BLACKPINK Jisoo’s ‘Newtopia’ Breaks Coupang Play Record Despite Mixed Acting Reviews

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo has made a strong comeback to acting with Newtopia, her latest K-drama on Coupang Play. Since its premiere on February 7, 2025 (KST), the zombie comedy, or “zom-com,” has already made history.

Newtopia now holds the record for the highest number of viewers for any Coupang Play series premiere. Additionally, in the “Consumer Insight Report” for the first week of February, the show ranked first in both “Recognition” and “Viewer Attraction” categories. These achievements prove that Jisoo’s presence alone can generate buzz, drawing in both fans and general audiences.

While the drama’s popularity is undeniable, Jisoo’s performance has become a hot topic online. Some viewers have praised her for improving since her Snowdrop debut, while others remain critical of her acting skills.

According to a review by Star News, Jisoo’s portrayal of Yeong Ju in Newtopia has both strengths and weaknesses. The publication acknowledged her growth but noted that her performance still lacked the depth expected from a lead actress.

Star News: “Unfortunately, Jisoo still shows acting skills that keep viewers on edge, displaying an unpredictable performance. Compared to her previous work in Snowdrop, she has fortunately made noticeable progress. But as the leading actress who should provide a solid viewing experience for the audience, it’s clear that her skills are still lacking. She does, however, certainly contribute to creating an intriguing character of Yeong Ju.”

The zombie invasion has begun!!! This is getting really amazing omg#Newtopia #NewtopiaEp1pic.twitter.com/QvLh6CAZKG

— 𝗹𝗶𝘇 ͏ ͏ (@uhohwaa) February 7, 2025

Despite the divided opinions on Jisoo’s acting, Newtopia continues to gain traction. With only the first two episodes released so far, the show’s momentum suggests it could maintain its strong viewership in the coming weeks.