Pro Bono (2025) s01e03 Episode Script

PRO BONO
It's been a while,
Mr. Yoo Jae-beom.
Yes, it has been a while, Ms. Oh.
Sir, please drive safely.
All right, Detective Woo.
There are tons
of pork rind places in Mapo-dong,
but this place is the most legit.
Okay?
Here.
Here. Have a piece.
Right here!
This was right where I was scammed.
How could a judge like you get scammed?
He pretended to be a hometown buddy
and ran after borrowing money from you?
I was never going to come back here but…
So, where is that rotten Yoo Jae-beom
right now?
He was hiding in Cambodia.
Then, he entered Korea a year ago
with a forged passport.
-His whereabouts are unknown after that.
-Really?
And then, he approached me.
He even knew about my first crush.
How in the world
did he find out about my history?
Actually,
I have a question to ask you.
Me? What is it?
When Yoo Jae-beom
entered Korea at Incheon Airport,
he got a burner phone
with his forged passport.
-I looked through the call history.
-And?
And one number popped up frequently.
-This number…
-Yes.
Located in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul,
at Seoul Central District Court's
Criminal Division,
it's Chief Judge Kang Da-wit's office.
That's your number, right?
What are you talking about?
Why would I talk on the phone
with that punk? I've never called…
Your classmate
from elementary school called.
"Kim Ju-seop"? Who's that?
-He said "Juvenile" would ring a bell.
-Juvenile?
Right. Kim Juvenile.
What? Did you remember something?
Good morning!
Sir, have you agreed
to the screening process?
No way.
PRO BONO
COURT IN SESSION
-Byeol!
-Byeol!
Thank you so much, Mr. Kang.
We can't thank you enough.
Honestly. Thank you, everyone.
Byeol!
I thought we would never see her again.
Thank you.
But is it really all over now?
What if they appeal and harass us again?
Don't worry. They can't appeal.
Just trust me.
I'll protect you.
Let's go.
Ms. Park.
Why are you blushing?
-What?
-Do you have a fever?
No, it's all right.
I don't have a fever. I'm fine.
What was that reaction?
All right. If you're fine, then good.
Geez.
Let's go, then.
Let's go.
The reason why they can't appeal is
they changed their words,
so their accusation doesn't stand.
-Byeol did a good job too.
-This isn't good.
My heart is acting up again.
The heart of a nerd.
Wingardium Leviosa!
Wingardium Leviosa!
Lumos!
Wingardium Leviosa!
Wingardium Leviosa!
When I went to court
for the first time in my life,
it was nothing but a scary place.
Wingardium Leviosa.
The Court rules…
Mom!
The spell cast by the judge in that moment
was more incredible than any other spell
from Harry Potter.
CRIMINAL LAW, HUMAN RIGHTS
"Guardians must raise their children
according to their developmental stages
in a safe and healthy manner in the home."
Article 99 of the Civil Code defines
movable and immovable assets.
Then, in that case,
is Howl's Moving Castle
a movable asset or an immovable asset?
Howl's Moving…
And my second question.
Park Gi-ppeum.
Yes, Professor?
-You did great on the interview.
-Thank you, sir.
Now that the interview is over,
let's talk freely.
Why do you want to practice law?
This is an industry in decline now.
As I said earlier,
I want to protect basic human rights
-and social justice--
-Come on. The interview's over.
Not that stuff. The real reason.
-That's the real reason.
-Okay, then.
But being a nerd and reality
were two different things.
After that,
nothing had made my heart pound
for a very long time.
-But…
-This poor abandoned dog
was brutally abused and thrown out.
Is she really the dog you lost?
No! No, it's not mine.
My heart raced in that moment…
for a split second.
Geez.
Forget about it,
and just trust me.
I mean, what's there to worry about?
Kang Da-wit, the people's judge, is here.
Of course, your skills are incredible.
-I admire you. I really do.
-Then, what's the problem?
Doing this international patent case
worth trillions
that's between conglomerates
doesn't seem right.
We're a pro bono team, after all.
Geez. This is so frustrating.
What's public interest?
We're one team now,
so let's speak honestly.
If we win and make a lot of money,
where does that money go?
The money circulates, so the common folk
and disadvantaged will benefit from it.
Making money is
the most pro bono thing we can do.
Day and night, we do these.
These cases don't even make money.
We expend energy for nothing.
Why on earth do we do these?
What's this? A refugee case?
Young people are livid
that they can't find jobs these days.
Who'd be happy
about foreigners coming in?
What else? Human rights for people
with disabilities? It sounds wonderful.
Right? But whenever people
with disabilities protest,
do you know how angry people get
when they can't properly commute?
God, instead of stuff like this,
let's do something classy--
I can't listen to this anymore!
Do I have to keep listening to him deny
the very existence of pro bono cases?
What? You have nothing to say?
Am I the only one who's uncomfortable?
Come on, Ms. Yoo.
Why does everything
make you so uncomfortable?
If you're uncomfortable,
go and sit somewhere comfortable.
You stupid boomer!
What?
"Stupid boomer"?
Unbelievable.
What? "Boomer"?
I've never been called that before.
Hey, Ms. Yoo. What did you say? "Boomer"?
What?
Back in my day, you wouldn't dare
speak that way to senior colleagues!
-My heart of a nerd…
-"Boomer?" Man, things have changed.
It must have been a false alarm.
No wonder they say
face reading was a science.
He didn't seem right from the start.
Excuse me, Mr. Kang.
Which graduating class
are you from, Ms. Yoo?
-Mr. Kang.
-Ms. Yoo--
What now, Ms. Park?
Why did you come to Team Pro Bono?
Why are you suddenly asking?
