Lee Do Hyun & Kim Min Ha Lead ‘Viva La Vida’
Get ready for a deeply moving cinematic experience! Esteemed actor Lee Do Hyun and rising star Kim Min Ha are confirmed to star in the upcoming film ‘Viva La Vida,’ a poignant romance centered on the themes of survival and hope. The news has sent waves of excitement through K-Pop and K-drama fans eager to see this dynamic pairing.
The production team officially announced on August 19 that filming for ‘Viva La Vida,’ helmed by director Park Dan Hee, has officially commenced. To mark the occasion, captivating photos from the script reading session, featuring Lee Do Hyun, Kim Min Ha, and the rest of the talented cast, were also released, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s atmosphere.
‘Viva La Vida’ is set to be a romance film with a profound narrative. It tells the compelling story of Woo Ri, a character who grapples with life day by day, “wither[ing] away without a tomorrow while hoping for a miracle.” Her path crosses with Tae Yang, a man who makes a powerful promise to “give them a tomorrow,” offering a beacon of hope in a seemingly bleak future.
Lee Do Hyun steps into the challenging role of Tae Yang. His character, while preparing for what he believes is the end of his life, makes an unexpected and life-altering proposal to Woo Ri. This role is highly anticipated to showcase a brand new side of Lee Do Hyun, allowing audiences to witness his versatility beyond what they’ve seen in his previous projects.
Kim Min Ha will embody Woo Ri, a character defined by her resilience as she endures each day, perpetually waiting for a miracle. Her encounter with Tae Yang ignites an unexpected and transformative change in her life. Fans are eager to see Kim Min Ha deliver a more emotionally mature and nuanced performance as she navigates Woo Ri’s complex journey.
Behind the lens is director Park Dan Hee, celebrated for her work on the critically acclaimed ‘Weak Hero Class 1’ and the drama ‘Tastefully Yours.’ Known for her delicate and insightful directing style, Park Dan Hee is expected to masterfully capture the subtle emotional shifts and profound connection between the two young characters as their poignant relationship blossoms.
Lee Do Hyun and Kim Min Ha: A Look at Their Growing Filmographies
The pairing of Lee Do Hyun and Kim Min Ha marks an intriguing and highly anticipated collaboration between two actors who have firmly established themselves through their compelling and often emotionally demanding roles. Their combined talent promises to bring a powerful depth to ‘Viva La Vida.’
Lee Do Hyun first captivated audiences with his memorable supporting role in ‘Hotel del Luna.’ Since then, his career has soared with a string of leading roles in acclaimed projects such as the fantasy romance ’18 Again,’ the thrilling ‘Sweet Home,’ the heartbreaking melodrama ‘Youth of May,’ the globally successful revenge drama ‘The Glory,’ and the heartwarming ‘The Good Bad Mother.’ 2024 also marked his impressive big-screen debut in the hit occult thriller ‘Exhuma,’ where he played the enigmatic shaman Yoon Bong Gil alongside veteran actors Choi Min Sik, Kim Go Eun, and Yoo Hae Jin.
Born in 1995, Lee Do Hyun has rapidly built a reputation for his remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between diverse genres, excelling in romance, melodrama, action, and thriller projects. His compelling performance as Joo Yeo Jeong in Netflix’s ‘The Glory’ significantly boosted his international profile, while ‘Exhuma’ solidified his position as a rising force in the Korean film industry. After completing his mandatory military service in May 2025, he has wasted no time returning to acting, with ‘Viva La Vida’ being a prime example of his post-discharge endeavors.
Kim Min Ha, meanwhile, gained significant international prominence through her breakout role in Apple TV+’s epic historical drama ‘Pachinko.’ Her portrayal of the younger version of Sunja, the character later played by the legendary Youn Yuh Jung, earned her widespread acclaim. The series served as a major breakthrough for the actress, introducing her talent to a global audience.
Following her success in ‘Pachinko,’ Kim Min Ha has diligently continued expanding her résumé with a variety of projects, including the upcoming ‘Light Shop,’ ‘Way Back Love,’ and ‘Typhoon Family.’ She also showcased her versatility in the film ‘Hana Korea’ and has consistently taken on diverse roles across both film and television, demonstrating her commitment to growth as an actress.
With Lee Do Hyun’s proven track record of delivering emotionally nuanced performances and Kim Min Ha’s growing reputation for compelling character work, anticipation is undeniably building for the two actors’ first joint collaboration in ‘Viva La Vida.’ This film is poised to be a significant addition to both their impressive careers and a must-watch for fans worldwide.
