The much-anticipated K-drama Newtopia, starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and South Korean actor Park Jung-min, created a buzz among fans of both K-dramas and K-pop. This high-stakes zombie thriller promises to deliver both action and heartfelt moments.
The upcoming drama is set to premiere globally on Amazon Prime Video premieres February 7, 2025. The drama, produced by Coupang Play, will also be available on its original platform in South Korea.
The official X account of Prime Video released the new still cuts as part of the drama's promotional materials on December 11, 2024. The new photos give a glimpse into the drama's various phases and facets, increasing anticipation.
Newtopia: Release, plot, cast, and everything we know so far
Releasing on February 7, the story of Newtopia combines romance, survival, and social commentary. Set in a zombie-infested Seoul, the plot follows Kang Young-joo (Jisoo), a brilliant and resourceful rookie engineer, and her boyfriend Lee Jae-yoon (Park Jung-min), a soldier nearing the end of his military service.
Their idyllic plans to reunite are thrown into chaos when an unknown virus spreads rapidly, turning infected people into zombies. Separated amidst the outbreak, the two lovers navigate a dystopian city filled with peril and desperation, trying to reach each other while staying alive.
Directed by Yoon Sung-hyun and co-written by Han Jin-won (of Parasite fame) and Ji Ho-jin, Newtopia combines suspenseful storytelling with heartfelt moments, offering a new take on the zombie genre.
Following her lead role in Snowdrop (2021), this is Jisoo’s second major drama, where she portrays a young woman navigating love and survival. Additionally, known for his performances in Hellbound and Deliver Us From Evil, Jung-min takes on the role of a dutiful soldier caught in a battle for survival.
The Cast:
The star-studded cast of Newtopia includes:
- Jisoo as Kang Young-joo
- Park Jung-min as Lee Jae-yoon
- Kang Young-suk
- Kim Joon-han
- Im Sung-jae as Ra In-ho
- Kim Chan-hyung
- Lee Hak-joo
- Kwon Seung-woo
- Tang Jun-sang
- Kim Sang-heun
Newtopia male lead Park Jung-min is well-known for his roles in popular K-dramas like Hellbound, Netflix's The 8 Show, Smugglers, and Shooting Stars. South Korean actor Kang Young-suk recently starred in Queen Woo (2024) and was previously lauded for his role in Welcome To Samdal-ri (2023).
Another lead cast member is one of the beloved characters from Hospital Playlist, Kim Joon-han. Joining the cast is the 21-year-old actor Tang Jun-sang, who is well-known for his roles in the famous K-drama Crash Landing On You, Move To Heaven, and the slice-of-life drama Racket Boys.
Additional supporting actors and the character details of the main cast are expected to be announced soon, adding further anticipation for the drama.
The drama’s production team features a strong lineup. Director Yoon Sung-hyun is celebrated for his masterful storytelling, while the writing duo, including Han Jin-won, adds layers of depth to the script. Set designs and special effects have been praised in early teasers, showcasing a gritty yet immersive post-apocalyptic Seoul.
As Newtopia gears up for its release, it coincides with a significant milestone in Jisoo’s career. In December 2023, she announced her departure from YG Entertainment, the agency behind BLACKPINK, to establish her own company, BLISSOO, in February 2024.
BLISSOO is set to support her diverse ventures, with Newtopia being one of the first major projects.