Cobra Kai Season 6 concluded with several character exits that rendered it impossible for some individuals, including a key figure, to experience the same path toward redemption that was offered to William Zabka’s Johnny Lawrence. While the finale of Cobra Kai wrapped up many storylines on a positive note, it also included some unexpectedly dark moments. Several characters received the farewell one might expect, while others faced shocking and brutal endings.
Despite the conclusion of Cobra Kai, the saga carries on with the upcoming film Karate Kid: Legends. While this new movie is loosely connected to the Cobra Kai universe, it indicates a willingness to keep the franchise alive. It remains uncertain how the legacy of Cobra Kai will be integrated into future installments beyond Legends, but the Netflix series has undoubtedly dismissed one narrative possibility.
Kwon Jae-Sung: A Noteworthy Replacement for Johnny Lawrence
A Bully and the Top Fighter in Cobra Kai
In the world of Cobra Kai, Johnny Lawrence starts off as a deeply flawed antagonist, haunted by past defeats, particularly to Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 film. As the foremost bully within the Cobra Kai dojo, his character epitomizes the traditional villain archetype. During the series, although various antagonists emerge, Brandon H. Lee’s Kwon Jae-Sung closely mirrors the younger Johnny Lawrence and embodies the same intensity.
Despite Kwon’s lack of redeeming qualities, which is entirely intentional, his character serves to highlight the darker side of aggression. Unlike Johnny, who demonstrated moments of honor and mutual respect, Kwon’s persona is unapologetically crude. His introduction reflects the archetype of a villain without the complexity that comes with Johnny’s character growth.
Kwon’s Fate in the Sekai Taikai Brawl: A Permanent Villain Legacy
An Unyielding Villainy
During the climactic Sekai Taikai scene in the latter half of Season 6, Kwon thrives amid chaos. However, being a relatively new character, he hasn’t been afforded the opportunity for redemption that Johnny experienced years after his own failures. Tragically, when Kwon suffers a fatal blow from his own weapon while trying to attack Axel Kovačević, audiences are left with a lasting impression of him as nothing more than an insufferable villain.
This defining moment cements Kwon’s legacy as a villain without any hope of redemption. The aggressive bravado that defined him may have evolved over time, but his self-inflicted demise serves as a stark reminder of how unchecked arrogance can lead to demise in a combative sport like karate. In contrast to Johnny Lawrence’s eventual path of growth, Kwon’s story concludes with him representing the antithesis of what Johnny became.
Axel’s Redemption Arc: A Contrast to Kwon’s Journey
A Missed Opportunity for Character Development
Throughout the Cobra Kai series, characters often exist in nuanced shades of morality. Thus, it was surprising that Kwon remained unwaveringly villainous throughout his storyline. I anticipated some hint of remorse or desire for change, but he was never granted that opportunity. Conversely, another antagonist from Season 6, Axel, navigated a compelling transformation—one that Kwon tragically did not experience.
Although Axel’s victory over Kwon was not meant to end in fatality, it ultimately carved a pathway for Axel’s character to straddle the line between good and evil. The series developed Axel’s backstory, showcasing how he was shaped by the abusive treatment from Sensei Wolf (played by Lewis Tan). This narrative depth allowed Axel to eventually confront his mentor, serving as a poignant reflection of growth that Cobra Kai denied Kwon.