Pro Bono (2025) s01e01 Episode Script
Episode 1
PRO BONO
Arrest the sexual predator
Jang Hyeon-bae!
-Arrest him!
-Arrest him!
Bring sexual predator
Jang Hyeon-bae to justice!
-Bring him to justice!
-Bring him to justice!
Despite allegations
of massive tax evasion and embezzlement,
JS Group CEO Jang Hyeon-bae's
arrest warrant was dismissed,
sparking controversy
about preferential treatment.
All eyes will be on Judge Kang Da-wit
as he delivers the verdict today.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jang's legal team
-claims his innocence--
-He's here!
It's Judge Kang Da-wit!
-Here he comes!
-He's here!
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
OF SOLITUDE
Judge Kang,
are you going to rule
on Mr. Jang's case as planned today?
Judge Kang,
Jang's legal team
expressed confidence after recruiting
a former justice of the Supreme Court.
Justice Byeon was the chief judge
when you were first appointed.
Have you been to Tongin Sundae-guk?
Sundae?
I know you like
blood sausage soup, Mr. Kim.
Of the four major spots,
I think Tongin tastes the best.
I'll treat you to it sometime. Wait.
Ms. Park likes sundae too, right?
You can come too.
-Pardon?
-Judge Kang…
Give us a few words!
He sure is good at getting away.
What's that in his hand?
One Hundred Years of Solitude.
It's a Nobel Prize-winning novel.
I know it's a novel. But…
On a big day like this,
why did he bring a novel…
"Hundred Years?"
Is he going to sentence him
to 100 years in prison?
Come on, Do-hun!
-What?
-Ridiculous.
Seoul Central District Court,
the biggest court in Korea,
handles 70%
of Seoul's civil and criminal cases.
Hello, sir.
Hey, Judge Kang. I'll see you later.
COUR
This is my castle,
and not just anyone can come in.
The Criminal Division
for Corruption Cases tries
the most powerful people in the country.
I've made it to this castle
faster than anyone has.
Hello.
Captain! Hello, Judge Kang.
Hello, sir!
EPISODE 1
How is your knee doing?
It's no big deal.
It's just a mild sprain.
Come on. You always say that.
Teolbo's Butcher Shop is nearby.
Make sure to stop by later.
Why?
Why? I've bought some ox knee
and leg bones for you.
Simmer them long and slow
for some nice soup.
Sir.
Just make sure to heal up quickly.
Without our star center back,
our defense has been a mess these days.
It's so wide open,
a truck could drive through it.
I'll keep that in mind, Captain.
Okay!
-And as always…
-I'll lean a bit forward.
Today's work selfie!
127K FOLLOWERS
Good morning, sir.
Did your grandmother get a hospital room?
No, not yet. They're all full.
Mention me to Sejin University Hospital's
chief administrator.
They'll get you a VIP room.
Sir!
You said your grandmother raised you.
She'll get better, so don't worry.
I'll leave him a text right now.
Thank you so much, sir.
Right.
-Don't worry about the fee.
-Sir?
You'll see.
Thank you!
CHIEF JUDGE
KANG DA-WI
Come in.
Shall we get going, sir?
Let's go.
Chaebols, or family-run conglomerates,
former presidents,
government ministers,
and assembly members.
The authorities
who aren't afraid of anything
still tremble with fear
when they lie on an operating table
or stand before the court.
-Justice Byeon.
-Yes, Mr. Jang?
Are you sure everything will be all right?
Don't worry about it, sir.
It's already been settled.
Yes.
This is that kind of place.
All rise.
And I…
am the king…
of this place.
Please be seated.
Your Honor,
we've filed a motion
to postpone sentencing.
Yes. I've read through it thoroughly.
You need more time again
to reach an agreement?
Yes. As you already know,
the entire embezzled amount
has been returned to the company.
And the outstanding taxes
have been repaid.
But some parts of the agreement
are still in progress,
so we need more time.
Do those parts in progress involve
the verbal and physical abuse
against his young secretaries…
and the sexual assault
against his housekeepers?
DEFENDAN
Regarding those matters,
they were largely misunderstandings.
But for the greater good,
I've acknowledged them as my shortcomings
and we've agreed to a settlement,
Your Honor.
A settlement?
That's important.
Well then, how much more time do you need?
We're almost done settling
with the employees.
And we have the two housekeepers left,
so if you could grant us three more weeks…
Three weeks?
I mean…
Three weeks? Really?
Will that be enough?
Pardon? Well…
It's only two people.
Gosh, you're so funny as well.
How many victims were there?
Please put it up on the monitor.
The defendant allocated projects
mainly to his family
and pocketed the company's money
to buy a building in Manhattan
and a winery in Napa Valley.
You've been busy
looking for land to purchase.
Meanwhile, 800 employees were laid off
under the pretext of voluntary retirement.
If you count their family members,
that's 2,500.
Your Honor--
After trusting numbers fabricated
by fraudulent accounting
and investing in the company,
small retail investors
saw their lives ruined
as stock prices plummeted,
and their number alone makes up 24,000!
-Your Honor.
-Please sit down.
I'm not done yet.
After evading
tens of billions of won in tax,
you've dragged this trial on
with all sorts of lobbying
and haven't coughed up
even a penny in tax for five years
while there are tens of millions
of salary workers out there
being levied income tax every month!
If that wasn't enough,
you've verbally and physically abused
your employees habitually.
And you sexually assaulted
your housekeepers
who are trying to make ends meet
and raise their children.
After watching this on the news every day,
the number of Korean citizens
who are enraged and hate living here
makes up 50 million!
How are you going
to settle the compensation
for all of their mental suffering?
Three weeks? Will that really be enough?
The Court dismisses the defendant's motion
to postpone sentencing.
The Court hereby renders
the following judgment.
The defendant is sentenced
to ten years in prison
and a fine of 70 billion won.
Order in the court.
Due to a risk of flight,
the defendant will hereby
be taken into custody.
Shall the Court
notify your spouse about this?
Right.
Which one should we notify?
Your legal spouse? Or…
the one you live with?
Well…
Anyone will do.
All right, then.
Please take him away.
You bastard!
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, sir.
Do you think I'll take this lying down?
The first anti-corruption judge
with only a high school degree,
Chief Judge Kang Da-wit
of the Seoul Central District Court,
-levied a harsher sentence…
-Over 310,000.
than anyone anticipated
on JS Group CEO Jang Hyeon-bae
and has instantly become
the people's judge.
The book he was holding
on his way to court,
One Hundred Years of Solitude,
has raised a lot of speculation
regarding its significance.
But the meaning
might be in the title itself.
It symbolizes his solitary resolve
to stick to his principles
and deliver a sentence without giving in
to any external pressure.
That is the prevailing view.
Meanwhile, the victims
that have long suffered…
I'm your entertainer
-I'm your…
-I'm your…
People's judge!
Sir.
Who's playing such loud music
in the courthouse?
Yes, Ms. Yoon?
How did it go with your grandmother?
We got her a hospital room.
-Good.
-It's all thanks to you, sir.
Thank you so much.
Gosh, no need to thank me.
Who's going to help
the members of my team if I don't?
-Also, sir…
-Yes?
You were awesome today!
Court employees
from all over the country called me,
and they went on and on
about how cool you were!
Geez, it was just another case.
A judge just does his job quietly
according to law and principle.
What's so special about that?
Come on.
Your modesty makes you even cooler.
-Sir.
-Yes?
Actually, I'm a member
of Seoul's Justice Nomination Committee
in the Court Employees' Union.
Really? My goodness.
I had absolutely no idea.
That's so surprising.
I'm going to vote
to nominate you as our candidate
-for Supreme Court Justice.
-Gosh.
Everyone says you'll help
the younger generation be heard
and improve the working environment
at the Supreme Court.
Even your good looks
would be a benefit to employees!
Goodness, I'm still too young.
And I lack the competence and experience.
It's not like I work as a judge
just to be successful either.
Well, I knew you'd turn it down
since you are so modest.
Do you need my resident registration?
You'll need to attach it
to the letter of recommendation.
What's this?
I happened to have a copy of it.
Okay.
I'll submit it. Thank you.
Have a good day.
That was the first step.
Anyone can recommend
a Supreme Court Justice candidate.
After a screening process,
the committee nominates three times
as many people to the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice chooses one among them
and recommends them to the President.
Step one is to get nominated
by the Court Employees' Union.
Not bad.
I've worked my way up from the bottom,
which makes for a good story.
During a presidential election
in the past,
some believed a candidate
in their forties was needed.
I think it's about time for the court
to have a young and bright justice
instead of an elderly one.
He's from outside of Seoul
and only has a high school diploma.
He understands the common people.
If we don't support someone like him,
who else would we support, my friends?
-Right.
-Yeah.
By the way, sir.
Something's been simmering
back there for a while now.
You're right.
It smells good.
What have you been cooking?
This? It's nothing.
It's ox knee and leg bone soup.
I have a pretty bad knee.
