[Sportschosun reporter Jo Ji-young] SBS's hit drama "Brave New World" signed off in style, setting a new series high in viewership.
In the final episode of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "Brave New World" (written by Kang Hyun-joo, directed by Han Tae-seop and Kim Hyun-woo), which aired on the 20th, Shin Seori (Lim Ji-yeon) and Cha Segye (Heo Nam-joon) overturned the tragic fate of their past lives, reunited in the modern-day 21st century, and delivered a dazzling happy ending that will linger in viewers' hearts.
Seori, who had returned to Joseon to save Segye, headed to Prince Lee Hyun's place of exile under Ahn Jong's orders. Sensing Ahn Jong's scheme to kill Segye, she told him, "He has to live for that person to live too. Thanks to him, I was finally able to breathe properly. I want to save him too," revealing her deep feelings for Segye and moving viewers. She then took an arrow meant for Segye, and the two fell off a cliff together, delivering a shocking twist.
Ahn Duk-geun's Communication
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun speaking with the heads of petrochemical companies
As Segye regained consciousness, he learned that Seori had fallen into a coma. In fact, Seori had broken free from the threads of fate and entered a void after losing her memory, and had not yet returned to the 21st century. Through Hyun's diary, Segye realized that everything in his dreams had been real, and cried out in anguish, "Can't we stop making her wait? Come back, please," stirring tears. Segye's desperate voice reached Seori in the void, and Seori, remembering the existence of the one she loved, resolved to return to the 21st century.
On a day when frost fell in May and June, Seori reunited with Segye and proposed an eternal "contract signing," promising to grow old together and sending a thrilling shiver through viewers. Meanwhile, in Joseon, Gang Dansim (Lim Ji-yeon) and Hyun were shown choosing new lives, bringing warmth to the story. Seori and Segye also completely brought down Choi Moon-do (Jang Seung-jo), who had committed unforgivable acts, while Baek Gwang-nam (Kim Min-seok), Yoon Ji-hyo (Lee Se-hee), and Mo Tae-hee (Cha Seo-an) moved toward their own new lives, adding a strong sense of catharsis.
In particular, the final narration by Seori and Segye — "A person's warmth, just one step of courage, is what ultimately allows life to go on. I promise that if you just keep living, a wonderful new world will unfold. You can trust me" — closed the drama and left a deep afterglow as it cheered on everyone who would live in the new world.
The final episode of "Brave New World" recorded a peak rating of 14.1%, with 11.8% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 11.8% nationwide. It once again broke its own series high in the finale. The drama ranked No. 1 in its time slot, as well as No. 1 among Saturday miniseries and weekly miniseries, showing overwhelming dominance. In particular, its 2049 rating averaged 4.5% and peaked at 5.6%, ranking first among all programs aired during the week and bringing the series to a beautiful close.
Jo Ji-young, reporter soulhn1220@sportschosun.com
