Original subtitles

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

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

I don't mind cooperating with you. But there's one thing that bothers me.

I'd like to catch a sly traitor that stabbed me in the back.

- About Kang Seon-yeong... - Yes, sir.

Do what you need to get rid of her at the right timing.

That's what Jo Gap-yeong wants in return.

Congratulations.

You made a fancy comeback.

(CHIEF OF STAFF / AIDE) (EPISODE 5)

You're back.

- I thought you were sleeping. - I was reading up on the bill.

That was quite a long run.

It's been ages since my last one.

What are you watching?

It's the first day we met.

Mr. Jang, we'll run a camera test.

Excuse me.

You can move closer.

Right.

Did you come up with these answers?

Yes.

Are they not good?

Not at all.

They're great.

I see.

Thank you.

Let's time the answers first.

"That wretched day is still in our memories.

Amidst the fire..."

"Amidst the fire and baton strikes,

the people's homes were broken into pieces.

And as we watched the scene unfold, our hearts broke to pieces too.

We groaned and mourned.

However, we're hiding an inconvenient truth

in the midst of our groans.

The truth that incidents like this are still happening in our society.

When I bring this up again,

some will say

they're sick of it

and they want it to stop now.

Our society has become cold and dark and gotten used to others' pain.

Politicians must be present in this dark and cold society of ours.

We must charge toward the darkness and become the source of light.

That is the purpose and mission

of politicians."

You were really cool that day.

Time flies, doesn't it?

It's already been five years.

How did it go with Mr. Jo?

He's not the type of man to back down.

I should sort things out.

Let me know if you need help.

I don't need to try to be on good terms with him anymore.

I'll keep that in mind.

Would you like some tea also?

Sure.

(ASSEMBLYMAN SONG HUI-SEOP'S OFFICE)

Damn it.

- Hello. - Hey.

What are you doing?

I'm putting together new materials for the presentation.

- New materials? - Yes, it was Mr. Jang's idea.

Let me see.

Here.

How dare he fix this without running it by me first?

That bastard must think I'm a joke.

Hello, Mr. Hwang. It's me, Oh Won-sik.

Yes, I'm aware of that.

If you can spare me some time, why don't we grab a drink?

No, please. It's my treat.

I'll head to your office.

Okay.

Mr. Jang should've done a better job.

I should've been at the presentation.

It's all the same no matter who comes.

We're working hard, too, you know.

Mr. Hwang,

did someone buy your field?

I can only get a good price once the roads are paved.

They keep changing their minds. It's torture.

Why did you have to bring that up? It's only frustrating me.

I plan on clearing up the frustration

you're feeling now.

Let's drink.

Assemblywoman Kang Seon-yeong of the Daehan Party

will be joining us today to discuss the bill

to support lone-parent families.

She's joining me at the booth today.

- Hello. - Hello. This is Kang Seon-yeong.

Please briefly explain to our listeners about your bill.

Most lone-parent families are struggling financially.

The child rearing expenses take up the most of their funds.

This bill enables more families

to receive financial support to cover the expenses that incur to raise a child.

If you're supporting more families,

it sounds like you'd need to secure a big budget.

Yes. Currently, single parents who are under 24

qualify for additional funds to cover their expenses.

With this bill, the age limit will go up.

Therefore, an increased budget is crucial.

And currently, we provide financial support to help teenage single parents,

who have stopped their education, to obtain GED or pay for tuition.

However, it doesn't support

their employment. The bill will include this support.

We want to support lone-parent families with low income

who never received benefits due to the age limit.

The purpose of this bill is

to give opportunities to young single parents

to educate themselves and get a job.

Starting today, bills will be evaluated

by the Judiciary Committee.

You shared with us that you expect the bill to pass.

Gathering enough budget will be difficult.

But a lot of people see the need to implement the bill.

- I hope to gain support from the public. - Turn it off. She'll ruin my morning.

- Hey, turn it off. - Damn it.

(CHIEF PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARY)

Hello, sir. What an honor to receive a call from you this morning.

What is this about?

Yes, Mr. Jang. The budget proposal?

Yes. I'm writing it up now.

The redevelopment of Seobuk Market is the first step of a large-scale

redevelopment that stretches from Uigwang to Seongjin.

At this rate, the whole project will be delayed.

If you take over the district office without resolving this,

you'll have to take responsibility for everything.

I know that. I need to resolve this redevelopment problem quickly.

The problem is the lay-out.

Take a look at the revised blueprint.

Their stores have gotten smaller, but the rent has doubled.

Those who own their stores won't have a problem with it.

But the tenants can't afford the rent.

On top of that, the landlords filed for the eviction order at the court.

