Small Town Rivals Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Small Town Rivals?

Cho Chun-sam and Noh Dae-gyu, now both in their thirties, are old friends who went to the same elementary school. In their school days, Chun-sam was always the ambitious class president, while Dae-gyu had to settle for a role as vice president. Twenty years later their roles are reversed: Chun-sam is now a humble farmer who has assumed the post of village chief in his hometown, while Dae-gyu is the newly elected county magistrate. At first, Chun-sam asks his old friend for favours regarding the development of his village, but these requests are turned down. Later, when Dae-gyu proposes building a nuclear waste disposal facility in the county, Chun-sam leads demonstrations against the plan, turning old friends into bitter rivals.

Jang Kyu-sung's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Yoo Hai-jin (Noh Dae-gyu)'s journey. In their school days, Chun-sam was always the ambitious class president, while Dae-gyu had to settle for a role as vice president.

How Does Yoo Hai-jin (Noh Dae-gyu)'s Story End?

• Yoo Hai-jin: Yoo Hai-jin's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Cha Seung-won (Cho Chun-sam): Cha Seung-won's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Byun Hee-bong (Baek): Byun Hee-bong's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Small Town Rivals Mean?

Small Town Rivals's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Yoo Hai-jin may feel rushed. Jang Kyu-sung's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.