Pro Bono (2025) s01e04 Episode Script

PRO BONO
Mr. Kang!
You're going to sue Chairman Choi?
What on earth are you doing?
I'm filing a civil claim for damages.
But why did you say…
"File a civil claim for damages."
That's too long.
"I'll sue you."
That's much easier and simpler to say.
It'll make for sexier headlines too.
"Sexy"?
Do you think that
is an appropriate word for this case?
It has to be sexy to grab attention,
and we have to grab attention
if we want more people to hear us out.
We'll be holding a press conference,
so get ready.
But no one usually comes
to press conferences of pro bono cases.
Haven't you been listening?
We'll make it sexy to draw them in.
Could you find me a hair salon?
-You brat!
-Hair salon? What for?
-Isn't there one in your town?
-Of course, there is!
Hey, Stretch. How can you let
a kid be sharper than you?
Sorry? But what did I…
-Geez, that attention seeker.
-I can hear you!
-Why a hair salon?
-Geez!
THE PEOPLE'S JUDGE SUES KOREA
You may now begin
to take Kim Gang-hun's photos.
I'm sorry.
I'm sure you all must be busy.
Thank you for coming.
You said you'd make Woongsan Group CEO
Choi Woong-san stand trial.
It's an appeal trial for damages
against the hospital.
Is it possible to add a defendant?
That's a good observation, Ms. Park.
You can't add a defendant
in an appeal trial.
Therefore, in the appeal,
I will prove the suffering
Gang-hun has felt up until now.
And then, since the one truly responsible
is hiding behind the hospital,
I'll file a separate lawsuit for damages
against Chairman Choi Woong-san.
If this appeal is the preliminary round,
then that trial would be the final match.
It's going to be more intense and brutal.
Brace yourself, Chairman.
Okay, everyone.
We'll take just a few more questions.
Gang-hun is such a smart and mature kid.
Did you say you got the courage to file
the lawsuit after watching Capernaum?
What? Someone as young as him saw that?
Do you like movies?
Yes. For some strange reason,
I like those kinds of movies.
My mom teases me for being an old soul.
What's your favorite movie then?
It's Forrest Gump.
Right. The one where Tom Hanks
plays a disabled…
Gang-hun and I have so much in common.
First of all,
our handsome looks.
That's pretty rare.
Gang-hun is also a Go genius.
Aren't you the top player
-on online Go?
-No.
-Yes, you are.
-I'm not.
It's called Go! Go Game.
I'm barely holding on
to first place in that game.
What? Go! Go Game? I play that too.
What is your username then?
AlphaGo911.
"AlphaGo911"?
The renowned Go master,
AlphaGo911? That's you?
My goodness. You're amazing.
Not at all.
I have…
a lot of free time on my hands.
What on earth are you doing?
My apologies, sir.
How could you drag our CEO's name
into this joke of a trial?
Is this what we're paying you
all that money for?
My apologies. I'll stop it at all costs.
If any inconvenience
happens upon the chairman,
you'll be held responsible.
Yes, sir.
EPISODE 4
You were amazing today, Gang-hun.
It was tough, wasn't it?
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
Anyway, did I do okay?
I didn't look arrogant, did I?
People like it
when the disabled look pitiful.
Don't think like that, Gang-hun.
Anyways, so you like Forrest Gump?
I love that movie too.
No, I don't like that movie.
You don't?
I only said I did.
Honestly, the main character of the movie
has difficulty walking
and an intellectual disability.
But his mom says,
"Life is like a box of chocolates."
"You never know what you're going to get."
That's ridiculous.
"Life is like a box of chocolates"?
How?
She knows perfectly well
that whatever you get will be garbage.
Why did she lie to her son?
Gang-hun.
Why wouldn't Forrest's mom know
that her son would face
difficulties in his life?
Why did she lie then?
Maybe it's not a lie.
Maybe it was a desperate hope.
Desperate hope?
Yeah.
In this unpredictable life,
you don't know
what kind of things may happen.
But even if they leave
a bitter taste at first,
she hopes things taste sweet
like chocolate in the end.
She so desperately wished that to be true,
so maybe that's why she said that.
She prayed her son's life
would be like a box of chocolates.
It's time to go home now, Gang-hun.
-Let's go to my car. I'll drop you off.
-Thank you.
Okay, Gang-hun. Let's get going.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Mr. Kang.
What is it?
Stop using Gang-hun for a PR stunt.
Using him? What are you talking about?
-Gang-hun came to me on his own--
-He's still a kid.
Don't you get it?
He may seem mature, but he's just a kid.
You made him stand
in front of reporters and TV cameras.
Don't you get it, Ms. Park?
I'm giving it my all
to fight for Gang-hun.
There's already a Supreme Court precedent
that's going against him.
If we don't do this,
that presiding appellate judge
will dismiss the case immediately.
We have to grab people's attention--
Are you sure you're fighting for Gang-hun?
What?
You're not fighting for yourself, are you?
Right, justice candidate
and the people's judge, Kang Da-wit?
Do I look like that much of a scumbag?
I'm sorry. I crossed the--
If you don't want to work
with a scumbag, quit the team.
