Hong Gil Dong: Episode 24 (Final)
Wow.
Um, wow.
The more I think about the ending of Hong Gil Dong, the more I like it. I’ve mentioned that the series was starting to feel repetitive in recent episodes, and I’d wondered how this episode would wrap everything up to satisfaction.
Some people aren’t going to be happy, and I admit my initial impression was mixed. Though it’s not sad or tragic, it’s bittersweet, but mixed with an open-endedness and, dare I say, even hopefulness.
I didn’t expect the writers to pull out this kind of finale, but the more I consider it and the knee-jerk reaction fades, I think it achieves a kind of poignancy I didn’t think it would, or could. In fact, the finale actually brings the series up to scratch and vindicates some of the meandering plotlines for me. I like the series better for its ending, when I was actually prepared to go out on anticlimax. Although that may put me in the minority (sigh, once again).
SONG OF THE DAY
Dear Cloud – “꿈” (Dream) [ Download ]
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FINAL EPISODE RECAP
The king sends his troops to attack Hwal Bin Dang, and with no opportunity for escape and surrounded on all sides, Hwal Bin Dang prepares for confrontation.
Soon, it’s all-out battle.
Hearing that Chang Whe ordered the attack, Enok rushes to Gil Dong. Chang Whe hears of Enok’s departure with dismay, but believes that Gil Dong will send her back. Although this is exactly the scenario Chang Whe feared, both men love Enok too much to let her stay in harm’s way.
She tries to persuade Gil Dong to run away while he can — he was once on the same side as Chang Whe. Why is he fighting when he knows he’ll die?
Gil Dong tells her that he must continue — and because the king has left his side in the fight for a better world, that puts them at odds.
Chisu and Yong Jin convey a message to Hwal Bin Dang, and it’s clear that they don’t relish the idea of fighting their former allies, either. They will certainly act in loyalty to their king, but they have both seen the world inside of Hwal Bin Dang and felt wistful pangs themselves. They ask how long Hwal Bin Dang can hold out, and the rebels answer that they’ll fight till the end to protect the world they’ve created. Within their stronghold, there are no nobles and no servants — everyone is equal.
Chisu tells Yong Jin, “That place is a dream. A dream everyone wants to enter.”
Chang Whe’s message (a demand to disband Hwal Bin Dang and surrender) does nothing to alter Gil Dong’s course. But he knows he can’t hold on to Enok, and therefore sends her back with a letter, telling her that she’s the only one who can deliver his message safely to the king.
Enok: “I’m thinking carefully about where it is I want to be.”
Gil Dong: “And?”
Enok: “I thought it over, and come this far. This is my place too. This is where I want to be — where you are. So I’ll be right back.”
For him, this is goodbye, but he doesn’t contradict Enok’s belief that it’s just an errand.
Although a fight between the king and Gil Dong was what Eun Hye had intended, the swiftness of reality shocks her, and she realizes this isn’t what she wanted at all.
She tells Gil Dong of a bird she’d had whose mate had died, which she’d sent away to its freedom. She’d thought that if she got rid of Gil Dong, into whom she’d poured so much attention and emotion, she’d be freed too. But now she knows that’s not the case, and begs him to retreat and flee somewhere far — it’s okay if he doesn’t come to her. All she wants is to know he’s safe.
Gil Dong: “I’m already in a faraway land, one that’s completely different from this one. What I’m fighting for now, and my friends here, is not the king’s world. It’s a tiny but decent place we’ve built — that’s what I’m fighting for.”
Eun Hye: “That kind of place is a dream. A dream you’ll die for.”
Gil Dong: “No, the land we stand on now is that place. Because you can’t come over to our side, you can’t see it, and believe it’s merely a dream. But for me it’s reality, something I’d happily die protecting.”
As he turns to leave, Eun Hye calls out, “Then protect it through the very end. Don’t die, and keep protecting it, so that I can know that you’re still alive guarding that place.”
Enok delivers the letter to Chang Whe, who doesn’t intend to let her return to the Hwal Bin Dang he plans to destroy. Chang Whe shows her the letter — it’s blank. Gil Dong was actually sending her away.
Chang Whe: “As a king protecting my country, I may have to kill him. But to kill you along with him? You’re an irreplaceable person to me. I told you that it was because of you that I became a real person. But you want me to kill you and keep on living?”
Enok tells him, “The world I chose is Gil Dong’s, so I will go there. I’ve seen the good person in you. I believe you will be a good king.” She begs for him to let her go — and he does, defeatedly.
Rushing back and launching herself into the fray, Enok comes face to face with Chisu, and tells him the good person she saw in Chang Whe is dying — “Go back and protect him.”
Across the battlefield, Gil Dong sees her arrival, and this time he (finally!) accepts her choice to remain.
That night, Enok tends to Gil Dong’s wounds. She reminds them that they’re in this together now: “This is where I want to be. So don’t stop me from fighting to save it.”
This time, he grabs her in a hug and thanks her for sticking with him.
The next day, we have a bit of a reprieve from the fighting — Hwal Bin Dang is holding steady despite the siege — and Su Geun begs Mal Nyeo to marry him formally. Just like Gil Dong and Enok, who’ve just married. Enok now wears the wedding hair ornament her grandfather had bought for her.
Mal Nyeo agrees to the wedding, and Su Geun rejoices.
Meanwhile, Enok excitedly shows Gil Dong a bud that’s just sprouted out of the ground. But as she can’t remember what she planted there, she and Gil Dong cheerfully speculate about what it will grow to be.
Chang Whe comes to speak to Gil Dong and explains that he doesn’t consider his stance a betrayal of Gil Dong — he’s (yes we know, for the hundredth time) just a king protecting his people. He also says that he will remember Gil Dong years from now (speaking with an assurance born of knowing the outcome will favor himself) and what he’d fought for.
Gil Dong adds that he shouldn’t forget to fear him, either — because even if he dies and Hwal Bin Dang disappears, there may be a new Hong Gil Dong and a new Hwal Bin Dang that will rise up to change the world.
Gil Dong: “It may not come today, but someday that world will arrive. People will believe in that world and inch toward it. The world will change a hundred, thousand times, gradually progressing toward that place.”
Gearing up for more battle, the rebels send away a protesting Gom. Gil Dong steps in and tells him to get out and survive. He must live on and see to it that their work isn’t forgotten, and keep the fight going: “Do that for everyone, Gom. No, I mean Leader Gom.”
Yeon ushers Gom and Hae Myung out of the area, fighting off the soldiers who patrol the area. But more soldiers keep arriving, poised to shoot the escaping pair. Yeon plants himself in front of them and takes the arrows to the chest, and urges Gom to run away.
Injured but not fallen, he continues to fight the oncoming soldiers, fueled by the determination to protect Gom: “This is for Gom’s world to come.” Despite being shot with numerous arrows, he continues fighting until finally he falls.
Back at Hwal Bin Dang, Su Geun and Mal Nyeo have their wedding ceremony, with Gil Dong presiding. Enok puts freshly plucked flowers into Mal Nyeo’s hair and the couple is married. The others chant for the newlyweds to kiss, and then for Gil Dong and Enok to do likewise.
It’s a brief interlude that’s over all too soon as they gear up for more fighting. Feeling the intensity growing, Gil Dong knows that Chang Whe is anxious to finish the fight quickly, and will be increasing his attacks. Hwal Bin Dang prepares to continue holding ground, while the king’s soldiers prepare to charge in.
And then the sequence that brings everything to a head:
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First, the mood takes on an ethereal quality, helped in large part by this hauntingly beautiful traditional Norwegian song “Lær Meg Å Kjenne,” as sung by Sissel Kyrkjebø. (The actual song starts around 40 seconds in.) [ Download ]
Original lyrics:
Lær meg å kjenne dine veie
og gå dem trøstig skritt for skritt
Jeg vet at hva jeg fikk i eie,
er borget godt gods, og alt er ditt.
Men vil din sterke hånd meg lede,
jeg aldri feil på målet ser,
og for hvert håp som dør her nede,
får jeg et håp i himlen merEnglish translation:
Teach me to know your ways
and to walk them trustingly step by step
I know that what I own,
are borrowed goods, and everything is yours.
But if your strong hand guides me,
I will never see the wrong goal,
and for every hope that dies down here,
I will receive a greater hope in heaven.
As Hwal Bin Dang prepares to move out, soldiers shoot a barrage of fire-tipped arrows in. But rather than scatter or run, everyone stares, calmly transfixed, at the fire flying in the sky. For a prolonged moment, it looks like the arrows are hanging in the air, and they gaze at the sight almost peacefully.
It’s like time pauses as everyone around Gil Dong and Enok fades into black and white, and Enok remarks that the arrows look like shooting stars: “Shall we make a wish?”
Gil Dong: “In this situation?”
Enok: “It looks like they’re bidding us a nice farewell.”
Gil Dong: “We’ll be going together.”
They hold hands as the arrows start descending toward them.
Then the arrows fall, landing everywhere.
Enok: “Gil Dong. [in English] ‘I love you.’”
Gil Dong: “I know.”
Enok: “You know what that means?”
Gil Dong: “Dummy. I love you. I love you… I love you…”
Alone in his palace, Chang Whe hears the report and sheds a tear. His soldiers storm the burning headquarters.
We don’t see any people, dead or otherwise, as the arrows land and set Hwal Bin Dong on fire. But the next morning, everything is charred and eerily empty, but for Mal Nyeo’s fallen flower and the lonely green plant, still alive in the ground.
I’m thankful that they don’t show us any bodies, because for one, it keeps the ending (and implied deaths) on a metaphorical level, which spares me the trauma of seeing the carnage. It also gives us our last image of them as whole, intact, and nobly defending their ideals. Furthermore, we don’t need to be reminded of death — that’s not the point. (More on that later.) On another level, it helps some of the more denial-stricken among us cling to the belief that maybe, just maybe, some people survived.
Chang Whe assures his men, and therefore his citizens, that Hwal Bin Dang has been subdued. He will continue to do what he must to protect his country.
Not unlike the first time Gil Dong “died,” Hwal Bin Dang and Gil Dong may be gone but the legend lives on.
Merchant Wang tells the other villagers that they must read Gil Dong’s story and remember him so that he never dies. Watching from the sidelines, Hae Myung tells Gom:
“He’s alive. Through them, and through you, they all live on.”
And some undisclosed number of years later, when Hae Myung is old(er) and gray(er), he comes upon a young boy crying by himself. The boy is upset that because of his poverty, he’s unable to learn anything. Only the rich are educated. Hae Myung asks, “Do you want to be Hong Gil Dong too?”
That gets the boy’s attention, and he follows the priest, asking about Hong Gil Dong.
Boy: “Do you really know Hong Gil Dong? Is he really not dead, but still alive?”
Hae Myung: “Of course. Hong Gil Dong is someone who’ll live forever.”
And then the scene transitions into modern-day Korea — subways, sidewalks, cafes, city lights.
Hae Myung: “Even in a hundred years, five hundred years, he’ll still be alive.”
Boy: “What will he be doing in such a far-off time?”
Hae Myung: “Even when much time passes and things look different on the surface, the way people live will be similar. Like we have the noble and lower classes in our world, that world will have its own strong and weak people.”
Boy: “What will Hong Gil Dong do there?”
Hae Myung: “What’s more important than what he’ll be doing is the fact that there will be someone watching and guiding the world to live properly. Don’t forget. The sword that looks the world in the face, takes stock of it, and changes it — in any world, there will be a Hong Gil Dong.”
THE END
Additionally…
First, the knee-jerk reaction: disappointment that my expectations for a goofy, giddily happy ending were thwarted. I’m guessing that I was not alone in expecting the series to come full circle and give us more of that opening sequence from Episode 1, with the happy rebels cheerfully continuing to wreak their vigilante brand of justice upon a corrupt hegemony. I feel a bit cheated out of it, even though such an ending wouldn’t quite fit in with the way the plot has been developing — because then we’d have to assume Chang Whe turned corrupt and ignored his desire to become a good ruler, which goes against everything his character has been built up to be all series long. (My interpretation of the opening sequence (Gil Dong’s hairstyle notwithstanding) is that it already happened and we just didn’t see exactly when the initial time-jump backward caught up with the “present.”)
But as I think more about the series and get used to the resolution, I love the way they wrapped things up. (And never underestimate the power of a well-chosen score, because that last song? Is pretty killer.) The series actually had a meaning beyond mere entertainment — yes, sometimes it was heavy-handed in its delivery, but at least there was some sort of depth there. Perhaps the Hong sisters’ take on egalitarianism is a little clumsy, therefore more propagandistic than needle-sharp social commentary, but hey, they’re in good company — apparently the original writer of the book Hong Gil Dong Jeon was accused of pushing anti-government propaganda.
I appreciated the surrealistic way the final battle was portrayed because, like I said, death was never the point. Starting from a few episodes back, it became increasingly obvious that Gil Dong was meant to transcend the present, and therefore his present life. His existence held more purpose than his physical lifetime, so it’s only fitting that we don’t see a definitive death scene to give his story a sense of finality it’s not meant to have.
Because it hardly matters in the big picture — and Hong Gil Dong really is about the big picture — when hundreds of years later, what’s important isn’t how long Gil Dong and Enok and everyone lived, but that their legacy continues. And that the world they dreamed of and staked so much to bring about has (more or less) come true, where people are judged equally, are not confined by the status of their births, valued on meritocracy (again, more or less — sometimes less), and are able to choose their leaders.
We might even infer that Gom carried on the legacy — after all, Gil Dong’s last words to him were “Leader Gom,” anointing him his successor. The ending of the series, with the juxtaposition of the fallen flower and the sprouting bud, shows that with their last great stand, they ushered in the beginnings of a new era.
So, happy ending? Not completely. But satisfying? For me, it was.
