Netflix Unveils First Look at ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’ with Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung

Netflix has revealed character stills from its upcoming film ‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’, starring Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung. Directed by Han Ji-won, this sci-fi romance is set in Seoul in the year 2050. It tells the story of Na Young (played by Kim Tae-ri), an aspiring astronaut aiming for Mars exploration, and Jay (played by Hong Kyung), a former guitarist who works at a vintage audio repair shop after briefly setting aside his dream of becoming a musician.

The film blends futuristic aspirations with analog sensitivity, depicting a touching love story. Kim Tae-ri’s character Na Young remains determined in the face of obstacles, including being unexpectedly cut from the final round of Mars mission candidacy. Her journey takes a pivotal turn when she meets Jay while repairing her late mother’s turntable.

Director Han Ji-won praised Kim Tae-ri’s authentic interpretation of Na Young, noting, “She brought so many great insights into how to develop and interpret the character.” The released stills show Na Young in various moments — donning a space suit, immersed in high-tech lab panels, and quietly focused on her dreams.

Hong Kyung voices Jay, a character described as literary, hip, and emotionally rich. Once famed as a guitarist, Jay finds new inspiration and reignites his passion for music after meeting Na Young. The stills highlight Jay’s complex charm — from skillfully handling instruments to expressing quiet depth in a technology-driven world.

The actors participated not only in voice acting but also in live-action shooting, bringing layers of realism to their performances. The film took an unconventional approach by initially conducting in-depth reading sessions to determine character tone, followed by dynamic live-action filming to infuse authentic emotion. Director Han emphasized the importance of capturing spontaneous performances rather than strictly following storyboards.

Kim Tae-ri described the experience as “incredibly immersive, like performing in a stage play,” while Hong Kyung shared the process allowed him to truly “become” the character. Their synergy with the director created a nuanced, emotionally engaging narrative.

‘My Name is Loh Kiwan’ will be released exclusively on Netflix on June 30.