Original subtitles

[theme music playing]

PRO BONO

[protester] Arrest the sexual predator Jang Hyeon-bae!

- Arrest him! - Arrest him!

Bring sexual predator Jang Hyeon-bae to justice!

- Bring him to justice! - Bring him to justice!

Despite allegations of massive tax evasion and embezzlement,

JS Group CEO Jang Hyeon-bae's arrest warrant was dismissed,

sparking controversy about preferential treatment.

All eyes will be on Judge Kang Da-wit

as he delivers the verdict today.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jang's legal team

- claims his innocence-- - [man 1] He's here!

[man 2] It's Judge Kang Da-wit!

- [man 3] Here he comes! - [man 4] He's here!

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE

[reporters clamoring]

[funky music swells]

[woman] Judge Kang,

are you going to rule on Mr. Jang's case as planned today?

[camera shutter clicking]

[man 1] Judge Kang,

Jang's legal team expressed confidence after recruiting

a former justice of the Supreme Court.

Justice Byeon was the chief judge when you were first appointed.

Have you been to Tongin Sundae-guk?

Sundae?

I know you like blood sausage soup, Mr. Kim.

Of the four major spots, I think Tongin tastes the best.

I'll treat you to it sometime. Wait.

Ms. Park likes sundae too, right?

You can come too.

- Pardon? - Judge Kang…

[man 2] Give us a few words!

[Mr. Kim] He sure is good at getting away.

What's that in his hand?

One Hundred Years of Solitude. It's a Nobel Prize-winning novel.

I know it's a novel. But…

On a big day like this, why did he bring a novel…

"Hundred Years?"

Is he going to sentence him to 100 years in prison?

Come on, Do-hun!

- [Mr. Kim] What? - [Ms. Park] Ridiculous.

[Da-wit] Seoul Central District Court,

the biggest court in Korea,

handles 70% of Seoul's civil and criminal cases.

[man 1] Hello, sir.

[man 2] Hey, Judge Kang. I'll see you later.

COURT

[Da-wit] This is my castle,

and not just anyone can come in.

The Criminal Division for Corruption Cases

tries the most powerful people in the country.

I've made it to this castle

faster than anyone has.

Hello.

Captain! Hello, Judge Kang.

Hello, sir!

EPISODE 1

How is your knee doing?

It's no big deal. It's just a mild sprain.

Come on. You always say that.

Teolbo's Butcher Shop is nearby. Make sure to stop by later.

Why?

Why? I've bought some ox knee and leg bones for you.

Simmer them long and slow for some nice soup.

Sir.

Just make sure to heal up quickly.

Without our star center back,

our defense has been a mess these days.

It's so wide open, a truck could drive through it.

I'll keep that in mind, Captain.

Hmm. Okay!

- And as always… - I'll lean a bit forward.

Today's work selfie!

127K FOLLOWERS

Good morning, sir.

Did your grandmother get a hospital room?

No, not yet. They're all full.

Mention me to Sejin University Hospital's chief administrator.

They'll get you a VIP room.

Sir!

You said your grandmother raised you.

She'll get better, so don't worry. I'll leave him a text right now.

Thank you so much, sir.

Right.

- Don't worry about the fee. - Sir?

You'll see.

Thank you!

CHIEF JUDGE KANG DA-WIT

- [knock on door] - Come in.

Shall we get going, sir?

[sighs] Let's go.

[suspenseful music playing]

[Da-wit] Chaebols, or family-run conglomerates, former presidents,

government ministers, and assembly members.

The authorities who aren't afraid of anything

still tremble with fear

when they lie on an operating table or stand before the court.

- [Hyeon-bae] Justice Byeon. - Yes, Mr. Jang?

Are you sure everything will be all right?

Don't worry about it, sir.

It's already been settled.

- Yes. - [door opens]

[Da-wit] This is that kind of place.

[bailiff] All rise.

[Da-wit] And I…

am the king…

of this place.

[bailiff] Please be seated.

Your Honor,

we've filed a motion to postpone sentencing.

Yes. I've read through it thoroughly.

You need more time again to reach an agreement?

Yes. As you already know,

the entire embezzled amount has been returned to the company.

And the outstanding taxes have been repaid.

But some parts of the agreement are still in progress,

so we need more time.

Do those parts in progress involve

the verbal and physical abuse against his young secretaries…

and the sexual assault against his housekeepers?

DEFENDANT

Regarding those matters,

they were largely misunderstandings.

But for the greater good,

I've acknowledged them as my shortcomings

and we've agreed to a settlement, Your Honor.

A settlement?

That's important.

Well then, how much more time do you need?

We're almost done settling with the employees.

And we have the two housekeepers left,

so if you could grant us three more weeks…

Three weeks?

I mean… [laughs softly]

Three weeks? Really?

Will that be enough?

Pardon? Well…

It's only two people.

Gosh, you're so funny as well.

How many victims were there? Please put it up on the monitor.

The defendant allocated projects mainly to his family

and pocketed the company's money to buy a building in Manhattan

and a winery in Napa Valley. [chuckles]

You've been busy looking for land to purchase.

Meanwhile, 800 employees were laid off

under the pretext of voluntary retirement.

If you count their family members, that's 2,500.

Your Honor--

After trusting numbers fabricated by fraudulent accounting

and investing in the company,

small retail investors saw their lives ruined

as stock prices plummeted,

and their number alone…

- [thuds] - …makes up 24,000!