RELATED POSTS:
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 23
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 22
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 21
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 20
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 19
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 18
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 17
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 16
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 15
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 14
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 13
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 12
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 11
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 10
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 9
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 8
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 7
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 6
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 5
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 4
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 3
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 2
- Hong Gil Dong: Episode 1
Tags: fusion dramas, Hong Gil Dong, Jang Geun-seok, Kang Ji-hwan, sageuk dramas, Sung Yuri
I so shouldn’t have read all the spoilers over at soompi! I will refrain myself from reading this summary until I see the episode. ^^;;
But now that I already now what is going to happen all that I can say is..
Holy sh*t! I did not expect this kind of ending since the 3 other dramas by the Hong sister all had a happy ending so I was expecting a happy ending for HGD as well.
I feel very disappointed, sad and depressed right now cause I wanted my happy ending! Sigh.
The last scene still gives me some kind of hope though. If they didn’t at least have that scene, I’d be on my way to Korea by now!!
You gotta give it to the Hong sister who dared to do something different this time.
Oh well, life goes on and and so should we.
Thanks Javabeans for doing an awesome job! *korean bow*
yay, i was hoping that the finale wasnt all that bad, not as bad as most people were saying… so i keep on refreshing your page, hoping to get another opinion. i guess i dont really care if anyone dies/happy ending in the finale, just as long as they wraps up the final episode flawlessly.
Yea, I was kind of wondering where the episode 1 beginning was as well. I’ll be honest and say I was thoroughly disappointed with the ending. I DID enjoy the drama as a whole though, very much so. Thanks javabeans for giving these great summaries!
That ending was thoroughly Shakespearean!
But I’m somewhat satisfied because at least Enok and Gil Dong died together, and there was the strong possibility that Chang Whe turned out to be a competent leader despite his obvious failings. Chang Whe turned out to suck a lot less than i thought he would. We even got a little Eun Hye redemption going, at last!!!
I wanted more In Hyung, but oh well.
I was satisfied with the ending, if not a little traumatized, as it’s not Hong sisters status quo, but actually, the more I roll in around in my head, the more I like it!
I always stop by to check out what you thought of the episodes after I watch them, so thanks! None of my friends got into this one, and reading your blog was as good as a discussion– I got a different point of view from my own, and someone to agree with me about the toilet humor in the beginning!
totally agree wif u about no body scattered. if so, everyone will be remember this drama as ‘never watch drama’. 4 me, it ends beautifully, but like everyone else, want them happily ever after. still everyone will die someday. thanks for summary throughout this wonderful but never regret to watch drama. Arrigattoooo
Wow.
I’m happy with this ending (though I’m the kind to always want a directly happy ending, where everyone’s alive). I felt this show is one of the BEST, because it dared to have a different progression of events.
Wow! Awesome review! Thank you Javabeans.
I was reading spoiler in soompi, but your review always bring something that important and precious. So thank YOU!
I was crying just reading spoiler at soompi, because this eps look beautiful in my perception, and your review prove it. That bittersweet ending is just perfect for me. You are right, they choose the right package to ending the series.
And yes again you are soooo right about “beyond mere entertainment” there are something more about this series, maybe because it’s based on history.
Gawd! I can’t stop crying! I hope we can have another kind of series and review just like Hong Gil Dong here.
Kang Ji Hwan and Sung Yu Ri build an excellent chemistry here. I always enjoy every scene they have together. Jiayo!
Thank you dramabeans! Thank you for the song, it was beautiful. I found my new Coffee Prince in this series. The ending was poignant and almost inspiring, I guess I can describe it in one word…bittersweet.
I really appreciate all the blogging you do on this website, it keeps me going through 8 hours of work and school everyday. Thank you!
It ennnnnnnnded…………..wow. What a series.
The ending was totally unexpected, and I was wondering how they would keep Chang Whe from becoming a hypocrite, but still I’m so sadddddddd! I wanted to see them happy in the future! I was so sure that there would be a happy ending! NOOO! Ending was good, but I would be alright with it if I just saw one scene or even a little assurance that Enok and Gil Dong made it out alive. Just a little bit of closure that their lives did not end like that. They could have sneaked it in there somewhere. Couldn’t they? Just a little of bit of closure please! Why! Why!
Eventhough the finale isnt as nice as what ive expected but still i adore this drama. Its just ok that there dead atleast they face it together…..and take note..gildong and enok are just married…they were really meant for each other..!!
I agree with Ivytiffany84, we will all die anyway…….so 100% ratings for HONG GILDONG!!
LOVE you KJH and SYR….hope both of you do a movie with a happy ending…with matching lovely children…
Thanks, Sarah!
I’ll join you in the minority. I had that knee-jerk, where’s-my-happy-n-funny-ending? – reaction, too, but the more I thought about it (and rewatched it), the more it made sense. This last episode was bittersweet but profound – especially the last part with the haunting score. Loved it!
I just wish they would have given us one more REAL kissing scene (~ fangirl talkin’ ~).
That would have been sooo nice…hehe…
Looking forward to watching happier moments (NG’s) in the special tomorrow.
I don’t mind being in the majority here (or the shallow side, if that’s what anyone calls it). I did suspect something fishy was on the way, I did expect that it wouldn’t be a happy ending. I did not care who ends up with whom. But this is just too much, I feel so cheated ! (Now, I understand Eun Hye’s feelings for not getting what she wants)
After read your summary and the ‘WTF ?’ expression got off my face. I respect that the ending is very realistic. The world cannot be changed by oneself in one day. FINE, fair enough ! I face facts, but why did they start out with flying ppl, dancing hip-hop and “l lob you”. Somewhat I did like the way thing wraps up, it didn’t end with the boring classic happily-ever-after.
But …. Satisfying ? for me. Hella no. I still dislike the ending.
Overall, I wouldn’t say I love this drama and it was fun, terrific or whatsoever, rather “impressive”.
(forgive me, my english isn’t too good)
Btw, oh yeah, the music kills.
Javabeans, thank you for your summary and outlook.
As much as I love reading your spoilers while I’m usually still anxiously waiting for the chinese subtitles to come out, what I love even more about your summaries are your inputs and outlooks. I really appreciate your mature, intelligent, and well thought-out views, because they really opens my eyes and opinions. I hope that I can gain that ability over the years too.
I must say that, just based on everyone else’s reactions on the finale.. I, too, followed along and despaired at the writers for giving us such an unhappy ending. But after reading your translations of dialogues, your summary, and your words – you’ve totally changed my outlook on the ending of this drama. It’s too bad that I couldn’t come up with that kind of reasoning myself.
So, thank you for ALSO restoring the quality of this drama in everyone’s eyes, especially for allowing me to realize again, what a jem this drama was. I have truly enjoyed the journey for the past three months.
Never ending thanks. :]
bacause from the very beggining…this drama makes us laugh so much that everyone want the happy ending … me too … but i am ok with the ending and rather happy that you have a same opinion with me… still in love with gilnok and keep waiting for another KJH’s projects…thanks a lot for your excellent HGD summary.
aww…i almost cried as I read your post….it seemed too beautiful…..
I think it end beautifully too..i’ve read all those spoiler in soompi and i assumed the ending was a terrible wan..But after i read your summary i finally understand that their death is probably neccesary and Hong sister really tried to satisfied the viewer by choosing to end this way..I think their history shows that GD must die in the end??
Anyways another great sumarry from you javabeans!!!i shall turn my attention to Who are you next~~~Thanks again!!!
i think this story left out things the ending is wierd it seems like it should have been something different…unless i’ve missed something here…but as i recall…the VERY beginning starts off as…enok and hwal bin dang sneaking into the palace as “dancers” and starts fighting then gil dong shows up late, stylish, with his awesome new hairstyle…. and tells whoever that really rich guy was to stop trading or smuggling i believe? and then once they leave through the gates it paused and said “a few years before this” and started from the “beginning”
so why did it end the way it did when they should be alive and not through “stories” ??
First and foremost, thank you SO much for all of your fantastic and prompt recaps. It’s been a pretty crazy and intense ride throughout.
Second, I completely agree with your assessment of the finale. I’m a sucker for happy endings and despite the tone HGD had taken in this last arc, I was still hoping that we would get the sap. But you’re right that this ending was far more substantive – surprisingly so.
Despite all of this, I am still thoroughly depressed and will go off now and watch something both stupid and hilarious . . . Zoolander?
Thanks, Javabeans!!!
this is definitely one of my favorite drama. i don’t think i could have asked for a better ending… although it’d be great to see GD and YN live happily ever after, there’ll be too many loose ends with the story–it defeats the purpose of our hero, GD. i, for one, am satisfied with this drama =) im just sad that my obsession has come to an end. hopefully KJH will star in another drama soon.. bc i miss him already!!
wow i was worried how they will end it. but it seems like it was really good. so much better than i thought. i love way u explained it. cuz i think its so true. not a happy go lucky ending. but quite satisfying. i almost cried just by reading ur summary and i didnt even watch it yet. i really like the fallen flower and the sprout metaphmore. basically its very beautifully summed up. and im super glad too that they didnt show the dead bodies. awww so sad it ended, but quite relieved. arent u guys? altho it was a very interesting and capitvating series, im super glad that it ended. it seemed just a tad bit draggy, but it concluded well, so that is about 50% of the success. haha
this reminds me of capital scandal when in the end, someone has to be sacrificed. but she died so beautifully that i was bittersweet about her death. i dont want to spoil it for those who hadnt watched it. but u guys should definitely watch capital scandal!! i think its even better than hong gil dong. the story is soooo beautiful and the acting is soooooo marvelous. sorry about advertising. haha
it seems like a lot of k-drama endings these days are open ended. they leave it to the us viewers to use our imagination on what happens after &/or makes us keep wondering. & a lot of the times, it is bittersweet.
(i only read your top part of the entry since i don’t want to spoil it for myself!^^)
Goodness effin Christ……wow, what an ending. My mom spoiled it for me, predicting what would happen and sadly, she was right on target. I guess it was a good ending when you explain how it’s not about how long Gil Dong lives physically but through people and legacies. But damn, when I first read your recap, I was shocked. Because I was praying to God, the ending would deal with the happy start of Episode 1, the finale really slap me in the face…….but now that it’s been like fifteen minutes since I’ve read your recap, I’m very satisfied with it. The shock has faded away.
So once again, Javabeans, thanks for your awesomeness!!
thanks for the summary!
can’t really tell if i’m satisfied with the ending or not until i watch the actual video so i’ll understand it more…though the song they used on the final battle was really a “killer” it’s like your sending them away..bidding them farewell…until we meet again kind of thing…oh well…but one thing i’ve learned in this series is “reality sucks!” it’s like it’s never enough to do your best to have what you really want, you have to sacrifice some things in return…is it sad? or satisfying?
Yes, it is sad that HGD and Yi Enok don’t get to live happily ever after for long, but at least it gives me some closure. It sounds like a beautiful but tasteful end because i hate seeing my favourite characters die. Much less traumatizing.
I can at least imagine their souls living happily in a better place.
it was a sad ending for me. still not convinced why they have to end it this way…
after the initial shock and disappointment over the series’ ending wore off… i re-watched the episode again and it made more sense for me…the ending was bittersweet …the scene with the arrows flying over them was awesome.
BTW, KJH is nominated as best actor in the 44th Baeksang Arts Awards… hope he bags the awards.
thank you for all the awesome summaries…looking forward to your next project.
that is a horrible ending!!!!!!
the whole feeling of the show was comedy, romance, adventure, and rising out of adversity. The ending rejected all of those and turned this drama into a tragic thing we should learn from (T_T)…………. it’s good ending, but doesn’t fit the story at all
Definitely a mixed reaction toward the ending. I slightly disagree with you on this one, javabeans. I’m in the minority that was not surprised by the sad turn of events. There have been plenty of hints toward the end that a Chang Whe-Gil Dong’s compromise was not possible. Yet, silly me still hold out hope for the impossible: an ending in which both men agree to give peace a chance. To affirm that it is possible in this world that differences can be ironed out without resorting to a us vs. them battle-to-the-end method. And that bloodshed is not heroic. It’s unnecessary and ugly. To me, that ending IS the hopeful one. Not this.
What stood out in this series for me were the actors – KJH, SYR, and even JGS (whom I grew to tolerate – well, after I have lowered my expectations, significantly lowered them). The writing was uneven (speaking as someone who adored all of the Hong sisters’ previous works). The character developments were wonderful. (BTW, Hong sisters – you owe me one. I waited all twenty four episodes for Chang Whe’s redemption. I’ve never been more emotionally invested in a secondary character before. I feel cheated.) Their plot developments, however, were not as strong. Seriously, I could do without the juvenile humor, the cartoony villains, the politically-incorrect side characters, the dead-end side stories, etc… (Ohhh, I think Episode 1 is meant to be the folklore interpretation of Hong Gil Dong and the series is supposed to depict the real story of Hong Gil Dong.) Despite all of these faults, I still find HGD entertaining. Hey, it gave me 24 plus hours of KJH. For that, I’ll forever be grateful toward KBS.
Thank you javabeans. You made the experience so much better, sweeter, and helluva lot more memorable. Episode 7 recap will forever define this series for me. Ha. You’re the best. Keep on blogging!
even if they want the ending to be this sad, there should be a transition period, where viewers are prepared for this tragic ending…… (T_T). horrible endiingggg >
that was a BEautiful ending!!
that was tottally spifiiness ending!
I’ll wait to watch the ending for myself before I take an actual stand on whether or not I liked it – but from what I’ve heard and what I’ve read I’m pretty sure I’ll be disappointed by the end of it.
Even though this finale does seem somewhat “fitting”, I was really crossing my fingers for a happy ending similar to the first episode – regardless of realism or not. That’s just me being selfish though. I still love the series as a whole, but I wanted things to end happily, just for the sake of my comfort. But sometimes series are meant to be more than just comfort – they should open your eyes and push you to new limits of understanding.
Gah, I’m really sad now.
…seriously..cant stop crying..HOng Gil DOng is Worth watching..thanx drama beans
Oh my… what an ending!
I’m tearing as I read through your reviews and looking at the pictures.
Nonetheless, this has been a GREAT drama. Excellent acting from KJH and SYR. Jiayou!!
Many thanks to you, Javabeans, for filling us with summary after each episode.
i made the mistake of reading what other people had posted about the ending on forums, thus ruining my day completely without actually watching the episode…
now that i’ve watched it and read what you wrote i think this is a great ending to this story…yeah it wasn’t what i expected but i am happy that in the end most of the characters had their closure.
i’m a bit sad however that we did not get to see the wedding between gil dong and enok…but just knowing that they did marry makes me a little happier.
thanks for taking the time to follow this drama…i obviously have not seen the dramas that are to come for this year but im pretty sure Hong Gil Dong will be thee drama of the year for me
kamsahamnida javabeans.. you’re awesome as always.. i’m happy enok & gil dong ended up together
I agree with you Javabeans, I LOVED the ending
It is so unusual, not the same thing over and over again. I am actually getting tired of the happy love ending, not saying that it wasn’t a happy ending in its own way.
My interpretation of the sequence on the first episode is that of a story that people made up. Like when Enok’s grandpa was making up stories about Gil Dong when he was suppose to be dead. It was one of the stories to keep the legend alive. That’s my opinion.
What you you guys think???
the ending totally rejects the theme of the whole drama (T_T)
thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.
wow. and yes, last song- killer.
korean osts are stepping it up, it seems…
I watched the ending live last night here in Korea, but I only speak a little Korean so your recap is much appreciated! Anyway, I personally have a lot of respect for the ending. I like that this drama had the guts to be both comedy and drama, both historical and modern, etc., etc. While I don’t think it fit the mood of the show in the first episode, it felt perfect when you look at the progression of the series as a whole.
HGD has evolved and changed since the beginning, and whether or not the ending inevitably works for you depends, I think, on your perspective of what a show’s finale should be. Should it harken back to, if not mirror, the beginning, and “come full-circle?” Or should it be more authentic, more true to the stories’ and characters’ growth? I don’t think there’s a right answer, but for a girl who likes a good, thoughtful, “Shakespearean” (thanks Max!) ending, it certainly worked for me.
Plus, happy endings just get boring after a while.
Thank you Javabeans.
I was waiting all time for your recaps after reading the spoilers at soompi.
You make the ending more beautiful to me.
I accept the ending now. But I’m not satisfied with it, still in disappointment and sadness.
Similar to #29 tealeaf (and I believe many of you here), I’ve never put so much attention to a secondary character like Chang Whee before. I feel cheated.
Oh, so that GilDong and Enok finally married, thank you Sarah for pointing out the wedding hair ornament her grandfather had bought for her.
Last but not least, I always follow your blog since Coffee Prince. Please keep on blogging. You’re always the best.
JavaBean,
I totally agree with and second Linda’s (#14) comments.
Additionally, for me, I did cry as I was reading your summary. Your translation of the dialog was so critical in changing my perspective of the finale. I cried because of the nobility of action by HBD, HGD and YN inferred from your translations. (Gee, your pen is mightier than the Sa Yin sword since your pen elicited such emotion from me. hee, hee.)
And, HM was absolutely correct about HGD living forever. Look at how many times and ways the HGD story has been told. Which equates to how many times and ways his ideals have been perpetuated … to this day … and forever more.
An immense thank you for all that you share with us. You are also a form of HGD because you change the world, at least the drama fans’ world, with your commentaries and explanations.
See you at the next drama!
OMG, are those tears sliding down my face?
I love this.
The ending was WONDERFUL
ABSOLUTLEY FABULOUS
Thank you for posting the finale synopsis and opinions. Last night, I was too overwhelmed with disappointment that I simply hated, hated this ending.
But yea, one undeniable fact was that it fit the flow very well. The Hong sisters had the guts to do soemthing very out of the ordinary and present us a more … meaningful, metaphorical ending apart from the usual ones to fulfill the hunger of shippers and fans.
It’s been great accompany you through HGD, thank you so much for recommending it. Despite this poignant ending, the laughter and enjoyment in the beginning added shimmers to my [repetitive] life.
OH… T_T
I’m so terribly sad, it’s not what I expected at all. I’m those ” ended with a baby in hand ” person. whoaaaaaaaaa…… sniff..sniff… ~_~.
I will try the darndest to dream for a happy ending IN MY DREAM.
remember when there’s an episode where HGL got upset and start fighting, there’s a big gust windy storm. and this time too. as he’s holding Yn hand, he got very uoset thinking of how Yn will get hurt and start the whole windy situation and all those little fire arrows scattering everywhere and then everyone also thrown far away from that place.
After several years, that little plant grow big and there’s a alittle swing. and I can hear someone calling..” mungjhongyi, don’t leave the baby outside by himself, there’s a tiger you know ” and come out Yinok saying” arraso, arraso”
^_^ that’s my version hua..ha..ha..ha….. sniff…sniff…
anyway, the end with HGD standing in the building, means. even now there’s still a robin hood/hgl among us. ^^
I’m gonna miss YN and GD….
Still reeling from reading your summary. Have to catch my breath….. Almost had a heart attack…..
The burning arrow pic was very beautiful to me. I did not expect that ending and it was mind blowing.
Thank you very much for making my day. I can proceed with my life again.
Thank you again.
This is the best recap!!! And the music is really killer… And the ending is great. As if they didn’t die… they just advanced to their spiritual stands…
This must be one of the best dramas ever… I feel happy for HGD and YN because atleast they had a glimpse of happiness in the end…
But poor Chang Whe… I feel betrayed… I think he’s come a long way, his character developped significantly throughout the drama compared to others, and my question is what was all that for??? but in the end he did what he was ought to do as a monarch, save his world. think Jang Geun Seok did a great job actually, isn’t it difficult to play someone emotionally shrunk, who is supposed act with one face all the time… But still he managed to be likable… When I watched his Black Njean video, I was totally shocked… Actually his chemistry with YiNok seemed pretty strong too… Of course Gil Dong – Yi Nok tandem is the best…
Applause to the writers, directors, producers and the CAST: Kang Ji Hwan, Sung Yu Ri and Jang Geun Seok!!!
Thank you, javabeans, for great recaps. You are truely amazing!!!
actually, i dont consider this be a completely sad ending. if we look at it in the point of view of the characters and their true quest in te story , what their quest means for them. Then id say as bittersweet as it is, they showed their true belief and really followed what they fought for in the start to finish.
i think the Hong sisters, did a good job on pulling the legend/myth part of well. because, really we can see that spark of hope at the end. since they didnt show the carnage and all.
we see HGD’s hope for a diff world come together in the future and with Gom and others. i can understand why it had to turn out this way. although it may not be the expected ending and the one everyone wished for. i can say it was done well. it didnt skimp on good moments as well as poignant ones. plus it gives a sense of hope.
humm. for me the ending wasn’t as exciting as the series itself (the beginning and middle parts).
thank for being the voice of “reason”. Things seem to be more acceptable and less tragic somehow. Thank you.
For me that’s a happy ending, because they stay together to the end, and confirm their mutual love . Who can say if the ending that they live till hair turns gray and have a bunch of kids will be better (pls save me from story like charming prince and Cinderella).
And please let me remind you, this is a story of monarchy period, which means NO ONE could defeat the king in the end. In the world, only industrialization or liberalization or capitalization could do the same thing (pls help me, I don’t remember what the history books said 15 years ago when I still was at school) . Hong Gil Dong, you are strong, but you are not as strong as history !!!
Just a random thought: why the same Hong Gil Dong and followers proved to be “strongest, influential, etc..” who could have helped Chang Hwe to get the crown back now could be “eliminated” very simply like that ? Just a battle and they’re gone, are you convinced enough? Ok, now they are not backed by Chang Hwe’s people, but still… where all other people who supported him ? They just stood from far away and admire him ? I mean, it could be more convincable to me, if Chang Hwe had to prepare the fight in large scale (not like two girls could easily break into the middle of the fight), and more people went to Hong Gil Dong’s side , at least more complicated battle… Please don’t just “kill” them like this … It’s not like a legendary hero or whatever . It’s look really like “stop this thiefy small band”, and that’s it.
Another thing I have to admit: from epi 12, the story is a little confusing, and draggy to me .
Anyway, dramabeans dis a great job in saving me time, I just read you comment to follow the story to the end. My decision: not seeing the last 3 episode when CH turned bad.
The ending makes me think twice about watching this drama again.I imagine
myself laughing at the first few episodes only for my laughter to die whenever I remember that they all perish in the end.
If they were going to be ’serious’ (serious enough to kill 3/4 of the casts in the end) in this drama they should have started in the first few episodes. I watched this drama because it initially promised to “help me relax after a hard days work and give me a few laughs” only to be lured into watching an ending I wasnt really content with. For me it was a rushed ending, Im sure there would have been thousands of better ways to end it, if they only started the resolution phase of the story earlier. Adios HGD!
the ending reminded me of the movie 300 – the “arrows” part.
THANKS so much dramabeans. it was a good one.
THANKS for reviewing this serie!
I agree “bittersweet” is the perfect word for this ending. At first when I finished the episode, I was very disappointed, but after reading your comments, I must agree that this ending is unexpected. The writers worked hard on this point.
Thankss for your wonderful summary….as always..
This drama is just nice! although im skipping quite a few bits of epi. since its a bit draggy in the middle
It really does make a difference by knowing someone else’s pov about the ending.. coz i hate bad ending..
bt after reading ur summary it hit me when you said that its not just a mere entertainment and has a wonderful meaning beyond that.. so thanks for not making me hating this open-ended finale ^^
nwayz… i wonder what is the ending of the book,, is it the same with the drama ??
d u plan to summarize other drama besides ‘who are you?’
i saw this on tv and i was crying so hard when they died, because i loved all of them so much. but as hong gil dong’s teacher was talking about how the legacy of hong gil dong lives forever, he was making me nod my head, smile, and cry all at once. so this was probably one of the best dramas i’ve ever seen =] i hope kang ji hwan shows up in more dramas too ^^ heehee
i hate the ending… and i hate hong sisters
I love the ending especially the scene where everyone fades out leaving just Enok, GIl Dong and the shooting stars aka fire arrows.
Very good..i would prefer this bittersweet ending then a happily-ever-after one.
Thank you very much for your beautiful and awesome final summary of HGD. I WANT a HAPPY ENDING!!! with both of them alive and the legacy forever live on. Nevertheless, after reading your summary, I’m somewhat feeling better and ok with the ending. Cheers!
I’m loving how the plot came to a head, I expected a silly & happy ending but this is even better… (After the initial disappointment that is. *sniff*) I was getting a bit tired of HGD in the second half of the series… I didn’t think they would kill off that many people because the show was so giddily happy or silly half the time… The ending was surprising but it really showed some depth. Since this is a fusion sageuk, I don’t mind the ending – it’s believable in that era but it would be very difficult to pull off in a contemporary drama… When I heard that last song, I was overcome with a slight case of LOTR nostalgia, it sounded sooo….this-is-the-end-for-this-is-how-all-life-ends. Enchanting nonetheless… And I believe it shows how the story of Hong Gil Dong was immortalized, a heroic tale of adventure, romance, escapades and heroic feats. It might not be historically accurate but it was brilliantly dramatized. Highly satisfying. (Now I’ll try out Who Are You next! It sounds vaguely interesting and Yoon Gye Sang is 1 of my fav actors!) Thanks for capping the series, you did a job that no other online blogger can so well! I love reading your site!
aw…
it may not be the ending we all want, but you have put it nicely at SATISFYING.
thanks for the hard work.
have always read your post.
thanks a lot!
DB jai you!!
Hearing this Norwegian song while reading this ending…* damn I’m crying T-T *
I like the ending… Gil Dong is still alive.. yeah.. like Hae Myung said: in every one of them
The ending was really sad, but I absolutely loved this drama! One of the best so far this year! Hong Gil Dong and Enok forever!!!!!
so sad…
it was a good ending. i guess. but i wouldve prefered a happy one…
ahhh the begining is just confusing now. and in real life he becomes the king of a place called yul-do. thanks for the recaps!!
horrible ending indeed!
i had wanted to recommend this series to my friends but i dont want them to be disappointed…
anyways, thanks for the recap, beans!
Javabeans,
I have been a silent reader of your blog and always like your review. Do you know that at Soompi, many HGD fans said that they calmed down from yesterday’s madness due to the unexpected ending. Your review made us understand the story better. If it is not because of your review, I never knew that actually Gil Dong and Yi Nok has been married as there was no scene about this. It was only on Soo Geun-Mal Nyeo conversation and a hairpin on Yi Nok’s hair…
Just as I thank fellow Soompier HGD fans, I also would like to thank you and WithS2..If it is not because of you all, it will be hard for people like me who don’t understand Korean to follow the story…
I express my thank through my Hong Gil Dong fanmade MV…Check it out if you like..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz2nU3Bt2UA
It is nothing special but just a thank you note that I insert on the MV..Just want to show my appreciation for what all of you did .
i’m sorry but i have to part of the majority and say that the ending wasn’t all that great. I really liked sung yu ri’s acting and everytime I see her in a drama, she dies in the end. very depressing. I don’t really understand how this connects to the first episode because the last episode didn’t have a time lapse or anything and last part of the ending was kind of rushed I think. I really loved this drma, but really really don’t like the dying and didn’t expect it to come…
Wait, I don’t get how the beginning fits in the timeline. Enok wasn’t with the robber group that long to do the corrupt official businesses, unless it was that time that they were robbing officials for most corrupt. I haven’t watched the episodes, (on episode 4), but I recall something like that happened.
it was one of the most meaningful endings in korean dramas. at least for me.
i know many will disagree.
the unexpected twist. the fallen flower. the “i love you” during their wish at the “shooting stars”. the legacy of hong gil dong. it was all perfectly done. i had freakin’ goosebumps while i was reading this.
the last scene with hong gil dong and enok was very dramatic indeed. almost made me cry. “almost”.
so, what’s with chang whe? we are all confused about his dark side. and now it porved that he wasindeed what he wants to be. the king, though he knew he wasn’t really destined to become one. he’s just like his brother.
love kang ji hwan more! yikee!
