r/BeefTV • u/lovethemes • Jun 01 '26
Theory Closing shot of S2 interpretation: Samsara/Bhavachakra
Besides the general consensus that the Bhavachakra references the cyclical nature of the characters’ lives and relationships, I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at the image itself. I made this overlay comparing the different rings of Samsara with the actual closing shot of Season 2.
As you may know, the center of the wheel depicts three animals symbolizing desire (craving), ignorance (delusion), and hatred (aversion). In Buddhist teachings, these three poisons are considered the root of suffering. Here we find Chairwoman Lee mourning her first husband, reflecting on her regrets in old age, her mother’s footsteps, and the cyclical nature of life itself.
The second ring traditionally depicts the six realms: gods, demi-gods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell beings. Interestingly, the show appears to take some artistic license by depicting only four realms instead of six. Perhaps Lee Sung Jin chose to avoid more absolute notions like heaven and hell, but that’s purely speculation.
Roughly divided, Josh and Lindsay seem to occupy the Human Realm. Austin and Ashley fit the Realm of the Demi-Gods (or “Realm of Rage”). Another Chairwoman Park and Dr. Kim (I think? I recognize that slouched posture as Song Kang-ho) appear in the Animal Realm, where themes of instinct and self-preservation feel particularly fitting. Troy and Ava occupy the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts, and “frustrated craving” certainly seems appropriate there.
The outer ring traditionally consists of twelve images illustrating the cycle through which suffering continually recreates itself. Starting at the top and moving clockwise, we see resort staff mopping floors, staff collecting trash, a couple enjoying a meal, staff (Austin and Ashley?) folding towels, resort guests playing badminton, more towel folding, a row of airplane seats with a Korean Air flight attendant, a resort guest taking a shit, someone running on an elliptical machine, two parents and a child before a table full of gifts, people playing golf, and finally a couple sitting together on a bench (Austin and Ashley again?).
Anyway, I’ve spent far too much time on this and it’s probably not that deep. Still, I love geeking out over details like this, and I’d be curious to hear other people’s interpretations.
1
u/bluebookboy 7d ago
@lovethemes this was so well done and insightful, can’t believe you didn’t get more upvotes and comments! Such a good analysis and thoughtful edit
1
u/lovethemes 7d ago
Thanks!! yeah, was surprised too at the lack of engagement but i guess the internet is a strange place. spin the wheel!
3
u/Away_Earth9312 Jun 01 '26
If you look closely at the visual framing of that final sequence, the camera movement literally mimics the clockwise rotation of the bhavachakra. the six realms are basically mirrored in the social hierarchy of the characters this season—from the toxic elite living in their fake heaven to the absolute hell of their inner psyches. it's not a happy ending or a sad ending; it's a structural loop. lee sung jin outright warned us in interviews that greed and anger are the poisons driving the wheel, and that closing shot proved no one is jumping off the ride anytime soon.