The film adheres to traditional social structures of the colonial period. There is no discernible evidence of queer narratives or non-cisnormative gender identities.

Kim Hye-soo’s protagonist disrupts conventional expectations of female agency. She utilizes deception and intellectual maneuvering to navigate and infiltrate male-dominated political hierarchies.

Set during the Japanese colonial period, the film centers on Korean identity against an occupying force. It emphasizes the agency of the colonized population.

The narrative engages with anti-colonialism and the deconstruction of imperial authority. It frames resistance as a necessary tool for reclaiming national agency.

The film does not appear to mock neurodivergence or physical disabilities. However, these elements are not central to the narrative's representation.