Sweet and Sour Ending Explained, Review, and More
by Rubaditsha
Updated Apr 13, 2023
Sweet and Sour Ending Explained
The Korean film Sweet and Sour has a somewhat confusing ending that left many viewers lost and unsure of what happened. This article will provide an explanation of the ending.
To recap, the main character Jang Hyuk (played by Jang Ki Yong) fails to secure a permanent position at the company he works for and realizes that he still loves his ex-girlfriend Da-eun (played by Chae Soo Bin). He runs to the airport to reconcile with her, leaving his current girlfriend Bo-yeong (played by Krystal Jung) at the company party. However, at the airport, he collides with a man suffering from jaundice and hepatitis who looks identical to him, leading viewers to wonder if time travel or a time loop is involved.
However, the answer to this confusion is actually much simpler. The two men are different people, and the film's events occur in a non-chronological order. The first hint that there are two Jang Hyuks comes at the beginning of the movie, when a half-conscious Lee Jang-hyuk (the other Jang Hyuk, played by Lee Woo Je) is rushed to the emergency room. A title card flashes on the screen saying "New Sneakers," which refers to the sneakers that Da-eun gave to Jang Hyuk before their trip to Jeju. Jang Hyuk puts on the sneakers, promises to slim down, and starts jogging in the opposite direction.
The story then flashes back to Jang Ki Yong's Jang Hyuk, who is also out for a run while wearing the same pair of sneakers, but they are already worn out. This difference in the sneakers is the first indicator that there are two Jang Hyuks. Another title card then appears, saying "Old Sneakers," indicating that this Jang Hyuk is Da-eun's ex-boyfriend.
Other indicators that the two Jang Hyuks are different include Da-eun's behavior towards Lee Jang-hyuk changing after she finds out she's pregnant with Jang Hyuk's child, leading to the growth of their friendship. For example, she quits smoking, sleeps beside Lee Jang-hyuk on his bed at night due to fatigue, and even develops a voracious appetite that leads Lee Jang-hyuk to offer her his meals.
Additionally, Da-eun is deeply moved when Lee Jang-hyuk changes the light bulb at her apartment, something Jang Hyuk neglected. Lee Jang-hyuk also notices the silver ring on Da-eun's fourth finger, which she later mails back to Jang Hyuk. A macaron vendor recognizes Da-eun as a customer who he had met a few weeks ago, when she went to the same market with Jang Hyuk. Lastly, Da-eun invites Lee Jang-hyuk on the Jeju trip after Jang Hyuk starts dating Bo-yeong.
In conclusion, the two Jang Hyuks are different people, and the events in the film occur out of order. By understanding the various indicators that set the two Jang Hyuks apart, viewers can better understand the ending of Sweet and Sour.
Sweet and Sour happy or sad ending
The ending of "Sweet and Sour" can be seen as both happy and sad, depending on how you interpret it. On one hand, the main characters end up together, which can be considered a happy ending. On the other hand, their relationship has been complicated by distance and other challenges, which can be seen as a sad ending.
Throughout the movie, we see the ups and downs of the relationship between Jang-hyuk and Da-eun, and their struggles with the challenges that come with a long-distance relationship. Despite these challenges, they are able to maintain their love for each other and eventually end up together. This resolution can be seen as a happy ending, as they are able to overcome their difficulties and be together.
However, the fact that their relationship had to go through so many struggles and that they had to spend so much time apart can be seen as a sad ending. The movie portrays the reality of long-distance relationships, which can be difficult and painful. While Jang-hyuk and Da-eun are ultimately able to be together, the movie doesn't shy away from showing the sacrifices and hardships that they had to endure.
Overall, the ending of "Sweet and Sour" can be seen as bittersweet, with elements of both happiness and sadness.
Sweet and Sour kdrama cast
The below table contains information about the cast of Beef.
Jang Ki-Yong
Jang Ki-Yong
Jang-hyuk
Jang-hyuk
Chae Soo-bin
Chae Soo-bin
Da-eun
Da-eun (Korean), Krystal Jung (English)
Bo-young
Bo-young
Jacky Jung
Jacky Jung
Nick Martineau
Nick Martineau
Lee Jang Hyeok
Lee Jang Hyeok (Korean), Jung Bo Min (English)
Matching sweatshirt couple
June Yoon
General Team Manager
General Team Manager (Korean), not listed for English version
Character
Actor/Actress
Sweet and Sour Plot Twist
The plot twist in "Sweet and Sour" comes near the end of the movie when it is revealed that the character of Jung-hyuk, played by Jang Ki-yong, is suffering from a brain tumor. This revelation comes as a surprise to the audience, as the movie initially appears to be a typical romantic comedy-drama, with a love triangle between Jung-hyuk, his girlfriend Da-eun (Chae Soo-bin), and his co-worker Bo-ra (Krystal Jung).
Throughout the movie, Jung-hyuk's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, as he struggles to balance his demanding job as a hospital pharmacist, his relationship with Da-eun, and his growing attraction to Bo-ra. His behavior becomes so concerning that Da-eun breaks up with him, and he is ultimately fired from his job.
It is only towards the end of the movie that the audience learns the true reason behind Jung-hyuk's behavior. He has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, which is affecting his emotions and behavior. The tumor is also responsible for his sudden weight gain and physical changes.
The revelation of Jung-hyuk's illness adds a layer of complexity and sadness to the movie's storyline. It also helps to explain some of the character's seemingly irrational behavior throughout the movie, and adds a new dimension to the relationship between Jung-hyuk and Da-eun.
Overall, the plot twist in "Sweet and Sour" is well-executed and adds an emotional depth to the movie's storyline.
Sweet and Sour Ending Explained: FAQS
"Sweet and Sour" is a Korean movie that tells the story of a young couple, Jang-hyuk and Da-eun, who are trying to navigate their relationship despite the challenges that come with long-distance. The movie explores the ups and downs of their relationship and how it affects their personal and professional lives.
The ending of "Sweet and Sour" is bittersweet, with elements of both happiness and sadness. Jang-hyuk and Da-eun end up together, which can be considered a happy ending, but their relationship has been complicated by distance and other challenges, which can be seen as a sad ending.
The main cast of "Sweet and Sour" includes Jang Ki-Yong as Jang Ki-Yong/Jang-hyuk, Chae Soo-bin as Da-eun, Krystal Jung as Bo-young, Jacky Jung as Jacky Jung, Nick Martineau as Nick Martineau, and Lee Jang Hyeok as Lee Jang Hyeok/Jang-hyuk.
The confusing ending of "Sweet and Sour" is due to the events occurring in a non-chronological order and the presence of two characters with the same name. The two Jang-hyuks are different people, and viewers can understand this by paying attention to various indicators, such as the sneakers that the characters wear and Da-eun's behavior towards Lee Jang-hyuk after finding out she's pregnant with Jang-hyuk's child.