Actor Jo Jung-seok aims for another summer hit with 'Zombie Daughter'.
On the morning of the 30th at 11 AM, a production report for the movie 'Zombie Daughter' was held at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, attended by director Lee Kwang-sung, Jo Jung-seok, Lee Jung-eun, Jo Yeo-jeong, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Choi Yu-ri.
Based on a webtoon of the same name, 'Zombie Daughter' is a comedic drama about a doting father who begins secret training to protect his daughter, who has become the last remaining zombie in the world. Jo Jung-seok plays the role of Jung-hwan, the doting father, showcasing both heartfelt paternal love and the essence of comedic acting.
Jo Jung-seok introduced his character by saying, "Jung-hwan, whom I play, is a zookeeper for wild animals. Because of that job, he thinks, 'Isn't it possible to train our daughter, who has become a zombie, to return to normal?' So he is a doting father who tries to train her without giving up."
He continued, "I received the script without having seen the original work, but it was so fun that I couldn't hold back my emotions. So I couldn't refuse to participate." He added, "I felt that Jung-hwan is like me. Just the other day, while playing with my daughter, she scratched my nose, so I came to makeup today. I am also a doting father like Jung-hwan," which brought laughter.
In the film, Lee Jung-eun plays the role of Grandma Bamsun, the core influencer of Eunbong-ri, Jo Yeo-jeong plays the national certified zombie hunter Yeonhwa, Yoon Kyung-ho plays Jung-hwan's long-time friend Dong-bae, and Choi Yu-ri plays Jung-hwan's daughter Sua. Among them, Choi Yu-ri drew attention for her zombie acting.
Director Lee Kwang-sung stated, "Choi Yu-ri had to do zombie acting and also dance K-pop well. She prepared while balancing her studies, and she never complained even once. Also, special makeup is a tough job. Some lenses can obstruct vision, but even in such situations, she approached the staff beautifully, which was impressive and mature."
Choi Yu-ri said, "When I first saw myself in zombie makeup in the mirror, I was surprised to see someone who wasn't me." She added, "I usually don't move my body well, but to become Sua in this project, I worked really hard under the guidance of a dance teacher. I referenced the feeling of a puppy to express both the zombie vibe and the lovable side of Sua."
Not only Choi Yu-ri, but Lee Jung-eun also donned a grandmother's makeup in the film. When asked if playing an elderly role was burdensome, he replied, "I played a 70-year-old role in my 20s. I felt good that the experience I gained on stage could be used in the film. Nowadays, older people have such good skin. I was able to show many aspects of a very active grandmother that I couldn't show on stage."
Jo Jung-seok is set to challenge another summer hit with 'Zombie Daughter' following 'Exit' (2019) and 'Pilot' (2024).
He said, "It's being released in summer again. I feel like I have some luck. It's not easy to release in summer, so I am grateful." He added, "'Exit' and 'Pilot' were released on July 31, but coincidentally, 'Zombie Daughter' is being released a day earlier on July 30. I hope for good results this time as well."
Meanwhile, Lee Jung-eun remarked, "'Zombie Daughter' is a movie that can make you laugh and feel touched. While it's nice to watch at home with a simple button press, I think it would be good to watch it together and see a story of coexistence. I ask for your support for the revival of Korean cinema."
On the other hand, 'Zombie Daughter' is set to be released on July 30.
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