Yesterday, I hated the ending! After reading your blog and your wonderful insight I actually dare say I admire it for having a meaning that transcends the drama itself. Kind of makes me want to step up to the plate and HGD.
I feel like the Hong Sisters wanted to tell us that we all can be HGDs and make changes towards a beautiful world. That what we envision in our dreams can become a reality maybe not in this life but visions and dreams can transcend lifetimes and worlds.
I love the last song it was BEAUTIFUL in a very haunting kind of way. The best part was the fallen flower and the bud growing. When something dies in the physical realm doesn’t mean it doesn’t live on and can’t start again.
I feel like going out into the world and fighting all the corrupt politicians now!!:)
well,it’s ended.Fin.ken.
love the ending,eventhough my friend would certainly not happy with it.Precise and smart,and also so sweet as they hold each other’s hands-ENok and GilDong i mean.I want more!!But I do fantasize of the real happy ending,where hwalbindang were alive and kick bad guy’s butt..ENok and Gildong fooling around and making me laugh.but that’s that.Chang Hwe is another story..You poor,poor guy..The point is I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DRAMA.My favourite..Ahh,b4 i forgot,thanx Javabeans for ur amazing reviews.
Happy ending is how you interpret it. ^^
I love this song.. I was just zoned out! lmao
Thanks a lot! I love the ending too! I can’t wait to watch the episode too.
I actually thought that it’s going to say like 2 or 3 years later or something like that.
Thanks again!
I agree with you, the ending was satisfying. The whole reason why we have a drama about Hong Gil Dong is because he, his legend, continues to live on. It was not the happiest ending but the meaning behind it was clear and strong. Really love the idea of the dead flower and the sprouting plant because it shows that even when Hong Gil Dong “died” there is still hope that his dream will live on and someday be accomplished. Thanks for the recaps, and not sure if I mentioned this before but I really love Kand Ji Hwan. Good thing he was in this drama, because his performance pretty much made it as good as it was.
I dont know but thats the ending?I was hoping for a HGD & a CW good lasting,friendship to the final,n yet it failed to let me see the goodness.CW is always got this sadness n badluck all the time.Why can’t the script be fair?Since that CW were so dumb to be a good leader as a new king,so why can’t HGD guide him,then? Sumhow i feel HGD is so greedy,yet so,selfish for wanting for more power,far more greater than the king n thats what makes CW go against him. Plus CW had lose YN over to HGD,it sucks though that everything doesnt come to be so fair.I hate the ending eventhough the story of the show is abt HGD,to me,it shows that HGD is quite a show-off rather than not to help the other weak person a.k.a the prince to give him such a good guidance .He said he wants CW to be a good king then,why can’t he(HGD)try to assist him after helping the commoners.Since that HGD is strong in mind not just only physical.But i’m glad though,that CW had not been killed but by only to lived with tragic despair n all sort of confused.Well,thats how the story ends,right?Sad but true.My comment is,still there’s no sense of equality in it(to that drama,at the very,last episode).Well,i gotta say thanx to javabeans n its not bcoz that i like the character CW i’m complaining,but i still feel it just ain’t right in there,no equal side of the story to help at the weak current king but just for the sake of the commoners,mostly.Ok.Thats all for now. Many-many,Sorry n thank Qs.T_T .. XP!!!!
THANK GOD CHANGWHE DIDN’T DIE… I DONT’ CARE ABOUT ENOK OR GILDONG, I WANTED ENOK TO BE WITH CHANGWHE FIRST BUT NOW THAT SHE WAS BITCHING TO CHANGWHE ABOUT HOW HE IS A BAD PERSON.. SHE DOEN’T DESERVE TO BE HIM.. I WAS HOPING SHE WOULD DIE … THANK GOD THEY BOTH DIED IN THE END, NOT CHANGWHE.. BUT I DIDN’T LIKE THIS DRAMA AT ALL THOUGH.. I WOULDN’T RECOMMEND ANYONE THIS DRAMA.
First of all I would say thank you for all the review. it’s really enjoyable spoiler, because I don’t understand Korean that much. This is the first time I follow unfinished drama, and it’s because the assurance of your website, where at least I can get the feel of each episode (actually after the 6 episode, because when I joined Hong Gil Dong, the first 6 episodes is subbed). And the review, although sometimes it seems wild and too deep for me, it’s still entertaining. For example, the discussion about what if this person with that person is really really enjoyable, I think Chang Hwe and Chi Su couple are not so far fetched, hahahahhahah.
Second, to join the overall discussion about this drama-comedy. I think the drama is entertaining, the sad part and the happy part, the romance and the political, etc are all enjoyable. I think maybe there were only two meaningless episodes, but it covers by the romance (hahaha). Also, the ending it’s nice. Of course, I’m one of the people who feel cheated, remembering the first episode. But it’s a kind of surreal drama from the beginning (rap, modern dance, sunglasses, etc), so surreal ending will be the perfect circle. Well, actually I tried to find a proof that they died (except for Yeon), but no bodies, not even single drop of blood, and when the Imperial soldiers stormed the village they just yelled, not even a touch of two swords. Therefore, it’s a surreal ending, or they simply ran, and live in China (hhahhaha)
Again, Thank You.
It’s really nice to join yours and others spectators review.
At first I hated this ending to no end after reading the summary, but I went to back to watch it and it was good! Once you know what is going to happen going into this episode, it is not as bad as not knowing at all. It was a satisfying ending, even though it was far from what I was hoping for. As they were looking at the arrows fall on them and exchange their love to each other, I was touched and felt that they would be happy together alive or dead; it does not matter. The only complaint about this drama is the first scene in the entire drama because it made me keep expecting that they would return to that and show what happened afterwards, but I’m kinda glad they didn’t because all the tension built in the last few episodes would have fallen flat. I’m a sucker for happy endings, but I’ll accept it this time.
Thanks for your summaries, it kept my appetite for dramas fed!
If they did die, what was the whole scene at the beginning of Episode 1 where Gil Dong had a different hairstyle and Enok’s hair was longer?
I think they survived. :]
Gil Dong couldn’t have died with his hair still like that.
I guess Chang Whe didn’t love Enok enough. He just let her “die” or maybe she didn’t. Maybe he just wanted her for himself because it was the one thing that he didn’t have or rather he couldn’t have.
Mal Nyeo and Su Geun’s marriage was lovely.
But I really think that at the end, they shouldn’t have dressed up that man in old era clothes and just put him in a suit. o.o
I haven’t watched the last episode but from reading your summary and everyone’s comments I am looking forward to it. Some of you are trying to link episode 1 to the ending and wanting to find out how its related to the show. I think that episode 1 is a metaphor representing a new Hwal Bin Dang with the HGD group of the future (not exactly the same people, but those who represented their beliefs and way of life). The HGD story is that of the past and how it came to be, we have to note Hae Myung’s words that there will always be a HGD no matter a hundred or a five hundred years in the future as long as there is injustice in the world, there will be a Hwal Bin Dang or HGD. To me thats where the link lies. Episode 1 shows the legacy of Hwal Bin Dong and Hong Gil Dong.
Javabeans, thank you so much for the summaries of this show, it has made me appreciate the Korean dramas more. Looking forward to your next drama summary, once you have recommended it I will definitely consider watching it.
@chasen–That’s a pretty good interpretation.
If we take in the fact that their clothes different from before, then one can think that those people are merely metaphors of the HGD legacy. The group perhaps died, but the ones that took over for them lived, and took up their mantle again after Chang Whe died. I suppose it’s suppose to be a “suprise!” type of ending, which is why they used KJH and Sung Yu Ri. It can’t possibly be in Chang Whe’s lifetime. Like you said, it goes against what the story has been building itself up to. If you look at one of Javabean’s screenshot, there’s a HGD standing in modern Korea. Does that mean he’s really there? No, he’s not. it’s a metaphor for someone who still fights for the little bit of equality that is still lacking in our society.
Another valid interpretation is that it could be that it happened in the middle when the entire group was together, before they got killed, and the ending scene we watched was AFTER the 1st episode…..It’s a pity we never actually had KJH wear that hairstyle in the drama….
The soft hearted ones can also think of them having escaped, and CW somehow getting wicked and HGD fighting back against the one he fought side by side with on the throne. But I’m happy CW learned his lesson and is now on the throne. He’s not perfect, but I suppose he believes that’s what he has to do, and I think he’ll be a decent king. So that’s a very unlikely possibility…but you know…..*shrug*
Bravo, Hong sisters! Great script. I’ve seen many of their dramas. Funny, dripping with charisma and chemistry, but almost never ever moving, poignant, or making us think. And you learned a nice trick too. How to make an audience wonder forever about the ending (or beginning in this case) , and have their own interpretation of it, therefore making it “theirs”. Things like that make the story really live. I’ve heard several logical conclusions already.
Maybe if the script had been finished before filming started we would not have watched a show that started as one thing then shifted to something completely different.
I feel sorry for Gom. He was already suffering from guilt & post-traumatic stress. Throw a scorching dose of survivor’s guilt on top of that and yeah, he’ll be a great leader . Hmmm just like Chang Hui.
Maybe they escaped in the fire…and the episode 1 was the ending..(my poor speculation…) …. i just want to have a happy ending..thats why i put episode 1 as an ending..
I think the ending was terrible!!! Not what I expected, I felt like crying when reading the recap. What I really was looking for was something like ep 1 and in terms of the Chang Whe part yeah I figured they would be on different sides but not like that but more of a secrect understanding between the two like Gil Dong taking care of Chang Whe’s evil subjects and Chang Whe taking care of things at the top. But maybe Javabeans was right maybe ep 1 meant sonething different, like no matter what the spirt of Gil dong will always live on because there would always be someone there to protect the weak or that Hwal Bin Dang will always return when the people are in need so will never rally be dead. I don’t know…It was just terrible.
oh no! hong gil dong ends!!! i feel so sad and depressed and i also agree with you that you feel cheated. i hoped the story would come full circle and go back to episode 1 but it didnt. i guess it couldnt have. anyway i am not satisfied.
thanks javabeans.
anyway… though it is not a happy ending for yinok and gildong, and their group…
they leave something for the next generations… their legacy to fight for their rights, fights for equality, not based on their family, status, etc.
It is true, even the real Hwal Bin Dang group died, there will always be someone in the future who will make a stand! They will not be physically present but the spirits will always remain!
I really love this series
I agree, they were spot on with the choice of score. Even if I listen to it while reading your summary, I am more deeply moved than if I read the words alone.
Are the Hong Sisters maturing in their writing? This was a fantastic treatment of a traditional tale. What this treatment does is to make history more palatable to the masses.
Enjoyed “watching” this drama alongside you, Javabeans, by reading your summaries and commentaries. I cannot think of a better obsession to have
I thought the ending was sad, but great because hong gil dong and enok got to be together! This was such an awesome movie with great actors! I especially loved Kang Ji Hwan and Sung Yuri! They added something special to this drama and I’m so depressed that it has ended! I hope they win best couple at the drama awards!!!
This ending’s unfair 4 CW. He’s the most painful person in this drama. Now he’s just a person who lost feeling TT TT.
Just finished the final ep of Hong Gil Dong… The ending is really beautiful… Sad, but really meaningful. The breathtaking song, the entire final sequence… So poignant… I was tearing so much (and i still am)…
i’ve been religiously following the series every week, and reading your summary after watching each episode.. and i have to say that as much as i loved the drama (i recommended it to ALL my friends), i utterly, and i mean UTTERLY, hated the ending.
it’s not because i hate sad endings (i thought bali’s ending was the best ending ever), but more because of the fact that i feel like i got cheated. it doesn’t link with the mood of the series at all! right from the get-go, the mood was that of a feel-good drama. even when the gd-yn pair got separated, even at episode 20 when yn found out about her parents and all the melodrama REALLY started, i stuck with it because i thought it’d all be alright for them in the end.
i wouldn’t feel so bad if this were a drama like misa or bali, but i hate that they had such a happy (or, at the very least, light-hearted) overtone from episode 1 right up to two-thirds of episode 24, and wham! suddenly this tragic ending appears out of nowhere and gets shoved in our faces. i was actually thumping my chest at the last 10 minutes, especially after that fiery arrows scene (where’d gd and yn get the time to fit so much dialogue in anyways?)
yes, the realist in me admits that this ending does reconcile changwhee’s and gildong’s issues. but in the first place, this is a fusion sageuk! if they wanna portray a real view of things, how dyou explain the crazy cobra scenes etc? how does gd manage to get out of situations that’re impossible to get out of? how did he and yn even manage to get out of the palace alive in ep 15?!
urgh, i can’t take it i have to rant otherwise i’ll burst. and call me shallow, but i think i’ll give comedies with sad endings a pass next time. i don’t think my heart can take it
bird, I could not agree more!!!!!
