Doubt Episode 3 Recap: Jang Tae-su and Police Investigate Potential Serial Killer Links in Murder Cases

The highly anticipated third episode of the MBC drama Doubt premiered on October 18, 2024. This gripping series stars notable actors Han Seok-kyu, Han Ye-ri, Chae Won-bin, and Oh Yeon-soo in prominent roles. The inaugural season comprises a total of ten episodes.

In the latest episode of Doubt, we witness Tae-su growing increasingly suspicious of Ha-bin’s involvement in the murder cases, particularly due to her prior relationship with her brother. As Tae-su grapples with trusting his daughter, he uncovers another critical link between the two cases, deepening his doubts about Ha-bin.

After establishing this connection, the police now suspect they are on the trail of a potential serial killer.

Doubt Episode 3 Recap: Jang Tae-su Investigates Jang Ha-bin’s Alibi

The episode kicks off with Tae-su questioning his daughter about whether she met Song Min-a prior to her disappearance. However, before she could respond, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the police.

The officers visited their home in search of Jang Ha-bin, as she had been in close proximity to the crime scene located at Mount Daehwa. It was at this moment that they realized Jang Ha-bin is, in fact, Tae-su’s daughter.

With a barrage of inquiries, the police probed Jang Ha-bin, who not only answered their questions but also divulged secrets unknown to her father. She firmly stated that she had never been to Mount Daehwa.

This episode also featured Jang Ha-bin sharing details about a conflict she had with Song Min-a. When questioned about her activities on the 11th, she revealed that she was with her boyfriend during that time.

Although the police seemed to accept Jang Ha-bin’s calm demeanor and responses, Tae-su remained unconvinced, continuing to question her about her interactions with Song Min-a on the 11th and the allegations of her stealing the victim’s phone. Earlier in the season, Tae-su had discovered an extra phone hidden in Jang Ha-bin’s belongings. Yet, Ha-bin consistently denied any wrongdoing and implored her father to believe her.

Tae-su later examined Ha-bin’s keychain, which she had previously burned in a prior episode. Unbeknownst to her, Tae-su had secretly switched her keychain for evidence. The keychain she burned was merely a duplicate.

Still from Doubt (Image via Instagram/@mbcdrama_now)

The following day, both Tae-su and the police arrived at the school to question Ha-bin’s boyfriend, Lee Su-hyeon. He confirmed that on the 11th, Ha-bin was with him in a hotel overnight, and claimed he didn’t recognize Song Min-a.

Tae-su also had a conversation with one of Ha-bin’s former teachers, who praised her for using a school reward to help Lee Su-hyeon financially, highlighting his modest background.

In the next sequence, Tae-su and the police inspected the hotel referenced in Ha-bin’s statement, reviewing CCTV footage that confirmed her alibi without revealing anything suspicious. So far, Jang Ha-bin appeared to have a solid alibi.

However, Tae-su couldn’t shake off his skepticism, especially since she was the last person known to have seen Song Min-a, as pointed out by Park Ji-yeon in the previous episode. This led to tension with both the police officers and Tae-su’s assistant, who were frustrated that he was withholding information about his daughter’s possible involvement in the murders.

Meanwhile, authorities maintained surveillance on the residence of Choi Yeong-min, the suspect apprehended in a previous installment of Doubt. He had been released due to insufficient evidence and was currently missing, prompting a search by the police.

Next, Jang Ha-bin attempted to access a locker but struggled with the PIN. After returning home, she noticed her father’s car’s dashcam recording.

During dinner, she reassured Tae-su of her innocence, prompting him to promise that he would stop doubting her. She also suggested a move, implying she was ready for a change in their lives.

The following day, officers arrested additional members of the group associated with Song Min-a. The testimonies of seven gang members aligned, suggesting they were fabricating stories to shield the truth. The officers focused on the group’s weakest member, persuading her to reveal that Choi Yeong-min had pressured them to lie about Song Min-a, alleging he had threatened her due to her departure from their group.

Later, Jang Ha-bin successfully opened the locker, retrieving a bag from within.

Meanwhile, Choi Yeong-min was hiding with the landlady, who had shown no suspicious behavior in earlier episodes, suggesting she had some involvement in the ongoing crimes.

The police continued to analyze the situation, struggling to find any alibi for Choi Yeong-min. Tae-su theorized that since it was unlikely for one individual to act alone, there must be an accomplice involved.

As the episode progressed, Tae-su decided to step back from the investigation due to his daughter’s implication, a significant breach of protocol. He exited the station and discussed the potential sale of his house, suggesting his growing trust in Ha-bin and willingness to follow her desire to relocate.

However, his resolve was challenged when he received a call from someone seeking dashcam footage from the car where he had left a letter. This vehicle was parked outside the hotel where Ha-bin stayed. They reviewed the footage together, leading Tae-su to the unsettling realization that his daughter had not been in the hotel room the entire time as claimed—she was seen hastily exiting the hotel and heading elsewhere.

Confronting Lee Su-hyeon, Tae-su pressed for the truth, discovering that Lee had no idea where Ha-bin went after they left the hotel. To his shock, Lee stated he wasn’t her boyfriend, as they had only recently met at school, contradicting what Tae-su had been led to believe based on the teacher’s earlier comments about their past connection.

Tae-su later approached the teacher, who clarified that he was referring to Ha-bin’s best friend, Lee Su-yeon, rather than Ha-bin’s relationship with Lee Su-hyeon. He emphasized that Su-hyeon had actually dropped out of school and disappeared.

This revelation spurred Tae-su to locate Su-hyeon’s address and speak with his father, who immediately recognized Ha-bin from a photograph, revealing that she too was a runaway and had a close relationship with his son.

Lee Su-hyeon then updated Ha-bin about her father’s inquiries. When Tae-su confronted Ha-bin again, he reassured her of his commitment to uncover the real perpetrator behind the murders.

Concurrently, Choi Yeong-min approached Park Ji-yeon, seeking money, and attempted to access Song Min-a’s locker before leaving the scene.

As the story unfolded, Ha-bin was depicted glancing at a bag filled with money and sending a picture to Yeong-min.

Tae-su was seen dropping Ha-bin off at the library, and shortly after, she rushed to Seopyeon Station, where the police ultimately apprehended Choi Yeong-min.

By the conclusion of the episode, Tae-su faced suspension over bribery allegations, with bribe money found tucked in his car’s trunk and his dashcam footage mysteriously erased. This prompted him to reevaluate Ha-bin’s potential involvement, given her access to his vehicle.

Choi Yeong-min was released again, while Tae-su became the focus of an official inquiry. The episode concluded with a call from a forensic expert who discovered that a fiber from Ha-bin’s keychain matched evidence found at the crime scene.

This intense installment of Doubt leaves audiences eager for the next episodes, which will air on Fridays and Saturdays. Viewers can also catch up with the show on Netflix.

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