-고 말다
end up (regrettably); will surely
Level 4 · Expression
Explanation
In the past (-고 말았다) an unwanted result finally happened. -고 말겠다 expresses the speaker's strong determination. Attaches to verb stems.
Examples
참으려고 했지만 결국 울고 말았다.
I tried to hold back, but I ended up crying.
조심했는데도 컵을 깨고 말았어요.
Despite being careful, I broke the cup.
이번에는 꼭 합격하고 말겠어요.
This time I'm definitely going to pass.
TOPIK note
TOPIK II Reading 3–4 (≈ -아/어 버리다) and 42–43 (literature).