Blueming – Series Review & Ending Explained

Story

Perception vs reality

Blueming explores the concept of perception versus reality. The main character Si Won appears confident and poised, stepping up as the leader of the class. Deep down, he feels insecure and suffers from imposter syndrome, working hard to maintain an image of coolness. Likewise, Si Won perceives Da Un as mean and condescending, seeing him as the enemy. In reality, Da Un is fond of his classmate and even has a crush on him.

The fact that Blueming takes place in a film school is clever and resonates with its narrative themes. A movie is symbolic of projection, showing a confined version of the narrative. Si Won's short film captures his life story, portraying a sad and troubled adolescence. However, his mom is angry because his portrayal doesn't capture the whole situation. Unlike her son, she perceives his childhood as a journey of grit and perseverance. Blueming demonstrates that perceptions can vary dramatically. Two people can perceive the same experience, but they may have very different views.

Si Won

Blueming's story manifests out of Si Won's insecurities. He doesn't have enough confidence in himself, putting up a false front to mask his vulnerabilities. Growing up, Si Won was teased for being overweight, coming from a single-parent family, and not having much money. His upbringing made him self-conscious. He lies about his avant-garde movie tastes or imaginary job opportunities, hoping to seem more impressive. "I have a feeling that people won't like me once they know the real me," Si Won admits to Da Un.

Initially, Si Won resents Da Un due to envy. His classmate projects an image of confidence, popularity, and success, everything that Si Won strives to be. This jealousy distorted his perception of their interactions. The truth is that Da Un never expressed any animosity towards him. Da Un simply wanted to know what movies he liked, but Si Won misinterpreted their exchange as if he was getting mocked. If Si Won didn't lie or felt more confident in himself, he'd realize Da Un was making friendly small talk. Instead, it became a sore point that triggered his insecurities.

Eventually, Si Won drops his bravado around Da Un, owning his deceit and admitting his faults. He becomes more vulnerable and opens up about his anxieties. What makes Da Un admirable is that he doesn't change his feelings towards Si Won along the way. Da Un likes, accepts, and believes in Si Won, even when the latter exposes his worst qualities. This unconditional support reassures Si Won, making him feel more comfortable about being himself.

Da Un

Da Un is a secretive character who doesn't reveal much about himself throughout the series. He hides his birthday, doesn't disclose his family background, and hardly shares his thoughts or feelings. "I told you everything about me," Si Won tells him in Episode 8, encouraging his love interest to do the same. However, Da Un avoids eye contact and shies away from the topic. He puts up an emotionally distant barrier, uncomfortable opening up about himself.

In his childhood, Da Un is used to living in the shadow of his famous mother, overshadowed by her success. His parents are often busy with work, leaving him alone frequently. Their neglect makes him feel unimportant, like he doesn't matter enough to grab their attention. At the same time, Si Won realizes his wealthy family provided him with a luxurious upbringing. His privilege makes any loneliness seem trivial, like a rich kid with first-world problems. These factors have conditioned Da Un to internalize his unhappiness, believing that nobody cares about what he thinks.

Si Won is different from everyone else. He cares too much about what Da Un thinks of him that it creates friction between them. While the attention isn't necessarily positive, Da Un finds it amusing how much Si Won has misunderstood him. Their relationship improves over time, and Si Won shows a genuine interest in his new friend. He cares about Da Un's opinion, spends time with him, and communicates openly. Their dynamic is honest and intimate. Da Un builds camaraderie for the first time, finally becoming comfortable enough to open up to somebody else.

Romance

Si Won and Da Un

Si Won and Da Un's first kiss happens in Episode 8, a crucial moment in their relationship. Si Won feels anxious after finishing his first film, a deeply personal project that reflects his childhood. He lacks confidence in his work and doesn't think other people will enjoy the movie. Si Won confides his insecurities with Da Un, a sign that he trusts his new friend. Si Won doesn't put up a front around Da Un anymore and chooses to be vulnerable around him.

