Hierarchy Ending Explained: Directed by Bae Hyun-jin and written by Choo Hye-mi, the Korean mystery thriller drama 하이라키 boasts an ensemble cast led by Roh Jeong-eui as Jeong Jae-yi, Lee Chae-min as Kang Ha, Kim Jae-won as Kim Ri-an, Ji Hye-won as Yoon He-ra, Lee Won-jung as Lee Woo-jin, Kwon Eun-bin as Ye Ji, Kim Tae-jung as Choi Yoon-seok, Pyo Young-seo as Ryu Ba-da, Kim Min-chul as In Han, Seo Jun as Kim Seon-woo, Seo Bum-june as Nam Joo-won, Lee Min-goo as Chan Min, and more. This captivating Netflix series comprises 7 episodes, each running between 70 to 80 minutes.
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Hierarchy Ending Explained
The series begins with the arrival of Kang Ha, a fresh scholarship student, who confidently steps into the school’s assembly, adhering to its rigid hierarchy. Despite the assembly’s conclusion, the students remain, waiting for a cue. It’s Ri-an who breaks the silence, rising from his seat, setting the motion for others to follow suit. The school’s operations are primarily overseen by Ri-an, as it’s his mother’s establishment, along with his girlfriend, Jae-in, and their clique consisting of He-ra and Woo-jin. Their influence extends to both students and teachers.
The plot thickens when Jae-in disappears for three months, leaving Ri-an in the dark. Upon her return, Ri-an confronts her, only to be met with a surprising ultimatum. Jae-in proposes a race, with the victor earning the right to decide their relationship’s fate. Jae-in emerges triumphant, opting for a breakup and a transition to friendship.
Meanwhile, Kang Ha, the newcomer, consistently challenges the established norms set by the school’s elite, irking them in the process. In response, He-ra orchestrates a welcome party for Kang Ha, intending to teach him a lesson through humiliation. However, amidst the planned bullying, Ri-an devise a surprise for He-ra, revealing his lingering affection. During the party’s games, Kang Ha is dared to kiss a girl for three minutes. Ignoring the bevvy of options around the pool area, he boldly enters a room where Ri-an and Jae-in are and plants a kiss on Jae-in, to Ri-an’s fury, leading to a physical altercation.
This incident sheds light on Kang Ha’s true agenda—he seeks revenge and aims to uncover the truth behind his brother’s suspicious death, which was conveniently labelled a hit-and-run. Kang Ha suspects the school’s involvement in a larger conspiracy, driving his determination to unearth the hidden secrets.
Also Read: Is There a Possibility of Hierarchy Season 2 on Netflix? Did the Show End on Cliffhanger?
What Happened with Kang In-han?
Kang In-han, elder to Kang Ha, a scholarship student at the school, accidentally threw a football at Ri-an one day, sparking Ri-an and his friends to bully him from all directions. While In-han faced the onslaught, Jae-yi was enduring her own turmoil. Her brother was blackmailing her with a video of her and Ri-an in an intimate moment, threatening to expose it to their father. Witnessing Jae-yi’s tears, In-han approached her, extending the hand of friendship, despite knowing she was also part of the elite circle.
This escalation in assaults was fuelled by the mistaken belief that he was intentionally causing trouble. On the day of Woo-jin’s birthday party, he was once again spotted with Jae-yi. He found himself consoling her as she tearfully confided in him, revealing her pregnancy fears and the imminent threat from her father.
However, when Ri-an and his friend arrived on the scene and witnessed the situation, they resumed their assault on him. In a desperate attempt to protect himself, he endeavoured to flee and find refuge. When he saw Woo-jin was kissing his teacher Ms. Han, he accidentally stumbled upon them kissing, he panicked and said this entire school is crazy. He runs away.
The teacher, in a state of panic, pursues him in her car, imploring him to speak with her, but he continues to evade her. Eventually, as she relentlessly chases him, tragedy strikes – she unintentionally runs him over. Rushing out to assess the situation, she finds he had a concealed camera pen, which she seized before fleeing. Meanwhile, In-han attempts to call his brother, Kang Ha, only to discover he has tragically passed away.
Did Kang Ha Get His Revenge?
Within the school, the aftermath of bullying sparked a reckoning. While others opted for deceit, Jae-yi courageously acknowledged her role, igniting a chain reaction of truth-telling. Despite facing backlash, Jae-yi stood by Kang Ha, inspiring a wave of solidarity among the bullied students. Amidst the turmoil, Ri-an offered Jae-yi a heartfelt apology, recognizing the pain inflicted. However, Ri-an’s revelation of Ju Won’s manipulation shed light on deeper familial secrets, exposing the principal’s complicity. Confronting her mother, Ju Won rejected his predetermined fate, challenging the toxic dynamics of their relationship.
As the day waned, Jae-yi bid farewell to Kang Ha, acknowledging their shared guilt and the need for accountability. With resolve, she announced her departure for New York, leaving behind a conflicted Kang Ha, who couldn’t help but ponder their unspoken feelings. Under the cover of the night, Jae-yi revealed to Ri-an the existence of their unborn child, a moment of shared vulnerability amidst the chaos. With a bittersweet farewell, she released the sonogram into the river, symbolizing a fresh start. The following day, she sought solace at In Han’s grave, seeking forgiveness for her past transgressions.
In the principal’s office, Ms. Han faced the consequences of her actions, forced to resign and confront the fallout of her misdeeds. Suspecting Woo-jin’s involvement, her departure was fraught with anger and resentment. During a tense confrontation, He-ra learned of Woo-jin’s role in Jae-yi’s departure, straining their friendship. Meanwhile, the teacher’s reckless behaviour nearly endangered Woo-jin and He-ra, further complicating matters.
As the truth unravelled, justice prevailed. The teacher was arrested, the bullies interrogated, and the principal ousted from her position. Though bitter, her son found solace in her downfall, recognizing the end of her reign of terror. In a poignant moment with her father, Jae-yi confronted her fear of abandonment, reclaiming her agency and asserting her independence. At school, Ri-an and Kang Ha embarked on a journey of reconciliation, with Ri-an’s mother issuing a public apology. Amidst the turmoil, Jae-yi and Ri-an found solace in each other’s company, cherishing their final moments together. With a tender embrace, they bid farewell, each longing for the other’s happiness as they ventured into an uncertain future.
Did The School Change?
At school, a noticeable shift occurs as the atmosphere becomes markedly calmer. The once prominent bullies have ceased their torment, fostering a more tranquil environment. Despite the changes, Kang Ha remains a familiar presence, navigating the transformed dynamics.
In a tender moment, He-ra extends a gesture of kindness to Kang Ha, offering him a sandwich reminiscent of past interactions with Jae-yi. Reflecting on their shared history, Kang Ha reminisces about Jae-yi’s reluctance to accept such gestures in the past. Memories flood back as he recalls their final encounter before her departure, his emotions raw as he expresses his longing to be by her side.
In a heartfelt exchange, Jae-yi offers solace, revealing her decision to forge her own path rather than depart for New York. She also opens up about her true feelings, admitting to previously concealing her affection for Kang Ha. As Jae-yi embarks on a new journey within South Korea, bathed in the warmth of the sun, she finds solace in reuniting with her mother, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope and possibility.
Did Kang Ha and Jeong Jae-yi End Up Together?
In the closing moments, Jeong Jae-yi bravely admits her feelings for Kang Ha, laying bare the emotions she had concealed for so long. However, as she departs to reunite with her mother, neither Kang Ha nor Ri-an accompanies her on this journey. Their paths diverge, leaving their futures uncertain. Yet, amidst this separation, a subtle undercurrent of burgeoning affection lingers, hinting at the possibility of a deeper connection in the seasons to come. Thus, while they may not have ended up together in this chapter, the seeds of love have been sown, poised to blossom in the unfolding narrative.
Kdrama Hierarchy is now streaming on Netflix.
Also Read: Hierarchy Review: Gripping Narrative with a Lot of Twists and Turns That Will Keep You Hooked
