The final episode of *The Worst of Evil* delivers a tense and layered conclusion that tests the moral limits of its characters and reshapes viewers’ perceptions of justice and betrayal. As the story of undercover detective Park Junmo and underworld leader Jung Gicheul reaches its peak, the ending reveals that the lines between good and evil may be thinner than they appear. The finale is both emotionally charged and thematically rich, asking difficult questions about loyalty, identity, and the cost of duty.
Junmo’s Undercover Journey
Park Junmo, originally a low-ranking countryside police officer, volunteers to infiltrate the Gangnam drug cartel to gain promotion and prove himself. Operating under the alias Kwon Seungho, he becomes part of the Gangnam Union, slowly earning the trust of its rising leader, Jung Gicheul. Junmo’s mission turns personal when he begins to sympathize with Gicheul, who reveals vulnerabilities beneath his criminal exterior. Throughout the series, Junmo is torn between duty and human connection.
Gicheul’s Rise and Redemption Arc
Jung Gicheul starts as a nightclub enforcer and quickly ascends to lead the organization after orchestrating the downfall of his predecessor. His ambition, loyalty, and leadership are shadowed by personal loss most notably, the murder of his best friend, Kwon Taeho. Yet in the final episodes, Gicheul expresses a genuine desire to leave the drug life behind, influenced by Euijeong’s staged return and his own fatigue with violence. His arc becomes one of reluctant power, inner conflict, and potential redemption.
The Climactic Confrontation
In episodes 10 through 12, Junmo’s cover unravels. As police close in on the cartel, Gicheul senses betrayal. Junmo arrests cartel members and arranges a handover of keys to let Gicheul escape. This choice reflects Junmo’s guilt over betraying Gicheul’s trust, and his recognition of the man’s capacity for change.
- Junmo sabotages his own betrayal by letting Gicheul flee, preserving a remnant of trust.
- Gicheul reacts with despair and confronts Junmo and wife Euijeong at their home.
- Facing emotional collapse, Gicheul draws a gun on himself to force Darer lifelong ruin on his betrayers.
Final Death: Mercy or Punishment?
In a startling moment, Junmo shoots Gicheul just as he is about to commit suicide. The shooting saves Gicheul from self-inflicted humiliation and death, offering a more dignified end though it ends his life nonetheless. Junmo’s decision reflects his inner turmoil: he kills not to serve vengeance, but to prevent further emotional damage and grant a grim mercy.
The Fallout: Personal and Professional
After Gicheul’s death, Junmo and Euijeong receive promotions for exposing the cartel. But their personal relationship fractures irreparably. They part ways, symbolizing the emotional toll of their choices. Junmo visits Gicheul’s grave and leaves his wedding ring behind an act that signifies closure, loss, and remorse. Although successful in law enforcement eyes, Junmo emerges as a tragic figure haunted by his decisions.
Twist of Morality: Who Was Truly Evil?
The final twist reframes the narrative: many fans argue that Junmo, despite being the undercover cop, becomes the worst of evil. His betrayal of personal bonds, strategic manipulation, and ultimate act of killing raise questions about moral authority. Conversely, Gicheul once the antagonist becomes more sympathetic in his final moments, revealing why Junmo could not fully punish him.
MidCredit Reflection
A midcredit sequence revisits Junmo and Gicheul’s earlier lives: Junmo as Seungho with an ideal, hopeful smile, and Gicheul dressed in a suit, sharing a quiet cigarette. The snapshot contrasts sharply with the doom that overtakes both men by the end. It underlines the tragedy of wasted potential and offers a bittersweet nod to what might have been a life before undercover roles and betrayals consumed them.
Thematic Exploration
*The Worst of Evil* finale weaves together complex themes:
- Loyalty versus duty: Junmo chooses official loyalty but wrestles with his compassion toward Gicheul.
- Identity and performance: Junmo lives as a fake cousin; Gicheul shows unexpected vulnerability.
- Redemption through death: Gicheul’s final peaceful passing contrasts with violent betrayal.
- Emotional cost of justice: Social victory comes at the price of personal relationships.
Why the Ending Resonates
The finale stands out because it avoids simplistic resolutions. It refuses to glorify heroism or evil. Instead, the show illustrates how undercover infiltration morphs Junmo into someone unrecognizable. The ending’s emotional depth transforms a crime thriller into a tragic study of human complexity.
Unlike many mainstream endings that reward the detective or punish the criminal, *The Worst of Evil* ends not with victory, but with reflection. It leaves viewers questioning who is worse: the criminal mastermind or the undercover operative willing to betray personal truths for a greater cause.
The ending of *The Worst of Evil* delivers a nuanced and morally ambiguous conclusion. Junmo succeeds in dismantling the cartel, but loses his emotional life. Gicheul dies with dignity, free of betrayal’s sting. The series reframes both characters Junmo as conflicted avenger, Gicheul as tragic dreamer. Their intertwined fates highlight that evil is rarely black and white. In the end, justice prevails but at a cost that lingers long after the credits roll.