Hello, everyone! How are you? Today, I’m excited to discuss the drama Happiness, which has emerged as one of the most distinctive and socially aware zombie thrillers available on Netflix, skillfully merging horror with incisive commentary on contemporary society and class disparities.
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Happiness debuted in November 2021 on tvN and subsequently became accessible on Netflix, featuring 12 episodes, each averaging 65 minutes in length. This Korean drama was penned by writer Han Sang-woon and helmed by director Ahn Gil-ho, both recognized for their contributions to critically acclaimed series.
Set in a near-future South Korea, this zombie thriller revolves around a new drug known as “Next,” which induces zombie-like symptoms, confining residents of an upscale apartment during a city-wide lockdown. The series interweaves horror, social satire, and romantic elements, utilizing the zombie apocalypse as a framework to delve into class disparities, human behavior, and societal collapse.
Unlike conventional zombie narratives, the show’s innovative approach emphasizes psychological tension and social interactions, crafting a claustrophobic setting that reflects real-world concerns regarding pandemics, isolation, and the disintegration of community.
Human Nature and Pandemic Isolation
Happiness follows Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun, two police officers who engage in a sham marriage to obtain an apartment in a luxurious building. When the synthetic drug “Next” incites violent, zombie-like behavior in its users, the entire city enters lockdown, trapping the inhabitants within their residence.
As the infection spreads and resources dwindle, the true nature of the apartment’s residents is revealed, with class distinctions and individual biases surfacing. The series examines how crisis situations dismantle social facades, exposing both the most admirable and the most reprehensible aspects of human behavior.
Each episode uncovers layers of the residents’ personalities while escalating tension regarding the looming infection threat, creating a dual narrative that juxtaposes external zombie peril with internal human monstrosities.
Yoon Sae-bom’s Unyielding Resolve
Han Hyo-joo delivers a stellar performance as Yoon Sae-bom, a former military officer turned police detective who possesses innate immunity to the zombie virus. Her character embodies resilience, loyalty, and moral fortitude amidst overwhelming chaos.
Sae-bom’s journey throughout the series highlights her transformation from an individual focused on personal survival to a leader committed to safeguarding the entire community. Her fierce resolve and steadfast moral principles make her a captivating protagonist who refuses to compromise her values, even in the face of impossible decisions.
Jung Yi-hyun’s Devoted Protection
Park Hyung-sik portrays Jung Yi-hyun, a police detective who has harbored feelings for Sae-bom since their high school days and becomes her fake spouse to assist her in securing the apartment. His character symbolizes loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of unconditional love during tumultuous times.
Yi-hyun’s character arc delves into themes of protection, commitment, and ethical flexibility as he navigates the conflict 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, illustrating how love can provide resilience in humanity’s darkest hours.
The Ultimate Showdown of Humanity and Monsters
The series culminates in a climactic confrontation where the apartment residents must decide between self-preservation and community welfare. This showdown entails not only defending against zombie threats but also confronting the human monstrosities that have arisen during the crisis.
The final episodes skillfully balance action sequences with emotional resolutions as characters face the repercussions of their choices throughout the lockdown. The climax poses the question of whether humanity can rise above its worst instincts when confronted with extinction and whether communal ties can withstand ultimate trials.
The Community Within the Apartment
Happiness boasts a diverse ensemble of apartment residents representing various facets of Korean society, from affluent, 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 attitudes and self-interest incite internal conflict.
These supporting characters effectively illustrate how crises reveal true character, with some stepping up to heroism while others devolve into selfishness and cruelty, forming a microcosm of society’s reaction to disaster.
Netflix Success Story
Happiness achieved global acclaim on Netflix for its clever take on the zombie genre, lauded for employing horror elements to convey sharp social critiques regarding class inequality and community responsibility. The series garnered praise for its realistic depiction of pandemic-like circumstances and lockdown psychology, resonating with worldwide audiences who faced similar situations during COVID-19. The chemistry between Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik received widespread admiration, with many considering their relationship one of the most genuine romantic partnerships in recent K-drama. The show’s triumph illustrated that zombie thrillers could be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, elevating the genre beyond mere horror into significant social discourse.
For those who appreciate zombie thrillers infused with profound social commentary and robust romantic elements, Happiness is an ideal series to binge-watch on Netflix.
A brilliant fusion of horror and social satire that leverages the zombie apocalypse to unveil the best and worst of human nature amid crises.
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