Hello, everyone! How are you? Today, I’m excited to discuss the drama Happiness, which has emerged as one of Netflix’s most distinctive and socially aware zombie thrillers, skillfully merging horror with incisive commentary on contemporary society and class disparities.
Advertisements
Debuting in November 2021 on tvN, Happiness later became available on Netflix with a total of 12 episodes, each lasting an average of 65 minutes. This captivating Korean drama was penned by writer Han Sang-woon and directed by Ahn Gil-ho, both known for their contributions to critically acclaimed shows.
Set in a near-future Korea, this zombie thriller revolves around a new drug named “Next” that induces zombie-like symptoms, confining residents of an upscale apartment complex amid a city-wide lockdown. The series intertwines elements of horror, social satire, and romantic drama, using the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse to delve into themes of class inequality, human nature, and societal collapse.
What sets this show apart is its focus on psychological tension and social interactions rather than conventional zombie action, crafting a suffocating atmosphere that reflects real-world fears regarding pandemics, isolation, and the breakdown of community.
Human Nature During Pandemic Lockdowns
The narrative of Happiness revolves around Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun, two police officers who engage in a sham marriage to secure accommodation in a high-end building. When the synthetic drug “Next” triggers violent, zombie-like behaviors in its users, the entire city faces lockdown, trapping residents within their homes.
As the infection spreads and supplies dwindle, the true characters of the apartment residents emerge, highlighting class divisions and personal biases. The series examines how crises reveal the underlying human nature, showcasing both the best and worst traits of individuals.
Each episode unveils layers of the residents’ personalities while escalating tension around the looming infection threat, weaving a dual narrative that juxtaposes external zombie dangers with internal human monstrosities.
Sae-bom’s Unyielding Resolve
Han Hyo-joo delivers an outstanding performance as Yoon Sae-bom, a former military officer who becomes a police detective and possesses natural immunity to the zombie virus. Her character embodies resilience, loyalty, and moral fortitude amidst overwhelming chaos.
Throughout the series, Sae-bom evolves from a character focused on her own survival to a leader dedicated to safeguarding the entire community. Her fierce determination and steadfast moral principles make her a captivating protagonist, steadfast in her values even when faced with impossible dilemmas.
Yi-hyun’s Devoted Protection
Park Hyung-sik portrays Jung Yi-hyun, a police detective who has long harbored feelings for Sae-bom since their high school days and becomes her faux husband to help her secure the apartment. His character symbolizes loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of unconditional love in times of crisis.
Yi-hyun’s journey explores themes of protection, devotion, and ethical dilemmas as he navigates the tension between his responsibilities as a police officer and his desire to keep Sae-bom safe. His relationship with Sae-bom serves as the emotional core of the series, highlighting how love can be a source of strength during humanity’s darkest hours.
Confrontation Between Humanity and Beasts
The series culminates in a dramatic confrontation where the apartment residents must decide between self-preservation and community welfare. This showdown involves not only battling zombie threats but also facing the internal human beasts that have surfaced during the crisis.
The final episodes expertly balance action-packed sequences with emotional resolutions as characters confront the repercussions of their decisions throughout the lockdown. The climax questions whether humanity can rise above its worst inclinations in the face of extinction and whether communal bonds can withstand ultimate trials.
Life in the Apartment Community
Happiness showcases a varied cast of apartment residents reflecting different facets of Korean society, from affluent entitled families to struggling middle-class individuals. Characters like the self-serving lawyer Oh Ju-hyung and the privileged housewife Han Tae-seok act as antagonists, their classist mindsets and self-centeredness creating internal strife.
These supporting characters effectively demonstrate how crises reveal true character, with some rising to heroism while others descend into selfishness and cruelty, forming a microcosm of society’s response to calamity.
Netflix Success Story
Happiness garnered international acclaim on Netflix for its intelligent take on the zombie genre, celebrated for utilizing horror elements to present incisive social commentary on class disparities and community obligations. The series received praise for its authentic depiction of pandemic-like scenarios and lockdown psychology, resonating with global viewers who experienced similar circumstances during COVID-19. The chemistry between Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik was widely lauded, with many considering their relationship to be one of the most genuine romantic partnerships in recent K-drama. The success of the show illustrated that zombie thrillers could be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, elevating the genre beyond mere horror into meaningful social discourse.
If you’re a fan of zombie thrillers infused with profound social commentary and compelling romantic elements, Happiness is the ideal series to binge-watch on Netflix.
A masterful fusion of horror and social satire that uses the zombie apocalypse to reveal the best and worst of human nature during crises.
Series Information:
- Episodes: 12
- Where to Watch: Netflix (originally tvN)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Genres: Zombie Thriller, Social Drama, Romance, Horror
- Main Cast: 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 who embody human greed and classism