| Native Title | 바이러스 |
| Also Know as | Baireoseu, Love is a Virus, Sarangeun Baireoseu, 사랑은 바이러스 |
| Director | Kang Yi-Kwan |
| Writer | Kang Yi-Kwan |
| Distributor | BY4M Studio |
| Air Time | Wednesday |
| Content Rating | 13+ - Teens 13 or older |
| Runtime | 98 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, Romance, Comedy, Sci-Fi |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
| Release Date | 2025-05-07 |
“Virus” (native title: “바이러스”) is a 2025 South Korean romantic-comedy drama film written and directed by Kang Yi-kwan. The theatrical release premiered on May 7, 2025.
Ok Taek-seon (Bae Doona), a tired and loveless translator, catches a bizarre “Toxo Virus” that causes uncontrollable, fatal love. As she changes overnight – suddenly happy, flirtatious, and emotionally energized – she draws the attention of three men: Nam Su‑pil (Son Suk‑ku), a socially awkward blind-date researcher; Kim Yeon‑woo (Chang Ki‑ha), a childhood friend; and Dr. Lee Gyun (Kim Yoon‑seok), the sole doctor able to create an antidote. Together, they embark on a desperate journey amid rising stakes.
Opened on 555 screens, debuting at #5 with 11,453 admissions.
The film garnered modest audience turnout and received mixed notices – praised for its unique premise and performances, though audience engagement fell short compared to other pandemic‑adjacent titles.
Kim Yoon‑seok, known for intense roles, brings depth and authority as the world-weary doctor racing to save Ok Taek‑seon.
Originally titled “Love Is a Virus”, the film adapts Lee Ji‑min’s imaginative novel “Extreme Youth”. Director Kang Yi‑kwan envisioned a lighter, more playful follow-up after his dramatic works.
Principal photography completed in late 2019. However, the release was postponed until 2025 due to the COVID‑19 pandemic, with only a minor COVID reference added in post-production.
A quirky “disaster comedy” that blends romantic comedy, drama, and fantasy-thriller elements. It’s billed by Bae Doona as a “fairy tale for adults,” lighter than typical pandemic or thriller narratives.
Ok Taek-seon’s transformation – from emotional numbness to euphoric attachment – serves as a mirror to modern adult longing for passion and connection. The comedic tension peaks in scenes like a “kiss” that plays out more like a black‑comedy action beat.
Bae Doona reveals a rarely-seen cheerful persona, describing the role as a refreshing shift after a string of darker projects (“it’s been a really long time since I smiled that much in a film”).
A romance that hinges on an infectious love virus – melancholy meets absurdity in an offbeat plot.
Bae Doona’s emotional range pairs harmoniously with Kim Yoon-seok’s commanding presence.
The film plays with viral metaphors in a world aware of real contagions, yet keeps the tone whimsical rather than fear-driven.
“Virus” is a playful yet poignant exploration of love, mortality, and human connection, wrapped in a quirky sci-fi premise. Its blend of heartfelt performances and unusual comedy makes it a compelling, if imperfectly received, addition to modern Korean cinema. If you appreciate character-driven, genre-bending rom-coms with a touch of the absurd, this one’s worth a look.
Premiered in theaters on May 7, 2025.
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