All of Us Are Dead is a South Korean zombie apocalypse series that takes place mostly inside a high school. The story begins when a virus outbreak occurs at Hyosan High School, turning students and staff into flesh-eating zombies. The virus spreads quickly and uncontrollably, trapping a group of students inside the school. Without access to the outside world and with no one to trust, the students must fight to survive using only their courage, intelligence, and limited resources.
The virus was created accidentally by a science teacher who wanted to help his bullied son become stronger. However, the experiment went wrong, and the virus turned his son into a zombie. When the virus leaks into the school, chaos erupts. Within minutes, students are attacked, bitten, and transformed into aggressive zombies. The survivors, led by students like Cheong-san, On-jo, Nam-ra, and Su-hyeok, try to stay alive and escape the infected building.
As the students struggle to survive, they also face emotional and moral challenges. Some have to watch their friends and classmates turn into zombies, and others are forced to make painful decisions—like leaving someone behind or killing a former friend who is now infected. The group dynamics constantly change, showing the emotional impact of fear, desperation, and the will to live. Despite the horror, strong friendships and acts of bravery develop among the students.
Outside the school, the military tries to control the outbreak but fails to act quickly enough. The government is unsure how to respond, and the infection spreads beyond the school into the city. Meanwhile, the media and families of the students are desperate for answers. The story explores how adults and authorities react in times of crisis and how often the younger generation is left to fend for themselves.
A unique twist in the series is the introduction of “halfbies” – people who are infected but don’t fully turn into zombies. They gain zombie-like strength and healing abilities but retain human emotions and intelligence. This leads to deeper questions about identity, survival, and what it means to be human. Nam-ra, one of the main characters, becomes a halfbie and struggles with her new reality.
In the end, while some characters survive, many do not. The show ends with a mix of hope and sorrow, as the survivors try to find meaning in their trauma. All of Us Are Dead is not just a zombie thriller; it’s a story about growing up in a broken world, making hard choices, and finding light in the darkest moments.
