[Drama 2021] Happiness, 해피니스- Han Hyo-Joo, Park Hyung Sik & Joo Wo Jin

[Latte_Anyday]

And it ended huhuhu~

    What a ride it was as well. Ju Hyung was beyond ridiculous faking as a zombie and gettin' hit in the gonads by Sae Bom ahahahah!!! What an idiot. 

    Guess the joke's on his side chick with the stupid lawyer. Due to stock market crash, the crypto amounted to nothing LoL. I wish I knew how to figure out investing with crypto currency though. 'Cause apparently it makes you very rich?!

    And the stupid greedy cleaning couple geez they were wearing Ju Hyung with his wife's clothes and pretending to "play house" sheesh tsk.

    I am glad Seo Yoon and Sae Bom/Yi Hyun made it in one piece.. that was all that matters to me LoL. Well that is it folks. Onto the next one. It has been fun. Take care, happy holidays, stay safe and hopefully the year 2022 will be kinder to us all. God Bless xox 

[backstreetboysfan]

 I am glad Seo Yoon and Sae Bom/Yi Hyun made it in one piece.. that was all that matters to me!.

[dzareth]

I just wish SB last bled not because of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. That was a bit too much LOL.

 

But yeah, enjoyed the focus on the humanity aspect instead of zombieness of it all.

 

For the grim theme of the final episode, adding some funny moments via NSM and the army doctor was perfect. And although we only get a glimpse of the plastic doctor and representative in court, the fact that they reaped what they sow is satisfying. That moment when that annoying, whiny doctor was silenced by SB's kick to his balls was just golden.

 

They had the right actors for the right parts. We feel annoyed, angry, repulsed whenever we need to depending on how the characters reactions were played out.

 

Special mention to the leads. I'm not well versed in HHJ's work but I know that PHS can easily steal the limelight. But here he is more subdued than FL, which in the central character in this story.

 

 

[WANGYEO]

Spoiler

I WAS LOWLY SCARED FOR THE WRITER SISTER. SHE FOLLOWED TWO INFECTED PEOPLE CLOSELY THEN BE IN THE ELEVATOR WITH 3 INFECTED. OF COURSE, YI HYUN IS RELIABLE BUT . THIS REALLY SHOW HOW THE INFECTED HAVE MORE HUMANITY THAN THE NON-INFECTED. 
 

IMO THE STREAMER’ FATHER IS THE MOST DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERS. THE FATHER STAYED  BY HIS WIFE SIDE AND ACCEPTED HIS INFECTED SON BACK EVEN HE TRIED TO LEAVE THEM ALONE. 
 

THERE IS NO REDEMPTION FOR THE CLEANING COUPLE. I AM NOT SHOCKED BECAUSE THEIR BEHAVIORS NEVER SEEMS TO CHANGE. THEY WILL NEVER LEARNED THEIR LESSONS. THEIR GREEDS IS MORE THAN THEIR HUMANITY EVEN WITH THEIR LAST HOPE FOR HELPS FROM OTHERS. 

 

fk THE ATTORNEY. HE WAS ACTING AS HE REGRET HIS ACTIONS BUT ONCE THE WIFE IGNORED HIM. HE WENT RIGHT BACK TO THE MISTRESS. I AM GLAD THEY DID NOT GET A PENNY. 
 

EVEN TO THE VERY END, THE PSYCHO DR, WANNABE REP LADY, & THE CLEANING COUPLES ARE STILL AS BAD & ANNOYING AS THEY WERE IN THE BEGINNING. PURE SELF CENTERED PEOPLE. 
 

I DID NOT EXPECT SAEBOM TO GAVE THE LAST CURE TO THE LITTLE GIRL’S MOTHER & THE WRITER’S BROTHER TO HAS THE ANTIBODY. 

 

BESIDE THE MAIN COUPLE & THE LITTLE GIRL, THE TWO SIBLINGS ARE MY FAVORITES CHARACTERS. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS ADORABLE. THE WAY THEY CLUELESSLY FOLLOW YI HYUN AROUND & TRUSTING HIM. THEY STOLE THE LAST EPISODE. 

 

[frozentundra]

I thought it was so interesting how by the end, no one was really scared of the disease. They were all so chill about it. At least, the good people. The horrible ones were still using it as a cover and an excuse to do horrible things. But it didn't work because the decent people realized that there are worse ways to be a monster. When the doctor tried to pretend he was having a fit of zombie, and the others just rolled their eyes...lol. 

 

I admit to tearing up when the son went back and the parents took him in. And then seeing the dad feeding the mom so lovingly. According to YH, being with his family would help him stave off the worst. Which is what we saw with the siblings, too. And YH and SB. 

 

And yeah...the justice meted out on those who willingly and continually chose the more horrible path every time they had a choice...they totally deserve what they got. 

[backstreetboysfan]

 

 

 

Quote

 

tvN’s “Happiness” went out on a high note!

On December 11, the popular apocalyptic thriller starring Park Hyung Sik and Han Hyo Joo ended on the highest viewership ratings of its entire run. According to Nielsen Korea, the series finale of “Happiness” scored an average nationwide rating of 4.2 percent, marking a new personal record for the show.

Not only did “Happiness” take first place in its time slot across all cable channels, but it also took first place across all channels—including public broadcast networks—among the key demographic of viewers ages 20 to 49, with whom it scored a nationwide average of 2.6 percent.

 

 

Read more: https://kdramabuddy.com/happiness-ends-on-its-highest-ratings-yet-as-uncle-the-king-of-tears-lee-bang-won-kick-off-the-red-sleeve-continue/#ixzz7EoDj28qW

[ferily]

Watch: “Happiness” Cast Enjoy Their Final Days Of Filming And Bid Farewell To The Drama

 

tvN’s “Happiness” shared a final behind-the-scenes video for the last two episodes!

“Happiness” is an apocalyptic urban thriller set in the near future inside an apartment building that is stratified by social standing. The high-rise apartment is sealed off when a new infectious disease emerges, and the drama depicts the fear, psychological battles, and desperate struggles for survival that ensue.

In the video, Park Hyung Sik and Han Hyo Joo pass time before filming by playing a game where they must think of songs with certain keywords in them. Han Hyo Joo is surprised when Park Hyung Sik is able to remember an old song with “wind” in the lyrics.

After thinking of songs with the word “sky” in them, the two actors turn to ask one of the staff members, who is stumped. Park Hyung Sik jokes, “You just need to go buy drinks for us now,” and Han Hyo Joo chimes in, “I’ll take an iced coffee!” Han Hyo Joo then introduces the game to child actress Song Ji Woo, giving her an especially long time to think of a song and even changing the keyword to make it easier for her.

In another clip, Jo Woo Jin joins Park Hyung Sik and Han Hyo Joo on set, and he enjoys watching Park Hyung Sik struggle through filming a simple smile. Unable to stop laughing, Jo Woo Jin says, “I shouldn’t have looked, but I accidentally did.” When Park Hyung Sik tries to film his smile again, he suddenly stops and asks, “Can I wipe my sweat off first?” and everyone bursts into laughter once more.

Spoilers

The next clip shows Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Sik discussing details for an emotional kiss scene. After the director yells “Cut,” the two actors pull apart and being laughing at how they both began sniffling and wiping their eyes. Later on, they get together with Song Ji Woo to take pictures before their final filming, with Park Hyung Sik remarking, “This is going to look like a family picture.”

Spoiler

The lead actors also share their final thoughts on the drama, beginning with Han Hyo Joo. She comments, “For the past four months it’s been quite hectic, but I do feel a bit sad. I wondered how I would feel after it ended, and I realized I’ve made way more memories than I thought I would and I’ve met so many great people, so it’s quite a shame. I already feel like I’m going to miss everyone and I’m very grateful to have found such a great production.”

To the viewers, she adds, “I think I was able to show you all some different sides of me through Yoon Sae Bom, so I think it was a good time.”

Spoiler

Next, Park Hyung Sik shares, “I can’t believe it’s already the final filming. When I try to film emotional scenes, all of the narratives that led up to that point just wash over me, and I realize, ‘Wow, I’ve really done a lot. We’ve really shared a lot.'”

He continues, “I really enjoyed filming, and the director was always full of energy. All of the cast members are great at acting, and when we’re together we’re so loud. We share story after story, so if the director can help it he doesn’t go near us, saying we drain his energy. The set was so enjoyable, and I learned a lot. I was really happy, everyone.”

Spoiler

Joo Woo Jin says, “I always think of the word ‘bittersweet’ whenever a project comes to an end, and it’s the same with this one. There were plenty of things that weren’t easy while filming, but all of the staff and actors worked really hard. Now that I’ve come to the realization that it’s really the end, it feels all the more disappointing.”

Spoiler

Park Joo Hee comments, “Beginning in May, I spent my summer of around three months filming ‘Happiness.’ As it was my first time taking on a role as a soldier, I was able to have a lot of new and interesting experiences. I have nothing but happy memories from those three months of filming. As such, I’m pretty sad.”

Finally, Lee Joon Hyuk shares, “Today is finally the last day of filming for ‘Happiness.’ I always feel the same way every time I take on a project. When it comes to the last day of filming, I think of a lot of things I could have done differently, but another part of me thinks, ‘Yes, I’m free! It’s done! I’m so relieved.’ But for the most part I feel sad. This drama in particular was very close to reality. Although the subject matter itself was removed from reality, we filmed in a very realistic manner, and the writer wrote the script that way as well. This drama has its own appeal.”

 

 

Source: Soompi

[nrllee]

Final thoughts 

- the disease was just a test of character for everyone.  Some turned to their worst selves.  Others became their better selves.

- cleaner couple reminded me of Parasite?  It matters little if you are rich or poor.  The disease was a great leveler.  The fact that both the diseased husband and the uninfected wife acted exactly the same when in Oh’s apartment meant that the disease made little difference to their state of mind.

- special mention - the fact that SB turned back and injected SY’s infected mom with the last dose of the cure.  Totally selfless on her part.  She still held out hope that there would be others with antibodies to save YH.  She never thought she was that special in the first place.  That in itself makes her special. 

- love was the deterrent.  Which enabled those infected to hold out and fight against the disease.  
 

All in all this was very well done.  The story telling was consistently well paced.  The flipping forwards and backwards in time was never confusing and that is a feat in itself.  The characters well thought out.  The romance was subtle and a constant thread through the show.  It was tastefully done.  I liked that it was a snappy 12 eps and finished on a high.  Happiness.  The “e” flipped back to how it should be.

[c Cinc]

This was such a unique and refreshing take to an apocalyptic/zombie show. The show brilliantly piggybacked on the current pandemic. Although the show's setting was obviously more hyperbolic than what we've experienced/still experiencing in a real-world pandemic, the show managed to greatly earn my empathy. Major kudos to the writers for being able to showcase human tendencies when faced with such a life-threatening crisis. I am impressed because given how shrunken down the world got in this drama, we got to witness good people remain good ones, people's unquenchable thirst for money & power, an extramarital affair, the unconditional love of parents for their child/children, a stress-induced nervous breakdown, people with real sociopathic/anti-social personalities and so much more....these are just some of the few dynamics that we experienced with very limited characters and episodes.

Having said that, the ending had quite a few loose ends that I wish were clearly resolved. But, I would rather have a few loose ends left than suffer through a few slow-paced/filler episodes. I really cannot complain much about this drama, especially when the acting was brilliant all around.

Of course, how could I not rave about the love story? It was executed perfectly! I was so worried that a romance would be so out of place in a zombie drama, rather, the show managed to really showcase Yi Hyun and Sae Bom's unconditional love for each other and just use the "zombie" trope as a background ploy for the two to be forthcoming of their feelings. Amidst not being officially a "married" couple, the two already epitomized their vows as husband and wife. They literally stood by each other "for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, til death do they part." It was such a pure and beautiful love that they shared. Bravo!!! Give me Park Hyung Shik and Han Hyo Joo in a rom-com, STAT!

Lastly, can I just say, this drama has such a great title. Perfectly ironic! Even the name of the apartment complex that they lived in -- "Le Ciel" --- which means "the sky" was so ironically fitting.

[dzareth]

I watched the finale again and only just realised that while they were watching tv, youtuber mom's hands were tied. That's why the husband was feeding her. Now the scene when the dad had a towel tied around his neck make sense. Maybe there was a point when the wife tried to feed on him. The youtuber also had one of his hands tied to the sofa. They also deaged the actors's faces for the family photo. Brilliant!

