Time Loop

I always wondered if the loops that are obviously happening have had anything to do with Hohyun's death. Because in retrospect, in kind of poses the question if Hohyun himself is important to the Seme (whose name I just can't seem to remember) or the fact that he wants out of this loop. Does he actually love him from his earlier runs or is he just desperate? Or is he the person that somehow activates that loop every time after Hohyun dies? After what he just said, that would be the only other option of interpretation.