Original subtitles

Based on a true story

My First Client

Kitty Genovese was killed outside her house

on her way home from work.

It's a famous case.

13th East Law Job Interviews

Her assault spanned 30 minutes

and there were 38 witnesses

but no one helped her.

Now, I ask you

are the 38 witnesses guilty of her death?

They knew Genovese would die.

Although they can't be prosecuted by law

they're guilty.

They're guilty because they knew she'd die?

You mean they can't be indicted

but they're guilty?

Yes, sir.

What do the rest of you think?

Guilty, sir.

- Guilty, sir. - Guilty, sir.

Not guilty, sir.

Why not?

The killer assaulted Genovese

violently for 35 minutes.

The witnesses feared for their own safety.

Self preservation is a human instinct.

This should be dealt with by law.

This case led to the establishment of 911

as the centralised emergency number.

This case deserves our attention

but the law says they can't be

held responsible for their inaction, sir.

You idiot.

Why did you say they're not guilty?

Because they aren't.

How are they not guilty?

If they weren't guilty

this case wouldn't have been synonymous

with the concept of social guilt.

They were, at the very least...

provisionally guilty, no?

Provisionally guilty?

Shall we hold a proper debate?

Just stick to writing prescriptions,

Mr Pharmacist.

Doctors are the ones who do that, moron.

So, according to you

if a similar case should happen

everyone would stand by and let the woman die?

- How is this dude even a lawyer? - Stop it.

We're here to console Jung-yeop.

The thing is we coddle him too much.

You know what's worse?

That this actually does console me.

What do you think?

In the eyes of law, they're not guilty.

But personally, I'd say what they did was wrong.

Hell, this is frustrating.

I can't believe I'm hearing this from a lawyer.

That's why you're stuck here in the sticks.

Hey! What's wrong with being here?

Do you have to be in Seoul

to be a proper lawyer?

I've got to stop drinking with you guys.

This is a mistake.

Your mindset is all wrong.

Stop it.

Why? I'm waiting for him to make his point.

You stop it.

Fine! You guys have fun.

You're guilty...

You, provisionally guilty. Whatever.

Hey, about Kitty Genovese's killer.

He killed her in 1964.

Do you know how long he lived?

He died the year before last. He was 81.

What about her face?

She was pretty.

Is her face round?

No, more like oval.

And her hair?

It's long.

Long? Wasn't it short the last time?

That was a while ago. Her hair grew out.

Oh, right. It has been a while.

Then her eyes?

Her eyes?

Da-bin, did you forget what Mum looks like?

No way!

Then why is it always different?

Min-jun? Are you hungry? Let's eat.

Lunch?

- Yeah. - OK!

How is it?

It's good.

Two, three!

Mum...

You're home, Dad...

What were you doing?

What were you doing in here?

I was just cleaning up.

Where's Min-jun?

He's sleeping.

Go wake him.

- Wake him up. - OK.

Come in.

Greet her.

She's your mum from now on.

- Mum? - You're Da-bin and Min-jun?

Yes.

You're so cute.

Let's be a family, OK?

Eat up. You must be hungry.

♪ One, two, three! Let's go ♪

♪ I want to hear that you miss me ♪

♪ Let's meet ♪

♪ Why don't you look at me ♪

♪ I want to hear that you miss me ♪

♪ Let's meet ♪

♪ Why am I always the first to say it? ♪

♪ I want to hear that you miss me ♪

♪ Let's meet ♪

♪ Why am I always the first to say it? ♪

Applause!

What do you think?

Can Da-bin's team represent our class?

Yes! Go on. Say it.

Yes!

Well done.

Min-jun!

Da-bin!

Right here!

Are you going to be a singer?

- Maybe. - Wow!

Don't forget me when you become famous.

I don't know, I just might.

I'm serious!

Of course I won't forget you, silly.

You were right.

We flew 100 paper airplanes

and our wish to have a mum came true.

So your wish to be a singer will come true too?

Yeah.

- Let's fly another one. - OK.

Ready?

♪ I miss you ♪

♪ Let's meet ♪

♪ Why don't you look at me ♪

♪ I want to hear that you miss me ♪

♪ Let's meet ♪

♪ Why am I always the first to say it? ♪

- Min-jun! Stop splashing! - Why?

♪ I hope my dream will come true ♪

♪ The thought of you ♪ ♪ makes me smile all day ♪

- Stop it. - Why?

- Let's eat. - OK!

Min-jun.

How many times have I told you

not to drop your food?

- Use your chopsticks properly. - OK.

- I said, don't drop it. - OK!

Didn't your mum

teach you how to use chopsticks?

No.

It's going to be a chilly autumn day.

There are signs of overnight frost.

Temperatures have dipped significantly.

Son.

Practise using your chopsticks.

This is the last time I'm giving you a fork.

OK.

I wonder who he takes after.

Probably me.

It's OK.

I couldn't use chopsticks until middle school.

Good for you.

Anyway, where's Jung-yeop?

Did he spend another night at an Internet café?

No.

He's still in bed.

I see.

Get up.

Get up right now!

What's wrong now? Are you nuts?

Yes, I am!

Thanks to you, you freeloader!

I've raised you like a son

ever since Mum and Dad died.

Don't you have any pride? Sponging off of me

and your brother-in-law like this!

Yeah, I do. You ask me all the time.

I'll repay you someday.

When?

I'm close to getting a job, so don't worry!

No. Just give it up and go work for Mun-jung.

Are you crazy? Why would I work there?

A tiny company out in the sticks.

What are these?

Why did you get these licences for?

For fun?

Yeah.

- Crazy fool. - My ear...

Go work at the Children's Aid Society

in my jurisdiction.

Get a job or move out right now!

Fine, I'm on my way out anyway.

Thanks for waking me. I won't be late now.

Thanks a lot.

Take your wallet! Find a job or else...

Ouch.

Children's Aid Society

Introduce yourself.

Hello, I'm Yoon Jung-yeop.

Please...

- That's it? - Yes, sir.

- Let's start, shall we? - Yes, sir.

- So-jung? - Yes.

She's quitting. Take over her duties.

That's why you called?

Over this pathetic bit of money?

I'll pay you!

You'll regret this if I ever strike rich.

You want to sue me?

If I were afraid of the law

I wouldn't be doing this.

Don't you dare threaten me with the law.

Mum, I'm sorry! I'll teach him again.

Mum...

You wretched girl!

I told you to teach him properly, didn't I?

Hey, Da-bin! Where are you going?

Come back or you'll be late again!

I'm impressed, the relevant laws

are meticulously listed out in here.

Looks like you're very familiar with the law.

Anyone can see it's organised nicely

and clearly here.

People still use sharpeners like this?

Children's Aid Society. Lee So-jung speaking.

What would you do without Officer Ha?

- Sorry, sir. - Every single time.

And what happened to the assault case?

I'm working on it.

Hi.

Over there.

Give me the statement.

- Did you call her parents? - Of course.

But the case goes to you.

Fancy coming to the police

just because her mum hit her.

Kids these days are scary.

Da-bin?

Da-bin? Are you OK?

Have I done something wrong?

If something bad happens

we should report it to the police.

That's what I was taught.

Have I done something wrong?

Mister?

Yes?

Have I done something wrong?

Something bad happened

and you came to the police for help.

I've done the same thing myself.

You didn't do anything wrong.

Who is it?

It's the Children's Aid Society, ma'am.

Hello, I was told you'd come.

Da-bin.

It must've hurt.

Mummy is so sorry.

Still, why did you go to the police?

Please come in.

- I'll be off then. - Thank you.

Come in. Please come in.

I'm struggling to make ends meet

and raising two kids on top of that...

that's why sometimes I lose my temper.

It must have scared them.

Da-bin said you strangled her.

I did what?

She said I strangled her?

Didn't you?

Now, she's even lying?

What do I do with her?

Since she has made an official report

you'll need to attend ten sessions of art therapy

go for family counselling

and agree to monitoring over the phone.

Of course, I'll do anything for Da-bin.

Thank you for coming.

- Take care. - Bye.

Have a nice day.

What's the matter, sir?

- It's nothing. Take care. - Bye.

Family visits are simpler than I thought.

Of course.

We don't have authority to investigate

so there's really nothing we can do.

Shouldn't we inform the school?

You heard the police.

The case is in our hands.

If the parents choose not to open the door

we can't barge in.

If they say they're busy, we have to grovel

and get them to meet us another day.

That's the law, our hands are tied.

"Please don't hit your child so much."

"You won't hit your child again, will you?"

We have to be very polite to the parents.

The police dump this in our hands and leave

but we're not the police.

We don't have the authority to do anything.

The cases get passed around

and nothing gets done, that's the law.

Is the law that stifling?

Yes.

That's why I'm quitting.

Are your arms tired?

Come in.

Mum! I'm sorry!

Please! I won't do it again!

Mum!

Must we live with those brats?

You think I want to?

Did you forget we get money for them?

The city, the welfare groups and our relatives

send money for them.

You need the money, don't you?

Leave if you want to.

You knew this before you moved in.

So stop whining and watch them.

Da-bin? Aren't you going home?

I have something to say...

What is it?

Well...

Da-bin, I'm so sorry but I'm in a rush.

Can we talk next time?

Take care.

Hello?

Da-bin!

Why don't we go to that man for help?

The man from the Children's Aid Society.

You're hard at work. How's it going?

Fine.

You really need to have

a sense of duty to work here.

I can't believe I've already been here for a week.

The job suits you. I hope you stay.

Sure.

He's here.

He's over there, Da-bin.

- Hello. - Me?

Yes.

I wish to go to the zoo. The zoo!

Doesn't your brother go to kindergarten?

He doesn't.

And you? No cram school?

No.

Mr Yoon, are we a bother to you?

Yes.

I mean, no! No.

You're not a bother at all. I can handle this...

What? You've never seen a burger before?

Never.

Here.

You need to take the wrapper off.

Open it and eat.

Don't be silly!

Watch me.

Just hold it like this and eat.

What if the fillings drop out?

Hold it like this.

Da-bin! You're dropping food!

Oh no! You're dropping food!

Kids. Calm down.

It's OK.

Now, eat it.

Burgers are messy to eat.

It's fine if the fillings drop out.

- We won't get in trouble? - You want to?

Mr Yoon, what are mothers like?

What do you mean?

Mothers are just mothers.

Just eat.

Listen.

My mum died when I was young

so I don't know.

Really?

Wow! You're just like us.

But I do remember one thing.

I used to wet my bed when I was a kid.

It's scary when the lights go off at bedtime.

So I always wet my bed.

But one night, I found my ceiling all lighted up.

You know those glow-in-the-dark stars?

- Yes. - Yes.

My mum put them up all over the ceiling.

And I never wet my bed again.

So your mum comes to mind every time you pee?

Stop it.

What's wrong? We have no memory of our mum.

He's better off than us.

Right. I'm a good son.

I think of my mum every time I pee.

Look, Da-bin.

- Put it back. - Why?

That belongs to Mr Yoon.

Mr Yoon, is this yours?

No.

It's my nephew's.

No.

Wow! It's Mum.

Not bad.

This too.

Look at this.

Maybe these ladies have the same photo too.

Su-yong? How much longer?

When can I start?

After all the drinks I bought you in law school?

Do you know what I'm doing here?

- I'm stuck babysitting... - Hello!

They're here again.

Hello.

Those kids are here again.

- What's this? - Can you find them for us?

- No. - Why not?

This isn't a detective agency.

What's that?

A place where you pay to find someone.

Then what do you do here?

This is the Children's Aid Society.

We look out for children's welfare.

Why am I explaining this to you?

Then what do you do?

I'm just a man who does good things.

No more questions.

Do you usually get kids coming in like this?

Well, sometimes. I guess.

I'm busy enough as it is.

This is a little too much for me.

They must have their reason for coming to you.

Find out what it is.

Where's your sense of duty?

If you don't like it, you can quit, right?

- I really want to... - Pardon?

I mean, I really want to do this right.

We're done for today, OK?

Let's check a few more places.

Wait. My legs are killing me. Hold on...

Let's rest for a bit.

Let's keep going.

You know the saying

"finding a needle in a haystack"?

- You know what a haystack is? - Yes.

It's a giant stack of hay.

Now imagine looking for a needle

that's only this big in it.

You get what I mean?

Mr Yoon, camels eat hay, don't they?

Yes.

Have you ever seen one?

No.

Look! Bears!

They're bigger than you!

- They're huge. - Yes.

Look over there.

Excuse me. Could you take a picture of us?

I suck at taking pictures. I'm sorry.

Did you see the kids who were here?

Bye!

Kids... we have to go.

Saw everything you want? Let's go.

Mr Yoon, where are the camels?

What? There are no camels here.

To heck with the camels...

Oh, hell...

I'm dying, Sister.

Kids are like that.

It's hot.

I want to quit.

I won't. I'll work there until I retire.

I'll dedicate my life to fighting for

better children's welfare. I swear.

Help me. These kids are killing me.

They visit you every day?

They wanted to see a camel

so I took them to the zoo

but they don't have any friggin' camels!

Bloody camels...

I hate camels! They have MERS!

Be nice to them while you can.

They'll lose interest and stop coming soon.

Right? They'll grow a conscience

and stop bugging me, right?

Mr Yoon, why aren't you drawing?

I will.

Since we don't remember our mums

why don't we try drawing our mums?

Fine.

Da-bin, what's this?

Is that your mum?

Yes, it's my mum.

It looks more like an alien.

No, it's my mum.

Your mum is an alien?

Don't joke about my mum.

I'll draw the other eye. Watch.

It'll look better once I draw the other eye.

It's a human now.

Human.

Incoming call: Su-yong

Give me a minute.

Hi, Su-yong!

Come to Seoul right now.

Dae Jeong Law Firm wants to see you.

Really?

The hair and neck look weird.

All right, get off.

When will you be back from Seoul?

I'm not sure.

You'll come back, right?

Of course.

I'm a bit busy. Let's talk next time, OK?

Get off now.

But tomorrow is burger day.

I'll give you the money.

You can go for burgers yourselves.

I only have a $50 note. Here...

- What about you? - Me?

Don't lose the money.

I'll come back and we'll eat together. OK?

No! Let's eat together tomorrow!

You wanted that gorilla, right?

- Yes. - It's a gift. Take it.

- Really? - It's always been yours. Take it.

- Yay! - Yeah.

Fluffy gorilla...

Come on.

I really have to go. Get off...

OK. Come out, kids.

Hey, you. Yellow uniform.

Your friends are here.

Go play together, OK? Go...

I have to go. See you.

Take care.

Mr Yoon?

May I have your phone number?

My number?

- Here. I really have to go. - OK.

It's our baby!

Da-bin, is this your baby?

Yeah.

- It's cute. - Don't touch it!

- Why not? - Stop!

Mr Yoon?

Sorry for calling you in on such short notice.

I've heard so much about you from Su-yong.

I only have ten minutes.

Have a seat.

Do you know this book?

Yes. I do, sir.

Can you tell me about it?

If we must worry about our parents' social class

and the type of neighbours we should meet

it means our society is not yet fair

and that we have much to do.

Good. But here at Dae Jeong

we don't agree with this book.

Pardon me?

We don't waste time thinking how things might be

if we were born into a different environment.

What about you?

I think the same, sir.

Great. Can you start work tomorrow?

Tomorrow, sir?

I'm joking. You can start next week.

Sir...

OK.

Welcome aboard.

Thank you, sir.

See? I said I'd repay you.

I'll send you and your family

to Europe for two weeks!

Stop worrying. I've made it!

I never doubted you, Jung-yeop.

Fine. Let's say you didn't.

I'm so proud of you!

Sister!

Oh, you!

Da-bin, when is Mr Yoon coming?

I don't know. Want to eat on our own?

No! I'm eating with him!

He asked about Rawls' Theory Of Justice.

Really? What did you say?

I went all out on what I learnt in school.

What? Oh, no... you flubbed it again?

Don't worry! The president loves me.

Children's Aid Society

Is Mr Yoon gone forever?

No, he said he'll be back from Seoul soon.

Right? He promised to have burgers with us.

He'll keep his promise.

Stay right there.

What's this?

This is what you've been up to?

You went to lodge another report against me?

That wretched girl's just like her mum.

She looks like her too. I can't stand it.

I can't stand her either.

How did you even have two kids with her?

It just happened. Why bring that up?

Da-bin!

Ms Lee! Da-bin's ear!

So this is why it's so expensive?

This view is just awesome.

When can I move in?

Once you've signed the lease. Do you like it?

I love everything about this place but the rent.

Sorry.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Is this Mr Yoon Jung-yeop?

Yes. Who's calling?

What a relief. Here.

What? Who is this?

Hello?

Hi, I'm Da-bin's school teacher.

Hello. Is anything the matter?

Da-bin is badly hurt.

She's asking for you

and she refuses to say anything else.

I'm sorry, but could you make a trip over?

I'm in Seoul and busy with work.

I don't think I can make it.

I'm sorry.

I thought you couldn't come.

Were you aware that this has been going on?

Yes. I knew.

Mr Yoon, you're here.

Are you OK?

Yes.

I'm better now that you're here.

Why did you ask for me?

Because you're a good man.

What makes you think I'm good?

When everyone said I was wrong

you were the only one who said I was right.

The other adults say they'd help us

but they never do.

You played with us...

and told us about your mum.

Mr Yoon.

If a kid is born unwanted

does it mean they don't deserve to live

like everyone else?

What are you saying?

Dad said...

having me...

was a mistake.

I was born by mistake.

Is that why I deserve to be beaten like this?

Mr Yoon?

Can you take Min-jun and me away from home?

We'll be good. We won't make any trouble.

I can't come here anymore.

Why not?

I got a job in Seoul.

I have to move to Seoul.

So, Da-bin,

I came to help you. Listen. How...

Can't you stay?

I lied to Min-jun.

I told him you'd come and take us away...

Listen, Da-bin.

Tell me where and how your mum hit you

so I can help you. Then...

That woman blew the kid's eardrum.

Aren't you going to do something about it?

What do you want me to do?

Press charges against her.

What?

Jung-yeop, we're social workers, not parents.

You think we're scarecrows?

Let's say we do press charges...

did you witness her beating the kids?

Do you have proof?

Why are you bringing this up now

when you're quitting?

And Da-bin has already given her statement.

What do you mean?

She fell while playing by herself.

You came just to ask that?

How could she have hurt herself so badly...

You don't believe me?

The case is closed, don't you know?

Just go.

Hell, are you saying my wife

will beat my kids to death?

That's not what I'm saying...

Whatever! I don't care.

And what's it to you if I beat my kids to death?

Bloody hell, what a pain.

Have some meat.

What's with you?

What?

I want to do this for my only little brother.

Eat lots.

Two weeks in Europe totally changed you.

I know you're busy. You didn't have to come.

We'll do the memorial service ourselves.

You can go after dinner.

Yeah.

No, I can stay.

Shouldn't you get ready for work?

Don't worry about it.

- Mum, I want water. - Water?

Here.

Pour it for me.

OK.

You've got hands. Pour it yourself.

You've grown up.

Looking at Mum's pictures?

It was just lying around.

Want to take one with you?

No, why would I?

Why not? You'll be lonely in Seoul.

Take a good picture of her.

What would I do with it?

Take this. Mum looks pretty here.

She does.

What's this?

This is my first time seeing this too.

Mum asked for the photo album

about a month before she died.

I guess she wrote notes on the photos?

Oh, Mum...

You're so smart.

Jung-yeop's first birthday

Sir?

We're family now.

You should have this.

Thank you, sir.

Sure.

I have high expectations of you.

Thank you.

Hey.

I live below you.

Are you kids OK?

Do you have anyone to help you?

Yes. I won.

- Got them all? - What do I do?

Join the three spots. The three of these?

- I only have 16. - Just do it.

Isn't that cute?

Jang-ho...

- Yes? - May I borrow your phone?

The person you're calling is busy...

The school bell's going to ring soon.

Why don't you try again later?

The person you're calling is busy.

Please try again later.

Da-bin?

Let's play with King Kong.

If you press his nose, he makes a sound!

We're King Kong's mum.

Let's take care of it.

It's our baby.

Sorry, Min-jun. Let's play tomorrow.

I'm tired today.

What about Mr Yoon?

When is he coming?

Mr Yoon?

- He's not coming. - Why not?

Because he's like everyone else.

Will someone else come then?

No. No one's coming.

No one's coming to help us.

Da-bin!

You're wrong. He'll come.

What makes you say that?

He promised to have burgers with us.

He'll keep his promise.

Didn't I tell you to go to bed?

Why are you making so much noise?

What's that?

What the hell?

You stole that from my wallet?

Give me that.

Give it to me.

You filthy brat.

- Give it to me! - No! It's for burgers!

You stole from me for burgers?

Give me that! You brat!

Da-bin, come down.

Now.

Come down now.

Whose fault is it if he messes up?

M-Mine...

What happens to little kids who mess up?

They get punished.

So punish him.

What?

Your stinkin' brother won't listen to me.

Punish him.

How?

Do to him what I did to you.

Go on.

Harder.

- Min-jun! I'm sorry! - Da-bin!

Friggin' brats.

I'm sorry...

- Move aside! - Mum!

Hit him like this! Got it?

You need a good beating!

I'm sorry! Don't hit him!

It's really bad this time.

Shouldn't you go check on them?

Stay out of their family matters.

Just worry about our own kids.

Is that right?

Not again.

Incoming call: Da-bin's teacher

Hi, Ms Lee.

H-Hello?

I thought you should know...

Da-bin...

What?

Ms Lee! How did this happen?

It can't be!

Can we verify the body, please?

According to police,

Min-jun stole $50 from his mum for burgers.

Here.

What about you? Will you eat with us?

Don't lose the money.

I'll come back and we'll eat together.

They said Min-jun wouldn't give it to Da-bin

so she hit him...

Da-bin.

Do you want to end up like Min-jun

or live here with me?

If you want to live, listen up.

I'll never let you go.

Do you understand?

That's my girl.

You punched him in the stomach, right?

You did it.

Tell me. How many times did you do it?

Seven times.

Good.

Show me how you did it.

Like this and like this...

Stand up and do it.

Like this...

I punched him like this.

Did you kick him too?

Like this...

Looks like you're too hungry to do this.

Want to eat and try again?

Here she comes!

Da-bin! Why did you hit your brother?

Da-bin, how do you feel now?

Where were you when it happened, Mrs Kim?

Da-bin... wait!

Da-bin!

- Stay back. - Da-bin!

Da-bin! Look at me.

Da-bin!

Da-bin! Wait!

Da-bin! Hey!

Stop! Da-bin!

Tragically, another child has been killed.

A seven-year-old boy was found dead at home.

His ten-year-old sister has confessed

to beating him to death.

At around 11pm on 7th November,

Kim allegedly beat her seven-year-old brother

to death at home.

Police say the siblings often fought.

The incident occurred

after a minor quarrel that night.

The investigation continues.

Think about it.

Does it make sense that she killed her brother?

They were so close.

Where's Da-bin now?

She was sent back home.

How can you leave her with a killer?

But she confessed!

I want to help her too!

But she's her guardian. I can't do anything.

Please! What kind of law is that?

You're the lawyer. You should know.

Why are you yelling at me?

Hey!

Did you really do it?

Really?

Da-bin? How's this?

It's pretty. How about it?

Is this too big?

Come here.

See that kid?

Isn't she the one who killed her brother?

You like it?

Let's see what else suits you.

So our mum has a round face.

Her hair isn't very long.

But to meet her

we have to go to heaven, right?

King Kong...

Should I...

tell everyone the truth?

That my fake mum told me to do it?

Are you crazy?

Don't trust adults.

Look what happened.

Min-jun died because you trusted an adult.

You're the only one left.

If you trust adults, you'll die too.

Your fake mum will kill you.

Still...

it's not fair.

I know, but...

it's better than getting killed.

That stinkin' kid had so much junk.

That frees up some space.

What?

Score!

Please, sir. I'd like to help Da-bin.

Isn't the case closed? She confessed.

But that's not the truth, sir.

Didn't we already agree?

Here at Dae Jeong

we deal with reality, not maybes and what-ifs.

- Sir... - Some kids are just unlucky.

They are born to crap parents.

They'll just have to accept their lot in life.

Don't waste your time and do some actual work.

I'm sorry.

And yes, I will do actual work.

Da-bin.

Da-bin...

That's enough...

Just let him drink himself to death.

What are you doing?

Isn't everything going the way you wanted?

Go back to Seoul that you love so much.

- Stop it. - Why should I?

He's playing the good guy

now that the kid's dead.

Look. Drop the act.

You're making me puke.

- Cut it out! - Hey!

Stop it!

Jung-yeop?

Why did you quit? It was a good job.

Mun-jung.

I'll do whatever you say. Please help me.

Your sister will kill me.

Besides, I've seen many cases like this.

It's not easy.

Please.

Mun-jung?

I was wrong.

It's my fault this happened.

Please help me just this once.

Mun-jung.

This is all my fault. Please...

Help me this once.

Unearth the truth

Please help us save Da-bin

Please help us.

Please read this.

Please help.

Please help us.

Please...

Please read this. Thank you.

Please help. Thank you.

Can you believe this woman?

She passed herself off as a lawyer

and made off with the insurance money

from dozens of clients.

She has served time too.

She was out of control even in jail.

She was diagnosed with anger issues.

Unless it's something I can use

to press charges against her, I don't care.

Let me get this straight.

We can't access Da-bin's hospital records

because we're not family.

The police gave her file to the prosecution.

We'll need to go to prosecution

if we want any information.

What is wrong with everyone?

They're just following protocol.

Treating this as just another case of abuse.

What do we do then?

The juvenile code allows kids to walk free.

She's using that law to her advantage.

We must nail her for child abuse and murder.

Hello.

Hi.

- It's been a while. - Yes.

Thank you for your help.

I'm thankful that you're willing to do this.

Here's the evidence of Da-bin being abused.

I'm pressing charges against her mum.

You said you'd like to help, didn't you?

We want to help Da-bin.

- Please help us. - Please.

The direct cause of death is peritonitis

caused by intestinal rupture

due to external trauma.

I seriously doubt a ten-year-old girl

is capable of inflicting so much damage.

May I help you?

- Are you Ms Kang Ji-sook? - Yes.

You have a registered mail.

Sign here, please.

Thank you.

Subpoena

You ratted me out again?

I'm sorry!

I'm sorry! Please don't kill me!

- I'm sorry! - What do you have against me?

- I'm so sorry! - Why must you do this to me?

Mum, I'm sorry!

You're dead meat.

Mum!

Bloody hell.

What?

Yes, I got it.

We'll find a way out of it!

I have a plan.

Yes.

Thank you very much! Thank you so much!

Bye.

Jung-yeop, it's done.

The complaint has been filed.

Let's prepare for the trial.

But we'll need Da-bin to withdraw her confession.

Will she?

I'll get her to do it.

That woman will go down fighting.

Are you sure you can do this?

I have a plan.

Look, Jang-ho!

Someone keeps waving to you.

I'm not falling for it.

If I'm lying, you can call me a wuss.

Da-bin? Someone sent you a gift. Open it.

Da-bin. I think it's cookies today. Enjoy.

Da-bin!

Is this from Mr Yoon?

Yes...

Tell him to stop it, OK?

Da-bin...

I'm the one who killed Min-jun.

My mum is innocent. I cannot live without her.

I want to live with my mum.

Glow-In-The-Dark Stars

Da-bin.

It's me.

I'm not quite sure what to say to you.

Please sign the petition.

One thing I can say for sure...

Please look it over.

is that there are

many people worrying about you.

Prosecutor Kim!

Think of it this way.

Maybe Min-jun left your fake mum

to be with your real mum.

Da-bin, I know you're having a really hard time.

Mr Yoon...

I had a hard time too

after my mum died.

You must be so sad.

Da-bin, I miss you.

I'll wait for you on the bridge

where we used to play with Min-jun.

Come to me anytime. OK?

Going somewhere?

What's that?

I-I-It's nothing.

Give it to me!

Open up!

Open up now!

Have you gone crazy?

Give it to me.

- Hand it over! - No! It's mine!

Wretched girl!

What's all this?

I will kill you, you know.

I told you to write the statement for me.

What do you think you're doing?

Must I knock some sense into you?

- Hi, Jang-ho. - Mr Yoon!

Da-bin is getting beaten up!

What?

"Fake mum"?

I'll bring it back.

You wretched girl.

Do you have a death wish?

Excuse me!

- Then die! - Da-bin... Da-bin!

What the hell do you think you're doing?

Da-bin... are you OK?

- Da-bin? - She's my kid!

You...

call yourself human?

Friggin' scum.

You're a monster!

- Da-bin? - Mr Yoon...

Get up. I'll carry you.

There. Let's go.

Do you know what you're doing?

This is kidnapping. You'll pay for this!

You must be Da-bin.

Do you want to go inside?

Mr Yoon...

I have to apologise to you about something.

About what?

I'm sorry...

I couldn't protect King Kong.

What happened?

Mum threw it away with all of Min-jun's stuff.

She did?

I'll buy you a new one.

- Open up! - Look, mister!

I came for my kid. Get out of my way!

You're Da-bin's father?

That's right. So open up!

Kim Da-bin! Come out here!

What's with him?

Are you crazy?

Give me my kid back.

- Jung-yeop! No! - Stay here!

What's wrong with you?

What did you do while she was getting beaten up?

Ever heard of aiding and abetting?

You're just as bad as that woman!

Bloody hell.

You kidnapped my kid.

Want me to call the cops?

For what? You'll be called in tomorrow.

No, just go in earlier. Call them.

Friggin' hell.

Fine.

I just want to talk to her. Bring her out here.

No.

Da-bin is my client. I'm her lawyer.

Talk to me instead.

What the hell?

Fine, then!

Da-bin! Listen to me!

I can't live without your mum!

And she can't live without you!

She'll never let you go!

- You hear me? - You scum!

Jung-yeop! No!

Jung-yeop!

No matter what crap you pull,

Da-bin is still my kid!

She has to live with me!

Da-bin! Come out here!

Was it premeditated?

- How do you feel? - A word, please!

Do you admit to the charges?

Do you feel sorry to the kids?

One word, please!

Any comments?

Do you admit to the charges?

- Is it true? - Did you abuse them?

All rise for the judge.

Before the trial begins,

Ms Kang Ji-sook, do you wish to speak?

Say no.

Your Honour

and everyone gathered here...

First of all...

I failed to do my part as Da-bin's mother.

I'm deeply sorry.

Although it was just an accident...

it's my fault for not doing my best

as a mother. Once this is over

I'll take full responsibility...

and take good care of Da-bin as her mum.

Please understand.

Any comments, Mr Kim Jong-nam?

No, ma'am.

Defendant, you said you witnessed Da-bin

punching Min-jun.

Do you think it's possible for a ten-year-old girl

to beat a child to death?

I'm not sure.

But I saw Da-bin push Min-jun

down the stairs and such.

I'm not sure if his injuries

were solely from her hitting him.

Did you see pictures of Min-jun's autopsy?

I couldn't bring myself to.

According to the results

he had many small and large injuries

consistent with prolonged physical abuse.

Is that Da-bin's doing too?

I had to work and wasn't home much.

I didn't know what was happening

when I wasn't home. I'm sorry.

She won't talk at all?

She hasn't said a word since her dad came by.

This is bad.

The second hearing is coming up.

We need her to testify.

What now?

You don't look well. Go home and rest.

Where's King Kong?

How would I know?

Come on!

How would I know where you left it?

Quiet. Your uncle is sleeping.

Uncle Jung-yeop! Did you see my toy gorilla?

No, I didn't.

Man, I recorded a lot of stuff in there!

- Sister! - What?

What did he mean by recording stuff

in the toy gorilla?

If you press the gorilla's nose

it records videos.

Can you find it?

He has been going on and on about it.

Careful! Watch your head!

- What? What are you doing? - Wait! Please!

- I must find something! - You can't be here!

It's really important.

A kid's life is on the line, sir. Please?

But...

Defence? Your witness.

Yes, ma'am.

Da-bin?

Have you eaten?

You hit your brother, didn't you?

You told the police you slapped him.

Is it true?

After slapping him

you said you punched him in the stomach.

Is that true?

Defence?

Yes, Your Honour.

It appears Da-bin is in no condition

to testify properly.

I propose we take a short recess.

Yes. Your Honour.

- Prosecution? - Yes, Your Honour.

If she won't speak after the recess

she'll have to leave the stand.

You need to speak, Da-bin.

It's OK. Can you talk to me?

It doesn't look good.

I'll try talking to her.

Da-bin.

Da-bin.

You said I'm a good man, right?

But I'm a bad man.

I knew what was happening

to you and Min-jun...

but I ignored it and ran away.

And, to think Min-jun died

because I didn't keep my promise...

I'm so sorry to you and Min-jun.

The defence will use Da-bin's confession

to their advantage.

If Da-bin doesn't open up, it's over.

Excuse me.

Mr Yoon.

Hey, Jang-ho...

I call Lawyer Yoon Jung-yeop to the stand.

Witness, do you know

the reason why Da-bin isn't speaking?

I believe it's due to her fear of further abuse.

I object. That's his personal opinion

not a fact, Your Honour.

Sustained.

Your Honour.

May I make one request?

What is it?

May I try talking with Da-bin?

Da-bin is not speaking.

How will you talk with her?

Da-bin.

Look, it's King Kong.

King Kong!

King Kong...

Your Honour...

It's fine. Please continue.

You were scared, right?

You don't have to be scared anymore.

King Kong and I will protect you.

Liar.

I'm not lying. Why would you think that?

The people here are all worried about you.

No.

Adults don't care what happens to me.

Even when Min-jun died

they just asked why I did it.

I'll die if I talk...

but they just kept asking me...

I see.

Adults didn't care whether you lived or died?

Bad adults. How could they?

Then...

let's tell everyone once and for all.

Tell the adults, OK?

Tell them you didn't hit Min-jun.

But I did.

I hit him.

Mum told me to punish him.

So I slapped Min-jun...

twice on the cheek.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so scared that Min-jun died because of me.

Your Honour.

Da-bin had to watch her little brother die.

Although her mother killed her brother,

Da-bin was forced to continue

living with her mother

because of parental rights.

Da-bin had to live with her brother's killer.

She had to make a choice.

To say she killed her brother

so as to stay alive.

Da-bin's confession of killing her brother

was made out of her desperation to live.

Da-bin?

Would you tell the court who hit your brother?

Da-bin?

You don't have to if you don't want to.

I'll tell.

Mum hit him.

Mum...

hit him.

Your Honour! I object!

There are no direct evidence

or any eyewitnesses to this case!

Prosecution is incriminating my client

with leading questions!

Your Honour!

We have video evidence of the abuse.

This video was retrieved

from a camera inside of a toy.

We can clearly see

and hear everything that happened.

Da-bin? Let's play with King Kong.

If you press his nose, he makes a sound!

I'm sorry, Mum!

You never listen!

How dare you!

- I'm sorry, Mum! - Go to hell!

You stinkin' brat!

How dare you steal from me!

I'm sorry!

Die!

- Die, you brat! - We're sorry!

Wretched girl!

Why must you make me do this?

I'm so sorry, Mum.

Die!

I'm going to kill you today!

- Die! - I'm sorry, Mum!

Please don't kill him!

I think I ate too much...

You'll be better soon.

- Da-bin... - Yes?

I think I saw Mum in my dream.

Really? Lucky you.

But I don't remember...

her face.

I wish I can see her.

I'll show you Mum's face later.

You people call this evidence?

Fine!

I admit I hit them.

But I did it as a mother!

I did it to discipline my kids!

Can't a mother hit her kids to discipline them?

Ms Kang Ji-sook!

You did it as a mother? Really?

Are you really a mother?

Do you even feel maternal love?

Da-bin and Min-jun are capable of love

even towards a toy!

- As a mother... - Shut the hell up!

Your Honour.

The witness is defaming...

I gave them medicine when they're sick.

I tied her hair.

I cooked for them!

I bought them clothes for school!

I did everything a mother should!

Would I do that if I weren't a mother?

Your Honour!

Isn't that maternal love?

What else do you want me to do?

What else am I supposed to do?

Kids laugh, cry, live and grow

in their mother's care!

It's a given.

Da-bin once asked me...

what a mother is like.

That poor child actually had to ask.

I'll ask you the same thing, Ms Kang Ji-sook.

Ms Kang Ji-sook.

What is a mother to you?

Hell.

I never had one, so how would I know?

What kind of a question is that?

Ms Kang Ji-sook.

You don't want to mess with me!

You friggin' dirtbag!

Be quiet.

You friggin' schmuck!

- Ms Kang! - How dare you!

Remove the defendant from court!

Why are you doing this to me!

Please calm down.

You scumbag!

How dare you mess with me!

Defendant Kang Ji-sook has failed in her duty

as the guardian of her stepchildren.

She deserves the heaviest penalty

for the vicious abuse

she inflicted on her children.

However, given that the victim's death

was brought about by prolonged abuse

the defendant is not guilty of murder

but manslaughter.

The court finds Kang Ji-sook

guilty of child abuse and manslaughter

and hereby sentences her to 16 years in jail.

Defendant Kim Jong-nam

is found guilty of ignoring the abuse

and hereby sentenced to five years in jail.

Six months later

Min-jun.

I'm sorry for fulfilling my promise so late.

Mr Yoon finally found Mum's picture today.

You're right, after all. He isn't a liar.

Da-bin!

Mr Yoon!

Here.

Min-jun.

Can you see this?

Can you see Mum's face now?

Da-bin.

Now that I know how Mum looks like

I'll be able to find her.

Da-bin, let's go.

Are you all right?

Yes, I'm all right.

Min-jun knows how his mum looks like now.

In 2001, there were 4,133 reports

of child abuse in Korea.

The number soared to 19,208 in 2015

and 34,169 in 2017.

However, most perpetrators

were only put on probation or fined.

Four out of five perpetrators

of child abuse are the parents.