Journey to the Shore – Movie Review & Ending Explained

Minha and Sangbeom

The movie begins with the two leads alone in the bedroom, both dressed in high school uniforms. Their activities give us our first impression of these characters, even without dialogue.

• Sangbeom is cleaning up and folding laundry, demonstrating his serious and practical personality.
• Meanwhile, Minha draws a cartoon picture, hinting that he's playful and a bit of a dreamer. 

Minha comes over to the bed and rests his head on Sangbeom's shoulder. Now, we know they have a romantic relationship. Minha links his arm around his boyfriend and talks excitedly about their upcoming trip. However, Sangbeom's expression remains solemn with a lot on his mind. We don't know what Sangbeom is thinking yet, but he looks uneasy.

The movie already introduces their personalities and relationship dynamics in just the first minute of the story. It's an efficient use of time, showing a carefully crafted storyboard that doesn't waste a single second of plot.

Train ride

Next scene, Minha and Sangbeom meet up in front of the train station. Sangbeom waits for his boyfriend while Minha makes a late arrival. This moment reiterates that one of them is more eager about the trip than the other. In Sangbeom's defence, the time on the phone shows approximately 6:30AM. It's a pretty early starting time for a romantic excursion. However, they have a long journey ahead, want to avoid any crowds, and have made an effort to begin their adventure early.

Minha and Sangbeom sit together on a nearly empty train. Minha tries to start a conversation. However, his boyfriend is still deep in thought and doesn't want to talk. Suddenly, Sangbeom sniffs Minha's shirt and teases him about the scent in his clothes. Minha gets a bit pouty, prompting the first time we see Sangbeom smile. It's a warm, affectionate smile, the kind you give to someone you're fond of.

In the next scene, Minha stares out the train window. He forces a smile on his face, but it fades away into a more serious expression. Up until now, his character seemed cheery and lighthearted about the trip. Deep down, he also feels troubled despite hiding this anxiety from his boyfriend. Later, Sangbeom falls asleep on Minha's shoulder. Minha smiles again, more genuinely this time. He grabs Sangbeom's hand and clasps it into his.

Beach scene

Minha and Sangbeom have arrived at their destination. Their trip is a day on the beach in a distant town where nobody else knows them. Minha continues being affectionate with his boyfriend, but Sangbeom shakes him away. Sangbeom is worried that people will see them together, the visual of two guys holding hands. Nonetheless, Minha links himself to his boyfriend's arm defiantly, claiming there's nobody else on the beach. Besides, he doesn't think anyone will know who they are.

This scene establishes an intriguing dynamic. Both characters are worried about the public perception of their relationship, but Sangbeom seems more self-conscious than Minha. If this was the fictional BL world, people might not bat an eye at two guys displaying affection. But in real life, these Korean teenage boys holding hands would draw attention to them.

Put yourself in their shoes. Would you be as brave and bold as Minha, dismissive of other people's judgment? Or would you err on the side of caution like Sangbeom, keeping a low profile in public? While Minha's courage is commendable, Sangbeom's behaviour seems more pragmatic. Many gay couples face this same dilemma, especially if they live in the conservative areas of East Asia.

Injury scene

Minha and Sangbeom spend time frolicking in the sea. Sangbeom gets cheeky and pushes his boyfriend into the water. Unfortunately, Minha scrapes his hand and starts bleeding. After realizing what happened, Sangbeom immediately runs over, grabs his boyfriend's hand, and licks his wounds. Minha is startled by his intimate gesture. The camera zooms into Minha's face, revealing a look of shock and reassessment.

Earlier, Sangbeom expressed reluctance to hold his boyfriend's hand in public. However, he doesn't hesitate to take care of an injured Minha. Licking someone's palm feels a lot more intimate than holding hands. It must have caught Minha by surprise that his boyfriend would put aside his embarrassment to look after him. Sangbeom might act standoffish, but his affectionate actions reveal the love and tenderness towards his partner.

