However, the finale stirred a wave of mixed reactions primarily centered on the handling of the lead couple‘s narrative arc.Baek Hyun Woo, played by Kim Soo Hyun, and Hong Hae In, portrayed by Kim Ji Won, found themselves at the heart of contention, as viewers lamented the perceived hastiness in glossing over their moments of happiness in favor of a heavier focus on Hae In’s inevitable demise.
While many fans breathed a sigh of relief that the ending veered away from the anticipated sorrow, given Hae In’s terminal illness, others couldn’t shake the feeling of missed opportunities to delve deeper into the couple’s journey. The final scenes depicted a moment of togetherness, with Hae In and Hyun Woo strolling alongside their daughter, seamlessly transitioning to a glimpse of Hyun Woo paying respects at Hae In’s gravesite, indicating her passing in 2074 – a subtle nod to a long and fulfilled life shared.
However, the online platforms are buzzing with speculation fueled by purported evidence suggesting an alternate narrative trajectory. Alleged leaks of an original tombstone engraving for Hae In, indicating her passing in 2034, have ignited fervent discussions within virtual communities. Furthermore, keen-eyed viewers have noted discrepancies in the epilogue, pointing out the absence of visual representations depicting the daughter’s growth or snapshots capturing the lead couple in their later years. These observations have led to conjectures that the drama’s production team may have toyed with the idea of multiple endings, ultimately opting for the happier rendition in the eleventh hour.
The notion of dual endings isn’t entirely foreign territory for script writer Park Ji Eun, known for her previous work on ‘Crash Landing on You’, where similar speculation swirled regarding alternate narrative conclusions.
As netizens continue to dissect and debate the implications of this revelation, sentiments remain divided. While some express relief at the avoidance of a potentially devastating conclusion, others argue that a darker, heartbroken finale could have left a more impact on viewers.