- Your Honor. - [Da-wit] Please sit down.

I'm not done yet.

After evading tens of billions of won in tax,

you've dragged this trial on with all sorts of lobbying

and haven't coughed up even a penny in tax for five years

while there are tens of millions of salary workers out there

being levied income tax every month!

If that wasn't enough,

you've verbally and physically abused your employees habitually.

And you sexually assaulted your housekeepers

who are trying to make ends meet and raise their children.

After watching this on the news every day,

the number of Korean citizens

who are enraged and hate living here…

- [loud thud] - …makes up 50 million!

[indistinct chatter]

[suspenseful music fades]

How are you going to settle the compensation

for all of their mental suffering?

Three weeks? Will that really be enough?

The Court dismisses the defendant's motion to postpone sentencing.

The Court hereby renders the following judgment.

The defendant is sentenced to ten years in prison

and a fine of 70 billion won.

[people exclaiming, applauding]

Order in the court.

Due to a risk of flight,

the defendant will hereby be taken into custody.

Shall the Court notify your spouse about this?

Right.

Which one should we notify?

Your legal spouse? Or…

the one you live with?

[stuttering nervously] Well…

Anyone will do.

All right, then.

Please take him away.

You bastard!

I'm sorry.

- I'm sorry, sir. - [indistinct murmuring]

Do you think I'll take this lying down?

[people clapping]

[triumphant music fades]

[Mr. Kim] The first anti-corruption judge with only a high school degree,

Chief Judge Kang Da-wit of the Seoul Central District Court,

-levied a harsher sentence -Over 310,000.

than anyone anticipated on JS Group CEO Jang Hyeon-bae

and has instantly become the people's judge.

The book he was holding on his way to court,

One Hundred Years of Solitude,

has raised a lot of speculation regarding its significance.

But the meaning might be in the title itself.

It symbolizes his solitary resolve to stick to his principles

and deliver a sentence without giving in to any external pressure.

That is the prevailing view.

Meanwhile, the victims that have long suffered…

♪ I'm your entertainer ♪

- ♪ I'm your… ♪ - ♪ I'm your… ♪

♪ People's judge! ♪

[music continues playing on TV]

- Sir. - [chimes]

Who's playing such loud music in the courthouse?

Yes, Ms. Yoon?

How did it go with your grandmother?

Ah, we got her a hospital room.

- Good. - It's all thanks to you, sir.

Thank you so much.

Gosh, no need to thank me.

Who's going to help the members of my team if I don't?

- [slurps] - [chuckles nervously]

- [sighs of relief] - Oh.

- Also, sir… - Yes?

You were awesome today!

Court employees from all over the country called me,

and they went on and on about how cool you were!

Geez, it was just another case.

A judge just does his job quietly according to law and principle.

What's so special about that?

Come on. [chuckles]

Your modesty makes you even cooler.

- [clears throat] Sir. - Yes?

Actually, I'm a member

of Seoul's Justice Nomination Committee

in the Court Employees' Union.

Really? My goodness.

I had absolutely no idea. That's so surprising.

I'm going to vote to nominate you as our candidate

- for Supreme Court Justice. - Gosh.

Everyone says you'll help the younger generation be heard

and improve the working environment at the Supreme Court.

Even your good looks would be a benefit to employees!

Goodness, I'm still too young.

And I lack the competence and experience.

It's not like I work as a judge just to be successful either.

Well, I knew you'd turn it down

since you are so modest.

Do you need my resident registration?

You'll need to attach it to the letter of recommendation.

What's this?

I happened to have a copy of it.

Okay.

I'll submit it. Thank you.

Have a good day.

[door closes]

[Da-wit] That was the first step.

Anyone can recommend a Supreme Court Justice candidate.

After a screening process,

the committee nominates three times as many people to the Chief Justice.

The Chief Justice chooses one among them and recommends them to the President.

Step one is to get nominated by the Court Employees' Union.

Not bad.

I've worked my way up from the bottom, which makes for a good story.

During a presidential election in the past,

some believed a candidate in their forties was needed.

I think it's about time for the court

to have a young and bright justice instead of an elderly one.

He's from outside of Seoul and only has a high school diploma.

He understands the common people.

If we don't support someone like him, who else would we support, my friends?

- Right. - Yeah.

By the way, sir.

Something's been simmering back there for a while now.

You're right.

It smells good. What have you been cooking?

This? It's nothing.

It's ox knee and leg bone soup.

I have a pretty bad knee.

- [men laughing] - [slurps]

- [exclaims excitedly] What an honor! - Whoa, whoa.

I get to pour a drink

for the people's judge.

My goodness.

Please forgive me, sir.

SENIOR CHIEF JUDGE, CRIMINAL

- My apologies for causing trouble. - Come on, don't say that.

You can't be sorry if the court panel ruled

based on its own conviction.

Some might mistake us for interfering with the trial.

- [judge 1] Judge Kang. - [Da-wit] Yes, sir?

I thought you were easy-going and sensible.

SENIOR CHIEF JUDGE, CIVIL AFFAIRS

But I guess you had lots of pent-up things inside.

Not at all, sir.

[judge 2] Stop. It was because he's young.

SHIN JUNG-SEOK SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT COURT CHIEF

A young judge should be passionate like him.

Also, it was only the first hearing.

It'll go to the appellate court. [laughs]

The business world is going nuts because the media made such a fuss.

I'm worried about how the Blue House will respond.

Mr. Shin, this is why I said the Division for Corruption Cases

should be handled by someone we can trust

from National Court Administration.

[inhales] Even though the recent trend is to break hierarchies--

[Jung-seok] Then, are you saying…

I appointed the wrong person?

My apologies. [chuckles nervously]

No, I didn't mean that.

No, sir!

It's my fault. I'm sorry for causing you trouble.

Everyone, I apologize!

[Jung-seok] Please tell me.

[Da-wit] They're the most elite aristocrats in the legal world.

- [judge 1] No, sir. - [Jung-seok] What do you mean, "No"?

[Da-wit] But since they're only bookworms,

they don't understand that politics is a living organism.

It's tough serving the country, isn't it?

These are herbal tonics. Take them.

[sighs] Serving the country? I'm a mere aide to a National Assemblyman.

Your boss is a political big shot though.

- It must be tough. - [tuts, sighs]

It's been so rough these days.

Incidents keep happening, so the approval rating has cratered.

We need something to change the atmosphere.

[Da-wit] In any administration, when the approval rating drops,

they try to turn things around by cracking down on chaebols.

The whole country hates Chairman Jang Hyeon-bae

for habitually beating his staff.

So, what if the young judge who got rid of Chairman Jang

is also a justice candidate?

He'd be a good card to play.

A shocking appointment who understands the minds of the youth.

Judge Kang, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and do it.

Yes, sir.

I am at your service. [chuckles]

I pledge my loyalty!

- [thuds] - [clattering]

- [judges laughing] - [judge 3] That's what I'm talking about.

Yes!

You normally behave so well.

Why did you suddenly go overboard?

Hey, stop it already.

Judge Kang is…

Is your forehead all right?

Gochujang! [laughs nervously]

It's red chili paste.

To dip snacks in.

It's salty.

Geez, this guy!

You're not like other judges.

You're young, yet you try so hard. [laughs]

[judge 3] But don't try too hard.

It's a bit uncomfortable

when someone is too tenacious.

- Come on. - [judge 3] I'm kidding!

[laughing] Yes, sir.

Let's drink to that.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

- Cheers. - [laughs]

"Don't try too hard"?

How ridiculous.

Those who have worked as hard as I have can look down on me.

But you guys can't.

Never.

[feigns laughing]

- It's Judge Kang! - [camera shutters clicking]

[woman] Judge Kang!

- Sir, a few words! - Please give us a few words!

[man] Judge Kang, give us a few words. Was there external pressure?

[reporters clamoring]

Sir, what do you think of your nickname, "The People's Judge"?

Right.

I'm sorry. As you can see,

I have so many cases to catch up on.

- Hello, Ms. Park. [laughs] - [reporters clamoring]

[yells playfully] Sorry!

[exclaims]

- Kang Da-wit, the people's judge. - Geez.

- Mr. Kim. - [chuckles]

They say you'll be the next justice candidate.

Come on. I'm still too young.

Right?

A justice in his forties is a bit irrational--

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, age 39.

Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of England, age 42.

- Former Korean Justice Go Jae-ho, age 41. - [chuckles]

These are the ages of when they were appointed.

Kang Da-wit, born in 1981.

[in English] Not bad!

Good, good!

[in Korean] You're well-prepared, Judge Kang.

Hmm.

Good morning.

Good morning, sir.

[sighs, exclaims]

Why do you keep carrying around old documents we're going to shred?

What?

To work out.

[machine whirring]

- [clatters] - [gasps]

For goodness' sake!

Seriously? Damn it.

Geez. [sighs]

NOMINATE A FUTURE JUSTICE

Oh, dear! What are we going to do?

It must have taken so long to get these ready.

Are you all right?

Yes. Thank you.

Goodness. You must be new.

Your senior colleagues make you copy a lot of stuff?

What? No, that's not it.

I know. You don't have to explain.

Goodness, there's a lot.

You can't copy all these alone. [chuckles]

- Gosh. - No, it's okay!

I'll do it.

- I feel so bad. - Don't be.

Your job is my job.

We're all one big family here, aren't we?

"Family"?

Yes. Sure.

- Thank you. - [machine whirring]

I'm sorry, but by any chance,

could you take these papers down for me?

[beeps]

Papers?

Wow. They weren't kidding about Gen Z being something else.

A bottom-tier newbie asking a chief judge for papers?

Once I become a justice, I'm going to--

Of course, I can! [chuckles]

All right. So…

[straining] It's hard to take them down at first.

You could hurt your back too.

That badge. Are you an attorney?

Yes.

Come on.

- You should've told me that right away. - [thuds]

I thought you were a court employee here

who had a vote.

Sorry?

A vote?

What are you talking about?

They should have sent an employee.

Why is an attorney making copies here? How confusing.

[sighs] I can't believe that old man.

[quirky music playing]

- "Old man"? - Yes. You're not an old lady, are you?

- What? - What?

- You-- - What?

[calmly] Yes.

I'm a public interest attorney without any assistants,

so I do everything myself.

Was asking you

to take down those papers for me that much of a terrible thing to do?

What did you say?

You said you're an attorney.

Don't you know who you're talking to?

Why do I have to know who you are?

Don't you own a TV or watch the news?

You must have no interest in what goes on in the world.

- This old man must be a narcissist. - What?

You can go back on your way.

Are you that important?

I can't believe her. Yes.

- I am a big deal-- - [woman] Judge Kang.

