Actor Song Joong Ki has recently opened up about the mixed reactions to his recent film ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’, shedding light on his perspective amid varying reviews. Adapted from Cho Haejin’s novel ‘I Met Loh Kiwan’, the movie narrates the love story between North Korean defector Loh Kiwan, portrayed by Song Joong Ki, and professional shooter Marie, played by Choi Sung Eun.
During an interview at a Seoul cafe on March 6, Song Joong Ki addressed the responses to ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’, particularly the divided opinions on its romantic elements. Reflecting on his initial reluctance to take on the role due to this aspect, Song Joong Ki shared, “I completely understand. I initially rejected the role for that reason”, as quoted by Soompi.
He went on to express a shift in perspective, acknowledging his own ability to connect with the film’s narrative despite reservations. He emphasized, “However, after a while, even I was able to relate to the work and enter its story, despite my shortcomings. A movie is not a disposable cup that you throw away after watching it once. Even if you don’t find it interesting and can’t relate to it now, you may change your mind again as time goes by. I hope that’s the case, and I hope viewers look kindly on the movie. Of course, if opinions don’t change even after time has passed, that’s something I can’t control. It’s not something I can force”.
Remaining receptive to both positive and negative feedback, Song Joong Ki stated, “I like to hear [other people’s] opinions, whether good or bad. If I don’t hear them, I can’t learn”. When confronted with the question of regrets regarding critical reviews, he replied, “It’s natural to receive a variety of reviews. I accept them without regret”.
Despite the challenges and critiques, Song Joong Ki expressed his personal affection for the film, acknowledging, “I don’t think it’s something that can be easily graded, and it’s not easy for me to talk about my own work like this, but I want to give it a stamp of approval. Not necessarily ‘you did amazingly well,’ but at least a ‘you did well’ stamp. It’s subjective, but it’s a work I personally love. From overseas filming locations to characters from diverse cultural backgrounds, and especially being the director’s debut, it wasn’t an easy production to film. Just being able to complete it feels like achieving half a success. That’s why I want to say, ‘You did well’”.
During an interview at a Seoul cafe on March 6, Song Joong Ki addressed the responses to ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’, particularly the divided opinions on its romantic elements. Reflecting on his initial reluctance to take on the role due to this aspect, Song Joong Ki shared, “I completely understand. I initially rejected the role for that reason”, as quoted by Soompi.
He went on to express a shift in perspective, acknowledging his own ability to connect with the film’s narrative despite reservations. He emphasized, “However, after a while, even I was able to relate to the work and enter its story, despite my shortcomings. A movie is not a disposable cup that you throw away after watching it once. Even if you don’t find it interesting and can’t relate to it now, you may change your mind again as time goes by. I hope that’s the case, and I hope viewers look kindly on the movie. Of course, if opinions don’t change even after time has passed, that’s something I can’t control. It’s not something I can force”.
Remaining receptive to both positive and negative feedback, Song Joong Ki stated, “I like to hear [other people’s] opinions, whether good or bad. If I don’t hear them, I can’t learn”. When confronted with the question of regrets regarding critical reviews, he replied, “It’s natural to receive a variety of reviews. I accept them without regret”.
Despite the challenges and critiques, Song Joong Ki expressed his personal affection for the film, acknowledging, “I don’t think it’s something that can be easily graded, and it’s not easy for me to talk about my own work like this, but I want to give it a stamp of approval. Not necessarily ‘you did amazingly well,’ but at least a ‘you did well’ stamp. It’s subjective, but it’s a work I personally love. From overseas filming locations to characters from diverse cultural backgrounds, and especially being the director’s debut, it wasn’t an easy production to film. Just being able to complete it feels like achieving half a success. That’s why I want to say, ‘You did well’”.