13 Korean Dramas with Shocking Endings That Make You Can't Move On

Korean dramas always offer stories full of emotions and unforgettable surprises. However, there are some K-dramas that present endings so shocking that they leave viewers stunned long after the show has ended.

In this article, you will find 13 recommendations for Korean dramas with surprising endings. From heartbreaking love tragedies to unresolved conspiracy tales, all of these dramas are guaranteed to leave a deep impression.

1. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

The Smile Has Left Your Eyes follows the story of Kim Moo Young, a mysterious man with a dark past, and Yoo Jin Kang, a naive woman whose life changes after meeting Moo Young. Jin Kang's brother, Yoo Jin Gook, who is a detective, feels that Moo Young harbors great danger.

The ending of this drama is very tragic. Moo Young is shot and killed in a dark incident, and Jin Kang chooses to end her life to follow Moo Young. This ending makes the drama remembered as one of the most heartbreaking love stories in the world of K-drama.

2. Prison Playbook

Poster Illustration (Image by VIU)

Prison Playbook tells the story of Kim Je Hyuk, a famous baseball pitcher, who must adjust to life in prison after protecting his brother from an attack. The drama showcases the human side of prisoners with a touch of humor and warmth.

In the end, Je Hyuk is released and starts a new life as a coach. Other characters are also given satisfying endings, showing that second chances in life are always possible.

3. Black

In Black, the grim reaper who inhabits a human body meets Kang Ha Ram, a woman who can see death. Together, they try to thwart tragic fate while uncovering a great mystery.

Black is willing to sacrifice himself for Ha Ram, then returns to the world of the grim reapers after the truth is revealed. Ha Ram lives on without any memory of Black, leaving a bittersweet impression that is hard for the audience to forget.

4. Extracurricular

Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Extracurricular tells the story of Ji Soo, a high school student who lives a double life by managing an illegal business. When Gyu Ri gets involved, the situation becomes increasingly chaotic.

The ending of this drama is open-ended. Ji Soo is severely injured, the sound of police sirens approaches, and her fate is left ambiguous. This drama emphasizes that crime carries heavy consequences, no matter how pure the initial intentions may be.

5. The World of the Married

Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

The World of the Married depicts the life of Ji Sun Woo, which crumbles due to her husband Lee Tae Oh's infidelity. This drama showcases the complexity of emotions arising from betrayal.

In the end, Sun Woo chooses to live independently with her child, while Tae Oh lives in isolation. This drama conveys that the wounds from betrayal can heal, but the scars remain forever.

6. Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Twenty-Five Twenty-One tells the story of Na Hee Do and Baek Yi Jin, who build a friendship and love amidst the financial crisis in Korea. Their closeness develops in an atmosphere full of uncertainty.

Even though their love is strong, different life paths force them apart. This bittersweet ending emphasizes that not all first loves end happily, but the memories remain precious.

7. Mr. Plankton

Poster Illustration (Image by Netflix)

In Mr. Plankton, Hae Jo, who has been diagnosed with only three months to live, invites his ex-girlfriend, Jae Mi, on a journey to find his biological father. This drama highlights the meaning of life and forgiveness.

The ending is left open. Hae Jo experiences a nosebleed and faints in the snowy mountains, with no clarity on whether he dies. The audience is given the freedom to interpret the ending of the story.

8. Mr. Sunshine

Poster Illustration (Image by Netflix)

Mr. Sunshine tells the story of Choi Yoo Jin, a slave's child who returns to Joseon as an American soldier and falls in love with Go Ae Shin, a young independence fighter. Internal conflict and nationalism are the main themes.

The ending of this drama is very heroic and tragic. Many main characters sacrifice their lives for the freedom of Joseon, emphasizing that independence often requires the greatest sacrifices.

9. Vagabond

Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Vagabond follows Cha Dal Gun, a stuntman investigating a suspicious plane crash. Together with Go Hae Ri, he gets caught up in a major conspiracy that threatens his life.

This drama ends with a cliffhanger. Dal Gun pretends to join the enemy, while Hae Ri continues to fight her own battle. The ending leaves things unresolved, sparking hope for a second season.

10. Strangers from Hell

Poster Illustration (Image by VIU)

Strangers from Hell depicts Yoon Jong Woo, who experiences a mental change after living in a cheap apartment with strange residents. Gradually, he becomes trapped in a world of darkness.

By the end of the story, Jong Woo transforms into a ruthless psychopath. He kills without hesitation, illustrating how extreme pressure can completely destroy a person's humanity.

11. Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol

Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol introduces Goo Ra Ra, a wealthy pianist who must rise again after losing everything. She meets Sun Woo Joon in a small town, who then becomes both her protector and her love.

Initially, the audience is led to believe that Joon died from illness. However, a twist reveals that Joon was only undergoing medical treatment, and the two eventually reunite in a happy ending.

12. Signal

Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Signal is a time thriller that brings together Park Hae Young and Lee Jae Han through a time-traveling walkie-talkie. They try to solve old unsolved cases.

The ending of this drama is semi-open. Jae Han is missing in the present, but Hae Young finds new clues, giving a glimmer of hope that rescue is still possible.

13. Squid Game

Poster Illustration (Image by Netflix)

Squid Game shows Seong Gi Hun, a man in heavy debt, who gets involved in a deadly competition for a large cash prize. Each game tests the moral limits of the participants.

Although Gi Hun wins the game, he refuses to live a normal life with the money. Instead, he chooses to fight against the organization behind Squid Game, showing that victory without humanity is true defeat.

(kpl/khs)