Have you eaten yet?

Okay. I think we're good now.

[chuckling] This machine's old…

[thuds]

…so sometimes, you have to give it a smack for it to work.

- [machine whirring] - Goodbye, then.

- [Da-wit] Did you go to Tongin Sundae-guk? - We did.

- [Da-wit laughs] - [woman] He's so sweet.

[quirky music fades]

A public interest attorney, my foot.

Her job doesn't even make money, so why is she so arrogant?

- Who knows if she can afford a living? - [cell phone chimes]

[suspenseful music playing]

TEXT MESSAGE

[music intensifies]

[calm music plays]

[woman] The Court Employees' Union has nominated you

as their justice candidate.

[softly, in English] Okay.

[yells] Okay!

[indistinct chatter]

Okay. [chuckles nervously]

Okay.

Okay.

[Mr. Kim in Korean] Hello, sir.

[Ms. Park] We heard you were nominated as a justice candidate.

Are you going to accept the screening process?

- Well… - Sir, could we have a quick interview?

How do you feel?

- Ms. Park. - Yes?

Do you like chocolates?

Sorry? Why do you suddenly ask?

There's a famous quote from a movie I like, Forrest Gump.

"My momma always said,

[in English] 'Life is like a box of chocolates.

You never know what you're going to get.'"

[in Korean] Right. But what does that mean?

[inhales deeply]

I don't know either.

What does that mean?

- [Mr. Kim] Sorry? - Gosh, what a difficult line.

Sir, so are you consenting to the screening process?

[reporters clamoring]

- Please tell us. - Are you consenting?

[Mr. Kim] What was that?

Why did he speak in bad English like a politician?

Maybe he meant, "Nobody knows the future"?

- "Get…" He must have gotten it. - [gasps]

He must have the spot. He must've agreed to the process.

I see.

[Da-wit] I'm almost there, Mom.

[melancholy music playing]

[machines whirring]

- [grunts in pain] - [alarm ringing]

[Da-wit's mom] Da-wit!

Mom!

[young Da-wit] Mom, was working at the factory tough today?

[Da-wit's mom] Nope, it wasn't.

- How's your lower back? - It's fine.

[young Da-wit] Here.

- It's a gift. - [laughs softly]

Gosh, this…

- It's my favorite gift. - [chuckles]

Mmm.

It's so sour. [chuckles]

Why do you like it so much when it's so sour?

Life can be pretty sour and bitter

instead of being sweet.

You'll understand once you grow up.

What should we make for dinner?

- [young Da-wit] I don't know. - [Da-wit's mom] What do you want?

- Spicy stir-fried pork. - Really?

- Yeah. - Okay.

LATE SUMMER OF 1998

- [man] Have a good day. - [Da-wit] Hello.

Gosh, Da-wit's here.

Dorm life is tough, isn't it?

Studying's not so bad. Mom has it tougher.

[chuckles]

- Do you have any apricots? - Apricots?

The season for them is in June. It's too late now.

Persimmons are sweet and tasty these days.

But I want apricots instead. I want the sour ones, not the sweet ones.

Mom, I'm home.

Mom?

Mom?

Mom?

[dramatic music playing]

Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom, look at me.

Mom, what's wrong?

Mom!

Mom!

[laughs]

Man, it's sweet. Hmm?

These expensive department store apricots…

aren't sour or bitter, Mom. Hmm?

[chuckles]

They're sweet.

Very sweet. Hmm.

COURT

Good morning!

Sir, have you agreed to the screening process?

It's an honor just to be nominated,

but I have no ambitions.

What? Please have some!

Everything's great about you, but your lack of ambition's a flaw.

At the Supreme Court,

I won't get to work with you anymore. That's sad.

You can take me with you.

Please promote me to be a justice's secretary.

Ms. Yoon, you're ambitious. That's charming.

I believe in you, sir.

Right. Your classmate from elementary school called.

"Kim Ju-seop"? Who's that?

He said "Juvenile" would ring a bell.

Juvenile? Kim… Juvenile?

Right. Kim Juvenile.

Why did that prick…

What did he suddenly call?

Last time I saw him was in elementary school.

What?

Hey, Juvenile! Running an orchard must be tough.

- Look how tanned you are. - [laughs]

[chuckles] Hey, when I was young,

I thought your family was the richest in the world.

Come on. My orchard isn't even that big.

- You're the amazing one. - Come on.

Hey, let's cut the chitchat. [laughs]

- Just sign 100 autographs for me. - Gosh, will you stop?

I'm here to get your autograph on behalf of our hometown.

Who signs an autograph for a friend? Come on. It's embarrassing.

- Stop complaining and do it. - No.

No?

For autographs, this brush pen works the best.

[Ju-seop laughs]

You carry around brush pens too? [laughs softly]

- [Ju-seop] Da-wit. - [Da-wit] Yeah?

THE PEOPLE'S JUDGE

You really are something else.

You had such a hard life growing up in the countryside.

Now, you've become so successful.

- I don't know my place, do I? - What?

Come on. Don't be ridiculous!

I shouldn't have mentioned it.

Forget it.

- Anyways… - Yeah.

Do you remember Ji-min?

Ji-min?

Do you mean Bang Ji-min?

Yeah, your first love.

Get out of here, you punk.

She had a crush on me, but I didn't.

- No, I wasn't into her. - Is that so?

You begged me to lend you 30,000 won to buy her a birthday gift,

and you still haven't paid me back.

