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Actor Discusses Film About North Korean Defector's Life in South Korea
Kim Min-ha said the Danish-Korean film follows three women through a state-run resettlement center. She expressed hope that the story offers comfort to defectors and others facing daily struggles.
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Actor Kim Min-ha said Friday that the film "Hana Korea" aims to deliver a message of comfort to North Korean defectors and to others who face daily challenges. The movie follows three women who enter the state-run resettlement center Hanawon and later settle in South Korea.
It is a Danish-Korean production directed by a Danish filmmaker. Kim plays Hye-sun, a character based on interviews with defectors. She said she approached the role with care, especially when narrating letters Hye-sun sends to her mother in North Korea.
Kim stated she avoided making quick judgments about the hardships described in the source interviews. She said she tried to portray the character in a calm manner without overacting. The director selected Kim for the role after seeing her performance in the Apple TV+ series "Pachinko," where she played a restrained character.
Kim said she is drawn to stories that carry personal drama along with social and historical context.
Kim said she would like to take on more explosive roles in the future. She mentioned characters driven by greed, jealousy, or other strong impulses. The film is scheduled to open in theaters next Wednesday. Kim said she hopes defectors who see it will feel they are not alone.
