Shocking Korean Hit: My Daughter Is a Zombie Conquers the Summer Box Office

In an electrifying twist no one saw coming, My Daughter Is a Zombie has stormed Korean theaters, turning a quirky zombie-family comedy into the nation’s most talked-about summer smash. This heartfelt yet hilarious tale proves that even the undead can warm hearts — and pack cinemas.

1. Explosive Box Office Rise of My Daughter Is a Zombie

Since its July 30 debut, the film has drawn over 2.37 million viewers in just eight days, grabbing a jaw-dropping 40% of all national ticket sales. Already surpassing its break-even point, it’s now on track to overtake Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s 3.39 million admissions. Such momentum suggests this quirky comedy could dominate the Korean summer box office for weeks Korean Film Council 2025.

2. From Thriller Maestro to Heartwarming Comedy

Director Pil Gam-seong, known for the dark suspense of Hostage: Missing Celebrity and A Bloody Lucky Day, pivots dramatically with this lighthearted, family-friendly adventure. Inspired by the Naver webtoon’s big “what if” — what if your beloved became a zombie? — Pil swaps grim apocalypse for warm laughs and relatable family bonds.

3. Jo Jung-suk: The Summer Box Office Guarantee

Lead actor Jo Jung-suk cements his reputation as a seasonal blockbuster magnet, following Exit (9.42M viewers) and Pilot (4.71M). Pil calls him “a perfectly tuned instrument,” able to leap from comedic beats to tear-jerking sincerity in a heartbeat Hollywood Reporter 2025.

4. Supporting Cast with Killer Timing

Veterans Lee Jung-eun and Yoon Kyung-ho bring impeccable comedic rhythm, balancing the film’s shifts from tragedy to levity. Their chemistry anchors the emotional beats while keeping the laughs flowing.

5. Aeyongyi the Cat: The Scene-Stealing Feline

True to the webtoon, “Aeyongyi” behaves like a human, adding a layer of absurd charm. Four cheese tabby finalists competed for the role, with one cat adapting so well it reduced both filming time and CGI expenses.

6. Zombie Scenes with a Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’ Twist

Pil meticulously crafted the opening zombie crowd scene to be scary yet funny, echoing the playful horror of Michael Jackson’s iconic music video. Each zombie hides its own micro-story — a detail fans are loving on repeat viewings.

7. A Film for All Generations

The film’s staying power lies in its cross-generational appeal. Pil notes that stage greetings often reveal grandparents, parents, and children watching together — a rare multi-age theater experience.

8. Staying Strong in Week Two

Weekday audiences still top 150,000, defying the typical post-opening drop-off. Positive word-of-mouth and “whole-family” recommendations suggest this undead comedy will remain a box office force.

9. Adaptation Choices That Work

While largely faithful to the webtoon, the ending shifts to better fit the family-comedy tone. Pil’s teenage daughter approved the script early on, giving him confidence to diverge creatively.

10. Why My Daughter Is a Zombie Is the Summer’s Must-See

With its perfect blend of heartfelt moments, laugh-out-loud gags, and a refreshing spin on the zombie genre, this film has redefined what a Korean summer blockbuster can be.

Can-You-Believe-It? A Zombie Comedy That’ll Make You Cry

Yes, you’ll laugh — but you might also need tissues. The final act blends comedy and poignancy in true Korean cinema fashion.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Read the original Naver webtoon.
2. Watch Pil Gam-seong’s earlier thrillers for contrast.
3. Book tickets early for prime weekend seats.
4. Stay through the credits for subtle soundtrack nods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Expecting standard zombie horror — this is a comedy first.
• Skipping the opening scene — it sets the quirky tone.
• Underestimating Jo Jung-suk’s emotional range.

FAQ

Q1. Is My Daughter Is a Zombie suitable for kids?
A. Yes — it’s more comedy than gore, making it family-friendly.

Q2. How different is it from the webtoon?
A. Mostly faithful, with a warmer ending tailored to a wider audience.

Q3. Who plays the daughter?
A. Rising star Choi Yu-ri portrays Soo-ah with charm and heart.

Expert Insight

“Zombie comedy is tricky, but Pil Gam-seong nails the balance of absurdity and emotion — that’s why audiences keep coming back.” — Korean Film Critic Lee Hae-jin

Further Reading & Sources

1. Korean Film Council 2025
2. Hollywood Reporter 2025