The Believer

In the end, it is revealed that the man pretending to be Mr. Lee—the notorious drug lord—was actually Young-rak himself, who had assumed the identity to hide his true role as the real mastermind behind the gang. Throughout the film, various characters, including Brian and others, are shown to be imposters or pawns, adding layers of deception. When Won-ho calls out the dog using the name Leica, which is also the name of the gang’s signature drug, he uncovers the truth that Young-rak named the dog after his most cherished possession. This revelation makes it clear that Young-rak was the real man behind the criminal empire, not Brian or any other figure.

As Young-rak attempts to escape, he goes into hiding with Leica and the silent twins, trying to leave his life behind. However, Won-ho tracks him down, leading to a tense confrontation. The film’s ending is ambiguous: a gunshot is heard during the standoff, but it’s unclear whether Won-ho killed Young-rak or if Young-rak survived by faking his death. The scene outside shows the twins playing innocently, unaware of the violence inside. In the later extended version, it is implied that Young-rak might have survived and gone into hiding again, leaving his fate uncertain. The trailer for Believer 2 hints at further mysteries about the true identity of Mr. Lee, suggesting that the criminal mastermind could still be alive or that multiple figures have claimed the identity. Ultimately, the film explores themes of identity, deception, and the blurred lines between good and evil, leaving the story’s conclusion open to interpretation.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58