‘Duty After School,’ a web drama that originally debuted as a webtoon, follows the journey of an alien-fighting troop of students. However, the contentious ending of the show has generated mixed responses due to its unexpected nature. Today, we are here to offer you an insight into ‘Duty After School’s question-raising conclusion.
What Happened in the Finale?
The series’ storyline reaches its climax with the main character, Yeong Soo (Ahn Do Kyu), committing a horrific act. Fearful of his classmates discovering his vile actions against So Yeon (Shin So Hyun), Yeong Soo makes a decision. In his paranoia, he slaughters his entire class, even going to the extent of disposing of the sole witness, Kwon Il Ha.
The bloody finale sees Ae Seol retaliating, ultimately leading to Yeong Soo’s downfall. Tragically, only three students survive the gruesome ordeal.
Following the traumatic series of events, the survivors grapple with their new reality. Kim Chi Yeol, a pivotal character in the narrative, abandons his aspirations of acing the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), which is a direct outcome of the traumatic events.
How Did the Audience Respond?
While the creators intended to offer a nuanced commentary about wealth disparity and obsession through the series’ conclusion, viewers found it challenging to reconcile this message with the narrative’s earlier plotlines. They critiqued the ease with which Yeong Soo exterminated his classmates and questioned the message’s fit with the story’s overall progression.
Analyzing the Ending
‘Duty After School’ delves into themes like tragedies and societal pressures. Young-Soo’s character, burdened by poverty and familial responsibilities, becomes a symbol of these social issues in the finale. His behavior becomes dark and unsettling due to his obsessive pursuit of points and pressure from societal expectations.
One of the series’ significant undercurrents is its critique of South Korea’s highly competitive education system. Young-Soo’s desperation for success in the form of high CSAT scores highlights the system’s potential to inflict stress and impede personal growth.
As the series wraps, audiences grapple with the students’ avoidable deaths and the surprising return to normalcy. These elements raise questions regarding societal value for young lives and the inherent flaws in the system.
What to Expect From the New Season
One of the unresolved mysteries in ‘Duty After School’ revolves around the enigmatic character, Won-Bin. His absence from the narrative trajectory has left viewers longing for answers. The potential for a second season leaves room for exploring more about Won-Bin, the aftermath faced by the survivors, and the potential for change in the education system.