Kim Jho has directed several gay-oriented films that were favorably reviewed though not commercially successful, and more than 10 mainstream movies, including a few box-office hits.
Kim Jho said he and his partner have not encountered anyone insulting them with anti-gay slurs, and there have been people on the street who encouraged them.
It was the first time that Dave Kim, CEO of film company Rainbow Factory, had appeared publicly as Kim Jho's partner, though they've been together for nearly nine years.
Movie director Kim Jho Gwangsoo surprised many last month by announcing he will symbolically tie the knot with his longtime male partner Sept. 7, in the highest-profile ceremony of its kind ever in South Korea.