Tidal Wave
On Haeundae Beach, a guilt-ridden fisherman takes care of a woman whose father accidentally got killed. A scientist reunites with his ex-wife and a daughter who doesn't even remember his face. And a poor rescue worker falls in love with a rich city girl. When they all find out a gigantic tsunami will hit the beach, they realize they only have 10 minutes to escape.
Despite a moderate budget of $16.0M, Tidal Wave became a commercial success, earning $71.6M worldwide—a 348% return.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Tidal Wave (2009) reveals strategically placed narrative architecture, characteristic of JK Youn's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The bustling beach resort of Haeundae during peak tourist season. Man-sik works as a beach safety officer while carrying guilt from a past tragedy. The community is vibrant, carefree, and unaware of impending danger.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Geologist Kim Hwi discovers alarming seismic data indicating a massive tsunami may be forming in the East Sea. His warnings are initially dismissed by authorities who prioritize tourism revenue over safety concerns.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 31 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Minor seismic events and unusual ocean behavior force authorities to take Kim Hwi's warnings seriously. Man-sik decides to actively help prepare the community, choosing to confront his trauma and protect others., moving from reaction to action.
At 62 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat The tsunami is confirmed to be inevitable and massive. What seemed like a possible false alarm is now a certain catastrophe. The stakes become life-and-death for everyone at Haeundae. Emergency protocols begin but may be too late., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 91 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Man-sik faces the same helplessness he felt years ago as people around him are swept away. A key character dies in the destruction. The city is devastated, and it appears that many won't survive. Man-sik nearly gives up., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 96 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Man-sik realizes that survival requires community action and sacrifice. Drawing on lessons from his past tragedy, he organizes survivors to help rescue trapped victims. He synthesizes his guilt into purposeful action., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Tidal Wave's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Tidal Wave against these established plot points, we can identify how JK Youn utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Tidal Wave within the action genre.
JK Youn's Structural Approach
Among the 2 JK Youn films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Tidal Wave represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete JK Youn filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more JK Youn analyses, see Ode to My Father.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The bustling beach resort of Haeundae during peak tourist season. Man-sik works as a beach safety officer while carrying guilt from a past tragedy. The community is vibrant, carefree, and unaware of impending danger.
Theme
A character mentions that 'we can't control nature, but we can prepare for it' - establishing the film's central theme about human vulnerability versus natural forces and the importance of community responsibility.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to multiple storylines: Man-sik's guilt over a past tsunami that killed his friend, his relationship with Yeon-hee, the geological researcher Kim Hwi noticing unusual seismic activity, and various residents and tourists enjoying Haeundae beach.
Disruption
Geologist Kim Hwi discovers alarming seismic data indicating a massive tsunami may be forming in the East Sea. His warnings are initially dismissed by authorities who prioritize tourism revenue over safety concerns.
Resistance
Kim Hwi struggles to convince officials of the danger while the characters debate whether to evacuate. Man-sik grapples with his past trauma and whether to take the warnings seriously. The community remains skeptical as life continues normally.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Minor seismic events and unusual ocean behavior force authorities to take Kim Hwi's warnings seriously. Man-sik decides to actively help prepare the community, choosing to confront his trauma and protect others.
Mirror World
Man-sik reconnects with Yeon-hee on a deeper level as they work together. Their relationship represents hope and healing, showing that facing past trauma with support from others is possible.
Premise
The promise of a disaster film delivers: preparation sequences, character development among the ensemble cast, rising tension as evidence mounts, and dramatic irony as the audience knows what's coming while tourists remain oblivious.
Midpoint
The tsunami is confirmed to be inevitable and massive. What seemed like a possible false alarm is now a certain catastrophe. The stakes become life-and-death for everyone at Haeundae. Emergency protocols begin but may be too late.
Opposition
The massive tsunami strikes Haeundae with devastating force. Chaos erupts as the wave destroys buildings and sweeps away thousands. Characters are separated and fight for survival. Man-sik's worst fears are realized as nature's power overwhelms all human preparation.
Collapse
Man-sik faces the same helplessness he felt years ago as people around him are swept away. A key character dies in the destruction. The city is devastated, and it appears that many won't survive. Man-sik nearly gives up.
Crisis
In the immediate aftermath, survivors process the destruction. Man-sik confronts his deepest fear and guilt. The dark night of the soul as characters mourn losses and face the possibility that rescue may not come.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Man-sik realizes that survival requires community action and sacrifice. Drawing on lessons from his past tragedy, he organizes survivors to help rescue trapped victims. He synthesizes his guilt into purposeful action.
Synthesis
Rescue operations commence as survivors work together. Man-sik leads efforts to save trapped people, including dramatic rescues from submerged buildings. The community demonstrates resilience and solidarity in the face of tragedy.
Transformation
Man-sik, having saved others and confronted his trauma, stands with Yeon-hee and survivors as they rebuild. The beach is devastated but the community endures. He has transformed from guilt-ridden survivor to heroic protector.