Second half saves it from failure
The second half of 'Newtopia' saves it from failure. Actually, the first half and second half feel so different that they could easily be mistaken as different dramas. I'm a novice when it comes to Korean zombie dramas/movies, I believe the only one I've watched before Newtopia was the movie 'Train to Busan' - a must-watch by the way if you haven't watched that gem already! Anyways, I really didn't know what to expect. To be honest, I don't like my zombies with comedy, and whilst it can be done well, it is rare. So I definitely preferred the moments that did not have this. Thankfully, there were many serious moments, and I really enjoyed the final few episodes. The first few episodes, however, were a chore to watch, honestly. I also didn't like the fact that when some scenes were starting to get interesting, it would cut out and change scenes to where the other characters were, killing the momentum.Whilst this does sound more like a negative review so far instead of the positive, I will say that the characters, their wide range of personalities and stories, were really interesting and enjoyable to watch. I also really enjoyed the unpredictability of the story, and the different settings used for a zombie drama that I have not seen before: really innovative! I also liked the number of episodes and episode length which I think were spot on. I can predict people may complain about the ending, but for me, I felt satisfied.
The OST was really nice to listen to, as were the SFX and general editing, cinematography and directing.
Whilst it's not the greatest drama ever, it definitely isn't the worst, either. Yes, the first half is a drag, but the second half is so good that it's worth an entire watch.
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A SIMPLE WATCH ON SURVIVAL
If you’re looking for a K-drama that’s as unpredictable as a zombie apocalypse, Newtopia is definitely the one to check out. The story takes place in a future Seoul, which is suddenly overrun by zombies, and follows Lee Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min), a soldier doing his mandatory military service, and Kang Young-joo (Jisoo), an engineer who’s just trying to survive. Jae-yoon and Young-joo aren’t exes—they’re still very much together—but things get pretty intense as they try to figure out how to handle the zombie chaos while also juggling their personal drama and a little romance along the way.Now, let’s talk about the cast. Park Jeong-min is solid as the soldier trying to keep his cool in the middle of everything going to hell. But Jisoo? She really brings it. You might know her from Snowdrop, but here, she’s showing off a whole new side. She plays Young-joo with a cool confidence, but you can also see the vulnerability underneath. She definitely holds her own, and you can tell she’s ready to dive into the chaos with everything she’s got.
The show’s supporting characters add a lot of flavor to the mix. They don’t necessarily move the plot forward, but they bring in some fun moments and quirky energy that balance out the more intense parts of the show. And speaking of balance—Newtopia is a bit of a genre blender. One minute, it’s a rom-com with some zombie action sprinkled in, and the next, it’s a full-on thriller. Sometimes that shift can feel jarring, but I kind of loved how it kept me on my toes. If you’re expecting a straight-up zombie horror series, this might not be it, but if you’re into shows that mix genres and keep you guessing, it’s definitely worth a watch.
The reviews for Newtopia have been a bit mixed, and honestly, I get why. Some people love the offbeat, genre-bending vibe, while others wish the plot was a bit more focused. If you’re looking for a traditional, serious zombie series, you might want to skip this one. But if you’re down for something that keeps you guessing and throws in some laughs along the way, you might just find yourself hooked.
Jisoo fans will love seeing her in this role—it's a far cry from her usual K-pop persona, and she nails it. And if you like a little romance with your zombie apocalypse (who doesn’t?), Newtopia definitely delivers. If you're more into intense, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, though, this might not be for you. But either way, it’s definitely one of the more unique K-dramas of 2025, and worth checking out if you're in the mood for something a little different.
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Worst premier
Mdl has two features , one is the “My” drama list, and I have a resolution to review anything I watch and dropAnother is the fact that reviews are marked as dropped and which ep it is
So everyone reading this understand that I only watched 2eps and I decided to drop
Why?
In 2025, January alone, I started 15+ dramas, I have finished 8 of them and some I loved while others were basic but each one had its own charms
And so this felt sooooo lacking, it’s the worst premier, the first ep was so uneventful and boring for a zombie drama that only has 8eps
It’s even boring for a romcom
Then the cgi, and dumbness explodes in ep2… a car accident happens and we have the fl acting like and annoying hyper aggressive idiot asking ppl for help
Like girl just call the cops yourself..
Then comes the idol and ppl care for him more than the accident? Someone makes fun of the “victim” and takes pictures of his posture?
And then they try to pull him out of the windshield????
Like who does that?
Then with the plane crash, it’s obviously a civil flight and people don’t panic for the crash but instead say “is that a terrorist attack”
Happiness, all of us are dead, train to busan, and yes one can defend this as a comedy but, The odd family Zombie for sale is a comedy and that’s my favorite zombie theme
Even zom 101 was better, and that had the most ridiculous zombie shark with feet xD
This felt as flat as #alive mixed with the stupidity of chicken nuggets
Like why were the zombies so ridiculous and cheesy looking with that cheap cgi xD
Anyway yeah,
characters = 0
Plot = 0
Time management = 0
So it’s my first drop of 2025
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alex
i really wished her boyfriend would have died and alex would have survived with her and became the new boyfriend likeeeee 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭☠️😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭☠️😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭☠️☠️😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭Was this review helpful to you?
Newtopia A Fresh and Captivating Take on the Zombie Genre
If you're a fan of Korean zombie dramas, you know that each one has its own distinct approach. "Newtopia" stands out by blending romance, humor, and action in a way that feels fresh and engaging.I've noticed some viewers dismissing it after just an episode or two, calling it slow or not their style. But if you give it time, the story truly picks up, and the payoff is worth it.
Jisoo performance was a pleasant surprise she brought depth and charm to her character in a way I didn’t expect. The entire cast delivered strong performances, making the emotional moments hit even harder. Even characters with less screen time left an impact.
By the time you reach the end, you'll realize just how well-crafted "Newtopia" is. It’s a unique and memorable addition to the zombie drama genre that deserves a chance!
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Not For Everyone
Sorry, the comedy didn't make me laugh. didn't expect too much tough.. but here to support for Jisooo.. Fighting!!!!1Newtopia 2025
I don’t know what Newtopia was trying to be, but it sure wasn’t entertainment. Maybe an endurance test? A sleep aid? A cruel prank on K-drama lovers Zombie Zombie?
Plot? What Plot? Making fun with the Militaries?
The drama follows… something. I’m not sure. The writers were too busy throwing in every cliché known to K-drama Zombie, Don't expect Kingdom level.
Jisoo Deserved Better
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is a global superstar, a fashion icon, and an incredibly charming person—but here? She looks like she’s being held hostage by the script. The acting isn’t even the issue..Screen time is limited than the ML
The Male Lead – A Cardboard Cutout with Hair
I don’t even remember his name, He looked confused in every scene, which I assume was just him trying to understand the script. May be his a good friend of the director or producers.
This kind of quality and only drop 1 episode per week. will be another one in the shelf. Sorry for the fans but this is not for Everyone.
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First thoughts on Newtopia
So far, I enjoyed both episodes. It's not your typical zombie series. Newtopia is probably the first zombie series I've watched without feeling stressed. It's chaotic and unserious, but in a good way. I'm sure as the story progresses, each character will having their shining moment. The character Ra In-ho will probably be a crowd favorite.The eyeball scene was among my favorites scenes from episode 2. It was really hilarious. I should be grossed out by it, but I couldn't help but laugh. Jisoo was so funny.
I also want to commend the actors. The characters fit them well. Looking forward to the succeeding episodes.
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A GREAT COMEDY AND THRILLING SERIES!!! A MUST WATCH
Where do I start from? I mean, like I can't even say how much I am enjoying it. Park Jeong Min as Jae Yoon is just so cute and hilarious at the same time, his acting is top notch as always. The story is so so so good and unusual from other zombie series. The best part is that they're creating such a thrilling story with so many comic elements to make the viewers entertained and tuned in for upcoming episodes. About Kim Jisoo, well, there is no lie that she is one of the best Idol Actress out there if not the best, whoever says otherwise is probably a hater lol. From Snowdrop to Newtopia, I can't even describe the improvement she had in these years, Her onscreen presence has became much more stronger and amazing. She is living the character of Young Joo for sure. I am so excited to see Young Joo's adventures and growth. Story and the comic timing is so perfect for real. It's a must watch series, trust meWas this review helpful to you?
The love story, Conedy funny group and also the dumb group
The female acting was really good also the male comedy
Although just two episodes is out. The storyline is very good too
I love love this series and also looking forward to the next episode
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This review may contain spoilers
I Tried for Jisoo...But then I had to Tap out
Okay, I really tried with Newtopia. I went in with hope, mostly because of Jisoo—thought maybe this would be okay after an okay Snowdrop (which I also barely got through). But honestly? I couldn't even get past episode 3. I gave it my best shot, but the acting… girl, Jisoo just cannot carry this role. Her expressions, delivery, everything felt stiff and forced, like she was trying to emote but wasn’t sure what emotion she was supposed to be aiming for.On top of that, the tone of the drama is all over the place. It's supposed to be this zombie apocalypse survival thriller, but then it keeps forcing in this weird comedy that just does not land. When it tries to be funny, it's exaggerated to the point where I physically couldn’t sit through it. Like… what are we even doing here? The drama doesn't know if it wants to be serious, romantic, scary, or just full-blown slapstick—and that messiness makes it exhausting to watch.
The pacing is a whole other issue. The constant flashbacks killed any momentum the story was building. Just when something interesting might happen, boom—cut to some drawn-out memory we didn't ask for. I was supposed to care about the emotional backstory between Jae Yun and Yeong Ju, but the way it was told made it feel boring and disconnected.
The supporting cast wasn’t doing much either. Most of the side characters felt flat or pointless, though I might have been into Aaron Park? Maybe? Not enough to keep watching, but he was at least mildly interesting in a sea of forgettable people.
Anyway, dropped it. No regrets. This one just wasn’t it for me. 3/10.
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Perfect zombie rom com
People complaining didn't quite get the gist of this drama. It is supposed to be silly and stupid as well as a little gory and romantic at the same time and they perfectly balanced it. I am absolutely enjoying everything about the drama. started watching just for jisoo as i am her biggest fanboy and loving every bit of it and i will in future even rewatch it for funWas this review helpful to you?
Romcomzom
I already watched it. And this is a new genre of zombie. I laughed so hard 😂 I like it!! Jeongmin we all know his acting. But Jisoo’s acting also incredible. I watched snowdrop before, her acting has improved!! Congrats for your comeback Jisoo! Overall, I enjoyed the drama! Can’t wait for next episodes ~Was this review helpful to you?
