K-pop idols and Korean dramas have recently become major global phenomena. With their energetic performances, stylish visuals, and catchy songs, K-pop idols have earned a massive international fan base. Simultaneously, Korean dramas (K-dramas) have expanded their reach, gaining an ever-growing audience across the world.
One show that fuses these two cultural trends is Doona!, a Netflix original K-drama that centers on Lee Doo-na, played by Bae Suzy, a former K-pop idol. The series blends the glitz of the entertainment industry with the challenges and adjustments of living outside the limelight.
The plot of Doona! revolves around Doo-na as she moves from being a beloved pop idol to someone trying to live a more peaceful, ordinary life away from the media’s constant attention. She meets Won-jun (Yang Se-jong), a young man chasing his dreams in Seoul.
Their meeting marks a turning point in Doo-na’s life, bringing out a different side of her. As they form a deeper connection, Doo-na faces pressure from her manipulative manager, who pulls her back into the world of fame. The series highlights the tension between their personal desires and the intense external pressures that come with living in the public eye.
Bae Suzy as Lee Doo-na and Yang Se-jong as Lee Won-jun (Photo: Doona!/Studio Dragon)A Bittersweet Ending With A Glimmer of Hope for Doo-na
The ending of Doona! leaves viewers with a bittersweet yet realistic conclusion. After facing a heartbreaking breakup, both Doo-na and Won-jun continue their lives in different directions. Doo-na rises as a solo artist, while Won-jun focuses on his university studies. Despite the passage of time, the unresolved feelings between them linger, leading to a poignant reunion four years later.
However, the nature of their relationship remains unclear, as they acknowledge their shared past but accept that they cannot be together due to the complications of their respective careers—Doo-na’s idol status and the societal pressures that come with it. This ending, though sad, reflects the reality of love and personal growth, highlighting the lasting impact of their time together.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope for the couple. The show leaves an open-ended conclusion, suggesting that Doo-na and Won-jun might still be secretly dating. In subtle moments throughout the series, including brief scenes in Japan and an emotional encounter later in the series, it becomes evident that their connection hasn’t faded entirely.
While the reality of idol dating is complicated and often career-damaging, the show hints that, despite the odds, they may still maintain their bond in secret. This ending offers a hopeful, yet realistic, view of relationships under the pressure of fame.
Bae Suzy as Lee Doo-na and Yang Se-jong as Lee Won-jun (Photo: Doona!/Studio Dragon)Jin-ju’s Emotional Journey and Rejection After Years of Longing
The show also delves into the secondary storyline involving Won-jun’s high school friend, Jin-ju (Ha-Young). Initially, their relationship is marked by awkwardness, with a history of unspoken feelings between them. It’s revealed that Won-jun had once confessed his love to Jin-ju, but her hesitant response led him to back away.
Unbeknownst to him, Jin-ju had harbored feelings for him all along, but her strained relationship with her father kept her from pursuing it. Years later, Jin-ju gathers the courage to confess her feelings to Won-jun, hoping that the passage of time has changed things. However, by this point, Won-jun’s heart belongs to Doo-na, and he gently rejects Jin-ju’s confession.
Despite the rejection, Jin-ju’s character arc is handled with depth and care, which is a refreshing departure from the typical secondary lead stories in K-dramas. Rather than leaving Jin-ju’s character unresolved or forgotten, the show explores her personal growth and eventual friendship with Doo-na. Their shared experiences with Won-jun allow them to bond, and the story offers a satisfying resolution to her emotional journey, turning her from a love interest into a strong, independent character in her own right.
The Director’s Vision: Balancing Fantasy and Reality in the Ending
The director of Doona!, Lee Jung-Hyo, shared that the ending of the show was designed to blend both fantasy and reality. His intention was to portray a romance between an idol and a university student while acknowledging the challenges that such a relationship faces in real life.
In an interview, he expressed that, although the characters may or may not cross paths again, they will always remember each other. This bittersweet ending serves as a beautiful metaphor for love that persists even after the relationship ends. It leaves room for hope, without resorting to unrealistic fantasy, making the conclusion more grounded in reality.
The series offers a nuanced look at the pressures of fame and the emotional complexity of relationships in the context of the entertainment industry. While the ending might not provide clear answers about the future of Doo-na and Won-jun’s love, it’s a poignant reminder that memories and feelings can linger long after the final goodbye. Whether or not they remain together, the love they shared remains a cherished part of their lives, making Doona! a touching exploration of love, fame, and personal growth.
