Original subtitles

(THIS DRAMA IS PURELY FICTIONAL AND IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH)

(ACTUAL PEOPLE, PARTIES, LOCATIONS, CORPORATIONS OR INCIDENTS)

(10 YEARS AGO)

Why did you apply for this position?

It's better to join the police.

There's no pension, and it's a contract position.

Because I want to change the world.

Look at you making such a cheesy remark without even batting an eye.

Doesn't it make you cringe when you say things like that?

No, because I mean it.

(5 YEARS AGO SECRETARY, JANG TAE-JUN)

You can refer to this. Like this.

Just check this part.

Got it, sir.

(ASSEMBLYMAN LEE JONG-DAE)

You call this a speech?

Rewrite the whole thing.

Train him well, for God's sake.

You see...

You're doing a great job, so don't be discouraged.

It's just that Assemblyman Lee can't see the potential in you yet.

I heard you received an offer

from Assemblyman Song's office to join them as the Chief of Staff.

Yes, I did.

That man, Mr. Song...

Everything he does irks me,

but he has such a keen eye for talent. I've got to give him that.

You got an offer from a big shot in one of the opposition parties,

so you should be proud of yourself.

You're all grown up now.

What about you? When will you join the Assembly?

You should start preparing for it.

I should give it a shot next year.

I see.

Do you have someone who can help you?

I'll start looking.

So when are you joining Mr. Song's office?

Well...

How can I go anywhere when I know all you can do is poke your nose

into other people's business?

Even when I'm here looking after you, I'm still worried about you.

What's with that look?

I guess you weren't planning on taking me.

Fine. Forget it, then.

I guess I counted my chickens before they were hatched.

Forget it. Don't take me if you don't want to.

Goodness.

Gosh.

I'm touched.

What are you doing?

Seriously? Look at me.

What the hell?

I'm not crying. It's just that the chili is spicy.

Come on. What are you doing now?

Seong-min.

Both you

and I...

should get elected as an assemblyman with a badge on our chest

and walk in there triumphantly!

A fair, corruption-free nation!

A country where all of its people can prosper!

Let's work together to create such a world!

Yes!

Like you said,

let's make a change in this world!

- Let's make a change! - Let's make a change!

Let's make a change!

Stuck in a place where the skies can't be seen

while having to fight against time that can't be measured,

you must push the rock upward so that it doesn't fall down the hill.

My apologies, sir.

To survive in this disgusting world,

I had to lower my head

and swallow my pride.

It's about time you were introduced.

I...

Come in.

Hey, Mr. Jang.

Hello.

I am Jang Tae-jun.

Just like that, I managed to climb up the ladder.

With my dogged persistence and tenacity, I survived.

However, there is nothing

in my hands now.

(CHIEF OF STAFF / AIDE) (EPISODE 8)

If I’m given the opportunity to serve as the Minister of Justice,

I will work hard to serve my country and its people

in the best way that I can.

Thank you.

Mr. Ahn is one of Mr. Song's closest men.

He wouldn't have added this question without discussing it with Mr. Song.

Your name is mentioned here.

It's weird enough that Mr. Lee got picked as a witness.

They're trying to blame you for all the suspicions regarding Mr. Song.

They're going to make it seem like it was all your own personal doing.

We will now accept questions

for the Minister of Justice nominee.

Each committee member will have

up to seven minutes to ask the questions that they have prepared.

This confirmation hearing is being broadcast live,

so please make sure you don't exceed your speaking time.

Assemblyman Ahn Hyeon-min, you may go ahead.

I'm Ahn Hyeon-min from the Daehan Party.

First and foremost, congratulations on your nomination.

Thank you.

From what I've observed over the years, I know that the candidate

always does his best

to protect the law and never compromise his morals.

I asked many people's opinions while preparing for this hearing,

and many of them agreed with me.

It's pretty quiet so far.

It won't last long. It'll get noisy very soon.

Assemblyman Lee Seong-min, you may go next.

I'm Assemblyman Lee Seong-min, a nonpartisan.

First, I'd like to mention something regarding the submitted materials.

We requested documents regarding the social groups

and organizations you were part of during your tenure as a prosecutor,

but we were told they can't be submitted as they're considered personal matters.

I think such documents are crucial in determining your eligibility.

We did our best to submit everything that you requested.

If there is anything that's missing,

I'll answer whatever questions you may have, right here.

That won't suffice.

I'd like those documents immediately.

Please submit them before noon.

Chairperson Lee, please tell him.

He is clearly underprepared.

This will set a bad precedent.

