Season 1, Episode 1, titled “1 Time”, directed by Yoon Sunghyun and written by Han Jinwon and Jee Hojin, introduces the characters, setting, and events leading up to the zombie outbreak. As a romantic fantasy and zombie comedy, the show blends dark and comedic elements, delivering absurd moments that contrast with the more serious portrayals of outbreaks in Kingdom, Train to Busan, and similar works. This unique tone makes Newtopia a compelling recommendation for viewers seeking a fresh take on the genre.

The episode explores the theme of isolation. The soldiers of the 1st Platoon struggle to balance their professional responsibilities as an anti-aircraft unit while maintaining the secrecy of their location atop 77 A Tower. The building’s employees and management strictly enforce discretion, ensuring that visitors remain unaware of the platoon’s presence. Adding to the tension, two of the soldiers—Private Lee Jae-yoon and Private Ra In-ho—are seen as liabilities due to their older age and backgrounds. Ra In-ho, a father, clings to his marriage, which is only held together by the love he and his wife share for their infant child. Meanwhile, Lee Jae-yoon is reeling from an impending breakup with his girlfriend, Kang Young-joo. Their personal struggles intensify as the outbreak slowly unfolds, forcing them to abandon their melancholy and fight for survival.

Beyond the isolation, the episode also presents ironic undertones. Soldiers are expected to protect the general public from threats, yet their stationing at a high-rise filled with VIP guests and elites suggests their true purpose may be to safeguard the privileged rather than ordinary civilians. This setup subtly critiques the military’s priorities. Additionally, the choice of an anti-aircraft unit as the protagonists raises questions—after all, zombies can’t fly. If they could, the image of airborne zombies swarming the sky like bees would be both terrifying and absurd, fitting perfectly within the show’s comedic tone.

The Anti-Aircraft Unit

On May 2, 2025, Private Lee Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min), Private Ra In-ho (Im Sung-jae), and the seven other members of the 1st Platoon are stationed at 77 A Tower in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, as part of an anti-aircraft defense unit. Their duties involve training, maintenance, and preparation for potential aerial threats. However, their presence must remain discreet. Employees such as Oh Soo-jeong (Hong Seo-hee), a VIP lounge staff member, dislike the soldiers’ presence, fearing it will disturb the building’s wealthy guests. Even Aaron Park (Kim Junhan), the VIP hotel manager, expresses his annoyance. Despite this, some employees—like Paulo (Justin Harvey), the hotel chef—befriend the soldiers, even sharing food with them. These interactions set the stage for how the characters will navigate relationships once the outbreak begins.

The platoon frequently faces disciplinary action due to Lee Jae-yoon and Ra In-ho’s perceived incompetence. Punishments include intense physical training, such as running laps and climbing all 77 tower floors. This sequence is highlighted in an excellent montage, showcasing the tower’s major locations: the lobby, the mall, the office spaces, the construction floors, the VIP lounge, the VIP hotel, and, finally, the anti-aircraft military base at the top. This visual tour foreshadows how the architecture, objects, and people within these floors will play a crucial role in surviving the zombie outbreak.

The Separated Couple

Lee Jae-yoon is also grappling with personal turmoil, particularly his failing relationship with Kang Young-joo (Jisoo). Young-joo, adjusting to a new job, has turned to alcohol and grown emotionally distant. Meanwhile, Jae-yoon, unable to let go, repeatedly calls her—even during his military duty—coming off as clingy and frustrating. Their deteriorating relationship culminates in a phone call where Young-joo suggests breaking up, citing their prolonged separation.

After deep contemplation, Jae-yoon comes to terms with her perspective. In a heartfelt voice message, he acknowledges that expecting someone to wait patiently for 18 months—especially when he still needs to finish college and secure a job—seems unreasonable. Now nearing 27 years old, he realizes the immense pressure of completing his military service, graduating, and establishing a stable future. His greatest concern is whether he can truly sustain their relationship, let alone build a life together as a married couple.

Despite this, Young-joo insists on meeting Jae-yoon in person at 77 A Tower to discuss their breakup. She is driven there by a friend, but their journey takes a horrific turn when an infected man crashes through the windshield, losing an eye in the process. Meanwhile, inside the tower, an even greater catastrophe unfolds—a plane, filled with infected passengers, is on a collision course with the VIP hotel floor, where Lee Jae-yoon and Ra In-ho are stationed.

It seems fate has a cruel sense of humor, throwing a zombie outbreak into the midst of their lowest point in life. It’s both tragic and utterly ridiculous.

Rating: 9/10