Fan-Theories

There are **spoilers** on this page for **all chapters** of I Love Yoo on this page.

There have been loads of fan theories, interpretations, and analysis' surrounding the subtext presented in I Love Yoo, and some prominent examples are linked below. All examples are listed alphabetically.

## Alyssa's Attraction and Sexuality

From the moment she was introduced, it was clear that Alyssa's relationship with Yeong-Gi was a facade. At first, it was theorized that she was more interested in Kousuke.

* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/ncbv6i/alyssas\_interest\_in\_kousuke/
* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/qtx4u9/does\_anyone\_else\_think\_alyssa\_is\_actually/

Another theory that disputes this:

* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/s4k1z3/lets\_talk\_about\_kousuke\_x\_alyssa/

However, after the middle school flashback arc, it has been theorized that Alyssa is actually a lesbian.

* https://trashlie.tumblr.com/post/717610536625438720/alyssa-cho-sexuality-and-fitting-in
* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/13ndmb5/shinhye\_and\_alyssa\_are\_in\_a\_relationship\_among/

## Anti-Hero Theory

This theory describes how Nol might become an anti-hero, or more morally gray in the future. You can read about the theory in the following links:

* https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GruZrn-gYcsbkdIwAlf3cfQgLilDptST

## The Chess Theory

Theory that the colors characters are wearing during the formal represent what sides the characters are on, and that the characters correspond to specific chess pieces. This is one of the most well-known I Love Yoo theories. Quimchee has referenced this theory with a chessboard in one of the I Love Yoo banners.

You can read more about the chess theory by accessing the links below:

* https://docs.google.com/document/d/19T7IRJIlPbvhVWz6IxnDg-6zbh0OqB8dy3qOfmVNrhc/edit

* https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CMSdGkOd-Q2JYDvRFqxPCf9MsQQK9Ant

* https://aminoapps.com/c/yootip/page/blog/chessboard-interpretation-analysis-black-side/8QNQ\_3PSmunblj5LBgpVREkMK3j6beRvx8
* https://aminoapps.com/c/yootip/page/blog/chess-board-interpretation-analysis-white-side/YNPN\_40cbuqzRrJQYNNWbKgGKPkzQgpG2

## Clothing Symbolism

Quimchee has stated on Curious Cat that the clothing that the characters wear have some sort of meaning. Below are several analysis's focusing on the clothing in I Love Yoo.

* Jackets: The story takes place in fall/winter, so almost every character wears a jacket at some point.
	+ Yeong-Gi's jacket at the masquerade ball
	+ Jackets at both formals
	+ Jackets in general

* When it was revealed that Shin-Ae's orange sweater was gifted to her, several theories emerged surrounding who gave it to her.
	+ https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/15xsksy/shinaes\_knitted\_orange\_duckie\_sweater\_green\_hat/
	+ https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/ys1rg7/sweater\_theories\_ep\_202/

## Death Theories

Many characters in the story have been theorized to die. A list includes:

* Rand
* Nana
* Shin-Ae
* Nol

## Eye Symbolism

    As outlined by Webtoon.Theory, closed eyes represent deceit in I Love Yoo. This concept has been used in the formation of various theories. More dishonest characters, such as Yui and Gun, keep their eyes closed more often than more honest characters.

* https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NsaAlvqhGzmEd\_4aHIgB1IaHlfWFqqJJ
* https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aIMY\_vHtZpAf5NdpsoCQgKxcS-b4vZ\_P

## Family Relationship Theories

Broad term for theories about family relations that have not been confirmed in canon.

### Alyssa/Meg is Shin-Ae's Sister

This theory was prominent in the early days, although it has been pretty much disproven since Shin-Hye was introduced in the comic. Another version of this is the theory that Yu Jing is Shin-Ae's sister, although this is also unlikely, considering physical differences.

### Kousuke isn't Rand's Biological Son

These theories state that at some point Yui had an affair, resulting in Kousuke not being Rand's son. Lots of these theories also point to Mr. Kim as Kousuke's true father, assuming that him and Sang-Chul are half-siblings.

* https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L3HRZo8jDxpXOvNDtY3pvmjPWrBwu3RK

* https://aminoapps.com/c/officialiloveyoo/page/blog/is-kousuke-really-rands-son/EbY6\_j2HPujDKdVjzaK6VD0zl42ml2EQb
* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/10yje7w/the\_real\_illegitimate\_son/

### Shin-Hye and Shin-Ae are Half Sisters

This theory is formed due to the ages of the characters

### Nessa and Shin-Ae's Mother are the Same Person

This theory stems from the fact that Nessa's face has never been revealed and that she has a similar hair color in comparison to Shin-Ae's mother. Although not disproven, the timeline makes this theory unlikely.

## Mukoyōshi Theory

* This theory says that Rand married into the Hirahara family and took Yui's surname.
	+ https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aSNiu7TLAc7SO894zPcToCeioKNwYixA

## Trio on the Floor Drawing

Although not one theory, the drawing pictured below has sparked lots of conversation. Quimchee has confirmed that there is symbolism hidden in it.

The following threads include conversations about the drawing, but discussion can also be found in the Webtoons comment section for episode 28

* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/kruiu8/i\_love\_yoo\_image\_theory2/
* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/mqrzxd/ily\_picture\_conspiracy\_theory/
* https://aminoapps.com/c/officialiloveyoo/page/blog/i-noticed-something/L3m0\_GZT8uGZjlDnZ265NozKjqqp6VzoM2
* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/ifjbcf/what\_do\_you\_think\_was\_supposed\_to\_be\_misleading/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=ios\_app&utm\_name=iossmf
* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/gz7uhz/someone\_has\_a\_theory\_about\_the\_meaning\_of\_both/
* https://aminoapps.com/c/officialiloveyoo/page/blog/something-i-noticed-in-that-iconic-illustration/WDZ4\_GBUXueLLbbXXEjMaQorrrvmDYgvlm
* https://www.reddit.com/r/ILoveYoo/comments/hv5k9b/has\_anyone\_noticed\_the\_big\_x\_shadow\_on\_nols\_face/

## What Happened At the Black and White Formal?

Theories about what was happening behind the scenes at the Black and White Formal, and why Shin-Ae was there in the first place.

TW: Theories include discussion of sexual assault.

* https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n4AYwHBE-EpsDTvVDwg8p1r9o4N-zAr67aryd0mE8Kg/edit#heading=h.czzxhomwznws
* https://www.tumblr.com/trashlie/723495684544823296/darker-ily-theories-the-shinae-gun-kim-theory

## Miscellaneous Theories/Analysis'

Note: more episode-specific analyses can be found on the episode pages.

### By Character

* Shin-Ae
* Nol/Yeong-Gi
* Kousuke
* Yui
* Rand
* Dieter
* Soushi
* Shin-Ae's Parents
* Shin-Hye
* Alyssa
* Meg
* Yujing

### General

* General Theories/Analyses Page
* Parallels

Analyses related to specific chapters can be found on the chapter pages.