Korean Webtoon Adaptation 'My Daughter is a Zombie' Confirms July 30 Release Date - Jo Jung Suk's Heartwarming Family Comedy

Breaking News: 'My Daughter is a Zombie' Sets July 30 Release Date

The Korean film industry is buzzing with excitement as 'My Daughter is a Zombie' has officially confirmed its theatrical release for July 30, 2025. This highly anticipated movie, based on the popular Naver webtoon by Lee Yoon Chang, promises to deliver a unique blend of comedy and heartfelt family drama that sets it apart from traditional zombie films.

The announcement came alongside the release of the main trailer on June 26, distributed by NEW. The film represents a fresh take on the zombie genre, focusing not on apocalyptic horror but on the touching relationship between a father and his infected daughter. This approach has already generated significant buzz among both webtoon fans and general audiences who are eager for innovative storytelling in Korean cinema.

The timing of the July release positions the film perfectly for the summer movie season, when audiences typically seek entertaining and emotionally engaging content. Industry experts predict that this unique family-oriented zombie comedy could become a sleeper hit, especially given the strong track record of webtoon adaptations in recent years.

Star-Studded Cast Brings Beloved Characters to Life

The casting choices for 'My Daughter is a Zombie' have been met with overwhelming approval from fans and critics alike. Jo Jung Suk takes on the challenging role of Jung Hwan, the devoted father who refuses to give up on his zombie daughter. Known for his versatility in films like 'Exit' and the beloved drama series 'Hospital Playlist,' Jo Jung Suk brings both comedic timing and emotional depth to this complex character.

Veteran actress Lee Jung Eun, who gained international recognition through 'Parasite,' plays Bam Soon, the grandmother who lives in the fishing village of Eunbong-ri. Her character provides both wisdom and comic relief as she helps protect her granddaughter alongside Jung Hwan. The chemistry between these seasoned actors promises to deliver authentic family dynamics that will resonate with audiences.

Rising star Choi Yu Ri takes on the pivotal role of Su Ah, the last remaining zombie in the world. Having previously appeared in the 'Alienoid' series, Choi Yu Ri faces the unique challenge of portraying a character who must balance zombie characteristics with glimpses of her former humanity. The supporting cast includes Cho Yeo Jung as Yeon Hwa, Jung Hwan's first love who becomes a teacher in the village, and Yoon Kyung Ho as Dong Bae, Jung Hwan's loyal friend.

From Webtoon Phenomenon to Cinematic Adaptation

The original webtoon 'My Daughter is a Zombie' first began serialization on Naver Webtoon in August 2018 and concluded in June 2020 after 91 episodes. Created by Lee Yoon Chang, the series quickly gained a massive following both domestically and internationally, accumulating approximately 500 million views across global platforms including Japan, Spain, North America, Thailand, and Taiwan.

What made the webtoon special was its innovative approach to the zombie genre. Instead of focusing on survival horror, Lee Yoon Chang crafted a story that used zombies as a metaphor for the challenges of parenting and family relationships. The series was praised for addressing contemporary social issues such as isolation, prejudice, and unconditional love within a fantastical framework.

The webtoon's success led to multiple adaptations, including a 26-episode animated series that aired on EBS in 2022. The animation was made available on various OTT platforms including Netflix, Watcha, TVING, and Laftel, further expanding its reach. The consistent popularity across different media formats demonstrates the strong foundation that the film adaptation builds upon.

Director Pil Gam Seong's Vision for Genre-Bending Cinema

Director Pil Gam Seong, known for his work on thriller films like 'Hostage' and the drama series 'Bad Luck,' brings a unique perspective to this family-oriented zombie story. In recent interviews, Pil Gam Seong explained his attraction to the project's unexpected tonal balance between comedy and emotional depth.

The director emphasized that 'My Daughter is a Zombie' is not a typical zombie apocalypse film but rather a story about unconditional parental love. His approach focuses on the intimate moments between family members rather than large-scale action sequences. This decision aligns with the original webtoon's strength in character development and emotional storytelling.

Pil Gam Seong has described one particular scene as emblematic of the film's core message: a moment where Jung Hwan, his mother, and even the family dog gather in the courtyard to help train Su Ah. This scene, he notes, combines thematic questions, clever comedy, fairy-tale-like mise-en-scène, and touching family emotions all in one sequence. The director's vision promises to deliver a film that asks profound questions about love and acceptance while maintaining an accessible, entertaining tone.

Cultural Impact and International Appeal

The success of 'My Daughter is a Zombie' reflects broader trends in Korean content that have captured global attention. The story's universal themes of family love and acceptance, combined with Korea's unique cultural context, create a narrative that resonates across cultural boundaries. The setting in a traditional Korean fishing village adds authenticity and charm that international audiences have come to appreciate in Korean cinema.

Industry analysts note that the film's approach to the zombie genre offers something fresh in a market saturated with similar content. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than elimination, the story presents a more optimistic worldview that aligns with contemporary discussions about inclusion and understanding differences. This perspective has particular relevance in post-pandemic society, where themes of isolation and community support have gained new significance.

The film's production by Studio N, known for successful webtoon adaptations like 'Sweet Home' and 'Yumi's Cells,' suggests strong potential for international distribution. Studio N's track record of creating content that performs well on global OTT platforms positions 'My Daughter is a Zombie' for potential worldwide release following its Korean theatrical debut.

Anticipation Builds for Summer's Most Unique Family Film

As the July 30 release date approaches, anticipation continues to build among various audience segments. Webtoon fans are eager to see how their beloved characters translate to the big screen, while general audiences are curious about this fresh take on zombie storytelling. The film's marketing emphasizes its family-friendly approach while maintaining the emotional complexity that made the original webtoon so compelling.

Early reactions to the trailer have been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the authentic family dynamics and the perfect casting choices. The film's tagline, 'Even if the whole world turns against you, I won't give up,' has resonated strongly with audiences who appreciate stories about unconditional love and perseverance.

Industry experts predict that 'My Daughter is a Zombie' could become a significant success story for Korean cinema in 2025. The combination of established stars, proven source material, and innovative storytelling creates a formula that has worked well for previous Korean films. As summer approaches, this heartwarming zombie comedy stands ready to offer audiences something truly special – a film that uses the undead to celebrate the very essence of what makes us human.