite live up to it's potential, but boy, did I enjoy the ride. Objectively this should probably a 6.5/7, but it was a 9 in my heart, so we'll average it at 8.

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Another run of the mill 'Zombie' Drama

Korea has no dearth of Zombie and post apocalyptic movies and dramas and sadly Happiness adds nothing new to the table.

There is nothing here that you probably wouldn't have seen in some shape or form already. It's the same old formula that has been repeated quite a few times.

Now there is nothing wrong with reusing well established tropes and using the same formula as long as you can make it work with a good storyline. But that's where Happiness falls short. It is riddled with plot holes so much so that after a point I just stopped counting them. Left and right all the characters keep making stupid decisions that makes absolutely no sense. And most of the side characters were so weakly developed and annoying that I could not care less about them. And to top it all off we have such an abrupt ending it makes you wonder if the writers just lost interest in the middle of it.

But where this drama falters in all other aspects, it makes up in terms of the two main characters. Especially Yoon Sae Bom, she felt like a breath of fresh air. Honestly I loved her, if not for her I probably would have dropped this.

And even though the romance between the leads was not the focal point there chemistry still knocked it out of the park. It was not too much in your face but they had a quiet domesticity between them that I absolutely adored.

It is however addicting to watch, it is the kind of drama that you binge watch at once and then forget it even existed because that's how low the impact was. Overall I'd say it's an oksyish one time watch.

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My heart was so broken

This show starts off with a HUGE bang! Just thinking of that scene makes me want to go rewatch it! What an intro!

I really enjoyed this show overall. I loved that it had a small setting with a wide array of characters and personalities all meshing together. I loved routing for some building residents and wishing others would get cast out. I loved how the zombies worked! It was a more relaxed zombie show but it held a great impact.

I loved our lead Park Hyung Sik! He's amazing in this one!!

Okay so there was a little bad with all the good.
The storyline dragged a tad bit but not enough to put me off the show. I also had to suspend belief when it came to how they handled the outbreak. They had just gone through Covid and were aware of Covid in the show, that was minor compared to THIS type of outbreak yet they were not very quick to handle this one. I would think they'd be a bit more prepared and paranoid due to Covid!

Overall 100% worth the watch. It had a moment that totally wrecked my heart but the ending was VERY satisfying.

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This is an excellent drama. It was action packed, but also had its slower moments so the audience has time to catch it's breath. The rush to tie up the storyline in the final episode was it's only drawback, in my opinion. Other than that, the story was thorough, well scripted, and well acted.

I love that neither mains are weak characters. (For instance, the strong ML isn't always having to rescue the weak FL.) Both are strong, physically and mentally, fighting against the bad guys WITH each other instead of one always fighting to save the other. When one goes out alone, the other pities their opponents. Yes, they do protect each other, but they also trust in each other's skills. [The takedown of the pastor is the best physical (wrestling? martial arts?) move I have ever seen....I rewatched that, like, 8ish times!]

I also love that the drama didn't depend on tropes in order to portray the mains falling for each other. There was no awkwardness, only a clear and obvious friendship that allowed itself to deepen naturally as time passed. (Granted, the ML developed feelings 10 years earlier, but his one-sided love was willing to wait for her.)

I was surprised that they never called the infection zombie-like. There was never one mention of zombies. But the infected people's actions and appearance was clearly within the zombie universe. I'm personally fine with that, as I like zombie stories, even though I am not the biggest fan of gore. Ya can't have one without the other though.

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MY GOD THIS DRAMA MADE ME POP A BLOOD VESSEL

Okay the story itself was good it had a pretty neat twist it on the whole zombie “apocalypse” (not really an apocalypse but whatever) it kept me entertained and the characters outside of the apartment complex i really liked them solid characters not the best but still pretty the thing that pmo SO MUCH was the characters INSIDE the apartment WHY WERE THEY SO FUCKING STUPID I WAS ITCHING FOR ALL OF THEM TO DIE THE ONLY REASONABLE AND SMART CHARACTERS WERE THE MAIN LEADS AND MY BABY SEO YOON ACTUALLY NO FUCK YOU THE MAIN LEADS ALSO PMO WHY??? BECAUSE WHY TF WERE THEY VERBALLY EDGING EACHOTHER AND THE AUDIENCE EVERYBODY KNEW THAT THEY WANTED EACHOTHER SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING AND WHAT DID THEY DO??? THEY STAYED IN AND I QUOTE MIND NUMBING AND BORING MATING RITUAL LIKE FUCK YOU THIS ISNT A SLOW BURN IF THEY WERE GIVING EACHOTHER FUCK ME EYES FOR THE WHOLE OF IT AND THEY STAYED LIKE THAT FOR WHAT??? AN EDGING KINK??? IDK BUT YOU CANT CONVINCE IT WAS ANYTHING ELSE MY GOD anyway imma rewatch and hopefully not pop another blood vessel

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Not as bad as others say it is.....

The show had a lot of potential that sadly fell through. Even with the compelling premise and strong chemistry between the leads, the pacing and resolution affected the overall experience. The story felt rushed—especially toward the end. Everything getting resolved in the last 20 minutes didn't sit right with me. That quick wrap-up with the ending being happily ever after, left me with so many lingering questions, especially when big plot points like that fake-out death with the ML five minutes before the ending. You can't give us a fake-out death and then reveal the character is alive just three minutes later! I feel like an additional episode or two would have done wonders for providing more satisfying answers and character resolutions. I still have so many questions, particularly about what happened to everyone else in the apartment complex after they were captured. However, I would love to see Han Hyo Joo & Park Hyung Sik acting as a couple in a drama again.

