Original subtitles

A conglomerate's wife helps an orphan become a prosecutor.

- Mr. Om. Call Dr. Choi. - I know how you'd use the psych records.

You've been declared incompetent. Schizophrenia, they say.

Your condition deteriorated after Dongho's death.

Fifteen years she's helped me and I still don't know anything about her.

You my mom? Got the guilts for abandoning me?

When did you have me? 12? 13?

$1.7 million?

You are no longer a part of JK.

Give up the custody of Byungjun and I'm authorized to give you $5M.

The JK files. I want them.

Prosecutor Han?

Prosecutor Han Jihun insisted on seeing Ms. Gong.

[Episode 2]

[JK Estate]

[JK Group Investigative Report]

Bringing this yourself, you must want something.

Of course.

Well? Tell me.

What I want...

Kim Insuk.

I want Kim Insuk.

Let's talk about this file first. Do you recognize it?

It's hardly actionable.

Not in court, no.

But the media, well, the election is coming up.

And in 2008, JK's 3rd boy, Dongmin had trouble with the narcotics squad.

You recall?

I recall he was acquitted.

True. Buying off Dr. Choi Kichul helped.

He's been with JK a long time. Is there a point?

Let's talk about the present.

Kim Insuk. Your son's widow.

An addict, gambling at the casino every chance she gets.

And admitted into a mental hospital.

I thought that would catch your reaction.

She just lost her husband. In time...

Remember I said I was acquainted with Dr. Jo?

We'd go out, knock back a few. He was so proud of his wife.

Mother Teresa, he said.

A life dedicated to service.

Put it together and it looks a lot like what happened to Yungsin Group's widow.

Surely, you're not declaring her incompetent, are you?

That's pure conjecture on your part.

Conjecture or not, time will tell.

If you'll excuse me.

Shall we ask the party in question?

Call Insuk.

The good prosecutor is suspicious. We'll give him what he wants.

Get her.

This is Han Jihun with the Seoul District Attorney's office.

Hello. Kim Insuk.

Han Jihun.

Mr. Han suggests I'm trying to declare you incompetent.

He should hear it from you.

Go on.

No, it's nothing like that.

I haven't been myself lately and it has reflected in my behavior.

I just want to stop causing the family worry, that's all.

I see, that's enough.

Does that suit you?

Ms. Kim.

Are you aware that statements made under threat aren't legally binding?

- It's not like that. - You're the one that's threatening.

No prosecutor closes a case after one interview.

We'll talk when I know more.

A kamikaze dive?

Yes. Aggressive, ignores protocol, rushes in blindly, that's his style.

And very low class.

Mr. Yang, do a little digging. I'm sure you'll find something.

Yes, I understand.

Conduct your own investigation. Find out what he wants.

Yes, ma'am.

And K?

Round the clock surveillance.

Increase security. She can have no contact with the outside.

I'll inform Mr. Om, ma'am.

And Byungjun.

Keep him away from her.

There's no telling what she'll do to win him over.

Yes, ma'am.

She might hurt herself to get his sympathy.

Remove any dangerous objects. She's not to use the bathroom alone.

Yes, ma'am.

Is it true Insuk was in the mental ward?

What good is marrying money? She's worse off than us.

A $50K consolation prize? You can't even get a studio with that.

If you're done, leave. She'll be back soon.

- Why's she so stubborn? - Ma'am.

If I may?

No, I'll do it.

Allow me.

What about Byungjun?

In the main house with Ms. Gong.

Have him drop in to see me.

Well..

Ms. Gong gave order that he doesn't see you until he leaves the country.

Ma'am. Ma'am.

The door is locked. Ma'am. Ma'am.

Ma'am.

You rattled them, but just for now.

Take them to court.

Like that's easy? We're talking JK here. One wrong move and it's over.

So they don't declare her unfit, they can try a phony suicide...

Yeah?

Mr. Yang's furious.

Either I resign or stop you, one or the other, he says.

The JK people won't let this be. What now?

James Dean, it's me.

James, why does he want our equipment?

- Ha! Got it. - Okay.

JK's got some guts, bugging a prosecutor's place.

If they do this to me, what about Insuk?

Not one single fault?

I'm sorry. No money troubles. Or women, for that matter.

He didn't act out of a sense of justice.

He wouldn't have appealed to JK.

His background would have excluded him from our legal team.

If he weren't an orphan, Yungsin Group or Osung Group would have recruited him.

And us? Is that why we didn't recruit him?

