Young-ho, an Ethnic-Korean living in Japan, decides to close the pachinko parlor that he has operated with his mother Kyung-ja for 50 years along National Route 7 in Akita Prefecture, Japan. When he invites his mother on an overseas trip to celebrate her retirement, she expresses her desire to visit Niigata instead of going abroad. At Niigata Port, Young-ho realizes what this visit meant to his mother, as he recalls how aunt Soon-ja had departed for North Korea from Niigata Port during the mass repatriation project.
After his mother passes away, Young-ho, now alone, discovers an old letter from North Korea addressed to his mother. Meanwhile, his daughter Nana, who had been living apart with her Japanese mother following the divorce, comes to visit him. Nana becomes deeply intrigued by the letter from North Korea. Guided by his mother's will, Young-ho embarks on a journey with Nana, driving along South Korea's Route 7 heading northward.

Japan's National Route 7 runs from Aomori to Niigata Prefecture, with most of it located north of the 38th parallel. Historically, ships departed from Niigata Port to North Korea, and during the 1960s-80s, many Ethnic-Koreans living in Japan left for North Korea under the repatriation project with high hopes, turning out to be in vain. Similarly, on the Korean Peninsula, the road along the East Sea coast is also designated as National Route 7. While it extends toward North Korea, it is blocked by the Military Demarcation Line, making it impossible to cross. This scenario was conceived by connecting these elements: Korea, Japan, and North Korea, all linked by roads bearing the same number 7, set against the backdrop of state division and family division. Ironically, the number 7, traditionally considered lucky, brings to mind the gambling businesses – pachinko and slot machines – where many Ethnic-Koreans living in Japan made their living. The film explores the still-unresolved issue of division. Is confronting this issue a sign of an upcoming jackpot? Or will it reveal itself to be another disappointing reality that fails to meet expectations?

Korean Premiere