Arirang Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Arirang.
Arirang Ending Explained: The film concerns a student, Ch'oe Yeongjin, who has become mentally ill after being imprisoned and tortured by the Japanese for his involvement in the March 1, 1919 protest against the Japanese colonial rule. Directed by Woon-gyu Na, this 1926 drama film stars Woon-gyu Na (Ch'oe Yeong-jin), alongside Shin Il-seon, Myeong-seon Hong, In-gyu Ju. With a 9/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of Arirang?
The film concerns a student, Ch'oe Yeongjin, who has become mentally ill after being imprisoned and tortured by the Japanese for his involvement in the March 1, 1919 protest against the Japanese colonial rule.
How Does Woon-gyu Na (Ch'oe Yeong-jin)'s Story End?
- Woon-gyu Na: Woon-gyu Na's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Woon-gyu Na delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's full runtime.
- Shin Il-seon: Shin Il-seon's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Myeong-seon Hong: Myeong-seon Hong's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Arirang Mean?
Arirang concludes with Woon-gyu Na reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Woon-gyu Na leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.