Original subtitles

Here. Oh.

What is wrong with me? Am I a kid or what?

She seems totally fine.

Well, I'm going to the library.

Okay, see you in a bit.

All right.

My god, I must have lost my mind.

I can't believe I said such a thing.

It's fine.

Sometimes, It's okay to cause others trouble.

Especially with me.

Me...

Why on earth did you have to add that at the end?

Every time I see him, it gets so awkward. What should I do?

What should I do now?

Gosh, what am I supposed to do now?

What are you doing?

Huh? What do you mean?

I could hear you mumbling to yourself about something nonstop.

Oh, I had someone on speakerphone.

You're a long way from it, though.

The technology is so advanced these days.

I heard you told Doyeon.

I told her about my feelings long ago.

-Where is she? -She's in another department's trial.

What's the matter? Did she reject you?

What are you talking about? Things are going great.

The two of us are totally fine.

Why do some random people keep provoking me?

I'll stop by again later.

Gosh, seriously.

What am I going to do now?

Judge Jung. Have you lost your mind?

You're a judge. How could you punch someone inside court?

And a fellow judge, of all people.

I'm sorry, sir.

Also, what was that about?

The stenographer?

You see,

workplace sexual harassment is a serious issue. Do you realize that?

It has nothing to do with sexual harassment.

You used your seniority to hit on someone who has a lower position than you.

What's considered sexual harassment, if that isn't?

I guess that's how people view it.

How else am I supposed to view it?

-I'm serious about her, sir. -"Serious"?

Are you saying you're going to marry her or what?

Do your parents know about this?

We just started dating.

It's too early to tell my parents or talk about marriage.

See? I knew it.

You obviously hit on her without giving it any serious thoughts.

We're not living in the Joseon era.

This is your workplace.

And let me remind you. You work in court.

Even if it's between two judges,

it'll be frowned upon,

and everyone in the country will talk about how we don't work hard enough.

And what? You're dating a subordinate? A stenographer?

Please think before you act, if you have a thing called a brain!

But I also have my personal life.

You always have to talk back to me like that, don't you?

Is this how I taught you?

Look, Judge Jung.

I was fond of you,

because I thought you were doing great, assimilating yourself into this place,

but you keep letting me down.

If you want to work as a judge for a long time,

you had better behave yourself.

Shall I remind you of who you are here?

You're my associate judge.

Presiding Judge Bae Gondae's associate judge.

Do you understand?

How dare you embarrass me like this?

Leave now.

Get out!

Did you get yelled at by Judge Bae?

Yes.

I'm sure he said all of that out of his concern for you.

"Concern"?

Did I do something bad to arouse concern? Is that what you think, too?

No, of course not.

-But... -But what?

Everyone is gossiping about it now.

It's easy for people to get the wrong idea about something like that, you know.

What kind of "wrong idea"?

No one should get any wrong ideas. I shouldn't have brought it up. I'm sorry.

Sorry again.

I should behave myself as a judge?

What does that even mean?

I heard about what happened. Why did you do that?

Hey, you.

Why did you punch someone in front of all the people?

Do you know what those jerks said about you?

It's not wise to punish every barking dog,

and it's best to avoid problems.

-But still... -Before you,

I've never told anyone about my life, since I started working here.

What?

This world is full of people who will never change.

There's no need to fight them or try to make them understand.

We don't have to be friends with everyone.

Just think that there is dog poop and gravel

on the street, you're walking on, and continue along.

-Doyeon. -Don't fight for me.

SEJIN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

A neurosurgeon in his 50s quasi-raped a resident.

What's the matter?

The reality is worse than horror movies.

What's wrong?

Haven't you heard about it?

A professor at Sejin National University quasi-raped a resident.

He's a married man in his 50s.

He made his student drink, until she dropped.

When she was completely drunk, he dragged her to a motel.

There's a big controversy of his charge being dropped.

The rich can get off any criminal charges. There's a ton of articles.

The final verdict hasn't been made yet.

You're right.

He hasn't been tried yet, so he's innocent until proven guilty.

