Forgiveness, acceptance, and reconciliation are what Whale Store XOXO’s final episode has taught us—there’s healing after all the pain you’ve gone through.
Whale Store XOXO’s final episode aired on August 27, 2025. The episode, “A Good Beginning Makes a Good Ending,” explains the reason why Maewnam chose not to pursue her PhD. Wan also encouraged her to talk with her mom about it. Slowly, Som embraced the relationship between Chompoo and Tonnam.
Also Read: Pop Corner: Whale Store XOXO Episode 1 Recap
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series. Reader discretion is advised.
What’s the reason behind Maewnam’s decision not to take her PhD in Whale Store XOXO’s final episode?
During episode 8, Wan and Maewnam had a conflict after Wan learned where the money that Maewnam lent her went. In the final episode, Maewnam explained to Wan the reason behind her decision not to pursue her PhD.
Maewnam’s university life has always been about pressure and being number one. She had to study extra hard to satisfy her mom. It’s like she was living just to prove herself.
In addition, she shared with Wan that even though she studied hard, her mom never complimented or praised her. It’s like she was doing it for her mom, but regardless, it was never enough.
Maewnam also opened up about why she ran Maewnam’s service. It was because of Wan’s father, who once told her that she was amazing. That was the first time she had ever heard someone compliment her.
Since then, she believed she could do all things because people around her also believed in her. For someone who never had confidence, being appreciated made her feel like she could always do more.
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Did Maewnam’s mother accept her reasons for not taking her PhD?
Wan found out about the money because of Maewnam’s mother. After Wan understood Maewnam’s reason, she encouraged her to talk to her mom. She said that even after all the praises she received, deep down, she was still waiting for her mom to see her efforts.
Together with Wan, Maewnam went to their company and talked to her mom. She expressed her emotions and sentiments, saying that since the beginning, she never wanted the PhD. But her mom told her it was what was best for her.
Thus, Maewnam blurted out, “Was it good for me or for you?” It was bold of Maewnam, but it was also her standing up for herself—for once. The incident prompted her to finally show her true emotions, saying she had been waiting to hear her mom say that she was good and that she was proud of her. But that moment never came.
Maybe this was a slap to her mother, realizing that her only daughter felt this way. She admitted that she could give up anything, but she could never give up Maewnam. That’s why she took Maewnam with her when she separated from Maewnam’s father. But seeing that she was the reason Maewnam felt this way made her feel awful, too.
In the end, Maewnam and her mom forgave each other for never talking about their real intentions. This scene showed that communication is a vital part of any relationship. Furthermore, letting your loved ones know you appreciate them is not something to hide—express it as much as you can.
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What happened to Chompoo and Som after their conversation?
In episode 9, Chompoo confronted her mom about her behavior after finding out about her relationship with Tonnam. This led to an emotional conversation that ended with a warm hug.
In the final episode, Som was seen trying to embrace her daughter’s relationship—like how all parents should. She was trying to see Tonnam as her own daughter, too.
Som even bought Chompoo and Tonnam some clothes to try on. But Chompoo told her that as much as she appreciated her mom’s effort, she wanted her to act normal. She didn’t have to go the extra mile for them.
Chompoo wanted her mom to understand that her relationship with Tonnam was just like other relationships between girls and men. It was no different, so Som could behave normally. If she wanted to scold Tonnam, she could. If she disagreed with something, she could say so.
This whole story of Chompoo and Tonnam made me realize how some LGBTQ+ people have a hard time coming out about their relationships. It’s not because they’re ashamed of each other—it’s more about being concerned with how others will perceive them.
But it was heartwarming to see that Chompoo and Tonnam were finally free from that burden.
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Did Wan close the grocery store for good?
In the final episode, Wan received a call from her previous client in Japan, who wanted to hire her. It was a tempting offer since Wan missed her office work. She applied, got accepted, but would have to relocate to Japan.
Although Maewnam initially didn’t like the idea, she still supported Wan. She understood Wan’s reason for wanting to return to her life before her father passed away.
During Wan’s farewell party, where everyone was present, she announced that she was no longer going to Japan despite being accepted for the job. She explained that although she missed working in the office, just the thought of closing the store gave her a pang in the heart.
She also shared that having them around her made her feel truly valued, and she couldn’t ask for more. They ended the night with a group hug.
Whale Store XOXO Ending Explained: Was it a good ending for Wan and Maewnam?
Definitely!
The final episode showed that Maewnam and Wan got engaged. Though no one proposed directly, the ring said it all!
Just before Whale Store XOXO bid farewell, Wan shared this:
Change ends one thing and starts another. Growth has always been part of being human. The desire to be better, to be stronger, pushes us to become a more complete version of ourselves than we were yesterday. Some people want to improve for themselves. Some want to improve for others.
She added:
The end of something can also be the good beginning of some stories.
Before the screen cut to its final scene, it showed Wan and Maewnam’s marriage certificate.
The ending of Whale Store XOXO was exactly the one I had imagined. This series wasn’t entirely a drama—it was light, yet full of lessons and memories to cherish.
It reminded us that change is constant, love is for everyone, and healing comes with forgiveness.
It was a great watch with Whale Store XOXO. Catch all of its episode in Netflix and GMMTV YouTube Channel.
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Source: Netflix, GMMTV Official, Whalestore XOXO (X Account)
