K Drama Hit All of Us Are Dead Starts Filming for Season 2 – What to Expect:- Are you eagerly awaiting the return of the heart-pounding South Korean zombie thriller All of Us Are Dead? Since its explosive debut on Netflix in January 2022, this K-drama has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping tale of high school students battling a zombie apocalypse. Fans have been clamoring for updates on Season 2, and the good news is here: filming for Season 2 has officially begun in July 2025, promising a thrilling continuation of the Hyosan High saga.

If you’re wondering what to expect from this highly anticipated sequel, this article dives deep into the latest updates, cast details, plot speculations, and more, ensuring you’re ready for the next chapter of this global phenomenon.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from production timelines to new cast members, potential plot twists, and how Season 2 will build on the success of its predecessor. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer curious about the hype, this article offers valuable insights to satisfy your curiosity and keep you informed.

Why ‘All of Us Are Dead’ Season 1 Was a Global Hit

Before diving into what to expect from Season 2, let’s recap why All of Us Are Dead became a cultural juggernaut. Released on January 28, 2022, the series, based on Joo Dong-geun’s webtoon Now at Our School (2009–2011), amassed 474.26 million viewing hours in its first 30 days, ranking as Netflix’s second most-watched Korean original, trailing only Squid Game. Its blend of high-stakes zombie horror, coming-of-age drama, and emotional storytelling resonated with viewers in over 90 countries.

Key Elements of Season 1’s Success

• Relatable Characters: The ensemble cast, led by Park Ji-hu (Nam On-jo), Yoon Chan-young (Lee Cheong-san), Cho Yi-hyun (Choi Nam-ra), and Park Solomon (Lee Su-hyeok), brought depth to their roles as students navigating love, friendship, and survival.
• Fast-Paced Storytelling: The show’s 12 episodes, each around 60 minutes, used cliffhangers and non-stop action to keep viewers hooked.
• Unique Zombie Lore: The introduction of “hambies” (half-human, half-zombie hybrids) like Nam-ra and Gwi-nam added a fresh twist to the genre.
• Cultural Relevance: By setting the outbreak in a high school, the series tapped into universal themes of youth, pressure, and resilience, amplified by South Korea’s competitive education system.

With Season 1 ending on a cliffhanger—leaving questions about Cheong-san’s fate and the survivors’ future—fans are desperate for answers. Let’s explore the latest updates on Season 2’s production and what to expect when it finally hits Netflix.

All of Us Are Dead Season 2: Production Updates and Timeline

Filming Begins in July 2025

After years of delays, All of Us Are Dead Season 2 has officially entered production. According to Netflix Tudum and other reliable sources, principal photography began on July 23, 2025, with filming expected to continue through December 2025. This aligns with reports from South Korean outlets like News1, which noted that production was postponed from 2024 to 2025 to ensure a “better production environment and higher completeness.”

Why the Long Wait?

Fans have expressed frustration over the four-year gap between seasons, with some humorously dubbing Season 2 “All of Us Are 30” due to the aging cast. The delays stem from several factors:

• COVID-19 Impact: Production for Season 1 was briefly halted in August 2020 due to the pandemic, and similar challenges likely affected pre-production for Season 2.
• High Production Standards: Director Lee Jae-kyoo and the team prioritized quality, opting to refine the script and visuals for a more polished Season 2.
• Scheduling Conflicts: Actress Roh Yoon-seo, initially cast for Season 2, withdrew due to her commitments to another K-drama, East Palace, which overlapped with the filming schedule.

Expected Release Window

With filming underway, All of Us Are Dead Season 2 is slated for a release in late 2026 or early 2027. This timeline accounts for several months of filming and post-production, including special effects for the show’s signature zombie action. While Netflix’s 2025 K-drama slate excluded All of Us Are Dead, the start of production signals progress, and fans can expect updates at events like Netflix Tudum in 2026.

What to Expect from the Cast of Season 2

Returning Cast Members

Netflix has confirmed that the core cast from Season 1 will return, ensuring continuity for fans invested in the characters’ journeys. The confirmed returning actors include:

• Park Ji-hu as Nam On-jo: The resilient student and Cheong-san’s love interest, now navigating life after the Hyosan outbreak.
• Yoon Chan-young as Lee Cheong-san: Despite his apparent death in Season 1, his inclusion in the Season 2 announcement video suggests he may return, possibly as a hambie.
• Cho Yi-hyun as Choi Nam-ra: The class president and hambie, whose arc will likely explore her struggle between human and zombie instincts.
• Park Solomon (Lomon) as Lee Su-hyeok: The reformed bad boy who became a key protector of the group.
• Im Jae-hyuk as Yang Dae-su, Ha Seung-ri as Jang Ha-ri, Lee Eun-saem as Park Mi-jin, and Kim Bo-yoon as Seo Hyo-ryung: The surviving students who escaped Hyosan High.

