Movies

Breaking Down the Ending of Netflix K-Drama Trigger

BBG News

If “Trigger” were an American-made film, the plot about a police force battling illegal gun influx in their city wouldn’t offer much originality. In the United States, where gun violence was officially recognized as a public health emergency last year, there are more guns than citizens – approximately 120.5 firearms for every 100 people.

In contrast to the setting of Trigger, South Korea boasts one of the lowest rates of gun ownership, with just 0.2 guns per every 100 people. The country’s stringent gun control laws make weapons scarcely relevant in matters concerning public safety. Although instances of gun violence do occur occasionally – as demonstrated by the tragic incident last week involving a homemade gun and a father shooting his adult son – such events are relatively rare in Korea, where owning firearms privately is not commonplace.

2022 reports from the Korea Herald indicate that guns in private ownership are primarily for use by shooting sports participants, firearm manufacturers and vendors, individuals involved in construction or movie/TV production, and qualified hunters (who must pass a strict qualification process). During hunting season, licensed hunters can possess their guns at home. However, outside of this period, guns must be stored securely at the local police station. Generally, only authorized professionals in security fields are allowed to have firearms; many police officers opt not to carry them.

Trigger envisions a world where gun control laws in Korea are ignored

In the fictional tale “Trigger,” penned by Kwon Oh-seung, the creator behind “Midnight” for Netflix, we delve into a scenario where laws regulating weapons are disregarded. This results in an influx of unregistered, lethally dangerous firearms mysteriously appearing and spreading rapidly throughout the nation.

Over the course of ten tense episodes, we trace the journey of police protagonist Lee Do (from “Island,” played by Kim Nam-gil), as he strives to prevent Korean society from spiraling into chaos, with gun violence becoming commonplace. This thriller serves as a cautionary tale for Korean audiences and a reflection for American viewers, who can purchase a firearm in just a few simple clicks, demonstrating the normality of gun ownership in their society.

Who is behind the gun plot in Trigger?

In the movie “Trigger,” it’s revealed that weapons are being smuggled into the nation, orchestrated by a powerful international arms dealer, the fictional International Rifle Union (IRU), which has significant political and economic influence worldwide. The mastermind behind this operation is Moon Baek, portrayed by Kim Young-kwang in “Evilive.

As a child, Baek discovers the IRU following a distressing experience where he was smuggled from Korea to the U.S. for trafficking of organs, fueled by a desire for retribution. Jake, a key figure within the organization, recognizes potential in the angry and determined youngster. He nurtures Baek, grooming him as an integral member of the IRU.

Through the help of Baek, who has been given half a year to live due to cancer, the IRU makes its way into Korea. However, when Baek proposes this venture to Jake as a business opportunity, his true intention is revenge against the country that wronged him. Once in Korea, Baek takes the life of the man who tormented him during his childhood. He conceals bullets within the ceiling of the man’s apartment, signaling to authorities that significant changes are coming to Korea.

Baek employs some neighborhood toughs disguised as ordinary postal delivery workers to pass out firearms. His victims are often individuals who face marginalization for various reasons, and they frequently endure physical and emotional abuse from those around them. A psychologist suggests early on in the series that everyone has a potential for violence within them. The term “trigger” signifies that any individual has the capacity for violence, and it’s the responsibility of a well-functioning society to prevent its citizens from obtaining weapons that can so easily cause self-destructive violence.

Lee Do’s backstory explained

Lee Do contrasts with Baek’s cold-hearted ruthlessness. Although his childhood wasn’t as traumatic as one might imagine, Do faced significant hardships. Tragically, his parents and brother were murdered during a home robbery when he was only a child. In the aftermath of this tragic event, Do acquired a firearm.

In simpler terms, Captain Jo (Kim Won-hae) points his desk towards the man who murdered his family, with the intention of pulling the trigger. However, the captain manages to dissuade him. This incident significantly impacts Do.

Jo brings up Do and his daughter together, many years pass, and Lee Do embodies the perfect image of a policeman, guarding the weak and opting for de-escalation over confrontation. His past as a soldier continues to haunt him, making him hesitant to carry a gun among civilians. However, when gun violence escalates, he reluctantly takes up a gun again, but only in situations where it’s essential to apprehend someone.

Moon Baek kills Captain Jo

In the intricate storyline of Trigger, Lee Do and Moon Baek take center stage as the main characters. As children, they experienced heartbreaking tragedies. One was provided the care and nurturing to blossom into a content individual. The other did not receive the same support, instead evolving into a relentless assassin due to these hardships. While Lee Do strives to shield those around him from harm, even the guilty, Moon Baek revels in inflicting pain, using firearms as his weapon of choice.

When Lee Do and Moon Baek cross paths, the cunning criminal mastermind takes a keen interest in the resilient police officer. To gain his trust, he pretends to be an ordinary recipient of illicit weapons and offers assistance in curbing gun violence. Almost instantly, Do suspects Baek as one of the key figures orchestrating the flood of illegal firearms. Yet, when authorities attempt to apprehend Baek, he skillfully evades capture using his vast resources, continuing to create chaos.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Captain Jo’s surrogate daughter takes her life due to a jeonse scam. This tragic event makes Captain Jo one of the perpetrators’ relentless pursuers. He tracks them down at a karaoke bar and, upon finding no remorse in their hearts, he resorts to violence, pulling out a gun. It is Lee Do who arrives on the scene when Captain Jo has cornered one of the men outside. Moved by compassion, Do manages to disarm Jo, imploring him not to give into the false belief that killing would bring solace in this moment. Overwhelmed, Jo asks Do about his ability to endure such pain at a young age. In response, Do expresses gratitude towards Captain Jo, embracing him as a loving father figure and stating, “You were the one who helped me bear this pain, Captain.

Baek, who meticulously planned the entire situation to increase public fear about shootings and weaken Lee Do’s resolve, dislikes the outcome. Emerging from the shadows, he fires at both Captain Jo and Lee Do. “Just you wait,” Baek says to Lee Do as he fades, “You’ll awaken to a completely different world.

The ending of Trigger explained

According to Baek’s plan, Do will be out of action for several days after the event. Upon regaining consciousness, he is heartbroken to discover that Captain Jo has passed away. He expresses his grief for Captain Jo and her daughter during their funeral service, acting as the primary mourner.

Currently, Baek has made it known that citizens in Korea can acquire firearms. This announcement has sparked widespread apprehension as numerous weapons are distributed, leading to an increase in gun-related incidents. On television, political analysts are discussing the legality of gun ownership in Korea. The president is contemplating imposition of martial law due to the rising concern over public safety.

A “Free Guns” protest is arranged by Baek to bring together the opposing views on this issue. In the middle of the event, Lee Do departs from a funeral to participate. Baek, in his truck packed with firearms, drives into the heart of the demonstration. As people panic and believe they require weapons for self-defense, they rush to take them. To add to the confusion, Baek detonates smoke bombs.

On his journey towards Baek, Lee Do recalls a philosophical discussion they had over dinner, prior to Do discovering Baek’s villainous nature. “Isn’t the act of pulling a 5-millimeter trigger in pursuit of revenge bound to instill fear in numerous minds?” Do questioned Baek. “Fearing for their lives without a gun, everyone will scramble to acquire one. A society like that will not be far from collapse.” Baek aims to establish such a society and is well on his path. “It’s this world that made the people upset,” he tells Do, justifying his actions dishonestly. “I merely gave them a gun. It’s their choice whether they decide to pull the trigger.

In the hazy square, with terrified individuals brandishing weapons at each other, Baek provokes Do saying, “I’m seeking just one gunshot… that will set these people off and make them start firing at each other.” Essentially, Baek is urging Lee Do to pull the trigger. Then, Baek vanishes amidst the smoke, and Do pursues him with a weapon in hand. However, before Do can locate the man, a gunshot echoes. It appears that Baek has been wounded, possibly by himself, and the square immediately breaks out into a hail of bullets.

In the midst of turmoil, Do observes a solitary boy weeping for his mother, clutching a firearm. This scene mirrors the young boy he used to be. Instead of protecting himself, Do lays down his weapon and hurries towards him. He envelops the child in a hug as the shooting persists. “It’s alright,” he assures him. “You’re secure,” he says. This heartwarming scene is recorded by a live streamer present at the scene, causing nurse So-hyeon, whom we have been following throughout the series, to reconsider her decision to use a gun against her tormentors.

After the chaos subsides, leaving many lives claimed, the sight of Lee Do comforting the frightened child transcends as a symbol of compassion over aggression. In time, this image is displayed at a tribute for the victims of the tragedy. Another inscription at the memorial reads: “We honor the innocent souls taken and strive to build a more secure future.

Does Moon Baek die at the end of Trigger?

After the skirmish, Baek has fallen into a coma. The doctor informs Do, who comes to see Baek at the hospital, that his chances of recovery are slim, given his cancer and the blood loss from his gunshot wound. Later on, a group of IRU members, speaking English, appear to be strategizing about their future business endeavors. A woman enters the ward where Baek lies unconscious, seemingly with the intention of ending his life.

Does Trigger have a happy ending?

The conclusion of Trigger carries a sense of hope amidst sadness. Across the nation, law enforcement organizes illegal firearm surrender events to gather as many weapons as they can. Among those surrendering a weapon is nurse So-hyeon. “It took too long,” she says to Officer Jang upon signing over her weapon. “You’ve done what was right,” he responds to her.

On another peaceful day, Lee Do manages to keep tensions at bay. Reminiscent of Captain Jo’s kindness towards him, Do decides to care for the child he rescued during the firefight. He fetches the boy from school and guides him home, holding his hand along the way. In his own small way, Do is providing comfort.

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2025-07-26 01:07

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