What's up, what's up to all of my super fabulous, fantastic, and amazing readers out there! Welcome back to the blog. Today, we are going to talk about a very hot topic that our netizens just haven't moved on from yet. I am referring to the unexplained ending of the South Korean Netflix film, 20th Century Girl.
Before we dive in, please be warned that this post will contain major spoilers. So, if you haven't watched the movie yet and want to keep the surprise, you might want to look away now! For everyone else, let's get into the details of this movie.
Also read, Doona Korean Drama Ending Explained: Did Doona and Won-jun actually end up together?
The Mysterious Package
The film begins with a scene set in the present, where Bora's father receives a package for her. It is a tape that had been rented from his store many years back. However, it is a title that is R-rated, so naturally, Bora's father wonders if a boyfriend of hers sent it to her.
Along with the tape comes an invitation to an art exhibition featuring artworks of someone called Joseph. Upon seeing this package and the invitation, the adult Bora immediately recalls her first love. This sets the stage for the flashbacks that make up the bulk of the movie's story.
Love and Disappearance
Moving forward to the final narrative arc, it is revealed that Hyundo had forgiven Bora for lying about her feelings for Woon-ho. The two finally confessed to each other on the very day Woon-ho had to fly out to New Zealand. From then until a year later, the two maintained a long-distance relationship.
One day, when Woon-ho stopped sending emails, Bora tried reaching him via call and email but it was all in vain. After Woon-ho stopped replying to her messages and calls, Bora was left completely devastated and heartbroken. The sudden disappearance of Woon-ho from her life left the teenager depressed.
The Tragic Revelation
She never learned why Woon-ho stopped talking with her until she received that VHS tape and the letter from the artist named Joseph. Joseph invites her to his art exhibition at the gallery. It is here that Joseph reveals he is actually Woon-ho's younger brother.
He drops the heartbreaking news that Woon-ho died nearly 15 years ago. Later, Bora returns to her childhood home and finally watches the VHS tape. The tape contains beautiful memories from Bora's school days, her time there, and her friends. In the end, the video comprises Woon-ho's final message to Bora.
How Did Woon-ho Die?
In the video, he professes his love for her and reveals that he will be coming to Korea soon to meet her. However, shortly before he could meet Bora, Woon-ho tragically passed away. The film does not explicitly state the specific cause of Woon-ho's death.
But, Joseph mentioned his lamentation regarding Woon-ho traveling to Korea to meet Bora. Therefore, it is strongly implied that Woon-ho died while traveling to Korea, presumably in an accident. The film doesn't go far into the details surrounding the accident or his death, focusing more on the emotional aftermath.
Finding Closure
After all these years, Bora finally gets closure. She gets an assurance that Woon-ho was indeed as much in love with her as she was with him. The videotape, with edits of their time together, is proof enough of his enduring feelings for her.
Thus, despite Woon-ho's death giving the film a bittersweet ending, it adds a unique flavor of love to the story. It shows that their connection transcended time and silence. That's the latest news for today! Please don't forget to share your thoughts on this ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How exactly did Poong Woon-ho die in 20th Century Girl?
While the movie doesn't explicitly show the scene of his death, it is heavily implied that Woon-ho died in an accident. This likely happened while he was traveling from New Zealand back to South Korea to reunite with Bora, which makes the ending even more heartbreaking for viewers.
Who is Joseph in the movie?
Joseph is the artist who invites the adult Bora to the exhibition. It is revealed that Joseph is actually Poong Woon-ho's younger brother. He is the one who delivers the news of Woon-ho's passing to Bora and gives her the VHS tape that provides her with closure.
Did Woon-ho stop loving Bora?
Absolutely not. Woon-ho never stopped loving Bora. He stopped contacting her only because he tragically passed away. The video tape he left behind proves that he was planning to come back to her and that his feelings remained strong until the very end.
Is 20th Century Girl based on a true story?
The director, Bang Woo-ri, has mentioned that the story is partially inspired by her own personal experiences with exchanging diaries with a friend during her school days. However, the specific tragic romantic storyline involving Woon-ho is a fictional narrative crafted for the film.
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