On January 7, the Coupang Play platform held a production press conference for the new drama “Newtopia”, with the participation of director Yoon Sung Hyun and the two main actors Park Jung Min and Jisoo (Blackpink).
“Newtopia” is a romantic and horror drama set in Seoul, where zombies have taken over after a virus has spread. Lee Jae Yoon (Park Jung Min), a soldier who enlisted late in the army, and his girlfriend Kang Young Joo (Jisoo) will overcome the chaos to reunite.
Director Yoon Sung Hyun said the film will focus on depicting zombies in a new way: “Recently, many zombie stories tend to be about fear. I wanted to go back to the time when zombies looked weird and funny.
This nostalgic approach, combined with today's sensibilities, will probably bring a unique experience to the audience."
Regarding the reason for participating in this project, actress Jisoo shared: “I have watched a lot of zombie movies, but when I read the script for “Newtopia”, I felt that this is a movie that is not simply about a fierce zombie outbreak, but also has many other colors.
The character Young Joo is very attractive, and I wanted to play a proactive person who dares to think and act. Furthermore, I chose this project without hesitation because there was director Yoon Sung Hyun and actor Park Jung Min.”
Asked about the physical challenges involved in the action scenes, Jisoo surprised the reporter by confessing that the physical demands of the role were not too difficult for her, as she normally has good stamina.
However, the difficult thing is that she has to wear the same clothes for 6 months when the weather changes.
Jisoo added about going to martial arts school: “At first, I couldn't do a somersault properly, I would just do it once and then stop to look around.
But after taking the action training course, I was able to do five backflips without stopping. Attending martial arts school and physical training helped me increase my endurance and not get tired when doing action scenes.”
Co-star Park Jung Min and director Yoon Sung Hyun also praised Jisoo for her incredible strength. The director said, "Before, I thought Lee Je Hoon had the best stamina, but now I have to admit that Jisoo's stamina surpasses his.
There were a lot of action scenes, martial arts, and blood during filming. But when I asked her if she had any difficulties, Jisoo said no. She always had a very positive energy.”
The movie “Newtopia” will premiere on the evening of February 7 on Coupang Play, and international audiences can watch the movie through Prime Video in more than 240 countries/regions.
