Pro Bono (2025) s01e02 Episode Script
Episode 2
PRO BONO
Byeol.
Byeol?
-Byeol?
-Byeol!
Hey, Byeol! Over here! Byeol!
Mr. Kang!
Byeol!
-Byeol!
-Are you okay?
Why did you fall down?
You must have feeble legs.
You should've been careful!
That hurts!
Gi-ppeum, you shouldn't mention
one's physical weakness like that.
It's okay. Having weak legs is fine.
Now's not the time to make a fuss
about someone else's legs.
Hey, you punk!
How dare you!
What are you doing to our client?
"Client"? How can this mutt be a client?
"Mutt"?
Take back that derogatory term
for animals at once.
Oh Jung-in!
Byeol.
-How scary it must have been!
-Goodness, Byeol!
We were so worried.
Hey, this isn't right!
How could you send me
to that kind of place without asking me?
What's "that kind of place"?
Can you explain so I can understand?
If you're a part of management,
give me a position that suits my career!
Do you know how many chaebols
and National Assemblymen I've handled?
Asking for one's opinion
is only needed when one has
the ability to choose.
Isn't it, Attorney Kang?
What?
If you're done, may I go now?
I have a meeting.
I'm a part of management, you know.
Is it raining outside?
It's sunny though.
Sorry, those tracksuit pants
are all I have here.
Gosh, you're soaked up here too.
Goodness gracious.
-It's okay.
-Sorry?
I'll do it.
Okay. Then, I'll quickly go
and get these to the dry cleaner.
You look good in those pants.
Let me assess the situation first.
There has to be a reason.
A reason why Oh & Partners,
Korea's most expensive law firm,
made a pro bono team
that doesn't make a single cent of profit.
Hey, Byeol.
Good girl.
And…
the reason why they sent me here.
So, this mutt…
So, on accusations
of stealing this client,
you're being sued?
Steal Byeol? That's ridiculous.
We adopted Byeol,
and she's part of our family.
So-yeon rescues abandoned dogs.
After finding Byeol
roaming around without a collar--
She couldn't find her guardian,
so she asked the owner of the dog cafe
she worked part-time at to adopt her.
But the former guardian showed up later.
It's been a year and a half.
How could they show up now
after not looking for her this whole time?
People are fickle.
When dogs get sick, they abandon them.
And when they get better
under their new guardians' care,
some say, "It's mine,"
and insist on getting them back.
At this rate, the legal process
of rescuing and adopting stray dogs
will fall apart, Mr. Kang.
That's right.
This is a really important case.
We have to resolve it.
At any cost.
Right. Indeed, it's really important.
From chaebol CEO trials
to a case of a stolen mutt…
Our Byeol…
I won't let her go. Never!
Never again!
"Again"?
What was the dog's condition like
when you first found her?
Byeol…
Her tail was drooped.
It seemed she hadn't eaten
for a really long time.
She didn't even bark
when I approached her.
She looked really nervous
and was having a hard time.
Where did you find her?
At Seongbukcheon Stream.
When you found her,
she didn't have a collar
-or a microchip, right?
-That's right.
And since you rescue abandoned dogs,
you obviously followed proper procedure?
Yes, of course.
What is this procedure like?
Right, this field would be new for you.
When you find an abandoned dog,
according to Article 39
of the Animal Protection Act…
It's written up there.
You can read it as you listen.
When you report to the local government
or an animal protection center,
they issue an announcement
for at least a week.
If the guardian doesn't show up
after ten days, they find a new…
I want to tie those hands down.
Can't she talk without moving her hands?
…to obtain ownership legally.
You're an expert in this field.
They seem to be the new legal guardians.
What's the problem here?
Even if the former guardian
makes a fuss now,
there's no reason to be scared.
That's true.
But they're making quite a big fuss.
What on earth?
My goodness.
I'm sorry! Our Byeol is big in size,
but she scares easily
and never bites people.
Don't be afraid.
She likes you, Mr. Kang.
Dogs recognize good people right away.
Right. Of course.
I'm not much of a dog person--
-Why?
-Oh, my gosh!
-Byeol!
-Byeol!
Look at her chase him
while wagging her tail.
Why does she keep following him?
Byeol!
Look how happy she is.
First, I have to find a weak link
to extract information.
Mushrooms in a law firm?
Is this guy a carpenter?
-Don't let me interrupt.
-Okay.
A lunatic and a film nerd.
How did she even pass the bar?
OVERCOMING DISCRIMINATION
AND STRIVING TOWARDS EQUALITY
PATIENCE
Geez, that stare.
Anger's written all over her face.
YOU CAN DO IT, JUN-U
WHAT? WORK HARDER
HARD WORK WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN
Bingo.
-Let's grab some coffee.
-Sorry?
Coffee.
Sounds good.
You were the youngest
anti-corruption judge?
And with just a high school diploma?
-Sorry.
-Come on. Don't be sorry.
Academic backgrounds
and credentials don't matter.
All that matters is…
your hard work.
Exactly! I knew it.
Hard work never lets you down.
We've just met,
so I don't know if I should say this,
but I can already tell
you won't be satisfied with staying here.
You can see that?
Of course.
Why do you think Dr. Oh
sent me here to be the team leader?
It's to find undiscovered talent.
You're right. Please help me, Mr. Kang.
Instead of being tucked away
in a dark corner,
I want to work in an office like these
that are filled with sunlight
and overlook Seoul.
Yes, I'll look into that.
By the way,
when was Team Pro Bono formed?
This past March.
March? That wasn't too long ago.
Where is everyone from?
Nan-hui was a member
of a human rights club
and came after finishing law school.
As for Yeong-sil,
he worked at various public organizations
before coming here.
And I…
You might not know it,
but I worked at a law firm called Daebak.
He's from some lousy firm.
Ms. Park was the only internal applicant.
An internal applicant?
Then, she's from Oh & Partners?
Yes, she was part of the M&A team.
Gosh, that team is
only for the best lawyers.
Gi-ppeum is a pretty big nerd,
so she acts weird sometimes,
but she is very talented.
You'll be working mainly with her.
I see.
You said I'll be working
with Park Gi-ppeum?
Yeong-sil used to work with Ms. Park,
but he's with me and Nan-hui now.
The team was launched this past March.
So it was launched
right after the firm's founder Oh Gyu-jang
appointed Jung-in as CEO
to test his successor.
-What?
-Sorry?
Never mind.
-Thanks for the pants.
-Sure.
Mr. Kang, recently…
Hey.
You still don't know where your office is?
Well, I guess our firm is pretty big.
So this was why you made Team Pro Bono.
You've done your research.
I was amazed, Jung-in.
There actually was a reason why
Korea's top law firm
launched a team that doesn't make money.
"Any attorney-at-law must engage
in public interest activities
for at least a certain number
of hours per year."
And so, what's your point?
You slipped a clause in here that says,
"Hours spent on public interest activities
by pro bono attorneys
will be acknowledged
as hours spent by the entire law firm."
Gosh, this is like
a guy recruiting a team
to do his military reserve duties for him.
Your cynicism hasn't changed either.
Skipping public interest activities
isn't a big deal.
Not if you're the top law firm
and everyone views you with bias.
It's perfect fodder for criticism.
Anyway,
I guess you were nervous about that
and put me in that team.
I mean, Oh & Partners
still has a reputation to uphold.
If Team Pro Bono loses all the time,
the snakes in the grass
who are eyeing your position would strike.
Am I wrong?
So, what's your point?
-I'm busy.
-One year.
One year?
I'll take charge
of those pro bono losers for a year.
Their win rate was only around 20%.
I'll bring it up to 50%.
That's pretty much a miraculous rate
for a pro bono team.
This is so like you.
You want to make a deal?
What do you want in return?
Right. A sunny partner's office
facing southwest
that gets the afternoon sun?
No, it's somewhere a bit far from here.
Where? Seocho-dong?
Back to your old workplace?
No, a bit further away.
Don't tell me…
You know another justice position
will open up next year.
Send me there. That's my condition.
-You're crazy.
-With the power Oh & Partners has,
it's doable.
Make me a justice candidate
nominated by the bar association.
That's too much. You said it's a team
that doesn't make money.
No, not money.
But it might get praise.
It's something Oh & Partners
has never received before.
Praise from the people.
Instead of being criticized
for defending only the rich and powerful,
the new Oh & Partners
transforms into a firm
that helps the weak
and is socially responsible.
And the new leader
who spearheads this change
is Oh Jung-in. Isn't that…
the real reason why you made the team?
That's how I see it.
You may leave if you're done.
Seventy.
"Shady"?
Geez. I said 70%.
If the price for a justice position
is only a 50% win rate,
wouldn't that be too cheap?
If you want a deal,
make it like the winning percentage
of an elite sports team.
I heard the plaintiff
will appear in person today.
It seems like she's convinced she'll win.
Will you be okay?
No one knows who'll win in advance.
Still,
we'll just put our hearts into it--
Now that I, Kang Da-wit, am here,
I will not allow
that kind of weak attitude.
What are you doing?
-That's my desk.
-If you can't understand it, memorize it.
We will win no matter what.
I will make it so.
SEOUL BUKBU POLICE STATION
We don't even know why
we were called here.
-Well, they sued…
-Ji So-yeon.
Where are you?
Me?
Oh, my gosh! What are you doing?
-What's wrong with you?
-You damn thief.
How could a beggar like you
go after my precious dog?
Hey!
Do you know how much Chloe is worth?
You little…
Ma'am, please calm down.
Let go.
Isn't your dog cafe just a cover
to steal dogs and make money?
-What?
-You're crossing the line.
Have a seat.
And who are you?
I'm their attorney.
And I could represent them if they sue
for the assault that just happened.
What on earth are you talking about?
Are you threatening me?
Do you know who I am?
You can reflect about your self-identity
all you want at home.
Did you know you can be penalized
for making a false accusation
without evidence?
What?
Are you a judge?
Why are you so arrogant?
You have a keen eye though.
Hold on. Instead of provoking her--
My clients adopted a stray dog
that was abandoned without a collar.
If she were that precious,
why appear now after not looking
for a year and a half?
How would you know
if I looked for her or not?
If the real owner appears,
they should hand her over!
-Oh, my goodness.
-In the end,
the prosecution will either drop the case
or tell you to settle
and drop the charges.
Don't get yourself investigated
for a false accusation.
Hello, ma'am.
The prosecution?
I'm glad you mentioned that.
How about you get
a taste of Korean prosecution?
-What?
-It's been a while, Judge Kang.
Woo Myeong-hun?
Sorry. You're no longer a judge, are you?
I heard you're a pro bono attorney now.
Did something happen?
A former Central Investigation
Department prosecutor
from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office
on a small case like this?
A small case?
Stealing a dog is like
kidnapping someone's child.
Can't you get with the times?
That's not like you.
Are you okay?
Is there a reason to be not okay?
By the way, is the plaintiff a daughter
of a high-ranking prosecutor?
Yes. She's the daughter of Assemblyman
and former Chief Prosecutor Lee Du-cheol.
No wonder.
That's why Myeong-hun was there.
Do you know him?
We trained at the JRTI together.
But we're not that close.
If Myeong-hun's on the case,
it won't end easily.
What? But they followed
all the proper legal procedures.
Do you know what Myeong-hun's good at?
What?
-Planting evidence.
-What?
Hey!
He paints a picture first
and then comes up
with evidence that matches it.
