The Lovers and the Despot poster
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The Lovers and the Despot

6.920161h 38mNRMovieDocumentaryHistory

Hong Kong, 1978. South Korean actress Choi Eun-hee is kidnapped by North Korean operatives following orders from dictator Kim Jong-il.

DirectorsRobert Cannan·Ross Adam
WritersJim Hession·Robert Cannan
ProducersRobert Cannan·Ross Adam

Where to watch

PhiloPhiloKanopyKanopyHooplaHooplaThe Roku ChannelThe Roku ChannelFandango at Home FreeFandango at Home FreeYouTube FreeYouTube FreeDistroTVDistroTVTubi TVTubi TV
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Robert Cannan

PHPaul Courtenay Hyu
Paul Courtenay Hyu
Shin Sang-ok
YS
Yuna Shin
Choi Eun-hee
CEChoi Eun-hee
Choi Eun-hee
Self - Actress / Various Roles
MY
Michael Yi
Self - US Intelligence Officer
SJ
Shin Jeong-kyun
Self - Choi and Shin's Son
SM
Shin Myung-yim
Self - Choi and Shin's Daughter
CK
Choi Kyung-ok
Self - Choi's Brother
IH
Iain T. A. Hall
Self - RHK Police Inspector (1975-79)
PR
Pierre Rissient
Self - Film Critic
LJLee Jang-ho
Lee Jang-ho
Self - Filmmaker
DS
David Straub
Self - US SD Officer (1984-86)
JJ
Jang Jin-sun
Self - Kim's Former Court Poet

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The Lovers and the Despot — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Lovers and the Despot?

The Lovers and the Despot is streaming on Philo, Kanopy and Hoopla in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is The Lovers and the Despot on Netflix?

No, The Lovers and the Despot is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on Philo and Kanopy.

Is The Lovers and the Despot on Amazon Prime Video?

The Lovers and the Despot isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch The Lovers and the Despot for free?

The Lovers and the Despot is available to stream free (with ads) on Kanopy and Hoopla in United States.