What an honor!
I get to pour a drink
for the people's judge.
My goodness.
Please forgive me, sir.
SENIOR CHIEF JUDGE, CRIMINAL
-My apologies for causing trouble.
-Come on, don't say that.
You can't be sorry
if the court panel ruled
based on its own conviction.
Some might mistake us
for interfering with the trial.
-Judge Kang.
-Yes, sir?
I thought you were
easy-going and sensible.
SENIOR CHIEF JUDGE, CIVIL AFFAIRS
But I guess you had
lots of pent-up things inside.
Not at all, sir.
Stop. It was because he's young.
SHIN JUNG-SEOK
SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT COURT CHIEF
A young judge
should be passionate like him.
Also, it was only the first hearing.
It'll go to the appellate court.
The business world is going nuts
because the media made such a fuss.
I'm worried about
how the Blue House will respond.
Mr. Shin, this is why I said
the Division for Corruption Cases
should be handled by someone we can trust
from National Court Administration.
Even though the recent trend
is to break hierarchies--
Then, are you saying…
I appointed the wrong person?
My apologies.
No, I didn't mean that.
No, sir!
It's my fault.
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
Everyone, I apologize!
Please tell me.
They're the most elite aristocrats
in the legal world.
-No, sir.
-What do you mean "No"?
But since they're only bookworms,
they don't understand
that politics is a living organism.
It's tough serving the country, isn't it?
These are herbal tonics. Take them.
Serving the country?
I'm a mere aide to a National Assemblyman.
Your boss is a political big shot though.
It must be tough.
It's been so rough these days.
Incidents keep happening,
so the approval rating has cratered.
We need something
to change the atmosphere.
In any administration,
when the approval rating drops,
they try to turn things around
by cracking down on chaebols.
The whole country hates
Chairman Jang Hyeon-bae
for habitually beating his staff.
So what if the young judge
who got rid of Chairman Jang
is also a justice candidate?
He'd be a good card to play.
A shocking appointment
who understands the minds of the youth.
Judge Kang, what are you waiting for?
Hurry up and do it.
Yes, sir.
I am at your service.
I pledge my loyalty!
That's what I'm talking about.
Yes!
You normally behave so well.
Why did you suddenly go overboard?
Hey, stop it already.
Judge Kang is…
Is your forehead all right?
Gochujang!
It's red chili paste.
To dip snacks in.
It's salty.
Geez, this guy!
You're not like other judges.
You're young, yet you try so hard.
But don't try too hard.
It's a bit uncomfortable
when someone is too tenacious.
-Come on.
-I'm kidding!
Yes, sir.
Let's drink to that.
-Cheers.
-Cheers.
Cheers.
"Don't try too hard"?
How ridiculous.
Those who have worked as hard as I have
can look down on me.
But you guys can't.
Never.
It's Judge Kang!
Judge Kang!
-Sir, a few words!
-Please give us a few words!
Judge Kang, give us a few words.
Was there external pressure?
Sir, what do you think of your nickname,
"The People's Judge"?
Right.
I'm sorry. As you can see,
I have so many cases to catch up on.
Hello, Ms. Park.
Sorry!
-Kang Da-wit, the people's judge.
-Geez.
Mr. Kim.
They say you'll be
the next justice candidate.
Come on. I'm still too young.
Right?
A justice in his forties
is a bit irrational--
Emmanuel Macron,
President of France, age 39.
Rishi Sunak,
Prime Minister of England, age 42.
Former Korean Justice Go Jae-ho, age 41.
These are the ages
of when they were appointed.
Kang Da-wit, born in 1981.
You're well-prepared, Judge Kang.
Good morning.
Good morning, sir.
Why do you keep carrying around
old documents we're going to shred?
What?
To work out.
For goodness' sake!
Seriously? Damn it.
Geez.
NOMINATE A FUTURE JUSTICE
Oh, dear! What are we going to do?
It must have taken so long
to get these ready.
Are you all right?
Yes. Thank you.
Goodness. You must be new.
Your senior colleagues
make you copy a lot of stuff?
What? No, that's not it.
I know. You don't have to explain.
Goodness, there's a lot.
You can't copy all these alone.
-Gosh.
-No, it's okay!
I'll do it.
-I feel so bad.
-Don't be.
Your job is my job.
We're all one big family here,
aren't we?
"Family"?
Yes. Sure.
Thank you.
I'm sorry, but by any chance,
could you take these papers down for me?
Papers?
They weren't kidding
about Gen Z being something else.
A bottom-tier newbie
asking a chief judge for papers?
Once I become a justice, I'm going to--
Of course, I can!
All right. So…
It's hard to take them down at first.
You could hurt your back too.
That badge. Are you an attorney?
Yes.
Come on.
You should've told me that right away.
I thought you were a court employee here
who had a vote.
Sorry?
A vote?
What are you talking about?
They should have sent an employee.
Why is an attorney making copies here?
How confusing.
I can't believe that old man.
-"Old man"?
-Yes. You're not an old lady, are you?
-What?
-What?
-You--
-What?
Yes.
I'm a public interest attorney
without any assistants,
so I do everything myself.
Was asking you
to take down those papers for me
that much of a terrible thing to do?
What did you say?
You said you're an attorney.
Don't you know who you're talking to?
Why do I have to know who you are?
Don't you own a TV or watch the news?
You must have no interest
in what goes on in the world.
-This old man must be a narcissist.
-What?
You can go back on your way.
Are you that important?
I can't believe her. Yes.
-I am a big deal--
-Judge Kang.
Have you eaten yet?
Okay. I think we're good now.
This machine's old,
so sometimes, you have to
give it a smack for it to work.
Goodbye, then.
-Did you go to Tongin Sundae-guk?
-We did.
He's so sweet.
A public interest attorney, my foot.
Her job doesn't even make money,
so why is she so arrogant?
Who knows if she can even afford a living?
TEXT MESSAGE
The Court Employees' Union
has nominated you
as their justice candidate.
Hello, sir.
We heard you were nominated
as a justice candidate.
Are you going to accept
the screening process?
-Well…
-Sir, could we have a quick interview?
How do you feel?
-Ms. Park.
-Yes?
Do you like chocolates?
Sorry? Why do you suddenly ask?
There's a famous quote
from a movie I like, Forrest Gump.
"My momma always said…"
Right. But what does that mean?
I don't know either.
What does that mean?
-Sorry?
-Gosh, what a difficult line.
Sir, so are you consenting
to the screening process?
-Please tell us.
-Are you consenting?
What was that?
Why did he speak
in bad English like a politician?
Maybe he meant, "Nobody knows the future"?
"Get…" He must have gotten it.
He must have the spot.
He must've agreed to the process.
I see.
I'm almost there, Mom.
Da-wit!
Mom!
Mom, was working
at the factory tough today?
Nope, it wasn't.
-How's your lower back?
-It's fine.
Here.
It's a gift.
Gosh, this…
It's my favorite gift.
It's so sour.
Why do you like it so much
when it's so sour?
Life can be pretty sour and bitter
instead of being sweet.
You'll understand once you grow up.
What should we make for dinner?
-I don't know.
-What do you want?
-Spicy stir-fried pork.
-Really?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
LATE SUMMER OF 1998
-Have a good day.
-Hello.
Gosh, Da-wit's here.
Dorm life is tough, isn't it?
Studying's not so bad.
Mom has it tougher.
-Do you have any apricots?
-Apricots?
The season for them is in June.
It's too late now.
Persimmons are sweet and tasty these days.
But I want apricots instead.
I want the sour ones, not the sweet ones.
Mom, I'm home.
Mom?
Mom?
Mom?
Mom.
Mom!
Mom!
Mom, look at me.
Mom, what's wrong?
Mom!
Mom!
Man, it's sweet.
These expensive department store apricots…
aren't sour or bitter, Mom.
They're sweet.
Very sweet.
COUR
Good morning!
Sir, have you agreed
to the screening process?
It's an honor just to be nominated,
but I have no ambitions.
What? Please have some!
Everything's great about you,
but your lack of ambition's a flaw.
At the Supreme Court,
I won't get to work with you anymore.
That's sad.
You can take me with you.
Please promote me
to be a justice's secretary.
Ms. Yoon.
You're ambitious. That's charming.
I believe in you, sir.
Right. Your classmate
from elementary school called.
"Kim Ju-seop"? Who's that?
He said "Juvenile" would ring a bell.
Juvenile? Kim… Juvenile?
Right. Kim Juvenile.
Why did that prick…
What did he suddenly call?
Last time I saw him
was in elementary school.
What?
Hey, Juvenile!
Running an orchard must be tough.
Look how tanned you are.
Hey, when I was young,
I thought your family
was the richest in the world.
Come on. My orchard isn't even that big.
-You're the amazing one.
-Come on.
Hey, let's cut the chitchat.
-Just sign 100 autographs for me.
-Gosh, will you stop?
I'm here to get your autograph
on behalf of our hometown.
