“We’re the only ones who can save ourselves.” – Lee Cheong-san (All of Us Are Dead)
In the realm of zombie fiction, few stories hit as close to home as ‘All of Us Are Dead’. The 2022 Netflix series centers on a group of high school students struggling to survive a zombie outbreak in the fictional South Korean city of Hyosan. It is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Joo Dong-geun, originally published between 2009 and 2011. Set against the familiar backdrop of a high school, this gripping South Korean drama takes the undead genre and infuses it with raw emotion, social commentary, and gut-wrenching humanity. While bloodthirsty zombies may swarm the halls, it’s the chilling portrayal of fear, betrayal, sacrifice, and teenage resilience that truly haunts the viewer.
Series: All of Us Are Dead
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, and Lomon
Written by: Chun Sung-il
Directed by: Lee Jae-kyoo, Kim Nam-su
The Plot
When a mysterious virus turns humans into flesh-eating zombies, the once-ordinary Hyosan High School becomes ground zero for a terrifying outbreak. Trapped within the school and cut off from the outside world, a group of students must rely on each other to survive. As panic erupts and their classmates become deadly threats, the survivors are forced to make heartbreaking choices — deciding who they can trust, who is worth saving, and how far they’re willing to go to make it through.
As the infection spreads rapidly across Hyosan, authorities struggle to contain the chaos. Meanwhile, the remaining students confront their deepest fears, emotional wounds, and moral dilemmas. Amid the horror, friendships are strained, long-hidden truths emerge, and true courage is born in the most desperate of circumstances.
The Characters
Nam On-jo ( portrayed by Park Ji-hu)
On-jo is a student in Class 2-5 and the childhood friend, neighbor, and possible love interest of Cheong-san. Raised by her father, who works as a firefighter, On-jo is kind-hearted, empathetic, and equipped with practical survival skills that prove invaluable during the crisis.
Lee Cheong-san ( played by Yoon Chan-young)
Lee Cheong-san is a Class 2-5 student and the childhood friend and neighbor of Nam On-jo, with whom he shares a possible romantic connection. Brave and determined, Cheong-san harbors feelings for On-jo and is willing to risk everything to protect her and fight for survival.
Lee Su-hyeok, nicknamed ‘Bare-su’ (played by Lomon)
Lee Su-hyeok is a Class 2-5 student and a former delinquent seeking redemption. His impressive strength and combat skills make him a vital asset to the group’s survival efforts.
Choi Nam-ra (portrayed by Cho Yi-hyun)
Choi Nam-ra is the president of Class 2-5 and Su-hyeok’s love interest. Initially, she appears distant and indifferent, but her character evolves as she faces the challenges of the outbreak.
Yoon Gwi-nam (played by Yoo In-soo)
Yoon Gwi-nam is a Class 2-1 student and the story’s main antagonist. Known as a school troublemaker, Gwi-nam evolves into a powerful and intimidating zombie, intensifying the threat within the outbreak.
Lee Na-yeon (played by Lee Yoo-mi)
Lee Na-yeon is a wealthy and notorious student of Class 2-5. Initially arrogant and self-absorbed, she undergoes significant personal growth as she confronts her own fears and prejudices.
Lee Byeong-chan (played by Kim Byung-chul)
Lee Byeon-chan serves as the series’ primary antagonist. He is a science teacher at Hyosan High and the creator of the Jonas Virus. After obtaining a PhD in cell biology in the United States, he left his position as a researcher at a pharmaceutical company.
Song Jae-ik (played by Lee Kyu-hyung)
Song Jae-ik is an investigator from Hyosan Police Station who was originally assigned to the case but became caught up in the chaos of the zombie outbreak after the virus spiraled out of control.
Nam So-ju (played by Jeon Bae-soo )
Nam So-ju is the captain of Rescue Unit 1 at Hyosan Fire Station.
What made the show popular?
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Timeless zombie thrills: The series capitalizes on the lasting fascination with zombie stories, delivering intense gore, suspenseful moments, and fast-paced action. The relentless undead and high-stakes survival scenes keep audiences hooked from start to finish.
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Relatable school drama: By setting the apocalypse within a high school, the show blends horror with everyday teenage struggles, focusing on personal relationships and conflicts that feel genuine and familiar.
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Thought-provoking social themes: ‘All of Us Are Dead’ goes beyond typical zombie horror to explore important societal issues such as bullying, social status, and institutional failures, resonating deeply with viewers facing similar challenges.
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Diverse and engaging characters: The drama presents a wide range of students with distinct personalities and motives, making it easy for viewers to empathize with their fears, growth, and resilience.
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Gripping action and horror elements: Graphic violence and intense zombie encounters are prominent, combining large-scale outbreaks with tense, close-quarters moments that keep viewers on edge.
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Faithful and popular adaptation: Based on a well-known webtoon, the show benefits from an existing fanbase and a strong narrative foundation, contributing to its success.
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Worldwide success: As a South Korean production, ‘All of Us Are Dead’ showcases the international appeal of K-dramas and zombie tales, becoming one of Netflix’s top-viewed non-English series globally.
To sum up, ‘All of Us Are Dead’ transforms the typical zombie narrative into a gripping fusion of intense horror, heartfelt drama, and poignant social commentary. As students fight to survive not only the infected but also the darker sides of human nature, the series evolves beyond a mere survival tale. In a world where morality blurs and loyalty is tested, it reminds us that sometimes, the scariest monsters are still human.
By centering on the struggles and growth of relatable characters caught in extraordinary circumstances, ‘All of Us Are Dead’ strikes a deep emotional chord with audiences worldwide. It showcases how, even amid chaos and despair, courage, friendship, and hope can endure. More than just a zombie thriller, this K-drama stands out for its emotional depth and thematic richness, a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a standout in both the zombie genre and the global K-drama landscape.
Written by – MANSHA CHAUHAN
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