Song Joong-ki describes journey of healing, hope
New Netflix melodrama ‘My Name Is Loh Kiwan’ tells story of NK defector
Actor Song Joong-ki is returning to Netflix with the new original movie “My Name Is Loh Kiwan,” where he will portray the titular character. This comes three years after his appearance in the platform’s sci-fi blockbuster “Space Sweepers.”
The melodrama, adapted from Cho Hae-jin’s novel “I Met Loh Kiwan” (2011), centers on a North Korean defector named Loh Ki-wan (Song), who arrives penniless in Belgium, seeking to obtain refugee status. As Loh struggles to survive in the foreign land, he meets a woman named Mari (Choi Sung-eun), who has lost all hope.
Despite their initial bitter encounter, the two characters gradually grow closer, bringing unexpected changes to each other’s desolate lives.
“’My Name Is Loh Kiwan’ depicts the life of Ki-wan, who embarks on a journey to Belgium with the last glimmer of hope in his life when he feels completely cut off. The film captures his arduous journey as he struggles to survive in Belgium at any cost,” Song said during a press conference for the film at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery Ambassador in Mapo District, western Seoul, Tuesday.
“Within that (journey), a lot happens
The story resonated with me deeply and felt both poignant and refreshingly original.
and he experiences healing. So I would like to describe our work as a healing movie.”
The film, set to premiere on the platform on March 1, marks the feature directorial debut of newcomer Kim Hee-jin. Initially joining the project as the scriptwriter, the director revealed that she envisioned Song in the lead role right from the script’s inception.
“I initially joined the project as the writer, and later, I was given the opportunity to adapt it into a film and direct it. I really enjoyed the original novel and felt it was a very good opportunity to debut with such a beautiful movie,” the director said.
“I wrote this piece, thinking of Song. I saw Loh as someone with a resilient spirit, like a blooming flower in a mud puddle. Throughout his extensive career as an actor, Song has portrayed a diverse range of characters, but there’s a facet of him that shines uniquely in our work. He can evoke sympathy, prompting viewers to want to embrace him, yet at times, he can also send chills down your spine, leaving you transfixed.
It’s these multifaceted performances that will captivate the audience.”
Song revealed that he had initially turned down the film, but eventually was drawn to its refreshing plot.
“When I received the script about six or seven years ago, I declined it… I couldn’t connect with the story at first. However, as time passed, I found myself troubled by the fact that the production hadn’t materialized yet, as it was indeed a remarkable piece,” he said.
“In a way, I felt a sense of regret. When I received the script again while filming ‘Reborn Rich,’ it felt like fate. The story resonated with me deeply and felt both poignant and refreshingly original.”
He added that his first attempt at acting in the North Korean dialect was a satisfying experience.
“As an actor, it was a challenge I had long wanted to take on. I accepted the role because I personally sought to push my boundaries and explore new territory.”