Rainbow Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Rainbow?

Young-sik, a young fisherman in a fishing village, lived with his blind old man and sister. One day, when an old man is suddenly sick, he runs to the doctor, but is rejected because he has no money. Enraged, Young-sik hits the doctor, but he dies. Yeong-sik goes to prison, and his younger brother, Young-ae, becomes the wife of a certain bar. After years of release, Young-sik wanders in search of the old man and his younger brother, and eventually meets his younger brother, but the old man has already passed away. The siblings return to their hometown. Young-ae marries her Tae-sik, who has loved her for a long time, and Young-sik also vows to live steadfastly by fighting the sea.

Gyu-hwan Lee's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Mun Ye-bong's journey. One day, when an old man is suddenly sick, he runs to the doctor, but is rejected because he has no money.

How Does Mun Ye-bong's Story End?

• Mun Ye-bong: Mun Ye-bong's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• So-yeong Kim: So-yeong Kim's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Dog Eun-gi: Dog Eun-gi's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

Is Rainbow Based on a True Story?

Yes — Rainbow draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Gyu-hwan Lee has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.

What Does the Ending of Rainbow Mean?

The ending of Rainbow brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Mun Ye-bong's story may not satisfy all audiences.