IRIS 2 Ends in Explosive Hilarity and Cast Attends Happy Wrap Party

There have been plenty of disappointments this year already in the K-drama world, but none quite reach the level of IRIS 2. The biggest budget in the history of K-drama (consider it inflation from the IRIS and Athena: Goddess of War days), a sprawling cast, a hopping location shoot, and a franchise that is far from storied but did bring in some high-to-serviceable ratings in its day. I believed from day 1 that IRIS 2 would suck to high Heaven and waste some of my beloved stars such as Jang Hyuk, Lee Da Hae, and Lee Bum Soo. But even with the lowest of low expectations, IRIS 2 managed to get even lower than that. Every drama has its fans, because fans of that drama’s actors always try to find an excuse to salvage a drama. This one gave me true and newfound respect for Jang Hyuk, Lee Da Hae, and Lee Bum Soo fans – all three groups supported each other through this traumatic ordeal, always acknowledging how terrible this drama was, but having the dedication to support their guy or girl to the very end. That is fandom behavior I can applaud. IRIS 2 ended today, likely with no one caring or remembering (other than folks counting down the days until The Fugitive of Joseon takes over), but the ending is SOOOOOOO hilarious it requires me to write about it. I won’t even go into the nonsensical and boring plot but the ending is awesome. Lee Bum Soo dies in Im Soo Hyang’s arms and looks like he cracked a smile somewhere with the glee of being released from this hellhole of a drama. Two super heavyweight actors Kim Gab Soo (cameoing as the leader of terrorist organization IRIS Mr. Black – c’mon, who else can do it?) and Kim Young Chul as former NSS leader Baek San, died in a fiery blaze as Kim Young Chul strapped a bomb to his chest and took out his cohort/nemesis. That was easy. And finally – Jang Hyuk and Lee Da Hae’s three-peat also doesn’t get a rainbow and roses ending as he flew a plane containing a NUCLEAR BOMB into the ocean where it detonated and Lee Da Hae cried as he was blown up into smithereens. And later she somehow was able to put his ashes in a memorial hall. So much fail in this drama it might never be reached for years to come.

The cast attended the wrap party and everyone looked so happy I almost want to give them a hug. Everyone looks like they went to hell and back and are just happy to see light which represents freedom. Welcome back, guys!

The ending. Enjoy.