The merchant association is delaying it, but it won't last.

It'll be hard to reach an agreement at the public hearing today.

Gather information on Taejeong Market in Yuseong.

It's the most successful redevelopment case of traditional markets.

Yes, sir.

Where's Mr. Han?

He's giving out flyers to the merchants for the public hearing.

Mr. Jang, the budget proposal is ready.

Thank you.

(CONSTRUCTION OF SEOUL AND UIGWANG EXPRESSWAY)

Why did we put aside our budget for this?

Mr. Oh told me to include that just now.

Bring me a revised one without it.

Pardon?

Mr. Oh said it must be included.

See you later, sir.

I give up.

Damn it. What do they want me to do?

They should sort this out between them.

Mr. Oh tells me to include it, and he tells me to pull it.

Damn it.

Ms. No, coffee, please.

Okay.

Mr. Kim, you should make your own coffee.

I'll meet with the head of the merchant association.

The Judiciary Committee meeting will start soon.

It won't take long.

Since we're on the subject, do something about Seobuk Market.

- People keep calling me since yesterday. - I might be able to find a solution soon.

Okay. That's better.

Ms. Kang.

Have you heard what happened to Ms. Jeong?

She reported Mr. Song to the ethics committee of our party.

According to her chief of staff,

Mr. Jo initially promised to support her, but he changed his mind.

It looks like she's in a tight spot.

Do you think Mr. Jo might be plotting something?

- Hello, Mr. Song. - Hello, Ms. Kang.

You were great on the radio show.

You indeed have a beautiful voice.

The Judiciary Committee meeting is at 11:00 a.m.

Yes, I already talked to Chairperson Lee.

I have no doubt that your bill will be passed.

Okay. I'll send the budget proposal

for the lone-parent bill to Mr. Jang.

Sure.

Hello, Mr. Jo.

By the way, I still haven't heard from the Blue House.

When will I meet the Chief Presidential Secretary?

I will make a reservation at a restaurant.

I hear that he likes sashimi.

He can't dine at the restaurant without knowing what it serves.

He must have a taste to work up his appetite.

I'll call you after checking what the side dishes are.

Okay.

I hope you'll be favorable to the bill I'll propose

to the Judiciary Committee tomorrow.

Sure. Of course.

He's one picky eater.

- What's his bill? - It's about industrial innovation.

That jerk. He's asking me for a favor when he's not doing me any good.

See you around.

Chairperson Lee wants to meet before the meeting.

Tell him that I'll call him.

Yes, sir.

Hey.

Get rid of Kang Seon-yeong quickly.

Otherwise, we might not get to see the Chief Presidential Secretary.

You're planning to introduce the bill with Ms. Kang.

If the bill gets passed, it will help you.

That's not that important. Get rid of her now.

Darn it.

Mr. Han, how are the merchants reacting? Will a lot of them participate?

A lot of them don't seem very favorable about the idea.

Yes.

Okay, I'll gather as many people as I can.

Okay, have a good day. Bye.

Hello, I'm from Assemblyman Song Hui-seop's office.

There will be a public hearing at the city hall at 6:00 p.m.

- I'm not interested. - Please read this, sir.

No, thanks.

Have a good day.

I'll carry that for you, ma'am.

Who are you?

I'm from Assemblyman Song's office.

There's a public hearing at the city hall at 6:00 p.m.

I'm not interested.

Ma'am, please have a read when you have time.

Please, ma'am.

(PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF UIGWANG AND SEONGJIN CITY)

(SIDE DISHES, KIMCHI)

(PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF UIGWANG AND SEONGJIN CITY)

Hello, there's a public hearing at the city hall at 6:00 p.m.

Please have a read. It's about the redevelopment plan.

(JUDICIARY COMMITTEE CONFERENCE ROOM)

(MEETING WITH MR. HWANG)

- Hey, Mr. Jang. - Is Mr. Song still inside?

Yes, he's taking longer than expected.

By the way, Mr. Oh's with him.

Won-sik?

- Thank you. - Cheers.

It's been so long.

Don't worry. Mr. Oh will take care of everything.

- Thank you. - Don't mention it.

- Step outside for a second. - Of course.

Yes, Mr. Song talked to Mr. Oh

over the phone this morning.

He kept talking about the expressway.

- Where are they? - Oh, here?

Hey, it's me. What's up?

The Judiciary Committee meeting has already begun.

Yes, I know. But Mr. Song apparently can't make it to the meeting

because he isn't feeling so well today.

Please convey the message to Chairperson Lee.

By the way, Jong-uk is going to add a budget proposal.

Mr. Song approved of it, so take care of that for me.

