Gi-hun is devastated by the loss of his best friend and sinks into deep despair after discovering that the Game Master had hidden his true identity to secretly infiltrate the game.
No-eul infiltrates a dangerous operation with a risky plan. A new game is announced: hide-and-seek, where one group holds a key and the other a knife.
The games resume, and Gi-hun fixates on confronting Kang Dae-ho. Meanwhile, Kim Jun-hee faces a sudden crisis that pushes her willpower to its limits.
Jun-ho's team gets close to finding the island. Jang Geum-ja makes a desperate plea to Gi-hun to help Jun-hee. The VIPs discuss a cruel proposal.
Even as Gi-hun supports Jun-hee amid rising tensions, she must make a pivotal decision. Before the final game, the Front Man gives Gi-hun an ultimatum.