I Love Yoo Episode 204 Analysis - Honest Conversations and Anna Karenina

[@sageceleste]

Also I'm really glad others noticed the contrast of how shinae treated nol when he was sick vs how both kousuke and alyssa treated him since it really is such a huge contrast. it's really sad to think that his ex-friend who until recently literally hated most people is kinder and more caring towards him than his own brother and his gf...this poor guy T-T

[@himetsuki]

It's such an important contrast. Even in a moment of frustration, Shin-Ae is able to put aside any resentment she may have felt towards Nol after they parted ways back in chapter 151 and focus on what matters: she cares about him, and he needs someone to care for him right now, so she does exactly that. Any lingering negative emotions are irrelevant to her because she CARES. That's so different from Alyssa and Kousuke. Neither of them even seem concerned for Nol's well-being. They literally only care about how Nol's well-being affects THEM, whereas Shin-Ae cares about HIM.

[@sageceleste]

@@himetsuki hopefully nol will start to see the people in his life who genuinely do care about his wellbeing. Even though he has his nana now, it definitely seems like he's used to looking after himself and although we dont know his whole backstory and my memory from the chapter where kousuke talks about nol to shinae is a little fuzzy but I remember him mentioning something about nol being sent away. I always assumed this meant he was sent to some kind of mental facility or something similar (could be wrong about him saying this like I said havent read that part in awhile)but if that's true and he was alone that whole time before he met his nana I can imagine he probably just is used to handling things on his own and either not having others there to help him or if others are there they are similar to how kou/alyssa treat him with disdain. Honestly I can relate a lot to how he doesnt ask others for help or keeps himself at a distance and given how literally he's been raised to think hes just a burden to his "family" its completely understandable why he feels this way. I find it really significant then that nol let's shinae care for him and doesnt just leave like he originally planned on doing. And yes hes not well but I'm sure if he really wanted to leave he could have. So it shows how even though he isnt used to others caring for him and doesnt think he even deserves the help, he still on some level doesnt want to be entirely alone. That gives me some hope for him esp since lately he's clearly been struggling with some really heavy things but the fact that a part of him is trying to get help is really big! At least that's how I view it :)

[@IBFilmPMMM2025]

I just read it AND I WAS WAITING for u to come back and anylize this 😤 I love how you mentioned the thing about Nol being in the dark and and only being able to reveal his true feelings when the “lights” are off. It adds so much to his character and once again I love how u describe them with such simplicity😌

[@himetsuki]

I AM HERE! Thank you so much! I'm really enjoying all the little nuances we're seeing with Nol's character lately. I think he's always sort of been in the dark, so it's just easier for him to express himself within that familiarity. And thank you! I love Nol and Shin-Ae because there is a nice mix of complexity and simplicity to their relationship ❤

[@shyrain8065]

Hello happy you’re back to talk about this eps! In 2:45 I found it really interesting how you explain more of the book. If it is true or at least some of it is related to how nessa and rand got together and how it ended (which I can definitely see)then, it really adds another thing on how this Webtoon is relatable since Love is many things, heartbreak, wonderful,etc but, it still has its consequences that can tear you apart and still follow you and effect you or others. Like how Kousuke sees her as the women that as he saw when he was younger that ruined his “ perfect “ family and it still affects him today. Or in Yuis eyes the woman that could have ruined the family reputation because of the media while using Nol as Kousukes weakness as the person that can take his place with the family business and his fathers love. Rand just like the whole backstory is still a puzzle we’re trying to solve he, probably did have love for Nessa but, he probably still had to stick by Yuis side since they were in the eyes of the media and because of the business (tbh Randy’s part of this the puzzle still are confusing but, had consequences but, like how you explained for Nessa to probably the one to mostly blame on)for the Hiraharas (again not sure about rand ) She was a “Nobody” that was causing trouble for them.While for Nol and Nana saw how it made or imagine the mess Nessas turned out to be that affected her and them. And since Nessa died and couldn’t face all her consequences(although her probably trying to stay strong and be there for nol)It left Nol to blame himself for his mothers death and her leaving him with her hers consequences for him to deal with slowly drowning him. While being apart of the Hirahara when it would make them look good like how Yui seems like mother that stepped up during hard times and raised her husbands Bas--d child or in big events to keep up that perfect family role,etc.But, even still no matter how hard they try to sweep it under the rug it the victims in this situation Kousuke and Nol are still hurting. Edit:Sorry this is long or confusing just like yujing I’m trying to solve this but its kinda in a bunch of what if questions that fit in what we know so far and make sense.