Their one-on-one chat takes the couple to the beach. Si Won wants to learn more about Da Un, encouraging him to open up about his life. However, Da Un holds back, downplays any personal issues, and believes he shouldn't complain about "small stuff". Si Won gives a mature, thoughtful response. He doesn't want Da Un to discredit the problems in his life. Da Un's unhappiness is legitimate, even if he perceives his concerns as minor. "If you feel pain, then it is pain. Nobody can judge you." Si Won states profoundly.

Da Un feels touched by Si Won's sincerity. He has met somebody who genuinely cares about him, enough to reach out beyond a superficial level. Hey, I want to learn more about you, and I don't think your problems are trivial. Si Won is unlike Da Un's parents, who only seem concerned about their son's education or achievements. Here's someone who wants to build a heartfelt connection with him, embracing his struggles. Da Un is so moved that he kisses Si Won, a spontaneous exchange reciprocated by his partner.

Artistry

Si Won and Da Un sex

Blueming is defined by steady cinematography, lush colours, and gorgeous locations. The series features some beautifully filmed scenes that highlight the romance between the characters.

The sexual encounter in Episode 9 is spectacular. The leads enter a dark bedroom as they prepare to have sex for the first time. We only see the outlines of their bodies against the backdrop of the window curtains, illuminated by a bluish tint. As the characters kiss or make physical contact, their shadows envelop each other intimately. It's a visually striking moment, full of ambiance and cinematic artistry.

Acting

Si Won's mom

In Episode 10, Si Won argues with his mother over the autobiographical movie he made. She feels embarrassed that he portrayed his childhood unflatteringly, depicting their home life as pitiful and turbulent. One of the moments we see is the mom bawling on the floor after her husband abandons their family, witnessed by a young Si Won. It's not the most appealing image of a single parent who raised two kids by herself. The mom feels provoked that Si Won glorified her trauma.

As she yells at her son, it becomes clear Si Won's mom is upset beyond just the film. Her distress comes from seeing these negative memories from his childhood. The mom thought she did a good job supporting her family by herself, yet she now realized Si Won grew up miserably. She feels ashamed about not providing her kids with a better life, almost failing them as a parent. Seeing this movie made the mom angry at herself, highlighting her inability to provide Si Won with a happier childhood.

Knowing the context makes the emotions in this scene more powerful. Initially, the mom is furious, but the anger dissolves into vulnerability and heartbreak. The actress (Kim Sun Hwa) does an incredible job with her authentic performance, capturing the character's sorrow with a poignant fragility. Both actors elevate the moment as Si Won cried and hugged his mom in reconciliation. It's probably the best acting showcase in the entire series.

Happy ending

Blueming has a happy ending where the main characters reconcile after their argument. Previously, Si Won got angry after discovering Da Un rigged the film competition so he could win. In private, Da Un's mom admitted that the movie wasn't good enough and it didn't deserve the victory. Si Won only won because of his connection with Da Un, confirming his worst fear that he isn't a worthy filmmaker.

Da Un feels terrible about what happened. He spends the night alone in his room, fantasizing about a happy family reunion and a romantic kiss with Si Won. Next morning, he waits outside Si Won's house and gives a tearful apology. He apologizes for his mistake and admits to not thinking about the consequences. Si Won forgives Da Un and gives him a second chance. They hug, make up, and walk away holding hands. 

Ending explained

After their reconciliation, Da Un tells Si Won more about himself. Da Un admits that he came to film school feeling aimless about his life. He also had nobody to talk to until Si Won came along. Now, Da Un has made up his mind about his aspirations. He whispers his plans for the future in Si Won's ear.

Although we don't hear what Da Un says, it's a positive sign of him confiding in Si Won. Da Un was a secretive character throughout the series, but he has finally opened up and shared his inner thoughts. Si Won is the only person privy to Da Un's secrets, reaffirming their strong bond.

The final scene shows the couple taking a romantic stroll on the beach together. As the series ends, Si Won gives narration about how it's the starting point of their journey. This is the beginning of Si Won and Da Un learning more about themselves and each other.