'My Name is Loh Kiwan' to be released on Netflix on March 1

Based on the novel “I Met Loh Kiwan” by author Cho Hae-jin, “My Name is Loh Kiwan” tells the story of a North Korean defector named Loh Kiwan, played by Song, who travels alone to Belgium for refuge.

A scene from ″My Name is Loh Kiwan,″ an upcoming Netflix film starring Song Joong-ki as the titular Loh Kiwan, a North Korean defector who seeks refuge in Belgium [NETFLIX]

The new Netflix film “My Name is Loh Kiwan,” starring Song Joong-ki, will be released on March 1, the streaming service announced Thursday.

Based on the novel “I Met Loh Kiwan” by author Cho Hae-jin, “My Name is Loh Kiwan” tells the story of a North Korean defector named Loh Kiwan, played by Song, who travels alone to Belgium for refuge.

Kiwan must endure harsh circumstances and difficulties to be granted refugee status. He meets a woman named Mari, played by actor Choi Sung-eun, who has lost all hope in life. The film's central questions are how the two connect and whether Kiwan can prove he comes from North Korea to earn refugee status.

Director Kim Hee-jin, who has made chiefly independent films such as “Neighbors” (2014), “MJ” (2012), and “A Brand New Journey” (2010), directed “My Name is Loh Kiwan.”

Main poster for ″My Name is Loh Kiwan″ [NETFLIX]

Song garnered attention last year for his role in the Cannes-invited film “Hopeless,” where he appeared without payment. The actor was recently nominated for Best Supporting Actor at last year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards, one of Korea's three most prestigious film awards.

Song married British actor Katy Louise Saunders in January last year and is known for starring in works such as “Descendants of the Sun” (2016), “Arthdal Chronicles” (2019-2023) and “Reborn Rich” (2022). “Reborn Rich” enjoyed a 26.9 percent viewership rating nationwide when it aired. To find out more about Song Joong-ki, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]