20 Korean Dramas with Unforgettable Endings

Korean dramas have a remarkable ability to captivate global audiences, pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting impression. With a vast array of genres and exceptional performances, these dramas have become a favorite among viewers. However, not every drama manages to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The perfect ending is a crucial factor in determining a drama’s success.

What makes an ending perfect? Is it the resolution of all plotlines? The restoration of justice? The triumph of the protagonist? While these elements contribute, there are certain dramas that leave a profound impact regardless. If you’re looking for Korean dramas with unforgettable finales that will make you want to rewatch the series, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of recommendations just for you.

 1.  Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a captivating drama that artfully weaves together two timelines: 1998, a period marked by South Korea’s struggle during the IMF crisis, and 2021, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the story intertwines the protagonists’ past and present, creating a compelling narrative. Brace yourself, as the conclusion of this show will undoubtedly evoke tears, while also offering a poignant and realistic ending.

The finale unfolds with a heart-wrenching breakup between Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk). Although both characters have achieved success and reached their individual goals, their relationship suffers due to a lack of time. This leads to a painful separation, leaving viewers emotionally moved.

However, amidst the sorrow, the two protagonists find solace in expressing their true feelings and gratitude for each other, even if it’s through the medium of a diary. This simple yet profound storyline allows the show to tie up loose ends and grant the characters the closure they deserve.

 2.  Record of Youth

This series is a whirlwind of unexpected twists, intricate narratives, and complex emotions. It commences with our protagonists, Sa Hye-jun (Park Bo-gum), Ahn Jeong-ha (Park So-dam), and Won Hae-hyo (Byeon Woo-seok), grappling with their aspirations and navigating the delicate terrain of friendship. Through a tumultuous journey, they eventually find some semblance of resolution.

Hye-jun and Hae-hyo make the decision to enlist in the military, marking a significant turning point in their lives. However, it is the unresolved encounter between Hye-jun and Jeong-ha at the library that leaves us somewhat frustrated, as their meeting does not go as anticipated. Thankfully, the finale provides a glimpse into the future, two years ahead. This temporal leap allows the characters to undergo further growth and introspection, as they continue their journeys of self-discovery.

In retrospect, the ending may not adhere to conventional expectations of perfection. Yet, it adeptly portrays the notion that individuals require time and experience to truly understand themselves. It is through this exploration that the finale finds its own form of imperfect, yet genuine, perfection.

 3.  Splash Splash Love

Splash Splash Love immerses viewers in a captivating blend of past and present, as a 21st-century high-schooler unexpectedly finds herself transported to the Joseon era simply by leaping into a puddle of water. Yes, it’s a fantasy with a time-travel twist, and that’s precisely what makes Splash Splash Love so intriguing. At the heart of the series lies the blossoming romance between Jang Dan-bi (Kim Seul-gi) and King Lee Do (Yoon Doo-joon), the fourth ruler of Korea’s Joseon dynasty. What adds to the fascination is how Dan-bi’s knowledge of high-school-level math and science sets her apart as an extraordinary individual in the past.

Though the series may have been short, its finale is nothing short of perfection. Dan-bi returns to her own timeline, seemingly leaving her love behind. However, just as it all draws to a close, she unexpectedly encounters Lee’s reincarnation. Thus, the series concludes with the suggestion that, in one way or another, Dan-bi will find a way to reunite with Lee.

 4.  Healer

Healer is a series that evokes a range of emotions, from simmering frustration fueled by pervasive corruption to a deeply gratifying finale that makes it all worthwhile. The protagonist, Seo Jung-hu (Ji Chang-wook), initially portrayed as a solitary figure operating under the alias “Healer,” is given a chance in the final moments to shed his former persona and embark on a new life alongside Chae Young-shin (Park Min-young).

However, the most satisfying aspect lies in the exposure of the Elder through a revealing interview and the subsequent downfall of his empire. The inclusion of a clever plot twist, which momentarily leaves you believing that all hope is lost, serves as the perfect final touch to this remarkable ending.

 5.  Law School

Law School delivers yet another immensely satisfying ending, beginning with the murder of a renowned professor at one of the most esteemed law schools. This tragic event leads to the arrest of another law school professor, who becomes the primary suspect. As the story unfolds, we witness the tireless efforts of law school students to uncover evidence and solve the case. Thus, the ultimate revelation of the true culprit becomes incredibly rewarding.

