Original subtitles

(theme music)

ALL CHARACTERS, LOCATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INCIDENTS

DEPICTED IN THIS DRAMA ARE ENTIRELY FICTITIOUS

(siren wailing)

(rain pattering)

(motorcycle revving)

(thunder rumbling)

WOOSIN: My mother's last words.

(thunderclap)

An anonymous letter.

He claimed innocence.

(thunder rumbling)

The death-row inmate...

who murdered my father.

(thunderclap)

(thunder rumbling)

A PROMISE TO ALL CORRECTION OF HOPE

-♪ Cheer up, Dad ♪ -♪ Cheer up, Dad ♪

-♪ You have us ♪ -♪ You have us ♪

-♪ Cheer up, Dad ♪ -♪ Cheer up, Dad ♪

-♪ You have us ♪ -♪ You have us ♪

-CHILD 1: I love you! -CHILD 2: Dad!

(man growls)

Was that the rain?

(man shouts)

(man grunts)

(gate clangs)

(thunderclap)

(metal clanks)

(groans) What do I do?

What do I do?

(thunderclap)

(soft groan)

Hey.

-(grunts) -(gasps)

You're alive.

(thunder rumbling)

(thunderclap)

Please...

Please don't kill me.

-(grunts) -(thunder rumbles)

(grunts)

(blood splattering)

(thuds)

(breathing heavily)

(ominous music)

(breathing heavily)

(sirens wailing)

(wailing continues)

(thunder rumbling)

MAN: We demand a strong law-governed country!

PROTESTERS: We demand it! We demand it!

REPORTER: The murders at Kangchun Penitentiary three days ago,

triggered a demonstration regarding the death penalty for violent criminals.

Im Duksoo, a long-term death-row inmate, who violently murdered

seven inmates and a prison guard, told the police

that he committed the crime due to being unhappy about his situation.

The death penalty has been abolished in our country since 1997.

Do you think they will bring it back after this incident?

I believe it is quite possible.

Even politicians have reacted quickly to this incident.

WOMAN 1: It will play the most vital role in this upcoming election.

ONE MONTH LATER

(alarm beeping)

(soft moan)

(beeping stops)

(grunts)

(groaning)

(solemn music)

(grunts)

(water running)

(cap clanks)

(grunts)

(door lock beeps)

(door closes)

(button clicks)

AUTOMATED VOICE: Doors opening.

(car beeps)

(engine starts)

-(line rings) -This is Ha Woosin.

Is Haesong Group's offer still valid?

Let's do it then.

Okay.

MS. YEO SOOJUNG

Let's do it.

(horn honking in distance)

Chairman Kwon must know someone who's your fan,

seeing how he picked you.

Is that so? I wonder who it is.

You'll see for yourself, but the conditions...

(scoffs) They're good. They're excellent.

Let me read it first.

WRITING CONTRACT

MS. YEO: Let's be honest. You're too successful

to be a ghostwriter.

Why would a best-selling writer

choose to become a ghostwriter?

However,

this isn't just any memoir.

We're talking about Kwon Jaekyu of Haesong.

WOOSIN: "The writing will take place where the client desires"?

MS. YEO: Yes, at his residence.

And I can't leave his place until I'm done with the memoir?

Due to security reasons.

Put up with it for just one month, and the money will be yours.

I understand the need for a confidentiality agreement,

but why can't I use my phone?

They'll provide a fixed-line.

That they'll tap.

Come on.

How fascinating. Everything will be confidential,

and I'll merely be a ghostwriter.

Woosin.

You'll benefit from this even with all these restrictions.

I'd take the offer right away if I were you.

DONGRIM: Who ordered coffee?

You even make coffee now? When do you write?

I didn't ask him to. I'm not that kind of person.

I can brew coffee and write.

I may be your pupil,

but she's the one who's paying me.

Hey! This is a contract! (exclaims)

-I'm sorry, ma'am. -Why did you even bring us the coffee?

-DONGRIM: Should I make another cup? -MS. YEO: You little...

HA WOOSIN

Goodness! Woosin!

(Ms. Yeo gasps)

I didn't think you'd cave.

-(thuds) -It's a handsome sum.

Come on. I know you're not the type who's swayed by money.

What is it you want to say?

-What do you mean? -What do you need to say to her?

Me?

Among all the seats here, you chose to sit next to me.

You're acting friendlier than usual toward me.

You're trying to prove to her that we're closer than she thinks

so she'll say yes to whatever you say.

-That's not true. -Power play.

You want her to think that I'm on your side.

Whether it's intentional or not, she'll think that way.

Really? Is that so?

(awkward chuckle) He's wrong.

I'll leave you two to it then. I have lunch plans.

DONGRIM: Sir.

Sir, you can't just leave like this.

Sir! Sir!

MS. YEO: Spill.

What do you mean?

What is it?

Could I get...

MS. YEO: Get what?

REPORTER: The approval rating for Hwang Byungchul of New Future Party

has increased by four percent.

His approval rating

has been consistently increasing ever since he made

a pledge to reinstate the death penalty.

If I become the next president--

MAN: Heinous criminals deserve the death penalty!

PROTESTERS: They deserve it!

MAN: We demand a strong law-governed country!

PROTESTERS: We demand it!

-GUARD: Please show me your ID card. -SEOHEE: Okay.

-PROTESTERS: We demand it! -GUARD: Okay.

MAN: Heinous criminals deserve the death penalty!

LOCAL NEWS KIM SEOHEE

(Seohee sighs)

Why am I so nervous when I didn't do anything wrong?

Don't be intimidated.

What?

SEOHEE: That's him, isn't it?

Hold on.

-Hey-- -Excuse me, you can't park like that.

GUARD: Please move it. You can't park here.

-Okay. -Right now.

I will.

GONG DAECHUL

Come in.

Prosecutor... You're not him.

Are you...

-Yes. -No way.

It's you, right?

Yes.

I've heard a lot about you. I'm Section Chief Gong.

(laughs)

Jeez. But he's not in.

PROSECUTOR SONG SUHYEON

DEPUTY HEAD: This was an unprecedented case in the entire constitutional history.

KANGCHUN PENITENTIARY MASSACRE

The public has high expectations for the prosecution.

We shouldn't disappoint them.

After all, we're guardians of justice who are paid by our country.

CHIEF YANG: Yes, sir.

DEPUTY HEAD: You're the only one who can save our faces.

Prosecutor Song, are you confident?

(snorts)

-Hey. -Chief Yang.

Yes, sir.

(laughs)

You're laughing?

I'm sorry, sir.

It was just too hilarious that I couldn't hold back.

-"Hilarious"? -Yes, sir.

What was?

The fact that you want my department

to take over this case.

It seems like you're planning

to win the public over with this controversial case

by supporting the death penalty.

All I want is for you to help out with the trial.

What you really want is to support Candidate Hwang as much as you can.

He's the most promising candidate.

If he gets elected, it'll benefit us as well.

Mm. I don't think that's relevant to me.

There are many in the Special Department who long to succeed, so ask them instead.

Hey, do you think I chose you because I like you?

Your father's killer

is still alive, isn't he?

(clicks tongue)

I see. So that's why you picked me.

A murder victim's son becomes a prosecutor

and leads this case. That'd be interesting.

Watch what you say.

No, thank you.

Even if Candidate Hwang asks me in person, it'll still be a no.

I understand.

I know you're against scheming such things.

DEPUTY HEAD: But just help me out this once, will you?

Don't you think there will come a time when you'll need my help too?

I don't rely on others for my success.

And I definitely don't need others to have my back either.

-Song Suhyeon. -Sir?

Life is long.

You will regret this one day.

Then I'll see you when that day comes.

DEPUTY HEAD: What?

That idiot.

-Hey, Song Suhyeon! -(door closes)

(crashing)

-(thuds) -CHIEF YANG: Where's Song Suhyeon?

That lunatic!

He should calm down.

Sir, please calm down.

Darn it!

How dare he disobey the deputy head?

Does he think he's all that

since the deputy head has always been nice to him?

Darn it! Where is he?

I don't know, sir.

Jeez.

Everyone here is impossible.

They're serious about the most ridiculous matters.

What is it this time?

Never mind.

What's the occasion? Why are you here?

Maybe I shouldn't have come.

You little punk.

SUHYEON: Buy me a meal.

An expensive one since I feel like crap.

Do I owe you money or something? You always tell me to treat you.

SUHYEON: Prosecutors barely make ends meet.

Isn't that Prosecutor Song?

Just stop whatever you're doing.

Keep this up, and you won't be here for long.

Don't butt in when you don't know anything.

Demote or ostracize me all they want. I still won't resign.

You'll probably expose them.

After all, you only live once.

♪ You only live once ♪

Hey.

Darn it.

(protesters clamoring)

I came all the way here for nothing.

I heard they were twins.

(wind gusting)

What?

It's raining now?

-WOMAN 2: Excuse me. -Yes?

-Please take a look at this. -SEOHEE: Okay.

Those death-row inmates are evil.

-(awkward chuckle) -They all deserve to die.

Candidate Hwang Byungchul strives to make this nation clean.

What? Clean?

That's right. Sinners need to be punished.

Then he needs to be punished first.

-What? -He's the most heinous person I know.

-Who are you? -What are you doing?

