#Alive

#Alive

In the gripping South Korean zombie thriller #Alive, chaos erupts across Seoul when a mysterious virus turns people into flesh-eating monsters. As the city falls into panic, Oh Joon Woo, played by the acclaimed actor Yoo Ah In, finds himself completely isolated in his apartment with no access to internet, mobile networks, or rescue. His ordinary life as a gamer is suddenly transformed into a desperate struggle for survival. Across the deserted buildings, he discovers another survivor—Kim Yoo Bin, portrayed by the talented Park Shin Hye. Unlike Joon Woo’s impulsive nature, Yoo Bin is calm, strategic, and prepared. Their unlikely alliance becomes a lifeline as they fight hunger, loneliness, and the growing threat of zombies lurking outside. Their emotional bond forms the heart of the story, delivering both suspense and hope in equal measure. #Alive stands out among Korean zombie movies with its intense survival theme, modern setting, and realistic portrayal of isolation—a feeling that deeply resonated with global audiences during the pandemic. Directed by Cho Il Hyung, the film masterfully blends horror, action, and emotion, making it one of the most-watched Korean films on Netflix worldwide. With strong performances, claustrophobic tension, and visually stunning sequences, #Alive is a must-watch for fans of Korean thrillers, zombie movies, and survival dramas. Whether you're here for Yoo Ah In’s raw emotion or Park Shin Hye’s resilience, this film delivers adrenaline-pumping suspense with a human core that keeps viewers hooked until the very last frame.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 살아있다 
🌎 Also Known As: Alive, #Alive 
🎭 Genres: Zombie, Action, Horror, Drama 
🏷 Tags: Zombie Apocalypse, Survival Thriller, Isolated Protagonist, Viral Outbreak, Millennial Lead
Screenwriters: Cho Il-hyung, Matt Naylor 
🎬 Directors: Cho Il-hyung 
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea 
🎬 Release Date: June 24, 2020 (South Korea); September 8, 2020 (Netflix) 
📺 Original Network: Netflix (international distribution)
Duration: Approximately 99 minutes (1h 39m) 
🔞 Content Rating: TV‑MA / 15+ (for violence, suspense, some gore)

  • The terrifying hallway attack where zombies assault Oh Joon‑woo sets a claustrophobic, high-stakes tone right from the start.

  • The rooftop rescue attempt, with drone use and zip‑line escape, delivers edge‑of‑your‑seat tension and visual thrills.

  • A moment of emotional intensity hits when Joon‑woo nearly loses hope and contemplates suicide—only for Yoo‑bin’s laser light to reignite his will to fight .

  • Scenes where Joon‑woo rations food and spills water amplify realism and humanize the desperation.

  • The frantic climax on the rooftop, followed by a helicopter rescue, combines relief with symbolic triumph over isolation .

  • Shot in Gunsan and Seoul, the film uses confined apartment units and shared corridors to heighten tension.

  • Interior sets were meticulously designed to feel lived-in and real, enhancing immersion and dread.

  • Rooftop and exterior shots in Seoul contrast bleak interiors with open danger zones.

  • Use of dim lighting and muted tones creates an oppressive, isolated mood inside the apartment .

  • Joon‑woo’s gamer attire and Yoo‑bin’s hiking outfit visually differentiate their characters and backstories.

  • Vivid zombie makeup—veins, blood‑red eyes—makes the infected both grotesque.

  • Effective use of drones, phones, and laser pointers adds a modern, tech‑savvy twist to the apocalypse visuals .

  • Isolation and loneliness resonate powerfully—especially during global lockdowns—as characters fight for connection.

  • The film explores survival, resilience, and reclaiming hope in dire circumstances.

  • Technology as lifeline: phones, drones, and social media become essential tools for survival and communication .

  • The narrative highlights millennial struggles—youthful alienation, digital dependence, and wanting purpose .

  • Ultimately, #Alive is about rediscovering what it really means to be alive, even amid apocalypse.

  • #Alive topped Netflix’s global movie charts in 35 countries just two days after its release.

  • Despite its pandemic‑parallel takeover, the movie was filmed pre‑COVID, wrapping in December 2019.

  • Tabletops and corridors were designed to mimic actual apartment settings, boosting realism.

  • Yoo Ah‑in won Best Actor at the 2020 Cine21 Awards for his performance.

  • Blending horror, drama, and tech‑thriller elements, #Alive revives zombie genre with fresh relevance.

🏆 Awards Won

  • 2020 Cine 21 Movie AwardsBest Actor awarded to Yoo Ah‑in for his role in #Alive 


🎬 Notable Nominations

  • While #Alive itself didn’t receive many major nominations, actor Yoo Ah‑in went on to achieve multiple Best Actor awards for his performances in both #Alive and other films at prestigious ceremonies such as the Asian Film Awards, Blue Dragon Film Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, Buil Film Awards, and Chunsa Film Art Awards in later years

There are no confirmed reports of a real-life romance between the cast of #Alive. While stars Yoo Ah In and Park Shin Hye formed a close on-set friendship and frequently praised each other’s performances—sharing mutual respect and admiration—they have not been linked romantically beyond their deep professional bond.

The two actors spoke warmly about each other during promotions, calling each other “lovely,” “smart,” and “like an older brother,” with no indication of anything beyond friendship .

Fans appreciated their authentic chemistry on screen in #Alive, but both Yoo Ah In and Park Shin Hye have kept their personal lives private, and there’s no credible evidence suggesting they became a couple in real life.

Trailer

OST

Gallery

Cast

Jeon Bae Soo
Jeon Bae Soo
Park Shin Hye
Park Shin Hye
Yoo Ah In
Yoo Ah In

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