Thanks to that,
he was on the fast track to success
until he fell off
after I knocked him down a peg.
Wait.
Are you telling me
he even holds a grudge against you?
Are you sure we can win this case?
This is perfect.
What's perfect about this?
For my first case as an attorney,
I thought it was too weak.
You need a former SPO's prosecutor
and the daughter of an assemblyman
to make things look nice.
This is good.
-Excuse me, Mr. Kang.
-What is it?
What looks so nice about this?
Look forward. It's a red light.
SEOUL NORTHERN DISTRICT COUR
CRIMINAL COUR
What?
It's just a small case,
but there are two prosecutors here.
Because it involves the daughter
of a former chief prosecutor
who's a big shot of the Legislation
and Judiciary Committee.
But why is the judge late?
Did something happen?
Judge Oh Jae-seop of Criminal Division 1
is known for always being
five minutes late.
He'll be here in a minute.
Ms. Park.
-Yes?
-Why are you so nervous?
Don't tell me
it's your first time in the court.
It's not my first time,
but I've mainly done
just business consulting,
so this is my second time
in criminal court.
But you've seen many courtroom movies.
You're a film nerd.
Of course! I love Philadelphia.
-A Few Good Men is my all-time favorite.
-Never mind that.
Just do as they do in those films.
Be confident.
Don't be afraid. Be bold.
Okay.
Three, two, one.
All rise.
You may be seated.
Is all this even necessary for this case?
-Attorney Kang.
-Yes?
Let's settle the issue
amicably on both sides.
Give the dog back.
And have the plaintiff drop the charge.
Can't we do that?
Why make such a fuss about--
Your Honor!
For a year and a half,
the defendants have already raised
the dog involved in this case,
Byeol, with love--
Chloe!
-What a tacky name!
-Please remain silent!
They've gone through
the proper procedures to adopt the dog.
Simply saying to give Byeol back
shows prejudgment before the trial
-has even begun--
-Counsel.
I think you've seen
too many Hollywood movies.
-Sorry?
-This is Korea.
Please stop walking around.
It's distracting.
Go and speak at your table.
And get straight to the point.
Yes, Your Honor.
My apologies.
I thought it was okay.
Your Honor,
we have recently attained a credible tip.
For its submission,
we request a motion to reschedule--
It happened a year and…
a half ago.
How could they attain a tip just now?
Sit down!
That was good too.
Are you saying the Prosecutors of Korea
are fabricating evidence?
Prosecution, you may proceed with that.
Okay, the next hearing date will be--
Your Honor.
What is it?
I'm sorry,
but we have retained
an additional counsel.
He was late due to traffic.
Could you please allow him to appear?
Do pro bono attorneys nowadays
come late to trials?
My apologies.
-I won't allow it.
-Goodness.
My word.
Goodness.
I'm sorry I'm late.
Your additional counsel was Mr. Park.
What's happening? Who's that old man
and why is the judge intimidated by him?
That's what happened, Your Honor.
Geez, for an abandoned dog case,
first, it was an ex-SPO prosecutor
getting involved,
and now, it's a ex-chief of this court.
Well…
I'm sorry, Your Honor,
but since I was appointed recently…
Of course.
You didn't have the chance
to review the additional documents.
-I'll give you some time.
-Thank you, Your Honor.
Is this what people call
the power of a former judge?
Thank you, Your Honor.
If that's the card they're playing,
let's use an ex-judge as an attorney.
Sir? Isn't that you?
-No?
-I'm from Seoul Central District Court.
There are others more directly related.
Leave it to me.
You're using privileges former judges get
for a pro bono case?
Why not?
It's an institutional corruption
that should be gotten rid of.
You can't use that for pro bono--
Can't common folks
get some benefit from it?
Everyone who's rich
and powerful uses it.
-Still--
-In a public interest case,
defense is provided free of cost.
We can't pay such an attorney
in the first place.
Leave that to me.
Fore!
-Good gracious.
-You really sliced that ball.
Chief!
Goodness, Judge Kang.
What are you doing here?
You wouldn't answer my calls,
so I came all the way here, Chief.
Anyways,
you're still slicing the ball.
Relax your arms during the follow-through.
Why are you doing this to me, Judge Kang?
You don't need a former chief
for measly dog case!
You're right.
We should use such privileges
for cases involving conglomerate CEOs,
like when you did as a judge.
That way, the judge and those attorneys
can go play golf together, go to bars,
-and go overseas to play golf again--
-Wait.
What on earth
are you trying to say, Judge Kang?
Don't worry! It's all in the past.
It's all right.
I just happen to have an excellent memory
and have heard so many stories.
Geez, you're unbelievable.
Chief.
This is a specially crafted ball
that prevents slices.
-What?
-Try this one out.
Is that so?
Try it.
You're truly amazing, sir!
A former chief judge
joining a pro bono case is unheard of.
And he's doing it for free.
I guess the judge
will be less biased from now on.
No, of his own accord,
he'll recuse himself from the case.
-Sorry?
-Under Article 24
of the Criminal Procedure Act,
I shall recuse myself sua sponte
from this case.
Your Honor.
Your Honor!
Was it just because
they once worked at the same court?
That wouldn't be enough to recuse himself.
That's how Judge Oh is.
A safety-first guy with a faint heart.
-He didn't want to be stuck in the middle.
-What do you mean?
Judge Oh went to the same high school
that Woo Myeong-hun is from.
They've been taking baking class together
for two years or something as a hobby.
Isn't that ridiculous?
So that's why the judge
was so amicable toward the prosecution.
From the start, using an ex-judge
as an attorney wasn't your goal.
Pretty good, Ms. Park.
Your goal was to change the judge.
But…
Do you know?
Do you know the Criminal Division 2 judge
that the case will be reassigned to?
What? What's the next judge like?
Don't tell me it's the blunt one.
For three straight years, he was chosen
by the bar as the unfriendliest judge.
He's famous for his anger issues.
So who is it?
Why am I the only one who doesn't know?
Geez.
Hey, you little…
You punk!
They should take your limbs and tear…
Get lost!
Goodness. Yes, I know.
He wasn't promoted due to his temper
and works with those ten years his junior.
It's Chief Judge Choi Ho-jip.
Goodness. What do we do?
It's the blunt judge.
Are you close with him?
No way. I'm the type of judge
he hates the most.
A judge who's socially adept
and successful.
I was out of strength at the end.
And here's some food.
-No, I want the mung bean pancakes.
-Right, the pancakes.
You're too old to be picky with food!
Just eat what they give you, you fool!
What?
Act your age.
Then why did you have
the trial assigned to such a person?
Rather than a judge who's outwardly nice
but biased on the inside,
wouldn't a judge
who's equally blunt to everyone
be more favorable for us?
By the way, did the prosecution
submit the additional evidence?
Just a moment, sir.
Another moment?
They did submit it.
What is it?
WITNESS STATEMEN
It's a witness statement.
A witness?
CAFE PAWS & FLUFFS
Hello, So-yeon.
-Hello.
-Hello.
Hello.
Hey, stay away.
Stay away! You've met me!
-You've already met me!
-Byeol, over here.
Good. Sit.
-Why isn't it on a leash?
-Hello.
Hello, sir.
Hello.
I'll prepare something to drink.
It's okay, sir.
You were a bit surprised, weren't you?
I'll go wash my hands quickly.
-So-yeon.
-Yes?
Today is the day, isn't it?
-Yes.
-What's today?
-Well…
-So-yeon.
Could you take a seat for a bit?
Just me?
The prosecution
suddenly submitted
some additional evidence.
Okay. What is it?
You were clear that Byeol didn't have
a collar when you found her, right?
Yes.
But a witness has suddenly appeared.
They said they saw you
secretly throw away Byeol's collar.
What?
That's nonsense.
Where would I even throw it away?
They saw you throw it away
in the Hangang River.
Seriously.
That's nonsense. It's a total lie.
Who said that?
Exactly. When the plaintiff's attorney
used to be a prosecutor,
he was good at manipulating evidence.
I doubted it, but it was true.
Is there something going on?
No, ma'am.
-It's nothing to worry about.
-That's not true.
It is something to worry about.
What are you talking about?
It wasn't the Hangang River.
Where did you throw it away?
Come on.
What are you talking about?
If it wasn't the Hangang River,
where did you throw away the collar?
What kind of person do you think I am?
I'm not a bad person.
Whether you're a good person or not
is not what I'm interested in.
Just answer my question.
Where did you throw it away?
Where did she find the dog? Seongbukcheon?
I'm right. It's Seongbukcheon Stream.
-You threw it away in there?
-Mr. Kang.
On what grounds
are you speaking so conclusively?
You didn't do that. Right, So-yeon?
You wouldn't have done that.
You didn't, right?
Seriously.
Ma'am.
-It's not that…
-Perjury or a false statement
will only make it bad for her.
Oh, no.
Oh, my gosh.
Oh, no. I'm sorry!
I'm sorry.
Did you really throw it away?
Then, the witness statement wasn't forged.
No, it was forged.
Myeong-hun must have contacted
a lowly ex-convict
that he retained
from his years as a prosecutor
to make a statement.
Just do it one more time.
Sir.
Please let me go now.
Memorize the statement
you'll tell the prosecutor.
Don't get the date wrong
like last time.
Look at the photo of the dog closely too.
Then, there was no witness,
but So-yeon did throw the collar away.
This makes me so sad.
How did you find this out?
The first reaction.
The first reaction?
When one is suddenly asked
about the thing they want to hide,
they react defensively first
like a conditioned response.
"Where?"
That's nonsense.
Where would I even throw it away?
If it never happened,
she would've denied it
without any unnecessary comments.
"I'm not a bad person."
"Who do you think I am?" Blah, blah.
Making such unnecessary comments
is derived from the instinctive
defensive mechanism of humans.
Yes, you're right.
When she asked
about where it was thrown away
and heard it was the Hangang River,
her face lit up momentarily.
They saw you throw it away
in the Hangang River.
Seriously.
That's nonsense. It's a total lie.
Who said that?
-Mr. Kang.
-Yes?
You truly are amazing.
Seriously.
When you wear the gown
and sit at the bench long enough,
you come to see everything.
Now, please tell us.
Why did you lie?
That collar.
It was because of that collar.
What? The collar?
Hi.
Hi.
Hey.
Hi. Hi there.
What are you doing here all by yourself?
You must've been scared,
but you didn't even bark.
Right?
Don't worry.
I'll find your home.
What's this?
What's this here?
CHLOE
An anti-bark collar?
Yes. Whenever a dog barks,
it gives an electric shock.
Unbelievable.
How can you use that on your pet dog?
It's not illegal in Korea.
Still, you can't take
someone else's dog like that.
Voltage for a pet item
wouldn't be that high.
What?
Do you want to try it yourself?
Try what?
There's a sample our group bought.
Wait just a moment.
Well, she didn't have to…
Come on.
It looks like a children's toy.
So you want me to try this on?
Yes.
See for yourself.
Well, why not?
Do I wear it like this?
It is a bit uncomfortable.
Now what?
Do I need to bark?
Hold on, sir!
Here.
They put things like that
around dogs' necks?
So,
is that why you didn't bark?
Poor Byeol.
Honey.
The one Byeol was wearing
had a higher voltage,
so it's banned from being imported.
And top of that,
they deliberately unlocked
the limit on the highest voltage level.
Those horrible people!
