Original subtitles

PRO BONO

[male announcer] 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

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

ALL CHILD ACTORS FILMED IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

ALL SCENES WITH ANIMALS FILMED SAFELY WITH VISUAL EFFECTS

[tense music plays]

It's been a while,

Mr. Yoo Jae-beom.

Yes, it has been a while, Ms. Oh.

Sir, please drive safely.

[tense music plays]

[Da-wit] All right, Detective Woo.

There are tons of pork rind places in Mapo-dong,

but this place is the most legit.

Okay?

Here. [blows]

Here. Have a piece.

- [slams table] Right here! - [patrons murmuring]

This was right where I was scammed.

How could a judge like you get scammed?

He pretended to be a hometown buddy and ran after borrowing money from you?

- Ha. - [inhales deeply]

I was never going to come back here but…

So… [sighs] where is that rotten Yoo Jae-beom right now?

He was hiding in Cambodia.

Then, he entered Korea a year ago with a forged passport.

- His whereabouts are unknown after that. - Really?

And then, he approached me.

He even knew about my first crush.

How in the world did he find out about my history?

Actually,

I have a question to ask you.

Me? What is it?

When Yoo Jae-beom entered Korea at Incheon Airport,

he got a burner phone with his forged passport.

- I looked through the call history. - And?

And one number popped up frequently.

[tense music plays]

- This number… - Yes.

Located in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul,

at Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division,

it's Chief Judge Kang Da-wit's office.

That's your number, right?

[shouting] What are you talking about?

Why would I talk on the phone with that punk? I've never called…

Your classmate from elementary school called.

"Kim Ju-seop"? Who's that?

- He said "Juvenile" would ring a bell. - Juvenile?

Right. Kim Juvenile.

[tense music continues]

What? Did you remember something?

[Da-wit] Good morning!

Sir, have you agreed to the screening process?

No way.

PRO BONO

COURT IN SESSION

- [indistinct chatter] - [Byeol barks]

- Byeol! - Oh! Byeol!

- [laughs joyfully] - Thank you so much, Mr. Kang.

We can't thank you enough.

Honestly. Thank you, everyone.

Byeol!

[woman] I thought we would never see her again.

[sighs in relief] Thank you.

But is it really all over now?

What if they appeal and harass us again?

Don't worry. They can't appeal.

Just trust me.

I'll protect you. [chuckles]

[heart beating]

Let's go.

Ms. Park.

Why are you blushing?

- What? - Do you have a fever?

- [gasps, yells] - [gasps]

No, it's all right. I don't have a fever. I'm fine.

[spluttering] What was that reaction?

All right. If you're fine, then good.

Geez.

Let's go, then.

[Jun-u] Let's go.

[Da-wit] The reason why they can't appeal is

they changed their words, so their accusation doesn't stand.

- Byeol did a good job too. - [Gi-ppeum sighs] This isn't good.

- [heart beating] - My heart is acting up again.

The heart of a nerd.

[young Gi-ppeum] Wingardium Leviosa!

Wingardium Leviosa!

Lumos!

Yes!

Wingardium Leviosa!

Wingardium Leviosa!

[Gi-ppeum] When I went to court for the first time in my life,

it was nothing but a scary place.

Wingardium Leviosa.

[judge] The Court rules…

[gasps]

Mom!

The spell cast by the judge in that moment

was more incredible than any other spell

- from Harry Potter. - [heart beating]

CRIMINAL LAW, HUMAN RIGHTS

"Guardians must raise their children according to their developmental stages

in a safe and healthy manner in the home."

Article 99 of the Civil Code defines

movable and immovable assets.

Then, in that case,

is Howl's Moving Castle a movable asset or an immovable asset?

Ah… Howl's Moving…

And my second question.

Park Gi-ppeum.

Yes, Professor?

- You did great on the interview. - Thank you, sir.

Now that the interview is over, let's talk freely.

Why do you want to practice law?

This is an industry in decline now.

As I said earlier, I want to protect basic human rights

- and social justice-- - Come on. The interview's over.

Not that stuff. The real reason.

- That's the real reason. - Okay, then.

[Gi-ppeum] But being a nerd and reality were two different things.

After that, nothing had made my heart pound

for a very long time.

- But… - This poor abandoned dog

was brutally abused and thrown out.

Is she really the dog you lost?

No! No, it's not mine.

[Gi-ppeum] My heart raced in that moment…

for a split second.

[thudding]

Geez.

Forget about it,

and just trust me.

I mean, what's there to worry about?

Kang Da-wit, the people's judge, is here.

Of course, your skills are incredible.

- I admire you. I really do. - Then, what's the problem?

Doing this international patent case worth trillions

that's between conglomerates doesn't seem right.

We're a pro bono team, after all.

Geez. This is so frustrating.

What's public interest?

We're one team now,

so let's speak honestly.

If we win and make a lot of money,

where does that money go?

The money circulates, so the common folk and disadvantaged will benefit from it.

Making money is the most pro bono thing we can do.

Day and night, we do these.

These cases don't even make money.

We expend energy for nothing.

Why on earth do we do these?

What's this? A refugee case?

Young people are livid that they can't find jobs these days.

Who'd be happy about foreigners coming in?

What else? Human rights for people with disabilities? It sounds wonderful.

Right? But whenever people with disabilities protest,

do you know how angry people get when they can't properly commute?

God, instead of stuff like this,

let's do something classy--

[screams] I can't listen to this anymore!

Do I have to keep listening to him deny the very existence of pro bono cases?

