Pop Corner: The Price of Confession Ending Explained: Who Killed Lee Ki-dae and Se-hun?

K-Drama
The Price of Confession

The Price of Confession concludes with episode 12, as Yun-su and Mo-eun uncover Young-in’s crimes and confront him at Ki-dae’s studio. Mo-eun sacrifices herself to stop Young-in.

The Price of Confession finale aired on December 5, 2025 via Netflix. The finale wraps up the story with drama and intensity but is marred by weak writing around Ki-dae’s murder and an underdeveloped resolution for Su-yeon. Despite these flaws, Mo-eun’s sacrifice and Yun-su’s survival create a poignant and satisfying emotional ending for the main characters.

Also Read: Pop Corner: Mantis (2025) Ending Explained: Who Won Between Han-ul, Jae-yi, and Dok-go?

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the series. Read at your own risk.

Past Grudges and Buried Truths in The Price of Confession

The Price of Confession episode 12 opens with a flashback set months earlier. At a university celebration, Young-in introduces Su-yeon to the school director, Mr. Kim. Seo-won and Ki-dae soon join them, and the mood shifts when Director Kim shows off a painting donated by Young-in and his wife. Ki-dae points out that the artist, Sokoboako, once faced plagiarism accusations, which instantly changes how the director looks at Young-in.

After the event, Young-in repeatedly tries to reach Ki-dae. The court later clears Sokoboako of plagiarism, and Young-in expects an apology for the damage done to his reputation. However, Ki-dae ignores his calls and avoids him completely. Frustrated by the silence, Su-yeon finally storms into Ki-dae’s studio to confront him.

Back in the present, Dong-hun and the others search the house where Dong-uk fought earlier. They find Dong-uk’s phone and realize Young-in sent him the photos. Later, inside the car, Mo-eun reveals she knows the truth about Young-in. She tells Yun-su that Young-in sent the threatening texts and brings up the boy who once looked after Se-hun’s cats, hinting that there’s more still left to uncover.

The Price of Confession

Who Will Pay the Price for the Truth?

A flashback reveals Mo-eun confronting the boy after leaving the hospital. She demands to know what he saw. His phone, linked to a pet camera, recorded everything—first Yun-su’s failed attempt on Se-hun, then Young-in, dressed in black, killing him. Mo-eun later shows the complete video to Yun-su.

At the hospital, Dong-uk hands the police the edited clip Young-in sent, which frames Yun-su. Minutes later, Dong-hun and Jeong-gu receive the full footage directly from Yun-su. Jeong-gu calls and confirms they know Young-in is the real killer and urges her to cooperate. Yun-su ends the call, saying she needs to verify something first.

Yun-su and Mo-eun head to Ki-dae’s studio, but Young-in is already there. He searches for the original print that carries an extra fingerprint. Mo-eun stays hidden as Young-in lashes out at Yun-su for ruining everything. Another flashback shows how Young-in and Yun-su panicked after Mo-eun’s confession, stalked Yun-su, and photographed her. In the end, Young-in murdered Se-hun and took the pet cam with him.

The Price of Confession

Back in the present, Mo-eun’s ringing phone gives her away. A struggle follows, and Young-in grabs her, holding a knife to her throat. He forces Yun-su to destroy the artwork, erasing the evidence, then demands she kill Mo-eun so they can escape. Yun-su refuses. Mo-eun explains she helped because Yun-su still has a life ahead of her. She stabs herself with Young-in’s knife. When the detectives arrive, Mo-eun pulls the blade out and fatally stabs Young-in. Yun-su holds her as she bleeds out, and Mo-eun dies moments later.

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The Price of Confession Ending Explained and Review

Yun-su and Sop later travel to Thailand, where Sop now wears Mo-eun’s watch. They visit the old refugee school and hang Mo-eun’s watch on a sign in her memory before walking away. A final flashback shows Ki-dae and Yun-su’s wedding day, with So-hae and So-mang passing by as Yun-su waves to them. The ending offers a quiet, emotional closure for the characters.

The Price of Confession wraps up the series with drama and intensity, though not without flaws. Ki-dae’s murder feels absurd, given it stems from rudeness and criticism over a painting. The show never established Su-yeon or Young-in as people capable of such extreme violence, making the death feel forced and unnecessary. Despite this, the chaotic tension during the confrontation in Ki-dae’s studio keeps viewers on edge.

Mo-eun’s sacrifice is the emotional heart of the finale, and her final words to Yun-su highlight the depth of their connection. The scene is intense as Young-in switches from threatening Yun-su to targeting Mo-eun, leading to her heartbreaking decision. The finale effectively balances sorrow for Mo-eun with hope for Yun-su’s future. Dong-hun’s character also shows growth, reflecting on his past mistakes.

However, weak writing around Ki-dae’s murder undermines the story’s stronger elements. Su-yeon’s punishment is only implied, leaving her arc feeling incomplete. The finale succeeds emotionally but falters in narrative logic. It’s a moving yet flawed conclusion to The Price of Confession.

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Source: Netflix

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