I'll talk to Mr. Song about the budget myself.

What?

Hey, Mr. Song already gave me his consent...

I'll proceed with it once I check with Mr. Song.

My gosh, this little punk.

Mr. Lee.

I know you and Tae-jun are close.

But watch what you tell him.

You don't want to lose your job, do you?

Ask the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry of Labor

- if they checked the bill. - Yes, ma'am.

Show me the bill on the outplacement for women.

Ms. Kang.

- How did the meeting go? - The committee put our bill on hold.

And Mr. Song didn't even attend the meeting.

Where's Mr. Song?

It'll be useless for you to go see him.

Apparently, Mr. Song and Mr. Jo had a one-on-one meeting last night.

They must've struck a deal.

No wonder something felt so off.

How did it go with Mr. Jo?

He's not the type of man to back down.

I should sort things out.

I need to go somewhere.

I just got a call from Mr. Oh again

- about the expressway... - I said, get rid of it!

Okay, I'll do that.

(ASSEMBLYWOMAN KANG)

I'm sorry about that. Just get rid of it.

Yes, sir.

What the heck do they want me to do?

What? Why are you staring at me?

Mr. Jang.

Let's talk outside.

Mr. Jo wants to bring me down in return for letting Mr. Song become the minister?

I'm a pretty valuable hostage, aren't I?

So what now?

- What's your plan? - Let's wait for a little while.

You can propose the bill again

- once he becomes the minister. - What about after that?

Mr. Song will be the Minister of Justice who has control over the prosecutors.

Mr. Jo will be the floor leader who has control over the party.

Who will be able to deal with them then?

Waiting isn't going to make a difference.

Seon-yeong.

Don't get involved.

This is my fight.

You could really get hurt.

Mr. Song will be the one getting hurt.

I'm going to be a thorn in his side.

See you later, ma'am.

(RICE CAKES)

Excuse me, young man.

Yes, ma'am.

Are people like me allowed to attend the hearing as well?

Up until a few days ago,

I used to sell stuff over there with my grandson.

If it weren't for my grandson,

I wouldn't have been able to work for so long.

He would always come and stay by my side after school

and help me sell stuff.

What a kind grandson.

Yes, he's very kind.

He grew up with no parents.

But he's still the kindest person on earth.

After he graduated from high school, he wanted to start his own business.

So he leased and renovated a store.

But the landlord

sold the store in just two months.

He was so upset

that he cried for days and nights.

Now he's working at a factory because he doesn't want

to burden me.

So tell me.

If I attend this hearing,

will I be able to work

with my grandson again?

I can't guarantee anything.

But it might help you find some solutions.

There's a very competent chief of staff working in our office.

If you explain your situation to him, I'm sure he'll help you out.

Is he that competent?

Of course, ma'am.

(ASSEMBLYWOMAN KANG)

Is the Judiciary Committee meeting over?

Yes, I got a call from Chairperson Lee earlier.

He did what you asked.

Mr. Song, you should be more supportive of Chairperson Lee.

If he finds out you made a deal with Mr. Jo over the floor leader...

Just play dumb for now.

If he finds out now, it won't do us any good.

Okay, sir.

My goodness, that feels nice.

- Press harder. - Okay, sir.

I haven't even officially become the minister yet.

Why are there so many people asking me for favors already?

My goodness, my shoulders are killing me. That feels nice.

Mr. Song, it's been so long.

Yes, it has. Hello.

My gosh, things are so hectic these days.

- This will feel refreshing. - My goodness, that's nice.

Ms. Kang.

I'm sorry. I know how hard you worked to make that bill.

There's no need for you to be sorry.

This isn't the first time our bill got stomped on like this.

We can't just stand still just because our bill got stomped on.

We need to get ready to fight back

to make sure it doesn't get stomped on again.

Hello, Ms. Jeong Eun-hui.

This is Assemblywoman Kang Seon-yeong.

He's been in there for ages.

He's reading the bill from Mr. Jo's office, right?

Yes.

Why does he care so much about their bill?

Mr. Jang.

Here are the files on Seobuk Market.

Hye-won.

- Yes? - Keep an eye on Ms. Kang's office.

Tell me if you notice anything.

Should I know what this is about?

No.

Okay, I'll let you know.

The water supply and sewerage system here is too old, and the river smells very bad.

So 60 percent of the residents had already agreed

to the redevelopment before you got elected.

Once Seobuk Market starts getting redeveloped,

the same thing will happen here.

But this area only needs to deal

with the river and the water supply and sewerage system.

Well, yes.

But the residents and merchants want the area to get redeveloped.

The city is in a pickle because of that.

