Happiness isn’t just typical zombie thriller — it’s smarter, tighter, and eerily realistic. Set in a world that feels uncomfortably close to our own post-pandemic reality, the drama explores what happens when fear spreads faster than infection. From the first episode, it pulls you into a closed-off apartment complex filled with suspicion, secrets, and desperate survival instincts.
What makes Happiness stand out is how it balances pulse-pounding tension with raw human emotion. It doesn’t rely on jump scares — it relies on human behavior. And that’s where the real horror (and brilliance) lies.
Quick Drama Facts
| Drama Title: Happiness Hangul: 해피니스 Genre: Thriller, Action, Apocalyptic, Drama Episodes: 12 Aired On: tvN (November 5 – December 11, 2021) Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki Director: Ahn Gil Ho Writer: Han Sang Woon |
Park Hyung-Sik 6 Drama Series to Binge Right Now: From Romance to Thrillers
Plot Summary
In a not-so-distant future where a mysterious infectious disease spreads through a high-rise apartment complex, society teeters on the edge. The disease causes people to suddenly crave water — and then violently attack others.
Happiness centers on Yoon Sae Bom, a smart, tough counter-terrorism officer who’s quick to act, and Jung Yi Hyun, a former baseball star turned detective with a deep sense of justice. The two pretend to be a married couple so they can move into a desirable apartment in a newly constructed building. But their plan for a fresh start quickly unravels when the residents are sealed inside — and the virus spreads.
As isolation breeds fear and selfishness, the drama becomes less about monsters and more about humanity: Who do you trust when your neighbor might turn into a killer?
Cast and Characters
Han Hyo Joo as Yoon Sae Bom — bold, strategic, and emotionally grounded.
Park Hyung Sik as Jung Yi Hyun — charming, loyal, and brave detective.
Jo Woo Jin as Han Tae Seok — a key military figure working to contain the outbreak, hiding secrets of his own.
Supporting Residents: Every character in the building has a story — from selfish executives to struggling students. The drama brilliantly builds tension among them.
Reasons to Watch
1. A Unique Take on Zombie Outbreaks:- Forget your typical zombie shows — Happiness is about subtle infection, moral dilemmas, and societal collapse in a confined space.
2. Strong Chemistry:- Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Sik’s slow-burn trust and care for each other is incredibly gripping, even though romance takes a back seat.
3. Claustrophobic Intensity:- The drama is set mostly inside one apartment complex — and it works. The tension is palpable, and every episode feels urgent.
4. Human Psychology Under Pressure:- More than horror, the show dives into how fear and survival instincts twist people’s behavior. You’ll love and hate characters in equal measure.
5. Beautifully Shot and Directed:- With sleek cinematography, minimal background score, and sharp editing, the show feels grounded yet cinematic.
Final Takeaway
Happiness is not just a survival thriller — it’s a dark mirror reflecting our own society during crisis. Whether it’s pandemic-era parallels or the moral weight of survival, this drama delivers suspense, emotion, and a chillingly realistic “what if” scenario.
If you’re into smart thrillers with depth and a dash of heart, Happiness is an unmissable ride.