Viruses for Modern People
- Bae Doo-na, 46, is making a return to the silver screen with a lighthearted role in the upcoming movie 'Virus,' directed by Kang Lee Kwan, set to release...
- 'Virus' unfolds as a quirky romantic comedy centered around a disaster.
- Taek-sun, initially struggling with her aspirations as a novelist and working as a translator, undergoes a transformation after contracting the virus, awakening her dormant romantic feelings.She finds herself...
Bae Doo-na Returns to the Screen with ‘Virus,’ a Romantic Comedy
Table of Contents
- Bae Doo-na Returns to the Screen with ‘Virus,’ a Romantic Comedy
- Bae Doo-na Returns in ‘Virus’: A Q&A on the New Romantic Comedy
- What is “Virus” About?
- When is “Virus” set to be released?
- What made Bae Doo-na decide to star in “Virus”?
- Who is Kim Yun-seok in the film?
- Why did Bae Doo-na want to work with Kim Yun-seok?
- How does Bae Doo-na describe the experience of working with Kim Yun-seok?
- What was the Kiss scene like in the Film?
- How did Bae Doo-na portray the changes in Taek-sun after the viral infection?
- How does bae doo-na approach acting?
- What can we expect from Bae Doo-na’s future projects?
- How does Bae Doo-na choose her roles after all the work?
- Who is Bae Doo-na’s most respected director, and why?
- How does “Virus” differ from her typical roles?
- Summary: Bae Doo-na’s “Virus”

Bae Doo-na, 46, is making a return to the silver screen with a lighthearted role in the upcoming movie ‘Virus,’ directed by Kang Lee Kwan, set to release May 7. Reflecting on the film, Bae Doo-na remarked, “It’s been six years as filming, and watching it now, it feels so fresh and cute. It’s been a while since I’ve laughed so much in a movie.”
‘Virus’ unfolds as a quirky romantic comedy centered around a disaster. The plot follows Taek-sun (Bae Doo-na), who, after contracting a virus that causes uncontrollable infatuation, embarks on an unexpected journey with three men: Motae Solo Research Institute (Son Seok-gu), her elementary school classmate Yeonwoo (Jang Ki-ha), and Lee Kyun (Kim Yun-seok), the sole expert capable of developing a cure.
Taek-sun, initially struggling with her aspirations as a novelist and working as a translator, undergoes a transformation after contracting the virus, awakening her dormant romantic feelings.She finds herself drawn to Lee Kyun, who becomes her protector. The film is adapted from Lee Ji-min’s novel, “The Youth Extreme.” the release was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bae Doo-na Discusses Her Role and Co-star Kim Yun-seok
Speaking from a cafe in Samcheong-dong on April 30, Bae Doo-na noted the contrast from her previous roles, stating, “I’ve often had an expressionless face in crime or chase films, so it was nice to show a lot of smiles after a long time.”
When asked about her decision to take on the role, Bae Doo-na explained, “After doing dark movies like ‘Doheya’ (2014) and ‘Tunnel’ (2016), I wanted to do something that would allow me to laugh without thinking. I also wanted to work alongside Kim Yun-seok.”
Regarding her desire to collaborate with Kim Yun-seok, she added, “I’ve enjoyed all of Kim Yun-seok’s movies, but seeing him in ‘Dark Figure of Crime’ (2018) made me want to work with him. He supported Ju Ji-hoon, allowing him to fully express himself. I felt that a lot from the actor’s point of view.”

On-Screen chemistry and Character Transformation
Describing the experience of working with Kim Yun-seok, Bae doo-na said, “I felt amazing when I was automatically immersed in acting becuase of my senior. He was just Lee Kyun, so I was naturally [Taek-sun]. I thought it would be my own energy.”
Addressing the kiss scene with Kim Yun-seok, she described it as, “Black comedy feels like an action scene (laughs).It’s not a romantic [scene]. Lee Kyun, who feels like a guardian of Taek-sun, stops the affection of Taek-sun and struggles. It’s a movie that’s hard to define as a romantic comedy. It’s like a fairy tale of adults.”
Explaining how she portrayed the changes in Taek-sun after the viral infection, Bae Doo-na stated, “The Taek-sun before the infection is a dark and realistic figure, and it was not tough to express it. There were a lot of dreams and hopes,like a Taek-sun,because there were many dreams and hopes,and there were many people who became dull,sensational,and no longer fluttering. Or I thought it was a good virus that gives the modern man.”
Bae Doo-na’s Approach to Acting and Future Projects
When asked about being an actor that directors and fellow actors want to work with, Bae Doo-na responded, “If you work with me, you can’t hate it (laughs). I’m sincere and not late. I listen to the director well and stick to acting. I don’t think I want to be more beautiful and come out or stand out.It truly seems to have absorbed such values while working with directors.”
Regarding her diverse filmography, ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to low-budget autonomous films, she said, “I like it because I like it. Thanks to the long time, I was lucky to choose the work. There are frequently enough works such as ‘dohee’ (2023). there is.”
when asked about why Hirokazu Kore-eda is her most respected director, Bae Doo-na explained, “I’m a person who shows a creation in making a movie. I really like his acts.” She cited an example from ”Broker” (2022),where the director refused to use a baby doll for a scene involving a baby’s back.
Bae Doo-na Returns in ‘Virus’: A Q&A on the New Romantic Comedy

What is “Virus” About?
“Virus” is a quirky romantic comedy starring Bae Doo-na, where she plays Taek-sun, a woman who contracts a virus that causes uncontrollable infatuation. the film explores Taek-sun’s journey and the unexpected relationships she develops with several men, including Lee Kyun (Kim Yun-seok), the only expert who can develop a cure, and Motae Solo Research Institute (Son Seok-gu), and her elementary school classmate Yeonwoo (Jang Ki-ha).
When is “Virus” set to be released?
“Virus” is set to be released on May 7.
What made Bae Doo-na decide to star in “Virus”?
Bae Doo-na explained that after taking on darker roles in films like “dohee” (2014) and “Tunnel” (2016), she was looking for a role that would allow her to ”laugh without thinking.” she also expressed her desire to work with co-star Kim Yun-seok.
Who is Kim Yun-seok in the film?
Kim Yun-seok plays the role of Lee Kyun, the only expert capable of developing a cure for the love-inducing virus.
Why did Bae Doo-na want to work with Kim Yun-seok?
Bae Doo-na admired Kim Yun-seok’s performance in “Dark Figure of Crime” (2018), especially his support for fellow actor Ju Ji-hoon. She felt that Kim Yun-seok,as an actor,was excellent in assisting expressing one’s self.

How does Bae Doo-na describe the experience of working with Kim Yun-seok?
Bae Doo-na said she was “automatically immersed in acting” due to the influence of her senior co-star, Kim Yun-seok. She felt as though she naturally became “Taek-sun”.
What was the Kiss scene like in the Film?
bae Doo-na described the kiss scene as, “Black comedy feels like an action scene (laughs).It’s not a romantic [scene]. Lee Kyun, who feels like a guardian of Taek-sun, stops the affection of Taek-sun and struggles. It’s a movie that’s hard to define as a romantic comedy. It’s like a fairy tale of adults.”
Bae Doo-na explained that she found it easy to portray the character before the infection, which was a dark and realistic figure. She noted that the post-infection Taek-sun had many dreams and hopes. Bae doo-na believes the virus, could be seen as good, because it gives to the modern man.

How does bae doo-na approach acting?
Bae Doo-na stated, ”If you work with me, you can’t hate it.” She emphasizes her sincerity, reliability (not being late), and commitment to following the director’s vision. She prioritizes the work over personal vanity.
What can we expect from Bae Doo-na’s future projects?
Bae doo-na has built a diverse filmography,ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films.She enjoys this variety and is open to further diverse roles.
How does Bae Doo-na choose her roles after all the work?
Bae Doo-na has been in the industry for a long time, “Thanks to the long time, I was lucky to choose the work. There are frequently enough works such as ’dohee’ (2023).”
Who is Bae Doo-na’s most respected director, and why?
bae Doo-na considers Hirokazu Kore-eda her most respected director, specifically highlighting his approach to creation in filmmaking. she admired his work in “Broker” (2022),especially his commitment to realism,such as refusing to use a baby doll when the scene involved a baby’s back.
How does “Virus” differ from her typical roles?
Bae Doo-na noted that “Virus” offered a different experience compared to her previous roles in crime films, allowing her to display a lot of smiles.
Summary: Bae Doo-na’s “Virus”
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Plot | Romantic comedy about a woman (Taek-sun) infected with a love-inducing virus. |
| Key Cast | bae Doo-na, Kim Yun-seok, Son Seok-gu, Jang Ki-ha |
| Bae Doo-na’s Role | Taek-sun |
| Release Date | May 7 |
