Original subtitles

ALL CHARACTERS, GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, INCIDENTS,

AND LOCATIONS DEPICTED IN THIS DRAMA ARE ENTIRELY FICTITIOUS

YEAR 2010

Do you know how many fraud cases take place in South Korea?

Over 200,000.

And that's just in one year.

Approximately three trillion in damages.

But you see,

that's only the number of reported cases.

The number of cases that fly under the radar

goes far beyond that.

You really have to admit

that we're living in a country full of swindlers.

What a country. It's honestly disturbing, you know?

Scamming people in this beautiful country

that's already full to the brim with them...

It's not an easy thing to pull off.

Making people crave something

against their own inhibition.

That's the most important part.

That's when we strike.

And take everything they have.

You get me?

Please welcome No Sang-cheon,

chairman of BIGS Network!

Good evening to you all.

I would like to thank each and every one of you here

at today's customer appreciation event.

A few days ago someone came to me and asked,

"Does even someone like you have a dream?

You're only obsessed with money."

So do you know what I told them?

"People don't have dreams.

Money makes people dream."

How can you have a dream if you're penniless? Don't you all agree?

Ladies and gentlemen,

I do have a dream.

And in case you haven't noticed,

the fact that I have a dream means I'm rich enough to have one.

My dream is to make BIGS Network

a global distribution business.

One that's comparable to Korea's prominent Sangsun Group.

I ask those of you here,

do you believe in my dream?

-Yes! -Yes!

Has or has not BIGS Network

created revenue for you?

-It has! -It has!

Who helped you amass your wealth?

The president of this country? Or No Sang-cheon?

-No Sang-cheon! -No Sang-cheon!

-That's right. It's me! -No Sang-cheon!

I, No Sang-cheon, will achieve my dream!

Everyone,

I ask for your absolute trust.

There is no weapon stronger than trust between people.

Do you believe in me?

-We do! -We do!

-No Sang-cheon! -No Sang-cheon!

-No Sang-cheon! -No Sang-cheon!

-No Sang-cheon! -No Sang-cheon!

-No Sang-cheon! -No Sang-cheon!

Who was it in the car earlier?

What you don't know can't hurt you.

Who was it?

Why won't you tell me?

I'll tell you this.

My dream...

has almost reached Korea.

No Sang-cheon, the mastermind

behind the biggest Ponzi scheme in the history of Korea,

was reported dead in a car accident in China, where he was on the run.

The police have sent investigators

to check on the incident and the death certificate

among other circumstantial evidence.

Meanwhile, the No Sang-cheon Ponzi scheme case

is to be dismissed in court

due to the culprit's death,

making it even harder for the victims to seek recompense.

MAGANG NAMBU POLICE AGENCY

YEAR 2023

Captain Gu Do-han, Violent Crimes Investigation Unit.

Correct?

We've met before, you know.

Let's move on then.

You wrote in your November 15th report

that you participated in the arrest of a murder suspect.

Is this correct? You were at the scene?

I was off duty.

You weren't even there and

yet you wrote that forceful measures were necessary

due to the suspect's violent resistance.

Now he's a murderer,

not just a suspect.

The suspect sustained multiple fractures that will take 16 weeks to heal.

CCTV footage shows

Detective Jang Jun-hwi's assault,

which will lead to his discharge.

You fabricated the documents and concealed the matter.

What's this?

Evidence showing that Detective Jang's assault was not unwarranted.

I do not believe there was any excessive force.

Have a look at the files.

You're not serious.

He attacked Detective Jang with a knife, trying to kill him.

The cameras caught what happened after that.

Get your facts straight.

What a huge pile of documents.

To sum it up,

I admit to fabricating the report.

But I'm not conceding on Detective Jang's charges.

Whether or not you admit it doesn't make a difference.

Once this inspection is over,

it's up to the disciplinary committee.

I know the process.

I'm saying you should put in the work to convince the committee.

There's this thing called litigation for revoking a discharge.

If Detective Jang gets discharged I just might head up that effort.

Have you ever been to court?

Is that a threat, Captain Gu?

I wouldn't go that far. Let's call it negotiation.

