Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Soo-ho retreats into the dormitory after the attempted escape becomes an ambush. Gang-mu uses the confusion to lead the hostages away, but Gyeok-chan intercepts them and another struggle begins. Soo-ho stops his comrade from killing Gang-mu and returns the students to the cafeteria. Yeong-ro's hand has been cut by falling glass. He treats it despite her resistance and tells her that a doctor for the wounded Eung-cheol could provide an opportunity to release her. The apparent favour draws suspicion from other students, while Yeong-ro wants everyone freed. Outside, officials reshape Professor Han's death into a public story that protects their election scheme rather than admitting the failed operation.
Gyeok-chan urges a collective death with the hostages and reveals that he has orders to kill Soo-ho if his loyalty fails. Soo-ho shoots his bulletproof vest and forces him back under command. With Eung-cheol deteriorating, he demands a doctor within twenty minutes. Tae-il sends Kang Chung-ya and allows Han-na to accompany her, hoping to incapacitate the spies before an assault. Seung-hee prepares a release list, but Bun-ok objects to the selection process and loses her own place when Soo-ho tears up her paperwork. As students plead to leave, Yeong-ro refuses to accept preferential treatment. She tells Soo-ho that her father is the ANSP director, offering herself as a hostage in exchange for the others' freedom.