Hotel by the River

Ko Young-Hwan, a renowned poet, finds himself waiting at a hotel by the Han River for the arrival of his sons. Tension hangs thick in the air as he anticipates their reunion, having missed them for some time.

As the brothers, Kyung-Soo and Byung-Soo, await their father's appearance, their underlying rivalry and jealousy surface, leading to a heated argument. This conflict escalates the tension just moments before their long-awaited meeting.

While his sons bicker, Young-Hwan drifts off in another section of the restaurant, missing the chance to reunite with Kyung-Soo and Byung-Soo. This moment underscores the estrangement within the family and the fragility of their relationships.

Outside, Young-Hwan encounters A-reum, who falsely claims to have a burned hand, and her friend Yeon-Joo, who is dealing with her own post-breakup feelings. The exchange is filled with subtle admiration and missed connections as they decline his offer for drinks.

When Young-Hwan finally meets his sons, he shares that he has been residing at the hotel for two weeks, thanks to the owner's admiration for his poetry. He starts to express his growing sense of unease, hinting at deeper emotional struggles.

As they delve into conversation, Young-Hwan fixates on a nearby plant that he believes needs watering, adding an unexpected urgency to his concerns. His words begin to hint at his contemplation of mortality and familial bonds.

In the midst of their gathering, Byung-Soo expresses fear about his father's intentions, interpreting his concerns as a desire for death. In contrast, Kyung-Soo, hiding his own vulnerabilities, insists that he is strong enough to handle their father's issues.

Young-Hwan mysteriously disappears only to return with two stuffed animals, claiming they symbolize his sons. This moment captures the fractured familial bond and raises questions about his state of mind.

The hotel's owner confronts Young-Hwan, insisting he vacate the premises as his poetry no longer resonates with anyone. This moment signals the poet's decline and growing disconnect from the world around him.

While A-reum and Yeon-Joo enjoy a bottle of wine, they discuss Byung-Soo's filmmaking, critiquing his authenticity. Their intimate conversations delve deeper as they explore themes of love and past relationships.

Yeon-Joo reveals her troubling memories of a car accident while confessing to a theft of gloves, which adds layers to her character's past. This sharing deepens the connection between the two women as they confront their emotional histories.

A-reum and Yeon-Joo coincidentally stumble upon Young-Hwan and his sons during an outing, where heated family discussions reveal deep-rooted rifts. This encounter serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the ongoing strife within Young-Hwan's family.

As the night progresses, Yeon-Joo and A-reum question whether to seek autographs from the poet, leading to a discussion about men's immaturity in love. Their reflections shed light on their views about relationships and emotional struggles.

In solitude, Young-Hwan decides to return to the restaurant, where he recites a new poem for A-reum and Yeon-Joo. This act represents his longing for connection despite the strains in his relationships.

As dawn arises, Young-Hwan sends a heartfelt text to his sons, encouraging them to return home. In a tragic twist, they discover he has passed away in his bathroom, marking a profound loss and sadness echoing through their family and the women nearby.