As somebody who has consistently been an advocate for happy endings in stories, it comes as a surprise that I completely admire and respect the ending of this story. And it's all because of it's execution.
A lot of the pitfalls other stories have with sad endings, including the swapping of genres, the lack of purpose in the sad ending, or the absence of catharsis, The Worst of Evil dodges with tact and finesse.
I had too much to say about the ending and how excellent it is to confine it to once single post, so if you'd like to read my thoughts on why this sad, sad, ending is one of my favorites, here's the link to an article I wrote diving into the subject more.
Really hard saying goodbye to this character. Wi Hajun did such a phenomenal job bringing the humanity to such a flawed individual. He'll definitely be one of my favorite characters and performances of all time.
We know that in twoe (and in mafia culture in general), lighting someone's cigarette is a BIG™️ deal. That's why Gicheol doesn't let Do-hyung light his cigarette at the funeral. It is an act of deference, a display of hierarchy. It's a symbol of the tightknit brotherhood that is forged between the members of the mafia. It's the only way these men show affection to each other. It is an exclusive right you have to earn.
Throughout the entire show up till now, we've seen many of Gicheol's closest confidantes light his cigarette. But we only see Gicheol doing the gesture in the flashback, when he was a small-time thug for Jang Kyung Chul.
But then here comes this whirlwind of a guy in his life who cusses him out and bleeds himself dry to protect him and Gicheol throws the stuffy hierarchy out the door. He lights Junmo's cigarette at least twice, and every time it's only when they're alone, just the two of them. Where the rest of his boys cannot see him yield, in a way, to his subordinate.
And the gesture itself is so intimate, with Junmo cradling Gicheol's hand with both of his, under the pretext of protecting the flame—the entire affair is symbolic to the core. In that moment, they're both equals.
Alright friends, word on the street is that there were leaked photos of the final episode of The Worst of Evil with Junmo and Gicheol in Junmo's apartment holding guns. Does anybody have these??
(Picture of a stoic Gicheol because we all need it)