Original subtitles

PRO BONO

Fifteen.

THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM IS NOT SUITABLE FOR VIEWERS UNDER 15

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

THIS PROGRAM CONTAINS PRODUCT PLACEMENTS AND VIRTUAL ADVERTISING

SUPPORTED BY: MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

AND KOREA CREATIVE CONTENT AGENCY

THIS DRAMA IS A WORK OF FICTION

CHILD ACTORS WERE FILMED SAFELY UNDER GUARDIANS' SUPERVISION

AND ANIMAL SCENES WERE STAGED AND CREATED WITH VISUAL EFFECTS

- I got it! - My goodness!

You scared me!

You got what?

You're innocent.

Of what?

You're innocent, Mr. Kang! Innocent!

What?

Innocent?

EPISODE 7

- What do you mean, Gi-ppeum? - What?

Did you do something wrong?

Why say he's innocent while holding checkup results? What does that mean?

Innocent! There's nothing wrong…

No symptoms! I'm clean.

She was saying the results of my colonoscopy came out clean.

I recently told Ms. Park

that I'd been having trouble in my gut

and maybe I got sick after joining this team.

- So maybe I thought … - Colorectal cancer?

- What? - Cancer?

Cancer all of a sudden?

It's… it's all right.

The result came out clean.

Maybe I was too stressed about Kaya's case.

Right, Ms. Park?

I'm glad you're okay.

Were you always that close with Gi-ppeum though?

What?

You two seemed pretty distant recently.

That's nonsense!

Ms. Park got worried and was paying attention to my health.

Right, Ms. Park?

You out of your mind?

That's right.

Yes.

It must have been hard keeping it to yourself

to not worry the others.

I don't have colorectal cancer so don't worry.

Hey, you… I mean, Ms. Park. Why don't we have some coffee

on the rooftop?

Sure.

That was very awkward.

That was very strange.

What was?

Disband Team Pro Bono.

Father.

Why are you doing this suddenly?

We need Team Pro Bono to build a new Oh & Partners--

Don't get confused. You're not my only child.

From the cornerstone to each pillar and brick,

I built Oh & Partners with my own hands.

It's the first child I bore and raised long before you came along.

Right.

And I'm trying to turn your precious Oh & Partners

into a firm that is beloved by people around the world.

We can change the firm's image by using public sentiment a little--

"Beloved"?

Does that make money?

Here are the pro bono request statistics.

Ever since Kang joined,

they've increased twentyfold.

They'll complain if we ignore them all,

so we have to increase the number of cases we accept.

Love from the people who could never become our clients?

That's just cost, not profit.

I only trust the numbers.

How much has that team contributed to our income statement?

How much?

Are you out of your mind?

Why don't you just tell the whole team that I took the apple box with cash…

They'll be thrilled to see the video

of me receiving the apple box full of cash.

Nan-hui would especially make a fuss and call the cops at once.

What…

- I get it now. - About what?

No wonder something felt off every time I watched that video.

I knew I'd seen something similar before.

What do you mean? We only met recently.

Forget it.

Think carefully

about the endoscopy you got during your checkup.

Why?

Everyone, I'm an attorney.

You have to tell me the exact size and length

- of the camera that'll go into my body-- - Is it your first time?

- Does it hurt a lot? - Everyone's scared their first time.

Don't worry. It won't hurt.

Okay, here comes the anesthetic.

- Ten. - I'm pretty sensitive.

- Nine. - So the anesthetic won't…

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four, three…

See?

My body doesn't respond…

What doesn't respond?

Ms. Park.

You're not getting the endoscopy?

We've already returned to work after finishing our checkups.

You're the only one who's late after making a big fuss.

Gosh, it was so hilarious though. It's a shame only I saw it.

What are you talking about?

What?

I was asleep for two hours?

Did I really get the endoscopy?

During the whole time,

you made a fuss about suing the doctor and you thrashed around.

I heard you were very animated.

Did I really sleep here

for two hours?

But I don't remember a thing.

Right. That was a bit weird,

but what does that have to do with the apple box?

That's the key.

- A time slip. - A time slip?

You said you didn't remember anything about making a scene.

I didn't make a…

I swear I was being put under, and then I woke up in the recovery room.

That's how anesthesia is.

- What? - It doesn't make you

completely unconscious.

It sedates you briefly,

so you won't remember what happened during the examination.

It's retrograde amnesia.

Are you telling me…

When you came out of the endoscopy, you were a total mess.

- Your face and gestures were peculiar. - Come on.

I had never seen you like that, but it felt strangely familiar.

I laughed about it back then, but I get it now.

The way you looked in that moment…

was just like this.

That's how I looked

- under anesthesia? - Yes.

My father was exactly like this after he was put under too.

He wasn't his usual self. He looked drunk.

Look, Mr. Kang.

You're in his arms.

You're practically being carried by him, as if you're totally drunk.

But I did get drunk that night after a few drinks.

No, you don't completely let yourself go even when you're drunk.

At our after-work gatherings, your eyes were always alert even when drunk.

They kept observing others.

Is that how I was?

Yes. You have that disturbing stare.

And look.

You usually don't make such big gestures when you're drunk.

You always do those kinds of petty moves.

Like this.

And like this.

- Like this. - Come on, "petty" is a bit…

Look again, Mr. Kang.

You never smile this brightly.

The corners of your mouth don't go up this high.

