BLACKPINK's Jisoo takes on a challenging role in Newtopia, playing Yeong Ju, a young woman fighting for survival amid a sudden zombie outbreak while dealing with the aftermath of a breakup.
Despite its gripping premise and Jisoo’s established fame from Snowdrop, Newtopia has struggled to gain traction. Viewership remains low, and online discussions are surprisingly quiet. So, what went wrong? Let’s explore some possible reasons behind its lack of buzz.
A Thrilling Yet Overlooked Plot
Newtopia follows the story of Jae Yun (Park Jeong Min Hellbound 2021), a 26-year-old soldier, and his girlfriend, Yeong Ju (Jisoo), as they fight to survive a sudden zombie outbreak in Seoul. Jae Yun, who enlisted late in hopes of securing an alternative military service, is struggling with insecurity about his future.
His obsessive love for Yeong Ju leads to their breakup, but just as their relationship ends, the world is thrown into chaos.
As Jae Yun battles through hordes of zombies, he transforms from a weak, uncertain soldier into a strong leader. Meanwhile, Yeong Ju, a rookie in the workforce, initially struggles with her emotions but finds herself growing stronger as she fights to survive and reunite with Jae Yun.
With its fast-paced action, emotional depth, and a fresh take on the zombie apocalypse genre, Newtopia had all the elements of a hit. So, why isn’t it making waves?
Why Is Newtopia Struggling?
Despite Jisoo’s global popularity, Newtopia has struggled to attract viewers. One major issue is the criticism of her acting. Many have pointed out her weak delivery and lack of expression, making it difficult to connect with her character.
Another factor is the oversaturation of zombie dramas. With hits like All of Us Are Dead and Happiness, audiences may be experiencing fatigue with the genre.
Should Idols Lead K-Dramas?
Jisoo’s performance has reignited debates about idols taking lead acting roles. While fan support is strong, acting requires skill and training. Should production teams prioritize experience over popularity?
While idols bring a built-in fanbase, their acting skills are often scrutinized, impacting a show's success. This scenario underscores the importance of aligning casting choices with the demands of the narrative to ensure both critical and commercial success.
Where to Watch
Newtopia is available for streaming exclusively on Coupang TV and Prime Video for International fans. The drama consists of 8 episodes, with each episode running for 53 minutes. The series will conclude on March 21, 2025, with the release of its final episode.
Will Newtopia Gain Momentum?
With more episodes yet to air, Newtopia still has a chance to turn things around. Could word-of-mouth bring in more viewers? Or will it remain one of the most underrated K-dramas of 2025?
Would you give Newtopia a chance, or do you think it’s missing something? Let’s discuss!
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