Jo Jung-suk's 'Zombie Daughter' Breaks Pre-Sale Records, Promising Box Office Success

In an era overflowing with content, Kim Ji-won from TenAsia curates the best for you. From must-see classics to exciting new releases, enjoy a diverse range of recommendations.

---

The film 'Zombie Daughter,' starring Jo Jung-suk, is showing promising signs of success, having surpassed 350,000 pre-sale tickets, the highest for any release this year. It has even outdone the pre-sale numbers of 2024's top hit 'Exorcism,' which sold 280,132 tickets. Jo Jung-suk's performance is praised for its perfect blend of comedic timing and touching paternal love, capturing both humor and pathos.

'Zombie Daughter' is a comedic drama about a doting father who undergoes secret training to protect his teenage daughter, the last remaining zombie on Earth. Jo Jung-suk plays the role of Jeong-hwan, a father who moves to his hometown of Eunbong-ri to protect his daughter amidst a society eager to root out the infected. As a former animal trainer, Jeong-hwan uses his skills to help his zombie daughter adapt to human society.

Jo Jung-suk showcases his comedic prowess in 'Zombie Daughter,' seamlessly transitioning between humor and seriousness to deliver both laughs and heartfelt moments. As a real-life father, Jo brings authenticity to Jeong-hwan's character, whose love for his daughter is palpable in his performance.

Jo Jung-suk has previously led films like 'Exit' (2019) and 'Pilot' (2024) to box office success, both released in July. Known as the 'Summer Man,' the film industry is keen to see if Jo can replicate his success with the summer comedy 'Zombie Daughter,' which combines humor and pathos.

'Pilot' (2024) | Netflix, Wavve
The film 'Pilot' follows Han Jeong-woo (Jo Jung-suk), a star pilot who becomes unemployed overnight and re-enters the workforce using his sister's identity. Released last July, it attracted 4.71 million viewers.

Jo Jung-suk, experienced in cross-dressing from his musical 'Hedwig,' underwent a transformation for his role as Han Jeong-mi in 'Pilot,' losing 7kg and undergoing massages to achieve a sleek look. He tried on over 100 outfits to perfect his character's wardrobe, showcasing his unique comedic flair.

'Exit' (2019) | Netflix, TVING, Wavve, Coupang Play
'Exit' is a disaster-comedy film about Yong-nam (Jo Jung-suk) and Eui-joo (Im Yoon-ah) escaping a city engulfed in toxic gas. Jo plays Yong-nam, a former college rock climbing ace turned unemployed youth.

Jo's portrayal of a struggling job seeker is both humorous and poignant, as Yong-nam uses his seemingly useless skills to save his family and escape the city, delivering a satisfying narrative.

'Jealousy Incarnate' (2016) | Netflix, Wavve
The drama 'Jealousy Incarnate' is a romantic comedy set in a broadcasting station, featuring Jo Jung-suk as the successful anchor Lee Hwa-shin, opposite Gong Hyo-jin's weathercaster Pyo Na-ri.

Lee Hwa-shin is a character Jo considers one of his best roles. The drama gained attention for its storyline involving Lee Hwa-shin's breast cancer diagnosis, which Jo portrayed with authenticity, earning praise for his realistic depiction of the experience.

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