“My Name Is Loh Kiwan” Review: Epic Story Of Second Chances

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Craving a K-drama that’ll yank on those heartstrings and leave you sobbing into your snack stash? Strap in for “My Name Is Loh Kiwan.” This ain’t your average soap opera. It’s a full-on emotional buffet, serving up a smorgasbord of drama, romance, survival, and enough feels to keep your therapist on speed dial.

So, here’s the scoop.

Loh Kiwan (portrayed by Song Joong-ki), our main man, is a North Korean defector who lands, of all places, in Brussels. Yup, the land of chocolate and bureaucratic red tape.

Who’d have thought that Belgian waffles and stark survival tales could share screen time? Welcome to K-drama land, folks, where the plot twists are as wild as a night out in Vegas.

Kiwan’s the real deal: gritty, grounded, and grappling with more baggage than a carousel at JFK. He’s all about clawing through the red tape of refugee life with nothing but his wits and a dream that’s fuzzier than a cheap velvet painting.

Now, toss in Choi Sung-eun as Lee Marie, a once-shiny sports star who’s lost her spark and is pretty much living a life of drudgery. She’s the yang to Kiwan’s yin, the crash to his calm. When they meet, it’s like fireworks at a barbecue—messy, unpredictable, and liable to cause a scene.

“My Name Is Loh Kiwan” dives headfirst into the deep end of topics most shows wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. We’re talking illegal immigration, the grind of survival, and the identity crisis that comes free with the ‘refugee’ label.

Watch “My Name Is Loh Kiwan” Trailer

As Kiwan hustles for a shot at asylum, the show lays down some hard truths about the global refugee problem, wrapped up in a narrative as compelling as your grandma’s best gossip.

Okay, let’s break down the magic brew these two are stirring up.

Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won? More like dynamite waiting to explode!

Their performances? Off the charts!

These two aren’t just playing footsie under the table. They’re ripping through their scripts with a depth that’ll make you wanna stand up and cheer them on.

And it’s not just some mushy love story—nah, it’s their personal battles for a shot at redemption and a smile that really get you hooked.

And it’s not just some mushy love story—nah, it’s their personal battles for a shot at redemption and a smile that really get you hooked.

And the way they play off each other?

It’s like watching a high-stakes dance where every step, every look counts. You’re not just watching a drama. You’re in it, feeling every heartbeat, every tear.

Now, let’s talk eye candy—and I don’t just mean the leads.

The cinematography? The production? Stunning!

Those visuals—straight-up stellar you’ll want to frame every scene. The cinematography’s nothing short of a feast for your eyes.

Brussels turns into this canvas of harsh grays and hopeful golds, every scene painting a piece of Loh Kiwan’s tangled emotions. It’s like each frame’s got its own story, whispering secrets if you lean in close enough.

The directors nailed it, the music’s gonna hit you right in the feels, and the pacing?

And can we give a shoutout to the supporting squad?

They’re the unsung heroes, each adding layers to the story like a chef perfecting his lasagna. They’re the cherry on top, making sure this drama feels as full and rich as Thanksgiving dinner.

Non-Koreans, there’s a bit of homework to do. Brush up on North Korea and the Herculean efforts it takes to defect—it’ll add layers to your viewing experience, kind of like subtitles that help you catch the jokes in a foreign movie.

And yes, the drama dishes out some hefty themes—honor, family, survival.

Knowing a bit about these can turn a black-and-white scene into full-blown 4K Technicolor. It’s essential for getting why family and honor aren’t just big deals—they’re everything.

Now, it ain’t all sunshine and roses.

Some folks say the melodrama’s thicker than a bowl of oatmeal, and the finale might leave you a bit hangry for more. But hey, isn’t that the mark of a killer K-drama? Leaving you emotionally wrecked but weirdly satisfied?

Emotionally, this show doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it yanks them.

You’ll ride the highs and lows of hope and despair, frustration and empathy. It’s a rollercoaster, for sure, but trust me, it’s one you’ll want to ride again.

The resilience of Loh Kiwan and Lee Marie?

Nothing short of inspiring. They don’t just face the dark—they light a candle and keep pushing through. So, grab your popcorn (and maybe a tissue or two) and hit the play button.

This isn’t just any drama that fades into the background like your ex’s old text messages. It sticks with you, haunts you in the best way, long after you’ve hit the off button.

Would I recommend “My Name Is Loh Kiwan”? Heck yes! This isn’t just any drama that fades into the background like your ex’s old text messages. It sticks with you, haunts you in the best way, long after you’ve hit the off button.

We’re talking about a show that’s more than just a plot—it’s a whole life lesson served up in HD.

It’s like the best kind of rollercoaster—only you don’t wanna get off. It’s clear the crew wasn’t just clocking in. They were all in, crafting a show that’s as authentic as grandma’s apple pie and as gripping as a midnight thriller.

For the K-drama fans who love a good cry-fest, “My Name Is Loh Kiwan” is like finding the last piece of chocolate in the box—absolutely a treasure.

Song Joong-ki? More like Song Genius-ki.

His acting is off the charts, and the romance with Lee Marie is so sweet you might get a cavity. Their love story adds just the right sprinkle of sugar to a plot that’s already packed with the spicy kicks of survival and struggle.

This show crosses borders like a pro, bringing universal themes home to wherever home might be. This series is a must-watch manifesto for anyone who digs stories with soul and heart.

So, why are you still here? Cancel your plans, grab that tissue box (you’re gonna need it), and dive into this whirlwind of emotions.

And after you’ve binged to your heart’s content—because, let’s be real, you won’t be able to stop—don’t be shy to drop a comment or share your thoughts.

Let’s get the buzz going and keep the chat rolling!

“My Name Is Loh Kiwan” premiered on March 1, 2024 and is available for your viewing pleasure on Netflix.

“My Name Is Loh Kiwan” OST: Every Moment (sung by Imani May)