Unmasked (2025) s01e08 Episode Script
Episode 8
1
You think this is
"a nice place for a glass of wine"?
Actually, places like this
are considered really hip nowadays.
Wow, pretty hip ambiance out here, huh?
Of all our stores,
this one has the best vibe.
Hey,
move your phone, bro, come on.
Cheers.
And just for you, Mr. Han, I'm gonna
throw in a little mood lighting. Ta-da!
Here you go…
One last thing.
A pair of hearts, in your honor.
Enjoy your evening.
You've got this. Fighting!
So why me?
Why do you have to keep bugging me
instead of Oh Soryong?
Producer Oh Soryong
"Kidnapped. Convenience store
near Han River if you wanna save him."
You must not know her very well.
She's not coming,
she doesn't play games like this.
Seems like you're the one
who doesn't know her well.
You've only met her once.
You think you know her better than I do?
If she leaves right now,
she'll be here in half an hour.
That was a fake tip you gave, right?
I'm not here to be interrogated.
I came to give a tip.
That night,
someone came to see him before I did.
A woman with burgundy nails
who reeked of this perfume called Reine.
You only got a brief look at her.
And it was late at night.
So how could you possibly tell
whether her nails were burgundy or black?
Do you have night vision?
You said the mystery woman
wore a perfume that was quite strong…
but was that just you?
That's pretty good.
What's your goal?
You disappeared for 20 years,
so why show up now?
For the past two decades…
my father's been giving me an allowance,
but recently, he stopped all of a sudden.
No more powerful motivator
than money, is there?
This is Hanju.
The people over there detest the media.
I'd like to…
let them know I'm here.
That's where Trigger comes in.
I once spiked
a glass of 50-million-won wine.
Destroying someone's easier
than I'd thought.
What are you saying?
I'm saying I killed him.
What did you--
Uh, I'll go get tissues.
Lunatic Han!
What happened? Huh?
Oh, what are you doing here?
I received a ransom note!
So you seriously thought
Cho Haewon managed to abduct me,
a full-grown man?
I was worried you might start
talking nonsense like that.
Where is she?
She's gone?
Why here?
How'd you end up here?
She just told me
she once killed a man by spiking his wine.
She what?
EP08: The Vanished Witness
You flatter me, Chief Prosecutor.
Me? The mayor of Seoul?
We both know the nominations
are just a popularity contest.
I wouldn't dream of it.
Choi Hoseong's dead now anyway.
Oh, about the Mr. Lee matter…
I'll smooth things over with Ms. Oh.
Oh Soryong just killed a father and son.
I wonder how she'll deal
with all that bad karma.
Well, the public seems to think
they got off easy
without having to pay for what they did.
I gotta hand it to you.
You've got an eye for talent.
Sir?
Han Do,
turns out he's a real go-getter.
"VVIP Koo Hyeongtae, KNS"
I don't think
I'm being compensated enough…
for helping with the Cha Seongwook case.
So the money isn't enough for you.
As soon as the story's done…
I'd like to transfer to Animal Kingdom.
Ms. Oh would be disappointed to hear that.
I mean, my coworkers aside…
I don't feel good about working on a show
based around people's pain and misery.
I don't have any sense of duty,
like certain people.
I hear you. The show can be soul-crushing.
I mistook you for a cynic,
but you're more of an idealist.
"Cho Haewon: This is my number.
Save it, and I'll be in touch."
"Loved the show tonight. How's work?
Busy again? Just checking in."
"I'm free right now.
Wanna go out for dinner?"
Okay then…
Is there any information
you'd like me to give…
in exchange for Animal Kingdom?
What were you discussing with Han Do, sir?
Go find Oh Soryong,
and tell her she needs to stop
snooping around the prosecutor
who granted a stay of execution
for Choi Hoseong.
Wow.
Wow, bro,
you really cover all your bases, huh?
Come on, I know you drew her out there
so you could get her on CCTV.
Like I always say,
you guys at Trigger are so hardcore. Yeah!
You know who she is?
No, who? Is she famous?
I'll tell you who.
She's the person who stole your lamp.
-Oh!
-Cha Seongwook, does that ring a bell?
Cha Seongwook…
-No, I don't know.
-He was a celebrity 20 years ago.
He was in a commercial
and broke into movies.
Still no?
Come on, bro, you expect me to know
some celebrity from 20 years ago?
I barely remember 20 minutes ago.
Right.
Well, I guess
we need to jog people's memories then.
"Violinist Choi Geon Kills Son
And Commits Suicide"
So this is how that whole thing ended.
My God.
Hey, did you hear?
That prosecutor has a habit
of letting people off easy, hmm?
He let off the Gogwang Group
and Chairman Park of DOQ Industries,
- just to name a few.
- I know.
Why even lock them up,
if the prosecutor's
just gonna let them back out?
Yeah, exactly.
Giho, what are you up to?
I'm just thinking.
Thinking, huh?
Oh, you poor, inexperienced little thing.
- Stop it. Cut it out.
- I know what this is about.
It's 'cause Exclusives 24 aired
the story you'd been working on.
Villa King, right?
I heard they even caught the guy.
You know,
their guys really put in the work.
All right, come on, quit it.
- You're gonna make him cry.
- No, no.
This is the perfect time
to whip him into shape, for his own good.
Giho, wrap up whatever you were doing
and go ask Ms. Oh
to assign you the Choi Hoseong follow-up.
Listen, you gotta do what you gotta do
for a good story.
Why be so loyal to her?
Utilize that leverage to--
Oh, my God, dude.
Just let me handle it, okay?
Leave me alone. Stop it. Sheesh…
- Stop it.
- Okay, fine.
Can everybody stop bullying me?
Current Affairs Department
Hong Sunnam
Current Affairs Department
Hong Nahee
I was so young back then.
"March 2004."
Goodbye party for the main writer?
Wow, we had Hyeongtae,
and even the famous Mr. Ma.
Hey, what's up?
Thank you.
Oh, Ms. Hong.
I guess you two were out
having a lunch meeting?
Yup, first time in a while.
On your way to meet Mr. Park?
Goodness, no.
I'm headed to check on ratings.
Mr. Han?
Mr. Han?
Mr. Han?
You're here.
The… the lights…
Uh, can you wait three seconds
before turning them on?
Okay.
One.
Two.
Three.
Now, question for you,
what color are my nails?
Huh?
I… couldn't possibly tell the color
in the dark.
Right?
Just like I told her.
Come on.
Go to Songi or someone else
with that kind of question.
I'm busy, you know?
But I heard Songi's on leave this week.
Thank you.
God, why's that weirdo…
wearing nail polish anyway?
Was he… flirting with me?
Songi shouldn't be taking
so much time off.
We don't have any newbies
to cover for her. Sheesh.
Don't you want to know why Ms. Oh
showed up at the convenience store?
Not the obvious reason.
What she's really thinking.
Help us find Cha Seongwook!
Him at 22 / Him now
You really think just adding wrinkles
will make people recognize him?
I don't.
How else can we improve this photo though?
I'm stumped.
"Episode 1,802: DeepFakes' Crosshairs."
It was your story. You should remember it.
Look at you, memorizing stuff.
You're proposing we alter it?
In a recent episode, Mr. Choi used AI
to come up with a facial composite…
of a missing child.
Keeping tabs on other people's episodes,
way to show initiation.
Kang Giho, we can hear you.
I'm sorry they screwed you,
but don't take it out on us.
Ms. Oh, did you see
the recent Exclusives 24 episode?
It's my job to do so, yes.
So, um… uh…
Ms. Oh, since we're on the subject, uh…
do… do you mind putting me
on the Choi Hoseong follow-up?
You know, since I'll have to
give up on my current story and all.
Are you gonna abandon your story
over a scoop then?
You wouldn't be so cavalier
if you'd really poured
your blood and sweat into it.
Come on, you even said you watched it.
I'm not quite sure… what more I can do.
Why should I let you?
What would be the focus of this follow-up?
Uh…
Is there something you've uncovered
or a refreshing take
that makes us see it in a new light?
You need to give me
at least one good reason
that we should air this follow-up.
I won't trust someone
who has no plan at all, so no.
As for you, Lunatic Han,
I'd like you to arrange
a new facial composite
since you proposed it.
Haven't seen that nail polish in a while…
but it's back in full force.
Oh…
I only wore it
to test out Cho Haewon's claims.
Couldn't see them?
Impossible.
Do you know
why I let Dr. Trigger stay on?
-No, why?
-It's 'cause…
I think you're a born investigator.
-No, I'm not.
-You charge headfirst into danger.
You always chase after the stories,
even when you pee your pants.
And you're willing to butt heads
with the higher-ups.
Those are the qualities you need.
I don't think you know me.
Cho Haewon's strange.
Whenever I'm with her, it feels like…
it's like she's baiting me.
