Sisyphus: The Myth is a Korean drama series that combines science fiction, action, and romance. The series centers on two people whose lives intertwine due to a mysterious event from 20 years ago. The series has 16 episodes that aired from February to April 2021. The series received acclaim for its unique plot, impressive visuals, and talented cast. But, the series faced criticism for its confusing story, slow pace, and unsatisfying ending. This article covers the cast, synopsis, review, ending explanation, and what we can expect from the next season of Sisyphus: The Myth.
Sisyphus: The Myth (2021) Cast
The cast of Sisyphus: The Myth includes skilled actors portraying lead and supporting roles. Here is a brief introduction to them:
- Cho Seung-woo as Han Tae-sul
- Park Shin-hye as Kang Seo-hae
- Sung Dong-Il as Hwang Hyun-seung
- Tae In-ho as Eddie Kim
- Chae Jong-hyeop as Jae-sun
- Jeon Kuk-hwan as Kim Han-yong
Sisyphus: The Myth (2021) – How It All Began?
Sisyphus: The Myth is a sci-fi thriller drama that revolves around the concept of time travel and its consequences. The series begins with Han Tae-sul, a genius engineer and physicist who co-founded Quantum and Time, a company that develops cutting-edge technologies. Haunted by his brother Han Tae-san’s supposed plane crash death a decade ago, he remains tormented. However, he discovers a hidden message from his brother in a video of the incident, which leads him to investigate the truth behind his death and the existence of a mysterious group called Sigma.
Meanwhile, in the future, due to Quantum and Time’s missile launch, the world will be in ruins due to a nuclear war. Kang Seo-hae, a warrior who survived the apocalypse, receives a mission from her father to travel back in time and save Han Tae-sul from being killed by Sigma’s agents. She employs the Uploader device to send people and objects to the past. She arrives in the present day and meets Han Tae-sul, who is skeptical of her claims at first but gradually trusts her.
The series follows their adventures as they try to stop Sigma from launching the missile and prevent the war from happening. They also face various obstacles and enemies along the way, such as the Control Bureau, a government agency that monitors time travelers; Eddie Kim, Han Tae-sul’s friend and co-CEO who is secretly working for Sigma; and Sigma himself, who turns out to be Seo Won-ju, a former classmate of Han Tae-sul who became obsessed with time travel and manipulating history.
Sisyphus: The Myth (2021) – Who Survived in the End?
The series ends with Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae sacrificing themselves to save the world. They realize that they are the paradoxes that caused the time loop, as their actions in the past created the future they came from. They discover their destiny: to die and safeguard the timeline, preventing the war. Han Tae-sul decides to go back to the moment of his brother’s death and take his place in the plane crash while his brother escapes with the Uploader. Kang Seo-hae stays in the present and fights against Sigma’s army until she dies in Jae-sun’s arms.
Their sacrifices bear fruit, altering the future positively. The missile launch halts, Quantum and Time rebuild, and people enjoy peaceful lives, with some future characters leading different paths in the new timeline. For example, Sigma becomes a successful businessman, Park becomes a police officer, and Sun becomes a doctor.
Sisyphus: The Myth (2021) – The Final Scene
The final scene shows Han Tae-sul waking up in a hospital bed after surviving the plane crash. Surrounded by happy friends and family, they rejoice in his survival. He then sees a girl who looks exactly like Kang Seo-hae walking by. He runs after her and asks her if she knows him, but she says no. However, she smiles at him in a way that suggests some recognition or connection. They exchange hopeful smiles, hinting at a possible reunion and fresh start for viewers.
Sisyphus: The Myth (2021) – Ending Explained
The ending of Sisyphus: The Myth is complex and subject to interpretation due to its involvement with multiple timelines, paradoxes, and sacrifices. Some viewers view Han Tae-sul’s efforts as futile, trapped in an endless cycle, while others see his dedication as crucial for shaping a new future.
One perspective suggests that Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae’s souls remain connected across time and space, indicated by their smiles, hinting at lingering memories or emotions despite not knowing each other in this timeline. Alternatively, Kang Seo-hae’s continued existence or significance for the future is implied through Han Tae-sul’s message to his uncle, urging the protection of Quantum and Time technologies and the search for Kang Seo-hae, suggesting her potential role. In any interpretation, the ending offers hope and potential for Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae’s relationship. Their sacrifices improved the world and left room for future speculation.
Some Other Interpretations Of The Ending
There are some additional interpretations of the series’ ending as well. One explanation posits that Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae forged a new timeline where they both lead happy lives. By altering the past and averting the war, they sacrificed their memories and experiences. Resembling Kang Seo-hae, the girl is different but shares a deep, transcendent connection with Han Tae-sul. Their destiny involves rediscovering love amidst fresh challenges in this timeline.
Another perspective proposes that Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae didn’t die but entered a parallel world where they can coexist peacefully. This device allowed them to shift to a different dimension, where they could start anew. The girl resembling Kang Seo-hae is, in fact, her, although her memory of Han Tae-sul remains clouded due to the side effects of the uploader. Nevertheless, a profound bond and attraction still exist between them.
In a third interpretation, Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae are caught in an endless cycle, unaware. Their efforts to halt Sigma and the war have failed, trapping them in an unending cycle of death and rebirth. The Uploader continually transports them to different points in time, where they strive to alter outcomes but invariably meet defeat. The girl who resembles Kang Seo-hae is indeed her, but the loop has erased her memory of Han Tae-sul. Their tragic fate seems bound to repetition.
In retrospect, the conclusion of Sisyphus: The Myth engages viewers in a profound exploration of human connection, the tenacity of hope, and the enduring consequences of one’s actions. Whether one views Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae’s journey as a transformative saga or a cyclical tragedy, the series offers a thought-provoking exploration of love, sacrifice, and the mysteries of existence. While some interpretations emphasize the potential for new beginnings and connections that transcend time and space, others highlight the relentless struggle against an inevitable fate.
Ultimately, the ending leaves viewers with a sense of wonder and curiosity, inviting them to reflect on the profound questions it raises and to consider the enduring impact of choices made, even within the confines of a complex and enigmatic narrative.
Sisyphus: The Myth Season 2? Future Speculations
Although rumors are rife that Sisyphus: The Myth Season 2 is about to be announced. But there is no official announcement till now. However, the ending of “Sisyphus: The Myth” raises questions about what lies ahead for Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae. Some of the possible scenarios are:
- Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae might fall in love again in this timeline. They might remember their past lives and experiences. They might face any obstacles or enemies in their relationship.
- Han Tae-sul might continue to work on Quantum and Time and its technologies. He might discover the secrets of time travel and the Uploader. He might encounter any threats or challenges from Sigma or other factions.
- Kang Seo-hae might have a different identity or background in this timeline. She might have any special abilities or skills. She might be involved in any missions or adventures.
- Quantum and Time’s technologies could shape the world’s future. They might cause problems or benefits for humanity. They might attract any attention or interest from other parties.
- Sigma or any other villains from the future might return or emerge in this timeline. They may have plans or motives to alter history or harm Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae, as well as allies or enemies.
- Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae might meet any of their friends or foes from the future in this timeline. They might recognize them or interact with them. They might help them or hinder them.
These are some potential scenarios for the continuation of Sisyphus: The Myth. They are based on imagination and creativity and do not reflect the official plot or direction of the series.
The Movie Culture Synopsis
Sisyphus: The Myth skillfully combines elements of science fiction, action, and romance, captivating viewers with its unique plot, impressive visuals, and talented cast. However, some viewers criticized it for its occasionally confusing storyline, slow pacing, and an ending that left many questions unanswered.
The series revolves around the complex concept of time travel and its consequences, following the intertwined lives of Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae as they strive to prevent a catastrophic future. The show’s conclusion is marked by multiple interpretations, with some seeing it as a cyclical tragedy and others as a narrative of renewed hope and connection transcending time.
While the possibility of a second season remains uncertain, it’s clear that the open-ended conclusion has sparked curiosity and imagination among viewers. The potential scenarios for the future of Han Tae-sul and Kang Seo-hae offer intriguing avenues for further exploration, even though they are products of creativity and not necessarily indicative of the series’ official direction.
As fans await official announcements regarding a second season, Sisyphus: The Myth continues to leave its mark by challenging conventional storytelling and inviting audiences to contemplate the mysteries of time, destiny, and human connection.