-Who sent you? -What's wrong with you?

-Who? -Please stop.

How much did they pay you to bother us? How much?

-GUARD: Please stop. -WOMAN 2: Let me go!

(sighs)

HWANG BYUNGCHUL NEW FUTURE PARTY

Darn it. Clean, my foot.

Don't make me laugh.

PROTESTERS: We demand it!

MAN: Heinous criminals deserve the death penalty!

PROTESTERS: They deserve it!

MAN: We demand a strong law-governed country!

(protesters gasp)

SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT PROSECUTORS' OFFICE

SUHYEON: Why would you have lunch outside on such a gloomy day?

(paper rustles)

And all you could treat me to was a burger? Seriously?

You and I seriously don't get along.

You're stuffing yourself well.

Stuffing what? Watch what you say to your older brother.

Older brother, my foot. I'm sick of hearing that.

Just wait and see. One day, you will give me the respect I deserve.

Sure, I'll give it to you once before you die.

Just cut to the chase, will you?

Jeez. I'm a busy man.

And don't just be nice to me when you need something.

It's nothing big.

I'm going on a month-long trip.

A trip? (chuckles)

That's it? I thought you were getting married or something.

I'm leaving my phone behind. I'll call you if I want to.

I don't care.

That's actually good.

We didn't have much time to heal...

after Mom passed away.

She may have been bedridden for a while,

and we may have been prepared for it,

but it's still sad and painful.

Saying goodbye is always heartbreaking.

I still won't treat you like an older brother.

You little...

Where are you going?

Just here and there.

Exactly where?

Have mine. Bye.

That lunatic.

(retreating footsteps)

This is good.

(classical music)

DRIVER: By the way,

the residents in this area call his residence a palace.

You may not know since you're not from here.

But apparently, he has a very expensive treasure.

You know what it is, right?

A treasure?

How thrilling.

(classical music continues)

(classical music fades)

(birds chirping)

(engine revs)

AGENT KIM: Mr. Ha Woosin!

-Hello. -Hello.

This way, please.

(gloomy music)

AGENT KIM: This way.

(door whirring)

As a fan, I was so excited to hear that you were coming.

WOOSIN: I appreciate it.

AGENT: He's good to go.

-(walkie beeps) -Area two, clear.

AGENT KIM: Mr. Ha?

This way, please.

I have two separate copies of all of your works.

One to just keep, and the other to read.

Right. I'll take your bag.

That's okay.

Excuse me.

Let me explain. I'll give it back to you when you leave.

Personal items are not allowed.

There are only clothes and writing utensils.

That's the rule. We'll provide you with everything you need.

Do you know what biometrics are?

WOOSIN: A bit. Aren't they used to identify an individual?

(exclaims) You know your onions.

That's our security system.

We register our physical characteristics on the system.

That way, we can tell if someone is an outsider on the CCTV.

If someone who's not registered comes close,

the alarm goes off.

So that's why those cameras were all outside.

I was curious about the security system inside the house.

Is this how you do it?

Not at all. We don't have access to the indoor ones.

The chairman is very strict about his private life.

-(chuckles) -Maybe he has many secrets.

-Sorry? -Nothing. What should I do now?

Right. Please enter this machine.

Enter that?

However, you must undress.

-Completely? -Of course.

Wow.

(snorts) I'm just joking.

Please.

(soft chuckle) That's a relief.

(pensive music)

(computer trilling)

(trilling continues)

(beeps)

(pensive music stops)

Lastly, this is the most important agenda.

Can I have your autograph? It's my most cherished book.

Sure. Can you hold the cap?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HA WOOSIN

HA WOOSIN

-Here you go. -Thank you.

HAESONG SECURITY TEAM ORGANIZATION CHART

CHIEF OF SECURITY CHOI TAESUNG

Welcome, Mr. Ha.

(suspenseful music)

(engine revving)

Jeez.

They'll go extinct at this rate.

Was that him?

Our chairman's ghostwriter?

Yes. Isn't he handsome?

He is.

He looks like someone.

Who?

You wouldn't know.

(slow dramatic music)

(slow dramatic music continues)

(birds chirping)

AGENT PARK: This way, please.

(slow dramatic music continues)

It's nice to meet you. I'm Ha Woosin.

Do you not know how to bow? How impudent.

Right. Hello.

I'm Ms. Kwon.

Should I greet the chairman first? Could you take me to him?

Are you implying that you're my boss' guest,

so I should treat you well?

-Not really. -MS. KWON: What a shame.

He's away at the moment and won't return until tomorrow.

When the tiger is absent from the mountain,

the fox is the alpha.

-I see. -If you understand,

don't you dare talk back to me ever again while you're here.

