In the tenth episode of Confidence Queen, the stylish world of cons and scams cracks open to reveal the painful past that started it all. The episode, which aired on October 5, 2025, shows the moment of truth for the con artist team. Yoon Yi-rang moves closer to the man connected to her childhood kidnapping, but her secret actions threaten to destroy the trust holding her team together.
The Con and The Hidden Painting
The episode centers on an elaborate con made to look like a fake movie screening. The goal is to lure a corrupt seafood tycoon, Ha Jung-ho, and expose his crimes. While James and Myung Gu-ho play their parts, Yi-rang’s real focus is elsewhere. She uses the flashy scheme as a cover to get closer to the man she believes is responsible for her kidnapping.
The story’s most important moment happens away from the con. Yi-rang stands alone in front of a mysterious mural, a painting that holds a clue to her past. She speaks to the unseen enemy she has been chasing for years, declaring:
“Everything I’ve done until now was just a small game to get near you. The game we’ve been playing isn’t over yet. The real game begins now.”
This statement changes the show’s direction. It confirms that every scam until now was just practice for a deeply personal mission of revenge.
A Trust Broken by a Father’s Photo
The careful balance within the team shatters when Myung Gu-ho discovers Yi-rang’s secret investigation room. He finds his own father’s photograph among the evidence connected to Yi-rang’s kidnapping. He realizes that every job they have pulled together was not just for money or justice, but was secretly guided by Yi-rang’s personal revenge.
This discovery instantly breaks the trust between them. Gu-ho feels betrayed, understanding he has been used as a pawn in a game he never agreed to play. Meanwhile, James acts as the experienced voice of reason. He has been warning Yi-rang that keeping secrets has a cost that can be higher than any financial prize.
A Show Struggling With Its Own Style
This episode highlights a conflict that has been present in Confidence Queen. The show is known for its over-the-top style, with glamorous cons and dramatic reveals. However, when the story deals with serious themes like childhood trauma and grief, this flashy style can weaken the emotional impact.
The show sometimes struggles to balance its fun, crime-caper tone with the heavier tone of a psychological revenge drama. In this episode, the serious moments about Yi-rang’s kidnapping and her driving pain do not land as powerfully as they could because they clash with the show’s usual playful style.
The Final Confrontation Is Set
With only two episodes left in the series, the stage is set for a major confrontation. Yi-rang’s main enemy is no longer a shadowy figure but a person she is ready to face directly. However, her main team is now broken. The bond that made their cons successful is damaged, and Gu-ho’s trust may be lost for good.
James’s earlier warnings about the price of hidden truths now hang over every decision Yi-rang makes. She is stepping closer to the man who stole her childhood, but she might have to sacrifice her team to get the justice she seeks.
Also Read: Confidence Queen Finale: Episode 11 and 12 Release Schedule and Story Preview
