Sweet Home began with the story of reclusive high school student Cha Hyun Soo (Song Kang), who encounters bizarre and terrifying events after moving to a new apartment complex following the loss of his family.
Since its debut, the series has captivated audiences with its unique blend of horror and suspense. Following the expanded universe in season 2, the recently released season 3 wraps up the story, showcasing Cha Hyun Soo and Lee Eun Hyuk (Lee Do Hyun), who have now become new species, as they battle Pyeon Sang Wook (Lee Jin Wook), and their ultimate return to their “sweet home.”
The series has been a launchpad for talents like Song Kang, Lee Do Hyun, and Go Min Si, who have since become integral figures in the K-drama scene. However, while season 1 received widespread acclaim, seasons 2 and 3 have faced mixed reviews. Despite significant achievements in portraying an apocalyptic world with Korean technology, the later seasons have been criticized for straying from the strengths and appeal of the first, leaving audiences divided and disappointed.
In response to questions about the final season’s significance, director Lee Eung Bok explained, “Initially, Hyun Soo had decided to end his life before the world ended, but instead, the world fell apart first. That forces him to survive until the end.” He went on, “The focus was on a boy who didn’t want to live, ultimately saving humanity. Eun Yoo (Go Min Si) was the first person he met, and it was through her that he found the will to save the world. However, now the situation has reversed, and Hyun Soo finds himself needing to save Eun Yoo, who has lost her emotions.”
Addressing the seeming shift in focus from Hyun Soo to Eun Hyuk in season 3, Director Lee clarified, “In season 2, Eun Yoo spent a lot of time searching for Eun Hyuk. It was a highly anticipated reunion, which might have resonated strongly with viewers.” He further elaborated, “The key storyline remains Hyun Soo and Eun Hyuk rescuing people at the stadium and facing off against Sang Wook. In the process, Eun Yoo makes her own choice to step back as a helper, rather than an obstacle. That was the narrative, and I wasn’t intentionally highlighting Eun Hyuk.”
A lot of the audience was expecting a climactic showdown between Pyeon Sang Wook and Cha Hyun Soo, but Sweet Home 3 took a different path. Lee responded, “I figured the resolution to the monsterization lies in one’s own heart. This is why Hyun Soo doesn’t turn into a monster. Just as Hyun Soo was able to push out the monster within him, Sang Wook also goes through a process of expelling the villain from within himself,” adding, “This is what I planned from the planning stage of seasons 2 and 3. It was also the best way to handle Sang Wook’s exit, as he seemed to have died in season 1. This approach aligns with the overall theme of ‘Sweet Home,’ making it a significant aspect of the story.”
He emphasized, “While some viewers might feel disappointed by the lack of action, I believe that highlighting Sang Wook’s humanity was more important. The intention was to convey human kindness through the characters’ conflicts.”
>> ‘Sweet Home 3’ Audience Reactions: ‘Why Not Season 4’, ‘Almost Unwatchable’
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