BRILLIANT…just freakin’ absolutely brilliant. i was expecting a happy ending too, but this one is fine with me as well. i kinda think the transition into modern-day korea is stretching it, but the ending was satisfying and that is all i ask of any k-drama.
oh and the song had a huge effect on me. it made me almost tear up which made the ending much more memorable. all i want to say is i applaud the Hong sisters…they never fail to disappoint.
oh and dramabeans/javabeans…thanks for all your summaries. your commentary made me laugh and i thank you for taking the time to summarize all the episodes. one question though: i know you’re a HUGE fan of Kang Ji Hwan (kinda on the verge of obsession even…haha), but i was wondering: you complained earlier about how Jang Keun Suk’s acting of Chang Whe was too stiff and emotionless. did his acting get better as the series progressed? just curious, I guess. thanks again.
I watched episodes1-19 on Mysoju and read 1-24 on this javabeans/Blogads via dramabeans. Although I thought this drama was outstanding (not on the same level as Jumong and Dae JoYoung) the final episode should have ended with the main characters staying alive. I simply loved Kang Ji Hwan and Jang Geun Suk. They made the entire comedy/drama work.
I will not watch the remaining 5 episodes because the writer made Sung Yu Ri too stupid and dumb. It was okay being stupid during the first 7 episodes, but give me a break, even a child would grown more than Heo Yi Nok did. How could two extremely handsome men fall in love with someone as stupid as Yi Nok? That’s not reality.
I never heard of the Hong sisters before, but based on Hong Gil Dong episodes, I will view the author(s) first and not bother to purchase or look at any thing else they write. I hope Sung Yu Ri think twice about staring in another movie or film with this type of character. I really made her look stupid for acting in a movie which made her look stupid.
I have never been more emotionally invested in a secondary character before, Jang Geun Suk almost stole the show. Kang Ji Hwan was too outstanding to let that happen. Their plot developments were strong between the two of them. I loved the cartoony villains, the politically-incorrect side characters, the dead-end side stories, etc… the folklore interpretation of Hong Gil Dong and the series in deed depicted the real story of Hong Gil Dong. Despite the fault of Yi Nok being so dump and stupid, I still find HGD entertaining. It gave me hours of watching pleasure. For that, I’ll forever be grateful toward KBS.
I appreciate dramabeans/javabeans…thanks for your outstanding summaries on Hong Gil Dong. Your commentary made me understand the episodes much better. This is my first time reading episodes/series and I thank you for taking the time to summarize all the episodes. I will use this website again!
I really am shocked…..REALLY did not expect this ending for this drama…..i thought “gee, itz a comedy, romance drama so OF COURSE the main characters r gonna live happily ever after”, but my guess was wrong. I like the ending, but feel that something is missing…..like….CLOSURE?!!!….well, atleast they died together…..in a wierd awkward note. >.
coollady (#93), I think Jang Geun Seok’s acting did improve from the beginning, when often I thought his expressions were blank rather than cold. Toward the end, he’s given more to do — cry, shout, rage — which is probably easier to convey than coldness. He’s still got a long way to go to improve on his acting, but he’s young and has got his whole career ahead of him.
That is such a ;_______; ending, but I can’t help feeling a little bit of the 300 madness – i.e. the falling arrows and the whole 300 prepared to die for Sparta. haha – anyways wonderful summaries as usual!
AT first sorry for my reallý bad english ^^
For me, the ending was like 60 % of the most korean dramas I’ve seen so far. I hope every time I see a ney drama, that the ending would turn out Happy. Just a little bit. But most of the time, the writers think, ‘Now, we could let the most of the people die. Just for the ‘realism’ touch’ and then, the audience, who is not prepared for this. Sit for the tv and think, ‘WHAT ?! ‘
Yes, it was a realism end, but it totally ruined the howl drama. Also, at the end and sometimes it was a little bit sad. Exectly the humor, love, action and sad parts in the drama, was what i liked. But I didnt expect this ending and it was so, conpletly dissappointing.
At the End I thought, that the writers, for there sake to be recognize for other writers, then for love sories, they turned the ending to this. Its like, that they have thougt, we will never been called again, the ‘happy ending drama writers’, and because of that, they schowed us this ending.
I’m completly dissapointed, and I cant imagine, the Meaning of that ending, also I think that ‘Dramabeans’ had thought a great ‘meaning’ up.
AT first sorry for my reallý bad english ^^
For me, the ending was like 60 % of the most korean dramas I’ve seen so far. I hope every time I see a new drama, that the ending would turn out Happy. Just a little bit. But most of the time, the writers think, ‘Now, we could let the most of the people die. Just for the ‘realism’ touch’ and then, the audience, who is not prepared for this. Sit for the tv and think, ‘WHAT ?! ‘
Yes, it was a realism end, but it totally ruined the howl drama. Also, at the end and sometimes it was a little bit sad. Exectly the humor, love, action and sad parts in the drama, was what i liked. But I didnt expect this ending and it was so, completly dissappointing.
At the End I thought, that the writers, for there sake to be recognize for other Scrpits , then for love stories, they turned the ending to this. Its like, that they have thougt, we will never been called again, the ‘happy ending drama writers’, and because of that, they schowed us this ending.
I’m completly dissapointed, and I cant imagine, the Meaning of that ending, also I think that ‘Dramabeans’ had thought a great ‘meaning’ up.
Ah. Hong Gil Dong, the Hero series has finally ended. I’m feeling empty now…
Firstly, i would like to thank Javabeans for her recaps and witty comments for each episode. They made waiting for the subbed episodes much more bearable.
I must say i have mixed feelings for this ending. I sort of hate it and love it at the same time….but the more i think about it the more acceptable it is for me. At first, like most people, i was shocked and disappointed with the ending. I had expected HGD to be a happy series, judging from the beginning and how every problem encountered by the characters was solved. So, the sad ending was sort of hard to stomach.
Then again, from episode 22 and 23, one already gets the feeling that CW and GD can never compromise – the ’sad’ ending is inevitable
. But I’m glad that at least YN and GD were married before the showdown with the soldiers.
However, i wish that the Hong sisters could have given more coverage to Yeon and Mal Nyeo too, like how they told the past of Su Guen and Gom. It seemed a little unbalanced…how they gave depth to only Su Guen and Gom.
I would love to know how did Yeon become so close to Gom (or perhaps the other way round). They are as close as brothers, and they even have the same kind of weapon! I’m also curious as to Mal Nyeo’s “side job” as a harlot… …won’t she have mixed feelings about this side job?
I didn’t watch the Hong sister’s first drama (Fantasy Couple), but i think they’ve improved alot since Delightful Girl Choon Hyang. The HGD series (and of course, not forgetting Javabeans) set me thinking and questioning far more than any other dramas. I love how this drama isn’t entirely about the love triangle between the leads.
HGD has also given me another reason why i should watch K-drama. The showdown scene between Hwal Bin Dang and the soldiers was simply beautiful. I love the artistic way it is being filmed. It made their deaths more meaningful and much less tragic.
Oh well, life goes on even without Kang Ji Hwan to look out for
. But HGD has certainly earned him another fan —- me!!!
I’m so mad at myself for reading about the last episode instead of just waiting to watch it. When I tried to read it out loud, I found myself having to pause since i was mostly in tears from reading the end. I wanted so much for it to be happy, but even so, I would have to say it was a GOOD ending for the series. This is one of my favorite shows now. It made me laugh, cry, and wondering. Wondering if I’ll ever see another show like this.
Still watching this on TV.
As for the ending which I have just read here…Well I think that ending is perfect because it gives a strong basic structure for the whole of the previous crazy story. Now it all come together and means something.
Peggy
twas only after hong gildong came to an end did i discover this site and i’m so impressed with the way this site is designed and written.
i would like to congratulate you ‘javabeans’ ? what’s your nationality ?
how come you’re not only articulate but profound in your analysis and comments?
i’m glad to have found this site.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I love reading your writing and summaries.
thank you for a very eloquent comment and analysis.
am really interested from what country you’re form.
i am so sad that i want cry . i never want this kind of ending.I always crying when see
end korean moveis however I still love korean movie even if they want the ending to be this sad they must let that them alive 10 years together and kill gildong and yinok after 10 years. this kind of miveis that stsrt very comedy upshot ending sad .anyway this movie had horrible endinggggggggggggggggggg same kneeah said
.if I can i again come back and tell more about this movie. I want come to korea for see korea and learning language korea. and know there
wow, lots of opinions.
i’d say my reaction is partly surprise and partly apathy. my attachment to this series is not as strong as it once was and guess i can bring myself to accept the ending since most heroes need a tragic death to be elevated to legend status. plus, i admire the hong sisters for ending it the way they wanted to without resorting to obvious (boring?) crowd-pleasing antics
i would have ended it slightly differently, however, but i suppose it would not have been as fun. i believe the king also agreed with hgd at heart but couldn’t endorse his position openly since it could possibly resort in anarchy, bring about a yangban revolt, or at least threaten his own hard-earned position. i feel that they could have done what they had done throughout the series…fake a death. it would have been smarter for the king and hgd to pretend to disagree while making secret arrangements for the gang to drive out a number of the corrupt yangban throughout the country. this agreement would be made from the get-go of their supposed disagreement, even behind the audience’s back, making for a twist in the end when the nature of their actual conflict is made known to the audience . thus, the king pleases the yangban by declaring hgd his enemy and hgd and gang can still live to instigate the changes they have always been hoping for…one bad yangban at a time. plus, hgd can get out of the spotlight, which is what the king and he both wanted. it would be very hgd-esque plus could be somewhat of a twist, though not nearly as shocking as the actual ending…
aww i’m sad now…
i’m on ep 16…
and i dont think i wanna finish it…
i’ve already read the ending…
it’ll just be more sad if i watched it…
i’m just SO SAD…! Changhwi ended up being the mean one in the end!!
arrgghh.. i dispise sad endings… they make me sad…
though I haven’t seen the whole thing, I believe they survived somehow. Because think back to the begining opening scene, I think it refers to Hong-gil-dong continuing his mission, and then it jumps back to tell the beggining of the makings of Hong gil dong.
the more i think about it the sadder i am! but it was, although sad and unexpected, a good ending.
IT IS A GREAT BEAUTIFUL STORY… I HAVENT WATCH ALL, BUT READ FROM ITS FINAL EPISODE RECAP (MALU NGASIH TAU-NYA) THAT I CRIED,,,… IT IS SO MENYENTUH BGT!!! HOPE I CAN WATCH IT ALL SOON.
Since it has ended already, I just hope that Kang JihWan and Seong Yuri will do another together. I think that they do have a good chemistry. To Kanh JIwhan and Seong Yuri Congratulations and more power!!!!
Thank you. Your critics are amazing.
Well, I’m glad we did not see the carnage also. I think it keeps people like me in denial.
You know…HGD survived being shot by an arrow and falling off a cliff! I bet he can survive a few arrows. =) They’re smart; they know what to do in this situation.
i pity Chang Whe. He’s left with nothing. All his life he lived believing that he is the rightful heir to the throne then came out the truth that he wasn’t. Tsk.Tsk. Then, he fell in love with a girl who doesn’t even see him…even if he’s always there for her… anytime…anywhere… Poor guy! WAAAAHHH!
[...] what a great ending it [...]
Finally got to watching the ending! It was sooo hard trying not to read your reviews when waiting for the subs to come out but I’m glad I stuck it out!
For some reason by the middle of the episode I had this feeling that it seems like someone is gonna die (probably Gil Dong and Enok) judging from some hints that I heard from a “shocking” ending. But I’m happy that they ended up together anyhow. I think this is the first time in a kdrama that the main couple got married in such a low key way!! There wasn’t even a wedding scene for them! But that sleeping shot was totally cute. I think I’m going to be one of those in denial who believe that they can dodge a few arrows with all their martial art skills! Feeling kinda blue that one of my favorite dramas ended. (Does anyone else get depressed when a drama ends? It always happens to me….>_
I’m really glad that I endured it and didn’t spoil myself… Just watched the final episode and I must admit that I was afraid as I’ve read some comments that it was disappointing and unexpected (that’s how far my curiousity went
) but.. I really, really liked the ending. How can you end such series? In other dramas it’s usually obvious – in the end our couple will end together and the whole world will exist for them only. But here? Hong Gil Dong is special because it’s not usual. It was transforming from comedy to drama, adventure, and after a while it became obvious that Enok’s and Gil Dong’s love isn’t in the center anymore.. I get the feeling that the whole series was about a road of a hero; at the beginning Gil Dong was a funny guy, simple, basically everything BUT hero. Then he met a girl. Then he met a king. Then he started fighting. Then he became a hero. And then it turned out that as a hero he isn’t good for his times, that he has to die and we can’t enjoy his person anymore. But we can enjoy his legend. And we got to see his road; in many episodes this subject was picked up; ‘Enok will you go with me?’ ‘We will fight together, Prince’ ‘Why don’t you let me stick with you?’ ‘Can you watch me being captured, and observe from a distance?’ ‘We’ll do this together’. Whoa, I could look for many, many more. But it’s great. And we got to hear ‘we’ll be going together’, finally. Can I go, too?
In times like this I ask myself – what kind of ending would be better? In this case I have no idea. Hundreds of possible solutions pop up in my mind, but nothing is enough. I agree; the finale gave something to the whole series. New meaning? Not sure. I guess I’m still a little bit dizzy; my biggest thought is – what I’m going to do now ? My HGD is over, so not cool.
But thank you javabeans for great summary and thoughts, as always.
Oh my…so sad… My routine throughout this drama has been to watch an episode then read the summary – and then try like crazy NOT to read the summary for the next episode! Managed this to the VERY end but did catch on that something big was coming up in the final episode. Well, I tried to think of what kind of ending could bring about all the rumbling and I prepared for the worst. Consequently I wept through most of the final episode as it unfolded since everything pointed to a tragic ending for HGD.
