What’s up, friends? Have you had a chance to check out the drama Happiness? If not, you’re missing out on a wild ride! This show is not your average zombie thriller—it’s packed with incisive social commentary that’s all about our current times and the stark class divides we see around us.
Originally airing in November 2021 on tvN and later streaming on Netflix, this series comprises 12 gripping episodes, each running about 65 minutes. Crafted by the talented writer Han Sang-woon and directed by Ahn Gil-ho, known for their impressive past work, this drama truly stands out.
Set in a near-future Korea, the story revolves around a new drug called “Next,” which causes unsettling, zombie-like symptoms, leading to a city-wide lockdown that traps residents in a luxury apartment complex. Rather than focusing solely on the horror aspect, it masterfully blends psychological tension, social satire, and touches of romance—using the zombie apocalypse backdrop to explore class inequality and human instincts.
What’s really cool about this show is that it doesn’t lean on typical zombie action. Instead, it creates a gripping atmosphere that amplifies our real-life worries about isolation and societal breakdown. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat!
Human Behavior in Crisis Mode
At its heart, Happiness follows Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun, two cops who get into a pretend marriage to snag a place in a fancy building. When the drug “Next” wreaks havoc, turning people into aggressive zombies, the city locks down, trapping them and their neighbors inside.
As chaos unfolds and resources dwindle, the characters reveal their true selves, exposing deep-rooted class divisions and biases. The show brilliantly highlights how disasters can strip away social niceties, showcasing both the best and worst of human nature.
Each episode peels back the layers of the residents’ personalities while ramping up the tension of the looming infection threat, telling a tale of external dangers and internal struggles.
Sae-bom: A Beacon of Strength
Han Hyo-joo shines as Yoon Sae-bom, a former military officer turned detective who has a rare immunity to the zombie virus. Her character embodies resilience and bravery amidst the chaos.
Watching Sae-bom grow from someone just trying to survive into a leader who fights for her community is inspiring. Her fierce resolve and strong morals make her such a relatable and compelling lead.
Yi-hyun: The Protector
Park Hyung-sik plays Jung Yi-hyun, a detective who’s had a crush on Sae-bom since their school days and marries her for the apartment. His character shows what loyalty and commitment look like in tough times.
His journey revolves around protecting Sae-bom while wrestling with his responsibilities as a cop. Their relationship serves as the emotional core, showing how love can be a source of strength when everything seems grim.
Climactic Showdown: Humanity vs. Monsters
The series builds to an epic conclusion where apartment residents face the choice of self-preservation versus community survival. They must confront not only the zombie threats but also the darker sides of people that emerge during a crisis.
In the finale, there’s a fantastic blend of action and emotional closure as characters contend with the fallout of their choices. It raises questions about whether we can rise above our worst instincts when facing extinction and what it means for community ties to endure the ultimate tests.
A Microcosm of Society
The diverse residents of the apartment showcase various slices of Korean society, from rich families acting entitled to middle-class folks struggling to get by. Characters like the self-serving lawyer Oh Ju-hyung and the privileged housewife Han Tae-seok epitomize the classist attitudes that foster internal conflict.
The supporting characters effectively illustrate how crises reveal true natures, with some stepping up as heroes while others spiral into selfishness and ruthlessness, creating a little society in itself.
Netflix Hit!
Happiness found a huge audience on Netflix for its smart take on the zombie genre, celebrated for using horror tropes to shed light on issues like class inequality and community responsibilities. The portrayal of pandemic-like situations and lockdown dynamics resonated with viewers worldwide, especially those who lived through COVID-19. The chemistry between Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik is a highlight, with many calling it one of the most genuine romantic pairings in recent K-drama history. This show proves that zombie stories can be both thrilling and thought-provoking, elevating the genre into meaningful social discussions.
So, if you’re into zombie thrillers that pack a punch with social insights and a touch of romance, grab some popcorn and dive into Happiness on Netflix.
It’s a brilliant fusion of horror and social critique that reveals the duality of human nature amid crisis!
Series Details:
- Episodes: 12
- Available On: Netflix (originally on tvN)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Genres: Zombie Thriller, Social Drama, Romance, Horror
- Stars: Han Hyo-joo (Yoon Sae-bom), Park Hyung-sik (Jung Yi-hyun)
- Antagonists: The Next virus/infected zombies, selfish residents like Oh Ju-hyung and Han Tae-seok representing societal greed and classism.