High School Return of a Gangster quickly became one of the most popular Korean dramas in 2024, ending with a happy conclusion for the protagonists and punishment for the antagonist. However, despite its generally satisfactory ending, the last episode left viewers with several unresolved plot holes that broke the flow of the story. Here are five major plot holes in the ending that left fans puzzled.
The Spirit of the Real Song Yi Heon Appears Suddenly
One of the biggest mysteries in the early episodes was the whereabouts of the real Song Yi Heon’s spirit. For seven episodes, there was no sign of his spirit, only for it to suddenly appear in the final episode. The show fails to explain where he was all this time while his body was possessed by Kim Deuk Pal’s soul. Was he observing Kim Deuk Pal from the start? Moreover, only a few characters could see his spirit, and the reasons behind their ability to do so were not explained. Even Song Yi Heon’s mother did not feel the presence of her son’s spirit, adding to the confusion.
Yoon Chan Young in High School Return of a Gangster (doc. VIU/High School Return of a Gangster)
Roh Song Yi Heon Gives a Time Limit but Chooses to Leave
In the last episode, the spirit of the real Song Yi Heon declared a one-week time limit for his and Kim Deuk Pal’s coexistence. He even urged Kim Deuk Pal to explain their situation to Choi Se Kyung (Bong Jaehyun). However, in an unexpected twist, Song Yi Heon chose to go to the afterlife, giving his body to Kim Deuk Pal. This decision was perplexing, especially since Song Yi Heon seemed happy to see the changes in his life and the happiness of his mother. This abrupt departure felt inconsistent with his previous behavior.
Yoon Chan Young in High School Return of a Gangster (doc. VIU/High School Return of a Gangster)
Lee Jae Hoon’s Sudden Transformation
Lee Jae Hoon, an annoying character throughout the series, suddenly repents in the final episode. His character development felt rushed and unearned, as there were no significant events leading to his change of heart. Known for his arrogant and insensitive nature, Lee Jae Hoon’s sudden transformation into a better person after learning that the bully gang was expelled from Hansong High School seemed forced and lacked proper buildup.
Excerpt from the drama High School Return of a Gangster (doc. VIU/High School Return of a Gangster)
The Unclear Fate of the Chilsung Gang
The fate of the Chilsung Gang remained ambiguous until the end. In the last episode, the gang leader is shown reacting to the news that Kim Deuk Pal has a child and realizing that Kim Deuk Pal’s soul resides in Song Yi Heon’s body. Earlier, the leader had urged Kim Deuk Pal to take over the gang, but it’s unclear whether he is now willing to let the group disband. Only a few members’ careers are briefly mentioned, leaving the rest of the gang’s fate a mystery.
Won Tae Min in High School Return of a Gangster (doc. VIU/High School Return of a Gangster)
Unresolved Fates of Several Characters
Not only the Chilsung Gang but several supporting characters’ final fates were also left unexplained. For instance, Chairman Bae’s relationship with Song Yi Heon remains uncertain. Did Song Yi Heon truly cut ties with his father, considering he is the sole heir? Song Yi Heon’s mother expressed a desire to return to acting, but the outcome of this plan was not shown. Additionally, Hong Jae Min (Joo Yoon Chan) was expelled from school and detained in a juvenile prison with his friends. He admitted his past mistakes to help Song Yi Heon, but the story of his friendship with Song Yi Heon and his future was left incomplete.
Joo Yoon Chan in High School Return of a Gangster (doc. VIU/High School Return of a Gangster)
Despite these plot holes, High School Return of a Gangster remains an exciting drama with an overall satisfying ending. Have you watched the final episode? What did you think of these unresolved storylines?
