Korean cinema is celebrated for its tenual sincere novels and family dramas, but has also produced 18+ daring and stimulating films. Between them, Happy ending It stands out as one of the most unforgettable titles of the last two decades.
Released in 1999, the film is played by Choi Min-Sik, Joo Jin-Mo and Jeon Do-Yeon, who deliver an extraordinary story of desire, betrayal and punishment. Beyond its provocative scenes, Happy ending It is rich in psychological depth, exploring the fragility of relationships and the darkest corners of human nature.
A story of desire and destruction
The plot follows three intertwined lives: Choi Bo-Ra, SEO Min-Ki and Kim Il-Beom. Bo-la, played by Jeon Do-Yeon, is beautiful, seductive and successful-The type of woman envied by many. But his wedding with Min-Ki, played by Choi Min-Sik, is far from ideal.
After losing his job, Min-Ki becomes a home husband, he spends his days in affairs, childhood assistance and reading free time. The emotional distance between them grows and Bo-la rekindles a secret relationship with his fascinating ex-boyfriend Il-Beom, played by Joo Jin-Mo.
Although min-ki is aware of the relationship, he endures humiliation for the good of his daughter. But when Bo-la reaches the point of druging the child to meet his lover, his patience takes place, leading to a violent conclusion in which both Bo-la and the-Beom pay with their lives.
Performance that have left a mark
Jeon Do-Yeon offered one of the most iconic performances of his career, even if he had a cost-cost all the advertising contracts after the release of the film. However, it has become one of the most famous actresses in Korea, gaining international applause including honors at the Cannes Film Festival. The next will appear The price of confession With Kim Go-Eun and the 2026 film Possible love.
Choi min-sik, as a tragic husband, brings shades to layers to a man broken by betrayal. A legend of Korean cinema, recently recited Connectionand is destined to appear in the Korean remake of The intern With Han so-hee and the next thriller Notes from the last line (2026).
Joo Jin-Mo played Il-Beom with charisma and intensity. Known for the roles in 200 pounds of beauty, An frozen flower, ImperatorAND This is my loveHis career was subsequently derailed by a scandal that involves leaked private messages.
More than 20 years later, Happy ending It remains a disturbing masterpiece: a film that can be revisited several times, each of them sees that they reveal new layers of its emotional and moral complexities.
Sources: K14
