Original subtitles

[♪ tense music playing]

[panting]

[exclaims]

[gasps]

[Kitae] Mr. President.

Uh, sir?

[door slams]

[pants]

Kitae.

-Don't touch me! -[gasps]

What's going on?

Is he dead?

-Yes. -[gasps]

It was Cho, wasn't it?

Yeah.

Cho, that lunatic!

[breathing heavily] I knew he was going to do something.

But to murder the President…

him and Chief Gwak…

[breathing heavily]

What happened to Director Cho?

OCTOBER 27, MILITARY SECURITY COMMAND

PRESIDENTIAL ASSASSINATION…

[sighs]

Deputy Director, good afternoon.

I've been assigned to this investigation. I'm Lieutenant Colonel Baek.

You were at the Gungjeong-dong safe house after the incident, is that correct?

[slurping]

So why did you show up there?

Your name wasn't on the guest list for the dinner.

[phone rings]

What time did you arrive last night?

Colonel Ahn Jaeho.

We're beginning the process.

[Kihyun] Who did you come with?

Yes, sir. But, is there…

a specific reason Colonel Baek was, um,

assigned to this post?

Deputy Director,

were you involved in the President's murder?

If you would prefer to sit here and remain silent,

we'll assume that you're admitting to criminal charges.

Is that what you want?

What are you doing? Who made you do this?

Deputy Director…

Look, I think maybe you're not grasping this…

Your superior shot and killed the President and you were there!

Ugh, I'm full.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[Kitae clears throat]

Hey, you in there!

Can you hear me?

Listen carefully.

Call up General Jang Mujin. Do it immediately.

And ask him who captured Director Cho.

All right?

[phone rings]

Baek Kitae is being questioned by the Joint Investigation Headquarters?

Yes, sir. We heard he was in Gungjeong-dong that evening.

[Mujin] Yeah, that's right.

…JANG MUJIN

Actually saw him myself at the safe house.

That's why I called you.

We'd just like a chance to ask some questions, sir.

It won't take long, sir, I promise.

What do you need to question him for?

Colonel Ahn, listen here.

I'm listening, sir.

Release the Deputy Director.

-We can't just let him go without-- -Stop it!

He's the one who captured Director Cho!

What?

If it weren't for him,

this country would be in Cho's hands right now.

You're telling me…

you really think I was involved in assassinating the President?

I look like Director Cho to you? That power-tripping piece of shit.

Get your head straight, Baek Kihyun.

Think carefully about who's on your side.

Who's your friend,

and who's your adversary…

[Kitae sighs]

Deputy Director, sir…

you can leave now.

[Kitae scoffs]

[Jaeho] Let him through.

Sir, what happened?

He was the person who captured Director Cho.

[sighs]

[♪ inquisitive music playing]

KOREAN CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

[Kitae] Sometimes, one split-second decision changes the course of history.

Sir, wait!

Sir!

-Wait, sir! -[tires screech]

-What? -[Kitae] Sir.

Tell me where you're heading.

Well, I'm going to the KCIA.

And what are you planning to do?

Uh… I… I don't know.

[scoffs] Wait a minute.

Hang on. So all of the gunshots I heard earlier…

Wait… The President is safe, isn't he?

[Kitae] Before assassinating the President,

Director Cho had summoned Army Chief of Staff, Jang Mujin,

to the government safe house.

His plan was to take Mujin to KCIA headquarters after the job was finished,

-and convince him to join his side. -[breathing shakily]

Mr. Cho, please…

Report to Army headquarters.

Army headquarters?

You'll need the support of the entire military.

Go to Army headquarters. Both of you wait there.

I'll take care of everything at the KCIA.

Good plan, we'll drive over now.

You handle the KCIA.

[pants] Don't worry about a thing.

Make sure you get there quickly.

I'll call you ASAP, sir.

[Cho] Let's go! To the Army headquarters!

[Kitae] However, after the deed was done, Cho started panicking.

-In the end, he decided to trust me… -[sighs]

…and headed straight to the Army headquarters instead of the KCIA.

This is KCIA Deputy Director Baek Kitae.

Director Cho killed the President.

He's on his way to Army headquarters now.

As soon as he gets there, you need to arrest him.

