Namib- Episodes 5-6
Manipulation, Betrayal, and A Star on the Rise
Hey Namib fans! Episodes 5 and 6 brought us even deeper into the tangled relationships, secrets, and high-stakes drama of the entertainment industry. Jin-woo continues to face manipulation, Soo-hyun fights for her reputation, and Hyun-cheol’s revenge scheme takes a dark turn. Let’s break it all down.
The episode picks up with Jin-woo finishing his performance on Star Rise, only to be shaken by the presence of his mother in the audience. They meet backstage, where she plays the perfect manipulator, emphasizing their so-called “family” bond. Unbeknownst to them, Soo-hyun listens in, absorbing every painful word.
Determined to help Shim Jin-woo at school, Jin-woo devises a note-taking competition among his classmates, using idol merchandise as a reward. He also establishes an emergency contact system, ensuring Shim Jin-woo has someone looking out for him at all times. Practical and clever—classic Jin-woo.
Meanwhile, he and Ji-yeong double down on their training for Star Rise, but Chris pulls Jin-woo aside for a fancy dinner with a warning: don’t trust Soo-hyun. In a flashback, we learn that Chris was once removed from a debut team at her orders, leaving him bitter and suspicious of her intentions.
Elsewhere, Jun-seok, eager to reclaim his lost career, crosses paths with Bong-gyu—the wealthy investor who once pursued Soo-hyun. This chance meeting reignites his ambition, pushing him to mentor Jin-woo with renewed determination.
Shim Jin-woo, meanwhile, crafts a custom hairband for Ji-yeong, using Soo-hyun’s factory connections to produce it. A small, sweet moment amidst all the tension.
The episode’s turning point comes when Soo-hyun confronts Chris, warning him to stay away from Jin-woo. Just then, she receives a call—Jin-woo has advanced past the first round of Star Rise. But the victory is short-lived. A scandal looms over Soo-hyun as an old video resurfaces, threatening to ruin her reputation. Jun-seok and Bong-gyu rush to clear her name, but the real shocker? Chris tricked Jin-woo into recording it.
Jin-woo, realizing Chris’s deception, heads to the club to cut ties. But Chris lashes out, accusing Soo-hyun of abandonment. Just in time, Soo-hyun and Jun-seok arrive to defend Jin-woo, pulling him away from his toxic past. The episode closes with them leaving together—an emotional victory, but with many battles still ahead.
Haunted by the Past
As the video scandal threatens Soo-hyun’s career, Jin-woo grows more comfortable in her home, forming a fragile sense of belonging. But the storm isn’t over—Hyun-cheol, the mastermind behind the scandal, is far from done.
A flashback reveals the horrifying truth: his sister was among the trainees taken to a club by Pandora’s investors. Drugged and dazed, she stumbled into traffic and was killed. Despite the clear negligence of those responsible, no justice was served. Now, Hyun-cheol is out for blood, and Soo-hyun is his target.
Back in the present, Soo-hyun and Jun-seok notice Jin-woo’s self-harm scars, but he refuses to acknowledge them. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Soo-hyun gently wraps a scarf around his wrists, offering quiet reassurance. It’s a turning point in their relationship, showing how much she truly cares.
Jin-woo moves into the Star Rise dorms as the competition heats up, but Hyun-cheol continues to pull strings. He pressures the producers to push Ha-na forward while subtly working to eliminate Jin-woo. During the duet round selection, Jin-woo volunteers to take the lesser role, playing guitar while a junior trainee leads the vocals. A risky move, but true to his character.
Meanwhile, Shim Jin-woo’s school troubles escalate. His bullies, now running a small extortion scheme, drag him into a dangerous confrontation. A student records the fight and sends the footage to Jin-woo—just as he’s about to perform.
Adding to the chaos, Soo-hyun’s mother goes missing. As Soo-hyun and Jun-seok race to find her, the drama peels back another layer of Soo-hyun’s past. Her father abandoned the family to live with his mistress, forcing Soo-hyun into a parental role at a young age. Her tough exterior suddenly makes a lot more sense.
Jin-woo, overwhelmed by the school fight video, ditches the dorm—a move that could get him disqualified. Soo-hyun and Jun-seok, distracted by their family crisis, scramble to bring him back before it’s too late.
But then, the unexpected happens. Jin-woo’s first performance goes viral overnight, launching him into sudden stardom. The episode ends on a game-changing moment: his very first interview, with the world now watching his every move.
DramaZen's Opinion
Episodes 5 and 6 deliver high drama, emotional depth, and some truly devastating backstories. Jin-woo’s journey is more than just a trainee’s struggle—it’s a fight for survival, identity, and belonging. Soo-hyun’s growing protectiveness over him adds layers to her character, making their relationship one of the most compelling aspects of Namib.
Hyun-cheol’s tragic past gives depth to his villainy, making him a formidable antagonist. The stakes are higher than ever, with Jin-woo’s career at risk and Soo-hyun’s reputation hanging by a thread.
With betrayal, revenge, and viral fame colliding, we can’t wait to see what’s next. What are your thoughts? Drop your comments below!
Rating: 9.5/10
