The film follows three friends whose bond shifts over time; one joins a gang, leaving “Yong-ju” (Kwak Si-yang) feeling abandoned while “Gi-Taek” (Jun-ha Choi) experiences bullying. "Yong-ju" grapples with an additional complication: his feelings for “Gi-woong” (Jae-Joon Lee), the gang’s leader, which he keeps hidden. Facing pressure to succeed academically and dealing with intense emotions, he begins making choices that draw the attention of “Seong-jin” (Chang-hwan Kim), a character who actively creates division and distrust, pushing their relationships toward conflict and potentially leading to an unexpected connection between "Yong-ju" and "Gi-woong," all while confronting prejudice. At its core, it seems like a familiar narrative about adolescent longing—however, the actors portraying the main characters provide genuinely believable portrayals of internal struggles as they navigate conflicts with each other and their peers, which build gradually to a poignant climax. The story touches on themes of acceptance, but also explores individual character development, difficult decisions, and underlying anxieties. While it unfolds at a measured pace, it effectively illustrates how damaging school can be for young men trying to define themselves in an environment filled with antagonism, pressure to fit in, and even envy. Romance is present, but presented in a way that’s far removed from typical Hollywood portrayals; if you appreciate films that offer frank depictions of growing up through a more realistic lens, this is a well-acted and powerfully written film deserving attention.

Source on TMDB