What? You have nothing to say?

- [groaning] - Am I the only one who's uncomfortable?

[Da-wit] Come on, Ms. Yoo.

Why does everything make you so uncomfortable?

If you're uncomfortable, go and sit somewhere comfortable.

[grunts in frustration]

You stupid boomer!

What?

"Stupid boomer"?

Unbelievable.

What? "Boomer"?

I've never been called that before.

Hey, Ms. Yoo. What did you say? "Boomer"?

What?

Back in my day, you wouldn't dare speak that way to senior colleagues!

- [Gi-ppeum] My heart of a nerd… - "Boomer?" Man, things have changed.

It must have been a false alarm.

No wonder they say face reading was a science.

He didn't seem right from the start.

[sighs] Excuse me, Mr. Kang.

Which graduating class are you from, Ms. Yoo?

- [Gi-ppeum] Mr. Kang. - Ms. Yoo--

[sighs] What now, Ms. Park?

Why did you come to Team Pro Bono?

Why are you suddenly asking?

You said it yourself.

You used to handle only the classy cases.

Why did you quit being a judge

and come here?

Did you know, Mr. Kang?

If there are people in this world who always win,

there are people who always lose as well.

No matter how hard they try, they're too weak to fight the world.

Pro bono attorneys exist to help people like them,

not to handle classy cases or cases they always win.

Why do you think I wouldn't know

about the ones who always lose?

The ones too weak to fight the world, no matter how hard they try.

You think I don't know?

[scoffs softly]

But do you know what it's like, Ms. Park?

Have you even tried to earn your own tuition yourself?

You're crossing the line, Mr. Kang.

Right. This is an uncomfortable question.

You must've been offended. Sorry. Excuse me.

No. Thanks to my parents,

I grew up comfortably and was raised by a loving family.

Yes, I can surely tell.

And what about it?

Is that a problem?

No, who says it is?

That's great. Gosh, how amazing.

Someone raised with love is worrying about the people in need.

How honorable. Any thoughts of becoming a politician?

I'll help you. I have a lot of connections.

Oh, my gosh! [inhales]

- Ms. Park. - [inhales]

2025 SEOUL QUEER FESTIVAL

[person] Follow me. You have to come to see me, sister.

I wish we could get married.

We're just a tiny bit different. That's all.

Please try to understand.

[Nan-hui] We'll walk you down the aisle!

- [Da-wit] We're with you. - [woman] Please give us a hug!

We as attorneys support LGBTQIA+ rights.

Please sign our petition!

- Please sign. - [Gi-ppeum] We'd appreciate it!

Let's make a world without discrimination.

[Da-wit] Yeah. Please sign.

If you donate and complete our survey, you'll get a free T-shirt.

We as attorneys support LGBTQIA+ rights.

- Get a free T-shirt! - Free T-shirts!

Free T-shirt. Your signature.

Geez, we're attorneys. What are we doing here?

One of the main jobs of pro bono attorneys is supporting human rights groups.

We're with you.

Come get a T-shirt!

- [camera shutter clicking] - [indistinct chatter]

Damn. This isn't working.

- It's not working, is it? - No, this won't do.

- We shouldn't act like attorneys here. - You're right.

Yes. Let's get going.

What?

What is it?

- Follow us! - [Da-wit groans]

Geez!

- What is it? - [Gi-ppeum] Nan-hui!

GET A T-SHIRT BY DONATING AND TAKING OUR SURVEY

- Okay, come on out. - Hey!

[panting]

I'm a public figure. What if someone recognizes--

If you're at a festival, you should dress for the occasion.

Occasion, my foot. You really think people would come for this?

Could we take a photo with you?

Please, just one!

- They came. - I'll take it.

- Thank you! - Okay. One, two, three.

- [camera shutter clicks] - [girl 1] You look so pretty!

You're so beautiful.

No, I'm a real manly man.

Why am I speaking like this?

- We'll root you. Good luck. - [girl 2] Good luck.

Excuse me, could you come over here and sign your names?

- [girl 1 and 2] Okay. - [Gi-ppeum] Thank you.

- Sign here and take your T-shirts. - [sighs]

Ms. Yoo, give me my pants.

[girl 3] We want a photo too! Please take a photo with us!

- Could you take it for us? - Should I take it? Okay.

Here we go. One, two, three.

- Thank you. Now, stop. - One, two, three. Great!

- Ms. Yoo. - Smile!

- Can't we take a few more, please? - My goodness.

- [girls clamoring] - [Nan-hui] One, two, three.

That's enough, Ms. Yoo. Thank you.

Let's take it together!

Together!

- Okay. That's enough, Ms. Yoo! - [girls clamoring]

[Nan-hui] Great. We'll all take one together.

- Okay, one, two, three! - Me too!

Let me join you!

- Here we go. - How many are we taking?

- I'll take it now. Everyone, smile! - [camera shutter clicking]

[exhales] Listen, Ms. Park.

Do you intend to drag me along to these random places all day?

- You're doing it on purpose, aren't you? - My gosh.

What do you mean? This is the daily life of a pro bono attorney.

When there's a question on legal issues, we have to answer them.

Of course,

that is if there is a question.

[scoffs]

- [man 1] Sorry. - It's empty.

[man] I worked really hard to prepare a press release too.

It's all right.

[Yeong-sil] Attorney Kang! [grunts]

Ow!

Are you okay?

I'm okay. How was the festival?

Wait, what's going on?

Hold on. Let's go.

Wait, what is it?

Hello.

How have you been?

Mr. Jang must have brought a reporter he knows again.

He did this last time too.

Hmm. "Mushrooms" has more connections than I thought.

- Let's go! - [Da-wit] He knows everyone here.

In this field, Mr. Jang

- is a legend. - What?

Back in college, he fought against hired thugs

at the site of an illegal slum clearance,

and he was such a menace that even the thugs were scared.

- Attorney Jang? - Yes.

No way. That's nonsense.

But that suit…

Though it looks worn out,

it's similar to the Italian luxury brand that I saw at a Cheongdam-dong boutique.

Is it a knockoff?

- [scoffs] - [man 2] Could I ask you a question?

[woman] Yes, go ahead.

Okay.

Nice to meet you.

I'm journalist Ko Il-ju of Stepping Forward Together.

[Da-wit] Geez, the only one person who came is a journalist

from a labor movement organization.

- [cell phone buzzes] - They're basically peas in a pod.

Hey, Jung-in. I was going to call you. I'm trying to cooperate as you told me to,

but do I really have to--

You want us to come back?

Ms. Park. She wants us to come back. Hurry up. Let's go!

Where are you going?

[interviewer] The jury trial of the abandoned dog case

has become the talk of the town.

The fact that Oh & Partners, Korea's top major law firm,

defended the case for free has grabbed people's attention.

To be honest, for the common folk,

they think of Oh & Partners as being so high up there

that you can't even be reached.

[chuckles]

Yes. People have thought of us that way.

We admit it.

But the world has changed now, hasn't it?

So we must change as well. It'd be no fun for us to miss out

on social responsibility and the changing times.

We hope you look forward to the new Oh & Partners.

Isn't the fact that a young female attorney

has become CEO a shocking change in itself?

I'm going to create a world where my age and gender

doesn't become a news topic.

Ah. I see.

That's amazing.

Also, Attorney Kang Da-wit, who's known as "the people's judge,"

took on the case.

I heard you two trained at the JRTI together.

Could you tell me a bit about how you were able to recruit him?

Well, you can ask him that for yourself.

Should we take a break?

My goodness.

You're good at your job, Ms. Oh.

You were pretty good at answering questions too.

You still have the vibes of "the people's judge."

There's something I'm curious about.

What is it?

Why haven't you asked me?

About what?

You haven't asked me once about what made me quit as a judge.

Have you seen the video, by any chance?

[intriguing music plays]

Do I have to know about it?

- What? - [laughs]

You still don't get it.

Do you know how many people work here?

We have more than 1,000 attorneys.

Including paralegals, secretaries, and other staff, how many does that make?

Do you know how many of them are former justices,

chief prosecutors, government ministers, tax commissioners, and bank CEOs?

The politicians who fought us in the name of democracy

and so-called moral compass journalists.

We make them advisors, and they diligently come to work and get paid.

Oh & Partners is basically Korea. Do you understand?

[exhales] Sorry, Da-wit.

I don't have enough free time to worry about each employee's situation.

Well, have a good day.

[door beeps, unlocks]

Hello, Mr. Kang.

- Hi. Where are the others? - They're out on business.

- You were great on the news yesterday. - Thank you.

By the way, someone saw the interview and came looking for you.

He insisted on meeting you.

What?

Who are you suing again?

God.

I just told you.

Are you a Christian? Catholic?

Neither.

You can't trust anyone in this world.

I don't believe in anything.

Then why?

I want compensation for damages.

A huge sum.

Damages? That's a civil case, not a criminal one.

Okay, then. What did God do wrong to you?

He brought me into this world.

- What? - I never asked

to be born this way.

No one wanted me…

to be born at all,

including my mom

and my dad, who I've never met.

So, please represent me for free.

- [clicks tongue] Oh. - You said you'd do it.

I did?

I left the court that I'd devoted my entire life to

because I just humbly

want to be there for people who are in pain.

When those who are without help

and who are vulnerable come to me,

I'll help them with legal knowledge and experience

I've gained throughout my life.

Well, I don't think you understand because you're young.

But a trial can only happen when it makes sense

and when there's a chance to win.

Isn't it your job as an attorney to make sense out of it?

Are you an attorney? Why are you arguing?

Whatever. Just take on my case for damages.

[sighs] So what is it?

Are your hospital bills the loss that God needs to compensate?

I can't be cured anyways.

I was…

[sighs] …born paralyzed from the waist down.

Okay, so what damages--

I already told you. The fact that I was born.

My very existence in this world itself is damaging.

It would've been much better

if I'd never been born at all.

- Did you send him away? - I finally did. What a stubborn kid.

I don't know how he got here when he lives in Bucheon.

Bucheon? You sent him off alone?

I grabbed him a large cab.

I paid the driver generously with my own money.

- Yeah? Good job. - [mouse clicking]

- Sir. - What is it?

He was a guest who came for you.

Guest, my foot. So?

I paid a generous amount to take him all the way to Bucheon, which is…

Okay. Good job.

- Right. - Do you have something to say?

No, sir.

Let's go and grab some soju.

[Jun-u] What? Okay!

[indistinct chatter]

[glasses clink]

[exhales]

I already told you. The fact that I was born.

My very existence in this world itself is damaging.

Gosh, what an awful thing for a child to say.

You feel bad for him, don't you?

[sighs] These pro bono cases tend to be…

Of course, these cases must be new to you,

- so it must be-- - They're not my first.

Sorry?

When I was first appointed, I was at a small court and did everything.

When I was an associate judge,

I oversaw rehabilitation and bankruptcy cases too.

