Queer N. Korean defector searches for belonging in Seoul in ‘3670’

Actor Cho You-hyun portrays Cheol-jun, a North Korean defector who is also a sexual minority in “3670.” Courtesy of Atnine Film

Director Park Joon-ho’s debut film “3670” offers a rare and empathetic glimpse into everyday life of a queer North Korean defector as he explores ideas about identity and belonging in contemporary Korean society.

The title itself carries a coded meaning. Within Korea’s gay community, “3670” translates to “Meet in front of Exit 6 at Jongno 3-ga Station at 7 p.m.” Rather than being exclusive, the film turns the code into a doorway to broader understanding and empathy.

At the center of the story is Cheol-jun (Cho You-hyun), a young, gay North Korean trying to manage his life in Seoul. He is introduced to local LGBTQ+ gatherings in Jongno and Itaewon by his neighbor, Yeong-jun (Kim Hyun-mok).

After mingling with people, Cheol-jun realizes he is more than just a defector or just a queer person. He is also a friend, brother, part-time worker and young adult dealing with the same everyday struggles as his peers.

Actors Cho You-hyun, left, and Kim Hyun-mok in a scene from “3670” / Courtesy of Atnine Film

Instead of relying on familiar tropes, “3670” focuses on the ordinary but delicate ties of love and friendship. Audiences are also able to relate to the connection between Cheol-jun and Yeong-jun.

Park said his intention was to convey a sense of commonality, showing that the lives of the characters in the movie are not so different from those of ordinary people.

“Both defectors and queer people in Korea live with a kind of tension because their identities can be concealed if they choose. This act of ‘passing’ or hiding makes their communities operate in very similar ways. I wanted to bring those parallels into one narrative,” he said during a press conference in Seoul Thursday.

Park became interested in North Korean defectors’ stories while volunteering for educational programs tailored to their needs.

“Their stories often end up consumed only as tales of the past or escape. I wanted to portray them simply as people with a present and a future,” he said.

Director Park Joon-ho speaks during a press conference for his film “3670” at a theater in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Atnine Film

The director also clarified his decision to steer away from depicting hostility or homophobia.

“In many queer films, hatred becomes the main engine of conflict. But as a filmmaker, I kept asking if audiences really needed to see that replicated on screen. Hatred can also be reproduced and normalized when portrayed. Instead, I wanted to show people who have already accepted themselves and to capture them as they live their lives,” the filmmaker said.

Cho shared a similar perspective, emphasizing approaching the story with empathy and sincerity. He noted that finding the character’s tentative entry into a new community mirrored his own journey.

“His emotions were not that different from my own when I first stepped into new spaces as an actor,” Cho said.

Kim said he was captivated by the screenplay’s dynamics.

“From friendship to rivalry to something more intimate, there are relationships that shift constantly. As an actor, I was drawn to exploring those layers,” he said.

After being recognized for its fresh perspective on the life of LGBTQ+ people and defectors, “3670” won four awards at this year’s Jeonju International Film Festival, including the Best Actor Award for actor Kim. The film will hit theaters nationwide on Wednesday.