Episode 2 of "Red Swan" kicks off with an eerie glimpse into the future, where a figure lies lifeless within the confines of the mansion. The servants' hushed confessions hint at a tragic demise, specifically that of a bodyguard, sparking speculation that it could be none other than Do-hyun. Whispers among the staff suggest a forbidden bond between Do-hyun and Wan-soo, igniting curiosity and intrigue.
As we rewind to the fateful auction party night, Wan-soo, freshly informed of Do-hyun's appointment as her new protector, swiftly composes herself. Yong-guk, her husband, offers a perfunctory thanks to Do-hyun for his heroic act, their exchange laced with undercurrents. Together, they venture into the throng of guests, warmly embraced by the festive atmosphere.
Within the revelry, Wan-soo's thoughts drift back to the tapestry of her life's journey. A flashback transports us to 1990, where a youthful Wan-soo emerges, her mother toiling as a cadet at a golf club frequented by Chairwoman Park. A fateful encounter lands Wan-soo's mother on the wrong side of the powerful woman, resulting in a humiliating physical altercation and subsequent dismissal. Fueled by resentment, the mother steals golf clubs from Chairwoman Park, transforming her daughter's life through the game of golf, a path she hopes will lift them from poverty's grip.
Wan-soo excels in golf, dreaming of a better future for her family. However, her mother's gambling addiction squanders all her hard-earned victories, forcing Wan-soo to sever ties. Redirecting her fortune, Wan-soo becomes a beacon of charity, earning the moniker 'The Angel of Philanthropy.' It is during one of these benevolent missions in Africa that her paths cross with Yong-guk, igniting a romance that culminates in marriage.
The memory of her initial confrontation with Chairwoman Park, a formidable foe, still lingers vividly in Wan-soo's mind. The matriarch's taunts and veiled threats, even suggesting the elimination of Yong-guk's former loves, serve as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play. Despite the obstacles, Wan-soo triumphs, marrying Yong-guk and mastering the art of navigating her formidable mother-in-law.
Returning to the present, Wan-soo gracefully addresses the guests, expressing her profound gratitude to the Arab Crown Prince for doubling his donation in the wake of her ordeal. The party bursts into full swing, with guests mingling and indulging in the festivities. Meanwhile, Yong-guk signals his mistress, and the two slip away from the celebrations, their destination a private chamber, shrouded in secrecy.
At a pivotal moment, Chairwoman Park casually mentioned dispatching one of Yong-guk's former lovers, dismissing it with a cackle as mere jest. She then extended a job offer to Wan-soo's brother, cunningly attempting to wedge apart the devoted couple. Yet, Wan-soo persevered, tying the knot with Yong-guk and mastering the art of navigating her abrasive mother-in-law's antics.
Now, Wan-soo stands before an audience, her voice laced with gratitude as she addresses the generous Arab Crown Prince, whose donation doubled in the wake of her adversity. The festivities flourish, guests mingling amidst laughter and libations. Yong-guk subtly signals his mistress, and the two slip away from the revelry, retreating to a private chamber.
Ironically, this mistress holds a tender bond with Wan-soo. When the mistress's son, unaware of the entanglements, seeks his mother's whereabouts from Wan-soo, she embarks on a quest only to stumble upon a sordid scene—his mother entwined with Yong-guk on the couch.
Remarkably, Wan-soo's response is devoid of fury; her composure intact, she inquires about their lack of discretion. She reveals a startling truth: she was privy to the affair, but deemed it unworthy of her time and energy. With a graceful excuse, she retreats to compose herself, returning to the party arm-in-arm with Yong-guk, their dance a poignant display of undying love, leaving the mistress to silently observe their seemingly flawless union.
Subsequently, Chairwoman Park summons Wan-soo, her tone heavy with the revelation that she, too, was aware of the illicit affair—a secret that predated Wan-soo's marriage. Fearful of a divorce looming, she finds herself stunned and enraged when Wan-soo declares unequivocally that dissolution is not an option.
Wan-soo sternly cautions Chairwoman Park, warning her that her departure would cost her more dearly than anyone else, acutely aware of her embezzlement from the foundation's coffers. He urges her to desist and retreat from the organization, emphasizing its ownership does not lie with her, before calmly disengaging from her fury. Seeking solace, Wan-soo retreats to a bar, where the revelation from Kyeong-ju that Yong-uk has vacated their shared quarters to ensure her restful sleep only fuels her drunken despair. She dismisses Kyeong-ju abruptly, drowning her sorrows in alcohol, until Do-hyun chances upon her unsteady gait and offers assistance. In a moment of vulnerability, she playfully propositions him, yet her words mask a deeper pain that she denies.
Do-hyun, a true paragon of chivalry, escorts her safely to her room, but fate intervenes as her room key slips from his grasp. As he bids her a courteous farewell, Yong-guk, also intoxicated, stumbles to her door, pounding relentlessly. Do-hyun prepares to answer, yet Wan-soo halts him, choosing to wait out Yong-guk's departure. Kyeong-ju arrives timely, deftly diverting Yong-guk's attention and escorting him away, all while protecting Wan-soo's privacy.
Do-hyun exits Wan-soo's chamber, leaving her alone with her thoughts, seated on the bed, lost in contemplation. The dawn brings an uneasy truce between Wan-soo and Do-hyun, as they attempt to navigate the awkward silence between them. Upon their return to South Korea, Kyeong-ju introduces Do-hyun to his new abode within the servants' quarters, where he subtly probes Kyeong-ju's involvement in Yong-guk's shadowy affairs. Kyeong-ju remains tight-lipped, revealing only his exclusive allegiance to Yong-guk.
As Do-hyun settles in, an accidental knock sends Ju-hyuk's portrait tumbling, revealing a hidden USB drive attached to its frame. This discovery triggers a memory of Ju-hyuk's cryptic mention of a photograph, prompting Do-hyun to investigate. Upon inspecting the USB, he uncovers chilling images of the Chairman being carried out, his lifeless form suggesting a sinister end. The question lingers: What truly caused his demise, and how does it intertwine with Wan-soo's closeness to the Chairman and his mysterious final request?
A flashback unravels, revealing Wan-soo's intimate bond with the Chairman and his urgent plea for her to remain married while he delved into a mystery that may have led to both their tragic fates.
