Return to Seoul (2022) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Freddie initially shows no desire to reconnect with her biological parents, but her curiosity leads her to visit the Hammond Adoption Center after Tena and a friend introduce her to it. While at the center, she learns they cannot disclose her parents' identities but can notify them of her interest through telegrams up to three times a year.

Foreshadowing: This decision plant the seeds for the entire emotional journey that unfolds over the following years.

• adoption center
• biological parents
• telegram
• curiosity
• Hammond

Freddie's mother does not respond to the telegrams initially. Years later, when she finally replies, she reveals she does not wish to meet Freddie. The reason for her initial silence and reluctance is never fully explained, adding to the emotional complexity of their relationship.

Foreshadowing: This initial rejection sets up the devastating final moment when Freddie tries to email her mother again.

• biological mother
• telegram
• rejection
• no contact

When Freddie attempts to kiss Tena during a night out, Tena rejects her and labels her as "a very sad person." Tena's rejection appears to stem from genuine concern for Freddie's emotional state rather than personal animosity, recognizing Freddie's vulnerability and unresolved trauma.

Foreshadowing: This moment highlights Freddie's pattern of seeking connection in inappropriate ways due to her emotional instability.

• Tena
• rejection
• kiss
• emotional vulnerability

Freddie's father is consumed by regret and desperately wants to reconcile with his daughter. His persistent phone calls and messages weigh heavily on Freddie, who describes his attempts at reconciliation as oppressive. His guilt and desire for forgiveness drive him to keep reaching out, even though Freddie feels trapped by his intensity.

Foreshadowing: This persistence reflects his deep remorse, which is later symbolized by the piano piece he composes for her.

• father
• phone calls
• reconciliation
• regret
• Gunsan

Two years after her initial trip, Freddie has established a new life in Seoul and becomes involved with André, a weapons dealer who believes she has a future in the business. Five years later, she is working with him selling missiles. This career choice represents Freddie's drift into a morally ambiguous existence as she searches for identity and purpose away from her roots.

Foreshadowing: This trajectory shows Freddie's growing alienation from conventional life and her willingness to engage with dangerous elements.

• André
• weapons dealer
• missiles
• Seoul
• job

After a dinner where Maxime suggests that Freddie's role in life is to protect South Korea, she becomes frustrated and makes the difficult decision to break up with him. This breakup reflects Freddie's ongoing struggle to define herself on her own terms rather than accepting roles others assign to her.

Foreshadowing: This decision underscores Freddie's continuing quest for authentic self-definition throughout the film.

• Maxime
• breakup
• South Korea
• independence
• self-identity

Freddie receives a positive response to a telegram from her biological mother, leading to an emotional reunion at a Hammond facility. They embrace, and her mother shares her email address for future correspondence. However, a year later, when Freddie attempts to email her mother on her birthday, she discovers the email address is no longer valid, resulting in another painful disappointment.

Foreshadowing: The invalid email mirrors her mother's initial silence and reinforces the theme of incomplete reconnection.

• biological mother
• reunion
• Hammond facility
• email
• disappointment

After discovering her mother's email address is invalid, Freddie seeks solace in the hotel lobby and is drawn to a piano. She sits down and begins to play a beautiful melody, attempting to reconnect with herself through music. This moment represents her ongoing journey toward self-acceptance, using music as a means of introspection and emotional processing.

Foreshadowing: This echoes her father's earlier piano performance, suggesting a possible genetic or emotional connection despite their estrangement.

• piano
• hotel lobby
• self-acceptance
• music
• birthday

Freddie travels to Gunsan for a tense reunion with her biological father, with Tena serving as translator. The meeting is emotionally charged, especially when Freddie learns that her mother has not responded to the telegrams. Despite the tension, she decides to stay with her father's family for a few nights, though his persistent attempts at reconciliation quickly become overwhelming for her.

Foreshadowing: This visit establishes the complicated dynamic between Freddie and her father that continues throughout the film.

• Gunsan
• father
• reunion
• Tena
• translator