Red Swan Ending Explained In Detail: Will Oh Wan-soo’s Quest For Truth Put Her In Danger, And Can Seo Do-yoon Save Her?

Red Swan S1 ending explained
Red Swan S1 ending explained

“Red Swan” is a 2024 K-drama that aired from July 3 to July 31, 2024. With ten episodes, it’s available for streaming on platforms like Disney+, HiTV, and Dramacool. The series delves into mystery, danger, and forbidden love, offering a captivating viewing experience. Directed by Park Hong-kyun and written by Choi Yoon-jung, it promises twists and suspense throughout its run.

Plot Summary 

“Red Swan” tells the story of Oh Wan-soo, a top golfer who marries the wealthy Hwain Group. Her life takes a sharp turn when she narrowly escapes an assassination attempt in Manila. As she adjusts to her new life, she finds herself attracted to her mysterious bodyguard, Seo Do-Yoon, amidst the secretive world of the Hwain family. What secrets will Oh Wan-soo discover, and how will her relationship with Seo Do-yoon develop in this thrilling mix of action, romance, and mystery? 

Cast with Characters

  • Kim Ha-neul plays Oh Wan-soo – She’s the lead character in this drama, a renowned golfer who marries the wealthy Hwain Group and later becomes a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
  • Rain portrays Seo Do-Yoon – He serves as the male lead in this drama, doubling as a skilled bodyguard with a mysterious past.
  • Jung Gyu-woon appears as Kim Yong-guk – He is the heir of the Hwain Group and Oh Wan-soo’s husband.
  • Seo Yi-sook acts as Park Mi-ran – She is a selfish, spoiled, and rude woman who also happens to be the chairwoman of the Hwain Group.
  • Yoon Je-moon plays Han Sang-il, the legal representative of the Hwain Group.
  • Ki Eun-se is Jang Tae-ra – The mistress of Kim Yong-guk.

How Did Oh Wan-soo And Do-yoon Meet?

Oh Wan-soo And Do-yoon's first meet
Oh Wan-soo And Do-yoon’s first meet

In Manila, Oh Wan-soo and Seo Do-yoon unexpectedly cross paths. Wan-soo, a once-famous golfer now working as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, travels to Manila despite threats from a terrorist group. She’s there for charity work and a big event.

Meanwhile, Seo Do-Yoon, a former cop turned bodyguard, is in Manila investigating a friend’s mysterious death. While on the street, a shooting occurs, splattering blood on Seo Do-Yoon, leaving him scared and unsure. He quickly rescues Wan-soo and takes her to his place for safety. Amid fear and uncertainty, they share little conversation, unsure whom to trust in that tense moment.

How Was Shin Ju-hyuk Murdered And Why?

Shin Ju-hyuk's Murder by an Unknown Assasin
Shin Ju-hyuk’s Murder by an Unknown Assasin

Shin Ju-hyuk, a fellow police officer, met a mysterious end while investigating the Hwain Group’s illegal activities, including money laundering through the “Eight Star Fortune Casino.” He suspected foul play in the death of the group’s honorary chairman and was getting close to the truth.

His determined investigation made him a target, and he was ultimately killed by a mysterious assassin known as Mr. L. This tragic loss deeply affected Seo Do-Yoon, who had promised to protect Ju-hyuk. Motivated by duty and guilt, Do-yoon is now determined to uncover the complete story behind his friend’s death and ensure that justice is served.

Did Oh Wan-soo Know About Her Husband’s Affair All Along? Why Did She Not Do Anything About It?

Oh Wan-soo catches her husband Kim Yong-guk in an act with Jang Tae-ra
Oh Wan-soo catches her husband Kim Yong-guk in an act with Jang Tae-ra

Oh Wan-soo knew about her husband’s affair with Jang Tae-ra, who also bore his son, even before they married, but she chose not to confront him directly. Instead, she remained composed, focusing on her responsibilities and goals. Her decision to wait before reacting likely stemmed from wanting more information about the situation. She also may have been concerned about how a scandal would affect her family’s reputation, given the Hwain Group’s influential status. Wan-soo’s dedication to her charity work and role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador played a significant role in her decision to prioritize her professional duties over personal conflicts. At one event, she catches them in the act, but her response shocks them both. She calmly tells her husband, “Did you have to get caught?” This statement deeply wounds his ego.

What Did Do-yoon Discover In The Video Left By His Late Friend, Ju-hyuk?

