20th Century Girl

20th Century Girl

Year: 2022

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: Korean

Echo Score: 75
DramaRomance

Set in 1999, the film follows a teenage girl who watches a classmate closely for her best friend, who is secretly infatuated with him. As she monitors his every move, she unexpectedly finds herself falling for the same boy, prompting a tender first‑love romance that challenges her loyalty and forces her to confront her own feelings.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – 20th Century Girl (2022)

Trace every key event in 20th Century Girl (2022) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction of Na Bo-ra and Yeon-du

Set in 1999, the story begins with high school student Na Bo-ra and her best friend Yeon-du, who plans to go to the US for heart surgery. Yeon-du falls in love with a boy from their school, leading to a turning point in their friendship. Bo-ra promises to find out everything about the boy, named Baek Hyun-jin, for her friend.

1999
2

Bo-ra starts to follow Hyun-jin

Bo-ra begins to secretly follow Hyun-jin at school and overhears that he and his best friend Poong Woon-ho are joining the broadcasting club. To observe Hyun-jin more closely, she auditions and joins the club herself, although Hyun-jin does not.

School
3

Hyun-jin mistakes Bo-ra's interest

Hyun-jin, believing Bo-ra is interested in him romantically, asks her out on a date. Bo-ra rejects him, realizing her feelings are not for Hyun-jin but for Woon-ho, Hyun-jin's friend.

School
4

Bo-ra falls for Woon-ho

Bo-ra develops feelings for Woon-ho, who also begins to have feelings for her. Her emotions deepen as she observes Woon-ho more closely, but she keeps her true feelings hidden, respecting her promise to Yeon-du.

School
5

Yeon-du returns after surgery

Yeon-du comes back from her successful heart surgery, but they realize Bo-ra has been mistaken about the boy she was following. The real 'Baek Hyun-jin' Woon-ho loves is actually Poong Woon-ho, who was mistakenly identified due to a school jacket.

School
6

Bo-ra hides her love for Woon-ho

Loyal to her friend Yeon-du and concerned about her health, Bo-ra chooses to conceal her love for Woon-ho. She begins to distance herself in hopes of ending their budding relationship to protect her friendship.

School
7

Revelation of Woon-ho’s true feelings

Yeon-du, with help from Hyun-jin, learns that Woon-ho and Bo-ra have mutual feelings for each other. Yeon-du, feeling betrayed, encourages Bo-ra to give up Woon-ho for the sake of their friendship, revealing her deep care for Bo-ra.

School
8

Woon-ho prepares to leave

Woon-ho gets ready to move back to New Zealand with his mother and younger brother. On his departure day, Bo-ra, Yeon-du, and Hyun-jin help her confess her feelings to Woon-ho at the train station.

Train station
9

Woon-ho’s departure and silence

After their emotional farewell, Woon-ho stops responding to Bo-ra’s emails, leaving her heartbroken and confused. She struggles to cope with his sudden silence and their unresolved feelings.

10

Bo-ra matures and moves on

Over the years, Bo-ra matures by attending university. She begins to heal from her heartbreak, focusing on her life and passions, while memories of Woon-ho remain a tender part of her journey.

2019 University
11

Revelation of Woon-ho’s death

In 2019, Bo-ra receives an invitation to an art exhibition from Joseph, Woon-ho’s younger brother. She learns that Woon-ho died in an accident years earlier, which deeply moves her as she recalls their time together.

2019 Art exhibition
12

Woon-ho's message and closure

Joseph shows Bo-ra a heartfelt video made by Woon-ho, symbolizing their memories and Woon-ho's love for her. This bittersweet moment gives Bo-ra a final sense of closure and the lasting impact of their relationship.

2019

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:15

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Nostalgic coming-of-age stories like 20th Century Girl

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These films are connected by their powerful use of nostalgia as an emotional amplifier. They share a steady, reflective pacing that allows the viewer to sink into the era and the characters' lives. The combination of a specific time period with universal themes of youth creates a uniquely resonant and sentimental viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of 20th Century Girl

Don't stop at just watching — explore 20th Century Girl in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what 20th Century Girl is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

20th Century Girl Summary

Read a complete plot summary of 20th Century Girl, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

20th Century Girl Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in 20th Century Girl

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape 20th Century Girl. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in 20th Century Girl

20th Century Girl Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of 20th Century Girl that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

20th Century Girl Spoiler-Free Summary

More About 20th Century Girl

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about 20th Century Girl: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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