Bakugo's Apology Was Too Late In My Hero Academia, But That’s Why It Worked

Daksh Chaudhary
Mar 19
3 min read

Let’s talk about My Hero Academia’s most controversial moment: Bakugo’s apology. For years, fans debated whether Bakugo Katsuki, the explosive hothead who bullied Deku and screamed his way through every scene, would ever say “sorry.” And when it finally happened, it wasn’t in a dramatic speech or a tearful breakdown. It was quiet, raw, and long overdue. But here’s the thing: that’s exactly why it worked.

Bakugo’s apology wasn’t just about saying the words. It was about growth, accountability, and the messy, imperfect process of becoming a better person. In a series full of flashy quirks and epic battles, this moment stood out because it felt real. So let’s break down why Bakugo’s apology was worth the wait, and why it had to happen exactly when it did.

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Bakugo’s Journey From Bully To Hero

Bakugo wasn’t always a fan favorite. In fact, for most of My Hero Academia’s early seasons, he was downright unlikable. He bullied Deku for being Quirkless, called him useless, and acted like the world owed him everything. But here’s the thing: Bakugo’s flaws were always part of his character arc.

From the start, Bakugo’s biggest enemy wasn’t a villain, it was his own ego. He was obsessed with being the best, but that obsession blinded him to what being a hero really means. Over time, we see him struggle with failure, self-doubt, and the pressure to live up to his own expectations. By the time he apologizes, it’s clear that he’s not the same person he was at the beginning of the series.

Why Bakugo's Apology Took So Long In My Hero Academia

Let’s be real: Bakugo’s apology didn’t come easy. It took hundreds of chapters for him to admit he was wrong. Some fans were frustrated, calling it “too little, too late.” But here’s the truth: Bakugo needed that time to grow.

Apologizing isn’t just about saying the words, it’s about understanding why you need to say them. For Bakugo, that meant confronting his insecurities, his jealousy of Deku, and his own toxic behavior. It meant realizing that being a hero isn’t just about winning fights; it’s about protecting others and owning up to your mistakes. If Bakugo had apologized earlier, it wouldn’t have felt earned.

The Apology Scene: Why It Hit So Hard

Bakuga apology scene in My Hero Academia

When Bakugo finally apologizes, it’s not a grand moment. There’s no music swelling in the background, no dramatic close-up of his face. It’s just Bakugo, sitting in the dirt, telling Deku, “I’m sorry.” And that’s what makes it so powerful.

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This scene works because it’s understated. Bakugo doesn’t try to justify his actions or make excuses. He doesn’t even expect forgiveness. He just says what he needs to say, and that’s enough. It’s a moment of vulnerability from a character who’s spent his entire life hiding behind anger and bravado. And for Deku, who’s spent years looking up to Bakugo despite everything, it’s a moment of closure.

What Bakugo’s Apology Means For The Story

Bakugo’s apology isn’t just about him and Deku, it’s about the themes of My Hero Academia as a whole. The series has always been about what it means to be a hero, and Bakugo’s journey is a big part of that.

Heroes aren’t born perfect. They make mistakes, they hurt people, and they have to work to earn redemption. Bakugo’s apology shows that even the most flawed characters can change. It reminds us that growth isn’t linear and that becoming a better person takes time.

Final Verdict: Bakugo’s Apology Was Worth The Wait

Bakugo's apology was worth it in My Hero Academia

So, was Bakugo’s apology too late? Maybe. But that’s exactly why it worked. It wasn’t rushed or forced, it was the result of years of growth, struggle, and self-reflection. And in a world where instant gratification is the norm, that’s a powerful message.

Bakugo’s apology isn’t just a moment for My Hero Academia fans to celebrate. It’s a reminder that change is possible, even for the most stubborn, hotheaded, and flawed among us. And in a series about heroes, that might be the most heroic thing of all.