“Begins ≠ Youth,” a drama based on the 2019 webtoon “Save Me,” wrapped up with its final episodes on Xclusive this past Tuesday, leaving viewers both intrigued and confused by its complex finale. Let’s delve into the series’ climactic ending and explore why it strikes a bittersweet chord.
The Unraveling of Characters
Still cut Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth (doc. Mydramalist/Begins ≠ Youth)The series finale of Begins ≠ Youth brought both joy and sorrow, setting a poignant tone as each character’s fate unfolded. Kim Hwan, portrayed by Seo Ji Hwan, returned to South Korea filled with hope after his stint in the United States. His reunion with friends, sparked by the mischiefs with Min Ce In, was short-lived. The revelation of Min Ce In’s tragic death in a fire he started himself marked the beginning of a series of unfortunate events for the group.
The situation worsens as Kim Do Geon struggles to support his family, Park Ha Ru continues his treatment in a mental facility, and Jeong Ho Su’s attempt to medicate his narcolepsy leads to an overdose. The series escalates with Kim Joo An’s drastic actions to unify his family resulting in patricide and his subsequent arrest, and Jeon Je Ha’s discovery of a time loop secret drives him to desperation.
The Time Loop Mystery
Still cut Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth (doc. Mydramalist/Begins ≠ Youth)A significant twist in the tale involves Kim Hwan, initially introduced as a mysterious figure in a black hat. As the series concludes, it’s revealed that Kim Hwan has been intricately connected to the tragic events unfolding around Min Ce In and his mother. The audience learns that Min Ce In’s mother ended her life by suicide, a fact Kim Hwan was aware of and perhaps tried to prevent by influencing other characters’ actions. The plot thickens as Kim Hwan’s own actions suggest he has been manipulating events, possibly through a time loop, forgetting his own memories in the process.
The most haunting scene is the final beach sequence, where what seems to be a flashback is likely another iteration of Kim Hwan’s time loop. This moment reiterates the cyclic nature of their tragedies and highlights Kim Hwan’s sorrow as he realizes the repetitive fate of his friends, despite initial appearances of happiness.
Is the Ending Truly Sad?
Still cut Korean drama Begins ≠ Youth (doc. Mydramalist/Begins ≠ Youth)Viewers believe that this is the scene where Kim Hwan wears a black hat time loop. Moreover, the coloring in that scene is different from the whole drama.
While the series ends on a seemingly somber note, it’s the complexity and depth of the characters’ journeys that evoke a mix of emotions. The ending is open to interpretation, with elements of sadness due to the characters’ suffering and unresolved issues, but there’s also a glimmer of hope. This hope lies in the possibility of breaking the cycle, hinted at through the characters’ growing awareness of their situation.
The finality of Begins ≠ Youth serves as a poignant reflection on the consequences of one’s actions and the often painful road to self-awareness and redemption. It challenges the viewers to think deeply about fate, choice, and the power of memory, making the ending not just sad, but profoundly moving and thought-provoking.
This exploration into the finale of Begins ≠ Youth reveals a layered narrative that balances darkness with light, leaving the audience with lingering thoughts on fate, friendship, and the possibility of change.
