One of the most intriguing mysteries in the TV show Bitter Sweet Hell is the sudden disappearance of Choi Jae Jin (played by Kim Nam Hee). Initially believed to have committed suicide with his mistress Lee Se Na (Yeonwoo), it was later revealed that Jae Jin faked his own death. But what drove him to such drastic action? Let’s dive into the reasons behind Choi Jae Jin’s deception.

Choi Jae Jin Hated the Manipulative Lee Se Na

The primary reason behind Jae Jin’s fake suicide was Lee Se Na’s manipulative nature. She cunningly seduced and manipulated him, making him believe that she was his way to freedom. Lee Se Na promised a life free from his current entanglements, but in reality, she was using him to achieve her own goals.

Lee Se Na had a vendetta against Jae Jin’s wife, No Yeong Won (Kim Hee Sun). To ruin Yeong Won’s happiness, she orchestrated an affair with Jae Jin and convinced him to fake his death. By sending incriminating photos to Yeong Won, Se Na aimed to wreck her rival’s career. While Jae Jin thought they would start a new life together, Se Na’s ultimate goal was to destroy Yeong Won, leaving Jae Jin merely a pawn in her scheme.

Choi Jae Jin Wanted to Escape His Overbearing Family

On the surface, Choi Jae Jin seemed to have an ideal life with a loving mother and wife. However, this affection felt suffocating to him. His mother, Hong Sa Kang (Lee Hye Young), and his wife controlled every aspect of his life, from his diet to his wardrobe. This overbearing care turned into a form of imprisonment for Jae Jin, leading him to yearn for freedom.

Since childhood, Jae Jin lived under his mother’s strict rules. His wife continued this pattern of control, making him feel trapped in a life that wasn’t truly his own. Faking his death seemed like the only way to break free from their clutches and start anew.

Choi Jae Jin Desired an Authentic Life

Beyond escaping his controlling family, Jae Jin also sought to shed the falsehoods that dominated his life. His mother had pushed him into a career as a doctor, despite his severe phobia of blood. To cover up his inability to perform surgeries, his mother enlisted Oh Ji Eun (Shin So Yul) as a shadow doctor. This facade made Jae Jin feel like a fraud in his own life.

Faking his death was a desperate attempt to break away from these lies and live authentically. However, his plan ultimately backfired. After the truth about his survival was unveiled, Jae Jin faced severe consequences. Lee Se Na abandoned him, having no further use for him in her vendetta against No Yeong Won.

In Bitter Sweet Hell, Choi Jae Jin’s decision to fake his death highlights his struggle against manipulation, control, and deception. While his motives were complex and rooted in a desire for freedom, his actions led to a downfall that underscores the show’s intricate portrayal of human flaws and consequences.

Bitter Sweet Hell masterfully weaves these themes into its narrative, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy deep, character-driven stories. What do you think of Jae Jin’s choices? Did he deserve his fate, or was he simply a victim of his circumstances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!