Episode 6 of "Good Partner" kicks off with a dramatic scene in the courtroom, where Eun-kyung and Yu-ri uncover a pivotal revelation: the crux of their divorce battle transcends mere asset division; it hinges on the custody of Eun-kyung's cherished daughter, Jae-hee. Emerging from the tense hearing, they stumble upon a similarly embattled couple, and on Eun-kyung's compassionate urging, Yu-ri extends a helping hand, offering a consultation to the distraught woman.
However, Eun-kyung's heart plummets into a panic when she realizes Jae-hee has vanished into thin air. Frantic with worry, she scours every corner until her eyes land on Jae-hee, unexpectedly in the company of Choi Sa-ra. This revelation shatters any illusions of innocence—Jae-hee, wise beyond her years, is not only aware of her parents' impending separation but has also pieced together the puzzle of her father's betrayal with Sa-ra.
Meanwhile, Yu-ri's consultation takes a surprising turn as she learns of a husband who shirks his familial duties, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. Ironically, the woman at the center of this turmoil harbors no desire for custody of her own children, a stark contrast to Eun-kyung and Ji-sang's fierce battle to keep Jae-hee by their side. This couple's strife stems from a mutual aversion to the responsibility, rather than a longing for it.
Elsewhere, Sa-ra's workplace becomes a battleground as her colleagues, sensing her secret affair with Ji-sang, concoct schemes to make her professional life miserable. In a sneaky attempt to uncover Eun-kyung's vulnerabilities, Sa-ra stumbles upon a bombshell—Eun-kyung's imminent promotion to the coveted Chief Manager position, a role that Sa-ra had long coveted with a passion.
Seizing this opportunity, Sa-ra propositions a twisted deal: she'll relinquish her claims on Jae-hee's custody in exchange for Eun-kyung dropping the divorce case. But Eun-kyung, her emotions raw and her resolve unwavering, is far from receptive to Sa-ra's manipulative offer.
During another heartfelt consultation, the woman confides in Yu-ri and Eun-kyung, painting a poignant picture of how her life has transformed into a labyrinth of challenges. She speaks of a lost identity, shrouded by the veil of depression, while her husband's carefree existence only magnifies her burden. Despite Yu-ri's initial struggle to comprehend how a mother could relinquish her children to an unworthy father, the narrative delves into the unforgiving realities of this woman's world, shattering the stereotype of the endlessly sacrificing maternal figure. It embodies mothers as multidimensional beings who crave the time and space to nurture themselves—physically rejuvenated, mentally soothed, and emotionally fulfilled.
Eun-kyung, who resonates deeply with her plight, particularly after a prolonged absence from the professional realm, devises a strategy imbued with empathy and understanding. As her own divorce proceedings spiral into a labyrinth of complexities, with the looming presence of a family investigator probing Jae-hee's heartfelt desires, Eun-kyung and Ji-sang embark on a delicate mission to earn Jae-hee's affection and trust.
Ultimately, Jae-hee summons the courage to seek Yu-ri's counsel, who wisely imparts that her happiness and the freedom to choose her own path transcend the boundaries of any custody battle. Inspired by this wisdom, Jae-hee articulates to Eun-kyung her earnest desire for autonomy—the liberty to chart her own course and decide whom she wishes to share her life with, unfettered by external pressures.
Later, in the hushed confines of the courtroom, Eun-kyung and Yu-ri intricately orchestrate a ruse, falsely alleging that their client had been involved in a vehicular mishap, leaving her bedridden in a hospital. They further argue, with passion, that her depression has rendered her incapable of nurturing her young ones, advocating for the father's esteemed educator parents to assume guardianship should the father prove unavailable. The judge, pondering their words, ultimately leans towards mediation as a resolution.
The case eventually unwinds, with the father triumphantly awarded custody, while the mother is granted visitation rights on weekends, a concession that hints at the complex tapestry of family dynamics. As they traverse back to their office, Eun-kyung muses aloud, observing that divorce, in some cases, acts as a catalyst, propelling individuals towards becoming more conscientious parents. Indeed, the father's newfound dedication to his children stands as a testament to this transformation.
The following dawn brings a fleeting ray of sunshine into Choi Sa-ra's world as she is elevated to the prestigious position of Chief Manager and ushered into a fresh, expansive office. However, her joy is swiftly doused when Eun-kyung, with a stroke of her pen, dismisses her from her dream job, leaving the episode on a shocking, yet poignant note.
