Character Relationship Map: Burning

Characters

• Lee Jong-su (played by Yoo Ah-in) — protagonist

  A young deliveryman who runs into his childhood friend, Shin Hae-mi. He becomes suspicious of Ben and begins to believe Hae-mi is in danger.

• Ben (played by Steven Yeun) — protagonist

  An enigmatic young man whom Lee Jong-su becomes suspicious of.

• Shin Hae-mi (played by Jeon Jong-seo) — supporting

  Lee Jong-su's childhood friend. Lee Jong-su comes to believe she is in danger.

• Jong-su's Mother (played by Ban Hye-ra) — supporting
• Hae-mi's Mother (played by Cha Mi-kyung) — supporting
• Hae-mi's Sister (played by Lee Bong-ryeon) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Hae-mi's Sister → Shin Hae-mi (sister)
• Hae-mi's Mother → Shin Hae-mi (mother)
• Jong-su's Mother → Lee Jong-su (mother)

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Ben → Shin Hae-mi (Social Acquaintance)

  The plot states that Lee Jong-su and Shin Hae-mi soon meet Ben.

• Lee Jong-su → Ben (Conflict Suspicious Rival)

  After meeting Ben, Lee Jong-su becomes suspicious of him.

• Lee Jong-su → Shin Hae-mi (Social Childhood Friend)

  The plot states that Lee Jong-su runs into Shin Hae-mi, whom he knew as a childhood friend.

Story Analysis

A young deliveryman becomes increasingly suspicious of an enigmatic man while fearing that his childhood friend may be in danger.

Plot Progression

1. A Familiar Face Returns
2. The Enigmatic Stranger
3. Suspicion and Perceived Danger
4. Ambiguous Confrontation