Original subtitles

I heard a body was found at the waste-disposal plant in Michung village.

I'd like to know what happened to the body.

That one? Give me a minute.

What happened to the body from the waste-disposal plant in Michung village?

I see.

It's been claimed.

What?

-Who claimed... -His family came and claimed it.

Who? Can I find out who it is? His contact information?

What is his address?

By the way, who are you?

I'm family too. My brother must be the one who claimed the body.

Do you have documents proving your relationship with the deceased?

Well...

I was adopted, so, I don't have any documents.

Then, I can't tell you...

I know all of our family members' names and our old address--

I'm sorry, but if you can't show the documents of your relationship,

I can't tell you anything.

It's personal information, so it's principle not to disclose it.

JEONGHU POLICE STATION

KI HO-SANG

Dad, I wasn't really alone.

Now, I'm really alone, Dad.

I'm the only person in the world...

who knows how wronged you were.

Dad,

please tell me.

where must I go and what must I do

to find Jae-myeong?

How?

CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING ONE OF YGN'S NEW REPORTERS.

In-ha, let's become reporters together.

I wanted to become a reporter because of In-ha.

I wanted to show Ms. Song that we can become reporters.

Number 444, do you have the Pinocchio syndrome?

Yes.

That determination went up in smokes. And...

They found his skeletal remains a few days ago.

I found a new purpose.

Your survival was said to be a disgrace.

I want to tell the world the story of how you were wronged.

And I will find Jae-myeong, the only other person...

who knows your story.

It may not have been In-ha who led me to be a reporter...

Perhaps it was you, Dad.

Are you going off to work?

-Yes. -Yes.

In-ha, you're not going to work. Going to work means going to an office.

You're going to a convenience store so you have a part-time job.

What?

-Yes. -One is a broadcasting station reporter,

and the other is a 27-year-old

with a part-time job at a store like a college student.

Now, you finally look like an uncle and a niece.

-Bye. -Bye.

I'll go first.

Are you going already?

-What about breakfast? -I'm fine.

-I'm not hungry. -You two didn't have dinner either.

What is it? Did something happen between you again?

Why do you keep fighting?

Nothing happened.

It is normal to have a fight.

One made it and one failed. In-ha, just teach at an academy.

If you say you turned a taxi driver into a reporter in a month,

taxi drivers will flock over to become reporters.

Be quiet!

Stop babbling and fix the toilet already!

It doesn't flush properly. It's disgusting!

-Goodbye. -Goodbye.

Okay.

Don't mind dad. I'm happy that you're a reporter.

I thought I'd be jealous but I'm not at all.

It's incredible. I don't even envy you.

I mean it!

You're hiccupping.

This is...

not because of that.

Then, what is it?

This is...

This is...

Anyway, I'm fine. If you're bothered about the discussion,

if that makes you uncomfortable to see me, don't be.

It was a discussion. You're supposed to attack others.

I know you had no choice.

It wasn't because I had no choice.

I don't think you should become a reporter.

I mean it.

What?

What do you mean? Why shouldn't I become a reporter?

I explained it during the discussion.

Number 444, seeing you right now,

I understand why a person with Pinocchio syndrome should not...

become a reporter.

I realize how dangerous it is if someone who ignores the fact

that they could be wrong

but still speak without knowing the weight of their words...

becomes a reporter.

Did you mean it?

Did you mean all of it?

Your mother was right.

A Pinocchio must not become a reporter.

Don't become a reporter, In-ha.

Why are you acting like this?

You said we should become reporters together.

Don't become a reporter, In-ha.

Were you lying?

Imagining you as a reporter

makes me think of your mother.

Was that all a lie?

I think of your mother who framed my poor dad.

Hey! You jerk!

If you become a reporter...

it will be too painful to look at you...

and it scares me.

Darn it.

It's 4,800 won.

I forgot my discount card. Ring it up again please.

Sure.

You keep hiccupping. Grab your nose and bend over 90 degrees.

Then, it will stop.

-No, it won't. -Try it.

-It's foolproof. -It won't stop!

It won't stop!

Hey, kid...

I'm not a kid! I graduated three years ago!

But I'm unemployed...

Hey, don't cry.

Hardships are good for you when you're young.

I don't need it, so you can have it!

I tried out to be a reporter, but I failed.

This was the 36th time.

You better study hard

or you'll end up like me.

It's 3,800 won.

Does that make sense? Uncle Dal-po made it after one month.

I prepared for three years, but I failed.

Show me some identification.

I am sorry.

I may hiccup for the rest of my life until I die.

I have to tell him the truth if I want to stop hiccupping...

but the person I like--

Is Choi Dal-po.

That's him, right? Your uncle?

What?

You are...

Keep talking. I'll listen. All I have is time.

Am I too early?

No, I am not.

What's going on?

Did you memorize the names?

-Of course. -Of course.

-What are you doing? -Oh, my gosh!

You scared us.

Why are you so scared? Did you do something bad?

Why are you speaking so formally? We're all on probation, so speak casually.

Even with him.

Hey. Nice to meet you.

What?

Nice to meet you.

So, shall we share what we gathered?

I researched all the reporters.

Me too. Hangang District's Jang Hyeon-gyu.

Just be wary of him.

He nitpicks at everything, so, he is called "Nitpicker."

The absolute worst senior reporter. A real jerk.

If you cry when he picks on you, he'll go harder on you.

If you cry, you're blacklisted. If you're blacklisted--

You're dead!

-Oh, my gosh. -Oh, my gosh.

Oh, my gosh.

Stop babbling and come with me!

-Yes! -Yes!

I am fine.

I didn't cry yet,

so, I'm not blacklisted yet.

Yu-rae, what were you guys looking at?

What were you whispering?

Jang Hyeon-gyu has begun intimidating the new recruits.

Who will fall prey to his attacks this season and give up?

It must be those two with their hands up. They've already been blacklisted.

I say, the tall kid will give up.

Why? He looks normal.

He said the broadcasting station was like a sewer,

and that reporters made him sick to his stomach,

and talked back at me.

-What? -Really?

-Are you itching? -That's right.

He was the interviewee who acted like a fighting cock.

What was his name?

-Choi Dal-po. -You feel wronged?

-No, Mr. Jang. -Are you crying?

No, Mr. Jang.

I just yawned.

Your mouth was closed.

Yes, I yawn with my mouth closed.

Why are you staring? Do you think I am wrong for punishing them?

Mr. Jang has begun to pick on a target.

Choi Dal-po doesn't look too pleased.

Answer me!

No, Mr. Jang. I believe they deserve it.

You cruel jerk. Don't you have loyalty?

Raise your hands!

Jang Hyeon-gyu is trying an absurd

nitpicking tactic.

Will Choi Dal-po just take it?

I'm sorry, Mr. Jang. I'll fix it.

What is happening here?

Choi Dal-po backs up without a fight.

He wasn't a fighting cock, but a chick.

How could this be?

Are you sure he's the one who talked back at you?

Yes, I'm positive.

Pick them up.

You will rotate with me between the departments for a week

and learn how news is made.

After that,

you will be assigned to a district for the probation period. Got it?

-Yes! -Yes!

Oh my.

You look so good in the photo.

So, what is mawari?

Number three.

Mawari is about visiting police stations and see if there are newsworthy items.

That's all?

I know.

Then, when will you be on the news?

I don't know. There's no guarantee even after probation.

You should be on television soon.

I don't think you should become a reporter. I mean it.

-I'll wash up. -Sure.

-Cheers! -Cheers.

That tastes good.

It's on me tonight.

Now that we have this document, our relationship is clear-cut.

Isn't that so nice?

Don't worry. I invested in fishing boats in Vietnam.

They did well, so once they dock,

I'll pay you back with double the interest.

Do you want that in writing too?

-What? -What?

It's okay, there's no need.

Just don't forget to pay back the principal.

By the way, have you heard?

You know the missing firefighter?

They found his remains recently.

Really? Was it on the news?

No, it was 13 years ago. It wouldn't make the news.

I heard from a friend who worked at the site.

Thank goodness.

I was so nervous that he'd come back alive.

See? I told you he would've been blown up.

Now, we can sleep peacefully.

I know.

That tastes so good.

I'm sorry.

You sloppy drunkard!

Let him go. It's a good day. Sit back down.

Excuse me, bring us some more glasses!

This is the news control room where they produce the news.

Insert feed from the scene.

He's the news director giving orders.

