‘Always’ Movie Ending Explained

Always follows the story of Jang Cheol-min (So Ji-sub), a former boxer with a troubled past and Ha Jung-hwa (Han Hyo-joo) a visually impaired woman who remains optimistic despite her challenges. The two meet when Cheol-min takes over a parking lot attendant job, where Jung-hwa frequently visits to listen to television programs. The two gradually form a bond that blossoms into a deep and sincere love. Cheol-min’s past is marked by violence and guilt. He had previously been involved in underground fights, which led to the death of an opponent, leaving him emotionally scarred and isolated. Jung-hwa’s blindness, on the other hand, was caused by a car accident in which Cheol-min was indirectly involved, though she remains unaware of this connection for most of the film.

As their relationship develops, Cheol-min learns that Jung-hwa’s condition is deteriorating, and she needs an expensive surgery to restore her sight. Motivated by love and a sense of redemption, Cheol-min returns to the violent world of underground boxing to earn the money necessary for Jung-hwa’s operation.

The film builds to a climax when Cheol-min decides to participate in a brutal, no-holds-barred fight in Thailand. The stakes are high: if he wins, he can pay for Jung-hwa’s surgery; if he loses, he may not survive. The fight sequence is intense and graphic, reflecting the physical and emotional toll it takes on Cheol-min.

Meanwhile, Jung-hwa undergoes surgery and regains her sight. However, she is unable to find Cheol-min afterward. This separation is a crucial turning point in the narrative, as it symbolizes both the culmination of Cheol-min’s sacrifice and the uncertainty of their future together.

The film’s final scenes are charged with emotional intensity and ambiguity. After winning the fight, Cheol-min is severely injured but manages to survive. However, he disappears from Jung-hwa’s life, leaving her heartbroken and searching for him. The audience is left to wonder why he would leave after everything they have been through together.

Cheol-min’s heartbreaking decision stemmed from his conviction to provide Jung-hwa a better life. His physical debilitations coupled with his violent past stopped him from pursuing his love. Hence, he decides to let go and leaves Jung-hwa with her new life.

However, their story touches a glimmer of hope when they cross paths 2 years later. Cheol-min, still recovering from his injuries in a hospital, is met with Jung-hwa who came to help patients. Cheol-min decides to remain silent during their encounter, to keep his identity hidden.

While Jung-hwa initially fails to recognize Cheol-min, the latter’s dog identifies the scent of his master on the streets. However, Jung-hwa is also hit with the revelation when she visits her shop and learns that a man of crutches bought the night jasmine.

The final scenes follow a yearning and angst Jung-hwa roaming around the city trying to locate Cheol-min. When all seems lost, she sees Cheol-min at the side of a lake, bidding farewell to his pet turtle. After some heartfelt words from Jung-hwa, the two souls finally reunite. The film ends with Cheol-min expressing his love for Jung-hwa.

The ending of Always is also a reflection of the characters’ growth throughout the film. Cheol-min begins as a man haunted by his past, closed off from the world, and from his own emotions. His relationship with Jung-hwa brings out his humanity and vulnerability, ultimately leading him to confront his past and seek redemption. His disappearance can be seen as a continuation of his journey toward self-forgiveness. By the end, he may have realized that in order to truly be with Jung-hwa, he needs to reconcile with his own sense of guilt and unworthiness.

Jung-hwa, on the other hand, evolves from someone who is physically dependent but emotionally strong to a person who must navigate the world with her newfound sight and the emotional complexities that come with it. Her search for Cheol-min after regaining her vision signifies her determination and the depth of her love. The final scene, where she recognizes him despite his attempts to stay hidden, shows her unwavering faith in their connection.

The film’s ending is also notable for its use of cinematic techniques and symbolism. The muted color palette, slow pacing, and minimal dialogue create an atmosphere of quiet intensity. The decision to leave the final exchange between Cheol-min and Jung-hwa largely unspoken allows the audience to focus on their expressions and the emotions conveyed through their eyes.

The flower shop setting is rich with symbolic meaning. Flowers often represent love, beauty, and rebirth, all of which are central themes in the film. The shop could symbolize a place of new beginnings, suggesting that despite their painful past, there is still a chance for Cheol-min and Jung-hwa to build a future together.

Throughout the film, Cheol-min is haunted by his past and struggles with feelings of guilt and unworthiness. The ending suggests that he has finally found some measure of redemption through his love for Jung-hwa and his willingness to sacrifice for her. By coming back to her, Cheol-min may also be seeking forgiveness—not just from Jung-hwa, but from himself. The fact that Jung-hwa welcomes him back with open arms indicates that she has forgiven him and that their love is capable of healing the wounds of the past.

The ending of Always is a master class in ambiguity, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions based on the film’s themes and character arcs. Whether one sees it as a hopeful reunion, a tragic separation, or something in between, the ending resonates because it stays true to the emotional complexity of the story. Cheol-min and Jung-hwa’s love is portrayed as something that transcends physical and emotional pain, yet it is also grounded in the harsh realities of their lives. This duality is what makes the film’s conclusion so powerful and memorable.

Always leaves us with a sense of longing and contemplation, reflecting the bittersweet nature of love itself. The film suggests that love is not just about being together but about the sacrifices we make for the ones we care about. The ending, with its mix of hope and melancholy, beautifully encapsulates this idea, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.