Who signs an autograph for a friend?
Come on. It's embarrassing.
-Stop complaining and do it.
-No.
No?
For autographs,
this brush pen works the best.
You carry around brush pens too?
-Da-wit.
-Yeah?
THE PEOPLE'S JUDGE
You really are something else.
You had such a hard life
growing up in the countryside.
Now, you've become so successful.
-I don't know my place, do I?
-What?
Come on. Don't be ridiculous!
I shouldn't have mentioned it.
Forget it.
-Anyways…
-Yeah.
Do you remember Ji-min?
Ji-min?
Do you mean Bang Ji-min?
Yeah, your first love.
Get out of here, you punk.
She had a crush on me, but I didn't.
-No, I wasn't into her.
-Is that so?
You begged me to lend you 30,000 won
to buy her a birthday gift,
and you still haven't paid me back.
Gosh, I did?
-What? You want it now?
-No, forget it!
No, I want to send my friend off first.
No, my designated driver is almost here.
-Go on ahead.
-No, you go.
-Go.
-You go first.
-Hey, you go first.
-I told you to go first, you punk.
Hey, what's that?
-What?
-My goodness!
Hey!
Okay.
Geez.
Keep in touch.
Yeah, let's keep in touch
from now on. Okay?
Don't ignore your old friends
just because you're successful now.
All right, already.
Yeah. The people's judge!
Good luck!
Gosh, you're so juvenile. Geez.
-I'll get going.
-All right.
See you later.
Sir, please drive safely.
COUR
Geez, Mr. Kim.
Why are you out here so early?
Judge Kang,
it's about your sentencing last week
of Jungbu Pharmaceuticals' Chairman Yoo.
-Could you say--
-I have nothing to say.
A judge only speaks through his rulings.
Just answer one question for us.
Right now, you're doing more interviews
than anyone else in Korea.
What is this?
What? Is there something in your trunk?
-Right!
-What?
My underwear!
I forgot to wash my underwear
after playing soccer this morning.
-Where's the--
-No, it stinks!
It stinks so bad…
It smells like a dead body.
I should run to the laundromat!
I'm going to the laundromat.
I better go.
-The laundromat--
-I need to go to the laundromat!
Please say something about the case.
It can be short! Come on!
He can be pretty strange sometimes.
Why is he going to the laundromat?
Was I mistaken?
No, this can't be true.
Is this a habit from work?
I can guess the amount from the box size.
When filled with new 50,000-won bills,
a briefcase is 300 million.
A ramyeon box is 600 million.
An apple box is 1.2 billion.
No, it can't be…
Get a hold of yourself.
At this crucial moment,
when I'm about to become a justice,
there's 1.2 billion won
in cash in my trunk?
There's no way.
No way.
Kang Da-wit.
Who's that?
You…
are fucked.
No!
Why isn't he picking up?
Think. Come on, think.
They say clear minds
can help you survive even a bear.
Or was it a tiger?
No, that's not what's important right now.
Hey, people's judge.
I'm on my way back home now.
Okay, at a time like this,
I should check the facts first.
Did you get back safely last night?
Come on. You think this hillbilly
couldn't find his hotel?
I was worried about you, dude.
By the way,
did you leave something in my car?
What? What are you talking about?
You and I left at the same time
after drinking.
Right.
Right? I know that.
Hey, don't get me wrong,
but you didn't have a favor to ask of me
or anything like that, right?
A favor?
Of course, I have one.
What is it?
Well…
Another 100 autographs.
I'll use them to brag.
"I'm Judge Kang's best friend."
"I'm a big deal."
Right. My autographs.
Well, sure. That's no problem at all.
Okay, then. Get home safe.
I'll see you next time.
Right.
As if he would've had 1.2 billion won.
The designated driver also said
nothing happened.
The barbecue place's parking lot
doesn't have CCTV.
My car was parked here.
Then…
It's facing this way.
I should call the police
and have them investigate…
But…
An apple box filled with 1.2 billion won
in the car of an anti-corruption judge.
That doesn't look good at all.
It'll look like I've changed my mind
out of fear after accepting the money.
The crime of bribery is established
the moment you accept it.
But if it's a bribe,
there has to be someone who gave it!
The money came first with nobody around…
That means it wasn't a bribe.
It was a trap.
It's bait.
Bait to reel me.
Is that true?
Yes, sir.
Nobody gave all that money,
but it was in a judge's car?
Who's going to buy that?
Still, I think I should tell
the police first.
Their chief respects you so much.
No.
Right now, Chief Park
is desperate to become
commissioner general.
Cracking down on judges and prosecutors
is their biggest deal. Why?
Because it'll be on the news.
You're saying they'll make
a bigger deal out of it?
This isn't just about you.
You're famous across the country
as the people's judge.
If this news spreads, it'll affect you,
it'll affect me for appointing you…
You're right.
It'd be trouble for you too,
especially during this sensitive period
before a justice appointment.
Damn it.
Is there any way
to deal with this quietly?
Sir, this is bait
intended to trap us.
At a time like this,
instead of hiding in fear,
we have to strike back.
Strike back?
This message was in the box.
Let's do what they want.
"Use it for a good cause."
Yes. Since that's what they wrote,
let's do that.
What can they do?
"No, it was actually a bribe."
"I secretly put it
in Kang Da-wit's car trunk to screw him."
Will they be able to say that?
Will it really be okay?
A HUGE ANONYMOUS DONATION
TO SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT COUR
It's just right.
A moving story that's not too big.
And Mr. Shin was able to
promote himself in the meantime.
USE IT FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Okay. What are you going to do now,
you coward?
You accidentally donated 1.2 billion won
while trying to screw me.
I bet you'll go to heaven, you prick!
Good for you, moron!
Sir, Mr. Shin needs to see you right now.
What?
Did you see the article, sir?
What's your intent, you bastard?
Sorry? What do you mean, sir?
Mr. Shin.
I trusted and guided you
when you were a nobody
without a college degree.
How could you betray me like this,
you snake?
Sir, what on earth are you talking about?
Go ahead.
This is…
Gosh, you shouldn't have.
Hey.
It's so heavy.
Thanks.
I hope you enjoy.
That's not…
That's not me.
I never did that.
This is fake.
Some lunatic is using an altered video
-to mess with--
-You bastard!
I can't believe how brazen you are.
You're still trying to con me
after seeing that?
What's your intent?
Why did you drag me into this
after taking that bribe?
Why?
"An anonymous benefactor?"
"Use it for a good cause?"
You son of a…
You purposely did this
to screw me, didn't you?
Okay. I'll try to understand.
Just tell me why.
-What was your intent?
-No, sir!
This guy is Kim Ju-seop,
and he owns a countryside orchard.
What? Kim Ju-seop?
-A countryside orchard?
-Yes!
Don't you know who he is?
He's my friend from elementary school.
That bastard…
is Yoo Jae-beom, who I tried
for being a serial con artist.
He's wanted right now for committing fraud
and fleeing after his release!
There's no way.
CRIMINAL AND INVESTIGATION RECORDS CHECK
ARREST WARRAN
This can't be right.
This can't…
There's no way.
The number you have dialed
is not in service.
KIM JUVENILE
No way.
-The number you have dialed…
-No!
No.
-The number you have dialed…
-No.
-No.
-…is not in service.
Damn it.
BAE JEONG-HWAN, CLASSMATE
Hey, Jeong-hwan.
It's me, Da-wit. It's been a while.
Hey, Da-wit.
What's with the sudden call?
It's been years.
Sorry to call so suddenly like this,
but I'm in a bit of a hurry.
Do you remember Kim Ju-seop
from our elementary school?
I was wondering if you knew his number.
Kim Ju-seop?
Well, I saw him recently,
but I don't have his number.
Are you talking about Juvenile?
Yes, Kim Juvenile!
Yeah, that's right.
What are you talking about, man?
He died ten years ago.
What?
He passed away at a young age
from a brain aneurysm.
It ran in his family.
But what do you mean you saw him recently?
Actually…
I must have been mistaken.
Sorry to bother you.
I'll call you next time.
YOO JAE-BEOM
FORMER FRAUD CONVICT'S
NEW IDENTITY AS STARTUP CEO
STARTUP RECEIVES GOVERNMENT AID
DESPITE FRAUD RECORD
ALREADY SEVERAL WARNINGS
To me,
life hasn't been
a box of sweet chocolates.
It's been a box of poisonous apples,
no matter how hard I tried.
You think I'm Snow White or something?
Did you think I'd die
after eating those poisonous apple?
Do you know
what I went through to get here?
Geez, how much is that?
Hey. I was right, wasn't I?
It's a deepfake.
I never did that. I remember clearly.
-Judge Kang.
-Yeah?
Current deepfake technology
can't look this natural yet.
How did they fake this?
Why does it look so real?
I'm really sorry,
but I looked at it frame by frame.
I also checked the sources,
but this video is real.
Then, they must have hired someone
who looks just like me--
Sir.
You don't have a twin brother, do you? No.
