Original subtitles

Law and The City

CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, AND PLACES IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTITIOUS

ALL CHILD ACTORS FILMED SAFELY WITH PARENTAL SUPERVISION

What are you looking at with such interest?

What brings you here?

I was about to ask you the same.

What brings you here?

It was written in the handover notes.

It said to come here when I needed to relax.

He sure made the handover notes detailed.

I come here often to run.

Did you just go for a run?

Didn't you see me?

- I didn't. - I'm pretty sure you did.

- Why would I lie about that? - You're good at lying.

You really are a strange person.

When have I ever lied?

Back then, in Hong Kong.

We never said we'd meet again once we returned to Seoul.

Just be honest.

You remember, don't you?

It came back to me afterward. It came back to me but--

You remembered from the very start.

Also, you clearly asked me to meet you in Seoul.

If there's a spot...

like this in Seoul, want to go together?

Where?

Gangnam Station.

Gangnam Station.

We even picked a date and place.

Right, we did.

So?

But you're the one who canceled it.

I did?

By the way,

do you think we'll be together back in Seoul?

Well...

We agreed to meet up in Seoul.

But we didn't actually make any solid plans yet.

Since we're on a trip, I thought maybe we're just caught up in the mood and all.

How is that canceling our plans? That's not what I meant.

That is what you meant. What else could it be?

Don't you know what "be together" means?

Come on. That's not the vibe you gave off back then.

If it was, then why did you ghost me in Seoul?

That's just more proof that you wanted to cancel.

I didn't ignore you on purpose. Back then, my phone--

Don't tell me you lost your phone.

You're right. I lost it.

I arrived at the airport for my flight, but I couldn't find it anywhere.

Geez!

Since your number was saved on that phone, I couldn't switch to a new one.

I even emailed the places in Hong Kong but never found it.

I'm supposed to believe that?

Geez, you're such a strange person.

Why won't you believe me?

Because you're a good liar.

When did I ever lie to you?

In any case, you were the one who said we should meet up.

Why say it if you weren't going to show up?

Because I liked you.

Back then. Not now.

Yes, I know.

You were pretty and kind back then.

Now, it seems you've become kind of weird.

Who? Me and not yourself?

You're still pretty though.

You're not heading back?

I was about to.

Let's go.

Episode 3 How to Separate Work from Personal Life

I'm sorry about Jang Hyeonseok's case.

It was your case, but I acted like I knew better.

I still don't think I was wrong,

and I believe the judge should've been shown that precedent.

But I can't deny that I was being nosy.

I never even thought about it from the standpoints you mentioned.

Are you apologizing right now?

I have to admit what's true.

But like you said, I'm just a first-year.

What's the worth of going all out to fight a first-year over that?

If I didn't know, you could've just explained it nicely.

By the way, didn't you say you were a piano major then?

I never imagined you'd become a lawyer.

I totally knew you'd become a lawyer.

Well, obviously. I was a law student back then.

That doesn't guarantee you'll make it. You could've failed the exam.

Me?

Then, why would your handover notes say to ask me if you didn't know something?

It's because I'm good.

What's the use?

You're so scary I can't even ask.

Fine. I'll help you as much as I can.

Nicely?

Well, I can't promise that.

- Then, can I ask you something now? - Right now?

When were you planning to start? Tomorrow?

Go ahead.

What do you do when you're assigned a case you don't want to take?

What employee actually gets to do what they want?

You just do the job without thinking about it.

Still, we're not just regular employees.

We get a paycheck, don't we?

We're the same.

We're lawyers though.

Just salaried lawyers.

I can't agree with this mindset either.

But fine.

It means even you have cases you don't want to handle, right?

Yes. Family cases.

There's too much emotion involved with the parties, so it's exhausting.

Aren't family cases the most interesting ones?

Things like affairs, divorces, and inheritances.

You think cheating, broken families, and people dying are interesting?

When you put it like that, it doesn't sound so good.

You tried to make me feel bad on purpose, didn't you?

I told you to let me know nicely.

I said I couldn't promise that.

PRECEDENT ON PUNISHMENTS FOR ACTS OF VIOLENCE

He's a weird one.

Hyungmin Building's...

Law Group Hyungmin.

Right?

A LAW GROUP COMMITTED TO YOU

OUR TEAM

I guess the merger really did happen.

Right? What kind of company merges in just two weeks?

There are 15 lawyers in total,

but four are managing partners?

Out of 15 lawyers, around 10 are members of the team.

And only five are associates.

You mean the other members are partners, right?

Yeah, and they all operate separately.

Still, we're all under one roof now.

We're not in the same company.

Technically, we are in the same company.

Don't kill the mood.

Thanks. You're the best.

What's with Changwon's photo? Where did he take this?

Seriously, are you some kind of musician?

What? It came out great.

- No, it's... - The break room's nice, isn't it?

- Hello. - Hello.

Attorney Ahn Juhyeong,

Attorney Kang Huiji,

Attorney Bae Munjeong,

Attorney Ha Sanggi, and...

Attorney Cho Changwon, right?

Nice to meet you.

Make yourselves at home.

Let me know if you need anything.

- Yes, ma'am. - Yes, ma'am.

Well, my office is over there.

- Yes. - Right.

Have a good day.

Gosh.

What exactly do you do as an advisor though?

Maybe she adds people to a vise.

LAW GROUP HYUNGMIN ADVISOR KIM HYUNGMIN

CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT

Now, let's raise our glasses high

I do have one condition.

I'd like to be made a legal advisor.

In return,

I'll provide the entire 4th floor as a break room.

Gosh!

Goodness!

Gosh. Pretending to be tough was so exhausting.

LAW GROUP HYUNGMIN ADVISOR KIM HYUNGMIN

START A LAW GROUP UNDER MY NAME

PASS THE BAR EXAM

KANG JEONGYUN

OUR TEAM

LAW OFFICE HOJEON

Just wait one second, please.

It's all done!

ATTORNEY KIM GEONCHEOL

SAEMUN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

When did my son's hands get this big?

I'm so proud of you, my son.

Because you're such a strong boy.

- What's going on? - Geunhwan?

Doctor?

Doctor!

- Geunhwan. - Doctor!

Geunhwan?

Honey, get out of the way.

- Move. - Geunhwan?

Call a Code Blue.

Geunhwan?

Geunhwan!

There's no way our professor made a surgical error.

By the way, how do you two know each other?

I'm Kim Jeongsu, head of Administration at the hospital.

I told them I could come alone,

but I think the hospital wanted someone with me.

You're not the only defendant. The hospital is too. That's why I'm here.

This is the surgery footage.

As you'll see, he didn't make any mistakes during the operation.

Were you aware that the surgery was being recorded?

Yes, we film every procedure from start to finish.

- Did he die on the same day? - Yes, in the evening.

- Any criminal charges? - Yes.

But medical negligence wasn't found, so they were dismissed.

I believe the family is trying a civil suit as a last resort.

Looking at the complaint, they didn't make any new claims.

Are you here to keep Prof. Ku quiet?

What?

No, not at all.

You've been answering everything for him.

So I was just wondering why he wasn't allowed to speak.

No, there's nothing like that.

What kind of surgery did the patient receive?

He had diverticulitis.

But there was a perforation, so we couldn't do a laparoscopy

and did an open surgery instead.

After the surgery, he suddenly went into shock and died.

"Diverticulitis."

Sorry, I'm not familiar, but what exactly is that?

It's when little, bulging pouches develop in the wall of the colon.

If waste gets trapped in those pouches, it can lead to inflammation,

and they can often rupture.

- So in this case, there was a perforation? - Yes.

It's a claim for damages,

saying the surgery was negligent, the risks weren't properly explained,

and the surgeon arrived late.

