Happiness
Happiness is a gripping thriller set in a world where a mysterious infectious disease disrupts normal life. Yoon Sae Bom (Han Hyo Joo), a fearless and quick-witted tactical agent, moves into a new high-rise apartment complex with her longtime friend and now fake husband, Jung Yi Hyun (Park Hyung Sik), a kind-hearted detective. Their lives take an unexpected turn when the building is placed under lockdown due to a rapidly spreading outbreak. The infection, initially appearing like rabies, drives those affected into violent, uncontrollable fits of aggression. Han Tae Seok (Jo Woo Jin), a government official with hidden motives, steps in to contain the situation, but his actions raise more questions than answers. As tensions rise within the building, Sae Bom and Yi Hyun must navigate a mix of fear, mistrust, and betrayal among their neighbors. The series explores the darker sides of human nature as residents of the quarantined building struggle to survive. Characters like the manipulative Oh Joo Hyeong (Baek Hyun Jin) and the resilient Kim Jeong Gook (Lee Joon Hyuk) add layers of complexity, showcasing the lengths people will go to protect their interests. With its blend of thrilling action, intense psychological drama, and heartfelt moments, Happiness highlights the resilience of humanity in the face of fear and chaos. Featuring stellar performances by Han Hyo Joo, Park Hyung Sik, and Jo Woo Jin, this drama delivers a rollercoaster of emotions while tackling themes of survival, trust, and moral dilemmas in extraordinary circumstances.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 해피니스
🌎 Also Known As: Haepiniseu, Haepiniseu
🎭 Genres: Thriller, Action, Drama, Horror
🏷 Tags: Quarantine, Infectious Disease, Strong Female Lead, Fake Marriage, Survival, Police Officer, Apartment Complex, Social Commentary, Moral Dilemma, Zombie Outbreak
✍ Screenwriters: Han Sang Woon
🎬 Directors: Ahn Gil Ho
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 12
🗓️ Aired: November 5, 2021 – December 11, 2021
📅 Airing Days: Friday, Saturday
📺 Original Network: tvN, TVING
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 10 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
- Yoon Sae Bom (Han Hyo Joo) fearlessly confronting an infected resident, showcasing her bravery and quick thinking.
- Jung Yi Hyun (Park Hyung Sik) comforting a terrified child, reflecting his compassion and humanity amid chaos.
- The building lockdown announcement, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere as the residents realize their isolation.
- Han Tae Seok (Jo Woo Jin) revealing the origins of the disease, unraveling secrets that change the course of the story.
- The rooftop confrontation between Sae Bom, Yi Hyun, and a group of infected, highlighting their teamwork and survival skills.
Filming Locations
- The main apartment complex was specially designed to create an authentic and claustrophobic setting for the series.
- Key outdoor scenes were filmed in the bustling city of Seoul, adding a sense of realism to the outbreak setting.
- Hospital scenes were shot at a real medical facility to ensure authenticity in the portrayal of healthcare professionals.
- Military-related sequences were filmed at a training base to enhance the realistic portrayal of quarantine measures.
- The park scenes where Sae Bom and Yi Hyun reminisce about their past provide a calming contrast to the tense storyline.
Visual Design and Costumes
- The apartment interiors were designed with a mix of modern and minimalistic elements to emphasize the residents’ status.
- Sae Bom’s tactical uniform reflects her strong and action-oriented personality, contrasting with Yi Hyun’s detective attire.
- The infected characters’ makeup and visual effects effectively convey the terrifying symptoms of the disease.
- Use of dim lighting in hallways and apartments heightens the suspense and eerie mood during key scenes.
- Symbolic props like face masks and quarantine suits emphasize the themes of isolation and safety.
Themes and Messages
- Survival instincts versus morality: The choices residents make during the outbreak reveal their true characters.
- The fragility of societal structures when faced with crisis, as power dynamics shift in the lockdown.
- The importance of trust and teamwork in overcoming adversity, showcased through Sae Bom and Yi Hyun’s relationship.
- The devastating impact of misinformation and fear during an epidemic.
- Humanity’s resilience in the face of chaos, emphasizing hope amid despair.
Interesting Facts
- Happiness marks Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Sik’s first on-screen pairing, and their chemistry was highly praised.
- The series was inspired by real-world issues, including the psychological effects of pandemics and quarantines.
- Filming took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a layer of realism to the story’s quarantine setting.
- The drama incorporates subtle commentary on social hierarchies and the disparity between rich and poor during crises.
- Happiness received critical acclaim for its unique mix of thriller, romance, and social commentary, setting it apart from typical outbreak dramas.
Awards
The South Korean television series “Happiness” has not received any official awards. Despite its critical acclaim and popularity among viewers, there are no records of the series winning or being nominated for awards in major ceremonies. The series, which premiered on tvN on November 5, 2021, and stars Han Hyo-joo, Park Hyung-sik, and Jo Woo-jin, continues to be appreciated for its engaging storyline and performances.
Real-Life Loves on Set
While fans of the Korean drama “Happiness” have speculated about a real-life romance between lead actors Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Sik, there is no confirmed romantic relationship between them. Reports of their dating have been debunked, and both actors have not addressed these rumors publicly.
Their on-screen chemistry is a testament to their acting skills, and they share a close professional relationship.
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