Mr. Song, would you be able to submit all the requested materials?

Yes, I will submit them.

You just made a promise before the people of this country,

so I trust that you will submit them.

Yes, sure.

I'll explain why it's important. When a new Minister of Justice is appointed,

all the corporations change their law firms.

To the ones where those who are acquainted with the new minister.

That is why I believe it's important to find out

who aligns interests with the candidate.

- Am I wrong? - I agree.

And that being said,

I'm sure you're aware of the recent conveyor belt accident

at Joojin Constructions, a subsidiary of Joojin Chemical.

Yes, I am.

It was a truly unfortunate accident.

From what I know, you and Mr. Lee Chang-jin,

the CEO of Joojin Chemical, are very close. Am I right?

Yes. We met at an entrepreneurs' forum,

and we're still quite close.

The documents you submitted tell us how close the two of you are,

so you probably can't deny it.

When you were a prosecutor,

you handled five cases related to Mr. Lee Chang-jin,

and he was acquitted of all charges.

Mr. Lee

did apologize for the unfortunate accident,

but he's completely ignoring the aftermath of the accident.

Isn't this because he's counting on his friendship with you?

Let me say this again.

Mr. Lee Chang-jin is my personal acquaintance,

but I've never helped him benefit or profit in any way.

However, some unsavory deeds

recently came to my knowledge.

What are they?

I recently found out

about some unsavory transactions between Mr. Lee

and one of my closest aides, who has been meeting him personally.

It only came to my knowledge recently.

Please be more specific.

Who is that person?

I do not think it's appropriate to disclose his name here, but...

Since all of you want to know who it is, I will tell you.

I'm ashamed to say this,

but it's my chief of staff, Mr. Jang Tae-jun.

What? What's he talking about?

Oh, dear. Jang Tae-jun is in deep shit.

Ms. Kang.

He wants the hearing to be all about Mr. Jang,

not about his eligibility to be Minister of Justice.

The number you have dialed is not...

Gosh, why isn't he picking up?

Mr. Jang!

Were you aware that Mr. Lee and Mr. Jang

had been meeting privately?

I only found out recently.

According to a report we received,

Mr. Jang threatened Mr. Lee using the fact

that he works for you to illegally obtain stock information

and even asked for a director position.

Is it true?

Yes, as far as I know.

Chairperson Lee, we'll have to find out more about this allegation.

We'd like Mr. Lee Chang-jin to take the witness stand.

Please proceed.

What is happening?

Mr. Song wants to use me to make sure he is appointed.

He's trying to put all the blame on me.

If Lee Chang-jin testifies against me, I'll be finished.

But it'd only be words without evidence...

Evidence can be crafted.

He's so close to becoming a minister.

Everyone in the prosecution is at his disposal. He has the power.

Destroy all the documents I have.

Who knows what he'll use?

Why don't we get help

from Assemblyman Lee to prepare materials for refutation?

We have time until the afternoon.

The confirmation hearing will be adjourned.

What?

Before starting the witness' oath,

please note that this part of the hearing will not be open to the public

according to Article 14 of the Personnel Hearing Act.

- What? - Can they do that?

All reporters, note that no photography or recording is allowed from here on.

It's not open to the public? What do you mean?

According to Article 14.3 of the Personnel Hearing Act...

I think this is crucial in determining the candidate's eligibility.

Why must we go off-the-record?

"Because information about a legitimate financial

or commercial transaction of an enterprise or an individual is likely to be... "

Why are you doing this all of a sudden?

Are you trying to protect him?

Have we ever strictly abided by Article 14 of the Act?

Are you saying we can completely ignore it, then?

- We're going by the law. - This is unprecedented.

- You're protecting him, aren't you? - Look, watch what you say!

Quiet down, please.

He brought Mr. Lee to make sure the hearing ends up being adjourned.

If it's adjourned only after he brings up the allegations about me...

That way, all the suspicions about him will dissipate,

and people will only talk about you.

- Come on. - Sir, please reconsider this.

Prior to becoming a Minister of Justice nominee...

- When did you find out about Mr. Jang? - Have you been overlooking it?

Tell us more.

I only found out about it while preparing for my confirmation hearing.

I do not know any details about the transactions between them.

But as the protector of the Constitution,

I believe that I mustn't side with him even if he's my chief of staff.

If I'm appointed Minister of Justice,

I'll be sure to get to the bottom of this.

The Seoul Western Prosecutors' Office is already looking into the case.

This will pain me for a while. However, I promise

that I will faithfully cooperate with the investigation.