However, what truly elevates this finale is the inclusion of shocking plot twists, the exposure of widespread corruption, and the remarkable character growth of the law school students. Furthermore, the practicality of the conclusion lies in the portrayal of success not being guaranteed in every aspect of their lives, despite their individual achievements. The addition of a time jump, revealing the ultimate careers of these characters, serves as an additional source of inspiration. By the end of this series, you might even contemplate enrolling in law school yourself.

 6.  Flower of Evil

Flower of Evil delves into the facade of a seemingly flawless family, only to unravel a husband’s hidden identity and a grave crime. The finale revolves around the resolution of lingering uncertainties, the pursuit of justice, and the power of reconciliation. It begins with our protagonist, Do Hyun-soo (Lee Joon-gi), grappling with his own identity and desires. His sister’s trial is further complicated by his own remarks but ultimately concludes with Do Hae-soo (Jang Hee-jin) attaining the well-deserved freedom she seeks.

Yet, the true essence of this finale lies in the protagonist’s ability to finally let go of his haunted past, allowing himself to release pent-up emotions and find reconciliation with his family. He sheds the burden of a guilt-ridden life, no longer confined by secrets. Thus, the ending marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for him, imbued with hope and renewal.

 7.  Reply 1988

The finale of Reply 1988 sparked mixed reactions, as the protagonist ended up with a character that fans did not anticipate. Throughout the series, a central question lingered: “Who will be Deok-sun’s (Lee Hye-ri) partner in the end?” Among the contenders, Kim Jung-hwan (Ryu Jun-yeol) garnered considerable support due to his subtle acts of affection towards Deok-sun. However, the unexpected choice was someone with whom she could openly embrace her romantic life.

Nonetheless, the primary reason why Reply 1988’s finale holds a special place is its portrayal of the stark contrast between the characters’ modest beginnings and their eventual success. This stark contrast serves as a wellspring of inspiration and motivation for viewers. As a result, this beautiful tale leaves fans with a heartwarming sensation, courtesy of its poignant conclusion.

 8.  Vincenzo

A truly satisfying ending is one where the main character achieves their goals and tastes victory, and Vincenzo does just that with unwavering determination. This series shares similarities with the beloved The Godfather trilogy, except our protagonist takes on the role of a trusted advisor instead of the Godfather. Played by Song Joong-ki, Vincenzo Cassano returns to South Korea with a mission to recover 1.5 tons of hidden gold.

While the gold initially seems like Vincenzo’s main objective, it becomes clear that his true ambition is to succeed, surpass his employer, and eliminate those who are more morally corrupt than himself. And that’s exactly what the finale delivers. It’s a story of going from rags to riches, woven with violence and vengeance. Despite a subplot of romance, its subtle presence strikes the perfect balance in the overall story.

 9.  Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo

If you’re in the mood for a delightful and uncomplicated ending, look no further than Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo. Drawing inspiration from Korean Olympic gold medalist Jang Mi-ran, this series follows the journey of Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-Kyung), a young weightlifter determined to achieve success. While the story revolves around Bok-joo’s athletic pursuits, it also places significant emphasis on her romantic life.

The narrative kicks off with Bok-joo falling for the brother of her childhood friend, only to realize that her true love interest is none other than her childhood friend, Jung Joon-hyung (Nam Joo-hyuk). As the finale unfolds, Bok-joo secures a gold medal, Joon-hyung joins Bok-joo’s university as a swimmer, and the two forge a deep and meaningful relationship. It is the simplicity of this conclusion that renders it so perfect in its own right.

 10.  Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

The finale of Guardian: The Lonely and Great God evokes a rollercoaster of emotions, initially delivering sadness before ultimately bringing forth happiness. It is an ending that will undoubtedly bring tears to your eyes, but it encompasses crucial elements that make it perfect in its own right.

Firstly, the seemingly withdrawn and desolate Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) finally discovers his bride, transforming into a warm and contented individual filled with happiness. Secondly, he reunites with Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) after a separation of over 30 years. Lastly, the finale instills a profound sense of hope within us.

Indeed, while this particular ending may induce tears as Eun-tak sacrifices herself for Kim Shin, they ultimately find each other once again. It is a conclusion that resonates with both sorrow and joy, leaving us with a bittersweet yet hopeful sentiment.

