Big Mouth has been an intense crime and mystery series that captured our attention, but unfortunately, it came to a close with episode 16. Fans were left feeling incredibly sad, not just because the series ended, but because many believed the ending was painful and unexpected.
That is exactly why I decided to break down the finale today. I am going to talk about the ending of Big Mouth and explain what happened in those final moments that left everyone talking.
The Mayoral Debate and The Fish Farm Infiltration
The episode starts right at the heat of the mayoral elections, with Doha and Changho facing off. As they introduce themselves, Miho and Jerry head to the fish factory and manage to enter the compound. A fight breaks out, but they successfully catch the person in charge of the factory.
Meanwhile, Changho realizes that the debate is being modified. Back at the factory, Miho threatens the person in charge and demands he tell them everything. Chaibong becomes very worried about the fish farm getting involved in this mess and rushes to stop the infiltrators from causing more damage.
In the debate, Changho keeps bringing up uncomfortable topics to make Doha angry. Doha looks visibly upset and needs a moment to calm down. While this is happening, Miho manages to record the manager's confession, where he essentially reveals everything.
After securing the evidence, Miho decides to take it straight to the TV station. However, they run into trouble on the way. Chaibong follows them, and Dugun calls the police. When Miho's car is intercepted on the road, Chaibong thinks they are finished, but they manage to get a police escort just in time.
A Shocking Revelation During the Debate
After the close call, Miho receives a call from her father. In a truly emotional moment, she tells him that she is really happy. Following this call, Gi-gwang and Sunte discover that the cryptocurrency scammer is actually on the citizens' panel.
Sunte assures him that they have a card up their sleeve. When the citizens start questioning the candidates, the scammer introduces himself and starts accusing Changho. That is when Miho rushes into the room and drops a bombshell on everyone.
She announces that she is there as a victim of the radiation leak, not just as a candidate's wife. Both Changho and Ji-gwang are shocked, but Miho stands firm and tells everyone the truth. She leaves Doha with a difficult question, demanding that the police investigate and find the truth.
The Election Results and The Aftermath
After the debate ends, Doha tells Juhi that he will handle everything, while Changho runs off to meet his wife. Miho and Changho share an emotional conversation about her illness and decide to spend the rest of their time together.
The next day, Doha is called to the prosecutor's office. Even though Jihoon and Changho are frustrated, Changho knows the real trap they should focus on is Juhi. However, she initially refuses to suspect her husband, blaming Chairman Kong and herself instead.
Changho eventually plants a seed of doubt in Juhi. He tells her that he will send Chairman Kong's body for an autopsy. His trap works when he asks her if she knew about it. When she says yes, Doha promises to take care of it right in front of her, leaving her taken aback.
Despite everything, Doha wins the election. However, Juhi doesn't seem thrilled and looks uncomfortable celebrating. At Changho's house, the mood is somber, but Miho refuses to let the bad votes affect her, reminding them that they still have the trial.
Betrayal and Tragedy
Suddenly, Miho receives a package containing a burner phone sent by Juhi. It seems she is finally fed up with her husband's lies. That night, Changho and Miho share a tender moment, letting their feelings flow regarding the sad state of their lives.
On the day of Doha's trial, Juhi is nowhere to be found to prove the phone belongs to Doha. Instead, someone else takes the fall. It turns out Doha knew about Juhi's betrayal and had her tied to a bed in a psychiatric ward to keep her silent.
Thanks to this, Doha is spared from the charges. It feels like Changho just can't catch a break, and Doha's smile makes the loss sting even more. The excitement of the day proves too much for Miho, and she falls unconscious. Sadly, she dies in the hospital holding Changho's hand.
The Final Revenge
Later, Changho meets Doha at the diving pool he uses. He confesses to Doha that he is Big Mouse. When Doha starts bragging about his power and how he doesn't mind stepping on others, Changho says this confession removes any guilt he might have felt.
Before Doha can ask what he means, he starts coughing up blood. It turns out the pool water is radiation-contaminated groundwater. Changho tells him that the law was made to protect people, but Doha thought he was above it.
As Doha falls into the water and dies of radiation poisoning, we see that Changho was finally able to end the reign of terror. However, Changho only remembers Miho's words: that he must be a "good" Big Mouse who helps those in need.
Fan Reactions and Conclusion
While K-drama fans were delighted with the series overall, the ending sparked a lot of anger. One major complaint was Choi's death; many expected a slow, painful end for the villain, rather than a quick one.
Some believe the story teaches us that true justice must be taken into our own hands when the law fails. But above all, fans were devastated by Miho's death. Many felt she didn't deserve to die that way, marking a tragic end for a great couple.
Others felt the ending was fitting because the bad guys paid for their misdeeds. After watching the finale, many fans are hoping for a second season, as several plot points were left unresolved, like the identity of Big Mouse's daughter or Miho's dad.
Whether a second season happens remains to be seen. What did you think about the end of the series? Let me know your thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Miho die at the end of Big Mouth?
Yes, unfortunately, Miho passes away in the final episode. After being exposed to radiation while investigating the fish farm, she develops late-stage lymphoma. She spends her final moments in the hospital, sharing a heartbreaking emotional goodbye with Changho before passing away peacefully while holding his hand.
How does Mayor Choi Do-ha die?
Changho takes justice into his own hands to punish Do-ha. Since the law failed to convict him, Changho fills Do-ha’s private swimming pool with radiation-contaminated groundwater from the fish farm. Do-ha unknowingly swims in it and begins coughing up blood, eventually dying from severe radiation poisoning.
Who is the Big Mouse in the finale?
By the end of the series, Park Chang-ho assumes the mantle of Big Mouse. In his final confrontation with Do-ha, he explicitly confesses to being Big Mouse. He decides to live as a "good" Big Mouse, honoring Miho’s wish for him to help those in need and punish those who abuse the law.
What happened to Ju-hi?
Ju-hi attempts to help Changho by sending him a burner phone as evidence of Do-ha's crimes. However, Do-ha discovers her betrayal before she can testify in court. He has her tied to a bed in a psychiatric ward, effectively silencing her and preventing her from appearing at the trial.
Will there be a Season 2 of Big Mouth?
Currently, there is no official confirmation of a second season. However, many fans are hoping for one because several plot threads were left unresolved, such as the identity of Big Mouse’s daughter and the full backstory of the psychopath. The open-ended nature of the finale has led to much speculation.