Kim Min-ha, who lost 17kg, returns with the movie 'Hana Korea'
Actress Kim Min-ha's film 'Hana Korea,' in which she fully immersed herself by losing 17kg, has ranked first in pre-sale rates before its release.
Kim Min-ha's Choice: Losing 17kg for a Role
Actress Kim Min-ha has returned with a noticeably slimmer appearance. Ahead of filming her next project, she lost 17kg by combining diet control and exercise to portray the role of Hye-seon, the protagonist of the film 'Hana Korea.' Maintaining a diet focused on small meals—eating only once a day—she continued her weight loss within limits that did not harm her health, stating that she wanted to show a look suitable for the character rather than simply changing her outward appearance.
In a recent interview, Kim Min-ha shared her thoughts on her transformed appearance. "Since I said in a previous interview that I love myself as I am, I was worried that some people might misunderstand," she said, emphasizing that this weight loss was a 100% choice for her acting. She further expressed her professional conviction, saying, "There are diverse people in the world, and I am someone who must express that, which is why I lost weight." She added that she is satisfied with both her former and current selves, accepting the process of changing herself for a character as an actor's destiny.
This change stemmed from her immersion in the character. In this work, which is based on a true story, Kim Min-ha plays Hye-seon, a North Korean defector struggling to take root in South Korean society. "Since there is a lot of narration and it is based on a true story, I wanted to act with a feeling of peeking into a person's diary rather than a fiction," she said. She added that hearing the vivid stories of the defection process made her feel a sense of responsibility to work harder on her narration acting. Even when delivering lines, she strove to develop the power of conveying them in a soft, whispering voice.
'Hana Korea' Records No. 1 in Reservation Rate and Support from Seniors
The film 'Hana Korea' is making its presence felt in the theater industry even before its release. As of 2 PM on the 7th, according to the real-time reservation rate of the Korean Film Council, 'Hana Korea' ranked first among Korean films releasing this week. It placed 5th in the overall reservation rate among domestic and international buzzworthy films such as 'Hope,' 'Moana,' 'Toy Story 5,' and 'Eye.' Directed by Denmark's Frederik Sjöberg and starring Kim Min-ha, Kim Joo-ryoung, and Ahn Seo-hyun, the film will be released in theaters nationwide on the 8th.
The work captures the journey of Hye-seon, a North Korean defector, as she carves out a life even in an unfamiliar environment. Breaking away from the typical framework of existing defector-themed films, it focuses on restrained directing and the recording of ordinary daily life. Following press screenings, critics have offered evaluations such as, "Through the subject of North Korean defectors, it allows us to witness the lives of youth with dreams," and "It quietly reads the reality as it is, without exaggeration." There are also many voices stating that Kim Min-ha's delicate emotional expression is the core driving force of the play.
Kim Min-ha's growth has led to support from her seniors. Having become an actress through the recommendation of Sol Kyung-gu during her school years, she cited Sol Kyung-gu and actress Song Yoon-ah as being like her real siblings and father. She invited her neighbor Song Yoon-ah to the recent premiere. After watching the film, Song Yoon-ah praised her, saying, "Min-ha, you did so well." Sol Kyung-gu also encouraged her over the phone, saying, "Everyone likes you, you're doing well. Don't lose your initial intention." Kim Min-ha expressed her respect, saying, "I think it would be goosebump-inducing to be captured in the same frame as Sol Kyung-gu teacher and Song Yoon-ah unnie someday."
Hye-seon's Journey Depicted Based on a True Story
The film 'Hana Korea' is an art-buster based on a true story that captures the journey of 'Hye-seon,' a North Korean defector trying to move forward even in an unfamiliar life. Kim Min-ha filmed this project two years ago. She recalled, "From the moment I first read the script, I hoped many people would recognize this work." She revealed that she put more effort into her narration acting after hearing vivid stories of how defectors swim across the sea with the determination to die.
Kim Min-ha's parents also attended the recent premiere. While they were worried about their daughter's condition due to her weight loss, they showed their pride with smiles from the audience. Kim Min-ha shared, "I was happy because my parents were happy."The Ensemble of Kim Min-ha, Kim Joo-ryoung, and Ahn Seo-hyun
The film 'Hana Korea' stars Kim Min-ha, Kim Joo-ryoung, and Ahn Seo-hyun. Kim Min-ha plays the role of 'Hye-seon,' a North Korean defector starting a new life in South Korea. Director Frederik Sjöberg delicately portrays Hye-seon's journey based on a true story.