Once again, I'd like to sincerely apologize to the people of this country.

Please say a few more words.

- Did you really not know? - How do you feel now?

- Please tell us more. - Another comment, please.

- Sir, please tell us. - Sir.

Did you really not know about it?

Hurry up already!

Mr. Jang, what is happening?

Mr. Jang Tae-jun, it's been a while.

(SEOUL WESTERN PROSECUTORS' OFFICE ARREST WARRANT)

- Gosh, what is happening? - What's going on?

Is it true?

My gosh, it must be true.

I'm Prosecutor Seo Hyeong-cheol.

Is this really necessary?

We were a family. I should at least buy him a meal before I send him off.

Sure. That will be fine, sir.

Let's go.

I'm so hungry from being pestered by everyone since this morning.

Eat up. It won't taste good when it gets cold.

What good will it do if both of us fall into the water?

At least one of us should be standing to help the other one get out.

Don't take this to heart.

I told you when you first joined my office.

When I'm appointed as a minister,

my district will be all yours.

We don't even need to wait until the legislative election.

The by-election is just around the corner, but the legislative election is next year.

If I'm appointed,

I'll give up my seat in the Assembly right away.

Then Uigwang City will need to elect my replacement

in the by-election.

Are you saying you'll grant me the nomination rights?

Who else, if not you?

Goodness.

And as for the allegations that were brought up at the hearing...

As soon as I'm appointed Minister of Justice...

You see these conch shells?

They'll dissipate like snails crawling back into their shells.

It'll be just for a day or two.

I've already talked to everyone in the prosecution.

So just go with them and let them ask you a few questions.

It's just a formality.

You understand, right?

Goodness, what's there to hesitate?

The table is set, so all you have to do is eat.

Your soup is getting cold.

(MADULWON)

How should we handle this, sir?

Should we let him go after interviewing him as a witness? Or...

A viper mustn't be let loose.

We need to make sure this won't backfire on Mr. Lee,

so see what you can do to get an arrest warrant issued.

Insider trading and graft.

- Five years should be good enough. - Understood, sir.

Come with us.

- Jang Tae-jun bolted. - What?

- Put out an APB now. - Yes, sir.

Hey, start the car!

I was going to send him off on a good note.

He's making trouble to the end.

- Tell Won-sik to come back. - Yes, sir.

(SEONGJIN CITY DAEHAN PARTY COMMITTEE)

What happened to you?

I was bitten by a viper.

What do you want to know?

Last legislative election...

Are you sure that Lee Seong-min was the one who exposed

your bribery case?

I had to withdraw from the race because of that.

And he was elected. Do you need more proof?

The organization that was supporting me switched to him, too.

Who else could it be?

But how do you think he found out?

Beats me. That's what I'd like to know, too.

There's no way he could've known about it unless it came from our side.

Who was the detective on the case?

His name is Lee Hyeong-bae.

He's a detective at Seongjin Police Agency.

He got promoted after my case,

and was transferred to Seoul.

Detective Lee Hyeong-bae.

What's your plan now?

I should get off the tiger's back.

Will Mr. Song let you?

I'll bite off the tiger's neck if I have to.

How can I help?

See you at the park.

Gather information on Mr. Song's first election.

- We'll find something. - Okay.

I need your help.

Suspicions that Assemblyman Song's chief of staff, Mr. Jang

appeased and threatened Lee Chang-jin,

the CEO of Joojin Chemical, to gain privileges have been brought up

at Assemblyman Song's confirmation hearing for the Minister of Justice today.

Mr. Jang even mobilized his father to disrupt

Assemblyman Lee Seong-min's office

that was in charge of the redevelopment project.

It's been confirmed that he has been also involved in

Uigwang's and Seongjin's redevelopment project.

The authority has put out an APB on Mr. Jang.

Prosecutor Seo from the Western Prosecutors' Office is in charge.

Prosecutor Seo is one of Mr. Jo's connections.

Mr. Jo told me to step back from the hearing.

I'm sure he's siding with Mr. Song now.

Bringing in Mr. Lee as a witness was all part of their plan.

He was planning to pin everything on Tae-jun.

Will the hearing reconvene?

Even if it does,

we don't have anything we can use against Mr. Song.

What about the additional materials from Mr. Song?

I did receive them, but I didn't find anything useful.

If the hearing ends like this,

Mr. Song will be appointed as the Minister of Justice.

If that happens, we won't be able to save Tae-jun.

Mr. Lee, you should prepare for the afternoon session for now.

I'll call Mr. Jang.

Okay.

(UIGWANG CITY LIBRARY)

(CHANGES IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS REPORTING SYSTEM)

Don't give up.

Mr. Han,

you must keep going for the sake of Yu Jin-su's grandmother.

And it doesn't have to be at Mr. Song's office.

As long as you stick to your beliefs,

I'm sure you'll find a place where you can work at.

(CIVIL SERVICE EXAM PREP)

No coffee today?

I'll buy you double shot coffee next time.

Hey, the prosecution is going berserk, trying to arrest you.

But you're still making jokes and haven't lost your cool yet.

- Is that what I requested? - Well, I didn't find much on Mr. Song.

He must've cleaned up well. It's spotless.

This is all there's left to his dirt.

Let's stop here. He's too big of a fish for us to catch.

I'll make sure this doesn't affect you. Don't worry.

I can take care of myself. Just take care of yourself.

Bye.

- Hello? - It's me.

Where are you?

I'll head over there.

While the confirmation hearing

of Assemblyman Song Hui-seop is in full swing,

the suspicion that Mr. Jang, Assemblyman Song's chief of staff,

appeased and threatened the CEO of Joojin Chemical, Lee Chang-jin

to gain numerous privileges has been brought up.

- Mr. Jang. - The prosecution

has issued an APB on Mr. Jang

- and has launched an investigation on him. - Ms. Yun.

Did you hear? They issued an APB on Mr. Jang.

Did Mr. Jang really do something wrong?

I don't have the faintest idea of what's happening.

Mr. Oh and Mr. Jang aren't here.

Will I have to help Mr. Song for the hearing?

You're here.

- Has Tae-jun called? - No, he hasn't.

No, he hasn't.

Report to me if he calls.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

I heard the prosecution put out an APB on you.

What's your plan?

Just go to the prosecutors' office. I'll help you.

You can't be on the run forever.

Once I go in, everything including my life will be over.

Even so, Tae-jun.

Even if Mr. Song's hearing reconvenes,

Assemblyman Lee won't be able to stop him by himself.

I'm not going after Mr. Song.

I must go after someone more powerful.

The chairman of Youngil Group, Sung Yeong-gi.

Is there anything I should know regarding Youngil Group?

I told you not to worry!

When Mr. Song worked as a prosecutor,

he covered up Youngil Group's slush fund case.

That's how he got into politics. Youngil Group is his weak point right now.

I know that.

But we didn't find a single trace of his involvement

from the complete enumeration of the borrowed-name bank accounts.

This will help.

How did the meeting with the administrator go?

Mr. Lee Chang-jin

will be the last witness at the hearing.

It's been settled that the hearing will start with the rest of the questions.

When the hearing resumes this afternoon, you'll be asked some basic questions.

Consider this as a formality,

and answer the questions accordingly.

What about Lee Seong-min?

Don't worry. We've already changed the order of his speaking time.

And Assemblyman Ahn will ask...

questions Assemblyman Lee was planning to ask before his turn.

Until we resume, please get some rest.

Why do you still look concerned?

Aren't things going well according to the plan?

Thinking of that punk, Jang Tae-jun is bothering me.

You and he are no longer in the same boat. What can he do?

Both Prosecutors' Offices are involved now,

I'm sure they will have him in custody soon.

Please rest up for the time being.

They suddenly changed the order of your speaking time.

They are trying to stop you from asking these questions.

Mr. Song will end up becoming the Minister of Justice,

so let's not provoke him and end the hearing...

Even if the hearing ends in his favor,

Mr. Song won't let this slide.

He'll put more pressure on us from a more powerful position.

But there's nothing we can do now.

Let's start with this.

The honorary chairman of Youngil Group, Sung Yeong-gi.

During the slush fund case, he divided the group and stepped back

as the honorary chairman.

That's when Youngil Constructions' value dropped

and he sold it to Mr. Lee of Joojin Chemical, after which

it became Joojin Constructions.

Mr. Lee bought a company that was crumbling down

and has succeeded in growing the company.

This was possible because he had an unexpected investor.

LD Global from Singapore invested in his company.

The biggest shareholder with 33 percent of Joojin Constructions' shares.

LD Global... Is that a paper company?

Yes, it only exists on paper.

The real owner of LD Global is Chairman Sung Yeong-gi.

That means Lee Chang-jin is only a figurehead.

The real owner of Joojin Constructions

is Sung Yeong-gi, the honorary chairman of Youngil Group.

Yes, when Mr. Song worked as a prosecutor,

he didn't include any of this in his report and connived at the truth.

And with the fund he received from Youngil Group,

he got into politics.

And I'm pretty sure the fund came

from the slush fund he created with the paper company.

I think he set up the slush fund by selling off the shares

of LD Global.

And the fund is being used to lobby

Mr. Song and Samil Association.

Request the Financial Intelligence Unit for the overseas transaction.

Once we trace the transfer of the assets overseas,

we can find the flow of the fund.

It will take over a month to receive such information from the FIU.

Meanwhile,

we must find a connection between Mr. Song and Chairman Sung.

We don't have much time left. Where can we find it?

When LD Global increased the capital by issuing new stocks on KOSDAQ,

an accounting firm was in charge of evaluating the company's value.

It's Naon Accounting.

Naon Accounting...

They were once investigated for fraudulent accounting and tax evasion.

And Mr. Song was the prosecutor in charge again.

And of course, charges were cleared.

I'm sure the firm has some relevant files left.

But do you think they'll hand over the files?

Mr. Jang will take care of it.

(NAON ACCOUNTING)

Sir, you have a visitor.

Is that so? Okay.

So you're interested in making investments?

Yes.

I'm Oh Yong-su, the CEO of the firm.

What kind of companies are you interested in?

LD Global.

Where are you from?

Aren't you being investigated

by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on fraud charges?

Who are you?

Get out of here quietly before I call the police.

What do you think you're doing now?

We've arrived.

- Hey, call the police. - There's no need.

- They are already here. - Come in quickly.

What is this about?

We're from Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Please cooperate with us.

Start the seizure and search.

- What are you doing? - I'm giving you a chance to choose.

It'll be only 3 years in prison and 2 years on probation

for a simple fraud charge.

But you'll serve 10 years at max for fraudulent accounting and tax evasion.

What is it that you want?

LD Global's ledger.

I think that will be enough to save your life.

- Mr. Go. - Yes.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

Ms. Kang.

This isn't enough,

but you'll be able to pressure Mr. Song with this.

Nonetheless, he'll keep denying any connections with Youngil Group.

Even so, it will leave suspicions.

If he can't resolve them,

getting the hearing report approved will be difficult.

Mr. Lee, the hearing will reconvene soon.

Let's try everything we can.

(NOMINEE SONG HUI-SEOP'S HEARING)

(MINISTER OF JUSTICE NOMINEE)

Mr. Song, didn't you investigate Youngil Group

regarding their slush fund when you were a prosecutor?

That's correct.

After the investigation, when some of Youngil Group's companies were divided,

they sold off a few subsidiaries.

And one of them was Youngil Constructions.

Mr. Lee Chang-jin was the one who bought Youngil Constructions

which became Joojin Constructions that we know of now.

This morning, you admitted to being well-acquainted with Mr. Lee Chang-jin.

By any chance, are you also well-acquainted with Youngil Group?

You sure jump to conclusions.

I do not know anyone from Youngil Group.

Are you certain?

Yes, I am.

Okay.

Then, have you heard of a company called LD Global?

No, I have not.

Assemblyman Lee.

Please ask questions that only concern the nominee.

LD Global is

the biggest shareholder with 33 percent of Joojin Constructions' shares.

Surely, you must know that.

No, I don't.

When Mr. Lee and I meet,

we don't discuss anything that has to do with his business.

Mr. Lee, as your time has run out...

You've met the CEO of LD Global, haven't you?

- Who's the CEO? - Turn off his microphone.

You know the connection between Youngil Group and LD Global.

- Why aren't you answering? - Time's up.

We'll adjourn for the time being.

How is it going?

- He won't talk. - It's confidential.

I don't think I can acquire the info before the hearing is over.

How's the hearing going?

Assemblyman Lee is doing a great job,

but we need definite proof.

If I have nothing, I must fight with my bare hands.

Mr. Song doesn't know what card I have.

I must use this opportunity and drive him into a corner.

Then, he'll crumble on his own.

What's your plan?

I must go into the tiger's den.

I'll call you.

Keep him for a few days.

Okay.

How did Assemblyman Lee find out about LD Global?

It's probably that bastard, Jang Tae-jun.

Where's Tae-jun? They still haven't caught him?

No, not yet. He went to Naon Accounting.

- What? - But he had already left by the time

- the investigation team arrived. - You idiot!

- Hey, Prosecutor Seo. - Yes, sir.

You moron!

- Is this the best you can do? - I'm sorry.

Find Jang Tae-jun and bring him to me immediately.

Yes, sir.

We should go.

Damn it. That bastard.

