Speaking during an interview in Seoul on July 3 to promote her upcoming film Hana Korea, Kim shared her thoughts ahead of the movie’s release.

Scheduled to premiere on July 8, Hana Korea is a film inspired by true events that follows the journey of Hye Sun, a North Korean defector determined to build a new life despite countless hardships.

The film first gained attention after winning the Audience Award in the Flash Forward section at the 30th Busan International Film Festival. Danish director Frederik Sølberg, who both wrote and directed the project, spent more than five years interviewing over 30 North Korean defectors alongside Korean and Danish production teams. Drawing inspiration from their real-life experiences, he crafted a story told through restrained emotions and the quiet visual style often associated with Nordic cinema.

Kim Min Ha stars as Hye Sun, delivering a performance built on subtle emotional expression and powerful, expressive eyes.

During the interview, Kim revealed that Hana Korea had actually been filmed two years ago. She explained that her current appearance is significantly different, saying, “Compared to when we shot the film, I’ve lost a lot of weight. Over the past two years, I’ve lost around 16 to 17 kilograms.”

It had previously been reported that Kim slimmed down for an upcoming project in which she plays a terminally ill character. She confirmed that the role was the primary reason behind her transformation, explaining, “About 90 percent of the weight loss was for the role. At the same time, I was also thinking about how I could show audiences a different side of myself. I took my time because I wanted to maintain my strength while losing weight.”

Kim also said she wanted to address the attention her appearance has received. “I never expected my weight loss to become such a big topic, so I was really surprised,” she admitted. “Some people even brought up comments I made in the past about loving myself as I am and questioning why people always have to be thin. But I lost weight for a role. I was happy with myself when I was heavier, and I’m happy with myself now.”

She emphasized that actors should be able to portray many different types of characters. “There are all kinds of people in the world, and I wanted to be able to represent those different appearances. That’s why I lost the weight,” she explained.

Kim also firmly denied online speculation that she had used weight-loss injections. “That’s simply not true,” she said. “I reduced my food intake to about one meal a day. Some people even assumed I didn’t exercise, but I actually worked out very hard. I lost the weight gradually over a long period while trying to stay as healthy as possible and avoid putting too much stress on my body.”

Meanwhile, Hana Korea is set to open in theaters on July 8.

Sources: Nate