K-Movie Recommendation of the Month – ‘Secret Zoo’: Where Deceit Meets Goodwill

When a law firm temp, Kang Tae Soo (played by Ahn Jae Hong), is faced with a mission of reviving a failing zoo in exchange for a permanent position, he takes on the job like a champ. But reality isn’t as rosy as imagination, and he’s soon faced with hurdles when he realises that the zoo barely houses any animals.

To complete his mission and revive the zoo, but lacking sufficient funds, Tae Soo devises a plan to have the zoo keepers act as animals by wearing realistic fur suits to generate income and capital.

Movie: Secret Zoo

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Apple TV

Cast: Ahn Jae Hong, Kang So Ra, Park Yeong Gyu, Kim Sung Oh and Jeon Yeo Been

Screenwriter: Son Jae Gon, Kim Dae Woo, Lee Yong Jae 

Director: Son Jae Gon

The Plot

Kang Tae Soo is an attorney-at-law working in a dead-end temp position at a law firm, who dreams of getting a permanent position at the firm. To achieve this goal, he’s tasked with a mission by his superiors to revitalize a failing zoo within three months, a mission he bravely and gladly takes on. It isn’t until later that he understands the complexities of his mission when faced with an empty zoo lacking funds. But not willing to give up, he convinces the other staff and zookeepers at the zoo to perform a charade to revive the footfall within the zoo. His solution? Dressing the zookeepers as animals and pretending.

While extremely risky, the move proves manageable as more and more visitors arrive, bringing with them a constant flow of capital and funds to renovate and house new animals. However, things don’t go smoothly for long, as a ‘polar bear’ is captured drinking cola and quickly goes viral. To hide their obvious farce, the zookeepers, along with Tae Soo, play along, advertising their cola-drinking polar bear and saving the zoo.

Successfully completing his mission, Tae Soo is awarded a permanent position at his law firm, but soon realises that revitalizing the zoo was merely a stalling tactic for another corporation to acquire the land rights. Faced with the dilemma of closing the zoo he fought hard to help reopen, or losing his position because of the farce he put on, he takes a few more drastic steps, choosing between his profession and his passion.

The Characters

Kang Tae Soo (Played by Ahn Jae Hong)

An attorney-at-law working a dead-end temp position. Given a chance to climb up the workplace ladder and gain a permanent position, he’s tasked with the mission of revitalizing a failing zoo. Often shown as a righteous man with reckless ingenuity, he’s seen to take a stand for the zoo and its inhabitants time and again to safeguard their interests. He’s also the one to take on the role of a ‘polar bear’ when the cola incident occurs.

Han So Won (Played by Kang So Ra)

Resident veterinarian doctor of the zoo. As one of the zookeepers, she’s tasked with playing the role of a ‘lion.’ She’s seen as a righteous, kindhearted, and empathetic individual, fiercely protective of the animals of the zoo.

Director Seo (Played by Park Yeong Gyu) 

The director of the zoo before Tae Soo takes over. He’s seen as an empathetic and righteous old man, unafraid of any trouble when it comes to saving his zoo. He’s put in charge of operating the ‘giraffe.’

Kim Gun Wook (Played by Kim Sung Oh)

One of the zookeepers does take on the role of the ‘gorilla,’ and he is portrayed as blunt, quick-tempered, and outspoken, often speaking his mind. 

Kim Hae Gyung (Played by Jeon Yeo Been) 

Another one of the zookeepers in charge of playing the ‘sloth.’ She’s often seen as a loyal and devoted member of the zoo staff with a fun-loving personality.

Why to watch ‘Secret Zoo’

• Unique Story: Based on a webtoon, ‘UNUZOOAL ZOO,’ by Hun, the movie is a full entertainment package with comedy, chaos, and underlying themes of romance and found family.
• Light Watch: Being a comedy, the film is suitable as a light weekend watch and a stress reliever.
• Social Commentary: The movie subtly hints at the growing problems in society, with humour as a shield. It not only showcases the greed and indifference of the wealthy and powerful, but also the struggles of the common people.
• Family Friendly: With no excessive gore, violence, or nudity, the movie is a good family watch, albeit under parental guidance for children under 16 years of age.
• Cast and Characters: The cast does a fabulous job of portraying their character (and animal). With artists from various walks of life banding together, the movie is wholesome, while the characters seem organic.

‘Secret Zoo’ is a humorous take on a desperate man’s bid to achieve success. It is also a story of perseverance and the goodwill of humanity, wrapped under the guise of a nearly impossible and highly illegitimate charade.

Written By: N.V.S. Akanksha

Connect with us on Instagram | X | YouTube for more content, interviews, & news.