From thriller queen to rom-com sweetheart—Bae Doona's back, and this time, she's infected with love.
🎬 "I wanted to make a soft, heartwarming story." — Bae Doona
Known for her powerful roles in genre-heavy hits like Kingdom and Stranger, Bae Doona makes a charming return to the big screen with Virus—a film where getting infected means falling head over heels in love.
☀️ A feel-good virus you want to catch
In Virus, a strange new virus causes people to become hopelessly in love. Think: mood-boosting, heart-racing, and totally adorable. Bae stars as 'Taek-seon,' a gloomy translator whose life flips upside down when she becomes infected and turns into a bright, love-struck romantic.
📚 Based on the novel 'Youth's Edge'
The movie is inspired by the fictional "Love Virus" from the novel Youth's Edge, but rooted in science with a twist. Director Kang Yi-kwan created the story around a real-life parasite—Toxoplasma gondii—that manipulates host behavior. Thus, the "Toxo Virus" was born.
🧪 Romance meets science—and chaos ensues
Once infected, people become overly positive and begin falling in love without reason. It's chaos, it's cute, and it's completely unpredictable. Taek-seon goes from depressive loner to sunshine-filled speed-dater. Bae shared, "I missed acting in a warm and lighthearted story. I really needed this."
💫 A power cast with unexpected charm
- Son Suk-ku plays 'Soo-pil,' the first known patient and Taek-seon's blind date gone wild.
- Kim Yoon-seok transforms into 'Lee Kyoon,' a socially awkward virus expert with a heart of gold.
- Jang Ki-ha, in his film debut, becomes 'Yeon-woo,' a flustered car dealer and Taek-seon's old classmate.
🎥 Behind-the-scenes vibes = wholesome
Jang Ki-ha shared how nerve-wracking his first film was—until he was warmly welcomed. "I was trembling on day one, but Bae Doona treated me like an equal and encouraged me with texts. I learned how to act just by watching everyone." Bae added, "Kim Yoon-seok made everything easier—our chemistry was unbeatable."
💌 A viral message about love and healing
While Virus may sound wacky, it carries a poignant message. "Whether it's love or illness, we grow through it," director Kang said. Originally filmed before the pandemic, the movie waited for the right time to hit theaters. And now, it's finally ready.
🎟️ Coming to theaters May 7
A feel-good film with surprising depth, Virus is packed with unforgettable chemistry, unexpected laughs, and a big ol' dose of heart. Bae Doona promises: "It's bright, funny, and thoughtful. You'll leave the theater smiling—with your heart a little fuller."