The Negotiation

Inspector Ha Chae-youn receives an urgent call from Superintendent Ahn Hyuk-su about a hostage crisis in Yangjae-dong, Seoul. Two Filipino kidnappers have taken a couple hostage, leading to a tense situation that Chae-youn feels compelled to manage despite her superior's opposition.

Despite Chae-youn's efforts to negotiate peacefully, Captain Jung rashly decides to deploy a police strike team to confront the kidnappers. This impulsive action results in one of the kidnappers being shot dead, and the remaining kidnapper takes the female hostage as a human shield during his escape.

In a shocking escalation, the male kidnapper murders the female hostage before the police can intervene. Inspector Chae-youn arrives to find the victim in her arms, a traumatic event that profoundly impacts her and leads her to consider resigning from the police force.

Still traumatized ten days after the hostage crisis, Chae-youn contemplates resigning from her position as an inspector. Just as she is about to leave, Captain Jung persuades her to stay, unaware that a new crisis is about to unfold.

Chae-youn receives another urgent call from Superintendent Ahn about a new hostage situation in Bangkok, involving international arms dealer Min Tae-gu. This task pulls her back into the chaotic world she wished to escape, now with multiple Korean nationals taken hostage.

During her negotiations with Min Tae-gu, Chae-youn finds herself frustrated by his outrageous demands, hanging up on him twice. Seeking guidance, she consults Presidential Secretary Gong to strategize for the challenging conversation ahead.

Chae-youn learns that Captain Jung is among the hostages held by Min, which intensifies her determination to negotiate effectively. The gravity of the situation hits as she realizes not just her colleagues are in danger, but also the innocent lives at stake.

As efforts intensify, officials reveal that hostages are held on an island in the Malacca Straits, leading to the initiation of a joint military-police operation. However, the media is instructed to maintain silence, adding to the tension surrounding the unfolding crisis.

The situation escalates when Min coldly executes Captain Jung, a heartbreaking loss that devastates Chae-youn even further. This act ignites a desperate sense of urgency among the negotiators as they realize how deeply the situation has deteriorated.

In a twist, it is revealed that Lee, who was believed to be a journalist, is actually an undercover NIS agent infiltrating Min's organization. This new information shifts the dynamics of the situation and prompts Chae-youn to strategize differently.

The NIS confronts Min with an ultimatum: he must release the hostages or face severe consequences. However, Min retaliates by introducing a family of four as new bargaining chips, demonstrating his ruthlessness and leaving the NIS in a precarious position.

Min escalates the tension by insisting that he will only negotiate with Inspector Chae-youn. This leads to her reintegration into the negotiation team as they scramble to save the remaining hostages and gather vital information.

In a tense gathering, high-ranking officials come together to oversee the operation against Min. As plans unfold, it becomes clear that some among them have ulterior motives, heightening the atmosphere of betrayal and suspense.

Min broadcasts the hostage crisis live on YouTube, igniting national outrage and bringing immense public attention to the situation. This shocking move amplifies the pressure on the officials involved, forcing them to act swiftly.

As tensions peak, a military operation is initiated against Min and the hostages. In a dramatic confrontation, Min's fateful choices lead to explosive consequences, culminating in a final showdown that exposes deep-seated corruption while sealing Min's tragic fate.