But gosh, I couldn't bear them.

Because there were too many cases?

Well, that was part of it.

But every day, people would go bankrupt,

get sick, or commit suicide.

That was all I saw every day,

so it was tough.

Even if you manage to put out the fires,

they're bound to keep happening.

You're right.

That's why I want cases that involve people with money and power.

That might be easier on my mind.

And…

I'd make more money too. [chuckles sheepishly]

Geez. Here.

Thank you, sir.

[glass thuds on table]

[clicks tongue, sighs]

- Wait, let's grab a beer… - Beer, my foot.

[Jun-u groans]

Hey, this is for the taxi.

- It only costs me 20,000 won to get home. - Yeah, bring back the change tomorrow.

Thank you, Da-wit!

Get home safely!

I'll see you tomorrow!

Geez. What an exhausting guy.

[cell phone buzzing]

Hey, how did it go?

I followed her after work.

She went to a VIP room in Sejin University Hospital.

She's coming out now.

She probably went to see her grandmother.

Did she need more money for the hospital?

- Should I keep following her? - Yeah, keep tabs on her for now.

Find out who she's meeting with.

There must be someone else.

[snaps fingers, sighs] Judge Kang.

I'm grateful you sent me to jail to knock sense into me

and for finding me a job later on.

[snaps fingers] But aren't you making me work too much right now?

- You're going to pay me well, right? - Cut it out. Bye.

Geez.

Taxi!

- Hello. - [door closes]

Sadang-dong, please.

Sir, could you…

THIS IS A DEAF TAXI DRIVER

I see.

Sadang Station, Exit 2.

[automated voice] The ride has begun.

Please wear your seatbelt for your safety.

[monitor beeps]

DRIVER'S MESSAGE TAP ARM TO PULL OVER

Please take all your belongings before you leave.

[card machine beeps, whirs]

Sir.

Thank you very much.

[strains]

[strains]

[grunts]

[pants]

I said no.

- You said you'd do it. - When did I ever?

- Should I play the video again? - That was just for TV.

Are judges allowed to go on TV and lie?

When did I ever lie? Also, I'm not a judge. I'm an attorney.

Then, I'll go on TV too.

I'll go and ask if it's all right for an attorney to lie on TV.

Are you an attorney? Why do you keep arguing with me?

Come here.

- Goodness. - He's fast.

Come here. Let's send you home…

Who's the real attorney here?

- That kid is. - Hey.

[beeps]

Geez!

Good morning, sir.

It's not a good morning.

- Oh? - [knock on door]

Occupied.

It's occupied.

[Gang-hun] I know.

You little…

[chuckles] Here you go.

[Nan-hui] I grabbed all the desserts I could find around here.

- Do you like this one the most? - Yes.

- [both laugh] - [banging on door]

[Nan-hui] Oh, my gosh.

May I help you?

- Kim Gang-hun. - Ms. Jung.

Why are you here?

[all exclaiming]

What's going on?

Do you want to see me dead? I've been looking everywhere for you!

Why can't you just stay put at home?

- Ma'am, we can sit and talk calmly-- - Move!

Hey…

Let go!

Let go of me!

I'll call the police for child abuse.

[shouting] Let go! [panting]

- Don't. - [panting]

- I have nowhere else to go anyway. - [line rings, disconnects]

Don't do it. It's pointless.

She isn't like that all the time.

She takes antidepressants, but I guess she can't control it well.

- Yes, ma'am. I just found my son… - [Gang-hun] She's like that sometimes.

I think your mom should seek professional help--

I don't want to be put into care. No way.

- Gang-hun, your mom-- - My mom told me.

She was abandoned by her parents when she was nine.

After running away from the orphanage because she hated it,

she lived in a place where runaway kids stayed together.

But then, she got pregnant with me when she was 16.

Gang-hun.

If God does exist, I really want to ask Him.

What on earth was He thinking?

Why did He…

To someone like me…

[So-min] Gang-hun.

I guess you have to go now.

Get home safely, ma'am.

MIN'S STREET BAR

Did you say we should take on the case?

- Yes. - You actually think there's a case here?

Even if we might not win,

some might take interest in this.

Is a trial a live charity show to help the needy?

It could be a meaningful case.

It can raise the issue that the marginalized and disabled--

Gosh, you sound entitled.

- Mr. Kang. - What?

Did I say something uncomfortable again?

If so, then instead…

Let's ask Mr. Jang.

Mr. Jang, what do you think?

[bangs table] Stop picking out and eating just the mushrooms!

Well, it won't be easy.

It's not an easy task

to stand before the court.

Gang-hun could get hurt too.

I also think it won't be easy.

It's obvious the case would be dismissed.

First of all, if the defendant is God,

I don't know what His mailing address is.

- Geez. - [Jun-u] What?

I'll make it so it'll make sense legally, no matter what.

And then--

Do you know how painful false hope is?

Geez.

- I'm a stupid boomer. - Oh, my gosh.

So I'll say one more thing.

What Ms. Park is saying right now are the typical thoughts of a person

who was raised delicately, like a flower in a greenhouse.

- Mr. Kang. - You said you grew up comfortably

and was raised by a loving family.

People like that don't know what real struggle is.

Raise a societal issue?

It could be meaningful even though we'd lose?

What kind of help would that give the kid?

But a pro bono case is--

You came to this firm to make money too.

After entering the top law firm in Korea with good grades,

I don't know and don't want to know what could've possibly changed your mind.

But let's not say things that are totally unrealistic.

You want to do something good?

