Unforgettable K-Dramas with Jaw-Dropping Cliffhanger Endings

Summary

Some k-dramas have disappointing cliffhanger endings that leave viewers dissatisfied and with unanswered questions.

The endings of "Twenty-Five, Twenty-One" and "Signal" do not live up to the potential of their well-developed storylines.

"Arthdal Chronicles" and "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" leave viewers frustrated and eagerly yearning for more with their suspenseful cliffhanger endings.

It is not uncommon for some of the best and most popular k-dramas to be completely ruined by a cliffhanger ending. Many k-dramas start off strong, captivating their audience with interesting storylines and relationships, only to disappoint with a lackluster finale. The most frustrating cliffhanger endings are the ones that fail to fulfill the established plot and leave viewers with numerous unanswered questions, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction.

The following k-dramas are well-known for their disappointing cliffhanger endings. These series were beloved by audiences until the last episode when, inexplicably, everything went off track. The tone suddenly changed, characters acted out of character, and the storylines that had been building towards a resolution were left hanging. It felt like the show should continue, but unfortunately, it never did. In some cases, these shocking and perplexing cliffhanger endings tarnished the entire k-drama.

10 Twenty-Five, Twenty-One

Oftentimes, the worst mistake a k-drama can make is giving the romantic pairing an unsatisfying ending, and unfortunately, Twenty-Five, Twenty-One does just that.

9 Signal

While the majority of the series builds up this great k-drama romance between a fencer and a sports reporter, it comes crashing down in the end when they break up. But worse than that, the show leaves the characters' futures open-ended. If they don't end up together, who do they marry and have kids with, and why do we only see one of them in the present day? In this way, Twenty-Five, Twenty-One has a weak ending that doesn't do its characters justice.

It comes as no surprise that a crime k-drama series featuring magical, time-traveling walkie-talkies would have an open ending. Signal revolves around two present-day detectives who delve into cold cases using a walkie-talkie that connects them to a detective from the past, leading to the exploration of alternate timelines and parallel realities. The series concludes in an ambiguous manner, as a supposedly deceased character is revealed to be alive. This hints at the possibility of the story continuing to explore the repercussions of this twist, yet a second season has not yet been confirmed. Ultimately, this conclusion left numerous viewers feeling disappointed and perplexed.

8 Arthdal Chronicles

A mesmerizing k-drama series filled with intricate storylines that build suspense at every turn was Arthdal Chronicles. Set in the mythical realm of Arth, a place plagued by power struggles, the central character fights valiantly to revive their tribe. Despite building up to an extraordinary climax, the series abruptly cuts off before the action unfolds, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating an epic battle yet to be seen. This unexpected conclusion undoubtedly frustrated audiences who had anticipated more from this gripping series, leaving them with lingering questions about the characters' destinies and what lies ahead.

7 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a k-drama known for its heart-wrenching ending. This historical series tells the story of a modern woman who is mysteriously transported to Korea's Goryeo dynasty and falls in love with a noble prince. Despite the romantic premise, the show takes a surprising turn and concludes by separating the two lovers, sending the protagonist back to the present-day. Although the prince promises to search for her, the series disappoints its audience by not showing this anticipated journey. As a result, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo leaves its fans on a cliffhanger, yearning for a continuation that never materializes.

6 SKY Castle

The ending of SKY Castle, an academic thriller, delivers a classic cliffhanger that is just as maddening as the rest of the story. The show revolves around four Korean families who relentlessly push their children towards academic success, no matter the sacrifice. Additionally, the series sheds light on a sadistic tutor whose actions harm her students more than they benefit them. Despite initially concluding on a positive note, the final scene zooms in on this wicked character, implying that her reign of terror may not be over yet. However, the series abruptly ends without providing any answers, resulting in a bittersweet conclusion.

5 Cheese In The Trap

Cheese in the Trap is another k-drama romance that disappoints with its ending. The series revolves around the complicated relationship between a kind-hearted girl and a manipulative, wealthy boy. Towards the end, a serious accident leads to their breakup, followed by a time jump. One might hope for a reconciliation, but that expectation proves false. Instead, the story concludes on a rather somber note, revealing that the female lead has sent numerous unread emails to her ex-boyfriend, until he eventually opens one. This ambiguous ending fails to provide closure to their romantic journey.

4 Love Alarm

Love Alarm, a k-drama set in a world where an app can notify individuals about nearby romantic interest within a 10-meter radius, disappoints in delivering compelling romantic storylines. Despite the initial focus on a young woman and the love triangle created by her "love alarm," the second season of the series completely disregards this essential plot, ultimately leaving the protagonist inexplicably moving on from both of them. Rather than providing closure, Love Alarm leaves its original storyline unresolved by neglecting it entirely and leaving other plotlines hanging.

3 Memories Of The Alhambra

The cliffhanger trope of a supposedly deceased character potentially still being alive is a recurring irritation, as exemplified by the central flaw in Memories of the Alhambra. This Korean drama narrates the story of a CEO who embarks on a journey to Spain to meet the revolutionary video game's creator, only to become entangled with the creator's sister. As the series reaches its conclusion, the CEO's demise transpires within the game's glitch, yet a subtle hint suggests he may have survived. Regrettably, even after five years since its release, it appears highly unlikely that fans will ever uncover the fate of this character or the other unresolved plotlines the series offers.

2 Vagabond

One of the most disappointing k-drama endings in recent years was Vagabond's. The action-packed series revolves around a man who is grieving the loss of his nephew in a plane crash. However, as he delves deeper into the incident, he begins to suspect that it was not merely an accident. With its enigmatic plot, Vagabond raises numerous unanswered questions. Nevertheless, the abrupt ending disregards these concerns and instead focuses on a new and perplexing query pertaining to the main character's love interest. This unexpected turn left viewers thoroughly disappointed, prompting them to passionately demand a second season.

1 Fashion King

2012's Fashion King is notorious for having one of the most infamous bad k-drama endings. Centered around aspiring fashion designers, the series captivated its audience with its intense atmosphere and intricate relationships. However, Fashion King took a shocking turn when one of the main characters was inexplicably murdered in a hot tub. This devastating event remains unexplained, leaving viewers with unanswered questions. Ultimately, the series concludes abruptly, leaving both a frustrating cliffhanger and an incomprehensible plot twist – a prime example of a poorly executed k-drama finale.