New Cast Members

Season 2 introduces a wave of fresh faces to expand the story, particularly as the setting shifts beyond Hyosan High. According to News1 and Collider, the new additions include:

• Lee Min-jae (Weak Hero Class 2) as Yong Ma-ru
• Kim Si-eun (Squid Game Season 2) as So Ju-ran
• Yoon Ga-i (Da-eum So-hee) as Lee Jong-ah
• Roh Jae-won (Squid Game Season 2) as Han Doo-seok, a National Intelligence Service team leader
• Seo Ji-hoon (Revenge of Others), Kim Min, Ahn Dong-goo, and Ryu Sung-rok in undisclosed roles

These actors bring experience from other high-profile K-dramas, suggesting Netflix is doubling down on star power to elevate Season 2’s appeal.

Notable Absences

One significant change is the absence of Roh Yoon-seo, who was initially cast but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with East Palace. Her departure has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing disappointment on platforms like X, fearing it may impact the season’s dynamic.

Plot Predictions: What to Expect from the Story

A New Setting in Seoul

Season 1 was confined to Hyosan High, but Season 2 will expand the scope to a post-apocalyptic Seoul. Director Lee Jae-kyoo has teased that the story will unfold in a “fallen Seoul” with “more powerful and evolved zombies.” This shift suggests a larger, more chaotic world where survivors face new threats outside the school’s walls.

The official synopsis from Netflix Tudum reveals that Nam On-jo, now a university student in Seoul, will face a new deadly virus outbreak. This indicates a time jump, likely addressing the real-world aging of the cast. The survivors, including Cheong-san, Nam-ra, and Su-hyeok, will grapple with the long-term effects of the Hyosan outbreak, while new characters like Yong Ma-ru, So Ju-ran, and Lee Jong-ah join the fight for survival.

The Evolution of Hambies

One of the most intriguing elements of Season 2 is the focus on hambies, the hybrid zombies introduced in Season 1. Director Lee has hinted that Season 2 will be a “survival period for zombies,” suggesting a deeper exploration of hambies like Nam-ra and potentially Cheong-san.

Key plot threads to watch:

• Nam-ra’s Role: As a hambie, Nam-ra’s struggle to balance her human and zombie sides could drive moral conflicts, especially if she’s protecting other survivors or hambies.
• Cheong-san’s Fate: Fans have speculated that Cheong-san, who was seemingly killed in a government bombing, may return as a hambie. His calm demeanor after being bitten in Season 1 supports theories that he avoided turning into a full zombie.
• New Hambie Characters: The introduction of new cast members could include additional hambies, creating tension between humans and hybrids.

Expanded Zombie Lore

Season 2 is set to feature more dangerous and unpredictable zombies. Lee Jae-kyoo has promised “more powerful” creatures, possibly with enhanced abilities or new infection mechanisms. This could tie into the government’s interest in the Jonas Virus, created by science teacher Lee Byeong-chan, and its potential spread beyond the quarantine zone.

Themes and Emotional Depth

While Season 1 focused on survival and camaraderie, Season 2 is likely to delve into:

• Trauma and Recovery: How the survivors cope with the psychological scars of the Hyosan outbreak.
• Moral Dilemmas: The conflict between humans and hambies, especially if the government seeks to exploit or eradicate hybrids.
• New Alliances and Rivalries: The addition of new characters may introduce fresh dynamics, such as rival survivor groups or a new antagonist.

How Season 2 Will Build on Season 1’s Legacy

Lessons from Other K-Dramas

The long hiatus between seasons is not uncommon for Netflix’s K-dramas. Squid Game and Sweet Home both faced three-year gaps between their first and second seasons, yet Squid Game Season 2 broke viewership records in 2024. To recapture its audience, All of Us Are Dead Season 2 will need to balance nostalgia for the original cast with fresh storytelling, avoiding the pitfalls of Sweet Home Season 2, which sidelined its protagonist and disappointed some fans.

Production Quality

Netflix’s investment in Season 2 is evident in its commitment to high production values. The first season’s kinetic cinematography, massive zombie crowd scenes, and emotional performances set a high bar. With filming now underway, expect Season 2 to deliver:

• Enhanced Visual Effects: More sophisticated zombie designs and large-scale action sequences in Seoul.
• Improved Pacing: Addressing Season 1’s occasional criticism of overlength, Season 2 may streamline its episode count or runtime.
• Authentic Character Development: Director Lee’s focus on consulting young actors to capture modern high school dynamics will ensure relatable characters.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

The announcement of Season 2’s production has sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism on platforms like X. Fans are thrilled about the returning cast and new additions but frustrated by the long wait. Some X users have expressed concerns about Cheong-san’s return without Gwi-nam, the Season 1 antagonist, and the absence of Min Eun-ji, a fan-favorite hambie. Others are excited about the expanded scope and new characters, with one user stating, “Finally Netflix doing something right!!!!”