Can't I just apologize

- and end this with a settlement? - Professor.

You said you would stop saying that.

Either way, someone died, Mr. Kim!

So, you've been a surgeon for quite a while, right?

Yes, well...

It's been about 20 years.

Then, this probably wasn't the first time you've lost a patient.

No, it wasn't.

Do you usually

apologize and settle with the family whenever this happens?

No.

Not always.

Then, may I ask why you want to apologize this time?

I've never lost a patient this young before.

As a doctor, I hate saying some lives matter more than others,

but this one's been hard.

But an apology could be used as evidence of negligence.

Please think about the hospital too.

That may not necessarily be the case.

If there's no other evidence of surgical malpractice,

an apology alone isn't enough to prove liability.

Still, it could make the hospital look at fault,

and that could blow things up even more.

On top of that, you want to offer a settlement too?

When we were sued,

wasn't it enough to stop me from apologizing?

Now that we've been cleared,

let's apologize and settle things.

I said we can't do that, Professor!

Would it be possible for me to attend the trial?

You're not required to appear, but you can if you'd like.

Then, I'll see you at the trial.

Please don't tell Mr. Kim.

All right, then.

I'm telling you, I have no way of finding that out.

You can just sit in on the trial.

I'll let you know the courtroom number and time.

I can't go there during work. It's not even my case.

Dad, I'm an office worker too, okay?

I snuck out just now and have to get back soon.

If Hanguk Group goes down, our company goes down with it.

Hanguk Group makes trillions.

Losing one trial won't ruin them.

- That's not so for companies. - Gosh.

It's the little things that pile up and weaken them.

It's our job to pay attention to things like these.

I know you subcontract for Hanguk Group,

- but this is too much of a fuss. - As it should be.

They put food on our table.

Everything you've enjoyed came from them.

Not anymore. Count me out.

Wanting out won't make it happen. We're a family business.

Family business, my foot.

Goodness.

Get your rice cakes!

For crying out loud.

- You going around selling rice cakes now? - You little...

Who still uses bojagi wrapping cloth like this?

I'm busy. Move.

Later.

You look young.

Thank you.

Are you really a lawyer?

- Yes. - How many years in?

Me?

About seven or eight years.

Really? So you're not a newbie.

A law school graduate?

- Yes. - You must come from money.

Sorry?

Nothing. Please keep reading.

Yes, hello?

Hello, I'm Attorney Kang Huiji.

I'm reaching out through Ms. Kang Jeongyun.

Yes, I heard. Hello.

Hello. Whenever we have a medical lawsuit,

I heard you consult for us.

Thank you, as always.

Did you get a chance to review the footage we sent?

Yes, I did.

But there was nothing strange about it.

His hands seem a little slow, but some doctors just work slowly.

- Then, what caused the shock? - It's usually unpredictable.

And there are thousands of causes.

Sudden deaths like this are beyond what humans can control.

I see. Thank you for your time, Doctor.

Goodbye.

We'll proceed with the next case.

Civil case number 2024-24215, please step forward.

Plaintiff, Min Subin. Defendant, Gonggang Industries.

I didn't say you could sit.

I apologize.

Please be seated.

Yesterday, we submitted a request to present financial transaction records.

Request denied.

But Your Honor, as I explained,

the defendant is using the same name as Gonggang Construction

and likely mixed financial transactions with them--

This court is not an institution for collecting evidence

of such a broad range.

Request denied.

But we've explained why it's necessary--

Nothing further from either side, I assume?

No, Your Honor.

Then, we'll end proceedings.

The verdict is set for the 24th of January...

That's insane!

- Damn it, that scared me. - Right?

Even if he's not at fault, someone died and he wants to apologize.

Isn't wrong to stop that?

- That's just plain wrong! - Right?

- Maybe the doctor was at fault. - That's not it.

He was cleared in the criminal case with no sign of malpractice.

