Coupang Play’s highly anticipated original series, Newtopia, has finally arrived, blending the unlikely genres of zombie apocalypse, romance, and comedy into a thrilling and unpredictable drama.
Released on Friday, February 7th, 2025, the first two episodes set the stage for a story that is as much about human relationships as it is about survival in the face of a terrifying outbreak. With a stellar cast and a fast-paced narrative, Newtopia promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Episode 1: Love, Obsession, and the Calm Before the Storm
The series opens with Private Lee Jae-yoon (played by Park Jung-min), a soldier serving in the air defense unit stationed on the rooftop of Seoul’s tallest building, the 77A Tower. Jae-yoon dreams of reuniting with his girlfriend, Kang Young-joo (played by Jisoo), after his military discharge. However, their relationship is far from perfect. A late-night phone call reveals cracks in their bond as Jae-yoon confronts Young-joo about a coworker who dropped her off at home while she was drunk. The argument escalates, and Jae-yoon’s growing obsession with Young-joo becomes evident.
Jae-yoon’s military life is equally tumultuous. Alongside his fellow soldier Ra In-ho (Im Seong-jae), he causes a major accident during a mock training exercise, dropping a missile in front of the battalion commander. This incident leads to the confiscation of all soldiers’ cell phones, but Jae-yoon’s desperation to contact Young-joo drives him to find alternative means to reach her. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and even Young-joo’s mother (Park Mi-hyeon) and coworkers suggest she end the relationship.
As Young-joo begins to distance herself, Jae-yoon confides in Ra In-ho, who offers a grounded perspective as a married man with children. Realizing the toll his military service is taking on Young-joo, Jae-yoon makes the painful decision to break up with her, leaving her a voice message claiming it’s for her own good.
Meanwhile, Young-joo, who is having dinner with her coworker Seo Jin-wook (Kang Young-seok), rushes to Tower A after hearing Jae-yoon’s message. Jin-wook, who clearly has feelings for Young-joo, offers to drive her there, setting the stage for a chaotic turn of events.
Episode 2: The Outbreak Begins
The second episode plunges viewers into the heart of the zombie apocalypse. As Jin-wook flirts with Young-joo in the car, their journey takes a horrifying turn when a man smashes through the front passenger window. Simultaneously, Jae-yoon and Ra In-ho witness a passenger plane crashing into Tower A, triggering a massive explosion.
The chaos escalates as Young-joo, Jin-wook, and a bystander named Sung Tae-sik (Lee Hak-joo) find themselves in the middle of a zombie outbreak. Young-joo, displaying remarkable composure, attempts to help the injured man who crashed through the window, even performing CPR with Tae-sik’s assistance (albeit with broken ribs as a result). However, the situation quickly spirals out of control when a truck crashes into Jin-wook’s car, and zombies begin attacking pedestrians.
Separated from Tae-sik, Young-joo and Jin-wook flee for their lives. Along the way, they encounter Kyung-soon (Shin Mi-young), who helps them catch their breath. However, Jin-wook’s true colors begin to show as he reveals his selfish and cowardly nature, leaving Young-joo disillusioned. Determined to reach Jae-yoon, she decides to head to the nearby police station before making her way to Tower A.
On the other side of the city, Jae-yoon and Ra In-ho face their own challenges. While on a mission to buy oil, they encounter zombies at the Eden Hotel and rescue the general manager, Aaron Park (Kim Jun-han), by setting the attacking zombies on fire. Their journey back to the unit leads them to Oh Soo-jung (Hong Seo-hee), a woman hiding in the hotel’s break room. Together, they devise a plan to use supplies from the steam room to create a path to safety.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger as the group discovers Chef Jeong (Park Gwang-jae), who is bravely holding off a horde of zombies. However, the glass door he’s using as a barrier begins to crack, leaving viewers anxiously awaiting the next episode.
First Impressions
Newtopia delivers a unique blend of genres, combining the tension of a zombie apocalypse with the emotional complexities of romantic relationships. The first two episodes effectively establish the central conflict between Jae-yoon and Young-joo, while also introducing a diverse cast of characters who must navigate both personal and external crises.
The show’s strength lies in its ability to balance humor, romance, and horror, creating a narrative that feels fresh and engaging. Park Jung-min and Jisoo shine in their roles, portraying the flawed yet relatable dynamics of a couple struggling to stay connected in the face of adversity. The supporting cast, including Im Seong-jae and Kang Young-seok, add depth to the story, ensuring that every character has a role to play in the unfolding chaos.
With its fast-paced storytelling, unexpected twists, and a perfect mix of heart and horror, Newtopia is off to a strong start. As the zombie outbreak intensifies and the characters’ paths converge, viewers can expect even more drama, action, and emotional moments in the episodes to come.
Newtopia is a must-watch for fans of genre-bending storytelling, and the first two episodes are just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable journey.
