KBS 2TV's upcoming drama 'Perfect Family' has been confirmed for an August premiere, promising to unravel a tale of suspicion and intrigue within what appears to be an ideal family structure.

Directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Isao Yukisada and produced by Victory Contents, 'Perfect Family' introduces a stellar cast including Kim Byung Chul, Yoon Se Ah, Kim Young Dae, Park Ju Hyun, Yoon Sang Hyun, Choi Ye Bin, Lee Si Woo, Kim Do Hyun, and Kim Myung Soo.

Kim Byung Chul takes on the role of Choi Jin-hyuk, a devoted stepfather and lawyer deeply committed to his daughter, portrayed by Park Ju Hyun. His on-screen wife, Ha Eun-joo, played by Yoon Se Ah, transforms into a fierce protector willing to do whatever it takes to safeguard her family. The reunion of Kim Byung Chul and Yoon Se Ah, known for their immersive performances in 'SKY Castle', has already sparked significant anticipation.

Park Ju Hyun portrays Choi Seon-hee, the seemingly flawless daughter whose emotional journey unfolds amidst a murder case, showcasing her nuanced acting skills. Her character's life intersects with Kim Young-dae's Park Kyung-ho, a charming figure drawn to Seon-hee despite repeated rejections, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Yoon Sang Hyun returns to the small screen after three years as Choi Hyun-min, a character whose kind demeanor masks his probing into Seon-hee's family vulnerabilities, adding layers of tension to the narrative.

Choi Ye Bin plays Lee Soo-yeon, a determined high school student with a vendetta against Seon-hee, while Lee Si Woo portrays Ji Hyun-woo, secretly harboring unrequited love for the protagonist.

Kim Do Hyun embodies the role of detective Shin Dong-ho, known for his relentless pursuit of justice, with Kim Myung Soo making a special appearance as his junior investigator, Lee Sung-woo.

Directed by Isao Yukisada, renowned for his award-winning films like 'GO' and 'Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World', 'Perfect Family' adapts a popular webtoon into a gripping family drama. With its blend of artistic direction, compelling storyline, and talented cast, the series aims to captivate audiences with its unique portrayal of familial complexities.

'Perfect Family' is set to premiere in August, promising an unforgettable viewing experience for drama enthusiasts.

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The new OTT series Newtopia has faced mixed reactions, with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo's acting and a slow storyline making viewers question if the show can survive.

Released on the 7th, Newtopia on Coupang Play promised to offer something fresh in the K-zombie genre. The drama follows an unlikely couple, Lee Jae-yoon (played by Park Jung Min), a late-blooming soldier, and his girlfriend Kang Young-joo (Jisoo), as they fight to survive in a zombie-infested Seoul.

The mix of zombies and romantic comedy sounded like an interesting twist, but the show hasn’t exactly hit the mark.

Jisoo’s second lead role after Snowdrop in 2021 was highly anticipated. But many fans and critics have been concerned about her acting, especially after she received some backlash for her unclear pronunciation and awkward expressions in her previous project.

Director Yoon Sung-hyun, aware of the concerns, said at the press preview, “Since Jisoo hadn’t acted for a long time after her last project, I was also initially worried, thinking, ‘Will she be okay?’ But Jisoo dedicated herself, doing script readings four days a week. She worked hard, and as a result, I had no doubts or difficulties. By episode 8, you'll feel that only Jisoo could have portrayed Young-joo. She did an amazing job.”

Despite his words of praise, Jisoo’s performance still left fans worried. While she showed some improvement, her portrayal of Young-joo seemed inconsistent, lacking the calmness expected from the character. However, her "girl crush" image, with her background as a "campus goddess," did add some intrigue to her role.

The main issue, however, wasn’t just Jisoo's acting. Newtopia also struggled with its pacing. While other recent hits like Trauma Center or Trigger grab attention right from the start, Newtopia spent too much time in the first episode on Jae-yoon’s military life and Young-joo’s personal struggles, making it feel like a waste of time. The show failed to showcase the humor and zombie elements it promised, leaving many viewers unimpressed.

On top of that, some characters came off as annoying, like Jae-yoon’s colleague, Line Ho (Im Seong Jae), and the "unlikable" senior character Seojin-wook (played by Kang Young Seok). Even Park Jung-min didn’t do much to help the show move along, making the 57-minute episode feel even longer.

Thankfully, the show picked up pace in episode 2, finally diving into the zombie chaos. But will that be enough to save Newtopia? With the first episode still fresh in fans’ minds, the jury’s still out on whether this K-zombie drama can find its footing and deliver the thrills viewers are hoping for.

The remaining six episodes of Newtopia will air every Friday at 8 PM, with one episode released per week. Stay tuned to see if the series can bounce back!

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