Episode 3 of "The Witch" unfolds with Dong-jin immersed in his college studies, poring over statistics with a singular purpose: to refute the allegations against Mi-jeong, branding her a witch. In the halls of academia, he crosses paths with Jung-hyeok, a fellow loner in his class who bears an uncanny resemblance to Mi-jeong in his solitary demeanor. Driven by a desire to forge a connection, Dong-jin relentlessly trails Jung-hyeok, much to the latter's indifferent disdain, akin to swatting away a persistent housefly. Jung-hyeok, eventually relenting, allows Dong-jin into his circle of trust.
One fateful day, Dong-jin ventures back to his hometown to visit his mother, armed with a copy of his meticulously crafted report exonerating Mi-jeong. The document conclusively demonstrates her innocence, asserting that the deaths surrounding her were mere coincidences, unconnected by anything but chance. However, upon his arrival, his mother delivers a somber revelation: Mi-jeong's father has passed away, and she herself has been ostracized from their shared town. Rushing to Mi-jeong's abode, Dong-jin finds it desolate, his heart heavy with the realization that, once again, he has arrived too late to lend a helping hand.
Returning to college, Dong-jin's professor casts a critical eye over his work, pointing out a fundamental flaw: Dong-jin had approached the case with a preconceived notion of Mi-jeong's innocence, clouding his objectivity in analyzing the data. As he scrutinizes his professor's checklist, a daunting truth dawns upon him – Mi-jeong was indeed a common thread in all the incidents, and the mortality rate in their town was alarmingly high. This discovery plunges Dong-jin into despair, casting doubts in his mind about Mi-jeong's true nature.
Years pass, transforming Dong-jin into a data miner and Jung-hyeok into a detective. During this time, Dong-jin receives heart-wrenching news: his mother is terminally ill. Her condition deteriorates, prompting her to relocate to a hospital in Dong-jin's city and entrust him with the task of selling her property beforehand. Amidst the paperwork, Dong-jin uncovers a startling fact – his mother owns Mi-jeong's former home, a discovery that stirs up old memories and new questions.
Upon his return to visit her, Dong-jin's mother unburdens herself, confessing that she had been swayed by the village gossips and played a part in banishing Mi-jeong. Overwhelmed with guilt, she acknowledges her part in the ordeal and reveals that she even assisted Mi-jeong in reaching the bus station, only to be consumed by an even deeper sense of remorse upon realizing the young woman's isolation and lack of support. Driven by profound regret, she acquired Mi-jeong's house, as it remained unsold due to the stigma attached. As she lies on her deathbed, she implores Dong-jin to seek out Mi-jeong and offer his apologies should fate ever reunite them.
After his mother's passing, Dong-jin happens upon his old study materials and the detailed report pertaining to Mi-jeong's case, stirring memories long buried. The narrative then abruptly shifts to the present, where Dong-jin finds himself trailing Mi-jeong to her abode under the cover of night. Eavesdropping on her poignant conversation with a cat, he catches glimpses of her melancholic reality—a soul burdened by the belief that she inadvertently causes pain to those around her.
