Doona Ending Explained: With Bae Suzy as the titular former K-pop star and Yang Se-jong as Lee Won-jun, an engineering student making his move to Seoul, the South Korean coming-of-age romance series has been directed by Lee Jung-hyo, known for his work in the Crash Landing On You K-drama. Based on Min Songa’s The Girl Downstairs webtoon (이두나), the show has been developed by Studio Dragon and created by Song Kyung-hee.
Also starring Oh Ha-young as Kim Jin-ju, Lee Jin-uk as Park In-wook and Park Se-wan as Choi I-ra alongside others, the live-action webtoon adaptation has 9 episodes, now streaming on Netflix. The series follows Lee Doona, Kpop singer at the height of her career who quit her profession, and Lee Won-jun, a university student who following his shift to Seoul, ends up becoming her neighbour. An unlikely romance blossoms between the two as they both also find their own place in the world and carve their path to a healing journey of self-discovery.
Watch the Doona Netflix Trailer
Doona Kdrama Ending Explained Contains Spoilers
Doona Ending Explained
The series’ last episode is almost crafted to reflect a hazy memory. All events move forward in a non-linear pattern, with the story constantly moving back and forth. However, it is clear that Won-jun eventually moved out of his old apartment to focus on his studies away from Doona. Meanwhile, Doona regains her confidence and moves forward by returning to her K-pop roots, but this time as a soloist. They meet up a few times, and in 2023, Won-jun finally gives up even though Doona wants to fight for their relationship. The growing distance between them gets to Won-jun, and he breaks up with her.
All of Won-jun’s friends also move forward with their lives and get busy with their hectic schedules and jobs, and one of those days, Jin-ju comes back and meets up with Won-jun. It’s then that he finds out she’d always stayed in touch with Doona. With four years having passed, Doona was all set to release her new album, and Won-jun and others reunite one last time at their old place since the house was to be remodelled by the landlady for her son as a wedding gift, but with Doona not there, it doesn’t quite feel like a full-on reunion.
Won-jun informs the others of his job interviews and how he’s up in the last rounds and may soon land a good job. On bidding the rest farewell, he returns to the dorm once more to get his jacket and finds Doona there. They head out together for drinks and part ways later. Even after returning to the ladder of success, Doona is heartbroken and decides to confront Won-jun about their separation.
Although during their argument, Doona mentions that she doesn’t need a man in her life anymore, but still feeling hollow about it, she urges him to apologise for leaving her back then like that. Much like her, Won-jun, too, felt bad about how he ended things and acknowledges that he regrets his actions.
In the 2027 National Civil Servant Level 5 Open Competitive Recruitment Exam, Won-jun’s name makes it to the list of top scorers, so he also achieves what he aspires to be. On the other hand, the ever-rising craze for Doona soars even higher. Throughout these years that elapse after their break up, the final episode emphasises the growing distance between their lives and their contrasting paths. Won-jun even serves in the military during these years, and everything pushes them further in opposite directions.
The final scenes fly us to Japan, where Doona arrives for an event, and the roaring crowd of her fans welcomes her. In a parallel scene, we also see Won-jun at the same place. While his boss buys something, he glances at cakes on display and looks rather happy compared to his former disposition.
Even though both Doona and Won-jun nearly cross paths, they don’t come face-to-face and end up walking in opposite directions on the same path. In a faint serendipitous moment, Doona turns back to catch a glimpse of Won-jun (it’s unclear if he saw him or just turned for a second upon sensing something). Yet, unaware of her presence, he keeps walking forward, almost as if the show is hinting at him having moved on.
In this way, the series is left off on a bittersweet, open-ended note. While it’s up to our interpretation to join the dots about whether they’re together, the series has pointed out that life has “its unexpected twists”, just as Doona remarks in the first episode. It was but an “unexpected twist” that Won-jun ended up living at the dorm as Doona, and then yet another twist that they happened to be in the same building in Japan.
It was all a game of chance, and they will always be a part of each other’s life. At first, they were quite literally in each other’s life, but now, they’ll remain back as a memory of their past as they race forward in different directions to their own destinations. Except for once in a while, when they have the urge to look back at what they had, they’ll keep moving on, just like Doona turned around to see Won-jun but then kept going ahead.
Alternate Ending
While many webtoon readers considered the K-drama ending to be a relatively mellow alternate conclusion to the drama, there’s also the possibility of the two leads ending up together. Although it would render all the dramatic morals shallow, a rumoured deleted scene from the drama series suggests that Won-jun and Doona kissed each other wearing the same outfits they were sporting in the first scene of the Episode 9, which is also another moment from their future time-leap.
