So Ji-sub's smash hit K-drama finished its explosive 10-episode run on SBS and Netflix, leaving millions of viewers with plenty to unpack. If you just watched the final credits roll and felt a bit dizzy from all the double-crosses, you aren't alone. Let's break down what actually happened in the grand finale and where the story goes next.
The Staged Death and the Great Escape
The biggest emotional gut-punch of the finale involves Kim Do-hyeon's supposed demise. Intelligence agencies from both sides realize that as long as codename 66 is breathing, targeters will never stop hunting him. If you enjoyed this post, you should look at: this related article.
The authorities stage a fake execution, reporting that a man in his forties was shot and killed. This trick fools both the general public and North Korean officials. Min-ji visits a memorial columbarium, thinking she has lost her father forever. It's a heavy, tear-jerking moment that hits hard.
Soon after, Do-hyeon steps out from the shadows. He removes his glasses, pulls her into a hug, and reveals the truth. Both father and daughter receive brand new identities—Min-ji starts fresh as Ji-min—and they finally walk away to live a quiet life. For another perspective on this development, check out the recent update from Vanity Fair.
What Happened to the Villains
Ju Gang-chan thought he held all the cards by kidnapping the children of Han-su and Jin-cheol. He forced the fathers into a brutal cell fight to test their loyalty.
That beatdown was entirely staged. The trio turned the tables, wrecked the structural cage, and left Gang-chan dangling from a rooftop. Ju Hak Construction collapsed under a mountain of leaked corruption scandals. Gang-chan didn't even make it to a proper trial, getting ambushed in broad daylight by Golden Teeth, a character he had previously betrayed.
Meanwhile, North Korean traitor Ri Eung-ryeong tried to flee to Macau disguised as a patient. Do-hyeon tracked him down, tossed on a doctor's coat, and delivered him straight back to Park Kang-sung to face his old superiors.
Setting Up Season Two
The final moments shift gears entirely, teasing a much larger web. Do-hyeon visits the underground organization Baekho Manpower and meets its eccentric leader, Lee Do-gyu.
This specific scene mirrors the opening chapters of the original webtoon, Manager Kim. While SBS hasn't officially stamped a second season yet, the finale leaves the door wide open. With ratings peaking at a massive 23.1%, bringing back the deadliest dad in television is an easy choice for the network.
Grab your coffee and prepare for a long wait, because Do-hyeon's retirement is bound to be short-lived.