The scene from Red Swan where Do-yoon shows a video to Oh Wan-soo
The scene from Red Swan where Do-yoon shows a video to Oh Wan-soo

The video left by Shin Ju-hyuk was indeed based on the death of the late honorary chairman of the Hwain Group. Ju-hyuk had been investigating the suspicious circumstances surrounding the chairman’s death and believed it was a murder. The video suggested that the Hwain Group might have been involved in the assassination attempt on Oh Wan-soo, linking it to the broader illegal activities and secrets within the group.

How Does Oh Wan-soo  Mother’s Confusion And Mental Illness Make This Scene More Emotional?

Oh Wan-soo's emotional scene with her Mother
Oh Wan-soo’s emotional scene with her Mother

In this emotional scene, a mother does not recognise her daughter Oh Wan-soo and thinking she is someone else, calls her “madam.” This makes Oh Wan-soo cry. The mother asks the “madam” to come closer, and Oh Wan-soo does. Holding her daughter’s hand, the mother, not knowing who she is, asks for a favour: to call her daughter. When Oh Wan-soo asks where her daughter is, the mother says she is a professional golfer in the States. Oh Wan-soo asks why she wants her daughter to be called, and the mother says she wants to apologise for wasting all her daughter’s hard-earned money on gambling. Angry, Oh Wan-soo lets go of her hand and asks if she still remembers that. The mother nods and apologises, promising to live quietly if her daughter is sent back to the States. This scene becomes even more intense as it shows the mother’s confusion and mental illness, thinking Oh Wan-soo is her mother-in-law. Oh Wan-soo, now knowing how she was sent to the States, is left in tears and frustration. The mother’s desperate begging makes her heart stop, and she dies.

Why Does Wan-Soo Risk Her Life To Stay In The Hwain Family Even Though It Costs Her A Lot?

Motivated by a strong sense of responsibility and a deep desire for fairness, Wan-Soo decides to stay with the Hwain family despite the heavy personal cost. The sad loss of her mother and the mistreatment by Chairwoman Park Mi-Ran drive Wan-Soo’s determination for revenge. Her mixed feelings, including guilt and wanting to be accepted, also heavily affect her choice. Wan-Soo believes that staying close to the family will help her find out the truth and make those responsible pay, even if it means risking her well-being.

In a brave move, Wan-Soo attends a meeting with Chinese ambassadors under pressure, knowing that Mi-Ran has threatened her with consequences like her mother’s fate if she disobeys. This act puts her in a dangerous position. After the meeting, Wan-Soo decides to leave with her bodyguard, Do-Yoon, to properly mourn her mother. This decision is risky because Mi-Ran’s people are following her, and any mistake could lead to serious consequences. By visiting her late mother’s old home and openly grieving, Wan-Soo faces her past and risks retaliation from Mi-Ran and her allies. This act of mourning is both a personal gamble and a firm stand against Mi-Ran’s control.

What Does Seo Do-Yoon’s Hug Reveal About His relationship With Wan-Soo During Difficult Moments?

Seo Do-Yoon and Wan-soo hug
Seo Do-Yoon and Wan-soo hug

After Wan-Soo decides to visit her late mother’s old house to mourn, her bodyguard Seo Do-Yoon comforts her. Touched by her sorrow, Do-Yoon offers his shoulder for Wan-Soo to cry on, giving her much-needed comfort and support.

However, unbeknownst to them, a spy working for Chairwoman Park Mi-Ran secretly takes photos of this private moment. These photos are quickly sent to Mi-Ran, who uses them to fabricate a scandalous story. When Wan-Soo and Do-Yoon return, Wan-Soo’s husband, Yong-Guk, sees the photos and jumps to the conclusion that something improper is happening. Fueled by anger and suspicion, Yong-Guk confronts Do-Yoon and punches him, believing he is involved in an affair with Wan-Soo and further fires him. 

What Happens During The Drone Attack On Wan-Soo’s Car, And How Do The Characters React?

Drone Attack On Wan-Soo’s Car
Drone Attack On Wan-Soo’s Car

A dramatic drone attack on Wan-Soo’s car becomes a turning point in the story. Wan-Soo and her bodyguards, including Do-Yoon, are driving when drones equipped with bombs suddenly start attacking. These drones are controlled by So-Dam, a former bodyguard who has now become an assassin.

As the drones close in, Do-Yoon quickly realises the danger and uses his driving skills to avoid the bombs. The tension rises as the drones keep attacking the car, dropping bombs to destroy it. Despite Do-Yoon’s efforts, one drone manages to attach to the car, making the situation even more critical.

