Recently, the drama world has been buzzing with the prospect of a new zombie action series starring Jisoo of BLACKPINK and actor Park Jung Min. On August 31st (KST), media outlets reported that the two actors had been offered the leading roles in a new original television series titled ‘Influenza’
The show is said to be aired on Coupang Play, a South Korean streaming service. Many big names are involved in the production as well, with the writers of the show including Han Ji Won of ‘Parasite‘ fame, along with Ji Ho Jin. The plot is based on a novel by Han Sang Woon and is centered around how a soldier and his girlfriend fight their way through a sudden zombie apocalypse.
Jisoo and Jung Min: Previous work as actors
Kim Jisoo, known professionally as Jisoo, really requires no introduction. A member of the mega-famous girl group BLACKPINK, she began her acting career officially in 2019 with her guest appearance in the drama ‘Arthdal Chronicles.’ Though she was on-screen for only about 10 seconds, Twitter went crazy with hashtags about her and her appearance.
In 2022, Jisoo took up a much more substantial role in the Korean drama Eun Young Ro, where she was really able to display her brilliant acting skills through her heart-wrenching performance. In 2023, she has the opportunity to create waves yet again in ‘Influenza’ as the female lead.
Park Jungmin has acted not just in dramas and movies but also in theater and is also a well-established author. Known primarily for his roles in the shows ‘Mr. Sunshine, ‘You’re All Surrounded,’ ‘Hellbound,’ and ‘Shooting Stars, the news of a possible lead role this time has definitely kept his fans on the edge of their seats.
Premise and lead roles in ‘Influenza’
The two main characters of ‘Influenza’ are Jae Yoon and Young Joo, two individuals who are struggling to find their footing in their relationship. Park Jung Min, offered the role of Jae Yoon, would play a solider who’s enlisted into the compulsory military service rather late, at the age of 26.
Unsuccessful in avoiding his draft, the man also constantly worries about everything in his life, including his relationship with his girlfriend. After Jae Yoon suggests that he and Young Joo (Jisoo’s prospective role) break up, she works to battle through the disastrous zombie invasion to get to her boyfriend.
Though not yet quite confirmed by Coupang Play, the show is said to have nine episodes in total. No release date has been given as of yet, nor has any idea as to whether ‘Influenza’ will be available on any other platforms worldwide.
How have fans reacted?
Die-hard fans of both Jisoo and Jung Min took to social media on the 31st of August to express their excitement over the possibility of the two acting opposite each other. While both actors have been praised immensely for their acting skills, it will be quite an interesting change to see them in a zombie action thriller together.
So far, the premise of the show does seem quite promising, and with Jisoo and Jung Min, the show is sure to be a hit. What do you think so far of ‘Influenza’?
