Ryu Seung Ryong and Ahn Jae Hong make a comeback in the Korean drama “Chicken Nuggets” (2024). This drama premiered on Netflix on Friday, March 15, 2024, spanning a total of 47 episodes.
“Chicken Nuggets” is an adaptation of the webtoon “Dakgangjeong” (2019) by Park Ji Dok. Let’s explore the divergent endings between the drama and the webtoon versions.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
1. In the webtoon, Yoo In Won dies, and Kim Hwan Dong is dismissed.
Still cut of Korean drama Chicken Nugget (doc. Netflix/Chicken Nugget)In the drama, 50 years have elapsed, with Yoo In Won (Yoo Seung Mok) and Yoo Tae Man (Jung Seung Gil) emerging as key figures in All Machine. Meanwhile, Kim Hwan Dong is appointed CEO of All Machine by Choi Seon Man (Ryu Seung Ryong).
Contrastingly, the webtoon features Researcher Kim instead of Yoo Tae Man. To fulfill his ambitions, Researcher Kim kills Yoo In Won and steals a machine. Additionally, Choi Seon Man fires Kim Hwan Dong. An inebriated Kim Hwan Dong inadvertently turns Researcher Kim into a French fry using the machine.
2. In the drama, Choi Seon Man lives to 105 in the countryside, while Go Baek Jung becomes a singer.
Still cut of Korean drama Chicken Nugget (doc. Netflix/Chicken Nugget)The drama portrays Choi Seon Man’s intentional departure from All Machine, leading to a healthy life in the countryside until the age of 105. Meanwhile, Go Baek Jung resigns from All Machine to pursue a successful singing career under the stage name Yellow Pants.
In contrast, the webtoon depicts Go Baek Jung remaining at PT. All Machinery and eventually becoming its director. Choi Seon Man and Go Baek Jung build PT. All Machines into a top-tier tech company, with Choi Seon Man serving as President Director until his passing.
3. In the webtoon, Choi Min Ah returns to Earth in human form after 50 years.
Still cut of Korean drama Chicken Nugget (doc. Netflix/Chicken Nugget)In the drama, alien Baek Jeong (Kim Tae Hoon) returns Choi Min Ah (Kim Yoo Jung) to Earth in her original form, “dakgangjeong,” as all machines have been discarded. However, it will take 50 years for a stranded machine on Earth to recharge.
In contrast, the webtoon depicts Choi Min Ah returning in human form after 50 years, arriving alone at PT. All Machines to reunite with Go Baek Jung.
4. In the webtoon, Go Baek Jung dies after meeting Choi Min Ah.
Still cut of Korean drama Chicken Nugget (doc. Netflix/Chicken Nugget)In the drama, Go Baek Jung remains vibrant and attends Choi Seon Man’s funeral at the age of 78. By episode 10, only Go Baek Jung and Yoo Tae Man are alive, while Yoo In Won, Kim Hwan Dong, and Choi Seon Man have passed away.
However, in the webtoon, Go Baek Jung suffers a fatal heart attack after Choi Min Ah’s return to Earth, coinciding with his father’s passing.
5. Choi Min Ah uses the time machine in the webtoon, not Go Baek Jung.
Still cut of Korean drama Chicken Nugget (doc. Netflix/Chicken Nugget)Both the drama and webtoon feature alien Baek Jeong giving a time machine to Go Baek Jung. However, in the drama, Go Baek Jung operates the machine, whereas in the webtoon, Choi Min Ah uses it following the demise of Go Baek Jung and Choi Seon Man.
6. In the webtoon, Choi Min Ah retains her memories after traveling to the past.
Still cut of Korean drama Chicken Nugget (doc. Netflix/Chicken Nugget)Baek Jeong explains that using the time machine may result in losing everything achieved in the future and even one’s memory in the drama. However, in the webtoon, Choi Min Ah retains her memories despite traveling back in time.
Although the overall storyline of “Chicken Nuggets” remains consistent between the webtoon and drama, there are nuanced differences. Which ending do you prefer?