Won-jun can be seen wearing the same coat he’s otherwise spotted in during the last sequence of the finale. This underlines the possibility of them ending up together, but then if this is to be followed, the other meaningful and “realistic” vision pushed by their separation is completely chucked out the window.
Doona is now streaming on Netflix.
Have you watched the K-drama yet? What did you think of the ending? Let us know your opinions and theories in the comments section below.
I love k-dramas, because it has happy ending, allways. But i think, in Doona, it hasn’t. I am very sad about it.
It’s a happy ending. Look at the outfit he’s wearing in the beginning and smiling at her…and then compare the same outfit at the ending of the show. Then you realize it’s a time reverse giving us the details of how they are together at the beginning.
Different clothes. I took a screenshot and went back and forth.
I agree! I hate this ending. I wanted them to definitely be together
9 episodes not enough ???? I’m feel betrayed ???????? please make session 2 asap and make them back together.
Sesson 2! Season 2! ????
No more season 2 ., at the start of episode 9 they meet already in japan., in the ending won-jun have the same clothe., meaning they meet earlier in japan., and won-jun smile., there is chinese anime of this kdrama
No more season 2 ., at the start of episode 9 they meet already in japan., in the ending won-jun have the same clothe., meaning they meet earlier in japan., and won-jun smile., there is chinese anime of this kdrama
its not the same clolthes that wonjun are wearing, just look at the collar that both clothes have. Its different
This is to me one of the most disappointing kdramas I’ve seen to think that I was anxiously waiting for it for 2 weeks and finished the entire series in a day! I agree with the unclear timelines and the sudden appearances of characters without proper introduction. The re were a lot of highs and lows that did not build up properly and worst of all, they tried really hard to have an open ending but it failed miserably. It was disappointing to see the main guy did not end with either of the 2 leading ladies! This is a very forgettable series not worth watching again. So sorry for being blunt. I just hope there’s a serving season. It might change my point of view of the show. 2 out of 5 stars.
It’s a happy ending. Many clues. The biggest one is his beginning outfit is the same as the outfit he wore at the end. The beginning of the show is the actual ending and the rest of the episodes just filling out the details of how their careers grew and they met in Japan. He’s wearing the same outfit there.
its different clothes that wonjun are wearing, just focus on the collar that the clothes have.
They are the same clothes. Its just that the collar on the beginning scene is unfolded. Also from episode 6 onwards, the beginning scenes shows them meeting each other, and it seems in secret, hinting that they are together.
I appreciate your comment and I confirmed it. Thank you for your information. As Im fully frustrated on the ending and I search what really happened. Now I learned something to always pay attention on out of the blue scene. I can now sleep without overthinking????
One night for me???? help!! I need season 2 ASAP
What the hell is this fucking bad ending. 9 episodes for that. If its because there is a season 2 on preparation i would understand. But if this is the real ending of this serie…. Its bad serie.
We look kdrama to dream no to be depressed at the end.
This is so true
Yeah my reaction was. “Is that it, nine episodes for that!”
True if there’s no season 2 it depressed and suck 9 episode it all pain hurt nothing good happen between two of them
Facts! I got flabbergasted on that scene i got mix feelings and it really hurts that there’s no kissing scene on episode 9????????????
It’s a happy ending. Many clues. The biggest one is his beginning outfit is the same as the outfit he wore at the end. The beginning of the show is the actual ending and the rest of the episodes just filling out the details of how their careers grew and they met in Japan. He’s wearing the same outfit there.
I found Doona a very „realistic“ K-drama. We all sense, that the Korean entertainment world isn‘t an easy path. That aspect, the pressure and control, the agencys and the management put on their idols, was very good portrayed. Sometimes actors and singers do have relationships to normal non-celebrities, but most of the time not. So, I found the end, although „heart-breaking“ a good one. Perhaps a season 2 could change the end. It would be worth it. AND I enjoyed, that there were only 9 episodes. Everything was said and done in theses episodes, no u-turns and unnecessary drama in the drama.
I agree
True i agree i hope there’s a season 2
The ending left much to be desired. I connected to the series in a level even I found marvelling. I sincerely hoped for a happy ending, an ending much different from what I had experienced before. But to my disappointment, it didn’t end well. Why couldn’t their love win. Why must we give up on the love we so desperately wanted. Couldn’t they have won on both ends?. I’m really disappointed.
Yeah thats true. But in webtoon series (The girl downstairs) they didn’t end up together as much as they want to, but they become real good friends. Wun jun end up with Ira.