Maybe with her looks?
Why does she keep claiming
to know you so well?
She said she knew the real reason
you came to that store.
That's weird, right?
Well, 'cause I'm covering
the Cha Seongwook…
Lunatic Han…
you have her number?
I thought you had it too.
I have been messaging her on Elegram.
Why didn't you… tell me this sooner?
Give it here.
I'm so sorry about this, sir.
We sincerely apologize, sir.
To be honest…
that day,
when I saw the writing on my wall,
I got really excited, I almost thought…
Seongwook really was alive.
Ever since my boy disappeared,
my heart has hardened.
It's like I'm practically dead.
Mm. It's like…
Mm… Even though I knew they were…
just mindless scribbles,
they did get me hoping again.
I thought that somehow, he was alive.
I'm so, so sorry about everything, sir.
Oh, that's right.
You said you were a fan
of Seongwook's, didn't you?
Hang on. Wait right here.
I just remembered…
My son signed a bunch of autographs
for me to give to his fans.
Give me a second.
Now, let's see here… I…
Um, Ms. Oh?
He was diagnosed with dementia
four months ago.
He said he wanted
to let all his hopes ride on us,
before all his memories
slip away for good.
I'm so sorry.
I really had no idea.
Yes, Nahee.
That was taken
around the time Cho Haewon showed up.
There was a random woman
in Park Daeyong's office.
I figured
he was having an affair or something.
But today, I found out
that the woman was Trigger's main writer…
20 years ago.
Where's this going?
I asked around
and managed to get her on the phone.
Park Daeyong… do you trust him?
I trust him with my life.
We may not be related,
but we're like a family.
Ugh, how did a softie like you
make it this far?
So you had a call with her?
Apparently, Daeyong asked her
for Ma Seongchun's contact info.
That's the guy who was
Trigger's chief producer 20 years ago.
I heard they met up already.
You know that?
No. He never mentioned it.
If there's one thing I've learned,
it's that personal allegiances
rarely align with profits.
I'm not trying to badmouth Park Daeyong.
I'm just saying
that even the good ones can be gotten to.
If you're really set on putting out
the Seongwook episode,
don't trust anyone except yourself.
-Not even you, Nahee?
-Definitely not.
I wouldn't hesitate to backstab you.
I doubt you would've warned me
if that were really the case.
When we talked,
the writer said
Park Daeyong and Koo Hyeongtae
used to be inseparable.
She told me that
Park Daeyong joined Trigger 20 years ago
to cover
for Koo Hyeongtae's sudden departure.
Funny, huh?
I worked alongside him for years
and had no idea.
You're telling me…
- Koo worked on Trigger?
- Uh-huh.
He was on Trigger before abruptly
transferring to the News Department.
Anyway… that's what she told me.
Earlier, I saw Koo and Park.
They'd been getting lunch together.
That was everything that I saw.
Just something to consider.
Hold on a second.
What was the name
of the previous chief producer?
Can you give me his contact info?
You're making me uncomfortable.
Is this a staring contest?
Why won't you look me in the eye?
-You hiding something?
-I don't even look my wife in the eye.
Not that I can, since she's abroad.
Is there something you haven't told me…
about the Cha Seongwook case?
What? Come on, what is it?
I'm having the worst month ever, I swear.
What's wrong with all of you? God!
No way…
Did Seongchun get in touch or something?
And now I get the truth.
Wait, it can't be, the guy's not a blab.
There's no way
he would've mentioned this to you.
Come on.
- Come on, Park Daeyong!
- Ah! Scared me.
Okay, so maybe I did meet with Seongchun.
-Why's that so wrong?
-We both know there's more to that story.
Okay! Hyeongtae worked on
the Cha Seongwook case,
and he hid the tape before they could air.
So what? Not like it's my fault.
President Koo…
was on that case
while he was with Trigger?
Are you going to answer me?
Well, yeah, like I just told you.
So that's why Mr. Ma couldn't tell me
about this over the phone.
Because President Koo was involved.
Listen, Soryong…
Koo Hyeongtae…
is not the kind of person
we can take down.
Frankly, we're all just his employees,
and the guy's in charge of our survival.
When'd you get to be so pathetic, Daeyong?
Pathetic?
Hey.
Those who work nine-to-five
lead pathetic lives, okay?
If we wanna survive
and provide for our families,
then living a principled life
is not an option!
Stop it, stop it, listen to me!
You're the chief producer of Trigger.
You just admitted Koo ran off
with the tape right before it aired.
And you forgive him?
What if that tape contained
vital information?
What if it could've changed
the outcome of the case?
What if it had solved it?
That scumbag's drunk on power,
trying to get into politics.
Is staying silent like this…
really what you think you should do?
We both know there's no justice.
Of course not.
That's why we're working on Trigger.
We don't stand a chance on our own,
so let's use Trigger
as our means to fight!
My father…
has lung cancer.
You wanna know what I thought
when they told me
he had less than three months left?
"I can barely afford
my kids' tuition and living expenses."
"Maybe I should get an advance
on my severance."
You wanna live with integrity?
I was a morally upstanding citizen
for 50 years,
and this is all that it got me.
My life being what it is…
I'm fine staying silent.
It's not like it'll change anything.
Your father…
can he do chemo?
It's already spread everywhere.
There's no treatment option.
God…
Man, this world is so terrible.
How can…
How are you feeling now?
Mr. Ma told me
he has some important information
to give us.
We have a meeting tomorrow.
I plan on hearing him out
whether or not you can make it.
And then I'll decide…
whether to take it up with the president.
As for you,
just follow your heart.
Hey.
A piece of your heart
to share with your loved ones.
Whitemint.
It's true what they say
about beautiful people dying young.
What a shame.
You think we can make
an AI composite of Seongwook
like we did for your episode last week?
Uh…
You don't want
just a basic composite, right?
- Well, no…
- You're trying to evoke Seongwook
as he'd really look today…
Okay, here's an idea.
There's another company
that's come up with this hot new tech,
they're calling it
the "New AI Style Transfer".
I'd say they'd be
a perfect fit for you, but…
Hmm…
But what? Why not?
There are a few things.
First of all, it's expensive.
Second of all, it's super expensive.
And third of all,
it's so expensive
that our entire budget wouldn't be enough.
Do you think they might go for
public interest plus exposure
for their product?
I'm pretty sure management
won't approve of the ridiculous pricing,
but I can put you in contact anyway.
To Daeyong: Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
Passage into Mount Gwanun.
Producer Oh Soryong
Hello?
Oh.
- Oh, over here.
- Nice to meet you, sir.
- Hey.
- My name's Oh Soryong.
Whoa, Seongchun.
What's with the getup?
You're completely covered.
You've hyped this up so much,
if it's a flop,
you owe us dinner, I swear.
- I'm winded.
- Look at you.
I know I said to come to me
once you were ready to reveal my secrets,
but I can't believe
it took you a month. A month!
- Come on.
- That long?
Hey, I've been very busy… and so have you.
After meeting with this guy,
I went over some of your episodes.
I really gotta say…
you've done a great job, huh?
- I love your work.
- Oh, thank you, sir.
- One thing, sir…
- Uh-huh?
I feel like an incident
like someone running off with a tape
should've gone down
in KNS Current Affairs history.
How has no one heard about this?
Those were hectic times,
they were suing anyone
who even mentioned Cha Seongwook.
There were only three of us
secretly on the case,
including me and Hyeongtae.
I was so worried about a leak
and losing the episode,
that another producer and I
prepared a decoy episode
to use as backup. God…
So what's this vital piece of info
you wanted to give us?
But Koo Hyeongtae said…
-President Koo…
-Koo Hyeongtae…
Uh…
he told me that there was a witness.
Someone who witnessed
Cha Seongwook's murder.
Hold up. Uh…
So the man's dead? Not just missing?
Really?
President Koo identified a witness?
Well, actually,
the catch was
that it wasn't exactly your, um…
most typical witness, you might say.
This is Bom,
the dog that belonged to Cha Seongwook.
Bom, Korean for "spring".
Once Cha Seongwook went missing,
his agent jimmied the locks to get inside.
When he walked in, the dog was out there.
Ugh, okay, so?
There's that woman over at Animal Kingdom!
The animal communicator
who is able to talk with dogs.
I'm telling you, when they talk,
a miracle's gonna happen.
Christ…
This isn't some sketch show.
Anyway, if that were real, don't you think
-the cops would take the dog?
-Come on!
Isn't it our job
as the producers of this show
to try something new,
if it means we can get at the truth?
I'm not saying we make stuff up.
I'm just trying to say
that this psychic
really can speak with dogs.
Dogs that used to bite people
can become calm when she does this.
And they stop biting for good.
Oh, yeah?
This dog's apparently dying,
and it's being treated at a clinic nearby.
Why'd you want
this animal psychic's address?
You'll find out, my man.
Is this for a Trigger story?
Here, take my last cig. You enjoy.
-Oh…
-Thanks.
I certainly will!
Hey.
-What?
-What's wrong?
Oh, uh… uh, nothing.
I only heard him talk about it.
Never saw the tape with my own eyes.
I went to talk to him again
after he transferred
to the News Department.
I asked for the tapes
of the episode we did,
for the archives.
You know what he said?
That prick was shameless.
- How'd he respond?
- What was it?
"Seongchun…
you gotta forget Cha Seongwook."
Which episode was the one
he tried to hide? What number?
Child Murder in Ungyeong
Red Hairband Mystery:
Child Murder in Ungyeong
So…
you're really gonna do this?
You wanna take the president on
in this fight?
Basically, you'll be opening up
the gates of hell.
No turning back.
Those gates opened up 20 years ago
when a rookie producer
ran off with the tape.
For all we know, he's covered up
even worse cases than this.
I'm here for the president.
Trigger episode 890.
Do you remember that one?
Why did you do it?
A producer runs off with an episode
before it airs?
Oh, you mean Cha Seongwook?
I simply stopped pursuing that case.
I'd done some digging,
and nothing had turned up.
Digging?
You've dug pretty deep though.
Well, I'm here to…
offer you another chance, President.
A final chance
to tell us the truth about
the Cha Seongwook case from 20 years ago.
I'm not addressing the President Koo
sitting in front of me now.
I'm addressing the man
who had a passion for the truth…
Mr. Koo, my predecessor.
Would you like to offer a rebuttal now?
If you must know,
you try digging it back up.
Fine.
I'm formally requesting to interview you.
Episode 890 of Trigger,
the Cha Seongwook incident,
should've been aired
without any interference,
which is why we'll air it properly.
Unlike some, I won't be using any decoys,
and I most definitely…
will not be running away.
So if you…
have a miraculous change of heart, and…
reveal the truth…
the truth you're covering up…
I'll be standing by.
You know…
I too used to believe in good and evil.
But life has taught me
that they're mere illusions.
There are simply
the consequences of the choices we make.
I wonder what kind of choice you'll make
once you're pushed
to the limits of your resolve, Soryong.
I'll choose to air the episode as penance.
I want to issue an apology to the viewers
who have always believed in Trigger.
That's the choice I'll make…
President.
I'd think it over.
You might be digging your own grave.
Believe me,
I'm ready to accept consequences.
But are you, sir?
Prepare yourself…
to face the music.
"The Confession."
How's that for the title?
I like it.
What are you doing?
It's what you do
when someone's having a hard time.
Says who?
A communications expert.
Some guy on YouTube.
Why couldn't you reign in
your anger for once?
Why'd you have to do this now,
of all times? Ugh, whatever.
The facial composite is ruined,
thanks to you.
What do you mean "ruined"?
Even with a discount,
it would cost an entire episode's budget.
You think President Koo's
gonna leap to help us now?
You aren't experienced enough
to know this, but…
large companies do something
called "corporate social responsibility".
Get in touch with the gum company
that shot the ad with Cha Seongwook.
They're a big company.
Appeal to their sense of public duty.
Don't reduce our project
to little more than manipulation.
It's not that bad.
No way. This is the animal communicator?
Turns out I'm the one
who introduced her to Koo Hyeongtae.
Huh.
Sound like you two were
as close as they say, huh?
The man used me,
at the price of a cigarette.
I'm dying to know what he found out
and ended up covering up.
It's driving me crazy.
If one cigarette was all it took,
it's about time we dethroned him.
I mean, I could've been president myself.
The "animal communicator"…
Can anyone fill me in?
Listen…
Wow, this is just…
Right?
I'm not sure it's a very good fit for--
All makes… such perfect sense.
- What?
- Hmm?
Dogs know everything.
Everybody knows
they have the purest of souls.
If the animal communicator heard
anything at all from the victim's dog…
that'd be…
-I'm gonna go meet her.
-Huh?
What's wrong?
But once you find
the veterinary clinic director,
you're gonna fact-check to see
if they saw Koo Hyeongtae
back then or not, aren't you?
Right, I… I guess you're right.
Then why don't we find the director,
meet them, cross-check their claims,
two birds, one stone?
That's it!
You're a producer, do whatever it takes.
We'll decide later
whether or not to use it,
just charge in there
and make this happen.
Where and when do I go?
What's that book called again?
The Psychopath Within Us.
Why do you need that?
Can't you just learn from yourself?
Why do we have to carpool?
Hey, Do…
The prosecutor
who let Choi Hoseong out of jail
is out on a national judicial
exchange workshop
slash golfing trip or whatever.
The least I can do
is get an interview with him
since I want Ms. Oh to give me the story.
Right, and how is that any of my concern?
It's got nothing to do with me.
I'mma man up and ask you.
Can you help me?
-What?
-I mean, like…
the place will be crawling
with prosecutors.
I don't wanna walk
into the lion's den by myself,
you know?
Look, I--
We need to have solidarity right now.
That's what Trigger's about, teamwork,
you know what I mean?
So you offered a ride
just to ask for help?
Well, you know, we were going
the same way, so it made sense, right?
Uh, you'll help me, won't you?
I'll drive you anywhere
as fast as you want,
wherever you want, huh?
You won't believe
how fast this goes. Yeah.
Way to brag about your car
while asking for a favor.
Can I listen?
This puppy won't be crying anymore.
Promise?
Let's wrap it up for the day.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- And that's a wrap, everyone!
- All right, let's clean up.
Nice to meet you.
We're producers
from a Korean TV station named KNS.
Nice to meet you.
W… Welcome.
We thought you'd be in Japan.
I happened to be in the country
on a business trip.
Right. My name is Han Do.
And this is…
Kang Giho.
- Producer at Trigger.
- Oh!
One of our staff members
briefed me on you two.
Oh, right, right, right…
How did you learn to…
I'm a fan of K-drama.
Whoa!
I looked through my records
when I first heard from you.
I usually videotape my sessions,
but it seems my camcorder
was broken that day.
So there is no video of that session.
That's unfortunate.
Do you not have the footage
that the producer filmed at the time?
Unfortunately, no.
Could you tell me if this was
the producer that you met at the time?
Oh my.
He's become very clean-cut.
He looks even younger
and more stylish now.
So…
do you remember your interaction
with the dog at the time?
Bom and I share a similar namesake.
Bom and haru both mean "spring."
What Bom told me was quite shocking.
I still remember everything.
She's terrified.
Can you hurry up and ask the dog?
Get him to tell us what he saw.
We need to move on.
There is a man
whose life could be in danger.
Bom.
Could you tell me what you saw that day?
"It looked like a ball."
To Bom, his head
must have looked like a ball.
Wait, what does that…
What'd she say? Huh?
Why do you look shocked?
This is a copy of the notes
I took during that session.
I hope you find it helpful.
Do you know what the killer looks like?
The producer at the time
showed me a photo.
I asked Bom if it was the same person,
and he said yes.
Could you tell me…
…if this was her?
I don't remember her face very clearly.
I'm sorry.
For God's sake… Hey!
Try to focus.
If I don't score the interview,
that's gas money wasted.
Huh?
Isn't that the guy?
How did I miss that swing?
I gotta use the can.
- You go on ahead. See you in a bit.
- All right, see ya.
-We're over this way.
-Damn it.
Let's go, let's go, let's go!
Man… swoosh…
Hey, uh, Lee Jeonggeun?
-Yeah?
-I'm Kang Giho, producer at Trigger.
You know Choi Hoseong, right?
Uh, we were hoping
we could get a statement.
Oh, for the love of--
Are you kidding me?
You seriously followed me here?
I'd like this to stop now. Okay?
Uh, how did you grant a stay of execution
for Choi Hoseong with a fake diagnosis?
You go way back with his lawyer.
I believe you came up together
in your days
-at the Training Institute.
-Mm-hmm.
What's your name?
K-Kang Giho is my name.
Right. Kang Giho.
Kang Giho.
Listen up.
I have… tons of connections
because I went to a nice school.
Is that a crime? Huh?
-Which university did you go to?
-Sorry?
Which backwater school did you go to?
You learned
hack journalism somewhere, right?
Some nerve just showing up.
How dare you follow me here?
The… The Gogwang Group family.
And Chairman Park…
Park Seongun of DOQ Industries,
-we know you let them--
-Man, you're kidding me.
Has no one taught you
to be scared of prosecutors? Huh?
Let's see now.
I'll bet… you have
a camera hidden somewhere, huh?
If you dare… try and use
whatever clip you're recording,
I'll have you locked up.
Got it? You understand me?
Piece of sh…
Don't be like that, sir. Just one word?
I went to a nice school, just like you.
Well then, you wanna go to jail too?
Crime of intimidation.
Declaring intent to harm in order
to instill fear in another person.
You asshole.
So, um, what's your name, prick?
Intimidation and insult.
Surprising behavior for a prosecutor.
Oh, really, you crazy shithead?
Destruction of property.
Trigger, huh?
How dare you quote the law
to a prosecutor,
you smart-aleck son of a bitch? Hmm?
Do you even know…
what "authority to prosecute" is? Huh?
In the Republic of Korea,
even someone who sprays bullets
into the middle of the street
can get off scot-free
if a prosecutor deems him not guilty,
and if a prosecutor
wants to suspend a sentence,
that's simply what'll happen.
All I did… was follow protocol
after the doctor provided
a medical certificate.
All this nuisance over nothing, sheesh.
I only asked for a word,
but the guy just wouldn't stop talking.
Thank you for the interview, sir.
Additional Observation:
Bom is extremely stressed and scared.
Are you okay?
Well, you know,
we scored the interview, didn't we?
Why wouldn't I be all right? Huh?
It's the recording from earlier.
Can you fill us in on the patient records
-from 2004?
-Hello, New K Veterinary Clinic?
I'm calling
because I'd like to run a fact-check…
The name of the dog was Bom…
The owner's name was Cha Seongwook…
Lunatic Han.
I appreciate the work that
must've gone into translating this, but…
The dog claimed
its owner looked like a ball.
What if Bom saw the man's head
after he was decapitated?
What if Haewon spiked Seongwook's wine
and then murdered and decapitated him?
Bom was describing the man's head.
I'm not saying we rule that out…
what I'm saying is
we need proof to back this up.
All we have are the claims
of an animal mind-reader.
It can't be the foundation of the episode.
This is not Animal Paradise.
All right, how do you expect
to dig up any evidence
on a murder case from 20 years ago?
Once we suggest a new path forward,
I'm sure
the cops will happily take over and--
You wanna throw around claims
to see if they stick?
That's how you'll nail the president?
God…
Ms. Oh, I mean… look at this.
Do you really think we'll find
the clinic director by cold-calling?
Ms. Oh, uh…
What's this?
This is what you were doing all day?
About Lee Jeonggeun, I, uh…
I got an interview.
- You're serious?
- Yes, ma'am.
You found an angle?
Yes.
Uh… since in our last episode,
we covered Choi Hoseong's stalking
and the victim's suffering,
this time, I'd like…
to find out why a monster like this
was able to do it again.
I wanna look at corruption
in the suspension of sentence practices
being abused by the cartel
of prosecutors and lawyers.
I've already gotten permission
from Ms. Nam,
and I'll be extremely cautious,
so as not to cause any repeat trauma.
You did great.
Okay.
Do the follow-up.
-Give it a go.
-Yes.
Thank you, Ms. Oh.
Do you happen to still have
any of the records from 20 years ago?
Finally, a glimmer of hope
after a series of disappointments.
What's that?
We just heard from the gum company.
"We concluded that we will be able
to provide you with the full payment."
I guess our dog enthusiast…
whipped up one hell of a pitch.
I transferred from Soaps.
Least I can do is tell a good story.
But why do you want their help?
Commissioning a gold bust
of Cha Seongwook?
We've come up with a foolproof method
to conjure Cha Seongwook
from 20 years ago.
It'll be the most impactful way…
to declare war.
One that can't be torn apart or corrupted.
Angel Animal Hospital
Reminder of Overdue Payment
Bet Amount: 5,000,000 won
Bet Placed: 5,000,000 won
Clinic hours are over.
Oh, man…
Who are you?
Oh, you're that producer
from way back when…
How'd you find me way out here?
You sold off Gangnam hospital
to cover your gambling debts,
and you moved down here five years ago.
-That right?
-What?
How'd you know that?
Do you still make a killing
off those dogs?
-Huh?
-I know the city pays you
100,000 won for every stray
you take off the street and put down.
This hospital received the most payouts
in the Yeongdong region.
I figured
I hadn't compensated you enough before.
I've never been one to sleep on my debts.
Why don't you take some time off?
And don't give another thought
to all those things in the past.
None of that matters anymore, eh?
Okay.
Good. I'll leave you be.
By the way…
what happened to that dog back then?
Here you go, sir.
"Magnesium Sulfate"
Thanks a lot.
Actually, I do remember
packing you a box of animal anesthetic,
seven grams of magnesium sulfate,
and three syringes, three ccs.
You wanted to put the dog down.
Your memory's gotten
so much better all of a sudden.
Oh, I've sold more of those meds
than I can count.
I gave it a respectful send-off.
Now if that's all…
mind if I go?
Yes, of course.
And…
thank you so much for this.
Good night.
You worthless little punks
don't know what it took to get here.
You have no idea.
Go home and get some sleep.
I don't think I can
since I have to check
the vet clinics' certificate of registry,
then go over the preview notes
like Kang asked me to.
For Choi Hoseong?
Yup.
Why don't you…
put your name on that one, Jiyun?
Sure.
Huh?
Mm… like… main writer?
You started working at the network
right after graduating high school,
you've cleaned up
everyone's mess for nine years.
It's high time you were initiated.
But your health…
should come before your work.
Make sure you sleep enough.
JY…
I guess us old farts
all had the same idea.
I was gonna ask for you anyway.
And why would you do that, Mr. Park?
So you're transferring to Soaps.
President Koo called me out
to eat with him…
…and asked if you were planning
something else… in secret.
Do you know why I stayed here,
in the same job all these years,
even though people couldn't care less
about the main writer?
What do you mean, people don't care?
Trigger couldn't function
without Hong Sunnam.
I changed my name to Nahee ages ago!
And yet,
you'll forever be Hong Sunnam to me.
-God, I can't…
-I mean, don't you remember?
Back when I was an assistant,
you were the scrawny Hong Sunnam
who'd cry and whine
when you had to run errands
for the producers.
-And now, you're all chub--
-Well, look at you!
Oh, my God, this guy.
Man, time sure flies by. It really does.
I get that…
you've been going through a rough patch
because of Ms. Nam,
but I want you to hang in there.
I'm struggling too.
I took pride in the fact that…
my writing was used
to vindicate the wrongfully departed.
In this fight club,
where only the most tenacious survive,
it was the pride that kept me going.
But the reality was…
I was just a nameless freelancer,
who didn't even need
to submit a resignation
to leave
all those years of hard work behind.
I want my name out there.
I want to be the main character for once.
Is that why you told Soryong
about the Seongchun thing?
You wanna run away
and keep me stuck here alone?
I figured she's gonna need
someone by her side.
Thanks for nothing.
It's been a displeasure.
That's all I wanted to say.
How much did they offer you?
I'll match whatever they're paying.
- Scrawny Hong Sunnam!
- It's Hong Nahee!
Oh Soryong, Park Daeyong…
hang in there and power through.
Man, Yoon's so stingy with his own money,
but he always goes over budget
for our expenses.
Wagyu steak? Seriously?
"Signed by: Oh Soryong"
Can we really air this on time though?
-The finger… you know, one of these.
-The finger?
You and I
are on the same page on most things.
Let's work together and air this episode.
Happy birthday… ♪
What did I say?
I told you she'd hate this, didn't I?
Three, two…
one.
Slept in the edit bay?
Why are you so early?
Well, today's D-Day.
Oh, we're getting
that composite sketch of Seongwook?
We are.
Man, I knew
Ms. Hong was stone-cold,
but how could she just up and leave us
without even saying goodbye, man?
I really wanted a chance
to work with her scripts.
I just keep clashing with Jiyun
on everything.
Nahee's not going anywhere.
I'll bring her back to us.
Seriously?
Why wait? Can you do it now?
No can do, I have work now.
Let's head out.
We've got a busy day,
if we're still rehearsing.
All right, Mr. Han.
Let's go.
This is Mr. Han.
He's a coworker of mine.
Introduce yourself.
Han Do. Nice to meet you.
Oh, hi, nice to meet you.
Hi.
You said you made a new poster
for Seongwook,
are we going to watch them
unveil it together?
That's right, sir.
We're gonna see it, here, together.
You see… that screen over there,
the biggest one?
I want you to look after I count down.
All right, sir.
Now close your eyes.
Three…
two…
…one.
Oh, look over there!
Oh, wow.
Wow, that's so cool!
Hello.
I've missed you all.
My name's Cha Seongwook.
I'm a missing person
who turned 43 this year…
if I'm still alive.
Seongwook…
Everyone,
please don't forget about me.
And please…
please try to find me.
Son Huiwon
"Don't forget Cha Seongwook" challenge
takes social media by storm
Cha Seongwook comes back after 20 years
Shit!
Producer Oh Soryong
Oh Soryong: Can we meet?
I'm here to start a fire.
Cha Seongwook
Interviews
Cho Haewon solo interview
Shall we begin now?