Be honest.
Did you take the money or not?
Stop snapping.
This is driving me crazy.
Did I really lose my mind?
If this wasn't altered,
you're saying that really is me?
That's really me?
COUR
Please give me some time, sir.
I'll pull all the strings I have
and get to the bottom of--
Make a choice.
Sir? What choice?
Are you going to quietly quit
before word gets out?
Or will you face a police investigation
for taking a big bribe
from a serial con artist?
No!
This was a trap!
-It wasn't me! No!
-The people's judge!
I trusted you so much!
No, I didn't do it!
Sir.
It seems I have your answer.
Submit your resignation letter
right away.
By the way, even if you quit,
you won't be able to open
a law office for a while.
What do you mean?
Dr. Oh Gyu-jang
pulled some strings,
so we were just able
to quietly cover this up.
But as the chair
of the bar association,
he can't allow a corrupt judge like you…
to become an attorney.
A corrupt judge? Sir, I'm so--
After personally receiving that bribe,
you're still being this shameless?
You should thank me for letting you quit
without telling anyone.
Whether you be a law firm office manager
in the country or do manual labor,
just live quietly.
And don't come anywhere near us
in Seocho-dong.
KANG DA-WI
COURTS OF KOREA
SAFETY FIRS
FALLING HAZARD
One step.
It was only the first step.
I was so close.
Da-wit.
Just promise me…
two things.
Cremate me
and spread my ash over a river…
so that you won't have to
come to see me every year.
Okay?
Mom.
Don't look back.
Keep moving forward.
Just keep moving forward…
without stopping.
You must…
become successful.
You have to succeed
so people won't look down on you.
Go as far…
as you can,
my son.
Got it?
Mom.
Mom.
Hello?
It's me.
Who is this?
Unbelievable. Da-wit, it's me.
Don't you remember me?
Oh Jung-in?
Da-wit.
You remembered my voice after all.
How could I forget?
It's your voice.
You haven't changed a bit.
You're still so cringe.
You haven't changed either.
You talk casually to me
whenever you please.
What's the occasion?
We haven't been in touch
since our training.
Never mind that.
Come join my law firm.
Your firm? Oh & Partners?
I heard all about what happened to you.
What do you mean?
Don't ask me how I found out.
Jung-in, I--
The attorney registration?
Don't worry. I've already persuaded Dad.
You persuaded Dr. Oh?
Yeah.
Why? Why would you
go through all the hassle…
To help you?
No.
I want you to help me.
COUR
CHIEF JUDGE KANG DA-WI
CRIMINAL DIVISION, CORRUPTION
CHIEF JUDGES' ROOM
You can't do this, sir.
You didn't even give us a heads up.
I'm sorry.
It wasn't a choice
I could consult with others.
Sir, what's going on?
It's not hiring season,
so why are you resigning?
The justice position
was right in front of you. So why…
I'm pretty exhausted.
I'll get some rest
and talk to you about it later.
Sir.
Don't worry. I'll be back.
No matter what.
Founded by Dr. Oh Gyu-jang,
the giant who controls
the legal world from the shadows,
Oh & Partners is Korea's top law firm
with its finest attorneys.
Yes. It's a place that suits me perfectly.
Using this as a stepping stone,
I will go back
to the place I belong.
Jung-in?
Welcome.
It's pretty bright in here.
Hold on.
But you know what?
This place is pretty nice.
The managing partner's office
in Korea's top law firm.
It's spacious, isn't it?
But doesn't it feel a bit empty?
No. The empty space
is supposed to help with your creativity.
Really?
By the way, the windows
must be facing southeast.
They get plenty of sun.
I personally like it
when they face southwest.
I tend to enjoy the afternoon sun.
Is that so?
The decor isn't bad either.
All the partner offices
are pretty similar, right?
Well, yeah. They're basically the same.
I see.
Jung-in, I want to thank you.
I won't forget your kindness.
I will build Oh & Partners
into a global law firm.
You know I'm a man of my word.
That passion of yours never wanes.
Was that why I fell for you?
It was because of my passion?
I thought it was because of my good looks.
And you still have that confidence.
Follow me. I'll show you your spot.
But I just sat down.
Let's go.
I'd love to see my office.
I like the offices on this side too.
Is this my office?
No, it's this way.
We just need to go down the stairs.
The stairs? But what about the elevators?
What? You don't like stairs?
No, I love stairs. It's a good workout.
-That's good news, then.
-What do you mean?
You'll see once you get there.
There's an atrium too.
-The firm's grown a lot.
-We have a lot of attorneys now.
We've launched a Pro Bono Team too.
Pro bono? Free representation?
Don't call it free.
Pro bono publico.
It's a team for public interest cases.
Right, a free lawsuit team.
Wait.
A firm like Oh & Partners
that charges a million won per hour
has a team
that doesn't make money?
Why?
Law firms also have
social responsibilities.
Haven't you heard of ESG?
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE
We're almost there. Come this way.
Wait. I hear dogs barking.
Why would dogs be…
Hey!
-Why did you put this up here?
-You can't let them go here.
-What is this place?
-This is crazy.
-No!
-Everyone!
Team Pro Bono!
Attorney Kang Da-wit is here.
-Hello!
-Welcome, sir!
Ddol-i, no!
Hey, this can't be…
This is where you'll be working now.
It's a team for public interest cases,
not free cases.
-One moment.
-I need a moment too.
-Jung-in. Hey.
-Hello?
Why is it so dark in here?
-It's shady, isn't it?
-What?
That's why mushrooms grow well in here.
This is shiitake mushroom tea.
Shiitake mushroom…
Sorry.
We're handling a case involving those
who rescue abandoned dogs.
We have to look after the dogs
while they're being investigated.
Ddol-i!
There you are. Come here, Ddol-i.
You have to go inside now.
I heard you were a prominent judge.
Please teach me your ways!
I'm Hwang Jun-u, a young attorney
who's always eager to learn.
Let me say hi too. Good boy.
-Just a minute.
-Sorry.
Hello, I'm Attorney Yoo Nan-hui!
I'm interested in women's rights,
child welfare, and animal rights.
-Why do they keep giving me stuff?
-Which areas are you interested in, sir?
Well…
Anything that concerns public interest.
Really? I knew it.
Attorney Jang.
Right, yes.
Just wait here for a bit.
I'm…
I'm Jang Yeong-sil.
It's a strange name, isn't it?
It's nice. It sounds
like an inventor's name.
Right.
Attorney Jang has more experience
as a PA than anyone else here,
-which is eight years.
-A PA?
-It's--
-You don't know?
Attorneys specializing
in public interest cases are called PAs.
-And we're AA members as well.
-Yes.
What are AAs?
-AAs are--
-A group of attorneys who protect
the rights of non-human animals.
And what are non-human animals?
-Non--
-Humans always think
they're special and not like animals.
To stay away from such human-centric,
species-discriminating views,
we've started using terms
like human animals and non-human animals.
That's right.
You've got to be kidding me.
PAs and AAs.
I'm a CA. An attorney who's going crazy.
A team for public interest cases
in charge of free lawsuits.
She put me in this shady place
with freeloaders
who don't contribute any revenue,
and thus, have no voice in the company.
What about my stepping stone?
And my return?
And my success?
Hello! You're the new attorney,
aren't you?
I'm Park Gi-ppeum. Welcome to Team Pro…
Bono.
You're him.
That prick from that one time…
who pretended to help me.
Hey, what are you doing here?
It's not easy to get into this law firm.
You really are something else.
You did all that bragging
about how important you were.
You never know where life will take you.
We'll be making copies together now.
-Copies?
-How wonderful.
We were so short-handed
that we were about to find
some cats to help us.
We're so lucky!
-Welcome to the team!
-Welcome to the team!
-Really.
-Welcome!
-Welcome.
-We should celebrate.
-Let's have dinner tonight.
-What do you like?
-What do you like?
-Me?
Why am I here?
What am I going to do
with those people?
My glorious road to success.
I was walking down the path to success
adorned with wealth and fame.
Why do I have to handle
all these miscellaneous cases
with those weird pro bono losers
in the corner without any sunlight? Why?
Why?
This darn bread!
You dog!
I want to go back!
How could you send me
to that kind of place without asking me?
What are you doing to our client?
From chaebol CEO trials
to a case of a stolen mutt…
I heard you're a pro bono attorney now.
Did something happen?
If Myeong-hun's on this case,
it won't end easily.
-Do you know how much Chloe is worth?
-Oh, my gosh!
Our Byeol… I won't let her go.
Chloe!
-We have to resolve it.
-At any cost.
I think you've seen
too many Hollywood movies.
I thought it was okay.
-It's the blunt judge!
-Your goal was to change the judge.
Hey, you little… You punk!
-But is that possible?
-You have to win the case.
You could teach me since I don't know.
-The first reaction.
-"Where?"
I'll take charge
of those pro bono losers for a year.
-You want to make a deal?
-Make me a justice candidate.
That's my condition.
Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon
Arrest the sexual predator
Jang Hyeon-bae!
-Arrest him!
-Arrest him!
Bring sexual predator
Jang Hyeon-bae to justice!
-Bring him to justice!
-Bring him to justice!
Despite allegations
of massive tax evasion and embezzlement,
JS Group CEO Jang Hyeon-bae's
arrest warrant was dismissed,
sparking controversy
about preferential treatment.
All eyes will be on Judge Kang Da-wit
as he delivers the verdict today.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jang's legal team
-claims his innocence--
-He's here!
It's Judge Kang Da-wit!
-Here he comes!
-He's here!
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
OF SOLITUDE
Judge Kang,
are you going to rule
on Mr. Jang's case as planned today?
Judge Kang,
Jang's legal team
expressed confidence after recruiting
a former justice of the Supreme Court.
Justice Byeon was the chief judge
when you were first appointed.
Have you been to Tongin Sundae-guk?
Sundae?
I know you like
blood sausage soup, Mr. Kim.
Of the four major spots,
I think Tongin tastes the best.
I'll treat you to it sometime. Wait.
Ms. Park likes sundae too, right?
You can come too.
-Pardon?
-Judge Kang…
Give us a few words!
He sure is good at getting away.
What's that in his hand?
One Hundred Years of Solitude.
It's a Nobel Prize-winning novel.
I know it's a novel. But…
On a big day like this,
why did he bring a novel…
"Hundred Years?"
Is he going to sentence him
to 100 years in prison?
Come on, Do-hun!
-What?
-Ridiculous.
Seoul Central District Court,
the biggest court in Korea,
handles 70%
of Seoul's civil and criminal cases.
Hello, sir.
Hey, Judge Kang. I'll see you later.
COUR
This is my castle,
and not just anyone can come in.
The Criminal Division
for Corruption Cases tries
the most powerful people in the country.
I've made it to this castle
faster than anyone has.
Hello.
Captain! Hello, Judge Kang.
Hello, sir!
EPISODE 1
How is your knee doing?
It's no big deal.
It's just a mild sprain.
Come on. You always say that.
Teolbo's Butcher Shop is nearby.
Make sure to stop by later.
Why?
Why? I've bought some ox knee
and leg bones for you.
Simmer them long and slow
for some nice soup.
Sir.
Just make sure to heal up quickly.
Without our star center back,
our defense has been a mess these days.
It's so wide open,
a truck could drive through it.
I'll keep that in mind, Captain.
Okay!
-And as always…
-I'll lean a bit forward.
Today's work selfie!
127K FOLLOWERS
Good morning, sir.
Did your grandmother get a hospital room?
No, not yet. They're all full.
Mention me to Sejin University Hospital's
chief administrator.
They'll get you a VIP room.
Sir!
You said your grandmother raised you.
She'll get better, so don't worry.
I'll leave him a text right now.
Thank you so much, sir.
Right.
-Don't worry about the fee.
-Sir?
You'll see.
Thank you!
CHIEF JUDGE
KANG DA-WI
Come in.
Shall we get going, sir?
Let's go.
Chaebols, or family-run conglomerates,
former presidents,
government ministers,
and assembly members.
The authorities
who aren't afraid of anything
still tremble with fear
when they lie on an operating table
or stand before the court.
-Justice Byeon.
-Yes, Mr. Jang?
Are you sure everything will be all right?
Don't worry about it, sir.
It's already been settled.
Yes.
This is that kind of place.
All rise.
And I…
am the king…
of this place.
Please be seated.
Your Honor,
we've filed a motion
to postpone sentencing.
Yes. I've read through it thoroughly.
You need more time again
to reach an agreement?
Yes. As you already know,
the entire embezzled amount
has been returned to the company.
And the outstanding taxes
have been repaid.
But some parts of the agreement
are still in progress,
so we need more time.
Do those parts in progress involve
the verbal and physical abuse
against his young secretaries…
and the sexual assault
against his housekeepers?
DEFENDAN
Regarding those matters,
they were largely misunderstandings.
But for the greater good,
I've acknowledged them as my shortcomings
and we've agreed to a settlement,
Your Honor.
A settlement?
That's important.
Well then, how much more time do you need?
We're almost done settling
with the employees.
And we have the two housekeepers left,
so if you could grant us three more weeks…
Three weeks?
I mean…
Three weeks? Really?
Will that be enough?
Pardon? Well…
It's only two people.
Gosh, you're so funny as well.
How many victims were there?
Please put it up on the monitor.
The defendant allocated projects
mainly to his family
and pocketed the company's money
to buy a building in Manhattan
and a winery in Napa Valley.
You've been busy
looking for land to purchase.
Meanwhile, 800 employees were laid off
under the pretext of voluntary retirement.
If you count their family members,
that's 2,500.
Your Honor--
After trusting numbers fabricated
by fraudulent accounting
and investing in the company,
small retail investors
saw their lives ruined
as stock prices plummeted,
and their number alone makes up 24,000!
-Your Honor.
-Please sit down.
I'm not done yet.
After evading
tens of billions of won in tax,
you've dragged this trial on
with all sorts of lobbying
and haven't coughed up
even a penny in tax for five years
while there are tens of millions
of salary workers out there
being levied income tax every month!
If that wasn't enough,
you've verbally and physically abused
your employees habitually.
And you sexually assaulted
your housekeepers
who are trying to make ends meet
and raise their children.
After watching this on the news every day,
the number of Korean citizens
who are enraged and hate living here
makes up 50 million!
How are you going
to settle the compensation
for all of their mental suffering?
Three weeks? Will that really be enough?
The Court dismisses the defendant's motion
to postpone sentencing.
The Court hereby renders
the following judgment.
The defendant is sentenced
to ten years in prison
and a fine of 70 billion won.
Order in the court.
Due to a risk of flight,
the defendant will hereby
be taken into custody.
Shall the Court
notify your spouse about this?
Right.
Which one should we notify?
Your legal spouse? Or…
the one you live with?
Well…
Anyone will do.
All right, then.
Please take him away.
You bastard!
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, sir.
Do you think I'll take this lying down?
The first anti-corruption judge
with only a high school degree,
Chief Judge Kang Da-wit
of the Seoul Central District Court,
-levied a harsher sentence…
-Over 310,000.
than anyone anticipated
on JS Group CEO Jang Hyeon-bae
and has instantly become
the people's judge.
The book he was holding
on his way to court,
One Hundred Years of Solitude,
has raised a lot of speculation
regarding its significance.
But the meaning
might be in the title itself.
It symbolizes his solitary resolve
to stick to his principles
and deliver a sentence without giving in
to any external pressure.
That is the prevailing view.
Meanwhile, the victims
that have long suffered…
I'm your entertainer
-I'm your…
-I'm your…
People's judge!
Sir.
Who's playing such loud music
in the courthouse?
Yes, Ms. Yoon?
How did it go with your grandmother?
We got her a hospital room.
-Good.
-It's all thanks to you, sir.
Thank you so much.
Gosh, no need to thank me.
Who's going to help
the members of my team if I don't?
-Also, sir…
-Yes?
You were awesome today!
Court employees
from all over the country called me,
and they went on and on
about how cool you were!
Geez, it was just another case.
A judge just does his job quietly
according to law and principle.
What's so special about that?
Come on.
Your modesty makes you even cooler.
-Sir.
-Yes?
Actually, I'm a member
of Seoul's Justice Nomination Committee
in the Court Employees' Union.
Really? My goodness.
I had absolutely no idea.
That's so surprising.
I'm going to vote
to nominate you as our candidate
-for Supreme Court Justice.
-Gosh.
Everyone says you'll help
the younger generation be heard
and improve the working environment
at the Supreme Court.
Even your good looks
would be a benefit to employees!
Goodness, I'm still too young.
And I lack the competence and experience.
It's not like I work as a judge
just to be successful either.
Well, I knew you'd turn it down
since you are so modest.
Do you need my resident registration?
You'll need to attach it
to the letter of recommendation.
What's this?
I happened to have a copy of it.
Okay.
I'll submit it. Thank you.
Have a good day.
That was the first step.
Anyone can recommend
a Supreme Court Justice candidate.
After a screening process,
the committee nominates three times
as many people to the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice chooses one among them
and recommends them to the President.
Step one is to get nominated
by the Court Employees' Union.
Not bad.
I've worked my way up from the bottom,
which makes for a good story.
During a presidential election
in the past,
some believed a candidate
in their forties was needed.
I think it's about time for the court
to have a young and bright justice
instead of an elderly one.
He's from outside of Seoul
and only has a high school diploma.
He understands the common people.
If we don't support someone like him,
who else would we support, my friends?
-Right.
-Yeah.
By the way, sir.
Something's been simmering
back there for a while now.
You're right.
It smells good.
What have you been cooking?
This? It's nothing.
It's ox knee and leg bone soup.
I have a pretty bad knee.
What an honor!
I get to pour a drink
for the people's judge.
