In the Prime Video show “Newtopia,” love not only endures through the apocalypse, but flourishes within it. The Korean series features Blackpink’s Jisoo and renowned actor Park Jeong-min in a romantic comedy with a unique twist on the zombie genre that has been described as a fresh perspective.
As a movie critic, I’ve had the pleasure of delving into the thrilling world of “Newtopia.” This series takes us on an exhilarating journey, focusing on Lee Jae-yoon (Park), a man who served late in the military, and Kang Young-joo (Jisoo), a budding professional. Their unique bond is put to the test initially by a heartrending breakup, only to be further strained when a chilling zombie outbreak sweeps through Seoul.
Directed masterfully by Yoon Sung-hyun, “Newtopia” skillfully weaves together pulse-pounding action and delightful romance, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Park describes the project as charmingly funny and heartwarming – essentially a romantic comedy about zombies, or a ‘zom-com’ for short,” Park explains to EbMaster. “I was drawn to its distinctive quality that made me eager to join this production.” The actor, who openly admits to being a fan of Blackpink with signed albums to back it up, immediately clicked with his co-star. “From the get-go, our chemistry was fantastic and we easily formed a strong connection.
For Park, the job provided exceptional creative chances. He finds the allure of being placed in uncharted territories – ones he’s unlikely to encounter otherwise – to be the most captivating part of working on this project. “It broadened the horizon for my imagination,” he says, “giving me a chance to ponder the different paths I might take if I were in those circumstances.”
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Park found the job presented rare creative openings. What fascinated him most about working on this series was being put into situations that he’s unlikely to encounter – and thus, think about how he would react in those situations. “It expanded my imagination,” he notes, “giving me a chance to consider the various choices I could make if placed in those circumstances.
Jisoo’s presence on set greatly improved the teamwork between the two leads, as Park remarks, “Jisoo is an amazing individual who always maintains a positive attitude, devoid of negativity. Having her by my side during filming allowed me to stay true to my character’s feelings throughout the production. Working with her made portraying her romantic partner in the series feel effortless and enjoyable.
As a passionate cinephile, delving into the thrilling world of “Newtopia” after my triumph in “Snowdrop” presented fresh hurdles, predominantly in the realm of action. To be honest, this was my debut in a project set amidst a zombie apocalypse, and I must say, the adrenaline-pumping action sequences were an absolute joy to film!
The role demanded close to a year of shooting and rigorous physical training. On my days off, I dedicated myself to workouts, ensuring I was limber before each take, and maintaining focus during rehearsals to steer clear of injuries. After all, safety comes first when you’re running from the undead!
The former K-pop idol-turned-actress encountered challenging action sequences, including an arduous scene involving zombies. “One of the most difficult scenes required fighting and fleeing from zombies in a single shot,” she explained. “It required significant physical power, and maintaining the pace during all the running was tough.” Her commitment went beyond work hours: “On days with numerous action sequences, I followed recovery methods such as warm baths and stretching to avoid muscle pain, even if we ran late on set.”
After transitioning from K-pop stardom to acting, the actress found herself tackling demanding action scenes, one of which was a grueling sequence featuring zombies. “One of the hardest scenes to shoot was a continuous take where I had to fight and run away from zombies,” she stated. “It required a lot of physical strength, and keeping up with all the running proved challenging.” Off-camera, her dedication continued: “On days filled with action sequences, I followed recovery routines like warm baths and stretching to prevent muscle strain, even when we finished late on set.
The series is described as being like a “fairy tale hidden within a zombie show,” much like the 2013 movie “Warm Bodies.” This could appeal to viewers in a similar way. It’s praised for its unique perspective, with the creator deviating from typical storytelling methods to offer something fresh and stylistically innovative, according to Park.
Jisoo highlights the distinct blend of aspects in the show: “Although a zombie apocalypse might seem quite serious, ‘Newtopia’ manages to inject humor into the darkness by presenting characters who handle the turmoil in unusual and intriguing ways.
The series will premiere globally on Prime Video and Korean streamer Coupang Play on Friday.
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2025-02-05 17:47