Cho murdered the president, are you listening?

Arrest him now!

Incompetent son of a bitch.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR BAEK KITAE

[Mujin] You've done an excellent job, Deputy Director Baek.

-Well done. -I was just doing my duty.

The KCIA was implicated in this,

so they'll bring in Joint Investigations for the inquiry.

That concerns me.

A boat that's being rocked is bound to wind up on the ocean floor.

Yes, of course.

Your concerns make sense, especially in this climate.

Mr. Baek.

Effective immediately,

I am appointing you acting director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.

I'm very flattered, sir.

Deputy Director… Oh, sorry.

Director Baek, please don't let me down.

Hwang Daesik will take over unless we act fast.

-That man can't be allowed near power. -Understood, sir.

[♪ sinister music playing]

[sighs]

PERSONAL DETAILS BAEK KITAE

Baek Kitae's the one who captured Director Cho?

Yes, sir.

Cho was headed to the KCIA, then Baek lured him away.

Ah… That prick.

He's pretty clever.

Guess there's a reason he was such an asset to the President.

He's acting director now.

He was appointed by General Jang Mujin this morning.

Okay, so General Jang's trying to keep us in check. [sighs]

Any other intel from the guy who brought this?

-Yes, sir. -What did he say?

He's going after Chief Cheon's funding.

All the money he's getting from the government.

[laughs]

That son of a bitch is pretty clever too, huh?

[Hwang inhales sharply]

He's getting out soon.

At least that's what I've heard.

Yes, speaking of which,

it's about time he got into the game again.

For real this time. Don't you think?

Agreed.

For real this time. That's right.

Get him a position in the Joint Investigation Headquarters.

Yes, will do, sir.

[inhales sharply]

Jaeho, listen.

Sir?

You need to realize…

that this assassination is…

nothing less than an opportunity from heaven.

-[laughs] -[Jaeho] At this time,

head of Martial Law Joint Investigation Headquarters, Hwang Daesik

will deliver an interim briefing on the assassination of the President.

The assassination of the President,

which took place at 7:50 p.m.,

on October 26th in a safe house in the Gungjeong-dong area,

was tragically committed in a banquet hall

where KCIA officials met to discuss matters of national security.

This murder was determined to be premeditated

and carried out by Mr. Cho Namsik of the KCIA.

The motive was Cho's fear of dismissal.

He had recently lost the president's trust

and was under scrutiny by the Presidential Security Service.

His ambition was to seize authority,

and become president himself.

His lust for power and control drove him to commit this monstrous act.

Right now!

Right here!

The KCIA is standing at the greatest crossroads since inception.

This agency was built with the blood and sweat of our people

and now we're losing their trust!

Our very name…

Mocked and ridiculed at every turn.

From this day on,

our agency will thrive under my command.

We'll restore our power,

and we will protect the reputation of the state!

If we want to survive, this is how.

And that will secure the future of our great nation.

We consider this the greatest tragedy and most grievous offense

ever committed under the Yushin regime.

In order for us to reestablish our national security,

all available resources will be mobilized to prevent recurrence.

We will…

-We will… -We will…

…work in the shadows!

-…work in the shadows! -…work in the shadows!

…to defend our sunlit land!

-…to defend our sunlit land! -…to defend our sunlit land!

-Commander! -General Hwang, sir!

Do you have anything to say? Please, just a brief comment, general!

[Kitae] Hwang Daesik, head of the Joint Investigation Headquarters,

will use his investigative powers to tear the KCIA apart

and rise to the center of power.

As acting director of the KCIA,

I must find a way to contain the situation,

stop Hwang from taking over,

and reclaim the KCIA's authority.

That's right.

The KCIA and the JIH are in a full-blown dogfight.

To our country and its people!

-Here, here! -Here, here!

[exclaims]

[chanting] Hwang Daesik!

-Hwang Daesik! -Hwang Daesik!

-Hwang Daesik! -Hwang Daesik!

-Hwang Daesik! -Hwang Daesik!

-Hwang Daesik! -Hwang Daesik!

The President's dead and it's time to move forward.

What matters now is…

who comes next.

Who's gonna take his seat and lead this country?

Who do you think will do it?

Someone once said,

"Kings are only chosen by the heavens."

