Episode 10 of *Confidence Queen* kicks off with the slimy CEO, Jung-ho, engaging in a conversation with Gu-ho and James about the perplexing issue of finding a suitable female lead for their film. Inside the cozy yet slightly seedy confines of the Soran-soran cafe, the trio leans into their con with gusto. They spin a tale about the enigmatic "Mary" character, hinting that she's often entangled in scandals and has a "special something" in store for the movie's biggest investor—none other than Jung-ho himself.
Eventually, Jung-ho, driven by his own greed and vanity, agrees to cough up the cash but lays down a condition: James must meet him right away. Jung-ho, a colossal egomaniac, demands a complete overhaul of the script. Not content with just that, he insists on producing, directing, and even starring in the film, essentially trying to stamp his grubby fingerprints all over the project.
Reluctantly, the group acquiesces to Jung-ho's demands, seeing it as a strategic move to buy time. Their true objective? To scour Jung-ho's office and its surrounding areas for a painting that depicts a castle shrouded in dark shadows. Alas, their search proves fruitless.
The next day, during filming, Jung-ho reveals himself to be a complete control freak, his boisterous demeanor dominating the set. Gu-ho is far from pleased, but the group finds solace in the fact that the money has been transferred as promised.
After the shoot wraps up, Yi-rang approaches Jung-ho about the elusive painting. He agrees to show it to her, but only if he can land the role of the thug boss in the movie. Just when things seem to be taking a predictable turn, a hilarious twist unfolds. It turns out that it's not Yi-rang who has caught Jung-ho's eye, but rather Gu-ho himself.
Jung-ho, eager to forge a partnership, insists with unyielding determination that Yi-rang join him for a drink. Yi-rang is left reeling, her eyes wide with shock and her body momentarily frozen by this unexpected and jarring revelation.
At the grand film premiere, everything seems to be going swimmingly. The movie captivates the audience, eliciting a chorus of "oohs" and "ahhs" as the crowd is swept up in its allure. But then, like a sudden storm cloud on a sunny day, the scene takes an abrupt turn. Behind-the-scenes footage from the fishery is broadcast in all its raw and unsightly truth. Labels are tampered with, and Jung-ho's abusive behavior is laid bare for all to see. Before long, federal agents arrive on the scene and escort him away, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.
With the case finally resolved, the narrative shifts back to Yi-rang's evidence board. She's drawing ever closer to the truth, but the pursuit is taking its toll. Her usually serene demeanor is beginning to fray at the edges. She makes her way to the gallery and is immediately drawn to a painting depicting dark, ominous shadows.
It's here that she catches a fleeting glimpse of Kang Yo-seop. He seems oblivious to her presence, but Yi-rang knows that this signifies the dawn of the final showdown. Kang Yo-seop is not just a lecturer; he's also the CEO of Josef Architects. He's on the verge of releasing a new book titled "Plan Utopia," which advocates for bridging the chasm between the rich and the poor.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Yo-seop's upbringing was far from idyllic. He grew up in poverty, tormented by an abusive father. Yet, these hardships only fueled his anger and ignited a burning desire to reshape the world. Over the years, he's worn many hats, including that of a magician and a "tutor." And it turns out that this tutoring gig is intricately linked to Yi-rang's own journey.
Back at home, Gu-ho stumbles upon Yi-rang's evidence board and is struck by a sudden realization. Every person they've been targeting has been a piece in Yi-rang's grand master plan. Yi-rang, with a hint of sadness in her eyes, admits that Gu-ho's father was one of the casualties of this intricate web, which is why his name adorns the wall.