Yes, ma'am. Noted.

Escort our guest.

Yes, ma'am.

This way, please.

(dramatic music)

She's just as impressive as this house.

(tense music)

If you want to call someone outside,

you can use this phone in the lobby.

HEAD MAID: Your meals will be provided at 7 a.m., 12 p.m.,

and 6 p.m.

They will be served here on the first floor.

Feel free to make an order if you crave anything in particular.

You may walk around the mansion as you wish.

But the chairman's family areas are off limits.

Above all else...

you are strictly forbidden from entering his office on the third floor.

(tense music continues)

(tense music stops)

This is your bedroom.

Thank you. What's your name?

We maids are not allowed to converse with our guests.

You may address me as Ms. Oh.

I see.

WOOSIN: By the way, Ms. Oh...

Yes, sir?

Why are you always looking down?

Is it because you shouldn't remember your guests' faces?

Right, we're not allowed to converse.

Thank you for escorting me.

(door closes)

People with a 19th-century mindset in the 21st century?

How refreshing.

-Lee Dongrim. -Did you just get here?

Why are you here?

It's obvious. How could I let my owner leave without me?

But how did you know--

Ms. Yeo told me. She said you'd need an assistant.

I asked her for some money in advance,

and she didn't hesitate to give me extra work.

-(exhales) -(grunts)

(sighs)

You see, I did a background check on this place in advance

and checked out some rumors.

The people here are really something.

They're so old-fashioned. I can't believe I'm in the middle of a class society.

They were meticulous.

Right? They're really no joke.

They must've done a thorough background check.

The clothes they've given you are exactly the style you normally wear.

Even the coffee.

It tastes very similar to the café below your writing room.

(cap clatters)

Mm. You're right.

And about Ms. Kwon.

I thought she was a distant relative of Chairman Kwon due to the same surname.

But her ancestors served the family for generations.

During the Gabo Reform, the caste system was abolished.

All the servants who had no surname followed their masters'.

This is the real-life version of it. It's really bizarre.

She has a unique communication method. She processes others' words differently.

She tends to twist the meaning in them.

When communicating, we need to understand each other's intentions universally.

But she processes their intentions however she wants. She twists them.

But what's more bizarre is that she acts like the lady of the house.

She could easily be mistaken for one in those expensive clothes.

-Dongrim. -Yes, sir?

Right. Did you know?

This mansion has cutting edge--

Just go.

Go? Where?

I don't need an assistant.

No, thanks. I'm getting paid a hefty sum.

DONGRIM: Jeez.

I'm also going to get my share of this.

Just listen to me.

I don't want to. Where could I possibly go this late at night?

Turn off the lights.

(soft chuckle)

(sly music)

Ms. Kwon?

(music stops)

(car beeps)

(keys jingle)

(dog barking in distance)

CALL ME TNC

LOCAL NEWS REPORTER KIM SEOHEE

A reporter?

How dare she come to my house?

(doorknob clicks)

(door closes)

(sighs)

NEWS ANCHOR: We have in-depth coverage on the death-row inmates

who'd be subjected to the death penalty if it were to be reinstated.

Do you remember Lee Changwoo, the heinous thief, who robbed

high-ranking officials in the 80s

and successfully disappeared every time?

SEOHEE: Among 14 of his cases,

one of them was a murder case in May 2000.

After serving 15 years behind bars for habitual larceny,

he murdered Song, his victim, near his residence

only one month after being discharged. He was arrested on the spot--

That bastard.

(pensive music)

(tense music stings)

(breathes heavily)

(grunts)

(sighs)

You are strictly forbidden from entering his office on the third floor.

(door closes)

(suspenseful music)

(door opens)

(door closes)

(suspenseful music continues)

(woman grunts)

(woman retching)

(woman gasping)

(woman coughing)

(gagging)

(woman gagging)

(tense music)

Hey.

Help.

Excuse me.

Someone has collapsed. Help.

Someone has collapsed. Help.

WOOSIN: Hey.

Can you see me?

Breathe.

(tense music)

Help us.

Hey.

What are you doing?

Ms. Oh, this woman collapsed.

What are you doing here?

Is that important right now?

-That woman has collapsed. -MS. KWON: What's all this commotion?

(tense music stops)

Ma'am.

(ominous music)

(clicks tongue) What a nuisance.

(ominous music)

(engine revs)

(ominous music stops)

(eerie music)

What should I do? This wasn't part of the plan.

(birds chirping)

(door opens)

This is incredible.

This would be a great writing room. It's spacious too.

Don't you agree?

(exhales deeply)

They sure know how to welcome their guest.

WOOSIN: This is the same voice recorder that I use.

DONGRIM: Are we going to start working today?

I will.

But not you since you'll be going home.

(sighs) There you go again. I'm not leaving.

-Go. -Come on.

Just go.

(sighs) Will you keep this up?

-I already know everything. -About what?

About why you chose to come here.

I know what your true intentions are.

What do you mean?

You'd be insane to ghostwrite for someone.

What are you getting at?

You're preparing for your next book, and it's about conglomerates.

You're here for research purposes.

We're in the same boat. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

A melodramatic crime of passion committed by the wealthy. That's my theme.

This is free research, and I'll be getting paid too.

-I struck gold, yet you want me to leave? -Dongrim.

Call my name all you want.

I'm not going anywhere.

What is it?

This flower.

What about it?

Is that expensive? I picked it myself.

Where?

Outside.

There were many of them, so I picked one.

They wouldn't tell me to compensate for it, would they?

(eerie music stings)

Mr. Ha.

Yes? How may I help you?

Things were chaotic last night, so I didn't say anything.

But I feel bad for you.

You had to witness such a sad sight so late at night.

I couldn't sleep, so I was taking a walk.

I see. A walk?

Ms. Oh told me I could go wherever I wanted

except for the chairman's territory.

I'll be more careful from now on.

(low grumbling)

By the way...

how's the maid?

-I heard she was taken to the hospital-- -(clacks)

I guess Ms. Oh left one thing out.

You should keep everything you see or hear in this place a secret.

Shh.

Yes, ma'am.

HA WOOSIN

(imitates static) Isn't it amazing?

Is this book really that good?

Yes, it's the best.

What does this title mean? Is it English?

What does it mean?

MR. CHOI: Let me see it.

It's Latin for "the unwelcome one."

BOTH: Ooh.

Mr. Choi.

Is it about a diplomat or a police officer?

Yes, it's the latter. How did you know?

Originally, that's what they called a deported diplomat.

But it's also a term for a police whistleblower.

The title of that book.

You must know so well since you also--

(gun cocks)

What I mean is...

You know very well since you were a former police officer.

MR. CHOI: What's it about?

Is the main character a corrupt cop who tattled on his partner?

Well... Actually,

he's a hero of justice.

That's so cliché.

I could become a writer myself.

Anyway...

(cocks gun)

so that's that nerd's book?

(pensive music)

(birds chirping)

(pensive music continues)

Poppies.

WOMAN: Who are you?

I see. You're the chairman's guest.

Yes, I am. And you're Eun Hyesoo, his daughter-in-law, right?

Don't I look better in person?

But what brings you to my garden?

The door was open, so I let myself in and spotted these.

Judging by the lack of fine hairs and the round seed pockets,

this is opium.

-Correct. -Isn't it illegal to grow them?

Nothing is illegal in this household. We can do whatever we want.

I heard we need to be interviewed for that memoir.

Yes, but it can be a casual one.

It's up to me to determine what to put in the memoir.

Let's have that interview right now.

-Right now? -Is that a no?

We can.

HYESOO: Ask away.

Rather, should I tell you the type of person I deem him as?

He'll do anything for his company.

Anything?

Imagine all the heinous and disgusting things you can imagine.

HYESOO: He's capable of committing all of them.

His second son passed away in a helicopter accident.

But was it really an accident?

This will be off the record. That's a dangerous statement.

You're the one in danger, not me.

The more you know, the more dangerous your situation here will be.

And you just exacerbated it.

I advise you to leave these premises as soon as possible.

I beg to differ.

I'll take care of myself.

(helicopter whirring)

Do you hear that?

(whirring continues)

The chairman is here.

(water bottle hisses)

Leave as soon as possible?

That was a warning.

DONGRIM: Mr. Ha!

Where have you been? I've been looking--

Jeez, he's getting worse by the day.

WOOSIN: You did that on purpose, didn't you?

You've become worse this year.

That doubles the pain.

It hurts.

Isn't she the daughter-in-law?

DONGRIM: The only daughter of Eunkook Medical Center who married the eldest son.

Rumor has it that she's a psycho.

She can't hold a candle to you.

Isn't she bored here?

Her husband was nowhere in Seoul.

Mr. Ha. He wants to see you.

Chairman Kwon.

(tense music)

I heard you skipped the medication I gave you twice.

Why are you being so stubborn?

Did Ms. Yoon tell you that? I told her not to tell you.

I should fire her.

Oh, please. Do you think the new girl wouldn't report to me?

(Kwon chuckles)

KWON: You'll torment them all. No one can disobey you.

By the way, Chairman Kwon.

Why are you calling me so softly? You're scaring me.

About that writer. I just can't read him.

He's the biggest headache ever.

He doesn't give in when I intimidate him. He actually fights back.

It'll be fun for you then.

Tame him if you can. I know you're good at doing that.

Are you not going to take this seriously?

It's only been a day since he came. Let's watch him for now.

-(Kwon sighs) -(chair clatters)

(eerie music)

KWON: Come in.

Hello, sir. I'm Ha Woosin.

It's nice to meet you.

He looks like a decent guy.

Is that so?

He looks like him.

It's strange.

His smile reminds me of that man.

How distasteful.

It's an honor to meet you.

(chuckles) I'm flattered.

Cognac for me.

-Did you take a tour around the house? -(door opens, closes)

-Yes, sir. -What do you think?

It's an excellent environment. I won't have any problems writing here.

That's good to hear.

Anyway, what did you think about Hyesoo?

-Sorry? -I heard you met her in the garden.

KWON: Don't be surprised. Everyone here is watching.

You'll have to get used to it.

I interviewed her about you.

And what did she say?

He'll do anything for his company.

She said your company was your top priority.

What else?

Imagine all the heinous and disgusting things you can imagine.

He's capable of committing all of them.

She also said you made the most unimaginable things come true.

And?

His second son passed away in a helicopter accident.

But was it really an accident?

Sadly, we couldn't talk for long.

Once you get to have a long chat,

do let me know.

Tell me as it is. I want to know everything.

(tray clatters)

You can talk freely. She's deaf.

She can only read lips.

(liquid sloshing)

(bottle thuds)

(in English) Thank you.

(slurps)

WOOSIN: Excuse me for saying this, sir.

But what you just asked me to do regarding your daughter-in-law

seems like you want me to become your mole.

Not at all.

(inhales deeply)

I just don't know what's going through her mind.

I only want to understand her.

I'm not so sure, sir. I'd feel uncomfortable doing that.

Only those...

who are capable of making refusals can do so.

I believe you have no right to do that.

(tense music)

Is this how you run your business?

You offer a cheap price from the get-go and try to intimidate others.

You're trying to scare me.

(scoffs)

Then what's your counterstrategy?

I advise you to find another ghostwriter.

You don't like the conditions?

I'm demanding the conditions that I deserve.

I understand.

KWON: I do.

Since I run a business,

I'm often in a situation when I need to negotiate.

Do you know who the fussiest people are?

The one who has the upper hand? No.

Those who negotiate empty-handedly.

And that's you.

Thank you for understanding.

When should we have the interview?

(door closes)

KWON: Everyone here is watching. You'll have to get used to it.

(sly music)

(car beeps)

(whirs)

(beeps)

(whistling)

(elevator chimes)

(beeping)

IM DUKSOO PROSECUTED FOR MURDER

IM DUKSOO STANDS TRIAL

-MAN 1: Hello, sir. -MAN 2: Hello, sir.

Let's have our meeting.

MANAGER LEE: Over nine million petitions have been submitted to the Blue House,

asking to reinstate the death penalty.

We'll be submitting more once we get more resident registration numbers

from China this weekend.

We're doing our best to win over the media as well.

I see. It's panning out well.

How's it going online? Are people being swayed?

Yes, it's going well. The Internet--

We've split the comment team into three shifts.

Four additional groups have been made to create new online communities.

TEAM LEADER LEE: Good. Make sure you keep this up.

The Internet is the catalyst of all events.

Yes, sir.

TEAM LEADER LEE: Okay.

I believe we've set the basics.

Let's win this upcoming election.

MEN: Yes, sir.

Sir, Candidate Hwang seems to be acting out a bit.

Is he? What is he saying?

He wants to spend more of our money

since he made the pledge like we had asked.

If not, he thinks he'll be reminded of it once he's in the Blue House.

(scoffs) That bastard. He knows how to play.

He knows how to demand more money.

What do you say? Should I meet with him?

That's okay. Let me try to reason with him.

Yes, sir.

Did you process the expenses for 2006?

Yes, the accounting team took care of it with the cost you mentioned.

I'll submit the report soon.

That was cheap.

There won't be any trouble.

We picked someone who had great love for his children.

Okay. This is great.

(grunts) DUKSOO: I won't be executed anyway.

Killing a few more won't change anything.

I hadn't killed anyone in a while.

I'll have my cake and eat it too.

(laughs maniacally)

GONG: Prosecutor Song.

SUHYEON: Is Chief Yang throwing a fit again?

Tell him I'm dead.

It's not about him. Some woman is here for you.

Hello.

(approaching footsteps)

And you are?

Hello, I'm Kim Seohee, a local news reporter from TNC.

SEOHEE: You were ignoring my calls and texts.

So I put my business card on your gate yesterday.

I'm sure you saw it.

Mr. Gong.

Yes, I did see it.

But what's the occasion? Why would you want to see me?

I want some legal consultation.

I'm afraid I can't help you.

If it's for writing up an article, ask our PR team.

No.

It has to be you.

-(paper rustles) -(scoffs)

(inhales deeply)

I'll give you five minutes since I'm curious.

I'm sure you're aware that the public is supporting the death penalty.

It's all over the media, TV, and both offline and online.

This widespread effect is typical of media manipulation.

Everything's planned out.

Candidate Hwang from New Future Party

pledged to reinstate the death penalty if he gets elected.

Do you think this is all just a coincidence?

Look, Ms. Kim. Can't you just cut to the chase?

He's using the death penalty to his advantage so he can be elected.

Do you know how ridiculous you are?

Why would you tell me this?

If Candidate Hwang gets elected, the death penalty will be reinstated.

And among the first to get executed...

is Lee Changwoo.

Your late father's murderer.

What are you getting at?

I believe he was framed.

(scoffs)

-Framed? -Yes.

You're being quite rude during our first encounter.

They say reporters are all novelists. Are you writing fiction?

If this is a novel, then it's a tragic one

because Lee Changwoo will meet a wrongful death.

Listen.

That bastard is the culprit.

I'm a prosecutor, you know?

The murder weapon was never found.

That means someone took it.

Think about that. Who could it have been?

That's enough. You may leave.

If he gets executed,

you'll never find the one who really murdered your father.

Get out!

(clicks tongue)

(tense music)

I put this case file together. Take a look.

As a prosecutor,

I'm sure you're more familiar with reasonable doubt than I am.

(door opens)

What a lunatic.

(door closes)

(sighs)

I know. I probably looked crazy.

But you were my last hope.

PROTESTERS: Hwang Byungchul! Hwang Byungchul!

(chanting) Hwang Byungchul! Hwang Byungchul!

-Hwang Byungchul! -Hwang Byungchul!

-Hwang Byungchul! -Hwang Byungchul!

-Hwang Byungchul! -Get lost.

-(car honks) -SEOHEE: Get lost!

MAN: What was that?

PROTESTERS: Hwang Byungchul! Hwang Byungchul!

-Hwang Byungchul! -Hwang Byungchul!

BYUNGCHUL: What has our country come to?

There's been a five-percent increase in the number of heinous crimes

compared to last year's.

The law should protect the civilians

and condemn the sinners.

A lawful country!

I, Hwang Byungchul, promise to make that come true!

PROTESTERS: Hwang Byungchul! Hwang Byungchul!

(tires screeching)

AGENT KIM: What are they doing here?

Why are they here when it's not even their payday?

They must want to celebrate something.

Give them some allowance and tell them to leave.

(sighs)

We don't owe them any money.

They ask us for money every chance they get.

MR. CHOI: Don't.

They'll think we're doormats if we always comply.

(grunts)

I should mortify them.

Good luck, Mr. Choi.

(Mr. Choi clears throat)

MR. CHOI: Jeez, those obnoxious pigs.

Those disgusting money-grubbers.

Hello, sir.

Jeez.

SERGEANT: Look at you. You look good.

-(grunts) -Sir.

Are you insane? Why do you keep coming here?

Your superiors will get wind of this.

Chew this. They can read your lips.

-What's this about? -(paper rustles)

Headquarters reported something urgent.

It better be urgent.

They received an anonymous e-mail regarding you.

-Me? -Yes.

The content was simple.

Your name...

(fingers snap) ...and this address.

MR. CHOI: The sender must know who I am if they sent it to headquarters.

-Someone from Chairman Kwon's side? -No, I doubt it.

Had he learned about my past, I would be long gone.

You would never even find my body.

-You're right. -It could've been worse.

Seeing how they sent it there instead,

they want to strike a deal with us.

Then they'll reveal themselves soon.

-The sender? -We're looking into it.

SERGEANT: The e-mail address is "persona non grata."

They used an overseas IP address.

So I doubt we'll be able to catch them.

This little scumbag.

Stop cussing at me. I'm in my forties now, okay?

What?

(tense music)

(mouthing) What's up with him?

(mouthing) Beats me.

PERSONA NON GRATA BY HA WOOSIN

Persona non grata. (scoffs)

That's exactly what you are. The unwelcome one.

Why did you come here?

WOOSIN'S MOM: Woosin.

Yes, Mom?

Your father...

My father?

He's innocent.

What do you mean?

He's...

(short breaths)

(mutters)

(grunts)

(monitor beeping)

(gasps)

(somber music)

Mother.

Jeez, how terrifying. What is this world coming to?

WOOSIN: What is it?

It's about Candidate Hwang Byungchul.

He was stabbed in the thigh in front of his house.

