The Wild

In the end, Woo-Cheol’s attempt to escape the violent world he’s been trapped in ultimately costs him his life. After pretending to negotiate with Gak-Su and completing his fake death, he is fatally stabbed by Hyun-Tae, who, under pressure from Do-Sik, has agreed to betray him and kill him in exchange for the safety of Bom. Woo-Cheol’s death is both tragic and ironic—despite all his efforts to protect Bom and to turn his life around, he falls victim to the very cycle of violence he sought to escape. His sacrifice feels hollow, as it only brings closure to his guilt and a fleeting moment of peace, but leaves the story with a sense of futility and loss.

Meanwhile, the criminal empire continues to thrive, with Gak-Su and Director Kang planning new betrayals and power plays. Madam Han, Gak-Su, and Kang all carry on with their illegal dealings, oblivious or indifferent to Woo-Cheol’s sacrifice. Bom, who is left to wander a fragile existence—torn between her past and trying to build a better future—ends up going back to drugs and her haunting memories of Woo-Cheol. Her dream of cooking a meal for him in her apartment remains just that—a dream, unfulfilled and heavy with grief.

The ending underscores the tragic reality of the characters’ lives: despite their attempts at redemption or resistance, they are ultimately consumed by the violent, corrupt world they inhabit. Woo-Cheol’s death embodies the idea that in this brutal system, genuine heroism is impossible—most of the characters are mere pawns in a bigger, uncaring game. His death is a stark reminder that, in this universe, the cycle of violence and betrayal tends to be endless, leaving little room for true peace or salvation. Ultimately, Woo-Cheol’s story closes on a note of bitter futility, a reflection of the harshness of the world he tried to escape but could never truly leave behind.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:02