You think this is
"a nice place for a glass of wine"?
Actually, places like this
are considered really hip nowadays.
Wow, pretty hip ambiance out here, huh?
Of all our stores,
this one has the best vibe.
Hey,
move your phone, bro, come on.
Cheers.
And just for you, Mr. Han, I'm gonna
throw in a little mood lighting. Ta-da!
Here you go…
One last thing.
A pair of hearts, in your honor.
Enjoy your evening.
You've got this. Fighting!
So why me?
Why do you have to keep bugging me
instead of Oh Soryong?
Producer Oh Soryong
"Kidnapped. Convenience store
near Han River if you wanna save him."
You must not know her very well.
She's not coming,
she doesn't play games like this.
Seems like you're the one
who doesn't know her well.
You've only met her once.
You think you know her better than I do?
If she leaves right now,
she'll be here in half an hour.
That was a fake tip you gave, right?
I'm not here to be interrogated.
I came to give a tip.
That night,
someone came to see him before I did.
A woman with burgundy nails
who reeked of this perfume called Reine.
You only got a brief look at her.
And it was late at night.
So how could you possibly tell
whether her nails were burgundy or black?
Do you have night vision?
You said the mystery woman
wore a perfume that was quite strong…
but was that just you?
That's pretty good.
What's your goal?
You disappeared for 20 years,
so why show up now?
For the past two decades…
my father's been giving me an allowance,
but recently, he stopped all of a sudden.
No more powerful motivator
than money, is there?
This is Hanju.
The people over there detest the media.
I'd like to…
let them know I'm here.
That's where Trigger comes in.
I once spiked
a glass of 50-million-won wine.
Destroying someone's easier
than I'd thought.
What are you saying?
I'm saying I killed him.
What did you--
Uh, I'll go get tissues.
Lunatic Han!
What happened? Huh?
Oh, what are you doing here?
I received a ransom note!
So you seriously thought
Cho Haewon managed to abduct me,
a full-grown man?
I was worried you might start
talking nonsense like that.
Where is she?
She's gone?
Why here?
How'd you end up here?
She just told me
she once killed a man by spiking his wine.
She what?
EP08: The Vanished Witness
You flatter me, Chief Prosecutor.
Me? The mayor of Seoul?
We both know the nominations
are just a popularity contest.
I wouldn't dream of it.
Choi Hoseong's dead now anyway.
Oh, about the Mr. Lee matter…
I'll smooth things over with Ms. Oh.
Oh Soryong just killed a father and son.
I wonder how she'll deal
with all that bad karma.
Well, the public seems to think
they got off easy
without having to pay for what they did.
I gotta hand it to you.
You've got an eye for talent.
Sir?
Han Do,
turns out he's a real go-getter.
"VVIP Koo Hyeongtae, KNS"
I don't think
I'm being compensated enough…
for helping with the Cha Seongwook case.
So the money isn't enough for you.
As soon as the story's done…
I'd like to transfer to Animal Kingdom.
Ms. Oh would be disappointed to hear that.
I mean, my coworkers aside…
I don't feel good about working on a show
based around people's pain and misery.
I don't have any sense of duty,
like certain people.
I hear you. The show can be soul-crushing.
I mistook you for a cynic,
but you're more of an idealist.
"Cho Haewon: This is my number.
Save it, and I'll be in touch."
"Loved the show tonight. How's work?
Busy again? Just checking in."
"I'm free right now.
Wanna go out for dinner?"
Okay then…
Is there any information
you'd like me to give…
in exchange for Animal Kingdom?
What were you discussing with Han Do, sir?
Go find Oh Soryong,
and tell her she needs to stop
snooping around the prosecutor
who granted a stay of execution
for Choi Hoseong.
Wow.
Wow, bro,
you really cover all your bases, huh?
Come on, I know you drew her out there
so you could get her on CCTV.
Like I always say,
you guys at Trigger are so hardcore. Yeah!
You know who she is?
No, who? Is she famous?
I'll tell you who.
She's the person who stole your lamp.
-Oh!
-Cha Seongwook, does that ring a bell?
Cha Seongwook…
-No, I don't know.
-He was a celebrity 20 years ago.
He was in a commercial
and broke into movies.
Still no?
Come on, bro, you expect me to know
some celebrity from 20 years ago?
I barely remember 20 minutes ago.
Right.
Well, I guess
we need to jog people's memories then.
"Violinist Choi Geon Kills Son
And Commits Suicide"
So this is how that whole thing ended.
My God.
Hey, did you hear?
That prosecutor has a habit
of letting people off easy, hmm?
He let off the Gogwang Group
and Chairman Park of DOQ Industries,
- just to name a few.
- I know.
Why even lock them up,
if the prosecutor's
just gonna let them back out?
Yeah, exactly.
Giho, what are you up to?
I'm just thinking.
Thinking, huh?
Oh, you poor, inexperienced little thing.
- Stop it. Cut it out.
- I know what this is about.
It's 'cause Exclusives 24 aired
the story you'd been working on.
Villa King, right?
I heard they even caught the guy.
You know,
their guys really put in the work.
All right, come on, quit it.
- You're gonna make him cry.
- No, no.
This is the perfect time
to whip him into shape, for his own good.
Giho, wrap up whatever you were doing
and go ask Ms. Oh
to assign you the Choi Hoseong follow-up.
Listen, you gotta do what you gotta do
for a good story.
Why be so loyal to her?
Utilize that leverage to--
Oh, my God, dude.
Just let me handle it, okay?
Leave me alone. Stop it. Sheesh…
- Stop it.
- Okay, fine.
Can everybody stop bullying me?
Current Affairs Department
Hong Sunnam
Current Affairs Department
Hong Nahee
I was so young back then.
"March 2004."
Goodbye party for the main writer?
Wow, we had Hyeongtae,
and even the famous Mr. Ma.
Hey, what's up?
Thank you.
Oh, Ms. Hong.
I guess you two were out
having a lunch meeting?
Yup, first time in a while.
On your way to meet Mr. Park?
Goodness, no.
I'm headed to check on ratings.
Mr. Han?
Mr. Han?
Mr. Han?
You're here.
The… the lights…
Uh, can you wait three seconds
before turning them on?
Okay.
One.
Two.
Three.
Now, question for you,
what color are my nails?
Huh?
I… couldn't possibly tell the color
in the dark.
Right?
Just like I told her.
Come on.
Go to Songi or someone else
with that kind of question.
I'm busy, you know?
But I heard Songi's on leave this week.
Thank you.
God, why's that weirdo…
wearing nail polish anyway?
Was he… flirting with me?
Songi shouldn't be taking
so much time off.
We don't have any newbies
to cover for her. Sheesh.
Don't you want to know why Ms. Oh
showed up at the convenience store?
Not the obvious reason.
What she's really thinking.
Help us find Cha Seongwook!
Him at 22 / Him now
You really think just adding wrinkles
will make people recognize him?
I don't.
How else can we improve this photo though?
I'm stumped.
"Episode 1,802: DeepFakes' Crosshairs."
It was your story. You should remember it.
Look at you, memorizing stuff.
You're proposing we alter it?
In a recent episode, Mr. Choi used AI
to come up with a facial composite…
of a missing child.
Keeping tabs on other people's episodes,
way to show initiation.
Kang Giho, we can hear you.
I'm sorry they screwed you,
but don't take it out on us.
Ms. Oh, did you see
the recent Exclusives 24 episode?
It's my job to do so, yes.
So, um… uh…
Ms. Oh, since we're on the subject, uh…
do… do you mind putting me
on the Choi Hoseong follow-up?
You know, since I'll have to
give up on my current story and all.
Are you gonna abandon your story
over a scoop then?
You wouldn't be so cavalier
if you'd really poured
your blood and sweat into it.
Come on, you even said you watched it.
I'm not quite sure… what more I can do.
Why should I let you?
What would be the focus of this follow-up?
Uh…
Is there something you've uncovered
or a refreshing take
that makes us see it in a new light?
You need to give me
at least one good reason
that we should air this follow-up.
I won't trust someone
who has no plan at all, so no.
As for you, Lunatic Han,
I'd like you to arrange
a new facial composite
since you proposed it.
Haven't seen that nail polish in a while…
but it's back in full force.
Oh…
I only wore it
to test out Cho Haewon's claims.
Couldn't see them?
Impossible.
Do you know
why I let Dr. Trigger stay on?
-No, why?
-It's 'cause…
I think you're a born investigator.
-No, I'm not.
-You charge headfirst into danger.
You always chase after the stories,
even when you pee your pants.
And you're willing to butt heads
with the higher-ups.
Those are the qualities you need.
I don't think you know me.
Cho Haewon's strange.
Whenever I'm with her, it feels like…
it's like she's baiting me.
Maybe with her looks?
Why does she keep claiming
to know you so well?
She said she knew the real reason
you came to that store.
That's weird, right?
Well, 'cause I'm covering
the Cha Seongwook…
Lunatic Han…
you have her number?
I thought you had it too.
I have been messaging her on Elegram.
Why didn't you… tell me this sooner?
Give it here.
I'm so sorry about this, sir.
We sincerely apologize, sir.
To be honest…
that day,
when I saw the writing on my wall,
I got really excited, I almost thought…
Seongwook really was alive.
Ever since my boy disappeared,
my heart has hardened.
It's like I'm practically dead.
Mm. It's like…
Mm… Even though I knew they were…
just mindless scribbles,
they did get me hoping again.
I thought that somehow, he was alive.
I'm so, so sorry about everything, sir.
Oh, that's right.
You said you were a fan
of Seongwook's, didn't you?
Hang on. Wait right here.
I just remembered…
My son signed a bunch of autographs
for me to give to his fans.
Give me a second.
Now, let's see here… I…
Um, Ms. Oh?
He was diagnosed with dementia
four months ago.
He said he wanted
to let all his hopes ride on us,
before all his memories
slip away for good.
I'm so sorry.
I really had no idea.
Yes, Nahee.
That was taken
around the time Cho Haewon showed up.
There was a random woman
in Park Daeyong's office.
I figured
he was having an affair or something.
But today, I found out
that the woman was Trigger's main writer…
20 years ago.
Where's this going?
I asked around
and managed to get her on the phone.
Park Daeyong… do you trust him?
I trust him with my life.
We may not be related,
but we're like a family.
Ugh, how did a softie like you
make it this far?
So you had a call with her?
Apparently, Daeyong asked her
for Ma Seongchun's contact info.
That's the guy who was
Trigger's chief producer 20 years ago.
I heard they met up already.
You know that?
No. He never mentioned it.
If there's one thing I've learned,
it's that personal allegiances
rarely align with profits.
I'm not trying to badmouth Park Daeyong.
I'm just saying
that even the good ones can be gotten to.
If you're really set on putting out
the Seongwook episode,
don't trust anyone except yourself.
-Not even you, Nahee?
-Definitely not.
I wouldn't hesitate to backstab you.
I doubt you would've warned me
if that were really the case.
When we talked,
the writer said
Park Daeyong and Koo Hyeongtae
used to be inseparable.
She told me that
Park Daeyong joined Trigger 20 years ago
to cover
for Koo Hyeongtae's sudden departure.
Funny, huh?
I worked alongside him for years
and had no idea.
You're telling me…
- Koo worked on Trigger?
- Uh-huh.
He was on Trigger before abruptly
transferring to the News Department.
Anyway… that's what she told me.
Earlier, I saw Koo and Park.
They'd been getting lunch together.
That was everything that I saw.
Just something to consider.
Hold on a second.
What was the name
of the previous chief producer?
Can you give me his contact info?
You're making me uncomfortable.
Is this a staring contest?
Why won't you look me in the eye?
-You hiding something?
-I don't even look my wife in the eye.
Not that I can, since she's abroad.
Is there something you haven't told me…
about the Cha Seongwook case?
What? Come on, what is it?
I'm having the worst month ever, I swear.
What's wrong with all of you? God!
No way…
Did Seongchun get in touch or something?
And now I get the truth.
Wait, it can't be, the guy's not a blab.
There's no way
he would've mentioned this to you.
Come on.
- Come on, Park Daeyong!
- Ah! Scared me.
Okay, so maybe I did meet with Seongchun.
-Why's that so wrong?
-We both know there's more to that story.
Okay! Hyeongtae worked on
the Cha Seongwook case,
and he hid the tape before they could air.
So what? Not like it's my fault.
President Koo…
was on that case
while he was with Trigger?
Are you going to answer me?
Well, yeah, like I just told you.
So that's why Mr. Ma couldn't tell me
about this over the phone.
Because President Koo was involved.
Listen, Soryong…
Koo Hyeongtae…
is not the kind of person
we can take down.
Frankly, we're all just his employees,
and the guy's in charge of our survival.
When'd you get to be so pathetic, Daeyong?
Pathetic?
Hey.
Those who work nine-to-five
lead pathetic lives, okay?
If we wanna survive
and provide for our families,
then living a principled life
is not an option!
Stop it, stop it, listen to me!
You're the chief producer of Trigger.
You just admitted Koo ran off
with the tape right before it aired.
And you forgive him?
What if that tape contained
vital information?
What if it could've changed
the outcome of the case?
What if it had solved it?
That scumbag's drunk on power,
trying to get into politics.
Is staying silent like this…
really what you think you should do?
We both know there's no justice.
Of course not.
That's why we're working on Trigger.
We don't stand a chance on our own,
so let's use Trigger
as our means to fight!
My father…
has lung cancer.
You wanna know what I thought
when they told me
he had less than three months left?
"I can barely afford
my kids' tuition and living expenses."
"Maybe I should get an advance
on my severance."
You wanna live with integrity?
I was a morally upstanding citizen
for 50 years,
and this is all that it got me.
My life being what it is…
I'm fine staying silent.
It's not like it'll change anything.
Your father…
can he do chemo?
It's already spread everywhere.
There's no treatment option.
God…
Man, this world is so terrible.
How can…
How are you feeling now?
Mr. Ma told me
he has some important information
to give us.
We have a meeting tomorrow.
I plan on hearing him out
whether or not you can make it.
And then I'll decide…
whether to take it up with the president.
As for you,
just follow your heart.
Hey.
A piece of your heart
to share with your loved ones.
Whitemint.
It's true what they say
about beautiful people dying young.
What a shame.
You think we can make
an AI composite of Seongwook
like we did for your episode last week?
Uh…
You don't want
just a basic composite, right?
- Well, no…
- You're trying to evoke Seongwook
as he'd really look today…
Okay, here's an idea.
There's another company
that's come up with this hot new tech,
they're calling it
the "New AI Style Transfer".
I'd say they'd be
a perfect fit for you, but…
Hmm…
But what? Why not?
There are a few things.
First of all, it's expensive.
Second of all, it's super expensive.
And third of all,
it's so expensive
that our entire budget wouldn't be enough.
Do you think they might go for
public interest plus exposure
for their product?
I'm pretty sure management
won't approve of the ridiculous pricing,
but I can put you in contact anyway.
To Daeyong: Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
Passage into Mount Gwanun.
Producer Oh Soryong
Hello?
Oh.
- Oh, over here.
- Nice to meet you, sir.
- Hey.
- My name's Oh Soryong.
Whoa, Seongchun.
What's with the getup?
You're completely covered.
You've hyped this up so much,
if it's a flop,
you owe us dinner, I swear.
- I'm winded.
- Look at you.
I know I said to come to me
once you were ready to reveal my secrets,
but I can't believe
it took you a month. A month!
- Come on.
- That long?
Hey, I've been very busy… and so have you.
After meeting with this guy,
I went over some of your episodes.
I really gotta say…
you've done a great job, huh?
- I love your work.
- Oh, thank you, sir.
- One thing, sir…
- Uh-huh?
I feel like an incident
like someone running off with a tape
should've gone down
in KNS Current Affairs history.
How has no one heard about this?
Those were hectic times,
they were suing anyone
who even mentioned Cha Seongwook.
There were only three of us
secretly on the case,
including me and Hyeongtae.
I was so worried about a leak
and losing the episode,
that another producer and I
prepared a decoy episode
to use as backup. God…
So what's this vital piece of info
you wanted to give us?
But Koo Hyeongtae said…
-President Koo…
-Koo Hyeongtae…
Uh…
he told me that there was a witness.
Someone who witnessed
Cha Seongwook's murder.
Hold up. Uh…
So the man's dead? Not just missing?
Really?
President Koo identified a witness?
Well, actually,
the catch was
that it wasn't exactly your, um…
most typical witness, you might say.
This is Bom,
the dog that belonged to Cha Seongwook.
Bom, Korean for "spring".
Once Cha Seongwook went missing,
his agent jimmied the locks to get inside.
When he walked in, the dog was out there.
Ugh, okay, so?
There's that woman over at Animal Kingdom!
The animal communicator
who is able to talk with dogs.
I'm telling you, when they talk,
a miracle's gonna happen.
Christ…
This isn't some sketch show.
Anyway, if that were real, don't you think
-the cops would take the dog?
-Come on!
Isn't it our job
as the producers of this show
to try something new,
if it means we can get at the truth?
I'm not saying we make stuff up.
I'm just trying to say
that this psychic
really can speak with dogs.
Dogs that used to bite people
can become calm when she does this.
And they stop biting for good.
Oh, yeah?
This dog's apparently dying,
and it's being treated at a clinic nearby.
Why'd you want
this animal psychic's address?
You'll find out, my man.
Is this for a Trigger story?
Here, take my last cig. You enjoy.
-Oh…
-Thanks.
I certainly will!
Hey.
-What?
-What's wrong?
Oh, uh… uh, nothing.
I only heard him talk about it.
Never saw the tape with my own eyes.
I went to talk to him again
after he transferred
to the News Department.
I asked for the tapes
of the episode we did,
for the archives.
You know what he said?
That prick was shameless.
- How'd he respond?
- What was it?
"Seongchun…
you gotta forget Cha Seongwook."
Which episode was the one
he tried to hide? What number?
Child Murder in Ungyeong
Red Hairband Mystery:
Child Murder in Ungyeong
So…
you're really gonna do this?
You wanna take the president on
in this fight?
Basically, you'll be opening up
the gates of hell.
No turning back.
Those gates opened up 20 years ago
when a rookie producer
ran off with the tape.
For all we know, he's covered up
even worse cases than this.
I'm here for the president.
Trigger episode 890.
Do you remember that one?
Why did you do it?
A producer runs off with an episode
before it airs?
Oh, you mean Cha Seongwook?
I simply stopped pursuing that case.
I'd done some digging,
and nothing had turned up.
Digging?
You've dug pretty deep though.
Well, I'm here to…
offer you another chance, President.
A final chance
to tell us the truth about
the Cha Seongwook case from 20 years ago.
I'm not addressing the President Koo
sitting in front of me now.
I'm addressing the man
who had a passion for the truth…
Mr. Koo, my predecessor.
Would you like to offer a rebuttal now?
If you must know,
you try digging it back up.
Fine.
I'm formally requesting to interview you.
Episode 890 of Trigger,
the Cha Seongwook incident,
should've been aired
without any interference,
which is why we'll air it properly.
Unlike some, I won't be using any decoys,
and I most definitely…
will not be running away.
So if you…
have a miraculous change of heart, and…
reveal the truth…
the truth you're covering up…
I'll be standing by.
You know…
I too used to believe in good and evil.
But life has taught me
that they're mere illusions.
There are simply
the consequences of the choices we make.
I wonder what kind of choice you'll make
once you're pushed
to the limits of your resolve, Soryong.
I'll choose to air the episode as penance.
I want to issue an apology to the viewers
who have always believed in Trigger.
That's the choice I'll make…
President.
I'd think it over.
You might be digging your own grave.
Believe me,
I'm ready to accept consequences.
But are you, sir?
Prepare yourself…
to face the music.
"The Confession."
How's that for the title?
I like it.
What are you doing?
It's what you do
when someone's having a hard time.
Says who?
A communications expert.
Some guy on YouTube.
Why couldn't you reign in
your anger for once?
Why'd you have to do this now,
of all times? Ugh, whatever.
The facial composite is ruined,
thanks to you.
What do you mean "ruined"?
Even with a discount,
it would cost an entire episode's budget.
You think President Koo's
gonna leap to help us now?
You aren't experienced enough
to know this, but…
large companies do something
called "corporate social responsibility".
Get in touch with the gum company
that shot the ad with Cha Seongwook.
They're a big company.
Appeal to their sense of public duty.
Don't reduce our project
to little more than manipulation.
It's not that bad.
No way. This is the animal communicator?
Turns out I'm the one
who introduced her to Koo Hyeongtae.
Huh.
Sound like you two were
as close as they say, huh?
The man used me,
at the price of a cigarette.
I'm dying to know what he found out
and ended up covering up.
It's driving me crazy.
If one cigarette was all it took,
it's about time we dethroned him.
I mean, I could've been president myself.
The "animal communicator"…
Can anyone fill me in?
Listen…
Wow, this is just…
Right?
I'm not sure it's a very good fit for--
All makes… such perfect sense.
- What?
- Hmm?
Dogs know everything.
Everybody knows
they have the purest of souls.
If the animal communicator heard
anything at all from the victim's dog…
that'd be…
-I'm gonna go meet her.
-Huh?
What's wrong?
But once you find
the veterinary clinic director,
you're gonna fact-check to see
if they saw Koo Hyeongtae
back then or not, aren't you?
Right, I… I guess you're right.
Then why don't we find the director,
meet them, cross-check their claims,
two birds, one stone?
That's it!
You're a producer, do whatever it takes.
We'll decide later
whether or not to use it,
just charge in there
and make this happen.
Where and when do I go?
What's that book called again?
The Psychopath Within Us.
Why do you need that?
Can't you just learn from yourself?
Why do we have to carpool?
Hey, Do…
The prosecutor
who let Choi Hoseong out of jail
is out on a national judicial
exchange workshop
slash golfing trip or whatever.
The least I can do
is get an interview with him
since I want Ms. Oh to give me the story.
Right, and how is that any of my concern?
It's got nothing to do with me.
I'mma man up and ask you.
Can you help me?
-What?
-I mean, like…
the place will be crawling
with prosecutors.
I don't wanna walk
into the lion's den by myself,
you know?
Look, I--
We need to have solidarity right now.
That's what Trigger's about, teamwork,
you know what I mean?
So you offered a ride
just to ask for help?
Well, you know, we were going
the same way, so it made sense, right?
Uh, you'll help me, won't you?
I'll drive you anywhere
as fast as you want,
wherever you want, huh?
You won't believe
how fast this goes. Yeah.
Way to brag about your car
while asking for a favor.
Can I listen?
This puppy won't be crying anymore.
Promise?
Let's wrap it up for the day.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- And that's a wrap, everyone!
- All right, let's clean up.
Nice to meet you.
We're producers
from a Korean TV station named KNS.
Nice to meet you.
W… Welcome.
We thought you'd be in Japan.
I happened to be in the country
on a business trip.
Right. My name is Han Do.
And this is…
Kang Giho.
- Producer at Trigger.
- Oh!
One of our staff members
briefed me on you two.
Oh, right, right, right…
How did you learn to…
I'm a fan of K-drama.
Whoa!
I looked through my records
when I first heard from you.
I usually videotape my sessions,
but it seems my camcorder
was broken that day.
So there is no video of that session.
That's unfortunate.
Do you not have the footage
that the producer filmed at the time?
Unfortunately, no.
Could you tell me if this was
the producer that you met at the time?
Oh my.
He's become very clean-cut.
He looks even younger
and more stylish now.
So…
do you remember your interaction
with the dog at the time?
Bom and I share a similar namesake.
Bom and haru both mean "spring."
What Bom told me was quite shocking.
I still remember everything.
She's terrified.
Can you hurry up and ask the dog?
Get him to tell us what he saw.
We need to move on.
There is a man
whose life could be in danger.
Bom.
Could you tell me what you saw that day?
"It looked like a ball."
To Bom, his head
must have looked like a ball.
Wait, what does that…
What'd she say? Huh?
Why do you look shocked?
This is a copy of the notes
I took during that session.
I hope you find it helpful.
Do you know what the killer looks like?
The producer at the time
showed me a photo.
I asked Bom if it was the same person,
and he said yes.
Could you tell me…
…if this was her?
I don't remember her face very clearly.
I'm sorry.
For God's sake… Hey!
Try to focus.
If I don't score the interview,
that's gas money wasted.
Huh?
Isn't that the guy?
How did I miss that swing?
I gotta use the can.
- You go on ahead. See you in a bit.
- All right, see ya.
-We're over this way.
-Damn it.
Let's go, let's go, let's go!
Man… swoosh…
Hey, uh, Lee Jeonggeun?
-Yeah?
-I'm Kang Giho, producer at Trigger.
You know Choi Hoseong, right?
Uh, we were hoping
we could get a statement.
Oh, for the love of--
Are you kidding me?
You seriously followed me here?
I'd like this to stop now. Okay?
Uh, how did you grant a stay of execution
for Choi Hoseong with a fake diagnosis?
You go way back with his lawyer.
I believe you came up together
in your days
-at the Training Institute.
-Mm-hmm.
What's your name?
K-Kang Giho is my name.
Right. Kang Giho.
Kang Giho.
Listen up.
I have… tons of connections
because I went to a nice school.
Is that a crime? Huh?
-Which university did you go to?
-Sorry?
Which backwater school did you go to?
You learned
hack journalism somewhere, right?
Some nerve just showing up.
How dare you follow me here?
The… The Gogwang Group family.
And Chairman Park…
Park Seongun of DOQ Industries,
-we know you let them--
-Man, you're kidding me.
Has no one taught you
to be scared of prosecutors? Huh?
Let's see now.
I'll bet… you have
a camera hidden somewhere, huh?
If you dare… try and use
whatever clip you're recording,
I'll have you locked up.
Got it? You understand me?
Piece of sh…
Don't be like that, sir. Just one word?
I went to a nice school, just like you.
Well then, you wanna go to jail too?
Crime of intimidation.
Declaring intent to harm in order
to instill fear in another person.
You asshole.
So, um, what's your name, prick?
Intimidation and insult.
Surprising behavior for a prosecutor.
Oh, really, you crazy shithead?
Destruction of property.
Trigger, huh?
How dare you quote the law
to a prosecutor,
you smart-aleck son of a bitch? Hmm?
Do you even know…
what "authority to prosecute" is? Huh?
In the Republic of Korea,
even someone who sprays bullets
into the middle of the street
can get off scot-free
if a prosecutor deems him not guilty,
and if a prosecutor
wants to suspend a sentence,
that's simply what'll happen.
All I did… was follow protocol
after the doctor provided
a medical certificate.
All this nuisance over nothing, sheesh.
I only asked for a word,
but the guy just wouldn't stop talking.
Thank you for the interview, sir.
Additional Observation:
Bom is extremely stressed and scared.
Are you okay?
Well, you know,
we scored the interview, didn't we?
Why wouldn't I be all right? Huh?
It's the recording from earlier.
Can you fill us in on the patient records
-from 2004?
-Hello, New K Veterinary Clinic?
I'm calling
because I'd like to run a fact-check…
The name of the dog was Bom…
The owner's name was Cha Seongwook…
Lunatic Han.
I appreciate the work that
must've gone into translating this, but…
The dog claimed
its owner looked like a ball.
What if Bom saw the man's head
after he was decapitated?
What if Haewon spiked Seongwook's wine
and then murdered and decapitated him?
Bom was describing the man's head.
I'm not saying we rule that out…
what I'm saying is
we need proof to back this up.
All we have are the claims
of an animal mind-reader.
It can't be the foundation of the episode.
This is not Animal Paradise.
All right, how do you expect
to dig up any evidence
on a murder case from 20 years ago?
Once we suggest a new path forward,
I'm sure
the cops will happily take over and--
You wanna throw around claims
to see if they stick?
That's how you'll nail the president?
God…
Ms. Oh, I mean… look at this.
Do you really think we'll find
the clinic director by cold-calling?
Ms. Oh, uh…
What's this?
This is what you were doing all day?
About Lee Jeonggeun, I, uh…
I got an interview.
- You're serious?
- Yes, ma'am.
You found an angle?
Yes.
Uh… since in our last episode,
we covered Choi Hoseong's stalking
and the victim's suffering,
this time, I'd like…
to find out why a monster like this
was able to do it again.
I wanna look at corruption
in the suspension of sentence practices
being abused by the cartel
of prosecutors and lawyers.
I've already gotten permission
from Ms. Nam,
and I'll be extremely cautious,
so as not to cause any repeat trauma.
You did great.
Okay.
Do the follow-up.
-Give it a go.
-Yes.
Thank you, Ms. Oh.
Do you happen to still have
any of the records from 20 years ago?
Finally, a glimmer of hope
after a series of disappointments.
What's that?
We just heard from the gum company.
"We concluded that we will be able
to provide you with the full payment."
I guess our dog enthusiast…
whipped up one hell of a pitch.
I transferred from Soaps.
Least I can do is tell a good story.
But why do you want their help?
Commissioning a gold bust
of Cha Seongwook?
We've come up with a foolproof method
to conjure Cha Seongwook
from 20 years ago.
It'll be the most impactful way…
to declare war.
One that can't be torn apart or corrupted.
Angel Animal Hospital
Reminder of Overdue Payment
Bet Amount: 5,000,000 won
Bet Placed: 5,000,000 won
Clinic hours are over.
Oh, man…
Who are you?
Oh, you're that producer
from way back when…
How'd you find me way out here?
You sold off Gangnam hospital
to cover your gambling debts,
and you moved down here five years ago.
-That right?
-What?
How'd you know that?
Do you still make a killing
off those dogs?
-Huh?
-I know the city pays you
100,000 won for every stray
you take off the street and put down.
This hospital received the most payouts
in the Yeongdong region.
I figured
I hadn't compensated you enough before.
I've never been one to sleep on my debts.
Why don't you take some time off?
And don't give another thought
to all those things in the past.
None of that matters anymore, eh?
Okay.
Good. I'll leave you be.
By the way…
what happened to that dog back then?
Here you go, sir.
"Magnesium Sulfate"
Thanks a lot.
Actually, I do remember
packing you a box of animal anesthetic,
seven grams of magnesium sulfate,
and three syringes, three ccs.
You wanted to put the dog down.
Your memory's gotten
so much better all of a sudden.
Oh, I've sold more of those meds
than I can count.
I gave it a respectful send-off.
Now if that's all…
mind if I go?
Yes, of course.
And…
thank you so much for this.
Good night.
You worthless little punks
don't know what it took to get here.
You have no idea.
Go home and get some sleep.
I don't think I can
since I have to check
the vet clinics' certificate of registry,
then go over the preview notes
like Kang asked me to.
For Choi Hoseong?
Yup.
Why don't you…
put your name on that one, Jiyun?
Sure.
Huh?
Mm… like… main writer?
You started working at the network
right after graduating high school,
you've cleaned up
everyone's mess for nine years.
It's high time you were initiated.
But your health…
should come before your work.
Make sure you sleep enough.
JY…
I guess us old farts
all had the same idea.
I was gonna ask for you anyway.
And why would you do that, Mr. Park?
So you're transferring to Soaps.
President Koo called me out
to eat with him…
…and asked if you were planning
something else… in secret.
Do you know why I stayed here,
in the same job all these years,
even though people couldn't care less
about the main writer?
What do you mean, people don't care?
Trigger couldn't function
without Hong Sunnam.
I changed my name to Nahee ages ago!
And yet,
you'll forever be Hong Sunnam to me.
-God, I can't…
-I mean, don't you remember?
Back when I was an assistant,
you were the scrawny Hong Sunnam
who'd cry and whine
when you had to run errands
for the producers.
-And now, you're all chub--
-Well, look at you!
Oh, my God, this guy.
Man, time sure flies by. It really does.
I get that…
you've been going through a rough patch
because of Ms. Nam,
but I want you to hang in there.
I'm struggling too.
I took pride in the fact that…
my writing was used
to vindicate the wrongfully departed.
In this fight club,
where only the most tenacious survive,
it was the pride that kept me going.
But the reality was…
I was just a nameless freelancer,
who didn't even need
to submit a resignation
to leave
all those years of hard work behind.
I want my name out there.
I want to be the main character for once.
Is that why you told Soryong
about the Seongchun thing?
You wanna run away
and keep me stuck here alone?
I figured she's gonna need
someone by her side.
Thanks for nothing.
It's been a displeasure.
That's all I wanted to say.
How much did they offer you?
I'll match whatever they're paying.
- Scrawny Hong Sunnam!
- It's Hong Nahee!
Oh Soryong, Park Daeyong…
hang in there and power through.
Man, Yoon's so stingy with his own money,
but he always goes over budget
for our expenses.
Wagyu steak? Seriously?
"Signed by: Oh Soryong"
Can we really air this on time though?
-The finger… you know, one of these.
-The finger?
You and I
are on the same page on most things.
Let's work together and air this episode.
Happy birthday… ♪
What did I say?
I told you she'd hate this, didn't I?
Three, two…
one.
Slept in the edit bay?
Why are you so early?
Well, today's D-Day.
Oh, we're getting
that composite sketch of Seongwook?
We are.
Man, I knew
Ms. Hong was stone-cold,
but how could she just up and leave us
without even saying goodbye, man?
I really wanted a chance
to work with her scripts.
I just keep clashing with Jiyun
on everything.
Nahee's not going anywhere.
I'll bring her back to us.
Seriously?
Why wait? Can you do it now?
No can do, I have work now.
Let's head out.
We've got a busy day,
if we're still rehearsing.
All right, Mr. Han.
Let's go.
This is Mr. Han.
He's a coworker of mine.
Introduce yourself.
Han Do. Nice to meet you.
Oh, hi, nice to meet you.
Hi.
You said you made a new poster
for Seongwook,
are we going to watch them
unveil it together?
That's right, sir.
We're gonna see it, here, together.
You see… that screen over there,
the biggest one?
I want you to look after I count down.
All right, sir.
Now close your eyes.
Three…
two…
…one.
Oh, look over there!
Oh, wow.
Wow, that's so cool!
Hello.
I've missed you all.
My name's Cha Seongwook.
I'm a missing person
who turned 43 this year…
if I'm still alive.
Seongwook…
Everyone,
please don't forget about me.
And please…
please try to find me.
Son Huiwon
"Don't forget Cha Seongwook" challenge
takes social media by storm
Cha Seongwook comes back after 20 years
Shit!
Producer Oh Soryong
Oh Soryong: Can we meet?
I'm here to start a fire.
Cha Seongwook
Interviews
Cho Haewon solo interview
Shall we begin now?