Song Joong Ki Embraces the Challenge of North Korean Dialect in ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.

Vincenzo, Descendants of the Sun and many more popular series and movies actor Song Joong Ki recently attended a press conference in Seou. The press confree for Netflix’s latest cinematic gem, My Name is Loh Kiwan, was held on the morning of the 27th with the lead stars Song Joong Ki, Choi Sung Eun and director Kim Hee Jin in attendance.

My Name is Loh Kiwan tells a poignant story of Kiwan, a defector holding onto the last threads of hope as he arrives in Belgium, and Marie, a woman who’s lost her reason for living. Song Joong Ki, in a role that sees him struggling for refugee status in the unfamiliar landscapes of Europe, delivers a performance that is both raw and riveting. Having captivated audiences in Helpless as a gangster, Song takes a daring leap into the life of a defector, showcasing his versatility and commitment to challenging roles.

Reflecting on the film, Song Joong Ki expressed his connection to the project, “Every film is a journey, but ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’ was an especially long one. Because of its emotional depth, I’m more nervous than ever. It’s a film about Kiwan’s life journey, carrying the fragile hope of starting anew in Belgium, and his relentless struggle to survive. Through the character of Marie, he finds healing, making this film a moving narrative of hope and resilience.”

Song’s initial reaction to the script was one of profound emotion and intrigue. “I first read it like 6 or 7 years ago,” he shared. “The freshness and the poignant storyline immediately struck a chord with me. I wasn’t aware that Kim Hee Jin was the writer at the time, but the script alone was enough to convince me of its potential.”

When asked if he had ever tackled a role that required a dialect throughout his career, Song shared, “This was a first for me. As an actor, embracing such challenges is part of the craft I’ve always been eager to explore. Delving into the North Korean dialect was not only a fresh experience but one that I’m profoundly satisfied with.”

My Name is Loh Kiwan is set to captivate audiences worldwide as it premieres on Netflix on March 1st, reaching over 190 countries.