-Mr. Kang.
-Whether you like it or not,
I came here to lead this team.
Whether it's you or me, it looks like
one of us will have to leave.
I'm going to make a winning team.
If you don't like that, you can leave.
Why the long face though?
What is it?
Do your team members not listen to you?
No, it's just…
Just?
There's someone
who makes me uncomfortable.
Is that so?
I wonder who could make
the great Kang Da-wit
feel uncomfortable.
Well, they're all crazy,
so they all make me uncomfortable.
Don't worry. I'll handle it.
Thank you.
By the way, Da-wit.
It's okay to make things a big event,
but let's not cross the line.
What line?
That kid was cute.
The adorable boy in the wheelchair.
And Oh & Partners is helping that boy.
That's very nice.
But making a chaebol CEO stand trial?
You're going way over the line.
Everyone clamored for me to fire you
at the management meeting,
and I was barely able to prevent it.
"It was just a show
to put pressure on the opponent."
"You know he's good at doing that."
What if I wasn't putting on a show?
What would happen then?
Hold on.
It's been so long since I handled
a criminal case, so my memory's fuzzy.
The Aggravated Punishment
of Specific Crimes Act.
If the amount of a bribe
is over 100 million won,
what was the penalty?
Life imprisonment or…
Right.
Imprisonment for at least ten years.
Am I right?
So you saw the video.
This is a bar.
Why aren't you drinking? Come on.
Geez, my phone.
What is this noise?
RESTING AREA
Ms. Park?
Oh, my gosh! So that was you, Mr. Kang.
-What brings you here at this hour?
-That's what I want to ask you.
And what are those things in your hands?
These?
Let's put those down
and talk like rational people.
I didn't really mean it earlier
when I told you to leave the team.
I was just doing a bit of sword dancing.
What kind of nonsense is that?
Why would an attorney suddenly be
sword dancing in the middle of the night?
Exactly.
It all started…
because of this law firm.
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.
Okay, that's it for today.
Gosh, Park. You're still such a kid.
How adorable.
Park, let's get it together.
We're professionals. Don't hurt the team.
The life of a law firm associate
was filled
with a constant stream of stress.
I despised my senior colleagues.
I was afraid I'd end up
getting thrown out at that rate,
so I looked for a place to let off steam.
Incredible!
Mr. Bae?
No!
You.
Are you here to learn sword dancing?
No, I was just looking…
Learn it.
I see you're filled with rage.
You should learn it
so you don't get sick from stress.
Sick from stress?
-And so, you learned to sword dance?
-Yes.
My teacher was spot on.
Whenever my senior colleagues
made me angry, I danced like crazy.
Hey, you.
Yes, ma'am?
Would you like to be my successor?
-Sorry?
-You're a natural.
A nerd's level of concentration
is scary indeed.
It had been a while, but a certain someone
made me want to dance.
Excuse me.
Hold on.
If the senior colleagues you despised
made you dance,
then tonight--
Gosh, you make me uncomfortable.
GAME RESUL
WIN
I learned some good moves today.
How many times have I beaten you?
I told you you're no match for me.
When are you going to give up?
As you know, I never give up.
-I have lots of time.
-Okay. I'll play with you again.
Challenge me again next week.
What? Do you have something to say?
I saw you in the news, AlphaGo911.
What?
Kim Gang-hun is your name, isn't it?
Welcome back.
You were on the news.
Yeah, probably.
"Probably"?
I saw your interview. Did you file
the lawsuit because of that movie?
What?
Yeah.
You're doing it to punish me, aren't you?
Mom, what's the matter?
I know it's true!
That movie!
It's about a kid
suing his neglectful parents
for giving birth to him!
Is that how you really feel?
You should have sued me then.
Not God and a hospital!
Answer me, Kim Gang-hun!
I see right through you.
ADOPTING A DISABLED CHILD
Look.
Look at it!
You wanted to get on TV to be adopted.
What? You want to go to America?
Do you hate me that much?
How could you…
How could a mother-son relationship--
Don't you hate your parents?
What did you just say?
That music box you love so much…
You said she left you
the day she bought you that.
You still like someone like that?
Kim Gang-hun,
I told you.
Our family went bankrupt,
so because of debt--
I guess parents abandon
their children during hard times too.
You should've abandoned me too!
Kim Gang-hun!
Okay.
What are you going to prove
in this appeal?
The defendant
Woongsan General Hospital's fault
in not diagnosing
and explaining the disability
was already acknowledged
during the first trial.
For the sole reason of not accepting
the plaintiff's life as damaging,
the plaintiff's claim was dismissed.
Therefore, in this appeal trial,
we will show what life is like
for people with disabilities
to prove the damages
suffered by the plaintiff.
I think the plaintiff's counsel
is a bit mistaken.
Korea is an advanced country now
in every aspect.
Welfare and equality for people
with disabilities are legally secured.
Mobility rights
and transportation services.
We've invested
an exorbitant amount of money
to provide all sorts
of accessible facilities.
What more do they want?
Your Honor, did you just agree
with the defense?
Pardon? No.
I was just…
-It was an unintentional--
-To refute what the defense just argued…
we request an on-site inspection.