[@himetsuki]

Yes! I agree. I don't know if Nessa and Rand's story follows Anna Karenina exactly, but I certainly think the themes apply - just as you mentioned. Love can be a wonderful thing, and I absolutely get the sense that Nessa and Rand genuinely loved each other, but that doesn't mean they didn't hurt others in the process. Their actions still have consequences, even if it winds up being something justified from the readers' POV, it still doesn't negate those consequences for the characters in the story. It's a very interesting choice by Quimchee. She always incorporates a lot of good, relevant works into the story, which I really appreciate even if I don't always recognize the references ☺

[@sageceleste]

I was super excited when I saw this on my feed as I really love this webtoon but I don't know anyone else who reads it so these videos are a fun way to theorize and discuss chapters! I find it really interesting seeing how much both nol and shinae push each other in these latest chapters. They both are still closed off but you can see how they are beginning to challenge the others way of thinking! Which I think could be a really useful thing for both of them as they learn to heal from their own traumas. Sometimes we need someone to challenge our own thoughts

[@himetsuki]

Yes! There aren't that many spaces to discuss ILY except maybe in the Webtoon comments section or Reddit, so I'm happy to branch onto KZbin with this webtoon hehe :3 I totally agree. I love Nol and Shin-Ae's dynamic. They push each other to be better people. I've said this before, but they are each other's mirrors. Shin-Ae's philosophy is something that I think is important for Nol to hear, even if he's not at a stage where he can adopt that philosophy just yet. Likewise, Nol also makes some important points in contrast to Shin-Ae's philosophy, which are things I think Shin-Ae does need to acknowledge as she has also not yet moved past all her trauma. She's certainly getting there, but ignoring her scars is exactly what made it so difficult for her to trust others and process deeper emotions. They just balance each other out so nicely ❤

[@sageceleste]

@@himetsuki I agree! I like how neither of them have all the answers on their own but instead can learn valuable things from the other. So it's not just a case where one character is right or wrong. In general, I think that's something that this story does really well in balancing out the characters in a way where there often isnt necessarily one person whose in the right (not always of course) I think it really adds depth to the story overall since i find in a lot of stories, the creator wants you to sympathize with the "good guys" and so an easy way to do that is just to always make them objectively correct or have them make mistakes but nothing all that significant but that isnt always the case in life. I like how all the characters in I love yoo are allowed to have flaws. It makes things far more interesting seeing characters interact! In general, the characters and their dynamics are definitely one of the strongest aspect of ILY! I'm always really impressed with how well they are written!

[@fathimamehrin620]

I missed your analyses so much! Ever since the flashbacks started, the fandom has been in a sort of slump haha. Quim is just THROWING it into our faces that Nol has absolutely no one in his life he trusts or wants him around apart from Nana and Shin ae. Shin ae is such a kind soul! Its interesting what you said about Nol wanting to be in the dark... it makes so much sense and its such a human thing. Thinking back, whenever we see him in his room, alone and free with his emotions, he's in the dark. The only thing illuminating him would be the moonlight. Another thing i noticed, is that Nol sits a lot in the fetal position lol, which is so telling for his character. There's such depth to every scene that i discover something new each time i reread the chapters. The reference to Anna Karanina, tbh idk what to think of it... i feel like the story being related completely to Rand and Nessa is not Quim's style? Nol brought up the book when he was talking about HIS sins, so i think it has to do with something he did in his past. It could also allude to multiple characters, in which case i bet at least one of them is Rand. ILY as a whole has a recurring theme of "actions have consequences", which is why I have hope that one day, Yui's actions will catch up to her.

