Blackpink's Jisoo takes on zombies in new Korean thriller 'Newtopia'

Korean pop sensation Jisoo from Blackpink is taking on a new challenge as the lead in the upcoming zombie thriller series "Newtopia." The series, produced by Korean streaming service Coupang Play, follows two lovers navigating a zombie-infested Seoul. Jisoo portrays an engineer who is separated from her boyfriend, played by Park Jung-min, during a zombie outbreak.

"Newtopia," co-scripted by the writer of Bong Joon-ho's Oscar-winning "Parasite" and the writer of Disney+'s "A Shop for Killers," promises a thrilling and suspenseful storyline. The series has completed filming and is expected to release in 2025.

This marks a significant step in Jisoo's acting career, as she has previously held minor roles in Korean TV series. The series is also the TV directing debut of Yoon Sung-hyun, known for films like "Bleak Night" and "Time to Hunt."

Coupang Play, the streaming arm of Korean e-commerce giant Coupang, is gaining traction in the entertainment market with its original content, including a localized version of "Saturday Night Live" and the Korean adaptation of "Criminal Justice."