Summary
- Kindness can tame the monster inside. Hyun-su’s ability is influenced by his feelings, and a small act of kindness can bring him back to his human form.
- Sang-wook is actually Jung Ui-Myeong in disguise. The military man interacting with Hyun-su is using Sang-wook’s body to infiltrate the military base.
- Not all monsters are bad. Some monsters in Sweet Home show no hostility and even help people, challenging the concept of what it means to be a monster.
With the premiere of Netflix’s hit K-horror series Sweet Home being right around the corner, there are multiple story points that will be helpful to remember before diving back into its tragic post-apocalyptic story. Sweet Home season 1 was a fast-paced story packed with major character deaths and shocking developments that will likely shape the story of season 2. While the majority of these events left an impression, it’s important to note that it’s been three years since Sweet Home season 1 ended. For that reason, it’s worth taking a look back at some of the plot points that are sure to be relevant to the show’s next chapter.
Based on the popular WebToon of the same name, Sweet Home made its debut on Netflix on December 18, 2020. Its twisted dystopian tale about an infection that turns people into monsters took the world by storm, garnering critical acclaim for its memorable ensemble, special effects, and hidden themes about humanity. The second season takes the heroes from a single apartment complex to a military base, as the spread of monsters reaches astronomical levels. A number of key moments from season 1 brought the characters to this place in the story, and are expected to be vital to what comes next.
8 The Conditions Of Hyun-su’s Ability
Compassion is the key to taming the monster inside.
In Sweet Home season 1, it’s revealed early on that Hyun-su is infected and is considered a “special infectee,” a human infected with the monster curse that can contain it. After unleashing his hidden spike appendages during his showdown with the big bad Jung Ui-Myeong, his neighbor Mr. Han offers him a hug and reassurance in the form of the mantra, “It’s not your fault.”
This small act of kindness is powerful enough to bring Hyun-su down from his chaotic state, allowing him to retract his spikes and return to his human form. This scene proves that Hyun-su’s ability is influenced by his feelings. As season 2 dives deeper into the concept of humans vs monsters and sees the military actively working towards a cure, the fact that Hyun-su’s condition can be mended by kindness is an important reminder of what he needs to do to keep his monstrous side in check.
7 Sang-Wook Is Jung Ui-Myeong In Disguise
He possesses his body in the season 1 finale
In the trailer for Sweet Home season 2, the military man interacting with Hyun-su at the military base appears to be Sang-wook, but he’s actually Jung Ui-Myeong in disguise. In the first season, Ui-myeong confirms that he’s a special infectee with the ability to possess people’s bodies. He’s last shown on screen in his monster “slime” form, slithering into a military vehicle. Shortly after, Hyun-su is captured by the military by a man who looks a lot like his neighbor Sang-wook with one visible difference: his scars.
Throughout season 1, Sang-wook’s burn scars are one of his identifiers, a characteristic that is purposely accentuated. The fact that the scars are missing in the final shot is an indication that this isn’t the Sang-wook the audiences have come to know. The Sang-wook seen driving away with Hyun-su is the evil Jung Ui-Myeong in disguise, using his body as a means to break into the military base and thwart their plans of experimenting on monsters. Whether he’ll have Hyun-su’s support is a question that will inevitably be answered in the upcoming season.
6 Not All Monsters Are Bad
Some of them even help people
In Sweet Home, the concept of “monsters” is constantly called into question and takes on many forms throughout the series. Initially, it appeared that the creatures running rampant throughout the streets were evil because they looked terrifying, but by the season 1 finale, Sweet Home confirms this is not the case. It turns out, even in their hideous, mutated forms, not all the monsters in Sweet Home have malicious intent.
In addition to special infectees like Hyun-su who only use their powers when they feel threatened, two of the monsters shown in the show never exhibit violence or hostility: the fetus monster and the slime monster. The fetus monster harmlessly hides away in an incubated state, forming a protective barrier over an unborn child, while the slime monster hides away in vents, evading the danger of other monsters. Not only are there monsters who are docile, but some of them even sympathize with people, running to their rescue in times of need. Chances are, this detail will come back into play as new monsters are introduced in season 2.
5 The Military Has Ulterior Motives
Not everything is what it seems
Usually, in a post-apocalyptic series, the military is the saving grace, providing a sense of relief, security, and structure for civilians in dire times of need. This is not the case with Sweet Home, allowing it to serve as another aspect that sets it apart from the shows in its genre. A few moments in season 1 prove that the military in Sweet Home can not be trusted, as they have ulterior motives for humans and monsters alike.
In season one, Ui-myeong reveals that the military has been conducting human experiments on special infectees in hopes of extracting the curse from the human body. In addition to poking, prodding, and torturing innocent people, they’ve been working on a secret plan called Operation Golden Hour, in which they plan to execute the citizens of Korea indiscriminately. This, combined with their active hunt for secret infectees, is a testament to their manipulative, cruel way of thinking.
4 The Infection Is Not A Disease, It’s A Curse
The infection is not scientific, it’s supernatural.
Sweet Home season 2 shows the military actively working on a cure for the monsters by conducting experiments on special infectees. However, one major detail from season 1 may throw a wrench in that operation. During a flashback, it’s confirmed that, unlike zombies, monsters are not the result of a disease but are actually a curse. If the monster transformation is a curse, that means the infection is not rooted in science but in something more supernatural. With the monsters having roots in the occult, curing them may not be that simple. The military may have to look outside their labs and introduce a strategy that’s much more sinister.
3 The World Is Divided
The war on monsters has birthed extremists on both sides
In Sweet Home, the existence of monsters has caused a great divide among people in Korea, birthing extreme beliefs and prejudice on both sides. On one side, humans believe that all monsters are an abomination and should be cured or exterminated. On the other side, monster hybrids believe they’re the superior race and that humans are the true monsters. The marketing for season 2 hints at this division causing internal conflict within Hyun-su as he struggles to choose between the two sides. As the concept of monsters is realized, it’ll be fascinating to see how this war plays out and the side Hyun-su ends up on.
2 Yi-kyung Switched Sides
She stands with the military exclusively now
Season 1 reveals that Yi-Kyung was secretly working with the military in hopes of finding the whereabouts of her estranged fiancé. The final scene shows Yi-Kyung striking a new deal and appearing before her friends in full military uniform. Her appearance in uniform is symbolic of her officially crossing over to the military side and prioritizing the search for her fiancé. Now that the survivors are in military custody, she can dedicate herself 100% to her search. This switch will create a complicated dynamic between her and the survivors moving forward, as season 2 shows the hostile, abusive treatment of the military towards the civilians.
Sweet Home Season 2 premieres on Netflix on December 1, 2023.
1 Eun-Hyeok’s Death Was Never Confirmed
He never dies on camera
In one of the most heartbreaking moments of season 1, while the survivors of Green Home are making their way to military custody, Eun-hyeok elects to stay behind, choosing to sacrifice himself for the greater good of his friends. It turns out that Eun-hyeok was turning into a monster and didn’t want to jeopardize the safety of his friends, so he quarantined himself to die alone. However, although his death is implied, it is never shown on screen and his last moments show him exhibiting early symptoms of the monster curse. Since Eun-hyeok is clearly in the middle of a transformation, it’s possible he could have survived the destruction of his building, leaving the door open for him to make a reappearance in later episodes of Sweet Home.
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