And I think you might be heaven's selection.

[chuckles] Come on, what is that?

Hwang's not about to sit and do nothing.

At this point, he's our biggest problem.

That bald, oily son of a bitch. He just wants status and control.

All of the power and authority

can be found in the Joint Investigation Headquarters.

Hwang will use the investigation to eliminate his political enemies.

Ah, shit.

So they'll likely take aim right at the KCIA from the start.

Exactly.

Which means you and I are both gonna be on his list of targets to get rid of.

So what's the plan, Baek?

You gonna let it happen? You gonna just sit there and take it?

[inhales deeply] Well, sir.

Why don't we…

cross the Rubicon together? Join forces.

[♪ tense music playing]

You mean you want us to…

overthrow the government?

You know how this country is structured. You've seen it,

from the inside, with the President.

[sighs]

[sighs, grunts]

[♪ thrilling music playing]

[sighs] Let's do it.

Yeah. Let's be bold!

-[Kitae applauds] -[sighs]

First off,

we need to win over General Jang's support.

Ugh, well he's not exactly a pushover, is he?

We need the Martial Law Commander on our side

if we're going to take over the military.

I know.

And we'll get there.

But first, talk to Choi.

Have her bring the money I entrusted to her.

You ever seen anyone turn down money?

Those Army bastards…

They lose their minds at the smell of clean cash.

All we have to do is buy them off.

Right. Copy that.

Kitae, look.

I 'm counting on you now, all right?

And you know…

after I move up, you're next.

BUSAN DISTRICT PROSECUTORS' OFFICE

-[humming] -[indistinct chattering on TV]

-[reporter] Director Cho announced that… -[sighs]

-…would mobilize every resource… -What does this mean?

…at its disposal to reestablish national discipline

and prevent any further political violence or unrest in the coming weeks.

Major General Hwang's promise to the Korean people

-comes amidst widespread complaints… -Good morning, ma'am.

…of abuse by the--

Taking a break?

Come on, let's go.

Get back to work. Now!

-Yes, ma'am. -Let's get back to it.

[sighing, muttering]

[Yejin sighs]

-Kang, over here. -Yeah, coming.

So Park Changbae, have you located him yet?

Oh, uh, we're using Kim's statement to get a general area, then narrow it down,

but he's in Seoul, not Busan, so it's a bit harder.

Uh, and Ms. Oh, the chief told us to bury this case.

If he finds out about this, he's going to blow his top.

-You sure this is okay? -[phone rings]

-[investigator] Narcotics Unit, Busan… -[Yejin] All right, Changbae,

-where are you? -[investigator] She's here. Understood.

Sorry, excuse me, uh…

The chief wants to see you upstairs.

Yes.

[Yejin] "Integrity, honesty, humility."

Wow, Chief. That's a really nice sentiment for what it's worth.

[Yejin chuckles]

You know, Ms. Oh… [sighs]

…it occurred to me that even though you've been here a while,

I've never treated you to a cup of tea in my office, not to mention…

you're the first female prosecutor in Korean history.

-I should be offering more. -[chuckles]

Man or woman, male or female, we're all prosecutors…

We all have the same title.

Hmm…

[both sigh]

So, um, why am I in the principal's office?

Mmm…

The Joint Investigation Headquarters

is asking us to stop the criminals who are causing social unrest.

You hear about this?

Yes, sounds familiar.

[inhales sharply] Although, I don't…

I don't know why it'd be their purview to look into something like that, do you?

Well, they'd probably say something like,

"We are in an unprecedented time of crisis,

so if we want to prevent further unrest,

prosecutors should expand the scope of their job

as a duty to the country."

Anyway, on that note, remember that narcotics case you had?

The one that's been shut down for a while…

You wanna maybe reopen it?

All of a sudden?

Why? Why reopen it?

Well, it was your case originally, right?

Yeah, sure. It was, but still, sir…

Was this an order you got from a director way up the flagpole?

What are you talking about, Ms. Oh?

We're supposed to be prosecuting drug crimes, regardless.

And if we're gonna do it, might as well go for broke.

We'll support with every resource our office can give.

Do you mean that, sir?

Please don't be generous

if you're gonna go back on your word and break your promise.

Hey. Have I ever done that, Ms. Oh?

Yes, many times.

[sighs]

I'm serious in this case.

The people at Joint Investigations need a prosecutor,

and they specifically requested you.

Is that a joke?

No.

Why me though?

How should I know?

But… Mmm…

You happen to know someone there? Over at the JIH?

Not at all.

[gasps] Whoa.

JOINT INVESTIGATION HEADQUARTERS INVESTIGATION DIVISION

[clears throat]

[Jaeho] Investigate thoroughly and tell your men to keep security tight.

-Understood? -[soldiers] Yes, sir.

Prosecutor Oh Yejin?

I'm Colonel Ahn, Chief of Security Department.

Oh Yejin, nice to meet you.

This way.

You can wait here, Ms. Oh.

Ah, also…

I've heard positive things from the advisor.

I'm excited to work with you.

The advisor?

He'll be here in a moment.

The advisor?

[sighs]

Geez, could they make it any darker in here?

Looks like a damn crypt.

SPECIAL ADVISOR JANG GEONYOUNG

Congratulations on the promotion, Director.

So, what are you doing in Seoul?

Well, they transferred me as deputy director.

They promoted you, so your old job opened up.

I'm your replacement.

You're number one, and I'm number two.

Hang on.

Chief Cheon didn't tell you, did he?

[chuckles] Sorry. I just assumed you already knew.

He really didn't discuss it with you at all?

Wow. Man.

That's not right. He screwed up on that one.

[sighs]

It's a big office.

Well, I'm sure he had his reasons for bringing you in.

So do your job well. And stay out of trouble.

Yes, sir. Director.

Oh, by the way, I heard you got interrogated.

Hauled you into Joint Investigation Headquarters.

Sounds like General Hwang's out to get you.

Know what people have been calling him lately?

The Bald Rhino.

Correct! [chuckles]

He's so determined that he'll bulldoze over everything in his way

to get what he wants.

He throws all his weight at the problem and rams ahead until he reaches his goal.

He's bald, too, so yeah.

Lot of bald guys are like that.

But honestly, here's the problem.

The agency's rep has been pretty bad lately.

You really think we can win against Hwang?

What do you think, sir?

Hmm?

Want me to send you back to Busan?

'Cause it's starting to feel like you're here to antagonize me.

Well?

Hey.

Pyo Haksu.

You bald little rat.

Yes, Kitae?

"Yes, sir."

Sir, I'm sorry.

You better get it together.

Understood, I'm very sorry.

CHIEF OF SECURITY DEPARTMENT AHN JAEHO

-Ah, you're here. -Oh. Let me get that, sir.

Oh, yeah, thanks.

-What's this box for? -[door closes]

Oh, that?

Ah, well,

Chief Cheon's slush fund, we're keeping a paper trail on it.

You want the assignment?

Is there some reason you're choosing me?

Well, you're… you're the smartest one here.

It's true.

Special orders from the commander, so be diligent, all right?

Go through these, figure out the full extent of the slush fund

and report back.

Yes, sir. Of course.

[door opens]

MILITARY SECURITY COMMAND

PERSONAL RECORD - 1. PERSONAL DETAILS - NAME: BAEK KITAE

9 YEARS EARLIER, BUSAN

I heard you joined Security Command.

Tell me why you asked to see me, sir.

What did Jang Geonyoung say when he visited you?

Did you see me in Saigon? See what I did?

Yes, I remember.

So what are you going to do now? Try to take me down?

Look, Kihyun.

You need to choose.

If I did come after you,

what would you do about it?

Well, if it weren't for me,

you think you'd be where you are now?

What?

Am I wrong here?

You threatening me?

I won't consider you family if you decide to get aggressive with this.

Either you go down, or I do.

Or maybe we both will.

So I would think of your family

when you're choosing which route to take here.

Just like I did

for Soyeong

and for you.

[sighs]

[♪ classical music playing]

Who was it anyway?

Who exactly ordered my interrogation?

Colonel Ahn gave the assignment.

[scoffs]

So he put you to the test

to see how you'd react.

Any other information?

He hasn't said very much.

They'll keep pressuring you, the Joint Investigation Headquarters.

Know what I mean, Kihyun?

