Lim Young-woong's Hit Song Echoes in North Korea? 'The Phantom Orchestra' Sparks Curiosity

The upcoming film 'The Phantom Orchestra,' set to premiere on the 31st, is stirring curiosity with the release of intriguing stills and an episode depicting Lim Young-woong's hit song resonating in the heart of Pyongyang, North Korea.

'The Phantom Orchestra' tells the story of a fake propaganda troupe formed to earn foreign currency in North Korea. The newly unveiled episode captures a tense moment where 'Ri Man-su' (played by Han Jung-wan), the slick genius guitarist of the 'fake orchestra,' is caught by a State Security Department officer, 'Park Gyo-sun' (played by Park Si-hoo), while humming Lim Young-woong's 'Love Always Runs Away' during practice.

Facing the stern gaze of the State Security officer, one might expect to freeze, but Ri Man-su, with his unique brand of audacious talent, attempts to escape the crisis with a ridiculous excuse. When Gyo-sun asks, "That tune sounds so familiar and pleasant... what song is it?", Man-su replies, "Your Excellency... it's by the Trot Hero...", claiming it's a song created for the Great Leader to get out of trouble.

Actor Han Jung-wan, who portrays Ri Man-su, was previously recognized for his outstanding vocal abilities, reaching the TOP 7 in the tvN audition program 'Handsome Trot.' In this film, he not only showcases high-level guitar skills but also perfectly replicates Lim Young-woong's hit song with his sweet voice, displaying a captivating charm that grabs the audience's attention amidst the tense situation.

It remains to be seen whether this absurd lie, transforming South Korea's national singer Lim Young-woong into North Korea's 'Revolutionary Trot Hero,' will fool the sharp-witted Park Gyo-sun.

Meanwhile, 'The Phantom Orchestra,' promising delightful laughter with its 'North Korean Trot Hero' episode, will be released nationwide on the 31st.

Netizens are reacting with amusement and intrigue to the concept of a Lim Young-woong song playing in North Korea, commenting, "This is truly beyond imagination," "Lim Young-woong as a North Korean revolutionary trot hero is hilarious," and "I'm looking forward to Han Jung-wan's acting." The unique premise has generated significant buzz.