Love your TED talk
I also have a feelings it's gonna turn that way.
Good theory!
If I remember correctly we didn't see it falling under seat but manager mentioned he found it under seat. But I may be wrong.
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Amen to this theory!
After last meeting with Joowon I think Leo's hatred for him is bigger than the desire to get Taku into his bed but I guess we will have to wait and see.
I still don't know how they'd get the evidence. But who knows.
Seen alot of theories about symbols and colors but haven't seen alot of people talk about the Leo subplot or the diamond ring. Since I've been re-reading cause why not, here are my theories on both.
I def think Leo is going to have a huge effect on how this story ends. Since he hasn't dropped the bomb that Joowon and Haesoo were lovers yet I feel like there's going to be this big blow out at the exhibit or maybe at the premiere of Joowon's new drama where it's revealed.
I think Joowon's PR team is obvi going to deny,deny,deny but Joowon's not gonna have it and is going to make a public statement (this was already hinted at when he argued with Taekyung and Taekyung told him that he's going to keep having issues with Haesoo because he can't/won't commit to being his lover or brother.)
However, rather than do anything to compromise Haesoo's happiness he's going to take all the blame (like we saw in the flashbacks/foreshadowing) and say that he forced a sexual relationship on Haesoo. However, again lol, rather than let Joowon loose his job/reputation/fame Haesoo's going to say the relationship was his decision. They'll both be forced to finally confront and properly address their feelings for each other. Joowon's reputation will still be ruined and he'll have to take a step back or probably move to a country where no one knows who he is and start over. Their parents will realize they can't keep them apart and will find a way to accept them as they are (cause really they were "brothers" for 2-3yrs, aren't blood related, and have been in a fully consensual relationship for years. it's weird but who are they really hurting?). Haesoo will need to make a decision and will choose Joowon because the main obstacle in their relationship (not defining the relationship) is gone. They'll heal together. Taekyung will move on quickly because he kinda knew all along he was on borrowed time. Though I could see them still being in each other's lives. Personally I feel like Taekyung is more interested in seeing how the story will end then actually being the endgame.
Now for the diamond ring and how it keeps coming up but Haesoo still has no idea it exists. I think the author is foreshadowing it’s significance and secrecy. It’ll play a huge part in the ending of the story and it seems to symbolize Joowon's love for Haesoo and the stages of their relationship.
1. When Joowon initially asks Haesoo if he wants a diamond ring this is symbolizing a possible next step in their relationship and a physical way for them to commit to each other since at this point they haven’t said “I love you”. It’s always significant when you give a ring to someone you’ve been fucking for 10 yrs. it’s also important that Haesoo doesn’t say no to it or tell Joowon not to buy it.
2. When Joowon gets back and we see he actually got the ring and then later we see it fall under the car seat. I think this is symbolizing that whatever next step/progress would’ve come from the gift is forgotten. Joowon's hope that their relationship will have some lasting impact is on pause and hidden under his jealously like the ring is hidden in the car. Now is not the time for it so it’s out of site/out of mind while Haesoo/Joowon work on their problems. But it’s still there, waiting to be found. Again, a lot like their love.
3. When Joowon’s agent finds/gives the ring back to him and tells him to deal with it. This obviously is a call back to why Joowon bought the ring in the first place (“who’s it for? Are you dating someone behind my back?”) and again is a physical reminder that he needs to get his shit together and deal with his issues so he’s in a position to finally give the ring to Haesoo. It's also a reminder of what they could have and seems to give Joowon some hope since he keeps it.
Regardless of who you’re rooting for, you’ve gotta agree that Leo’s side of the story is just starting. We prob have at least 15 more episodes/chapters to see that unfold. Also you can’t deny that Joowon buying a diamond ring is a pretty big deal. I doubt the author would just add that element for no reason, especially since it keeps coming back and he hasn't given it to Haesoo yet.
Thank you for reading my thesis and attending this TED talk on Love or Hate. haha