The poignant new South Korean drama 3670 delves into the profound impact of living within restrictive borders, highlighting the liberation that comes with breaking free.
At its heart is Cheol-jun (portrayed with captivating nuance by Youhyun Cho), a handsome young man who spent his formative years under North Korea’s rigid rule. He eventually escapes to the dynamic, accepting atmosphere of Seoul, finding solace and camaraderie within a community of fellow defectors.
Yet, Cheol-jun harbors a secret he keeps hidden from his newfound friends: he is gay.
As Cheol-jun navigates his new life, a yearning for self-acceptance grows. He bravely ventures into Seoul’s vibrant gay scene, a world that embraces him wholeheartedly. Within the lively clubs and parties, Cheol-jun finally feels safe enough to lower his defenses and be himself. A tender connection even blossoms with the sweet and charming Yeong-jun (Kim Hyeon-mok), hinting at a potential romance.
However, Cheol-jun remains hesitant to reveal his true identity to his defector friends, fearing it might shatter the delicate equilibrium of his life. Once again, he finds himself living a dual existence.
3670, the impressive feature debut from Park Joon-ho, draws inspiration from his experiences teaching English to young North Korean defectors. Joon-ho observed a rich diversity among his students, a stark contrast to the often simplistic portrayals in media.
While Cheol-jun actively embraces South Korean culture, his friend Hak-min, for instance, prefers the familiar confines of their defector community.
“I wanted to portray defectors not merely as figures defined by their pasts, but as individuals actively living in the present and forging their futures,” Joon-ho shared with NK News. This desire for nuanced representation extends to his depiction of Seoul’s gay scene. Despite the lack of comprehensive legal recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea, Seoul boasts a thriving queer nightlife and culture, which Cheol-jun intimately explores, offering viewers a window into this world.
Though 3670 is set within a specific context, the emotional journey of its protagonist resonates universally. “I believe everyone has felt the pressure to adapt,” Joon-ho reflects, “whether as an immigrant, a minority, or simply someone entering a new environment like a school or a workplace. That desire to belong, to fit into a system, is something most people can understand.” This inherent relatability has allowed 3670 to connect with audiences globally, evidenced by its acclaimed premiere at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Joon-ho was deeply touched by the American audience’s response. “Perhaps it’s because the U.S. is such an immigrant-rich society—viewers were very adept at interpreting the film’s subtle and restrained emotional language. I had been worried that some nuances might not translate, but nothing was lost. As a filmmaker, that was incredibly rewarding.”
With its sensitive portrayal of a gay North Korean defector finding his place in the world, 3670 is poised to make a significant impact on the international film festival circuit in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on screenings near you.
