Tarot Card Interpretation, Cinematic Aesthetics, and Foreshadowing in Dialogue in "My Demon"

"My Demon" has the potential to become the most sizzling Korean drama by the close of 2023. Falling into the fantasy romance genre, a domain in which Korean dramas thrive, it seamlessly blends elements of light-hearted and endearing romantic comedy. What sets it apart is the unexpected chemistry between Kim Yoo-jeong and Song Kang, leaving viewers spellbound as if ensnared by a demon's charm with just a snap of the fingers, thus prompting binge-watching marathons.

What truly fascinated me about "My Demon" transcends its surface aspects. It was the director's cinematic aesthetics, the thought-provoking dialogues, and the incorporation of Tarot card elements that set it apart from the plethora of other romantic dramas at the year's end. The fusion of Tarot cards with Korean dramas was particularly novel and intriguing. Beyond merely weaving Tarot elements into the storyline, even the posters and promotional materials were imbued with Tarot symbolism, adding an extra layer of depth and allure to the series.

In this article, I will delve into the integration of Tarot elements within "My Demon," exploring how they complement the mysterious atmosphere of the demon storyline and the theme of destined love between the main characters. First, I will interpret and predict the plot's development through the lens of Tarot cards, uncovering potential twists and turns guided by symbolic imagery. Subsequently, I will dissect the cinematic aesthetics and hidden foreshadowing embedded within the dialogues, unraveling the intricate layers of narrative depth and emotional resonance. Through this analysis, we will uncover how Tarot symbolism enriches the storytelling experience, elevating "My Demon" beyond the realms of typical romantic dramas.

The two versions of the character posters for "My Demon" consist of the Devil card and the Lovers card on the two sides. The Devil and the Lovers naturally correspond to the transformation of the relationship between the two characters, from the early stage of the contract and the mutually exploitative relationship to a loving and dependent relationship. The expressions, rings, and clothing colors all visually express this point.

What is worth noting is the details on the cards, such as the clock on top of the Devil card pointing to 10 o'clock. In the drama, Jeong Gu-won and human sign a contract with a duration of 10 years. His place is decorated with a large clock cabinet that collects these human clocks. The number 10 appears repeatedly, from Jeong I-won to Jeong Gu-won, and he jokingly says that he absolutely doesn't want to be called Jeong Shi-won (because the pronunciation of "Shi-won" sounds like "Satan" in Korean). Perhaps this is not just a joke, but a prophecy that he will never become Jeong Shi-won, indicating that he will lose his demon identity and return to a human.

The Wheel of Fortune card, numbered 10, drawn by Do Do-hee, emphasizes the importance of the number 10 once again. Once the wheel of fate starts running, no one can stop it. The wandering woman (implied to be a deity by the word "God" on her hat) also said similar things. As the lines suggest, the numbered 10 Wheel of Fortune card represents an end and a new beginning, but it may also imply the cycle of destiny repeating itself.

The Wheel of Fortune card itself is a neutral card, and its interpretation varies depending on whether it is upright or reversed. It seems that Do Do-hee drew an upright card, indicating that they may enter a positive new cycle. The number 10 Wheel of Fortune foreshadows that the relationship between the two characters is about to enter a new cycle, while also implying the reappearance of the Magician card (numbered 1) and the Fool card (numbered 0). In simple terms, there will be new abilities and new adventures. Considering the plot, perhaps after Jeong Gu-won loses his abilities, Do Do-hee will gain some new abilities, and the two of them will embark on a new adventure (the succession battle) together.

