Solace

The film unfolds in Seoul, capturing the city's dense urban life and social contrasts. Much of the action centers around the Dongdaemun shopping district, where Hye-ran runs her stall and police raids disrupt her work. Several scenes take place at a lakeside campsite and a hotel, highlighting intimate, quieter spaces amid the urban sprawl.

💔 Loneliness

In a crowded city, both In-ku and Hye-ran live in emotional isolation. Their chance encounter offers a fragile respite from their daily struggles, underscoring how loneliness can push people toward risky, intimate connections. The film uses this theme to explore how human connection can arise from shared pain.

🤝 Connection

The growing bond between In-ku and Hye-ran provides mutual support and a sense of belonging they lack elsewhere. Their relationship acts as a counterpoint to the surrounding social pressures—debt, policing, and family obligations. It shows how companionship can become a lifeline, even as circumstances threaten to pull them apart.

🏥 Caregiving

In-ku's primary responsibility is caring for his mentally disabled brother, which shapes nearly every decision he makes. The burden of caregiving affects his career, relationships, and personal happiness. The film portrays the emotional, physical, and financial costs of looking after a family member with special needs.