Love Untangled features the love diary of Park Se-ri, who struggles with her curly hair and believes it’s the reason behind her failed love confessions. But fate has another plan for her when she meets the transfer student Han Yoon-seok.
Love Untangled (Gobaekui Yeoksa or History of Confession), a romantic-comedy film, was released on August 29, 2025, via Netflix. Directed by Namkoong Sun, the film is set in the nostalgic year of 1998 in Busan.
Written by Ji Chun-hee and Wang Dong-ri, the movie was produced by Bombaram Film. It stars Shin Eun-soo and Gong Myung as Park Se-ri and Han Yoon-seok, respectively.
The cast also includes Cha Woo-min as Kim Hyeon, Yoon Sang-hyeon as Baek Seong-rae, Kang Mi-na as Ko In-jeong, Choi Gyu-ri as Ma Sol-ji, and Lee So-e as Bang Ha-yeong, with special cameos from Train to Busan stars Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi.
Suggested Read: The Cast of My Girlfriend is the Man! and Where You Might’ve Seen Them
Disclaimer: This article includes major spoilers about the film. Read at your own discretion.
What Is Love Untangled All About? Plot and Other Details
Love Untangled follows the story of Park Se-ri, a 19-year-old girl who believes her curly hair is the reason her love confessions always fail. Determined to change her fate, she plans to have her hair straightened before confessing to Kim Hyeon, the campus heartthrob.
However, her plans go awry when she meets Yoon-seok, a transfer student. Se-ri’s quest for love soon becomes a more complicated journey of tangled emotions.
The film explores the struggles of teenage Se-ri—not only in love but also in learning self-acceptance.
Recommended Read: Pop Review: MONSTA X Marches N the Front with New Mini-Album, THE X
How Did Se-ri Meet Yoon-seok?
Se-ri returns to the place where she once met Hyeon, hoping to see him again. Instead, she finds herself swimming to rescue Yoon-seok. The next day, they cross paths once more—this time as classmates.
Their bond deepens when Se-ri discovers that Yoon-seok’s mother owns Rose Hair Salon, the place where her rival In-jeong had her hair straightened. Since the straightening treatment is expensive, Se-ri offers to help Yoon-seok in exchange.
Did Se-ri Succeed in Confessing to Hyeon?
At first, Se-ri plans to confess to Hyeon in the study room. But after Yoon-seok tops the mock exams, Hyeon’s name disappears from the rankings, prompting Se-ri to make a new plan.
She then decides to confess during their school trip. With the help of Yoon-seok and her friends, she prepares a surprise.
When the moment comes, however, Se-ri freezes. She manages to tell Hyeon that she likes him, but the confession falls flat—it’s nothing like she imagined.
I always thought I had to change for someone to like me. Like I needed to be better and prettier. But I don’t think about any of that when I’m with him.
Though she says this in front of Hyeon, her words clearly reveal her feelings for Yoon-seok.
You Might Also Like: Pop Corner: Enigma Black Stage Ending Explained: Did Ajin Find Plengpin?
Se-ri and Yoon-seok’s Love Story
After the school trip, Se-ri and Yoon-seok grow closer, spending more time together in typical high school romance fashion. But just when Se-ri is ready to confess her true feelings, Yoon-seok receives news that his mother has been hospitalized in Seoul. He rushes off, and Se-ri loses contact with him.
Worried, Se-ri travels to Seoul and overhears Yoon-seok telling his mother he doesn’t want to escape to America. He wants to go back to Busan, but that would also mean they can’t escape from his abusive father. Seeing his most vulnerable side, Se-ri decides to break up with him over the phone, thinking it’s best for him.
How Did Se-ri and Yoon-seok’s Story End?
Years later, with no contact between them, Se-ri still longs for Yoon-seok. Her friends encourage her to date again and even arrange a blind date. Planning to ditch it, Se-ri reluctantly answers a call from her date—and recognizes the familiar voice. It’s Yoon-seok!
Reunited, the two embrace through tears. Yoon-seok admits he knew she was lying when she said she no longer liked him. He gives her a jar filled with origami cranes, explaining he folded one every time he thought of her.
Also Read: The Cast of When Life Gives You Tangerines and Where You’ve Seen Them Before
Love Untangled Ending Explained and Review
While Love Untangled may seem like just another high school romance, what makes it stand out is the message it conveys.
Se-ri’s doubts about her hair symbolize the insecurities many people feel about their appearance. Yoon-seok’s love for her beyond looks reinforces the film’s central theme: true love sees deeper than appearances.
Yoon-seok’s backstory also adds emotional weight. His trauma as a child witnessing his mother’s abuse is raw and heartbreaking. When he breaks down in front of his mom, it reminds us that even strong characters can still be hurting children inside.
Se-ri’s loyal friends are another highlight. Their constant encouragement and support add warmth to the narrative and show how friendship strengthens over time.
Lastly, I’d like to mention the overall ambiance of the film. It was a good watch. Yes, it’s the typical high school love that we all see in films. But the way it was delivered and produced? Beyond my expectations.
This is the kind of film that will make you want a love that accepts you wholeheartedly, without needing to change or leave a piece of yourself so you can be loved.
Love Untangled is now streaming on Netflix.
Source: Netflix Korea, Time Magazine
