Hello, everyone! How are you doing? Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the drama Happiness, which stands out as a distinctive and socially aware zombie thriller on Netflix, merging horror with insightful critiques of contemporary society and class disparities.
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Happiness debuted in November 2021 on tvN and subsequently became available on Netflix, featuring 12 episodes, each roughly 65 minutes long. This Korean drama was penned by writer Han Sang-woon and helmed by director Ahn Gil-ho, both renowned for their contributions to 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 the inhabitants of a luxury apartment complex during a city-wide lockdown. The series intertwines horror, social satire, and romantic elements, using the zombie apocalypse as a canvas to delve into themes of class inequality, human behavior, and societal collapse.
The show’s innovative perspective prioritizes psychological tension and social interaction over conventional zombie action, creating a stifling atmosphere that reflects real-world fears surrounding pandemics, isolation, and the disintegration of community.
Human Nature and Pandemic Lockdown
Happiness focuses on Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun, two police officers who enter into a sham marriage to acquire an apartment in a high-end building. When a new synthetic drug named “Next” incites violent, zombie-like behavior in its users, the entire city is placed under lockdown, confining the residents within their building.
As the infection spreads and resources dwindle, the residents of the apartment reveal their true selves, with class distinctions and personal biases surfacing. The series examines how crises strip away social masks, exposing both the best and worst of human nature.
Each episode unveils layers of the residents’ characters while escalating the tension surrounding the looming infection threat, crafting a dual narrative of external zombie peril and internal human villains.
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 is naturally immune to the zombie virus. Her character embodies resilience, loyalty, and ethical bravery amid overwhelming chaos.
Sae-bom’s journey throughout the series illustrates her transformation from a self-preservation focus to a leader dedicated to safeguarding the entire community. Her fierce determination and steadfast moral compass make her a captivating protagonist who refuses to compromise her principles, even when confronted with impossible choices.
Jung Yi-hyun’s Devoted Protection
Park Hyung-sik plays Jung Yi-hyun, a police detective who has harbored feelings for Sae-bom since high school and becomes her faux husband to help her secure the apartment. His character exemplifies loyalty, sacrifice, and the strength of unconditional love during crises.
Yi-hyun’s character development delves into themes of protection, devotion, and ethical flexibility as he navigates between his duty 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 fortitude in humanity’s bleakest moments.
Climactic Battle Between Humanity and Monsters
The series culminates in a climactic confrontation where the apartment residents must decide between self-preservation and communal survival. This clash encompasses not only battling zombie threats but also confronting the human monsters that emerge during the crisis.
The concluding episodes expertly balance action with emotional resolution as characters face the repercussions of their decisions throughout the lockdown. The climax questions whether humanity can transcend its worst instincts when confronted with extinction and if community ties can withstand ultimate trials.
The Apartment Community Dynamics
Happiness showcases a varied cast of apartment residents who reflect 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, with their classist viewpoints and selfishness fostering internal discord.
These supporting characters effectively depict how crises reveal true character, with some rising to heroism while others succumb to selfishness and cruelty, creating a microcosm of societal reactions to disaster.
Netflix Success Story
Happiness achieved global acclaim on Netflix for its astute take on the zombie genre, lauded for utilizing horror elements to provide incisive social commentary on class inequality and community accountability. The series was praised for its realistic depiction of pandemic-like scenarios and lockdown psychology, resonating with viewers worldwide who experienced similar situations during COVID-19. The chemistry between Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik received extensive acclaim, with many considering their relationship one of the most genuine romantic partnerships in recent K-drama. The show’s success illustrated that zombie thrillers can be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, elevating the genre beyond mere horror into significant social discussions.
If you enjoy zombie thrillers infused with profound social commentary and strong romantic elements, Happiness is the ideal series to binge-watch on Netflix.
A brilliant mix of horror and social satire that leverages the zombie apocalypse to highlight the best and worst of human nature in times of crisis.
Series Information:
- Total Episodes: 12
- Available On: Netflix (originally tvN)
- Rating: 7.9/10 (IMDb)
- Genres: Zombie Thriller, Social Drama, Romance, Horror
- Main Characters: Han Hyo-joo (Yoon Sae-bom), Park Hyung-sik (Jung Yi-hyun)
- Antagonists: The Next virus/infected zombies, selfish residents such as Oh Ju-hyung and Han Tae-seok, who symbolize human greed and classism