I don't think I deserve to call myself a judge yet.

It's been a few months now.

Even I still swear, while watching the news.

I have huge respect for Presiding Judge Han.

Why?

How does he manage to hold back his anger in the courtroom?

-It's unfair, Your Honor. -Defendant,

didn't you admit to all the allegations?

Yes, I did, but...

But what? What's unfair?

The prosecution lied to me, saying he'd get my sentence reduced.

Are you saying your statement isn't true?

-No, it's not that, but... -But what?

I would never have admitted anything, if the prosecution hadn't tricked me.

How could they fool the people?

Your Honor.

I deeply regret what I did.

Please reduce my sentence.

Is that so?

You've also been submitting a letter of apology every day.

in your neat handwriting.

It's really great.

I'm flattered, Your Honor.

It's the least I can do to pay for the horrible things that I did.

Yes, very well. If that's the case,

I'm sure you wish to stay in jail for a long time,

so that you can really pay for what you did.

Yes, that would be great, too,

but I'd like to live with my family,

while I reflect on all of my wrongdoings, Your Honor.

You said you're filled with remorse and shame.

How can you ask us to minimize your sentence, if that's the case?

Well, I don't remember exactly what I wrote in my letter of apology.

That's how I felt, but I didn't mean that I want to stay in prison.

That's strange.

Didn't you write the letter of apology? How do you not know what you wrote?

That's not what I mean.

What's the current price?

How much is it to have apology letters written for you in prison?

Have a seat.

Yes, sir.

Apology?

Everyone finds it unjust in the courtroom.

I should have kept my composure.

If you want to be a good judge, remember to be more patient.

I won't forget, sir.

Your package arrived during lunch. I opened it by mistake.

I'm sorry.

What?

Can't you read Korean?

Did you study law abroad? How dare you open my package?

Well, I sincerely apologize.

Look at me. Look at me!

You don't seem apologetic at all.

Didn't you mention patience?

Patience.

Patience.

Don't follow me.

SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT COURT

CIVIL CHAMBER 44

"JUDGE: PARK CHA OREUM"

Judge Park.

You must keep your composure.

Pardon?

We've been assigned to the Sejin National University Hospital case.

You'll be in charge of it.

Is that so?

The professor's in-law's are also powerful.

Where are they from?

It's the NJ Group.

"NJ Group"?

They're well-known in cosmetology. The professor

is the husband of the director at the hospital.

Really? Do you think it'll influence your judgment?

I don't think so,

but people might misunderstand me.

I understand.

It's impressive indeed.

They're from the top law firm, and he was a supreme court justice.

There's something to announce before the trial.

The Presiding Judge of this case knows someone who is close to the defendant.

In case objectivity is in doubt,

a reappointment will be requested.

Your Honor, I don't think such a relationship is significant.

We agree.

Then we'll proceed with the trial.

Defendant, do you agree that this is a sexual assault case?

No.

You took advantage of the victim who was heavily drunk.

-Weren't you involved in a sexual act? -No.

It occurred with consent.

Did the victim agree to have sex?

Does consent require verbal expression?

Did you have a meal in a private room with the defendant?

My professor called me to discuss my thesis.

Do you eat in private with other professors, as well?

I went, because my academic adviser called me.

During the meal, you poured drinks to the defendant.

You also smiled a lot. Isn't that true?

That was only...

When you send text messages to him, you send cute emojis and symbols.

You use them quite often.

I often use emojis, even when I message other women.

Is that so?

This is the conversation the day after the event.

Yes.

Let's use our common sense.

It doesn't appear to be something between an offender and a victim.

What do you think?

That's wrong. I was confused, but I responded.

I'm speaking common sense.

Did the defendant force you to drink at the restaurant?

No.

You drank so much that you couldn't control your body.

-Yes. -It was late.

You were sitting face to face in a room.

Yes.

Did the defendant express his attraction to you?

"You always stood out to me.

When I see you, my heart flutters like an adolescent." Didn't he say that?

He did.

Let's use our common sense again.

