Original subtitles

Hey, Bowang. How does it feel to be dating a co-worker?

Dating a co-worker...

I wonder why you're curious about it.

What are you trying to say? I'm just fascinated, that's all.

By what?

You've changed.

Yes, look at that. What's up with that cheesy, chilled-out smile?

-Bareun. -What is it?

Hey, you know what?

I read the classics whenever I get a chance.

The classics?

For no special reason. I want to work harder.

I want to be a better person.

Also...

I like them.

Stop it, you're being too cheesy.

-I'm leaving first. -Hey.

It's you who have changed.

What are you talking about?

You never took interest in others.

Lim Bareun.

She's changed.

Judge Park, what's wrong? still concerned about the quasi-rape case?

Some pass out when they're under arrest. Don't worry.

It's because of fine dust.

I see.

"Fine dust"?

I see. It's fine dust.

We should sue the country.

Oh, boy.

AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT

It's the court's dinner meeting run by Chief Justice.

Jeez, why are we having another dinner when we're so busy?

You still haven't used your father's cousin as an excuse.

Did I use all of my family members' funerals as an excuse?

You had many company dinners this year, so everyone else passed away.

Is that so? Tell them that my father's cousin passed away recently.

Yes, sir. There's one more thing.

What is it?

It's a testimony of the last fraud case related to land.

Why did you mark some parts?

He cleared his throat before answering those.

I've met this witness last year in another case.

I noticed that he kept clearing his throat.

He was fined for lying.

Oh, really?

I'm sorry if I was out of line.

You weren't. Leave it here.

Okay.

Ms. Lee.

Yes?

Let me know if there's anyone who talks about other people's businesses.

I'll give them a piece of my mind.

Thank you, sir.

It hasn't been so peaceful here in a while.

Gosh, my skin's been sagging lately.

Judge Jung.

Yes?

What are you reading?

The classics.

She died.

Oh no, she died.

Don't die.

Phew, he's finally quiet.

It wasn't me.

I'm innocent. I didn't do anything wrong. I'm innocent.

Why do I have to be here? Why?

-Why? -Calm down, sir.

Please calm down.

I didn't do it.

He has serious symptoms of depression.

He's been rejecting food for a week.

It seems complicated.

He's lived his whole life as a rich man. Now he's accused of quasi-rape

Even inmates treat rapists like a piece of trash.

5048, 5048!

Doctor, doctor!

-Mr. Joo Hyungmin. -5048! Is there anyone out there?

-Please help. -Please help us!

-What are you doing? -What?

Turn on the TV now.

Jeez.

Breaking news. Prof. Joo at Sejin Hospital was placed

under the court custody for quasi-rape.

He attempted suicide in the lockup.

He's in a local hospital, but in critical condition.

Even in the lockup, he claimed that the decision was unfair.

This is what led to his suicide...

Judge Park. Are you okay?

Oh, no. What if I was wrong?

Judge Park.

What do I do?

The most powerful person in the courtroom...

is none other than the judge.

It's us.

The most dangerous one is us as well.

Don't be so rash.

Jeez.

You have a preparation for a hearing at 10 a.m. Will you go in like this?

Thank you.

You should get ready, Judge Lim.

Okay.

Yes, I have a trial to attend. Good luck.

Are you really okay, Judge Park?

What are you doing? Aren't you coming to the trial?

I'm sorry, sir.

-Sir. -I saw it too.

Right.

Witness, will you stop beating around the bush

and answer my question?

Do you remember your oath?

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

I believe their testimonies have been proven completely truthful.

The defendant is guilty.

COURT

Judge Park, don't be rash and jump to conclusions.

Attempting suicide doesn't mean he's innocent.

He was a professor at a top medical school and had wealthy in-laws.

And he was arrested on a quasi-rape charge.

Wouldn't that alone have made him think his life was over?

-Judge Park. -Judge Lim.

Yes?

No matter what happened that night while the two were drunk,

will there ever be a way to find out the objective truth?

What if even the two remember it incorrectly?

