Love in the Big City: Ending Explained and Season Renewal Speculations

Premiering on October 21, 2024, Love in the Big City features an impressive cast, including Nam Yoon-su, Jin Ho-eun, Kwon Hyuk, and Na Hyun-woo, and is available for streaming on TVING and Viki. This K-drama is based on the acclaimed Korean film of the same title, which showcased the talents of Kim Go-eun and Noh Sang-hyun. All eight episodes were released simultaneously.

The eighth episode begins in Bangkok and flashes back to Go Young (Nam Yoon-su) and Shim Gyu-ho’s (Jin Ho-eun) honeymoon in Thailand. Their relationship ended over a year ago when Gyu-ho moved to Shanghai for his career. As Go Young reflects, he recalls the instances where he mistreated Gyu-ho during their three years together.

In the aftermath of their breakup, Go Young returns to Bangkok, this time accompanied by William, a new romantic interest he met on a dating app. While wandering through the city, Go Young reminisces about the exciting adventures he shared with Gyu-ho. Ultimately, he comes to the heartbreaking realization that Gyu-ho was the one he could have been with for life, but he let him go.

The closing scenes of episode 8 reveal Go Young’s understanding of the importance of valuing Gyu-ho’s love, which he failed to do while chasing his own desires. Although there’s no official word yet on whether Love in the Big City will return for a new season, there is hope for a reunion between Go Young and Gyu-ho.

Exploring a poignant story of love and acceptance in Love in the Big City

The series offers a profound look into Go Young’s past with Gyu-ho, emphasizing moments where he was quick to anger over trivial issues. Despite his flaws, Gyu-ho remained by his side for over three years. While revisiting Bangkok, Go Young remembers a trip to a pharmacy where they picked up his HIV medication.

During this poignant scene, Gyu-ho contemplates buying protection but ultimately puts it back upon witnessing Go Young purchasing his medication. This quiet action reflects Gyu-ho’s desire not to worry Go Young about his health. On the other hand, Go Young grapples with resentment as he navigates his HIV-positive status, while Gyu-ho embraces him fully.

After leaving the store, an unexpected rain dampens their spirits. In an attempt to lighten the mood, Gyu-ho sprawls on the road, provoking laughter from Go Young. He pulls Go Young down beside him, stating that simply being together brings him joy.

The narrative then shifts to a lively same-sex club in Bangkok, where a tender moment unfolds between Go Young and Gyu-ho. Following their kiss, Go Young expresses concern about their potential arguments upon returning home. Gyu-ho reassures him they’ll find a way to reconcile every time.

Returning to the present, Go Young receives a dinner invitation from William and decides to go with him to a rooftop bar. After a night of heavy drinking, they stumble back to their hotel. When William collapses in the bathroom, Go Young rushes to find him unconscious on the floor, with the shower still running. He turns off the water and notices a picture of William, his child, and wife on the phone’s wallpaper.

After ensuring William gets some rest in wet clothes, Go Young awakens early and leaves a heartfelt note wishing him happiness in life. In the letter, he reflects on discovering someone who extended their love unconditionally, only to realize his own feelings too late. As he heads to the airport, Go Young’s contemplative voiceover accompanies the visuals.

Subsequent scenes depict Go Young packing his belongings in his Seoul apartment, assisted by his close friend, Eun-soo. After sorting through memories of the past decade, including three years spent with Gyu-ho, he plucks a wilted flower from an old vase and places it by the window before departing.

Following this emotional farewell, Go Young moves into a new apartment, discarding most of his old possessions. To commemorate this new chapter, he and his closest friends—Eun-soo, Ji-tae, and Ho-min—gather on the rooftop, enjoying champagne while witnessing a stunning fireworks display in Seoul.

As the fireworks illuminate the sky, Go Young’s thoughts drift back to a cherished memory of lighting a paper lantern with Gyu-ho on Chinese New Year, filled with their heartfelt wishes. He reflects on how the lantern’s hopes, including a desire for a Porsche, were ultimately discarded—except for one word that encapsulated his true longing.

“None of them was what I really wished for, so I crossed all the words out. That was how the lantern ended up with a hole, I bet. In the end, I left just two syllables on the lantern. Gyu-ho. My only wish.”

Love in the Big City, comprising eight captivating episodes, is now streaming on TVING and Viki.

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