That can't be a reason to kick these people out of their homes.

But they're going to carry out the execution soon.

Yes, you're right.

The public hearing only causes people to fight.

I'm not sure how it'll turn out this time.

- Ma'am, let us help you. - No, it's okay.

- Give her a hand. - Yes, sir.

Joojin Chemical's affiliate

is part of the redevelopment, right?

Yes, it's Joojin Constructions.

I heard you're concerned these days

because you reported Mr. Song

to the ethics committee of our party.

I did report him, but you know how it works.

The head commissioner is in support of Mr. Song.

I'm very concerned about what I should do.

- The party isn't very happy with it. - If you're not going to cancel the report,

I'd like to help you out.

That'd be great for me. But it could put you in a tight spot.

I'll help you out as long as you're okay with it.

But the head commissioner...

He might be able to put out a small fire,

but he won't be able to put out a big one.

Mr. Jang.

Apparently, Ms. Kang met up with Ms. Jeong.

She also contacted the assemblywomen of the opposition party and ours.

I think Ms. Kang is planning

to report Mr. Song to the National Assembly Ethics Committee.

Where is Ms. Kang right now?

She's in a meeting with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

Okay.

Now that we're done discussing the lone-parent project,

I'd like to start talking about the National Assembly.

Assemblyman Song's offensive comment toward women

has become quite an issue recently.

Assemblywoman Kang.

You're planning to report him to the National Assembly Ethics Committee?

Yes. I'm going to report him to the committee

for violating Article 146 of the National Assembly Act

which prohibits making insulting comments at the National Assembly.

Many assemblywomen from both

the ruling and opposition party have agreed to participate.

I see.

Offensive comments toward women have become a global issue these days.

Is there a reason why it can be more of a problem when

such comments are made by an assembly member?

Assembly members are people who make laws.

They have an obligation to be fair.

They shouldn't make comments that could encourage discrimination.

Thus, the right punishment and disciplinary action

need to be taken against assembly members who make such comments.

I'm hoping this will warn people

about making offensive comments on all kinds of issues.

You could really get hurt.

Mr. Song will be the one getting hurt.

I'm going to be a thorn in his side.

With the lead of Assemblywoman Jeong of the Daehan Party,

twenty assemblywomen reported Assemblyman Song

to the National Assembly Ethics Committee

for having made an offensive comment toward women.

- The assemblywomen of both parties - Won-sik.

- Hand me the toner. - filed a request to the executive office

- to take disciplinary action - Here you go.

- against Assemblyman Song. - That's enough.

In the worst-case scenario,

he might even end up resigning.

Once the request reaches the committee,

- it will cause a controversy - Gosh, it's so hard to become a minister.

as to whether he's qualified to become the next Minister of Justice.

We're getting tons of phone calls from the press.

Find out all the assemblywomen who participated.

And prepare for a press conference.

Mr. Jang.

Do you think Mr. Song will be satisfied with just a press conference?

- What? - You should put yourself

before Ms. Kang for now.

If you don't stop Ms. Kang,

you'll end up losing everything.

You've recently come back from the district office.

If you keep hesitating,

we can't guarantee what move the assemblyman will make next.

Yes, Mr. Song.

The most severe disciplinary action that the National Assembly Ethics Committee...

You startled me.

My goodness, the buzzing sound really gets on my nerves.

Are you not going to do anything?

Not only one but two assemblywomen are after me.

Is there a thing between you and Ms. Kang?

No, sir. There's nothing.

Then why are you hesitating?

Sir, let me take care of this.

- I'll... - I'll take care of it.

How?

(UIGWANG CITY HALL)

(PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF UIGWANG AND SEONGJIN CITY)

(WITHDRAW THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN)

My goodness.

(WITHDRAW THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN)

(WE ARE AGAINST POSTPONING THE REDEVELOPMENT)

- There are a lot of people. - What a relief.

- Let's sit over there. - There?

Yes.

- Ma'am. - Yes?

Wait here. I'll get you a drink.

- Thanks. - Okay.

Is Mr. Hwang not here?

Why isn't he here yet? He said he'd be here.

They're going to pass Ms. Kang's bill today, right?

Yes, but I got a call earlier saying the bill got postponed.

- Really? - Yes.

- How come? - Hello, Mr. Lee.

Hey, you even came to the public hearing? You're working very hard.

Mr. Lee, this is for you.

You didn't have to spend money. I should be the one buying this.

Is Mr. Jang not here?

He'll come as soon as he takes care of something urgent.

I see.

(PUBLIC HEARING ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF UIGWANG AND SEONGJIN CITY)

- Thanks for this. - No problem, sir.

Okay, bye.

Ms. Kang, Ms. Jeong just withdrew

the report on Mr. Song from the National Assembly Ethics Committee.

[Netflix Ver] jTBC E05 'Aide / Chief of Staff' -♥ Ruo Xi ♥-

Ms. Jeong, I heard you canceled...

You came just in time. I was just about to call you.

What happened?

I feel like it's too risky of a move.

The other assemblywomen also agree with me.

I won't forget how much you helped.

I need to go to a meeting now.

Wait, Ms. Jeong.

Ms. Kang.

Let's not make this a big gender issue.

The society is already complicated as it is.

This is a letter of dismissal as a spokesperson. Please sign it.

Tae-jun!

If she refuses, she'll also be dismissed from the Environment and Labor Committee.

What? Dismissed?

Just accept it.

Then I'll find a new position for you.

- Come outside! - Will you please excuse us?

- Ms. Kang, I'll... - Mr. Go.

Who's the new spokesperson?

Ms. Jeong?

Go and tell Mr. Song this.

He'll get hurt as much as I do.

- Seon-yeong. - Don't give up on your dream.

I won't give up on mine either.

I'll protect both my dream and you.

This is the best option. Please trust me.

I did trust you.

Up until now, that is.

Then keep trusting me!

Do you have to take it this far?

Take good care of Ms. Kang before things get worse.

Tae-jun!

Hello, everyone. I hope this goes well.

Hello, everyone.

I'm Jeong Eun-hui, and I've been appointed as the spokesperson

for the Daehan Party.

(DAEHAN PARTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE)

I feel a great sense of responsibility for taking on an important duty

in such an important time.

I will do my best to make sure the people of our country

will be able to love and trust our party more than before.

I will fulfill my duty

- as the spokesperson - Just accept it, ma'am.

Even the bill got postponed.

If you also get dismissed from...

Then that will end my term as an assemblywoman.

I will communicate a lot more.

Unjust condemnations will be dealt with harsh criticism.

And logical criticism will be dealt with realistic and...

Did you take care of it?

You don't look so happy.

Mr. Jang, I have everything ready for the public hearing.

- Where's Mr. Song? - He just left.

Bring the rest of the materials. I'll see you there.

Okay.

- He works at Uigwang City Hall. - I see.

- I'm sorry for being late. - You must be busy.

We're grateful that you came.

The hearing has just begun. Let us go inside.

- This way, please. - Sure.

You said this project

should be implemented for the sake of this community.

But how can a project that disregards its people

do good for their community?

They can't do business elsewhere during the construction,

and the rent will increase.

You know that these merchants can't return here.

Did you begin this project to kick out the merchants

- and to increase the rent? - Why is he here?

The redevelopment also involves Seongjin City.

He probably wants to have a say.

If you call this is a win-win situation,

you probably don't know what that phrase means.

- Do not proceed without an alternative. - Ma'am.

- You must - The man on the left

- persuade them first. - is the man I talked about.

I suggest that you proceed

- after you come to an agreement. - He's repeating textbook lines.

He's going to mention the rent.

If we establish a regulation to prevent an increase in the rent

and let the landlords and tenants sign an agreement,

we can drop the rent increase from ten percent to five percent.

We already decided to do this. Why should we stop it?

- You all agreed! - He's right.

Why do you think we've waited until now?

We couldn't repair our building because of the redevelopment

- even when our roofs leaked. - They want us to lower the rent

and fix the building because it's too old.

- We lost so much money like that! - We couldn't even do business!

- We're just trying to survive together! - You have to let the community live!

- Enough gambling with the compensation! - What?

The compensation?

What's the point of preparing for the hearing?

The public hearing is a mess.

- Stop saying that! - Let us go, Mr. Song.

I said that's not the case! What's with you?

They asked us to lower the rent

and be considerate. Do you know how much we suffered?

What? What did you say?

Is it our fault that this is happening?

We have to make a living also!

It looks like Mr. Oh planned this.

I found this as I looked over the budget...

for Seoul and Uigwang Expressway.

Yes, Mr. Hwang.

The public hearing is going smoothly.

Yes, if you convince the rest of the landlords,

the expressway project will be on the fast track to success.

They're fighting each other now.

What are you doing, you jerk?

Hello?

Why are you glaring at me?

Your eyes might pop out.

- What are you doing? - What do you think? Working, you idiot.

Mr. Song told me to deal with Seobuk Market!

If it's Mr. Song's business, no one man is in charge.

Also, you can't take all the credit forever.

I want to receive credit from him too.

You're not in the position to say that.

- What? - Do you think I don't know the reason?

Your father owns a piece of land where the expressway will be built.

Does Mr. Song know about this?

(LAND REGISTER)

Hey, come on.

We need to make money with these things while working for assemblymen.

We don't get bonuses or extra pay.

We have to do this to...

Why do you pretend like you're so clean? Everyone else makes extra money like me!

No, it's only you.

- Do you want me to tell Mr. Song myself? - You little jerk. I'll show you...

If you want to keep the benefits you have, then learn to behave.

Thank you so much for coming.

- Goodbye. - Sure. Great work.

Thank you.

Sir, please reconsider the Seoul and Uigwang Expressway project.

Just go ahead with it.

That project failed to pass the validity test.

We can say that we're doing it to keep the regional balance.

Merchants are going to support that, too.

There are less than ten merchants who own their stores or a piece of land there.

This will cause more serious conflict between the merchants.

I'll meet Mr. Hwang again...

I thought you were smarter than this.

Don't you want to take over Uigwang City?

If you want to do politics, calculate the numbers.

Those ten people have half of the ballots in Uigwang City.

Then you already know what you should do.

It's easier to do business after you split up a tightly-knit group.

Don't mind them and keep it going.

Then they will get dispersed naturally.

Are you Mr. Jang Tae-jun?

- Yes. - Goodness.

I heard that you are a competent man.

Please help me

so that I can keep doing business at the market

with my grandson.

I ask of you, sir.

Please help us out.

I ask of you. Please.

Don't you want to take over Uigwang City?

If you're going to do politics, calculate the numbers.

Those ten people have half of the ballots in Uigwang City.

Let me pour you a glass.

Was it your plan

to ruin the public hearing?

I told you that it wasn't.

Then you should have taken a measure in advance.

Why did you stand idle?

Those landlords are also part of Uigwang City.

Of course, they can claim their legal rights.

Remember the people before the law!

You stopped seeing those people because you're blinded by political games!

A redevelopment?

It's great.

The town will be cleaner. There will be broader roads.

People who live here wouldn't want to live like this either.

It's so old and cramped with barely any space for people to pass.

Do you know why these people live in such cramped conditions?

Because they feel anxious unless they live as a group.

They needed to learn how to survive

and live through harsh times together.

Because they don't know when they will get kicked out.

Do you have to

split them up

and make the lights in the market go out?

My mother also worked in a market from early morning!

Do you think I don't know how they feel?

If you know that,

you should have dealt with this already!

Damn it.

I mean, this isn't something we can resolve

just because you and I know how they feel.

I'm leaving.

I'll take you home.

Forget it. I don't need you.

I'm leaving alone.

- Mr. Lee. - Mr. Lee.

- Are you okay? - Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Darn it.

- Mr. Lee. - I'm fine.

I can go alone.

- I'm... - Mr. Lee.

Gosh, darn it.

You two can go first.

I'll take him home.

- Forget it. I can go by myself. - Go home.

- I'll be fine. - Darn you.

Hey. Let go of me.

Mr. Jang has nothing to do with this,

does he?

No.

I'm relieved.

I was worried that he might be behind this.

Why do you like him so much?

Back in high school,

my father was hospitalized because of an industrial accident.

But he couldn't prove he was injured at work,

so our family had a difficult time.

That's when he helped us out.

He did?

Yes.

It happened long ago,

so I don't think he remembers me.

As much as he helped out our family,

I want to be that someone for another person.

That's why I came to work here.

I'm not competent enough though.

Get some more sleep.

I'll wake you once we're there.

I'll take care of myself.

By the way, what happened to Ms. Kang?

I heard the bill didn't pass.

Is something going on between her and Mr. Song?

You need to stop caring about other people's offices.

And

look at your shoes.

- They're so ragged. - What's so bad about these?

You're the one who should stop caring.

You always nag at me.

You said your mother also worked in a market.

When my father lost all of our money in an election,

she worked in a market from early morning to support me.

Then you must know

how difficult this must be for them.

I do.

When I was a kid,

I just thought the lights in the market looked pretty.

But one day,

I realized how hard she had to work

to light up her humble little store.

We see that the lights in the market are going out one after the other,

but it's very hard to light them up again one by one.

We need to make this into a place where the lights will never go out.

I desperately hope for that.

(PENDING PROJECTS FOR JUNGIL-GU)

(SUPPORT PLAN FOR LONE-PARENT FAMILIES IN JUNGIL-GU)

Hey, Mr. Jang.

I'd like to have lunch with Mr. Song.

Reserve a good sashimi place.

- Okay, sir. - Good.

Hey, Ms. Kang.

You should've been satisfied to work as the spokeswoman with your great looks.

Why did you act up? It's about time you became quiet.

