Payback Episode 7 and 8 Highlights and Recap: With a tenuous alliance now in place, our heroes have attained the upper hand. But just as the ultimate blow seemed imminent, the tables turn once more. Deal-making and -breaking on both sides is growing more reckless, and this conflict appears to be escalating.

This week of mayhem begins with a flashback depicting Yong’s first taste of generating large money after overhearing one of Myung’s talks and perusing his records. Having gained knowledge of Myung’s stock market tactics, Yong employs it to his own financial advantage. He successfully hits the lottery and announces his impending wealth to the world.

Payback Episode 7 and 8 Highlights

Undercover Activity and Bargains in the Gang Investigation

Back in the present, Tae-Choon engages in undercover activity by posing as the designated driver for Myung’s attorney, LEE SOO-DONG (Kwon Hyuk). After delivering Soo-dong to one of their hideouts, Tae-Choon takes photographs of the fortified abandoned structure.

Yong meets with Jun-friend, Kyung PROSECUTOR HAM JIN (Choi Jung-in), at the prison, after striking a deal with his guard by threatening to take everything from him as leverage. Previously, she did not offer assistance when Jun-Kyung requested it, but she changed her mind and decided to do so for Yong and her buddy. After Ki-Seok discovers that she is assisting Yong, he rapidly regains leverage and arranges a “promotion” for Jin.

The-Choon had progressed farther into the gang ring in pursuit of his target, only to be nearly kidnapped by them when they capture him in an alleyway. The-Choon nearly jeopardized an undercover investigation that the police were conducting when they arrive and frighten away the thugs. After reprimanding him for his imprudence, they informed him that Jun-Kyung regained consciousness.

Yong is able to visit Jun-Kyung after cutting a bargain with his guard and gaining additional freedom. This scene demonstrates how deeply the two care for each other, particularly Yong for Jun-Kyung (awww). As everyone arrives to reconnect with Jun-Kyung, the entire team convenes to discuss (additional) methods to eliminate Myung.

Turn of Events in the Courtroom and New Alliances Formed

Surprising everyone, Yong interrupts the attorney general in court and invites Jun-Kyung to represent him as his attorney. Despite not having done much in this play thus far, her arrival into the courtroom was filled with authority. And the outfit of Bordeaux she was wearing? The cherry on top. We can only hope that the Jun-character Kyung becomes more substantial in the future.

With Yong’s strategy proceeding as intended, Prosecutor Ham is now investigating all of Myung’s investments, which will expose his market manipulation actions. Ki-Seok loses his cool with Myung because he always has to clean up his messes, and this one is especially large. In the midst of an argument, Myung slaps Ki-Seok, further infuriating him. I did not anticipate Ki-Seok to face Myung in this manner, but it creates a more intriguing dynamic between them – one that appears to have flaws that can be prodded.

In reference to the cracks in their relationship, Yong seizes the moment to negotiate a pact with Ki-Seok to work against Myung. Yong vows to take all of Myung’s money and give it to Se-hee, while simultaneously forcing Myung to bow before Ki-Seok.

This is a partnership I was surprised about, but I can see the value that Yong is seeking. I’m sure he won’t work with Ki-Seok completely religiously because he will just utilize him for what he needs, but Ki-Seok is certainly intelligent enough to see this is part of the plan. Keep your friends near, but your enemies closer, as the saying goes.

As a result of Yong and Ki-newfound Seok’s cooperation, Yong has his own office space, and Tae-Choon is restored after his disciplinary suspension. The Choon, working with Yong, offers a specific case to Ki-Seok in the hopes that he will use the team to investigate (thus initiating Yong’s strategy). Ki-Seok also provides Myung with information on the companies he is examining. So that Myung may prosper, while Ki-reputation Seok simultaneously improves.

Plot Developments in Undercover Scheme

As his schemes continue to materialize, Yong appears to have Ki-Seok and Myung in the palm of his hand, as Ki-Seok does everything he directs. Underneath the surface, however, both are anticipating a type of betrayal and waiting for the appropriate opportunity to bite one another.

Han-na installs Jun-Kyung in a penthouse with top-tier security, and Jun-Kyung utilizes the head guard to find and rescue Jin-ho. Upon returning him to the penthouse, she utilizes his drug addiction to induce him to speak. When Jin-ho discovered that the medications Myung intended to give him were toxic, he realized that Myung did not value him and withdrew his support for the chairman. This enables Jun-Kyung to obtain additional information from him regarding the killing of CEO Oh.

Jin-ho is someone who meant — and still means — so much to Yong, so it’s tragic to watch how far he falls when drugs are involved. I am hopeful that Jun-Kyung will be able to completely turn him around, thereby adding another good player to the team.

Myung arranges a meeting for Yong. Yong offers Myung a large sum of money in exchange for Jun-thumb Kyung’s drive and dirt on Ki-Seok in an effort to secure a business relationship. Myung unexpectedly turns the tables and informs Yong that he will not complete the deal with him, stunning Yong. Our main antagonist retaliates aggressively, declaring that he is willing to declare bankruptcy if it means he will be secure, despite the devastation he would do to ordinary individuals due to the market fall. This tremendous move completely catches Yong off guard.

The Aftermath of Myung’s Bold Move and the Response from the Justice-Seekers

Myung, truly advancing with his audacious chess move, utilizes this to remind Ki-Seok that he still holds the upper hand in their relationship. In addition, he uses Soo-dong as the scapegoat. Sheesh! This brave action by Myung was completely out of the left field. I have no idea what Yong will do to put pressure back on Myung, but he must act quickly since this is a devastating loss.

Our week concludes with Ki-Seok meeting Yong in prison while shaken. He almost gives in to his wrath, balling up his fist in preparation for a punch. Ki-Seok tells Yong that he is going to throw Tae-Choon under the bus by exposing that he leaked prosecution material after Yong forces him to think reasonably. Yong stares back, appearing more certain than uncertain. I’m curious as to what cards he’s holding, especially after his sleepless night of planning a suitable counterattack.

Next week will be an adventure, as this week appeared to be the beginning of the end. Myung’s bombshell move stunned the world, and now we await the hero’s response. He has been defeated in this round, but I have a feeling he’s not done yet. Our group of justice-seekers is in dire straits, and Yong had better have something up his sleeve, for the fight against pure evil is about to become filthy.

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Final Words

Yong gains a financial advantage by using Myung’s stock market tactics. Ki-Seok forms an alliance with Yong to work against Myung. Tae-Choon is reinstated and gets his own office space. Jun-Kyung uses Jin-ho’s addiction to obtain information about CEO Oh’s death. Yong is able to visit Jun-Kyung after cutting a bargain with his guard and gaining additional freedom.

Ki-Seok loses his cool with Myung because he always has to clean up his messes, and this one is especially large. Tae-Choon is restored after his disciplinary suspension. Han-na installs Jun-Kyung in a penthouse with top-tier security to find and rescue Jin-ho. Yong offers Myung a large sum of money in exchange for Jun-thumb Kyung’s drive and dirt on Ki-Seok. Myung unexpectedly turns the tables and informs Yong that he will not complete the deal.

Ki-Seok’s Myung declares bankruptcy and uses Soo-dong as a scapegoat. Our main antagonist is defeated in this round, but I have a feeling he’s not done yet. Next week will be an adventure, as Yong’s fight against pure evil is about to become filthy.