The Butterfly Enigma: 3 Shocking Theories On Whether Rebecca Killed Eunju

The question of whether Rebecca killed Eunju has become one of the most intense and debated cliffhangers in recent television history, leaving fans of the spy thriller series Butterfly (2024) in a state of shock and speculation. As of December 18, 2025, the definitive answer remains shrouded in mystery, a brilliant narrative device designed to set the stage for a potential Season 2. The finale of the first season delivered a brutal, ambiguous, and emotionally shattering moment that directly implicated the show's protagonist, Rebecca, in the attack on David Jung's unsuspecting wife, Eunju.

The entire premise of the show revolves around the complex relationship between Rebecca, an operative with a dark past, and David, a former intelligence agent whose peaceful life is violently disrupted. The final scene, which sees Eunju bleeding out on a bathroom floor with Rebecca mysteriously vanished, forces the audience to confront the central moral conflict: is Rebecca truly capable of cold-blooded murder, or is she a victim of the very organization she’s trying to escape? This article dives deep into the context, the evidence, and the three most compelling theories surrounding the stabbing.

The Shocking Butterfly Season 1 Cliffhanger: What Really Happened to Eunju?

The final moments of Butterfly Season 1 are a masterclass in suspense, completely upending the fragile sense of peace that David Jung (Daniel Dae Kim) had briefly achieved. After a season of high-stakes espionage and identity crises, the finale sees David, Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), and Eunju enjoying a seemingly normal dinner together, a moment of deceptive calm. The entire dynamic shifts when Rebecca, David’s former handler and assassin, accompanies Eunju to the restroom.

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When the two women fail to return, David investigates, only to find a horrific scene: Eunju is lying on the bathroom floor, severely wounded and bleeding from a stab wound. The crucial detail is the absence of Rebecca. She has vanished without a trace, leaving David’s wife to die and creating an immediate, damning presumption of guilt. Eunju is unable to identify her attacker, and Rebecca’s sudden disappearance is the only clue David has, shattering his belief in her redemption.

This cliffhanger is not just a cheap trick; it is the culmination of Rebecca’s season-long struggle with her identity—the assassin known as "Kai" versus the woman trying to live a normal life. The question isn't just "Who did it?" but "Who *is* Rebecca?"

Three Leading Theories: Did Rebecca Kill Eunju?

The ambiguity of the ending has fueled intense fan debate, generating three primary theories about the identity of Eunju’s attacker. Each theory has significant narrative weight and implications for the show's future.

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Theory 1: Rebecca Is the Killer (The Guilt Theory)

This is the most straightforward and emotionally devastating theory, and the one the show initially pushes David—and the audience—to believe.

• The Evidence: Rebecca was the last person seen with Eunju, and she is the one who disappears immediately after the attack. Her past as a highly trained operative and assassin for the shadowy organization Caddis makes her perfectly capable of a silent, swift, and lethal attack.
• The Motive: The strongest motive is that Rebecca was ordered by Caddis or Juno to eliminate Eunju as a way to punish David for his defection or to force Rebecca back into the fold. The death of David’s wife would sever his last tie to a normal life, making him vulnerable and easier to manipulate. Alternatively, her assassin programming ("Kai") may have been triggered, overriding her attempts at a normal life.
• The Narrative Weight: If Rebecca is the killer, it confirms that her redemption arc was a tragic illusion. She is a weapon incapable of love or normalcy, reinforcing the series' dark themes about identity and control.

Theory 2: Juno or a Caddis Agent Is the Killer (The External Threat Theory)

This theory suggests that the attack was a targeted hit by the organization Rebecca and David are trying to escape, with Rebecca being either a target or a witness.

• The Evidence: Caddis and its agents, particularly Juno, have been ruthlessly pursuing Rebecca and David throughout the season. The attack occurs shortly after David and Rebecca have compromised Caddis's operations. The stabbing is a professional, calculated move designed to inflict maximum emotional damage on David.
• The Motive: The primary motive is to punish David Jung and to send a terrifying message to Rebecca that nowhere is safe, thereby forcing her to turn herself in or return to their service. The killer could have been disguised (perhaps as the waiter, as some theories suggest) and followed the two women into the restroom.
• Rebecca's Disappearance: If a Caddis agent did it, Rebecca's disappearance could be explained by her being abducted, fighting the attacker and being forced to flee, or pursuing the killer. She may have been trying to save Eunju, only to be overwhelmed or forced to escape to survive and find help.

Theory 3: Rebecca Tried to Save Eunju (The Protection Theory)

This theory offers a glimmer of hope for Rebecca's character, suggesting her disappearance is an act of heroism or desperation, not guilt.

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• The Evidence: The attack happens off-screen, giving Rebecca the benefit of the doubt. The fact that she went with Eunju to the restroom could have been an attempt to protect her, having noticed a threat (like the aforementioned waiter or another operative).
• The Scenario: In this scenario, Rebecca confronts the assassin in the restroom. A fight breaks out, resulting in Eunju being stabbed. Rebecca then either pursues the fleeing attacker or is forced to escape the scene to avoid capture by Caddis, knowing that staying would only endanger David further. Her absence is a mission, not an escape from justice.
• The Narrative Weight: This theory preserves Rebecca’s redemption arc. It means she chose to protect David’s family, solidifying her commitment to a life outside of Caddis, even if it meant being framed for a horrific crime.

What Does This Mean for Butterfly Season 2?

The question of "Did Rebecca kill Eunju?" is the foundational mystery that *Butterfly* Season 2 will almost certainly revolve around. The cliffhanger ending is a perfect springboard for a new season, promising high-stakes drama and a global manhunt.

The entire dynamic between David Jung and Rebecca has been completely redefined. David, who spent the first season trusting and protecting Rebecca, now believes she is responsible for the death of his wife. This shift creates an immediate and compelling narrative conflict: David will likely be hunting Rebecca, either for revenge or to force her to confess and explain what truly happened. Their relationship will transform from one of reluctant allies to bitter adversaries.

Furthermore, the death of Eunju serves as a powerful catalyst for David's return to the world of intelligence. He is now unburdened by his peaceful life and driven by a profound need for justice, making him a more dangerous and reckless operative. Season 2 will likely see David diving back into the world of Caddis, Juno, and international espionage, not to protect Rebecca, but to uncover the truth about his wife's murder and potentially bring down the entire organization that ruined his life.

Ultimately, the show must answer whether Rebecca is a monster or a victim. The resolution of the Eunju killing will determine the fate of both Rebecca and David, solidifying the series' place as a top-tier psychological thriller that explores the devastating cost of a life lived in the shadows. The freshest information suggests the mystery is still open, and fans eagerly await the official announcement and plot details for the next chapter.