As a woman, she didn't show a sign of protest.

She drank alcohol willingly, until she couldn't control her body.

Doesn't that mean that she's also interested in him?

Based on social norms?

Witness, were you not attracted to the defendant?

I was never attracted to him. What are you talking about?

Everyone has different preferences on looks,

but he can write you recommendation letters to schools abroad.

He has the power to get you hired by the university hospital.

Isn't that quite attractive?

-Be quiet, everyone. -Lawyer.

Be careful with your words.

Yes, Your Honor.

Witness, why didn't you report him the next day?

You report him after a week?

I didn't have the courage, because I was ashamed.

I feared the consequences.

Another resident in your class happened to see you

entering a motel with the defendant. A few days later, she spread a rumour.

Yes, but we didn't go in together. I was drunk that night...

Your boyfriend at the same hospital heard the rumour, as well.

-Yes. -You reported it right after that.

Things became complicated for the witness. It influenced her to report to the police.

Isn't that true?

Please be quiet.

How could he?

How could it happen?

It's unfortunate, that this is our case today.

Shall we go next time?

I know.

We wanted to throw you an amazing birthday party today.

It can't be helped.

Let's just go as planned.

You've never been to a club, right?

You found a babysitter. You waited for today all week long.

Let's just go.

We're in a bad mood, so let's try to have more fun.

Okay, go.

Working late? Shall we have dinner at the cafeteria?

-I have a team dinner tonight. -What?

I didn't hear about that.

Women are going out for a drink. We want to talk about that common sense.

"Common sense"?

A clerk has a sports car?

Do you think your job is a hobby?

-Judge Cheon. -What now?

Judge Cheon, how much is your monthly salary?

What are you talking about?

It can't be easy to manage this car with your first-year salary.

Did you use your mom's card? Or your dad's credit card?

What did you say? Huh?

I bought that car with my own money.

I worked day and night.

Do you know how much a popular web novelist earn per month?

How would I know that?

Wait...

Are you the 'Snow Queen'?

I'm a huge fan. My aunts love it, too. Oh, my God!

It's really her.

It's a secret.

All right, I'll treat you tonight with a VIP table.

That sounds great.

Oh, my gosh.

What are you doing here? Let's go in.

Oh, you're still here. Hey.

Let's go.

Where are we going?

I just talked to Doyeon on the phone, and she's at a club.

-So? -So?

Even the clerk and the guard are there. They're having a birthday party.

Judge Park is there, too.

It sounds fun. What's the problem?

They seem pretty drunk. I'm worried. I think I'll go there.

Who knows what kind of jerks are there?

Why would you be worried?

What are you waiting for? Aren't you coming?

You're a great friend. Let's hurry.

-Are you okay? -No.

I'm so nervous

-Why am I so nervous? -You're being silly.

Happy birthday, Ji Young. Cheers!

Cheers!

-Happy birthday. -Thank you.

-Gosh. -Are you celebrating something?

Do you want some champagne? It's my treat.

That's very kind, but will you leave us alone, kids?

-We want to have some fun ourselves. -We booked a VIP room. Let's drink there.

We all know why pretty girls like you drink at a place like this.

Let's not waste our time.

You're looking for guys like me.

I don't know what your common sense tells you,

but even if girls are drinking alone at a club,

It doesn't always mean that they're looking for guys.

And even if we were looking for guys...

You're not the one.

You're not. Do you understand?

What? I can't believe these little bitches...

Hey. Do you know who his parents are?

Oh, really? What does your dad do?

-What? -While his son is doing this,

what is he doing?

Are you serious?

Who are you? Let go.

-Judge Lim. -He's a judge?

I think someone here needs a little protection.

I don't mean the ladies, but you.

What the fuck?

-Judge Jung. -Doyeon.

Hi. Oh, no. What is this?

Someone broke it? Let me sit here.

Who are those guys? Did they hit on you?

Those jerks.

I was worried about you.

-Happy birthday. -Happy birthday.

Thank you.

Why are you here?

What do you think? I missed you.