However, having now watched the final episode I strongly agree with Javabeans – it may not be the ending I wanted but it pulls everything together and gives the story weight in a way that no other ending could have. Despite their fate, at least Enok and HGD were together in the end – neither was left to grieve over the loss of the other – and I found the “shooting stars” scene quite moving (although I knew it meant certain doom). I too was SO thankful that the final battle/body count was not shown – it simply would not have had the same impact…
Oh, I’m going to miss this drama SO much. Javabeans, thank you for encouraging us to watch it – I probably wouldn’t have otherwise! Thanks also for your entertaining and thoughtful (and occasionally delightfully snarky) recaps!
stunning…
the greatest drama ever. i could watch that last fight scene over and over again.
that enchanting song helped make everything top notch.
cute how that bum in the subway was hae myung.
(Oops! Didn’t mean to imply in #118 that your snarkiness was occasionally delightful – it always is! Was supposed to mean that you weren’t snarky ALL the time! Sorry!)
thank you. your review brought clarity. I’m not one to think too deeply when watching k-dramas but your insights help me see things in a new perspective.
btw, the norwegian song is beautiful and the lyrics are awesome!
Well after watching it over and over (and many tears), i came to the conclusion that this was one of the best series that i have watched in a while and it was my first korean history drama too! I was never a big fan of kdrama and never did i thought i would be watching a period drama but as fate would have it i spend the last 3 days of my spring break watching this series! Its truly amazing
The ending was very sad, but for some reason i couldn’t help but feel sad for Chang Whe, maybe its because of my liking for him throughout the series (i’ll just leave it at that to prevent my endless ranting about how much i adore/pity him) and though i knew inok was going to end up with gil dong i kept on having hope that chang whe and inok would end up together because of what the monk said so that was a huge disappointment for me.
All in all, i was somewhat confused at first when watching the last episode because i expected it to finished off the scene in the beginning but from reading your thorough review and others inputs i completely understand and came to appreciate this episode
Thanks so much and keep up the good work!
*it was defiantly worth it staying up until 11 to finish this series when i have school tomorrow and a paper i need to write; yikes!
Googled Sissel Kyrkyjebo Laer me A Kjenne and the top result was a video of her singing the song on YouTube. She explains a bit about the song (had me weeping right there!) and then sings. Oh my, what a beautiful voice… (I have her Norwegian Christmas CD – Glade Jul – and play in non-stop in December. And no, I do not understand Norwegian! Just can’t get enough of her voice!)
Thanks so much, Dramabeans for the song information and download. Certainly enriches the HGD-final-episode experience…
Full marks to the Hong sisters for daring to go for the hard ending! It’s disappointing when a series sets up a conflict and forces us to care, and then disposes glibly with all obstacles in the last ten minutes so that the couple can embrace and live happily ever after. You know, a bit like having people fall off the side of a building, only to find that a safety mattress has miraculously appeared
It’s pleasing at one level for the viewer to be “rescued” like that, but at another level a contrived happy ending lacks integrity.
So, it is churlish of me to complain. But I feel dissatisfied with a number of things.
I feel the writers dared to go for broke, but then lost their nerve and pulled back. “Right! Let’s go for it! Integrity over popularity! But, oh dear, the fans will hate us and we’ll never get another writing job. So let’s make the ending Beautiful. And vague so that the adamant fairy-tale dreamers can still believe in a happy ending if they must.” Not that I’m ungrateful for being spared a scene of carnage. But I thought they over sugar-coated. What with all the bumph about the dawn of democracy and HGD living on in our hearts and minds (sorry, just too glib and sappy for me).
And it’s hard to understand how HGD, set up as the smartest, most perceptive and most capable person in the country, could come to a sticky end so quickly. OK, he’s too idealistic. OK, he’s on a collision course with the king. And I guess he was taken by surprise by the swiftness and ferocity of Chang Whe’s attack. And we all know that in real life not much can stand in the way of imperial might. Still, it takes a bit for my head to wrap itself round this. So it feels somewhat contrived.
I have an even harder time with Chang Whe. I think it’s a mixture of feeling the script hurtle him along; a plot device for the downfall of HGD. And of the actor being, um, er, “enigmatic” to put it kindly. But I have a hard time figuring out what’s up with him. On the one hand he is compromising horribly and heading nicely towards Tyrant Territory – The murder of the deposed king (albeit an understandable move), appointing the winner of the most-corrupt-official-contest his Minister of the Interior (much less forgivable), and his swift and ruthless decision to exterminate (exterminate; not just oppose) HGD. He tries to persuade HGD to back down, but he is still opposed to his populist cause and merely wishes he didn’t have to betray a friend. Didn’t he promise so earnestly not long ago that he would earn HGD’s respect? Didn’t he once say he would be a king for his people? What happened to all that? It seems it could have been discovering the Sa Yin sword fake that sent him into a tailspin of insecurity and a need to grab on to the throne. Was that what made him act so swiftly against HGD, taking even HGD (one who understood him better than most) by surprise? At the same time, in his last meeting with HGD he pronounces he will never forget HGD. I wish the script and the acting gave us less conflicting signals.
There’s no hint of him going mad (just somewhat power-clingy). Yet all the ingredients are there. He has killed his predecessor, compromised with his ideals, annihilated a key supporter, and in the process been forced to destroy the only person he ever loved (after being spurned by her, too); the one who made him a good man, he said. Surely this would mess with his head majorly?! Or at the very least make him a ruthless king like any other? But I feel I will never know. Instead of the corny scene of HGD watching over modern Korea (sorry; I know many like this scene because it salves wounds and brings hope – but it’s just too corny for me), I wish we are told what CW’s reign was like. Just feels like a distinct lack of closure on this front.
I was realy saddened by the ending though it was good, but then kinda weird….i mean the whole time i was like “marry the prince!, MARRY HIM!!!!”
…gawd
Oh gosh. I’m still crying. I read the line “l love you” and man i am bawling. [again!] That was one of the best drama. I think i liked it more than Goong. The ending was really … touching and deep. I kind of liked it, but still would of liked it if they had a happy ending. Too bad, that’s just reality. But I LOVE this drama! :]
i was satisfied with the ending though i was expecting it to end in a happier way. i really didnt want them to die so im still hoping that they are alive because of episode 1. i mean that part didnt have to take place in the same country. gil dong did want to change the world not only his own country.
i guess im still living in denial…
oh and i really feel bad for the new king. i guess i always feel bad for the loser of the love triangle, but he suffered so much in this series. i mean he finds out about the fake sa yin sword and he has to kill the girl he loves. its heartbreaking really. i just hope he can live through it and not become a bad king because that would have been a total waste.
though it wasn’t a good ending, the happy scenes of gildong and yinok still lingers in the story…it was such a romantic love story till death do them apart…the writers maybe intended not to show how they both die in order to let the audience have a good memory of the drama; of gildong, yinok and the hwalbindang…FIGHTING!!!
Thanks for that song download! When it came on, I was immediately taken aback, because they had never used it before. I couldn’t tell what language it was either. It’s beautiful though!
But you know, you and my mom have the same take on everything, from beginning to end.
I just discovered this drama randomly when I was on mysoju.com, looking for something interesting to watch.
I have to say, this is probably going to end up one of my favorite dramas of all time. It has it’s flaws of course, but I don’t really care. In disagreement with tealeaf, no offense or anything, I enjoyed the juvenile humor and random villians – without it, the story would have been much too dark. The writers really thought out how the story should turn out because of the two possible endings-
A. everyone lives happily ever after and SOMEHOW CH and HGD manage to find meeting point in between them
B. everyone “dies” but the legacy lives on
I think that the first choice would be by far more popular with fans watching because, come on, as the drama went by we all fell in love with the characters, regardless of their flaws. However, this kind of ending is, realistically, impossible. Back in the olden days, the ending that the drama has as of now is the most realistic situation. Not only this, but it puts the drama on a more serious note, and definitely confronts the main theme of the story, which I’m guessing is that there will always be someone watching society and dreaming for a better one- where everyone is equal. To maintain this kind of bittersweet ending where watchers must assume that everyone dies, they must make the story fun enough so that the watchers who like lighthearted humor and heroics will also be satisfied.
And I think that the writers did an amazing job at this. Yes, I admit the beginning scene threw me off because I assumed that was how the drama was going to end. So I expected them to somehow survive- but when the ending came I realized the reasoning behind this. The fact that the drama ended on such a note makes a much bigger impact on the entertainment industry and hopefully will change in future dramas, making them think out this happily ever after that everyone assumes there will be.
That last scene when the arrows were flying in the air and the goosebump-raising music was playing, I was crying because of how much I really loved that scene.
But hey, maybe I’m just a freak (:
This drama was a true gem- I can’t imagine not trying to watch this drama. I agree that the beginning was a bit too childish and over the top but I recommend anyone and everyone to watch it. It’s really good D: Not to mention the eye candy! (:
Finally, a thanks to you Javabeans for giving us the best screen shots and an amazing summary for each episode. I visit your site everyday to look at stuff and I have to say your music taste is awesome – I always love your song of the days HAHA I’ve downloaded most of them ^^
Thank you to everyone who worked on the film for giving us such a great drama!
Chang Whe!! OMGOSH..i thought it would end differently…but. *sigh* ….i guess it’s trying to deliver a message…but such a bittersweet ending…more bitter than sweet for me.
I’ll always think of them as together…
Finally watched the ending and why is it I want to yell “false advertisement”!!
I seriously think that now, after watching the entire series, they could have done without that misleading intro. I say misleading for a few points beside the hair, one of them being Enok’s part in their heist, despite the fact that for everything after the intro Enok was never made part of willingly and yet for the intro her presence is accepted and she is acting as part of the gangs plan.
It just pisses me off thinking that they were going to survive only to see that no one did. Chang Whe gets lead by the balls by his officials to kill the only two people that he seriously could have called friends…
So yea, not happy. Okay ending, but wished they were consistent.
Hi dramabeans, I just finished watching the last episode on KBS World, and I gotta say, luckily i read your summary first. The last scene was just too much for me to bear, but when I think of what you wrote, it is a beautiful scene nevertheless.
Was scouting around Soompi for fan reactions and most of them were furious with the ending! I guess the first episode gave all of us some false sense of security that it will be another happy ending (then again, expectation on the Hong sisters is that they usually write happy endings too). I would have been too, but i can’t imagine another ending other than this. If not, what will happen to Changwhe then?
Thanks for covering Hong Gil Dong, I would have not watch it if not for your great synopsis
Rereading these summarys made a couple tears come to my eyes. The final 10-15 minutes were so beautifully laid out. Despite the fact that they knew what was coming, they still spent their last couple minutes together happy and smiling. Even as the fire arrows came, they bravely accepted their fate. It might not be the “Happy ending” that everyone wanted but I think this is the most suitable ending. They died together, and they died fighting for what they believed. What more can ya ask for?
This series reminded me of the reason why I used to love Korean drama… I have to admit I was feeling pretty jaded and was straying toward the Japanese territory… But man, I lingered over this for one whole week (a record for me, since I never susually last more than 4 days in finishing a series), and it was priceless. One of the best Korean series I’ve ever seen, I have to say… It had its inconsistencies, and to this moment I still can’t reconcile the opening scene came in, and of course I thought the prince had enough balls to oust the one who together with the prince’s mom and enok’s dad orchestrated the entire thing, and of course gil dong’s father was in the right all along but never got any vindication, but I liked it… and count me in the minority who loves the ending (haha, reminiscent of the question about Soulmate having a sequel or not…).
Stellar acting for Kang Ji Hwan, as usual… I’ve always admired his skill, ever since I saw him in Exhibition of Fireworks (the series might have tanked, but you’d agree he acted his part impressively) 90 Days, Time for Love (sob!sob!) and again in Seoul Scandal (that’s another series I liked… have you seen it?)… and This time he didn’t disappoint. He was brilliant. Sung YUri’s acting reminded me of Joo Yoo Rin in My Girl (I don’t know if it was deliberate, probably is, throwing in the hairstyles and all…), but at least she got to show that she could do more than be really pretty while crying. I was surprised at the king… Jang Geun Seok… I knew he had such short airtime in Hwang Jin Yi, not that I felt the loss anyway, but here, he was a presence… I have to say I was rooting for him only slightly less than Gil dong… hahah… But I liked the way he showed how the king could be vulnerable even though the time called for him to be iron-willed… Definitely worth the air-time given to him.
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I’ll never forget the falling stars.
WHHAAAAATTTTT!!!!! What happened????The ending was SO UNEXPECTED!!! We’re thinking that Chang Whe will die and Enok with Hong Gil Dong will continue their dreams towards the world they wanted! The very end part where a person appears as Hong Gil Dong is very dramatic!!! I only have one question and I hope HONG SISTERS will reply…. Does the very beginning part of the episode 1 really happened? Why there is no traces of deaths in the Hwal Bin Dang Hideout? Where did they go? Did they escape or died??? PLEASE REPLY!!! I whole-heartedly thanks to JAVABEANS for reviewing this episode… My cousin and I don’t have the courage to watch the ending because we’re so afraid, but now we already knew it….We are bit DISAPPOINTED because there is no exact information or scene why there is no dead people in Hwal Bin Dang Hideout….PLEASE WE ARE BOTH CURIOUS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REBELS AND HONG GIL DONG AND ENOK……Please answer….I ‘m Claudette Faye R. Cartabio from Philippines!!!Thanks HONG GIL DONG!!!
