What happens to Moon Baek in Trigger? Character's fate from the latest Netflix K-thriller, revisited 

What happens to Moon Baek in Trigger (Image via Netflix)
What happens to Moon Baek in Trigger (Image via Netflix)

The new Netflix K-drama Trigger, released on July 25, 2025, explores a tense “what if” scenario: What happens when illegal guns suddenly appear in a country known for strict weapon laws? Set in a fictional South Korea, the story follows Lee Do, a former military sniper who now works as a police officer.

When reports of unregistered firearms surface, Lee Do races against time to prevent chaos on the streets. His calm determination and sharp instincts are put to the test as he tries to protect innocent civilians caught in the middle of rising panic.

Opposing him is Moon Baek, an enigmatic arms dealer battling terminal cancer. Rather than seeking profit, Baek distributes free weapons to ordinary people in a bid to expose hidden violence within society.

His actions spark a national crisis that forces Lee Do and viewers to question how easily fear and anger can spread when anyone can pull the trigger. Through its first ten episodes, Trigger balances gripping action sequences with moments of moral reflection.


Does Moon Baek die in Trigger?

What happens to Moon Baek (Image via Netflix)
What happens to Moon Baek (Image via Netflix)

In the climactic “Free Guns” rally, Moon Baek steps onto a makeshift stage as crates of rifles are unloaded before a curious crowd. He challenges attendees to arm themselves, then watches chaos erupt when smoke grenades and panic spread.

Amid the turmoil, Baek is struck by gunfire and collapses. Lee Do finds him bleeding heavily and transports him to a hospital, where doctors warn that massive blood loss combined with his advanced cancer leaves virtually no hope for survival.


Moon Baek’s final confrontation sparks widespread fear

What happens to Moon Baek (Image via Netflix)
What happens to Moon Baek (Image via Netflix)

The series Trigger shows how quickly fear takes hold when ordinary citizens gain access to guns. After Baek’s shot rings out, protesters turn on each other and law enforcement struggles to contain the violence.

Baek’s calm smile as he falls underscores his belief that handing someone a weapon reveals their true nature. This brutal experiment shatters public confidence and forces Lee Do to navigate a city on the brink of collapse.


Lee Do’s compassion is a turning point

What happens to Moon Baek (Image via Netflix)
What happens to Moon Baek (Image via Netflix)

While Moon Baek lies gravely wounded, Lee Do abandons strict protocol to shield a frightened child caught in crossfire. His act of selflessness is captured by the media and shared online, inspiring Nurse So-hyeon and others to lay down their newly acquired weapons.

In this moment, Trigger suggests that empathy can counteract fear, as one act of kindness ripples through a panic-stricken crowd.


Communities respond with unity against gun violence

What happens to Moon Baek (Image via Netflix)
What happens to Moon Baek (Image via Netflix)

In the aftermath, citizens form long lines at official weapon-drop sites, returning the rifles Moon Baek distributed. The focus shifts from deserted ammunition crates to hopeful faces, illustrating how collective responsibility can restore peace.

Trigger ends by showing Lee Do walking away with the child he saved, symbolizing a renewed commitment to protect the vulnerable and prevent future outbreaks of violence.


In the final shot, Trigger reinforces that even in the darkest hours, communities can choose cooperation over conflict. Moon Baek’s tragic demise, whether by disease or deliberate elimination, serves as a warning about the costs of vengeance.

Yet Lee Do’s protective gesture and the public’s willingness to surrender their arms leave a lasting impression: compassion and social responsibility are the strongest safeguards against chaos.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew