Kwon Sun-hyeon

Weathering Architect

Joh Sung-yong is an architect in his 80s who still draws architectural plans with a pencil. His office is filled with books, vinyl records, and video tapes that he has collected throughout his life. He believes that old things are not burdens to be thrown away, but time and memories to be cherished. To him, rebuilding an old house is an important opportunity to showcase his philosophy to the world. The reconstruction of a large apartment complex in Jamsil in 2017 presented an opportunity for Joh Sung-yong. He designed the apartments to recycle the old building and preserve the trees in the complex. However, his plans were rejected due to conflicts with the reconstruction association, which prioritized profit. In 2023, he was approached by a new client who wanted to rebuild the Cheongdam-dong house he designed 40 years earlier.

Burmese on the Roof

Soe, Joe, and Tommy came from a land they call ‘Burma.’ They are illegal foreign workers in Korea. Hard work worn them out, but they hold onto their lives with a sole pride; being a breadwinner for the family back home. On the weekends, they comfort themselves with bottles of hard liquors. Soe and Joe are determined to go back home finally after a decade, but Tommy is determined not to go back until he can make a flashy return with good sum of money.