I just watched the finale of netflix kdrama "Doona!". As I watched the final episode, it was clear that the story was grounding itself back into reality. We see all the characters returning to their daily lives, stepping away from the dreamlike romance we had followed.
Won-jun has moved back into his old apartment, shifting his focus entirely to his studies. On the other side of the spectrum, Doona makes her grand return to K-pop culture, debuting as a solo idol. It’s a bittersweet contrast that sets the tone for the ending.
Also read, The Interest of Love Ending Explained: Happy Ending !
The Heartbreaking Split in 2023
I found the flashback to 2023 particularly painful to watch. This is where we learn that Won-jun was the one who decided to end the relationship. While he felt it was necessary, Doona was on the other side, fighting for them. She didn't want him to break up with her.
Despite her efforts, the growing emotional distance between them became too much to bridge, leading to their eventual separation. Meanwhile, we see Won-jun's friends moving forward as well, finding jobs and chasing different passions, signaling that time is indeed marching on for everyone.
A Reunion Without Doona
Fast forward a few years, and the atmosphere shifts again. Doona is busy preparing for her new album launch. Simultaneously, Won-jun and his friends reunite at that same old apartment where so many memories were made. However, I couldn't help but feel the void left by Doona's absence.
The reunion felt somewhat incomplete without her. During this gathering, Won-jun shares news about his job interviews and how he has secured a stable future for himself. It seems like he has finally found the stability he was looking for, even if his heart might still be elsewhere.
The Jacket and The Confrontation
Here is where fate steps in. After the reunion, Won-jun sees his friends off in a taxi, only to realize he left his jacket back in the apartment. When he returns to retrieve it, he finds something, or rather, someone, he absolutely didn't expect: Doona is there.
They end up going out for drinks, and the tension is palpable. Even though Doona is successful, she is still grappling with the pain Won-jun caused her years ago. Arguments flare up, and she expresses that she no longer needs a guy like him in her life.
However, beneath the anger, there is a need for closure. She demands that Won-jun apologize for what he did and show some regret. Realizing his mistake, Won-jun finally apologizes. The deep emotional bond they shared for years surfaces, and they end up sharing a hug.
The Ambiguous Ending: 2027
The narrative then jumps to 2027. Won-jun has fulfilled his desires and dreams, while Doona continues to soar in her career. The show presents us with a scene in Japan where Doona is at an event, receiving a massive welcome from her fans. Interestingly, Won-jun is at the same location.
He looks happier and much better than before. We see them walking in opposite directions. They don't greet each other, but Doona turns back as if she senses his presence. It looks like they are just strangers passing by, but there might be more to it.
My Theory: Are They Together?
Now, let's talk about the theories that give me hope. If we re-watch the opening scene of this final episode, we see them standing face-to-face in the exact same outfits they wore in the Japan scene. This suggests a massive clue that isn't immediately obvious.
This detail could prove that they are actually continuing their relationship in secret, pretending not to know each other for the sake of the public eye. Another theory is that they reunited after that event in Japan to work on their relationship again.
The glimpses shown at the start of each episode throughout the series hint that their lives are full of unexpected twists. So, while it looks like a separation, I firmly believe the show leaves enough breadcrumbs to suggest they found their way back to each other.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ending
Did Doona and Won-jun actually end up together?
This is the biggest mystery of the show. On the surface, it looks like they went their separate ways. However, if you look closely at the opening scene of the final episode, they are shown facing each other in the exact same location and outfits as the final Japan scene.
This strongly hints that the "ignoring each other" moment was just an act for the public. I personally believe they are in a secret relationship, keeping their love hidden to protect Doona's booming idol career from any scandals.
Why did Won-jun break up with Doona in 2023?
It wasn't because he stopped loving her. In the flashback, we see that the emotional distance and the pressure of their conflicting realities became too much. Won-jun felt that their worlds were drifting too far apart.
He made the hard decision to end it to bring stability back to his life, even though Doona fought hard to keep the relationship going. It was a breakup driven by circumstances rather than a lack of feelings.
What does the final look back mean?
In the final scene in Japan, as they walk past each other in opposite directions, Doona turns around to look back. This signifies that she still senses him and that the connection is still there.
It confirms that they aren't just strangers who forgot each other. Whether it was a moment of longing or a subtle acknowledgement between secret lovers, it proves that their history hasn't been erased.
Who was the girl Won-jun was with at the end?
The show doesn't explicitly focus on him being with anyone else romantically in a serious way. While he is seen with friends and colleagues, the narrative focus remains heavily on his lingering connection with Doona.
His "secure future" and happy demeanor seem to come from his personal and professional achievements, and potentially his secret relationship with Doona, rather than a new partner replacing her.
0 Comments