[Netflix Ver] jTBC E08 'Aide / Chief of Staff' -♥ Ruo Xi ♥-

I'm keeping him for the time being.

What do you think he told me?

What are you getting at?

You want to drag everyone down?

No, I want everyone to survive.

Including you

and me.

It seems like you're mistaken about something.

You're just a chief of staff.

And I’m the future Minister of Justice who will soon have the power

to move all the prosecutors in Korea.

But not yet.

It's such a pity.

I know how much you wanted to become the Minister of Justice.

Are you threatening me?

Yes.

Go ahead and charge me for blackmailing you as well.

You've already dumped all your garbage on me.

Adding that to the list won't make much of a difference.

Mr. Song.

If you want to live,

you'd better save me first.

Do you understand?

Good luck with the rest of your hearing.

Let's go.

Take him.

I'd like to thank all the assembly members and the nominee

for having attended the hearing which lasted a very long time.

I will now dismiss the hearing regarding Assemblyman Song's

nomination for Minister of Justice.

The hearing is adjourned.

- Good work, everyone. - Let's go.

What's your relationship with Youngil Group and LD Global?

- Please explain to us, sir - Okay, we'll explain next time.

- Please tell us how you're related. - We'll tell you next time.

What kind of company is LD Global?

From what I know, it's an investment company.

What does Assemblyman Song have anything to do with LD Global?

I think you should ask that question to Assemblyman Song

since he's already acquainted with the owner of LD Global.

Before all these suspicions get cleared up,

I don't think Assemblyman Song's hearing report

should be approved.

And more importantly, I request Assemblyman Song

to tell us the truth regarding these suspicions himself.

The most important issue...

I'm so exhausted after all that I had to go through today.

Why did you ask me to come?

I'm not the one who asked for you.

Chairman Sung returned to Korea today.

It's been a long time, Chairman Sung.

How was your trip?

You came back earlier than planned.

Why do you think I had to

alter my schedule?

I want you to step down from the candidacy

for Minister of Justice before things get out of hand.

Sir.

I don't need to hear any more from you.

You don't need to worry.

- I'll make sure this doesn't affect you... - Mr. Song.

Is it so hard for you to understand what I'm saying?

I hope you didn't forget who helped you

come this far in the first place.

Of course not, sir.

If the hearing progress report isn't approved,

it'll impose a great deal of pressure on the Blue House.

As the former minister stepped down,

the President is even considering to withdraw the minister appointment.

What took you so long to get here?

I'm sorry, sir. I had to look into something.

I think Tae-jun did something during last year's legislative election.

Lee Hyeong-bae?

Yes, he was the detective in charge

of Assemblyman Jo Nam-gi's bribery case last legislative election.

It turns out that he and Tae-jun went to the same police academy.

And they also worked together for quite a long time.

They've exchanged quite a lot of phone calls with each other.

Detective Lee Hyeong-bae?

Yes.

I'm from the Western Prosecutors' Office.

Please come with us.

Let go of me.

Apparently, Tae-jun was the one who reported

Assemblyman Jo's bribery case to Lee Hyeong-bae.

After the case became an issue,

one of the organizations that supported Assemblyman Jo paid for Assemblyman Lee'selection campaign fund.

And that organization got exempted from the investigation.

Tae-jun blackmailed them for money

and agreed to let them get away with the bribery in return.

And that money was used

for the election campaign fund in the form of a donation.

So simply put, you're telling me

that Tae-jun threatened them and received an illegal campaign fund?

- That's right. - Are you sure?

Prosecutor Seo is investigating the organization that funded Mr. Lee.

He'll find something for sure.

Let me think.

The legislative election was in March.

That's exactly when Tae-jun left Assemblyman Lee's election camp

and started working for me.

That's right.

This is so touching.

Tae-jun left the camp so it won't affect him.

What should I do?

I think this will be enough to end Tae-jun's career.

It'll be such a waste to only use this on Tae-jun.

If they're so close with each other,

they should go down together.

I guess we won't be having the meeting

regarding the hearing report tomorrow.

What are you doing here?

It's only right to visit a colleague

when he is being investigated.

I didn't know we were so close.

Hey, we've worked together for four years.

You're still so cold-hearted.

Hate is also a form of affection. This is how nice I am.

I'm here to relay Mr. Song's message.

He wants you released.

Hey, sit back down. I'm not done talking.

- Let's talk next time. - You'll want to hear this.

It'll give time for you to brace yourself.

You know Detective Lee Hyeong-bae, right?

He seems to be very successful for his age and even got a special promotion.

I noticed that you helped him out a lot.

I don't know what you're talking about.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Stop the act, you little jerk.

Assemblyman Lee Seong-min is being accused of having received

an illegal campaign fund during the last general election.

He’s being suspected of having received

tens of million won from his supporters before the election

and having used that money as an illegal campaign fund.

The prosecution will seize and search

Assemblyman Lee’s office

- to find any relevant evidence... - We're the prosecution.

and summoned him.

And in order to carry out a thorough investigation,

the prosecution will also be investigating everyone

that took part in Assemblyman Lee's election camp.

The prosecution will seize and search Assemblyman Lee's office in the morning,

and they claimed that they'll be summoning Assemblyman Lee...

You acted all noble.

But I guess you're not so clean after all.

We've secured a testimony from the organization that paid you.

What are you up to this time?

Where's Song Hui-seop?

"Song Hui-seop"?

You little jerk.

You'd better watch what you say.

Mr. Song's watching.

The prosecution is going to issue an arrest warrant for you in two days.

You're only being released today

because Mr. Song was considerate enough to give you time to settle things.

Right.

But you're lucky

since you have a girlfriend who can take care of you when you're in custody.

Ask Ms. Kang

to pack you a lot of underwear.

It can get really hot in prison during the summer.

You punk.

You totally messed up my tie.

(ASSEMBLYMAN LEE SEONG-MIN)

(SEOUL WESTERN DISTRICT COURT SUMMONS)

Assemblyman Lee.

Are you okay?

Yes.

I'm okay.

- Stop them! - Assemblyman Lee!

- Did you receive an illegal fund? - Please explain how it happened.

Can you say a word to those who are disappointed?

- Please explain what happened! - Are the suspicions true?

- How did it happen? - Please explain what happened!

Tae-jun did this all by himself!

Sir, you must act like you weren't aware of it.

That jerk is nothing but trouble.

Assemblyman Lee, you must stand strong.

Nothing's been settled yet.

They can't investigate you

without the National Assembly's consent. even with a warrant.

If you get investigated,

Mr. Song will do everything he can

to make you receive a sentence for bribery.

Tell the prosecution...

that I'll get investigated.

Assemblyman Lee.

Assemblyman Lee, please reconsider.

This is why you should've accepted my offer.

Then none of this would've happened.

I will never

cooperate with you.

I guess you really cherish that pride of yours.

You're mistaken about something.

This is just the beginning.

I'll show you what happens

when you treat me with arrogance.

You completely ruined my hearing,

so you should be ready to pay for that.

The prosecution has started investigating

Assemblyman Lee's illegal fund case. and has decided to seize and search

Assemblyman Lee's house to obtain evidence.

They've already seized and searched Assemblyman Lee's office

in order to find evidence

- regarding the suspicions. - Mom.

- And they announced that they will be - Everything will be okay.

putting in their best effort to solve the case

by investigating all the relevant people and organizations regarding the suspicion.

It's okay.

(ASSEMBLYMAN LEE SEONG-MIN)

The suspicions regarding Assemblyman Lee...

Are they all true?

- If they're not true... - They're true.

But he doesn't know anything.

I did it without telling him.

What are you going to do now?

There's nothing I can do.

If I get charged with bribery on top of everything else,

I won't even be able to run for the by-election.

Then that will eventually end my political career.

- Tae-jun. - How's Assemblyman Lee?

He agreed to get investigated.

He'll be going there soon.

I need to meet him.

I'll call you.

The prosecution announced that they’ve obtained testimonial evidence

regarding suspicions of Assemblyman Lee’s illegal campaign fund.

According to the testimony, Assemblyman Lee was given

a total of 50 million won.

And the relevant evidence has been handed in.

A National Assembly source claimed that both the ruling and opposition party

agree that this case needs to be thoroughly investigated

and said they’re thinking of assigning a special prosecutor.

The prosecution...

Don't bother watching that.

I know very well that you'd never

do something like that.

I know that, and our daughter knows that.

So please don't be bothered by what they say.

I trust you, Dad.

This is all just a lie, right?

I need to go somewhere.

Where are you going?

The district office.

I need to settle some things there.

Honey.

My daughter.

I'm sorry.

(ASSEMBLYMAN LEE SEONG-MIN)

(BEST FATHER AWARD)

(THIS MAN WORKED HARD FOR HIS FAMILY, MADE EFFORT TO CREATE A BETTER WORLD)

(AND TO MAKE OTHER PEOPLE HAPPY. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR HERO.)

Seong-min!

- Tae-jun. - Hello.

Is Mr. Lee inside?

No, he just went to the district office.

- I see. - Hey, Tae-jun.

Will my husband be okay?

Yes, of course. Don't worry.

Nothing will happen to him.

I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry.

- I'll be in touch. - Okay.

(ASSEMBLYMAN LEE SEONG-MIN'S OFFICE)

Seong-min.

Open the door!

I know you're in there. Please open the door.

Just go back.

I have nothing to say to you.

I know you're disappointed in me.

I'm sorry for making you go through this.

Don't go to the prosecution.

If you start getting investigated,

they'll summon you again and again,

and it'll never end.

They'll even get your wife involved.

I'll confess everything and tell them you didn't know anything.

I'll tell them I did it!

And it's true!

Seong-min, you were right.

I must've come too far.

I'm sorry.

I'll take care of this.

I can do it.

I'll deal with everything.

I'm sorry, Seong-min.

I'm sorry.

I'll take care of it.

- It's nice to meet you. - Likewise.

Minister Song, that's enough talking. You should join us now.

We're all waiting for you.

Come on over, sir.

- Congratulations. - There he is.

My goodness.

- Let's sit down. - Yes.

Chairperson Lee also put in a lot of effort to help us out.

Thank you, sir.

- Thank you. - Great job.

Good work, everyone.

Assemblyman Song.

Now, you just need to get appointed as the Minister of Justice.

Today will be the last day we get to call you Assemblyman Song.

Is it okay if I call you Minister Song now?

If I start counting my chickens before they're even hatched,

people will think I lack prudence.

Don't refer to me as a minister yet.

Come to think of it, you're right.

I'm a businessman,

so I tend to be very impatient.

If you're a businessman, it's only right to be impatient.

That's how you grow your business and pay your employees.

- Right? - Yes, sir.

By the way, about Assemblyman Lee...

He acted as if he was all noble.

But he received an illegal campaign fund.

My goodness, I never thought he'd do such a thing.

Assemblyman Lee always seemed

like a guy from the Joseon Dynasty. And I sometimes even felt sorry for him.

It's quite sad to see his career get ruined like this

just because of 50 million won.

Hey, come on.

Some people take big money, and some people take small money.

But big or small, it's still money.

- You're right. - So

let's all just take big money.

Cheers to big money.

Cheers!

(JANG TAE-JUN)

I really wanted to build the world we both always dreamed about.

I'm sorry.

You're on your own now.

Mr. Jang.

Just keep doing what you've been doing.

You'll do a great job.

Wish you luck.

Assemblyman Lee, who's being suspected

for having accepted an illegal campaign fund,

will be investigated by the prosecution tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the prosecution claims to have secured evidence

to prove the suspicions regarding the issue.

I want you to cause a bigger issue regarding this case so that his name

will be all over the news tomorrow.

I've already sent additional information to the press.

And the prosecution will be appointing a special prosecutor for the case.

Good.

Assemblyman Lee...

He was such a hard-working politician.

He's finally going to become a star.

Mr. Song.

You're soon going to become a minister,

and Tae-jun's career is over.

Does that mean I'll get to take over your district?

The chairperson of the Judiciary Committee...

Don't get too greedy.

If you ask more than you can handle, you'll end up in a mess.

Yes, sir. I just thought I'd ask.

You're good where you are.

- Yes, of course. - If the suspicions turn out to be true,

he might end up...

Gosh, it seems like it's going to rain.

Seong-min. Both you

and I...

should get elected as an assemblyman with a badge on our chest

and walk in there triumphantly!

A fair, corruption-free nation!

A country where all of its people can prosper!

Let's work together to create such a world!

Yes!

Like you said,

let's make a change in this world!

Let's make a change!

- Let's make a change! - Let's make a change!

(JANG TAE-JUN)

Tae-jun.

Seong-min.

Tae-jun.

You don't need to go to the prosecution.

What do you mean?

And there's no need to feel sorry.

What are you talking about?

Let's meet. Where are you? You're at the district office, right?

Hello... Hello?

Damn it.

(CHIEF OF STAFF / AIDE)

I’ll take responsibility for everything.

Don’t give up.

It takes ages for a flower to bloom, but it withers in an instant.

I want you to trust whatever choice I decide to make.

Tae-jun’s been missing ever since he left the funeral.

Did you really take part in this?

You could receive a criminal penalty for this.

The viper lost its fangs,

and the fox will soon get arrested. So what do you say?

Ms. Kang, people’s words

are more feared than the law in politics.

Subtitle translation by Won-hyang Son