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when chang hwe met yi nok for the last time was really sad. i hate the fact that yi nok make it as if chang hwi is guilty over the whole thing. shes so selfish. the guy did so much things to protect her, and even love her but all she did is run to the heroic hong gil dong. since the beginning i think shes too stupid to realise how much the prince cared for her. and the tears he got for her, esp on the last moment, i feel like she didnt deserve it at all. i think he should’ve kill her last time so he wont get hurt that much haha but then there wont be hong gil dong drama anymore. i really think the prince should get his own story! i like jang geun seok’s looks in this drama. next time i want to see more of this look of his ^^ he looked so diff ^^
well ive kind of expected the ending to have someone die in the drama. i expected gil dong but i didnt expect yi nok would die with him.
truly i am a happy ending lover…i agree with you its not sad or happy, the ending got both…and the hong sister bring something that we could think deeply.
any way, i just re-watch first episode and still hope they still live anyhow coz in first episode after gil dong and friends robbed the rich poeple, it’s tittle years before..and then we watch the meeting of gil dong and yi nok start..
hope its not over.
im not quite satisfaction with the ending but still i agree with that one..
whoaaaa what a show…!
so disappointed!!!
gosh, i was damn disappointed with the last episode
the firsts i uttered when i finished watching the drama is ‘I CAN BELIEVE I JUST WASTED SO MUCH TIME ON THIS DRAMA?! I CANT BELIEVE I WATCHED IT!’
okay, though i really like the show and plot and all through out, (from the beginning all the way till chang hwi found out that the sa yin sword was fake) but the ending was just BAD. i dont know, to me, the show started to get worst when the sa yin sword was found out to be fake. like WHAT?!
oh, i was sort of expecting a happy ending for gil dong and yinok cos their lives have been so sad, i mean the show (though comedy here and there) everyone’s life is kinda sad, so i was expecting a great ending with some happy faces.
but oh wells, everyone was dead in the show, including the living chang hwi.
you’re right Doreen…. We realized the same way too… My cousin and I watched this drama until 2o’clock in the morning and we finished the whole drama within 3 days…. We’re so disappointed in the ending!!!! We are hoping that Chang Whe will go down the thrown and let the people decide whom they want to be their king, Hong Gil Dong or Chang Whe……
I like this drama much… I hope there will be 2nd Hong gil dong.. Kang ji hwan showed his great acting here.. Cant wait his next drama!!!
this is soooo depressing!!!!
omgomgomg…
atleast i was abit ready for it cause i read ur summary!!!!
WHAT A SAAAAAAAAAAD ENDING!!!
my heart was crushed every minute..
but come to think of it..i think this was the best way they could end it if they wanted it to end realistically..
and well atleast they had theyre happy moments whilst the prince was left alone..in the throne hell die protecting..
and GOMI lived!!!hes one of my fave characters!!!yeeeeey..
..
it dint even hav the continuation of the first epii..but like wat others suggested..it mustve became the legends that became of the past..
(was chan hui with them in the first epi??or was it just my imagination??better go nd check it out!!)
..
TWAS A GREAT WATCH!!
although i might have to think it over next time of id want to rewatch it.i think getting over the sad ending is bad enough..and will take long for me to get over…
BTW…wat was the role of the master in the drama??
..
PS…I LOVE THE WHOLE after 500 yrs thing..lol
it was more of a lecture-y themed but oh well..my prince was still cute!!!
what a wonderfull series…
only one word “wow”!!!
what a wonderful series..
I LOVE THAT SERIES!!!!
I agreed with the ending.. Like you said, Happy ending ? Not completely, Satisfying ? for me Too, it was.
This story is great until the last episode. I love the charactors in this drama but knowing they will died at the end make me so disapointed.
What a great drama!!! I LOVE IT!!
What A GREAT DRAMA!!! I LOVE IT!!!
it’s a very bittersweet ending… unexpected but like you said, satisfying =)
hi dramabeans.
well, juss wanted to share my thoughts…
the ending is not happy, but yes it satisfied me.
im juss really glad that enok and gil dong got each other.
i would have been really angry if they did not get one another.
another thing, the ending is very touching. i cried.
thinking back to all the wonderful and fun times they had together.
*sigh* i am watching the begining over again,
juss to gain those happiness back. lol.
*sigh!* but it WOULD have been better if the ending
was a continuation of episode 1.
that would have been a WAAAYYY better and happier ending for me.
im juss disappointed that they didnt have a long ENOUGH time to be happy together.
but overall im satisfied, i guess. =\
i LOVE hong gil dong the drama!!!
and i LOVE gil dong, he is soo cute how he is with enok! =D
they are lovely together!!! =D
I am quite satisfied with the ending, but after reading your review it makes me regret the fact that I like skimmed episodes 20 – 23 to see the ending. I saw some comments on crunchyroll on how disappointing the ending was when I was done with episode 19.
The only thing that really bugged me was that I didn’t understand how the first scene in episode one could follow after the ending. But after reading chasen8888, I really liked your interpretation.
Usually im a suckers for happy endings, even though HGD ending was really bittersweet, I stilled enjoyed it, despite the fact he and yi nok died, they were still able to be together in the end and they got married. I really liked that, it ’s so much better than them not being together.Also the fact that Gom lives, he will carry on the beliefs and will tryy his best to create a bettere world.
Another thing was that I was wondering how Chang Hwi ran the nation after, did he become a good king, or was he like a tyrant…
It turned out to be fine with GD/YN ending, at least they died together.
But what I’m so mad at is that it was just too unfair for CW. I’ve liked his character itself from the beginning and it was developed very well, I didn’t hope that he would end up with YN but at least there should be a happy ending for him. It was too cruel to leave him with nothing but being suffered. He deserved much more than that.
I just hate YN in the last scene of her with CW, how come she say those cruel things too him after all what CW has done for her, she should just have said that she couldnt live without GD and go. I couldnt help but cried even more than CW did, oh my gosh. I just feel so sorry for him, poor guy.
I’ve loved the whole thing throughout the series, except the ending, it sucks to me. I think the three main actors have done a great job. Especially I love the comedic character in GD, I also feel the sorrowfullness in CW and the being stupid in YN although it was so unreal.
[...] in Korea, there is this blog that tells the story in great detail! I found it very enjoyful to read http://www.dramabeans.com/2008/03/hong-gil-dong-episode-24-final/ They told the story from episode 1 through 24. You can also download the series from veoh.com with [...]
wow….i’m speechless
but i love ur summaries.
they are so concise and easy to understand!
i also love how u put up the music from the series for people to download
but Hong Gil Dong is an excellent drama. I was disappointed with the ending at first, but then i gradually accepted the fact that he died as a hero and lived on as a legend. As it would not make sense for them to overthrow the king who is also suffering from the fact that enok left him.
phew…now that i’ve got that out…
i’m gonna browse around now for other dramas and look forward to reading more of ur summaries =)
I just finished watching the series over a course of 5 days and found the last few episodes a little tedious to watch, and the ending? Totally unexpected.
Was quite disappointed, to be honest.
But reading your recap made me feel better about the ending, about the drama.
Thanks so much.
so sad….make me cry…i hate ending like this lah!!!T.T
izin’t tat episode 1 say (1 and a half year before this)? then y is hung gil dong die in the end??
nono…izint ep 1 say (a few years before this)? den how suppose gil dong die? the few years leh??
I just found out about this drama and i immediately fell in love with it after watching the first episode. I searched for the other episodes on the internet and i’ve finished watching the entire series (with countless sleeps of course..).
Honestly, i agree with Gwe. The ending was beyond my expectation (hell yeah, after watching the series 24/7…I was hoping AT LEAST a happy ending). To me, i just can’t help but feel that all the character developments go to waste…
I’m a big sucker for happy ending, i realized that much after watching HGD. Of course, all of us welcome a ‘non-typical’ ending once in a while, but this is just too much – it left me traumatized, trust me. I loved both gil dong and the prince’s character so much that the fact they kinda went the opposite way pisses me off!!
However, after reading most of the comments, the ‘traumatic-sensation’ has eased a little bit. I agree with anon on the part;
“I was disappointed with the ending at first, but then i gradually accepted the fact that he died as a hero and lived on as a legend. As it would not make sense for them to overthrow the king who is also suffering from the fact that enok left him”.
(Breathes in, breathes out) thank god, i’m a bit relieved now…
I finished watching this drama this morning at around five and I couldn’t stop crying. It totally put a damper on my day, but the way they died was so touching and sad that i keep watching it over and over again on youtube. Especially when Enok and Gil Dong do the voice over of the I Love You’s at the end. Whenever I think of them and all that they went through only to die together I start crying again. It was still a great drama even without the happy ending.
Whoa! So many comments! I still tear up whenever I think about the last episode.
Laer Meg a Kjenne uploaded here.
Yeah…
I’ve watched the DVD in here, but unfortunately the last episode doesn’t work…
Thanks to your summary about the last episode…
Hehehehe….
It really helps me to understand the story…
After I read your summary, I just feel free of worry because at least YN and GD died together… For me it still a happy ending ^.^
But, I feel a bit sad too, because GD is died and he can’t make a family with YN..
I really really hope that they can survive…..
Hikz2…T.T
i think the ending is very fitting, because it gave me the feeling that gildong and yinok are still together right now, in heaven. I dont feel sadness, but happiness that there will be a decent king and that gildong’s legacy can live on. btw, gildong and yinok’s chemistry was amazing and i think thats because when one person was really into the acting, it made the other partner into it too—>both showing passionate love. haha[:
Do the Hwal Bin Dang gang really dies in the finale? I think they survived because if you guys look back at Episode 1, the scene started with the Hwal Bin Dang gang together with Enok fighting a corrupted minister . After they’d taken a very good care of him, there’s a subtitle on the screen saying ” A few years ago before this” and the story of Hong Gil Dong begins with the scene of GilDong waking up in the brothel. If they died, then how can there be “A few years later” scene in the beginning??
I am not satisfied with the ending, cause I think the kings action did not fit with his character, Hong gil Dongs actions didn’t fit well with him either since he always said that he knew nothing could be changed so quickly. So it didn’t make senes that he wanted to rush now and he even threatedned the king.
On the other hand I think its wrong of him to kill Hong Gil Don and especially Eneuk (altough that was really her choice), in the end I had the feeling that he would turn out like his brother. They should have made it more obvious that he would be a rightous king who changed a few things, that would have been better. THem working together would have been great and even if he died it should have been mentioned that the king was a good one also I felt very sorry for Chang Hui because his love was so holy unreceired, she could have been a little drawn in by him at least, like he said ‘at least look at me once’.(Probalby I am on his side cause I really loved the actor) What I liked about the end is the end dialog which puts us into the present time, but to tell the truth even in the present time nothing has changed much really there is still rich and poor only the poor might be a little better protected now.
after reading this now im relieve maybe this explains me the ending better than the copy i had watched,haay hope there would be a part two of this story,its to good just to end it so fast, i miss hong gildong and everyone…(“,)
hem…the ending is like this…..im feel very happy if enok with chang hui….but it just happy that enok with gil dong…..this is the 1st drama that i want the heroin be together with the second hero…i dunno why…..
i knew something would be different in the ending, But this? oy vey. I did not expect this. The beginning especially, threw you off. wow.
T_T ,this is so sad ….I’m always a happy ending lover ,I only want GD and YN live forver happily ever after(I’m 20 yo ,still pretty childish huh? ^ ^) .I feel like I got thrown this ending into my face.
I can’t understand the king , I can’t imagine such a good person throughout the serie ,can finally kill his lover ,kill his supporters,just for what? for protecting his place ? I will never accept that action from a human!! I will never even imagine ,not talk about do,that I will do something like that ,even what I earn will be the most richest ,the most powerful person in this world .So what’s difference between him and his old king brother? The writers didnt say anything about how he is in future , I think they want to give us our own decision .For me ,my answer is : sorry ,king,you will live the rest of your life regret what u had done .You lost your family already,look around , now where are your partners ? your love? Poor you not to have any around u besides the throne u earn by killing them.You indirectly,and directly killed all your love in this world ( your family ,HJW ,YN )
I really like KJH and SYR act .SYR’s last 2 movie were really great (snow queen,and HGD) ,good luck with your career ,and join many movies so I can see you again ^ ^(but don’t die this time like that 2 movies zzz)
That damn age…I am happy I dont have to live in that age…GD and YN just wanna go to China , then GD can forget all about how that world treats him ,YN can get her simple wish that she can be besides GD ,but curse all of that nobleness ,slave …Why dont they just leave the couple alone?
I’m always like this after finishing a drama with a tragedy ending …Now I don’t even dare to watch the serie again ..all fo that laugh ,fun at the beginning ..it will vanish in the end ..I dont want that ..
I will never forget this movie ,one of the best drama I ever seen ,maybe in my entire life .
I’m a KJW convert after this drama …maybe even attempt to finish ‘90 days..’ again. Hehe… Wats your most commented post? Is it this one?
I love this Drama. I’m late in posting. But, I was really disappointed in the ending until I remembered the first episode and watched it again (to confirm that was the REALLY ending). The first episode was really the ending! HGD said to Chung Hui (prince dude) that there will always be a class separation and there would be ppl fighting for a world where there was no poor/rich distinctions.
There were some clues that made me believe that the beginning was the ending, for example, Yi Nok actually knew how to fight, she had a lot of confidence! If you watch, she doesn’t know how to fight well in the other episodes. And the beginning of epi one couldn’t have happened during the show, because their hair was different (HGD had nice straight long hair =], and Yi Nok had long long hair). Plus, during the whole series, there was not one moment that fit the opening scene. When was it that Yi Nok had long hair or knew how to fight? When she joined Hwan Bin Dang, it was long until she found out about her past and thus became an nobles daughter, lived with the Prince. And when she did return to Hong Gil Dong, it was only during the war with the Prince. So, the opening scene doesn’t fit in the story unless it was after the War with the Prince. Plus, their clothes were different. =]
It would make sense because in the one of the last scenes, Gomi was not with the Master when he found the abandon poor kid. Anyways, the biggest clue was the substitle”A FEW YEARS BEFORE THIS.” It also would make sense and fit in the story, b/c even though the king said he would be a good king, that doesn’t stop rich ppl from scamming others. Also, it could be that they were in another part of Korea, remember how HGD said there would always be HGD’s and Hwan Bin Dang’s. I believe they survived and the King found out but left them alone. After all, Chung Hui had to keep the royal nobles and fight for “his world.”