-Next to him is-- -The technical director

and next to him is the subtitle editor.

Raise your hands and face the wall.

Yes, Mr. Jang.

Okay, next.

There is one more sentence after the synchronization.

Cut!

In a survey regarding news broadcasting stations,

YGN came in first in influence and credibility.

YGN was found to be trustworthy by 45 percent of the respondents,

which is significantly higher than the other stations.

While MSC has plummeted in influence, also known as media power,

NTS has been on the rise.

Just seven percent and nine percent of respondents found

those two stations to be trustworthy, respectively.

Seven percent found us to be trustworthy. How did it get so bad?

Last month's coverage on the squid market bankruptcy played a big role.

Our main news program will be on at the same time as YGN's soon.

We'll be massacred.

It means we have no chance.

YGN not only reports about themselves

but also advertises in the subways and theaters.

Don't we have anything?

We lost some new reporters, right?

Yes, recently two new reporters quit during their probation

because they couldn't handle the training program. Why?

Dal-po was the one who said we should be reporters together.

Now he says, I must not become a reporter.

I asked him why, but he didn't answer me.

Am I the weird one?

No, Dal-po is the weird one.

I have no luck.

Dad, Dal-po, and mom all tell me not to become a reporter.

How could this happen?

Does the world end if a Pinocchio becomes a reporter?

It will not. Never.

Darn it.

I wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for these hiccups.

But at least, the hiccups are cute.

Imagine if you pass wind every time you told a lie. That's just gross.

"Pass wind"? Oh my gosh, you're right.

Thank goodness I hiccup and not pass wind.

I feel a little better.

Really? I'm glad.

Thank you for letting me vent. I feel like I went to a confession.

I feel relieved.

It's fun to listen to you talk.

You're doing better than I had expected.

I thought you'd be a wreck after being rejected everywhere.

You look good.

How did you know I'd be here?

You wrote it all down in your cover letter in such detail,

with the address too, like you wanted me to come.

That was...

-That was-- -I'll get to the point.

Whatever it is, I'm not interested.

Do you still want to...

become a reporter?

"A reporter"?

-Why? -We have an opening.

Are you interested?

You want me now?

Am I the best candidate? Or...

It's neither. It's for publicity.

"Publicity"?

A recent survey shows that MSC News lacks credibility.

We need to correct this and you came to mind.

It would help if we say that we hired a reporter that cannot lie.

So, you don't want me as a reporter...

but as a doll for advertisement?

Yes. You'll start as a three-month intern, not a full-time employee.

If you do well, you may be hired full-time.

I'm not interested.

Seeing your current situation,

I don't think you're in any position to refuse.

Do things like pride and principle matter?

Yes.

Things like that matter to me.

Seeing your current situation,

you can't become a reporter holding on to things like that.

That's what it means to make a decision.

You must give up one thing in order to gain another.

So, what did you give up when you chose to be a reporter?

You.

Have you ever

regretted that decision?

I have.

But seeing you hung up on things like that,

I shouldn't have regretted it.

If you're going to come, get rid of that hiccup first.

Let's go.

SONG CHA-OK CHIEF OF THE CITY DESK

I thought she came because it was my birthday.

So, do you think she'll go to MSC?

Yes, I think she will.

She is really spineless.

She still wants to be a reporter after what her mom did to her?

I know, right?

You know,

I thought all mothers were like mine, but I was wrong.

Did you realize that just now?

I'm curious.

About what?

What's so great about reporters that she still wants to be one?

And what made her mom so ruthless?

No. Most of all,

what will happen if a Pinocchio becomes a reporter?

And--

My son has gotten weird.

-How? -You are curious

about so many things now.

Really?

That's interesting.

-Drink up. -Okay.

Drink up.

I'm sorry I'm late. I'm here.

-Hey. -You scared me.

Why were you doing that?

I have a lot on my mind and things to decide.

So, have you made a decision?

Yes. I cleaned up, so just check the dates on the rice balls.

Bye.

Darn it.

You idiot. You can't even give it to her.

Grandma, take this. It's a gift.

Why are you...

We need to talk.

It's cold. Get to it.

I'm not jealous of you. I'm happy that you became a reporter.

I don't resent you.

That again? You're hiccupping.

Do you know when I began hiccupping?

It's since I denied liking you.

What?

I said, I like...