 11.  Beyond Evil

In Beyond Evil, justice is served with an impeccable blend of confessions, revelations, and the villains turning against one another. This gripping series delves into suspense and mystery, exploring themes of corruption and murder. At its core, it revolves around two unlikely detectives who join forces to solve these heinous crimes. As the story unfolds, their bond evolves into a beautiful friendship.

In the finale, we witness a temporary farewell between the two protagonists, followed by a heartwarming reunion filled with genuine respect and joy. The most satisfying aspect lies in how all the corrupt individuals are finally held accountable for their actions, as the intricate puzzle pieces fall into place, unveiling the identity of the murderer.

The conclusion of Beyond Evil leaves viewers with a sense of closure and satisfaction, as justice is rightfully served and the protagonists’ friendship endures. It is a testament to the meticulous storytelling and the characters’ unwavering pursuit of truth.

 12.  Signal

Signal is a complex and captivating TV series that intricately weaves together different timelines, adding tension and intrigue to its narrative. It is precisely this complexity that contributes to its compelling nature and culminates in a well-crafted ending. In the finale, Jae-han (Cho Jin-woong) successfully collects evidence regarding the Injoo High School case and Wun-woo’s death. He manages to evade an attempt on his life but subsequently goes missing.

The series concludes with Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon) and Soo-hyun (Kim Hye-soo) locating Jae-han. Although the story could potentially be continued in another season, the majority of questions find answers, and the strategic timeline jumps help avert numerous calamities.

The ending of Signal provides a satisfying resolution, offering closure while leaving room for further exploration. It is a testament to the intricate storytelling and the characters’ relentless pursuit of truth.

 13.  The Red Sleeve

The Red Sleeve earns its place on this list, despite its bittersweet ending, due to its exploration of eternal love and its faithfulness to the source material. Inspired by the novel of the same name, the story presents a fictionalized account of the relationship between King Jeongjo and his Queen consort, Ui-bin Seong. The series concludes with the passing of Seong Deok-im (Lee Se-young), whose final days are marked by imprisonment within the palace, denying her a peaceful death.

Years later, the King breathes his last breath, leading to a poignant reunion with Seong Deok-im in the afterlife. This poignant closure, uniting the two lovers once more, leaves viewers with a heartwarming sensation and imbues the notion of immortal love with profound meaning.

The ending of The Red Sleeve captures the essence of undying affection and showcases the enduring power of love beyond the constraints of time and mortality. It is a testament to the series’ ability to evoke emotion and delve into the depths of human connection.

 14.  Hometown Cha Cha Cha

This heartwarming tale concludes with a beautiful ending that will resonate with hopeless romantics. The story unfolds with Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a), a successful dentist in Seoul, experiencing a setback that causes her to lose not only her job but also her sense of place and achievement. This unexpected turn of events leads her to the charming village of Gongjin, where she embarks on a new chapter in her career and encounters the endearing Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho).

As their connection deepens, the story reaches its climax in the finale, where Hye-jin and Du-sik enter into a romantic relationship. However, they find themselves needing to take a break due to Du-sik’s unresolved trauma. The subsequent events revolve around his journey to overcome these inner struggles and ultimately rekindle their relationship. The finale is marked by a heartwarming proposal scene, in which both Hye-jin and Du-sik express their love and commitment to each other, adding an extra layer of beauty to the conclusion.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha’s ending captures the essence of personal growth, resilience, and the power of love to heal. It leaves viewers with a sense of hope and fulfillment, showcasing the transformative power of relationships and the beauty of second chances.

 15.  Little Women

Although it shares its name with Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel, Little Women delves into a world of murders, corruption, crime, and secrets. The series follows three sisters grappling with financial hardships until they become entangled with one of the wealthiest families. The finale kicks off with the kidnapping of Oh In-kyung (Nam Ji-hyun), while the mastermind, Won Sang-ah (Uhm Ji-won), attempts to eliminate Jin Hwa-young (Choo Ja-hyun) and Oh In-ju (Kim Go-eun) using acid rain.

However, everything takes a dramatic turn when In-ju turns the tables and eliminates Sang-ah. In the end, In-kyung realizes her dream of becoming a successful reporter, In-ju achieves her lifelong ambition of owning her own place, and Oh In-hye (Park Ji-hu) uses the money to embark on a travel adventure with her friend. Little Women concludes with a perfectly satisfying ending, as all the loose ends are tied up and justice is served.