What on earth is there to inspect on-site?
If everything is exceptionally accessible
as you say it is,
the judge can experience
the life of a disabled person
and decide for himself.
You seem to be interested.
Would you like to join him?
Plaintiff's Counsel!
Do you think this Court
has that much free time?
Experience the life?
If you keep this up,
I'll hold you in contempt--
What is the issue at hand here,
Your Honor?
-What?
-The issue is whether we can consider
the plaintiff's life with disability
damaging or not.
Aren't on-site inspections done
so judges can form beliefs
from firsthand experience?
That's what I did as a judge.
Things must have changed a lot since then.
Your Honor.
The plaintiff's counsel is saying remarks
and requesting evidence unnecessarily
-to delay the trial--
-In that case,
I'll read you a newspaper interview
that Woongsan Group CEO
Choi Woong-san participated in.
"Our country has become
an advance country in every aspect."
"But I believe we still lack consideration
for the socially marginalized,
such as people with disabilities."
"I, Choi Woong-san,
have a deep interest in this matter."
Mr. Woo, could I submit a formal inquiry
to Chairman Choi Woong-san
to see if his thoughts have changed?
-I agree.
-What?
Pardon? What did you say?
I agree to the plaintiff's motion
for an on-site inspection.
Please set the date, Your Honor.
All right, are we good now?
So we make our way
to court in these. Am I right?
Just a moment.
What? What is it now?
I'm sorry, Your Honor.
Hey. Hold on.
What are you doing?
As you know, Gang-hun is a paraplegic.
Please excuse me.
It's for an accurate inspection.
Good grief.
What are you doing? Move your foot.
Here you go.
Please gather your feet.
Please be gentle.
You're cutting off blood flow.
I have varicose veins!
Geez.
The streets are in good condition.
What's there to complain about?
We'll be there in 15 minutes.
Just a moment. Okay.
Goodness. Thank you.
Excuse me. Could you move the truck?
Not now. Please wait.
No. Please move now.
Why are you blocking the sidewalk?
Forget it.
We'll go around the front. It's fine.
Geez.
Geez. This is…
Just stay home, damn it!
For Christ's sake!
Geez, that guy…
Someone write down his plate number.
Let's go.
Goodness.
Thanks.
Push harder. The bus… Geez.
Sorry. Coming through.
I'm sorry.
We don't have time for this!
Sorry. Excuse us.
I'm sorry.
This isn't too bad.
-Sorry?
-It's all right, isn't it?
Yes. It's so convenient.
Right?
It's a bit hot though.
-Here.
-Thanks.
Wait a second.
Let's…
-Let's stop by a restroom.
-I was going to say the same.
I drank too much water.
Where's the nearest one?
-Let's go that way.
-Yeah.
-I think it's here. Let's go.
-Geez.
For goodness' sake.
-No.
-Don't.
Can you help…
Can you push…
A wheelchair can't climb up
a curb this high.
Okay, I get it.
For crying out loud.
Geez!
For crying out loud.
Untie me, will you?
I can't, sir.
Gang-hun can't untie his for life.
Jesus Christ.
Geez.
Just untie me. I really need to go!
Okay.
I'm sorry, Your Honor.
Just hurry up.
Hurry, hurry.
What?
-Geez.
-Come on.
You do it.
It's okay.
We apologize for the trouble, Your Honor.
No, it's okay.
With all due respect,
you traveled less than two kilometers
to arrive at court.
You've only experienced
a tiny glimpse into Gang-hun's life.
That was only two kilometers?
Yes, Your Honor.
For your information,
Gang-hun went back and forth
between Bucheon and my firm every day
to ask me to take his case.
Every day?
It's because I'm good
at dealing with my disability.
Your Honor.
Yes, Defense Counsel. You may speak.
The defense would like to
request evidence.
What is it?
We request a direct examination
of the plaintiff's legal guardian,
Jung So-min.
Is it okay if Mom doesn't come?
Oh, no.
It'll be hard to refuse.
Why did it have to be on that day?
What?
Why? What day is it?
It's nothing.
WITNESS JUNG SO-MIN
Defense Counsel, you may begin
the examination of the witness.
Are you the mother of the plaintiff,
Kim Gang-hun?
Yes.
I'm sorry,
but where is the child's father?
Objection, Your Honor. That's irrelevant.
Didn't you argue the issue at hand
was the plaintiff's life itself?
How can a child's parents
be irrelevant to his life?
Yes. Ms. Jung, please answer the question.
I've lost contact with him now.
You got pregnant when you lived
with other runaway teenagers.
I'm sorry,
but do you even remember
who the father is?
Your Honor, the defense counsel
is going beyond the scope of examination.
Okay. I will retract the question.
Ms. Jung, I'm sorry,
but you have a lot of stuff
on your neck and arms.
Are those all tattoos?
-Your Honor!
-The character of the plaintiff's mother
is relevant to the plaintiff's life,
Your Honor.
Yes, considering
the unique aspects of this case,
the Court will allow
comprehensive questions
about his home environment.
You may proceed.
I got these tattoos
when I was young and immature.
-But I couldn't erase them.
-I see.
It must have been hard
to find a proper job too.
Aren't you also taking antidepressants?
Well, it's not that serious.
Yes, so you're taking them.
You know the first trial's presiding judge
was visually impaired, don't you?
Her mother worked as a teacher
and raised her blind daughter
to become a great judge.
The life of a person
with disabilities is tough.
I assume it is.
How could I dare to understand
how painful it could be?
However,
there are many families in Korea
who take care of their disabled children
with love and lead happy lives.
On the other hand,
your son Gang-hun,
who's only 12 years old,
said not being born would've been better
and filed this suit.
There's something I want to know.
If Gang-hun's life is like hell,
is it only because of his disability?
Or it is because of you
since you didn't take care of him right?
Your Honor!
-You may continue.
-If Gang-hun's life is damaging,
then who caused that damage?
Is the hospital to blame
for not allowing an abortion?
Or is it you and the unruly,
irresponsible life you've led?
-Your Honor!
-That's enough, Counsel.
Abusive questioning is not permitted.
Yes, Your Honor.
I'll ask one last question then.
Ms. Jung.
Do you believe giving birth
to Gang-hun was damaging?
What?
There.
Look at your son.
Have you been living your entire life
hating and regretting the fact
that you gave birth to him?
No.
I don't.
Never.
I've never thought that.
I can't live without him!
Is that so?
Why did you agree to this lawsuit then?
What?
A minor can't sue
without their legal guardian's consent.
This trial is happening
because you agreed to file the suit.
Did you agree to it
because you thought it'd be better
-if Gang-hun hadn't been born?
-No.
No!
I was just…
I couldn't help it
because Gang-hun was so persistent--
So persistent?
You couldn't help it
because a child was persistent?
Ms. Jung.
My apologies.
I'm sorry,
but is it for the money?
-Your Honor!
-It isn't, is it?
No way.
A mother?
She'd use her young child,
with a disability at that,
as a pawn just for money?
That question was also abusive,
Your Honor!
I sincerely hope that's not true,
and I will also retract that question.
No further questions.
If Gang-hun's life is like hell,
is it only because of his disability?
Or it is because of you
since you didn't take care of him right?
Do you want that?
No, it's expensive.
-It's all right.
-Here.
Could you wrap this up for us?
-All right.
-Mom!
It's okay, So-min.
Let's do everything you want today.
Really? That's strange.
It's not even my birthday today.
Every day is your birthday.
-Should we go ride the merry-go-round too?
-Yeah!
-Are you having fun?
-Yeah!
Mom.
Yes?
Today was the happiest day of my life.
You liked the theme park that much?
No.
It's because you smiled all day.
Mom, where are we? Why are we here?
So-min, it's just for a month.
Just wait one month for me here.
I'll be overseas just for a bit
to make some money.
I promise I'll come back for you. Okay?
Mom, no!
Take me with you!
Mom!
-Mom, please take me with you!
-I promise I'll come back for you.
Mom, let me go with you!
Mom!
Mom!
Mom!
Mom!
Mom…
Mom.
TALK TO THE PERSON WHO LOVES SO-MIN
MORE THAN ANYONE IN THE WORLD
Mom?
Mom!
Gang-hun.
Gang-hun!
Is that you, Gang-hun?
How did you…
Mom, don't do it.
I can't live without you.
Gang-hun.
I'm sorry, Mom.
All you do is work every day
because of me.
Because of me, you're in pain
physically and mentally.
I'm sorry, Mom.
Honestly, I…
I thought you'd be happy
if I wasn't around,
so that's why I looked into adoption.
You're young and pretty.
If it weren't for me…
If only I didn't exist…
Some people did contact me.
They seemed like good people.
Mom!
Gang-hun!
How did you get here?
I'm sorry, Mom.
I can't live without you.
I love you, Mom.
I love you too.
I love you.
I'm sorry. It's my fault.
I'll never do it again.
I'm sorry.
I love you too.
I'm sorry. I'll never do that again.
You must've been so scared.
-I'm sorry.
-Mom.
I'll never leave you alone again.
Why? What day is it?
Tell us.
The day after the hearing
is the day when she was abandoned.
Mom has a really hard time
all day that day.
But if she has to go to court,
I wonder if she'll be okay.
My mom is a scaredy-cat.
She's like a baby.
I'm so sorry.
But she can't date anyone
or get married because of me.
Her arms and back hurt
from carrying me around her whole life.
I'm sorry.
Due to the defense counsel's deliberate
repeating of abusive questioning,
we request an apology
and assurance that it won't happen again.
A trial isn't for giving each other
well wishes.
Sometimes, we have to touch
on painful subjects
to reveal the truth.
-Plaintiff's Counsel knows that as well.
-Your Honor.
The plaintiff would like to request
a witness as well.
Who is it?
It's the key figure behind this case.
We'd like to call
Woongsan Group CEO Choi Woong-san
as a witness to this appeal trial.
Your Honey… Your Honor!
This is a malicious attempt
to delay the trial.
All right, Defense Counsel.
Please sit down and talk.
I mean, why would we call
an irrelevant CEO to this trial?
Please sit and talk, Defense Counsel.
Order in the court.
Please sit.
"Your Honey… Your Honor!"
That look on Mr. Woo's face was a delight.
Because chaebols pay him all that money
to make sure such things don't happen.
Will he really come to the court though?
I think he'll do all he can to avoid it.
Choi Woong-san
has always been like a hermit.
He hasn't been seen in public
for a while now.
He barely goes out too.
Really? But how do you know that?
It's well-known among chaebol circles.
Is that so?
And how do you know that?
Welcome back.
Gi-ppeum, where have you been?
You were gone all morning.
I was busy.
I went to hospitals,
child welfare groups, and psychiatrists.
To help So-min? That's my Gi-ppeum.
But more importantly,
I wanted to see
if So-min is in the right situation
to take care of Gang-hun.
I see.
Mr. Kang,
I don't think we should
drag this out too long.
So-min and Gang-hun
are more important than winning or losing.
Even if we did want to drag this out,
-we probably can't.
-What?
I told you not to cross the line.
Think wisely.
If anyone causes harm to Oh & Partners,
I won't keep them around.
That goes for Team Pro Bono…
and you…
as well.
PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR GO
I apologize for causing you trouble,
Mr. Chairman.
I'll take responsibility and make sure
you won't have to stand trial.
I'll submit a letter of absence
with a doctor's note to the court…
I'll go.
Sir?
Mr. Chairman.
What are you looking at?
I'll get the chair for you.
Defense Counsel, that's enough.
-Witness Choi Woong-san.
-Yes, Your Honor.
Please take your oath.
"Witness oath."
"I swear to speak the truth
and nothing but the truth
according to my conscience."
"If there is any falsehood,
I shall be punished for perjury."
"Choi Woong-san." Do I sign this?
Yes, please sign it and take a seat.
-Plaintiff's Counsel.
-Yes, Your Honor?
Start your examination.
Thank you for coming, Mr. Choi Woong-san.
You don't have to thank me.
Isn't it compulsory
to appear as a witness?
Of course, it is.
It was just a greeting.
Then, I'll proceed.
Mr. Choi, are you a god?
What kind of ridiculous question is that?
I'm just checking the facts.
By any chance,
are you a god, Mr. Choi?
I don't know what your intention is,
but of course not.
Okay.
You're not a god.
"No god." Then…
Do you have some kind of right
to be involved
in the lives and deaths of others?
I think your joke
is going a bit too far, Mr. Kang.
I'd never joke in this hallowed court.
Please answer the question.
How can a mere human being
hold such a right?
I don't.
All right. You don't have the right.
Then, on what authority did you
meddle in the life and death of others?
Your Honor.
What makes you say such a thing?
Did you know
Woongsan General Hospital's abortion rate
is far lower than the rates
of other hospitals?
I didn't.
Woongsan Welfare Foundation
sends pregnant runaway teenagers,
the group with the highest abortion rate,
to Woongsan General Hospital
and persuades them to give birth.
Did you know that?
I didn't, but if that's the case,
it's not persuading.
It would be support.
Jung So-min, the mother
of the plaintiff Kim Gang-hun,
stated multiple times
in the early stages of pregnancy
that she wanted an abortion.
But the medical staff exaggerated
the dangers of the procedure
and failed to diagnose and explain
the possibility of the baby's disability.
Did you know that?
It's impossible for me
to know all those details.
Also, let's say that was the case.
Why am I being held accountable?
I've never ordered anyone
to do such a thing.
Who picked a doctor
from a regional national hospital
and appointed him
as Woongsan General Hospital's head?
That was me.
Do you know what the former workplace
of the Foundation's secretary general is?
Just say it instead of asking me
when you already know.
You're the one who has to answer.
Please go ahead.
That's right.
He was my former secretary.
But I have never given such an order.
Do they also know
about your anti-abortion beliefs?
You can ask them about that.
Okay. Let me change the question then.
This data shows
the anti-abortion groups you support
with massive donations
through the Elliot Foundation.
Both Woongsan General Hospital's head
and Woongsan Welfare Foundation's
secretary general
suddenly started making personal donations
to these groups after they were appointed.
You knew this, didn't you?
Okay.
Good.
Do you want some water?
I have my own.
Please go ahead.
I think I see the point
of what you're saying now.
"Even if I never gave a direct order,
everything that happens within the purview
of Woongsan is my responsibility."
Is that what you're saying?
Do you admit it?
-Yes, I do.
-Mr. Choi.
Let me ask a question too.
But what am I responsible for?
I mean…
Don't you see a boy in pain right here?
I only see a smart, capable,
and very handsome boy.
Well…
"Every life is beautiful."
"How could a life be damaging."
You're not going to say that, are you?
Is that not true?
Is there a life without pain?
But instead of blaming the world
and complaining,
you have a duty to fight and overcome
as you move forward one step at a time.
That's what I've believed
and how I've lived my life.
Complaining?
Do you think of this trial as complaining?
You may see it that way as someone
who established Woongsan Group
after being born into a wealthy family
that has been landowners for generations.
But you know what?
There are people who always lose.
No matter how hard they try,
they're too weak to fight the world.
Did you know
a mother had to leave
her precious young daughter
in front of an orphanage
because she was being crushed by debt?
Did you know
a 12-year-old child looked
for a way to be adopted,
thinking his absence would be
the only way for his mother to be happy?
Did it ever cross your mind
that there is a mother
who had her hand cut off
while working at the factory
but kept the pain to herself
to not disturb her child's studies?
No matter what pain
and hardship you may face,
this world is worth living in
is what I believe.
I've lived my life according to my belief.
And I don't intend to apologize to anyone
for my belief.
All right. We'll conclude
the morning session here.
We will resume at 2:00 p.m.
All rise.
Why aren't you eating?
You must be exhausted.
I don't have an appetite these days.
Excuse me. Sorry.
All right.
-Hey.
-Hello.
Remember how you asked me to keep tabs
on Ms. Yoon and find out who she meets?
Right.
It was someone unexpected.
Who is it?
Damn it.
The chief of Seoul Central District Court,
your former workplace.
What?
They're meeting at a Japanese restaurant
far away from the court,
so I thought they were having an affair
and eavesdropped.
I couldn't hear well, but it went,
"Why do this on such a big day?"
"Give me the money you promised.
I did as you asked."
That's all I could make out.
Okay, then.
-I'll call you back later.
-Okay.
Sorry.
Is there a problem?
-No. It's nothing.
-A new wind
is blowing through the judiciary.
Today, the Chief Justice
recommended Shin Jung-seok,
Chief of Seoul Central District Court,
to the president as a new justice.
After Chief Judge Kang Da-wit,
who caused a sensation
as the people's judge, suddenly resigned,
a fierce contest was held
between three court chiefs.
In the end, Chief Shin, who is trusted
within and outside legal circles,
has been confirmed
as a new chief justice candidate.
I trusted and guided you
when you were a nobody
without a college degree.
How could you betray me like this,
you snake?
Chief Shin was selected.
I met him once in court before.
He was really nice to new attorneys.
He seemed like a good person.
-Did he?
-Yes.
And about the witness examination…
-Yes?
-In my opinion,
Chairman Choi may look like
a very stubborn person,
but he surprisingly had a human side.
Instead of pressing him really hard,
how about we approach
his human side in the afternoon?
Do you believe there are more good people
than bad ones in the world?
What?
When it comes to their own interests,
people don't care
about the pain of others.
You should know well.
After being scammed by his friend,
your father lost the house
and was harassed by debtors.
After going through all of that,
do you still believe
there are more good people in the world?
There are all sorts of people.
I mean, how could everyone be bad?
You really are hopeless.
Then, what are you going to do
if there are no more good people?
In that case…
I…
can become the good person.
What?
Eat up.
Mr. Choi, you've recently donated
10 billion won to Big Love Church,
where you serve as an elder,
to lead the spirit of sharing. Correct?
"Lead" would be a bit too much,
but I did do that.
Aren't you planning to use
that donation to the church to fund
the construction of a fancy new chapel?
I don't know if it'll be fancy.
But it was indeed a donation
for chapel construction.
Woongsan Welfare Foundation
has been supporting
underprivileged children
to give them a chance
to get the best education.
The plaintiff Kim Gang-hun
began receiving that benefit this year
and is attending
Woongsan Elementary School.
Did you know that?
I've heard.
I apologize,
but you also have
difficulties walking, don't you?
I do.
But despite the disability,
if you try and don't give up,
you can overcome any obstacle.
You're proving that
with your own life, aren't you?
I've lived my life believing that.
No further questions.
Okay. Plaintiff, do you have
anything else for examination?
Yes. Of course, Your Honor.
You may proceed.
-Mr. Choi.
-Your Honor!
Yes? Is something the matter?
Can I ask questions too?
What?
You want to ask questions
to the witness yourself?
Yes.
Okay, then.
Is it okay if the plaintiff himself
can ask questions from now on?
Yes, all right. You may ask, Plaintiff.
Hello, sir.
Hello.
Thank you for sending me to a good school.
Goodness.
You're a polite boy. You're welcome.
But since last month,
I haven't been able to go to school.
Did someone bully you?
No.
They were all kind people.
They were…
until I did something wrong.
A new friend has transferred
to our school today.
His name is Kim Gang-hun.
As you can see, Gang-hun is very special.
Will you all help him out?
-Yes, ma'am.
-Yes, ma'am.
Our class president and vice president.
You two especially have to
take good care of him. Okay?
-Yes, ma'am.
-Yes, ma'am.
Nice to meet you, Gang-hun.
Nice to meet you, Se-ryeong.
My hand is clean.
Let's write down "My Future Goals."
Sorry.
Write it neatly.
Se-ryeong.
Yes? What is it, Gang-hun?
Here.
What's this?
Right.
You were going to lend me this book.
Thanks for the book, Gang-hun.
-Sure.
-Show it!
Show it to me now!
Sorry, Se-ryeong.
Hold on.
-Give that to me.
-What is this?
"Se-ryeong, I hope you like this book"!
Please give it back!
"And if it's okay,
will you go to the library with me?"
Congrats, Se-ryeong!
You have a boyfriend now?
-Give it!
-You can't reach.
This punk's a real man.
-Date each other!
-Date each other!
-Date each other!
-Date each other!
-Se-ryeong, it's not…
-Date each other!
-Date each other!
-Date each other!
Hey! Be quiet!
Hey, man. What's wrong?
-Date each other!
-Date each other!
Date each other!
It wasn't their fault.
They were all kind to me.
It was my fault.
I must've lost my mind for a bit
because they were nice to me.
I put my teachers into trouble too.
What are we going to do?
Some mothers are a bit sensitive.
"Why did you leave a boy alone
in the classroom during PE class?"
"Some kids saw him fiddling
with clothes that girls changed out of."
No.
That's nonsense, ma'am.
You know Gang-hun wouldn't do
something like that.
Yes, I know too.
But the mothers here are very sensitive.
They call and text me all day.
It's a headache for me too.
I prefer a special education school.
Even if I got a girlfriend there,
no one would be surprised
or feel uncomfortable.
But…
to get to the closest
special education school from my house,
it takes an hour and a half.
Thankfully,
a new one was going to be
built in our town,
so I was happy.
But I guess our neighbors hate the idea.
I just…
want to live like every other kid.
Grandpa.
You said if we try and don't give up,
we can overcome any obstacle.
But…
I don't get it.
All I've learned to do is to give up.
That way, I wouldn't inconvenience anyone.
Please tell me.
What do I need to do
so I can live like other kids?
Grandpa.
I know you're a great person.
-Your Honor.
-Yes, Mr. Choi?
It's a bit exhausting
to sit for a long time.
I'd appreciate it
if you could schedule another hearing.
Okay. Let's do that. That's it for today.
The trial will resume
on the next hearing date.
All rise.
Why do we need a school for the disabled
in our great neighborhood?
We're against it!
-We're against it!
-We're against it!
We object to a special education school
without the residents' consent!
-We object!
-We object!
We object!
-We object!
-We object!
We object!
-We object!
-We object!
We object!
-We object!
-We object!
We object!
-We object!
-We object!
We object!
Please allow my son to go to school.
I'm begging you.
He can go
to another special education school!
That's a three-hour round trip.
It's too long for a child in a wheelchair.
Please, I'm begging you.
Excuse me.
Why do we have to worry
about your situation?
We're people in need too!
We had to live
in a rental our entire lives
without eating or wearing what we want
to save up our hard-earned money
to buy this small apartment.
But because of you,
it won't be worth crap now! Do you get it?
Protect our property rights!
-Protect them!
-Protect them!
Protect them!
-Protect them!
-Protect them!
Protect them!
Protect…
So-min.
Please, I beg of you!
Please!
We beg of you!
Please.
Please.
Geez.
Stop making a scene!
Kneeling like this?
I can kneel for you all you want!
This apartment is our family's lifeline!
Please let us live.
-Please!
-Please let us live!
Okay? Geez, don't beg!
We're worried sick too!
-Get up!
-Go somewhere else!
Get up already!
Please!
Thank you again, Your Honor.
Before I answer your question
from last time,
can I ask you a question first?
Yes.
Thank you.
Do you believe
that miracles can happen?
-Miracles?
-Yes.
Like where I stand up
and walk on my own two legs,
or my grandmother, who abandoned Mom,
comes back for her?
That kind of miracle?
Yes.
You know perfectly well
those things don't exist.
Then, let me ask you a random question.
Your dream is to become
an astronaut, right?
What? How did you know that?
Isn't your favorite book
Romance of the Three Kingdoms?
But you don't tell that to anyone
to not be teased for being an old soul.
How did you…
I've never told anyone that.
What was your ideal type again?
Right. Yu-Jeans…
IVE? No.
It's Yu-jin from IVE, isn't it?
Grandpa!
Was that also a secret no one knew?
Think carefully.
There's a friend you sometimes play with
who you talk to
about everything for hours.
A friend?
Yeah.
"I never give up."
"I have a lot of damn time."
What?
No way. GoChamp?
That's you?
Yes, AlphaGo911.
You little punk.
It was impossible to beat you.
How could you not let me win even once?
I've tried so many times.
Why on earth are they talking
about "AlphaGo" and "GoChamp" right now?
-It's the online Go game.
-Just a moment, Witness.
Could you explain what is going on here?
My apologies, Your Honor.
Were you surprised?
The world works
in mysterious ways sometimes.
I didn't know either
until I saw the news about this trial
that this little boy
was my Go partner.
I pretended to be young
since it was an online game,
but I didn't know my opponent
was this young.
I thought he'd be at least 15 or 16
because he sounded like an old soul.
What do you mean "old soul"?
After being occupied
with work my whole life,
I let my son go on to Heaven first,
and it felt as if my world had collapsed.
I didn't want to live anymore.
I ignored work at the company
and devoted my life to religion.
I supported the anti-abortion groups
that my son actively worked with
when he was alive.
I thought perhaps my son
would be happy about that
up there in Heaven.
-Your Honor.
-Yes?
May I stand up for a moment?
Yes, you may.
