In the gripping season finale of "The Killing Vote," titled "Echoes of Justice," the cycle of retribution and the quest for justice culminate in a heart-wrenching and suspenseful conclusion. The episode opens with a poignant flashback to Joo Hyun's past, revealing the tragic death of her parents and the drunk driver who caused the accident. The driver's callous apology and Joo Hyun's realization that the woman's actions were deliberate set the stage for her determination to become a police officer—a poignant moment that underscores her commitment to listening to the voices of crime victims.
In the present, Mu-chan's pursuit of Seok-joo reaches a critical juncture as he receives a chilling order from the police chief to kill both Seok-joo and Chul-min. Mu-chan's defiant stance in the face of this morally reprehensible command sets the tone for the episode, as he resolves to do what is right.
Ji-hoon's desperate attempts to halt the Killing Vote are met with a surprising turn of events, as the public abstains from voting, effectively ending the killing vote. However, Seok-joo's decision to take his own life is a stark reminder of the depth of his guilt and the weight of his actions. Chul-min's escape and subsequent confrontation with the police add another layer of tension to the episode.
The episode takes a devastating turn as Ji-hoon is brutally beaten by bullies at his school, culminating in his tragic death in Joo Hyun's arms. The pen drive he leaves behind is a chilling legacy, one that Joo Hyun must now grapple with. Mu-chan's successful rescue of Seok-joo is a brief moment of relief, but it is overshadowed by the confrontation with Chul-min and the shocking revelation that Chul-min has taken Seok-joo hostage.
The police chief's press conference, falsely declaring the deaths of Chul-min, Seok-joo, and Ji-hoon, and incorrectly accusing Seok-joo of Ji-hoon's murder, is a stark example of the corruption and deceit that has permeated the police force. Joo Hyun's anger at this falsehood is palpable, and her quest for the truth becomes even more personal.
Mu-chan's discovery of a crucial piece of evidence at Ji-young's house is a pivotal moment, as he uncovers a dead body hidden within the walls—a discovery that seals Ji-young's fate. Ji-young's eventual arrest is a bittersweet victory, as it brings a measure of justice for Na-rae's murder but also highlights the systemic corruption that allowed her to act with impunity for so long.
A year later, the characters have moved on, but the legacy of the Killing Vote lingers. Joo Hyun's rise within the police force and Jin-soo's new life running a café are testaments to their resilience, while Jo-dan and Yoon-ji's budding romance adds a touch of warmth to the narrative. Joo Hyun's lecture on cyber security and her discovery of a familiar signature in a hacking competition hint at a new chapter in the fight against injustice.
Joo Min's poignant visit to the place where Ji-hoon went and her receipt of a scheduled text message from him are a heartbreaking reminder of the loss she has endured. Ji-young's apparent reformation is called into question when she meets the lawyer who defended Seok-joo, and her decision to continue the Killing Vote is a chilling testament to her unyielding nature.
The finale leaves several questions unanswered, including the fate of Seok-joo and the identity of the new Gaetal. Joo Hyun's meeting with Ji-Hye in prison and her subsequent smile upon reading an email about a man found in Japan suggest that Seok-joo may still be alive, continuing his fight against injustice. Mu-chan's discovery of a Gaetal pen drive and his donning of the Gaetal mask hint at a new beginning, as both he and Joo Hyun seem poised to carry on the fight.
The finale of "The Killing Vote" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of justice and the human cost of seeking retribution. It leaves viewers with a sense of closure, yet also with a lingering question: in a world where injustice persists, will the cycle of violence ever truly end? The show's final moments suggest that the spirit of Gaetal will live on, echoing through the actions of those who continue to fight for justice in the face of overwhelming odds.