24k.ei

Ivan backrooms AU

the "zombie" in zombie stage is easy to comprehend when you cast off preconceptions about what zombies are typically like in other media. it is said explicitly in the trailer: they are essentially a new group of people for the upper class to exploit, placed even lower than the lowest existing class in society. undead and inhuman, they are the ideal worker.

there is also specific emphasis put on the upper class being physically "upstairs", and the underworld that is literally "underground" with the lower class, as seen by one of the shots in zomst r1. we also see the zombie being sold from the top down, juxtaposed with a rat mizi kills - just like in alien stage, the aliens (humans), and now zombies, form the lowest rung, and are treated as animals.

another aspect is how infection works and does. infection consists of the body turning into gemstone. these parts are subsequently cut off, framed or sold as regular practice within the idol industry. the idols are literally objectified - they turn into the physical product that is sold, which in turn chips away at their humanity.

infection seems to spread via a single bite, as literally written in the screenshot above. additionally, the infection pattern shares a similar shape to the 'roots/veins' mizi conceptualises relationships as in karma. it is then no surprise that zombification is shown as a result of sexual violence, that which strips away autonomy and leaves you unmoored from yourself. infection is inherently the crossing of boundaries, the undermining of interiority, and the corruption of intimacy. the trauma inflicted and then exploited by the industry is the centrepiece of zombie stage. in this universe, there are no zombies without the discussion of sexual abuse, and of class.

it's honestly so heartbreaking how unhealthy yet entranced the two are for each other in zomst, especially sua's raw emotions towards mizi.

near the beginning, we know that sua and mizi's dreams are to become kpop idols together.

however, after performing, sua was likely rejected by the judges, while mizi was allowed to move on.

we can clearly tell below by the change in mizi's expression. while sua maintains a blank, maybe even indifferent look, mizi looks devastated. her pupils shrink from the realization that she'd be separated from sua.

during mizi's first debut, she looks nervous and guiltridden. although it was her utter aspiration to become an idol, she feels lost at the idea of accomplishing her dreams without sua by her side.

still, sua adores mizi to no end. even if she herself isn't able to become an idol, she is perfectly content with cheering mizi on from the sidelines.

after a bit of reassurance from sua, mizi is able to gain more confidence, finally moving up to the stage for her debut.

my analysis for some of the panels below isn't focused on mizisua, but i'd like to assume that the "hypnosis" circle implies mizi's idolized and idealized image as a kpop idol.

her idol image is rendered to "hypnotize" and enchant others with her face and body.

moving further into the mv, we see the beginnings of mizi's idol image. her idol persona is based on seduction, where her body and expression (e.g. hooded eyes) are meant to attract the audience.

we also see one of the masked performers do some sort of circus act where they throw knives at her.

i think the knife began directly thrown at her eyes (also the area where mizi is infected) has to do with her real self deteriorating and rotting.

one of the most primary ways people can assess you are through your eyes. however, we know that mizi's idol persona isn't her true identity. even in the seduction cameo, the only reason i inferred that mizi wasn't truly "happy" was bc of her eyes. there is no energy in them.

hence, her eyes are the only hint towards mizi's true emotions.

the infection and knife being targeted towards her eyes forces mizi to hide her eyes, or in this case, her real thoughts and identity.

i also thought it was interesting how mizi's eyes were sold as

"The Eyes of Love"

even when she becomes an infected idol, her real identity is continuing to be supressed by her idol identity. her eyes (one of the only ways we could assess her true emotions) are being posed as a way to entrance the fans instead, likely for the male gaze.

we can continue to see the company showing off mizi's body in order for her to gain more viewership.

her company's plans do work. for most corrupt kpop companies, they focus more on bringing idols fame. it doesn't matter if it's hate or love, as long as the idols are getting attention.

in mizi's case, controversies arise. discussions begin to spiral around her career. youtube videos and articles pop up about mizi, specifically about her body.

yt video: "[RANGNAM NEWS] Oh shit, Mizi's legendary Waterbomb fancam... Is this a bit too revealing? #MiziControversy #KpopNews"

article: "This year's Waterbomb goddess... Who's number one?"

mizi is able to gain fame but at the cost of her body. notice how the youtubers focus on her revealing outfit, and how the article chose a photo of her appearing seductive and sluggish.

in this world, mizi to them is nothing more than an object they can rant and gossip about.

sua then begins to grow more worried for her.

now we all know how IMPORTANT flowers are in alnst!

the flowers that sua brings mizi are called "Platycodon grandiflorus," or "purple balloon flowers." they symbolize everlasting love, devotion, and sincerity.

however, when mizi receives these, she simply tosses them to one of the staff members without much of a glance, and sua notices this.

symbolically, not only is mizi tossing aside their love and honesty that they once shared as children, she is prioritizing her career over her relationship and connection with sua.

is it because mizi supposedly "fell out of love" with sua? no.

i'm too lazy to find the school zomst comic, but we all know that from both the zomst school comic and alnst, mizi cares a LOT about her identity. she plasters a bright-eyed and bubbly personality to make herself feel more secure and likable towards others.

we can tell by her fake smile towards sua, as shown by the panels below. she is choosing to replicate her idol persona towards sua, even if it is destroying herself in the process.

sua, realizing how far mizi has deteriorated herself, reaches her breaking point. she lashes out at mizi, most likely arguing with her about what she's doing to herself as an idol. sua is clearly concerned for mizi's mental and physical state.

as a result, mizi snaps, slapping sua. due to her overwhelmed and stressed state, all the pressure she feels being an idol bottles up into this violent reaction.

still, we see sua try to confront her. she embraces mizi tightly, being the only one in this sick and cruel world that craves for something real and honest.

sua cares for mizi so deeply, desperate to see mizi's real personality come back, not the idealized version the kpop company has enforced. she is the only one that feels sick at the idea of mizi being taken advantage of.