The Old Woman with the Knife ending explained: What really happens to Hornclaw?

The Old Woman with the Knife is a South Korean action thriller directed by Min Kyu-dong that premiered on February 20, 2025, at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Adapted from Gu Byeong-mo’s novel, the film tells the story of Hornclaw, a legendary assassin in her 60s.

Hornclaw is known for eliminating the worst criminals, but things become more complicated when a young hitman named Bullfight enters her life. The movie was released in theaters in South Korea on April 30, 2025.

The story centers on Hornclaw, an experienced killer who doesn't want to retire despite her aging body and growing health issues. When her agency hires Bullfight, a cruel young assassin, the two develop a tense and dangerous relationship.

Hornclaw's past and present are explored in the movie. This helps explain why she does what she does and how she deals with loyalty, survival, and getting even. Their conflict escalates into a battle to the death that tests their wills and skills.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers The Old Woman with the Knife. Reader's discretion is advised.

Featuring strong performances from Lee Hye-young as Hornclaw and Kim Sung-cheol as Bullfight, the film balances action and drama, though it occasionally becomes weighted down by flashbacks. The ending reveals that Hornclaw’s fate is sealed in a complex fight where survival, sacrifice, and unresolved past connections culminate in a dramatic climax.

Hornclaw survives the final confrontation with Bullfight but is left severely wounded and physically fragile, symbolizing both her resilience and the cost of her violent life.

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A final act of defiance at the end of The Old Woman with the Knife

The ending of The Old Woman with the Knife (Image via Well Go USA Entertainment)

In the climactic sequence of The Old Woman with the Knife, the once-feared assassin Hornclaw confronts both her past and the violent legacy of her profession. After decades of targeting criminals labeled "pests" by a clandestine organization, Hornclaw defies protocol by choosing to protect, rather than eliminate, veterinarian Dr. Kong and his daughter, Hyrie. This act of insubordination brands her a liability, prompting the organization to eliminate her.

The narrative culminates in a confrontation at Dr. Kong’s home. Hornclaw, injured but unrelenting, defends the family from assassins. Bullfight, an assassin with a personal vendetta against Hornclaw, reveals himself as the orphaned son of a man she killed decades prior.

In a past moment of compassion, she had spared his life. This complex history peaks when Bullfight and Hornclaw, both targets now, join forces against the organization. Their alliance, forged through shared shared trauma, underscores a shift in Hornclaw’s identity, from executioner to protector.

In the final battle, Manager Son, Hornclaw's handler, takes Hyrie hostage. Hornclaw saves the child and symbolically kills Manager Son using a veterinary tool, renouncing her assassin identity. She entrusts Bullfight with her prized blade, not for further killing, but as a gesture of closure and potential redemption. She asks him to safeguard the family from afar, offering him a path she never took.

The final scenes show Hornclaw retreating into seclusion, injured and hunted, yet spiritually transformed. Bullfight watches over Dr. Kong and Hyrie at an amusement park, fulfilling Hornclaw’s final request.

The ending leaves her fate ambiguous yet thematically resolved: Hornclaw breaks the cycle of violence by choosing connection over death, ensuring that her legacy is one of protection, not bloodshed.

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Hornclaw’s journey through past and present

The ending of The Old Woman with the Knife (Image via Well Go USA Entertainment)

Understanding the ending requires a look at Hornclaw’s backstory, which The Old Woman with the Knife reveals through flashbacks. Starting as a homeless young woman in 1975, she was rescued and trained by the founder of the assassin agency.

This origin story shapes her identity and motivations, giving meaning to her code of justice in eliminating society’s worst criminals. Her nickname “Hornclaw,” symbolizes her sharp, deadly nature and resilience.

Over the decades, Hornclaw built a reputation as the “Godmother” of the agency. However, her aging body now limits her abilities, and she hides her health struggles from her superiors.

The agency itself is in transition, led by younger members like Bullfight’s recruiter, causing tension and power shifts. Hornclaw’s reluctance to retire reflects both pride and fear of losing purpose.

The layered narrative, moving between past and present, creates a complex emotional landscape. Flashbacks provide key insight into Hornclaw’s formative moments and the traumatic events that hardened her.

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The role of Bullfight and the hidden connection

The ending of The Old Woman with the Knife (Image via Well Go USA Entertainment)

In the movie, Bullfight—the young and ruthless assassin—serves as both the bad guy and the one who gets things going. His arrival changes the way things are done at the agency and threatens Hornclaw's power.

While his character is portrayed as cruel and unpleasant, he doesn't have a lot of depth, which some critics say makes it harder to connect with his motives. However, his presence forces Hornclaw to confront her past and current vulnerabilities.

As the story unfolds, the film reveals that Bullfight shares a personal connection with Hornclaw, heightening the stakes of their conflict. Despite this, Bullfight’s role is pivotal in driving the narrative towards its intense climax.

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Stay tuned for more news and updates on The Old Woman with the Knife and similar projects as the year progresses.