[yanki222]

Firstly, Sae Bom looks so cool and smart in military uniform

 

Has anyone wondered why they let Seo Yoon go visit her mom on her own?? I'm glad Sae Bom caught her and went with her, couldn't imagine the outcome if Sae Bom didn't tag along.

 

And why is Andrew so obsessed in taking down Sae Bom?

 

Overall, it's an interesting drama with a unique story, kudos to the cast and every staff.

 

[frozentundra]

@nrlleeevery single thing you said! Those are the things that stuck out to me, too. I was so touched when SB turned back and gave that dose to SY's mom. 

 

I did not notice that the mom's hands were tied in that scene with the YouTuber family! Just that the husband was taking such loving care of her. Well, I trust they got their cure and were a much closer-knit family after that whole experience. 

 

I was surprised that the characters chose to keep living in the same apartment after all of that!! I would have wanted to move... But I guess it's so hard to get in in the first place that they just got rid of the bad parts and filled it up with happiness instead. 

 

Maybe Andrew was jealous that SB  was the alpha of the apartment, and saw her as the challenge to overcome? The penthouse guy was kind of top dog for a while (most expensive apartment, plus he had all the food that everyone else wanted). But powerwise, SB was at the top, maybe it gave him a rush to think of eliminating her. 

[ferily]

Man still can’t believe the drama is over. I watched the last episode with subtitles and things make so much more sense. I know that not all things were answered in the last episode, i.e. what happens to Han Tae Seok’s wife and baby, other people in the apartmen. I do admit it would’ve been nice if the drama answered some questions and felt like the drama could’ve gone for another episode or two though to properly wrap things up and explain everything… However, I think Happiness the end the way it did to leave it up the viewers to imagine and predict what happened to the side characters. Overall I would say that the drama was well-written and the writer definitely didn’t waste any time and knows how to keep you hooked with the plot. I agree with @c Cinc and I would rather have this kind of ending rather then more episodes and it drags out. Some of the weaknesses of dramas are that it drags out the plot and waits to the very end to rush everything, but I like how Happiness was pretty action-packed and fast paced from beginning to end. I’m satisfied with the ending and glad we got our happy ending  

Just some other thoughts about episode 12:

 

- When Yi Hyun shot Andrew and told Sae Beom that she should continue to be the good cop and he’ll be the bad cop. Oh my HEART. Also love the fact that Andrew immediately turned after seeing Sae Beom’s blood but Yi Hyun didn’t.. We, the viewers, can imagine that Yi Hyun probably resisted (or was just too busy being in pain) seeing Sae Beom blood. I gotta say though, Yi Hyun and Na Soo Min both have such a strong will against the virus and resisting. I didn’t expect that Na Soo Min would have antibodies too but this goes to show that certain people build up antibodies against the virus so not all hope is lost and that’s how things are normal 1 year later.

- The kiss scene. Everything that I wanted. What the viewers wanted. Perfectly executed by Park Hyung Sik and Han Hyo Joo and you could really sense the feeling between the two of them. The way that Sae Beom approached Yi Hyun despite him being infected and managed to calm him down and bring him back. UGHHH the love for Hyun and self control from Hyun!!!! I was actually wondering if Yi Hyun has some self-control over the virus and was possibly one of the people who have some control over it? (Mutated virus) I know Han Tae Seok mentioned that in episode 11 but it wasn’t really mention after that.

- The old couple and youtuber son. The way his parents accept him back home and don’t hate their son for any of the actions he did. It was ironic how the son came back to his parents but amazing how they let him in. Parents will always love you and bring you back into their home, so I loved the symbolism in that.

 

The whole cast was amazing in this drama and the acting was all daesang worthy. Han Hyo Joo, Park Hyung Sik and Jo Woo Jin definitely nailed their characters and did an awesome job acting, but the supporting cast did so good as well! Seriously, oh joo Hyung actor (Baek Hyun Jin) always playing despicable characters lol.. first Taxi Driver, the Devil judge and now this drama. The building rep (Bae Hae Sun) did such an amazing job. I forgot she was the lady from hotel de luna! All in all the whole team was amazing 

 

Also I found this on Twitter and had to share this! It’s the title screen for every episode

 

[Not Yixing]

Guys, it was an absolute pleasure to watch this drama with you!

