Ahead of her emotionally charged new film, Kim Min Ha sat down with ELLE Korea to share what drew her to one of her most personal roles yet — and the reflection runs much deeper than a typical promotional chat.
In “Hana Korea,” inspired by a true story, Kim Min Ha plays Hye Seon, a North Korean defector navigating an unfamiliar new life. But the actress made clear she didn’t approach the role through the lens of “issue” or “subject matter.”
She explained that she was first drawn to Hye Seon as a person — curious about her mindset and what brought her joy in life — rather than seeing her purely as a symbol of defection. Kim Min Ha noted that, ultimately, everyone shares the same fundamental desires: to be loved, to make friends, and to live life on their own terms.
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Hana Korea: The Craft Behind the Character
To prepare, Kim Min Ha researched real accounts of North Korean defectors and studied materials connected to Hanawon, South Korea’s settlement support center for defectors. She also worked on mastering the Ryanggang Province dialect, prioritizing authenticity over textbook-perfect pronunciation — even mapping out how Hye Seon’s speech patterns would subtly evolve over the course of the story.
When asked to describe Hye Seon in one word, she chose “happiness,” noting that despite risking everything to get where she is, Hye Seon’s refusal to give up on what she loves is her defining strength.
A Shift From Storyteller to People-Watcher
Kim Min Ha also reflected on her evolving relationship with acting itself, sharing that she’s become more drawn to characters than plot — and that she has no fixed plan for her filmography, preferring to keep moving forward without losing herself along the way.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film | Hana Korea |
| Lead Actress | Kim Min Ha |
| Character | Hye Seon, a North Korean defector |
| Inspiration | A true-life story |
| Premiere | July 8, 2026 |
| Feature | ELLE Korea, July issue |
Kim Min Ha, known for her nuanced performances, continues to take on roles that challenge her as both an actress and a storyteller.
FAQs
Q: When does “Hana Korea” premiere?
A: The film premieres on July 8, 2026.
Q: What did Kim Min Ha do to prepare for the role?
A: She researched real defector stories, studied Hanawon materials, and practiced the Ryanggang Province dialect for authenticity.
