Salon de Holmes Episode 4 took a strange but interesting turn. Salon de Holmes isn’t your average neighborhood mystery show. What makes it work is how it mixes petty day-to-day issues with dark twists that no one expects. Episode 4 is a perfect example of that formula. It starts with garbage—and ends with a rescue mission.
What started as a case about illegal trash dumping became something way bigger. Gong Mi-ri, played by Lee Si-young, used sharp thinking to solve the problem. But things got more serious quickly.
Mi-ri, along with Chu Kyung-ja and Jeon Ji-hyun, tried to catch the person throwing trash around the apartment complex. One night, she saw a strange man running away after dumping garbage. That made her suspicious. The next day, the apartment refused to collect recycling. Trash kept piling up. Things got messy.
The four women, now regular problem solvers, decided to take action again. They wanted to find out who was causing the mess. While checking the garbage, Mi-ri noticed something odd. One bag had bleached hair and tissues with blood stains.
K-dramas rarely use literal trash as a major plot tool, but this show leans into it. The garbage isn’t just dirty—it holds secrets. It’s a clever way of showing how small clues, when noticed, can uncover something much bigger. It came from a convenience store nearby.
The New Resident
That same night, a strange man wearing a black hoodie appeared in the complex. Mi-ri followed him. It turned out he was the new security guard named Gwang-gyu. He had just moved in. But his appearance made everyone more nervous. Later, Mi-ri and Gyeong-ja went to the convenience store that may have been linked to the trash. They met the store owner, Won-seok. Something felt off. The part-time worker Hye-jeong was also missing. Locals thought she had just left. But Mi-ri felt something wasn’t right.
She was correct. Hye-jeong had been kidnapped and was being held by the store owner. Mi-ri, acting on her instincts, had food delivered to the suspect’s home. When the dishes came back, she found a secret rescue message written on them. That moment confirmed everything. Hye-jeong was in trouble.
The delivery-rescue twist was smart writing. It’s both grounded and clever. Instead of over-the-top action, the show uses logic and human instinct. Mi-ri doesn’t play detective—she just acts like someone who cares and pays attention.
Trash, Clues, and a Hidden Past in Salon de Holmes Episode 4
More surprises came later in the episode. Mi-ri was revealed to be a survivor of a serial murder case from 22 years ago. The killer was known as the “Ribbon Man.” That small reveal changed how viewers saw Mi-ri. It explained why she acts with such urgency. And why she trusts her gut more than anything.
Also, Jeon Ji-hyun was seen entering the suspect’s house toward the end of the episode. That made things more intense. Viewers were left wondering what she would find inside. Online, many people reacted quickly. Viewers shared comments like, “The plot keeps building well” and “Lee Si-young nailed it.” Some praised the show’s mix of comedy and crime. Others enjoyed that it doesn’t feel heavy or slow.
This episode also marked the best ratings for the show so far. The viewership touched 3.0% at its highest point and reached 2.5% nationwide. That shows people are really getting into the story now.
Actress Park Ji-ah, who passed away last year, also drew attention for her performance. She plays Choi Seon-ja, the head of the women’s association. Her character tries hard to keep the apartment safe and clean. She added humor and life to every scene she was in.
Her scenes with Lee Si-young were some of the most fun to watch. In one part, she even begged her trainer husband to help Mi-ri with the trash problem. It added a funny but real moment to a tense story. Park Ji-ah’s role in Salon de Holmes is her final one.
Her passing adds emotional weight to the show. Knowing this was her final role, viewers might watch her scenes differently. It’s a reminder of how K-dramas often mix entertainment with real-life farewells. She passed away in September after fighting an illness. Many fans feel sad but grateful. She brought depth to her character and was always natural on screen.
The show’s director, Min Jin-ki, also shared how much he appreciated her. He said he chose her because of her strong acting background. And she gave everything to the role.
Where to Watch ‘Salon de Holmes’ Episode 4
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ENA – Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:00 PM KST
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Coupang Play (Streaming in South Korea)
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International streaming is not yet available officially (as of June 2025)
Keep an eye out—this show might land on global platforms soon if ratings keep rising.
The creators have found a balance. It’s not too serious. But it still feels real. The story stays grounded in simple problems that turn out bigger than expected. And Mi-ri, with her sharp instincts, continues to surprise everyone.
Unlike heavy crime thrillers, this drama keeps things personal. The mysteries grow out of everyday problems. That’s what makes it fresh. Instead of detectives with fancy tools, we have apartment residents, moms, and a woman with a dark past doing the work.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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