 

The last couple of minutes of the finale had me melting, Yi Hyun and Sae Bom are just so adorable  

 

For the most part I'm quite satisfied with the way they wrapped everything up - sure there were a few unanswered questions but I think we can probably guess what happened...

 

Such a good drama lol!

[NhicarT]

I loved watching this drama too (enough for me to sign up for iQIYI vip LoL). I loved the way it ended as well and its just up to us to decide on what happened to the side characters. 

[realistic2280a]

Now watching ep8... man the guy who killed the wife... in all 3 dramas i saw him in, he can really play his a s s  *hole role very well!!!

 

OmG, I CANT believe how annoying he is!

[realistic2280a]

Ok finally finished watching the drama...

 

1. Like that SB mostly wears slacks in the drama?... haha very casual and easy..

 

2. Yi Hyun, cant fault in his tenacity for SB - 12 years was it?

 

3. It was bad to see 15th floor resident being killed, he was nice... so too the old lady cleaner by that useless murderer

 

4. It didnt really say if the girl's mother was cured but we assume she is... also the Han, did his wife safely gave birth, etc?

 

5. Yes, the brother and sister story was good... wr love them coz they helped Hyun!

 

6. The crazy representative was getting close to annoying, and perhaps producers aim to make the drama longer, than it should be... should have spent the time to see how SB and YH recovered together...

 

7. The ending seemed abrupt .. if YH lived, that means Andrew could lived as well? Or did he died?

 

8. We dont get to know about that lawyer and s l u t woman...haiz.. though they did lose the money the girl was looking for... and why did that fake doctor agreed to give her the password.. sigh...

 

9. Overall, not bad ..the ending could have been better, perhaps. I wish they have a proper wedding photo hung in their living room! 

[frozentundra]

6 minutes ago, realistic2280a said:

4. It didnt really say if the girl's mother was cured but we assume she is... also the Han, did his wife safely gave birth, etc?

I think I would assume yes on both--Seo Yoon wasn't living with Sae Bom and Yi Hyun, and the only other adult she had was her mom, so I'm going to say yes here. 

 

7 minutes ago, realistic2280a said:

7. The ending seemed abrupt .. if YH lived, that means Andrew could lived as well? Or did he died?

I think Andrew died. First, he was shot at from both directions. Remember that Han Tae Seok shot the gym guy dead? So it can work. Also, Yi Hyun was able to stave off the disease to a great extent because he had a family and people to care about. Which Andrew...didn't. 

 

9 minutes ago, realistic2280a said:

I wish they have a proper wedding photo hung in their living room! 

Lol. Maybe they eventually managed to do that

 

[ferily]

If I were to mention the things I wish we could’ve seen in the last episode..

 

1. See Yi Hyun get cured from the virus although we can imply that he got the treatment

 

2. What happens to Han Tae Seok’s baby and wife. At least see them normal again and together

 

3. Explaining what happened to the other residents and people who were in the apartment. Like the cleaning couple, Bo Ram (grocery store cashier), detective ahjusshi since he got stabbed…Hmm not sure if I’m missing anything else

 

4. The cheater lawyer guy and the woman who wanted Oh Joo Hyung’s money

 

5. The mutated virus. Does anyone else think that Yi Hyun had the mutated virus? It seems like he had control in some way. The way he turned and bit Andrew but it was more like he tried to kill him doing that and then after he bit him, Yi Hyun didn’t go after the building rep and immediately turned back. Also when we see Yi Hyun turn again when Oh Joo Hyeong provoked him, he did turn but had some control and was trying to resist. Plus he didn’t outright attack Sae Beom when she took the blanket off of him, whereas another infected person would probably just immediately attack her. Either he has the mutated virus or just has a really really REALLY strong self-control and will. Well actually, we all know that he has a strong will and self-control, but does he also have the mutated virus?

 

I can’t think of anything else at the moment, but these are all things that would’ve been nice to see in the drama when wrapping everything up. We can assume what happened which is fine, but it’s always nice to see it pan out in the drama. Im not sure if you guys watched She would never know/sunbae don’t put on that lipstick, but I like what they did with Chae Hyun Seung and Song Ah’s relationship towards the end of the drama (I won’t say too much b/c spoilers).

[Selin Eroğlu]