Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Chung-ya's explosion stops the escape without destroying the entire dormitory. She frees Soo-ho, who overpowers Gang-mu and regains control, while the hostages are moved into the lobby. Eung-cheol has been hurt, and the spies rebuild their defences as punishment follows the failed plan. Chang-su demands to see Yeong-ro at a window, secretly arranging for Soo-ho to be shot when he appears. Chung-ya also orders Gyeok-chan to kill Yeong-ro if she reveals the doctor's identity. Yeong-ro tries to warn her father, and Soo-ho protects her as gunfire erupts. She is separated from the other students and confined downstairs, with Gang-mu and Seung-hee also held there.
Chung-ya recruits Bun-ok to watch the hostages, offering money and a gun to someone already frightened of being treated like her sister. Bun-ok uses the position to humiliate Hye-ryeong and retaliate against the students who have looked down on her. Meanwhile, Soo-ho requests Han-na's return with a camcorder and receives the evidence Gang-mu wanted him to hear. The recording includes his father's voice, shaking his belief that the North will protect them. An instruction to kill all the hostages follows, leaving him unable to reconcile obedience with their survival. Soo-ho releases Gang-mu and chooses to work with him. Together they confront Chung-ya, taking the weapon from the superior who still insists on the mission.