-Stop it. -I'm jealous.

I guess I should find one, too.

I have a feeling that working with you

is not very good for my heart.

A web fiction?

It's apparently super popular.

What is it about?

It's about sensual adventures.

Excuse me.

I'll be right back.

At first, it started as a little hobby.

But eventually, it helped me get an apartment and to support myself.

Is that what you do at night?

You work day and night.

Nothing in life is easy.

Someday, I want to write about the things I saw at the court.

Each person has his or her own burden to bear,

but all of them have hope in their hearts. I want to write about those real people.

I could write a drama, too.

Doyeon, I admire you.

You're...

...a great person.

Are you going to write a biography about me?

You're as great as Sin Saimdang.

We booked a VIP room.

-Hold on. -Let's go.

This way.

Hurry.

-Cheers. -You can drink a lot.

Drink it up.

Don't be like that.

-Drink it up. -Come on.

-It's okay. -Drink up.

You're fine.

Do you want some snacks?

Do you think we can find a room?

Hey. What are you, a rookie?

She's so heavy.

-I know. -Do you need help?

No. It's fine.

Hey.

Hey. You guys must be students.

Do you want to live as rape convicts?

We didn't even hit on her. We were just drinking. We're not rapists.

Really? Imagine you pass out drunk and someone does this to you.

-That's... -If you want to sleep with a girl,

then get her consent, while she's sober.

Then we won't get much sex.

-What? -Girls never say yes.

They always say no.

Then it means no.

Human beings are supposed to communicate verbally.

This is not fair. Do you know how many female con artists there are?

They never say no in the first place and lie later.

Shouldn't you forget it, when you're not sure?

Then it's no fun.

Fun? Someone who is passed out drunk is like a patient whose body is paralyzed.

And you want to do that to that person?

Do you think that's fun?

-What happened is... -Explain at the police station.

Get in.

-Look... -Get in!

All right. Let's go home now.

Are you okay? It seems you drank a lot.

Who should be worrying about whom? I'm okay. I'm fine.

I'm not okay. Please take me home.

Yes.

Do you know why I like you?

Why do you like me?

Because you're safe.

What? Is that all?

You don't understand.

Those guys are rare.

You make mistakes,

but you always admit it and apologize.

You learn from others

and don't try to be someone, you're not.

That's why I like you.

Do you know that?

This is me.

Oh, here we are.

It's a nice building.

You should go in.

Do you know this?

Once a woman can trust that she is safe with the man,

she wants to be adventurous.

Let's go in.

Okay.

Good morning, sir.

CIVIL CHAMBER 44

It is my office.

Witness, please raise your right hand like this

and read aloud the oath in front of you.

Oh, no.

My eyesight is bad.

I can't really see what's written here.

Sorry? The letters are big enough.

My eyesight is terrible, because I'm old.

Then...

ED

All right. You can see it now, right?

I'm really sorry.

I still can't see the letters clearly.

They're huge now. You still can't see them?

-Ms. Lee. -Yes, Your Honor.

My eyesight is also bad due to my old age. They look all blurry to me.

Why don't you read it aloud for her?

Oh, okay. No problem, Your Honor.

"Oath."

"I solemnly swear that I will tell the truth,

the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

I understand that I would be

committing perjury, if I said anything untruthful."

I solemnly swear.

Thank you. Please be seated.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Prosecution, begin questioning the witness.

Yes, Your Honor.

Witness, you work at the motel near Sejin National University Hospital.

Yes.

Have you ever seen that man?

Yes, I have. I've already told the police about it,

but I gave him the key to one of the rooms at the motel.

Do you remember the young lady with him?

I couldn't really see her, because she was standing behind him.

Didn't you tell the police that he was almost carrying her, as she was drunk?

Well, the couples that come to the motel at that hour,

after having a drink or two, all look like that.

But that was your statement to the police.

Well, I just meant that it happens with most couples.

Why is there no footage from the security camera?

That camera was broken. I wonder what happened to it.

-You're friends with the victim. -Yes.

Is it true that you saw her entering the motel with the defendant?

Yes, I happened to see her there, as I was passing by.

What state was she in?

The Professor was practically dragging Jisun.

She was leaning her head on his shoulder,

and it looked like she had no strength in her body.

Defense Attorney, you may question the witness now.

Sure.

You were actively involved in the student council's activities, right?

Pardon me?

What does that have to do with this case?

I'm asking about it for a reason, so please answer my question.

Yes, I was actively involved.

You also participated in their protests against the foundation's corruption.

Yes.

You led the protests for the reinstatement of a professor who was fired

-after exposing the corruption. -Yes.

I doubt that you're fond of the defendant, as his wife is

the chairwoman of the foundation. What do you say?

Sir, What are you trying to say?

Are you implying that I'm trying to sabotage him?

Can you say anything, because you're an attorney?

No, I don't have time to talk gibberish.

As the defense attorney,

I don't have enough time for my doubts about the credibility of your testimony.

Witness, I'll ask another question.

If you had seen the victim almost passed out

and being dragged into the motel, like you told us earlier,

shouldn't you have been worried about her safety?

What did you do, when your friend seemed to be in danger?

You saw her and did nothing. Then, a few days later,

you told her that you saw them going into the motel. That's all you did.

And it spread all over the hospital.

That's...

I regret it.

I should have helped her that night.

It doesn't seem that you thought the victim was in any kind of danger.

Am I wrong?

You're not answering.

Didn't you have a completely different idea,

when you saw the defendant and the victim entering the motel together?

Sorry? What exactly do you mean by that?

From what I've heard, you weren't exactly fond of the victim, either.

"She's not even competent.

Disgusting that she's fawning over him for a position.

I already got on the wrong side of the school, so I have no hope."

I heard you made such remarks to your friends at school.

Is that not true?

The witness has a strong sense of justice.

She probably didn't do anything, when she saw them,

because she thought the victim might have given him her consent. Am I wrong?

You are wrong.

That's not what happened.

It's...

That's not what happened.

Those at top-notch law firms sure know what they're doing.

It's actually scary.

It turns out that the only witness has a grudge against the defendant,

and the security camera happened to be broken.

I guess those with power are always lucky as well.

The foundation chairwoman's husband,

who can afford to hire lawyers at the number one law firm in the country,

and a female resident.

Don't you think it's an extremely unfair fight?

"We must make sure that not a single person

feels victimized, even if we have to let go of 99 thieves."

I hear it often, but it makes me wonder every time I hear it.

Why thieves?

Theft is common,

and the damage is usually not fatal.

What if it's something else, not thieves?

What if we have to let go of 99 serial killers?

What if they're 99 business tycoons who embezzled company funds?

What if we must let go of 99 child rapists?

Is it still okay to let go of 99 criminals

to make sure not a single person feels victimized?

Would you agree?

If you don't agree with it,

should we revise the rule, so that we can make a small sacrifice

to catch the big fish?

-It's not that, but... -Judge Park.

You said, we should be a court of "Kick up, kiss down".

Yes.

Right, it is an unfair fight. It's structurally unfair.

The powerful aren't clumsy. They don't leave evidence.

And the expensive lawyers, who they hire, are well worth the money.

Then what should the court do?

Should we discriminate against the powerful, due to such a situation?

Should we blindly trust the powerless at all times

and doubt what the powerful tell us?

Do we have to presume

that those with power are guilty from the get-go, in order to kick them?

No, that wasn't what I meant.

But we should do our best to uncover the truth.

We must do our best, of course. But the question is

how we can do our best.

One thing I know for certain is

that you must not side with one party from the start.

Especially in the courtroom.

Are you getting ready to leave?

Yes.

Let's leave together. I found an excellent tasty restaurant.

Leave together? It'll be too obvious.

I suggested it so that people would notice us.

Pardon?

Judge Jung.

What are you doing?

Sir.

I'm about to leave work with someone I'm dating.

What?

-Didn't I just make it clear to you? -Yes.

You told me to act like a judge.

Judges protect individual freedom from unfair preconceived notion or pressure.

That's what being a judge is about.

Judge Jung.

Don't avoid poop because it's dirty.

I'll clean up all that poop, so that no one steps on it.

What did you say?

"Poop"?

I was talking about poop. I wasn't talking about you.

We also heard him, and he didn't talk about you.

It's about poop.

You.

Do whatever you want.

Bowang.

What?

I haven't seen you keep calm and speak generously of yourself.

It's new.

-It's the power of love. -What?

Let's go, Doyeon.

Shall we?

Jeez.

Gosh, how can I...

It's okay, I'll do it.

You can cause trouble.

With me.

Judge Lim.

Yes?

What do you like about me?

Pardon?

You said that you like me.

Right, I did.

What's the reason?

What do you like about me?

It feels uncomfortable.

When I look at you, I feel uncomfortable.

You're very different from me.

The way you think.

Your behaviour.

As we interact more,

I become unsure of myself.

I question, if what I believe is always right.

Will we always argue?

It annoys me, too.

At first, I thought it was good, despite the problems.

That's why I like you now.

Because I feel uncomfortable.

You keep making me feel uncomfortable.

You make me...

...reflect on myself.

Until now,

I often made you feel uncomfortable.

If I'm logical and calm,

is that normal?

What's normal, and what's not?

At that time,

I had to survive.

I couldn't be at ease.

I said that I wasn't strong enough to bear it.

To be honest,

you were next to me,

so I could bear it.

That's how I survived.

I don't know since when.

I'll cause some trouble, too.

You're my right-side judge.

Shall we get back to work now?

Hello?

What brings you here?

Is it because of what happened?

What?

What happened?

You left after yelling at me.

Is that what you mean?

I'm sorry, if I hurt your feelings.

What did I do so wrong to you?

Why do I deserve such an insult?

Explain that to me.

Is it because of Judge Lim?

What do you mean?

You started only talking about him.

"He's annoying and unbelievable. He nags too much.

-He's a hypocrite." -Obba.

What happened has nothing to do with him.

-The reason I was upset... -What is it?

You're always good to me.

I'm grateful for that.

And I know

that you're a good person.

Then?

Aren't you afraid of your privileges

and what you have?

Those who have more than others could make other people suffer.

Whether it's intentional or not.

That's why they should fear more

and hesitate more.

However, you neither hesitate nor fear.

You take it for granted.

That's what scares me.

I hate it, too.

Fine.

Since I was born wealthy, I should live like a wealthy man.

Even if I help with good intentions,

you'll only see me as a hypocrite.

-Obba. -This is what I want to say.

It's about my brother-in-law.

I knew it.

I can't talk about the case. You should go.

-Oreum. -Let me go.

My brother-in-law wouldn't do that.

Let me go.

I'm not saying that he's a great man.

He's timid and a coward. He fears my father and my sister.

He fears NJ Group, I guess.

He isn't good enough to make such a mistake.

Anyone can make mistakes.

Anyone.

Have I ever...

Have I ever asked you a favour?

Let me ask you one favour this time. Please believe me.

My brother-in-law wouldn't do that.

A sex offender in NJ Group's family? That's unheard of.

You should leave.

If you keep doing this, I won't be able to see you anymore.

That's too bad.

"Court"

Sir.

Yes?

I need to tell you something.

-What is it? -As a judge,

I wasn't saying we should favour one side.

-Then? -We should remain neutral,

but I want you to understand the situation of the powerless.

They can't say no to drinks offered by those with power.

They automatically add emojis, when they write back to those with power.

They can't report to the police right away and hesitate instead.

That's the situation of the powerless.

I'm not concluding that the victim is telling the truth.

I'm just saying there might have been reasons why she had to behave that way.

And such a possibility should be taken into consideration.

Witness.

You work as a waitress at the restaurant near Sejin National University, correct?

Yes.

Do you remember seeing the professor here alone with a girl at the restaurant?

Yes, I remember it.

How was the atmosphere between the two?

They seemed to be having a good time.

