Otiose

Within the story it alludes to some search for immortality by a long dead ruler as an inspiration. However, as the story unfolds a connection to another theme comes through as it becomes clear to us and the characters that there is no safe refuge, no home, and that the mobs will hunt Seobok down to exploit him no matter the cost.

When the mobs close in and then are defeated the realization takes hold that there is nowhere to flee to and we arrive at another inevitable ending. The story and ending strongly evoked the same emotions and tragic ending of the novel "Of Mice and Men". I hope that doesn't give away too much, but it's that tragic collision at the end that makes the ending work so well and for the same reasons.

The same but different, and a well told story deserving in its own right.

Highly recommend.