By Evelyn Rossi – Staff Reporter

Netflix original “All of Us Are Dead” follows the lives of high schoolers and their escape from the city of Hyosan, South Korea, which has become ground zero for a zombie apocalypse. This K-Drama is a TV series adaptation of the webtoon of the same name, published from 2009 to 2011. The series, however, premiered on Netflix on January 28, 2022, and was watched over 474.26 million hours in its first 30 days on the service. The main character, Nam On-jo, is a typical high school student. Her grades aren’t exceptional, and she isn’t in any clubs, just flying under the radar. Her childhood friend and long-time neighbor, Lee Cheong-san, leads the same life. The series also shadows the stories of minor leads, like government officials and other students. 

The series starts at the top of a building, with delinquents beating up a student who is the son of Hyosan High’s science teacher, Lee Byeong-chan. After a while, the bullied student turns rabid and seemingly impossible to knock down, before getting pushed off the building. Mr. Lee visits his son in the hospital and explains that he has been injecting him with the virus he made to give his son superhuman strength. Although its original purpose had no ill intent, the Jonas Virus actually makes the infected individual a zombie-like creature. The virus soon spreads into the school through an infected lab rat and a curious girl. Students Nam-ra, the cold class president, and Su hyeok, the sociable reformed ex-delinquent, find Cheong-san and On-jo along with some other students from their class. From here, the series follows this main party and minor leads. 

This horror-drama leaves audiences on the edge of their seats every episode, with exciting plots and lovable characters paired with some light humor to lighten the apocalyptic setting. Fans of the show notice that each character is well-written and loved by everyone, even antagonistic characters, as they can all be appreciated for their differences. No two characters are the same, and all bring something different to the table, further helping each other make it out of their apocalyptic city. The depth of even side-characters, who the audience may not like to begin with, will soon have them sympathizing with these characters. The only complaints viewers have are that the show is too fast-paced and rushes the characters’ relationships with each other. While this is understandable, the plot of the series does require a more action-packed and rapid environment. 

Actress Cho Yi-hyun has been particularly praised for her performance as Choi Nam-ra. Fans appreciate her versatility, as this role is very different from the bubbly characters she has portrayed before. Yi-hyun conveys the character of Nam-ra in a way that feels so real; many watchers relate to her and sympathize with her and the struggles she faces in the show. Fans love that she represents those who find it hard to be social, as although she is the Class President, the class despises her for her aloof demeanor, and logical thinking, especially at a time that needs hope. “They say when people confirm their situation is hopeless, they truly fall into despair.” 

“All of Us Are Dead” has been positively accepted as one of the best K-dramas of its kind and is much beloved by viewers who cannot wait for another thrilling season of the series. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars