In the heart-wrenching fourth episode of "The Killing Vote" titled "Unraveling the Past," the narrative takes a deep dive into the origins of Seok-joo's vendetta against the justice system, shedding light on the personal tragedy that has fueled his actions and the enigmatic persona of Gaetal. The episode opens with a flashback to eight years prior, when Mu-chan, visibly shaken, encounters the brutal murder scene of Seok-joo's daughter. Seok-joo, in a state of shock and agony, rushes into the house to find his world shattered. The haunting image of a video where Seok-joo's daughter refers to him as her hero, one who always protected her, adds a layer of poignancy to the episode, leaving Mu-chan heartbroken.
The present day unfolds with Mu-chan confronting Seok-joo about his potential involvement as Gaetal, a conversation that reveals the complex dynamics between the two characters. Mu-chan, once consumed by anger as a criminal evaded justice, is now seen as a potential candidate for the vigilante role by Seok-joo. The tension escalates as Mu-chan addresses the reporters outside the prison, apologizing for his deception and vowing to apprehend Gaetal at any cost.
Joo Hyun, recognizing the mounting pressure on Mu-chan, creates a diversion to whisk him away from the prying eyes of the media. Meanwhile, the brutal murder of Bae Gi-chul's wife, a crime echoing Gaetal's modus operandi, adds another layer to the investigation. Seok-joo's subtle threat to the jail warden results in a brutal beating, further highlighting his influence within the prison walls.
Seeking refuge at Joo Hyun's home, Mu-chan is initially reluctant but eventually acquiesces. Joo Min, Joo Hyun's sister, questions Mu-chan's judgment in staying with them, leading to a heated exchange. However, Joo Min's observation about the man in Seok-joo's house smelling of metal and fireworks leads Mu-chan to deduce the scent as gunpowder, bringing them closer to Gaetal.
The episode delves into the personal struggles of the characters as Joo Hyun opens up to Mu-chan about the scar behind her ear, a reminder of a past accident that still haunts her. She shares the impact of her parents' death on her and Joo Min, further humanizing the characters and deepening the emotional connection between Mu-chan and Joo Hyun.
Joo Min's curiosity about the history between Mu-chan and Seok-joo is satisfied as Mu-chan recounts the tragic events of eight years ago. Byun Woo-taek, the man responsible for Seok-joo's daughter's murder, was let free due to a mental disability and the dismissal of evidence by the court. This miscarriage of justice led to Seok-joo taking the law into his own hands, stabbing Woo-taek in a fit of rage. The episode takes a darker turn as Gaetal's actions become a pop culture phenomenon, with school bullies emulating the vigilante to terrorize their peers. Joo Min's bravery in standing up to a bully results in a violent confrontation, with Ji-hoon stepping in to protect her.
As the investigation continues, Mu-chan and Joo Hyun discover that the letters sent by Seok-joo's "number one fan" contain information about Gaetal's next target. The realization that a page is missing from these letters, possibly containing the identity of the next target, leads them to confront Seok-joo in prison. Seok-joo's proposal to help the police in exchange for a special pardon adds another twist to the story, leaving Mu-chan and Joo Hyun to wonder about his true intentions.
The episode concludes with Seok-joo's release from prison and his potential cooperation with the police, a development that raises more questions than answers. The suspicious behavior of Min-soo and Ji-young, and their possible connection to Gaetal, adds another layer of intrigue to the story. As the identity of the number one fan remains shrouded in mystery, the possibility of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Mu-chan and Seok-joo to expose the injustices of the world looms large.
"The Killing Vote" Season 1, Episode 4, is a masterful exploration of the past's influence on the present, the personal costs of seeking justice, and the complex interplay between the characters. As the lines between right and wrong continue to blur, the audience is left to ponder the true nature of justice and the sacrifices one must make in the pursuit of retribution.