Either discharge a low-ranking detective who worked hard to catch a criminal

and go to court for who knows how many months,

or just leave it

at disciplinary measures for the team captain.

INSPECTION SQUAD

What is all this?

-What does he think he is, a lawyer? -You didn't know?

He was hired through a special recruitment program for lawyers.

He used to work at a law firm.

He's an actual lawyer? Seriously?

He used to defend business tycoons

and high-ranking officials in criminal cases.

He's a legend. Hardly ever lost a case.

...difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Thus, the court rules as follows. The defendant is pronounced not guilty.

Well, what's he doing here in the police force?

A lawyer turned detective?

Detectives work too much and don't get paid enough.

DECOY

EPISODE 1. THE DEAD

Yes, sir.

I don't think Detective Jang will be discharged.

Me? I'm probably facing a few months of disciplinary leave.

Still, it's the best we could have hoped for.

A move like this would've earned me thousands in the past.

MAGANG NAMBU POLICE AGENCY

Hey, I'm on my way.

I'm almost there.

Why are you doing this to me?

This is the 112 Emergency Call Center.

Help.

Sorry? Could you please explain in detail?

HELP NO SANG-CHEON IS TRYING TO KILL ME

No Sang-cheon...

is trying to kill me.

Who is that? Where are you?

CONNECTING REDIAL

The phone has been powered off...

Delivery!

I'm coming in.

What is it? Suicide or homicide?

An obvious homicide.

-It's a murder. -Have you identified the victim?

Just a second.

His name's Song Young-jin. Born in 1969.

Song Young-jin.

I'll take this to the Deputy Head.

Keep me posted.

Sure thing.

Why does the Deputy Head want reports on every single homicide case?

If he's that worried, he should be here with us.

Come in.

DEPUTY HEAD, GANG JONG-HUN

We have information on the homicide victim's ID.

Good job.

But is there a special reason you want us to report

on every homicide case lately?

Why? Is it a hassle?

Having to report several times a day?

No, sir.

THEFT, DUI, BURGLARY, FRAUD, AGGRAVATED PUNISHMENT FOR FINANCIAL CRIME

Where's Gu Do-han?

I'm not sure. Why do you ask?

No, not Captain Gu.

It's been less than a week since his suspension.

If the Inspection Squad hears...

STATISTICS REPORT, INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

DEPUTY HEAD

Yes, it's me.

I need you at a crime scene.

Me?

Have you forgotten I'm on disciplinary leave?

I'll take responsibility and have you come back.

Just get over there.

No, you misunderstood.

I'm having a blast right now.

I don't see why I should have to give it up.

It's a homicide.

DO NOT CROSS

You got here earlier than I thought. Were you home?

What do you think happened?

Revenge or money problems, by the looks of it.

I mean my disciplinary leave. Why do you think I got off?

I've been a cop for ten years.

It's my first time seeing a suspension get lifted.

It's time you got used to bodies.

I can't seem to, especially the blood.

There's not that much to check here, really.

The victim was subdued and tied up.

He had a knife to the heart and died instantly.

He wasn't killed right away.

What?

-He was tortured. -Tortured? Where?

Right there.

That means there was something the killer wanted to know.

This wasn't a robbery gone bad, nor was it accidental.

Check on the victim's acquaintances.

Focus on revenge and money.

Yes, sir. We have his phone too.

Who found the body?

We asked the guy to come.

He should be here any minute.

I told you I'm busy. I have orders backed up.

Such dedication to your work. This won't take long.

I told you everything. That's all I know.

You said the door was open when you arrived.

-Are you sure? -Yes, I told you.

Think hard on it.

Was the door already open or did you open it yourself?

To tell you the truth...

Hello?

I'm disabled, so I can't get the door.

Could you come in?

-What? -The door will be open.

Oh, okay. I can do that.

The killer must have called the restaurant, right?

Do you think the killer called on purpose?

Normally, killers don't want the body to be found early.

The later the body's found, the less evidence there is left.

Then do you think someone happened to come over, find the body,

then call the restaurant?

If you found a body, would you call to order Chinese?

To grab some jajangmyeon with the dead guy?

Why did he call a restaurant instead of the Emergency Reporting Center?

If it really is the killer who called the restaurant,

I'm sure he had a purpose.

We're tracking the call number, so something's bound to come up.

Excuse me, can I borrow your phone?

The battery's dead.

Wait...

What is it?

Unlock it.

Either do it here or at the station.

What's going on?

What the heck?

This is an infringement on portrait rights.

I'll delete them. Okay?

After him!

Stop!

What the hell is this?

Hey! Damn it.

Stop!

-You fucking bastard! -Stop!

-Stop! -Watch out!

Stay still!

Hold still, you bastard.

Why did you run? Hold onto him.

What's this?

This creep took these pictures.

Before the police arrived.

What?

I can explain everything.

You're not requesting an attorney?

Yes, I won't need one. It's just a big misunderstanding.

Then let me hear the truth.

-Why did you kill him? -It wasn't me.

I went to meet the guy and he was already dead.

That's it. I swear.

Then why didn't you report to the police?

I was scared.

So you call a Chinese restaurant so they can report it instead?

What restaurant?

You called them so the delivery guy would find the body.

No, I didn't. I just took some pictures.

Delivery!

I'm coming in.

So...

the victim just happened to be dead when you visited him,

and you took pictures for souvenirs?

Do you have some perverted hobby collecting pictures of dead bodies?

I don't get why I'm here.

I'm a victim too.

That's why I went to see Song Young-jin.

So you're his acquaintance.

Not quite that.

I'm a victim, I tell you.

You're a suspect, Mr. Lee Byeong-jun.

Stop calling yourself a victim.

I'm telling you.

I'm also a victim.

Why aren't you listening to me?

I'm a victim that was scammed by Song Young-jin.

You people don't know who Song Young-jin is, do you?

We're currently looking into his identity.

You should do your research on him first.

And

who I am too.

I'm not someone to be interrogated in this manner.

You dumb cops

have ruined my life!

You dare to lock me up here?

Are you done? Sit down.

It's No Sang-cheon that killed him.

Song Young-jin was killed by No Sang-cheon.

The guy was in on it with No Sang-cheon.

He deserved to die.

Who is No Sang-cheon?

I'm their victim.

No Sang-cheon. Song Young-jin.

What were you cops doing while I was suffering?

You haven't even caught No Sang-cheon.

No, you didn't even try.

And now you're pinning me as the murderer?

There's something you should see.

We have information on the victim, Song Young-jin.

He's got quite a rap sheet. Just out of prison too.

-What was he in for? -Do you know No Sang-cheon?

No Sang-cheon?

That guy kept going on about him.

Wait, No Sang-cheon...

The guy from the Ponzi scheme case?

Yes. The victim, Song Young-jin, was a member of his crew.

His right-hand man, actually.

Are you sure?

Yes. They worked together to scam people from day one.

Captain, I got the recording from the 112 emergency call

that Song Young-jin made before he was killed.

Play it.

This is the 112 Emergency Call Center.

Help.

Sorry?

Could you please explain in detail?

No Sang-cheon...

is trying to kill me.

I'm sorry?

Who is that?

Where are you?

And that's it.

It's No Sang-cheon again.

But No Sang-cheon is already dead.

Is he saying his ghost did it?

-Hello, sir. -Hey.

People are saying No Sang-cheon's the killer. What's with that?

Do you seriously believe that? I thought you were above that.

I'm asking because it doesn't make any sense.

I hear there was an emergency call saying No Sang-cheon came to kill him.

That call was probably made under duress.

What makes you say that?

The body has traces of torture.

That means the killer wouldn't have let the victim make the call by himself.

He was probably forced to say that name.

And that may have been the reason behind the torture.

You think the victim was tortured into making the call?

I'm saying that's a possibility.

What about the suspect? What are the odds he did it?

We're still looking into it.

A picture of the crime scene isn't sufficient evidence.

We'll know once we gather information

like surveillance footage on the day of the crime

and DNA results from the murder weapon.

That guy's got to be the killer.

It doesn't make sense that No Sang-cheon did this.

Yes, but...

the suspect is also adamant that No Sang-cheon is the suspect.

What a lunatic. How is a dead guy supposed to commit murder?

We have the killer. He definitely did it.

He was caught red-handed when he went back to the scene to tamper with it.

And he's blaming the crime on No Sang-cheon.

Don't you think so?

Have you been inside the suspect's head?

How do you know for sure?

It's obvious, considering the circumstances.

You need more time to investigate?

I'll request the Prosecutor's Office for an arrest warrant.

It won't be easy to get one with a single photo of the crime scene.

I'll make it happen.

And this rumor about No Sang-cheon is bound to be a nuisance for us,

so don't expose this to the press for now.

Let's just get this case over with.

-Just stop. -You are not allowed in here.

I'm the suspect's attorney. I'm Lee Byeong-jun's attorney.

You didn't call in advance for an interview.

There wasn't enough time for that!

You're Lee Byeong-jun's attorney?

Jung Na-yeon, attorney-at-law. I'm here to see Mr. Lee Byeong-jun.

He told us he didn't need a lawyer.

I was appointed by his family.

He probably isn't aware.

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW JUNG NA-YEON

Follow me.

My name's Jung Na-yeon.

I'm your lawyer. I got a call from your family.

Right.

I see.

You know it's illegal to listen in on attorney-client conversations, right?

What should we do?

Switch it off.

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW JUNG NA-YEON

-No. -What?

She's not a lawyer.

But you have her card.

Look at her.

Her bag, clothes, down to her shoes.

No lawyer I know dresses like that.

Then why did you let her in?

To see what she was up to.

What happened?

What do you mean?

You know what I mean.

He's really dead.

I can't tell you how freaked out I was, seeing that creep's dead body.

Don't look at me like that.

You know I'm innocent.

Of course, I do.

But...

what now?

Can't you see what I'm doing?

I'm sitting right here.

Everything's going exactly as they said. Don't you get that?

That one last thing

is all we have left to hope for.

They murdered someone.

Or they were at least complicit.

We should talk to the police...

No.

Not a chance.

Do you think that will give you some peace of mind?

You just stay put.

I'll take care of everything.

Why was the flash on?

It was the middle of the day...

What?

He got caught on purpose?

CCTV IN OPERATION

Is your visit over?

Yes. Thank you.

-Excuse me, Ms. Jung. -Yes?

What are you doing? This is assault!

Are you out of your mind?

I'm going to sue you!

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW JUNG NA-YEON PRODUCER HONG NA-YEON

CHEON NA-YEON

What are you? A con artist?

Stop accusing me!

What is it then?

I'm a reporter.

A reporter? Where do you work?

Someplace called H And News. It's an online newspaper.

Who told you about this case?

It's not known to the public yet.

You knew Lee Byeong-jun from the start, didn't you?

Yes, we know each other, but...

Are you an accomplice? Is that why you came?

Accomplice? What on earth are you...

You don't.

Just tell me the truth. How did you know about this case?

I got a tip-off.

That the dead No Sang-cheon was the suspect.

And that my acquaintance Lee Byeong-jun was detained here.

Who tipped you off?

Do you expect me to give you my sources?

Never mind that.

Is No Sang-cheon really a suspect?

Why is everyone going on about No Sang-cheon?

Does that even make sense to you?

Then why am I hearing that No Sang-cheon is the true suspect?

-Look. Isn't it obvious? -Obvious?

Someone just gave you a misleading tip.

A reporter should know better.

Yes, I am a reporter.

If I get a tip, it's my job to get to the bottom of the story.

There must be a reason why people are talking about No Sang-cheon.

Listen carefully. This is a murder case.

The police need to keep this investigation confidential.

And the press

is duty-bound to inform the public of what they need to know.

There's nothing to know. Nothing has been confirmed.

No Sang-cheon has nothing to do with the case,

and Lee Byeong-jun is simply a suspect. That's all there is to it!

You should leave now.

Will there be an article?

What did you mean by "You don't"?

What?

A minute ago. You said to me, "You don't."

You were staring at my face.

I meant you don't have the eyes of a killer.

Maybe the eyes of a fraud.

Of course, I don't.

I have the eyes of a doe.

Then what about Lee Byeong-jun?

Does he have the eyes of a killer?

