Start-Up

Gunsan serves as the backdrop where Go Taek-il seeks independence. The city shows a working-class slice of life, with a Chinese restaurant at the center of Taek-il's new start and the looming debt pressures driving other characters. The urban streets and daytime hustle frame the story of coming of age, work, and family obligations.

🌱 Coming of-age

Taek-il's impulsive departure tests his ability to stand on his own. The job at a Chinese restaurant becomes a proving ground where everyday responsibilities replace childhood risk-taking. Sang-pil's entry into the world of private loans mirrors the pressures of adulthood in a city that values money over security. The film probes how personal choices shape identity when family expectations and economic reality collide.

💼 Economic Struggle

Debt, loans, and disputes reveal a city where money governs power and safety. The loan business exposes the vulnerability of those with few options, including Jeong-hye's debt and the threat to her toast shop. The film shows the moral gray areas of survival, with violence and intimidation as consequences of debt. Economic pressure frames the characters' daily decisions and paths.

🤝 Friendship

Taek-il and Sang-pil's friendship anchors the story as they navigate a harsh urban world. Their bond is tested by competing paths toward independence and safety. Dong-hwa Kim and Megaseok add layers of loyalty and mentorship, showing how relationships can both support and complicate survival. The film uses friendship to explore resilience and the possibility of choosing a better life.