As anticipation builds for All of Us Are Dead season 2, many fans are speculating about the potential return of character Cheong-san, despite what seemed like a definitive demise. The series features numerous characters, but Cheong-san, alongside On-jo, Nam-ra, and Su-hyeok, serves as one of the central figures. The thought of proceeding into season 2 without any of these key characters is challenging for fans to accept. However, there are compelling reasons to believe that Cheong-san’s story is not yet over.
A significant hint towards Cheong-san’s return lies in the fact that Yoon Chan-young, the actor portraying him, was included in a promotional video released by Netflix following the renewal announcement for season 2. While Yoon’s involvement does suggest his character’s role might persist, it doesn’t explicitly confirm his survival; it could merely indicate flashbacks or dream sequences. However, a crucial moment in episode 11 provides strong evidence that Cheong-san’s narrative continues.
Cheong-san’s Encounter with Gwi-nam in Episode 11
Could Cheong-san Have Become a Hambie?
During the intense final confrontation between Cheong-san and Gwi-nam, the crucial detail of Gwi-nam’s bite on Cheong-san’s arm can easily be overlooked amid the chaos of the subsequent explosion. While the mechanics of the Jonas virus remain somewhat mysterious, the rules established in All of Us Are Dead indicate that those afflicted—termed ‘hambies’ or half-zombies—can transmit the condition through bites or scratches. For instance, it was Gwi-nam who infected Nam-ra in the earlier episodes.
This raises the possibility that Cheong-san may have transformed into a hambie at the onset of their battle. Although it remains unclear how quickly a bite would result in the manifestation of hambie powers, it can be theorized that this transformation could explain how he survived both the fall and the explosion. Gwi-nam has displayed remarkable resilience post-transformation, suggesting that Cheong-san could exhibit similar survivability, despite the hazards surrounding the explosion’s magnitude.
Implications of Cheong-san’s Transformation
Cheong-san’s Journey Is Far from Over
The significance of Gwi-nam biting Cheong-san cannot be overlooked as it likely sets the stage for major developments in season 2. While one could argue Cheong-san’s bite was a motivating factor for him to remain and fight, it is more likely that his character would have chosen to defend his friends regardless of his circumstances. Cheong-san has repeatedly demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his friends throughout season 1, suggesting his decision flowed from heroism rather than merely self-preservation.
If Cheong-san is alive and has transformed into a hambie, this could clarify why he hasn’t sought out On-jo and the others. A significant time jump occurs between episodes 11 and 12, providing him ample opportunity to reconnect yet making it plausible he has refrained due to his new condition that could now pose a risk to his friends.
What Cheong-san’s Hambie Status Means for Season 2
A Bittersweet Return Awaits
Considering how season 1 concluded, it appears that All of Us Are Dead season 2 will delve deeply into the themes surrounding hambies. With Nam-ra informing the group about others like her and Cheong-san’s potential transformation, the show is poised to shift its focus to the struggle for survival among half-zombies as they contend with military forces hunting them. This narrative twist could fundamentally alter the dynamics of the series, prompting a scenario where the main characters may find themselves aligning with these asymptomatic zombies.
The inclusion of both Cheong-san and Nam-ra as hambies could complicate the series’ romantic arcs, as their characters would find themselves navigating the complexities of being asymptomatic zombies, unable to integrate into military encampments designed to safeguard the living. Although Cheong-san’s return risk undermining the impact of his sacrifice, turning him into a hambie could be a strategic and innovative choice that sets an intriguing tone for the upcoming season.