Ending of Crash Landing On You Explained – Does it have a Happy or Sad Ending?

The South Korean television series “Crash Landing on You” aired its final episode on February 16, 2020.

It became wildly popular for its writing, cinematography, and incredible acting by the entire cast. And also, because the lead actors tied the knot in March 2022.

It currently holds the record for the highest-rated TV drama on TVN and the fourth highest-rated South Korean TV drama in cable television history.

If you’re wondering whether to binge-watch or not, here’s some context:

“Crash Landing on You” follows the forbidden love story of Yoon Se-Ri, a South Korean entrepreneur and chaebol heiress, and Ri Jeong-Hyeok, a Korean People’s Army captain.

1. Does Crash Landing on You have a happy ending?

Crash Landing on You has a happy ending for Ri Jeong-Hyeok and Yoon Se-Ri. While they cannot be together in their own countries, they have a happy ending in Switzerland. It’s a call back to their first “meeting” that happened in Switzerland.

They are convinced that their annual trips to Switzerland will inevitably lead to chance encounters, just like the many times they have happened before.

The finale of “Crash Landing on You” is widely regarded as a happy ending even though the main characters must meet outside of Korea every time. But the finale effectively resolves all the significant struggles and obstacles every character grapple with throughout the entire series.

2. Ending Explained: Did Se Ri Reach South Korea?

Se Ri finally reached South Korea while Captain Ri returned home on military duty. That is until he learned that Cheol Gang, whom he arrested, had escaped prison. Knowing that Cheol Gang is on his way to killing Se Ri as revenge, Captain Ri follows him to protect the love of his life.

As Captain Ri’s father realizes his son is missing, he urgently dispatches his subordinates to locate him.

Finally reuniting at the border, Captain Ri and Se Ri rush into each other’s embrace. But their embrace is soon interrupted by a gunshot from Cheol Gang, who had come between the two lovers. Despite being injured, Captain Ri and Cheol Gang are taken to a hospital in North Korea.

While Captain Ri and his subordinates face arrest, Cheol Gang meets his death. Once the situation is resolved, Se Ri makes her way to the border to bid farewell to Captain Ri during the prisoner exchange, their last goodbye.

I. What Happened at Switzerland?

Fortunately, it wasn’t the last goodbye between Se Ri and Captain Ri. They have a happy reunion in Switzerland.

Before leaving the border, he ensured Se Ri and us some closure. Over three years, he has sent pre-scheduled messages for Se Ri. He was telling her that he’s doing fine and getting to know that she’s doing fine as well.

After some time, she stopped receiving these messages, the last one being one that said they should meet each other soon.

Jeong-hyeok later announces to his soldiers and the village women that he has been selected as a pianist in the National Symphony Orchestra in Switzerland and is stepping down as captain.

Se-ri, on the other hand, decides to start a music foundation to support underprivileged children.

She plans to organize musical performances once a year for piano prodigies in an alliance with another foundation in Switzerland in hopes of Jeong-hook finding out about them and the two of them meeting again.

Moving to Switzerland, Se Ri was paragliding when she landed in front of Captain Ri(Finally!). Captain Ri tells her that he’s been discharged from the military and is working on his career as a pianist. Her plan succeeds, and they embrace and confess their love once again.

She appoints Captain Ri as the director of the foundation. The show has a beautiful ending where the two meet in Switzerland every year for two weeks to spend time together.

II. What happens to Dan in the end?

Unfortunately for Dan, she finally found the love of her life, only to lose it. This was an overwhelming emotional experience, as she had been searching for happiness for years. Thankfully, she has discovered solace in music, which has become a significant focus this season.

III. Ladies Back in North Korean Village Get Their Ending Too

Towards the end of the series “Crash Landing On You,” a heartfelt tribute is made to the women in the North Korean village.

As the story draws to a close, we discover Se-ri has launched a brand-new collection of cosmetics inspired by the remarkable women in the North Korean village. These products not only celebrate each lady’s traits and virtues but also serve as a tribute to the town’s vibrant culture, overseen by the charismatic Myung Eun-ee.

Seri organized a special product naming ceremony where she unveiled the cosmetic products named after the ladies.

Every cosmetic product is carefully named to embody the distinct qualities of each lady. These names are thoughtfully selected to represent their personalities and stories showcased in the series. This act is a meaningful tribute to every woman’s strength, perseverance, and individuality.

IV. Ending for other minor characters explained

Gu Seung-joon: Despite facing numerous obstacles and potentially grave danger, Seung-joon emerges victorious and manages to survive. Given his experiences, he decides to start afresh and lead an honorable existence.

Cho Cheol-gang: During the series’ final episodes, the infamous Cheol-gang finally meets his downfall and dies ultimately.

Yang Kyung-won: As Ri Jeong-hyeok’s faithful underling, his destiny remains uncertain, yet he is easily portrayed as adapting to his new life in South Korea.

3. What does the Ending Mean?

In the epilogue, we see Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok meeting again for the next musical performance the following year. In the last scene, they are shown together in a house overlooking a lake, and the final shot shows them enjoying a picnic on the beautiful green hills of Switzerland.

This ending tells us that Se-ri and Jeong-hook probably continued to meet each other yearly in Switzerland for a musical performance, during which they spent two weeks together while being apart for the rest of the year. As Se-ri says, they are the best two weeks of their lives.

We could also assume that this final shot is the creators telling us that they are finally settling down together where they would be safe and their love would not be forbidden.

4. About Crash Landing On You

The K-Drama Crash Landing On You spans an incredible backdrop of South Korea and North Korea. Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye Jin) is the heiress of a South Korean conglomerate whose adventurous paragliding incident lands her in the forbidden military lines of the neighboring country.

She meets a North Korean army officer, Ri Jeong-hook (Hyun Bin). Captain Ri tries to protect her and promises to help her return safely to her home country. Eventually, the oddly matched couple falls in love during the ‘rescue mission.’  

The K-Drama has been penned by Park Ji Eun, the screenwriter who also wrote the popular drama series My love from the star.