Hey, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. Today, I’ll be diving into a review of the drama Happiness, which stands out as a distinct and socially aware zombie thriller on Netflix. The series skillfully combines horror elements with insightful commentary on contemporary society and class disparities.
Happiness made its debut in November 2021 on tvN and was later available on Netflix, consisting of 12 episodes, each averaging 65 minutes in length. This Korean drama was penned by writer Han Sang-woon and directed by Ahn Gil-ho, both recognized for their work on acclaimed series.
Set in a near-future Korea, the series revolves around a new drug named “Next,” which induces zombie-like symptoms, ensnaring residents of a high-end apartment complex amid a city-wide lockdown. Blending horror, social satire, and romantic drama, the show uses a zombie apocalypse to delve into themes of class disparity, human behavior, and societal collapse.
The drama’s innovative approach shifts focus from typical zombie action to psychological tension and social interactions, creating a claustrophobic vibe that reflects real-world fears about pandemics, isolation, and community disintegration.
Pandemic Lockdown and Human Nature’s Complexities
Happiness follows Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun, two police officers who enter a sham marriage to secure a spot in an upscale building. When “Next,” a synthetic drug, causes violent, zombie-like behavior, the city locks down, confining residents inside the building.
As the virus spreads and resources dwindle, the true nature of the apartment’s residents emerges, revealing class tensions and personal biases. The series examines how crises strip away social veneers, exposing both the best and worst of human conduct.
Each episode uncovers layers of the residents’ characters while heightening tension around the growing threat of infection, crafting a narrative that juxtaposes external zombie threats with internal human conflicts.
Yoon Sae-bom’s Unyielding Spirit
Han Hyo-joo shines as Yoon Sae-bom, a former military officer turned detective, naturally immune to the zombie virus. Her role embodies resilience, loyalty, and moral integrity amid chaos.
Sae-bom’s journey throughout the series highlights her shift from self-preservation to community leadership. Her tenacity and steadfast moral values make her a captivating protagonist who stands firm in her principles despite daunting dilemmas.
Jung Yi-hyun’s Devoted Affection
Park Hyung-sik plays Jung Yi-hyun, a detective with long-standing feelings for Sae-bom, becoming her pretend husband to help her secure an apartment. His character illustrates loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of unconditional love during crises.
Yi-hyun’s storyline explores themes of protection, dedication, and moral adaptability as he balances his police duties with his desire to shield Sae-bom. Their relationship serves as the series’ emotional core, showcasing how love can bolster strength in humanity’s darkest times.
Confrontation of Humanity Versus Monsters
The series builds to a climactic point where the apartment residents must choose between self-interest and communal survival. This conflict involves battling not only zombies but also confronting the human monsters that have surfaced during the crisis.
The final episodes expertly balance action with emotional resolution as characters face the outcomes of their decisions during the lockdown. The climax questions whether humanity can overcome its worst instincts in the face of extinction and if community ties can withstand ultimate trials.
Diverse Apartment Community
Happiness presents a varied group of apartment dwellers, symbolizing different facets of Korean society, from wealthy, entitled families to struggling middle-class workers. Characters such as the self-serving lawyer Oh Ju-hyung and the privileged housewife Han Tae-seok act as antagonists whose classist outlooks and selfish actions cause internal strife.
These supporting roles effectively demonstrate how crises reveal true character, with some rising to heroism while others descend into selfishness and cruelty, creating a microcosm of society’s reaction to calamity.
Achieving Success on Netflix
Happiness earned international acclaim on Netflix for its intelligent take on the zombie genre, appreciated for utilizing horror to convey incisive social commentary about class inequality and community duty. The series was lauded for its realistic depiction of pandemic-like scenarios and lockdown psychology, resonating with global viewers who faced similar situations during COVID-19. The chemistry between Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik garnered widespread praise, with many considering their relationship as one of the most genuine romantic pairings in recent K-dramas. The show’s success highlighted that zombie thrillers could be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, raising the genre from simple horror to significant social discourse.
If you’re a fan of zombie thrillers with profound social commentary and strong romantic elements, Happiness is an ideal series to binge on Netflix.
A superb fusion of horror and social satire, using a zombie apocalypse to reveal humanity’s best and worst during a crisis.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Platform: Netflix (originally tvN)
- Rating: 7.9/10 (IMDb)
- Genre: Zombie Thriller, Social Drama, Romance, Horror
- Protagonists: Han Hyo-joo (Yoon Sae-bom), Park Hyung-sik (Jung Yi-hyun)
- Antagonist: The Next virus/infected zombies, selfish residents like Oh Ju-hyung and Han Tae-seok who represent human greed and classism