Director Pil Gam-seong Explores Comedy with 'Zombie Daughter', Inspired by His Own Teenage Daughter

Director Pil Gam-seong has revealed his fascination with the bittersweet yet humorous story of 'Zombie Daughter', drawing from his own experiences as a father to a teenage daughter.

On the 29th, at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, director Pil Gam-seong discussed his latest film, 'Zombie Daughter'.

'Zombie Daughter' is a comedic drama about a doting father who embarks on a secret mission to protect his daughter, the last remaining zombie in the world. The film is based on a webtoon of the same name.

Known for his directorial prowess in thrillers like his debut film 'Hostage' (2021) and the drama 'Unlucky Day' (2023), Pil Gam-seong takes on comedy with 'Zombie Daughter'. He shared, "I actually enjoy comedy. Even before 'Hostage', I was preparing a comedy film. I didn't start 'Zombie Daughter' with the intention of doing comedy. I was captivated by the story when it was proposed to me. I found the tone of the original work to be delightful, which naturally led me to direct it."

Director Pil was particularly drawn to two aspects of the original work. He explained, "I liked the questions posed by the original. The idea of 'What would I do if the person I love most became a zombie?' resonated with me. Throughout the project, I kept pondering questions like 'Can one truly become family with a zombie?'"

Regarding the theme of a daughter turning into a zombie, Pil commented, "It's a very sad story. I am also raising a teenage daughter, so it hit home for me." He added, "The way the story unfolds in a humorous yet poignant tone was captivating. I wanted to take on the challenge of adapting it into a film."

'Zombie Daughter' is set to premiere on the 30th.

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