How far would you go for someone you love, even after they’ve turned into a zombie? Most stories in the genre are about one thing: survival. They thrive on gory horror and desperate sacrifice. But the upcoming Korean film “My Daughter Is a Zombie” flips the script. This “zom-com” swaps endless dread for sharp comedy and a touching family drama, creating a refreshingly heartfelt take on the apocalypse that makes it one of the year’s most anticipated films. Here’s everything you need to know about “My Daughter Is a Zombie,” including its plot, cast, and premiere date.
“My Daughter Is a Zombie” Korean Movie ( 좀비딸 – 2025)
The upcoming Korean movie “My Daughter Is a Zombie” is the latest work from director Pil Kam-sung, the talent behind the action-thriller “Hostage: Missing Celebrity” and the psychological drama “A Bloody Lucky Day.” He adapts Lee Yoon-chang’s popular webtoon, which centers on a beautifully unconventional premise: a father’s unconditional love for his child.
Behind the camera, the hitmaker Studio N (“Sweet Home”) is responsible for the production. Meanwhile, industry leader Next Entertainment World (NEW) handles the distribution. This joint venture joint venture forces, signaling a high-quality output with global appeal, positions the film as a memorable entry in modern Korean cinema.
Storyline
Meet Lee Jung-hwan, a single father and professional tiger trainer, in “My Daughter Is a Zombie.” While he can tame tigers, he struggles with his rebellious teenage daughter, Soo-a. Their world is shattered when a zombie virus strikes—and tragically, Soo-a is among the infected.
But instead of abandoning her, Jung-hwan retreats to his mother’s quiet seaside village to keep her safe. He must hide Soo-a from a world that now sees her as a monster. Yet, glimpses of the old Soo-a remain. She still finds comfort when her grandmother scratches her back, and a passion for dance flickers within her.
Refusing to give up, Jung-hwan tries something absurd yet touching. He uses his tiger-taming skills to “train” his zombie daughter. This proves a father’s bond is stronger than any apocalypse.
“My Daughter Is a Zombie” Cast and Characters
- Jo Jung-suk as Lee Jung-hwan: A professional tiger trainer and devoted single father.
- Choi Yoo-ri as Lee Soo-a: His daughter, a zombie who still loves to dance.
- Lee Jung-eun as Kim Bam-sun: Soo-a’s loving and protective grandmother.
- Cho Yeo-jeong as Shin Yeon-hwa: A zombie hunter and Lee Jung-hwan’s first love.
- Yoon Kyung-ho as Jo Dong-bae: Lee Jung-hwan’s friend and peer.
- Geumdongi as Aeyongi: The family’s scene-stealing cheese tabby cat.
Reasons to Watch: Key Details & Fun Facts
Based on a Hit Webtoon
The movie is adapted from Lee Yoon-chang’s hit webtoon of the same name. The story is already popular among webtoon fans. Now, the movie already has a loyal audience that is excited to see this live-action version come to life.
Star-studded Cast with Unbeatable Chemistry
Korean movie “My Daughter Is a Zombie” brings together an excellent mix of talents from the Korean film industry:
- Jo Jung-suk is a versatile actor known for his masterful blend of comedy and drama in hits like “Hospital Playlist”and “Exit.”
- Lee Jung-eun is the Oscar-winning actress for her outstanding role as Guk Mung-gwang in the global phenomenon Korean movie “Parasite.”
- Cho Yeo-jeong is recognized as the female lead in Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite.” This film marks her reunion with Lee Jung-eun.
- Yoon Kyung-ho is a famous supporting actor in hits like “Itaewon Class” and “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.”
- Choi Yu-ri is a child actress who made her acting debut in the 2015 film “Circle of Atonement.” However, she has been featured in numerous hit K-dramas and movies, including “Mother,” “My Strange Hero,” “Alienoid,” and more. This film marks her first meeting with senior actor Yoon Kyung-ho, despite having worked on the same project, “Alienoid 1,” in 2022.
Flipping the Zombie Script
While zombie stories often lean on the desperate survival of films like “Train to Busan” or the claustrophobic horror of “#Alive,” “My Daughter Is a Zombie” charts a different course. The wonderfully bizarre premise here isn’t about escaping monsters but about finding the humanity left within one, delivering a powerful family dramedy set against a thrilling apocalyptic backdrop.
A Tiger Trainer Taming a Zombie
The father, Lee Jung-hwan, isn’t a soldier or a scientist; he’s a professional animal trainer. He applies his unique skills to “train” his zombie daughter, showcasing a fresh and darkly comedic take on human-zombie dynamics.
A Real Cat Was Cast (and Out-Acted the CGI)
The production team conducted an audition for the webtoon’s beloved mascot, Aeyongi, a cheese tabby cat. The role went to a real cat actor, Geumdongi. Geumdongi’s natural and exceptional performance led the team to scrap plans for expensive CGI, opting instead to shoot the scenes for real. According to Kukinews, director Pil Kam-sung joked, “If it weren’t for Geumdongi, we’d probably still be filming”—a testament to just how crucial the professional cat actor was.
A True Genre-Bending Experience
“My Daughter Is a Zombie” is far from a typical zombie story. It’s not only a horror that will keep you on your toes, but it’s also a comedy that will give you a good laugh, and a family drama that will warm your heart. It delivers an emotional rollercoaster ride and an unforgettable viewing experience in the zombie genre.
“My Daughter Is a Zombie” Premiere
Mark your calendars! Korean movie “My Daughter Is a Zombie” will premiere in South Korea on July 30, 2025.
And if you live in Asia and Oceania, you won’t have to wait long, as the movie will hit the cinema near you this summer! The global release is scheduled for 22 countries, with dates rolling out through August:
- Taiwan: August 1
- Indonesia, Vietnam: August 8
- Philippines: August 13
- Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei: August 14
- Hong Kong, Macau: August 21
An announcement for the release in Australia, New Zealand, and other Oceanian countries will follow.
In the meantime, watch the trailer for “My Daughter Is a Zombie” below.
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