Soul Mate : Rebirth & the galactic link
I'm back with my study of queerness in this series and we're gonna explore EP5 and EP6 today~
Episode 5 : Rebirth of a Soul
☾ Hwang Johan is canonically queer. After the hate crime, he is unfortunately not safe anymore at his flat, so he leaves and hides in an abandoned factory after being threatened for days.
(gay slur)
☾ Hwang Johan sister, whom I believe is aware of everything, calls Ryu for help, Ryu doesn't hesistate to fly out to Seoul to help her find Johan.
☾ They meet up with Hwang Johan gay friend, the owner of the bar and the first thing he does is hug Ryu.
He tells him how Johan told him a lot about them two and how he did not expect to meet under such circumstances...Again queerness is the text, it is there.
☾ Catharistic moment for them both after the chase : Johan admits the only person he did not want to see him at his low was Ryu bcs Ryu is that important to him. The chase is also where Ryu embraces Johan, providing him with unconditional love and support, but also where he embraces himself AND Johan and what they are for each other as he explicitely asks Johan to come live in Japan with him.
All of that, ofc under Hwang Johan's sister gaze.
This is yet another love declaration, this is a bold step forward.
☾ A whole montage of their domestic life together with Hwang Johan studying but also cooking for Ryu every single diner. They share their future plans and dreams to one another.
☾ The obvious double date with Sumiko and Seichii, making Johan and Ryu their witness for their wedding. It is a clear and purposeful paralle between the two relationships.
Bonus for when Sumiko announces she's pregnant and Seichi tells Ryu that he's next and we can see Johan and Ryu being lowkey GAGGED before Seichi adds that it is Ryu's turn to play freesbee with him. Still, i think this was intentional and funny wink!
☾ The Sumiko x Johan scene where she asks him to take care of Ryu. QUEERNESS OVERLOAD. And Johan promises her to do so.
(just a girl and a boy, both watching their respective lovers with fondness and love invading their faces)
☾ The "do you want kids too" conversation is obviouly heavily romantically coded. It is something you'd ask your partner, especially if you just were in a double date with your friends who are expecting, and Johan does just that. He asks Ryu if he sees himself having kids and Ryu shares that he never really thought of it bcs it never really was a possibility.
The episode ends with Johan comparing their bond as a miracle, something fated and magic, something that is a blessing....just like what having a kid can be. A joy, a surprise, something we did not expect but something that will change the course of our life. Ryu grins and agree that it is indeed a miracle.
Episode 6 : The galactic railroad
☾ Visit at Sumiko's home after Seichii death.
Sumiko blames Ryu for having Johan by his side whilst Seichii isn't with her anymore, again a parallel about the two relationships, clearly expressing how they are the same : romantic.
☾ Just more domesticity, with Johan fitting perfectly into Ryu's family.
☾ Johan and Ryu come to an agreement and asks Sumiko to come live with them. A new life begins.
- What is true happiness? I still don't know.
- I think i know what it is.
This is Hwang Johan happiness.