Jisoo to star in new zombie thriller series ‘Newtopia’

A new chapter for Blackpink’s Jisoo

Jisoo, a prominent member of the globally renowned K-pop group Blackpink, is set to take on a leading role in the upcoming zombie thriller series Newtopia. This highly anticipated series, produced by the local streaming service Coupang Play, promises to deliver a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a zombie-infested Seoul.

The plot thickens

The storyline of Newtopia revolves around two lovers navigating the chaos of a zombie outbreak in Seoul. The male protagonist, played by Park Jung-min, encounters the outbreak during his mandatory military service. Meanwhile, his girlfriend, portrayed by Jisoo (real name Kim Ji-soo), is an engineer who has just started a new job and is eagerly awaiting his release. As they traverse the city separately, they must fend off zombie attacks in their quest to reunite.

A powerhouse of talent behind the scenes

Coupang Play, the streaming arm of the Korean e-commerce giant Coupang, has assembled a stellar team for this project. The series is co-scripted by Han Jin-won, who co-wrote the Oscar-winning film Parasite, and Ji Ho-jin, known for his work on Disney+’s A Shop for Killers. Filming for the series, which was previously titled Influenza, has been completed, and it is slated for release in 2025.

Directorial debut in TV for Yoon Sung-hyun

Newtopia marks the TV directing debut of Yoon Sung-hyun, who is acclaimed for his 2011 film Bleak Night and the action thriller Time to Hunt. His transition from film to television is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see how his unique directorial style will translate to the small screen.

Jisoo’s evolving acting career

Jisoo has previously made several cameo appearances in Korean TV series and had a significant role in the 2020 period action-comedy series Snowdrop. She also had a minor role in Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman and is reportedly attached to Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, a multi-part film adaptation of a popular webtoon.

Blackpink’s solo ventures

Late last year, Blackpink renewed their group contract with YG Entertainment, the agency that catapulted them to global stardom. However, the four individual members did not renew their contracts. Rose moved to The Black Label, while the other three members established independent labels and are now pursuing solo projects.

Coupang Play’s growing influence

As an e-commerce giant, Coupang is known for its aggressive same-day delivery service across a wide range of consumer goods, successfully fending off competition from large multinational companies. Its streaming service, Coupang Play, serves as a companion to regular clients, similar to Prime Video and its parent company Amazon. Although it has had a smaller impact on the Korean entertainment market, it has made headlines with localized versions of popular shows like Saturday Night Live and the TV drama One Ordinary Day, a Korean adaptation of the 2008 BBC series Criminal Justice.

Personal reflections for enthusiasts

For fans of cinema, TV series, and music, Newtopia represents an exciting convergence of talent and storytelling. The involvement of Jisoo, a beloved figure in the K-pop world, adds a layer of intrigue and anticipation. Her transition from music to acting is a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft. The series’ unique premise, combined with the creative minds behind it, promises a thrilling and emotionally charged viewing experience.

For those who appreciate in-depth character development and complex narratives, Newtopia is poised to deliver. The backdrop of a zombie-infested Seoul provides a rich setting for exploring themes of survival, love, and resilience. The dynamic between the two protagonists, as they navigate their separate yet intertwined journeys, is sure to captivate audiences.

Explore more

To get a glimpse of what’s in store, check out the trailer for Newtopia here. For those interested in Jisoo’s previous work, you can watch the trailer for Snowdrop here.

As we await the release of Newtopia, it’s clear that this series has all the ingredients to become a standout hit. With its compelling storyline, talented cast, and experienced creative team, it is set to make a significant impact on the world of television.