Oh, by the way,

there's something I need you to do.

Keep close tabs on what happens at the JIH and report back to me.

So I'm supposed to act as your mole now?

The fact is we're at war.

And it won't end until one side falls.

Our whole family will go down if I'm the one who falls.

It's amazing how you always do this.

You can't hold our family captive forever.

Are you saying

you want to go against me?

[thudding]

[phone ringing]

I've got the money ready.

How long 'til it gets here?

Around two days. I'm gonna bring it.

You mean you personally?

Of course. It's a hefty sum.

Besides, we have some things to discuss.

Really? Like what?

Well, martial law's putting quite a dent in our sales.

So we better strategize.

All right, then. I'll be waiting for you.

-Morning, sir! -[door closes]

What, Captain Min?

Oh. You're needed at Joint Investigation Headquarters.

-The Colonel requested your presence. -Really?

Yes, sir.

Is there something else?

Uh…

Rumor is they've been planning to increase their personnel.

And?

Would you recommend me?

I heard about you from the Busan Prosecutors' Office.

You're kinda famous over there.

Nah, that's really not true.

I keep the wheels turning, that's all. Just try to keep the place on track.

-Smooth things over. -Mm-hmm.

Well, that's not what I heard.

-There are some colorful stories. -[chuckles]

Oh, really?

They say I'm outta my goddamn mind?

[laughs]

-[coughing] -Hear that?

[laughing]

That funny to you?

-Uh, no. It's, uh, not funny at all. -[investigator] Hey, hand me that stapler.

[Jaeho] No, no, sorry, uh…

No one said you're crazy really.

More like prone to impulsivity, reckless.

Look, I have self-control.

I just don't like to bother with it.

Am I supposed to be a hall monitor or am I supposed to bust criminals?

-Who cares how I do it? -Just like I heard.

You've got a big pair of balls on you.

Ah. There he is.

Oh, Colonel Baek!

Say hello.

She works in the Busan District Prosecutors' Office.

Oh Yejin. It's a pleasure.

Baek Kihyun, ma'am.

Nice to meet you. How's your sister?

You know her? You two met?

Yeah, in Busan, I knew her…

[chuckles] …not super well, just a little bit.

I see.

[Kang] Yeah, all right.

Okay, Ms. Oh, everything's ready. We should head out now.

Uh-huh. Let's move then.

See you around, Mr. Baek.

All right, move it!

-Okay. -Yes, ma'am.

-[investigator] Goodbye. -[Kang] Hey, grab the radios.

This way. There's someone you should meet.

Close the door.

Have a seat.

So who am I meeting?

Well actually, you know him already.

He'll be here soon. So let's have a smoke while we're waiting.

Sure.

[lighter ignites]

Let's see.

All right. We've got a few minutes.

-Sir. -Thanks.

Here.

The raw materials are coming today, you're sure?

Yes, I'm sure.

[Haksu] I heard you're going to Busan.

Why make the trip, sir?

I've got some business.

What kind?

Do I have to tell you everything?

Just making conversation.

-[knocks on door] -[door opens]

Director, the car is ready for you.

Okay.

You're going along?

Yes.

You never even called once you moved to Seoul.

I apologize. I've been getting settled in Seoul.

-I'm busy. -You goddamn little shit.

-Sir? -What's with your tone?

What about my tone?

-Hey! -You…

The hell are you doing?

Do what I told you. I expect some results.

Yes, Mr. Baek, sir.

-Let's go. -I'll see you when you're back.

[door opens]

[in English] Boys,

be ambitious!

[line ringing]

It's Haksu. Hello.

1:08 A.M., BUSAN

Okay. They're on the move.

1:15 A.M., SEOUL

Ms. Oh. They just arrived.

[shutters clicking]

BAEKHO TRADING INC.

[shutters continue clicking]

1:38 A.M., BUSAN

What's your plan now?

What's all this money going to be for?

Patriotism.

How? With a showdown? You gonna start some kind of gunfight?

Well, I've come this far.

Can't stop now.

Are you sure you can pull it off?

Honestly, I'm not sure that matters.

All that matters in a gunfight is

who's faster on the draw.

[soldier] Open fire!

Get down!

Long time no see.