The Heartwarming Comedy 'Zombie Daughter' Premieres in Seoul

The much-anticipated comedy film 'Zombie Daughter' (좀비딸) has officially premiered, unveiling its unique blend of humor and heart. The press screening took place on July 21, 2025, at the Megabox Coex in Seoul, attended by director Phil Gam-seong (필감성) and the cast, including Jo Jung-seok (조정석), Lee Jung-eun (이정은), Jo Yeo-jeong (조여정), Yoon Kyung-ho (윤경호), and Choi Yu-ri (최유리).

'Zombie Daughter' tells the story of a devoted father who undergoes secret training to protect his daughter, the last remaining zombie in the world. Director Phil expressed his excitement and nervousness about the film, which is based on a popular Naver webtoon that has garnered over 500 million views globally. He noted the original webtoon consists of seven volumes, requiring careful selection and focus to adapt it into a film. He emphasized that the character development was streamlined to enhance the story's impact.

Regarding the film's portrayal of zombies, Phil mentioned the importance of balancing horror and comedy. He aimed for the initial scenes to be thrilling and realistic, stating that the film's tone is approximately 59% horror and 41% comedy. He explained that the focus is not solely on zombie spectacles but rather on the evolving relationship between the father and his daughter, who initially sees him as food but later recognizes him as her protector.

Jo Jung-seok plays the father, Jeong-hwan, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character's emotional journey. As a father in real life, Jo shared that he found the script deeply relatable and enjoyable, although he struggled to manage his emotions during filming. He described the experience as both rewarding and challenging, highlighting the emotional depth of his character.

Lee Jung-eun portrays the grandmother, Bamsun, and emphasized the importance of the father-daughter relationship in the film. She aimed to balance a realistic portrayal of a motherly figure without veering into cartoonish territory. Lee also reflected on the film's message, suggesting that it challenges the perception of family and safety in the face of danger.

Jo Yeo-jeong, who plays Jeong-hwan's first love, Yeon-hwa, shared her character's serious backstory and the emotional weight it carries. She noted the chemistry on set was exceptional, making the filming experience enjoyable and comfortable.

Yoon Kyung-ho, who plays Dong-bae, expressed his surprise at the emotional reactions from viewers during screenings, indicating the film's ability to resonate with audiences. He reflected on the contrasting tones of his previous work and 'Zombie Daughter,' noting the film's warmth and humor.

Choi Yu-ri, who plays Su-a, Jeong-hwan's daughter, expressed her gratitude for working alongside respected actors and shared her approach to embodying a character that transitions from a human girl to a zombie.

In conclusion, Director Phil described 'Zombie Daughter' as a family-friendly comedy that combines thrilling zombie elements with heartfelt moments. The film is set to be released in theaters nationwide on July 30, 2025.