You're the one who got this far

thanks to my great looks.

What?

I can't congratulate you on your nomination

as the floor leader.

Has she gone mad?

What is she talking about?

This is unbelievable.

See you later.

The doors are opening.

Thank you for giving up on your position as the spokesperson.

I looked into the positions that you may be able to take.

Please read through it.

Thank you.

I like the side dishes.

- They're here. - Sorry for being late.

- Goodness. - Hello, sir.

- Welcome. - How have you been?

Hello.

- Mr. Jo. You haven't changed. - Thank you for coming.

Hello.

Hello.

You still look the same, Mr. Song.

It's thanks to you.

The Blue House has nominated Assemblyman Song Hui-seop

of the Daehan Party for the Minister of Justice.

Mr. Song is from Uigwang City, Gyeonggi-do.

He became a prosecutor in Seoul District Prosecutors' Office in 1982

- and served as a deputy chief prosecutor. - Why are you watching this?

It'll only hurt you.

When will the Judiciary Committee meeting be held?

At 2:00 p.m. Ms. Kang, you should give up.

I'll work harder to find another agenda.

No, I'll continue to fight.

Pardon?

This is only the beginning.

I'll protect both my dream and you.

This is the best option.

- Please trust me. - I did trust you.

- Up until now, that is. - Then keep trusting me!

No one can guarantee your position as a spokeswoman.

Only the floor leader has the power, and you know that.

But I will help your bill pass the Judiciary committee.

Mr. Song needs Mr. Jo to become the Minister of Justice.

Now that they've joined hands, we have only one option.

It's the chairperson.

- Mr. Lee Sang-guk? - Only Mr. Jo will benefit

from the fight between us.

Now we need to make Mr. Jo and Mr. Lee fight.

(INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION PROMOTION LAW AMENDMENT BILL)

(ASSEMBLYMAN LEE SANG-GUK)

Ms. Kang, what brings you here?

I have something to tell you.

Can you spare a minute?

You can talk to me about the lone-parent bill next time.

- I have to go to a meeting soon. - It'll only take ten minutes.

Take a seat.

I heard that you agreed with the purpose of my bill.

- Isn't that true? - Just because I agree with the purpose

doesn't mean that the bill can be passed.

Is it because of Mr. Song?

Ms. Kang.

How much do you trust him?

I must go.

We can discuss this later.

If you leave now,

you will not get your position as the floor leader.

Mr. Lee does not know

Mr. Jo made the deal with Mr. Song to get the floor leader position.

We can make use of that.

We still have five minutes left.

What do you want to do?

The Blue House said Mr. Song is most suitable as the Minister of Justice

who must work in close relationship with the National Assembly.

- Let me pour you a drink. - Sure, thank you.

They believe he is the perfect candidate

- to meet the public's expectations. - Congratulations.

Thank you.

(ASSEMBLYWOMAN KANG)

(JANG TAE-JUN)

The drink is sweet with great food.

That's why I had them make this especially for us.

We get to eat such precious food thanks to you, Mr. Song.

Don't say that.

Please help out the government in many ways, Mr. Song.

Of course.

I will be the Minister of Justice,

and Mr. Jo will be the floor leader.

- So what are you worried about? - I feel reassured.

So this is why Mr. Song has been avoiding me.

- Have some more. - Sure.

(JANG TAE-JUN)

Mr. Jo is

a man with many flaws.

He lost the trust within the ruling party because of his son's scandal.

I think he isn't as competent as you

to become the floor leader.

Does this mean

you will give me your support?

That depends on your decision.

I heard Mr. Jo's bill will be discussed in today's meeting.

As you can see on the data, once the bill gets passed,

the research facility in Mr. Jo's district

will receive additional financial support.

Naturally, people will suspect if the favor was granted.

I don't think it's necessary for you

to take such a political risk.

We only need one person

to suffer from this.

The lone-parent support bill

has passed the Judiciary Committee.

- The bill was put on hold the day before, - What? What happened?

- but with Chairperson Lee's effort, - Ms. Kang.

- it finally passed. - You're back.

- Most bills that pass the committee... - Ms. Kang.

- What happened? - get approved in the plenary session.

It's a great bill.

Chairperson Lee recognized the value of that bill.

The lone-parent support bill, which passed the committee today,

is absolutely necessary for low-income single parents

who are in the blind spot of the welfare system.

This law will greatly

help the lone-parent families who need financial support.

- This is great! - Great job!

- Good work. - My gosh.

- Congratulations, Ms. Kang. - Great work.

- My gosh. - That was tough.

Once the bill gets the final passage,

there will be a huge increase in the number of lone-parent households

who can enjoy the benefit

- of additional childcare support. - I had a great time.