I like you.

I realized it, but I denied it

because it's outrageous, because it's wrong, but...

I can't stop hiccupping since then.

You're lying. That's ridiculous.

I'm not lying.

See? I stopped hiccupping.

You know I can't lie.

That's why I can't even hide my crush

or play hard to get like everyone else.

I know I shouldn't do this because you're my uncle...

but I have to tell you because of these wretched hiccups.

So, pretend that you didn't hear anything.

I'll get over it somehow.

I'll call you, "Uncle" every time and date other guys,

and do whatever it takes.

So, please forget what I just said.

Then, it will be fine.

Okay.

Thanks.

What if it doesn't work?

What?

What if you do whatever it takes...

What if you try everything possible...

but your feelings don't change for years and years?

Then, what happens

to us?

That's not right. We're family.

Don't worry, I'm not

that into you yet.

I'll get over it soon.

You're lucky that you can do that.

I'm home.

Come in. Have some of this.

What? You haven't forgotten my birthday?

-Was it your birthday? -Really?

You didn't know? Then, why did you buy this?

Come in.

What?

What is it?

No. It's nothing.

I helped an old woman find a place to live with her grandson

and didn't charge a fee.

So, she brought over this cake to thank me.

Really? Great timing.

Use a fork.

I'll wash my hands afterward.

You've been weird lately. Why are you acting so clean?

It's because you're embarrassing me.

Dal-po, come and eat.

Okay.

This is my favorite. Strawberry cake.

She must be an angel

to wish me a happy birthday that my family forgot.

It's good.

That's not right. We're family.

SONG CHA-OK CHIEF OF THE CITY DESK

I can do it.

I can do it.

Have you made a decision?

Yes.

Mr. Kim, did you just get back from the police station?

Yes.

Did you hear? The new reporters coming in

were hired through connections.

Yes, Ms. Song brought one in

and Mr. Yeon brought in the other.

What a disgrace. That's no way to hire people.

Don't stop me. I'm going to complain to the labor union

and post this on our intranet.

I'll show them what insubordination is.

Still, I heard they have solid resumes.

They were both finalists at YGN and with good looks.

Why do looks matter for a reporter?

Do you write with your face? Will stories fall at their feet?

Hello.

-Going up? -No.

-Excuse me. -Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Why are you...

You made it.

-Hello. -Hello.

Please, greet him. He is the captain of the city desk, Kim Gong-ju.

He's the senior reporter of Hangang District, Lee Il-ju.

They're the new intern reporters. Choi In-ha and Seo Beom-jo.

Nice to meet you. Welcome to MSC.

The only thing YGN had on us was their good looks,

but these two will turn the tables on them.

-In-ha, let's go to the studio. -Yes, Ms. Song.

Let's talk in my office.

Yes, Mr. Yeon.

How is your mother doing?

Where was the insubordination?

You just saw it.

What?

I mentioned only their looks and nothing about qualifications.

Any fool would know it is a disgrace to hire not based on merit.

I'm sure Ms. Song and Mr. Yeon felt guilty.

Right, whatever. Goodness.

This is the publicity proposal. Just ask if you have any questions.

I understand. But when will this air?

Sometime this week. Why?

Nothing. Just asking.

Didn't you tell your dad you're here?

Yes, not yet.

But I will soon.

Are those your only shoes?

Pardon?

Yes.

Wear those for now. You look too poor.

I'm Choi In-ha with MSC News.

Let's do that one more time.

As you see, I have the Pinocchio syndrome which makes it impossible for me to lie.

and I am Korea's first Pinocchio reporter.

-I promise two things-- -Again.

Ready, cue.

I have the Pinocchio syndrome and I am Korea's first Pinocchio reporter.

I'm Choi In-ha with MSC News.

A necessary stop for new reporters. The National Forensic Service.

They analyze every fingerprint and strand of hair.

The same goes for your investigation.

Analyze every little detail as a clue

at the scene of the story.

You must understand the power of discovering the truth

to properly relay that truth.

And soon,

you will participate in the highlight of this place,

the autopsy. Stay tuned.

This is the body a 41-year-old man.

It looks like the cause of death was a fire,

but seeing how his lungs and organs are not damaged,

he appears to have died before the fire.

Damage to the esophagus and stomach indicates

that he was poisoned.

-Are you okay? -I have to fight it regardless.

I can't be blacklisted again.

Should we have tripe soup or blood soup for lunch?

Tripe soup sounds good.

Tripe soup?

Yu-rae!

-Yu-rae! -Let's move to the right.

Face forward.

CHIEF SONG CHA-OK

Have you told your father?

-I'm home. -Come and sit down.

-Let's eat. -Okay.

Why did you wear a suit to work at a convenience store?

Are you hired full-time?

Stop bugging her already.

Dad, Grandpa, actually I--

I'm home.

Dal-po, come and sit. Let's have dinner.

Okay.

What is this?

It's your favorite, tripe stew.

I put in plenty of tripe, so it'll be nice and flavorful.

What's wrong, Uncle?

It's nothing.

Look at that.

There you go.

Dal-po!

-Dal-po! -What's wrong with him?

Do men get morning sickness too?

I REFUSE ANY STANGE IDEAS!

It's so cold.

Dal-po... What?

How do you feel?

Here. I got you some medicine.

I'm fine.

You got sick because you're so tired. The job is tough, right?

No, I'm fine. I like it.

If you hold back your feelings, you'll get sick. That's no good.

You should say if you're sick to fix your illness,

and you have to say if you're tired for others to help you.

Got it?

Yes, I got it. I'll let you know if I'm tired.

Good. As long as you know that.

Dal-po.

Take this.

Take one spoonful 30 minutes after every meal.

I'm the only one who cares, right?

You rotten scoundrel.

You are way too late.

I already got him some.

Thanks.

JIYEOUNG DRUG STORE

Dad isn't out yet?

Yes, he's taking a long time.

I'm late. Let me wash up first.

Hey. I'm late too.

But I'll be quick.

I said that I'm late too.

Move it.

No.

I don't think you'd want to go in right now.

-You first. -No!

No, you go first!

You're so...

You said you're late. I'm being nice.

Dad! What did you put in the tripe stew last night?

My nose is melting!

These are shredded documents from the violent crime department.

Piece these together to see if there are any potential stories. Got it?

-What? -What?

It's almost time to get off of work. When would we...

We can do it all.

Nobody goes home until this is completed.

Got it?

-Yes. -Yes.

Mr. Jang claims the weakest candidate for his district.

According to the current standings, that would be me, right?

-Yes. -Yes.

Then, I'll be in Mr. Jang's district.

Yes.

Are you crying?

No, I just yawned.

Hey, you still haven't fixed the bumper.

Why? Does the guy refuse to pay?

Come on.

I should let him go. It's just a small scratch.

Even for his sake, you shouldn't do that!

If you did something wrong, you should pay for it!

If you let him go, do you think he'll thank you?

He'll only become shameless.

-Is that so? -Make him pay.

You can get 100,000 won easily

Okay, I'll keep that in mind.

What...

-Get it. -Okay!

OUTLINE OF THE CASE

HANGANG POLICE STATION CHART

When will we finish all this?

I think,

I just aged ten years from doing this.

Oh, no.

Hello? Yes.

Right, the bumper. Yes. Of course, I'll reimburse you.

Thank you for calling. When...

Now?

No, that's not it.

Okay, I'll be right there.

Where are you going?

I'll be right back.

Are you crazy? You're dead if Mr. Jang catches you.

Where should I meet you?

Dal-po.

How about near my house?

Yes. My address is...

Yes, I know. Okay.

Is he...

I just got here. Where are you?

Give me a minute. I'm almost there.

Okay, I see your car.

That's not the truck.

I'm close friends with the owner of the truck.

I called because I was too frustrated.

This is what the bumper looks like but he won't get it fixed.

I see.

He's too soft to ask for a reimbursement.

But it was too frustrating to watch, so I said I'd do it.

That's why I'm here.

I wanted to set things right.

Okay. I'm glad you did.

-Moon Deok-su? -Yes.

Are you the one who found my wallet?

Yes, but I don't have it on me right now.

I came straight from work, but I left it at home.

I see.

It's nearby, so come with me.

Sure.

There are houses at a place like this?

It looks like everything is demolished here.

My house is around the corner.

I'm sorry, but may I borrow your phone?

My battery died.

Gosh.

-Make it quick. -Thank you.

Go ahead.

It's so cold.

