Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth (2024) and the webtoon Save Me (2019) share a similar premise with the central theme of time loops used to save friends. However, the endings in each version have distinct differences that significantly impact the fates of the main characters. Let’s delve into these variations and explore how they shape the narratives.
Warning: This article contains spoilers!
1. The Absence of Kim Hwan’s Interference in Min Ce In’s Mother’s Death
Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth and webtoon Save Me (doc. Xclusive/Begins ≠ Youthdok. Webtoon/Save Me)In Begins ≠ Youth, the drama hints that Kim Hwan (Seo Ji Hwan) has been time-looping since the first episode, with each episode’s opening scene featuring dark lighting. This recurring scene is tied to the death of Min Ce In’s (Noh Jong Hyun) mother, and it is suggested through a mysterious book found by Jeon Je Ha (Jeon Jin Seo) that Kim Hwan has lost his memory due to the loops.
Contrastingly, in the webtoon Save Me, Kim Hwan, named Seokjin, does not interfere with the death of Min Ce In’s mother. The time loop in the webtoon starts on the day Min Ce In, also known as Yoongi, dies, and Seokjin retains his memory throughout the loops.
2. Different Points of Contact
Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth and webtoon Save Me (doc. Xclusive/Begins ≠ Youthdok. Webtoon/Save Me)In the drama, in episode 11, Kim Hwan attempts to reunite his friends, beginning with Min Ce In. They get drunk together, and Min Ce In asks if he can contact Kim Hwan anytime. Kim Hwan agrees, but he is unable to answer Min Ce In’s call because she is studying at an academy.
In the webtoon, Min Ce In, in a drunken state, contacts Jeon Je Ha (Jungkook) instead before he dies. Unfortunately, Jungkook does not return the call as he has already passed away.
3. Kim Do Geon’s Fate
Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth and webtoon Save Me (doc. Xclusive/Begins ≠ Youthdok. Webtoon/Save Me)In the drama, Kim Do Geon is portrayed as having to drop out of school due to financial difficulties and working tirelessly to save money for college. However, his family misuses the money, and Kim Do Geon continues to struggle, even finding it hard to attend Min Ce In’s funeral.
In the webtoon, Kim Do Geon, named Namjoon, works at a gas station and gets arrested after an altercation with a customer, highlighting a more severe consequence than in the drama.
4. Kim Joo An’s Family Tragedy
Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth and webtoon Save Me (doc. Xclusive/Begins ≠ Youthdok. Webtoon/Save Me)In Begins ≠ Youth, Kim Joo An (Jung Woo Jin) attempts to reconcile his family. Initially, his father agrees to change, but he reverts to violence, leading Kim Joo An to stab his father to protect his mother and sister, resulting in his imprisonment.
The webtoon version also depicts Kim Joo An, known as Taehyung, killing his father to stop the violence against his older sister, maintaining a similar yet subtly different motivation.
5. Divergent Fates of Jeon Je Ha and Jeong Ho Su
Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth and webtoon Save Me (doc. Xclusive/Begins ≠ Youthdok. Webtoon/Save Me)In the drama, Jeon Je Ha discovers a book predicting future events. He is believed to have committed suicide by jumping off a crane due to his mental instability or possibly attempting a time loop like Kim Hwan. Meanwhile, Jeong Ho Su (Ahn Ji Ho), who suffers from physical and mental issues, decides to go to the hospital after being beaten by thugs. He overdoses on medication and becomes unconscious.
The webtoon portrays Jeon Je Ha being beaten by thugs and accidentally falling from a building in front of Kim Hwan’s car. Jeong Ho Su, known as Hoseok, continues to experience fainting spells despite taking narcolepsy medication. His condition causes him to fall while climbing stairs in the hospital.
Overall, Begins ≠ Youth and Save Me maintain a similar overarching narrative but diverge in crucial character arcs and endings, offering unique experiences for the audience. Do you prefer the drama’s interpretation or the webtoon’s storyline?