Just like HGD survived his first death, he and the others survived that death. Who knows, the King could had ordered his army men to make it seem that HGD was dead to reassure the nobles. Then a few years later, when Chung Hui weakened the nobles influences and power on Korea.
Anyways, I think Hong Gil Dong was the best Drama, and it ended in a nice happy way, it brought us back to the first episode. =]
That’s all. I do hope they make a second one that shows how exactly they escaped. But, I’m scared it wouldn’t turn out as intresting as the first. Regardless, this drama is worthwatching 2 times! =] I love it and at first I was sad that Joo Ji Hoon (lead from Goong)wasn’t going to star in this drama and was diappointed to see Kang Ji Hwan as the main lead. So I lost intrest. But after watching Capital Scandal (antoher drama where Kang Ji Hwan played the lead), I was so amazed at his style of acting. He is so adorable and handsome. Anyways, after Capital Scandal, I wanted to see him in other dramas so I gave HGD a chance. Kang Ji Hwan is one of the best actors and now I think Ji Hoon wouldn’t had fit HGD and wouldn’t had played the role as good as Ji Hwan did.
I thought the ending was satisfying – enough.
The last 3-4 episodes in my opinion, were draggy and repetitive. The show could have ended aropund episodes 18-19, but the the PD’s or the writers’ decision to elongate the series filled the rest with political fluff and whatnot. The tone drastically changed, the series has been somewhat politically critical from the beginning but this conflict never really played center stage. Furthermore, it deviated from the mood and atmosphere set in the first episode where HGD and HBD were portrayed as happy-go-lucky warriors out for justice. I do, however, feel relieved that some here explained that it was merely a devise to show the differences betweed Gil Dong the folklore legend and Gil Dong, as a living breathing man with his own problems.
Anyway, the last few episodes, although well executed felt “extended” that they did so for the ratings. My feeling is that they ran out of ways to challenge YiNok and Gil Dong’s relationship that they focused on the already established conflict between Chang Whe and HGD. This could have been resolved in 19/20 (sorry I forgot) like what #107 mentioned. Doing so would match the first episode’s now heavily criticized scenes.
Furthermore, I don’t think the death of the majority of the cast was necessary. Forgive me for saying this, but I believe the writers decided not to let Gil Dong defeat the actual government because of political objections. Gil Dong’s ideals directly challenged the government and its incapability to protect its people due to class. Gil Dong and his band wanted equality for all, no title, no class to avoid hurting those in the bottom of the social hierarchy.
Doesn’t this remind you of communism? Such a dangerous idea in a country with such a next door neighbor.
I might sound a bit paranoid, but I know that any government is well aware of the power of mass media. Its viewers may not be able to at once point out vague implications of shows, but it takes effect. As someone mentioned earlier, the story of Gil Dong was viewed as anti-government, maybe it remained so until today.
IN CONCLUSION (I rambled for quite awhile):
i’m not a fan of “tragic” endings, but I wouldn’t necessarily use that term. The ending was bittersweet, and it left hope for the future.
I enjoyed watching this series. Worth watching, worth my time.
thank you for your summaries javabeans! i love reading your posts! i admit i was very sad with the ending because i kept waiting for the scene in episode 1. i kept looking at the time and estimating if they still had enough time to show opening scene or something related to it. alas, all my hope was in vain…. and to think i had been eagerly waiting for that scene since ep1! i’m at least glad that they didn’t show any bodies at the end because it gives me hope that they were able to escape and live as seen in episode 1. i’m definitely one of the fans still in denial of their death. but so be it–i need it to have closure on this show. it wasn’t the ending i wanted but it was still a beautiful and heartbreaking close to a series i loved so much. i look forward to more movies from the cast! jiayou!!
‘Wow. Um, wow’
You took the words right out of my mouth dramabeans. Unexpected or what? Tear jerking or what?! I could not even see the last bit of this episode due to all the tears screwing up my eye sight. It started from when Yeon sacrificed himself and wouldn’t stop flooding out until I forced myself to gain composure so I could write this…
I so did not see the whole calm, facing-death-scene and I must admit I loved it, even though I did feel slightly cheated like you said dramabeans. I think like most people, I was looking forward to a happy, cheery, full-circle-to-that-funky-beginning-scene kinda ending. I expected the whole group totally Robin Hood-ed up and Gil Dong and Enok soaking up a happily ever after and Chang Whe a great King, but I guess not. Typical and boring, yes, but the beginning kinda led you to believe it. But then noooo, they had to develop a full on battle and fight till death kinda thing. Certainly didn’t see death in the cards for this final episode. As I said, I imagined cheery. Though I like the ending, it made it seem as if Hong Gil Dong (the drama) didn’t only equal Hwal Bin Dang and Enok and Gil Dong together, and that there was a bigger picture to the drama.
Plus, I feel strangely at peace and happy that they did die the way they did (though still, a part is sorely hoping that they survived). It felt like they held their heads high and were willing to face death, so it was better (and more emotionally hard hitting) that they went the way they did… and they were all together in the ‘world’ they loved, created and fought for till the end. Gahh. T.T
Kang Ji Hwan has been amazing throughout this drama. I was moved and very convinced by his acting and he totally fitted the character. He just had too many cute moments in this drama, I can’t help love him now :] I love the rest of the cast too, even the stoic Jang Keun Suk (but that’s kinda forced love because it’s such a great drama, I guess).
I was hoping for an Enok and Gil Dong ending, so I guess I’m satisfied. They did get married, and it was good that they were together in the end of everything. Gahh. When Ji Hwan voiced over in the background ‘I love you’, I swear, a new round of tears burst out :]
I think one of the best endings and a very entertaining drama overall – funny, sad, dramatic (I could go on)… Another great drama that I’ve followed with you, thanks dramabeans!
Thanks for the summary.
After the second episode I was hooked. I came to like Gil Dong and Yi Nok and the Prince and everyone else. Then as the story progresses on Yi Nok’s character got stupider as everyone else got better. Yi Nok was a cool character at the beginning. She have a lot of backbones and even though she was stupid she’s still is aware of her surrounding. But as soon the “I Love You” started, as her eyes are forever fixed on Gil Dong, it begin to pisses me off how selfish she is to the people around her who cared for her.
I hate drama with ending like this. I hate how almost every drama like this the second main (ie. Prince) is always the guy who’s left alone in the end and main Girl, no matter what situation or how she was brushed off, she’ll run back to the main guy. It’s just suck so badly. Second Main deserved love too.
The only person I like in this whole drama is the King, the Prince Chang Hui and his right hand man, and the Minister of Interior. I’m happy that Yi Nok is with Gil Dong because Yi Nok don’t deserve the Prince’s love.
Over and All, this drama was good. I was happy to get the chance to watch it (and continued to the end because of the Prince).
if you rewatch the episode 1 of hong gil dong you will definitely know what happened to them why did they disappear maybe it’s because the prince change his mind and he just let them escape and they live in the other land….it’s just my view because it says in episode 1 after the fighting scene…years before this incident…and then the past of them appear,,,,,so i guess they live and then the prince become the king…..
Huhuhu… I never thought I’d be crying just reading the summary of the last episode… ;-(
Anyway, HGD is one of the best Korean series I’ve ever watched! I love all the dialogues, scenes but specially the earlier episodes with the scene wherein Yi Nok was taking a bath and relieved herself… what a laugh and then she gave the food to HGD…!
The world indeed needs people like HGD.. however it may be so idealistic…
Good job to all the cast of HGD. I love all of you! mwahh… – from Philippines
o so the ending was actually episode 1. This makes a lot more sense.
So basically in episode 1 , in the first scene the ending was already introduced since it said it was “a few years before.”
Therefore Hong Dil Gong had a happy ending, meaning everyone survived.
Since they continued to fight the nobles…
At least they died together. I was hoping that they wouldn’t but hey eventually everyone will die xD
I feel a bit of emptyness in me though….
At first i was very confused about what happened in the beginning of episode one and why it didn’t match with the ending. I had thought like you that it would be futher explained but it never was. But now that i think about it i think it was to show readers how Hong Gil Dong, even if its not really him but people similar to him will come up and stand for what they feel is right to future kings to come.
I too totally loved this drama, it was truly awesome.
The ending was painful, however when thinking about it I have a few comments.
Firstly Hong Gil Dong did not choose death, he always fought for his true beliefs and ideals. HGD was fully prepared to create his new world of equality.
However the King and his ministers understood that HGD’s very existence threatened their world and that HGD was so popular amongst the people that most everyone eventually would gather behind him until his power was so great that the old order would eventually die out.
HGD fully intended to implement his vision of a fair, equal and just world if allowed to continue. That is why they were elimated by the current powers that be.
Would we prefer that HGD disband as requested by the King, give up and continue to live as inferior peasants or die fighting for what he believed in?
HGD has the nature of a True Warrior that will fight to the very death for what he believed in and never back down, give up or compromise.
As painful as it may seem he chose the righteous and courageous path.
Would we have wanted him to act any other way?
The King sold out in the end to the power of the corrupt and self serving ministers of his government, perhaps believing he was doing the right thing.
In my opinion there was cowardice, heartlessness and wrongdoing in his actions.
HGD said to him in the end that he would stand and fight and not disband and give up on his vision of a new world. He also said to the King to NOT use his argument as an excuse!
The King (Prince) opinion that he did not betray HGD is very weak and he is trying to justify his actions for the good of the country which is the nature of corrupt and unjust rule.
The Prince used HGD to restore himself to power but then protected his own kingdom.
I’ve read negative comments about the ending saying it totally ruined the series and such, but I think it’s good, people just overexhaggerated it. I mean, I like happy endings….. but I wouldn’t necessarily say this was a bad ending. The whole series was too enjoyable to downplay it just because of the ending. Supposedly (or it is implied) they died, but no bodies were seen when the arrows hit the village as well as after it burned out….. giving us some hope, though it is likely impossible since the arrows descended on them while YN and GD were still holding hands. Even so, I liked it, unexpected, but still a good end to HGD itself. At least GD and YN are together at the end.
As for CW, he simply became a king….. that obligation to serve his people would naturally put him in a difficult situation. I mean, I’ve seen another kinda similar to this (Mischievious Princess) and all this political stuff is a hard thing for a King to deal with….. like they say, the people and officials have the power…. the king is just a name because if the people below the King are dissatisfied, that’s not good for the King.
Also, CW and YN relationship is not on the same lvl as GD and YN. Just like how it is between In Hyung and Eun Hye, Eun Hye and Gil Dong, etc.
We can see that In Hyung does care for Eun Hye such as when he warned her father to go home when the King planned to burn down the palace mainly for the sake of Eun Hye and he doesn’t even bash Eun Hye for choosing Gil Dong over him. Even so, Eun Hye still chooses Gil Dong rather than In Hyung. In Hyung clearly showed a hint of love and care for her with none in return.
This then goes to Eun Hye and Gil Dong. Though Eun Hye sort of used her status to try and persuade Gil Dong by setting up plots to get him to be with her and even trying to get him killed, she also showed a hint of love and care when she realized that she doesn’t actually want him to be killed and tries to tell him to run away and escape from the fight. I guess she can’t be too cold-hearted to Gil Dong for rejecting her after seeing him in both physical and emotional pain.
Same goes for Chang Whe and Yi Nok. No matter how much protection and care Chang Whe gives Yi Nok, they don’t have the same emotional connection that Yi Nok and Gil Dong has. Yi Nok’s connection with Gil Dong is simply stronger. Like Javabeans mentioned before, Chang Whe needed Yi Nok more than she needed him, while Gil Dong and Yi Nok needed each other. Yi Nok made Chang Whe a better person, but Chang Whe didn’t really have anything to offer her other than the Queen position and protection. Yi Nok was the first person to care for Gil Dong hence changing him into a more caring person, as hint from the early episodes, and Yi Nok must have been emotionally touched when she saw Gil Dong’s vulnerable side when Gil Dong cried and she held up her hands to shield him, thus making her fall in love with him, maybe wanting to mend his emotional pain. Also, she became somebody he really cared for too. Simply put, when too people love each other, one can’t force them to separate unless they choose to willingly. Chang Whe can only love Yi Nok physically because her mind already belonged to Gil Dong. Plus, Yi Nok and Gil Dong’s connection haven’t been severed by either of them….. maybe Gil Dong’s father killing her family and she stabbing Gil Dong and Chang Whe’s interference may have shakened it some, but nothing directly from Gil Dong or Yi Nok that says “I don’t care for you” or “I don’t like you”. Their actions proves their intent and reason.
But I do like how Chang Whe realizes that he cannot force her to love him, thus allowing her to make her own choice.
And I just wanna say….. I applaud the Hong Sisters, Kang Ji Hwan, and Sung Yu Ri….. great story, great characters (especially Hong Gil Dong, I think his outfits are pretty cool) (Yi Nok was fun to watch too), and definitely one of the best Kdrama I’ve seen. I will definetly try to get the DVD set or whatever…. like I said before, if it’s worth it, I’ll give them their moneys worth.
Sorry for this long comment (detailed explanation of thought), but I was saving it for the end I guess, after reading all recaps on HGD here.
I really like the ending and the whole series as well^^ Thanks for the summary, it helped me to understand better some parts I didn’t get right because I was too lazy to read when I was looking at the fights and stuff*okay no… I don’t care about fight… I was looking at the actorsXDD*
Anyways.. I went on the official website because I wanted to know what was the name of the actor who play’s the other right-hand in Yongmun.. like… not InSung – ChiSu, but the other one who’s with him tallking about Hwal BinDang being a dream^^
If anyone knows what his name is that would be nice, I would like to know if he did an other drama because he’s really a cute actor^^
ummmm a world where every1 is equal isnt that communism?