Kick the Moon

The narrative shifts between a past event—an unforgettable high school field trip—to Gyeongju—and the present when the two former friends reconnect. The past centers on a brutal brawl that defines their reputations, while the present revisits those choices as ambitions and emotions become entangled. The time split drives the characters to confront how past actions influence current loyalties and relationships.

Gyeongju is a historic city in North Gyeongsang Province, renowned for its royal tombs, Buddhist temples, and ancient sites. In Kick the Moon, the city’s tight-knit community and nightlife backdrop come into play, shaping the rivalries and loyalties of the characters. The setting blends traditional culture with contemporary teen and young-adult drama, including scenes at a club during the reunion.

🥋 Old Rivalry

Two former friends are driven apart by pride and a shared history of violence. The film tracks how a single night’s actions ripple into a decade of social dynamics and risk-taking. Reunions rekindle old tensions, forcing both men to confront who they were and who they’ve become. The street-level clashes reveal the costs of bravado and leadership.

💘 Love Triangle

Ju-ran becomes the focal point of competing affections, pulling Gi-dong and Young-jun into a complicated dynamic. Their rivalry over her advances tests friendship, honor, and self-control. The love triangle catalyzes risk-taking, bluffing, and negotiation within the community. Emotions conflict with loyalties, intensifying the fight over a single woman.

🕰️ Past Echoes

The film uses the two timelines to show how past choices shape present behavior. Memories of the field trip and the old brawl haunt the characters, influencing decisions and credibility. The city’s reaction to the drama reveals how time can magnify or mute personal histories. Ultimately, past acts cast long shadows over present incentives.