WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE JELLYFISH
I wrote about this on Twitter but I thought I'd share it here as well. This shot of the two of them framed with this background is clearly saying something so I did some quick research on what Jellyfish can represent and this is what I found.
Jellyfish can be a sign to trust your instincts
Clearly In-joo is acting on instinct and not facts in regards to Do-il and this whole ledger situation -- but that's not necessarily a bad thing as jellyfish survive solely on instinct alone. A jellyfish doesn't think about it's choices - it just does. Something In-kyung keeps warning In-joo about. However, what's interesting about jellyfish is they're a predatory animal and can also sense danger with their tentacles. Living based only on instinct may not be a bad thing for In-joo and this could be a sign for her to just trust her gut.
2. Jellyfish are a symbol of survival.
This is an obvious nod to Do-il's past but is also foreshadowing for In-Joo as well. She'll have to face many challenges, but seeing the jellyfish here is a sign that she'll survive and make it through - just like Do-il did.
Also - the mixing of colors in jellyfish and being able to adapt to many different situations and environments is very THEM. Do-il and In-joo both are very good at quickly adapting to whatever situation they're thrown in. And the ability to mix with many different colors could be a sign of them both working as double agents within IOS and Sang-ah.
3. Jellyfish can be a sign you're hurting somebody without knowing it.
This could be a foreshadowing for Do-il as his past becomes known and him and In-joo grow closer together. He keeps repeatedly saying he only cares about money, and it's only a matter of time before this comes back and bites someone.
Additionally, this jellyfish is representing how In-joo's and In-kyung's help sometimes hurts In-hye. Or how In-joo's love of money hurts In-Kyung.
4. Jellyfish can be a sign that healing is coming
For all my fellow Do-il/In-joo shippers - Jellyfish appearing can be a sign healing is coming, particularly healing over past hurts, failed relationships, failed ventures, and learning to forgive yourself.
The jellyfish appears the same episode where we are once again reminded that In-joo had been married, In-kyung asks if In-joo likes Do-il, and Do-il teases that he and In-joo have a fling.
It is an ~interesting~ choice to show the jellyfish the same episode we see their romantic relationship being talked about for the first time. If the jellyfish really is a symbol of healing for In-joo this could be a hat tip that Do-il is going to be her second chance at love.
Also, the jellyfish appears ONLY to Do-il and In-joon and not when In-joo is with her sisters or by herself. This could reflect that the symbolism is only reserved for these two characters. Once again showing the audience that the two of them and their fates are somehow intertwined.
(I'm putting on my clown makeup as I write this but dang it I'm keeping hope alive).
Here's the link if anybody is curious what else they can represent - this is just what I found most intriguing.
https://www.millersguild.com/jellyfish-symbolism/