There's no risk, but they won't let him apologize.

What's diverticulitis? Could you explain?

Sanggi, look.

Let me show you. If your colon is shaped like this...

The small, bulging pouches are diverticula.

They're prone to inflammation and perforation,

so they usually remove them with laparoscopy.

But inflammation means open surgery.

Wait, how do you even know that?

What? You said to help if you didn't know something.

But I knew very well this time.

Don't empathize.

It's just work.

If you empathize, you'll lose objectivity and hinder your work.

Juhyeong, stop pretending like you're choosing not to empathize.

You don't empathize, because you can't feel anything.

It's not by choice, okay?

You two are bantering a lot more now.

I thought we'd gotten closer.

Yeah, I am closer with you.

- Right? - Yeah.

Did you just wink?

- Want one too? - This day's been so brutal.

Goddamn it.

- Wet wipes. - Wet wipes.

Hey, use this first.

- In the back. - Hey.

Yes?

Ma'am, I just got back from the verdict for Kang Yungu's case.

We won 650 million won.

- Really? That's a relief. - Yes.

I'll let you know once the judgment's delivered.

- Okay, thank you. - Sure.

At least that's good news.

KANG YUNGU

- Hello? - Did you hear the verdict?

- Yes, I did. Thankfully-- - Why is it only 650 million won?

I filed for 700 million won. Where's the rest?

About that. The 50 million was confirmed as repaid.

We planned to reduce that part of the claim anyway--

I said I didn't get that money.

You received the 50 million and it's all on record.

What are you going to do about the 50 million won?

Mr. Kang, out of the 700 million we claimed,

about 400 million had no direct evidence of--

If the court recognized all 700 million, why did we only win 650 million?

Why did you lose 50 million won? Why?

- Attorney Ahn. - Yes, what is it?

What? Are you hungry?

No, it's not that.

- Here. - I said it's not that.

Want to grab drinks later?

Are you an alcoholic? Give it a rest.

Okay.

Thank you for the snack.

When do you want to grab dinner?

I have dinner plans.

Everyone's busy.

Got it. Bye.

Something feels off.

What could it be?

MEDICAL RECORD

PERFORATION

Attorney Bae, did we lose Mr. Kang's case?

Sorry? Lose his case?

Yes, Mr. Kang is in an uproar right now.

Sir, we won 650 million out of 700 million.

Then, why is he going nuts and saying we lost?

I have no idea either.

It was confirmed the 50 million was already repaid,

- so we suggested reducing the claim-- - Got it. Let's talk again tomorrow.

ATTORNEY BAE MUNJEONG

ATTORNEY HA SANGGI

Couldn't this be seen as another person's life?

Lately, the courts have been narrowing their definition of another person's life

- in breach of trust cases. - No.

- No, look at this clause right here. - Here?

- This one? - No, here.

I didn't see this before.

Cheers.

By the way, are you really a lawyer?

Truth is, I'm not.

- What? - I'm a K-pop idol.

- Come on. - It's the truth.

I wasn't a famous K-pop idol.

But I really was one.

And one day, I thought about giving studying a shot and--

MUNJEONG

Bastards.

They're never around when you actually need them.

Let's finish this up tomorrow.

- Yes, ma'am. - Okay.

If you don't have any plans, do you want to grab a beer?

Well, are you buying?

Of course.

- In that case, sounds good. - Okay.

I'll go wrap up then, ma'am.

- Okay. - All right.

Ma'am, my hands are full. Could you open the door for me?

Okay.

She didn't even open the door for me.

Gosh.

ATTORNEY BAE MUNJEONG

ATTORNEY BAE MUNJEONG

- Call me when you get home. - Okay.

Is everyone busy?

You're not the only busy ones.

Ptooey! Screw you.

ATTORNEY AHN JUHYEONG

ATTORNEY BAE MUNJEONG

Let's go now.

Let's go.

- You're always here late-- - My goodness!