My goodness.
Please forgive me, sir.
SENIOR CHIEF JUDGE, CRIMINAL
-My apologies for causing trouble.
-Come on, don't say that.
You can't be sorry
if the court panel ruled
based on its own conviction.
Some might mistake us
for interfering with the trial.
-Judge Kang.
-Yes, sir?
I thought you were
easy-going and sensible.
SENIOR CHIEF JUDGE, CIVIL AFFAIRS
But I guess you had
lots of pent-up things inside.
Not at all, sir.
Stop. It was because he's young.
SHIN JUNG-SEOK
SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT COURT CHIEF
A young judge
should be passionate like him.
Also, it was only the first hearing.
It'll go to the appellate court.
The business world is going nuts
because the media made such a fuss.
I'm worried about
how the Blue House will respond.
Mr. Shin, this is why I said
the Division for Corruption Cases
should be handled by someone we can trust
from National Court Administration.
Even though the recent trend
is to break hierarchies--
Then, are you saying…
I appointed the wrong person?
My apologies.
No, I didn't mean that.
No, sir!
It's my fault.
I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
Everyone, I apologize!
Please tell me.
They're the most elite aristocrats
in the legal world.
-No, sir.
-What do you mean "No"?
But since they're only bookworms,
they don't understand
that politics is a living organism.
It's tough serving the country, isn't it?
These are herbal tonics. Take them.
Serving the country?
I'm a mere aide to a National Assemblyman.
Your boss is a political big shot though.
It must be tough.
It's been so rough these days.
Incidents keep happening,
so the approval rating has cratered.
We need something
to change the atmosphere.
In any administration,
when the approval rating drops,
they try to turn things around
by cracking down on chaebols.
The whole country hates
Chairman Jang Hyeon-bae
for habitually beating his staff.
So what if the young judge
who got rid of Chairman Jang
is also a justice candidate?
He'd be a good card to play.
A shocking appointment
who understands the minds of the youth.
Judge Kang, what are you waiting for?
Hurry up and do it.
Yes, sir.
I am at your service.
I pledge my loyalty!
That's what I'm talking about.
Yes!
You normally behave so well.
Why did you suddenly go overboard?
Hey, stop it already.
Judge Kang is…
Is your forehead all right?
Gochujang!
It's red chili paste.
To dip snacks in.
It's salty.
Geez, this guy!
You're not like other judges.
You're young, yet you try so hard.
But don't try too hard.
It's a bit uncomfortable
when someone is too tenacious.
-Come on.
-I'm kidding!
Yes, sir.
Let's drink to that.
-Cheers.
-Cheers.
Cheers.
"Don't try too hard"?
How ridiculous.
Those who have worked as hard as I have
can look down on me.
But you guys can't.
Never.
It's Judge Kang!
Judge Kang!
-Sir, a few words!
-Please give us a few words!
Judge Kang, give us a few words.
Was there external pressure?
Sir, what do you think of your nickname,
"The People's Judge"?
Right.
I'm sorry. As you can see,
I have so many cases to catch up on.
Hello, Ms. Park.
Sorry!
-Kang Da-wit, the people's judge.
-Geez.
Mr. Kim.
They say you'll be
the next justice candidate.
Come on. I'm still too young.
Right?
A justice in his forties
is a bit irrational--
Emmanuel Macron,
President of France, age 39.
Rishi Sunak,
Prime Minister of England, age 42.
Former Korean Justice Go Jae-ho, age 41.
These are the ages
of when they were appointed.
Kang Da-wit, born in 1981.
You're well-prepared, Judge Kang.
Good morning.
Good morning, sir.
Why do you keep carrying around
old documents we're going to shred?
What?
To work out.
For goodness' sake!
Seriously? Damn it.
Geez.
NOMINATE A FUTURE JUSTICE
Oh, dear! What are we going to do?
It must have taken so long
to get these ready.
Are you all right?
Yes. Thank you.
Goodness. You must be new.
Your senior colleagues
make you copy a lot of stuff?
What? No, that's not it.
I know. You don't have to explain.
Goodness, there's a lot.
You can't copy all these alone.
-Gosh.
-No, it's okay!
I'll do it.
-I feel so bad.
-Don't be.
Your job is my job.
We're all one big family here,
aren't we?
"Family"?
Yes. Sure.
Thank you.
I'm sorry, but by any chance,
could you take these papers down for me?
Papers?
They weren't kidding
about Gen Z being something else.
A bottom-tier newbie
asking a chief judge for papers?
Once I become a justice, I'm going to--
Of course, I can!
All right. So…
It's hard to take them down at first.
You could hurt your back too.
That badge. Are you an attorney?
Yes.
Come on.
You should've told me that right away.
I thought you were a court employee here
who had a vote.
Sorry?
A vote?
What are you talking about?
They should have sent an employee.
Why is an attorney making copies here?
How confusing.
I can't believe that old man.
-"Old man"?
-Yes. You're not an old lady, are you?
-What?
-What?
-You--
-What?
Yes.
I'm a public interest attorney
without any assistants,
so I do everything myself.
Was asking you
to take down those papers for me
that much of a terrible thing to do?
What did you say?
You said you're an attorney.
Don't you know who you're talking to?
Why do I have to know who you are?
Don't you own a TV or watch the news?
You must have no interest
in what goes on in the world.
-This old man must be a narcissist.
-What?
You can go back on your way.
Are you that important?
I can't believe her. Yes.
-I am a big deal--
-Judge Kang.
Have you eaten yet?
Okay. I think we're good now.
This machine's old,
so sometimes, you have to
give it a smack for it to work.
Goodbye, then.
-Did you go to Tongin Sundae-guk?
-We did.
He's so sweet.
A public interest attorney, my foot.
Her job doesn't even make money,
so why is she so arrogant?
Who knows if she can even afford a living?
TEXT MESSAGE
The Court Employees' Union
has nominated you
as their justice candidate.
Hello, sir.
We heard you were nominated
as a justice candidate.
Are you going to accept
the screening process?
-Well…
-Sir, could we have a quick interview?
How do you feel?
-Ms. Park.
-Yes?
Do you like chocolates?
Sorry? Why do you suddenly ask?
There's a famous quote
from a movie I like, Forrest Gump.
"My momma always said…"
Right. But what does that mean?
I don't know either.
What does that mean?
-Sorry?
-Gosh, what a difficult line.
Sir, so are you consenting
to the screening process?
-Please tell us.
-Are you consenting?
What was that?
Why did he speak
in bad English like a politician?
Maybe he meant, "Nobody knows the future"?
"Get…" He must have gotten it.
He must have the spot.
He must've agreed to the process.
I see.
I'm almost there, Mom.
Da-wit!
Mom!
Mom, was working
at the factory tough today?
Nope, it wasn't.
-How's your lower back?
-It's fine.
Here.
It's a gift.
Gosh, this…
It's my favorite gift.
It's so sour.
Why do you like it so much
when it's so sour?
Life can be pretty sour and bitter
instead of being sweet.
You'll understand once you grow up.
What should we make for dinner?
-I don't know.
-What do you want?
-Spicy stir-fried pork.
-Really?
-Yeah.
-Okay.
LATE SUMMER OF 1998
-Have a good day.
-Hello.
Gosh, Da-wit's here.
Dorm life is tough, isn't it?
Studying's not so bad.
Mom has it tougher.
-Do you have any apricots?
-Apricots?
The season for them is in June.
It's too late now.
Persimmons are sweet and tasty these days.
But I want apricots instead.
I want the sour ones, not the sweet ones.
Mom, I'm home.
Mom?
Mom?
Mom?
Mom.
Mom!
Mom!
Mom, look at me.
Mom, what's wrong?
Mom!
Mom!
Man, it's sweet.
These expensive department store apricots…
aren't sour or bitter, Mom.
They're sweet.
Very sweet.
COUR
Good morning!
Sir, have you agreed
to the screening process?
It's an honor just to be nominated,
but I have no ambitions.
What? Please have some!
Everything's great about you,
but your lack of ambition's a flaw.
At the Supreme Court,
I won't get to work with you anymore.
That's sad.
You can take me with you.
Please promote me
to be a justice's secretary.
Ms. Yoon.
You're ambitious. That's charming.
I believe in you, sir.
Right. Your classmate
from elementary school called.
"Kim Ju-seop"? Who's that?
He said "Juvenile" would ring a bell.
Juvenile? Kim… Juvenile?
Right. Kim Juvenile.
Why did that prick…
What did he suddenly call?
Last time I saw him
was in elementary school.
What?
Hey, Juvenile!
Running an orchard must be tough.
Look how tanned you are.
Hey, when I was young,
I thought your family
was the richest in the world.
Come on. My orchard isn't even that big.
-You're the amazing one.
-Come on.
Hey, let's cut the chitchat.
-Just sign 100 autographs for me.
-Gosh, will you stop?
I'm here to get your autograph
on behalf of our hometown.
Who signs an autograph for a friend?
