Happiness (2021 South Korean Television Series)

Happiness is a South Korean television series that aired on tvN and TVING from November 5 to December 11, 2021. The thriller drama, consisting of 12 episodes, is set in a newly constructed high-rise apartment building in a major city, where residents from diverse social backgrounds find themselves trapped following the emergence of a mysterious infectious disease.

Promotional poster for the drama Happiness.

Plot

The story focuses on the social dynamics and survival struggles of residents within the Seyang Forest Le Ciel apartment complex after the building is sealed off due to a public health crisis. As fear and distrust spread among the neighbors, the series explores themes of human nature under extreme pressure.

The narrative centers on three primary characters:

Yoon Sae-Bom (played by Han Hyo-Joo), a decisive and determined member of a special police squad who is eager to settle into her new home.
Jung Yi-Hyun (played by Park Hyung-Sik), a smart and honest detective who has long harbored romantic feelings for Sae-Bom and works to protect her and the other residents.
Han Tae-Seok (played by Jo Woo-Jin), a lieutenant colonel in the health service command who possesses critical information regarding the outbreak.

Production

The series was directed by Ahn Gil-Ho and written by Han Sang-Woon. The two previously collaborated on the 2019 OCN drama Watcher. The first script reading for the production took place on May 7, 2021. Happiness occupied the Friday and Saturday 22:40 time slot on tvN, following the conclusion of Yumi's Cells and preceding Bad and Crazy.

For actor Park Hyung-Sik, the role of Jung Yi-Hyun marked his first acting project following his discharge from mandatory military service on January 4, 2021.

Cast

The series features an ensemble cast representing the various residents and officials involved in the crisis.