-Based on the evidence-- -The evidence is...

based on people's memories,

which could be wrong.

It feels like I've been building a house on sand.

Everything is crumbling apart.

I can't trust anything or anyone.

Including myself.

Judge Park.

Buy some rice cakes.

Love, love, love.

-Rice cakes made with love. -Be quiet.

What's that?

What's this? They're rice cakes.

Where did you get these?

Are they from the stall at the entrance of the market?

Yes.

The lady seemed to be struggling. So I bought some.

-My goodness. -Hey.

This must be how Oreum feels.

What do you mean?

These guys are cute and nice-looking...

like Judge Lim.

These guys look so plump and fancy

like Yongjun.

-So this is Judge Lim? -Yes.

-How dare you? -My goodness. You're all crazy.

-I'm home. -Hey.

Come on in. Come here.

Oreum, choose one.

I'm not hungry. You can eat them.

-What's with you? -You love rice cakes.

Is there something wrong?

No. I just have a lot to do.

You must have eaten outside.

She has a lot to do.

Hey, my favorite show starts soon.

Be quiet.

The chief director of Sejin Hospital and the eldest daughter of the chairman of NJ,

Min Joohee is being treated at a hospital after cutting her wrist at home.

-Her husband attempted suicide-- -Isn't that Yongjun's sister?

-What's going on? -That's Yongjun.

-In other news... -That's too bad.

How can this happen to his family?

Hurry up and go in. Judge Park is a bit off.

Sorry?

Apparently she's never left her office.

What are you doing?

These cases have already been judged.

I should go over them again. They might've been wrong.

-Please stop. -Let go of me.

COURT

Judge Park.

Fortunately,

it seems like Ms. Min will pull through.

Professor Joo is stable too.

I see.

I'm worried.

NJ Group risks everything to protect the chairman's family.

I think they'll attack the court in one way or another.

I guess things will get messy.

Chamber 44 makes a mess of everything it touches.

I wonder if they made the right--

Judge Bae.

Did you even take a look at the records?

Oh, I'm sorry.

I was just concerned.

WAS THE ATTENTION-SEEKING, FEMALE JUDGE'S DECISION WRONG?

Dear fellow citizens.

A biased, young female judge

almost killed a respected doctor.

I'll prove at the court of appeal that

justice always prevails.

GLOBAL NJ GROUP

NJ AIR, NJ DEPARTMENT STORE NJ HOTEL, NJ AUTOMOBILE

WHO JUDGED THE QUASI-RAPE CASE?

WHO JUDGED THE PROFESSOR'S QUASI-RAPE CASE?

NOTHING HAS BEEN CONCLUDED.

A JUDGE IS A HUMAN BEING TOO.

SHOULDN'T THE PRESIDING JUDGE BE DISCIPLINED?

THIS PSYCHO DOESN'T DESERVE TO BE A JUDGE.

Jeez.

WE DON'T NEED A JUDGE WHO HATES MEN.

ISN'T THAT "MS. HAMMURABI"?

Hold on. What's happening?

What are these idiots talking about? Man, are they serious?

Is there something wrong?

Yes. Something's very fishy.

Was it that bad?

I ate barley this morning. I'm sorry.

Stop eating. Barley for breakfast?

I'll be more careful.

Jeez. Did you see the article?

Where's Judge Park?

Apparently, she also protected a woman from sexual harassment on her way to work.

But there are some doubts. Let's find out.

This is unfair.

The judge falsely accused me of sexual harassment.

She even...

PROFESSOR KO OHHWAN

She even attacked my genitals.

I'm still being treated.

Oh, my. Do young judges these days hit people?

The attention-seeking judge is shattering the court's credibility.

I don't know why the court isn't stopping her.

It's also a problem that the hatred for men in the society is increasing.

Every man is treated like a sexual offender these days.

They don't take responsibility for false accusation.

I'm worried it's affecting the court as well.

Newspapers, the internet, television.

They're acting so fast.

There must be power behind it.

Don't we need a judge who is different?

Judge Park is a brave person who went against

those with power, like Joan of Arc.

We need a judge who is different?

This is serious.

What?

-Didn't he just defend her? -Turning her into a heroine is worse.

People cheered when Joan won the war,

but were thrilled when she was burned at the stake too.

HOW CAN YOU CALL YOURSELF A JUDGE?

JUDGE PARK MUST RESIGN!

Judge Lim?

Hello.

Well, let's use the main gate today.

Why?

I just think it'll be better. Let's go.

What's the matter?

PARK CHA OREUM, WHO BELITTLED A PERSON'S LIFE, MUST LEAVE COURT.

Let's just go to main gate.

It's okay. Let's go.

Judge Park killed a person. She must resign immediately!

-Judge Park took someone's life. -Resign immediately!

-Park Cha Oreum must resign! -Resign immediately!

How can you call yourself a judge? You're still wet behind the ears.

Why aren't you wearing a miniskirt today? Just go home and cook!

-Hey! -Judge Lim.

Let's just go.

-Resign immediately! -Resign!

-Judge Park took a man's life. -Resign immediately!

Judge Park Cha Oreum took a man's life. She must resign!

-Resign! -Resign immediately!

-Judge Park. -Yes, sir.

No silly thoughts, please. Just focus on your work.

I will, sir.

I saw that we have a new murder case.

Yes, sir. A woman killed her husband.

Her motive?

Her husband found out she was having an affair

and started beating her brutally,

and she ended up killing him with a pair of scissors.

Why now? It'll cause a lot of controversy.

If you're uncomfortable with it, shall I put someone else for the case?

No. It's okay, sir.

Well, then. You should get back to work.

Yes, sir.

She was always so chipper, but seems utterly dejected now.

Congressman Kim Myeong-guk, please share your opinion.

LEGISLATION AND JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Shouldn't we get rid of all judges who have been causing trouble?

Fine, I'm going to see how much longer

you can work as a judge after treating me like this, you brat.

Look, Mr. Kim.

I guess you think you can get me fired as a member of the committee,

but judges cannot be removed from the bench

unless they are impeached or arrested.

We must revise the law

so that judges with problematic conduct can be removed immediately.

Sir. That's a constitutional amendment.

What?

When did it change?

Well, It's been in the Constitution.

Congressman Kim, is there anything else you'd like to share?

Then Congressman Moon Yong-cheol will share his opinion next.

Congressman Kim works hard, but he's not knowledgeable enough.

I've tried talking to Congressman Kang Yohan about it as well,

but he seemed rather indifferent.

I see.

Please arrange a breakfast with the chairman of committee.

Okay. Will do, sir.

The appeal hearing has been scheduled, right?

Yes, sir.

This is Min Yongjun.

Reinforcing disciplinary measures for the judiciary...

Even the committee is making a move.

I think some are deliberately trying to make matters get out of hand.

People should really wait until the appeal hearing takes place.

Yes, of course. But the thing is,

I heard that the case

has been reassigned.

-Reassigned? -That's right.

And of all people...

-Isn't this just absurd? -It is. The verdict must be overturned.

All rise.

I'm fully aware

of the immense public interest in this case.

As a presiding judge, I always work with

solemn faith that not a single innocent person should be

accused falsely or unjustly.

As representatives of the people,

we promise we will think from their perspective

and apply the law strictly and fairly.

With that, we will now begin the hearing.

The first trial was unusual in every aspect.

A newly-appointed judge

questioned witnesses directly in place of the presiding judge, which was unusual.

A witness who saw the two going into a motel together

was hostile toward the foundation.

Such a biased testimony was accepted as evidence, which is unprecedented.

Well, let's say we can understand all of those things.

Yes, even if the defendant was guilty,

it was a quasi-rape case that involved no violence.

His deposit of 50 million wasn't even taken into consideration.

A four-year jail sentence?

This is extremely unprecedented and I find it absolutely biased.

We will make sure to arrive at a fair, just decision

without any prejudgment or bias.

My fellow judges.

You must be puzzled as to why this case ended up getting assigned to our chamber.

But I must say, we should consider ourselves lucky, okay?

