The ending of Sweet and Sour, the original Netflix series based on the 2005 film of the same name, has captivated, confused, and divided audiences worldwide. As the final moments of the series rolled to a close, fans were left analyzing every scene, wondering whether the conclusion was romantic closure or a painful reminder of lost connections. This article takes a comprehensive look at the ending of Sweet and Sour, breaking down its emotional depth, thematic undertones, and character resolutions. For fans seeking clarity or simply intrigued by what they watched, this deep dive will offer valuable insight into the finale’s meaning and narrative intent.
Understanding the Context: What is Sweet and Sour About?
Before we delve into the ending, it’s crucial to understand the backdrop of the story. Sweet and Sour is based on an idea by Hong Suk-pa and centers around a romantic triangle involving three individuals: Hyun-joo, a passionate and independent student set to start a design career in Japan; Min-ho, her long-time high school boyfriend; and Na-young, a confident and unpredictable woman who becomes Min-hoo’s new associate at work in Seoul.
The story unfolds with the central conflict emerging: Hyun-joo, who dreams of growing beyond the relationship and her stagnant hometown, ultimately chooses to pursue her aspirations alone in Japan. Meanwhile, Min-ho and Na-young develop a workplace relationship that quickly deepens into something emotionally complex. Torn between past love and newfound connection, the characters are forced to confront their own values, insecurities, and desires.
As the series approaches its final moments, viewers are presented with an ambiguous ending that allows for multiple interpretations. Let’s now analyze the implications of those final scenes.
The Climactic Moments: A Look at Hyun-joo’s Decision
Hyun-joo’s journey constitutes the emotional core of Sweet and Sour. Her decision to leave Min-hoo behind for the sake of her career path is both liberating and heartbreaking. The series paints Hyun-joo as a symbol of ambition, personal freedom, and internal conflict, wrestling with the weight of love and dreams.
In one of the most critical early scenes, Hyun-joo breaks down in tears and insists that Min-ho must come to Japan with her. This emotional plea highlights not just her deep feelings for him, but her fear of losing their relationship as she moves forward in life. However, Min-ho’s reluctance reveals his own inability to move with her, rooted in both practical limitations and emotional hesitation.
This decision ultimately sets the stage for the development of Min-ho’s relationship with Na-young, and for Hyun-joo’s bittersweet pursuit of her design dreams — a lonely endeavor from which she later seeks companionship in Japan.
Unpacking the Ending: What Exactly Happens?
The ending of Sweet and Sour doesn’t present an easy resolution or a clear-cut happy ending. In fact, much of its emotional appeal lies in its realistic ambiguity. As the series draws to a close, here’s what transpires:
By the end of the story, Min-ho and Na-young have grown closer — not just professionally but emotionally. They share a passionate, impulsive kiss, igniting a new romance that appears to grow organically despite the initial hesitation from both parties.
Meanwhile, Hyun-joo’s life in Japan begins to feel increasingly isolating. She begins to feel the emotional vacuum left behind by her breakup with Min-ho but gradually gains confidence in her work and personal growth. Interestingly, near the end of the film, she finds herself in a romantic encounter with a male colleague in Japan, representing the possibility of moving on.
In the final scene — perhaps the most important and confusing moment — Min-ho is shown standing in front of Hyun-joo’s Tokyo apartment. But instead of knocking on her door, he looks at it, then quietly walks away. This leaves viewers questioning several possibilities:
- Did Min-ho come back to win Hyun-joo over?
- Did he plan to confess his feelings but changed his mind?
- Does this scene represent a sense of closure or unresolved emotion?
The narrative doesn’t answer these questions explicitly. Instead, the film relies on symbolic imagery and a powerful silence to allow the audience to reflect on the emotions that define each character’s journey.
Symbolism in the Ending: What Do the Final Scenes Mean?
The ending of Sweet and Sour uses symbolic motifs to convey emotional stakes and unresolved feelings. The scene where Min-ho stands in front of Hyun-joo’s Tokyo apartment door, but ultimately leaves without knocking, says more than any dialogue could.
This moment serves as a metaphor for his inability to fully commit to change or chase after dreams unconditionally. He didn’t make the move to Japan when Hyun-joo had initially asked, and visiting her now feels like a belated realization of what he may have missed. His decision to walk away may suggest acceptance of their diverging paths, respect for Hyun-joo’s growth, or a combination of emotional hesitation and regret.
Likewise, Na-young’s presence throughout the story, particularly in the final moments, reflects unpredictability and impulsive choices. She and Min-ho share a passionate kiss in their office setting — a space filled with career ambitions and stress — showing that their connection was not pre-planned, but rather a byproduct of their shared frustrations and vulnerabilities.
By juxtaposing the two settings — Seoul for Min-hoo and Na-young, Tokyo for Hyun-joo — the ending reflects the impact of choices, the loneliness of long-distance dreams, and the emotional consequences of living for oneself versus others.
Debating the Meaning: Interpretations and Themes
The final scenes of Sweet and Sour open doors to various debates over its interpretation. Here are some of the central themes and thought-provoking ideas that the ending emphasizes:
1. The Bittersweet Nature of Love and Destiny
The series’ title is a direct reflection of its central emotional theme: love is not always sweet or sour, but often a bittersweet blend of both. While Hyun-joo and Min-ho’s early love might have been sweet, their eventual breakup introduces bitterness, regret, and emotional conflict. Similarly, Min-hoo and Na-young’s relationship offers both the thrill of something new and the pain of guilt, revealing the complex layers of love and identity.
The end leaves it open-ended whether their decisions were ultimately the best — implying that love and destiny might never fully align, no matter how well-planned or intentional these choices might seem.
2. The Freedom and Fear of Growing Up
Hyun-joo’s final arc is perhaps the most powerful. Her journey to Japan represents the freedom to seek independence, pursue dreams, and reinvent oneself, yet she carries the emotional scars of her breakup with Min-hoo throughout her journey. Her newfound success is underscored by loneliness, suggesting that growing up often requires sacrifices.
Similarly, Min-hoo’s reluctance to join Hyun-joo reveals deep fears of change. His decision to walk away from her apartment door in Tokyo is essentially a reflection of his unresolved emotional conflict — the fear of being left behind versus the fear of stepping too far out of his comfort zone.
3. The Role of Communication and Regret
Regret runs through nearly every character. Had Min-hoo been honest about his uncertainties earlier in the relationship, or had Hyun-joo encouraged deeper discussions about their future together, perhaps the story could have resolved differently. However, the ending reminds viewers that life is not often as fair or straightforward as dreams might hope.
Na-young, although initially portrayed as emotionally reckless, also reveals moments of regret and hesitation. Her impulsive actions stem from complex feelings — loneliness, confusion, and longing — making her a multifaceted character whose arc is less about being “the other woman” and more about understanding emotional vulnerability.
Why the Ending Leaves Audiences Divided
One of the most intriguing aspects of Sweet and Sour’s ending is that it refuses to follow the traditional conventions of romantic closure. There are no grand declarations, second chances, or guaranteed reunions — leaving many fans disappointed or even confused.
Let’s explore some reasons why audiences may have reacted so differently to the finale:
1. Expectations vs. Reality
Many viewers enter relationship dramas expecting a traditional conclusion — whether it’s a couple ending up together, resolving their issues, or learning to choose true love over personal ambition. However, Sweet and Sour resists the idea of neatly packaged closure, which may frustrate those looking for definitive resolutions.
However, this lack of resolution is part of its authenticity. By leaving the audience with ambiguity, the series mirrors the complexity of real-life decisions, where emotions and choices are not always tidy.
2. Cultural Nuances in Romantic Storytelling
The original Sweet and Sour is a Korean story — a culture known for its intricate and nuanced approach to dramatizing relationships. In contrast to Hollywood’s often romanticized endings, Eastern storytelling tends to be slower, more introspective, and less likely to follow predictable conclusions. This stylistic difference could explain some of the confusion or dissatisfaction American or Western audiences have noted.
Taking It All In: What Does *Sweet and Sour* Ultimately Say About Love?
At its core, Sweet and Sour isn’t just a love story in the traditional sense. It’s a meditation on the evolving nature of emotions, the importance of personal growth, and the painful necessity of letting go. It reflects real emotional complexity:
- Love can be powerful yet fleeting.
- Relationships may end for reasons that are hard to control.
- Choices made with good intentions can still result in hurt.
- Finding closure often requires letting go, rather than holding on.
The ending of Sweet and Sour encourages viewers to confront a difficult but important truth: sometimes, it’s okay for a story to remain unresolved — because real life often is.
| Character | Journey | Ending Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Hyun-joo | Cares deeply, but must choose independence and personal growth. | Accepts the bittersweet nature of growing up and leaves relationships behind. |
| Min-ho | Struggles with change and emotional honesty. | Realizes what he’s lost, but hesitates to reclaim it, revealing lasting regret. |
| Na-young | Unpredictable but emotionally vulnerable. | Finds a connection with Min-ho, yet its future remains ambiguous. |
Conclusion: Sweet and Sour’s Ending As a Reflection of Modern Love
The ending of Sweet and Sour is an emotional echo of everything that came before it — and that’s what makes it resonate so deeply with viewers. In a world where romantic films often offer happy endings or neatly packaged solutions, Sweet and Sour dares to show the beauty and pain of uncertainty.
By choosing to end without tying up every loose end, the creators allow viewers to linger in the emotional aftermath of a very human story. For those who’ve experienced the pain of moving on, the final scenes of Sweet and Sour are a reminder that growth often entails letting go — even if it leaves you with a heart full of sweet memories and sour regrets.
So, what does the ending of Sweet and Sour mean? It ultimately reflects the tension between personal dreams and deep connections — leaving you with the feeling that while love may come and go, life, in its unpredictable nature, moves forward — one difficult, beautiful, bittersweet choice at a time.
What is the significance of the final scene in Sweet and Sour?
The final scene in Sweet and Sour serves as a poignant culmination of the emotional arcs of the main characters. Set in a quiet, rain-soaked street, it symbolizes renewal and the lingering possibility of reconciliation. The protagonist, Ji-hoon, is seen watching his former partner, Soo-jin, from a distance, evoking a mix of nostalgia and unresolved feelings. This quiet moment encapsulates the essence of the series—realistic, emotionally charged, and reflective of how people often leave things unsaid after a relationship ends.
The symbolism of the rain cannot be overlooked—it often represents emotional cleansing or transformation. Ji-hoon’s hesitation to approach Soo-jin reinforces the idea that some relationships do not have neat conclusions. Rather than offering a definitive resolution, the scene leaves viewers contemplating the complexities of love, regret, and the impact of choices. This ambiguity allows for personal interpretation and discussion, making it a fitting end to a series that consistently focused on the intricacies of human relationships.
Did Ji-hoon and Soo-jin end up together in the end?
The conclusion of Sweet and Sour deliberately avoids giving a straightforward answer about Ji-hoon and Soo-jin’s future together. In the final episodes, they part ways after a tumultuous journey that includes moments of deep intimacy, betrayal, and personal growth. While there are hints that their feelings for each other haven’t entirely faded, the narrative does not confirm a reunion. The show opts for realism over fantasy, showing that not all love stories end with a grand gesture or reconciliation.
What remains clear is that the relationship profoundly shaped both characters’ personalities and life choices. Ji-hoon becomes more introspective, while Soo-jin gains confidence and clarity about her own desires. Their decision to go separate ways, even if tinged with sadness, is portrayed as necessary for personal development. This open-ended outcome supports the show’s central theme: that growth often comes from heartbreak and that closure doesn’t always look the way we expect.
Why did Soo-jin decide to leave Ji-hoon?