It’s a happy ending. Many clues. The biggest one is his beginning outfit is the same as the outfit he wore at the end. The beginning of the show is the actual ending and the rest of the episodes just filling out the details of how their careers grew and they met in Japan. He’s wearing the same outfit there.
It was beautifully acted by all but the ending I found irritating! It felt pretty obvious that once she returned to her career that the romance would be over. It’s unfortunate but reality rules that it would never work out. I hate how you’re left thinking…. Is it still on or off?
It’s a happy ending. Many clues. The biggest one is his beginning outfit is the same as the outfit he wore at the end. The beginning of the show is the actual ending and the rest of the episodes just filling out the details of how their careers grew and they met in Japan. He’s wearing the same outfit there.
The drama contradicts itself. On one side Doona furthers her career thinking that she will be able to do whatever she likes and eventually date and on other side this ending? Won-Joon does not have any concrete reason for not being with Doona. Entire 9 episodes were built to see them together and they stayed strong till the end but to what end. Not a good ending. Very disappointed with the ending.
Yes I found it disappointing too and to say confusing is an understatement. Almost feels that the story line was rushed to come in on budget.
Hated the ending. They should be together!!
I really thought they’d got back together after the confrontation. I’m so confused right now! ????
To say that the ending is confusing is an understatement. It goes from her hugging him saying she missed him. So did they make up or what? What is with the scene of them almost meeting in the corridor? It’s a non ending ambiguous and disappointing to say the least. Did they run out of money to complete the story line? because that is what it feels like. I was looking forward to this series but frankly found it disappointing.
they got back together after the confrontation, i think the ending shows that they are just dating secretly, they’re both in Japan and Won jun appears to be happy seeing a cake and looks like he wants to give it to Doona. he also sighed at the ending so he saw Doona and just cannot greet her as this will risk people knowing they’re dating.
The ending was confusing and a bit disappointing. However, the show was one of a kind! too realistic and there were no unnecessary scenes in it. The storyline the emotions everything about it was absolutely amazing. The actors/actresses did a great job, Bae Suzy was perfect for the role.
Yeah, this is true. It’s a happy ending. Many clues. The biggest one is his beginning outfit is the same as the outfit he wore at the end. The beginning of the show is the actual ending and the rest of the episodes just filling out the details of how their careers grew and they met in Japan. He’s wearing the same outfit there.
The show really ends during the hug and forgivness. After that it shows how they were just prior to episode 1. I’m leaving it there. Ever watch Sol Sol Do Do La La Sol. I cried in episode sixteen with absolute anger almost… Was going to write the company strongly worded letter. But decided to watch the last twenty five minutes and had a huge surprise… They need a season 2 here…
It’s reality . Some relationships just don’t work . Although I really want them to meet again when everything is in good place and they will
Choose each other again . I bawl my eyes over the ending . It’s bitter sweet .
Doona is one of the saddest kdrama have watched so far,I hope there is season 2
The worst end is twenty five twenty one ….
Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded the more realistic sad ending if it was better executed.
I always like a happy ending in k drama , though sometimes they have sad ending never mind . But in “Doona” the ending is driving me crazy , this time I can’t get to any conclusions about the ending.
Doona is one of the saddest kdrama have watched so far,I really hope there is season 2
I enjoyed watching the drama as it is until the ending. I love how they portrayed friendship, love, struggles and moving on past relationships. The last scene showed each one being successful in their own career and happy. Are they together or not? Perhaps, keeping the relationship secret? Nothing is definitive in life, i guess. The good thing is there is no hatred between them.
I am very disappointed with the ending. I really wanted them to find a way to stay together — against all odds. I watch K-Dramas because of the beautiful love stories and the sensitive portrayal of life. This ending did not feel like love, it felt like a fling. To me it was a terrible ending.
This was one of the best dramas I’ve seen in a bit. Suzy’s acting was on point and her visuals were stunning. She chose well in doing this drama. The supporting cast were awesome too. I like dramas that end sad, i.e. Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Goblin, Stairway to Heaven. If you don’t like sad endings don’t watch Stairway to Heaven. That’s sadness to the 10th power. The purpose of art is to stir emotions. It doesn’t always have to be happy and mushy. Life doesn’t always end in a happy ending. This one left me sad, angry, confused and wanting more. I’d say that’s a perfect ending for this show.
Seeing all the comments here, I’m glad I’m not the only one who questioned the ending.
Though I read in one theory that they actually might still be secretly dating, and knew they were both in Japan because of a couple of little hints in the ending. When Won-Jun was smiling at the pastries in the store, that isn’t really something one would normally do unless it reminded him of someone and thought “this is something Doona would like,” or “this would be a nice place to bring Doona to.” He knew how much Doona liked eating whatever she wanted without having her agency on her back.
