Hello, everyone! How are you? Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the drama Happiness, which stands out as one of the most distinctive and socially aware zombie thrillers available on Netflix, merging horror with insightful commentary on contemporary society and class disparities.
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Happiness debuted in November 2021 on tvN and was subsequently released on Netflix, featuring 12 episodes, each lasting about 65 minutes. This Korean drama was crafted by writer Han Sang-woon and directed by Ahn Gil-ho, both recognized for their contributions to acclaimed series.
Set in a near-future Korea, this zombie thriller revolves around a new drug named “Next” that induces zombie-like symptoms, confining residents of a luxury apartment during a city-wide lockdown. The series skillfully blends horror, social satire, and romantic elements, using the zombie apocalypse as a backdrop to delve into class disparity, human behavior, and societal collapse.
The show’s unconventional focus emphasizes psychological tension and social interactions over typical zombie action, creating a stifling atmosphere that reflects real-world fears regarding pandemics, isolation, and the disintegration of community.
Human Nature Amidst a Pandemic
Happiness revolves around Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun, two police officers who enter into a sham marriage to obtain an apartment in a high-end building. When a new synthetic drug called “Next” triggers violent, zombie-like behavior in its users, the entire city is locked down, trapping the building’s residents.
As the infection spreads and resources dwindle, the true characters of the apartment residents come to light, exposing class disparities and personal biases. The series examines how crisis situations strip away social pretenses, unveiling both the best and worst facets of human nature.
Each episode unveils layers of the residents’ personalities while escalating the tension surrounding the infection threat, crafting a dual narrative of external zombie peril and internal human monstrosities.
Yoon Sae-bom’s Unyielding Resolve
Han Hyo-joo delivers an outstanding performance as Yoon Sae-bom, a former military officer now turned police detective who possesses an innate immunity to the zombie virus. Her character embodies resilience, loyalty, and ethical bravery in the midst of chaos.
Sae-bom’s journey throughout the series highlights her growth from someone primarily concerned with personal survival to a leader dedicated to protecting her community. Her fierce resolve and steadfast moral compass make her a captivating protagonist who refuses to compromise her principles, even in the face of daunting choices.
Jung Yi-hyun’s Devoted Protection
Park Hyung-sik plays Jung Yi-hyun, a police detective who has secretly loved Sae-bom since high school and becomes her fake spouse to help her secure the apartment. His character symbolizes loyalty, sacrifice, and the power of unconditional love in times of crisis.
Yi-hyun’s character development explores themes of protection, devotion, and moral ambiguity as he grapples with his duties 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 offer strength during humanity’s darkest hours.
Ultimate Showdown Between Humanity and Beasts
The series culminates in a dramatic confrontation where the apartment residents must decide between self-preservation and the survival of the community. This encounter involves not only fending off zombie threats but also confronting the human monsters who have emerged in the wake of the crisis.
The concluding episodes skillfully balance action with emotional resolution as characters face the repercussions of their decisions throughout the lockdown. The climax challenges whether humanity can rise above its basest instincts in the face of extinction and whether community ties can endure the ultimate test.
The Apartment Residents
Happiness features a varied cast of apartment residents that reflect different facets of Korean society, from affluent entitled families to struggling middle-class workers. Characters like the self-centered lawyer Oh Ju-hyung and the privileged housewife Han Tae-seok act as antagonists whose classist attitudes and selfishness generate internal strife.
These supporting figures effectively depict how crises bring out true character, with some rising to heroism while others succumb to selfishness and cruelty, creating a microcosm of society’s response to disaster.
Acclaimed Success on Netflix
Happiness garnered international acclaim on Netflix for its thought-provoking take on the zombie genre, celebrated for its use of horror elements to provide incisive social commentary on class inequality and community accountability. The series was praised for its authentic portrayal of pandemic-like scenarios and lockdown psychology, resonating with global audiences who encountered similar experiences during COVID-19. The chemistry between Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik received widespread acclaim, with many considering their relationship one of the most genuine romantic dynamics in recent K-drama history. The show’s success illustrated that zombie thrillers can be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, elevating the genre beyond mere horror into meaningful social discussion.
If you enjoy zombie thrillers infused with profound social commentary and compelling romantic elements, Happiness is an ideal series to binge-watch on Netflix.
A brilliant fusion of horror and social satire that utilizes the zombie apocalypse to reveal the best and worst of human nature during 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