Gosh, I did?

- What? You want it now? - No, forget it! [laughing]

[Ju-seop] No, I want to send my friend off first.

No, my designated driver is almost here.

- Go on ahead. - No, you go.

- Go. - You go first.

- Hey, you go first. - I told you to go first, you punk.

Hey, what's that?

- What? - My goodness!

Hey!

Okay.

Geez.

Keep in touch.

Yeah, let's keep in touch from now on. Okay?

Don't ignore your old friends just because you're successful now.

- All right, already. - [Ju-seop chuckles]

Yeah. The people's judge!

Good luck!

Gosh, you're so juvenile. Geez.

- I'll get going. - All right.

See you later. [grunts]

[exclaims]

[Ju-seop] Sir, please drive safely.

- [Ju-seop chuckles] - [engine starts]

[sighs]

[ominous music playing]

COURT

Geez, Mr. Kim.

Why are you out here so early?

Judge Kang… [chuckles]

…it's about your sentencing last week

of Jungbu Pharmaceuticals' Chairman Yoo.

- Could you say-- - I have nothing to say.

A judge only speaks through his rulings.

[Mr. Kim] Just answer one question for us.

Right now, you're doing more interviews

- than anyone else in Korea. - [intense music plays]

[Da-wit] What's this?

What? Is there something in your trunk?

- [Da-wit] Right! - [Mr. Kim] What?

My underwear!

I forgot to wash my underwear after playing soccer this morning.

- Where's the-- - No, it stinks!

[spluttering] It stinks so bad…

It smells like a dead body. [loudly] I should run to the laundromat!

I'm going to the laundromat. I better go.

- The laundromat-- - [shrieks] I need to go to the laundromat!

Please say something about the case.

It can be short! Come on.

He can be pretty strange sometimes.

Why is he going to the laundromat?

[tires screeching]

[panting]

[Da-wit] Was I mistaken?

No, this can't be true.

Is this a habit from work? I can guess the amount from the box size.

When filled with new 50,000-won bills,

a briefcase is 300 million.

A ramyeon box is 600 million. An apple box is 1.2 billion.

No, it can't be…

Get a hold of yourself.

[intense music playing]

At this crucial moment, when I'm about to become a justice,

there's 1.2 billion won in cash in my trunk?

[sighs]

There's no way.

No way.

[gasps, pants]

[female voice] Kang Da-wit.

Who's that?

- [tings] - You…

are fucked.

[screams] No!

- [line ringing] - [breathing heavily]

Why isn't he picking up?

Think. Come on, think.

They say clear minds can help you survive even a bear.

Or was it a tiger?

No, that's not what's important right now.

[cell phone chimes]

[Ju-seop] Hey, people's judge.

I'm on my way back home now.

[Da-wit] Okay, at a time like this,

I should check the facts first.

[exhales]

Did you get back safely last night?

[Ju-seop] Come on. You think this hillbilly couldn't find his hotel?

[Da-wit laughs] I was worried about you, dude.

By the way,

did you leave something in my car?

[Ju-seop] What? What are you talking about?

You and I left at the same time after drinking.

Right.

[Da-wit] Right? I know that.

Hey, don't get me wrong,

but you didn't have a favor to ask of me

or anything like that, right?

[Ju-seop] A favor?

Of course, I have one.

What is it?

[Ju-seop] Well…

Another 100 autographs.

I'll use them to brag.

"I'm Judge Kang's best friend."

"I'm a big deal." [chuckles]

[mysterious music playing]

[Da-wit] Right. My autographs.

Well, sure. That's no problem at all.

Okay, then. Get home safe. I'll see you next time.

[music fades]

Right.

As if he would've had 1.2 billion won.

[sighs]

The designated driver also said nothing happened.

The barbecue place's parking lot doesn't have CCTV.

My car was parked here.

Then…

It's facing this way.

[sighs] I should call the police and have them investigate.

But…

An apple box filled with 1.2 billion won in the car of an anti-corruption judge.

That doesn't look good at all.

It'll look like I've changed my mind out of fear after accepting the money.

The crime of bribery is established the moment you accept it.

But if it's a bribe, there has to be someone who gave it!

The money came first with nobody around…

That means it wasn't a bribe. It was a trap.

[suspenseful music swells]

It's bait.

Bait to reel me.

- [papers thud] - Is that true?

Yes, sir.

Nobody gave all that money, but it was in a judge's car?

Who's going to buy that?

Still, I think I should tell the police first.

Their chief respects you so much.

No.

Right now, Chief Park

is desperate to become commissioner general.

Cracking down on judges and prosecutors is their biggest deal. Why?

Because it'll be on the news.

You're saying they'll make a bigger deal out of it?

[sighs] This isn't just about you.

You're famous across the country as the people's judge.

If this news spreads, it'll affect you,

it'll affect me for appointing you…

You're right.

It'd be trouble for you too,

especially during this sensitive period before a justice appointment.

[tuts, sighs] Damn it.

[snapping fingers] Is there any way

to deal with this quietly?

Sir, this is bait

intended to trap us.

At a time like this, instead of hiding in fear,

we have to strike back.

Strike back?

[intense music playing]

This message was in the box.

Let's do what they want.

[Jung-seok] "Use it for a good cause."

Yes. Since that's what they wrote,

let's do that.

What can they do?

"No, it was actually a bribe."

"I secretly put it in Kang Da-wit's car trunk to screw him."