You've been observing me pretty closely.

Of course.

- Is that so? - Yes.

As you know, my parents are deaf.

Right.

They talk with their hands and facial expressions.

If you want a real conversation,

you have to look at others carefully.

Like this.

I see. So that's why.

Yes.

But the anesthesia for endoscopies

usually makes you just talk gibberish in bed.

I don't know if it can make you move around like this.

Maybe it's a similar substance but more powerful.

So instead of just talking in your sleep, it makes you sleepwalk.

Instead of being drunk from alcohol, I was drunk from sleep?

This means he approached you after researching your childhood.

Who would go to such lengths to do this?

For what?

Isn't there anyone you suspect?

I think about it every moment of every day.

But there are too many.

In the end, being a judge means you brandish a knife at others.

There's likely a long list of people

who hold a grudge against me.

It must've been hard to deal with that alone.

Well, I've dug around as much as I could,

but things haven't changed much.

It's as if I'm in quicksand.

But one thing has changed.

What?

We're on the same team.

Let's find out together.

Not everything is as it seems.

What's with that look?

Did you just swear at me?

I think you did.

Let's go.

The team will get suspicious of us.

Mr. Kang!

What took you so long?

What?

Geez, what's with you? I said I don't have colorectal cancer.

What do we do?

What's going on?

Nan-hui, what is it?

Why are you overreacting so much?

What? Did someone tell us to break up the team?

If no one answers, then that means…

They do want us to disband.

Dr. Oh Gyu-jang made the decision himself.

What?

The founder of this firm?

Then, are we being transferred to a different team that's profitable?

As if!

They're going to fire us all.

starting with you, the team leader.

Da-wit, what do we do?

I have nowhere else to go. Please go up and say something!

Get off me!

ENDING AND DISBANDMENT OF TEAM PRO BONO

Damn it.

What's the reason?

You can't do this. You have to make an appointment first.

Are you Judge Kang?

I'm sorry, Dr. Oh.

It's all right.

You can go, Ms. Seo.

Yes, sir.

Dr. Oh Gyu-jang, the chair of the bar association.

The founder of Korea's biggest firm, Oh & Partners.

The giant among giants who controls the legal world from the shadows.

No, not a giant. A monster.

I wanted to thank you earlier but you were on a business trip overseas.

Mmm. Sure.

I allowed you to register as an attorney

because Jung-in kept pestering me to, which was unlike her.

Then, why are you kicking me out now

after taking me in?

You know,

I've worked my whole life in the legal industry,

and I don't want it to be a place where corrupt judges and prosecutors

can resign and hide.

I can't bear to watch it anymore.

Of course, I'm talking about the video.

You know that's not it.

You knew about the video from the start.

How did you know he came to see me?

Ms. Seo, I need to see you for a moment.

Did you ask for me, sir?

Thanks for everything.

- Today will be your last day. - Pardon?

- Sir! - Call the security team

so they can take back your laptop and other equipment

within 30 minutes.

Did I do something wrong?

You'll have to hurry to pack your stuff.

Yes, sir.

Was that really necessary?

You know very well

I love receiving information about other people.

But I despise employees

who tell others about my visitors.

What on earth could be the reason? We've been doing great lately.

Exactly.

We've been on a winning streak since Mr. Kang's been here.

Pro bono cases have never been this popular.

Other pro bono attorneys are so happy, so why?

That could be the reason.

What do you mean, Mr. Jang?

Hey, what did you mean?

Why are you cleaning wheels right now?

I heard attorneys from other teams have been speaking ill of us.

They didn't like that we used the firm's name

because we don't have elite qualifications.

"We can't have those losers keep representing our firm on the news."

Ha! That's embarrassing for them. Did they really say that?

Well, they're not totally wrong.

- Hey! - Also, Ms. Oh made our team.

Do the other partners really want us…

to succeed?

But still, she is Dr. Oh's daughter.

Why would he do this to a team his daughter made?

You took Mr. Kang in despite knowing everything.

Please reconsider your decision.

His team is in charge of the entire firm's mandatory public service hours.

Do you know how much money we save from that?

That's not the problem.

The more high-end a brand is,

the more they make people wait to even enter and look around the store.

When it's less accessible, we get to control the price.

What empowers us

is jealousy, envy, and fear, not love from the people.

But you're making it easier

for people to bring up our firm so casually

by gathering low-class losers

to represent a dog, a kid with disability,

and an illegal alien.

I thought I'd taught you enough about how power works.

Are you dumb?

Or have you become weak like your dead mother?

I'll prove it with numbers.

- What? - I just need to show you

that we can be profitable, right?

How about this?

Baekseung Law Firm has been close behind Oh & Partners in revenue.

What if we can take away their clients?

Mr. Kang.

Hey, Judge Kang.

I like to gamble too,

but one needs something at stake to make a bet work.

I've already ordered the disbandment.

If we lose,

we'll disband the team for free.

For free?

If you force us to disband,

I'll immediately sue you for wrongful termination.

And of course, I'll drag it out as much as possible

until your costs pile up.

How interesting.

Please let me know. I'll wait.

Also,

let me correct one thing.

The person we represented, Kaya, wasn't an illegal alien.

She came to Korea legitimately with a marriage visa.

I was taught that fact-checking is a basic requirement for any attorney.

A bet?

Sounds good.

Thank you, Mr. Jang.

Don't worry. You trust me, right?

Yes.

- Goodbye. - Take care.

- By the way, Mr. Jang. - Yes?

You're so handsome.

What?

Ooh. Hey, handsome lawyer man.

Ooh! Why are you blushing?

Well, I'm not ugly.

- My goodness. - Yeong-sil.

She's Song Ji-hye, isn't she?

I heard a social worker sent her to you.

Yes. Ji-hye has a Grade 3 intellectual disability,

and her parents passed away from a car accident.

Goodness.

Really?

Gather around.

I have something to tell you.

A competition?

We're pro bono attorneys. We're people who defend the weak.

Baekseung only handles cases with tax-evading chaebols

and corporate raiders who conduct mass layoffs.

You want us to take that kind of case?

Do you know who Mr. Jang just agreed to represent?

An abused intellectually disabled person.

We're attorneys who help those kinds of people.

We're the ones getting laid off here. We're the weak.

Can't you think of it as defending ourselves?

But you should've made a bet we could win.

If we lose this epically,

someone like me won't be able to find another job.

We'll just win then!

Yes, this is Team Pro Bono. Sorry?

Yes.

Mr. Bae wants all of us to come to the conference room at once.

Right now?

It's almost time, so take care of it quickly.

- Hello. - Hello, sir!

Hello.

Why did you need us so urgently?

Attorney Kang, I heard you made an "adorable" proposal to Dr. Oh.

You promised to beat Baekseung to secure a case?

Yes, "whatever" case that maybe.

Really? "Any" case, right?

How may I help you?

We have an appointment with Oh & Partners at noon.

Ah. You mean her?

We happen to have a meeting today, so give it your best.

They're coming here after meeting with Baekseung.

You suddenly called us here to meet with a client?

What? The first meeting's only for introductions.

You made a bet with Dr. Oh without even having that much confidence?

Keep your word and disband the team without any complaints if you lose.

They should be here by now.

- Why are you standing like that? Sit. - Right.

Behave yourselves.

Don't make a scene or scream.

Scream?

Hello.

It's Elijah.

Oh, my gosh! It's Elijah! I'm a big fan!

Elijah!

- What's going on? - Sir, Elijah is here.

- Elijah? - Yes!

- "Korea's sweetheart"? - Yes!

Let's go take a photo!

They must be here.

Goodness, welcome.

Hello.

No way.

It's Elijah. What is she doing here?

I'm sorry.

Mr. Hwang's a big fan, so he must've gotten excited for a moment.

- I'm not late, am I? - No, it's all right.

Hello, I'm Attorney Bae Yong-hun of Oh & Partners.

Nice to meet you.

- I'm Cha Jin-hui. - Hello, sir.

By the way, who are these people?

- Right. - Hello.

I'm Attorney Kang Da-wit, former chief judge

of Seoul Central District Court.

I see.

Hello, I'm Park Gi-ppeum.

Okay.

I'm Hwang Jun-u. I'm a big fan.

I'm Jang Yeong-sil.

Geez. Why do I smell oil?

I'm sorry. I was in the middle of work before I came.

- I'm sorry. - The vibe of Oh & Partners' attorneys is…

very colorful.

Everyone at Baekseung Law Firm went to SNU Law School.

Their team leader is a former CID prosecutor from the SPO.

The SPO's Central Investigation Department?

Mr. Woo Myeong-hun?

Yes.

I assume you obviously went to SNU if you're a former chief judge?

Am I wrong?

I specifically asked for a team with the best attorneys.

Ms. Cha, this team's been on a roll these days.

You must've seen them on the news. Team Pro Bono.

Team Pro Bono?

From that abandoned dog case?

- That… - Yes!

Yes, we handled that case.

Wait, did you bring me a team that handles dog cases?

I knew it.

You can't bring in nobodies like this.

"Nobodies"?

We're not the people who can be called nobodies.

I'm sure you have heard about me.

The people's judge--

What?

You can't just give yourself such a title like that.

I didn't give myself the title. Then, let me explain in detail.

The number of my followers is--

I'm sorry.

Our team leader's had to pull a lot of all-nighters these days.

- You must be tired. - No.

Shall we begin the meeting after a short break?

- We just met. - Okay, come here.

Elijah, I'm a big fan. It's such an honor.

- Ms. Park, why… - Come here.

- Wait, that's not… - You're so heavy.

Ms. Park, what I meant was…

Let go of me.

Will you hear me out?

She keeps saying Seoul National University.

What, did she graduate from an elite school

to become a celebrity?

- Elijah goes to a prestigious university. - Yes.

- Really? - Yes.

How many followers does she have then?

Ms. Park, I have 380,000 followers now.

She has 25 million.

What?

25 MILLION FOLLOWERS

Mr. Kang, who was the last K-pop idol you liked?

- Tell me-- - Mr. Kang!

How can you not know Elijah, "Korea's sweetheart"

and the one everyone wishes was their daughter?

An angel with a beautiful smile who donates to charities,

she got into a top college while working hard as an idol.

Elijah is every parent's dream!

Why are you so quiet? This isn't like you.

Don't you know who Elijah is?

- Am I supposed to know? - Well?

Anyway, her group was disbanded three years ago,

and she debuted as a solo artist last year.

EK Entertainment CEO Cha Jin-hui is her mother.

And company director Kim Ju-won is her brother.

