Original subtitles

(A judge must be humble, seek goodness, brave...)

(A judge must be humble, seek goodness, brave...)

"A judge must be humble,"

"seek goodness,"

"brave enough to make decisions,"

"and must have a clean past."

(Judge Han Soo Ho, are you such a person?)

"Judge Han Soo Ho, are you such a person?"

Who's Talmud?

(Your Honor)

Cheers.

Who said that from earlier?

Said what?

"Every minute you spend not loving is being wasted."

Oh, that.

Kang Ho. Do you know why being in prison...

is a waste of time?

We can't make money.

We work, but don't get paid here.

You're like a micro dust.

Look back and all around.

See if there's anything to love.

This time you spend not loving anyone...

is all being wasted.

Remember that.

Who?

A famous philosopher? A poet?

A guy in my club.

It's a club that should never meet again.

What about you? Anything fun happen?

This is from when I was a trainee prosecutor.

"Organized crime, fraud, blackmailing, assault,"

"and damaging currency."

You have a long rap sheet.

Didn't you melt the coins and sell them?

Here are some napkins.

It was my first interrogation, so I was too flustered,

and it was so long ago, that I don't remember his face,

but the first time I saw you,

I was reminded of him.

You looked so alike, almost like twins.

- Isn't that funny? - Yes, it is.

I'm an old child.

I don't have a twin.

I know. A friend from school who's a lawyer told me.

He told me that you said you have no siblings.

My mom always said...

that a great judge is all we need in our family.

Still, isn't it lonely being alone?

You're lonely even if you have siblings.

I think...

I would've been lonely if I didn't have my sister.

This is what an astronaut said when he returned.

He said that he liked being on Earth again.

He liked it because gravity tightly held onto people.

He said that he missed the feeling of being held...

by someone.

To me,

my old sister is like gravity.

To me, money is like gravity.

Let's go now. I'll buy next time.

Hold on. Let me just clean this up.

Why would you clean up? Everyone leaves trash here.

That's why I should clean up at least.

Don't be like that.

People will look down on you when they find out you're nice.

I found out that you're nice too.

I don't know how to read or spell that word, "nice".

Even if that's your claim, you gave Mr. Shin money for their bills...

and the lawsuit.

I apologize for saying that I had nothing to learn from you.

Gosh, I wasn't thinking about that.

What a waste of my money.

Make sure you call a designated driver.

Don't drive. You've been drinking.

She's a judge. Please drive her home safely.

- You should go. - Okay. Bye.

Give it your best shot when I tell you nicely.

(Exclusive Interview with Judge Han Soo Ho)

Hello, I'm Joo Eun.

I need to talk to you about something.

- Is this about the news? - No, it's not.

Of course, it is.

Go talk to the director. We have nothing to tell you.

I'd like to discuss regarding our hateful society in a quiet place.

At some point, a derogatory term for women, Ms. Kimchi was formed.

And a derogatory term for men, Mr. Korea was formed.

Chicken Head for seniors,

Gluttons for the youth, Parasite Moms for the mothers.

What's your point?

It's obvious why Judge Han's interview was canceled.

I'm pretty sure Osung Group threatened to...

stop the ads when we aired the interview.

However, announcers end up fighting each other.

"That new announcer tried to get into the main news."

"The announcers with seniority were against it."

"Due to the dispute among announcers,"

"we have decided not to air the segment."

I hope you won't participate in such a framework.

Isn't it a fact that you want to be on the main news segment?

- I... - I won't have a dispute...

with a lowly announcer like you.

I'm well aware of that.

- Sir. - Yes?

What should we do with her?

It should be settled by women.

The director told me that you're gunning for my position.

No, I'm not.

I know that too. I won't fall for such a trick.

You want to be an anchor like Anderson Cooper.

You don't want to follow in my footstep, right?

Anchors in Korea...

are expected to deliver the news instead of finding them.

Can't you fight on my side so the interview can air?

I'm a powerless announcer.

Thank you for your nice story.

I'll treat you to a meal some time.

Did you eat?

Who are you?

I...

I work in Judge Han Soo Ho's chambers.

I'm Judicial Trainee Officer Song So Eun.

- So you want... - Come on.

I said you can't touch this. It was so hard to get this evidence.

The fingerprints will come off.

So you want me to get fingerprints from it, right?

Yes. Get clear fingerprints.

If you don't officially file for a case,

they won't do it.

Stop thinking of only the protocol.

You know there are private practices retired employees...

from NFS set up.

Those practices will get me the fingerprints too.

Do this for me.

I had breakfast. You should eat.

Did Judge Han ask you to do this?

Did he ask you to stop my protest...

because he didn't want to see me?

No.

I just thought you probably didn't have breakfast.

It's because I don't have a family to eat with.

I know of your case.

I don't know how to comfort you.

No need to do that.

You just need to...

punish the assailant severely.

Judge Han is a good person.

I'm sure he will rule fairly...

What kind of a judge constitutes as a good judge?

My wife died.

The assailant was imprisoned.

She was released on bail only after a month.

I was going to lodge a complaint if she was living a happy life.

That's why I've been following her on her social media.

My regained freedom.

My suppressed happiness explodes!

She killed my wife driving while intoxicated.

She was smiling while having drinks.

Sir! Sir!

I wanted to kill her.

But I can't be a murderer.

That's when I started following her.

To prove that she's a devil.

Hey, let's go for a third round!

- To the third round! - Of course!

Let's go for our third round!

Of course, the judge wouldn't know.

She acted remorseful in the courtroom.

I'm truly sorry.

I'll repent on my sin for the rest of my life.

I sent all the photos I took to the court.

But do you know what Judge Han said?

Taking photos while tailing someone is illegal.

Illegally obtained evidence...

can't be admitted.

If he only abides by the law,

does that make him a good judge?

No, I'll pay for this.

I don't want meals...

you judges buy for me.

(Korea Leads by Moral Rectitude)

Hey, my friend.

What is this about? You called me early this morning.

Real friends call each other whenever they miss each other.

Gosh.

- What did you do last night? - Last night? I worked. Why?

You didn't discuss ways to kill me with someone?

What on earth are you talking about?

I know you want to kill me.

For sentencing Lee Ho Sung to jail,

and for reopening Park Hae Na's trial.

I don't know how I should react.

Did something happen?

Sang Chul.

Go and tell Lee Ho Sung...

that I have the evidence.

Tell him not to change the channel,

and watch to the end to see who dies.

Bye.

(Hyungang University Hospital)

The judges for the appeal have been decided.

Once you post bail tomorrow, you'll be able to get out.

This is what happened because I waited a few days...

as you told me to.

I'm a villain, and Judge Han became a star...

and is giving interviews.

I had to work like crazy...

to stop that from airing.

You know I hate working.

Judge Han issued a search warrant for Park Hae Na's cell phone,

to figure out her relationship with you.

That crazy druggie.

That druggie did drugs by herself.

I had nothing to do with it.

That's what the police determined,

and that's how the trial must end. Got it?

I gave you money to make that happen.

Do you understand me?

I just met with Judge Han.

He asked me to give you a message.

That he has the evidence.

That freak.

What evidence?

There's no evidence.

I got rid of them all.

Tell him to keep his mouth shut if he doesn't want to die.

When that jerk was in law school,

my company's scholarship foundation...

gave him a scholarship.

It's thanks to us, that he became a judge. How dare he...

You can't stop the trial with that.

Preventing his term renewal...

is the best method right now.

Fine. I'll cut him off.

What should I do?

Should I get the entire legal department on it?

First,

tell them to air the interview on the news.

Hey!

They'll have a disciplinary hearing for him.

He should be repenting, not go on TV talking about...

what the law is and what justice is.

The disciplinary committee won't be happy about that.

He'll be removed from the bench within a month.

If it doesn't go as you say,

I will...

bury you.

Tell them to air the news.

Soo Ho is a genius.

He didn't pull Ho Sung in randomly for no reason.

I thought you have dirt on Soo Ho.

Why aren't you releasing it to the public?

My father will not attack Judge Han.