Will they be able to say that?

[inhales]

Will it really be okay?

[music fades]

A HUGE ANONYMOUS DONATION TO SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT COURT

[Da-wit] It's just right.

A moving story that's not too big.

And Mr. Shin was able to promote himself in the meantime.

USE IT FOR A GOOD CAUSE

[in English] Everybody is happy.

[in Korean] Okay. What are you going to do now, you coward?

You accidentally donated 1.2 billion won while trying to screw me.

I bet you'll go to heaven, you prick!

- [yells] Good for you, moron! - [door opens]

[shredder whirring]

Sir, Mr. Shin needs to see you right now.

What?

- [knock on door] - [door opens]

Did you see the article, sir?

What's your intent, you bastard?

Sorry? What do you mean, sir?

[thuds]

- [grunts] - [clattering]

[stuttering] Mr. Shin.

I trusted and guided you

when you were a nobody without a college degree.

[angrily] How could you betray me like this, you snake?

[nervously] Sir, what on earth are you talking about?

[ominous music playing]

[exhales slowly]

[sighs]

[panting]

- [indistinct chatter on video] - Go ahead.

[Da-wit] This is…

Gosh, you shouldn't have.

Hey.

[conversation continues indistinctly]

[Da-wit] It's so heavy.

[music intensifies]

Thanks.

[Ju-seop] I hope you enjoy.

That's not…

That's not me.

I never did that.

This is fake.

Some lunatic is using an altered video

- to mess with-- - [Jung-seok] You bastard!

I can't believe how brazen you are.

You're still trying to con me after seeing that?

What's your intent?

Why did you drag me into this after taking that bribe?

Why?

"An anonymous benefactor?" "Use it for a good cause?"

You son of a…

You purposely did this to screw me, didn't you?

Okay. I'll try to understand.

Just tell me why.

- What was your intent? - No, sir!

This guy is Kim Ju-seop, and he owns a countryside orchard.

What? Kim Ju-seop?

- A countryside orchard? - Yes!

Don't you know who he is?

- He's my friend from elementary school. - [exhales]

That bastard…

is Yoo Jae-beom, who I tried for being a serial con artist.

He's wanted right now for committing fraud and fleeing after his release!

There's no way.

CRIMINAL AND INVESTIGATION RECORDS CHECK

ARREST WARRANT

[intense music playing]

This can't be right.

This can't…

[sighs]

There's no way.

[music swells, fades]

[automated voice] The number you have dialed is not in service.

KIM JUVENILE

No way.

- The number you have dialed… - [yells] No! [tuts]

No.

-The number you have dialed -No.

- is not in service. - No.

[pants]

Damn it.

BAE JEONG-HWAN, CLASSMATE

[line ringing]

[cell phone buzzing]

Hey, Jeong-hwan. It's me, Da-wit. It's been a while.

Hey, Da-wit.

What's with the sudden call? It's been years.

Sorry to call so suddenly like this,

but I'm in a bit of a hurry.

Do you remember Kim Ju-seop from our elementary school?

I was wondering if you knew his number.

[Jeong-hwan] Kim Ju-seop?

Well, I saw him recently,

but I don't have his number.

Are you talking about Juvenile?

[exclaims] Yes, Kim Juvenile!

[calmly] Yeah, that's right.

What are you talking about, man? He died ten years ago.

- [suspenseful music plays] - What?

[Jeong-hwan] He passed away at a young age from a brain aneurysm.

It ran in his family.

But what do you mean you saw him recently?

Actually…

I must have been mistaken. Sorry to bother you.

I'll call you next time.

[sniffles]

YOO JAE-BEOM

FORMER FRAUD CONVICT'S NEW IDENTITY AS STARTUP CEO

STARTUP RECEIVES GOVERNMENT AID DESPITE FRAUD RECORD

ALREADY SEVERAL WARNINGS

[Da-wit] To me,

life hasn't been a box of sweet chocolates.

It's been a box of poisonous apples,

no matter how hard I tried.

[music intensifies]

You think I'm Snow White or something?

Did you think I'd die after eating those poisonous apple?

[yells angrily] Do you know what I went through to get here?

[music swells, fades]

Geez, how much is that?

Hey. I was right, wasn't I?

It's a deepfake.

I never did that. I remember clearly.

- Judge Kang. - Yeah?

[snaps fingers] Current deepfake technology can't look this natural yet.

How did they fake this? Why does it look so real?

I'm really sorry… [snaps fingers]

[mouse clicking]

but I looked at it frame by frame.

I also checked the sources… [snaps fingers]

…but this video is real.

[inhales] Then, they must have hired someone who looks just like me--

[tech guy] Sir. [snaps fingers]

[clicking]

You don't have a twin brother, do you? No.

Be honest.

Did you take the money or not? [snaps fingers]

Stop snapping.

[sighs] This is driving me crazy.

Did I really lose my mind?

If this wasn't altered,

you're saying that really is me?

[Da-wit breathing heavily]

That's really me?

[suspenseful music plays, fades]

COURT

[Da-wit sighs]

Please give me some time, sir.

I'll pull all the strings I have

and get to the bottom of--

Make a choice.

Sir? What choice?

Are you going to quietly quit before word gets out?

Or will you face a police investigation for taking a big bribe

from a serial con artist?

- [Da-wit] No! - [camera shutters clicking]

- This was a trap! - [reporters clamoring]

- [yelling] It wasn't me! No! - The people's judge!