Those years as a nerd really help.

Save it. When you go inside, you better be on alert.

You saw how they belittled us.

Fix your tie too.

Let's go. Move out.

Let's go!

You said earlier we're pro bono attorneys who defend the weak.

They don't look that weak at all.

Since we're here anyway, we'll explain the situation.

- Mr. Kim? - Yes, ma'am.

I'm going to take videos again today.

- Yeah. - She is so pretty.

Elijah!

Elijah, can you take off your cap?

Fuck!

I'm sorry.

What's wrong, Elijah?

Are you okay? Did something--

Enough is enough, you crazy bitches!

Get lost.

I said fuck off!

Were you surprised?

I'm pretty good at cursing. And colorfully too.

Stay still, Elijah.

Their parents want to sue Elijah,

claiming their daughters were hospitalized due to shock.

If this gets out of hand,

all her endorsement deals will be terminated,

and she'll have to pay billions of won in penalties.

Her recent ambassador deal with a luxury brand will be canceled too.

There's also an internet channel that's been harassing her since long ago.

I told you, everyone.

This is all plastic surgery and editing.

Korea's sweetheart, my foot.

Okay, everyone. Now, I will reveal Elijah's before photos.

How much facial contouring did she do?

With that much surgery, isn't she more robot than human?

The whole country is being fooled by her.

The Cyber Crusader will uncover the truth on this channel.

Make sure to turn on notifications, like, and subscribe!

My goodness.

Those are downright lies, of course.

If they get a hold of this video,

these lies will turn into the truth.

The public jumps to conclusions.

By the way,

who took this video?

There must be a camera that recorded it.

Right. This one?

Yes, her whole body is in frame, so it was taken from ten meters away.

Elijah didn't notice

that there was a camera at all.

You think we didn't follow up on it?

- What? - The driver of the taxi the girls rented

took it with the girl's phone.

They rented a taxi?

Yes, because it was 3:00 in the morning.

She gave the phone to the driver to film them meeting Elijah.

The video hasn't spread yet?

Some of the parents are using the video to ask for money,

but we've stopped it from circulating for now.

Don't worry, Elijah. I'll make sure nothing gets out.

Just focus on preparing for the album, okay?

Well, the first match was a total defeat.

They didn't even take our business cards.

They suddenly called us when we weren't even ready.

That was so unfair.

They don't want us to win at all.

Are we going to be disbanded before we even get a chance?

- What's my name? - Sorry?

- What is my name? - What is he doing?

Aren't you Mr. Kang Da-wit?

Yes. It's Da-wit, like David, who beat the giant Goliath.

I'm getting tired of saying it now, okay? We…

- will win no matter what. - Yes.

Sure, sure. As you know,

I'm always…

full of faith.

What's gotten into you?

But my job is at stake this time, Mr. Kang.

Instead of a vague speech,

you should give us specific measures.

- Jun-u, why are you so worked up-- - Why wouldn't I be?

What on earth made you make that bet?

Mushrooms.

- Anger issues. - Hey!

A serious nerd and a tall idiot.

How are we going to beat a mega law firm?

What's with you?

- Calm down. - Let go of me.

- Sorry, he's drunk. - I'm not drunk.

- Sit down. - I'm not drunk!

Am I wrong?

You've done well your entire life,

so the whole world is like a joke to you, isn't it?

This team might be like a hobby for you, but I tried four times to get this job.

This job is my lifeline!

This team is my lifeline too.

What?

I was fired after getting blackmailed with a video of me taking a bribe.

Then, I came here.

I've been pushed to the brink too.

I'm sorry.

I should have told you before.

We're on the same team.

But you knew about it, Gi-ppeum.

- Well… - Yeah.

I'm sorry.

As I told you,

I ended up seeing the video very suddenly.

I couldn't tell you because I wasn't sure.

Is your judgment the only one that matters?

You should have asked for our opinions.

We ended up working with a person under suspicion,

and it was for public interest cases.

Nan-hui, that's--

It's not her fault. It's all my fault.

I should've told you sooner

and let you decide.

We'll need to discuss it among ourselves.

This was very unexpected.

Right.

Go ahead and discuss.

I'll step aside.

Me too?

Okay.

All right.

Geez, why on earth did you bring that up?

It's either you do or you die.

We can't win if we can't unite.

But it's too risky.

The two of us should've tracked down the culprit first.

We needed to check the number that sent the video to me.

Ms. Park, I'll handle it on my own from now on.

- Don't get involved anymore. - Mr. Kang.

It's dangerous.

The culprit did this to someone who was a chief judge at the time.

And he probably didn't do it alone.

But you are alone.

You believed me.

That's enough for me.

Mr. Kang!

Okay.

Let's talk again later.

The use of sedative makes sense, but it's still just a theory.

That's true.

But we can't be certain

that Mr. Kang accepted a bribe based on that one video.

There are strange circumstances that Ms. Park found too.

We've decided to presume you're innocent until proven guilty.

Ms. Yoo.

If what you claim is true,

it means you're an innocent victim who was unfairly framed.

As a pro bono attorney, I can't ignore such a person.

- Ms. Yoo. - Of course, I don't totally trust you.

Although I've decided to trust you,

I'll keep my eye on how things go.

Ms. Yoo.

I was a bit worked up before.

I'm sorry.

But honestly, I'm very disappointed in you, Mr. Kang.

