• Source:JND

Newtopia Episodes 1 & 2 Review: Prime Video's latest Kdrama, brings BLACKPINK's Jisoo back to the drama world after her role in Snowdrop. This time, she stars alongside Park Jeong-min in a chaotic zombie thriller. The first two episodes of the series set the stage with a slow-paced introduction, but by the end of Episode 1, things pick up quickly, delivering a thrilling and absurd zombie apocalypse filled with unexpected moments of humour, horror and romance.

The plot follows Lee Jae-yoon, played by Park Jeong-min, who is struggling with his military enlistment, while his girlfriend, Kang Young-ju (Jisoo), faces a tough decision between waiting for him or breaking up. In the midst of their emotional turmoil, a zombie outbreak throws everything into chaos, affecting both civilians and military personnel.

Jisoo and Park Jeong-min deliver good performances, blending absurd humour with moments of intense action. While it’s still early to fully assess Jisoo’s acting, especially in comparison to her lead role in Snowdrop, her screen presence is undeniable. However, her portrayal of a conflicted girlfriend torn between moving on and waiting for her boyfriend feels somewhat underdeveloped, leaving room for more emotional depth in the upcoming episodes. The chemistry between the leads in flashback scenes lacks depth in these early episodes, leaving fans eager for more.

Park Jeong-min delivers a convincing performance as Lee Jae-yoon, a soldier unable to avoid mandatory military service, with an uncertain future awaiting him after his discharge in 2026. His concern for his girlfriend and his determination to stay in touch despite the challenges of military life feel realistic. His portrayal remains grounded even in the midst of chaos, especially during the zombie attacks alongside his squad member Ra In-ho (Im Sung-jae), where his character's desperation and survival instincts come through effectively.

The fight sequences, with gruesome zombie encounters, are matched by quirky, offbeat humour. There’s also a notable ensemble cast featuring Hong Seo-hee, Tang Jun-sang, Lee Hak-joo and Kim Jun-han, who all contribute to the off-kilter yet engaging atmosphere of the show. 

The series also carries a subtle social commentary about society during crises. A notable moment is when Jisoo's senior, Kang Young-Seok's Seo Jin Wook, steals clothes from a luxury store during the outbreak, showcasing how people’s true nature can emerge in such times. The drama touches on the struggles of men in their late twenties, particularly the mandatory military service, a theme that resonates with Park Jeong-min's character.

However, while Newtopia delivers plenty of excitement, it does suffer from a lack of consistency. Some scenes feel dragged out and the pace can feel disjointed at times. The first two episodes show potential, but they leave viewers craving more depth and backstory.  

The show already has fans excited, and with Newtopia breaking viewership records on the CoupangPlay platform, there’s much more to look forward to. Jisoo’s return to the Kdrama scene promises more drama and fans are eagerly awaiting her next project, Boyfriend On Demand with Seo In Guk.

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