Korean dramas usually leave us with a warm, tingling feeling in our hearts with their compelling narratives and interesting characters. These shows are fun, emotional and extremely interesting, and there are moments wherein you’d simply want to get lost in the storyline or maybe run away with the characters!
But have you ever watched a Korean drama that left you with more questions than answers? The kind of show that keeps you guessing until the very end and then leaves you hanging? If so, then you know the frustration of an open ending. And yet, there’s something undeniably compelling about these types of dramas. They leave us with a sense of longing and a desire to know more. In this listicle, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best Korean dramas with open endings that have left us wanting more.
Hotel Del Luna
This popular series follows the story of Jang Man-wol, the owner of a mysterious hotel that caters to ghosts and spirits. With its unique premise, stunning visuals, and talented cast, Hotel Del Luna has become one of the most beloved and talked-about dramas in recent years.
At the end of this extremely emotionally resonant and poignant watch, Man-wol, the owner of the hotel, goes over to the Afterlife after having made peace with her past, but not before promising to meet Chan-sung again. Meanwhile, a new owner takes over the infamous hotel.
The ending of Hotel Del Luna works because it stays true to the show’s themes and characters. Jang Man-wol’s character arc is brought to a powerful and satisfying conclusion as she confronts her past mistakes and finds redemption. The show’s emphasis on love, sacrifice, and the inevitability of change makes the ending all the more poignant. While not perfect, the ending is a fitting and cathartic conclusion to the series.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One
This is a beloved Korean drama about two childhood friends who must navigate their complicated relationship while confronting their own fears and insecurities. Showcasing some of the most intense sports battles while also delivering a rather beautiful romantic storyline, the Korean drama was a fan favourite until the ending broke everyone’s heart.
The last episode of the Kdrama showcased Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin not ending up together, and Hee-do, in turn, got married to someone else. Fans found it infuriating that, after baiting audiences for so long, the series decided to keep things open, with Hee-do ending up with someone who also apparently travels a lot, the very reason why she broke up with Yi-jin!
However, the show’s exploration of the complexities of love and friendship makes the open ending all the more fitting, as it leaves us to ponder the characters’ futures and the possibilities that lie ahead – something that the series itself has been doing throughout the past episodes.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
This is a historical Korean drama that tells the story of a modern-day woman who is transported back in time to the Goryeo dynasty. Hae Soo’s passionate relationship with Wang So is beautiful, while the court politics and the fight for power are both relentless and thrilling.
Throughout the series, we see the characters struggle with their desires and their loyalties, torn between their love for each other and their duty to their kingdom. As Hae Soo goes back to the past in her dreams, we are given a hint that she might have found a way to bridge the gap between the two worlds finally. However, we are never shown for sure. It’s a fitting conclusion to a show that has always been about the power of love and the forces that shape our destiny.
The Red Sleeve
In this fictional historical tale, we see the romance between King Jeongjo and his royal consort, Ui-bin Seong. The series starts off with two very different people, one harsh and only looking for his country, while the other is free-spirited and intelligent, and it ultimately moves towards a beautiful union of two people whose love for one another overcomes all obstacles.
At the end of this rather heartbreakingly beautiful series, we see Yi San waking up in Ui-bin’s lap after apparently having a nightmare where he lost his love and then spent years in pain at their separation. However, although one might find solace in this development, it makes watching this even more painful because San has actually died, and the only way the two of them can ever be together is in their afterlife, which San chooses to do in order to be with his love.
The series’ ending is poignant and heartbreaking but realistic and although fans found their hearts breaking at every turn of the series, it still gels well with the overall theme. Life sometimes is unfair and love sometimes stays unfinished. The haunting score makes this sadness even deeper as you realise that, in spite of doing everything in his power, Yi San and Ui-bin’s only hope of being together is after their deaths.
Cheese in the Trap
This is a Kdrama based on a webtoon. The story follows the complicated relationship between college student Hong Seol and her senior Yoo Jung, who is handsome and intelligent but has a dark side. The drama explores themes of trust and betrayal as we delve into the tumultuous relationship between Jung and Seol. Hong Seol finds herself drawn to Yoo Jung despite his flaws, but she also becomes entangled in a web of lies, jealousy, and manipulation.
The ending of this Korean drama takes place 3 years after Seol’s rather devastating hospital visit, where she meets Jung all of a sudden on the road. Although they don’t talk to each other, the last scene showcases him finally opening one of the numerous emails she has sent, keeping things ambiguous on whether or not they ended up together.
The open ending, although frustrating, works because it shows us the consequences of manipulative behaviour, making us realise that the protagonists have both tried to grow from their experiences. Making Jung understand that his thought process is incorrect and that Seol can’t come and rescue him for his pity party makes sense. Plus, it gives us hope that maybe they will get back together one day because Jung might be opening those parts of his life someday.
Which Korean drama’s open ending do you love (or hate) the most? Let us know in the comments below!