You kept saying we were a team, but you didn't trust us at all.

I'm sorry.

I was a coward.

To be honest, I was afraid

because I thought none of you would believe me.

- Honestly, I didn't really trust you. - What?

- Mr. Jang. - Mr. Jang?

Every pro bono attorney has their own reason

for choosing this job.

But for Mr. Kang,

I couldn't find his.

"Why did he force himself to take a job he didn't want to do?"

"There must be some other reason

for using this job as a stepping stone."

Why didn't you ever ask me why I took this job?

Does the intent really matter?

What?

You don't need a license to be a good person and do good things.

No matter what may be the case,

you've given it your best and done well as a pro bono attorney.

It's okay to wait to see how someone acts before you criticize them.

You don't know what their intentions are, so what's the point of doubting them?

- Mr. Jang… - On top of that…

…you're obviously not the type

to accept a bribe so openly.

- That's true. - Yeah.

He'd cleverly cook up multiple ways to get away with it before taking one.

Right? I knew I wasn't the only one who thought so.

Yeah.

What…

What on earth did you think of me all this time?

- A petty-- - Miser.

- A scrooge. - An apple box…

Forget about that. Treat us to drinks tonight.

Let have the petty one buy us a drink.

Okay, tonight's talk ends here.

When I say "Pro bono," you'll say "Let's go."

- Pro Bono! - Let's go!

That didn't really feel…

Fine. Let's go.

- Let's go. - Let's go.

- I'll go out to the scene of the incident. - Okay. Good.

Are you going to check online, Mr. Jang?

Mr. Kang.

- Yes? - What are you looking at?

Well…

What are you doing? You're in the way.

Sorry.

What?

Why are you all so free?

- What brings you here? - What do you think?

- You got crushed at the first meeting? - Geez.

It wasn't that bad.

I barely appeased Ms. Cha and got a second meeting.

It's at EK Entertainment this time.

You'll pitch against Baekseung.

What? A pitch?

Come with me, everyone.

Now? Where to all of a sudden?

To get ready for battle.

I'll get going.

They look so expensive.

This kind of outfit actually suits you, Ms. Park.

But Ms. Oh,

the price isn't written here.

Don't worry about that.

How could I not worry? You know how much my salary is.

Just win. If you lose, that will be your severance pay.

Oh, my gosh. It's that expensive?

Oh! Ms. Park.

- How do I look? - Move.

This is a nice color.

Are you going to bring all your team members?

- What? - The client's fussy about qualifications.

How about going with just Ms. Park this time?

They're my team. They each have their own role.

Is that so?

Gosh, this…

- What? - This looks cool.

How's this? How do I look?

- Is this over your card limit? - No way.

Excuse me. Please pay for all of them.

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, the CEO's company card.

- Oh. Hold on. - Yes?

Thank you for the other day with Dad.

Don't mention it.

Good luck.

Don't embarrass me.

So, what's your solution?

We believe

the best option is to fix things as quickly as possible.

We'll meet with the girls' parents, pay them an adequate settlement,

and get them to sign an NDA and an agreement

to not file any civil or criminal lawsuits.

"The signatory will not file any civil or criminal lawsuits

on this matter in the future."

It's neat and clean.

But aren't we giving too much money for the settlement?

Why do we have to pay them so much for a broken camera?

You have to consider the cost of Elijah's public image.

That's right, Ju-won.

It's about your sister. We shouldn't save our pennies.

Still…

Oh & Partners are a bit late.

Why are they walking in a flying V formation?

What on earth?

Are they the same team?

Where are they?

I see them.

Me too.

Sorry, we're late. We're Team Pro Bono.

You're the same team from before?

Yes. We are, Elijah.

Were you on a makeover show or something?

For an attorney,

a suit is like armor.

Cool.

From now on, we'll be protecting you, Elijah.

Just be on time.

I guess you were stunned after I beat you. What was that?

A suit of armor?

Do you know each other? Same university?

Ah. He's a legendary figure.

He was appointed to court with only a high school degree.

How amazing is that?

You must be kidding.

No, he's right. I only have a high school diploma.

I knew you didn't go to SNU, but…

If the team leader didn't go to college, what about the others?

Ms. Park Gi-ppeum graduated from SNU Law School.

And what about you?

Well, I…

You might not be familiar with it.

It's far down…

in the south.

In the south. Isn't that amazing?

They ignore academic and work backgrounds.

Do you litigate with your college diploma?

Not at all.

I go in fully prepared.

I see.

We have warned the parents already.

"If the video leaks, you'll face a lawsuit

demanding a devastating amount of money from Baekseung Law Firm."

So don't worry about it.

You're way too confident about this.

- What? - That kind of video

is like a knife that could stab someone.

No matter what, once the knife is made,

it'll end up stabbing someone.

Did something happen?

To prepare contingency plans,

our team has been monitoring

the changes in traffic of her fansite

and related pages in real time.

Mr. Jang here once made an app for such things.

I just checked traffic on my way here,

and on Cyber Crusader's channel,

this video was uploaded.

What?

Hey, didn't you say you took care of the parents?

I did, and I sufficiently warned them. The situation--

Did you check the taxi driver's phone too?

He shot it with the phone one of the girls gave him.

Don't you get it?

The taxi driver took it with his own phone and sent it.

In K-pop idol fandom, there's something called an "ST." You know that, right?

An ST?

It's short for "stalker taxi."

These sasaeng fans, or obsessive fans,

use these taxis to stalk celebrities.

It means he wasn't just a regular taxi driver.

Do you think someone like that would stay quiet after shooting a video…

that will make him a fortune?

I guess not enough research was done on the client's industry.

Ms. Cha, you don't have to worry.

We can handle this.

How?

They said it's already been uploaded!

We'll send a certified letter in our firm's name to the channel owner.

"Take it down immediately, or you'll be held liable."

"Take the video down, and let's meet to settle."

I'll make sure to resolve it.

It's probably spread all over the place by now!

You should admit your daughter to a hospital for now.

What?

"Due to severe insomnia and anxiety caused by exhaustion from her tour

and her new album preparation, she wasn't thinking straight."

"Her doctors ordered her to rest, so she was admitted."

"But there is no excuse for committing a huge mistake

of treating her fans like this."

"She deeply apologizes to everyone who are disappointed."

And then,

she needs to cry cutely at the right moment.

You want me to "cry cutely"?

My choice of words was a bit poor. I apologize.

The important thing is we need to keep emotions out of this

and give the public what they want

as quickly as possible.

Isn't it important to set all the facts straight first?

What do you mean?

To see if anything was missed,

I went to the security office of her apartment.

I watched the surveillance footage all night.

It wasn't the girls' first time there.

When is she coming out?

- Elijah! - Elijah!

Come on. It's not her.

- Shut up, bitch. - Are you blind?

You're here again?

I warned you I'd call the cops next time.

You'll call the cops on us?

What? Who are you to say that, old lady?

Hey, she's the stylist who stopped us before.

Right. I remember that fucking ugly face.

A mere stylist calling the cops on us? What the hell?

Get lost, minion.

You're hopeless.

- Damn it. - Damn it.

You aren't her fans. This is a crime.

- Move the fucking phone. - Taking secret photos in vans.

- Stealing things. - I said move it.

- You fucking bitch, seriously! - Nice.

- Kick her. - Give it.

Ms. Cha.

You didn't mention anything about this.

This is what the entertainment business is like.

Public image is what matters.

Even if we pick a fight and say the high school students were wrong first,

we're the ones who take the hit.

The best thing to do is to settle the matter quickly and quietly.

I bet it is since it's more important for you to cover up something else.

Elijah!

Cover up? What do you mean?

On the night I threw that camera,

- I wasn't coming down from my place. - Are you nuts?

Sit down. I'm an adult now.

Mr. Kim, sit down.

Elijah.

You'll know when you check the phone video.

I live in Building 101.

But I came out of Building 103's elevator that night

from my boyfriend's place.

Hold on.

This is a completely different situation.

If that news breaks on top of everything else,

this will seriously damage the brand that is Elijah.

She's a person, not a brand.

Before being a product, she is a human being.

An adult woman in her twenties.

Her stylist is like a big sister, and she's her best friend.

She may have the face of a baby,

but she's a strong woman who can't overlook injustice.

She's someone who went to Yeouido by herself,

wrapped in a scarf and with a candle, because she just couldn't sit back.

That kind of person!

Jesus Christ.

You want to put her in a hospital for mental instability

and make an apology video with her crying cutely?

You can't treat another person that way.

Why is she rampaging like this?

Just keep quiet.

Miss, by any chance,

are you a Ponies member?

Yes.

For three years.

- Bonus. - Ponies.

- "Ponies"? - It's her fan club.

I see.

I've never told anyone about my stylist.

Did you…

come to a fansign after I put out my solo album?

- "Fansign"? - A meet-and-greet event.

You said you're pro bono attorneys? That means public interest cases.

That's right.

You're the cowardly big sis, aren't you?

- Cowardly? - Cowardly?

What?

How do you know me?

TO YOO NAN-HUI BEST WISHES

HUMAN RIGHTS ACT

You want to be a pro bono attorney?

Yes.

- That's incredible. - Not at all.

Is there a special reason?

It's because I'm a coward.

- What? - In seventh grade,

I was bullied.

You were bullied?

Yes.

I guess I was an easy target because I was small and weak.

Bring all of them here next time.

I'll kill them all.

It must've been really hard.

Yes.

Geez.

Actually, I…

People call me sensitive

and say I make a big deal out of everything.

Frankly, it's all because I'm a big coward.

I'm sensitive to crimes because I'm afraid of violence.

I'm sensitive to discrimination because I hate rudeness and disrespect.

I'm really afraid of the world.

That's why I want to be a pro bono attorney.

I want to build a world…

where even cowards like me can live happily.

Hey, big sis.

You're really amazing.

No, I'm not.

You are.

You really remember me?

Of course!

I remember all of you because you give me so much love.

I'm nothing but one of the fans who just passed by though.

I told you back then not to be afraid of anything.

I promised I'd protect all the Ponies.

Big sis.

I missed you so much!

- Big sis. - Isn't Nan-hui the older one?

You're the big sister if you're the cool one.

Well, this is a strange development.

This wasn't part of our plans.

Can I give you a hug too?

Of course!

Aw.

Mr. Kang, didn't you say Nan-hui could be the key to this case?

I did.

What are you doing? You're in the way.

Oh. Sorry.

Of course, she's on my team.

You're unbelievable, sir.

Yoo Nan-hui.