Just donate to charity instead. You can pay for this too.

For crying out loud.

Mr. Kang…

[Da-wit] It could be meaningful even though we'd lose?

What kind of help would that give the kid?

[sighs] Maybe he's right.

There is a risk of social criticism,

so a legal countermeasure should also be carried out.

Thank you.

Gosh. You're indeed excellent, Gi-ppeum.

You compared the pros and cons of each plan very well.

Thank you.

Okay, everyone. We'll go with Plan C then.

- Yes, sir. - What? Sir.

Plan C, as I mentioned in the report--

Through a loophole in the Labor Standards Act,

it'd be a way for companies to lay off a massive number of employees.

Yeah, that was good.

Yes, so instead of Plan C, Plan A should be…

It's a legal circumvention, so it's not illegal.

It reduces legal risks and a large amount of labor cost.

- There's no reason not to go with it. - [man] Yes.

Well…

Still…

Ms. Park.

Don't you have enough experience to not be that naive anymore?

Stop thinking about useless things and focus on the numbers.

Revenue, costs, profits.

Okay?

Right, everyone?

[man and woman] Yes, sir.

Hello.

LAUNCHING TEAM PRO BONO

OUR PLEDGE TO PUBLIC INTEREST STARTS NOW

IN-HOUSE TEAM FOR PUBLIC INTEREST CASES

[heart beating]

Listen, Gi-ppeum.

Do you know how hard it is to get into our team?

But you want to leave our team and join the pro bono team?

- It's because I like that work. - Come on. Stop it.

Will you tell me the real reason?

Do you want to be a politician? Is it to build a political career?

No.

It's what I really want to do, sir.

Or is it this? "I want to change the world!"

Something like that?

I don't know anything about such grand ideas.

I just want to deal with people rather than numbers.

I want to do work that helps people in need.

[laughs]

I had no idea you were such a noble person.

[exclaims]

Okay. I get it.

Let's be honest.

What's the real reason? Huh?

[Gi-ppeum] Is it that weird

for wanting to live life by doing good things

without any other motives?

Why does everyone not believe me?

Why do we have to prove good will

and assume selfishness?

[sighs]

All right, Gi-ppeum.

Don't be intimidated.

[inhales sharply] Go home and eat something tasty.

Let's do it.

Let's go.

[door beeps, unlocks]

Hello, everyone. Oh.

Hello.

Hello, Mr. Jang.

Hmm?

Are these also mushrooms?

[gasps] They're so pretty.

Did you put them here, Mr. Jang?

They're called the half-dyed slender Caesar.

They grow in greenhouses.

But they grow well outside too. Strong and well.

Mr. Jang.

You can do it.

I can do it.

I have to go to the archive room.

Geez.

[grunts]

- Geez, these keep falling-- - Here.

Thank you.

[door opens, closes]

[upbeat music playing]

"The standard…" Hold on.

Violation of the doctor's obligation to explain…

[camera shutter clicks]

"Those who receive surgery for varicose vein malformations…"

[sniffles, groans softly]

- [woman] Welcome. - Hello.

Is Jung So-min here?

- Go on. Later… - Wait.

Please tell me a little more.

Isn't this wrong?

[muttering]

[mutters]

If that's true, So-min, we do have a chance.

[yawns loudly]

ABORTION ANALYSIS

WHY GIVE BIRTH?

Why?

We've already talked about it last time.

Are you going to deliver the complaint to God?

What's His address?

It's 101 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

He lives in Gangnam?

What's godlike to pregnant women?

- What? - 101 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Woongsan General Hospital, a subsidiary of Woongsan Group.

That's where I'm sending the complaint for damages.

[music stops]

CAPERNAUM

DEMAND FOR PAYMENT

- [door opens, closes] - [So-min slurring] Gang-hun.

[groans]

You're home early. Didn't you go to work?

Yeah.

I'm sick.

I have a headache too.

Maybe it's a cold. I have a sore throat too.

You promised you wouldn't drink.

I drank because I was sick!

- Fine. - [sighs]

[sighs]

[cranking]

[gentle music playing]

Why is it so hard to live?

I'm probably getting punished

for living so recklessly

and thoughtlessly.

Am I your punishment then?

- What? - But what am I getting punished for?

[music continues]

[music stops]

Jung So-min became pregnant with Gang-hun

when she was living with other runaway kids.

The Woongsan Welfare Foundation

introduced her to Woongsan General Hospital, so she was treated there.

Actually, So-min never wanted to give birth in the first place.

It was an unwanted pregnancy. And she was too young to deal with it.

But the hospital ignored So-min's opinion multiple times,

and kept persuading her to give birth.

What? Why did they do that?

Exactly. And on top of that,

the hospital couldn't have been any more careless.

They knew very well the expectant mother

was drinking soju and eating junk food instead of real meals every day.

But they didn't carry out a single proper exam.

[scoffs] I heard it was a chaebol hospital.

Were they too busy treating VIPs?

[Gi-ppeum] Gang-hun's lower limb paralysis

was caused by a malformation from an underdeveloped brain

during the fetal stage.

It's not certain, but her alcohol addiction and malnutrition

might have affected this.

If she had received a timely, proper ultrasound,

it would've shown the brain malformation of the fetus.

- Isn't that right, Mr. Kang? - What?

Mr. Kang, did you already…

The one who took the lower limb paralysis lawsuit files from the archive room

was you, wasn't it?

[sighs] Yes. You're right.

But I haven't made as much progress as you have.

You're amazing, Ms. Park.

