This recap of Netflix K-Drama Queenmaker Season 1 Episode 4 contains spoilers.

We pick up where we left off in Episode 3 with the attempted assassination of Do-hee by goons from the Eunsung Group, and the episode begins with a brief action scene in which Dong-joo corners one of the cars and beats up several of its occupants.

He eventually succumbs to the pressure, but not before grabbing a lanyard for identification. Definitely, things are becoming hotter.

Queenmaker Season 1 Episode 4 Recap

Why does Kyung-sook decide to run for mayor?

All of this is done to strengthen Kyung-sook’s resolve. The fact that the Eunsung Group is ready to go to such lengths to achieve their goals is evident from the attempt on Do-hee’s life. This puts Kyung-sook in danger, which is something that her husband and son are not unaware of.

Principles, however, can occasionally take precedence over all other considerations.

Do-hee is equally furious about the situation. The two women literally and figuratively shake hands as they decide to cooperate in the race and defeat Jae-min. Do-hee assures Kyung-sook that while a portion of her life is behind her, Kyung-sook will still have to follow her orders if she wants to succeed, despite Kyung-sook’s insistence that she won’t participate in her dirty tactics if she thinks they’re going too far.

In the beginning, Kyung-sook declares her candidacy for mayor directly in front of Eunsung headquarters. Fired shots.

How does Jae-min respond?

In response, Jae-min requests a one-on-one discussion, expecting that his prior experience speaking on camera will give him the upper hand over Kyung-sook.

As a relative unknown, Kyung-sook comes in last in the contest, which is being won not by Jae-min but by Seo Min-jung, an established candidate with a solid support network, a spotless reputation, and appealing political views.

Do-hee’s campaign strategy employs a divide-and-conquer tactic, pitting the other candidates against one another while enhancing Kyung-sook’s reputation and gathering resources.

The image issue isn’t exhilarating for Kyung-sook. She believes it shouldn’t matter how she looks, dresses, or how skinny she is, but when the opposition starts sharing pictures of her visibly sweating due to a postpartum issue, she admits she recognizes these are the front lines on which a political contest is waged.

Who is Carl Yoon?

Chairperson Son presents Jae-min with a gifted political campaign strategist named Carl Yoon to aid in his campaign; Yoon’s first piece of counsel is for Jae-min to skip the debate.

Yoon is well-informed in his field. Jae-min’s relationship with Ji-yeon and his past with I-seul are all things he is also familiar with. In order to best protect him, he requires complete honesty from him. He also attempts to steer him away from his more ingrained tendencies to hog attention.

Meanwhile, Chairperson Son absolves Chae-ryoung of her duties so she may concentrate on being a loving wife. Ironically, this just increases the tension between Chae-ryoung and her husband, which at one point escalates to violence. Jae-min seemed to be accustomed to this sort of situation.

Queenmaker Season 1 Episode 4 Ending Explained

Right before the live debate, in which Kyung-sook would face off against Assemblywoman Seo, Episode 4 closes.

Do-hee tries her best to get ready for this by improving Kyung-sook’s reputation and making threats while leveraging her connections with the Eunsung Group to get some favors. Things are bound to get heated very fast with Seo pledging to demolish Kyung-sook as thoroughly as possible, Kyung-sook having a crucial point to make regarding her candidacy, and Jae-min watching on from the sidelines.

Episode 4 of Queenmaker Season 1 is only available on Netflix.

Additional reading:

• Queenmaker Season 1 Review
• Queenmaker Season 1 Episode 5 Recap
• Will there be a Queenmaker Season 2 on Netflix?