The 20th episode revealed that Chloe's design for the Adel Bio symbol is embroiled in an unexpected plagiarism controversy. If the issue isn't resolved, Kim Dan-hee faces the dire consequence of stepping down from her role.
The Adel Group is thrown into turmoil following Park Min-jun's (played by Kim Kyung-bo) announcement of a broken engagement. The meeting quickly descended into chaos, with Chairman Park Tae-ho's anger reaching its peak. Meanwhile, Choi Yoo-na (played by Chun Hee-joo) remains determined to pursue marriage, hinting at further conflicts. In contrast, Oh Jung-ran (played by Kim Hee-jung) seems to relish the collapse of Park Min-jun's marriage plans.
Later, Park Min-jun and Kim Dan-hee engage in a heartfelt conversation, during which Park Min-jun reveals the story of Baek Jin-joo (played by Nam Sang-ji) and discloses that she is the daughter of Baek Jun-ki (played by Nam Sung-jin). Shocked by this revelation, Kim Dan-hee immediately asks Jung Yoon-jung (played by Ha Jae-sook) to investigate Baek Jin-joo's background, bringing her closer to uncovering the truth.
Just as Kim Dan-hee is about to confirm Baek Jin-joo's identity through a photograph, a crisis hits the Adel Group. During a live broadcast, a mysterious man claims that Chloe's symbol design is plagiarized, presenting a design book as evidence. Park Tae-ho sternly warns Kim Dan-hee, "If this issue isn't resolved properly, not only will you be removed from your position, but you'll also be forced to step away from company affairs. Be prepared."
Choi Yoo-na's suspicious behavior raises further questions. During a phone call with a reporter, her seemingly gleeful tone about the plagiarism controversy angers viewers. Meanwhile, Park Min-jun and Chloe begin tracing the source of the design book leak, and Jung Yoon-jung discovers a crucial clue that the accuser has a history of false allegations, signaling the start of a counterattack.
Towards the end of the episode, the situation takes an unexpected turn. Instead of resolving the controversy, Park Tae-ho devises a ruthless plan to use Chloe as a scapegoat, portraying the Adel Group as victims. At the critical moment when Kim Dan-hee is pressured to execute the plan, a photograph of Baek Jin-joo partially emerges from the scattered investigation documents, freezing Kim Dan-hee in shock. The cliffhanger ending, just before Baek Jin-joo's identity is confirmed, heightens the suspense and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next developments.
Viewers reacted passionately to the episode, commenting, "Park Tae-ho's presence is no joke," "Yoo-na is truly scary," "Dan-hee must be having a hard time," "Finally, they know Jin-joo is Baek Jun-ki's daughter," "Is Dan-hee about to discover the truth?" "The accuser's identity needs to be revealed!" "Hyun-joon is incredibly charming," "The show has become so exciting since Chloe's appearance," and "The tension at the end was insane," among others.
The 21st episode of KBS 2TV's daily drama 'Red Pearl' will air tonight (26th) at 7:50 PM.
Image courtesy of KBS 2TV daily drama 'Red Pearl'
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr