Killing Romance

The story unfolds in the present day, reflecting current celebrity culture and media obsession. Characters navigate modern pressures, from public adoration to private power struggles. The plot’s rhythm—accusations, schemes, and dramatic reveals—tracks the habits and tensions of a contemporary world focused on image and control.

The action pivots between the fictional tropical island of Qualla and the bustling city of Seoul. Qualla functions as a luxurious retreat that amplifies the star’s past fame and personal escape, while Seoul anchors the story in contemporary celebrity culture and social dynamics. The island’s future is threatened by development for a new theme park, highlighting the tension between spectacle and nature. Key scenes occur in a jjimjilbang sauna, emphasizing the film’s moods and interpersonal heat.

🎭 Celebrity Culture

The film scrutinizes how fame shapes identity and public perception. Yeo-rae’s arc from beloved star to a largely forgotten figure exposes the volatility of stardom. Fans’ devotion and the genre’s meta-commentary reveal the pull and danger of manufactured narratives in entertainment.

🧭 Power & Control

Jonathan Na embodies a controlling, status-driven dynamic that distorts love into possession. The couple’s interactions are driven by ego, manipulation, and a willingness to cross lines for security and status. The attempted murders and strategic moves are rooted in a desire to command outcomes and preserve appearances.

🌿 Nature vs Development

Qualla’s ostrich habitat and the island’s ecosystem become casualties of aggressive development. The movie frames environmental concerns within a satire of luxury and spectacle, showing how progress often tramples on the vulnerable. The clash between preserving nature and building a theme park drives much of the plot’s tension and tragedy.