I did enter the top law firm with good grades.

[coughs, clears throat]

[Yeong-sil] If it's Woongsan General Hospital,

I know someone from their labor union.

- I'll look into their internal affairs. - Good luck.

If it's Woongsan Group, it'll be against Woo Myeong-hun again.

What? Why?

He's the legal advisor there

and to most other chaebols too.

[sighs heavily] He's such a skilled attorney.

I wish I could learn from him… [chuckles]

…wasn't what I meant. [clears throat] That's not what I meant.

- I… - What did you mean?

Your eyes are so scary right now.

INCHEON DISTRICT COURT, BUCHEON BRANCH

[bailiff] All rise.

Please be seated.

Your Honor,

I'm sorry, but before we begin the trial--

Is it about the motion to reassign to another judge?

It's just as you had expected.

Yeah.

[Jun-u] Gang-hun's case was assigned to Civil Division 7.

[Nan-hui] Is that a good thing?

A FEW DAYS AGO

Yes. It's Judge Kim Jin-o. She has a severe visual impairment.

[gasps] Really? Goodness, she's amazing.

I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing?

[Jun-u] What? Isn't it a good thing?

She must understand the lives of people with disabilities better than anyone.

She'd relate to them, wouldn't she?

Don't you think so, Mr. Kang? You know her well, don't you?

Uh… No.

I only know she's a judge with a visual impairment.

I can't believe there's a judge even you don't know.

As expected, he only knows the popular judges.

Gosh, this chair feels especially uncomfortable.

[chair rattles]

By the way, the defense might try for a motion to reassign the judge.

[Myeong-hun] Yes, Your Honor.

I'm sorry,

but as this is a medical case,

the amount of books and evidence to refer to might be massive and--

Are you worried how a judge with a visual impairment

will be able to read them?

Well, no. I didn't particularly mean that.

I probably read Braille texts faster than you can read.

As for the other texts…

[automated voice] Complaint. Plaintiff, Kim Gang-hun.

- Defendant… - The screen reader reads for me,

and I listen.

A trial is all about listening, isn't it?

I'll stay up all night to listen if I have to,

so you can submit any document you'd like.

[laughs] How could I possibly dare to question

your ability to do your work, Your Honor?

- It's just-- - Just?

Due to the nature of the case,

if this Court proceeds with it,

I worry it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

- Counsel. - Yes, Your Honor?

I'm not a judge with disability. I'm just a judge.

This trial will proceed like any other trial.

The motion for reassignment is dismissed.

But that won't necessarily be beneficial for us.

[sighs] Really?

When you go through immigration overseas,

- where do you line up? - [Jun-u] Well…

I go to a young female examiner who looks kind.

Wrong. That will most likely take the longest time.

And why is that?

The more of a minority you are in a group,

the more you tend to strictly adhere to principles

- to avoid being misunderstood. - I see.

Why would they be misunderstood?

[Myeong-hun] This lawsuit is based on groundless speculation.

The plaintiff is only making vague allegations.

And they have failed to present objective evidence.

The defendant's hospital is the best in Korea.

They have no reason not to conduct necessary tests on pregnant patients--

To prove exactly this point,

we requested an order to present all of the medical reports from that time,

but the defendant has not responded.

It's been more than ten years.

As they were past the storage term, they had already been disposed of.

[Gi-ppeum] Doesn't the defendant's hospital

unofficially keep records past the storage term

for research purposes?

[Myeong-hun laughs smugly] I don't know.

I don't know where you heard that, but that's not something we know of.

- Your Honor! - Yes.

They do seem to be past the legal storage term.

As you don't have objective evidence that such documents exist currently,

prove it by other means.

[sighs]

Honestly,

the defendant's hospital is very disconcerted.

The plaintiff's mother, who had nowhere to go,

was able to give birth at the defendant's hospital,

Korea's best hospital,

all thanks to the goodwill

of Woongsan Welfare Foundation, which desired to help runaway teenagers.

But…

Ungratefulness is the only word that comes to mind--

Counsel, that is irrelevant to the trial. Please stop.

Yes, Your Honor.

However,

we request an early dismissal of this trial.

There doesn't seem to be much the plaintiff's counsel can do.

Nothing further, Your Honor.

Your Honor,

we will ask the Health Insurance Committee for a fact inquiry.

About what?

The number of abortions Woongsan General Hospital

has performed in the last ten years.

And the number of abortions performed at other big hospitals

similar to Woongsan.

What is the purpose?

For purposes that are unknown,

the defendant's hospital has deliberately avoided performing abortions

and has urged patients to give birth.

- [whispering] Mr. Kang. - [people murmuring]

Mr. Kang.

Mr. Kang!

What was all that about?

Did you find some evidence?

No, I have no such thing.

Why would you drop a bomb like that without evidence?

You remember what Myeong-hun said earlier?

"Being ungrateful" or whatever?

What? Right. Woongsan Welfare Foundation

let her get treated at Woongsan General Hospital to help runaway teenagers.

It came to mind while listening to that.

Actually, So-min never wanted to give birth in the first place.

It was an unwanted pregnancy. And she was too young to deal with it.

But the hospital ignored So-min's opinion multiple times,

and kept persuading her to give birth.

Why would they send pregnant runaway teenagers

to Woongsan General Hospital?

They weren't even going to look after them.

This might be a ridiculous thought,

but what if there was some kind of intent behind all of this?

[intriguing music plays]

The group with the highest ratio of abortions is…

It's probably runaway teenagers.

Like So-min.