Later, we get a cute scene in the pharmacy where the teenagers buy medical supplies. Besides getting bandages and ointment, Minha cheekily mentions that they also want condoms. Sangbeom's shocked expression is a funny picture, as the two characters mouth indignant words towards each other. The injury must not be that serious, since Minha is already preoccupied with other thoughts on his mind. 😳

Bandages scene

Sangbeom carefully wraps the bandages around Minha's hand injury. Surprisingly, we see there are cut marks on Minha's wrist. It's a troubling sign, indicating his character has a history of hurting himself. Beneath Minha's happy and lighthearted demeanour, there's a darkness inside him. And judging by the prominence of the wounds, his suffering still continues.

Sangbeom glances at the blade marks on Minha's wrist, pausing hesitantly. He's aware of his boyfriend cutting himself, but doesn't address it at this moment. Instead, he continues wrapping the bandages over the cutting marks, even though that isn't Minha's wound location. His actions are symbolic, highlighting Sangbeom's tendency to cover up emotional problems instead of confronting them. As he would later discover, some wounds run so deep that you can't heal them with bandages.

Afterwards, Minha makes a confession. When Sangbeom sucked the blood from his band, it gave Minha the urge to kiss his boyfriend. Sangbeom looks flustered and embarrassed, turning away in indignation. Minha doesn't say anything, but he continues to smile coyly. Sangbeom meets his boyfriend's gaze again and they lock eyes for a moment. Then, the two protagonists share their first kiss in an exhilarating moment.

Minha and Sangbeom kiss

Journey to the Shore only has one kissing scene in the movie, but it's excellently done. Sangbeom initiated the kiss, picking up the cues from his boyfriend. The kiss was gentle, with their lips touching for a moment. If you've watched other BL dramas, you'll recognize this kind of light kissing that feels sweet but not passionate. That was the first kiss we see between the characters before Sangbeom pulls away. He looks bashful about what they just did.

However, Minha immediately expresses his exasperation, "That's it?" His comment made me laugh because that's exactly how I react to some kissing scenes in BL dramas. It's fine when the kisses are cute and wholesome, but I'm also eager to see more passion. So when Minha said, "That's it?" to his boyfriend, I felt a kinship with him. Hey, I know how you feel~

Sangbeom knows it was an underwhelming kiss, but he's also an awkward teenage boy not entirely comfortable with displaying affection. Luckily, Minha seizes the moment and initiates a second kiss, showing his boyfriend how it's done. Their second smooch was a lot steamier. The characters were making out for real, deeply engrossed in their intimate moment. Afterwards, Sangbeom flashes a cheeky grin, perfectly content with the kissing lesson he just gave his boyfriend. 😚

Bus scene

Minha and Sangbeom's date continues. The two boys want to see a movie together. Going to the cinema seems like an ordinary event for a trip that involves hours of travelling. Surely, they could have done the same activity in a place closer to home. However, keep in mind they must hide their relationship and not let any of their peers know. Their discretion means they must travel to a distant town just to feel comfortable about watching a movie together.

The weather has worsened and it's raining outside. The rainfall might explain why the characters haven't encountered many people in public. Up until now, Minha and Sangbeom have isolated themselves in their own little bubble. We haven't seen another person for the first eight minutes of the film, creating a very intimate atmosphere. The weather also works stylishly for the film. I love the heavy clouds and grey overcast sky that set a melancholic backdrop for Journey to the Shore.

The protagonists take a quiet bus ride together. After scanning their surroundings, Sangbeom works up the courage to clasp Minha's hand. His gesture surprises Minha, and both teenagers can't hide their giddy smiles. Sangbeom might've resisted holding hands previously, but he's okay with displaying affection under discreet conditions. I'm guessing the bus was empty and Sangbeom would yank his hand away if another passenger boarded the vehicle. Nonetheless, Minha appreciates his boyfriend and brings the hand closer to himself, near his pounding heart.

Cinema scene

Their movie date doesn't go well. The characters want to watch an 18+ erotic movie, but the clerk sees through their deceit and knows these boys are underage. The employee simply asks for their Chinese zodiacs, which trips up the teenagers and denies them entry.