Did I, or did I not say that you can't go home until this is completed?

You did. I'm sorry.

Everyone will pack up and go home.

-Get up! -Oh, my gosh.

And!

Choi Dal-po will finish up what's remaining before he leaves.

Yes, Mr. Jang.

Poor Dal-po. Mr. Jang has it in for him now.

I feel bad for Dal-po, but thanks to him,

I think we've avoided being in Mr. Jang's district.

Poor Dal-po.

Hey. Are you smiling?

What? No.

You just smiled.

I did not. Thinking that Dal-po will be in Hangang...

I must've lost my mind. That's not it.

I feel bad that Dal-po will be in the Hangang District.

You have connections with the station director? That's cool.

We're colleagues now. Let's be friends.

Shall we?

But the name Beom-jo sounds so familiar. Why is that?

It's the name of the department store. Don't you know Beomjo Department Store?

It was named after me.

Was it? I have a college named after me too.

It's true.

Do you want this?

I love this.

Don't you think we're running into each other often?

Is it a coincidence?

How could it be a coincidence?

To be honest, I...

The inability to lie can be a weakness to a reporter.

No, I believe it is actually a strength. A reporter relays the truth.

If the news is told by a report who cannot lie,

I think the viewers will trust it more. No, I'm sure of it.

As you see, I have the Pinocchio syndrome which makes it impossible for me to lie.

And I am Korea's first Pinocchio reporter.

I promise two things

as a MSC reporter.

First, I will relay only the truth.

Second, I will make sure to keep my first promise.

I'm Choi In-ha with MSC News.

"I'm Choi In-ha with MSC News."

Who cares whether it's coincidence or not?

What matters is that we met.

Hello, Mr. Hwang.

Continue with your work.

It gets tough if Hyeon-gyu decides to pick on you.

Doesn't it make you sick?

No, I don't think of it that way.

If my memory serves me right, you don't belong here.

And you wouldn't submit blindly to your superior to become a reporter.

I don't understand.

Don't play dumb. I remember every word you said eight years ago.

I don't know. I don't remember.

Why did you crawl into this sewer?

Why do you want to be a reporter who abuses authority with a microphone?

Don't worry.

You and I are the only ones here.

So, you can be totally honest.

I won't make an issue out of anything that you say in here.

Why do you want to be a reporter?

Do you suddenly like reporters now?

How could I

like them?

This place is still suffocating and reporters make me sick.

Then, why are you here?

-It's because of a name. -"A name"?

After I endure the training period

and when I get to hold my own mic in front of the camera,

I want to say my real name at the end of my report.

Your real name? So, are you saying that

your name right now is a fake one?

Yes.

Who are you? What's your problem?

Your voice is still strong after all these hours.

But it's useless. Like you said, this area has been demolished,

so no one comes here.

What did I ever do to you? Why are you doing this to me?

Tell me. Who are you?

What is your real name?

I'm Ki Ho-sang's son.

It's Ki Ha-myeong.

What? "Ki Ho-sang"?

Do you remember that name?

The son of Ki Ho-sang...

whose remains were discovered recently.

What?

What do you plan to do to me?

I wanted to

let you know how my father passed away.

You're that firefighter's...

son?

Yes.

Because of you people,

I lost my mom and dad as well as my brother.

I lost my name too.

And not long ago,

I learned how wronged my father was because of you people.

I have a lot to say and a lot I want to find out,

and someone I want to find as well.

I wondered who could do all of that.

The answer was...

simply ironic.

You will die down there.

But people will not know of your death.

They'll think you're just hiding somewhere.

Please, let me live!

And...

the world will remember you

as a monster who killed his friends for money.

What do you mean?

I never killed anyone!

I know.

But no one else will know.

Your family won't know either.

The world will

remember you as a low-life who killed his friends and ran away.

Your family will be scorned by the world

and be ashamed of you for the rest of their lives!

They'll realize hell isn't saved for after death.

That answer is...

a reporter?

I'm sorry, sir! I did a terrible thing, sir!

Much later,

even if you get lucky and your skeleton is found,

the world won't care an ounce about how you were wronged!

Just like our dad!

Yes.

That is why I became a reporter. Because it's someone that can do it all.

So...

I will work hard, Mr. Hwang.

Subtitle translation by Jun Ryu