You said it yourself.
You used to handle only the classy cases.
Why did you quit being a judge
and come here?
Did you know, Mr. Kang?
If there are people in this world
who always win,
there are people who always lose as well.
No matter how hard they try,
they're too weak to fight the world.
Pro bono attorneys exist
to help people like them,
not to handle classy cases
or cases they always win.
Why do you think I wouldn't know
about the ones who always lose?
The ones too weak to fight the world,
no matter how hard they try.
You think I don't know?
But do you know what it's like, Ms. Park?
Have you even tried
to earn your own tuition yourself?
You're crossing the line, Mr. Kang.
Right. This is an uncomfortable question.
You must've been offended.
Sorry. Excuse me.
No. Thanks to my parents,
I grew up comfortably
and was raised by a loving family.
Yes, I can surely tell.
And what about it?
Is that a problem?
No, who says it is?
That's great. Gosh, how amazing.
Someone raised with love
is worrying about the people in need.
How honorable.
Any thoughts of becoming a politician?
I'll help you.
I have a lot of connections.
Oh, my gosh!
Ms. Park.
2025 SEOUL QUEER FESTIVAL
Follow me.
You have to come to see me, sister.
I wish we could get married.
We're just a tiny bit different.
That's all.
Please try to understand.
We'll walk you down the aisle!
We're with you.
Please give us a hug!
We as attorneys support LGBTQIA+ rights.
Please sign our petition!
-Please sign.
-We'd appreciate it!
Let's make a world without discrimination.
Yeah. Please sign.
If you donate and complete our survey,
you'll get a free T-shirt.
We as attorneys support LGBTQIA+ rights.
-Get a free T-shirt!
-Free T-shirts!
Free T-shirt. Your signature.
Geez, we're attorneys.
What are we doing here?
One of the main jobs of pro bono attorneys
is supporting human rights groups.
We're with you.
Come get a T-shirt!
Damn. This isn't working.
-It's not working, is it?
-No, this won't do.
-We shouldn't act like attorneys here.
-You're right.
Yes. Let's get going.
What?
What is it?
Follow us!
Geez!
-What is it?
-Nan-hui!
GET A T-SHIRT BY DONATING
AND TAKING OUR SURVEY
-Okay, come on out.
-Hey!
I'm a public figure.
What if someone recognizes--
If you're at a festival,
you should dress for the occasion.
Occasion, my foot. You really think
people would come for this?
Could we take a photo with you?
Please, just one!
-They came.
-I'll take it.
-Thank you!
-Okay. One, two, three.
You look so pretty!
You're so beautiful.
No, I'm a real manly man.
Why am I speaking like this?
-We'll root you. Good luck.
-Good luck.
Excuse me, could you come over here
and sign your names?
-Okay.
-Thank you.
Sign here and take your T-shirts.
Ms. Yoo, give me my pants.
We want a photo too!
Please take a photo with us!
-Could you take it for us?
-Should I take it? Okay.
Here we go. One, two, three.
-Thank you. Now, stop.
-One, two, three. Great!
-Ms. Yoo.
-Smile!
-Can't we take a few more, please?
-My goodness.
One, two, three.
That's enough, Ms. Yoo. Thank you.
Let's take it together!
Together!
Okay. That's enough, Ms. Yoo!
Great. We'll all take one together.
-Okay, one, two, three!
-Me too!
Let me join you!
-Here we go.
-How many are we taking?
I'll take it now. Everyone, smile!
Listen, Ms. Park.
Do you intend to drag me along
to these random places all day?
-You're doing it on purpose, aren't you?
-My gosh.
What do you mean? This is the daily life
of a pro bono attorney.
When there's a question on legal issues,
we have to answer them.
Of course,
that is if there is a question.
-Sorry.
-It's empty.
I worked really hard
to prepare a press release too.
It's all right.
Attorney Kang!
Are you okay?
I'm okay. How was the festival?
Wait, what's going on?
Hold on. Let's go.
Wait, what is it?
Hello.
How have you been?
Mr. Jang must have brought
a reporter he knows again.
He did this last time too.
"Mushrooms" has more connections
than I thought.
-Let's go!
-He knows everyone here.
In this field, Mr. Jang
-is a legend.
-What?
Back in college,
he fought against hired thugs
at the site of an illegal slum clearance,
and he was such a menace
that even the thugs were scared.
-Attorney Jang?
-Yes.
No way. That's nonsense.
But that suit…
Though it looks worn out,
it's similar to the Italian luxury brand
that I saw at a Cheongdam-dong boutique.
Is it a knockoff?
Could I ask you a question?
Yes, go ahead.
Okay.
Nice to meet you.
I'm journalist Ko Il-ju
of Stepping Forward Together.
Geez, the only one person
who came is a journalist
from a labor movement organization.
They're basically peas in a pod.
Hey, Jung-in. I was going to call you.
I'm trying to cooperate as you told me to,
but do I really have to--
You want us to come back?
Ms. Park. She wants us to come back.
Hurry up. Let's go!
Where are you going?
The jury trial of the abandoned dog case
has become the talk of the town.
The fact that Oh & Partners,
Korea's top major law firm,
defended the case for free
has grabbed people's attention.
To be honest, for the common folk,
they think of Oh & Partners
as being so high up there
that you can't even be reached.
Yes. People have thought of us that way.
We admit it.
But the world has changed now, hasn't it?
So we must change as well.
It'd be no fun for us to miss out
on social responsibility
and the changing times.
We hope you look forward
to the new Oh & Partners.
Isn't the fact
that a young female attorney
has become CEO
a shocking change in itself?
I'm going to create a world
where my age and gender
doesn't become a news topic.
I see.
That's amazing.
Also, Attorney Kang Da-wit,
who's known as "the people's judge,"
took on the case.
I heard you two trained
at the JRTI together.
Could you tell me a bit
about how you were able to recruit him?
Well, you can ask him that for yourself.
Should we take a break?
My goodness.
You're good at your job, Ms. Oh.
You were pretty good
at answering questions too.
You still have the vibes
of "the people's judge."
There's something I'm curious about.
What is it?
Why haven't you asked me?
About what?
You haven't asked me once
about what made me quit as a judge.
Have you seen the video, by any chance?
Do I have to know about it?
What?
You still don't get it.
Do you know how many people work here?
We have more than 1,000 attorneys.
Including paralegals, secretaries,
and other staff, how many does that make?
Do you know how many of them
are former justices,
chief prosecutors, government ministers,
tax commissioners, and bank CEOs?
The politicians who fought us
in the name of democracy
and so-called moral compass journalists.
We make them advisors, and they diligently
come to work and get paid.
Oh & Partners is basically Korea.
Do you understand?
Sorry, Da-wit.
I don't have enough free time
to worry about each employee's situation.
Well, have a good day.
Hello, Mr. Kang.
-Hi. Where are the others?
-They're out on business.
-You were great on the news yesterday.
-Thank you.
By the way, someone saw the interview
and came looking for you.
He insisted on meeting you.
What?
Who are you suing again?
God.
I just told you.
Are you a Christian? Catholic?
Neither.
You can't trust anyone in this world.
I don't believe in anything.
Then why?
I want compensation for damages.
A huge sum.
Damages?
That's a civil case, not a criminal one.
Okay, then. What did God do wrong to you?
He brought me into this world.
-What?
-I never asked
to be born this way.
No one wanted me…
to be born at all,
including my mom
and my dad, who I've never met.
So, please represent me for free.
You said you'd do it.
I did?
I left the court that I'd devoted
my entire life to
because I just humbly
want to be there
for people who are in pain.
When those who are without help
and who are vulnerable come to me,
I'll help them
with legal knowledge and experience
I've gained throughout my life.
Well, I don't think you understand
because you're young.
But a trial can only happen
when it makes sense
and when there's a chance to win.
Isn't it your job as an attorney
to make sense out of it?
Are you an attorney? Why are you arguing?
Whatever.
Just take on my case for damages.
So what is it?
Are your hospital bills the loss
that God needs to compensate?
I can't be cured anyways.
I was…
born paralyzed from the waist down.
Okay, so what damages--
I already told you.
The fact that I was born.
My very existence
in this world itself is damaging.
It would've been much better
if I'd never been born at all.
-Did you send him away?
-I finally did. What a stubborn kid.
I don't know how he got here
when he lives in Bucheon.
Bucheon? You sent him off alone?
I grabbed him a large cab.
I paid the driver generously
with my own money.
Yeah? Good job.
-Sir.
-What is it?
He was a guest who came for you.
Guest, my foot. So?
I paid a generous amount to take him
all the way to Bucheon, which is…
Okay. Good job.
-Right.
-Do you have something to say?
No, sir.
Let's go and grab some soju.
What? Okay!
I already told you.
The fact that I was born.
My very existence
in this world itself is damaging.
Gosh, what an awful thing
for a child to say.
You feel bad for him, don't you?
These pro bono cases tend to be…
Of course, these cases must be new to you,
-so it must be--
-They're not my first.
Sorry?
When I was first appointed,
I was at a small court and did everything.
When I was an associate judge,
I oversaw rehabilitation
and bankruptcy cases too.
But gosh, I couldn't bear them.
Because there were too many cases?
Well, that was part of it.
But every day, people would go bankrupt,
get sick, or commit suicide.
That was all I saw every day,
so it was tough.
Even if you manage to put out the fires,
they're bound to keep happening.
You're right.
That's why I want cases
that involve people with money and power.
That might be easier on my mind.
And…
I'd make more money too.
Geez. Here.
Thank you, sir.
-Wait, let's grab a beer…
-Beer, my foot.
Hey, this is for the taxi.
-It only costs me 20,000 won to get home.
-Yeah, bring back the change tomorrow.
Thank you, Da-wit!
Get home safely!
I'll see you tomorrow!
Geez. What an exhausting guy.
Hey, how did it go?
I followed her after work.
She went to a VIP room
in Sejin University Hospital.
She's coming out now.
She probably went to see her grandmother.
Did she need more money for the hospital?
-Should I keep following her?
-Yeah, keep tabs on her for now.
Find out who she's meeting with.
There must be someone else.
Judge Kang.
I'm grateful you sent me to jail
to knock sense into me
and for finding me a job later on.
But aren't you making me work
too much right now?
-You're going to pay me well, right?
-Cut it out. Bye.
Geez.
Taxi!
Hello.
Sadang-dong, please.
Sir, could you…
THIS IS A DEAF TAXI DRIVER
I see.
Sadang Station, Exit 2.
The ride has begun.
Please wear your seatbelt for your safety.
DRIVER'S MESSAGE
TAP ARM TO PULL OVER
Please take all your belongings
before you leave.
Sir.
Thank you very much.
I said no.
-You said you'd do it.
-When did I ever?
-Should I play the video again?
-That was just for TV.
Are judges allowed to go on TV and lie?
When did I ever lie?
Also, I'm not a judge. I'm an attorney.
Then, I'll go on TV too.
I'll go and ask if it's all right
for an attorney to lie on TV.
Are you an attorney?
Why do you keep arguing with me?
Come here.
-Goodness.
-He's fast.
Come here. Let's send you home…
Who's the real attorney here?
-That kid is.
-Hey.
Geez!
Good morning, sir.
It's not a good morning.
Occupied.
It's occupied.
I know.
You little…
Here you go.
I grabbed all the desserts I could find
around here.
-Do you like this one the most?
-Yes.
Oh, my gosh.
May I help you?
-Kim Gang-hun.
-Ms. Jung.
Why are you here?
What's going on?
Do you want to see me dead?
I've been looking everywhere for you!
Why can't you just stay put at home?
-Ma'am, we can sit and talk calmly--
-Move!
Hey…
Let go!
Let go of me!
I'll call the police for child abuse.
Let go!
Don't.
I have nowhere else to go anyway.
Don't do it. It's pointless.
She isn't like that all the time.
She takes antidepressants,
but I guess she can't control it well.
-Yes, ma'am. I just found my son…
-She's like that sometimes.
I think your mom
should seek professional help--
I don't want to be put into care. No way.
-Gang-hun, your mom--
-My mom told me.
She was abandoned by her parents
when she was nine.
After running away from the orphanage
because she hated it,
she lived in a place
where runaway kids stayed together.
But then, she got pregnant with me
when she was 16.
Gang-hun.
If God does exist,
I really want to ask Him.
What on earth was He thinking?
Why did He…
To someone like me…
Gang-hun.
I guess you have to go now.
Get home safely, ma'am.
MIN'S STREET BAR
Did you say we should take on the case?
-Yes.
-You actually think there's a case here?
Even if we might not win,
some might take interest in this.
Is a trial a live charity show
to help the needy?
It could be a meaningful case.
It can raise the issue
that the marginalized and disabled--
Gosh, you sound entitled.
-Mr. Kang.
-What?
Did I say something uncomfortable again?
If so, then instead…
Let's ask Mr. Jang.
Mr. Jang, what do you think?
Stop picking out
and eating just the mushrooms!
Well, it won't be easy.
It's not an easy task
to stand before the court.
Gang-hun could get hurt too.
I also think it won't be easy.
It's obvious the case would be dismissed.
First of all, if the defendant is God,
I don't know what His mailing address is.
-Geez.
-What?
I'll make it so it'll make sense legally,
no matter what.
And then--
Do you know how painful false hope is?
Geez.
-I'm a stupid boomer.
-Oh, my gosh.
So I'll say one more thing.
What Ms. Park is saying right now
are the typical thoughts of a person
who was raised delicately,
like a flower in a greenhouse.
-Mr. Kang.
-You said you grew up comfortably
and was raised by a loving family.
People like that
don't know what real struggle is.
Raise a societal issue?
It could be meaningful
even though we'd lose?
What kind of help would that give the kid?
But a pro bono case is--
You came to this firm to make money too.
After entering the top law firm in Korea
with good grades,
I don't know and don't want to know
what could've possibly changed your mind.
But let's not say things
that are totally unrealistic.
You want to do something good?
Just donate to charity instead.
You can pay for this too.
For crying out loud.
Mr. Kang…
It could be meaningful
even though we'd lose?
What kind of help would that give the kid?
Maybe he's right.
There is a risk of social criticism,
so a legal countermeasure
should also be carried out.
Thank you.
Gosh. You're indeed excellent, Gi-ppeum.
You compared the pros and cons
of each plan very well.
Thank you.
Okay, everyone. We'll go with Plan C then.
-Yes, sir.
-What? Sir.
Plan C, as I mentioned in the report--
Through a loophole
in the Labor Standards Act,
it'd be a way for companies
to lay off a massive number of employees.
Yeah, that was good.
Yes, so instead of Plan C,
Plan A should be…
It's a legal circumvention,
so it's not illegal.
It reduces legal risks
and a large amount of labor cost.
-There's no reason not to go with it.
-Yes.
Well…
Still…
Ms. Park.
Don't you have enough experience
to not be that naive anymore?
Stop thinking about useless things
and focus on the numbers.
Revenue, costs, profits.
Right, everyone?
-Yes, sir.
-Yes, sir.
Hello.
LAUNCHING TEAM PRO BONO
OUR PLEDGE TO PUBLIC INTEREST STARTS NOW
IN-HOUSE TEAM FOR PUBLIC INTEREST CASES
Listen, Gi-ppeum.
Do you know how hard it is
to get into our team?
But you want to leave our team
and join the pro bono team?
-It's because I like that work.
-Come on. Stop it.
Will you tell me the real reason?
Do you want to be a politician?
Is it to build a political career?
No.
It's what I really want to do, sir.
Or is it this?
"I want to change the world!"
Something like that?
I don't know anything
about such grand ideas.
I just want to deal with people
rather than numbers.
I want to do work
that helps people in need.
I had no idea
you were such a noble person.
Okay. I get it.
Let's be honest.
What's the real reason?
Is it that weird
for wanting to live life
by doing good things
without any other motives?
Why does everyone not believe me?
Why do we have to prove good will
and assume selfishness?
All right, Gi-ppeum.
Don't be intimidated.
Go home and eat something tasty.
Let's do it.
Let's go.
Hello, everyone.
Hello.
Hello, Mr. Jang.
Are these also mushrooms?
They're so pretty.
Did you put them here, Mr. Jang?
They're called
the half-dyed slender Caesar.
They grow in greenhouses.
But they grow well outside too.
Strong and well.
Mr. Jang.
You can do it.
I can do it.
I have to go to the archive room.
Geez.
-Geez, these keep falling--
-Here.
Thank you.
"The standard…" Hold on.
Violation of the doctor's obligation
to explain…
"Those who receive surgery
for varicose vein malformations…"
-Welcome.
-Hello.
Is Jung So-min here?
-Go on. Later…
-Wait.
Please tell me a little more.
Isn't this wrong?
If that's true, So-min,
we do have a chance.
ABORTION ANALYSIS
WHY GIVE BIRTH?
Why?
We've already talked about it last time.
Are you going to deliver
the complaint to God?
What's His address?
It's 101 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
He lives in Gangnam?
What's godlike to pregnant women?
-What?
-101 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Woongsan General Hospital,
a subsidiary of Woongsan Group.
That's where I'm sending
the complaint for damages.
CAPERNAUM
DEMAND FOR PAYMEN
Gang-hun.
You're home early. Didn't you go to work?
Yeah.
I'm sick.
I have a headache too.
Maybe it's a cold.
I have a sore throat too.
You promised you wouldn't drink.
I drank because I was sick!
Fine.
Why is it so hard to live?
I'm probably getting punished
for living so recklessly
and thoughtlessly.
Am I your punishment then?
-What?
-But what am I getting punished for?
Jung So-min became pregnant with Gang-hun
when she was living
with other runaway kids.
The Woongsan Welfare Foundation
introduced her to Woongsan General
Hospital, so she was treated there.
Actually, So-min never wanted
to give birth in the first place.
It was an unwanted pregnancy.
And she was too young to deal with it.
But the hospital ignored
So-min's opinion multiple times,
and kept persuading her to give birth.
What? Why did they do that?
Exactly. And on top of that,
the hospital couldn't have been
any more careless.
They knew very well
the expectant mother
was drinking soju and eating junk food
instead of real meals every day.
But they didn't carry out
a single proper exam.
I heard it was a chaebol hospital.
Were they too busy treating VIPs?
Gang-hun's lower limb paralysis
was caused by a malformation
from an underdeveloped brain
during the fetal stage.
It's not certain,
but her alcohol addiction and malnutrition
might have affected this.
If she had received
a timely, proper ultrasound,
it would've shown
the brain malformation of the fetus.
-Isn't that right, Mr. Kang?
-What?
Mr. Kang, did you already…
The one who took the lower limb paralysis
lawsuit files from the archive room
was you, wasn't it?
Yes. You're right.
But I haven't made
as much progress as you have.
You're amazing, Ms. Park.
I did enter the top law firm
with good grades.
If it's Woongsan General Hospital,
I know someone from their labor union.
-I'll look into their internal affairs.
-Good luck.
If it's Woongsan Group,
it'll be against Woo Myeong-hun again.
What? Why?
He's the legal advisor there
and to most other chaebols too.
He's such a skilled attorney.
I wish I could learn from him…
…wasn't what I meant.
That's not what I meant.
-I…
-What did you mean?
Your eyes are so scary right now.
INCHEON DISTRICT COURT, BUCHEON BRANCH
All rise.
Please be seated.
Your Honor,
I'm sorry, but before we begin the trial--
Is it about the motion
to reassign to another judge?
It's just as you had expected.
Yeah.
Gang-hun's case was assigned
to Civil Division 7.
Is that a good thing?
A FEW DAYS AGO
Yes. It's Judge Kim Jin-o.
She has a severe visual impairment.
Really? Goodness, she's amazing.
I don't know
if that's necessarily a good thing?
What? Isn't it a good thing?
She must understand the lives of people
with disabilities better than anyone.
She'd relate to them, wouldn't she?
Don't you think so, Mr. Kang?
You know her well, don't you?
No.
I only know she's a judge
with a visual impairment.
I can't believe there's a judge
even you don't know.
As expected, he only knows
the popular judges.
Gosh, this chair feels
especially uncomfortable.
By the way, the defense might try
for a motion to reassign the judge.
Yes, Your Honor.
I'm sorry,
but as this is a medical case,
the amount of books and evidence
to refer to might be massive and--
Are you worried how a judge
with a visual impairment
will be able to read them?
Well, no. I didn't particularly mean that.
I probably read Braille texts
faster than you can read.
As for the other texts…
Complaint. Plaintiff, Kim Gang-hun.
-Defendant…
-The screen reader reads for me,
and I listen.
A trial is all about listening, isn't it?
I'll stay up all night to listen
if I have to,
so you can submit any document you'd like.
How could I possibly dare to question
your ability to do your work, Your Honor?
-It's just--
-Just?
Due to the nature of the case,
if this Court proceeds with it,
I worry it might cause
unnecessary misunderstandings.
-Counsel.
-Yes, Your Honor?
I'm not a judge with disability.
I'm just a judge.
This trial will proceed
like any other trial.
The motion for reassignment is dismissed.
But that won't necessarily
be beneficial for us.
Really?
When you go through immigration overseas,
-where do you line up?
-Well…
I go to a young female examiner
who looks kind.
Wrong. That will most likely
take the longest time.
And why is that?
The more of a minority you are in a group,
the more you tend
to strictly adhere to principles
-to avoid being misunderstood.
-I see.
Why would they be misunderstood?
This lawsuit is based
on groundless speculation.
The plaintiff is only making
vague allegations.
And they have failed
to present objective evidence.
The defendant's hospital
is the best in Korea.
They have no reason not to conduct
necessary tests on pregnant patients--
To prove exactly this point,
we requested an order to present
all of the medical reports from that time,
but the defendant has not responded.
It's been over than ten years.
As they were past the storage term,
they had been already disposed of.
Doesn't the defendant's hospital
unofficially keep records
past the storage term
for research purposes?
I don't know.
I don't know where you heard that,
but that's not something we know of.
-Your Honor!
-Yes.
They do seem to be past
the legal storage term.
As you don't have objective evidence
that such documents exist currently,
prove it by other means.
Honestly,
the defendant's hospital
is very disconcerted.
The plaintiff's mother,
who had nowhere to go,
was able to give birth
at the defendant's hospital,
Korea's best hospital,
all thanks to the goodwill
of Woongsan Welfare Foundation,
which desired to help runaway teenagers.
But…
Ungratefulness is the only word
that comes to mind--
Counsel, that is irrelevant to the trial.
Please stop.
Yes, Your Honor.
However,
we request
an early dismissal of this trial.
There doesn't seem to be much
the plaintiff's counsel can do.
Nothing further, Your Honor.
Your Honor,
we will ask the Health Insurance Committee
for a fact inquiry.
About what?
The number of abortions
Woongsan General Hospital
has performed in the last ten years.
And the number of abortions
performed at other big hospitals
similar to Woongsan.
What is the purpose?
For purposes that are unknown,
the defendant's hospital has deliberately
avoided performing abortions
and has urged patients to give birth.
Mr. Kang.
Mr. Kang.
Mr. Kang!
What was all that about?
Did you find some evidence?
No, I have no such thing.
Why would you drop a bomb like that
without evidence?
You remember what Myeong-hun said earlier?
"Being ungrateful" or whatever?
What? Right. Woongsan Welfare Foundation
let her get treated at Woongsan General
Hospital to help runaway teenagers.
It came to mind
while listening to that.
Actually, So-min never wanted
to give birth in the first place.
It was an unwanted pregnancy.
And she was too young to deal with it.
But the hospital ignored
So-min's opinion multiple times,
and kept persuading her to give birth.
Why would they send
pregnant runaway teenagers
to Woongsan General Hospital?
They weren't even going to
look after them.
This might be a ridiculous thought,
but what if there was
some kind of intent behind all of this?
The group with the highest ratio
of abortions is…
It's probably runaway teenagers.
Like So-min.
I heard back from members of Woongsan
General Hospital's labor union.
Unless the lives of the mothers
were in imminent danger,
they didn't terminate pregnancies.
They said the younger doctors
complained a lot about it.
They were nervous because the risk
of missing the right time was so high.
They probably didn't tell the mothers
about their fetuses' conditions.
The Health Insurance Committee replied
to our fact inquiry.
What did they say?
They've refused to answer as it concerns
trade secrets of the hospitals.
I can't believe those punks.
HIC CHAIR
PARK CHEOL-MIN
They made this perfectly for me.
-Yes?
-Call Attorney Woo's office.
Tell him I got his gift
and I appreciate it.
Chairman Park, that fool.
When Myeong-hun worked
at the Blue House Civil Affairs Office,
he got Park that job.
Okay. So this is how you're going to play?
What do we do then?
We'll have to use a method
that Korean civil servants
are scared of the most.
What's that?
Chairman Park.
I told you not to wake me
when I'm in my massage chair.
Chairman Park!
-What?
-I'm sorry.
I told him to wait outside,
but he suddenly barged in.
What on earth? Who are you?
You're up.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Attorney Kang Da-wit.
Da-wit? Are you from Israel?
By the way, Chairman Park,
this is a nice putter.
Is this gold?
Don't hit the floor with it!
I'm sorry.
Right. You're the one
who requested the fact inquiry.
If you're here to throw a tantrum,
get out at once.
We've already given our answer.
Throw a tantrum?
Gosh, I'm too old for that.
I'm not a whiny kid. Goodness!
It fell.
It's a complaint we're going to file
against you.
What?
Request for information disclosure?
It's not too big of a deal.
It's about your official expenses
and company card statements.
Goodness, you've used your company card
for whenever your wife perms her hair.
That's great. You're a family man.
This is what I need to learn. So sweet.
-Mr. Kang?
-Yes?
All successful negotiations on earth
have occurred while sitting calmly.
Please, let's sit.
-Please.
-Okay.
I'll sit and talk.
Okay. This is the list of furniture
and equipment purchases for your office.
You know the one there
you were just sleeping in?
That's a limited edition one.
Where did you get that?
I bought it with my own money
during an overseas business trip.
Overseas business trip?
The overseas business trip expenses…
Where did you go to research
the cutting-edge medical industry?
That's right.
"Let's drink a Maldives in mojito."
Of course, you have to go to the Maldives
for cutting-edge medicine!
Wait. But you didn't go with your wife.
Mr. Kang!
Goodness, Mr. Park.
Mr. Kang. Sir. Doctor.
I'll call you anything.
I'll call you my big brother.
Lord Da-wit. Let's calmly talk about this.
-Let's talk it out.
-Then, shall we talk about it over tea?
Yes, sir.
RESPONSE TO FACT INQUIRY
The response to the fact inquiry
has suddenly come in.
Last time, they clearly said
they couldn't respond.
Well, I…
I don't know what happened either,
but in any case,
it doesn't seem to directly relate
to the dispute of the case--
It's 91%!
WOONGSAN'S ABORTION RATE
According to their response,
Woongsan General Hospital's abortion rate
is 91% less than the average rate
of other hospitals.
Mr. Woo. Is this a coincidence?
Or a miracle?
Wait. What does that prove though?
The numbers are only numbers.
Each mother's situation and views
are bound to be unique--
That is why we will submit additional data
that is very interesting.
EVIDENCE SUBMISSION FORM
Your Honor.
Do you know who the biggest sponsor
of pro-life groups in Korea is?
Your Honor, the plaintiff's counsel
is delaying the trial
with an irrelevant claim.
It's very relevant, Mr. Woo.
Five years' worth of audits
for these groups
were found by a certain bold
and persistent nerd from our firm…
Geez!
Ms. Park?
What's that? Were you here all weekend?
Why didn't you go home?
-Just take a look at this.
-What is it?
How did you find all of this?
What do you mean "How?"
I just went headlong and found it all.
According to the detailed analysis
by this attorney,
their biggest sponsor
is the Elliot Foundation in Hong Kong.
It's a completely
unknown organization in Korea.
So what about it?
Elliot Foundation's address
is in Hong Kong.
But they do have
a postal address in Korea.
Its address?
It's 101 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Just a moment.
-That's--
-Yes, Your Honor. That's right.
It's the address of the defendant's
Woongsan General Hospital
and Woongsan Welfare Foundation,
which are located in the same building.
And Elliot was the name
used in the US by Choi U-jin,
CEO Choi Woong-san's only son
who died at the age of 30.
After the passing of his son,
Mr. Choi suddenly
devoted himself to religion.
Since then, Mr. Choi has even become
the biggest sponsor and an elder
of Korea's most fundamental
religious body.
That's speculation. Even if Mr. Choi
did have strong religious beliefs,
there is absolutely no evidence
that he specifically ordered
-the medical staff to--
-That is what power is!
Even without direct orders,
due to the nature of an organization,
they can't help
but carry out the leader's will.
Medical staff who didn't follow
the organization's unspoken rule
were mistreated for various reasons
before being forced to leave.
We will be submitting
the related evidence soon.
Yes, I would appreciate that.
Well, that's enough
to be pretty relevant, don't you think?
Please don't forget
to submit the related evidence.
Yes, sir.
-Sir.
-Yes?
You really are good at what you do.
Hey, kid.
You should be honored.
Despite what you think of me--
Thank you.
And I'm sorry.
You must've had a hard time
because of how I insisted.
What's this all of a sudden?
I'm not used to it. What's with you?
I can't afford to pay,
so I should at least do this.
I knew it.
I knew something was up. Geez.
But your mom never showed up.
Not even once.
She barely approved
the power of attorney.
She was furious about me
doing something meaningless.
She said people like us can't win
against a giant hospital like that.
But will we really be able to win?
In the end, we couldn't secure
the medical reports,
so we've only proved half of our point.
Is that so?
Am I your punishment then?
-What?
-But what am I getting punished for?
INCHEON DISTRICT COURT, BUCHEON BRANCH
DAY OF VERDIC
Based on all the evidence
submitted to this Court,
the Court believes
the plaintiff's disability
should have been diagnosed
while they were in the womb.
Thus, the defendant's hospital
did not fulfill their duty
of properly diagnosing
and explaining this condition.
However,
on the argument
that the defendant's hospital failed
to properly inform the plaintiff's mother
of precautions to take during pregnancy
or that such a failure
caused the plaintiff's disability,
there is not enough evidence
to acknowledge this claim.
Therefore, this Court does not accept
the claim of damages
for causing disability.
I knew it.
What remains is the allegation
that the defendant's hospital failed,
whether by intent or negligence,
to fulfill its duty
to diagnose and explain
the possibility
of the plaintiff's disability.
To put it plainly,
it did not give the chance
to abort the plaintiff.
In order to accept
the liability for damages,
we have to answer one
of the most difficult questions.
For the plaintiff to win this case,
we would have to say,
"It would've been better for the world
if this 12-year-old boy Gang-hun
hadn't been born at all."
"His life and existence itself
is damaging."
That is the kind of terrible conclusion
we would have to reach.
As an individual,
I do understand the kind of emotions
the plaintiff must have come
to this court with.
However, I am here not as an individual
but as a judge.
And according to
the Constitution of Korea,
whether you have a disability or not,
whether you are rich or poor,
the lives of all humans
are equally sacred.
That is its fundamental premise.
Under the Constitution,
no right is more valuable than life.
Thus, it is not possible
to make the hypothetical assessment
that the absence of a life
is better than its existence.
Which life has the value to exist?
Which life would be better off
to have not existed?
Such judgments lie
outside the realms of human ability.
Therefore,
as the Court does not acknowledge
the birth of Kim Gang-hun as damaging,
the plaintiff's claim is without grounds,
and the case is dismissed.
The beautiful language
that had made my heart race before
felt like a giant wall this time.
In the end, we couldn't break
the existing Supreme Court precedent.
I submitted all
the related overseas precedents too.
But that doesn't erase
how the fault lies with Woongsan.
After making them give birth,
they stopped caring.
-It's ridiculous!
-Why are you yelling at me?
We can't do anything legally, can we?
The logic is airtight.
I disagree.
I think that's all
a beautiful load of crap.
What are you all doing?
You weren't just going to
give up like this, were you?
If you don't get it, memorize it.
"We will win no matter what."
If we were bound to lose,
I wouldn't have even started!
Do you get it?
I believe, Mr. Kang!
Geez. Just bow to him, why don't you?
Is he your cult leader or what?
Then, shall we have some snacks
before our meeting
on appeal strategies?
We can't think well if we're hungry.
-Please sit.
-Sounds good.
No!
We won't get enough energy
with just these measly snacks.
Today,
I'll treat you
to the most delicious bakery
in the world.
Let's go!
-You said it's your treat!
-Okay!
-Let's eat and cheer up!
-Let's go!
Let's eat and cheer up, Gi-ppeum!
It strangely feels like I lost.
It's in French.
"Joie de vivre." The joy of life.
The joy, or Gi-ppeum, of life.
Wait!
It's a blackout.
Oh, my gosh! Is it your birthday?
No. I just prepared something
as a way to cheer us up.
There's so much fruit on top!
-So much!
-Okay, everyone.
When I say "Pro Bono,"
you'll say "Victory."
Then, we'll blow out the candle.
"Victory" is so lame.
Welcome.
What? I've seen that man before.
Okay.
Where have I seen him?
Right. The taxi.
Let me introduce them.
This is my mom and dad.
-Hello.
-Hello.
They are attorneys who work with me.
In order, their names are…
Jang Yeong-sil.
-Hello.
-When you report to the local…
-They issue an announcement…
-I want to tie those hands down.
Can't she talk without moving her hands?
Kang Da-wit.
Hello.
Hwang Jun-u.
Hello!
Yoo Nan-hui.
Hello.
We hope you enjoy.
Thank you for the food.
You know sign language?
Just a little.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
Thank you for the food.
Take a seat, everyone. Please eat.
You know sign language too?
Just a little.
Gi-ppeum!
Your family runs this amazing bakery?
I'm jealous. That's a bread-lover's dream.
Isn't it?
I must have saved the world
in my past life.
Right? Thank you for the food!
It's so good.
-Ms. Park.
-Yes?
So…
You must have opened this pretty recently.
As expected,
you have a keen eye.
It's only been a month.
What about before?
In the past,
they ran a place that was a bit bigger.
But when I was in high school,
Dad was tricked by a bad friend
and lost the entire bakery.
Oh, no.
Because he was the co-signer,
he had to take on bank debt.
After baking with my mom,
my dad had to drive a taxi for ten years
just to make ends meet.
You said you grew up comfortably
and was raised by a loving family.
People like that
don't know what real struggle is.
But this competent daughter of theirs
worked hard as an attorney
to pitch in what she earned
and borrowed a little bit
of money to open this place.
You're amazing, Ms. Park.
You're making me shy.
It's true though.
She's awesome.
You like apricots, Gi-ppeum?
Aren't they sour?
I like these over the sweet ones.
They're sour and bitter.
It's just like our lives.
Okay. I'll try one.
-Gosh.
-What?
It's so sour!
The coffee's good and not bitter.
Please enjoy.
INCHEON DISTRICT COUR
APPEAL HEARING
Doesn't Judge Kook Yeong-jun
look a bit uptight?
Don't worry.
I'm sure Mr. Kang has it all planned out.
-Plaintiff's counsel.
-Yes, Your Honor?
Well,
is there anything more to do
with an appeal?
In the first trial,
you did everything you could.
He rejected the wise ruling
of the first trial and appealed,
so I'd like to ask
the plaintiff's counsel.
What on earth did the defendant do wrong?
Is it wrong to value life
more than anything else?
Do you actually think
it's better to not be born
than to be born
as a person with a disability?
Unless that's the case,
the plaintiff's appeal
has no actual benefit.
That is our standpoint.
Your Honor.
The defendant's Woongsan General Hospital
followed Woongsan Group CEO
Choi Woong-san
and his sacred belief
that all lives are precious
as they ignored the wishes
of a 16-year-old pregnant girl
to have the plaintiff
Kim Gang-hun be born.
At the first trial,
with the sacred reason that all life
is precious and equal, they also ruled
that a life, no matter whose,
cannot be regarded as damaging
and dismissed the plaintiff's claim.
That is amazing. I was touched too.
Therefore, at this court of appeals,
we would like to examine one by one
if Woongsan Group and Korea
really do treat
every life respectfully and equally.
Hold on.
If you simply say
something is precious and equal,
does that really make it
precious and equal?
I mean, is it okay for a judge to lie?
Is it all right for a court to scam a kid?
Plaintiff's counsel! What are you doing?
Is this trial a joke to you?
No, Your Honor. I am simply asking
whether the Constitution of Korea,
which states that all lives
are sacred and equal,
is a scam or not.
Just a moment.
Why is he blowing things up?
If Gang-hun, the boy sitting here,
has not been given dignified
and equal treatment in his life,
if the words "All lives are sacred"
are revealed to be nothing
but a beautiful load of crap…
then it'll have to be the one
who used his wrong beliefs
to recklessly bring the plaintiff
into this world…
That crazy…
Your Honor.
I would like to sue Choi Woong-san,
the CEO of Woongsan Group,
and have him stand trial.
Your Honor, does this even make sense?
With a ridiculous accusation…
There he goes blowing things up again,
that attention-seeker.
-I really want to learn from him.
-Learn what?
Sir, I have something urgent to report.
CHOI WOONG-SAN
The thing is…
STAY TUNED TO WATCH THE EPILOGUE
-What on earth are you doing?
-Aren't on-site inspections done
so judges can form beliefs
from firsthand experience?
That's what I did as a judge.
Stop using Gang-hun as a PR stunt.
You're not fighting for yourself, are you?
I'm going to make a winning team.
If you don't like that, you can leave.
I'll file a separate lawsuit for damages
against Chairman Choi Woong-san.
Do you believe giving birth
to Gang-hun was damaging?
If Gang-hun's life is damaging,
then who caused that damage?
-Is it for the money?
-Do you have some kind of right
to be involved
in the lives and deaths of others?
Please tell me.
What do I need to do
so I can live like other kids?
If anyone causes harm to Oh & Partners…
I won't keep them around.
That goes for Team Pro Bono and you.
The debtor, Mr. Park Chang-sun.
The Court rules…
Wingardium Leviosa.
…that the debtor
is exempt from liability.
What? Mom!
We won!
They said our debt is gone now.
-Really?
-Yes.
There are no grounds
for denying the exemption from liability.
The applicant's remaining obligations
as a joint guarantor
are hereby fully extinguished.
The spell cast by the judge in that moment
was more incredible than any other spell
from Harry Potter.
Next, case number 2015-686…
I see. You're hard of hearing.
Is this how you do it?
Congratulations.
You won.
Thank you.
I guess it's right.
Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon