The historical K-drama Check-in Hanyang episode 16 aired its final episode on February 9, delivering a satisfying conclusion. The drama, which explored power struggles, loyalty, and love, ended on a high note, achieving its highest ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the nationwide viewership reached 4.2%, with the metropolitan area recording 4%. At its peak, the ratings hit 5.3%, making it the highest-rated Channel A weekend drama in history.
The Truth Unfolds and Justice Prevails
In the final episode, Lee Eun-ho (played by Bae In-hyuk) stepped forward to correct past injustices. With Seol Maehwa (Kim Min-jung), he hosted a gathering and revealed that the true owner of Yongcheonru was Hong Deok-soo (Kim Ji-Eun). He also admitted that he was the son of a traitor and exposed the crimes of Cheon Mak-dong (Kim Ui-seong) and his own father, Lee Hyun-wi (Han Jae-seok).
Cheon Mak-dong, already aware of Seol Maehwa’s plans, attempted to kill Prince Eunsung (Kim Hyun-jin) to seize power. However, Seol Maehwa had foreseen this and used Ko Soo-ra (Park Jae-chan) as a decoy to protect the prince. A tense confrontation followed when royal guards stormed the venue. In the end, Lee Eun-ho persuaded his father to step down, preventing further conflict. Chun Jun-hwa (Jung Geon-joo) then provided crucial evidence, sealing the fate of the rebels.
Realizing his downfall, Cheon Mak-dong set fire to Yongcheonru and retreated. Hong Deok-soo confronted him, urging repentance, but Cheon Mak-dong dismissed the idea, believing that power and wealth dictated the world. Choosing not to seek revenge, Hong Deok-soo left him behind, marking the end of their rivalry.
A New Beginning Away from Power
With the rebellion crushed, Eunsung became king and vowed to erase financial influence over the monarchy. He assured Lee Eun-ho that his father would be treated with dignity while declaring that the past corruption would be erased from history.
A year later, Lee Eun-ho, Hong Deok-soo, Chun Jun-hwa, and Ko Soo-ra started new lives at Namhae Inn. Lee Eun-ho abandoned his royal status, Hong Deok-soo embraced her identity as a woman, Chun Jun-hwa let go of his family’s wealth, and Ko Soo-ra rebuilt his life as the head of the inn. They found happiness in their new lives, free from the constraints of power and status.
A touching moment highlighted Hong Deok-soo’s transformation into her true self. She and Lee Eun-ho shared a heartfelt kiss, symbolizing their love and the peace they had finally found.
A Suspenseful Epilogue
In a surprising post-credits scene, a scarred Cheon Mak-dong arrives at Namhae Inn. His final words hinted at lingering ambition, contrasting sharply with the newfound peace of the four friends. This brief scene left a strong impression, reinforcing the drama’s themes of power, greed, and the pursuit of true happiness.
Strong Performances and Immersive Storytelling
Check-in Hanyang stood out for its intricate storytelling, well-developed characters, and visually stunning direction. Writer Park Hyun-jin created a detailed world within the fictional setting of Yongcheonru, blending political intrigue with personal growth. Director Myung Hyun-woo’s elegant cinematography further enhanced the storytelling, bringing historical Korea to life.
The cast delivered outstanding performances. Bae In-hyuk, Kim Ji-Eun, Jung Geon-joo, and Park Jae-chan portrayed their characters with depth and sincerity. Veteran actors Kim Min-jung, Kim Ui-seong, Yoon Je-moon, and Han Jae-seok added intensity, making each scene compelling. Their dedication to their roles created a truly immersive experience for viewers.
Check-in Hanyang was more than just a historical drama. It explored power, justice, friendship, and personal growth in a way that resonated with audiences. The next Channel A weekend drama, The Witch, starring Park Jin-young and Roh Jeong-eui, is set to premiere on February 15 at 9:10 PM.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