I trusted you so much!

No, I didn't do it!

[breathing heavily]

Sir.

It seems I have your answer.

Submit your resignation letter right away.

By the way, even if you quit,

you won't be able to open a law office for a while.

What do you mean?

[inhales] Dr. Oh Gyu-jang pulled some strings,

so we were just able to quietly cover this up.

But as the chair of the bar association,

he can't allow a corrupt judge like you…

to become an attorney.

- [sighs] A corrupt judge? Sir, I'm so-- - [thudding]

After personally receiving that bribe,

you're still being this shameless?

You should thank me for letting you quit

without telling anyone.

Whether you be a law firm office manager in the country or do manual labor,

just live quietly.

And don't come anywhere near us in Seocho-dong.

[intense music playing]

KANG DA-WIT COURTS OF KOREA

SAFETY FIRST

[music stops]

One step.

It was only the first step.

[breathing heavily] I was so close.

[Da-wit's mom] Da-wit.

Just promise me…

[melancholy music playing]

…two things.

Cremate me

and spread my ash over a river…

[inhales] so that you won't have to

come to see me every year.

Okay?

Mom.

Don't look back.

[sobbing]

Keep moving forward.

Just keep moving forward…

without stopping.

[breath trembling]

You must…

become successful. [sobbing]

You have to succeed

so people won't look down on you.

[sobbing]

Go as far…

as you can,

my son.

[cries]

- [teenager Da-wit sniffles] - Got it?

- [teenager Da-wit sobbing] Mom. - [Da-wit's mom breathing heavily]

[teenager Da-wit] Mom.

- [beep echoes] - [clinking]

[Da-wit's mom exhales]

- [Da-wit sighs] - [cell phone buzzing]

Hello?

[woman] It's me.

Who is this?

[woman] Wow. Unbelievable. Da-wit, it's me.

Don't you remember me?

Oh Jung-in?

- [jazz music playing] - [footsteps approaching]

[Jung-in] Da-wit.

You remembered my voice after all.

How could I forget?

- It's your voice. - Ah.

You haven't changed a bit.

[scoffs]

You're still so cringe.

You haven't changed either.

You talk casually to me whenever you please.

- [Jung-in tuts, chuckles softly] - [Da-wit] What's the occasion?

We haven't been in touch since our training.

Never mind that.

Come join my law firm.

Your firm? Oh & Partners?

[inhales] I heard all about what happened to you.

[intense music plays]

What do you mean?

Don't ask me how I found out.

- Jung-in, I-- - [Jung-in] The attorney registration?

Don't worry. I've already persuaded Dad.

You persuaded Dr. Oh?

Yeah.

Why?

- Why would you go through all the hassle… - [Jung-in] To help you?

No.

I want you to help me.

COURT

CHIEF JUDGE KANG DA-WIT

CRIMINAL DIVISION, CORRUPTION CHIEF JUDGES' ROOM

[I-na] You can't do this.

You didn't even give us a heads up.

I'm sorry.

It wasn't a choice I could consult with others.

Sir, what's going on?

It's not hiring season, so why are you resigning?

The justice position was right in front of you. So why…

[sighs]

I'm pretty exhausted.

I'll get some rest and talk to you about it later.

[sighs]

[I-na] Sir.

Don't worry. I'll be back.

[Da-wit] No matter what.

[funky music playing]

[Da-wit] Founded by Dr. Oh Gyu-jang, the giant who controls

the legal world from the shadows,

Oh & Partners is Korea's top law firm with its finest attorneys.

Yes. It's a place that suits me perfectly.

Using this as a stepping stone, I will go back

to the place I belong.

[funky music fades]

[Da-wit] Oh!

Jung-in?

Welcome.

[in English] Oops.

[Jung-in in Korean] It's pretty bright in here.

Hold on.

- [blinds whirring] - [in English] Thank you.

[exclaims, in Korean] But you know what?

This place is pretty nice.

The managing partner's office in Korea's top law firm.

It's spacious, isn't it?

But doesn't it feel a bit empty?

No. The empty space is supposed to help with your creativity.

Really?

By the way, the windows must be facing southeast.

They get plenty of sun.

I personally like it when they face southwest.

I tend to enjoy the afternoon sun.

Is that so?

The decor isn't bad either.

All the partner offices are pretty similar, right?

Well, yeah. They're basically the same.

I see.

Jung-in, I want to thank you.

I won't forget your kindness.

I will build Oh & Partners

into a global law firm.

You know I'm a man of my word.

Ah.

That passion of yours never wanes.

Was that why I fell for you?

[exclaims] It was because of my passion?

I thought it was because of my good looks. [laughs]

And you still have that confidence.

Follow me. I'll show you your spot.

[chuckles] But I just sat down.

Let's go.

I'd love to see my office.

I like the offices on this side too.

Is this my office?

[Jung-in] No, this way. We need to go down the stairs.

The stairs? But what about the elevators?

[Jung-in] What? You don't like stairs?

No, I love stairs. It's a good workout.

- That's good news, then. - What do you mean?

You'll see once you get there.

Wow. There's an atrium too.

- The firm's grown a lot. - We have a lot of attorneys now.

We've launched a Pro Bono Team too.

Pro bono? Free representation?

Don't call it free.

[in Latin] Pro bono publico.

[in Korean] It's a team for public interest cases.

Right, a free lawsuit team.

Wait.