[exhales]

[indistinct chatter]

I heard back from members of Woongsan General Hospital's labor union.

Unless the lives of the mothers were in imminent danger,

they didn't terminate pregnancies.

They said the younger doctors complained a lot about it.

They were nervous because the risk of missing the right time was so high.

[sighs] They probably didn't tell the mothers about their fetuses' conditions.

- [cell phone buzzes] - Hmm.

Oh.

The Health Insurance Committee replied to our fact inquiry.

What did they say?

[Gi-ppeum sighs]

They've refused to answer as it concerns trade secrets of the hospitals.

I can't believe those punks.

HIC CHAIR PARK CHEOL-MIN

[chuckles] They made this perfectly for me.

- [secretary] Yes? - Call Attorney Woo's office.

Tell him I got his gift and I appreciate it.

Chairman Park, that fool.

When Myeong-hun worked at the Blue House Civil Affairs Office,

he got Park that job.

[Nan-hui and Yeong-sil scoffs]

Okay. So this is how you're going to play?

[sighs] What do we do then?

We'll have to use a method

that Korean civil servants are scared of the most.

What's that?

Chairman Park.

I told you not to wake me when I'm in my massage chair.

[pleading] Chairman Park!

- What? - I'm sorry.

I told him to wait outside, but he suddenly barged in.

[Cheol-min] What on earth? Who are you?

Oh. You're up.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Attorney Kang Da-wit.

Da-wit? Are you from Israel?

[laughs] By the way, Chairman Park,

this is a nice putter.

Is this gold?

- [thudding] - Don't hit the floor with it!

[gasps] I'm sorry.

Right. You're the one who requested the fact inquiry.

If you're here to throw a tantrum, get out at once.

We've already given our answer.

Throw a tantrum? Gosh, I'm too old for that.

I'm not a whiny kid. Goodness!

It fell.

It's a complaint we're going to file

against you.

What?

Request for information disclosure?

It's not too big of a deal.

It's about your official expenses

and company card statements.

Goodness, you've used your company card for whenever your wife perms her hair.

Ah. That's great. You're a family man.

This is what I need to learn. So sweet.

- Mr. Kang? - Yes?

All successful negotiations on earth have occurred while sitting calmly.

Please, let's sit.

- Please. - Okay.

I'll sit and talk.

Okay. This is the list of furniture and equipment purchases for your office.

You know the one there you were just sleeping in?

That's a limited edition one.

Where did you get that?

I bought it with my own money during an overseas business trip.

Overseas business trip?

The overseas business trip expenses…

Where did you go to research the cutting-edge medical industry?

[gasps sarcastically] That's right.

"Let's drink a Maldives in mojito."

Of course, you have to go to the Maldives for cutting-edge medicine!

Wait. But you didn't go with your wife.

Mr. Kang!

Goodness, Mr. Park.

Mr. Kang. Sir. Doctor.

I'll call you anything.

I'll call you my big brother.

Lord Da-wit. Let's calmly talk about this.

- Let's talk it out. - Then, shall we talk about it over tea?

Yes, sir.

RESPONSE TO FACT INQUIRY

[Jin-o] The response to the fact inquiry has suddenly come in.

Last time, they clearly said they couldn't respond.

Well, I… [chuckles nervously]

I don't know what happened either,

but in any case, it doesn't seem to directly relate

to the dispute of the case--

It's 91%!

WOONGSAN'S ABORTION RATE

According to their response,

Woongsan General Hospital's abortion rate

is 91% less than the average rate of other hospitals.

Mr. Woo. Is this a coincidence? Or a miracle?

Wait. What does that prove though?

The numbers are only numbers.

Each mother's situation and views are bound to be unique--

That is why we will submit additional data

that is very interesting.

EVIDENCE SUBMISSION FORM

Your Honor.

Do you know who the biggest sponsor of pro-life groups in Korea is?

Your Honor, the plaintiff's counsel is delaying the trial

with an irrelevant claim.

It's very relevant, Mr. Woo.

Five years' worth of audits for these groups

were found by a certain bold and persistent nerd from our firm…

- [slams] - Geez!

Ms. Park?

[in English] Good morning.

[in Korean] What's that? Were you here all weekend? Why didn't you go home?

- Just take a look at this. - What is it?

[gasps] How did you find all of this?

What do you mean "How?" I just went headlong and found it all.

According to the detailed analysis by this attorney,

their biggest sponsor

is the Elliot Foundation in Hong Kong.

It's a completely unknown organization in Korea.

[laughs] So what about it?

Elliot Foundation's address is in Hong Kong.

But they do have a postal address in Korea.

Its address?

It's 101 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

[people murmuring]

Just a moment.

- That's-- - Yes, Your Honor. That's right.

It's the address of the defendant's Woongsan General Hospital

and Woongsan Welfare Foundation,

which are located in the same building.

And Elliot was the name used in the US by Choi U-jin,

CEO Choi Woong-san's only son

who died at the age of 30.

After the passing of his son,

Mr. Choi suddenly devoted himself to religion.

Since then, Mr. Choi has even become the biggest sponsor and an elder

of Korea's most fundamental religious body.

[Myeong-hun slams table]

That's speculation. Even if Mr. Choi did have strong religious beliefs,

there is absolutely no evidence that he specifically ordered

- the medical staff to-- - [Da-wit] That is what power is!

Even without direct orders, due to the nature of an organization,

they can't help but carry out the leader's will.

Medical staff who didn't follow the organization's unspoken rule

were mistreated for various reasons before being forced to leave.