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Suspenseful but Predictable

I love the acting skills and the first two episodes of this show. But as the story progresses, it starts to feel a bit predictable in some areas. The tension and suspense are well-executed early on, keeping me engaged, and the chemistry between the lead actors adds to the show's appeal.

However, while the premise is intriguing, some plot developments feel repetitive, and the pacing loses its grip in later episodes. The social commentary is interesting, but it could have been explored more deeply. Despite its strong start, Happiness doesn't fully maintain its momentum until the end.

Overall, it's an okay watch with some great moments, but it didn't leave a lasting impact on me. I rate it 5.5/10.

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Amazing power couple leads in a self-contained world with morally grey characters.

I watched for the amazing main leads, they were absolutely awesome, an absolute power couple! Sure, the actions of many of the other characters seemed stupid, but in such a high-pressure environment, it's inevitable. I was really sad about some deaths, especially when some really didn't deserve it, that made me say, but perhaps that's just how life is.

It felt like this apartment complex in lockdown was like its own self-contained world, each character reflecting the different types of people and choices that would realistically happen in the larger world, but on a smaller scale. Meanwhile, at least our leads weren't stupid, and I loved them for being calm, rational, intelligent, and an awesome pair! Honestly, MVP goes to Han Tae Sook, his character was seriously awesome in my opinion. In a sense, without his decisions and his intelligence, maybe things wouldn't have turned out as well as he did.

No one's ever black and white in this story, and I love how this show doesn't push ethics in our faces. I think there's definitely a lot of ethical issues with the way people handled things, the obvious and not-so-obvious issues, but each character was never either black nor white, even our leads, because they were willing to see the world burn for each other lol (well, not really, kinda towards the end, but even if they did just want to watch the world burn happily and do nothing about it, I'd be on their side HAHA). And honestly, it made me truly think about this world as a whole - we can blame people all we want for making certain potentially bad decisions, but we never know what drives them to do what they do, and sometimes, that could simply be love for your wife. Selfish as it may be, I honestly can understand these motives.

Then there are the absolute devils that deserve to literally burn with no way of redemption. >.> No pity for them. Sometimes the 'normal' humans are the monsters, not the zombies. No surprise there.

Then again, there's also no need to think too deeply imo, just like how it doesn't push ethics in our faces, it can make us viewers think about issues, but it's really not THAT heavy. I've watched others with much heavier exploration of humanity, although I can't remember any off the top of my head.

Anyways. I don't think it's perfect, but scores are always subjective. I'm giving it a 10/10 because I highly enjoyed it. Romance definitely wasn't the focus, at least, it wasn't pushed in your face, but with the way the two leads cared for and thought of each other, it was just as romantic as kisses. Romance was more prevalent in the last two episodes for sure, but it was there throughout, and I genuinely love such a tacit, understanding pair that would protect each other so naturally. Anymore romance drama in this sort of show would've ruined it. Sure, maybe I'd have liked a bit more romantic moments, but I prefer this than those where the writer ruins a romance by causing unnecessary conflicts between the two leads - that ALWAYS ruins it for me, ESPECIALLY when they're meant to be intelligent, calm, and reasonable ADULTS.

Give it a watch if you enjoy some zombies, mystery, a virus, contemplating human nature (although, really, it wasn't overly heavy), and a speck of romance that's obviously there through their mutual understanding and friendship with each other and the last two eps. It was enjoyable and honestly, if you can just focus on the two leads and be happy with them being the logical and intelligent ones (and the adorable kid Seo-Yoon) most of the other characters' stupid/misinformed/interest-fueled actions isn't that big of a deal. I enjoyed watching the complexity of human nature in them actually.

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Definition of power couple

When I say power couple, I MEAN POWER COUPLE. And that's exactly what these two are. They are ride or die. I'll burn the world for you. This is the kind of romance I want on my screen. Two strong-minded people that trust and depend on each other, know what the other is thinking, rely on each other, and love each other unconditionally.

"Don't come close to me. Whenever I see you, my heart thumps and I feel thirsty."

"Me too. Because I like you." — When I tell you I fucking screamed. I Couldn't. I waited for the confession, and it delivered. Not a single scene felt wasted, and the emotions were delivered to perfection.

"Tell the world it'll have to wait. I have to see Yi-hyun. If I lose him... my world may really collapse." — MORE FLs LIKE THIS WHERE??? Sae Bom is the fucking standard, and we need more people like her.

But real talk, for a drama that is called happiness, it sure stressed and angered the fuck out of me. Every person in that complex apart from the weird dude and the kid need to burn in the fires of hell. The amount of satisfaction I got when Yi Hyun kept teaching that glasses bastard a lesson was indescribable. Park Hyung Sik is one of my favourite actors, and him in this role had me squealing. He would honestly rock a more darker role, and I would be so down bad for him.

And the ending. OMFG THE ENDING. Istg I had the biggest heart attack when the ending happened. I was in tears. I couldn't breathe. I thought someone just shot the earth and we were crumbling to pieces. Am I being dramatic? Maybe. But IDC BECAUSE HOW DARE YOU PLAY WITH MY FEELINGS LIKE THAT?!?!

Yes, there were some glaring flaws with the show, hence the lower rating, and some unanswered questions, but I want to keep thinking about the good. So that's what I will do. I WANT MORE COUPLE DYNAMICS LIKE THIS!! KOREA, PLS!!!

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