Episode 9 of "Unmasked" kicks off with an exhilarating scene where Cho Hae-won boldly snatches a sculpture right from the heart of Hanju Media's office lobby. Meanwhile, Gi-ho is engrossed in editing his maiden episode, only to be interrupted by Manager Son, who seeks a private conversation. The manager conveys a directive from the President: the segment featuring the prosecutor must be excised from the episode. In return for this compliance, Gi-ho will be granted full-time employment status.
Elsewhere, in the serene ambiance of a church, President Koo engages in a crucial meeting with Assemblyman Cho Jin-man, broaching the subject of Jin-man's mayoral aspirations. Jin-man's subtle hint that he won't receive the necessary backing leaves Koo deeply discouraged and irritated.
Parallel to this, So-ryong crosses paths with Jin-woo, who spills the gossip circulating within his company—rumors suggesting that Cho Tae-su, the chairman of Hanju Group, has passed away and that the truth is being suppressed due to financial entanglements. Another tantalizing whisper claims that Cho Hae-won herself was behind the theft of the sculpture from their corporate lobby.
Elsewhere still, Han Do inquiries about Seong-wook's missing dog with the latter's father, who mentions the possibility of possessing relevant photographs on an old phone, unfortunately lost recently. Back at the office, So-ryong delves into research about the stolen sculpture, her mind revisiting the enigmatic words of the animal communicator about the dog. She ponders if the "ball" he mentioned could symbolically refer to the sculpture. Her investigations also uncover a startling revelation: the sculptor behind the piece is Hae-won herself.
Just as Han Do walks in, So-ryong presents her findings, painting a vivid picture of intrigue and connection that ties the characters and their secrets together.Meanwhile, Ji-yun's frustration overflows with Gi-ho's choice to excise the clip featuring the prosecutor. Mo-ka suspects his motives, believing he's merely假装服从以取悦Manager Son. But upon confronting him, Gi-ho insists it's a genuine decision. He dreams of a stable career, paving the way for their marriage.
Elsewhere, Seong-wook's father stumbles upon the vintage phone he'd mentioned earlier. However, his dementia twists reality, and he wanders aimlessly until the police intervene, prompting calls to So-ryong and Han Do. Arriving at his residence, they find Gi-ho's premiere episode airing and eagerly tune in.
Soon, So-ryong storms into Gi-ho's office, demanding clarity. Gi-ho confesses without reservation. So-ryong scorns him for bowing to higher-ups, yet he stands firm, unrepentant. Later, So-ryong and Han Do drown their sorrows, So-ryong venting her anger over Trigger's supposed camaraderie turning sour. Inebriated, she hails a cab and disappears into the night.
Returning home, So-ryong discovers Cho Hae-won awaiting her outside. Hae-won confesses she admitted to President Koo two decades ago that she killed Cha Seong-wook. So-ryong quizzes her motives, receiving only cryptic allusions to betrayal. Hae-won mentions the sculpture, revealing she's concealed it at their "ultimate destination."
The following morning, Trigger team members grumble about Gi-ho's overnight elevation to full-time status. Meanwhile, in the drama department, Hong Na-hee receives harsh feedback that her script lacks depth. She balks at the suggestion of exploiting real, tragic events like murder for ratings.
The forensic officer delves into Mr. Cha's old phone, uncovering photos of Seong-wook's dog, which Han Do forwards to an animal communicator. Another discovery: the name of Detective Han Dong-hyuk, sparking a reaction in Han Do. Could this be his father? Han Do rushes to a hospital, confronting his elder brother. He inquires about their father's demise, learning Dong-hyuk was adjusting his glasses when a car collided, killing him. His brother mentions only four detectives attended the funeral, evoking a flashback of cops whispering about Dong-hyuk "turning against his own."
The detectives grilled Han Do's brother regarding his father's automobile, to which he initially resorted to deceit. Yet, in a subsequent conversation with Han Do, he disclosed the discovery of an envelope stained with blood within the vehicle. He further revealed that on the fateful morning of the accident, his father had entrusted him with a seemingly crucial task. Intrigued, Han Do scoured his own home and uncovered the enigmatic envelope.
Meanwhile, Cho Hae-won visited her family's abode, where her father lay in a coma, life sustained by machines. There, she encountered her brother, Cho Jin-man, and inquired about his continuing "recreations" in the basement. A physical altercation ensued, culminating in her sternly informing him to donate her portion of the inheritance to charity if he persisted in his macabre hobbies.
Shortly thereafter, President Koo received a message from Jin-man, inquiring about the disposal of Trigger. Elsewhere, Mo-ka confronted Gi-ho in a restaurant, noting his transformation and subsequently ending their relationship, leaving him with a cake inscribed with the bittersweet message, "Happy Breakup." Seeking solace, Gi-ho retreated to a bar where he encountered Han Do. Over drinks, Gi-ho gave vent to his sorrow, tears streaming down his face.
The following day, So-ryong, Han Do, and Seong-wook's father paid their respects at Han Dong-hyuk's gravesite. Han Do unveiled his connection to the case and presented So-ryong with the envelope, which contained a document revealing that four detectives had discovered Seong-wook's body but had covered up the homicide.
At that precise moment, So-ryong received a call from her contact, who had analyzed Hae-won's sculpture. He affirmed that the sculpture bore a 98% resemblance to Seong-wook's visage. Urgently, So-ryong arranged a meeting with Cho Hae-won at her workshop. Together with Han Do, they drove to the location, only to witness the building engulfed in flames. Within the inferno, a burning figure stood — the very vision that a shaman had once foretold to Han Do.
In a poignant mid-credits scene, Han Do poured his heart out to his father's urn, confessing that he was finally beginning to comprehend his legacy.