- Okay. - The food was really good.

- Thank you. - Let's meet again next time.

- It was nice meeting you. - Keep up the good work.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- Okay. - I'll get going.

Sir, the lone-parent support bill has been passed.

What about Mr. Jo's bill?

The Industrial Innovation Law

has come to look like what it is today

after many discussions.

Mr. Jo's amendment

may favor a certain research facility.

- Do you think Mr. Song will stay quiet? - Don't worry.

Once he gets what he wants, he'll abandon Mr. Jo.

I believe we must reconsider the amendment.

Mr. Lee also spent quite a number of years in the National Assembly.

- I knew he wouldn't just sit around. - What should I do?

Leave it.

I'm about to become a minister.

There's no reason to provoke him now.

If Mr. Jo and Mr. Lee get into a fight,

it won't be bad for me.

Mr. Jo is going to be desperate.

Mr. Jo's amendment

may favor a certain research facility.

- We must reconsider the amendment. - Damn it, this jerk is so annoying.

- Darn it! - Goodness!

Damn it!

Damn it, seriously?

Mr. Song, that little...

By the way,

Mr. Lee wouldn't have done this all by himself.

Was it Ms. Kang?

She sure is sly.

- We did it! - Yes!

- Yes! - All right!

I can't believe this.

- My gosh. - I can't believe this.

- Great work. - Good job.

- The Judiciary Committee - How did it get passed?

passed the lone-parent support bill.

- Isn't it good news for us? - The bill was put on hold...

Mr. Song made a joint motion.

Right. Technically, we didn't do anything, though.

But why was Mr. Jo's amendment blocked?

Mr. Jang has been looking into that.

- Most bills that pass... - Not sure.

Mr. Jang was looking into it?

Yes, he read through the bill and the data all day yesterday.

The public is watching

if the plenary session will be held as planned.

Jang Tae-jun was supposed

to make sure that Ms. Kang's bill gets blocked, but it got passed.

He cared so much about Mr. Jo's bill, but that was rejected.

Jang Tae-jun.

Kang Seon-yeong.

Let's watch a movie tonight and grab a drink afterward.

Sure. See you at the theater.

- Hey! I caught you. - Hello.

- Hey. - Hello.

Are you all going home?

- Yes, are you going somewhere? - Yes, a get-together.

We need to celebrate since our bill has been passed.

Come with us.

Are you sure we can join you? We just mooched off of you.

Then come and mooch off of us again.

Where's Tae-jun?

He had to go somewhere, so he left first.

That punk. He's busier than the assemblymen.

- All right, let's go. - Let's go.

Come on, Ms. Yun.

And Ms. No! Hurry up and come.

Come on, let's go.

Let's go.

Here you go.

Is Ms. Kang not coming?

She is very considerate.

She wanted us to eat comfortably.

Look!

She gave me this and left.

All right, let's make a toast first.

Okay, our...

Hey, thief.

- Yes? - Make a toast for us.

A toast? Me?

Great work today.

For a better Korea! Cheers!

Darn it.

What's with him?

- Should I do it again? - Of course.

Whatever happens to the country,

let's drink as if there's no tomorrow!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

Back then,

I thought I would become an assemblyman.

I thought, "You can do it too, Seok-man."

I had such a thought.

But...

But I failed. Why?

Why do you think the reason is?

- Can I be frank? - Sure.

Be frank.

Because of your face?

What?

What's wrong with my face?

A squid.

Have some squid.

- Right. - Open up.

Darn it.

I kind of feel offended.

Excuse me, Ms. Yun.

Why did you quit working as a reporter to do this job?

Your articles looked great.

I've read a few.

I didn't want to write articles anymore.

The man you saw at the hospital.

Mr. Shin Jae-gyeong.

He ended up like that because of my article.

- Okay. - Stop it.

- More. - Hey, drink up.

- Cheers. - Let's drink until we die.

- Why did you spill your drink? - Hey.

(CHIEF OF STAFF / AIDE)

What do you think Mr. Song will say

if he finds out about your relationship with Ms. Kang?

Let's get rid of Oh Won-sik before Mr. Song's hearing.

There was an accident

- at a factory in Seongjin. - Stop them!

Don't get intoxicated with what Mr. Lee has to offer.

Do you think revealing the truth will change anything?

I think Joojin Constructions is trying to conceal what happened.

It seems like they made sure the workers don't talk.

We need to give up what we're holding to gain something bigger.

You're not helping me. I'm the one who's helping you.

Do some thinking and decide what would be a wise move to make.

Subtitle translation by Eun-sook Yoon