Come on. It's embarrassing.
-Stop complaining and do it.
-No.
No?
For autographs,
this brush pen works the best.
You carry around brush pens too?
-Da-wit.
-Yeah?
THE PEOPLE'S JUDGE
You really are something else.
You had such a hard life
growing up in the countryside.
Now, you've become so successful.
-I don't know my place, do I?
-What?
Come on. Don't be ridiculous!
I shouldn't have mentioned it.
Forget it.
-Anyways…
-Yeah.
Do you remember Ji-min?
Ji-min?
Do you mean Bang Ji-min?
Yeah, your first love.
Get out of here, you punk.
She had a crush on me, but I didn't.
-No, I wasn't into her.
-Is that so?
You begged me to lend you 30,000 won
to buy her a birthday gift,
and you still haven't paid me back.
Gosh, I did?
-What? You want it now?
-No, forget it!
No, I want to send my friend off first.
No, my designated driver is almost here.
-Go on ahead.
-No, you go.
-Go.
-You go first.
-Hey, you go first.
-I told you to go first, you punk.
Hey, what's that?
-What?
-My goodness!
Hey!
Okay.
Geez.
Keep in touch.
Yeah, let's keep in touch
from now on. Okay?
Don't ignore your old friends
just because you're successful now.
All right, already.
Yeah. The people's judge!
Good luck!
Gosh, you're so juvenile. Geez.
-I'll get going.
-All right.
See you later.
Sir, please drive safely.
COUR
Geez, Mr. Kim.
Why are you out here so early?
Judge Kang,
it's about your sentencing last week
of Jungbu Pharmaceuticals' Chairman Yoo.
-Could you say--
-I have nothing to say.
A judge only speaks through his rulings.
Just answer one question for us.
Right now, you're doing more interviews
than anyone else in Korea.
What is this?
What? Is there something in your trunk?
-Right!
-What?
My underwear!
I forgot to wash my underwear
after playing soccer this morning.
-Where's the--
-No, it stinks!
It stinks so bad…
It smells like a dead body.
I should run to the laundromat!
I'm going to the laundromat.
I better go.
-The laundromat--
-I need to go to the laundromat!
Please say something about the case.
It can be short! Come on!
He can be pretty strange sometimes.
Why is he going to the laundromat?
Was I mistaken?
No, this can't be true.
Is this a habit from work?
I can guess the amount from the box size.
When filled with new 50,000-won bills,
a briefcase is 300 million.
A ramyeon box is 600 million.
An apple box is 1.2 billion.
No, it can't be…
Get a hold of yourself.
At this crucial moment,
when I'm about to become a justice,
there's 1.2 billion won
in cash in my trunk?
There's no way.
No way.
Kang Da-wit.
Who's that?
You…
are fucked.
No!
Why isn't he picking up?
Think. Come on, think.
They say clear minds
can help you survive even a bear.
Or was it a tiger?
No, that's not what's important right now.
Hey, people's judge.
I'm on my way back home now.
Okay, at a time like this,
I should check the facts first.
Did you get back safely last night?
Come on. You think this hillbilly
couldn't find his hotel?
I was worried about you, dude.
By the way,
did you leave something in my car?
What? What are you talking about?
You and I left at the same time
after drinking.
Right.
Right? I know that.
Hey, don't get me wrong,
but you didn't have a favor to ask of me
or anything like that, right?
A favor?
Of course, I have one.
What is it?
Well…
Another 100 autographs.
I'll use them to brag.
"I'm Judge Kang's best friend."
"I'm a big deal."
Right. My autographs.
Well, sure. That's no problem at all.
Okay, then. Get home safe.
I'll see you next time.
Right.
As if he would've had 1.2 billion won.
The designated driver also said
nothing happened.
The barbecue place's parking lot
doesn't have CCTV.
My car was parked here.
Then…
It's facing this way.
I should call the police
and have them investigate…
But…
An apple box filled with 1.2 billion won
in the car of an anti-corruption judge.
That doesn't look good at all.
It'll look like I've changed my mind
out of fear after accepting the money.
The crime of bribery is established
the moment you accept it.
But if it's a bribe,
there has to be someone who gave it!
The money came first with nobody around…
That means it wasn't a bribe.
It was a trap.
It's bait.
Bait to reel me.
Is that true?
Yes, sir.
Nobody gave all that money,
but it was in a judge's car?
Who's going to buy that?
Still, I think I should tell
the police first.
Their chief respects you so much.
No.
Right now, Chief Park
is desperate to become
commissioner general.
Cracking down on judges and prosecutors
is their biggest deal. Why?
Because it'll be on the news.
You're saying they'll make
a bigger deal out of it?
This isn't just about you.
You're famous across the country
as the people's judge.
If this news spreads, it'll affect you,
it'll affect me for appointing you…
You're right.
It'd be trouble for you too,
especially during this sensitive period
before a justice appointment.
Damn it.
Is there any way
to deal with this quietly?
Sir, this is bait
intended to trap us.
At a time like this,
instead of hiding in fear,
we have to strike back.
Strike back?
This message was in the box.
Let's do what they want.
"Use it for a good cause."
Yes. Since that's what they wrote,
let's do that.
What can they do?
"No, it was actually a bribe."
"I secretly put it
in Kang Da-wit's car trunk to screw him."
Will they be able to say that?
Will it really be okay?
A HUGE ANONYMOUS DONATION
TO SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT COUR
It's just right.
A moving story that's not too big.
And Mr. Shin was able to
promote himself in the meantime.
USE IT FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Okay. What are you going to do now,
you coward?
You accidentally donated 1.2 billion won
while trying to screw me.
I bet you'll go to heaven, you prick!
Good for you, moron!
Sir, Mr. Shin needs to see you right now.
What?
Did you see the article, sir?
What's your intent, you bastard?
Sorry? What do you mean, sir?
Mr. Shin.
I trusted and guided you
when you were a nobody
without a college degree.
How could you betray me like this,
you snake?
Sir, what on earth are you talking about?
Go ahead.
This is…
Gosh, you shouldn't have.
Hey.
It's so heavy.
Thanks.
I hope you enjoy.
That's not…
That's not me.
I never did that.
This is fake.
Some lunatic is using an altered video
-to mess with--
-You bastard!
I can't believe how brazen you are.
You're still trying to con me
after seeing that?
What's your intent?
Why did you drag me into this
after taking that bribe?
Why?
"An anonymous benefactor?"
"Use it for a good cause?"
You son of a…
You purposely did this
to screw me, didn't you?
Okay. I'll try to understand.
Just tell me why.
-What was your intent?
-No, sir!
This guy is Kim Ju-seop,
and he owns a countryside orchard.
What? Kim Ju-seop?
-A countryside orchard?
-Yes!
Don't you know who he is?
He's my friend from elementary school.
That bastard…
is Yoo Jae-beom, who I tried
for being a serial con artist.
He's wanted right now for committing fraud
and fleeing after his release!
There's no way.
CRIMINAL AND INVESTIGATION RECORDS CHECK
ARREST WARRAN
This can't be right.
This can't…
There's no way.
The number you have dialed
is not in service.
KIM JUVENILE
No way.
-The number you have dialed…
-No!
No.
-The number you have dialed…
-No.
-No.
-…is not in service.
Damn it.
BAE JEONG-HWAN, CLASSMATE
Hey, Jeong-hwan.
It's me, Da-wit. It's been a while.
Hey, Da-wit.
What's with the sudden call?
It's been years.
Sorry to call so suddenly like this,
but I'm in a bit of a hurry.
Do you remember Kim Ju-seop
from our elementary school?
I was wondering if you knew his number.
Kim Ju-seop?
Well, I saw him recently,
but I don't have his number.
Are you talking about Juvenile?
Yes, Kim Juvenile!
Yeah, that's right.
What are you talking about, man?
He died ten years ago.
What?
He passed away at a young age
from a brain aneurysm.
It ran in his family.
But what do you mean you saw him recently?
Actually…
I must have been mistaken.
Sorry to bother you.
I'll call you next time.
YOO JAE-BEOM
FORMER FRAUD CONVICT'S
NEW IDENTITY AS STARTUP CEO
STARTUP RECEIVES GOVERNMENT AID
DESPITE FRAUD RECORD
ALREADY SEVERAL WARNINGS
To me,
life hasn't been
a box of sweet chocolates.
It's been a box of poisonous apples,
no matter how hard I tried.
You think I'm Snow White or something?
Did you think I'd die
after eating those poisonous apple?
Do you know
what I went through to get here?
Geez, how much is that?
Hey. I was right, wasn't I?
It's a deepfake.
I never did that. I remember clearly.
-Judge Kang.
-Yeah?
Current deepfake technology
can't look this natural yet.
How did they fake this?
Why does it look so real?
I'm really sorry,
but I looked at it frame by frame.
I also checked the sources,
but this video is real.
Then, they must have hired someone
who looks just like me--
Sir.
You don't have a twin brother, do you? No.
