Cheol-jun experiences life in two halves. As a North Korean defector living in Seoul, he is part of a small group who have followed a similar path. He has become close friends with many, 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 towards those yearning for acceptance and understanding. —Jordan Klein