Eugene was shocked by a video of her daughter, Park Seo-kyung, involved in school violence.
The third episode of MBN's mini-series 'First Lady,' aired on the 1st, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 1.9% and a peak rating of 2.1%, according to Nielsen Korea.
Cha Soo-yeon (played by Eugene), who was in a car accident with her daughter Hyun Ji-yoo (played by Park Seo-kyung), was left unconscious and bleeding, while reporters surrounded the vehicle, aggressively pursuing coverage. A flashback revealed a young Cha Soo-yeon being bombarded by reporters' flashes, labeled as the illegitimate child of Cha Jin-taek (played by Jeon No-min), leaving a shocking impression.
Meanwhile, Hyun Min-chul (played by Ji Hyun-woo) was seen anxiously calling and texting his daughter after the accident, despite receiving political updates from Shin Hae-rin (played by Lee Min-young) about President Yoo (played by Lee Jong-hyuk) and candidate Bae Young-sun (played by Son Ji-na). Cha Soo-yeon, with a bandage on her forehead indicating the severity of the accident, confidently approached Hyun Min-chul with divorce papers but pleaded, "Just withdraw the divorce lawsuit," drawing attention. However, Hyun Min-chul refused, saying, "As long as we're together, they'll target you," prompting Cha Soo-yeon to leave, declaring, "You have no right to call Ji-yoo's name."
Shin Hae-rin followed Cha Soo-yeon into the elevator, where Cha Soo-yeon confronted her about a staged show, asking, "Why did the clothes sent to the dorm come here?" Shin Hae-rin, unfazed, pointed out Cha Soo-yeon's escape from reporters, retorting, "Just as I learned from the best," infuriating Cha Soo-yeon. Shin Hae-rin further provoked her by saying, "Do you think you can bring me down with mere media play?" to which Cha Soo-yeon responded, "If I fall for this, it's too easy," escalating the tension.
Late at night, a troubled Cha Soo-yeon contacted reporter Son Min-joo (played by Shin So-yul) for an exclusive live interview. On camera, she tearfully claimed ignorance about the divorce, evoking sympathy. However, Son Min-joo deviated from their agreement, questioning Cha Soo-yeon about a large political fund allegedly funneled through her to Hyun Min-chul from Chairman Yang of H Group, leaving her flustered. During the interview, breaking news revealed Hyun Min-chul had filed a criminal complaint against Cha Soo-yeon for illegal wiretapping, shocking her.
In a dramatic turn, evidence of wiretapping devices found in a pen and tumbler was broadcast live. When asked by Son Min-joo about the wiretapping, Cha Soo-yeon hesitated before admitting, "I wasn't spying on my husband. It was to protect Hyun Min-chul, the politician," asserting her role as his 'political partner,' causing a stir. Despite her plea, "I trust your wise judgment," negative public opinion surged.
Hyun Min-chul, overwhelmed by the backlash against Cha Soo-yeon, recalled when Shin Hae-rin brought the wiretapping devices. Showing the devices, he coldly questioned Shin Hae-rin, "Since when did you know?" and stated, "I'm divorcing for Ji-yoo's mother. That's it," warning her not to target Cha Soo-yeon further.
Upon hearing from Shin Hae-rin about the investigation into President Yoo's illegal succession, Hyun Min-chul revealed his decision to divorce was to prevent Cha Soo-yeon from becoming a political target, saying, "The target is me, not Ji-yoo's mother. I can't bear to see her on the photo line."
With even her fan club 'Iron Lady' turning their backs, Cha Soo-yeon's position plummeted. She barely made it through the throng of reporters outside her home, suffering from severe nausea. Haunted by visions of her mother, who died tragically as Cha Jin-taek's mistress, she vowed, "I won't die like my mother," shedding tears of determination.
Cha Soo-yeon sought legal representation for her divorce, but all firms refused due to preemptive measures by the president-elect's side, leaving her despondent. Watching her former supportive lawyer Hwang Nu-ri (played by Jung Min-ji) now representing Hyun Min-chul, and his press conference promising no national disruption due to personal matters, deepened her despair.
Ultimately, Cha Soo-yeon lamented, "I have nowhere to go, no lawyer," expressing her anguish. In the final scene, after receiving a call from Hyun Ji-yoo's teacher, Cha Soo-yeon went to the school and was devastated to see a video of her daughter violently assaulting a classmate, her eyes filled with despair in a 'cliffhanger ending.'
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr