Strange Endings in Korean Dramas: Why and How Some Dramas Fail Miserably
Why Do Some K-dramas Have Very Strange Endings?
K-dramas often wrap up with endings that leave audiences puzzled, disappointed, or even angered. This article explores why these odd conclusions come about, categorizes some infamous examples, and discusses the impact on viewers.
Cultural and Narrative Differences
Cultural Differences: Korean storytelling often embraces ambiguity and open-ended conclusions, differing significantly from Western narratives that typically need closure. Factors like these contribute to the unique nature of K-dramas and make them both fascinating and frustrating for viewers.
Factors Leading to Unconventional Endings
Character Development: Some K-dramas focus more on character growth and moral lessons rather than tying up every plot thread. This can result in endings that feel overly symbolic or metaphorical, leading to confusion for those expecting a resolution.
Audience Engagement: Unconventional endings can provoke discussion and debate, maintaining viewer engagement long after the show has aired. Writers may deliberately choose such endings to keep the drama relevant and engaging.
Genre Subversion: K-dramas often blend genres, such as romance and thriller, leading to unexpected conclusions that challenge traditional expectations.
Creative Freedom: Writers and directors may experiment with storytelling techniques, resulting in surprise endings that challenge norms and offer a fresh perspective.
Notable Examples of Strange Endings
Horrible Endings: Love to Kill: The brutal and uncompromising ending where the female lead freezes to death after being sheltered by the male lead has caused outrage. The death scene was not in the original novel and is seen as unnecessary and disturbing. Missing 9: The most criticized ending ever, as the murderer is shown to be forgiven by everyone and even released from prison, making the viewers feel cheated and disappointed. It Happened in Bali: The outcry was so strong that the producers decided not to air it, preventing potential viewers from facing the bloodbath at the end where a rejected guy murders the other couple and kills himself for no apparent reason.
These examples of strange and unsatisfying endings have left a lasting negative impact on audiences and critics.
WTF Endings
Some K-dramas have endings so bizarre that they defy logic and sense, leaving audiences questioning the rationale behind the plot twists.
Shine or Go Crazy: The novel and the drama have different timelines, with the girl becoming the king's concubine in the drama but not in the novel. This disparity creates confusion without offering a satisfactory explanation.
Black: The emergence of a character in the future wiping out all past events and achievements, while suddenly introducing a new character, is nonsensical. The finale leaves key characters unexplained, and the writers opt for a clichéd "see him again" plot device.
Country Princess: The use of breaking the fourth wall and the protagonist addressing the audience is jarring and destroys the immersive experience of the drama.
Maddening Endings
Some K-dramas peak in their storytelling and character development until the final episodes, where the plot takes a sudden and disappointing turn.
Goddess of Fire: The writers felt the need to change the historical context and character developments without proper justification. The sudden death of the warrior character leaves viewers frustrated and disappointed.
Answer Me: 1994: The producers made a terrible decision to decide the husband's identity by popular vote instead of following the previously established clues. This choice undermines the writer's meticulous development and disappoints fans invested in the mystery.
1000 Kisses, Glorious Temptation, and My Golden Life: These dramas disappoint with endings that deviate from their trajectory. Emotional closure is denied, and viewers feel cheated by the sudden and nonsensical changes.
Conclusion: The Impact of Unconventional Endings
While unconventional endings can be a bold storytelling choice, they also run the risk of alienating viewers who seek emotional resolution. The examples discussed highlight the complexities and dilemmas of crafting satisfying and memorable endings for K-dramas.