In the ninth episode of "The Killing Vote" Season 1, titled "Unmasking the
Mastermind," the show delves deeper into the twisted psyche of its characters,
revealing the true architect behind the vigilante justice system known as the
Killing Vote. The episode opens with a new chapter in Do-hee's show, where she
announces a platform for the public to share their stories of injustice,
promising action for the most upvoted stories, thus amplifying the show's
influence and reach.
At the police station, Jin-wook's dramatic escape attempt unfolds, culminating in a rooftop standoff that ends with a gunshot from a police officer, leaving Jin-wook's fate hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, Joo Hyun's confrontation with Seok-joo over the letters from his number one fan is interrupted by Mu-chan's call, revealing Seok-joo's true identity as Gaetal. In a daring escape, Seok-joo saves Joo Hyun from a water truck and disappears into the city, leaving the police scrambling to track him down.
The episode takes a turn as Joo Hyun, now in pursuit of Seok-joo, finds his jacket in the abandoned truck, indicating a change of clothes and further complicating the manhunt. A flashback reveals the chilling admission from Seok-joo's number one fan, confessing to the murder of Na-rae, a crime that has haunted Seok-joo and driven his actions. This revelation is paralleled with Seok-joo's past meetings with Ji-hoon in prison, where he sought to adopt the boy as an altar server, further entangling Ji-hoon in the web of the Killing Vote.
The police force's internal strife is exposed as Mu-chan and Jin-soo consider the possibility of a mole within their ranks, a suspicion that is reinforced when Mu-chan makes a mysterious call after leaving Jin-soo, hinting at deeper alliances and betrayals. Ji-hoon and his grandmother, Hye-jin, visit Gaetal's hideout only to find it in disarray, suspecting Gaetal No. 5, Ko Dong-gyu, of having joined forces with Min-soo.
As Ji-hoon receives a message from Joo Min, insisting on a meeting, the personal and the professional collide. Ji-hoon's relationship with Joo Min is tested as he is forced to balance his duty to the truth with his feelings for her. Meanwhile, Seok-joo's escape and the subsequent chase by Joo Hyun and Mu-chan highlight the lengths to which the police will go to apprehend him.
The episode further explores the relationship between Ji-hoon and his grandmother, Hye-jin, who plays a pivotal role in the prison's healthcare system and has her own clandestine dealings with Seok-joo. The police's frustration mounts as they grapple with the loss of Seok-joo and the potential infiltration of their department. Do-hee's show becomes a battleground as Assemblywoman Min forces her to air a fabricated story, further muddying the waters of public opinion. Jin-soo's watchful eye on Min-soo and his protective stance towards his students add another layer to the complex dynamics at play.
The episode reaches a climax as Joo Hyun and Mu-chan search Seok-joo's house, uncovering drawings that suggest a deeper connection between Seok-joo, Na-rae, and a mysterious boy. Min-soo's excitement over receiving data about the Gaetal program is tempered by Dong-gyu's reminder of their shared goal of revenge.
The final act of the episode sees Joo Hyun trapped in a secret room within Min-soo's house, discovering a video of Na-rae that confirms Seok-joo as the mastermind behind the Killing Vote. However, his intentions are not as clear-cut as they seem, as he has always been focused on finding Min-soo and making him pay for his crimes.
As the episode draws to a close, the line between justice and vengeance becomes increasingly blurred, leaving viewers to question the true motives behind the Killing Vote and the cost of seeking retribution. With Seok-joo's identity as Gaetal confirmed and his plan to expose Min-soo, the stage is set for a final confrontation that will test the limits of morality and the boundaries of the law.