“K-Zombies Are Evolving” Director Yeon Sang Ho Proves It With ‘Colony’

Director Yeon Sang Ho has returned with a different kind of zombie film. These zombies are unlike anything previously seen in the genre. Sharing a collective consciousness and constantly evolving, they engage in a fierce battle against humans.

The press screening and media conference for the film 'Colony' was held on May 20 at CGV Yongsan in Seoul. Director Yeon Sang Ho attended alongside cast members Jun Ji Hyun, Koo Kyo Hwan, Shin Hyun Been, Ji Chang Wook, and Kim Shin Rok.

'Colony' is a zombie suspense thriller set inside a quarantined building, where isolated survivors fight against evolving infected beings. The infected move as a collective and share information, creating a fresh kind of terror.

Director Yeon explained, “This film depicts a battle between humans and zombies with collective intelligence. The zombies that first appear are primitive, but they rapidly evolve. Meanwhile, the human group begins in civilization and quickly regresses.”

The project did not initially begin as a zombie film. Yeon shared, “I kept asking myself what the hidden fear of modern society is. What I personally felt was the fear created by ultra-fast information exchange — collective thinking, and the helplessness of individuality.”

He explained that the concept began with the fear of humans being overwhelmed by AI. “I found the operating principles of AI fascinating. As I explored it further, I began to feel that artificial intelligence was essentially the sum of universal thought.”

He continued, “When the power of universal thinking becomes too strong, individuality may collapse. In a world ruled by collective intelligence, I wondered if individuality is what preserves humanity the most.”

That idea eventually evolved into a zombie film. “I imagined zombies that communicate collectively and continuously update themselves, whether in the wrong direction or the right one,” he recalled.

'Colony' also differs significantly from Yeon Sang Ho’s previous zombie works, such as 'Train to Busan,' 'Seoul Station,' and 'Peninsula.'

“‘Peninsula’ was closer to an action film mixed with car chases and fast-paced sequences,” Yeon said. “‘Colony’ leans much more toward suspense thriller territory.”

He added, “Films like ‘Seoul Station,’ ‘Train to Busan,’ and ‘Peninsula’ combined classic zombies with unusual settings. ‘Colony’ focuses directly on the zombies themselves. In some ways, this may be the first film I’ve made where the zombies are truly the protagonists.”

The zombies’ movements are also unique. Much like human evolution, they begin by crawling before eventually walking and running on two legs. Some even imitate humans. The abstract idea of “moving with collective intelligence” was incorporated directly into their physical movements.

Yeon explained, “In addition to break dancers and stunt performers, we recruited around three contemporary dance teams specializing in more avant-garde styles. Because of them, I felt like my own unique zombies were coming to life in ways I never imagined while writing the script.”

Jun Ji Hyun, who plays Kwon Se Jung, also commented, “Traditional zombies behave individually and uncontrollably. But the infected in ‘Colony’ are different. They evolve in real time and move like one massive organism. That interconnectedness was fascinating.”

'Colony' offers a wide variety of thrills as a zombie film. The unprecedented zombie horde itself is compelling, especially because they operate under a leader’s control and can even malfunction. Their intense action sequences are another major highlight.

The film also stands out for its portrayal of isolated humans reacting differently under disaster conditions. Kim Shin Rok, who plays Seo Hyun Hee, said, “Every survivor has their own unique traits, circumstances, and vulnerabilities when it comes to survival.”

She added, “Some are naturally fearful, while others make dangerous decisions because of their jobs. Some value relationships more than survival itself. Some are selfish, while others are selfless.”

The villain Seo Young Chul, played by Koo Kyo Hwan, also leaves a powerful impression. While Kim Shin Rok’s and Ji Chang Wook’s characters are emotionally connected, Seo Young Chul is connected to the infected through his actions.

Koo explained, “It felt like I was playing over 100 versions of Seo Young Chul.”

The psychological warfare and suspense between humans and zombies unfold at a breathless pace. Jun Ji Hyun’s process of uncovering how to eliminate the zombies, along with the terror that emerges when presumed truths prove false, drives the film forward rapidly.

Lastly, director Yeon reflected on the film’s screening at the Cannes Film Festival, saying, “When it screened at Cannes, I thought, ‘Could this experience get any better?’ But watching it screened in Korea feels even better.”

Jun Ji Hyun added, “Now it’s up to audiences to judge and evaluate our film. We sincerely ask for your support.”

Koo Kyo Hwan also remarked, “While making it, the film belongs to us. But the moment it’s shown in theaters, it belongs to the audience.”

'Colony' hits theaters on May 21.

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