Gulsan:
My questions:
1. Why did Dong Hoon‘s friend become a monk? I mean I can understand if he was frustrated by the world but leaving his beloved behind is... not okay?
2. Is Dong Hoon still married at the end? When he talked to his friend at the cafe I think he referred to her as his wife.
1. I think you're looking for more of a story answer than an analogy but I just want to express my thoughts XD. Dong Hoon's friend became a monk just like you said because of the build up of frustration. Also, all the high expectations and perfection people kept pushing on him gave him the quits, and he wanted his life to be different. In a way, I think he just wanted to run away from his responsibilities. Though of course, becoming a monk isn't quitting, but just restarting a new part of his life. I believe he was also depressed, which drove him as well. His depression exceeded love and family for him, that's how miserable he was, and also why some people commit suicide. Sometimes, even if you have people who love you, and big achievements, and a smooth sailing life, you still feel like shit, you still wish for something different, and it isn't anything physical that affects the decision, but rather purely mental, which is why it would've been hard for the director to film it. (And probably also lack of time)
2. From what I've seen from other's comments, they are more or less divorced, or at least have separated from each other's lives. Which is also why Dong Hoon is crying, because reality hit him hard. At least now he doesn't hold it in and pretend everything is okay, but expressing his emotions.