What do we get from working on hundreds petty cases?

Certainly nothing compared to a case like this, where all eyes are on.

Oh, it's not just for my own sake.

If you wish to go higher up the ladder, you need at least one notable achievement.

"I presided over that big case." Something like that, you know.

"We will make sure to arrive at a fair decision without any prejudgment or bias."

What does that mean?

What's he trying to say about the first trial?

I'm only thinking this one thing.

We did our best but if it wasn't good enough,

how can we take responsibility for it?

But before that, did we really do our best?

Can we say that we were not biased at all?

Judge Park, we aren't some Gods. We can't take responsibility for everyone.

I'm scared because we're not such beings.

I'm scared of myself.

Judge Park.

I know better than anybody else. You made the decision after long consideration.

Don't you remember?

You asked me to point it out if you ever made

a biased remark in favor of the victim.

I also concluded that he was guilty. My decision won't change.

Nothing has changed,

except that the defendant tried to end his own life after the sentence.

Judge Park.

Are you going to make me look all incompetent?

I may be annoying,

but I'm quite competent.

I know that.

Thank you, Judge Lim.

Reporter Kim.

Come on.

A judge can't be interviewed on a proceeding trial.

What?

This is what I meant.

I'm a presiding judge of Seoul High Court. I hold a high position.

I must correct mistakes of those at a lower standing.

I'm responsible for bringing justice.

That's all I mean.

There are quite a few young and immature judges.

They make abnormal judgments to attract attention.

Quasi-rape.

This case is perfect to be used in this situation.

I looked through it carefully. There was a lot to be questioned.

All right, let's have a meal sometime.

Let me make myself clear again.

I firmly rejected your interview. Okay?

Judges

speak through their verdicts.

What's wrong?

Her photos are everywhere.

It's not about the case.

It's about her legs, looks, and their sexual desires!

This is trash.

Hey, calm down first.

More importantly, there's been an inconsistent force.

I'm starting to see where it came from.

Where?

He's persistent about publishing articles. The grandson of the newspaper owner.

They say he was illegally accepted into Sejin University.

Really?

I researched Congressman Kim Myeong-guk on the Internet.

He's in-laws with the owner of a corporation.

You mean NJ Group?

How was the case assigned to Judge Sung? That's what I don't understand.

What are they plotting behind that huge cloud?

Those son of bitches.

Enjoy your lunch, everyone.

Hello, enjoy your meal.

Oh, dear.

I don't understand their relationship.

Judge Lim, just eat.

-Sir... -Eat.

This is wrong.

That's enough, Judge Lim.

You must forget everything about a case once it's over.

How is it possible? Someone's teased us about it.

-Judge Park. -Yes, sir.

Regarding the case where the husband got killed, self-defense will be key.

Read the case thoroughly before the trial.

Yes, I'm working on it.

Sir, Judge Park can't be working on that right now.

It's okay, Judge Lim.

I'm in charge of that case.

Judge Park.

I haven't seen you in a long time, Judge Han.

Judge Lim.

Judge Park.

Hello, Judge Sung.

Why did you send me such a fussy case?

It is fussy, indeed.

Judge Park, you don't look so good.

You should go easy on yourself. Don't try to work so hard.

There are many who work hard. You must do well.

Sir.

Please make a fair judgment in high court.

May you be objective and unbiased.

I'll remember that, Judge Han.

Let's go.

I'm sure that someone is behind it.

By making Judge Park a witch,

NJ Group's son-in-law's verdict will be seen as unfair.

First of all, you should calm down.

We can't let them do this. I will...

What will you do? The trial's been processed.

Report it to the press or the prosecutors. If not, I'll get rid of--

Fucking wake up!

This isn't like you.

You're Lim Bareun!

Right. What am I like?

Bareun.

Come in.

Thank you.

Judge Park.

Yes?

Let's have some milk tea.

It's warm.

Judge Park.

Yes?

You asked me if you could call me by my name.

Yes.

Call me whatever you'd like.

Thank you, Doyeon.

You should also call me Oreum.

That's hard.

You won't reciprocate?

Oh...

I'll do it next time.

Let's have one more drink.

Hey!

You should apologize when you did something wrong.

Are you looking down on me?

I'm... I'm sorry.

Sir, why are you getting so angry?

You'll hurt him.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

It's okay.

I'm sorry.

-I'm sorry. -Goodbye.

-Consider it bad luck. -Jeez.

-What was that? -Forget it.

I'm sorry, Judge Park.

I'm sorry that

I'm so incompetent.

I'm sorry.

Sir, you have a guest.

A guest? Who?

He introduced himself as Judge Lim Bareun.

Send him in.

Come in.

I'm sorry for showing up unannounced.

Don't worry. Have a seat.

I want you to stop.

Stop what?

You know what I'm talking about.

I'm not sure. I'm not as clever as you are.

Do you really have to do this to Judge Park?

What are you talking about?

You thought you and I would get each other.

Yes, I did.

We're not in the court anymore. Let's be honest.

You like Judge Park a lot, don't you?

Judge Lim. You're very different today.

She made the decision based on the law.

I know your family is involved, but is this really necessary?

Judge Lim.

Yes?

Is that what you think?

"Evil conglomerates, Devils with horns."

We're human beings too.

When our family gets hurts, we cry and suffer.

I have to protect my family.

You have to protect your family?

No matter what it takes?

The more you have, the more you need to protect.

You're greedy.

Greedy?

You're a lion that eats deer. You want people's sympathy too?

You have a point. You're right.

Then I'll talk like a businessman.

You came to see a businessman. Can you suggest a deal?

A deal?

By the way, I wouldn't accept a soul.

You know.

I'm not a devil with horns.

If you're doing this to Judge Park partly because of me--

Then?

I'll stay away from her.

You'll stay away from her? You're in the same room all day.

Can you stop having feelings for her so easily?

What do you say? Your family seems to be in a bad situation

Why don't you leave the court?

There's a vacancy in our legal team.

If I have to,

I'll leave the court.

Oh, my. I'm surprised.

I thought you loved your job.

There are many people who can replace me.

Sorry?

There are many judges like me,

but there aren't many like Judge Park.

She should...

remain in the court.

I didn't know you cared about Oreum this much.

It rather bothers me to be honest.

-What is it that you want from me? -Excuse me?

Is that how you ask for a favor?

I guess this is unfamiliar to you.

First,

You can start with getting on your knees.

It might be hard at first,

but you'll get used to it.

I'll make sure you get on your knees before the law someday,

Mr. Min.

It might be hard at first, but you'll get used to it.

Judge Park.

Yes?

Let's go watch the quasi-rape trial.

It's the appeal from our previous case.

It's a open trial. Anyone can watch.

We can.

I don't know.

Is it going to be okay?

We should not avoid it.

Come on, Judge Park.

Your Honor.

May I stand in front of the witness while questioning?

-Go ahead. -Thank you.

The defendant was found guilty based on the testimony

of the waitress from the Japanese restaurant.

She said that she saw you drunk and passed out on the restroom floor.

Did that actually happen?

Yes.

It actually happened.

That must mean you remember what happened up to that point.

Witness, please answer the question.

Yes.

Then how much more did you drink after that?

I'm not sure.

Really?

All right, let's use our common sense.

You had vomited from drinking a lot,

so you probably didn't drink that much after that. Am I wrong?

Witness.

Perhaps, I guess so.

Then shouldn't you have sobered up a little

by the time you left the restaurant?

It was a cold day.

At around 11 p.m., the temperature dropped to 5°C below zero.

You definitely could have sobered up on your way to the motel from there.

Am I wrong?

-I'm not sure. -You keep giving vague answers.

Witness.

Could you please look at the defendant?

Witness.

It's extremely hard to survive even three minutes without breathing.

With his own hands,

he hanged himself. How painful and terrifying must it have been?

Can you even imagine?

Witness, do you have anything to say to the defendant?

Why can't you look at him?

What on Earth were you thinking when you entered the motel with him?

