In the fifth episode of "The Killing Vote" Season 1, the narrative intensifies as the lines between justice and revenge become increasingly blurred. The episode, titled "The Tangled Web of Justice," sees Seok-Joo's release from prison, with Joo Hyun waiting for him. Chul-min, tasked with keeping a close watch on Seok-Joo, attaches a tracker to him as they exit the prison grounds.
Mu-chan and Jin-soo meticulously prepare the cell that will become Seok-Joo's temporary residence, ensuring it is under constant surveillance with no blind spots. Meanwhile, Jo-dan uncovers a lead in Elena's phone, revealing she was being blackmailed on the day her husband died. Despite this clue, the team is unable to apprehend the killer. A pattern emerges, pointing to a delivery man connected to all of Gaetal's victims, and evidence suggests the attacker's martial arts background, potentially linking him to the assault on Mu-chan and Joo-hyun at Seok-joo's house.
Mu-chan urges Seok-Joo to recall any details about Gaetal and to review the letters from his fan. Seok-Joo demands to communicate solely through Joo-hyun, a condition Mu-chan rejects, leading Seok-Joo to threaten a return to prison. Seok-Joo's suspicion that Mu-chan could be Gaetal is fueled by a phrase Mu-chan once uttered eight years prior. Joo-hyun, working tirelessly to identify the next victim, narrows down the list to sexual offenders in the military. She shares the list with Jo-dan and instructs him to find their contact information and locations to issue warnings.
The high number of released offenders who have not received proper sentences is alarming. Joo-hyun analyzes Gaetal's modus operandi, noting that those who regretted their actions were never targeted. Within a timeframe related to Seok-Joo receiving the letters, the list is further narrowed down. The team attempts to contact each individual, providing them with trackers and panic buttons for their safety. At the hospital, Oh Jung-ho, a perverse doctor, plans to sell illicit videos of his female patients online. He receives a message challenging his actions, to which he responds with defiance. While treating a patient, his laptop is left unattended, and someone hacks into his account, permanently deleting the videos.
The Killing Vote announcement shocks the public as Gaetal reveals the next victim, Captain Oh, who committed his crime while in the military. His colleagues provided false testimonies, and he evaded legal punishment. The victim, unable to cope, committed suicide in a hospital washroom. Gaetal exposes Captain Oh's exploitation by his friends, who extorted money from him, claiming they had done him a favor. The public votes to execute Oh Jung-ho, and the police, led by Joo-hyun, rush to save him.
However, Gaetal has set a trap within a church, luring the police into a false sense of security. Mu-chan realizes the true victim is in the hospital and instructs Joo-hyun to handle the situation while he en route. At the hospital, Joo-hyun attempts to reassure Oh Jung-ho, who is paranoid and locked in his room. Ji-hoon enters the room, and in a moment of panic, Oh Jung-ho attacks him, leading to both being trapped inside.
Gaetal announces the results of the Killing Vote, and the public votes to execute Oh Jung-ho. In the chaos, Seok-joo spots a delivery man and alerts Joo-hyun to investigate. As she approaches, the man flees, leading to a chase. Chul-min discovers a package and is about to open it when Seok-joo warns him away, resulting in an explosion. Panic ensues, and the hospital doors are sealed, trapping those inside.
Seok-joo seizes the opportunity to disappear into the crowd, leaving Chul-min behind. Joo-hyun loses contact with Mu-chan as the delivery man attempts to attack her. Mu-chan arrives at the hospital, using a car to break through the gate. Joo-min, outside the hospital, listens to the chaos within, pondering Seok-joo's actions. Seok-joo severs his ankle monitor, now free but still handcuffed, raising questions about his true intentions and involvement with Gaetal.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience to wonder who will survive Gaetal's game and what the consequences will be for those entangled in this web of justice and revenge. The relationships between the characters are tested, and the stakes are higher than ever as the truth behind Seok-joo's daughter's murder and the identity of Gaetal's number one fan remain shrouded in mystery.