Another hint is how Doona looked back at Won-Jun while they were walking away. If they were truly broken up, given how Won-Jun doesn’t really update anyone about his life, how is she to know that Won-Jun was in Japan? The only way for her to sense that he was there walking behind her is if she knew he was also in Japan. Doona was always portrayed in the show as someone who didn’t really have a care in the world, but for her to suddenly stop walking to look back, she wouldn’t do that randomly if she didn’t know Won-Jun was there too.
Honestly I was really disappointed too at how the ending left us all hanging, so I’m choosing to believe in this theory.
Yeah, if you look at all the details of Episode 9, and view it as a Flashback / Explanation of why DooNa and Won Jun, in the beginning of the episode, are looking at each other and he’s smiling….it makes sense. The rest of the episode just fills in the details of all the years that past and their careers growing. He’s literally wearing the same tie/shirt/jacket in the beginning of the episode as the ending of the episode when he was walking his boss around and where she turned around and stared at his direction.
Hear me out:
1. If you look at the BEGINNING of Episode 9 and notice his clothing is the white shirt / black tie and Jacket is the SAME clothing that he’s wearing at the END of Episode 9. So, they did MEET UP and the whole episode is explaining all those years. Also, he is smiling at the beginning of the episode 9…why is he smiling wearing the same clothes as he did at the ENDING of the show? So time-frame wise, the beginning of the episode is actually the REAL ending…the whole episode is just filling us on all the details of all those years that had to pass for them career wise, there was a time frame they both had to go through…see explanation below.
2. Episode 8, her manager outlined their timeframe for Won-Jun. Basically asking him, what are you going to do? You have military years, you have college years, then you gonna finally have a job. So, if we pay attention to the timelines in Episode 9…he’s slowly living out those years and they still MEET. She has paid back her contractual amount and they finally gave her her cell phone back and she was able to read all those messages he sent her…so that means, her manager and company were okay with where she was at professionally. We know they still have feelings for each other when she confronted him and reconciled.
3. Lastly, if you notice her recent album title is called “Under-Cover.” So yeah, they have been dating all this time but under-cover.
So, don’t be sad. It’s not an OBVIOUS ending because it can not be TOO OPEN due to her career and status…but there’s enough details in the episodes to tell us they had been dating Under-Cover / Secretly.
Well done and well spotted
All these are perfect clues, I noticed most also. She also has the clothes from the opening episode nine scene near the pinkish red bushes on in the opening credits. The director was being cheeky and showing us that they both travel to Japan for work, and when he has free time they separately take trains out to the countryside, away from the press and public and spend time in nature. He literally has his work suit and jacket on and she’s wearing the same hat and denim shirt in the credits when she looks at him lovingly while on the train. The train station has Japanese writing on it in the credits also. But the album title is the best clue, good job catching that bc I missed it! Also, when she looks back at someone on the beach lovingly in the credits she’s wearing the same outfit as the opening train station shot, which means after meeting at the station, they spent time on the beach together. All very OBVIOUS, as you said!! But not sure why the director chose to do it this way. He has these out of sequence scenes in most of the episodes though, I guess that’s just his artistic style.
Yeah, I was wondering about the other clues about her clothes, Japan, and the credits. Thanks for pointing them out; I need to re-watch it now. I only caught the obvious ones…lol
ooh gosh. i needed this. THANKS Will have to keep rereading it to rewrite the story ending by the directors team. Hugely disappointed on the budget? driven shortcuts by the director and team, there was SIMPLY no need to create a garbage of open clues. Greatly surprised that all this guessing is needed to provide all viewers with a closure. Would rate the director 2/5 star.
T
he more since the story line is based on an existing web tune, where the ending is at least provided. WJ ends up with Ira… I am told.
hi, one confusion, where did you find the clue on the recent album bit? under-cover?
I missed it out. Kindly share timing. 🙂
Around 17:41 you see two of her Billboards. The right one says DooNa; the left one says DooNa 1st Japan Album: Undercover. 25:30 or so when he’s going under the subway, you see her cover “Under Cover” 26:10, with her face staring at the viewer and album “Under Cover” just as he enters his train. Director was basically spraying that clue all over the episode. lol
Not the same clothes.
Agree.It is a happy ending. At start after intro,the clip showed the met at a garden with won jun wearing working suit with black tie and doona with more mature look. Both of them are smiling. They are dating in secret i think ????????????
Yeah, I think so. It’s going to be “Under Cover” just like her album. No other reason for him to be smiling like that at the beginning of the episode.
