According to reports from the film industry, actress Kim Min-ha has confirmed her appearance in the Korean adaptation of Viva La Vida, a romance movie based on the hit Netflix film of the same name.
The actress is expected to star alongside Lee Do-hyun, with the two portraying a heartbreaking yet lovable couple facing life-threatening illnesses.
The film is reportedly scheduled to begin filming later this year.
Recently, Kim Min-ha drew major attention online after appearing noticeably thinner in public appearances and photos, sparking concern among fans over her drastically slim figure.
The actress’ “extremely skinny” appearance quickly became a hot topic on social media, but reports now suggest the transformation was actually part of her preparation for the emotionally demanding role.
According to insiders, Kim Min-ha began losing weight early after deciding to join the project in order to realistically portray a character battling severe illness. She reportedly started preparing months in advance, also taking into consideration the time needed to later rebuild her physical stamina before filming officially begins.
The original 2024 Netflix film received praise for its emotional storytelling centered around two strangers living with terminal illnesses who meet unexpectedly and slowly become each other’s source of comfort and strength.
As they navigate the limited time left in their lives, the story explores themes of love, survival, and finding meaning despite painful circumstances.
Kim Min-ha’s character in the original version reportedly suffers from uremia caused by kidney failure. The character undergoes dialysis three times a week while desperately waiting for an organ donor. Eventually, she is informed that she may have less than a year to live without a transplant.
Although the Korean adaptation is expected to adjust parts of the story and character settings to better suit Korean audiences, the central theme of terminal illness and emotional healing will reportedly remain intact.
After making a globally acclaimed debut through Pachinko, Kim Min-ha has steadily built a reputation for taking on emotionally layered and unconventional roles in projects such as Light Shop, A Week Before I Die, and Typhoon Company.
Many viewers are already expressing anticipation over how the actress will reinterpret the character compared to the original film while showcasing a completely new side of herself once again.
The film will be directed by Park Dan-hee, known for works including Weak Hero Class 1, Tastefully Yours, and My Guilty Human. The project marks his first film directing work since Blue Birthday in 2022.
Production is reportedly aiming to begin filming in early autumn, while Acemaker Movieworks will handle distribution.
Sources: Daum | JTBC
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