Be honest.
Did you take the money or not?
Stop snapping.
This is driving me crazy.
Did I really lose my mind?
If this wasn't altered,
you're saying that really is me?
That's really me?
COUR
Please give me some time, sir.
I'll pull all the strings I have
and get to the bottom of--
Make a choice.
Sir? What choice?
Are you going to quietly quit
before word gets out?
Or will you face a police investigation
for taking a big bribe
from a serial con artist?
No!
This was a trap!
-It wasn't me! No!
-The people's judge!
I trusted you so much!
No, I didn't do it!
Sir.
It seems I have your answer.
Submit your resignation letter
right away.
By the way, even if you quit,
you won't be able to open
a law office for a while.
What do you mean?
Dr. Oh Gyu-jang
pulled some strings,
so we were just able
to quietly cover this up.
But as the chair
of the bar association,
he can't allow a corrupt judge like you…
to become an attorney.
A corrupt judge? Sir, I'm so--
After personally receiving that bribe,
you're still being this shameless?
You should thank me for letting you quit
without telling anyone.
Whether you be a law firm office manager
in the country or do manual labor,
just live quietly.
And don't come anywhere near us
in Seocho-dong.
KANG DA-WI
COURTS OF KOREA
SAFETY FIRS
FALLING HAZARD
One step.
It was only the first step.
I was so close.
Da-wit.
Just promise me…
two things.
Cremate me
and spread my ash over a river…
so that you won't have to
come to see me every year.
Okay?
Mom.
Don't look back.
Keep moving forward.
Just keep moving forward…
without stopping.
You must…
become successful.
You have to succeed
so people won't look down on you.
Go as far…
as you can,
my son.
Got it?
Mom.
Mom.
Hello?
It's me.
Who is this?
Unbelievable. Da-wit, it's me.
Don't you remember me?
Oh Jung-in?
Da-wit.
You remembered my voice after all.
How could I forget?
It's your voice.
You haven't changed a bit.
You're still so cringe.
You haven't changed either.
You talk casually to me
whenever you please.
What's the occasion?
We haven't been in touch
since our training.
Never mind that.
Come join my law firm.
Your firm? Oh & Partners?
I heard all about what happened to you.
What do you mean?
Don't ask me how I found out.
Jung-in, I--
The attorney registration?
Don't worry. I've already persuaded Dad.
You persuaded Dr. Oh?
Yeah.
Why? Why would you
go through all the hassle…
To help you?
No.
I want you to help me.
COUR
CHIEF JUDGE KANG DA-WI
CRIMINAL DIVISION, CORRUPTION
CHIEF JUDGES' ROOM
You can't do this, sir.
You didn't even give us a heads up.
I'm sorry.
It wasn't a choice
I could consult with others.
Sir, what's going on?
It's not hiring season,
so why are you resigning?
The justice position
was right in front of you. So why…
I'm pretty exhausted.
I'll get some rest
and talk to you about it later.
Sir.
Don't worry. I'll be back.
No matter what.
Founded by Dr. Oh Gyu-jang,
the giant who controls
the legal world from the shadows,
Oh & Partners is Korea's top law firm
with its finest attorneys.
Yes. It's a place that suits me perfectly.
Using this as a stepping stone,
I will go back
to the place I belong.
Jung-in?
Welcome.
It's pretty bright in here.
Hold on.
But you know what?
This place is pretty nice.
The managing partner's office
in Korea's top law firm.
It's spacious, isn't it?
But doesn't it feel a bit empty?
No. The empty space
is supposed to help with your creativity.
Really?
By the way, the windows
must be facing southeast.
They get plenty of sun.
I personally like it
when they face southwest.
I tend to enjoy the afternoon sun.
Is that so?
The decor isn't bad either.
All the partner offices
are pretty similar, right?
Well, yeah. They're basically the same.
I see.
Jung-in, I want to thank you.
I won't forget your kindness.
I will build Oh & Partners
into a global law firm.
You know I'm a man of my word.
That passion of yours never wanes.
Was that why I fell for you?
It was because of my passion?
I thought it was because of my good looks.
And you still have that confidence.
Follow me. I'll show you your spot.
But I just sat down.
Let's go.
I'd love to see my office.
I like the offices on this side too.
Is this my office?
No, it's this way.
We just need to go down the stairs.
The stairs? But what about the elevators?
What? You don't like stairs?
No, I love stairs. It's a good workout.
-That's good news, then.
-What do you mean?
You'll see once you get there.
There's an atrium too.
-The firm's grown a lot.
-We have a lot of attorneys now.
We've launched a Pro Bono Team too.
Pro bono? Free representation?
Don't call it free.
Pro bono publico.
It's a team for public interest cases.
Right, a free lawsuit team.
Wait.
A firm like Oh & Partners
that charges a million won per hour
has a team
that doesn't make money?
Why?
Law firms also have
social responsibilities.
Haven't you heard of ESG?
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE
We're almost there. Come this way.
Wait. I hear dogs barking.
Why would dogs be…
Hey!
-Why did you put this up here?
-You can't let them go here.
-What is this place?
-This is crazy.
-No!
-Everyone!
Team Pro Bono!
Attorney Kang Da-wit is here.
-Hello!
-Welcome, sir!
Ddol-i, no!
Hey, this can't be…
This is where you'll be working now.
It's a team for public interest cases,
not free cases.
-One moment.
-I need a moment too.
-Jung-in. Hey.
-Hello?
Why is it so dark in here?
-It's shady, isn't it?
-What?
That's why mushrooms grow well in here.
This is shiitake mushroom tea.
Shiitake mushroom…
Sorry.
We're handling a case involving those
who rescue abandoned dogs.
We have to look after the dogs
while they're being investigated.
Ddol-i!
There you are. Come here, Ddol-i.
You have to go inside now.
I heard you were a prominent judge.
Please teach me your ways!
I'm Hwang Jun-u, a young attorney
who's always eager to learn.
Let me say hi too. Good boy.
-Just a minute.
-Sorry.
Hello, I'm Attorney Yoo Nan-hui!
I'm interested in women's rights,
child welfare, and animal rights.
-Why do they keep giving me stuff?
-Which areas are you interested in, sir?
Well…
Anything that concerns public interest.
Really? I knew it.
Attorney Jang.
Right, yes.
Just wait here for a bit.
I'm…
I'm Jang Yeong-sil.
It's a strange name, isn't it?
It's nice. It sounds
like an inventor's name.
Right.
Attorney Jang has more experience
as a PA than anyone else here,
-which is eight years.
-A PA?
-It's--
-You don't know?
Attorneys specializing
in public interest cases are called PAs.
-And we're AA members as well.
-Yes.
What are AAs?
-AAs are--
-A group of attorneys who protect
the rights of non-human animals.
And what are non-human animals?
-Non--
-Humans always think
they're special and not like animals.
To stay away from such human-centric,
species-discriminating views,
we've started using terms
like human animals and non-human animals.
That's right.
You've got to be kidding me.
PAs and AAs.
I'm a CA. An attorney who's going crazy.
A team for public interest cases
in charge of free lawsuits.
She put me in this shady place
with freeloaders
who don't contribute any revenue,
and thus, have no voice in the company.
What about my stepping stone?
And my return?
And my success?
Hello! You're the new attorney,
aren't you?
I'm Park Gi-ppeum. Welcome to Team Pro…
Bono.
You're him.
That prick from that one time…
who pretended to help me.
Hey, what are you doing here?
It's not easy to get into this law firm.
You really are something else.
You did all that bragging
about how important you were.
You never know where life will take you.
We'll be making copies together now.
-Copies?
-How wonderful.
We were so short-handed
that we were about to find
some cats to help us.
We're so lucky!
-Welcome to the team!
-Welcome to the team!
-Really.
-Welcome!
-Welcome.
-We should celebrate.
-Let's have dinner tonight.
-What do you like?
-What do you like?
-Me?
Why am I here?
What am I going to do
with those people?
My glorious road to success.
I was walking down the path to success
adorned with wealth and fame.
Why do I have to handle
all these miscellaneous cases
with those weird pro bono losers
in the corner without any sunlight? Why?
Why?
This darn bread!
You dog!
I want to go back!
How could you send me
to that kind of place without asking me?
What are you doing to our client?
From chaebol CEO trials
to a case of a stolen mutt…
I heard you're a pro bono attorney now.
Did something happen?
If Myeong-hun's on this case,
it won't end easily.
-Do you know how much Chloe is worth?
-Oh, my gosh!
Our Byeol… I won't let her go.
Chloe!
-We have to resolve it.
-At any cost.
I think you've seen
too many Hollywood movies.
I thought it was okay.
-It's the blunt judge!
-Your goal was to change the judge.
Hey, you little… You punk!
-But is that possible?
-You have to win the case.
You could teach me since I don't know.
-The first reaction.
-"Where?"
I'll take charge
of those pro bono losers for a year.
-You want to make a deal?
-Make me a justice candidate.
That's my condition.
Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon