Episode 3 of "Dear Hongrang" kicks off with a tense confrontation, as Jae-yi and Hong-rang find themselves cornered by Bang-suk's henchmen. A fierce battle erupts, punctuated by Hong-rang's momentary disarray upon hearing a bell, which momentarily clouds his judgment. Seizing the opportunity, Bang-suk captures Jae-yi, using her as a shield. Hong-rang, quick-thinking, pretends to offer himself in exchange, then executes a powerful kick, sending Bang-suk tumbling over the cliff's edge.
As they flee, Jae-yi suffers an unfortunate twist to her ankle, her pain evident. Hong-rang, his tone harsh but actions decisive, warns her against ignoring her injury and scoops her up like a bundle, carrying her with determined strides. Relinquishing her only when Mu-jin and the detectives arrive on the scene, Jae-yi is left conflicted by his rough demeanor, her mind flashing back to a younger Hong-rang's promise that the world would treat her kindly. Presently, from atop a rooftop, Jae-yi's gaze locks onto Hong-rang's, while Mu-jin watches on with a mixture of unease and vigilance.
Turning to the investigation, Hong-rang is disheartened to learn that their sole lead, the maid, has passed away. He knows that the enigmatic Snow Man transports the kidnapped children to the Painter, who then extracts their vitality. Determined to press forward, he decides to delve into the members of the guild next.
Elsewhere, Grand Prince Han-pyeong returns from his secluded retreat, haunted by an artist's block. In the bustling city, he witnesses a fierce bidding war over a Du-ryeong painting, the auction's energy palpable. His heart softens when he encounters an orphan, whom he takes under his wing, almost adopting the child on the spot. Coincidentally, Hong-rang finds himself an unintended observer of this heartwarming interaction, his thoughts undoubtedly stirred by the scene.
Fortunately, he is granted permission to accompany Yeol-guk to meet the Grand Prince. It transpires that twelve years ago, the Grand Prince had dispatched the military in search of Little Hong-rang. Hong-rang, still wary due to the prince's studio nestled deep within the forest, remains cautious. Upon their arrival, the prince eagerly sets aside his painting to warmly welcome them. As Hong-rang ventures outside, he witnesses the prince tenderly caring for an orphaned child. These observations serve to exonerate the Grand Prince from suspicion as the Evil Painter. Furthermore, Hong-rang discloses that the prince is right-handed and employs delicate brushstrokes, in stark contrast to the harsh technique of the Evil Painter.
Jae-yi suddenly appears, attempting to startle Hong-rang with insects, evoking memories of a younger Hong-rang terrorized by bugs. She tricks him into believing a leaf is an insect, a prank he now reciprocates, much to Jae-yi's astonishment. However, her confusion deepens when he captures a real insect and departs. Curious, she trails him and discovers him comforting a weeping child until the mother arrives.
Returning to the studio, the Prince inquires about Du-ryeong from Yeol-guk. Whispers persist that Du-ryeong paints corpses and beasts, exploiting dying men as models. Such scurrilous rumors have paradoxically fueled his notoriety. The prince finds these allegations insulting, asserting that no one can replicate his unique brushstrokes, which breathe life into his works.
Meanwhile, Mu-jin encounters Hong-sik, his cousin who harbored feelings of inferiority towards Hong-rang. A devious plan to uncover Hong-rang's deceitful nature suddenly takes root in his mind. That very night, Jae-yi attempts to engage Hong-rang in a playful game of hide-and-seek hand gestures. However, before Hong-rang can reciprocate her gesture, Mu-jin interjects, revealing his sinister scheme to Jae-yi.
As Hong-rang's birthday unfolds, Mu-jin prods him with a bow as a gift, a weapon fitting for his assassin's past. Hong-rang remains unperturbed and they clink glasses in a toast. Once everyone has indulged in the festivities, Hong-sik deliberately stirs up trouble. Unbeknownst to all, the wine served is pomegranate—a substance Hong-rang is severely allergic to, a secret Hong-sik and Little Hong-rang had vowed to keep to themselves.
Hong-rang's countenance changes drastically as a sudden outbreak of hives confirms his allergy. The scene shifts abruptly to Yeon-ui striking Jae-yi, who innocently suffered the consequences. Yeon-ui humiliated as she beholds his disappointed gaze.
Mu-jin attempts to justify Hong-rang's deceptions, but Jae-yi is weary of the perpetual guessing game. She asserts that if Hong-rang were indeed genuine, Mu-jin's actions would have amounted to attempted murder. Regardless, Jae-yi is the one punished, confined within the walls of her room.
Yeol-guk watches the unfolding drama with a troubled expression as his assistant whispers that Mu-jin's reputation is now tarnished. With a stern command, Yeol-guk instructs his subordinate to retrieve an item from Jin Arts, signaling the escalation of the intricate plot.
That night, Jae-yi is plunged into a vivid dream where Little Hong-rang narrates an eerie tale of a rat doppelganger, leaving her tormented by the thought that she might fail to recognize him should such a duplicate exist. As dawn breaks, she awakens to find Hong-rang standing beside her, bearing a tray of sustenance. Despite his evident distress over her compliance with the plot to harm him, he extends an understanding heart, confiding in her his lonely past and his determination to prove himself worthy of the title of her younger brother. Jae-yi, moved by his plight, expresses her concern for his well-being, hoping he suffers no pain.
The final scenes of Dear Hongrang Episode 3 unfold with an intriguing twist as Hong-rang, under cover of darkness, discreetly inquires of a nobleman how he came to know of the genuine Hong-rang's allergy to pomegranates, a revelation that hints at Hong-rang's true identity – a imposter! It becomes evident that Fake Hong-rang and the nobleman are on a mission to uncover the secrets of the Min Guild and the enigmatic Painter.
A haunting flashback transports us to a moment when the nobleman, with a sinister smile, hands Fake Hong-rang a vial of poison ivy. During the toast, Fake Hong-rang's keen eyes detect suspicious movements from Mu-jin and Hong-sik. With a deliberate gulp, he consumes the wine and subtly applies the poison ivy to his neck, instantly breaking out in an itchy rash, all part of a meticulously crafted plan.
