Our recap of Red Swan's gripping fifth episode commences with a poignant flashback to 1998, where Wan-soo's family was relentlessly pursued by ruthless debt collectors, with Wan-soo bearing the brunt as her mother sought refuge in the confines of a doghouse. Amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged as Chun-hui presented Wan-soo with plane tickets to America, a moment that, despite the hardships, filled her with a sense of redemption.
Present day, Wan-soo's world shatters as she beholds her mother, Chun-hui, lying helplessly in a hospital bed, on the precipice of life. Her attempts to connect with the fading figure are met with fleeting moments of consciousness, punctuated by a heartfelt apology before Chun-hui's final breath. Wan-soo's anguished cries draw Do-yoon, who rushes to her side, offering solace in her darkest hour.
Overcome with a mix of emotions, Wan-soo forgives her mother and vows to seek justice in her name. Hyun-soo, too, arrives to pay his respects, his heart heavy with grief. However, their grief is met with indifference from Chairwoman Park, who coldly denies Wan-soo the right to arrange a proper burial, instead pressuring her to prioritize an upcoming deal with the Chinese. To enforce her will, she threatens Hyun-soo's safety, a tactic that leaves Wan-soo with no choice but to comply.
The following day, Hyun-soo solemnly cremates their mother's remains, while Wan-soo attends a crucial meeting with Chairwoman Park. Do-yoon's gaze remains fixed on Wan-soo, worried for her well-being as she navigates the day's challenges. The meeting concludes favorably, yet Wan-soo's heart remains heavy as she returns home, requesting Do-yoon's companionship to bid farewell to Chun-hui. He wisely suggests they disconnect from the world, their phones silenced, the car's tracker deactivated. This unexpected move stirs a commotion within the security headquarters, unaware that Chairwoman Park has already set her sights on the pair, deploying a spy to capture every intimate moment.
Wan-soo leads Do-yoon to their old home, where she scatters her mother's ashes amidst memories that flood her senses. In a tender embrace, Do-yoon offers comfort, unaware that their intimacy is being captured on camera. As Wan-soo releases her mother's ashes into the sea, Do-yoon stands steadfast by her side, while Yong-guk, fueled by jealousy, consumes his sorrow in alcohol upon witnessing the photographs of his wife and her protector.
Upon their return to the Grand Palace, Yong-guk's rage boils over, lashing out at Do-yoon in front of the staff. Do-yoon, with remarkable restraint, offers an apology, but his gesture falls on deaf ears. Chairwoman Park chastises Yong-guk for his lack of control, while Yong-guk demands Do-yoon's dismissal. Kyeong-ju steps in, promising to address the matter, and retreats to Do-yoon's quarters, leaving behind a tense atmosphere fraught with unresolved emotions and simmering tensions.
Meanwhile, Wan-soo finds herself within the confines of Do-yoon's room, her purpose clear: to check on him, her heart heavy with concern for his wellbeing. He, in turn, is consumed by anxiety, fearing she might have been harmed. This encounter marks a turning point as Wan-soo confesses her vulnerability, acknowledging her need for him and a profound trust that she yearns to place in him. She seeks further proof, a testament to his sincerity, and he responds by unveiling the video Ju-hyuk left behind, igniting a discussion about unraveling the mysteries surrounding the Chairman's demise. Wan-soo stands firm, her resolve unwavering; she insists that Do-yoon's assistance is crucial in uncovering the truth, a quest fueled by her desire to safeguard the foundation.
Their intimate conversation is abruptly halted by Kyeong-ju's arrival, prompting them to hastily conceal the incriminating footage. As Wan-soo departs, Kyeong-ju attempts to chastise Do-yoon, but he counters, advocating for Wan-soo's right to privacy amidst her grief. He challenges Kyeong-ju's inability to empathize, reminding him that the elite world operates under a different set of rules and expectations. Kyeong-ju, unfazed, warns Do-yoon to tread carefully, for Yong-guk's change of heart regarding his dismissal has shifted the landscape.
Later, Do-yoon orchestrates a strategic visit to the notorious 8 Star Gang club, feigning a mission from Hwain. The club's leader spurns his request, opting instead to summon Kyeong-ju. This calculated move serves as a test, revealing who among them would be provoked by Do-yoon's presence. Kyeong-ju, taking the bait, confronts Do-yoon once more, this time vehemently denying any involvement in Ju-hyuk's murder. He reveals that the money Yong-guk funnels to the gang serves as a slush fund, vital for securing his position as Hwain's next Chairman.
As night falls, Wan-soo seeks out Do-yoon, their minds aligned on charting their next course of action. He recounts his encounter with Kyeong-ju, disclosing the shocking revelation that Chairman Du-o's death was concealed due to its scandalous circumstances—a fatal liaison with a prostitute. Amidst their shared quest for truth, an undeniable attraction simmers between them.
Parallel to this, Wan-soo embarks on a mission to undermine Chairwoman Park's latest deal, one that benefits her in-laws. Leveraging her connections, she swiftly transforms into a model and ambassador for a rival cosmetic company, launching her campaign on the very day Ji-yeon's firm was poised to unveil their products. This bold move incites outrage among Yongmin, Chairwoman Park, and Ji-yeon, prompting an impromptu meeting filled with tension. Wan-soo maintains a nonchalant facade, dismissing accusations of intentional sabotage and refusing to apologize. Yong-guk, however, stands by her side, admonishing Yong-min to choose his words wisely.
Elsewhere, Ta-era and her mother revel in Wan-soo's predicament, seeing it as an opportune moment to assert Hwain Group's worth.
Despite the turmoil, Wan-soo remains steadfast in her commitment to the foundation, hosting a heartwarming dinner for the children at a local home. Yet, on her return journey, their tranquility is shattered by a sudden drone attack, casting a dark shadow over their evening.
