The Enigmatic Allure of “The Witch”: Exploring Episodes 7 and 8
Channel A’s gripping drama, The Witch, featuring the talents of Park Jin-young and Roh Jeong-eui, once again captured the public’s imagination with its complex storyline and intricate character relationships. The seventh and eighth episodes, which aired on March 8 and 9, 2025, are pivotal as they unravel the cryptic history of Park Mi-jeong and the ominous “witch” curse that haunts her life.
Episode 7: Dong-jin’s Dangerous Curiosity
The narrative in Episode 7 begins with Lee Dong-jin (played by Park Jin-young), who is acutely aware of the disturbing events that have unfolded around Park Mi-jeong (Roh Jeong-eui). Driven by a compelling need to uncover the truth of the series of disasters tied to Mi-jeong, Dong-jin risks everything to immerse himself in her world. He adheres to a strict code, maintaining a minimum distance of 10 meters from her and limiting their interactions to under 10 minutes.
However, as fate would have it, his curiosity draws him closer, leading to mishaps whenever he disregards his self-imposed boundaries. By the end of Episode 8, as he boldly tests his theories, he disappears in an eerie twist, leaving his life hanging in the balance after violating the critical rule of engagement with Mi-jeong.
Investigating Mi-jeong’s Past
In an effort to gather more information, Dong-jin visits their former high school, learning that Mi-jeong was long ostracized due to a series of inexplicable and unfortunate events affecting those near her. Friends from her past recount harrowing stories of accidents that befell boys who dared to express interest in Mi-jeong, reinforcing the unjust “witch”moniker that has plagued her life.
Through this investigation, Dong-jin cultivates a deeper sympathy for Mi-jeong, recognizing the painful solitude and the unearned stigma she has had to endure. Concurrently, Mi-jeong battles her personal demons, considering an escape from her troubles, yet her father’s enduring support compels her to confront her fears and find a way to live beyond the curse.
Hypotheses and Haunting Results
Meanwhile, Dong-jin’s dedication leads him to take up a part-time job delivering groceries to Mi-jeong, allowing him to peel back the layers of her curse. Over the months, he formulates five crucial hypotheses that he believes might explain the mysterious accidents:
- Remaining within or under 10 meters of Mi-jeong poses a danger.
- Interactions exceeding 10 minutes could also be perilous.
- If she knows your name, the danger amplifies.
- Declaring love for her is fraught with risk.
- Flouting these rules could lead to death.
However, after numerous interactions and a series of accidents, including one involving a falling billboard that injures him, Dong-jin begins to reconsider the validity of his theories. Each time he surpasses the 10-exchange threshold, he encounters misfortune. His inquiries intensify as he links the nature of his conversations to the accidents and injuries he faces.
Perilous Consequences Unveiled
Following recovery from his injuries, Dong-jin finds himself drawn to the bus stop where Mi-jeong waits. As he boards the same bus, he remains cautious, trying to keep a distance. However, rain and congested traffic trigger his anxiety as he realizes the 10-minute limit has been exceeded. In a panic, he does the unthinkable—jumping from the bus, leading to a dramatic standoff on a bridge where he finally confronts his fear of the unknown.
As the episode concludes, Dong-jin’s leap into the river signifies more than a surrender; it is a profound challenge to his fate and the curse that binds Mi-jeong.
Episode 8: Revelations that Alter Everything
The opening of Episode 8 is marked by Dong-jin’s fall, an act of defiance against the fatalistic curse. Fortunately, he is rescued but soon finds himself in the hospital, where he engages Producer Eun-hui, Mi-jeong’s confidant, in a desperate inquiry about her past loves.
Through Eun-hui, Dong-jin learns about Im Ik-jong, the only individual reportedly immune to Mi-jeong’s curse. A decade ago, she cast a spell on him, yet he faced no repercussions despite being loved by Mi-jeong. This heartbreaking realization plunges Dong-jin into despair as he recognizes that the only means to liberate Mi-jeong lies within her ability to love, a sentiment that appears increasingly unattainable.
Determined to break through the barrier of her curse, Dong-jin finally decides to confront Mi-jeong directly. Believing it could be his last chance, he leaves clues for his best friend Jung-hyuk, as he prepares for a potentially permanent goodbye.
In a climactic confrontation at Mi-jeong’s home, he admits to being the grocery delivery boy and by breaking the 10-exchange boundary, he urges her to live unrestricted by her cursed identity. He discloses the heartbreaking truths he’s uncovered, leading him to leave town with a suitcase, leaving a lasting impact as he vanishes without a trace.
The anticipation for the next chapters continues to build as episodes 9 and 10 are slated for release on Viki and Viu on March 15 and 16, 2025. With unresolved tension and mystique surrounding Dong-jin and Mi-jeong, fans are left eager for the unfolding drama.