I just finished watching Happiness on Netflix for the third time, and honestly… it still hits just as hard as the first watch. This is one of those shows where the very first episode immediately pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

From the beginning, there’s already so much going on, an infectious disease outbreak, a mysterious drug, a murder, and somehow… a proposal. And instead of feeling overwhelming, it all flows together in a way that makes you want to keep watching “just one more episode.”

The second episode slows things down just enough to give us a glimpse of something softer, seeing Yoon Sae-bom and Jung Yi-hyun settling into their apartment life after getting married. It’s simple, a little cute in its own way, but you already feel that underlying tension building in the background.

Then episode three? That’s when everything shifts.

The infected trapped inside the frozen truck trying to escape is where the tone fully changes, and from that moment on, the show just keeps getting more intense. Every episode introduces a new problem, a new layer of conflict, or a new side of human behavior under pressure. Even though each episode is about an hour long, it never feels slow. There’s always something happening, and somehow they manage to fit so much into just 12 episodes without it feeling rushed.

One of the strongest parts of this drama is the characters, especially Sae-bom.

That line she says:

“Worrying won’t change anything… perhaps it may not collapse.”

That stuck with me.

She’s calm, logical, and strong without being emotionless, and she stands firm in her beliefs no matter what’s happening around her. She doesn’t panic, she adapts. And I honestly loved how she was written and portrayed.

Yi-hyun complements her perfectly. He’s protective without being controlling, caring without being overwhelming, and completely loyal. The trust between them is what really makes their relationship stand out.

And that’s what I loved most about this show— the romance.

It’s not flashy. There are no over-the-top dates or dramatic confessions every five minutes. Instead, it’s subtle, steady, and built on trust, protection, and understanding. They’re just there for each other, no matter what, and in a situation like theirs, that kind of love feels even more powerful.

The acting across the entire cast was honestly done beautifully. Every character felt real in their own way, even the ones you couldn’t stand. And speaking of that…

My least favorite characters were definitely:

• The doctor (for obvious reasons)
• The building representative lady (the obsession with control was a lot)
• And of course… Andrew

They all added to the tension though, and made the story even more frustrating in the best way possible.

The music throughout the show fit perfectly with the tone, never overpowering, but always enhancing the mood when it needed to.

And the ending?

I actually really liked how they wrapped it up. Toward the end, it genuinely feels like things might not turn out well, like it could go in a much darker direction, but instead, it gives you a satisfying and hopeful conclusion without feeling unrealistic.

Ratings:

Plot: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

Chemistry (Main Couple): 5/5

Music: 5/5

Ending: 5/5

Overall: 10/10

Final Thoughts

Happiness is absolutely worth rewatching—and clearly, I’ve tested that myself.

It’s the perfect mix of:

• Survival and infection chaos
• Psychological tension
• Mystery
• And a subtle but deeply meaningful romance

If you’re someone who enjoys zombie or outbreak-style stories but also wants a relationship that feels real and grounded, this drama does both incredibly well.

Sae-bom and Yi-hyun don’t need big gestures to prove how much they care about each other. They show it through their actions, their choices, and the way they stand side by side even when everything around them is falling apart.

And honestly? That’s what makes it unforgettable.