Don't worry. I won't be writing an article.

No Sang-cheon has nothing to do with the case,

and Lee Byeong-jun is simply a suspect.

Writing an article like that would make me a trashy reporter.

VIOLENT CRIMES INVESTIGATION UNIT

-Hey. -Captain.

This is going to take ages.

We don't have the exact time of the crime,

and there's a lot of traffic in the area. It's hard to single anyone out.

Well...

We have the suspect. Let's focus on getting the hard evidence.

Any word from National Forensic Service?

They told us to wait a bit.

With so much blood, they're having a hard time analyzing it.

MAGANG NAMBU POLICE AGENCY

No Sang-cheon, the mastermind behind the biggest Ponzi scheme in history,

was reported dead in a car accident in China, where he was on the run.

The No Sang-cheon Ponzi scheme case is to be dismissed in court

due to the culprit's death,

making it even harder for the victims...

POLICE CASE SEARCH

PLEASE ENTER PASSCODE

Detective Park.

I'd like you to...

Delivery!

I'm coming in.

Why did he get caught on purpose?

Why?

Why did you bring me here?

Am I doing a crime scene reenactment?

You'll need to confess for that to happen.

The interrogation room was stuffy,

so I figured we'd get some fresh air.

You're trying to pressure me into saying something here.

You won't get anything. It wasn't me.

Sure.

Think what you will.

You knew that the victim, Song Young-jin, was an employee of No Sang-cheon.

Is that correct?

Not just an employee. They were all scammers.

And you, Lee Byeong-jun,

are a victim of the No Sang-cheon Ponzi scheme case, is that correct?

Those damn bastards!

You resented that bastard Song Young-jin and wanted revenge, right?

Yes.

But...

If you're trying to figure out some motive I might have for killing him,

it won't work.

Then why did you come to see him that day?

I've already told you over and over again.

We were planning to meet but he didn't show up.

He didn't take my calls, so I came here.

Are you sure you didn't come to become a suspect on purpose?

Why did you want to meet Song Young-jin?

He visited us at the victims' group some time ago.

Victims' group?

A group for the victims of No Sang-cheon's Ponzi schemes.

That's still a thing?

That case was dismissed years ago.

It might have been over for you people,

but it's not for us victims.

So what did Song Young-jin say?

-Give me my money! -The victims, of course,

were mad at the sight of Song Young-jin.

But Song Young-jin had an unexpected reason for visiting us.

No Sang-cheon is definitely alive.

I'm going to get that damn prick,

and I'll get you back

all of the money you're owed!

You have to believe me!

And did you actually believe him?

We had no other choice.

Too much time had passed,

and we were tired of waiting.

No, I meant what he said about No Sang-cheon still alive.

He was already reported dead. There was evidence to prove that.

You don't know a thing.

No one thinks No Sang-cheon is actually dead.

At least none of the victims do.

Well, it makes sense that you want to believe he's alive.

Do you think it's just the victims who do?

Then why don't you ask your Deputy Head?

Ask him if No Sang-cheon really is dead.

See if he thinks that's true.

How does he play into this?

He was the head detective on the No Sang-cheon case.

Your Deputy Head, Gang Jong-hun, on his high horse!

YEAR 2011

BIGS NETWORK

Understood.

The chairman will be visiting our branch very soon.

So please go back and wait.

-That's nonsense! -Hey!

-What are you saying? -Come on!

Wait, please! We're not planning to run with your money.

If you could be a little more patient, your dividends will be deposited.

Of course, if you prefer to terminate the contract, we can give you...

I should tear your mouth apart!

You expect us to listen to your crap? We're not waiting any longer.

Give me back my money, you bastard!

Stop this!

I'm going to call the police!

Go on, I dare you! Call them!

That will save me trouble!

Call the cops!

What's that?

What's he doing?

What on earth...

No Sang-cheon!

Get him here right now.

Please don't.

It's all over.

Bring No Sang-cheon here now.

We can't get through to him!

We can't! He's not taking our calls.

What do you mean?

No one knows where he is.

I invested all my money and my family's money.

That's why I can't leave! I'm in the same boat!

That's why we're the last two employees that are still here.

