사랑의 불시착
"Sometimes the wrong train takes you to the right station."
Crash Landing on You - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Paraglider
The paraglider symbolizes both freedom and the unpredictable nature of fate. For Se-ri, it is initially a tool of leisure and a symbol of her independent, risk-taking lifestyle. However, it becomes the catalyst for her life-altering journey, representing a loss of control that ultimately leads her to her true destiny and a more profound sense of freedom found in love and human connection.
The series begins with Se-ri's paragliding accident, which crash-lands her in North Korea. The final scene of the series shows her paragliding once again in Switzerland, where she is finally and permanently reunited with Jeong-hyeok, bringing the symbol full circle from an instrument of accidental chaos to one of destined reunion.
Edelweiss
The edelweiss flower, which Jeong-hyeok mentions grows in the mountains of Switzerland where they first met, symbolizes true, enduring, and fated love. He tells Se-ri he wants to see the flower with the person he loves, not knowing he is speaking to her. The flower represents the pure and resilient nature of their connection, which can bloom even in the harshest of conditions.
The edelweiss is first mentioned in a flashback to Switzerland. The symbol culminates in the finale when Se-ri's company, Se-ri's Choice, launches a charity project for aspiring young musicians in partnership with a foundation in Switzerland, which she names 'Edelweiss,' a touching tribute to their shared past and a mechanism for their future reunions.
Tomato Plant
A tomato plant that Se-ri gives to Jeong-hyeok symbolizes her hope and affection, and his nurturing character. She tells him to give it ten compliments a day for it to grow well, a metaphor for how their love needs care and positive affirmation to thrive in a hostile environment. It represents a piece of her that he lovingly tends to in her absence.
Se-ri gives Jeong-hyeok the small plant before one of her failed departure attempts. He is shown diligently caring for it, speaking to it as she instructed. The plant's survival and growth mirror the persistence and deepening of his feelings for her even when they are apart.
Scented Candle
The scented candle represents guidance, comfort, and a beacon of hope in darkness. It's a connection to Se-ri's world that helps Jeong-hyeok find her when she is lost. Figuratively, it echoes the expression "to hold a candle for someone," symbolizing the enduring love and hope he maintains for her despite their separation.
In Episode 4, when Se-ri gets lost in a crowded marketplace during a blackout, Jeong-hyeok remembers her talking about her scented candle brand. He finds her by holding up a scented candle, the one light and familiar object that can guide her back to him.
Philosophical Questions
Can love truly overcome insurmountable political and ideological divides?
The entire series is an exploration of this question. It portrays love not just as a romantic feeling but as a powerful force that drives individuals to risk their lives, defy their governments, and question their own identities. The relationship between Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok suggests that on an individual, human level, love can indeed bridge these divides. However, the bittersweet ending also acknowledges that these larger political structures are formidable and may not be overcome within a single lifetime, forcing love to exist in the liminal spaces it can find.
Is our life's path determined by fate or by choice?
"Crash Landing on You" consistently plays with the themes of fate and destiny. The revelation that Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok had met years before in Switzerland suggests a pre-ordained connection. The "wrong train" metaphor further reinforces this idea. Yet, at every turn, the characters must make active, dangerous choices: Jeong-hyeok chooses to hide Se-ri, Se-ri chooses to protect him in Seoul, and they both choose to find a way to meet again. The series seems to suggest that while fate may present opportunities, it is human choice and commitment that ultimately realize destiny.
What defines 'home' and 'family'?
Se-ri comes from a wealthy, powerful family in a prosperous nation, yet she feels emotionally homeless. She finds a true sense of belonging and family not in her luxurious Seoul apartment, but in a modest North Korean village with a group of soldiers and gossiping neighbors who show her unconditional kindness and loyalty. The series posits that family is not about blood ties or shared nationality, but about love, sacrifice, and mutual protection. It challenges the viewer to consider whether home is a place on a map or the feeling of safety one finds with their chosen people.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Crash Landing on You" is that love, compassion, and human connection can transcend even the most rigid political, ideological, and physical barriers. The series uses the unlikely romance between a South Korean woman and a North Korean man to argue that shared humanity and personal bonds are more powerful than national divisions. It suggests that fate and chance can lead people to their true destinations, even if the path is unexpected, encapsulated by the recurring idea that "sometimes the wrong train takes you to the right station." Ultimately, the show is a message of hope, exploring the possibility of understanding and peace through the lens of individual relationships.