I'll help…
While watching this trial,
it made me think a lot.
No matter how hard it is,
my belief that this world
is worth living in has not changed.
It's damaging for this smart, capable boy
to be born in this world?
That's nonsense.
I'll never accept such a conclusion.
Counsel.
Please drop this lawsuit.
This isn't right.
Are you asking me to give up?
I also don't know how to give up.
I've never backed down from a fight.
In return,
I'll prove it myself
to this young friend
that this world is worth living in.
I'll stake the rest of my life on it.
Mr. Choi, how are you going to prove that?
I want to turn this incredible
and miraculous connection
into a family bond.
He said "family," didn't he?
He just said family!
Mr. Choi?
Are you talking about adoption,
by any chance?
-Yes, Your Honor.
-He said "adoption"!
I'm sorry,
but to adopt him as a son…
How should I put it?
The age difference is a bit too…
Who said I was going to adopt him?
Pardon? Then, who are you…
-May I?
-Yes.
Mr. Chairman?
Will you accept
this stubborn old man as your father?
Are you talking about an adult adoption?
My only son
was about Gang-hun's mother's age
when he passed away.
I don't know if I'm going senile,
but I keep thinking
that this isn't a coincidence.
Will you give the opportunity
to this lonely old man?
The opportunity to have
a dependable daughter and a smart grandson
at the same time.
Grandpa.
-Your Honor.
-Yes?
I promise.
I'll make sure
he never again has the horrible thought
that it'd be better
to have never been born.
I, Choi Woong-san, am a man of my word.
-Order in the--
-Bailiff, it's okay.
INCHEON DISTRICT COUR
Right.
I'm sorry.
I brought up
such an outrageous idea so suddenly.
It's okay.
I know you did it for us.
You don't have to decide right now.
The three of us
should meet up often and talk.
When you think you can trust this old man,
you can decide then.
But even if you become my real grandpa,
-I won't let you win in Go.
-What?
A game is a game.
You little brat!
Don't you dare let me win.
Or I'm going to scold you.
There hasn't been a thing
I couldn't overcome.
Just you wait.
We'll see who gets the last laugh.
-Mr. Kang.
-Yes, sir?
With the money
that was for building the chapel
and the donations I made
to Woongsan Welfare Foundation
and the Elliot Foundation,
I'm going to build
a special education school.
I'm going to examine each stair
and each desk carefully myself.
-Grandpa…
-My goodness!
All right, then.
Sir,
I've been meaning to ask you something.
-What is it?
-In Go! Go Game,
the username has to be long.
Gang-hun's is AlphaGo911.
What's your full username?
My full username is… It's… Well…
Does it…
Does that matter?
All right, bye! Let's go!
Why is he stuttering?
What was that? Gang-hun, do you know?
What is it?
What?
What?
HandsomeGoChamp?
Goodbye, now!
Yes. Bye.
-Wait, Mr. Chairman!
-Let's go now!
Is it really "Handsome"?
Who knew he liked that kind of stuff?
-Let's go.
-Isn't that a scam?
That's fraud, Chairman Handsome.
Don't let Da-wit fool you.
He's a criminal who took a huge bribe.
And he's a brutal murderer
who pushed a good businessman to death.
Chairman Handsome,
I'll see you in court soon!
RESTRICTED NUMBER
Hey, hold on tight.
Be careful.
This is so… Goodness.
Ms. Park?
STAY TUNED TO WATCH THE EPILOGUE
Pro Bono Avengers!
Let's play dirty.
Don't be goody-goodies. Play dirty, okay?
Is this Team Pro Bono?
I want to get a divorce.
I bet you're very popular.
Am I pretty?
Pathological jealousy, verbal abuse, and…
-The trial was over. Why suddenly do that?
-Things aren't always what they seem.
That ungrateful girl made it all up.
The whole village knows
that family wants a child.
I heard the governor's daughter-in-law
wears short skirts
and a bit promiscuous.
Why did you lie?
You should've pretended you didn't know.
-It's not true, is it?
-Brazen bitch.
You have to tell us. What on earth…
What on earth happened that day?
Mr. Jang, how did it go?
I looked into it.
On that day last year
when So-min didn't come home until late,
she was on Jamsil Bridge.
Jamsil Bridge? Why?
The day she was abandoned,
-she went to Magic Land with her mom.
-I see.
On that day, she was leaning
dangerously against the rail for a while,
so someone called the cops.
I'll be with her all day
so she won't do something unthinkable.
-Are you going to be with her forever?
-What?
It might happen every year.
And Gang-hun can't stop it by himself.
-What now?
-Seriously.
On Hangang River bridges these days,
they have things called lifeline phones.
I don't know if they can help.
-Hey, Stretch.
-Me?
Yes, you.
Hey, you were smart after all! Ms. Park.
The phones? I'll check.
Mr. Jang?
I might be able to remodel an old phone.
-Ms. Yoo.
-What if we put lights in it
-so it stands out?
-Why put lights?
No, you're good.
No, I mean…
Why remodel the box, Yeong-sil?
Why am I the only one who doesn't get it?
What am I supposed to do?
Mr. Kang?
Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon