INTERVIEW Chang Kiha makes big-screen debut in quirky romantic comedy ‘Virus’
Singer Chang Ki-ha makes film debut in "Virus." Film still
Singer-songwriter Chang Kiha has made his official screen debut in the recently released film “Virus,” which hit theaters on May 7.
The film, starring Bae Doona as Taek-seon, follows an unexpected journey sparked by a mysterious virus that rekindles her fading capacity to love. Chang plays Yeon-u, a key character whose grounded presence balances the film’s offbeat charm.
In a recent interview, Chang recalled his initial reaction to the casting offer: “It felt so out of the blue. I hadn’t really acted before — well, I did a sitcom years ago — but I wasn’t actively thinking about acting again.”
Upon reading the script, Chang realized the role was far more substantial than a cameo. He initially declined, but a call from actor and producer Kim Yoon-seok changed his mind.
“Kim told me, ‘Film people don’t mess around. We’ll set the stage, just come and have fun,’” said Chang, laughing. “I mean, when else would I get to hang out with these amazing actors?”
Chang, a longtime fan of both Kim and Bae, said the opportunity to work with them felt surreal at first. “I used to watch them and think, ‘Wow, how do they act like that?’ So when they invited me to join them, I figured—why not?”
Like one of them
Kim described Chang as the perfect fit for Yeon-u, noting his natural presence and reliability: “We knew we could trust him to take the role seriously.”
Reflecting on the filming process, Chang said most of his scenes were with Bae Doona. “Even when Kim wasn’t in the scene, he gave me advice and support. We even went out for drinks after shooting,” he said. “They treated me like one of them, and I almost forgot how lucky I was. That sense of camaraderie helped me focus and do my best.”
Asked whether there were any bloopers due to laughter on the set, Chang replied, “I’m pretty good at holding it in. Plus, Kim told me not to try too hard — just to be Yeon-u. From his perspective, the situations weren’t funny, they were frustrating or confusing. So I stayed true to his point of view.”
Bae Doona praised Chang’s performance: “It felt very natural. I heard he initially turned it down, but you’d never know. He took the role seriously and blended right in. We got close, like real colleagues.”
The film also features a cameo by Chang’s close friend, singer Car, the Garden. “Keep an eye out for him,” Chang joked. “His scene’s short — you might miss it if you’re not paying attention.”
Chang Ki-ha plays Yeon-u in "Virus." Film still
Kim Yoon-seok added, “He shot for just one day, but I think he partied for a week afterward,” prompting laughter from Bae, who quipped, “He couldn’t snap out of character.”
Chang described the film as full of subtle, easily overlooked comedic moments. “If you enjoy high-concept humor, you’ll like this movie,” he said.
He was especially drawn to the film’s core idea: “It’s about a virus that makes people fall in love easily. But love itself can feel like a virus, can’t it? Like a symptom — something that changes you. It’s not a tangible thing, but it affects everyone differently. People get weird when they’re in love, sometimes even hurt. In that sense, love is a kind of virus.”
“Virus” and the cast’s behind-the-scenes stories were also featured in SBS’s Morning Wide entertainment segment.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.