Vietnam-South Korea film features Lee Kwang Soo in romantic comedy set in Ho Chi Minh City

Directed by Kim Sung Hoon — known for 'Confidential Assignment' and 'Chief Detective 1958' — the film follows Kang Jun Woo, an A-list South Korean celebrity who becomes stranded in Vietnam after his assistant mistakenly returns to South Korea with his passport. 

Forced to navigate Ho Chi Minh City with no money or resources, he meets Thao, a local coffee shop worker played by Hoang Ha.

The story unfolds as the two characters grow closer through a series of comedic situations.

The film highlights scenes of Kang eating Vietnamese street food, including pho (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) and banh mi (Vietnamese long sandwich), and incorporates local settings such as sidewalk food stalls and modern Ho Chi Minh City streets.

Producers say the film combines the tone of a South Korean romantic comedy with distinct Vietnamese cultural references — from strong coffee and hot noodle soup to familiar cityscapes — aiming to appeal to both South Korean and Vietnamese audiences.

The teaser trailer, released this week, features supporting actor Duy Khanh in a comic role, interacting with Lee in several humorous scenes. 

Lee, who stands at 1.93 meters, contrasts visually with Hoang Ha, who is approximately 1.55 meters tall — a difference that producers say adds to the film's light-hearted charm.

'Love Barista' is expected to premiere in Vietnam on October 3.