I'm sorry.

-She's sorry? -What's she sorry for?

I beg your pardon? What did you just say?

I'm sorry.

She's sorry. Are you apologizing because you haven't been truthful?

Oh, I see.

-So you weren't unconscious... -Judge Park.

...when you entered the motel with him, right?

Then why? Why did you follow the defendant into the motel?

In that very moment,

didn't you think that it could help you solve many of your problems?

Am I wrong?

I'm sorry.

But her colleagues found out about it due to an unexpected witness

and even her boyfriend found out about it. That's why you lied, right?

I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.

You keep apologizing. Do you have anything else to say?

I'm sorry.

I did not expect things to get out of hand like this.

Since hearing

about his attempt to take his own life on the news,

I haven't even been able to sleep at night.

It is all my fault.

I'm sorry.

The victim is changing what she said at the first trial.

Prosecution, is there even a point in continuing this?

Please schedule another hearing.

We'll have to go through all the evidence again.

Sure.

Therefore, with the authority vested to us,

we will consider releasing the defendant on bail.

There doesn't seem to be any reason why he must be remanded in custody.

Calm down.

I can't believe what just happened.

How can she change her words like that?

There must be something. I'm telling you. Someone is trying to influence the trial.

Stop.

-Judge Park. -Stop, please.

Even you have to be like this? Enough, please.

You see...

I'm...

I'm having such a hard time now. I really am.

I'm sorry.

I'm willing to do...

whatever is in my reach...

to help you.

I want to help you, but...

Then just...

Just for a moment...

Can you stay right there for just a moment?

COURT

Why do we bother working late every night? We get criticized collectively due to one.

Hey, stop.

Am I wrong? I'm simply stating a fact.

-What's the matter? -Still, don't do that.

What do you mean?

-She can hear you. -I want her to hear me.

What...

I'm sorry.

Judge Park, what are you talking about? You don't need to apologize.

I do. I am sorry.

What's going on? Did she say weird things again?

-Be quiet. -What happened?

-Man, seriously! -Why are you getting mad at me?

-Hey, what happened? -I don't know.

Come on, tell me. What happened?

What we feared most has happened.

Reporters are hounding us at the moment.

They are asking what happened at the first trial.

The number of protesters might quadruple in no time.

People are always angry.

They need something to blame in order to release their anger.

Something they can throw stones at, bite,

rip to pieces.

The judiciary should not become that scapegoat.

I guess...

this fight won't end unless someone takes responsibility.

Being in the management of an organization is...

I must say,

It's a darnedest thing.

Judge Park's last disciplinary action that was left behind.

Let's take a look at it again.

I don't feel so good about it.

Isn't it strange?

The brat of my family.

No matter how much I hate her, I don't like seeing her getting bullied.

I can't stand it.

A judge who murders must leave!

Leave, leave!

A judge who murders must resign.

Resign, resign!

A judge who murders must leave.

Leave, leave!

A judge who murders must resign.

Resign, resign!

A judge who murders must leave.

Leave, leave!

A judge who murders must resign.

Resign, resign!

Leave, leave!

This is Park Cha Oreum.

Yes, sir.

I understand. Okay.

What is it?

A jury trial was registered.

Pardon?

It's the case where the wife killed her husband.

Wasn't it a bench trial instead of a jury trial?

Only a week before the trial,

they changed their mind.

It means that they can't trust me.

Due to what's happening,

they're aware of what others may think.

They're afraid that I'd be too strict with the defendant.

Judiciary that can't be trusted

doesn't have a reason to exist.

Yes, come in.

Come in.

Judge Park.

What is that?

What are you doing?

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

I should take responsibility.

Did you do the trial alone? What about me and Judge Lim?

In this case, we must eliminate the child who created this mess.

Judge Park's disciplinary action will take place soon.

-I think I'm making it worse. -I told you not to talk nonsense.

I want to quit everything. I want to think about myself only.

-Judge Park. -"Letter of Resignation"?

I think you'll need a right-side judge. I'm coming with you.

Wherever it may be.