Shin Mok-ya

The film observes the preparations for a solo exhibition by an artist nearing his mainstream debut. Rather than centering on one protagonist, it surveys figures at different positions in the art world: a gallery director, a curator, an undebuted artist, and an art student.

Director Shin Mokya’s film centers on Saekja, a transgender club manager in her late 60s, capturing the losses and disconnections she has experienced as a lifelong outsider. This poignant narrative is juxtaposed with images from the funeral of the late Byun Hui-su, a transgender soldier who, after undergoing gender reassignment surgery, was forcibly discharged and later took her own life. It highlights discrimination against LGBTQ+ and marginalized people through the ages.

As the spotlight fades and ornate costumes are put away, Sekja, an elder in the Korean adult entertainment scene, reflects on her life. We are made privy to her thoughts on love, connection and being honest narrators of our own story.