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Oct 16, 2021 1 min, 21 secs

Ali starts off speaking at the most formal, polite level to Sang-woo, said Jennifer Jung-Kim, a lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, who specializes in Korean history, gender, popular culture and food.

“It really does denote a lot of trust, and you see that sense of intimacy there that’s really not expressed in English,” Jung-Kim said.

Sang-woo tells Ali he’s hatched a plan so they can both come out of the game alive.

Jung-Kim said a hyung is expected to be a protector, watching over the “younger brother,” sometimes treating them to meals or other forms of care.

“A hyung is always supposed to take care of the younger ones,” Jung-Kim said.

It’s also one reason why, Lee said, Ali starts off addressing Sang-woo and other men in the game as "sajangnim." The translates to "company president," or how English speakers would use "boss." Jung-Kim said that while Ali is likely aware of the ways in which he’s disadvantaged in Korea and is humbling himself when he uses that term, his ability to navigate between speaking styles and honorific titles shows he’s been able to adapt to the nuances of Korean customs and society.

While Sang-woo doesn’t use any significant honorific titles for Ali, his rejection of the “sajangnim” term is meaningful, Lee said

Perhaps that's why, Jung-Kim said, Sang-woo does not turn to face his friend before Ali’s death

In fact, just moments before Ali realizes he’s been betrayed, he calls out to his hyung

“We see [Sang-woo] walking through the door with the guards, but he doesn’t even turn around

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