I Don't Like Younger Men

Won-gi's quiet and secluded life at the rural pension he operates has been a refuge from the painful memories of his past. The loss of his wife still lingers in his heart, and the loneliness that follows is a constant companion. The pension, a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, serves as a solace for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat. Won-gi, though, finds himself trapped in his own grief, hesitant to reconnect with the world beyond the pension's walls. The arrival of his daughter, Jin-hee, and her friend Se-yeong marks a turning point in Won-gi's monotonous life. Jin-hee's presence, though welcome, brings a fresh wave of sorrow for Won-gi, reminding him of the wife he lost and the family he has since been separated from. Se-yeong, however, proves to be a different story. Her bubbly personality and carefree nature catch Won-gi off guard, sparking a renewed sense of vitality within him. As Win-gi grows closer to Se-yeong, he finds himself reminiscing about his late wife. The similarities between Se-yeong's laughter, smile, and mannerisms serve as a poignant reminder of the woman he once loved. Won-gi's infatuation with Se-yeong slowly grows, fueled by his nostalgia for the past. He starts to see Se-yeong not just as his daughter's friend but as a younger version of his deceased wife. As Se-yeong spends more time at the pension, Won-gi's feelings for her intensify. He finds himself becoming increasingly invested in her life, sharing stories about his late wife and listening intently to Se-yeong's own life experiences. Their conversations, initially innocent and casual, gradually become more intimate and heartfelt. Won-gi, oblivious to the blurred lines between friendship and romance, begins to cross them without realizing the potential consequences. The turning point comes when Won-gi's infatuation takes a disturbing turn. He starts to develop a crush on Se-yeong, a development that is morally reprehensible given their significant age gap and the power imbalance in their relationship. Won-gi's actions, once motivated by a desire to reconnect with his past, now border on exploitation. He starts to view Se-yeong as a surrogate for his late wife, using her as a means to relive fond memories and recapture a sense of lost love. Jin-hee, witnessing the growing closeness between her father and Se-yeong, begins to feel uneasy. She notices the way her father looks at Se-yeong, the way he speaks to her, and the way he seems to idealize her. Jin-hee's intuition tells her that something is amiss, but she struggles to articulate her concerns. Se-yeong, too, senses a change in Won-gi's behavior, feeling increasingly uncomfortable around her. As tension builds between the three, the pension's tranquil atmosphere gives way to an unsettling sense of unease. Won-gi's actions, once innocent and well-intentioned, have crossed a line. His obsession with Se-yeong has created a power imbalance, threatening to destroy the delicate fabric of their friendship. Jin-hee's concerns, long ignored or downplayed, now take center stage, prompting her to confront her father about his behavior. The confrontation between Jin-hee and Won-gi serves as a wake-up call. Won-gi, forced to confront the reality of his actions, realizes the gravity of his mistakes. He understands that his infatuation with Se-yeong has been a manifestation of his unresolved grief, a desperate attempt to cling to the past. The pain of losing his wife still lingers, but he knows that Se-yeong is not a substitute for what he once had. Won-gi's regret, though belated, serves as a catalyst for change. He begins to acknowledge the harm he has caused, recognizing that his actions have compromised his relationship with his daughter and Se-yeong. The pension, once a sanctuary, now feels like a prison, a constant reminder of his mistakes. As Won-gi navigates the difficult terrain of his emotions, he starts to come to terms with his loss and begins to rebuild his life.