The nineteenth episode of "Seoul Busters" unfolds with an urgent scene where several individuals discover Jung-hwan in a precarious state, hastily crying out for assistance. In a whirlwind of activity, he is whisked away to the emergency room, with his team hot on his heels, their faces etched with concern. Despite being submerged in unconsciousness, Jung-hwan's life unfolds like a vivid montage before his eyes, prompting a solitary tear to trickle down his cheek.
After an arduous stretch of anxious hours marked by relentless waiting, the doctors finally provide an update on the surgery. Mercifully, the procedure was a success; however, Jung-hwan has suffered significant blood loss, rendering him both unconscious and frail. The medical staff, though optimistic, admits to uncertainty regarding the timing of his return to consciousness.
Meanwhile, Tan-sik and Jong-ryeok are enveloped in a vortex of guilt, each haunted by distinct demons. Tan-sik's mind remains fixated on the harrowing gun incident and the potential implications it poses for Jung-hwan's future endeavors. Jong-ryeok, on the other hand, is plagued by the belief that he failed his partner and harbors a fierce desire for redemption. They had solemnly vowed to stand by each other's side, come rain or shine, until the twilight of their years. Though disputes occasionally arose, they always managed to reconcile, their bond resilient. Reflecting on their shared journey, Jong-ryeok comes to a profound realization: Jung-hwan has always worn his heart on his sleeve, transparent and unguarded.
With Jung-hwan hospitalized, the team is diligently working to uncover his assailant. Drawing from Jung-hwan's wound, Yu-bin skillfully sketches the weapon and enlists Tan-sik's expertise to investigate further. Subsequently, Yu-bin seeks out Hyun-woo to confirm his certainty in apprehending the right suspect. Hyun-woo stands firm, insisting Jun-ho is the killer, despite his silence; the evidence, he claims, speaks volumes. Grateful, Yu-bin tosses Hyun-woo an apple, which the latter catches effortlessly—with his left hand. Hmm, could this detail hold deeper significance? Perhaps we're reading too much into it.
Post his discussion with Hyun-woo, Yu-bin visits Jun-ho in prison, intentionally provoking him. Jun-ho, maintaining his innocence, lunges at Yu-bin with his right fist. Returning to Hyun-joo's residence, Yu-bin notices bloodstains on the ropes of her cat's playhouse, an unexpected clue.
At the hospital, Jong-ryeok learns from Jung-hwan's wife that she's been swindled, losing all their savings and a recent loan, threatening their home ownership. Jong-ryeok vows to rectify the situation and secures information on the phishing gang's headquarters from another officer. The officer advises patience, awaiting the team's mobilization for an arrest, as intel suggests the gang leader is in town. Meanwhile, Min-Seo visits Jung-hwan's home, lending a hand with the children before heading to work. Jong-ryeok requests a day off, which Yu-bin grants, albeit with a caution about his plans to confront the phishing gang.
Tan-sik, troubled by Jung-hwan's wife's plight and the looming loss of their home, decides to take the afternoon off and visits his grandmother. He proposes quitting his police job for money, his exceptional sense of smell being a vital asset to her business. Agreeing, she stipulates payment only upon Tan-sik's resignation, adding a layer of intrigue to his impending decision.As Yu-bin painstakingly reconstructs the events leading up to Jung-hwan's assault, a pivotal detail emerges: the policeman Jung-hwan once offered a ride turns out to be the one who guided him to the temple. Inside its serene walls, a monk unveils a crucial twist—Jung-hwan had scrutinized their CCTV recordings and discovered something inexplicable. Though its nature remains a mystery, it's unmistakable that shortly after Jung-hwan's departure, the temple was victimized by a robbery, erasing all traces of the original footage. The sole surviving copy rested solely in Jung-hwan's possession.
Driven by determination, Yu-bin returns to the grim crime scene, where he uncovers a telltale clue—Jung-hwan's coat, concealing a toy gun meant for his cherished daughter on that fateful night. Verification from Jung-hwan's wife confirms the toy's ownership, deepening the emotional stakes.
As dusk descends, each member of the team visits Jung-hwan, their hearts heavy yet respectful, remaining outside his room. Min-seo finds Yu-bin in a chapel, engrossed in silent prayers for Jung-hwan's recovery. Jong-ryeok, on the other hand, ventures out to confront the phishing ring, barely escaping with his life after a brutal confrontation. Fortune smiles upon him as he stumbles upon some sustenance, regaining his strength to vanquish the entire gang and reclaim Jung-hwan's stolen funds.
The following day, a revelation shocks everyone: Jung-hwan, in his dying moments, left a cryptic message on a nearby board, using the toy gun to indicate the initial of his assailant. News of the phishing gang returning Jung-hwan's money serves as a catalyst, convincing Tan-sik to reconsider his resignation. Yu-bin, returning to the office with renewed vigor, rallies his team to place their trust in him. He harbors a haunting suspicion—Jung-hwan's attacker and Hyun-joo's murderer could be one and the same.
Meanwhile, Eun-kyung's call to Yu-bin validates his darkest fear. The bloodstains found in Hyun-joo's home belong to Hyun-woo, a revelation Yu-bin had entrusted her to uncover. The pieces of the puzzle are slowly falling into place, painting a picture of conspiracy and treachery that stretches far beyond anyone's initial imagination.
The episode concludes with an unexpected twist as Min-seo accepts a ride from Hyun-woo, who spots her patiently awaiting a taxi outside the prestigious Korean National Police Agency. She reveals to him that her visit to the KNPA was to collect forensic evidence pertaining to Hyun-joo's case. She mentions that the forensic team has successfully retrieved the footage initially discovered by Jung-hwan, yet she hasn't ventured to watch it herself. Hyun-woo, ever the gentleman, offers her an energy drink, which seems to have an almost magical effect on Min-seo, causing her eyelids to grow heavy with drowsiness. He couldn't help but comment on how the recent developments in their journey had taken a fascinating and amusing turn for him.
