까지 했는데

even did ... but; did as much as ... but

→ 까지

phrase Common #2,234

even did ... but; did as much as ... but 까지 adds emphasis, meaning “even” or “as far as,” while 했는데 sets up a contrast or background for what follows. The exact meaning depends on the words before 까지.

KO: 운동까지 했는데 살이 안 빠졌어요.

EN: I even exercised, but I didn't lose weight.

아, 야, 내가 이렇게까지 했는데 하나… 뭐 해?

Hey, I went to all this trouble, and you’re just… What are you doing?

— Ballerina (2023)

벌써 오늘 저녁 차로 간다고 편지까지 했는데…….

I already wrote to say I’d be going by car this evening...