Afterwards, they talk about their dinner plans. Minha wants to splurge on a fancy meal, but Sangbeom is worried they don't have the money. We don't see their actual meal, but they end up on the beach with a few bags of chips and bottles of alcohol. Whatever they ate couldn't have been expensive based on the limited income for two high school students.

The failed movie and dinner dates illustrate the challenges faced by Minha and Sangbeom due to their age. These young characters aren't adults yet, so they don't have the resources to enjoy leisure activities independently. It adds another complicated layer to their relationship. On top of hiding their romance, other factors make dating a trickier prospect for two gay teens.

Break-up

The characters return to the beach, watching the waves after consuming alcohol. Minha gets drunk and asks his boyfriend about his unusual behaviour during today. He could sense something was off about Sangbeom. His premonition is correct. Sangbeom uses this moment to drop a huge bombshell. He wants to end their relationship.

The breakup announcement might be shocking based on the activities so far. While they didn't go on the perfect date, the couple still enjoyed several pleasant experiences throughout the day. They kissed, held hands, and flirted. All signs indicated their relationship could have continued if we looked at today's events. What went wrong?

If I must pinpoint a weak part of Journey to the Shore, this breakup scene could be written better. It's too abrupt when Sangbeom dumps his boyfriend, gets up, and just walks away. I barely have the time to process what happened and don't feel the impact of the unexpected news. The buildup and immediate aftermath of the breakup announcement could go more smoothly than what this movie presented.

Bullying scene

There's a deeper story behind Minha and Sangbeom's romance. After the breakup announcement, the movie launches a series of flashbacks that portray their time in high school. Minha was bullied by his classmates, who discovered his sexuality. Several girls teased him for visiting the gay district with another guy, even taking a photograph of him. "Have you slept together?" One of the female classmates asked him, "Who's the girl?"

Minha confronts his bully in a memorable exchange. He grabs her chest, provoking shocked reactions from all his classmates. "Feels shitty, doesn't it?" Minha shoots a retort. "That's what you're doing to me." The bullies are outraged, hurling more derogatory terms at him. Later that day, Sangbeom finds Minha with his face severely bruised. His classmates have beaten him up for what happened earlier.

As Sangbeom tends to his boyfriend's injuries, he criticizes Minha for causing a scene. Why didn't you just lay low!? Why did you pick a fight with them!? However, Minha believes he's standing up for himself. So, I'm the bad one!? And you aren't angry at them!? Their approaches show the fundamental differences between their characters. Sangbeom lives cautiously and pragmatically, hoping to evade attention. In contrast, Minha wears his heart on his sleeves. He doesn't want to repress his emotions or sexuality.

Argument

Their difference of opinion prompts Minha to bring up how they keep hiding their relationship. "I want to walk holding your hand," he tells his boyfriend with tearful eyes. "Why do you always let go of me?" Sangbeom dodges his gaze as Minha continues, "I want to hold you in public and kiss you. Why do you find this so hard to accept?"

Part of Minha's grief comes from his boyfriend not standing in solidarity with him. Sangbeom seems upset about aggravating the bullies, more than his own partner getting insulted and attacked. His timidity troubles Minha. Why does Sangbeom not take his side against the tormentors? Why does he react reluctantly to public displays of affection? Worst of all, why does his boyfriend not feel like one when Minha needs him the most?

Later, the couple reconciles with Minha apologizing to Sangbeom. However, they haven't resolved their main discrepancies, only brushing aside the issues for the time being. This conflict shows these characters are not on the same page about their relationship. Sangbeom craves privacy and discretion, whereas Minha wants them to be an out and proud couple. Their differing approaches to romance will drive a wedge between the couple, leading to the breakup in the present timeline.

Sangbeom's past

After their argument, Sangbeom and Minha open up to each other with a heart-to-heart. Sangbeom asks his boyfriend about the cuts on his wrists. Minha's reply is alarming. He hates being alive and doesn't think his life is getting any better. Sangbeom can't offer comforting words because his own circumstances are pretty dire. He asks Minha whether their situations will improve once they become adults.

Later, Sangbeom confides in his boyfriend, revealing that he used to be bullied before transferring to this school. Sangbeom looks handsome and clean-cut now, but he used to have a more dweeby appearance. Although he wants to continue discussing what happened to him, Minha grows visibly upset. He doesn't care to know why Sangbeom got bullied, whether because of his sexuality or something else. It distresses him to learn his boyfriend went through the same traumatic experiences.

Sangbeom's background sheds new insights into his character. We understand more about his aversion to school conflict, a survival tactic to avoid being bullied by his new classmates. Meanwhile, Minha avoids discussing why Sangbeom got picked on, probably because he doesn't need another psychological burden. It's tough enough getting bullied yourself, but it's worse if he must worry about his boyfriend facing the same treatment.

Sangbeom's tears

Minha's bullying problem at school doesn't ease up. This time, he is confronted by a horde of aggressive male classmates, who interrogate him over the gay rumours. They want to know who he's dating in the picture, but Minha doesn't bring up Sangbeom's name. He remains silent and doesn't say anything to provoke them. Nonetheless, the homophobes won't leave him alone, throwing punches and shoving him to the ground. 

Sangbeom arrives and sees his boyfriend getting assaulted by the bullies. They lock eyes for a moment, but Sangbeom averts his gaze and promptly walks away from the attack. Instead of stepping in to stop the fight, his self-perseverance has taken over. Sangbeom leaves Minha alone with the bullies, who beat him senselessly to a pulp.

Afterwards, Sangbeom sits at the park and begins weeping. He is distraught, tormenting himself with guilt and helplessness. A bruised Minha arrives and sees his boyfriend in this pitiful state. He wants to cry too, but tries his best to repress his tears. Minha has every right to feel angry towards his cowardly boyfriend, who abandoned him in a moment of need once again. Nonetheless, he approaches Sangbeom and puts on a brave face.

Why they broke up

The movie returns to the present timeline in between the flashbacks. Sangbeom sits at the bus stop, visibly upset after the breakup. Minha approaches his ex and cracks a playful joke. Even though he just got dumped, Minha is the one cheering up Sangbeom. Later, Sangbeom is sobbing as Minha consoles his ex-boyfriend. Typically, you'd think the roles should be reversed in this situation. Yet, Sangbeom is an emotional wreck after the breakup and Minha comforts him instead.

Although Sangbeom initiated the breakup, it isn't because he has fallen out of love with his ex. Instead, he's pessimistic and unable to imagine a bright future for the two of them together. Back then, the female classmates could've taken a picture of him too, and Sangbeom just got lucky that they didn't detect his identity. It was a close call, too uncomfortably so for the risk-averse Sangbeom. If they continued dating, there's a likely chance the bullies would soon target him too.

If Sangbeom had stronger willpower, maybe he could stand up to the bullies, enduring the physical and psychological torment. Unfortunately, Sangbeom is fearful, insecure, and vulnerable. He wouldn't hold hands with his boyfriend, wouldn't protect him from the bullies, and wouldn't continue having this relationship. However, Minha doesn't blame Sangbeom and knows he's a victim too. Minha has experienced the perils of being gay in an intolerant society. He understands Sangbeom's unwillingness to shoulder the same risks and accepts his rationale for breaking up.

Minha's decision

Sangbeom's mood lifts after crying out his feelings. Minha wants to conclude their date on a happier note, so he suggests a fun activity on the beach. Their final moment together is a gorgeous scene, which involves Minha and Sangbeom dancing around with sparklers. Both teenagers have an enjoyable time, laughing jubilantly as they light up the night sky.

A weight has lifted from Sangbeom, who seems to be in much better spirits. Sangbeom is reminded of how much he appreciates Minha's company. Although their secret relationship is nerve-wracking, being with his boyfriend fills him with joy and enthusiasm. Sangbeom changes his mind, willing to give their romance another go. He throws inhibition in the air and wants them to keep dating. Their break-up has become unbroken!

Unfortunately, Minha has also made up his mind about a critical decision. After Sangbeom announces they should get back together, Minha immediately breaks up with him. Their happy reunion lasted for about five seconds. Minha's choice seems inexplicable since Sangbeom doesn't want to separate anymore. However, Minha apologizes and dumps his boyfriend with a grin. The camera lingers on him, whose eyes fill with tears and his smile begins to waver. He does his best to put on a brave face, but we realize he isn't joking. Their relationship is over.

Sad ending

Journey to the Shore has a sad ending where Minha and Sangbeom don't end up together. Their break-up on the beach is final. After the trip, Minha doesn't return to school and we never see his character on-screen again. What happened to him is left up for speculation. However, Minha's classmates have their own theories about his disappearance. "Do you think he's dead?" One of the students gossiped before adding chillingly, "Not that I care."

As these cruel words circulate around the classroom, Sangbeom opens his locker to discover Minha left him two farewell gifts. The first item is a hand-drawn picture of Peter Pan, which Minha sketched at the start of the film. The second item is his school uniform, an ominous sign that he didn't plan on returning again. Sangbeom brings the clothes to his face, sniffing his ex-boyfriend's familiar scent. He laughs initially, but then deteriorates into uncontrollable sobs.

Sangbeom stands in front of the locker, buries himself into Minha's old uniform, and continues crying. The other students stare at him, whispering uneasily and looking perplexed. Although the movie never spells out what happened to Minha, you can imagine the severity to cause this reaction from Sangbeom. His character hated making a scene, but he loses control over his emotions after viewing Minha's mementos. I can only think of one possible explanation. I'm afraid to say we never see Minha again because he committed suicide.

Final scene

A time skip occurs and Sangbeom is now an adult. A quick scene shows Sangbeom getting his resident card as the clerk chastises him for the delay. It's a subtle piece of symbolism, representing his character's inability to move on after Minha's death. If we look at the resident card as a token of adulthood, then Sangbeom seems stuck in a stage of arrested development.

Later, Sangbeom boards a train. It's a callback to an earlier scene, except there's an empty seat next to him, which amplifies Minha's absence. Sangbeom recalls a past conversation where they talked about growing up. Sangbeom was excited about drinking, smoking & watching X-rated movies as an adult. However, Minha suggested his boyfriend could do these activities by himself. Sangbeom didn't understand the implication at the time, but Minha never expected to live long enough to reach adulthood. Death had been on his mind for a while.

The final scene shows Sangbeom arriving at the beach, holding the artwork that his boyfriend drew for him. Sangbeom glances at the picture before gazing into the sea, lost in thought. We can only imagine what he is thinking, feeling, and experiencing at the moment. As night falls, Sangbeom remains still in his spot, watching the ocean waves crash into the shore.

Ending explained

What happened to Minha? Although the movie doesn't clarify his whereabouts, there are many implications that Minha killed himself. Think back to the cut marks on his wrist, the abandoned school uniform, and the various conversations about the bleak future. Minha's drawing of Peter Pan is also an emblem associated with eternal youth and never growing up. Journey to the Shore leaves enough clues to confirm his character's suicide without saying the exact words aloud.

The next question is why Minha ended his life. Getting bullied definitely played a significant factor, but it's also the loneliness of having no support system. We never meet Minha's family, so his parents aren't in the picture and don't make an impact on his life. Minha also lacks any other friends in school, evident when nobody steps in to defend him from the bullies. Worst of all, he doesn't even have his boyfriend's support. Sangbeom abandoned him on previous occasions, too preoccupied wrestling with his own demons.

Let's say they continued dating in an optimistic scenario. Could Minha rely on his partner to support him against the bullies? Or would Sangbeom dump him again if their classmates started speculating about his sexuality? Although Sangbeom cared for his partner to some degree, his love isn't strong enough to overcome Minha's doubt and depression. Ultimately, Minha felt too hopeless and didn't believe his boyfriend would change or improve the situation.