Ko Hyun-jung Escapes in 'The Scorpion': Shocking Finale Sets New Ratings Record

SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Scorpion: Killer's Outing' delivered a shocking cliffhanger in its fourth episode on the 13th, as protagonist Jung Yi-shin (Ko Hyun-jung) escaped from her confinement.

The episode initially pointed to Seo Gu-wan (Lee Tae-gu) as the prime suspect in the 'Scorpion' copycat murders. However, following Seo Gu-wan's death in a hit-and-run accident, the focus shifted to a new character, Park Min-jae (Lee Chang-min). The biggest shock came with the implication that Jung Yi-shin, who had escaped her residence, was the one responsible for Seo Gu-wan's death. The episode concluded with Jung Yi-shin appearing at the home of her daughter-in-law, Lee Jeong-yeon (Kim Bo-ra), sending chills down viewers' spines.

Earlier, the truth behind Jung Yi-shin's 'Murder Zero' was revealed. Cha Soo-yeol (Jang Dong-yoon) was devastated to learn that Jung Yi-shin's first victim was her own husband, who was also his grandfather. His grandfather confessed that Jung Yi-shin had suffered greatly from her husband's abuse and suspicion, and that he witnessed her first murder but couldn't bring himself to reveal it.

Meanwhile, Park Min-jae began to exhibit suspicious behavior, approaching Cha Soo-yeol's wife, Lee Jeong-yeon, with undue familiarity. During a confrontation, Park Min-jae provocatively discussed the 'Scorpion' murders from 23 years prior. Cha Soo-yeol eventually found a diorama recreating all the 'Scorpion' crime scenes at Park Min-jae's residence and arrested him. However, Park Min-jae hinted at his awareness of Jung Yi-shin's situation, asking if he could meet his mother.

Kim Na-hee (Lee El) visited Seo Gu-wan in the hospital, harboring suspicions about Cha Soo-yeol. A newly awakened Seo Gu-wan attacked Kim Na-hee, warning her, 'The Scorpion will kill me. Because I know.' He then escaped the hospital only to be fatally struck by a car in front of Cha Soo-yeol, uttering, 'You're just like your mother.'

The most stunning twist revealed that Jung Yi-shin used the poison of the 'Nam-ga-rye' beetle, which she had collected, to incapacitate her guard, Kim Woo-tae (Gil Eun-seong), and escape. Her timely appearance at Cha Soo-yeol and Lee Jeong-yeon's house the day after Seo Gu-wan's death, calmly greeting Lee Jeong-yeon with 'Hello, Lee Jeong-yeon,' concluded the episode, leaving viewers with numerous questions about her motives and the future course of Cha Soo-yeol's investigation.

The fourth episode, packed with a copycat killer suspect change, Jung Yi-shin's escape, and the implication of further murders, kept viewers on the edge of their seats. The actors' detailed performances heightened the immersion, with Ko Hyun-jung's commanding screen presence culminating in a tense finale.

According to Nielsen Korea, the episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 7.5%, and 7.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area, both new personal bests. The moment-by-moment rating peaked at 9.6%. The show also maintained its buzz with a 2049 viewership rating averaging 2.2% and peaking at 3.12%, indicating its strong grip on both ratings and話題性 (topicality).

'The Scorpion: Killer's Outing' airs every Friday at 9:50 PM and Saturday at 10:00 PM KST.

Ko Hyun-jung, a prominent South Korean actress, began her career after being crowned Miss Korea runner-up in 1989. She has starred in numerous critically acclaimed dramas such as 'Sandglass', 'Spring Day', 'Daemul', and 'Dear My Friends', solidifying her reputation as a versatile performer. In 'The Scorpion: Killer's Outing,' she takes on a daring and unconventional role, earning praise for her transformative performance.