The anticipation surrounding Cheong-san’s potential return in All of Us Are Dead Season 2 has sparked considerable debate among fans. While many are quick to assume that he will make a comeback, the intricacies of his situation suggest otherwise. As someone who believes in the possibility of his return—despite the apparent fatal situation he and Gwi-nam faced at the end of Episode 11—I contend that in a narrative centering around a virus that endows individuals with superhuman abilities while transforming them into the undead, virtually anything can happen.
The first season of All of Us Are Dead captivated audiences for various reasons, with the fate of Cheong-san serving as a focal point for discussions. Nearly three years since the announcement of Season 2, his status remains ambiguous; fans are still left pondering whether he truly met his end. Nevertheless, should he still be alive, reintroducing Cheong-san to the narrative will pose its own set of challenges.
Insight from Director Lee Jae-gyu on Cheong-san’s Potential Return
Director Lee Jae-gyu Remains Non-Committal
In an interview with Wikitree (reported by Allkpop), Director Lee Jae-gyu shared his vision for Season 2 and the inclusion of Cheong-san’s character. He emphasized that while the first season juxtaposed the experiences of adults and students in a post-apocalyptic world, the sequel would pivot to focus on the dynamic between students and zombies. Addressing the possibility of Cheong-san’s survival, he remarked, “I think there will be viewers who won’t be able to accept that but also there are going to be fans who are happy about it.”
“I do have a vague picture that I drew out imagining what would happen if all the other actors, including Cheong-san, were to appear in Season 2. I definitely want to add more plot twists than Season 1.”
Although the director refrained from confirming Cheong-san’s status, his comments suggest a strong desire to introduce unexpected developments in the upcoming season, indicating that Cheong-san’s return is not entirely off the table. However, Lee is acutely aware of the difficulties involved in justifying Cheong-san’s return after his noble sacrifice to save On-jo and their companions from Gwi-nam.
Cheong-san’s Presence is Essential in Season 2
A Season Without Cheong-san Would Fall Short
Despite the absence of official confirmation about Cheong-san’s return, skepticism regarding his demise lingers among the show’s fanbase. Cheong-san played a pivotal role in Season 1, and notable actor Yoon Chan-young was actively involved in promoting Season 2 shortly after Netflix renewed the series. Lee Jae-gyu’s remarks further insinuate that Cheong-san’s character will resurface, and it feels implausible to construct Season 2 without him, even if this means diminishing the significance of his previous sacrifice.
There are creative avenues to include Cheong-san in the narrative without having him physically return. Potential scenarios might involve appearances in On-jo’s dreams or hallucinations, aligning with the horror theme of the show. Additionally, flashback scenes from before the outbreak could be utilized. However, such approaches risk feeling anticlimactic given the character’s popularity and the lengthy wait for the sequel. Personally, I believe Cheong-san will make an appearance in Season 2, albeit in a possibly altered state.
Suggested Approaches for Cheong-san’s Return in Season 2
A Bittersweet Return for Cheong-san Would be Ideal
As we look ahead to the forthcoming season, the focus will likely shift towards the show’s unique variety of zombified beings referred to as “hambies.”Following the conclusion of Episode 12, where Nam-ra reunites with her friends and hints at finding others like her, the essence of the show appears to pivot towards the exploration of these hybrid characters. This development paves the way for Cheong-san’s potential return as a hambie, a twist that would seamlessly integrate him into the evolving storyline.
Source: Wikitree (via Allkpop)