Oh dear, I'm sorry.

Hello, Ms. Kim.

- Are you going home now? - Yes.

But what are you doing here at this hour?

Well, I was just on a little patrol.

No one told you to do that, right?

No, that's not it. I just felt like it. It's mine, after all.

Yours?

Well...

The company and the building are all mine.

Hyungmin Building.

Kim Hyungmin.

- I see! - Yes.

Okay, get home safe.

Thank you.

Feel free to swing by my office next time.

Yes, I will.

- Okay. - I'll get going.

I'm off.

- Hey, aren't you going to eat? - Nope.

Damn it.

Wake up and get ready for work.

Okay.

It's my day off today.

Day off?

Yeah.

How long are you going to sulk like that for?

What's everyone so busy with?

Sorry, I saw your message late last night.

Let's not call coworkers late at night.

Or I'll report you for harassment.

Since when are we coworkers?

We work at the same company now.

Hey, I begged like crazy, but you wouldn't drink with me.

How are we coworkers?

You can just have drinks with your husband.

He's no fun.

- He's not? - Nope.

Do you all know him?

Not all of us. He's Juhyeong's high school friend.

Still, they're a good match.

That's why I introduced them to each other.

They hit it off, got married, and are still doing well now.

- Happily together. - All lovey-dovey.

- As they chit-chat. - Cut the crap.

Good match, my foot.

You're expressing exhaustion with every fiber of your being.

Did you work late last night?

Yes, I was looking into that medical case.

You said the surgery went fine. Why keep digging?

I know,

but something just keeps feeling off.

Gut feeling is a science too, you know.

How is that a science? It's just a feeling.

No, gut feeling is based on big data.

Your gut feeling emerges from your lifetime of experiences.

I didn't know it had a philosophy.

No, Munjeong. This is what you call insight.

She knows her stuff.

No.

No, you have to fist bump.

- Geez. - You're kicking up dust here.

- Why use your palm? - Anyway,

are you two going to keep speaking formally to each other?

No, I can drop the honorifics. But he doesn't, so I don't either.

You don't use it for the right people.

Who don't I use it for?

I wonder who. Who could it be?

With me, you punk.

- You were born early in the year. - But I'm still older.

I'm an early '90. You're an early '91.

Right. And Munjeong is a '90, so we're considered the same age.

Munjeong is a '90. You're an early '90, so you two are the same age.

Then, us three are the same age. Right?

You are some kind of lunatic.

Look, Munjeong calls me oppa to show I'm older.

For someone all about logic, why are you suddenly acting dumb?

What about Sanggi then? He's an '89, so he's my age.

Does that make you two equal?

You little punk.

Come on, that doesn't make sense. I'm not that rude.

Enough with that.

You and Huiji should drop the formalities and speak casually.

Would you like to?

Go ahead if you wish. I'll do as I please.

Are you sure? Fine, don't regret it.

Good.

- We're not going full casual, right? - I'm not that rude either.

Then, do you want her to call you oppa now?

What? Oppa.

Juhyeong oppa. Oppa.

He likes it.

He liked it. He does.

GRANDPA SANGGI

Did you have a rough day yesterday?

CHANGWON OPPA

I'm free today. Let's grab a drink.

HUIJI

Good food always makes you feel better.

It's too late, you punks.

IT'S TOO LATE, YOU PUNKS

My goodness.

What's got you so down?

Well, I asked you to grab drinks, and you called me an alcoholic.

Hey.

Next time, spell it out so I can understand properly.

Later.

Goodness.

Attorney Kang, did Professor Ku go to the trial today?

I told him not to, but his phone's off and he's not at the hospital.

I think he went anyway.

Hello, Mr. Kim.

Hello, Attorney Kang.

I haven't left the office yet, so I'm not sure.

I'll check after the trial and get back to you.

All right.

Then, I'll see you at the trial.

Please don't tell Mr. Kim.

