3670

Cheol-jun experiences life in two halves. As a North Korean defector living in Seoul, he is part of a small group of people who have followed a similar path to freedom. He has become close friends with many of his fellow defectors, but he conceals the fact that he is gay from them. Contending with feelings of isolation and longing for deeper connection, Cheol-jun summons the courage to explore Seoul’s vibrant gay community. Finally, able to let his guard down, his life begins to blossom. But keeping his two worlds apart becomes increasingly unsustainable, and Cheol-jun finds himself in a precarious position that threatens the delicate relationships that he holds dear. In this auspicious and achingly tender debut, director Joonho Park perceptively navigates two of South Korea’s most marginalized communities with a deep level of nuance, specificity, and compassion toward those yearning for acceptance and understanding.