EASTERN DISTRICT COURT

CIVIL SUIT FOR DAMAGES

- What is it? - He looks familiar.

Defense counsel.

If you have something to say, please state your case.

Yes, Your Honor.

This trial

is tyranny by powerful people to infringe on the people's right to know

and their freedom of expression.

We ask that you dismiss the plaintiff's claim.

- Who are the powerful people? - Who do you think?

The star beloved by the people.

If Elijah's not the powerful person, who else would it be?

Is it fun to appoint a former chief judge as an attorney

and oppress a mere YouTube creator?

A hundred million for damages?

This is violence… to silence the public.

Right! One hundred million won is no joke!

Please lower your voice.

You are here before the court.

Yes, this is the court of truth.

I, Ma Yeong-suk the Cyber Crusader,

am ready to be martyred at any moment for the truth.

Truth? Is this the truth you're talking about?

Breaking news, everyone!

The Cyber Crusader's got the biggest scoop for you today.

Have you all seen that real video of Elijah uploaded last week?

Korea's sweetheart can curse pretty viciously, can't she?

Do you know when the video was shot?

It was three in the morning.

And at that time,

where was Korea's innocent sweetheart coming down from?

None other than his house.

Ta-da! You know him, right?

What did our Elijah do in her rapper boyfriend's house until 3:00 a.m.?

Did she get a rap lesson?

Or was it a different lesson?

My goodness.

It's so dirty, I can't watch.

Is this the truth you were talking about?

Prying into one's privacy?

She's a public figure, so she should bear it.

Did someone force her at knifepoint to be a celebrity?

If she doesn't want the attention, she should live quietly as a civilian.

What is the meaning of "public figure"?

Of course, a public figure is…

According to the Standard Korean Language Dictionary,

it means "a person engaged in public service."

But celebrities make money from popularity with the public--

So if one earns money from the public, they're public figures?

The lady selling sundae-guk out front must be a public figure too.

She makes a fortune every day from hundreds of people.

How can you compare some mom-and-pop store to her?

Is scale the issue now?

What about the CEO who makes money by selling phones to everyone?

What about the CEOs who make money selling clothes or cosmetics?

Thanks to popularity with the public, they make tons of money.

They must be public figures too then?

But why aren't you digging through their private lives

or leaving nasty comments?

You're afraid their legal teams will sue you

for huge financial payments.

They're not as weak as celebrities.

Am I wrong?

What are you doing, Counsel?

Are you saying stars are the same as ordinary people?

A celebrity's every move is always--

You're right. They receive everyone's attention.

It's true their jobs have a big influence on society.

That's why they're more careful not to be a bad influence.

And since they're beloved, when they do wrong,

they endure heavy criticism.

Still, they're not obligated to endure such malicious twisting of facts

and groundless humiliation.

Before Elijah is a star, she's a human being with rights.

Yes, she's a person.

A person who does things like this to young high school girls.

The public is entitled to know.

Enough is enough, you crazy bitches!

Get lost. I said fuck off!

Yeah, that is her.

Yes, the public is entitled to know.

You're hopeless.

You aren't her fans. This is a crime.

- Move the fucking phone. - Taking secret photos in vans.

Stealing things.

Well, what do you say?

I don't think you can find words that better describe the situation

than the ones Elijah used earlier.

"Enough is enough, you crazy bitches!"

- What? - Ms. Park.

Plaintiff's counsel! What are you…

It was a quote.

Yes.

Please don't be upset.

Are you looking down on the public?

The public is enraged by her despicable hypocrisy.

- Sit down. - She always says she loves her fans.

And this is how she repays her fans' love?

They're not fans. They are criminals.

They're still minors,

but we'll hold their parents legally responsible.

But the public is condemning Elijah--

You keep saying "the public."

Who is that really?

The public is the public.

Numerous people.

How many people does it take? Is there a number?

The public is an unspecified number of people.

Are you going to keep quibbling over words?

When you go to any major entertainment site,

hundreds of people are commenting on them.

The public is made up of many people who make up the majority of society.

Your Honor, may I ask a question?

Thank you.

Out of everyone here in court,

is there anyone who has ever left a comment

on a celebrity news article?

Could you raise your hands?

- Not me. - Me neither.

No one.

Your Honor, have you ever left a comment before?

That's enough, Counsel.

You haven't. I understand.

That is so strange.

Of the many people who make up the majority of society,

why isn't a single one here?

Still, have you seen the comments? Have you read what they say?

Yes. Comments like these, right?

Goodness.

"Didn't she fix her whole face?"

"How blessed she is."

"The blessing of Korean doctors."

She's the most overrated these days.

She pretended to be pretty and kind.

Admit you got plastic surgery first.

"Did she make all those donations to evade taxes?"

I wonder how many people there are

who leave comments like these.

Are they really the only ones who make up the public?

There are people who don't even know Elijah at all.

There are those who love her music quietly.

There are many who frown upon comments like these.

Ms. Ma, did you at least take a public survey from every citizen?

On what premises

do you dare to represent the public's opinion?

- That's-- - Don't.

Your Honor, may I ask our team's Ms. Yoo to make arguments from now on?

Yes, you may proceed.

Ms. Yoo.

Yes, sir.

I've always been curious.

Those persistent comments online.

How many people are actually behind them?

Are we mistaking an anonymous minority for the unspecified majority?

So, we've verified it

with the help of our colleague with exceptional IT skills.

We've marked the IP addresses

of those who wrote these anonymous posts and comments

with cute animal icons.

Like this.

Why are they the same?

- It's a rat. - Did one person write them all?

Do you see these mice icons?

Isn't it shocking?

Out of 250 comments,

the same person wrote 168 of them.

Moreover, this same person is the one who made the post.

So, we tracked the address just in case, and to our surprise…

it was the same IP address as the Cyber Crusader's channel.

They were totally made up.

You're so diligent. I'll give you that.

You wrote a lot of posts too.

Your writing skills were superb. For example…

"Am I the only one who thinks Ma Yeong-suk is pretty?"

"I think she's so pretty too."

"Yeah, she is so stylish and sophisticated."

"Honestly, aside from age, Ma Yeong-suk

- is better than Elijah." - She must be crazy.

They're fabricated.

She did that all by herself?

- Has she nothing else to do? - That is so embarrassing.

- Seriously. - That's so…

What an intense life you have.

Your Honor, when people see celebrities like Elijah,

they scream their names and envy them.

But they're actually lonelier and weaker than anyone else.

Even as they bleed from the dagger-like words of people

who speak recklessly about others,

it's not easy for them to say that it hurts.

Think about it.

How many times have we lost

those lonely and vulnerable stars

that shined…

so brightly?

Does the price for popularity have to be that cruel?

Ms. Ma.

You must take responsibility now

for that persistent spite and obsession of yours.

What did I do that was so wrong?

What?

I only fought for the public's right to know!

At least, I don't hide in the shadows like a coward!

My client is not a coward who hides in the shadows.

Please come in.

My gosh!

- It's Elijah! - Elijah!

Order in the court!

- Bailiff. - Order in the court!

Is the plaintiff attending the trial in person?

Yes, Your Honor. My apologies for being late.

Your Honor, the plaintiff would like to share something.

May she have a chance to speak?

You may proceed.

First off, I apologize to everyone who was disappointed in me

because of this incident.

No matter what the reason was,

it was my fault for cursing and throwing stuff

at the young students.

I will compensate them for all damages

and apologize to them.

I will become a more mature person so that I won't let down

those who support and love me.

But here…

I'll call her the defendant.

I have something to say to the defendant.

Okay.

I am standing

right in front of you.

Look me in the eyes,

and do it.

Do what?

All those things

you have said about me.

The lies.

Those filthy words.

Those words didn't hurt just me.

They hurt my fans,

who I love more than anyone else.

Elijah! I'm a fan who supports you from Japan.

I'm working on my own dreams as I listen to your music.

So, please stay strong!

There are many more fans who love you,

so don't worry and trust in us.

Elijah, I love you. Stay strong.

I'll protect you. Good luck.

When I was at my lowest, your songs cheered me up.

- I love Elijah. - I love you.

- Let's go! - Stay strong!

- We'll protect you, Elijah! - Ponies are always by your side!

Hang in there!

We love you, Elijah!

Go, Elijah!

- Elijah, let's go! - We love you!

- Hang in there! - We love you! Stay strong!

Okay, then. Say it to my face now.

Those awful words that hurt

the ones who love my music quietly

and the ones who trust and love me.

Look me in the eyes and say them

instead of cowardly hiding behind the mask you call "the public."

Gosh, Elijah is so tough.

This is why I can't stop loving her.

Your eyes are boring through her.

EASTERN DISTRICT COURT

Judge Kang.

I mean, Attorney Kang.

What is it?

Are you really going to see this to the end?

We'll stop now if you pay the 100 million at once.

Let's stop here.

It won't benefit either side to continue.

I don't think so.

We'll have many benefits.

We were thinking

of taking all the cases from every star who's been harassed by the defendant.

Do you know

who informed us about Elijah's boyfriend?

Do you?

Who is this person that you're taking so long to reveal?

There she comes.

It's her.

Ms. Cha Jin-hui.

Pick whichever one you need.

Elijah!

My goodness, congratulations!

- Congratulations! - Elijah's mother tipped us off herself.

Do you know that?

I had been so angry because of Ma Yeong-suk.

How did you make time?

Well, I just had to come, of course.

STAY TUNED TO WATCH THE EPILOGUE

But they're family.

How could a parent do that to her child?

Drive those losers away, okay?

Elijah, what brings you here?

I want to end the exclusive contract with my company.

Please file a lawsuit.

What have I done that was so wrong?

I've only done my best for my daughter.

We tracked it down, and it was a life insurance plan.

A life insurance for Elijah.

Wasn't the failed investments due to accounting fraud?

No! Those were all fabricated!

Exemption of Crimes by Family.

Property crimes committed within family cannot be punished.

Just please sue me.

Elijah. Is this what you wanted?

Stop that lawsuit at once.

And break up the team.

Mr. Kang. We have to do something.

Let's go.

The biggest stage would be…

Let's go to the National Assembly.

Mr. Kang…

Park Gi-ppeum.

How can you do this to me?

Of all people, you should've trusted me.

You didn't trust me,

so it made me upset.

I'm sad.

Oh, my gosh!

- Nurse! He's… - Yes.

The anesthesia hasn't worn off yet.

Is that so?

I'm so upset.

I'm hurt.

I'm so hurt.

You hurt my feelings.

I feel so sad.

Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon

Synced and corrected by WEISSACHsubs