House of Hummingbird

House of Hummingbird

Year: 2018

Runtime: 135 mins

Language: Korean

Director: Kim Bora

Echo Score: 81
DramaMoving relationship storiesPowerful stories of heartbreak and sufferingTragic sadness and captivating beautyEmotional and touching family dramas

Eun-hee, a sensitive 14-year-old, navigates a difficult home life, feeling misunderstood and isolated. Seeking solace, she wanders her neighborhood with her best friend, embarking on adventures and experiencing the complexities of young love. Feeling neglected by her parents and mistreated by her brother, Eun-hee searches for moments of sweetness and connection amidst the challenges she faces.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – House of Hummingbird (2018)

Trace every key event in House of Hummingbird (2018) 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

Eun-hee's life in 1994 Seoul

In 1994 Seoul, 14-year-old Eun-hee lives a quiet, working-class life. She loves drawing and attends cram school with her best friend Ji-suk, while secretly dating Ji-wan. Her parents are distant and her older brother's abuse weighs on her daily existence.

1994 Seoul, South Korea
2

Ms. Kim enters Eun-hee's world

At cram school, a free-spirited Chinese teacher named Ms. Kim arrives and quickly becomes a mentor and confidante for Eun-hee. Their bond offers Eun-hee a sense of hope and a new perspective on her life. Ms. Kim's presence injects warmth into Eun-hee's days.

early in the story Cram school
3

Shoplifting incident and father's punishment

During a shoplifting incident, Ji-suk betrays Eun-hee by revealing her identity to their father, triggering a harsh punishment. The betrayal deepens Eun-hee's mistrust and fuels tension with Ji-suk. This event marks a turning point in their friendship.

shortly after the shoplifting incident Home
4

Ji-wan's breakup due to class difference

Ji-wan is forced to break up with Eun-hee after his wealthy mother discovers her lower social status. The split underscores the class divides shaping Eun-hee's life. She confronts the social barriers that constrain her love life.

shortly after Home / Ji-wan's circle
5

Ms. Kim's encouragement

Ms. Kim urges Eun-hee to keep her spirit and move forward despite the hardships. This encouragement strengthens Eun-hee's resolve and deepens her attachment to her teacher. Eun-hee begins to rely on Ms. Kim for emotional support.

after the breakup Cram school
6

Lump behind the ear and surgery planned

Doctors discover a lump behind Eun-hee's ear that requires surgical removal. The diagnosis adds fear to her already fragile life and forces her to face a serious medical ordeal. The anticipation of surgery becomes a central pressure point.

before surgery Hospital
7

Father's fear and support

Eun-hee's father breaks down in tears, revealing that he does care for her even if he can be harsh. This moment humanizes him and gives Eun-hee a glimmer of reassurance. The emotional display strengthens her courage ahead of the operation.

before surgery Home
8

Surgery and hospital reflections

The surgery is performed and proves successful, and Eun-hee begins the slow path to recovery. In the hospital, Ji-suk apologizes for betraying her, and Yu-ri confesses a crush on Eun-hee, which Eun-hee seems to reciprocate. The hospital visits bring complex, hopeful emotions to the surface.

after surgery Hospital
9

Ms. Kim quits and Eun-hee's attempt to thank her

Ms. Kim leaves her teaching position, and Eun-hee hopes to thank her in person. A scheduling error prevents her from meeting Ms. Kim as she returns to collect her things, keeping the two apart at a crucial moment. The missed connection adds a layer of melancholy to Eun-hee's recovery.

after surgery School
10

Family conflict escalates

Back home, Eun-hee's brother strikes her so violently that she tears her eardrum. A doctor suggests she press charges, but she declines, choosing to withdraw rather than escalate the conflict. The family's dysfunction continues to ripple through Eun-hee's life.

after surgery Home
11

Seongsu Bridge collapses

One day at school, the Seongsu Bridge collapses, triggering fear for Eun-hee's sister who travels a bus route that day. Her sister survives because she is late on her ride, and her brother's tears reveal a rare moment of tenderness. The disaster marks a watershed in the family’s emotional landscape.

the following day Seongsu Bridge
12

Ms. Kim's death and Eun-hee's discovery

In the aftermath, Eun-hee discovers that Ms. Kim was killed in the bridge collapse. She later learns this fact through a package containing a letter and sketchbook from Ms. Kim, but realizes the tragedy occurred the day before the package arrived. The revelation reframes the memory of her mentor.

soon after the collapse On the road / near the bridge
13

Grief, acceptance, and a final letter

Early the next morning, Eun-hee and her siblings view the collapsed bridge and grieve together. They share a morning meal in a rare moment of harmony, and Eun-hee rereads Ms. Kim's final letter, which promises that good experiences follow bad ones. She stands in the schoolyard, mature and at peace.

the morning after the collapse Near the bridge / home
14

A new semester and a changed Eun-hee

As the new semester begins, Eun-hee experiences a shift in perspective. Yu-ri openly tells her the crush is over, and Eun-hee is left to reflect on herself and her relationships. She stands alone in the schoolyard with a sense of quiet maturity and acceptance.

start of the new term Schoolyard

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 13:04

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House of Hummingbird Summary

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House of Hummingbird Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in House of Hummingbird

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Characters, Settings & Themes in House of Hummingbird

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House of Hummingbird Spoiler-Free Summary

More About House of Hummingbird

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