Coupang Play series ‚Newtopia‘ combines zombies, romance

Actors Park Jeong-min, left, and singer-actor Jisoo pose throughout a press convention for the Coupang Play collection “Newtopia” at Conrad Seoul in Yeouido, Tuesday. Yonhap

Coupang Play collection „Newtopia,“ starring Jisoo of BLACKPINK and Park Jeong-min, is poised to supply a contemporary tackle the zombie style, with its sturdy romantic parts.

The eight-episode collection, directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, follows Jae-yun (Park), a soldier, and his girlfriend Younger-ju (Ji-soo) as they race to reunite in a zombie-overrun Seoul. Mixing the apocalyptic chaos of a zombie-infested world with the heartwarming romance between the couple, the collection heralds a brand new style: the „zom-com.“

Director Yoon, a self-proclaimed large fan of zombie motion pictures, stated he was instantly hooked when he learn the script. The script was co-written by Han Jin-won, the author of „Parasite“ (2019), and Ji Ho-jin, the screenwriter of „A Store for Killers“ (2024).

„Not too long ago, zombies have been portrayed as quick and terrifying creatures. However prior to now, they have been gradual, humorous and even cute. Similar to traits change, I assumed that the zombies from the Seventies would possibly really feel new and distinctive to the present era. With that in thoughts, I made a decision to tackle this challenge to current a narrative from a brand new perspective,“ he stated throughout the press convention for “Newtopia” at Conrad Seoul, Tuesday.

He explains that the title „Newtopia“ was chosen to mirror the irony of the scenario.

„These days, younger folks have numerous issues, resembling obligatory army service, employment and love. Nevertheless, when a catastrophe strikes, all of these issues change into meaningless. I needed to seize that irony. I assumed this title can be a becoming illustration of our story,“ he stated.

Park stated his character, a late-enlisting soldier, worries about whether or not his relationship along with his girlfriend Younger-ju is the suitable selection as she begins her profession.

„Simply when he decides to interrupt up along with her for her sake, a catastrophe strikes. He’s a person who runs towards Younger-ju for her sake,“ he stated.

It’s Park’s third challenge with director Yoon. The 37-year-old actor debuted within the director’s 2011 movie „Bleak Evening“ and appeared in „Time to Hunt“ in 2020.

Jisoo performs Younger-ju, Jae-yun’s girlfriend, who bravely runs towards her boyfriend even when the world is falling aside. She stated, „Younger-ju is a cool girl who realizes her love for Jae-yun when catastrophe strikes and runs towards him.“

As for the Younger-ju character, the director famous, „Because the story unfolds, she turns into an sudden and quirky determine. I wanted an actress who might embody each humor and depth. After I considered somebody who match that description, Jisoo instantly got here to thoughts. And she or he was excellent.“

Jisoo revealed that she attended motion faculty to organize for this position.

„Earlier than I began, I could not even do a ahead roll, however after practising, I might do 5 in a row. Ahead rolls have been essentially the most enjoyable. Coaching my bodily energy helped me endure the difficult filming schedule.“

The director hopes the viewers will get pleasure from this contemporary and revolutionary strategy to the zombie style.

„We have labored exhausting to create one thing new and distinctive. I hope you may watch it with an open thoughts and luxuriate in it.“

„Newtopia“ will premiere on Coupang Play on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m.