Kim Min-ha transforms into a Parisian, deleting her 'recycling memes'

Parisian sensibility replaces the 'recycling meme' to grace WWD Korea cover

Actress Kim Min-ha showcased a new aura through her autumn pictorial for WWD Korea, a collaboration with Longchamp. In the pictorial released on the 14th, Kim presented the concept of 'unfiltered moments.' Revealing her natural face and deepened gaze, she gazed into the camera wearing knit tops against a comfortable indoor backdrop, or moved between static expressions and free movements while showcasing F/W ready-to-wear.

This is a stark contrast to her past fashion style, which was once discussed online as the so-called 'recycling meme.' Kim shared her personal views on fashion during an interview. "I choose cute and pretty things for myself, not to show anyone else," she said, adding, "Fashion is an element that takes care of me." The calm and sophisticated Parisian sensibility captured in this pictorial is a result of this personal style philosophy being projected.

Hyesun, a North Korean defector in the film 'Hana Korea,' acting out inner turmoil

The conversation continued regarding the recently released film 'Hana Korea.' In this work, which is inspired by a true story, Kim Min-ha, who played the role of North Korean defector Hyesun, calmly shared her feelings when she first encountered the script. She recalled, "When I first received the script, it felt like I was reading someone's letter."

Regarding the character Hyesun, Kim defined her as "a person who constantly contemplates who she is and what ground she is standing on." She believed that Hyesun's story is not just for a specific group, but a universal emotion that anyone can experience in life. Kim said, "I wanted to delicately express the inner turmoil," delving deep into a different kind of identity struggle than when she played the young Sunja in the film 'Call.'

The love that sustained her through obscurity, and a challenge like 'Black Swan'

Before gaining global attention as Sunja in the Apple TV+ series 'Pachinko,' Kim Min-ha also went through a time like a dark tunnel. She cited the warmth of those around her as the driving force that helped her endure her long period of obscurity. Kim confessed, "What pulled me out of the dark tunnel was the love of friends, family, and even my dog." Mentioning the novel 'Aurora' by author Choi Jin-young, which she read recently, she shared her thought that "faith built up layer by layer over time seems to be the thickest form of love."

She also revealed her thirst as an actor. Mentioning the protagonist of the film 'Black Swan' as a role she wants to challenge in the future, Kim expressed her ambition, saying, "I want to play a role that goes to the very limit of being human." This means she wants to use her acting to draw out the extremes of the human psyche, such as jealousy or desire, which are difficult to face even within oneself.

From her 2016 debut to a continuous journey on the global screen

Kim Min-ha's acting journey began in 2016 when she played Nurse Kim in the SBS drama 'Yes, It's That.' After making a name for herself playing 'Woman 2' in the Naver TV web drama 'Two Women Season 2' the same year, she solidified her position on the screen through roles such as the young Sunja in the film 'Call' and Eugene in 'Killerswell: Our Space.'

Her activity on global platforms is unrivaled. After gaining attention both domestically and internationally as the young Sunja in the drama 'Pachinko,' she returned to the same role in 'Pachinko Season 2.' She followed this by playing Yoon Sun-hae in the Disney+ drama 'Light Shop,' Jung Hee-wan in the TVING drama 'A Week Before I Die,' and Oh Mi-sun in the tvN drama 'Typhoon Company.'

She also continued her activities in music and variety shows. In 2022, she participated as a vocalist in the song 'Fallin'' with Doyoung, released the remake song 'Letter' in 2024, and released 'Forever,' Part 1 of the OST for the drama 'Typhoon Company,' in 2025. In variety shows, she served as a fixed host for tvN's 'Useful Encyclopedia of Useless Earth Trivia' and appeared in 'House on Wheels 4,' 'Hide and Seek,' 'Lee Young-ji's Rainbow,' and 'Huh Young-man's Food Travel.' Her awards include the Rising Star Award at the 4th Asia Contents Awards, the Beyond Cinema Award at the 8th Marie Claire Asia Star Awards, and the Best Ensemble Cast award at the 38th Film Independent Spirit Awards.