• “Happiness” Is Better Than "Penthouse" Here's The Reason Why

    “Happiness” has made a clever choice by putting Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik together as the newlywed heroes. 

    tvN’s Friday-Saturday drama “Happiness” is a zombie narrative fantasy featuring an unknown infectious disease. However, the charm of this drama lies in its realistic side. This is because the infectious zombie disease has also been brought into our daily world through the pandemic era. The blocked apartment and the background of this drama also contribute to the atmosphere. Apartments divided into those for rent on the lower floor and general sale on the higher floor are symbols of the current Korean society as well.

    The story of an infectious disease told through the apartments shows Korea in the 21st century with problems such as class issues and capital issues. “Happiness” chooses this way to get a sense of reality, but at the same time boldly excludes the spectacle elements of horror fantasy. It is a different way from the horror fantasy chosen by Netflix’s “Hellbound” or “Sweet Home.”

    In fact, both “Hellbound” and “Sweet Home” start by setting an unprovoked target of fear as a set value. The Grim Reaper appears for no reason, and the monsters of “Sweet Home” also have no special context. Instead, the atmosphere of fear and the spectacle erase this question mark. The audience feels fear and overwhelmed just by looking at the mentioned monsters. On the other hand, the infectious disease of “Happiness” is different. The story of how the new drug Nextra has manifested everything was told from the beginning.

    “Happiness” chooses the stories of characters instead of spectacles. Han Sang-woon, the author of “Watcher“, shows excellent skills in drawing a solid, strong story by beginning with the elements of the build-up and reversal from the original novel.

    In “Happiness”, writer Han Sang-woon tries to exclude the zombie horror atmosphere as much as possible and build up stories toward the psychology subject. Suspicion of infectious disease patients spread among the residents of this apartment. The true face of Korea capitalist society is shown by characters, such as the snobbish doctor Oh Joo-hyung (Baek Hyun-jin), lawyer Kook Hae-sung (Park Hyung-soo), pastor Cha Soon-bae (Sun Woo-chang), etc. and Oh Yeon-ok (Bae Hae-sun), the pastor’s wife and a scammer who wants to take on the role of the apartment’s representative. The interesting part of this drama is the true personality of these snobbish characters that are openly revealed inside the blocked apartment. In addition, the process of a person becoming a capitalist while securing water resources in this environment is depicted realistically by the poor residents, such as the cleaning team of Ko Se-kyu (Kim Young-woong), etc.

    In this way, it might be a cliché setting, but the story in the environment of infectious diseases and containment appears really realistic. In particular, like SBS’s drama “Penthouse”, it is not easy to use a childish strategy to lead the quarrels of those who keep creating meaningless fights, and no matter how many zombies appear in “Happiness”, it will still be more realistic than bringing the dead back to life.

    Meanwhile, “Happiness” heavily lays out the narrative of conspiracy theory by state agencies related to infectious diseases through the character of Han Tae-seok (Jo Woo-jin), a lieutenant colonel of the Medical Command. However, if the story is too immersed in criticisms of modern society, the drama may become frustrating to watch. “Happiness” cleverly makes the police newlyweds couple Yoon Sae-bom (Han Hyo-joo) and Jung Yi-hyun (Park Hyung-sik) as the heroes. Through their performances, the story’s development secures a sense of speed and pleasure that are suitable for a drama of this genre. In the second half of the drama, Andrew (Lee Joo-seung), a part-time cleaning team member, is revealed to be a serial killer, and other variations occur. 

    “Happiness” tells the story that takes place within a limited background. However, this is also a ‘rich’ drama that combines lots of elements, such as zombies, psychology, and investigations.

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  • Kwon Min Ah worries fans with emotional post about fear and self-blame: “Everything feels scary, I need to get it together”

    Former AOA member Kwon Min Ah—who opened up in the past about being bullied—has once again shared a deep and emotional message on social media, leaving fans feeling concerned and sending love.

    On April 23, Min Ah took to her Instagram to write:
    “I don’t know if I’ve become completely twisted, or if I’m just scared. Maybe I’m afraid the same thing will happen again. Everything feels scary. And I want to say something sharp to myself too—get it together.”

    Along with the message, she posted a selfie where she wore a red knit top, had her hair half-up, and showed a soft pout with a calm expression. Though her outfit and style looked casual, the mood of her words felt heavy.

    Fans aren’t sure if Min Ah was directing the message toward someone else or simply speaking to herself. The final line, “get it together,” sounds like a tough love reminder to herself—but also makes many wonder what she’s been going through recently.

    People quickly filled the comment section with supportive messages, telling her to stay strong and reminding her she’s not alone.

    Min Ah debuted with AOA in 2012 and left the group in 2019. In 2020, she made headlines when she revealed that she had been bullied during her time in the group. The confession caused a huge reaction in the K-pop world, leading to conversations about idols’ mental health and group dynamics.

    Recently, she surprised fans when it was revealed she began working as a manager at a dermatology clinic, showing a new side of her life outside of the entertainment spotlight.

    Fans continue to cheer her on, hoping she finds peace and happiness in whatever path she chooses next.

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