Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Goofy violence and strong language in Korean horror comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Newtopia
What's the Story?
In NEWTOPIA, budding engineer Young-joo (popstar Jisoo of Blackpink) and soldier-in-training Jae-yoon (Decision to Leave's Park Jeong-Min) are a young couple on the brink of breaking up who find themselves separated at the worst possible time: the start of a zombie infestation in their city. The two battle the undead and try to stay alive as they make their way across Seoul and back to each other, to work out their romantic issues in person. Think Shaun of the Dead meets Train to Busan.
Is It Any Good?
The limited series features top writers from the acclaimed films Okja and Parasite, and stars major K-pop and K-drama icons. So it's surprising that Newtopia is only just...OK? Part of the issue may be the pacing: the entire first episode drags out the setup without much payoff. The series probably could have been trimmed by two or three episodes for a punchier, more satisfying pace.
Blood and guts fly willy-nilly throughout the series, but the violence is portrayed in an over-the-top, comical way and is unlikely to scare anyone except very sensitive or young viewers. Despite the premise—a couple trying to find each other amid a disaster—there's not a lot of actual romance. Still, the leads are talented, and when the action picks up, it's an amusing enough ride for horror-comedy fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about horror comedies as a genre. Can you think of other examples of films or TV series made in this style? Do you have any favorites?
What did you think of Young-joo and Jae-yoon as a couple? What are some positive and negative aspects of their relationship?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 7, 2025
- Cast : Jisoo Kim , Park Jeong-min , Lee Hak-joo
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : July 15, 2025
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