[@himetsuki]

YES! I am LIVING for these chapters! So happy to be out of the flashback arc haha also, I agree! Nol's character is so interesting, and the more Quim peels back the layers, the more interesting he becomes. Also agreed about the fetal position thing - it's a very neat detail. As for the story of Anna Karenina, I get the sense that it probably applies in multiple aspects. I have a feeling Nessa and Rand might've fallen in love just like Anna and Vronsky, but I think Nol relates to the message he took away from the story - you can't be happy by making others miserable. I think Nol believes he is the cause of a lot of misery, so it's likely very personal to him in that respect (even though I doubt he's done anything nearly as awful as he seems to believe).

[@fathimamehrin620]

@@himetsuki yes I definitely think he did something without intending to and it had consequences, and Yui being the witch that she is, convinced him he committed a huge sin. Probably hit him at his lowest like she did to Shin ae.

[@himetsuki]

@@fathimamehrin620 Yup. I 100% agree. I think Yui manipulated him into believing he did something completely unforgivable. She's such an evil human. Can't wait for her to get a taste of karma.

[@sageceleste]

Also love the bit on yui. She literally is such an evil character 😂 its ALMOST funny how awful she is if she weren't ruining innocent lives... :/

[@himetsuki]

Yeah, Yui just sucks lol she has 0 redeeming qualities 😩

[@sageceleste]

@@himetsuki for real!! If this webtoon doesnt end with her behind bars where she belongs, I'll feel cheated LOL

[@himetsuki]

@@sageceleste Yup, I agree. At the very least, she needs a mega dose of karma.

[@garrettbays6942]

So happy to hear your voice, and see your avatar again! I don't really have much to add, but I would like to thank you for mentioning the book he referenced. I only knew about the suicide mainly from the book. I haven't read it, probably won't, but I do want to see a particular film adaptation of the book, and that is the 1948 version with Vivien Leigh and Ralph Richardson. I am into older films. I do want to mention Min-Hyuk here real fast. He needs to change his diet, because it seems like he eats a lot of foods that cause a stank 💩. Love the, "Try me, bitch" clip! 😆

[@himetsuki]

Thank you! And yes! It looks like a really interesting story. I'd also like to check out the film sometime 😊 I really like Kiera Knightly, so I'd probably watch her version, but I'm sure all versions of the movie are good! Also lol Min-Hyuk certainly is a character XD And yes! That was all I could think about during that scene haha "try me, bitch!"

[@WackyJackArt1976]

Welcome back! For now, hehe. I was wondering if you would bring this back with everything going on. I hope you will post about the latest fp when it goes mainstream. It's a blast!

[@himetsuki]

Thank you! And yes, I will definitely try to post for the most recent chapters 😊 I've been enjoying them a lot hehe

[@siham5972]

Why is the new eps not out 😢

[@teresapatron38]

Ok this involves the fast past episode cause I need to say something (read at your own risk). So one, fuck you Kousuke you have the worst timing ever, two I couldn’t stop laughing the whole time damn I missed the comedy in this comic and three, ok so there’s a couple of panels where the shadows on Nol are just so nicely done I had to stop reading and fully take in the image, quimchee skills have gotten better since from the time I first started reading this comic. Side note: I didn’t expect Dieter to actually be scary but that was hilarious, love to see him after so many chapters.

[@himetsuki]

Bahaha, I agree with all of your sentiments 🤣 I've always liked Quim's art, but it has looked especially amazing recently ❤

[@fathimamehrin620]

lmaoooo kou is always getting between these two 😭. The mom comment had my jaw dropped in shock! The scene w dieter cracked me up! Nol knows dieter isnt to be messed with 😂.Plus i feel the art style has improved a bit more since the flashbacks ended, some panels just look so well done!

[@teresapatron38]

@@fathimamehrin620 I love that he was like “sorry about this” as Kou is dying. 😂(hope we see more of dieter being both sweet and badass at the same time)

[@elyxxa5933]

HIIII ITS BEEN A WHILE

[@himetsuki]

HIIII! It has been hehe hope you're doing well ❤

[@siham5972]

I’m firstttt

[@himetsuki]

🥳🥳🥳