You found evidence of abuse.
Why didn't you report it right away?
Report?
What's the point?
What do you mean?
You have to report it
so it's investigated as animal abuse.
I understand why you didn't report it.
Even if you report it,
you'd have to send her back to the abuser.
According to the law,
a dog is still the owner's property.
Was that the reason?
Yes.
I really didn't want
to send Byeol back to such people.
That's why I threw…
I'm sorry, ma'am.
You were having such a hard time then
and I asked you to adopt her.
It's all my fault.
Of course, it's your fault.
No matter how much you explain,
they're just motives for the crime.
You took her when you clearly knew
she had a guardian.
That's a crime.
I see. So that's what happened.
Would you like to stick around today?
Today is
the day I feed Byeol a nice, big meal.
Let's feed Byeol
and share the food together.
What…
What food are we sharing?
Okay, let's sit.
My Han-byeol.
Happy birthday.
I said no!
Seriously, it'll be fine.
I'm going with my friends.
Don't worry about it.
No!
There will be so many people.
What if you get hurt by any chance?
Grandma!
Will you talk to him, please?
I really want to go
to the street festival.
I'm sure things will be fine.
She's going with a bunch of her friends.
Aren't you worried at all?
Don't you remember her parents?
Why would you bring that up now?
Grandma.
I'm sorry.
They left Han-byeol here
and just had go on a trip
during that crowded vacation season.
They had the accident
while driving in the rain.
You call me foolish, but I can't help it.
Grandpa, I'll be really careful.
Okay? I promise.
Honey, come on!
What could possibly go wrong?
I'd like to go there too.
Should I put on a uniform and join you?
That'll be awesome! I'll lend you mine.
Gosh, our beautiful Byeol.
You look so pretty today.
Should we take a photo?
Okay.
One, two, three.
Han-byeol.
My beautiful child.
Byeol.
BAEK HAN-BYEOL
A STAR IN THE SKY
OCTOBER 29, 2022
Ma'am, please.
If I don't find a new guardian in a week,
they'll put her to sleep.
But my place doesn't allow pets.
So isn't there any way?
I don't want to form
any kind of relationship again.
I'm going to close this cafe soon too.
Honestly, I don't have
the will to live anymore.
So,
-just take her back.
-Ma'am, just one night!
Can't you let her stay here
just for tonight?
I have the night shift.
I'll make sure
to pick her up tomorrow. Okay?
Grandma.
Grandma.
Grandma.
Han-byeol.
Han-byeol, my beautiful child.
My little puppy.
Stop crying, Grandma.
I'm in a really good place now,
living happily every day.
So stop crying, Grandma.
Okay?
Don't you ever
think of those terrible thoughts.
You have to live a long life
before you come to me. Okay?
Han-byeol.
I pray out of gratitude every day.
I'm so glad
you didn't come with me that day.
That was a close one.
What a relief, right?
Byeol.
Byeol.
Byeol.
Byeol.
Isn't there any way?
They'll be punished,
and Byeol will have to
go back to those abusers.
How can the law be like this?
The provisions of the law
are always beautiful,
but the reality is the gutter.
You all know that very well.
Let's go.
I don't know.
In this gutter-like reality,
I still don't know
how to win.
You could teach me since I don't know.
You could give me a chance.
Wait.
I'll do anything too.
I'm not as talented
as Gi-ppeum in legal matters
or multi-talented like Yeong-sil,
but I'm really good at doing legwork.
What's with those faces?
Did you think I, Kang Da-wit,
was going to lose
his first case as an attorney?
Right?
You must have a way to win, don't you?
Mr. Kang!
Since we're here at Seongbukcheon,
let's eat outside. It's on me.
Okay. Sure!
By the way, Ms. Park.
I think I've heard that line
in a drama before.
-What line?
-"You could teach me
since I don't know."
"You could give me a chance."
I think I've heard this before.
You must be imagining things.
Let's hurry.
-What am I imagining?
-Let's go.
-Hurry.
-Have you heard it before too, Mr. Hwang?
What do you mean?
Counsel.
-Yes, Your Honor?
-You submitted the document?
You admit to throwing the collar away,
so you're pleading guilty?
No, Your Honor.
Then, what is it? What do you want to do?
Is there something else to do?
Your Honor,
please end this trial early--
We request a jury trial.
What?
We plead not guilty
and hope for a jury trial
so our defendants
may receive a fair trial.
"A fair trial"?
Are you saying that you don't trust
a trial I preside over will be fair?
Your Honor, asking for a jury trial
for a case like this
is a typical trick to delay a trial.
Don't fall for this--
Be quiet!
-Sorry?
-I'm the one who decides
how the trial will proceed.
Don't tell me what to do.
But Your Honor,
we have the right to state our view--
You be a judge, then!
Be a judge.
Okay, all right.
Let's do that.
If you want that so badly…
All right. A jury trial?
Yeah? And a fair trial?
Sure. Let's do that.
Let's take this as far as we can.
Thank you, Your Honor.
What trick is he pulling now?
Okay! Let's prepare
our weapon for battle now.
Ms. Park will prepare the legal argument.
-Okay.
-Mr. Jang.
Continue what you're doing.
-Mr. Hwang.
-I'll do anything, sir.
Should I search for precedents?
You said you're good
with legwork, right? Here.
-Ms. Yoo.
-Yes?
Though it's not your case,
you said you'd help?
I did.
Don't you often hear
that you look young or like a baby?
Hold on.
Commenting on your colleague's looks
can be sexual harassment--
-Are you up for an undercover job?
-Undercover?
Not you, film nerd.
I was talking to this one with IED.
IED? Intermittent explosive disorder?
That term fosters prejudice
against disabilities…
Hello, ma'am.
Hi.
-Are you So-mi?
-Yes.
Come on in.
I heard you were really good
at teaching the recorder.
A-reum's test is in a week,
so I'm worried.
You must have faith in me, ma'am.
Playing the recorder
is all about breathing.
I'll start with teaching her
a new way to breathe.
Okay. I'll put my faith in you.
But are you really a high school student?
Why?
Do I not look like one?
I'm so sad. Crying face.
All right. But something about you
seems older…
I have an old face.
I see.
What am I doing right now?
-Where is it?
-Mom.
What is that man doing?
Let's not look.
And don't make eye contact.
My back!
Still,
isn't this too much legwork?
-Mr. Kang.
-Yes?
The Pomeranian abuse case
at Pyeongtaek Station 15 years ago…
Do you have the precedent?
-I printed it out.
-Thank you.
OH & PARTNERS
ATTORNEY YOO NAN-HUI
LEE DU-CHEOL
Got you!
Ma'am!
-Do you know how much that cost?
-Got you!
It's expensive!
How are you going to pay for it?
There's a snake there!
This is a toy snake!
I see.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
This isn't even the first time.
Ma'am,
don't bother coming next week.
Sorry? But ma'am.
I'll deduct the price of the bowl
from your salary. Got it?
Are you okay, A-reum?
Wait, ma'am.
You can't kick me out like this.
Ma'am!
Should we wrap up today's meeting now?
Actually, I was at the Ministry of Justice
for a meeting,
and everyone was talking.
"What's going on at Oh & Partners?"
"Why are you handling
a stray dog case?"
Do you think it'll help our firm's revenue
if we become enemies with the prosecution?
Tell them to drop the case now.
I almost forgot.
Now that you mention revenue…
Here's the revenue you brought in
during the past six months.
Time can be brutal.
Don't you think?
In the past, you two used to earn
the most revenue for our firm.
If you look at the bottom,
there's a list detailing
the salaries of your secretaries
and drivers and your company card usage.
Please take note of this.
Ms. Oh.
Yes, Mr. Cha?
If you have nothing to say,
I'll get going.
-How did it go?
-What?
They want to stop
the abandoned dog case.
Korea's top law firm can't pull out
after making a scene. It's embarrassing.
-Isn't that what you wanted?
-I'm just doing my best.
I don't need your best. I need results.
She can't lose her granddaughter twice.
Jung-in.
I was also there at that street festival
on that day.
You have to win the case.
He comes in.
Your Honor,
and ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
we will make an argument
based on the testimony you just heard.
It was a right of necessity,
also known as a justified act…
Ladies and gentlemen,
what would you do if it were you?
ATTORNEY, YOO NAN-HUI
Ma'am, you would help save a life.
I wouldn't make a difference.
I've never been to such a place.
I'm too scared of them.
Counsel.
JURY TRIAL
-You may examine the witness.
-Yes, Your Honor.
Ma'am,
you've been working as a maid
at the plaintiff's house
for three years now. Correct?
Yes.
And you know
the abandoned dog in this case?
Yes.
Their daughter made a fuss
because she wanted a big dog,
so Ms. Lee bought one.
But since the child
changes her mind often,
she soon got sick of it.
I see.
I assume the way the dog was treated
changed after that.
Of course.
It was thought of as a nuisance.
"Dog food costs too much.
Just give it half the amount."
"Its barking annoys me."
Ma'am!
And then,
they bought some kind of collar
from somewhere.
After that, the dog wouldn't bark at all.
Did the collar
look like this by any chance?
Yes, I'm wearing it now.
I'll make some noise now.
It doesn't give you a shock right away.
Instead, a warning alarm goes off.
I'll try it again.
Your Honor,
this question is irrelevant to the case.
It is relevant! Do you know how much it…
That's abuse.
The question is a premise
to our argument, Your Honor.
Okay.
You may continue.
Ms. Kim, was the collar
similar to the one we just saw?
Yes, it was.
Whenever she barked, she'd choke.
And she was so much in pain.
It's only an animal, but I felt so bad.
You can't wear sunglasses in court.
I'm on an undercover mission.
But why would they suddenly look
for the dog after a year and a half?
It's because of the fickle child.
She went to a dog cafe
with her friends and saw the dog.
"Why is my dog at someone else's house?"
"Bring her back now!"
-She cried and made such a fuss.
-Objection!
What happened after the theft
is irrelevant to the case.
-Sustained--
-Yes, sustained.
I'll withdraw my question.
Just disregard that question
-and answer you just heard.
-Counsel!
Yes, Your Honor?
What you just said…
I decide and say that myself
as a judge. Understood?
It's a habit ingrained in me
from my former job, so…
Okay. Go back.
I'll be careful, Your Honor.
Your Honor.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
As you just saw,
the abandoned dog in this case
suffered from electric shocks all day
and was in a state of serious starvation.
The defendant Ji So-yeon thought
if she sent the dog back to the abuser,
something worse would happen.
So, she cut the collar off
and found a new caregiver.
It was a right of necessity,
also known as a justified act,
so she's not guilty.
That's a ridiculous argument.
A right of necessity is established
only when a person faces an urgent crisis.
A right of necessity for a dog,
which is the owner's property?
It's an argument without any knowledge
of a basic criminal law.
Yes, that's right.
Under the law,
animals are thought of as merely property.
Although I don't know anything
about criminal law,
let me ask you something then.
If animals are only property,
then why do we punish people
for animal abuse
when they abuse their own property?
-That's--
-Let me ask another question.
Your colleagues and predecessors
worked hard at the Ministry of Justice
to research and create
Article 98-2, Paragraph 1
of the Civil Code Amendment.
Do you know what it is?
"Animals are not objects."
They are living things,
not objects, Prosecutor.
The defendant only wanted
to protect a life.
Ladies and gentlemen,
you're all sensible citizens of Korea.
