Individualism vs. Collectivism
One of the central tensions in Train to Busan is the conflict between collectivism and individualism, which becomes increasingly pronounced as the characters face life-or-death decisions. Seok-woo, a fund manager and emotionally distant father, initially embodies self-interest, prioritizing only his and his daughter Su-anâs safety. When panic strikes on the train, his first instinct is to avoid others and escape, even at the expense of those in need. His behavior reflects a survivalist mindset rooted in self-preservation and privilege, one he has likely cultivated in his professional life, which is governed by competition and profit.
In contrast, Sang-hwa, a working-class man traveling with his pregnant wife, Seong-kyeong, represents a collectivist mindset. He acts quickly to help others and shields the vulnerable during attacks. Notably, Sang-hwa and Seok-woo work together to rescue survivors trapped in other train cars, but Sang-hwa does so without hesitation, while Seok-woo initially shies away from the risk. The film frames Sang-hwa as a symbol of the selfless protector, even mocking Seok-woo early on by calling him a âbloodsuckerâ who only looks out for himself (Anighoro).
The film also uses Yon-suk, a wealthy executive, as a cautionary figure of unchecked individualism. As the COO of a corporation, Yon-suk believes his status entitles him to survival above the others. He lies, abandons allies, and causes multiple deaths, including those of Jin-hee and her boyfriend, Yong-guk, because he refuses to cooperate with the group. His descent into paranoia and selfishness highlights how individualism, when taken to an extreme, becomes a moral disease more dangerous than the zombies themselves.
As argued in a thesis from Brigham Young University by Junshik Shik Yun, âTrain to Busan positions collectivist values as a moral imperative in crisis,â suggesting that âonly through cooperation and shared risk can the community hope to surviveâ (Yun). The text continues, explaining that the film âquestions neoliberal logics of individualism that pervade both corporate and state structures,â and instead âchampions ordinary people who act out of compassion rather than calculationâ (Yun). In doing so, the film critiques the ideology of hyper-individualism, showing that survival requires a moral shift towards empathy.
Seok-wooâs eventual transformation, from a distant father to a self-sacrificing hero, symbolizes the filmâs endorsement of collectivism. His death, though tragic, is portrayed as redemptive when he chooses to save Su-an and Seong-kyeong rather than cling to his own life. By the end, he becomes a mirror of Sang-hwaâs earlier bravery, demonstrating that people can change when confronted with the moral consequences of their actions.