A firm like Oh & Partners that charges a million won per hour

has a team that doesn't make money?

- Why? - [scoffs]

Law firms also have social responsibilities.

Haven't you heard of ESG?

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE

We're almost there. Come this way.

[faint barking in distance]

Wait. I hear dogs barking.

Why would dogs be…

[loud barking]

- [objects clattering] - [woman] Hey!

- [man] Why did you put this up here? - [woman] You can't let them go here.

- What is this place? - [man] This is crazy.

- [woman] No! - Everyone!

Team Pro Bono!

[barking continues]

Attorney Kang Da-wit is here.

- Hello! - Welcome, sir!

[dog whimpering]

[woman] Ddol-i, no!

Hey, this can't be…

This is where you'll be working now.

It's a team for public interest cases, not free cases.

[cell phone buzzing]

- One moment. - I need a moment too.

- Jung-in. Hey. - [Jung-in] Hello?

[dog whimpering continues]

Why is it so dark in here?

- It's shady, isn't it? - [Da-wit] What?

That's why mushrooms grow well in here.

This is shiitake mushroom tea.

Shiitake mushroom…

Sorry.

We're handling a case involving those who rescue abandoned dogs.

We have to look after the dogs while they're being investigated.

- [barks] - Ddol-i!

There you are. Come here, Ddol-i.

You have to go inside now.

- I heard you were a prominent judge. - [Ddol-i whimpering]

Please teach me your ways!

I'm Hwang Jun-u, a young attorney who's always eager to learn.

Let me say hi too. Good boy.

- Just a minute. - Sorry.

Hello, I'm Attorney Yoo Nan-hui!

I'm interested in women's rights, child welfare, and animal rights.

- Why do they keep giving me stuff? - Which areas are you interested in, sir?

Well…

Anything that concerns public interest.

- [Jun-u chuckling] - Really? I knew it.

Attorney Jang.

- Right, yes. - [Ddol-i whimpering]

Just wait here for a bit.

I'm…

I'm Jang Yeong-sil.

It's a strange name, isn't it?

It's nice. It sounds like an inventor's name.

- [Da-wit chuckles] - Right.

Attorney Jang has more experience as a PA than anyone else here,

- which is eight years. - A PA?

- It's-- - You don't know?

Attorneys specializing in public interest cases are called PAs.

- And we're AA members as well. - Yes.

What are AAs?

- AAs are-- - A group of attorneys who protect

the rights of non-human animals.

And what are non-human animals?

- Non-- - Humans always think

they're special and not like animals.

To stay away from such human-centric, species-discriminating views,

we've started using terms like human animals and non-human animals.

[Jun-u] That's right.

[dog barking]

[Da-wit] You've got to be kidding me.

PAs and AAs.

I'm a CA. An attorney who's going crazy.

A team for public interest cases in charge of free lawsuits.

She put me in this shady place with freeloaders

who don't contribute any revenue, and thus, have no voice in the company.

What about my stepping stone?

And my return?

And my success?

Hello! You're the new attorney, aren't you?

I'm Park Gi-ppeum. Welcome to Team Pro…

- Bono. - [Da-wit exclaims]

[Gi-ppeum exclaims]

[quirky music plays]

You're him.

That prick from that one time…

who pretended to help me.

Uh, hey, what are you doing here?

It's not easy to get into this law firm.

[scoffs]

You really are something else.

You did all that bragging

about how important you were.

You never know where life will take you.

We'll be making copies together now. [gasps]

- Copies? - [Gi-ppeum] How wonderful.

We were so short-handed

that we were about to find some cats to help us.

We're so lucky!

- Welcome to the team! - Welcome to the team!

- Really. - Welcome!

- Welcome. - [Yeong-sil] We should celebrate.

- Let's have dinner tonight. - [Nan-hui] What do you like?

- [Jun-u] What do you like? - Me?

[quirky music fades, stops]

Why am I here?

[stuttering] What am I going to do

with those people?

My glorious road to success.

I was walking down the path to success adorned with wealth and fame.

Why do I have to handle all these miscellaneous cases

with those weird pro bono losers

[yelling] in the corner without any sunlight? Why?

- Why? - [squeaking]

- [squeaking] - This darn bread!

[growling]

- [squeaking] - [barks]

[Da-wit exclaiming]

- [Da-wit continues exclaiming] - [barks]

[Da-wit gasps, yelps]

Hey!

- [grunts] - [theme music playing]

[water sputtering]

You ******* dog!

[screams] I want to go back!

How could you send me to that kind of place without asking me?

What are you doing to our client?

[Myeong-hun] From chaebol CEO trials to a case of a stolen mutt…

I heard you're a pro bono attorney now.

Did something happen?

[Da-wit] If Myeong-hun's on this case, it won't end easily.

- Do you know how much Chloe is worth? - [Gi-ppeum] Oh, my gosh!

[woman] Our Byeol… I won't let her go.

[yells] Chloe!

- We have to resolve it. - [Nan-hui] At any cost.

I think you've seen too many Hollywood movies.

[whispering] I thought it was okay.

- It's the blunt judge! - Your goal was to change the judge.

Hey, you little… You punk!

- [Gi-ppeum] But is that possible? - You have to win the case.

[Gi-ppeum] You could teach me since I don't know.

- The first reaction. - "Where?"

[Da-wit] I'll take charge of those pro bono losers for a year.

- You want to make a deal? - Make me a justice candidate.

That's my condition.

Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon