These progressive aspects influence character arcs, power dynamics, and the revenge plot, with some analyses highlighting subversion of the male gaze and queer desire. However, they stem organically from adapting Sarah Waters' queer novel Fingersmith, relocated to a historically accurate Korean-Japanese setting without race- or gender-swapping, forced diversity, or clashes with source material.

Casting uses fitting Korean actors with no DEI complaints. Park Chan-wook's interviews emphasize artistic sensuality, genre blending, and adaptation fidelity rather than activism or inclusion mandates. No audience backlash labels it 'woke,' and reception celebrates it as an entertaining thriller masterpiece, not a vehicle for social justice lectures or identity politics.