The plaintiff Kim Sanggu

is the father of the late Kim Geunhwan, correct?

Yes, Your Honor.

Let's start with your complaint.

I see you've submitted an additional brief today?

Yes, I also submitted some video and photo evidence.

I apologize for the late submission.

Defense counsel, have you reviewed this?

No, I have not.

What's the plan?

Would you prefer to respond to this brief next time?

We'll acknowledge receipt for now.

All right. Then, please sign that.

Plaintiff's counsel,

since it came in today, we haven't reviewed it yet.

Could you walk us through it briefly?

Yes, Your Honor. Could you pull up Exhibit 8, please?

The defendant, Ku Dongkyun, attended a tennis tournament

held at an alumni event.

Could you please pause it there?

As you can see, the defendant is swinging with his left hand.

Please pull up Exhibit 9, please.

Left-handed.

- He's left-handed. - Yes.

The defendant is left-handed.

But in the surgery footage,

the surgeon is right-handed.

The defendant did not perform this surgery.

He had someone else operate in his place.

ALLEGATION OF GHOST SURGERY

Defense counsel.

- Yes, Your Honor? - I believe

we'll need a detailed response to this.

We'll review this and submit a written statement.

What is the matter?

We're here to make an arrest.

That's him.

You're suspected of assaulting Ku Dongkyun.

You'll need to come with us.

Sir, I'll leave the rest of the trial in your hands.

Strap him in.

- Excuse me, could you help us? - Yes.

Thankfully, it's just a mild concussion. They say he should wake up soon.

Why did he go there in the first place?

Mr. Kim, the deputy director is asking for you.

- Excuse me. - Sure.

PROFESSOR KU DONGKYUN

- He's left-handed. - Yes, the defendant is left-handed.

But in the surgery footage,

the surgeon is right-handed.

This is why something felt off.

The defendant did not perform this surgery.

He had someone else operate in his place.

Can't I just apologize

- and end this with a settlement? - Professor.

You said you would stop saying that.

Either way, someone died, Mr. Kim!

AHN JUHYEONG

- Are you going home? - Yes. But you're not?

I see. Good luck.

Thanks.

Didn't you say you'd drop the honorifics with me?

You're not going to?

- No. - I see.

Need help with something?

Yes.

Well, this is how everyone works, isn't it?

I didn't complain.

- It turns out it was a ghost surgery. - A ghost surgery?

The opposing side submitted a brief the day of,

and I was absolutely blindsided in court.

Show me the surgery footage.

It's this one.

So, if you look here, the surgeon is right-handed,

but a bunch of evidence shows the doctor's left-handed.

What did the doctor say?

I haven't talked to him yet. He's unconscious and was hospitalized.

On the way to court, the victim's family ambushed him.

Then, once the doctor wakes up, we'll know for sure.

What's the problem then?

This whole situation is distressing.

So,

you want to believe your client's innocent, right?

How could I believe that now?

Then, why are you distressed?

Just accept it as is. Then, it won't bother you.

I'm trying to accept it as is. That process is what's distressing.

You've never felt that way?

Geez.

Do you know what you do in times like these?

- What? - Let's eat something first.

Continuing to sit here won't help you focus on anything anyway.

I'm starving.

- Got anything to eat? - Not at all.

Let's go out and eat.

Sorry.

Thank you.

Man, I'm hungry.

Do you...

want to grab a bite?

How do you not have any emergency snacks?

And you do?

Of course, I do.

You need things like energy bars and chocolate bars

when your energy drops at work.

I didn't expect that from you.

You don't have to accept that it was a ghost surgery.

You told me to accept it earlier.

You said it bothered you.

Okay, what you need to accept is the doctor is left-handed.

And the surgeon is right-handed. That's all.

Because you have proof.

But there's no proof that it was a ghost surgery.

It was a ghost surgery. They logically proved it.

Sure, logically right based on common sense.

But that's our common sense.

My goodness!