I just spoke with my mom, and it has caused a commotion.

WOOSIN: I guess they weren't going to kill him.

What?

He was stabbed in the thigh in front of his house.

He must've let his guard down since it was his own home.

They could've stabbed him in a critical area if they wanted to.

ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY HWANG BYUNGCHUL

HANEUL: The police are using the flyers at the crime scene

to go after the culprit.

Candidate Hwang Byungchul who has been taken to the hospital

stated that he was not intimidated.

This was Jung Haneul from GBS News.

EUNKOOK MEDICAL CENTER

-(snoring) -(approaching footsteps)

(snoring continues)

What? What was that?

I heard you were hurt, so I came to visit.

At this hour? Are you kidding me?

Do you think I am?

All right. Good news.

You'll be on the front page of all the newspapers.

"A candidate who pledged to reinstate the death penalty

was attacked by someone who was against it."

That's a head-turner. You'll benefit from it.

Did you like it? It was my idea.

You were behind this?

Do you not like it?

Uh...

Then maybe...

I should've sliced your neck instead. Am I right?

(grunts) Why are you doing this?

Why?

Let me tell you why.

A servant

who tries to control his master

should be punished.

Look.

I'm sorry.

I must've been exhausted from all the campaigning

that I lost my mind.

-Sir. -Yes?

All right. Remember this.

Haesong is the one in control.

(Byungchul groans)

You're just a pawn on a chessboard.

The game will still resume even if a pawn is gone.

Of course. I know that.

POWER VITAMINS

This is gas money for your trip to the Blue House.

The chairman gave you a handsome sum.

Goodbye then.

(whistling)

(gasps)

(dramatic music)

HWANG BYUNGCHUL REFUSES TO BE INTIMIDATED DESPITE THE ATTACK

SEOHEE: This widespread effect is typical of media manipulation.

Everything's planned out.

He's using the death penalty to his advantage so he can be elected.

If Candidate Hwang gets elected, the death penalty will be reinstated.

And among the first to get executed

is Lee Changwoo.

Your late father's murderer.

SEOHEE: I believe he was framed.

If this is a novel, then it's a tragic one

because Lee Changwoo will meet a wrongful death.

If he gets executed,

you'll never find the one who really murdered your father.

(mouse clicks)

(pensive music)

SEOHEE: I put this case file together. Take a look.

HEINOUS THIEF LEE CHANGWOO COMMITS LARCENY AND EVEN MURDER

(pensive music stops)

PERSONA NON GRATA BY HA WOOSIN

THEIR PLACE OF REFUGE WAS INSIDE THE FOREST

THEY JUST HAD TO SAY, "I'LL SEE YOU THERE"

(book clanks)

(Woosin whistling)

MR. CHOI: Look who it is. Our famous writer.

(whistling)

You placed my book there on purpose.

Page 217.

The main character and his partner meet up in the forest.

You understood it right away.

Mr. Writer.

I'm going to ask you a question.

And I better like your answer.

It was you who sent that e-mail, wasn't it?

Correct.

You knew about me?

You were bribed by Haesong Group and exposed your partner.

In return, you became the chief of security of Haesong

and got a hefty sum for a paycheck.

That's your cover.

You're actually an undercover cop who's watching Chairman Kwon, right?

(tense music)

Who are you?

How much do you know?

That's the wrong question.

You should ask me what I want.

Stop being cheeky and answer me properly

if you want to live.

How much do I know?

The Central Investigation Division.

The special investigation headquarters that is similar to the FBI.

Class one criminal investigation bureau.

You're Lieutenant Choi Taesung.

You don't exist on paper.

What do you want?

I know you're watching everyone in that mansion.

Let me be an exception.

Look at that.

It seems like you came here with an ulterior motive.

LEE CONFESSES TO MURDERING SONG

SEOHEE: The murder weapon was never found.

That means someone took it.

(sighs)

MURDER CASE WITH NO EVIDENCE

Mr. Writer, let's put an end to this if you're not going to tell me the truth.

That arrowhead logo.

WOOSIN: That's it.

That's why I'm here.

Don't be vague and explain in detail.

Adamas.

SUHYEON: The murder weapon disappeared.

Where could it be?

WOOSIN: The symbol of Haesong Group.

The arrow with a diamond tip.

I'm going to steal the Adamas.

(upbeat music)

(closing theme music)

WOOSIN: Somebody...

invited me to this mansion.

(gun cocks)

WOOSIN: Will you be okay if your cover gets blown?

SUHYEON: Who are you?

Sir, may I speak with you in private first?

SUHYEON: Is it your passionate sense of justice

that's making you cover my father's case?

I know that he's innocent.

DONGRIM: There's a treasure in this mansion.

Adamas.