Episode 19 of Seoul Busters kicks off with a group of individuals discovering Jung-hwan in dire need of assistance, their voices urgently echoing through the air as they summon help. In a blur of motion, he is whisked away to the emergency room, where his teammates hastily converge, their concern palpable. Despite his unconscious state, Jung-hwan's life unfolds in a series of vivid flashbacks, evoking an emotional tear from his otherwise still features.
Hours stretch on, each minute feeling like an eternity, as the anxious wait for surgical updates continues. Mercifully, the doctors emerge with news of a successful operation, yet caution that Jung-hwan has suffered significant blood loss, rendering him both weak and unconscious. They remain uncertain about his timeline for recovery, but cling to the beacon of hope that illuminates their path.
Meanwhile, Tan-sik and Jong-ryeok are consumed by a torrent of guilt, their burdens distinct yet equally oppressive. Tan-sik's mind is a whirlwind of thoughts, revisiting the haunting gun incident and pondering the fate of Jung-hwan's promising career. Jong-ryeok, on the other hand, is grappling with a profound sense of betrayal to his partner, driven by an insistent desire for redemption. They had vowed to stand by each other's side, weathering the storms of time together until their twilight years. Although clashes were not uncommon, they always managed to reconcile, their bond resilient. Reflecting on their journey, Jong-ryeok realizes that Jung-hwan's heart was as transparent as glass, baring his soul for all to see.
With Jung-hwan lying hospitalized, the team vigorously pursues the identification of his assailant. Yu-bin, drawing inspiration from Jung-hwan's wound, sketches an illustration of the weapon and entrusts Tan-sik with the task of investigating it further.
Subsequently, Yu-bin confronts Hyun-woo, seeking reassurance that they have the right man. Hyun-woo stands firm in his conviction, asserting that Jun-ho is undeniably the killer, despite his silence. The evidence stacked against Jun-ho, Hyun-woo insists, speaks volumes. Grateful yet playful, Yu-bin tosses Hyun-woo an apple, which the latter catches effortlessly—but with his left hand. A flicker of doubt crosses Yu-bin's mind; could they be overlooking something significant?
Post his discussion with Hyun-woo, Yu-bin visits Jun-ho in prison, where the latter continues to protest his innocence. Yu-bin, intentionally provocative, stirs Jun-ho into a rage. In a fit of frustration, Jun-ho lunges at Yu-bin with his right fist. Upon returning to Hyun-joo's residence, Yu-bin's sharp eyes detect bloodstains on the ropes of her cat's playhouse, sparking further intrigue.
Back at the hospital, Jong-ryeok learns from Jung-hwan's wife about a devastating scam that has wiped out their savings and threatened their home. With compassion and determination, Jong-ryeok vows to rectify the situation. He consults with another officer and secures the location of the phishing gang's headquarters. The officer advises patience, suggesting they await the team's mobilization for an arrest, as intelligence indicates the gang leader is in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, Min-Seo visits Jung-hwan's home, lending a helping hand with the children before heading to work. Jong-ryeok requests a day off, which Yu-bin grants, albeit with a cautionary note about the dangers of pursuing the phishing gang.
Upon hearing about Jung-hwan's family's plight, Tan-sik is deeply troubled. He decides to take the afternoon off and visits his grandmother. In a heartfelt conversation, he offers to resign from his police duties in exchange for financial assistance. His grandmother, recognizing the value of his exceptional sense of smell to her business, agrees to the deal but stipulates payment only upon Tan-sik's official resignation. The scenario unfolds with a poignant blend of empathy and high stakes.
Meanwhile, Yu-bin painstakingly reconstructs the events of the final hours preceding Jung-hwan's tragic assault. The policeman whom Jung-hwan had given a ride happens to be the one who guides him to the serene temple. There, the wise monk reveals to Yu-bin that Jung-hwan had scrutinized their CCTV footage and uncovered something peculiar. Though its nature remains uncertain, shortly after Jung-hwan's departure, the temple was victimized by a robbery, erasing all traces of the original footage. Ironically, Jung-hwan possessed the sole remaining copy.
Driven by this new clue, Yu-bin rushes back to the crime scene, where he discovers a toy gun nestled in Jung-hwan's coat – a toy meant for his cherished daughter on that fateful night. Confirming its ownership with Jung-hwan's wife, he learns that the toy indeed belongs to their beloved child.
As the long day draws to a close, each team member visits Jung-hwan, standing respectfully outside his room. Min-seo finds Yu-bin immersed in silent prayer within the chapel, his heart heavy for Jung-hwan. Jong-ryeok, determined to confront the phishing gang, ventures out and nearly suffers a brutal beating. Fortunately, a quick snack rejuvenates him, and he ultimately overpowers the entire gang, forcing them to return Jung-hwan's stolen money.
The following day, a revelation unfolds: Jung-hwan, in his dying moments, left a cryptic message on a nearby board. Using the toy gun, he cleverly indicated the first name of his assailant. Upon hearing that the phishing gang had surrendered Jung-hwan's money, Tan-sik reconsiders his decision to quit. Yu-bin, returning to the office with renewed determination, urges his team to place their trust in him. He harbors a suspicion that Jung-hwan's attacker and Hyun-joo's killer are one and the same.
Meanwhile, Eun-kyung's call to Yu-bin confirms his haunting suspicion. The blood samples found in Hyun-joo's home match Hyun-woo's DNA – a revelation Yu-bin had specifically requested her to verify.
The episode concludes with an intriguing twist as Min-seo accepts a ride from Hyun-woo, who happens upon her waiting for a taxi outside the esteemed Korean National Police Agency. She reveals that her visit to the KNPA was to procure forensic evidence related to Hyun-joo's case, her tone revealing a hint of urgency. She elaborates that the forensic team succeeded in recovering the footage initially discovered by Jung-hwan, yet she admits to having yet to review it herself. In a gesture of camaraderie, Hyun-woo hands her an energy drink, little knowing that its consumption will soon induce a wave of drowsiness upon Min-seo. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Hyun-woo comments on how the unfolding events have started to entertain and captivate him, the stakes rising with each passing moment.
