Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo - Ending Explained

The central plot revolves around Kim Bok-joo, a weightlifter who falls for an obesity doctor, Jung Jae-yi, and joins his clinic to be near him, pretending to be a cello major. The twist is that her childhood acquaintance and university nemesis, swimmer Jung Joon-hyung, is Jae-yi's younger brother. Joon-hyung discovers her secret and initially teases her but soon becomes her confidant and protector, eventually falling in love with her. Bok-joo's unrequited love for Jae-yi ends when he gently rejects her, sending her into a deep depression where she quits weightlifting. This is the story's major turning point.

Joon-hyung's unwavering support during this period helps her recover, and she realizes her feelings for him. They begin a heartwarming and supportive relationship. Another major plot twist involves Joon-hyung's trauma: he suffers from panic attacks stemming from being abandoned as a child by his mother, who has since remarried in Canada. The climax of his arc is when his mother returns to Korea seeking money, and with Bok-joo's support, he confronts her and finds closure. Meanwhile, the antagonist, Song Shi-ho, Joon-hyung's ex-girlfriend, hits rock bottom after her jealousy leads her to expose Bok-joo's secret to the coaches. After a health scare, Bok-joo helps her, leading to Shi-ho's redemption and her decision to retire from gymnastics for her own well-being.

In the finale, Bok-joo gets into the national athletic training center, and she and Joon-hyung navigate a long-distance relationship. Her father, who was initially against their relationship, requires surgery, a secret Joon-hyung helps keep to not distract her. After a brief misunderstanding, they reconcile. The series ends with Bok-joo winning a gold medal at a world championship, fulfilling her dream. Joon-hyung has overcome his trauma and is also succeeding in swimming. The final scene shows them on campus, happy and in love, looking forward to their future and talking about marriage.

While largely straightforward, some alternative interpretations of the series exist. One perspective is viewing the show as a subtle critique of South Korea's hyper-competitive society, particularly in sports and academics. The immense pressure placed on young athletes like Song Shi-ho, which leads to severe mental and physical health issues, can be seen as a commentary on a system that often prioritizes results over well-being. Another reading focuses on the socio-economic undertones. The contrast between Bok-joo's working-class family running a small chicken shop and the more affluent backgrounds of other students highlights the different pressures and realities faced by youth from varying economic strata. Bok-joo's grounded, unpretentious nature is a product of her upbringing and stands in contrast to the anxieties tied to wealth and status seen in other characters.