Netflix’s dark thriller, Unlocked, dives into the chilling story of Lee Na-mi (Chun Woo-hee), a young woman whose smartphone is hacked by a dangerous serial killer, Oh Jun-yeong (Im Si-wan). He uses this access to surveil her every move, leading to a nerve-wracking game of survival as she struggles to stop him before it’s too late.
For those who have watched this South Korean tale set in Seoul, the ending likely left more questions than answers. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the film’s conclusion.
Na-mi’s hacked smartphone becomes a weapon for a dangerous serial killer’s plans (Photo: Unlocked/Di Bonaventura Pictures, SRA Productions)The True Identity of Jun-yeong
Jun-yeong is revealed as the central antagonist—a serial killer adept at hacking and assuming multiple identities. Initially, he gains access to Na-mi’s phone by installing spyware, enabling him to monitor her texts, calls, and camera feed. This allows him to strategically cross paths with her in person, further entrenching himself in her life.
Simultaneously, Woo Ji-man (Kim Hee-won), a detective and Jun-yeong’s estranged father, stumbles upon a series of murders connected to locations his son once frequented. Growing suspicious, he examines his wife’s phone and discovers messages exchanged with their son, leading him to a hidden address.
At this apartment, Ji-man uncovers damning evidence, including notes, multiple smartphones displaying images of victims, and the same plant fertilizer found at the burial sites. Before Ji-man can act, Jun-yeong returns, sending a photo of himself outside the building to distract his father. While Ji-man checks the location, Jun-yeong destroys the evidence and escapes.
Na-mi’s Ordeal Continues
Jun-yeong maintains his psychological torment of Na-mi by pretending to be an IT worker and earning her trust. He even ingratiates himself with her father, who becomes suspicious and warns Na-mi about him.
Overhearing this via the hacked phone, Jun-yeong takes control by tying up her father, installing surveillance equipment in his home, and using it as a base to further dismantle Na-mi’s life.
He sabotages her job and friendships, pushing her into isolation. Realizing her phone is compromised, Na-mi unknowingly turns to Jun-yeong for help, believing he’s a trustworthy IT professional.
Ji-man’s Pursuit
Meanwhile, Ji-man and his partner discover the IT repair shop where Jun-yeong initially tampered with Na-mi’s phone. They meet Na-mi there, and Ji-man explains that Jun-yeong is not who he appears to be. Together, they devise a plan to trap him.
Tension peaks when Na-mi and her father become hostages in a twisted game of control (Photo: Unlocked/Di Bonaventura Pictures, SRA Productions)Na-mi invites Jun-yeong to her apartment, with Ji-man and his partner waiting nearby. However, Jun-yeong senses the setup and avoids confrontation, retreating to Na-mi’s father’s residence. The police, unaware of the danger, escort Na-mi to the same location, believing it to be safe.
At her father’s house, Jun-yeong forces Na-mi to text the police that she’s fine before tying her up alongside her father. In a disturbing twist, he waterboards Na-mi and makes her photo the screensaver on her phone, signaling the intensifying danger.
A Twisted Revelation
Despite Jun-yeong’s meticulous planning, Na-mi outsmarts him by instructing the police to call rather than text her. Ji-man and his partner arrive just in time, apprehending Jun-yeong. In a shocking turn, Ji-man discovers Jun-yeong isn’t his son. The smartphones found reveal a numbered sequence of victims, including Ji-man’s real son, who was tortured and killed by Jun-yeong.
The killer had assumed his victim’s identity to evade detection, explaining why Ji-man’s wife unknowingly maintained contact with her son’s murderer. The tragic estrangement between Ji-man and his son was not due to a fallout but because his son had been killed years earlier, deepening the haunting impact of the story.