What I want to highlight specifically is the number 9 Hermit card, followed by the number 10 Wheel of Fortune card, and then the number 11 Justice card. The keywords for Justice are decision, balance, and law. The simplest interpretation in conjunction with the plot is that the mastermind behind the murder of Ms. Joo will be caught and receive the judgment of justice. The masked man who attempted to kill Do Do-hee and Jeong Gu-won will naturally not escape the law's grasp. Everything will return to its rightful place and Do Do-hee will undoubtedly receive the inheritance position she deserves. After experiencing the Wheel of Fortune, welcoming the new situation, and obtaining justice, everything will fall into place. Regarding the romantic storyline, the past and present lives of the two characters will also be clarified soon.

he crossed paths with the sword dancer Do Do-hee. Many speculate about Do Do-hee's identity during this time. Some believe she was originally a demon, and Gu-won transformed into a demon for her sake, thus enduring a 200-year sentence. Now, the mark has returned to its rightful owner. While this theory holds merit, other possibilities exist.

In the poster, the Devil card features a figure with long goat horns in the bottom left corner, symbolizing the Devil, while the skull in the bottom right corner is a common depiction of Death in tarot. The inclusion of Death within the Devil card may carry significant implications. Could it be that the Death card in the tarot from 200 years ago was alluding to Death itself? This interpretation adds a layer of complexity to the speculation surrounding Do Do-hee's identity during the Joseon era.

Take another look at the lover’s card in the poster, and the characters in the bottom left and bottom right also correspond to the tarot.

Some people say that because the lover’s card is number 6, the bottom left is the 5th Pope, and the bottom right is the 1st Magician, 5 plus 1 equal 6. The bottom left should be the Pope, but obviously the bottom right is not the Magician. I think it is more like the Page of Cups, a young child holding a cup, symbolizing emotions and love, the pure and innocent look of Gu-won and Do-hee in love, just like the Page of Cups, which also matches the characteristics of the lover’s card.

The tarot element adds a touch of seasoning to the plot. Let's then briefly discuss the cinematography and foreshadowing of the lines that I like. I love the ending scenes of almost every episode, the beautiful and romantic atmosphere that makes my heart flutter. But the most impressive scene for me is the tango scene in Episode 4.

The combination of tango and action scenes is very innovative. The graceful dance steps and the sharp fight scenes create a balance between softness and strength. They not only present a comedic effect but also depict the relationship between the two characters, a tense and subtle sense of balance: the need for use and manipulation, dependence, and trust- we are each other's weapons and dance partners.

The lighting in the tango scene also changes with the rhythm of the music, transforming the everyday scene into a stage. The flickering lights of the residential building and other details that only appear for a moment or two show the director's clever arrangement of the scene.

There is also the ending of Episode 7, which is heartbreaking, but these two close-up shots are very touching. The bloodstained ring on Gu-won's hand and Do-hee, who seems to sense something and anxiously touches the mark. Just through these two close-up shots, without words or expressions, their hearts are revealed to each other.

Finally, let's talk about the dialogue in this drama. The conversations between Ms. Joo and Do-hee are worth pondering. Let's start with an obvious foreshadowing. Ms. Joo wants to introduce Do-hee to a blind date because she hopes to find someone who can stand by Do-hee's side.

For Do-hee, "The person who can make you willingly take that blow" is undoubtedly Gu-won. This dialogue is most likely a foreshadowing for what Do-hee and Gu-won will experience later, willingly taking a blow and understanding that there must be a reason behind it. This willingness and understanding stem from absolute love and trust.

There are also some lines from Ms. Joo that I find very wise and worth contemplating. “Choosing for the person you love is also choosing for yourself.” I really like this part. Gu-won and Ms. Joo say the same thing, which touches Do-hee.

Life is always full of countless choices, and depending on the different choices, the wheel of fate may roll in completely opposite directions. Regardless of the choice, it will lead to a new beginning.

When you stand at the threshold of a significant decision, a moment ripe with the potential for transformative change, the vagaries of fortune make the future uncertain. Yet, the wheel of fate reminds us that each choice heralds the beginning of a fresh journey. If you find yourself wavering in the face of this decision, it may be wise to momentarily disengage from the situation and reflect on the person you hold dear. "Choose what is best for you, for that is ultimately what benefits me," they might say.