Soo-jin’s decision to leave Ji-hoon stems from a culmination of emotional fatigue and unmet expectations. Despite the deep affection they once shared, persistent misunderstandings and poor communication weakened their foundation. Ji-hoon’s insecurities and indecisiveness, especially regarding their future together, eventually take a toll on Soo-jin. She realizes that staying in the relationship without genuine commitment would only prolong her emotional dissatisfaction and hinder personal progress.
On a broader level, Soo-jin’s choice to walk away reflects the show’s focus on self-preservation and growth. It’s not a rash decision but the result of a long internal struggle. Sweet and Sour portrays her departure not as a failure, but as an act of courage and self-awareness. This decision also aligns with the show’s commitment to delivering a realistic portrayal of love, where emotional maturity sometimes means letting go instead of clinging to what once was.
What does the ending say about long-distance relationships in the series?
Although not the sole focus, long-distance relationships play a key role in the overarching narrative of Sweet and Sour, especially in highlighting communication breakdowns and emotional distancing. The failure of Ji-hoon and Soo-jin’s relationship subtly critiques the romantic idealization of such partnerships. The ending reveals that while love may be strong, external pressures, timing, and personal insecurities can strain even the strongest relationship beyond repair.
Rather than blaming long-distance dynamics themselves, the show emphasizes that the real problem lies in unaddressed emotional needs and the reluctance to make difficult but necessary decisions together. The ending underscores that love is not always enough on its own. Without mutual effort, understanding, and emotional honesty, any relationship—regardless of physical proximity—can fall apart. The ambiguity of the ending invites viewers to reflect on whether a second chance could work, assuming both parties are willing to change.
What role did personal growth play in the conclusion of Sweet and Sour?
Personal growth is the quiet backbone of the ending in Sweet and Sour, shaping the decisions and emotional clarity of both Ji-hoon and Soo-jin. Their individual journeys throughout the series—marked by self-doubt, emotional confrontation, and transformation—lead them to recognize that staying together might not be the healthiest option. By the series’ end, each has undergone a tangible evolution, which ultimately informs their final separation.
This emotional and psychological evolution is portrayed not as a victory or defeat, but as a realistic outcome of navigating love and personal struggles. The show refrains from suggesting a “happy ending” simply for the sake of viewer satisfaction. Instead, it chooses to show the characters closing a significant chapter of their lives with a sense of awareness, resilience, and emotional maturity that was missing earlier. Their personal growth becomes the true resolution of the story.
How did the music and cinematography contribute to the emotional impact of the ending?
The last episode of Sweet and Sour is elevated by its carefully curated soundtrack and cinematic visuals, both of which are essential to the emotional gravitas of the ending. The music, often subtle and melancholy, mirrors the characters’ internal states, with acoustic melodies and quiet pauses emphasizing their introspective moments. These auditory elements create a somber yet tender atmosphere that lingers with viewers long after the final scene.
Cinematographically, the use of long takes, soft lighting, and muted colors enhances the realism and emotional depth of the characters’ parting. The camera lingers on small gestures and expressions, drawing attention to the nuanced, unspoken emotions between Ji-hoon and Soo-jin. These techniques amplify the poignancy of the ending without needing to overexplain it, allowing the visuals and sounds to do the storytelling in a way that resonates more deeply with the audience.
Is there a possibility of a Sweet and Sour sequel or continuation?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a sequel or continuation of Sweet and Sour. The series concluded its run with a self-contained narrative arc that, while leaving some questions open, feels emotionally complete. Given the creative choices made and the realistic tone of the ending, a sequel may not align with the themes the writers wanted to convey. The show was structured as a limited series, focused on a specific chapter in the characters’ lives.
That said, the popularity of Sweet and Sour has generated considerable fan speculation about what might happen next to the characters. However, the writers have expressed that the ending was intentional in its ambiguity and designed to stand by itself. If there were a continuation, it would likely take the form of a cinematic reunion rather than a traditional season continuation—allowing for new storylines while preserving the emotional integrity of the original ending. For now, the final episode remains a bittersweet but fitting conclusion.