Community Speculation

• Cheong-san’s Survival: Many fans believe Cheong-san’s return as a hambie is likely, given his inclusion in promotional materials.
• New Villains: The addition of characters like Han Doo-seok from the National Intelligence Service suggests a potential government-related antagonist.
• Time Jump Concerns: Some worry that a significant time jump could disconnect viewers from the high school setting that defined Season 1.

FAQ Section: Addressing Common Questions About All of Us Are Dead Season 2

1. When Will All of Us Are Dead Season 2 Be Released?

While an exact release date hasn’t been confirmed, filming began in July 2025 and is expected to wrap by December 2025. Given the time required for post-production, including special effects for the zombie sequences, the most likely release window is late 2026 or early 2027. Netflix’s decision to delay filming from 2024 to 2025 was to ensure a higher-quality product, which may push the premiere slightly further. Fans can stay updated through Netflix Tudum or official social media channels.

2. Which Cast Members Are Returning for Season 2?

The core cast from Season 1 is set to return, including Park Ji-hu (Nam On-jo), Yoon Chan-young (Lee Cheong-san), Cho Yi-hyun (Choi Nam-ra), Park Solomon (Lee Su-hyeok), Im Jae-hyuk (Yang Dae-su), Ha Seung-ri (Jang Ha-ri), Lee Eun-saem (Park Mi-jin), and Kim Bo-yoon (Seo Hyo-ryung). New cast members include Lee Min-jae, Kim Si-eun, Yoon Ga-i, Roh Jae-won, and others, bringing fresh dynamics to the story. Notably, Roh Yoon-seo will not appear due to scheduling conflicts.

3. What Will the Plot of Season 2 Focus On?

Season 2 will shift from Hyosan High to a post-apocalyptic Seoul, where Nam On-jo, now a university student, faces a new zombie outbreak. The story will explore the aftermath of the Hyosan crisis, with a focus on hambies (half-human, half-zombie hybrids) and “more powerful” zombies. Expect themes of trauma, survival, and moral conflicts, with new characters like Yong Ma-ru and Han Doo-seok adding complexity. The season may also address whether Cheong-san survived the Season 1 bombing, possibly as a hambie.

4. Why Has Season 2 Taken So Long to Produce?

The delay stems from multiple factors: the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted early production plans, and Netflix prioritized quality, pushing filming from 2024 to 2025 for a “better production environment.” Scheduling conflicts, such as Roh Yoon-seo’s exit, also contributed. Compared to other K-dramas like Squid Game and Sweet Home, which took three years between seasons, All of Us Are Dead’s four-year gap is unusually long but reflects Netflix’s focus on high-budget production values.

5. Will Season 2 Follow the Webtoon?

Season 1 covered most of Joo Dong-geun’s webtoon Now at Our School, but altered the ending to set up a sequel. Season 2 will likely diverge further, introducing original storylines since the source material has been exhausted. Director Lee Jae-kyoo has emphasized a larger scale, with a focus on evolved zombies and new settings like Seoul. This creative freedom allows for fresh narratives but may challenge the show to maintain the webtoon’s emotional core.

6. How Can Fans Prepare for Season 2?

To get ready for Season 2, rewatch Season 1 on Netflix to refresh your memory of key events and characters. Follow Netflix’s official social media or platforms like X for real-time updates on production. Joining fan communities, such as Reddit’s r/AllOfUsAreDead, can also keep you engaged with discussions and theories. For deeper context, consider reading the original webtoon on Webtoon to understand the source material’s roots.

Conclusion:

The K-Drama hit ‘All of Us Are Dead’ starts filming for Season 2, marking a thrilling milestone for fans who’ve waited over three years for its return. With production underway in July 2025, a stellar cast, and a bold new setting in a fallen Seoul, Season 2 promises to elevate the stakes with evolved zombies, deeper character arcs, and intense survival drama. While the wait until late 2026 or early 2027 may test patience, the commitment to quality and the addition of new talent suggest it will be worth it.

What are your predictions for All of Us Are Dead Season 2? Are you excited about Cheong-san’s potential return or curious about the new hambie storyline? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest K-drama updates. For more on Netflix’s K-content, check out our articles on Squid Game Season 2 and Sweet Home.