I want to put a disclaimer that this is not a romance film in the slightest it’s marketed as a thriller and because of that there is some very real depictions of violence including sexual violence ie rape. Also, both characters are very morally grey characters there are no good guys in this film so just know that going in. In my opinion the romantic elements though subtle are the strongest parts of the story as a whole and overshadow the thriller aspect of the film, which is why i find the plot a bit lacking especially since this film was marketed as a thriller/social commentary film. The toxic relationship between the two main characters Yoon Jae and Se Joon is very complex, so complex you may not truly catch everything about their relationship at first watch or even the second. However, the relationship of the boys, through subtle and not so subtle actions truly draw you in. I really wish that their relationship was the main theme of the movie because in my opinion that is where the film excels but unfortunately its not. I will say that when considering the actions of the characters I would look at everything with a critical eye that will really help with any questions you may have about the motivations of the characters. I had to watch this film 3 times to be sure of the big main question this film will leave you with. But if you go in with a critical, nuanced eye you’ll easily be able to answer that question.

Spoilers Ahead

I think Yoon Jae knew Se Joon had feelings for him and also had feelings for Se Joon as well, a lot of his actions subtly hint at that. Such as hiding the gift and his relationship with EunYoung etc. What was his motivation for that? His face when Se Joon walks away from him after finding out that he lied to him. Also, when Se Joon texts him to come outside he hesitates at first until Se Joon texts him a second time saying “its all about you”. And did no-one notice after Yoon Jae gets beat up he literally has no more scenes with Eun Young lol I know he was going through a lot but still if you like a girl you’d think to make sure she knows your alright but who did he actually go see? The real conclusive evidence is at the end though the fact that Yoon Jae even visited him at the prison and actually asked him how he was and looks tearful the whole time he’s there. If he actually liked or loved Eun Young there is no way he could visit her murderer and even ask how he was lol friend or not. Also, he never looked mad at Se Joon not even once like if someone murdered the girl you like you’d feel some anger right? Se Joon even provokes him, describing how her body smelled like perfume and he can still smell it. If he cared about Eun Young he would’ve been outraged as soon as he said that but he doesn’t care. And when Se Joon is about to confess, Yoon Jae bows his head because he already knows. And then he asks the guard to wait because he actually wants to hear him confess because he reciprocates his feelings.