Yes. I considered him when he rose to prominence.

But with your policy against hiring orphans...

In that case...

We know what he's after.

Han Jihun is here to see you.

Is this your answer?

No, a question.

Come work for JK.

And keep my mouth shut?

No. But now I know what you really want.

A relationship.

With JK. We get a star prosecutor and your future is assured.

Win-win, wouldn't you say?

So they don't declare her unfit, they can try a phony suicide...

Take it away.

You may regret it.

I may shake things up around here.

All our employees think that way.

It's a desirable trait.

Who needs a lawyer with no ambition?

No, it's nothing like that.

I just want to stop causing the family worry, that's all.

You killed him. Making a scene...

I foresee big things.

Whatever brought him here, he has no family for us to hold hostage.

Prepare another measure. And nurture him.

With that kind of confidence, he could end up as valuable to us, like you.

Oh, have the Liberals announced who they're running?

Preliminary research shows Mr. Baek will make a poor showing.

All the same, we can't let up pressure.

Yes, ma'am.

Dad insists that I stop you.

He worries you'll hurt yourself over her someday.

Does he understand the situation?

He'll have guessed.

Keeping it a secret, supporting you. He's picked it up.

I sure was a fool.

What now?

- If I do it, I'll get some answers. - If you don't, stop.

You know what JK is.

You've been acquitted. Congratulations.

Where are the reporters? Don't you want them to see how great you are?

Here. I repaired it. I know how important it is.

Han Jihun called me.

Are you his guardian?

Yes.

He was fighting at the GED center.

GED?

I just asked about differential equations. What, they won't help the poor kid?

[Bar Exams Results Han Jihun, Top Honors]

Thank you, Jihun. Thank you. So much.

Always with the thanks. I still got long ways to go.

Get married, become district attorney, then Congress and the United Nations.

You can cry then.

What do you think? Am I right? It's the right thing to do.

[Resignation]

Thank you for everything.

I'll be thanking you someday. Don't forget your friends.

Or you, yours.

[JK Group Offices]

The holding company is under review?

Family holdings, JK Club equity adjustments...

And Kim Insuk's competency.

Why, is there a problem?

No, why would there be?

Is this all?

Mr. Kim just called. I'm Jung, head of security.

Where's Ms. Kim's house?

This way. Follow me, please.

As I mentioned, our new attorney, Han Jihun.

And Ms. Kim?

How did you get here?

I started working with JK today.

What? Doing what?

As a corporate attorney.

- Jihun. - I need to see how you are doing.

No arguments.

Jihun, I'm fine.

Don't worry about me. Go back to what you do best.

Why did you come here? Why?

You know what JK is, don't you?

What's JK?

Other prosecutors are begging to get on here.

Thanks to you I'm on salary as a royal family attorney, simple as that.

So what if you are?

Did you pass the bar to wipe this family's noses?

Quit now. Please, Jihun.

I spent 18 months in juvenile.

But it's been 18 years for you. Trapped in this family.

Now I'll get you out.

Don't do this for me.

Nothing will change once Ms.Gong's mind's made up.

She'll change. I'll make her.

So don't get discouraged.

It won't be long. Hang on.

We're doubling her guard. Maintain 24-hour surveillance.

Sir.

- Where's her phone? - One moment.

You know Ms. Kim's history.

If anything happens, you'll be held personally responsible.

Here.

Oh, I'll need a record of all her incoming calls.

That requires Mr. Om's approval.

If you'll pardon me.

Ms. Kim has had a number of calls asking after her health.

From whom?

Angels of Mercy, Sisters of Hope...

Who are they?

Volunteer organizations. They want to visit in her time of trial.

They know her real identity?

No.

Then what do they want?

If you'll pardon my saying, in volunteer circles she's something of an angel.

An angel?

Shall I block their calls?

Don't give them cause to talk. Observe the proprieties.

Yes, sir.

You've managed Ms. Kim's affairs till now?

Yes.

I'll be taking over for now.

You've been watching her for 18 years?

Yes, I have, but...

You should get that.

[Madam Jin]

[Madam Jin]

Go on.

Right. Give me your files. Everything.

Yes, of course.

[Madam Jin] [Madam Jin]

One moment.

Twin phones?

She requires 24-hour surveillance.

See for yourself. She attempted suicide.

This says she suffers from insomnia. But twelve pills?

Seems a bit much.

She does as she likes?

With volunteer work, yes. With Ms. Gong's permission.

Just one place at first. After a while, 10 or so a week.

If not for that she'd probably be dead.

What are you up to?

Aren't you gathering data to have her declared incompetent?

Yes, the competency hearing.

If her counsel brings up the twin phones, you can kiss the hearing goodbye.

Discuss everything with me from now on.

Yes, of course.

These files are useful.

- Goeun. - Yeah?

Four spoons of sugar.

What, she running for Congress with all these charities?

The casino trips and her charity days have got to overlap.

- Find it and we can find witnesses. - For use in court?

If we must.

[Madam Jin, Sorry I missed your call]

I'm convalescing. I'll be out of touch for a while.

She does as she likes?

With volunteer work, yes. With Ms. Gong's permission.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Do I hear 130? 135?

I got 150, do I hear 200?

Sold to the lovely lady.

And 45, 50.

Sold to the lady.

That's 50 cents, and $135.

Enjoy, Miss JK. Come again.

Thanks!

Miss JK, what now?

$135.50. Minus gas and vehicle expenses, that's $90.

Breakfast is on me.

An auction license? Does Ms. Gong know?

Not likely. She thinks I'm exercising.

They say the rich gene is different. Guess it's true.

$50 box of mackerel, $50M Dubai construction contract, it's all the same.

It's all timing. Has nothing to do with me being a woman.

Now let me ask you. Why did you join JK?

Bad karma, maybe?

Karma?

Like maybe our family made you an orphan or something.

You know the Liberal candidate, Baek Hyungin?

That's why he hates JK so much.

Who knows? I don't know how I became an orphan.

Minkyung says you had a supporter.

Someone to do with JK?

Whoa, Miss JK's interested in me.

It's not interest. It's intuition.

What's your real reason for joining JK?

Keep it up. With your intuition, you'll figure it out.

Thanks for breakfast.

Of course, she never missed before she got sick.

But why?

Ah, well, Ms. Kim is in a bit of trouble. If we need a character witness...

Absolutely. Anything for her.

Thank you. Thanks.

Oh, can she serve as Pilnam's godmother on Sunday?

Godmother? I'll find out.

[Baek Hyungin confirmed as the presidential candidate]

- Madam Jin looks so happy. - That's why she's not here today.

How'd it go?

Listen, Ms. Kim, her contacts are no joke.

Her other volunteers? A gold mine, I'm telling you.

What do you mean?

Never mind the others, you know Baek Hyungin's wife, Jin Sukhyang?

They volunteer together.

- Not someone with the same name? - What, I don't watch the news?

Ms. Gong, I have bad news.

Liberal candidate Baek Hyungin has pulled ahead of

media favorite Kim Sunchul in the polls.

Last month he ranked #2, trailing by 7% and had little hope of being elected.

This month in Daejeon, he took the candidacy in a surprise upset.

What is it? Do you know something?

What's happened? I'm shaking, I'm so worried.

Mr. Baek's here, it's big.

The slush fund?

Begin.

This is a secure meeting and so we have no notes.

Please look at the screen.

This is the ownership structure of our competitor, G-Group.

As you can see, G-Petroleum controls G-Chemical stock.

G-Retail controls G-Trading, which in turn controls G-Home Shopping.

And G-Home Shopping subsidizes G-Foods.

But G-Group ownership is held in only one place.

G-Holdings.

So long as the owner holds the majority stock here,

he controls all the subsidiaries as well.

JK holds more stock in its subsidiaries than its minority shareholders.

But it's still a single-digit percentage.

This makes us open to a hostile takeover from foreign investors.

And internal inheritance conflicts will render us unstable.

Ms. Gong has therefore ordered a significant restructuring of JK holdings.

This is our adjusted target structure for 2011.

The conglomerate will be controlled by JK Club.

The JK Club owner will be the major shareholder of

all the JK Group subsidiaries.

To this end, we need cooperation from the next administration.

Moving such a large amount of stock requires massive capital,

requiring the mobilization of our slush fund.

Our planning dept. has been working closely to get the right man elected.

Today's upset by Baek Hyungin could effectively put a stop to our plans.

Thank you. I'll take it from here.

As you know, Baek's father killed himself in our embezzlement scandal.

The time for the JK ladies has come.

Didn't you promise me the position? I mean, putting these girls in charge?

The real power is in the bedroom. Our target is the wife, Jin Sukhyang.

Never mind the rest. We need to buy off Ms. Jin.

Listen, Ms. Kim, her contacts are no joke.

Baek Hyungin's wife, Jin Sukhyang? They volunteer together.

