Netflix’s most recent South Korean hit, All Of Us Are Dead plunges viewers into an apocalyptic scenario where fear itself transforms into a lethal zombie virus. The students of Hyosan High go from having to take on the regular challenges of a teenager’s life to fighting throngs of undead.
But even in such dire times, not every single moment is gloomy. All Of Us Are Dead does an excellent job of peppering this blood-stained reality with funny moments, offering a dose of much-needed light-heartedness. Certain characters strongly anchor the show in their humor and humanity, making the moments when they are hit by tragedy even sadder.
10 Yoon I-Sak Likes To Tease And Encourage Her Best Friend On-Jo
The best friend of female protagonist Nam On-jo, Yoon I-sak has an endearing bond with her classmate. When On-jo struggles with her crush on Lee Su-hyeok, I-sak takes it upon herself to both tease and encourage her. She ends up involving protagonist Lee Cheong-san in the whole affair, much to the dismay of both him and On-jo.
A character full of energy and joy, she has a great dynamic with On-jo, one that definitely adds a lot to the story. Sadly, she is killed very early on, and her death hits On-jo hard. The loss of her delightful presence makes it clear that no one is safe from the Jonas Virus.
9 Lee Cheong-San’s Mother Has An Amusing Temperament Before Her Tragic Death
While the story focuses primarily on the younger members of the cast, the adults are also important. Cheong-san’s parents own an eatery, which Cheong-san and his friends visit at the beginning of the series. His mother is so fond of him that she decides to name the small restaurant after her son. Her affection for her son is as sweet as it is amusing.
Viewers cannot help but laugh upon seeing Cheong-san’s face as the eatery’s icon. Tragically, there’s nothing funny about her ultimate fate. Mrs. Lee attempts to track down her son at his high school and makes the mistake of approaching his zombified friend Han Gyeong-su. She is horrifically killed and turned into a zombie, only to run into her son later.
8 Cheong-San’s Relationships Provide An Unexpected Source Of Humor
While Cheong-san is best remembered for his speed, self-sacrificing nature, and incredible resourcefulness, he is, in the end, an awkward teenager. Occasionally, that makes him unexpectedly funny. A notable example includes his attempt to unlock a classmate’s phone by using facial recognition on her despite being a zombie.
The idea isn’t bad, but, as On-jo soon points out, one doesn’t need to unlock a phone to dial emergency services. Other instances usually revolve around his relationship with On-jo and his awkward inability to admit his feelings for her. His friendship with Gyeong-su also provides a few golden nuggets of humor.
7 Park Mi-Jin’s Blunt Attitude Can Be Both Amusing And Refreshing
One of the older students in the show, Park Mi-jin survives the original outbreak of the virus while smoking in the bathroom. Her rule-breaking speaks volumes about her general attitude, and her blunt openness, which can occasionally come off as off-putting, soon becomes both refreshing and very amusing.
She is the complete opposite of skilled archer Jang Ha-ri, and, though they originally don’t get along, they soon become friends. The way Mi-jin expresses her admiration for Ha-ri is just as funny as her determination to pass her final exams despite the zombie apocalypse going on.
6 Oh Joon-Yeong’s Intelligence Doesn’t Make Him Any Less Hilarious
One of the most intelligent students in the group, Oh Joon-yeong is as awkward as he is clever. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he’s a bit of a dork, which sadly makes him easy to miss when compared to stronger presences like Cheong-san or Su-hyeok. But he has some great moments, and his character connects very well with that of Jang Dae-su.
He’s almost hilariously excited when constructing a toilet, though considering how much the students needed it by then, that’s probably understandable. Another funny moment is the time when the group finds chocolate, only for Joon-yeong to be bypassed while sharing it. With the benefit of hindsight, it may have foretold Joon-yeong’s fate, but at the time, it’s a funny exchange.
5 Yoo Joon-Sung’s Cowardice Is An Unexpected Source Of Humor
A member of Mi-jin’s group, Yoo Joon-sung has trouble accepting the harsh realities he has to face due to the outbreak. Mi-jin’s practical and blunt decisions often frighten him. His protests may come off as cowardly, especially since he doesn’t provide any real solution to their situation other than waiting or hiding.
But what could have been irritating turns rapidly funny because of Mi-jin’s reaction to him. Their squabbling is an unexpected source of humor. Sadly, this is another bond that is lost. Joon-sung is injured and later sacrifices himself to give the others a better chance at survival.
4 Song Jae-Ik's Snark Can Be Very Amusing Despite His Stoicism
After learning the truth about the Jonas Virus from its creator, Lee Byeong-chan, Detective Song Jae-ik sets out on a quest to deliver the information to the proper authorities. He enlists Jeon Ho-cheol to assist him. While Jae-ik is a more serious character who is focused on fulfilling his duties, the circumstances birth unexpected moments of humor.
Ho-cheol's cowardly behavior often causes Jae-ik to be snarky. Much to the audiences' delight, he seems more exasperated with Ho-cheol than he is scared of the zombies. But he can use his humor for good purposes when he tries, as evidenced by his ability to reassure the little girl he rescues.
3 Jeon Ho-Cheol’s Dynamic With Song Jae-Ik Makes Their Journey Even Better
If Jae-ik is amusing, the real humor in this arc of the story relies heavily on Ho-cheol's character. The reactions of the young police officer are often a source of much hilarity, particularly when compared to Jae-ik. Apparently a graduate from Seoul University, Ho-cheol is perhaps even more unprepared for the situation than the students of Hyosan High.
And yet, Ho-cheol has moments when he makes better decisions than Jae-ik. At one point, he apparently leaves Jae-ik behind, perceiving Jae-ik’s insistence to rescue additional people as too dangerous. He later comes back with a larger vehicle that ultimately allows them to survive the whole experience. His sudden appearance alongside his constant panic makes the character incredibly funny.
2 Yang Dae-Su Is As Funny As He Is Strong And Vocally Talented
Physically the strongest student in the group of survivors, Yang Dae-su is often teased for his weight but doesn’t let that bring him down. He is a stalwart pillar of support for the group and single-handedly holds the zombies back on more than one occasion. But without a doubt, he is most notable for his overall likability and the good humor he brings to his friends.
Both his temperament and his singing voice are a gift that shatters the gloom they are surrounded by. One example includes his suggestion to the practical problem of not having a toilet. His idea relies on using the window to fulfill this basic need. Suffice to say, no one is impressed, though the viewers find the moment hilarious.
1 Orangibberish’s Shenanigans Always Bring A Smile To Viewers’ Faces
To say that the video streamer Orangibberish doesn’t make the most intelligent choices would be the understatement of the century. Upon hearing that Hyosan is plagued by zombies, he decides to investigate, all in a quest for likes and subscribers. His ensuing shenanigans—along with the online response he receives—are brilliantly humorous.
He manages to take refuge on a roof and is later rescued by Jae-ik and Ho-cheol, making the journey of the two officers even funnier. Viewers are understandably relieved at the survival of the character and hope he will return to bring them a few more laughs.