What Are Fan Theories About Webtoon 18th Ending?

I spent a Sunday compiling the top theories about '18th' and ranking them in my head; here’s the rundown in my own chaotic way. First, the unreliable narrator theory: people argue the protagonist’s memories shift, so the ending is one possible narrative among many. Supporters cite inconsistent dialogue and dreamlike panel transitions. Second, the secret-controller hypothesis: a seemingly minor character is revealed as the puppeteer, with small gestures and offhand lines becoming damning in retrospect. Third, the cosmic or metaphysical angle: some fans claim the ending hints at parallel realities or a simulation—colors fade at key moments, suggesting reality is breaking.

Fourth, the redemption arc theory: the ambiguous ending is actually a quiet victory; the characters choose imperfect freedom over perfect safety. Fifth, the loop theory I mentioned earlier—repetition in imagery and phrasing points to cyclical time. I find that listing them helps me test each theory against the text; sometimes two can coexist, like an unreliable narrator within a looping timeline. What I enjoy most is how the community parses visual cues—minor background props, the weather, even the brushstroke direction—and turns them into evidence. It’s like detective work with feelings, and honestly, I can’t stop reading fan posts every night.

I got into '18th' because a friend recommended it, and the ending sparked a conversation that felt like a living thing. A big faction of fans insists the ending is symbolic rather than literal: the last scene functions as a metaphor for growing up or losing innocence, not a plot resolution. Another group insists on a twist—someone close to the protagonist was orchestrating events the whole time, a classic puppet-master reveal supported by subtle panel framing and throwaway lines that only make sense in hindsight.

There’s also the optimistic theory that the ambiguous closure was left on purpose to allow a sequel or spin-off; the creator left threads uncut. I enjoy the debate because each theory highlights a different emotional truth in the story, and reading other takes made me appreciate the layers in a way I hadn’t at first.

I binged the last chapter of '18th' on a rainy night and couldn't stop thinking about the ending, so here are the fan theories that kept me up. One big camp says the ending is a deliberate red herring: the protagonist’s ‘resolution’ is actually a false memory implanted by a secondary character who’s been pulling strings. Fans point to tiny inconsistencies in earlier panels—objects that change color, a clock that skips an hour—as evidence of tampering.

Another popular take is the time-loop theory. People love pointing out repeating motifs in the art and dialogue like a stuck record: the same song lyrics, recurring background details, and the way certain scenes mirror each other. Some think the final scene isn’t closure but the loop resetting, and the last panel is the moment the loop starts again. Then there’s the bittersweet interpretation where the ending is real but ambiguous—someone sacrifices themselves to break a cycle, and we only see the aftermath from a distance. That version resonated with me because it matches the webtoon’s melancholic tone and those small visual clues the creator sprinkles throughout. I still flip through pages looking for anything I missed, which is part of the fun.

I read '18th' on my commute and mused with a few friends about the ending—people have cooked up some wild but convincing theories. The simplest is that the final scene is metaphorical: it’s less about plot closure and more about emotional acceptance. Then there’s the darker idea that a character we trusted was manipulating events, hinted at by odd panel placement and offhand comments earlier in the story. A smaller but vocal group thinks the ending sets up a time-loop or alternate timeline, citing repeated motifs and mirrored imagery.

Personally, I like the ambiguity; it gives the story staying power. If you haven’t, skim earlier chapters for tiny repeated details—they often become the most persuasive clues.