He'll use his weakness to draw him to his side.

He's such a black hole.

He sucks in even a young judge.

So?

What's your plan?

We'll have to get rid of my father first.

Why? Do you have something going on with him?

When I first became a prosecutor,

he was the first person to buy me tuna.

And he still does.

That's not much.

Please investigate my father.

Must you go that far?

You'll inherit it all soon, anyway.

I'll buy you tuna from now on.

(A judge must be humble, seek goodness, brave...)

(A judge must be humble, seek goodness, brave...)

I tried drafting the decision as you instructed.

Thanks.

Is this the last of it?

There's still one left.

Bae Min Jung's DUI case.

The sentencing hearing for that is coming up.

When was it again?

(Mom's birthday)

(Mom's birthday)

What a good son. He wrote down Mom's birthday.

It's your mother's birthday?

Take your time, and write it quickly.

DUls are simple.

That's why I'm telling you this,

but I don't think I should write that decision...

You wait outside.

Yes, sir.

They called a disciplinary hearing for you.

I can stop the bribery issue,

but not about your degrading our dignity since it is...

so broad in scope.

Let them go right ahead.

Resign before you're fired.

I said I'd decide after working for a month.

Your evaluation is right after the disciplinary hearing.

You'll be found unfit. You won't last a month.

I won't?

The bidding for the governmental lot is only a month away.

If you wrap up the trial by then, I'll bring a big present for you.

By a big present, how big do you mean?

If you can find him guilty,

I'll give you one million dollars.

That's not good.

I need to stay longer.

You wanted to quit.

You want to be a judge longer?

There's something I must do as a judge.

- Please, help me, brother. - Are you insane?

You refused when I said let's be like brothers.

The truth is,

I wanted to make you my brother ever since I first met you.

Please.

Write "law" in Chinese.

- What? - Write it.

You loved writing in Chinese. What? You don't know how?

I do.

- But why? - Then write it.

Do you want the traditional or simplified version?

Look. Water and movement.

The water flows.

It is as natural as flowing water.

A fair judgment.

That's what the word "law" means.

It does?

If you want to continue being a judge, live like water.

Don't make decisions that stand out, and follow sentencing guidelines.

And don't say stupid things to the media.

There's a limit to how much I can protect you.

- Okay, brother. - Like water. Don't make waves.

Darn it. I need to that million dollars and jet.

Who is it?

- Sorry? - The person behind you.

Who?

Judge Han's interview will be aired...

as the main story.

Eat slowly. You'll get sick.

I need to eat quickly and go back. I have a mountain of work to do.

I have a lot to say.

Go ahead.

I've made a big decision. I want you to cheer me on.

I'm always cheering you on.

What is it about?

- I'm starting my own practice. - You are?

You're not taking over your father's law firm?

Once I start my own practice, come to me.

What?

I didn't even graduate from the Training Institute yet.

Once you open your office, I'll send you a plant.

Come to me,

So Eun.

I didn't decide what I want to do yet.

A judge must take on the responsibility of...

punishing people, as well as the emotional responsibility.

You act tough, but you're too sensitive. You won't last.

You're not judge material.

He rendered an unexpected decision...

Just a minute.

He has created quite a stir.

We spoke with Judge Han Soo Ho.

Let's watch.

We have Judge Han Soo Ho...

from Seoul Central District Court, Individual Criminal Department,

who became the center of attention...

for sentencing Osung Group's heir, Lee Ho Sung,

to seven years in prison.

Thank you for coming.

(Judge Han Soo Ho's Interview)

Your decision was contrary to the expected light judgment,

and you're being criticized for it.

- Would you like to comment? - That girl is so pretty.

I'd like to make her my daughter-in-law.

During the presidential election, the analysts...

don't say with confidence...

exactly who will become the next President.

But just because their predictions were off,

they wouldn't blame the voters.

It's them who made the wrong predictions.

Legal advisors claim that if the sentencing guidelines crumble,

it would disturb the order of the law.

What is your take on this?

I thought you were going to keep a low profile for a while.

I didn't know you had an interview.

The defendant's crime was a serious offense.

He didn't show any signs of remorse. He didn't have mitigating factors.

According to your decision,

- the defendant's effort to... - You two make a nice couple.

Improve the economy wasn't a factor.

I bet there will be some actions tonight.

For the past years, that was the regular go-to factor...

to reduce the sentencing for the rich.

These wealthy owners of conglomerates...

always received light sentences on their trials...

based on their contribution in developing our economy.

Well, this kind of routine...

("What's Judge Han's Opinion about Lighter Sentences on the Rich?")

I think it's a very good custom of the judicature.

Then why were you harsh on Director Lee Ho Sung?

He's not the CEO. He's a director.

Are you implying that if he wasn't a director, but a CEO,

you would have ruled differently?

If I'm assigned to a case with the CEO of a conglomerate,

I'll answer it with my decision then.

Let me ask you one last question.

Do you believe your decision was a just one?

My understanding of the court...

isn't a place where justice is served.

It's a place where judges decide...

if the grounds of indictment by the prosecution are true or not.

Acknowledging the truth...

("Courtroom Isn't for Justice")

It's not an act of serving justice.

"The courtroom isn't where justice is served."

I think Judge Han is such a cool guy.

And he's a nice person too.

I have to go back. I have to pull an all-nighter today.

Sang Chul.

I'm not weak.

I'm emotionally strong too.

I'm sorry to leave now, so I'll get this one.

Have you seen the news?

I got the list of the individuals at the golf course,

the surveillance cameras footages, and statements from caddies.

I'm about to hand them over to a journalist.

Let's get rid of my dad with this first.

And I'll get started on Judge Han next.

Whatever it is, do it quickly!

It's been a while since someone provoked me.

Joo Eun, good job.

- You're the best. - Congratulations. You were so good.

You did so well today. You were the best.

- You were so cool. - You were amazing.

- You were the best. - You were the best.

I enjoyed your interview.

Did it air?

You were very good in it.

Don't mention it. I was dragged there against my will.

Okay.

Is there more?

The decision for Bae Min Jung's DUI case.

I can't write it.

Why not? It's so simple.

If the sentence is three years, cut it in half.

Sentence her to 1 year and 6 months.

She'll be done after three years' probation.

The assailant wrote apology letters and cried in the courtroom,

but she's not repenting in reality.

The problem is that there isn't evidence that she didn't repent.

Gosh, no evidence, no case.

That's why I can't write it.

I know the truth, but just because we don't have evidence,

I have to sentence her to a lighter punishment.

Let's make this easy for ourselves.

Follow the guide as natural as the flowing water.

Don't try to stand out with your decision.

How should I make it easier for you to understand?

Write "law" in Chinese.

- In Chinese? - Yes.

Do you know how that Chinese character became to mean "law"?

Yes. Water and movement.

It means that we will follow to where the water flows.

But actually, the Chinese character for "law"...

Water,

Haechi,

and movement. We used these characters at first.

Haetae is a legendary animal that decides what's right or wrong.

When the Chinese character for Haetae was taken out,

people say that the law is as natural as flowing water.

But in my opinion,

the law must take a stern approach to decide what's right or wrong.

I had no idea.

I'm sorry. I'm sure you know all of this.

This is all great,

but the interpretation can't change.

Then what was your interpretation of it?

- By the way, - Yes?

Do you always think this much when you write decisions?

People's lives depend on our decisions.

Well, I can't render decisions since I'm only a trainee.

That doesn't go through people's heads.

"I committed a crime. The prosecutor is making a demand."

"The judge reduced the sentence."

"Gosh, I would make a better judge than him."

- This is what so many people think. - I heard that a lot too.

Exactly.

We'll be criticized anyway. Let's take an easy way.

I'm fine getting criticized by other people.

But I don't want to criticize myself later on.

That's why you can't write it?

Yes.

Even if you were a real judge?

Then...

I would have written one somehow.

(Joo Eun)

I don't know how, but I ended up taking this position,

but I think someone like you would become a real judge.

Give it a try.

Let's see...

what kind of decision a real judge will come up with.

- Good luck. - Thanks.