By Xu Aiying
Video =BY4M Studio's official YouTube channel

The forthcoming film "Virus" is perfect for a spring outing to a movie theater, with actor Bae Doona delivering excitement through her lovely character.

A media event for "Virus" was held on April 16 at the multiplex Megabox COEX in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District, with director Kang Yi-kwan, actors Bae, Kim Yoon-seok and Chang Ki-ha attending.

Based on writer Lee Ji-min's novel "Extreme Lives of Youth," the plot centers on translator Taek-sun (played by Bae), who is infected by a virus that makes her fall in love without reason with three men: researcher Soo-pil (Son Suk-ku), her former elementary school classmate Yeon-woo (Chang) and medical treatment specialist E-kyun (Kim).

This is Bae's first romantic comedy in about 10 years, as she mostly starred over the past decade in genre or other works highlighting social issues. Her character is melancholic daily without any motivation or laughter but changes overnight after becoming infected by the virus.

"After doing the light film 'Air Doll,' I was in many genre works but honestly, I was a bit tired and wanted to try a warm and bright film," the actor said. "I've always believed that making the audience happy is a major charm of movies, so I missed this kind of plot so much."

From left, "Virus" director Kang Yi-kwan and cast members Kim Yoon-seok, Bae Doona, and Chang Ki-ha on April 16 pose for photos at a media event for the film at the multiplex Megabox COEX in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District. (Xu Aiying)

The chemistry among the three main actors Kim, Chang and Son has fueled high anticipation.

"I was excited about this film because I wanted to work with Kim Yoon-seok," Bae said.
"But actually working with him exceeded my expectations."

Kim also lauded his costar, saying, "I can see why global directors want to cast Bae. She's a very precious Korean actor."

Bae has received critical acclaim for her roles in foreign films such as "Broker" by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda and the first and second installments of "Rebel Moon" by Zack Snyder of the U.S.

Scenes from "Virus" (BY4M Studio)

Actor Chang, who is a singer, made his debut in a lead role in "Virus." "I'd never acted in a film before, and so when I read the script, it was a lot more than I expected," he said. "But I decided to take the role thinking I'd learn something and because it was a rare opportunity to work with good people."

"Virus" is slated for domestic release on May 7.

xuaiy@korea.kr