We're hoping to get any information by staying here.

I also feel like dying here!

You should have told us before!

What am I going to do?

It's all over.

Everything's over.

Okay.

One of the members lit himself on fire at the Magang branch yesterday.

Make sure the press stays quiet.

All right.

It's unbelievable how weak some people are.

It's no wonder they don't make it through.

They're better off dead.

You lot...

don't you ever do anything like that.

There's nothing to gain from death.

No one is going to bat an eyelash.

You only get to live once.

So whatever happens, you should power through.

Yes, sir. Duly noted.

Anyhow, if our members continue to kick the bucket,

it's going to get harder for us to go off the radar.

Are you sure tonight's the night?

Yes,

I checked the route several times.

Eat up.

Hello, sir.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

Yes, I'll be departing today.

I'm sorry?

Head to Daeju Port.

Sorry? Not Geonbu Port?

It's been changed to Daeju Port.

Yes, sir.

DAEJU PORT

CHAIRMAN

Die, you sack of crap!

Fuck!

For fuck's sake.

Hey, pull your chair up.

You fucking...

Chairman No!

I didn't do it!

I didn't!

It's a misunderstanding.

Please, sir...

Look at this fucking mess.

You fucking ruined my new clothes!

Did you think you could get everything if you handed me over?

Please forgive me. Please...

Fucking bastard.

What should I do with him?

-Dump him. Over there. -No! Sir!

Sir, please! It's a misunderstanding!

Sir!

Just my fucking luck.

-Sir! -Keep it down.

Sir!

You bastard!

You fucking fools!

Bastards!

You fucking bastards!

Please don't kill me. Please!

The ship isn't coming.

Something must be wrong.

Let's go back.

What's going on?

-Get him! -Get out!

-Get out of the car! -Come on.

-Open the door! -Hey!

Get the hell out!

-Open the door! -Open up, dirtbag.

Open the door!

Hey, open the door!

-Open up! -I'll break the window.

Ten, nine, eight,

seven, six,

five, four,

three, two,

-one. -I said, open the door!

What's that?

Time to go home, morons.

Boss.

What's going on?

Gang Jong-hun speaking.

What?

But we're already...

Understood.

Well...

We were misled.

What do you mean, misled?

Are you saying that's not No Sang-cheon?

I'm sure that's him!

We should open the door and check his face.

Hey!

Get back in the car.

You're going to back down after all this?

What a racket.

That's the car.

-Let's get these guys. -Damn it.

Check the front.

What the...

Shit!

God damn it...

Please relay my appreciation.

I am greatly indebted.

Find out why the ship didn't come today.

Yes, sir.

YEAR 2023

She's here.

-You're here. -Na-yeon, what happened?

I think they're going to get an arrest warrant.

They have the picture as evidence.

What are we going to do?

The only footprints left in the room were Mr. Lee's.

Why did he go to that place without telling anyone?

Well, he did tell somebody.

He told me.

He said he was going to check if Song Young-jin's death was real.

Hey. Did you get anything?

Did you get his confession?

Not yet.

I think I should look into No Sang-cheon.

-How come? -Everything's pointing towards him.

-I think he has something to do with... -Stop.

I got your suspension lifted for you to solve a murder,

not to go after some dead person.

Got that?

He was the head detective on the No Sang-cheon case.

Your Deputy Head, Gang Jong-hun, on his high horse!

About you getting me off disciplinary leave...

I didn't even want that.

Why did you do it?

The Inspection Squad must've pushed back.

You live for these murder cases.

That's why I didn't pass it off to another team.

You and I both know that was just bait.

Though I took it right away...

Lee Byeong-jun just doesn't seem to be the answer.

-I can sense it... -Do-han.

It's not always best to dig deep.

You're crossing the line.

Okay.

But if there's something I should cover up,

let me know in advance.

MATCH FOUND

NO SANG-CHEON

NO SANG-CHEON, 98.97% MATCH

This is the 112 Emergency Call Center.

Help.

HELP NO SANG-CHEON HAS COME TO KILL ME

No Sang-cheon...

has come to kill me.

Sir? Could you repeat...

REDIAL

DECOY