- Who's that? - Munjeong's husband.

He works as a scrub nurse at a university hospital.

Hello.

- Are you done? - Yes.

Let's head up.

How do you explain this?

It's like...

dragging a friend out in the middle of the night

for no real reason.

What?

All left-handed surgeons operate with their right hands.

I bet they can't operate left-handed.

Does that make sense though?

To the general public, maybe not.

But for us, it's common knowledge.

Hey, kindly explain it a bit more.

Got it. Okay, let me break it down.

Your first time assisting?

Yes. I'll do my best.

Surgical training is basically old-school apprenticeship.

Scalpel.

But since things are passed down that way,

some things never change.

- Are you left-handed? - Yes, Professor.

Didn't your seniors tell you?

What do you mean, sir?

Your hands bump while facing each other,

so you have to match your mentor's dominant hand.

Usually, the right.

Hey. If you can only use your left hand, get out.

- I'm sorry. I'll do it again. - Get out.

That's why most surgeons operate right-handed

even if they're left-handed.

Or they become ambidextrous.

Anyways, suspecting a ghost surgery just because of this

doesn't hold up.

Did that help?

Yes.

You can go now.

- What? - Go.

What am I, your pet?

Yanking me around like I'm on a leash.

So I'll go, but you owe me a meal.

- Okay. Go. - I'll ask for a fancy meal.

Thanks! That meals on me.

It's okay. He'll just owe me something fancy.

- Thank you. - See you.

- Bye. - Later.

You owe me a meal instead.

Should I buy Munjeong a meal?

Just kidding. I'll treat you to one. Thanks.

Okay, everything's sorted.

Are you that happy?

Of course, I am!

My client's not some terrible person. That's such a relief.

It's always better if they turn out to be decent.

Let's head out.

Sure.

Come in.

Mr. Na said to assign this case to you.

Okay, you can leave it there.

Okay.

PETITION COUNTERCLAIM

A divorce.

What are you doing? You should've knocked first.

I was just taking a five-minute break.

I was going to get back to work after one comic.

Sure, if you say so.

It's not "if you say so." It's true.

You always pop in whenever I take a quick five-minute break.

All right. I didn't say anything.

Anyways, you want to switch cases with me?

Switch cases?

You said the sale proceeds case was tough, right?

I'll trade you for a divorce case.

Sure. Did you clear it with Mr. Na?

I was just about to.

But what gives? You want to swap cases?

Well, you'll find out once you start on it.

- So it's a deal? - Yeah.

He really hates taking divorce cases.

- Sir, can I come in? - Yes, come in.

Sir, it's about the divorce case you assigned me.

The Cha Jeongho case?

- Yes, sir. - Okay, what about it?

I haven't done divorce cases in a while.

- Right. - And usually,

clients prefer female attorneys with divorces.

Since when do you say you don't want to do something?

It's not that I don't want to do it.

- For various reasons, instead of-- - I get what you're saying.

But the client, Cha Jeongho,

specifically requested a male attorney, so we don't have a choice.

- Then, that just leaves you. - I see. He asked for a male attorney?

- Do you want me to do it then? - No.

No, I should do it.

- I appreciate it. - Yes, sir.

Right. Work is work.

How are you feeling?

I heard you woke up, so I came right away.

Thank you. I'm feeling much better now.

That's a relief.

I heard Kim Sanggu

claimed it was a ghost surgery?

Yes.

But I'm aware left-handed surgeons often operate right-handed,

so I can explain that part clearly.

That's impressive.

Most people don't know that.

There was nothing wrong with the surgery itself.

But things like this still seemed to happen.

Every time it happens,

I wonder if I'm actually saving lives through surgery.

If their deaths aren't my fault,

maybe I shouldn't be get credit for saving their lives either.

That's why you wanted to apologize.

But mustering the courage wasn't easy.

I saw the look on your face back then.

But an apology could be used as evidence of negligence.

