Kim Hye-ja: “Use me” ... ‘Don’t Die’ to air on SBS July 4, stream on Netflix July 5

A documentary offering an intimate look at the dignified life and decades of charitable work of actor 'Kim Hye-ja', who is marking 65 years in acting at age 85, is coming to audiences.

Comfort offered at the edge of despair, and a reason for living found in Africa

World Vision, an international nongovernmental relief and development organization, said July 1 that its special documentary 'Kim Hye-ja's Regards—Don't Die' will air on 'SBS' at 11:05 p.m. July 4. The project grew out of the winning entry in the organization's 2024 internal idea contest. It intercuts 'Kim Hye-ja's' final volunteer trip to Africa in 2025, as she takes on a new role as a World Vision goodwill ambassador, with footage of the intense production of the film 'Still Radiant,' which opens July 21.

The title, 'Don't Die,' is a message she has actually delivered over many years to people on the brink while balancing relief work with acting. It embodies her profound belief that people passing through a tunnel of suffering are never truly alone and can find new hope through solidarity and giving.

During filming, 'Kim Hye-ja' firmly told the production team, "Don't portray me as a hero. Use me only as a tool for delivering hope to people," displaying the dignity befitting a master of her craft.

Star-studded backing and global reach: Netflix release set for July 5

The documentary gains added significance from the participation of a host of prominent cultural figures. Actor 'Lee Byung-hun' provides the narration in a sincere voice, while colleagues with deep ties to her—including directors 'Bong Joon-ho' and 'Song Il-gon', as well as 'Ko Doo-shim', 'Lee Jung-eun', 'Han Ji-min', 'Lee Se-young', 'Choi Kang-hee', 'Son Ho-jun' and 'Ryu Deok-hwan'—offer vivid firsthand accounts.

The songs '_에게' by next-generation musician Hanroro and 'Flower' by Jeongmila are also featured as background music, heightening the film's emotional impact. Beginning July 5, immediately after its terrestrial broadcast, the documentary will also reach viewers worldwide through global streaming platform 'Netflix.'

A sweeping campaign spanning online and offline platforms and social media will run through the end of the year to coincide with the release of 'Still Radiant.' World Vision said it plans to actively use the documentary in relief projects that save lives, honoring the actor's noble commitment.

'Cho Myung-hwan,' president of World Vision, said, "This work, which distills her trajectory as an actor and her dedication as a goodwill ambassador, proves how one person's positive influence can expand into a reason to live and hope for our entire society."