The third episode of "Dong Jae, Good Guy or Bastard" unfolds deftly, going back six months to the past, where Wan Cheng ruthlessly hatched a conspiracy and ordered the erasure of key witnesses in his case. With the mysterious disappearance of the witness, the case fell into silence, as if it had been sealed in time.
The narrative then soars to the present, where Dong-jae finds himself entangled in a real estate quagmire. Desperate to sell a plot of land under his name, he's met with disdain by a jaded real estate broker. Amidst this frustration, Dong-jae ponders whether holding onto the land is truly feasible, given his role as a prosecutor. Seeking guidance, he ventures into the chambers of a senior law firm, where he artfully feigns vulnerability to secure a coveted position.
Meanwhile, the police meticulously sift through CCTV footage, their investigation into the bar brawl from the previous episode intensifying. Dong-jae's fleeting encounter with Wan-sung, a mere five-minute exchange, has caught their attention. The web of connections widens as they uncover Wan-sung's ties to Kyeong-hak, casting suspicion on Dong-jae's involvement with the enigmatic CEO. A detective, duty-bound, sets foot in the prosecutor's office, seeking clarification.
Elsewhere, the intricate deal between Chan-hyeok, the brother-in-law of a notorious drug lord, and Byung-gun unfolds. It's a carefully orchestrated plan: Byung-gun and senior prosecutor Mi-ran plan to trap Choi Geum-ho, the drug lord, with the arrival of fresh contraband. The stakes are high—recognition and accolades await their successful takedown. Chan-hyeok's motivations run deeper; fueled by compassion for his sister, he betrays his own kin, collaborating with the police to bring Geum-ho to justice.
Energized by a newfound purpose, Dong-jae returns to his office, determined to delve into the labyrinthine land documents and cases surrounding Wan-sung's empire. His journey leads him to the senior prosecutor, who shares the exhilarating news of Dong-jae's imminent accolade: the prestigious "Model Prosecutor" title, accompanied by a ceremony and interview.
Just as Dong-jae's world seems to be aligning, the police officer's unexpected visit shatters the tranquility. The officer reveals Dong-jae's fleeting appearance on CCTV, fueling Byung-gun's suspicions. Yet, Dong-jae's junior swiftly intervenes, offering a plausible explanation—Dong-jae had merely visited Wan-sung to return the ill-gotten bribe. The misunderstanding dissipates, but tension lingers as Mi-ran chides Byung-gun for caving to the officer's suspicions, her own involvement with Wan-sung's bribery lurking in the shadows.
As the narrative unfolds, Dong-jae embarks on a journey to visit Wan-sung, only to unexpectedly encounter his son, Gyeo-re, standing in his place. A shocking revelation dawns: Gyeo-re is none other than the individual Yoo-ri had been frantically evading within the confines of the hospital. Furthermore, Gyeo-re's hands are not entirely clean, as he finds himself embroiled in the theft of Choi Geum-ho's precious drugs, narrowly evading capture by the relentless Chan-hyeok.
Meanwhile, in the murky confines of a dark alley, Choi Geum-ho sits in his vehicle, surrounded by his loyal men, patiently awaiting the arrival of an unknown entity. In a parallel turn of events, Mi-ran dispatches Dong-jae to investigate a reported gunshot incident, adding another layer of intrigue to the already tumultuous scenario.
Upon arriving at the crime scene, Dong-jae's heart sinks as the grim truth is unveiled: the victim of the heinous act is none other than Yoo-ri, lying lifeless on the cold ground. This tragic discovery sets the stage for a chain reaction of emotions and actions, as the web of deceit and betrayal that has ensnared these characters threatens to unravel at the seams.
