Wonderland

In the end, Bai Li’s journey reveals a poignant truth about the nature of life and death. Although she initially enters Wonderland to reconnect with her daughter and find some comfort after her terminal illness, she ultimately discovers that she cannot stay in this artificial world forever. As she fights to reunite with Jia in the real world, her efforts disrupt the delicate balance of Wonderland, eventually leading to her realization that she has died, and her existence in that digital space is a form of afterlife. Thanks to the mysterious connection through the Tree of Life, Bai Li can finally communicate with her loved ones— Ja and Tae-joo— and bring closure to her story. Her ability to reach Tae-joo, who recognizes her as his wife, confirms that her digital existence is rooted in her true life and death. The film closes with Bai Li accepting her mortality and finally letting go, acknowledging that the real, physical connection to her daughter and loved ones is irreplaceable.

Throughout the story, the characters grapple with the bittersweet truth that Wonderland is a comforting illusion rather than a true return to life. Jeong-in’s story highlights the longing for human touch—that even in a world of virtual reality, nothing can replace genuine relationships. Her choice to leave her virtual Tae-joo and reunite with the physically available man underscores the importance of being present and embracing real life, despite its imperfections. Similarly, the story of Jeong-ran leaves open whether she truly died or simply chose to end her digital version, which critiques how the system can be manipulated.

In the final scenes, Bai Li’s connection to her daughter and her lover signifies a resolution of grief and the acceptance of mortality. The mysterious presence of Sung-joon hints at the possibility of loved ones still being there in some form, blurring the line between digital and real worlds. And in a touching culmination, the film suggests that while technology offers a refuge and a way to temporarily escape pain, it ultimately cannot substitute for living and loving in the tangible world. The ending leaves viewers pondering the delicate balance between memory, digital eternity, and the reality we all must face.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:02