On February 18, 2026, viewers across South Korea tuned in to SBS for an animated feature that’s anything but your typical zombie flick. The movie, titled Zombie Daughter (좀비딸), aired at 8:20 PM and quickly caught the attention of families looking for something a little different to round out the Lunar New Year holiday. But what’s the real story behind this quirky, heartwarming film? According to multiple Korean news outlets, Zombie Daughter is not just another tale of the undead—it’s a story of family, resilience, and a father’s love in the face of a world gone mad.
At its core, the movie tells the story of Jung-hwan, a beast expert and animal trainer, and his teenage daughter, Soo-ah. When a global zombie virus outbreak sweeps the world, Soo-ah is infected. Instead of giving in to fear or abandoning his daughter, Jung-hwan decides to protect her at all costs. The two flee to Eunbong-ri, a quiet seaside village where Soo-ah’s grandmother, Bam-soon, lives. This tranquil setting soon becomes the backdrop for a most unusual family project: Jung-hwan’s mission to train his zombie daughter, using the skills he’s honed as a professional animal trainer.
The premise alone is enough to raise eyebrows and spark curiosity. But as CBC News reports, the film is based on the wildly popular webtoon My Daughter Who Became a Zombie by Lee Yoon-chang. The webtoon, already beloved for its mix of wit and heart, provides the narrative backbone for the movie. The adaptation, directed by Pil Gam-seong and featuring a star-studded voice cast including Jo Jung-seok as Jung-hwan and Choi Yu-ri as Soo-ah, manages to capture both the humor and the poignant moments that made the original so successful.
Unlike the gory, relentless horror often associated with zombie stories, Zombie Daughter takes a refreshingly different approach. According to CBC News, the movie “focuses on family love and the coexistence of zombies and humans with humorous and touching episodes.” The film’s unique blend of comedy and warmth is evident as Jung-hwan, desperate to keep his daughter safe from a society determined to root out the infected, begins a secret training regimen. He draws on his experience as a beast trainer, treating his daughter’s new zombie instincts like those of a wild animal—except, as the movie makes clear, a teenage zombie is even more unpredictable than a tiger.
But the stakes are high. As highlighted by bnt News, Jung-hwan’s efforts to rehabilitate Soo-ah are constantly threatened by the villagers’ suspicion. The tension mounts as the pair try to maintain the illusion of normalcy, all while Soo-ah’s condition makes her increasingly difficult to conceal. The film’s comedic moments are balanced by genuine suspense, as Jung-hwan must outwit not only the villagers but also his own fears and doubts.
Despite the odds, Jung-hwan discovers glimmers of hope. In a world where most would shun or even destroy the infected, he notices that Soo-ah retains faint traces of her humanity. According to eToday, “Soo-ah shows faint understanding of human speech and reacts to dancing and her grandmother’s touch.” These small signs become lifelines for Jung-hwan, reinforcing his determination to never give up on his daughter. The film deftly explores the theme of unconditional love, as Jung-hwan’s refusal to abandon Soo-ah becomes a metaphor for the resilience and adaptability of family bonds—even in the most bizarre circumstances.
The supporting cast adds further depth to the story. Lee Jung-eun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Choi Yu-ri all deliver standout performances, with each character bringing their own quirks and warmth to the narrative. The grandmother, Bam-soon, provides both comic relief and emotional grounding, while the family’s cat, Kim Ae-yong, offers a few unexpected moments that fans of the webtoon will appreciate. As CBC News notes, “the film includes notable moments such as the cat Kim Ae-yong’s role, which fans anticipate.”
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to appeal to viewers of all ages. While younger audiences are drawn in by the slapstick humor and animated antics, adults find themselves moved by the deeper themes of sacrifice and acceptance. The movie’s release during the Lunar New Year holiday was no coincidence; as CBC News points out, it’s “especially suitable for family viewing at the end of the Lunar New Year holiday.” It’s a rare case of a zombie movie that brings families together, rather than sending them running for cover.
Of course, the film doesn’t shy away from the realities of a society in crisis. The villagers’ suspicion and fear reflect the broader societal impulse to isolate and stigmatize those who are different. Jung-hwan’s struggle to keep his daughter’s condition a secret is a poignant commentary on the lengths to which parents will go to protect their children from a hostile world. Yet, through humor and heart, the movie suggests that understanding and compassion can bridge even the widest divides.
Visually, Zombie Daughter stands out for its vibrant animation and expressive character design. The animators have managed to capture both the absurdity and the emotional weight of the story, creating a world that feels both fantastical and deeply relatable. The seaside village of Eunbong-ri, with its tranquil beaches and tight-knit community, serves as the perfect backdrop for the family’s journey—a place where danger and hope coexist in equal measure.
For those familiar with the original webtoon, the movie offers plenty of Easter eggs and callbacks, ensuring that longtime fans are rewarded for their loyalty. Yet it’s also accessible to newcomers, who may find themselves surprised by just how moving a zombie comedy can be. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a renewed appreciation for the power of family, the importance of perseverance, and the possibility of finding laughter even in the darkest of times.
In a media landscape crowded with apocalyptic tales and grim survival stories, Zombie Daughter dares to ask: What if the end of the world was also the beginning of a new kind of family? For one evening at least, SBS viewers got their answer—a story that’s as funny as it is heartfelt, and as unforgettable as the love between a parent and child.