Zombie Daughter: A Heartwarming K-Zombie Comedy with a Twist of Fatherly Love

Even if you're not a fan of zombie films, 'Zombie Daughter' offers an accessible entry point. In this movie, zombies are merely a backdrop for a comedy and human drama. The film stars Jo Jung-suk, a real-life doting father, perfectly cast as the 'zombie daughter doting dad.' It's the birth of a lovely K-zombie film.

Jung-hwan (played by Jo Jung-suk), who used to be quite the dancer, has a teenage daughter, Soo-ah (played by Choi Yoo-ri), who loves K-pop dance. Despite their bickering, they share a strong father-daughter resemblance. On Soo-ah's birthday, Jung-hwan prepares a special meal for her, but chaos erupts outside as people become infected with a zombie virus. During their escape from the pandemonium, Soo-ah also gets infected. However, Jung-hwan refuses to give up on his daughter just because she's become a zombie. He takes his zombie daughter Soo-ah to his mother Bamsun's (played by Lee Jung-eun) seaside hometown, Eunbong-ri. There, he isolates and hides his zombie daughter while embarking on a mission to train her.

'Zombie Daughter' is a comedic drama about a family that embarks on a secret mission to protect their daughter, the last zombie on Earth. Director Pil Gam-seong, known for his unique thrillers and suspense in films like 'Hostage' and the TVING series 'Unlucky Day,' takes on the zombie comedy genre with 'Zombie Daughter.'

Director Pil's new venture deserves praise. He draws from his thriller experience for the zombie aspect and utilizes seasoned comedic actors like Jo Jung-suk and Lee Jung-eun for the family comedy. Ultimately, the film explores the emotion of love through the story of a father protecting his zombie daughter. Even audiences wary of zombie films can relate to 'Zombie Daughter' because of this. It's a blend of humor and emotion, making you laugh and cry at the right moments.

Jo Jung-suk once again showcases his comedic prowess. Known for his roles in 'Exit' and 'Pilot,' he brings his signature charm to 'Zombie Daughter,' which is also set to release in late July, similar to his previous hits. Fans are eager to see if he can deliver another 'summer comedy classic.'

Jo Jung-suk, a father in real life, found it easy to immerse himself in the character of Jung-hwan, who struggles to protect his daughter infected with the zombie virus. This personal connection results in a more natural and vivid performance.

While Jo Jung-suk handles the emotional core, Lee Jung-eun and Yoon Kyung-ho provide constant laughter, ensuring the comedy never falters. Lee Jung-eun plays the lively grandmother Bamsun, the 'original dancer' of the family, delivering her signature comedy that leaves no room for holding back laughter.

Earlier this year, Yoon Kyung-ho gained popularity as the lovable yet annoying proctologist Han Yoo-rim in 'Trauma Center,' earning the nickname 'Hangblie.' In 'Zombie Daughter,' he plays Dong-bae, a pharmacist and Jung-hwan's friend who helps train the zombie daughter. Yoon Kyung-ho is the key to the film's comedy. Choi Yoo-ri, as Soo-ah, balances her role as a 'trained zombie daughter' with both human and zombie traits seamlessly.

'Zombie Daughter' offers a fresh take on the zombie genre by infusing it with fatherly love. Now, it's time for 'Zombie Daughter,' showered with a father's love, to win over the audience's hearts. The film is set to release on the 30th.

By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr