"Acting with him was like magic," says Bae Doona.

Bae Doona and Kim Yoon-seok are breaking genre boundaries with their unexpected rom-com Virus. Known for their intense dramatic roles, the two actors take on a lighter, quirkier path—and the chemistry is undeniable.

🧪 A Deadly Virus That Makes You… Fall in Love?

Virus tells the story of a fictional "toxoplasma virus" outbreak. It's deadly—with a 100% mortality rate—but before it kills, it floods the brain with endorphins… causing victims to fall madly in love.

Bae Doona plays Ok Taek-seon, the only person immune to the virus. Once emotionless, she starts to rediscover love after accidental exposure. "I've been craving a brighter, more cheerful role," Bae admitted during a press event on April 28 in Seoul.

🎭 Bae Doona's Sweetest Role Yet

Best known for thrillers like Kingdom and Next Sohee, Bae Doona makes a major tonal shift in Virus. She moves from cold detachment to endearing quirkiness as the virus changes her personality.

"I tried to portray the 'infected' version of Taek-seon like a lovable troublemaker," she joked. Director Kang Yi-kwan added, "Even on sick days, she insisted the role looked better with real fatigue—her dedication was unreal."

💥 Kim Yoon-seok's Rom-Com Debut (No, It's Not a Typo)

Kim Yoon-seok plays Dr. Lee Kyun, the top researcher behind the virus. He meets Taek-seon, and while trying to protect her from experimentation, unexpectedly catches feelings—maybe.

The veteran actor is famous for intense films like 1987 and The Fortress. "Honestly, I once said, 'If I ever do a rom-com, someone's probably dying,'" he laughed. But he delivers, with his signature dry wit and smoldering emotion.

Bae praised him as "a scene partner who magically draws out your best performance."

💋 A Kiss Scene That's More Action Than Romance?

One standout scene features Taek-seon attempting a kiss—but being pushed away by a startled Lee Kyun. The result? The two roll on the floor in an almost action-movie style tumble.

"I played it overly bold on purpose—like a 'chaotic sunshine' character," said Bae. Kim joked, "That wasn't a kiss. That was full-on stunt choreography. She pulled my necktie so hard I saw stars."

🎬 Sweet Yet Strange: A Rom-Com in Hazmat Suits

With its unique premise—a virus that sparks love—Virus walks the line between disaster film and feel-good rom-com. "I wanted to show that not all viruses are evil," said director Kang.

Kim wrapped it up best: "Like the hot pink hazmat suits we wear in the film, I hope Virus feels bold, fun, and bright to audiences—just like the spring sun."

Bae added, "We crafted every frame thinking of how it would look on the big screen. Please watch it in theaters for the full experience."

📅 Virus hits theaters May 7.