In a desperate move to protect everyone, Do-Yoon maneuvers the car to reduce the impact of the explosion. The car eventually flips over from the blast, leaving everyone inside in a dangerous state. Even though he’s injured, Do-Yoon regains consciousness and bravely pulls Wan-Soo and another guard out of the wreckage just before the car explodes completely.

After the attack, everyone is rushed to the hospital, where Do-Yoon gets emergency surgery for his injuries. The media quickly reports on the incident, suggesting it might be connected to ISIS, adding a layer of political intrigue.

So-Dam tries to finish her mission by attacking Do-Yoon in the hospital, but the surveillance cameras prevent her from doing so. Meanwhile, Wan-Soo, once she wakes up, shows concern for Do-Yoon, which disappoints Yong-Guk, who was hoping for a different reaction.

Does Chairwoman Park Mi-Ran Get Arrested? 

Chairwoman Park Mi-Ran Get Arrested
Chairwoman Park Mi-Ran Get Arrested

Yes, Chairwoman Park Mi-Ran gets arrested and this is a major and exciting moment. The scene starts with her being taken into custody for stealing money from the NOW Foundation. This arrest is a big deal because it shows the end of a powerful and tricky character who has been important to the story. As the police come to arrest her, Mr. Han, her loyal assistant, just watches and doesn’t stop them. Chairwoman Park is shocked and angry, yelling at Mr. Han and the police while they handcuff her and take her away. Mr. Han’s betrayal adds extra drama since he was secretly working against her. Meanwhile, Do-Yoon tells Wan-Soo about his plan to expose Mr. Han’s true intentions. Do-Yoon returns to the mansion just as the police are searching Mr. Han’s house and collecting evidence. In the chaos, Do-Yoon sees So-Dam trying to run away, fights her, and turns her in to the police.

How Does Do-Yoon’s Suspicion About Kim So-Dam Finally Become Clear?

Do-Yoon and Kim So-Dam Fight
Do-Yoon and Kim So-Dam Fight

Do Yoon uncovers Kim So-Dam’s wounds, which serve as undeniable proof of her involvement in the deaths of his old friend and Mr. Oh Hyun-Soo. Their ensuing battle is fierce, with both combatants demonstrating exceptional skill. Ultimately, Do Yoon’s superior prowess prevails, leading to Kim So-Dam’s defeat. He then presents her with a flash drive that reveals footage of her murdering Mr. Oh Hyun-Soo at a bank by the Han River. The additional wound on her back further corroborates her guilt. Do Yoon turns her over to the authorities, who promptly take her into custody.

Does Kim Yong-Kook Die?

Yes, Kim Yong-Kook dies. His half-brother, Kim Yong-Min, kills him in a fit of anger and frustration. Yong-Min feels cheated and denied his fair share of the family money. He confronts Yong-Kook at the Hwain house, and things quickly get out of hand. Yong-Min, overwhelmed with rage, pulls out a gun and shoots Yong-Kook. Yong-Kook suffers from the bullet wounds and dies. This shocking event has a major impact on the story.

Han Sang-Il, the head of Hwain Group, faces a dramatic downfall as his many crimes and lies are exposed. The final episode reveals his involvement in planning murders and faking financial records. Seo Do-Yoon and Oh Wan-Soo gather enough proof to uncover Han Sang-Il’s wrongdoing. As the situation escalates, Han Sang-Il tries to strike a deal with Do-Yoon, offering to help both Do-Yoon and Oh Wan-Soo settle abroad in exchange for a foundation from Oh Wan-Soo. He suggests that Do-Yoon could keep everything for himself without Oh Wan-Soo. Do-Yoon smirks and tells him it’s too late, pointing out that Han Sang-Il’s mistake was giving the prosecution the ledgers. A video shows Mr. Oh handing over the ledgers, and soon after, the prosecutors arrive and arrest Han Sang-Il. His greed ultimately leads to his downfall, as he dug his own grave.

Does This K-Drama Have A Satisfying Ending?

Yes, Red Swan ends on a happy and hopeful note. Oh Wan-Soo and Seo Do-Yoon find justice and peace. Wan-Soo keeps working with the NOW Foundation, while Do-Yoon goes back to being a police officer. They decide to take a break to heal from their experiences. In the end, they reunite and leave to volunteer overseas.

Is This K-Drama Suitable For Children and Families?

The K-drama ‘Red Swan’ is rated as 17+,has mature themes like violence and intimate scenes, making it not suitable for kids and younger viewers.