So basically, 2ML was the king in the past, and ML was probably his half-brother prince. They most likely had bad blood or jealousy involved. 2ML married FL because he knew ML liked her, then got rid of her once he no longer needed her. Now in their reincarnated lives the same pattern is repeating. 2ML is aware that ML could take over the grandfather's ceo position, and wants everything. Now that ML is interested in FL (transmigrated), 2ML wants her too. Not because he actually likes her, but out of greed, jealousy and spite.
Film Theory 1. Su-in as bait Her name hints at it - “Su” (water) and “in” (person/pull), suggesting someone tied to the water or who draws others in.
2. Her early unease From the first meeting, Su-in seemed off. It may not have been worry - she could’ve already “left” Salmokji before and lost her memory. She avoids questions, keeps pushing her crew to confront the ghost instead of leaving, and unintentionally lures the group - making her seem like the ghost’s bait. Also leading her crew to eventually become suspicious of her.
3. The stone tower Touching or stacking stones grants wishes but pulls you closer to the boundary between life and death, making you easier to lure. Sejeong sees ghosts, Su-in wants to see Gyosik, and Gyosik claims his wish came true (to see Su-in who brought him to Salmokji which made him pass). Making a wish may also be the only way out - possibly how Su-in escaped before returning (leading the ghost to lure Su-in to break the tower which could be the only way out).
4. The old woman She’s likely more than a resident, possibly a shaman or something darker. The daughter may be real, sustained by souls. The woman could be bringing people into Salmokji to keep her daughter alive. She also provides a clue early in the film that the stone tower grants you a wish (clue to survive but also to lure).
5. Gitae and Su-in’s fate Gitae likely survived, as time stopped at 1:30 AM but after he escaped the water, it became morning. Notably he was also the only character who did not make a wish which may have made it harder for the ghost to lure. Su-in destroys the tower but is taken by the ghost. Instead of escaping, she seems to accept her fate, warning Gitae not to trust anyone. The blackened water suggests she didn’t become a ghost - she fully passed.
Conclusion: Salmokji = the daughter’s “food bowl” Team members = prey Gyosik & Su-in = bait
1. Su-in as bait
Her name hints at it - “Su” (water) and “in” (person/pull), suggesting someone tied to the water or who draws others in.
2. Her early unease
From the first meeting, Su-in seemed off. It may not have been worry - she could’ve already “left” Salmokji before and lost her memory. She avoids questions, keeps pushing her crew to confront the ghost instead of leaving, and unintentionally lures the group - making her seem like the ghost’s bait. Also leading her crew to eventually become suspicious of her.
3. The stone tower
Touching or stacking stones grants wishes but pulls you closer to the boundary between life and death, making you easier to lure. Sejeong sees ghosts, Su-in wants to see Gyosik, and Gyosik claims his wish came true (to see Su-in who brought him to Salmokji which made him pass). Making a wish may also be the only way out - possibly how Su-in escaped before returning (leading the ghost to lure Su-in to break the tower which could be the only way out).
4. The old woman
She’s likely more than a resident, possibly a shaman or something darker. The daughter may be real, sustained by souls. The woman could be bringing people into Salmokji to keep her daughter alive. She also provides a clue early in the film that the stone tower grants you a wish (clue to survive but also to lure).
5. Gitae and Su-in’s fate
Gitae likely survived, as time stopped at 1:30 AM but after he escaped the water, it became morning. Notably he was also the only character who did not make a wish which may have made it harder for the ghost to lure. Su-in destroys the tower but is taken by the ghost. Instead of escaping, she seems to accept her fate, warning Gitae not to trust anyone. The blackened water suggests she didn’t become a ghost - she fully passed.
Conclusion:
Salmokji = the daughter’s “food bowl”
Team members = prey
Gyosik & Su-in = bait