An unexpected connection is forged between a North Korean defector trying to survive in a foreign land and a former national athlete who lost all hope to live in My Name is Loh Kiwan.
My Name is Loh Kiwan traverses the story of Loh Ki-wan (Song Joong Ki), a North Korean defector who arrived in Belgium with the last hope of life, and Marie (Choi Sung Eun), a woman who has lost her reason for living. Eventually, they both fell in love with each other.
Streaming on Netflix starting March 1, the film is produced by Yong Film, the visionary studio behind acclaimed works such as 20th Century Girl, The Call, and The Handmaiden, this compelling character-driven drama marks the feature directorial debut of the talented Kim Hee-jin, who approaches the nuances of the story with a keen sensitivity.
Escaping from China, North Korean defector Loh Kiwan sets out to fulfill his mother’s dying wish — to find a place where he can truly own his name and live on his own terms. He travels to Belgium to seek refugee status but ends up being in limbo with no means to make a living or put a roof over his head.
Marie, who used to represent the Belgian national shooting team and is now battling her inner demons, chances upon an exhausted Kiwan and steals his wallet. The two end up in a heated confrontation. And it’s only when Marie realizes that the wallet is the only memento left by Kiwan’s mother that they begin to be drawn to each other over their shared experiences and emotions.
Superstar Song Joong-ki (Reborn Rich, Vincenzo) portrays Loh Kiwan and delivers a heart-wrenching performance, revealing new facets of his acting prowess in this raw role. Choi Sung-eun (The Sound of Magic) imbues the role of Marie with vulnerability and despair. Cho Han-cheul (Gyeongseong Creature, Reborn Rich) plays Marie’s father, Yoon Sung, who is concerned over their increasing closeness.
The poster and trailer for My Name is Loh Kiwan give a sneak preview into the poignant exploration of the indomitable human spirit and the quest for self-discovery. As their paths intersect, Kiwan and Marie are drawn together by a shared sense of defiance and determination, finding solace and strength in each other.
My Name Is Loh Kiwan will be released in over 190 countries around the world through Netflix on Friday, March 1.
*Press Release
