Actor Jo Jung-suk is taking on his third box office challenge this summer with 〈Zombie Daughter〉 following the films 〈Exit〉 (2019) and 〈Pilot〉 (2024). Jo Jung-suk stated, "It is unusual for three leading films to be released consecutively during the summer peak season," adding, "I think it is due to luck."
In the comedy film 〈Zombie Daughter〉, directed by Phil Gam-seong, set to be released on the 30th of next month, Jo Jung-suk plays the role of Jeong-hwan, a 'daughter fool' father, competing against notable Korean tentpole films such as 〈All-Knowing Reader's Perspective〉 and 〈The Devil Has Arrived〉.
Based on the webtoon of the same name by writer Lee Yoon-chang, the film 〈Zombie Daughter〉 tells the story of a father, Jeong-hwan (Jo Jung-suk), who struggles to protect his daughter Sua (Choi Yu-ri), who has turned into a zombie.
At the production report held on the 30th of last month at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, Jo Jung-suk said, "The character Jeong-hwan in the script felt like 'myself'" and added, "It was so fun that there was no reason not to decide to participate."
Director Phil Gam-seong revealed that he became a fan of Jo Jung-suk through musicals in the early 2000s and has been waiting a long time for the opportunity to collaborate with him. It is said that the director wrote the script with Jo Jung-suk in mind.
Director Phil stated, "Jo Jung-suk is an actor who can handle both comedic acting and heart-wrenching emotional performances," and expressed his happiness that he readily accepted the offer to participate.
In addition to Jo Jung-suk, the film features a number of actors who excel in comedic performances, including Lee Jung-eun, Jo Yeo-jeong, and Yoon Kyung-ho.
Lee Jung-eun plays the role of Jeong-hwan's mother, Bamsun, who takes care of her granddaughter, disguised as a 70-year-old woman. Lee Jung-eun mentioned, "I have done a lot of elderly acting since my 20s on the theatre stage," and added, "Based on that experience, I will be able to present a new grandmother character." She particularly noted that Bamsun is set to be an active character, differentiating her from existing elderly characters.
Jo Yeo-jeong, who worked with Lee Jung-eun in the film 〈Parasite〉 (2019), plays Jeong-hwan's first love, Yeon-hwa. Jo Yeo-jeong explained, "I decided to participate just by looking at the names of the actors I would be working with," adding, "Yeon-hwa is a character with a unique setting as a nationally certified 'zombie hunter.'"
Child actor Choi Yu-ri's zombie performance is also one of the main viewing points of the film. Choi Yu-ri received guidance from dance and choreography instructors for realistic zombie acting and underwent over two hours of special makeup during filming.
Director Phil praised her, saying, "Despite the difficult filming, she always approached the staff with a bright demeanor, which was admirable," and added, "Choi Yu-ri is a great actress and a mature friend."
