The film “My Name is Loh Kiwan” centers on Loh Kiwan, portrayed by Song Joong-ki, a North Korean defector endeavoring to carve out a new existence in Belgium alongside his mother. As they confront the hurdles of obtaining refugee status, Kiwan finds solace and support from Mari, played by Choi Sung-eun.
Starring Song Joong-ki as Loh Kiwan and Choi Sung Eun as Mari, with Jo Han Chul, Kim Sung Ryung, Lee Il Hwa, Lee Sang Hee, and Seo Hyun Woo rounding out the supporting cast.
In “My Name is Loh Kiwan,” director Kim Hee-jin presents a tale of intrigue set against the backdrop of chilly Europe, where the protagonist’s journey is intertwined with elements of romance rather than overt political commentary.
The narrative begins as Loh Kiwan arrives in Brussels, Belgium, after a daring defection from North Korea, only to find himself in a state of limbo as his refugee status hangs in the balance.
Facing the harsh realities of life on the streets, Kiwan encounters various challenges, including a mugging that results in the loss of his most cherished possession – a wallet containing precious memories of his late mother.
Seeking justice, Kiwan discovers the culprit to be Marie (Choi Sung-eun), a former Olympic markswoman ensnared in the city’s criminal underworld, controlled by the nefarious Waël Sersoub.
As Kiwan and Marie’s paths intertwine, a complicated relationship develops amidst Marie’s struggles with addiction and her entanglement with criminal elements.
However, the film struggles to find its footing, vacillating between the compelling narrative of a defector’s journey and a more melodramatic focus on romance, often overlooking the complexities of Kiwan’s legal predicament in favor of sentimentalism tied to shared nationality.