She's discretion itself. She's called "No Thanks" for refusing any offer.

[Madam Jin]

She requires 24-hour surveillance.

- [Madam Jin] - Stock and bonds won't do.

Something she can't resist. Someone she can't say no to.

Whoever manages it will be the head of JK Club.

Get started.

You know Ms. Jin? You should have seen your expression.

You connected to her somehow?

You're focusing too much on me. Less hot lawyer, more Ms. Jin.

She's the one you need to focus on.

[Madam Jin] [Madam Jin]

James Dean, it's me. Take down this number

I need to reach Ms. Jin.

What's with her? Suppose someone else wins?

Don't let it bother you.

She's not likely to let the power out of my hands.

She might as well. Why does she do this?

First her second boy, now her third.

I just said it's not true. You know my mother.

I'm her favorite. She's just letting them think they have a chance.

But it's all an act.

It's easy to say.

But I've never heard her say it.

She has us at each other's throat at the mere mention of JK Club.

These are all gross. You should hire Peter Lang.

The best thing is to know her schedule.

Good luck.

Thanks.

Nah, I'm getting a JK Club card out of it.

Father, this is our chance at last.

The oldest son's wife always fancied herself a princess.

Ms. Gong hates shutting her out directly and found a way to give us a chance.

Karma or not, we can't let this be traced back to me.

Sir, please help us. It's my chance to make up for everything.

You know this involves the top spot at the club, too?

There may be a way, but I'm not sure.

- Father. - What is it?

Mr. Jang can arrange for a seat. Good luck.

We should forget the past in light of the future.

It's Ms. Gong's sincere wish.

Yes, I'll tell my husband.

Not just that, please allow us to show him, please.

- What's that? - Oh, nothing.

A lotto ticket. For luck.

Good evening.

Yes, well...

You're too late.

Too late?

I already made our contribution.

She told you to be discreet.

- It's a lottery ticket. - A ticket?

For $5 million.

Good luck.

Wasn't she with the lobbyist, Jang Yongsu?

We beat her to it this time.

You see her face?

Something she can't resist. Someone she can't say no to.

Whoever manages it will be the head of JK Club.

I'm off, Mom.

Can't I at least see him off?

I'm sorry.

Mom. I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you.

You'll be late.

Bye.

Kim Insuk's diagnosis. Schizophrenia.

The paperwork's all done.

Go to Yangpyeong Hospital and prep for her second exam.

Is that proper? Ms. Kim's counsel might make an issue out of it.

Let me try to convince her to give up custody.

There are no second chances in Ms. Gong's book.

Ms. Kim knows that.

She knew what to expect the moment she refused the $5M.

It will all be over in a few days. Ms. Gong's orders.

Yes, sir.

- Ms. Kim, please. - Yes, sir.

Han Jihun? Where is he taking her?

I'll drive today.

Where are we going?

They got the doctor's report. Schizophrenia.

What are you doing, Jihun?

The last chance. The last chance to be fully human.

You can go to Tsushima Island or China. Go into hiding.

Mom.

Mom.

Mommy...

Go back. I have to go back.

Stop, Jihun.

You're sure?

I have to.

Why? You miss the glitz?

All the JK cash? Why do you have to go back?

Byungjun.

I'm his mother. I can't leave him.

Insuk, I'm an orphan. But I don't resent my mother.

She had her reasons. I'm sure it nearly killed her.

But if she's happy, I'm happy. I hope she is, really I do.

Don't say that. You can't know how a mother feels.

Why can't I?

Times get tough, you forget flesh and blood. Your life comes first!

Everyone's the same.

You're a person before you're a mother.

Me? A person?

What kind of person am I?

Trash. Less than an insect. Called "K".

What human?

If I lose Byungjun I'm no kind of person at all.

They'd love for me to stop. But I can't.

$5M? You know why I wouldn't take it?

It's the price of ridicule. So they can sneer while I lose my son.

That's what they want.

To show Byungjun his mom took $5M for him.

To show him I'm not a person.

This is my chance to prove I won't give him up.

To prove to my son and myself that I'm a person.

I was ready in case you said that.

Now we'll implement Plan B.

If that's the strength of a mother, you'll need it all now.

Care to explain yourself?

Ms. Kim and I had a talk about her giving up custody.

I could have said that if I cared to explain.

But instead, I'll just say, mind your own business.

Can you give her a lift?

Ma'am?

It's me.

You've made your decision?

When you can't stop,

you have to move forward.

This is the start.