 16.  It’s Okay To Not Be Okay

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay delivers a satisfying conclusion to the story of healing and personal growth. As the characters face their inner demons and confront their past traumas, they find strength and support in each other. Moon-young’s journey as a children’s book writer parallels her own emotional journey, and the completion of her book becomes a symbol of her growth and healing.

The finale brings closure to the relationships between Moon Gang-tae, Moon Sang-tae, and Ko Moon-young. They are able to open up to each other, express their true feelings, and build stronger bonds. The series emphasizes the importance of understanding, empathy, and love in overcoming emotional wounds.

Overall, the perfect ending of “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” lies in the characters’ emotional transformations and the hope they find in their shared journey of healing.

 17.  Our Beloved Summer

Our Beloved Summer brings a bittersweet yet beautiful ending to the story of Choi Ung and Kook Yeon-soo. After experiencing the ups and downs of their relationship throughout the series, they reach a point where they have to make decisions about their individual life goals. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, they choose to pursue their dreams while remaining committed to each other.

The finale showcases their growth as individuals and the maturity in their relationship. It leaves viewers with a sense of hope for their future together, as they make the decision to get married. The show captures the complexities of love and the importance of balancing personal aspirations with a commitment to one another.

Overall, the ending of Our Beloved Summer is both romantic and realistic, highlighting the idea that true love can endure challenges and distance, as long as there is mutual understanding and support.

 18.  Be Melodramatic

In the finale of Be Melodramatic the three protagonists, Lim Jin-joo, Eun-jung, and Hwang Han-joo, each find their own version of happiness and success. Lim Jin-joo successfully concludes her drama and develops a meaningful relationship with Son Beom-soo. Eun-jung overcomes her grief and focuses on her career, finding fulfillment in her professional life. Hwang Han-joo finds happiness in her stable career and her partner.

The perfect ending of Be Melodramatic lies in the fulfillment of the characters’ individual goals and the growth they have undergone throughout the series. It shows that success and happiness can be found in different forms for each person. The finale leaves the viewers with a sense of satisfaction and contentment as the protagonists find their own paths to fulfillment.

Overall, “Be Melodramatic” delivers a simple yet fulfilling ending that celebrates the characters’ personal journeys and emphasizes the importance of individual happiness and success.

 19.  Crash Landing On You

Crash Landing On You delivers a bittersweet yet beautifully executed ending. The series, set against the backdrop of the North Korean and South Korean separation, captivated audiences with its romantic storyline. The ending brings together the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of love.

The finale begins with the heartbreaking death of Gu Seung-jun, who sacrifices himself to save Seo Dan. This adds a touch of sadness to the overall tone. Ri Jeong-hyeok, the male lead, is arrested but manages to make amends with Yoon Se-ri, the female lead, before crossing the border.

The most satisfying aspect of the finale is the time jump that takes place a few years later. It hints at a happy ending for Ri Jeong-hyeok and Yoon Se-ri, as they cross paths once again. This suggests that despite the challenges they faced and the separation between their respective countries, their love persists.

Crash Landing On You’s finale is a perfect farewell to the beloved characters. It combines heart-wrenching moments with the hope of a future reunion, leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction and closure. The beautifully executed ending adds an emotional depth to the series, making it a memorable conclusion to the story of Ri Jeong-hyeok and Yoon Se-ri.

 1.  The Glory

The finale of The Glory brings a satisfying sense of justice as the story reaches its climax. Throughout the series, the protagonist, Park Yeon-jin, has endured bullying and sought revenge on her tormentors. In the finale, her efforts come to fruition as the perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.

Yeon-jin herself is arrested and sent to prison, where she experiences the same mistreatment she once inflicted on others. This serves as a form of poetic justice, highlighting the consequences of her past behavior. Meanwhile, Ha Do-yeong chooses to leave the country with his daughter, presumably attempting to escape the fallout from his actions.

The story also introduces a new thread in the finale, as Moon Dong-eun and Joo Yeo-jeong join forces to seek revenge on the murderer of Dong-eun’s father. This hints at a continuation of the story beyond the finale, providing a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

With the conclusion of the main plot lines and the perpetrators receiving their due punishments, the finale of The Glory delivers a satisfying resolution. Justice is served, and while new stories may unfold in the future, the current chapter comes to a close.