That may not necessarily be the case.

If there's no other evidence of surgical malpractice,

an apology alone isn't enough to prove liability.

I thought you'd be relieved by what I said,

but you looked surprised.

I do believe I should apologize,

but I just can't find the courage to do it.

Perhaps, a part of me felt at ease when Mr. Kim tried to stop me.

Please think about the hospital too.

Because then, it's not that I didn't apologize.

I was stopped from doing it.

I actually saw Kim Sanggu on my way to court that day.

I saw him.

I couldn't even face him, let alone apologize.

I deserved to get ambushed.

What's going to happen to him now?

I heard he returned home.

But he'll likely be indicted.

If I...

agree to settle, will it reduce his punishment?

It would.

I see.

I'll go with you.

You'll get the chance to apologize as well.

Thank you.

Mr. Cha Jeongho?

Yes.

Hello.

I'm Cha Jeongho.

I'm Ahn Juhyeong.

We've agreed to divorce,

but we're stuck on alimony and splitting assets.

Has a trial date been set?

Yes, we couldn't settle, so a trial date's been set.

I mean,

we figured buying lawyers

would only make things messier,

so we both agreed not to buy them.

But at this point,

I felt like I needed to do what was best for me.

You said you agreed

- not to buy lawyers? - Yes.

Lawyers aren't things you buy and sell.

Really?

That's weird.

I'm here today to buy a lawyer though.

Yes, I see.

Are you far apart on your terms?

I can't give her a cent.

Sure, I brought up getting a divorce first,

but that doesn't mean I owe her money, right?

Then, you don't need to pay alimony.

I can't give away my assets either.

We've only been married

a little over a year.

It hasn't been that long.

None of my assets came from that marriage.

I covered almost all the wedding expenses myself.

How much is the other party asking for?

She wants 10 million won in alimony and 10 million won in assets.

Well, it's not actually a lot.

She just wanted a symbolic number

since I first proposed the divorce.

You could've just agreed and settled this divorce then.

You're pretty well-off.

Why should I?

I'm not backing down.

We call it personality differences, but the divorce is basically her fault.

So you're saying she has cause for liability?

Well, not technically cause for liability, but...

In any case, we're just incompatible.

Totally incompatible.

I'm losing my mind. I can't live with her anymore.

Also, it's all on her.

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL PLAINTIFF KIM SANGGU

- What are you doing here? - What?

While heading out, I was just checking if everyone had left.

- Are you clocking out? - Yeah, I am.

You must be the last one here.

Yeah, Juhyeong left early today.

Really?

Let's go.

Okay.

SEOUL FAMILY COURT SEOUL ADMINISTRATIVE COURT

The 10:50 a.m. case. Family law case number 2023-3330.

Are the parties here?

Are you here for 10:50 a.m. case?

No, the 11:00 a.m. case.

Can I wait inside?

I'm sorry, you can't. Most family law cases are closed trials.

They go one at a time.

Okay.

Are you the 10:50 a.m. case?

- Yes. - Me too.

Please come in.

Are the parties here for the 11:10 a.m. case?

Yes.

The 11:10 a.m. case?

Please come in.

Who's representing the plaintiff?

I'm Ahn Juhyeong

with Law Group Hyungmin, attorney for plaintiff Cha Jeongho.

Okay, Attorney Ahn Juhyeong.

Who's representing the defendant?

Are you the party in question?

Yes.

I'm...

Park Sujeong.

Law and The City

Law and The City

Crystal Park is his ex-girlfriend.

Right now, I'm not Ahn Juhyeong. I'm just Cha Jeongho's attorney.

You should drop the case.

It's nothing big. It's just a quick visit.

Did you assault her?

I looked you up to see what kind of person you were.

I guess Juhyeong takes on his friends' cases too.

That's actually the one type of case he won't do.

Excuse me.

I paid with my money to buy you.

I don't let things slide.

Translated by Hye Min Eom