The legendary Korean “makjang” drama returns — this time, on Netflix. Remember Temptation of Wife ? Yes, that drama — the over-the-top, twist-filled rollercoaster that basically defined the “makjang” genre in Korea — is now making its grand comeback on Netflix, and fans are buzzing. Whether you loved it back in the day or found yourself yelling at the screen in disbelief, there’s no denying this drama left a serious mark. Seeing it resurface now brings back a wave of nostalgia, mixed with a little “I can’t believe this is happening again” kind of excitement. The Plot & Appeal of Temptation of Wife Originally aired in 2008 on SBS, Temptation of Wife tells the dramatic story of Goo Eun-jae (played by Jang Seo-hee), a woman betrayed by her husband Jung Gyo-bin (Byun Woo-min) and his mistress Shin Ae-ri (Kim Seo-hyung). After losing everything, Eun-jae throws herself into the sea—but miraculously survives. She returns under a new identity, “Min So-hee,” and begins a careful...
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Takes on Zombies?!
The release of Newtopia, a Coupang Play original starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, is making waves. Jisoo previously faced mixed reviews for her acting skills and line delivery in Snowdrop, and similar discussions have emerged with this new project. However, thanks to Newtopia’s strong comedic tone, many feel that her performance blends seamlessly with the show’s overall vibe.
Set in zombie-infested Seoul, this drama creates an unexpected yet thrilling mix of horror, comedy, and body horror, delivering a fresh twist to the genre. It brings to mind Santa Clarita Diet, the Drew Barrymore-led dark comedy, balancing offbeat humor with the tension of survival.
Jisoo takes on the role of Young-joo, a strong-willed survivor navigating the zombie apocalypse, while the talented Park Jung-min plays Jae-yoon, a soldier determined to find her. As they fight their way through the chaos to reunite, the drama keeps the storytelling engaging, making Newtopia stand out as a refreshingly bold take on the genre.
Want to know more about Newtopia? Let’s dive deeper!
🎬 Drama Information
✔ Title: Newtopia (뉴토피아)
✔ Director: Yoon Sung-hyun
✔ Writers: Han Jin-won, Ji Ho-jin
✔ Cast: Park Jung-min, Jisoo (BLACKPINK), Kang Young-seok
✔ Genres: Zombie, Comedy, Romance
✔ Streaming Platforms: Coupang Play, Prime Video (availability varies by region)
✔ Release Date: February 7, 2025
🎭 Audience Reception
From day one, Newtopia made waves, setting a new record for the highest viewership in Coupang Play’s history. The show currently holds a 6.7 rating on IMDb and has received positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers have praised its fresh take on blending zombies and comedy, as well as the unexpected chemistry between Park Jung-min and Jisoo.
While Jisoo’s acting has sparked some debate, many agree that her performance feels more natural within the show’s lighthearted comedic tone. Globally, Newtopia is gaining traction, ranking high on streaming charts across multiple international platforms.
📖 Plot Summary
🟢 A City in Chaos and the Survivors' Struggle
At 26, Lee Jae-yoon (played by Park Jung-min) enlists in the military and is assigned to an air defense unit. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, Young-joo (played by Jisoo) grapples with their uncertain future, leading to a tough conversation about breaking up. However, before they can resolve anything, a sudden zombie outbreak turns their world upside down. As the city descends into chaos, survivors scramble to find their own ways to stay alive.
🟡 A Perilous Journey to Reunite
As Seoul is overrun by zombies, Young-joo makes a bold decision to find Jae-yoon, who is stationed at a military base inside a hotel downtown. At the same time, Jae-yoon teams up with fellow survivors and sets out to find Young-joo, believing she might be in a nearby district. Along the way, they meet unexpected allies and face unforeseen challenges.
🟠 The Struggle Between Survival and Love
Against all odds, Young-joo and Jae-yoon finally reunite. But with zombies growing stronger and tensions rising among the remaining survivors, they are forced to make impossible choices. Staying together is their best chance at survival—yet, to protect each other, they may have no choice but to part ways.
<Read the Episode 1–2 Recap by GO MONG>
💡 Cast & Characters
✔ Park Jung-min as Lee Jae-yoonThe protagonist who finds himself caught in a zombie outbreak while serving in the military. A highly respected actor in Korea, Park Jung-min has previously starred in Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave and the Netflix film War and Revolt.
✔ Jisoo as Young-joo
Jae-yoon’s girlfriend and a resilient survivor. Newtopia marks BLACKPINK’s Jisoo’s second acting role following Snowdrop. Unlike her previous character, she takes on a more dynamic and resourceful role, showcasing her survival instincts in this action-packed drama.
🎥 Key Features of the Drama
✔ BLACKPINK’s Jisoo in a Bold New Role – While Jisoo previously showcased her acting in Snowdrop, Newtopia marks a significant shift from her innocent image to a more dynamic and intense role.
✔ Authentic Military Setting: The Seoul Air Defense Unit – The drama’s setting, the Seoul Air Defense Unit, is a real-life military organization responsible for protecting the capital’s airspace with low-altitude defense systems. The show authentically portrays military survival tactics, enhancing the realism of the zombie apocalypse.
✔ An All-Star Team: Director Yoon Sung-hyun & Writer Han Jin-won – Yoon Sung-hyun, known for his stylish and gripping direction in Bleak Night and Time to Hunt, teams up with Han Jin-won, the co-writer of the Oscar-winning Parasite, renowned for his strong storytelling skills. Together, they craft a fresh and innovative take on the zombie genre.
📌 Best Lines from the Drama
✔ "이 도시에서 살아남으려면, 내일이 아닌 오늘을 생각해야 해."
(I dosi-eseo saranam-euryeomyeon, naeil-i anin oneur-eul saeng-gaghaya hae.)
👉 "If you want to survive in this city, focus on today, not tomorrow."
- This line reflects Yeong-ju’s pragmatic survival mindset, marking the moment she makes a crucial decision to push forward despite the chaos around her.
✔ "우리가 다시 만날 수 있을까?"
(Uriga dasi mann-al su isseul-kka?)
👉 "Will we ever see each other again?"
- This line captures the heartbreaking uncertainty between Jae-yoon and Yeong-ju as they fight to reunite in a world overrun by zombies, emphasizing their unbreakable bond.
✔ "사랑하는 사람을 찾기 위해서라면, 세상이 끝나도 달려갈 거야."
(Saranghaneun saram-eul chatgi wihaeseoramyeon, sesang-i kkeutnado dallyeogal geoya.)
👉 "Even if the world ends, I’ll keep running to find the one I love."
- This line showcases Jae-yoon’s unwavering determination, proving that love is worth risking everything for—even in the face of an apocalypse.
🍿 Recommended Similar Dramas
✔ All of Us Are Dead (2022)
👉 A gripping survival drama set in a high school overrun by a zombie virus outbreak. As their classmates turn into the undead one by one, the remaining students must band together to survive. The intense action and emotional depth make for a truly immersive experience.
✔ Sweet Home (2020)
👉 Set in an apartment complex where people begin transforming into horrifying monsters, this drama blends horror, action, and emotional storytelling. The relentless fight for survival keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Starring Song Kang, often praised in Korea for his stunning visuals and compelling performances.
✔ Kingdom (2019)
👉 A historical zombie thriller set in the Joseon era, where political conspiracies and survival struggles intertwine. Kingdom masterfully blends zombie horror with historical drama, creating a uniquely gripping experience. The drama stars Ju Ji-hoon, who recently gained attention in Netflix’s Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour.
✔ Happiness (2021)
👉 A suspenseful survival drama set in an apartment complex under lockdown due to a mysterious virus outbreak. Beyond the infected, the psychological warfare among the survivors escalates the tension. Starring Park Hyung-sik and Han Hyo-joo.
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