Is “Newtopia” Worth Watching?

Should I watch another rom-com or should I go for a zom-com? That was my exact dilemma before Newtopia came into my life. One guarantees heart-fluttering confessions, the other? Full-blown zombie mayhem. And me? I just wanted something that wouldn’t make me regret sacrificing sleep.

For me, K-drama commitments are serious. I’ve been burned before—wasting hours on something that promised excitement but delivered nothing but frustration and plot holes the size of Seoul. And let me tell you, I do not have the patience for another disappointment.

So let me do you a favor. I’m breaking it all down—so you know whether Newtopia is worth your precious binge hours.

Why Newtopia Might Hook You From Episode One

It’s a Genre-Bending Masterpiece – Who knew a show could have me laughing, screaming, and emotionally wrecked all at once? Newtopia jumps between horror, comedy, and romance so smoothly that it never feels forced.

One moment, I’m gripping my blanket like it’s a life raft, and the next, I’m swooning over a ridiculously dramatic slow-motion stare that has me questioning my life choices.

Jisoo & Park Jeong-min’s Chemistry? Off the Charts – Listen, I love a good onscreen couple, and these two do not disappoint. Jisoo (yes, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo) proves she’s more than just an idol, and Park Jeong-min? Effortlessly charismatic.

Their banter, tension, and “we-might-die-but-let’s-flirt-anyway” energy had me fully invested.

The Zombie Action Is Actually Good – Honestly, not all zombie K-dramas get the undead right (cough cough, questionable CGI). Newtopia gives us zombies that are grotesque and terrifying, but also used in creative, unexpected ways. Some of the survival scenes? Cinematic gold.

The Side Characters Are Scene-Stealers – I love a good supporting cast, and Newtopia delivers. You know that thing where side characters exist just to fill space? Not here.

Every supporting role adds something, whether it’s humor, tension, or an emotional gut punch that left me reeling.

What Might Make You Scream (Besides the Zombies)

Pacing Has Its Moments – Some episodes move at full-speed adrenaline mode, while others slow down to dive into character backstories. If you’re someone who wants constant action, you might find yourself itching for things to pick up.

Some K-Drama Logic Requires Patience – Look, I love K-dramas for their emotional depth, but sometimes they take dramatic pauses a little too seriously. Be prepared for moments where characters lock eyes in romantic tension … while zombies are literally right behind them.

And me? I’m sitting there, screaming at my screen, “RUN, FOR THE LOVE OF KIMCHI, RUN.”

Zombies, Love, And A K-Drama Apocalypse You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let me talk about what really makes Newtopia stand out. Unlike Western apocalyptic stories, which are all about lone-wolf survival, this drama leans into South Korea’s deeply rooted sense of community.

In many Korean narratives, including historical dramas, there’s an emphasis on group survival, sacrifice, and duty to loved ones. It’s not just about who can outrun the zombies—it’s about protecting the people you care about.

If I were in a zombie apocalypse, I’d probably be screaming, running, and questioning all my life choices.

If I were in a zombie apocalypse, I’d probably be screaming, running, and questioning all my life choices. But in Newtopia, survival is just as much about teamwork as it is about avoiding getting bitten.

And then there’s mandatory military service, which plays a huge role here. Jae-yoon is stuck at his military base because, like all South Korean men, he’s required to serve.

And honestly? That just makes the whole story even more frustrating in the best way possible—because if the world weren’t ending, he and Young-joo wouldn’t even be apart in the first place.

That’s the kind of emotionally charged setup that has me glued to the screen.

If you like your dramas with a little bit of everything—heart-racing horror, swoon-worthy romance, laugh-out-loud comedy, and characters making survival choices that make me yell at my screen—then Newtopia is for you.

It’s what happens when Train to Busan meets Crash Landing on You, with a sprinkle of #Alive ridiculousness thrown in for good measure. And trust me, I was not ready for how addictive it would be.

The Verdict: Is Newtopia Worth Your Time?

If you love K-dramas that mix genres flawlessly, zombie thrillers that don’t take themselves too seriously, and a romance that somehow thrives during the literal end of the world, then Newtopia is a no-brainer (pun intended).

If you’re expecting pure, serious horror with no distractions, and trust me, I’ve been there before—thinking I wanted a no-nonsense thriller only to realize I actually crave a little chaos—, this might not be your thing.

Newtopia embraces chaos, humor, and K-drama emotions, and honestly? That’s what makes it so fun.

Newtopia embraces chaos, humor, and K-drama emotions, and honestly? That’s what makes it so fun.

If you enjoyed watching Happiness, All of Us Are Dead, or Sweet Home, then you might also enjoy Newtopia. It brings the same heart-racing action, emotional depth, and chaotic survival energy, but with an added layer of humor and romance that sets it apart.

This isn’t just another zombie K-drama. It’s wild, unpredictable, and ridiculously entertaining.

So, what are you waiting for? Hit play and let the zombie-fueled drama take over your life.

And when you do, come back and tell me—are you swooning over love in the apocalypse, or are you yelling at your screen, begging them to pick up the pace and actually run?