They kept laughing and even drank with their arms intertwined.

With their arms intertwined?

Yes.

When the professor reached his arm out,

and the girl hooked her arm around his without hesitation.

"Girls these days are cheeky." That's what I thought.

I see.

How was it, when they were going out?

While the professor was paying, the girl was sitting on a chair.

Was she very drunk?

She seemed a bit drunk,

but when the professor was done paying, she got up and followed him.

She followed him on her own?

Yes.

Sir, I need to ask her something.

Witness.

The Presiding Judge has a few questions for you.

Please sit down.

Witness.

During testimony, you seemed to look at the spectators at the end of your answers.

Who were you looking at?

I don't understand.

You looked back three times, to be precise.

Who were you looking at?

I don't remember.

Who is here with the witness?

The man in a suit in the back.

It seemed like the witness was looking at you.

How do you know her?

-It's nothing important. -Who are you?

She works for me.

You must be the owner of the restaurant.

Yes.

Witness, did your boss say anything to you regarding this case?

He is seldom even at the restaurant.

That doesn't answer my question.

Before this trial, did he say anything to you?

I don't even like being in the court.

-This is no nice place. -Witness.

Will you stop beating around the bush and answer my question?

When people are asked about something, they want to hide,

they don't answer right away

and try to defend themselves instead.

Well.

He did say this to me.

"The professor is such a gentleman.

I don't understand how this could happen."

Your boss must know the defendant well.

He is a regular customer.

Our restaurant is the most exclusive one around the university,

so he comes often.

He must be an important customer.

Have you been visited by someone from the defense?

Well...

The defendant's wife visited the restaurant once.

But it was to persuade the witness to testify in court.

She never asked for a favour illegally.

Defendant's attorney, I'm talking to the witness.

What he said is true.

I said I was too scared to testify,

and she told me many times that all I have to do

is talk honestly about what happened that day.

So did my boss.

Why were you scared?

Was your testimony true?

Witness, do you remember your oath?

If you lie in court, you'll be charged with perjury.

Even if you said something that is not true,

you can correct it, before you finish your testimony.

Think carefully.

I didn't tell any lies.

All I said was true.

-But... -But what?

But there's something I left out, because you didn't ask.

Go on.

While they were eating,

I went to the bathroom.

And the girl was lying on the floor.

It looked like she had thrown up.

I was surprised and tried to wake her up.

She opened her eyes and went back to the room.

I was worried whether she was okay,

but she seemed all right on her way out.

Defendant.

Make the closing argument.

Yes, Your Honor.

I'm really frustrated.

My student was drunk,

but she was not so drunk that she was unconscious.

I'll be honest. I was drunk.

I know it's shameful,

but I felt a desire for my student, because that's a man's instinct.

I kept giving her drinks, hoping that would lead to something.

I also led her to the motel.

I admit it.

As a professor, I shouldn't have felt a desire for my student.

I did a great wrong.

I sincerely regret it.

But...

...I didn't take her to the motel forcefully.

Even though she was a bit drunk,

she didn't really resist.

She followed me to the motel on her own.

If we had security camera footage,

I could prove it to you.

I'm innocent.

Why don't we call it a day?

I'll stay a bit longer. You can go.

-See you tomorrow. -See you.

Judge Lim.

Yes?

At the final discussion tomorrow,

if I get off the balance and start to favour the victim,

Please rebut my opinion. Don't go easy on me.

Why are you saying such a thing?

I'll obviously do my best not to take sides.

I'll keep telling myself not to.

But I don't really feel confident.

I'm not sure, if I really can be unbiased.

Don't worry.

I never go easy on you anyway.

Right.

That's true.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Get home safely.

Sir.

We have to announce the verdict in three days.

We should make up our mind now.

Let's make our final decision.

Judge Park, you go first.

I'm very torn,

but what the defense attorney is insisting could be true.

It's not like we can go back in time and read the victim's mind.

Well, I think you're taking it a bit too far.

Are you saying we should never punish quasi-rape?

We must base our decision on evidence

that's been proven to be true without a single doubt.

A vague question is not a reasonable doubt.

This is our chamber, right?

It almost looks like your roles have been reversed.

Pardon?

Never mind. All right, go on

I went through the evidence list.

Security cameras were broken.

The old lady at the motel is changing her words cautiously.

The defense attorney contacted the waitress before the trial.

Everything seems suspicious,

but the suspicion doesn't prove anything.

But we still have key pieces of evidence.

First, the victim's statements have been consistent.

The resident's testimony about seeing her being dragged into the motel.

The waitress' testimony about seeing her on the bathroom floor, completely drunk,

both back up the victim's statements.

But the defense attorney's claims about the witness' hate towards the foundation

and how it's strange that the victim didn't contact the police right away

are all just speculation and cannot disprove the testimonies.

I believe their testimonies have been proven completely truthful.

The defendant is guilty.

I agree.

All right. Then let's decide on the length of his sentence.

According to Sentencing Guidelines,

those who commit quasi-rape should be sentenced to three to five years.

But those who commit quasi-rape usually receive lighter sentences.

Correct. Those with no previous convictions got two years in the past.

You'll be in jail for five years in total.

Thank you, Your Honor. Thank you so much.

So?

Since the law has declared that quasi-rape should also be considered rape,

we should not give a lighter sentence than in the guidelines without a valid reason.

Then what about the deposit of 50 million won?

We only take it into consideration, when the defendant is sincerely

regretting and apologizing. It's not about the money, right?

That's right, sir. He's not even admitting what he did.

I know that he left a big chunk of money, but it's pointless.

Then how many years are you thinking?

It should be between three to five years.

But here, a professor took advantage of his student's trust and quasi-raped her

It is a serious crime.

We definitely shouldn't go with the minimum length in the range specified.

It'll cause controversy,

that it's considerably heavier compared to previous cases.

Shouldn't we, judges, strictly follow the law, sir?

Based on the aforementioned reasons,

we have decided on the following.

The verdict.

The defendant...

...is sentenced to four years in prison.

The court also orders 40 hours of sexually violent predator treatment programme.

Since the defendant has been found guilty, he will be arrested immediately.

Defendant, please let us know who we should notify of your arrest.

Defendant.

Defendant.

-Defendant, are you okay? -Are you all right, sir?

Can you get up?

-Let's take him out. -Okay.

-What's going to happen? -Gosh, that was so sudden.

-This way. -Goodness.

Judge Park.

Are you okay?

I've never seen someone...

...faint like that.

Well, come to my office.

This person...

TO: JUDGE HAN SESANG, SEOUL COURT

...received the death penalty from me.

He was charged with brutally killing three women.

We had all the evidence to prove him guilty.

I thought it was my duty to give him the death penalty

for the bereaved, who were wailing in grief.

But during the appeal hearing,

the real killer, who murdered two out of the three women, was caught.

The defendant

only killed one of them.

My verdict was annulled,

and the defendant was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

Every year on January 1, he sends me a letter.

He's been doing it for seven years.

He's always so polite in all of his letters.

"I'll visit you some day, sir." That's how he ends...

...all his letters.

And this is..

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

...my resignation, which I submitted back then.

The Chief Judge refused to accept it and asked me to stay.

Since then,

I've been keeping these...

...right next to me...

...when I work.

Sir.

Judge Park.

What you said about the powerful and the powerless.

You weren't wrong.

In fact, you're absolutely right.

Except for one thing.

The most powerful person in the courtroom

is none other than the judge.

It's us.

And the most dangerous one

is us as well.

Don't forget that.

Turn on the TV.

Judge Park, are you okay?

False charges don't always lead to suicide. Don't jump to conclusions.

-Is something wrong? -Of course.

It smells very fishy.

-There will be an attack at court. -It'll be messy.

-Judges aren't deities. -I'm scared, because we aren't.

I'm scared of myself.

I'm sorry, Judge Park.

I'll talk like a businessman.

Did you bring something to offer?

I'll stay away from Judge Park.

Translated by: Claus Christophersen