What would you do if it were you?
You have no choice but to send the dog
back to a habitually abusive owner.
If you can't find a new guardian in time,
she has to be euthanized.
Do you truly believe
what the defendant did was a crime?
-Nothing further, Your Honor.
-Okay, thank you.
That was pretty good.
It sounded a bit like The Attorney,
but it might have worked.
Your Honor.
If only that prick wasn't here.
As counsel for the plaintiff,
I'd like to say something.
Okay, then…
-Come on out, so everyone can hear you.
-Thank you, Your Honor.
The defense is following
a well-prepared script
to maliciously frame the plaintiff.
May I request
to ask the witness just one thing?
Go ahead.
Please ask the witness
if she has ever stolen
-the plaintiff's necklace.
-Objection.
-This question is irrelevant to the case.
-No, it is relevant.
It's a question that concerns
the credibility of the defense's witness.
Ms. Kim, did you hear the question?
-Please answer.
-Sorry?
No.
I'm not that kind of a person.
Why would I lay hands
on someone else's stuff?
The plaintiff always keeps
a camera installed
in the room
where she stores her valuables.
I hereby submit a video recording
of the crime scene as evidence.
Wait…
I…
No, it's not that.
My unpaid salary
due to all sorts of excuses
exceeded ten million won.
But she fired me all of a sudden.
I just thought I should get
what I should have been paid.
So that's why?
What you've heard so far
was a testimony from a thief
who stole from her boss out of spite.
Abuse against her dog?
That's a ridiculous false accusation.
After having her dog,
who she adored like her own child,
stolen by shameless people,
the plaintiff has been suffering
immense mental anguish.
Objection, Your Honor.
Do not insult the defendants.
Also, the defense hasn't been able
to provide any concrete evidence
other than the false testimony
they have prepared.
A electric shock collar?
If there is such a thing,
submit it as evidence.
Wouldn't that be the case, Counsel?
Also, Ms. Park.
I enjoyed that touching speech of yours.
But about that amendment
saying "animals are not objects."
It was passed
by the National Assembly, right?
Not yet.
Not yet?
I thought it'd already been passed
since you sounded so confident.
The members of the jury
aren't experts on this,
so they would've been mistaken too.
If that was your intention,
I'm even more impressed.
She's a very promising attorney.
I was only trying to show
how the social norms are changing--
That is all, Your Honor.
Thank you.
Please return to your seat.
If there are no further questions,
we will conclude the witness examination.
We'll take a short recess
before the closing arguments.
I'm sorry.
I should have looked more deeply into it.
No. It's all right, Nan-hui.
How could you have seen that coming?
But what do we do now?
We need that collar to prove the abuse.
He should be here by now.
Sorry?
-Mr. Kang!
-There he is.
Jun-u?
Where is it?
I'm sorry. I thought I'd finally found it.
But it wasn't it.
It was just junk brought in
by heavy rain last time.
Was it too impossible to try?
I'm sorry.
What now, Mr. Kang?
Are we at a dead end?
Let me use the restroom.
Staying clean is his concern
at a time like this?
JURY BOX
What's with him?
Counsel?
Counsel!
Yes, an animal is an object.
The prosecution's arguments
are all valid from a legal standpoint.
Under the current law,
pets are their owners' property.
The right of necessity
or the justifiable act to save an object.
The court won't accept it.
I know that very well.
How could a society
that can't take care of humans
take care of the lives of animals?
You're asking for too much.
Are you crazy, Mr. Kang?
Your Honor, I'd like to check
just one thing with the plaintiff.
I request permission
to examine the plaintiff as a witness.
Then, Counsel,
be short and quick.
Yes, Your Honor.
The plaintiff!
Please come to the witness stand.
What?
Come on out!
Yes, Your Honor.
Your Honor.
I have an object to show the plaintiff.
I request permission
for Exhibit 12 to enter the courtroom.
Counsel, Exhibit 12 is…
-Come on. That's…
-Yes.
It's evidence, after all.
It's an object, so I can submit it
to the court, can't I?
What should we do?
Do we allow it or not?
My goodness.
Sure. Okay.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Sir?
Oh, my gosh!
Byeol!
Byeol!
Byeol.
That's what pets do.
Even if the owner hated hearing her bark
and put an electric shock collar on
that burned her throat…
Even if the owner tried starving her
because abandoning her was a hassle…
she saw the owner
for the first time in a while
and couldn't help but lick
the back of their owner's hand.
They exist solely to love humans.
That's what a pet is.
We got it.
Look at the faces of the jury.
We have circumstantial
but no physical evidence.
How do we prove the abuse?
Who made them this way?
It was us humans.
We captured wild animals as we pleased,
and tamed and bred them
to make them love humans instinctively.
Yes. Since we made them
out of our necessity,
we can just toss them out
if we don't need them anymore.
Our claim of right of necessity
and a justifiable act for such objects.
We'll withdraw it. Your Honor.
But just for the last time,
I want to reconfirm one basic fact
before closing my argument.
Sure.
Ms. Lee.
Take a good look at the dog.
Look closely.
Stay.
Did you really think
she threw the collar away?
You just need to answer
one simple question.
This dog right here…
Is this…
your dog?
-What?
-What?
What is he doing?
Why on earth are you asking that now?
In a criminal trial,
we should leave no room
for any reasonable doubt.
Even if there's a 1% chance of error,
until the very end
of the trial…
we have to keep questioning it.
When you think about it,
there are many dogs
of the same breed and size.
Ms. Lee.
Take a good look.
Is she really
the dog that you lost?
You seem flustered.
Take a sip of water.
What's with her?
Excuse me.
Your Honor!
Yes, go ahead.
I'm not feeling well right now.
Can we take…
a five-minute break?
Well, in that case,
we'll take a ten-minute recess.
What are you doing, Mr. Kang?
What?
The dog belonged to plaintiff. It's Byeol.
Are you all right?
Yes, I am.
It's hard to think straight
with Kang Da-wit making a fuss, isn't it?
Don't let him get to you.
Let's end this quickly.
Right.
Ten minutes are long.
So,
do you feel better, Ms. Lee?
Yes.
That's good.
I'm just checking
since I just can't understand.
Right?
You're the daughter
of a former chief prosecutor
and assemblyman
who's been elected three times.
You're a sophisticated person raised
by a family that upholds law and order.
Would such a person
put an illegal electric shock collar
on their dog?
Or starve and neglect her
so she would die?
Would such a person
do such horrible things?
But if that's the case by any chance,
if any concrete evidence shows up…
My goodness!
This would make headlines!
It'd be on the news,
in newspapers, and on social media.
Come on. There's no way.
Your Honor, Counsel keeps making arguments
-without any proof--
-Excuse me. Sit down.
-Ms. Lee.
-What's going on?
This is your last chance.
Look at her again
very closely.
This poor abandoned dog
was brutally abused and thrown out.
Is she really the dog you lost?
I see.
Since we can't prove the abuse,
we have to make the plaintiff
change her words and say it's not her dog.
But is that possible
when there is no evidence?
No.
Sorry, what did you say?
It's hard to hear,
so could you say it louder, please?
No!
No, it's not mine.
That dog does look a lot like our Chloe,
but after seeing her up close,
it's not her.
My Chloe was different
from that mixed-breed dog.
I'll drop the charges!
-Oh, my gosh!
-I'm sorry.
-My goodness.
-I was…
I was…
I was mistaken!
That dog isn't mine!
Hold on!
What are you doing, Ms. Lee?
After all this, why are you saying that?
Yes.
You can bark all you want now.
My Byeol.
You're not Chloe.
Counsel,
are you done with your examination?
Nothing further, Your Honor.
If the examination is over,
please take her away.
Byeol!
You seem flustered.
Take a sip of water.
Call your dad right now.
-Dad?
-Hey.
-Are you out of your mind?
-Dad, what is it?
Judge Kang, that fool.
He just called and threatened me.
He said you abused an animal.
He said he has evidence too. Is this true?
No, Dad. It's not what--
If it's true,
my official nomination
for general elections will be gone.
Do you know how many people
with pets there are in my district?
If my political career ends
because of you,
don't even dream
of asking me for anything.
There won't be
any studying abroad for A-reum!
-You got that?
-Dad!
That's not the…
Dad!
CALL YOUR DAD RIGHT NOW
Wait. What…
What on earth happened?
What was that thing around Byeol's neck?
I didn't find the collar.
I don't know. I have no idea either.
We can't buy it on the market.
Our multi-talented Mr. Jang,
do you have any good ideas?
For the leather part,
I can simply get it
from the Cheonggyecheon area.
For the metal buckle,
I can weld together some similar material
to make it look pretty similar.
Just give me two days.
You'll be able to fool the eyes
for a moment.
Then that means we won, right?
The jurors' faces said it all.
I guess they were pretending not to know.
The plaintiff said it wasn't her dog.
-Right.
-Yeah.
But you never know.
Even if the jury wishes to acquit,
the judge can say
it's an obvious error and overrule it.
That's possible,
but…
Judge Choi won't do that.
Why not?
You said he was as stubborn as a mule.
What's your name?
Your name.
Paw.
Judge Choi's nickname is Dog Dad.
Maybe it's because he doesn't have kids.
He's raising three abandoned dogs
after adopting them.
I heard he couldn't be kinder to them.
Then, it wasn't just about avoiding
Criminal Division 1.
You planned on handing the trial
to Judge Choi from the get-go?
He's so awesome.
Gosh, I hate him.
I can hear you!
Okay.
I will now deliver the verdict.
Defendants, please rise.
Respecting the jury's unanimous opinion,
the Court hereby finds the defendants
not guilty.
Of course, not guilty.
I'm so relieved.
All rise.
Plaintiff!
Chloe is your dog!
What do you mean you were mistaken?
What a hearty character.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
It's been a while,
Mr. Yoo Jae-beom.
Yes, it has been a while, Ms. Oh.
Sir, please drive safely.
STAY TUNED TO WATCH THE EPILOGUE
Why did you come to Team Pro Bono?
Who are you suing again?
God.
I want compensation for damages.
I said no.
My very existence
in this world itself is damaging.
Even if we might not win…
Is a trial a live charity show
to help the needy?
Making money is
the most pro bono thing we can do.
I can't listen to this anymore!
You stupid boomer!
If the defendant is God,
I don't know what His mailing address is.
It's 101 Dogok-ro.
That's where I'm sending
the complaint for damages.
He lives in Gangnam?
This might be a ridiculous thought,
but what if there was
some kind of intent behind all of this?
It's probably runaway teenagers.
Like So-min.
I would like to sue Choi Woong-san,
the CEO of Woongsan Group,
and have him stand trial.
Mom!
It hurts so much.
Gosh, you should be glad it isn't worse.
You could've been really hurt,
Da-wit.
That stupid dog.
If I ever see him again,
I'll break his legs and--
That won't happen.
-Why not?
-When a dog bites someone,
that becomes a habit.
The owner said
he's going to sell the dog tonight.
Really?
What can you do? It's his decision.
Okay. Let me see.
Da-wit!
-This is the dog.
-No!
-Da-wit!
-You can't, sir!
Hey, move!
-You can't!
-You'll get hurt!
You can't, sir!
Don't send Jang-gun away.
Once a dog bites a person,
it becomes a habit. You can't raise it.
Move already!
It was because I kept touching
and teasing him.
So don't send him away!
For crying out loud, this boy.
Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon
Byeol.
Byeol?
-Byeol?
-Byeol!
Hey, Byeol! Over here! Byeol!
Mr. Kang!
Byeol!
-Byeol!
-Are you okay?
Why did you fall down?
You must have feeble legs.
You should've been careful!
That hurts!
Gi-ppeum, you shouldn't mention
one's physical weakness like that.
It's okay. Having weak legs is fine.
Now's not the time to make a fuss
about someone else's legs.
Hey, you punk!
How dare you!
What are you doing to our client?
"Client"? How can this mutt be a client?
"Mutt"?
Take back that derogatory term
for animals at once.
Oh Jung-in!
Byeol.
-How scary it must have been!
-Goodness, Byeol!
We were so worried.
Hey, this isn't right!
How could you send me
to that kind of place without asking me?
What's "that kind of place"?
Can you explain so I can understand?
If you're a part of management,
give me a position that suits my career!
Do you know how many chaebols
and National Assemblymen I've handled?
Asking for one's opinion
is only needed when one has
the ability to choose.
Isn't it, Attorney Kang?
What?
If you're done, may I go now?
I have a meeting.
I'm a part of management, you know.
Is it raining outside?
It's sunny though.
Sorry, those tracksuit pants
are all I have here.
Gosh, you're soaked up here too.
Goodness gracious.
-It's okay.
-Sorry?
I'll do it.
Okay. Then, I'll quickly go
and get these to the dry cleaner.
You look good in those pants.
Let me assess the situation first.
There has to be a reason.
A reason why Oh & Partners,
Korea's most expensive law firm,
made a pro bono team
that doesn't make a single cent of profit.
Hey, Byeol.
Good girl.
And…
the reason why they sent me here.
So, this mutt…
So, on accusations
of stealing this client,
you're being sued?
Steal Byeol? That's ridiculous.
We adopted Byeol,
and she's part of our family.
So-yeon rescues abandoned dogs.
After finding Byeol
roaming around without a collar--
She couldn't find her guardian,
so she asked the owner of the dog cafe
she worked part-time at to adopt her.
But the former guardian showed up later.
It's been a year and a half.
How could they show up now
after not looking for her this whole time?
People are fickle.
When dogs get sick, they abandon them.
And when they get better
under their new guardians' care,
some say, "It's mine,"
and insist on getting them back.
At this rate, the legal process
of rescuing and adopting stray dogs
will fall apart, Mr. Kang.
That's right.
This is a really important case.
We have to resolve it.
At any cost.
Right. Indeed, it's really important.
From chaebol CEO trials
to a case of a stolen mutt…
Our Byeol…
I won't let her go. Never!
Never again!
"Again"?
What was the dog's condition like
when you first found her?
Byeol…
Her tail was drooped.
It seemed she hadn't eaten
for a really long time.
She didn't even bark
when I approached her.
She looked really nervous
and was having a hard time.
Where did you find her?
At Seongbukcheon Stream.
When you found her,
she didn't have a collar
-or a microchip, right?
-That's right.
And since you rescue abandoned dogs,
you obviously followed proper procedure?
Yes, of course.
What is this procedure like?
Right, this field would be new for you.
When you find an abandoned dog,
according to Article 39
of the Animal Protection Act…
It's written up there.
You can read it as you listen.
When you report to the local government
or an animal protection center,
they issue an announcement
for at least a week.
If the guardian doesn't show up
after ten days, they find a new…
I want to tie those hands down.
Can't she talk without moving her hands?
…to obtain ownership legally.
You're an expert in this field.
They seem to be the new legal guardians.
What's the problem here?
Even if the former guardian
makes a fuss now,
there's no reason to be scared.
That's true.
But they're making quite a big fuss.
What on earth?
My goodness.
I'm sorry! Our Byeol is big in size,
but she scares easily
and never bites people.
Don't be afraid.
She likes you, Mr. Kang.
Dogs recognize good people right away.
Right. Of course.
I'm not much of a dog person--
-Why?
-Oh, my gosh!
-Byeol!
-Byeol!
Look at her chase him
while wagging her tail.
Why does she keep following him?
Byeol!
Look how happy she is.
First, I have to find a weak link
to extract information.
Mushrooms in a law firm?
Is this guy a carpenter?
-Don't let me interrupt.
-Okay.
A lunatic and a film nerd.
How did she even pass the bar?
OVERCOMING DISCRIMINATION
AND STRIVING TOWARDS EQUALITY
PATIENCE
Geez, that stare.
Anger's written all over her face.
YOU CAN DO IT, JUN-U
WHAT? WORK HARDER
HARD WORK WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN
Bingo.
-Let's grab some coffee.
-Sorry?
Coffee.
Sounds good.
You were the youngest
anti-corruption judge?
And with just a high school diploma?
-Sorry.
-Come on. Don't be sorry.
Academic backgrounds
and credentials don't matter.
All that matters is…
your hard work.
Exactly! I knew it.
Hard work never lets you down.
We've just met,
so I don't know if I should say this,
but I can already tell
you won't be satisfied with staying here.
You can see that?
Of course.
Why do you think Dr. Oh
sent me here to be the team leader?
It's to find undiscovered talent.
You're right. Please help me, Mr. Kang.
Instead of being tucked away
in a dark corner,
I want to work in an office like these
that are filled with sunlight
and overlook Seoul.
Yes, I'll look into that.
By the way,
when was Team Pro Bono formed?
This past March.
March? That wasn't too long ago.
Where is everyone from?
Nan-hui was a member
of a human rights club
and came after finishing law school.
As for Yeong-sil,
he worked at various public organizations
before coming here.
And I…
You might not know it,
but I worked at a law firm called Daebak.
He's from some lousy firm.
Ms. Park was the only internal applicant.
An internal applicant?
Then, she's from Oh & Partners?
Yes, she was part of the M&A team.
Gosh, that team is
only for the best lawyers.
Gi-ppeum is a pretty big nerd,
so she acts weird sometimes,
but she is very talented.
You'll be working mainly with her.
I see.
You said I'll be working
with Park Gi-ppeum?
Yeong-sil used to work with Ms. Park,
but he's with me and Nan-hui now.
The team was launched this past March.
So it was launched
right after the firm's founder Oh Gyu-jang
appointed Jung-in as CEO
to test his successor.
-What?
-Sorry?
Never mind.
-Thanks for the pants.
-Sure.
Mr. Kang, recently…
Hey.
You still don't know where your office is?
Well, I guess our firm is pretty big.
So this was why you made Team Pro Bono.
You've done your research.
I was amazed, Jung-in.
There actually was a reason why
Korea's top law firm
launched a team that doesn't make money.
"Any attorney-at-law must engage
in public interest activities
for at least a certain number
of hours per year."
And so, what's your point?
You slipped a clause in here that says,
"Hours spent on public interest activities
by pro bono attorneys
will be acknowledged
as hours spent by the entire law firm."
Gosh, this is like
a guy recruiting a team
to do his military reserve duties for him.
Your cynicism hasn't changed either.
Skipping public interest activities
isn't a big deal.
Not if you're the top law firm
and everyone views you with bias.
It's perfect fodder for criticism.
Anyway,
I guess you were nervous about that
and put me in that team.
I mean, Oh & Partners
still has a reputation to uphold.
If Team Pro Bono loses all the time,
the snakes in the grass
who are eyeing your position would strike.
Am I wrong?
So, what's your point?
-I'm busy.
-One year.
One year?
I'll take charge
of those pro bono losers for a year.
Their win rate was only around 20%.
I'll bring it up to 50%.
That's pretty much a miraculous rate
for a pro bono team.
This is so like you.
You want to make a deal?
What do you want in return?
Right. A sunny partner's office
facing southwest
that gets the afternoon sun?
No, it's somewhere a bit far from here.
Where? Seocho-dong?
Back to your old workplace?
No, a bit further away.
Don't tell me…
You know another justice position
will open up next year.
Send me there. That's my condition.
-You're crazy.
-With the power Oh & Partners has,
it's doable.
Make me a justice candidate
nominated by the bar association.
That's too much. You said it's a team
that doesn't make money.
No, not money.
But it might get praise.
It's something Oh & Partners
has never received before.
Praise from the people.
Instead of being criticized
for defending only the rich and powerful,
the new Oh & Partners
transforms into a firm
that helps the weak
and is socially responsible.
And the new leader
who spearheads this change
is Oh Jung-in. Isn't that…
the real reason why you made the team?
That's how I see it.
You may leave if you're done.
Seventy.
"Shady"?
Geez. I said 70%.
If the price for a justice position
is only a 50% win rate,
wouldn't that be too cheap?
If you want a deal,
make it like the winning percentage
of an elite sports team.
I heard the plaintiff
will appear in person today.
It seems like she's convinced she'll win.
Will you be okay?
No one knows who'll win in advance.
Still,
we'll just put our hearts into it--
Now that I, Kang Da-wit, am here,
I will not allow
that kind of weak attitude.
What are you doing?
-That's my desk.
-If you can't understand it, memorize it.
We will win no matter what.
I will make it so.
SEOUL BUKBU POLICE STATION
We don't even know why
we were called here.
-Well, they sued…
-Ji So-yeon.
Where are you?
Me?
Oh, my gosh! What are you doing?
-What's wrong with you?
-You damn thief.
How could a beggar like you
go after my precious dog?
Hey!
Do you know how much Chloe is worth?
You little…
Ma'am, please calm down.
Let go.
Isn't your dog cafe just a cover
to steal dogs and make money?
-What?
-You're crossing the line.
Have a seat.
And who are you?
I'm their attorney.
And I could represent them if they sue
for the assault that just happened.
What on earth are you talking about?
Are you threatening me?
Do you know who I am?
You can reflect about your self-identity
all you want at home.
Did you know you can be penalized
for making a false accusation
without evidence?
What?
Are you a judge?
Why are you so arrogant?
You have a keen eye though.
Hold on. Instead of provoking her--
My clients adopted a stray dog
that was abandoned without a collar.
If she were that precious,
why appear now after not looking
for a year and a half?
How would you know
if I looked for her or not?
If the real owner appears,
they should hand her over!
-Oh, my goodness.
-In the end,
the prosecution will either drop the case
or tell you to settle
and drop the charges.
Don't get yourself investigated
for a false accusation.
Hello, ma'am.
The prosecution?
I'm glad you mentioned that.
How about you get
a taste of Korean prosecution?
-What?
-It's been a while, Judge Kang.
Woo Myeong-hun?
Sorry. You're no longer a judge, are you?
I heard you're a pro bono attorney now.
Did something happen?
A former Central Investigation
Department prosecutor
from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office
on a small case like this?
A small case?
Stealing a dog is like
kidnapping someone's child.
Can't you get with the times?
That's not like you.
Are you okay?
Is there a reason to be not okay?
By the way, is the plaintiff a daughter
of a high-ranking prosecutor?
Yes. She's the daughter of Assemblyman
and former Chief Prosecutor Lee Du-cheol.
No wonder.
That's why Myeong-hun was there.
Do you know him?
We trained at the JRTI together.
But we're not that close.
If Myeong-hun's on the case,
it won't end easily.
What? But they followed
all the proper legal procedures.
Do you know what Myeong-hun's good at?
What?
-Planting evidence.
-What?
Hey!
He paints a picture first
and then comes up
with evidence that matches it.
Thanks to that,
he was on the fast track to success
until he fell off
after I knocked him down a peg.
Wait.
Are you telling me
he even holds a grudge against you?
Are you sure we can win this case?
This is perfect.
What's perfect about this?
For my first case as an attorney,
I thought it was too weak.
You need a former SPO's prosecutor
and the daughter of an assemblyman
to make things look nice.
This is good.
-Excuse me, Mr. Kang.
-What is it?
What looks so nice about this?
Look forward. It's a red light.
SEOUL NORTHERN DISTRICT COUR
CRIMINAL COUR
What?
It's just a small case,
but there are two prosecutors here.
Because it involves the daughter
of a former chief prosecutor
who's a big shot of the Legislation
and Judiciary Committee.
But why is the judge late?
Did something happen?
Judge Oh Jae-seop of Criminal Division 1
is known for always being
five minutes late.
He'll be here in a minute.
Ms. Park.
-Yes?
-Why are you so nervous?
Don't tell me
it's your first time in the court.
It's not my first time,
but I've mainly done
just business consulting,
so this is my second time
in criminal court.
But you've seen many courtroom movies.
You're a film nerd.
Of course! I love Philadelphia.
-A Few Good Men is my all-time favorite.
-Never mind that.
Just do as they do in those films.
Be confident.
Don't be afraid. Be bold.
Okay.
Three, two, one.
All rise.
You may be seated.
Is all this even necessary for this case?
-Attorney Kang.
-Yes?
Let's settle the issue
amicably on both sides.
Give the dog back.
And have the plaintiff drop the charge.
Can't we do that?
Why make such a fuss about--
Your Honor!
For a year and a half,
the defendants have already raised
the dog involved in this case,
Byeol, with love--
Chloe!
-What a tacky name!
-Please remain silent!
They've gone through
the proper procedures to adopt the dog.
Simply saying to give Byeol back
shows prejudgment before the trial
-has even begun--
-Counsel.
I think you've seen
too many Hollywood movies.
-Sorry?
-This is Korea.
Please stop walking around.
It's distracting.
Go and speak at your table.
And get straight to the point.
Yes, Your Honor.
My apologies.
I thought it was okay.
Your Honor,
we have recently attained a credible tip.
For its submission,
we request a motion to reschedule--
It happened a year and…
a half ago.
How could they attain a tip just now?
Sit down!
That was good too.
Are you saying the Prosecutors of Korea
are fabricating evidence?
Prosecution, you may proceed with that.
Okay, the next hearing date will be--
Your Honor.
What is it?
I'm sorry,
but we have retained
an additional counsel.
He was late due to traffic.
Could you please allow him to appear?
Do pro bono attorneys nowadays
come late to trials?
My apologies.
-I won't allow it.
-Goodness.
My word.
Goodness.
I'm sorry I'm late.
Your additional counsel was Mr. Park.
What's happening? Who's that old man
and why is the judge intimidated by him?
That's what happened, Your Honor.
Geez, for an abandoned dog case,
first, it was an ex-SPO prosecutor
getting involved,
and now, it's a ex-chief of this court.
Well…
I'm sorry, Your Honor,
but since I was appointed recently…
Of course.
You didn't have the chance
to review the additional documents.
-I'll give you some time.
-Thank you, Your Honor.
Is this what people call
the power of a former judge?
Thank you, Your Honor.
If that's the card they're playing,
let's use an ex-judge as an attorney.
Sir? Isn't that you?
-No?
-I'm from Seoul Central District Court.
There are others more directly related.
Leave it to me.
You're using privileges former judges get
for a pro bono case?
Why not?
It's an institutional corruption
that should be gotten rid of.
You can't use that for pro bono--
Can't common folks
get some benefit from it?
Everyone who's rich
and powerful uses it.
-Still--
-In a public interest case,
defense is provided free of cost.
We can't pay such an attorney
in the first place.
Leave that to me.
Fore!
-Good gracious.
-You really sliced that ball.
Chief!
Goodness, Judge Kang.
What are you doing here?
You wouldn't answer my calls,
so I came all the way here, Chief.
Anyways,
you're still slicing the ball.
Relax your arms during the follow-through.
Why are you doing this to me, Judge Kang?
You don't need a former chief
for measly dog case!
You're right.
We should use such privileges
for cases involving conglomerate CEOs,
like when you did as a judge.
That way, the judge and those attorneys
can go play golf together, go to bars,
-and go overseas to play golf again--
-Wait.
What on earth
are you trying to say, Judge Kang?
Don't worry! It's all in the past.
It's all right.
I just happen to have an excellent memory
and have heard so many stories.
Geez, you're unbelievable.
Chief.
This is a specially crafted ball
that prevents slices.
-What?
-Try this one out.
Is that so?
Try it.
You're truly amazing, sir!
A former chief judge
joining a pro bono case is unheard of.
And he's doing it for free.
I guess the judge
will be less biased from now on.
No, of his own accord,
he'll recuse himself from the case.
-Sorry?
-Under Article 24
of the Criminal Procedure Act,
I shall recuse myself sua sponte
from this case.
Your Honor.
Your Honor!
Was it just because
they once worked at the same court?
That wouldn't be enough to recuse himself.
That's how Judge Oh is.
A safety-first guy with a faint heart.
-He didn't want to be stuck in the middle.
-What do you mean?
Judge Oh went to the same high school
that Woo Myeong-hun is from.
They've been taking baking class together
for two years or something as a hobby.
Isn't that ridiculous?
So that's why the judge
was so amicable toward the prosecution.
From the start, using an ex-judge
as an attorney wasn't your goal.
Pretty good, Ms. Park.
Your goal was to change the judge.
But…
Do you know?
Do you know the Criminal Division 2 judge
that the case will be reassigned to?
What? What's the next judge like?
Don't tell me it's the blunt one.
For three straight years, he was chosen
by the bar as the unfriendliest judge.
He's famous for his anger issues.
So who is it?
Why am I the only one who doesn't know?
Geez.
Hey, you little…
You punk!
They should take your limbs and tear…
Get lost!
Goodness. Yes, I know.
He wasn't promoted due to his temper
and works with those ten years his junior.
It's Chief Judge Choi Ho-jip.
Goodness. What do we do?
It's the blunt judge.
Are you close with him?
No way. I'm the type of judge
he hates the most.
A judge who's socially adept
and successful.
I was out of strength at the end.
And here's some food.
-No, I want the mung bean pancakes.
-Right, the pancakes.
You're too old to be picky with food!
Just eat what they give you, you fool!
What?
Act your age.
Then why did you have
the trial assigned to such a person?
Rather than a judge who's outwardly nice
but biased on the inside,
wouldn't a judge
who's equally blunt to everyone
be more favorable for us?
By the way, did the prosecution
submit the additional evidence?
Just a moment, sir.
Another moment?
They did submit it.
What is it?
WITNESS STATEMEN
It's a witness statement.
A witness?
CAFE PAWS & FLUFFS
Hello, So-yeon.
-Hello.
-Hello.
Hello.
Hey, stay away.
Stay away! You've met me!
-You've already met me!
-Byeol, over here.
Good. Sit.
-Why isn't it on a leash?
-Hello.
Hello, sir.
Hello.
I'll prepare something to drink.
It's okay, sir.
You were a bit surprised, weren't you?
I'll go wash my hands quickly.
-So-yeon.
-Yes?
Today is the day, isn't it?
-Yes.
-What's today?
-Well…
-So-yeon.
Could you take a seat for a bit?
Just me?
The prosecution
suddenly submitted
some additional evidence.
Okay. What is it?
You were clear that Byeol didn't have
a collar when you found her, right?
Yes.
But a witness has suddenly appeared.
They said they saw you
secretly throw away Byeol's collar.
What?
That's nonsense.
Where would I even throw it away?
They saw you throw it away
in the Hangang River.
Seriously.
That's nonsense. It's a total lie.
Who said that?
Exactly. When the plaintiff's attorney
used to be a prosecutor,
he was good at manipulating evidence.
I doubted it, but it was true.
Is there something going on?
No, ma'am.
-It's nothing to worry about.
-That's not true.
It is something to worry about.
What are you talking about?
It wasn't the Hangang River.
Where did you throw it away?
Come on.
What are you talking about?
If it wasn't the Hangang River,
where did you throw away the collar?
What kind of person do you think I am?
I'm not a bad person.
Whether you're a good person or not
is not what I'm interested in.
Just answer my question.
Where did you throw it away?
Where did she find the dog? Seongbukcheon?
I'm right. It's Seongbukcheon Stream.
-You threw it away in there?
-Mr. Kang.
On what grounds
are you speaking so conclusively?
You didn't do that. Right, So-yeon?
You wouldn't have done that.
You didn't, right?
Seriously.
Ma'am.
-It's not that…
-Perjury or a false statement
will only make it bad for her.
Oh, no.
Oh, my gosh.
Oh, no. I'm sorry!
I'm sorry.
Did you really throw it away?
Then, the witness statement wasn't forged.
No, it was forged.
Myeong-hun must have contacted
a lowly ex-convict
that he retained
from his years as a prosecutor
to make a statement.
Just do it one more time.
Sir.
Please let me go now.
Memorize the statement
you'll tell the prosecutor.
Don't get the date wrong
like last time.
Look at the photo of the dog closely too.
Then, there was no witness,
but So-yeon did throw the collar away.
This makes me so sad.
How did you find this out?
The first reaction.
The first reaction?
When one is suddenly asked
about the thing they want to hide,
they react defensively first
like a conditioned response.
"Where?"
That's nonsense.
Where would I even throw it away?
If it never happened,
she would've denied it
without any unnecessary comments.
"I'm not a bad person."
"Who do you think I am?" Blah, blah.
Making such unnecessary comments
is derived from the instinctive
defensive mechanism of humans.
Yes, you're right.
When she asked
about where it was thrown away
and heard it was the Hangang River,
her face lit up momentarily.
They saw you throw it away
in the Hangang River.
Seriously.
That's nonsense. It's a total lie.
Who said that?
-Mr. Kang.
-Yes?
You truly are amazing.
Seriously.
When you wear the gown
and sit at the bench long enough,
you come to see everything.
Now, please tell us.
Why did you lie?
That collar.
It was because of that collar.
What? The collar?
Hi.
Hi.
Hey.
Hi. Hi there.
What are you doing here all by yourself?
You must've been scared,
but you didn't even bark.
Right?
Don't worry.
I'll find your home.
What's this?
What's this here?
CHLOE
An anti-bark collar?
Yes. Whenever a dog barks,
it gives an electric shock.
Unbelievable.
How can you use that on your pet dog?
It's not illegal in Korea.
Still, you can't take
someone else's dog like that.
Voltage for a pet item
wouldn't be that high.
What?
Do you want to try it yourself?
Try what?
There's a sample our group bought.
Wait just a moment.
Well, she didn't have to…
Come on.
It looks like a children's toy.
So you want me to try this on?
Yes.
See for yourself.
Well, why not?
Do I wear it like this?
It is a bit uncomfortable.
Now what?
Do I need to bark?
Hold on, sir!
Here.
They put things like that
around dogs' necks?
So,
is that why you didn't bark?
Poor Byeol.
Honey.
The one Byeol was wearing
had a higher voltage,
so it's banned from being imported.
And top of that,
they deliberately unlocked
the limit on the highest voltage level.
Those horrible people!
You found evidence of abuse.
Why didn't you report it right away?
Report?
What's the point?
What do you mean?
You have to report it
so it's investigated as animal abuse.
I understand why you didn't report it.
Even if you report it,
you'd have to send her back to the abuser.
According to the law,
a dog is still the owner's property.
Was that the reason?
Yes.
I really didn't want
to send Byeol back to such people.
That's why I threw…
I'm sorry, ma'am.
You were having such a hard time then
and I asked you to adopt her.
It's all my fault.
Of course, it's your fault.
No matter how much you explain,
they're just motives for the crime.
You took her when you clearly knew
she had a guardian.
That's a crime.
I see. So that's what happened.
Would you like to stick around today?
Today is
the day I feed Byeol a nice, big meal.
Let's feed Byeol
and share the food together.
What…
What food are we sharing?
Okay, let's sit.
My Han-byeol.
Happy birthday.
I said no!
Seriously, it'll be fine.
I'm going with my friends.
Don't worry about it.
No!
There will be so many people.
What if you get hurt by any chance?
Grandma!
Will you talk to him, please?
I really want to go
to the street festival.
I'm sure things will be fine.
She's going with a bunch of her friends.
Aren't you worried at all?
Don't you remember her parents?
Why would you bring that up now?
Grandma.
I'm sorry.
They left Han-byeol here
and just had go on a trip
during that crowded vacation season.
They had the accident
while driving in the rain.
You call me foolish, but I can't help it.
Grandpa, I'll be really careful.
Okay? I promise.
Honey, come on!
What could possibly go wrong?
I'd like to go there too.
Should I put on a uniform and join you?
That'll be awesome! I'll lend you mine.
Gosh, our beautiful Byeol.
You look so pretty today.
Should we take a photo?
Okay.
One, two, three.
Han-byeol.
My beautiful child.
Byeol.
BAEK HAN-BYEOL
A STAR IN THE SKY
OCTOBER 29, 2022
Ma'am, please.
If I don't find a new guardian in a week,
they'll put her to sleep.
But my place doesn't allow pets.
So isn't there any way?
I don't want to form
any kind of relationship again.
I'm going to close this cafe soon too.
Honestly, I don't have
the will to live anymore.
So,
-just take her back.
-Ma'am, just one night!
Can't you let her stay here
just for tonight?
I have the night shift.
I'll make sure
to pick her up tomorrow. Okay?
Grandma.
Grandma.
Grandma.
Han-byeol.
Han-byeol, my beautiful child.
My little puppy.
Stop crying, Grandma.
I'm in a really good place now,
living happily every day.
So stop crying, Grandma.
Okay?
Don't you ever
think of those terrible thoughts.
You have to live a long life
before you come to me. Okay?
Han-byeol.
I pray out of gratitude every day.
I'm so glad
you didn't come with me that day.
That was a close one.
What a relief, right?
Byeol.
Byeol.
Byeol.
Byeol.
Isn't there any way?
They'll be punished,
and Byeol will have to
go back to those abusers.
How can the law be like this?
The provisions of the law
are always beautiful,
but the reality is the gutter.
You all know that very well.
Let's go.
I don't know.
In this gutter-like reality,
I still don't know
how to win.
You could teach me since I don't know.
You could give me a chance.
Wait.
I'll do anything too.
I'm not as talented
as Gi-ppeum in legal matters
or multi-talented like Yeong-sil,
but I'm really good at doing legwork.
What's with those faces?
Did you think I, Kang Da-wit,
was going to lose
his first case as an attorney?
Right?
You must have a way to win, don't you?
Mr. Kang!
Since we're here at Seongbukcheon,
let's eat outside. It's on me.
Okay. Sure!
By the way, Ms. Park.
I think I've heard that line
in a drama before.
-What line?
-"You could teach me
since I don't know."
"You could give me a chance."
I think I've heard this before.
You must be imagining things.
Let's hurry.
-What am I imagining?
-Let's go.
-Hurry.
-Have you heard it before too, Mr. Hwang?
What do you mean?
Counsel.
-Yes, Your Honor?
-You submitted the document?
You admit to throwing the collar away,
so you're pleading guilty?
No, Your Honor.
Then, what is it? What do you want to do?
Is there something else to do?
Your Honor,
please end this trial early--
We request a jury trial.
What?
We plead not guilty
and hope for a jury trial
so our defendants
may receive a fair trial.
"A fair trial"?
Are you saying that you don't trust
a trial I preside over will be fair?
Your Honor, asking for a jury trial
for a case like this
is a typical trick to delay a trial.
Don't fall for this--
Be quiet!
-Sorry?
-I'm the one who decides
how the trial will proceed.
Don't tell me what to do.
But Your Honor,
we have the right to state our view--
You be a judge, then!
Be a judge.
Okay, all right.
Let's do that.
If you want that so badly…
All right. A jury trial?
Yeah? And a fair trial?
Sure. Let's do that.
Let's take this as far as we can.
Thank you, Your Honor.
What trick is he pulling now?
Okay! Let's prepare
our weapon for battle now.
Ms. Park will prepare the legal argument.
-Okay.
-Mr. Jang.
Continue what you're doing.
-Mr. Hwang.
-I'll do anything, sir.
Should I search for precedents?
You said you're good
with legwork, right? Here.
-Ms. Yoo.
-Yes?
Though it's not your case,
you said you'd help?
I did.
Don't you often hear
that you look young or like a baby?
Hold on.
Commenting on your colleague's looks
can be sexual harassment--
-Are you up for an undercover job?
-Undercover?
Not you, film nerd.
I was talking to this one with IED.
IED? Intermittent explosive disorder?
That term fosters prejudice
against disabilities…
Hello, ma'am.
Hi.
-Are you So-mi?
-Yes.
Come on in.
I heard you were really good
at teaching the recorder.
A-reum's test is in a week,
so I'm worried.
You must have faith in me, ma'am.
Playing the recorder
is all about breathing.
I'll start with teaching her
a new way to breathe.
Okay. I'll put my faith in you.
But are you really a high school student?
Why?
Do I not look like one?
I'm so sad. Crying face.
All right. But something about you
seems older…
I have an old face.
I see.
What am I doing right now?
-Where is it?
-Mom.
What is that man doing?
Let's not look.
And don't make eye contact.
My back!
Still,
isn't this too much legwork?
-Mr. Kang.
-Yes?
The Pomeranian abuse case
at Pyeongtaek Station 15 years ago…
Do you have the precedent?
-I printed it out.
-Thank you.
OH & PARTNERS
ATTORNEY YOO NAN-HUI
LEE DU-CHEOL
Got you!
Ma'am!
-Do you know how much that cost?
-Got you!
It's expensive!
How are you going to pay for it?
There's a snake there!
This is a toy snake!
I see.
I'm sorry, ma'am.
This isn't even the first time.
Ma'am,
don't bother coming next week.
Sorry? But ma'am.
I'll deduct the price of the bowl
from your salary. Got it?
Are you okay, A-reum?
Wait, ma'am.
You can't kick me out like this.
Ma'am!
Should we wrap up today's meeting now?
Actually, I was at the Ministry of Justice
for a meeting,
and everyone was talking.
"What's going on at Oh & Partners?"
"Why are you handling
a stray dog case?"
Do you think it'll help our firm's revenue
if we become enemies with the prosecution?
Tell them to drop the case now.
I almost forgot.
Now that you mention revenue…
Here's the revenue you brought in
during the past six months.
Time can be brutal.
Don't you think?
In the past, you two used to earn
the most revenue for our firm.
If you look at the bottom,
there's a list detailing
the salaries of your secretaries
and drivers and your company card usage.
Please take note of this.
Ms. Oh.
Yes, Mr. Cha?
If you have nothing to say,
I'll get going.
-How did it go?
-What?
They want to stop
the abandoned dog case.
Korea's top law firm can't pull out
after making a scene. It's embarrassing.
-Isn't that what you wanted?
-I'm just doing my best.
I don't need your best. I need results.
She can't lose her granddaughter twice.
Jung-in.
I was also there at that street festival
on that day.
You have to win the case.
He comes in.
Your Honor,
and ladies and gentlemen of the jury,
we will make an argument
based on the testimony you just heard.
It was a right of necessity,
also known as a justified act…
Ladies and gentlemen,
what would you do if it were you?
ATTORNEY, YOO NAN-HUI
Ma'am, you would help save a life.
I wouldn't make a difference.
I've never been to such a place.
I'm too scared of them.
Counsel.
JURY TRIAL
-You may examine the witness.
-Yes, Your Honor.
Ma'am,
you've been working as a maid
at the plaintiff's house
for three years now. Correct?
Yes.
And you know
the abandoned dog in this case?
Yes.
Their daughter made a fuss
because she wanted a big dog,
so Ms. Lee bought one.
But since the child
changes her mind often,
she soon got sick of it.
I see.
I assume the way the dog was treated
changed after that.
Of course.
It was thought of as a nuisance.
"Dog food costs too much.
Just give it half the amount."
"Its barking annoys me."
Ma'am!
And then,
they bought some kind of collar
from somewhere.
After that, the dog wouldn't bark at all.
Did the collar
look like this by any chance?
Yes, I'm wearing it now.
I'll make some noise now.
It doesn't give you a shock right away.
Instead, a warning alarm goes off.
I'll try it again.
Your Honor,
this question is irrelevant to the case.
It is relevant! Do you know how much it…
That's abuse.
The question is a premise
to our argument, Your Honor.
Okay.
You may continue.
Ms. Kim, was the collar
similar to the one we just saw?
Yes, it was.
Whenever she barked, she'd choke.
And she was so much in pain.
It's only an animal, but I felt so bad.
You can't wear sunglasses in court.
I'm on an undercover mission.
But why would they suddenly look
for the dog after a year and a half?
It's because of the fickle child.
She went to a dog cafe
with her friends and saw the dog.
"Why is my dog at someone else's house?"
"Bring her back now!"
-She cried and made such a fuss.
-Objection!
What happened after the theft
is irrelevant to the case.
-Sustained--
-Yes, sustained.
I'll withdraw my question.
Just disregard that question
-and answer you just heard.
-Counsel!
Yes, Your Honor?
What you just said…
I decide and say that myself
as a judge. Understood?
It's a habit ingrained in me
from my former job, so…
Okay. Go back.
I'll be careful, Your Honor.
Your Honor.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
As you just saw,
the abandoned dog in this case
suffered from electric shocks all day
and was in a state of serious starvation.
The defendant Ji So-yeon thought
if she sent the dog back to the abuser,
something worse would happen.
So, she cut the collar off
and found a new caregiver.
It was a right of necessity,
also known as a justified act,
so she's not guilty.
That's a ridiculous argument.
A right of necessity is established
only when a person faces an urgent crisis.
A right of necessity for a dog,
which is the owner's property?
It's an argument without any knowledge
of a basic criminal law.
Yes, that's right.
Under the law,
animals are thought of as merely property.
Although I don't know anything
about criminal law,
let me ask you something then.
If animals are only property,
then why do we punish people
for animal abuse
when they abuse their own property?
-That's--
-Let me ask another question.
Your colleagues and predecessors
worked hard at the Ministry of Justice
to research and create
Article 98-2, Paragraph 1
of the Civil Code Amendment.
Do you know what it is?
"Animals are not objects."
They are living things,
not objects, Prosecutor.
The defendant only wanted
to protect a life.
Ladies and gentlemen,
you're all sensible citizens of Korea.
What would you do if it were you?
You have no choice but to send the dog
back to a habitually abusive owner.
If you can't find a new guardian in time,
she has to be euthanized.
Do you truly believe
what the defendant did was a crime?
-Nothing further, Your Honor.
-Okay, thank you.
That was pretty good.
It sounded a bit like The Attorney,
but it might have worked.
Your Honor.
If only that prick wasn't here.
As counsel for the plaintiff,
I'd like to say something.
Okay, then…
-Come on out, so everyone can hear you.
-Thank you, Your Honor.
The defense is following
a well-prepared script
to maliciously frame the plaintiff.
May I request
to ask the witness just one thing?
Go ahead.
Please ask the witness
if she has ever stolen
-the plaintiff's necklace.
-Objection.
-This question is irrelevant to the case.
-No, it is relevant.
It's a question that concerns
the credibility of the defense's witness.
Ms. Kim, did you hear the question?
-Please answer.
-Sorry?
No.
I'm not that kind of a person.
Why would I lay hands
on someone else's stuff?
The plaintiff always keeps
a camera installed
in the room
where she stores her valuables.
I hereby submit a video recording
of the crime scene as evidence.
Wait…
I…
No, it's not that.
My unpaid salary
due to all sorts of excuses
exceeded ten million won.
But she fired me all of a sudden.
I just thought I should get
what I should have been paid.
So that's why?
What you've heard so far
was a testimony from a thief
who stole from her boss out of spite.
Abuse against her dog?
That's a ridiculous false accusation.
After having her dog,
who she adored like her own child,
stolen by shameless people,
the plaintiff has been suffering
immense mental anguish.
Objection, Your Honor.
Do not insult the defendants.
Also, the defense hasn't been able
to provide any concrete evidence
other than the false testimony
they have prepared.
A electric shock collar?
If there is such a thing,
submit it as evidence.
Wouldn't that be the case, Counsel?
Also, Ms. Park.
I enjoyed that touching speech of yours.
But about that amendment
saying "animals are not objects."
It was passed
by the National Assembly, right?
Not yet.
Not yet?
I thought it'd already been passed
since you sounded so confident.
The members of the jury
aren't experts on this,
so they would've been mistaken too.
If that was your intention,
I'm even more impressed.
She's a very promising attorney.
I was only trying to show
how the social norms are changing--
That is all, Your Honor.
Thank you.
Please return to your seat.
If there are no further questions,
we will conclude the witness examination.
We'll take a short recess
before the closing arguments.
I'm sorry.
I should have looked more deeply into it.
No. It's all right, Nan-hui.
How could you have seen that coming?
But what do we do now?
We need that collar to prove the abuse.
He should be here by now.
Sorry?
-Mr. Kang!
-There he is.
Jun-u?
Where is it?
I'm sorry. I thought I'd finally found it.
But it wasn't it.
It was just junk brought in
by heavy rain last time.
Was it too impossible to try?
I'm sorry.
What now, Mr. Kang?
Are we at a dead end?
Let me use the restroom.
Staying clean is his concern
at a time like this?
JURY BOX
What's with him?
Counsel?
Counsel!
Yes, an animal is an object.
The prosecution's arguments
are all valid from a legal standpoint.
Under the current law,
pets are their owners' property.
The right of necessity
or the justifiable act to save an object.
The court won't accept it.
I know that very well.
How could a society
that can't take care of humans
take care of the lives of animals?
You're asking for too much.
Are you crazy, Mr. Kang?
Your Honor, I'd like to check
just one thing with the plaintiff.
I request permission
to examine the plaintiff as a witness.
Then, Counsel,
be short and quick.
Yes, Your Honor.
The plaintiff!
Please come to the witness stand.
What?
Come on out!
Yes, Your Honor.
Your Honor.
I have an object to show the plaintiff.
I request permission
for Exhibit 12 to enter the courtroom.
Counsel, Exhibit 12 is…
-Come on. That's…
-Yes.
It's evidence, after all.
It's an object, so I can submit it
to the court, can't I?
What should we do?
Do we allow it or not?
My goodness.
Sure. Okay.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Sir?
Oh, my gosh!
Byeol!
Byeol!
Byeol.
That's what pets do.
Even if the owner hated hearing her bark
and put an electric shock collar on
that burned her throat…
Even if the owner tried starving her
because abandoning her was a hassle…
she saw the owner
for the first time in a while
and couldn't help but lick
the back of their owner's hand.
They exist solely to love humans.
That's what a pet is.
We got it.
Look at the faces of the jury.
We have circumstantial
but no physical evidence.
How do we prove the abuse?
Who made them this way?
It was us humans.
We captured wild animals as we pleased,
and tamed and bred them
to make them love humans instinctively.
Yes. Since we made them
out of our necessity,
we can just toss them out
if we don't need them anymore.
Our claim of right of necessity
and a justifiable act for such objects.
We'll withdraw it. Your Honor.
But just for the last time,
I want to reconfirm one basic fact
before closing my argument.
Sure.
Ms. Lee.
Take a good look at the dog.
Look closely.
Stay.
Did you really think
she threw the collar away?
You just need to answer
one simple question.
This dog right here…
Is this…
your dog?
-What?
-What?
What is he doing?
Why on earth are you asking that now?
In a criminal trial,
we should leave no room
for any reasonable doubt.
Even if there's a 1% chance of error,
until the very end
of the trial…
we have to keep questioning it.
When you think about it,
there are many dogs
of the same breed and size.
Ms. Lee.
Take a good look.
Is she really
the dog that you lost?
You seem flustered.
Take a sip of water.
What's with her?
Excuse me.
Your Honor!
Yes, go ahead.
I'm not feeling well right now.
Can we take…
a five-minute break?
Well, in that case,
we'll take a ten-minute recess.
What are you doing, Mr. Kang?
What?
The dog belonged to plaintiff. It's Byeol.
Are you all right?
Yes, I am.
It's hard to think straight
with Kang Da-wit making a fuss, isn't it?
Don't let him get to you.
Let's end this quickly.
Right.
Ten minutes are long.
So,
do you feel better, Ms. Lee?
Yes.
That's good.
I'm just checking
since I just can't understand.
Right?
You're the daughter
of a former chief prosecutor
and assemblyman
who's been elected three times.
You're a sophisticated person raised
by a family that upholds law and order.
Would such a person
put an illegal electric shock collar
on their dog?
Or starve and neglect her
so she would die?
Would such a person
do such horrible things?
But if that's the case by any chance,
if any concrete evidence shows up…
My goodness!
This would make headlines!
It'd be on the news,
in newspapers, and on social media.
Come on. There's no way.
Your Honor, Counsel keeps making arguments
-without any proof--
-Excuse me. Sit down.
-Ms. Lee.
-What's going on?
This is your last chance.
Look at her again
very closely.
This poor abandoned dog
was brutally abused and thrown out.
Is she really the dog you lost?
I see.
Since we can't prove the abuse,
we have to make the plaintiff
change her words and say it's not her dog.
But is that possible
when there is no evidence?
No.
Sorry, what did you say?
It's hard to hear,
so could you say it louder, please?
No!
No, it's not mine.
That dog does look a lot like our Chloe,
but after seeing her up close,
it's not her.
My Chloe was different
from that mixed-breed dog.
I'll drop the charges!
-Oh, my gosh!
-I'm sorry.
-My goodness.
-I was…
I was…
I was mistaken!
That dog isn't mine!
Hold on!
What are you doing, Ms. Lee?
After all this, why are you saying that?
Yes.
You can bark all you want now.
My Byeol.
You're not Chloe.
Counsel,
are you done with your examination?
Nothing further, Your Honor.
If the examination is over,
please take her away.
Byeol!
You seem flustered.
Take a sip of water.
Call your dad right now.
-Dad?
-Hey.
-Are you out of your mind?
-Dad, what is it?
Judge Kang, that fool.
He just called and threatened me.
He said you abused an animal.
He said he has evidence too. Is this true?
No, Dad. It's not what--
If it's true,
my official nomination
for general elections will be gone.
Do you know how many people
with pets there are in my district?
If my political career ends
because of you,
don't even dream
of asking me for anything.
There won't be
any studying abroad for A-reum!
-You got that?
-Dad!
That's not the…
Dad!
CALL YOUR DAD RIGHT NOW
Wait. What…
What on earth happened?
What was that thing around Byeol's neck?
I didn't find the collar.
I don't know. I have no idea either.
We can't buy it on the market.
Our multi-talented Mr. Jang,
do you have any good ideas?
For the leather part,
I can simply get it
from the Cheonggyecheon area.
For the metal buckle,
I can weld together some similar material
to make it look pretty similar.
Just give me two days.
You'll be able to fool the eyes
for a moment.
Then that means we won, right?
The jurors' faces said it all.
I guess they were pretending not to know.
The plaintiff said it wasn't her dog.
-Right.
-Yeah.
But you never know.
Even if the jury wishes to acquit,
the judge can say
it's an obvious error and overrule it.
That's possible,
but…
Judge Choi won't do that.
Why not?
You said he was as stubborn as a mule.
What's your name?
Your name.
Paw.
Judge Choi's nickname is Dog Dad.
Maybe it's because he doesn't have kids.
He's raising three abandoned dogs
after adopting them.
I heard he couldn't be kinder to them.
Then, it wasn't just about avoiding
Criminal Division 1.
You planned on handing the trial
to Judge Choi from the get-go?
He's so awesome.
Gosh, I hate him.
I can hear you!
Okay.
I will now deliver the verdict.
Defendants, please rise.
Respecting the jury's unanimous opinion,
the Court hereby finds the defendants
not guilty.
Of course, not guilty.
I'm so relieved.
All rise.
Plaintiff!
Chloe is your dog!
What do you mean you were mistaken?
What a hearty character.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
It's been a while,
Mr. Yoo Jae-beom.
Yes, it has been a while, Ms. Oh.
Sir, please drive safely.
STAY TUNED TO WATCH THE EPILOGUE
Why did you come to Team Pro Bono?
Who are you suing again?
God.
I want compensation for damages.
I said no.
My very existence
in this world itself is damaging.
Even if we might not win…
Is a trial a live charity show
to help the needy?
Making money is
the most pro bono thing we can do.
I can't listen to this anymore!
You stupid boomer!
If the defendant is God,
I don't know what His mailing address is.
It's 101 Dogok-ro.
That's where I'm sending
the complaint for damages.
He lives in Gangnam?
This might be a ridiculous thought,
but what if there was
some kind of intent behind all of this?
It's probably runaway teenagers.
Like So-min.
I would like to sue Choi Woong-san,
the CEO of Woongsan Group,
and have him stand trial.
Mom!
It hurts so much.
Gosh, you should be glad it isn't worse.
You could've been really hurt,
Da-wit.
That stupid dog.
If I ever see him again,
I'll break his legs and--
That won't happen.
-Why not?
-When a dog bites someone,
that becomes a habit.
The owner said
he's going to sell the dog tonight.
Really?
What can you do? It's his decision.
Okay. Let me see.
Da-wit!
-This is the dog.
-No!
-Da-wit!
-You can't, sir!
Hey, move!
-You can't!
-You'll get hurt!
You can't, sir!
Don't send Jang-gun away.
Once a dog bites a person,
it becomes a habit. You can't raise it.
Move already!
It was because I kept touching
and teasing him.
So don't send him away!
For crying out loud, this boy.
Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon