10 K-Drama Finales That Nailed It

Article Overview

The endings of K-dramas are crucial to their success and viewer satisfaction, with many suffering from poor conclusions due to various factors.

D.P., Bloodhounds, and Healer are K-dramas that exemplify satisfying endings, expertly resolving conflicts and granting characters their well-deserved outcomes.

Tomorrow, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Move to Heaven, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo stand out for their emotionally impactful endings, offering hopeful or joyful resolutions.

The rising popularity of K-drama is exposing global viewers to its engaging plots beyond the often associated feel-good romcoms. Alongside numerous thrillers, comedies, and horrors, the success of a K-drama lies not in its category, but in its conclusion.

As new viewers embark on their journey into the world of K-drama, the expectation for exceptional endings mounts. Unfortunately, many K-dramas have faced pitfalls such as premature endings, rushed conclusions, or subpar writing. Despite this, there are numerous K-dramas that deliver satisfying resolutions, effectively resolving conflicts and providing appropriate consequences for the characters, be it favorable or unfavorable.

10. D.P.

2 Seasons - 2021-2023

Based on the author's personal experience, D.P. is a webtoon adaptation that follows Private An Jun-ho as he confronts the harsh realities of being a member of the Deserter Pursuit squad. The series has completed two seasons and may potentially have more, although the second season satisfactorily concluded the story. In season 1, Jun-ho works alongside Corporal Han Ho-yeol to track down soldiers who have abandoned their mandatory military service.

Season 2 delves deeper into the issues of mistreatment that soldiers face during their service, building upon the problems highlighted in season 1. The aim is to shed light on these issues, both within the context of the drama and beyond. The ending of season 2, which aired on July 28, is remarkable not because it is necessarily a happy one, but because it holds true to reality. While the military's involvement in the abuse is exposed, the outcome remains uncertain. However, by doing so, it empowers Jun-ho, Ho-yeol, and their immediate superiors to take a stance against the actions that necessitate the existence of the D.P. unit.

As of now, there has been no confirmation regarding the third season.

9. Bloodhounds

1 Season - 2023

Bloodhounds is an intense thriller that follows the unwavering determination of two friends fighting against corruption. Kim Gun-woo and Hong Woo-jin unite to confront a merciless loan shark who preys on vulnerable people, particularly Gun-woo's mother. This gripping drama unfolds with gritty violence, showcasing the extreme measures taken by both sides in their battle for victory. The culminating climax is masterfully crafted, as Gun-woo and Woo-jin remain steadfast allies, even in the face of losing their supporters. Together, they bring down Kim Myeong-gil once and for all. In this otherwise dark narrative that tests the limits of each character, a beacon of hope emerges in the final scene, where Gun-woo and Woo-jin embrace Gun-woo's mother, celebrating their hard-won triumph.

8. Healer

1 Season - 2014

Healer, an older K-drama, revolves around three unlikely allies who unite to uncover the truth behind a 1992 incident that is connected to present-day murders. As the story progresses, the show transitions into an action-romance as Seo Jung-hoo, the main character, develops feelings for Chae Young-sin, whom he is assigned to protect as the 'night courier' known as "Healer". Despite the trials they face in their search for the truth, Jung-hoo and Young-sin find happiness in the end. After Jung-hoo renounces his "Healer" identity, he aids Young-sin in overcoming her recently recalled past. Together, they support one another in moving forward and creating a brighter future, while ensuring that those responsible face the consequences of their actions.

7. Tomorrow

1 Season - 2022

Tomorrow, a heartfelt drama, centers around three unconventional Reapers and concludes with a beautiful ending. Choi Jun-woong, after slipping into a coma while attempting to save someone, becomes an intern of sorts at Jumadeung's crisis management department in the afterlife. Alongside Koo Ryeon and Lim Ryung-gu, Jun-woong serves as a Reaper, dedicated to assisting individuals contemplating suicide. The story of Tomorrow is filled with both heartbreak and hope, which is reflected in its poignant ending. Jun-woong fulfills his promise to serve for six months and awakens from his coma, returning to his previous life without any memory of his time at Jumadeung. Although bittersweet, the final scene compensates for this loss. Ryeon, Ryung-gu, and their fellow Reaper, Park Jung-gil, observe as Jun-woong aids a despondent coworker, ultimately offering him his former job after his passing.

6. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

1 Season - 2021

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha revolves around a dentist named Yoon Hye-jin who decides to establish her own clinic in the charming seaside town of Gongjin. This romantic comedy takes a heartwarming turn as Hye-jin crosses paths with the local handyman, Hong Du-sik, much to her initial annoyance. Despite their contrasting personalities, Hye-jin and Du-sik find themselves falling in love, bringing amusement to the townsfolk. While both protagonists harbor painful pasts, they manage to overcome their struggles and build a happy future together. The series concludes with a delightful twist as Hye-jin and Du-sik propose to each other, leading to their joyous wedding ceremony. The chaotic yet endearing involvement of the Gongjin residents throughout the show culminates in a memorable and touching finale.

5. Move to Heaven

1 season - 2021

Move to Heaven introduces the audience to the concept of trauma cleaning, a service that involves safely removing items from the site of accidents or deaths. The story centers around Han Geu-ru, a young man with autism, who works as a trauma cleaner alongside his father. However, tragedy strikes at the beginning of the show with the passing of Geu-ru's father. As a result, Geu-ru's uncle, Cho Sang-gu, is entrusted with the responsibility of becoming his guardian after his release from prison. The drama follows the journey of this unlikely duo as they navigate their new roles and work together in the trauma cleaning business.

Each episode of the show delves into the complexities of loss, making it both beautiful and heartrending. As the story progresses, Sang-gu's troubled past catches up to him, putting his position as Geu-ru's guardian in jeopardy. Ultimately, it is Geu-ru who has the final say, choosing to keep his uncle as his guardian. This decision is sure to evoke tears from the viewers, but the emotional payoff is truly worth it when the drama reaches its conclusion.

4. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo

1 season - 2016

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is a K-drama that explores the coming-of-age romance of a group of college athletes. The story revolves around Kim Bok-joo, a weightlifter, who eventually develops romantic feelings for her friend Jung Joo-hyung, a swimmer. Throughout the drama, we witness the trials and triumphs of these characters as they strive for success. Fortunately, their journey concludes on a positive note. Bok-joo and Joo-hyung both graduate and decide to join the Taereung National Training Center together. This decision comes after Joo-hyung improves his performance and secures a spot at the center. Additionally, Bok-joo achieves victory in a competition held in China. As a result, the two discuss the possibility of marriage in the future.

3. The Guest

1 season - 2018

The Guest, a chilling K-drama, revolves around the journey of a psychic, a priest, and a detective in their relentless pursuit to eradicate a long-standing evil afflicting Korea. Yoon Hwa-pyung, Choi Yoon, and Kang Gil-young unite to locate and eliminate the malevolent entity known as Park Il-do, whose actions had caused unimaginable tragedies in their past. Though The Guest is permeated with darkness and violence, its climax makes it a must-watch. Hwa-pyung courageously allows himself to be possessed by Park Il-do, sacrificing his own life by drowning in the ocean, knowing that only the host's demise can assure the permanent eradication of Park Il-do. A year later, Choi Yoon and Gil-young stumble upon the astonishing revelation that Hwa-pyung is miraculously alive. It turns out that the psychic had concealed this fact, ensuring that Park Il-do was genuinely vanquished. The show delivers an impeccable ending for its characters, who endured immense suffering while fighting tooth and nail to save one another.

2. The Glory

1 season - 2022 - 2023

One of the most popular k-dramas is The Glory, which follows the story of Moon Dong-eun, a victim of severe and violent bullying during high school. As the show progresses, Dong-eun takes revenge against her bullies as they grow older. Despite the dark theme of the drama, it concludes on a positive note for Dong-eun and her allies. By the end, Dong-eun finds solace and love with Joo Yeo-jeong, enabling her to start healing from her past. Both Dong-eun and Yeo-jeong secure jobs at the prison where Kang Yeong-chung, the murderer of Yeo-jeong's father, is incarcerated. This ending leaves room for a potential second season, but even without it, the conclusion is satisfying. Witnessing Dong-eun's victory over those who once tormented her is gratifying.

Despite being one season, The Glory has two parts, which aired separately. At the time of writing, no second season has been announced.

1. Beyond Evil

1 season - 2021

Beyond Evil is an enthralling crime thriller K-drama that follows Lee Dong-sik and Han Ju-won, two detectives determined to unravel a 20-year-old mystery involving Dong-sik's missing twin sister and the murder of a local girl. Initially skeptical of Dong-sik due to being the prime suspect in the case two decades ago, Ju-won eventually realizes that the killings have persisted up to the present day. With numerous possible suspects and the unreliable motives of both Dong-sik and Ju-won, Beyond Evil keeps viewers riveted. The suspenseful ending sees Dong-sik and Ju-won joining forces to apprehend the person responsible for the death of Dong-sik's sister. Taking place one year after the events of the series, the concluding scene portrays Dong-sik's release from prison for tampering with evidence, as he reunites with his friends, including Ju-won.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have noticed that K-drama finales can be hit or miss. Some dramas have endings that are so satisfying, they leave you feeling happy and fulfilled, while others leave you feeling disappointed or even angry.

In my opinion, the best K-drama finales are the ones that are able to wrap up all of the loose ends and give the characters a satisfying conclusion. I also appreciate finales that are able to leave me with something to think about, even after the drama is over. Some of my favorite K-drama finales include "D.P.", "Bloodhounds", and "Healer". These dramas all had endings that were both satisfying and thought-provoking, and they left me feeling happy and satisfied with the way the stories were resolved.