Wow … k-dramas are my happy private time away from the struggles of life. But this is so sad and what a waste of my time with my husband watching and waiting for a great ending. Boooo. I won’t watch another show made by this director or writer. It is the only way for them to understand that viewers don’t need this emotional setback is for everyone to stop watching their shows!!
It’s not a bad ending if you piece the clues together. Check out the first 10 seconds of the show…why are they together there and he’s smiling? Then compare his outfit to the outfit he wore at the ending…they are the same.
I don’t like unhappy endings and may skip watching the rest of this series
They end up together. Watch for the clues. Believe me i am very anti watching k dramas with sad endings and this one is happy.
Yeah, definitely a lot of clues out there.
SECOND, i found the English translation of the song by Doona. Which is to be seen in multiple occassion/episodes. IT clearly states that D wants to ‘stay with me’. The more since she does not have a phone.
‘the ordinary days’
I’m just realized
Endless winter and
In a heart that was like a maze
I was in pain at the end of a thorn
Times with love
Today was so heavy that it seemed like it would go off
On a day when there’s nothing more to look forward to
You approached me unfamiliarly
Another Universe
I was a fool back then
Trapped in fear and unaware of me
Now I know my dream
A normal day walking with you
I still remember the day
You, who embraced my trembling and my heart
Still remember the day
What I want to say to you now
Stay with me
I’m just realized
Clumsy walk
Take one more step
Hold your hand brightly
The day I laughed with love
Buried confession
My difficult heart
Entrusted time
I was a fool back then
Trapped in fear and unaware of me
Now I know my dream
A normal day walking with you
I still remember the day
You, who embraced my trembling and my heart
Still remember the day
What I want to say to you now
Stay with me
Stay with me
Stay with me
Stay with me
Stay with me
We need a season 2, it’s crying out for it.
Agree with you.
What is the main theme of the series?
At first, the show seems to be study of Doona’s mental illness sprinkled with a minor theme of Won-Ju’s inability to make decisions about his love life.
As the season progresses, you see Won-ju’s past relationships with women. He rejects I-ra who chased him as a kid. He chases Jin-joo in high school who he can’t have. When Jin-joo finally professes her love, Won-ju rejects her because he now is chasing Doona who really is out of his league. You see Doona who professes her love through out the last few episodes, but Won-ju rejects her because the chase is over. Won-ju does the chasing, but doesn’t like being chased.
The last episode was weird with the choppy open ending. It suggest at least 6+ years have past. K-dramas typically do not get a Season #2. Better endings would have been 1. they get together 2. they try to get together or 3. they separate and they move on with their lives. The later could be Won-ju seeing a poster of Doona and smiles because he is happy for her or Doona visits a university or sees an article about infrastructure and is happy because she thinks Won-ju did what he always wanted to do.
The last scene shows Doona walking through the mall with a sad look. She still loves Won-ju because she turns around when she thinks she hears his voice. Though Doona looks like she has her mental illness under control, the scene suggests Doona is still probably single. With Won-ju working, chances are he is also still single.
The show’s flip flopping of themes makes the ending less than appetizing. After watching the entire series, in my opinion, the director had a chance to address a bigger theme. Regret. Take a chance. Doona did by dating Won-ju, going back to sing and still wanting to try and date. Won-ju is given multiple chances by Doona to still date, but he doesn’t even try. Everybody in their friend group has taken chances and moved on. Won-ju really hasn’t. Yes, he has a career, but the series begins with him single and ends with him still single.
A career is not a life. A life is supported by a career. It looks like both Doona and Won-ju have careers, but not much of a life.
I absolutely hated the ending. Next time I will look up the ending before I waste my time watching the series.
I don’t like the end of doona at all. This really break my heart I wouldn’t have waste so much of my time to watch this. I can’t stand thinking about how it really end. Both doona and won jun supposed to be together in the end they just keep avoiding each other at the end of the scene, this is really heart broken..
Am I the only one who’s satisfied with the way the show ended? For me the ending was perfect!
I hate this ending, not just because it’s sad but because it goes against everything I believe in in life. we must fight for those we love, whatever the difficulties. The last episodes clearly show that they love each other and that they both suffer from this separation. Their lives are different and difficult to reconcile but Won Jun doesn’t even try to fight to keep the one he loves. This is inconceivable to me.
I hate this ending, not just because it’s sad but because it goes against everything I believe in in life. we must fight for those we love, whatever the difficulties. The last episodes clearly show that they love each other and they both suffer from this separation. their lives are different and difficult to reconcile but Won Jun doesn’t even try to fight to keep the one he loves. This is inconceivable to me.