We will be submitting the related evidence soon.

Yes, I would appreciate that.

Well, that's enough… [sighs]

to be pretty relevant, don't you think?

Please don't forget to submit the related evidence.

Yes, sir.

[Da-wit chuckles]

- [Gang-hun] Sir. - Yes?

You really are good at what you do.

Hey, kid.

You should be honored.

Despite what you think of me--

Thank you.

And I'm sorry.

You must've had a hard time because of how I insisted.

What's this all of a sudden?

I'm not used to it. What's with you?

I can't afford to pay, so I should at least do this.

I knew it.

I knew something was up. Geez.

But your mom never showed up. Not even once.

She barely approved the power of attorney.

She was furious about me doing something meaningless.

She said people like us can't win against a giant hospital like that.

But will we really be able to win?

Mmm. In the end, we couldn't secure the medical reports,

so we've only proved half of our point.

Is that so?

Am I your punishment then?

- What? - But what am I getting punished for?

[dishes clattering]

INCHEON DISTRICT COURT, BUCHEON BRANCH DAY OF VERDICT

Based on all the evidence submitted to this Court,

the Court believes the plaintiff's disability

should have been diagnosed while they were in the womb.

Thus, the defendant's hospital

did not fulfill their duty

of properly diagnosing and explaining this condition.

However,

on the argument that the defendant's hospital failed

to properly inform the plaintiff's mother of precautions to take during pregnancy

or that such a failure caused the plaintiff's disability,

there is not enough evidence to acknowledge this claim.

Therefore, this Court does not accept the claim of damages

for causing disability.

[sighs] I knew it.

[Jin-o] What remains is the allegation

that the defendant's hospital failed, whether by intent or negligence,

to fulfill its duty to diagnose and explain

the possibility of the plaintiff's disability.

To put it plainly,

it did not give the chance to abort the plaintiff.

In order to accept the liability for damages,

we have to answer one of the most difficult questions.

For the plaintiff to win this case, we would have to say,

"It would've been better for the world if this 12-year-old boy Gang-hun

hadn't been born at all."

"His life and existence itself is damaging."

That is the kind of terrible conclusion we would have to reach.

As an individual,

I do understand the kind of emotions

the plaintiff must have come to this court with.

However, I am here not as an individual

but as a judge.

And according to the Constitution of Korea,

whether you have a disability or not,

whether you are rich or poor,

the lives of all humans are equally sacred.

That is its fundamental premise.

Under the Constitution,

no right is more valuable than life.

Thus, it is not possible to make the hypothetical assessment

that the absence of a life is better than its existence.

Which life has the value to exist?

Which life would be better off to have not existed?

Such judgments lie outside the realms of human ability.

Therefore,

as the Court does not acknowledge the birth of Kim Gang-hun as damaging,

the plaintiff's claim is without grounds, and the case is dismissed.

[imperceptible]

[Gi-ppeum] The beautiful language

that had made my heart race before

felt like a giant wall this time.

[groans softly]

In the end, we couldn't break the existing Supreme Court precedent.

I submitted all the related overseas precedents too.

But that doesn't erase how the fault lies with Woongsan.

After making them give birth, they stopped caring.

- It's ridiculous! - Why are you yelling at me?

We can't do anything legally, can we? The logic is airtight.

[thudding]

I disagree.

I think that's all a beautiful load of crap.

What are you all doing?

You weren't just going to give up like this, were you?

If you don't get it, memorize it.

"We will win no matter what."

If we were bound to lose, I wouldn't have even started!

Do you get it?

I believe, Mr. Kang!

Geez. Just bow to him, why don't you? Is he your cult leader or what?

[Yeong-sil] Then, shall we have some snacks before our meeting

on appeal strategies?

We can't think well if we're hungry.

- [Jun-u] Please sit. - Sounds good.

[Gi-ppeum] No!

We won't get enough energy with just these measly snacks.

Today,

I'll treat you to the most delicious bakery

in the world.

- Let's go! - [Nan-hui] Oh!

- You said it's your treat! - Okay!

- Let's eat and cheer up! - Let's go!

Let's eat and cheer up, Gi-ppeum!

It strangely feels like I lost. [clicks tongue]

Hmm? It's in French.

"Joie de vivre." The joy of life.

The joy, or Gi-ppeum, of life.

- Wait! - [switch clicks]

- It's a blackout. - [Gi-ppeum giggles]

[Nan-hui] Oh, my gosh! Is it your birthday?

No. I just prepared something as a way to cheer us up.

[Jun-u] There's so much fruit on top!

- [Nan-hui] So much! - [Gi-ppeum] Okay, everyone.

When I say "Pro Bono," you'll say "Victory."

Then, we'll blow out the candle.

- Pro Bono! - Victory!

"Victory" is so lame.

Welcome.

[Da-wit] What? I've seen that man before.

[Gi-ppeum] Okay.

[Da-wit] Where have I seen him?

[gasps] Right. The taxi.

[Gi-ppeum] Let me introduce them.

This is my mom and dad.

- Hello. - Hello.

They are attorneys who work with me.

In order, their names are…

Jang Yeong-sil.

- [Yeong-sil] Hello. - [Gi-ppeum] When you report to the local…

- They issue an announcement… - [Da-wit] I want to tie those hands down.

Can't she talk without moving her hands?

- [Gi-ppeum] Kang Da-wit. - [sighs]

Hello.

Hwang Jun-u.

Hello!

Yoo Nan-hui.

[Nan-hui] Hello.

We hope you enjoy.

Thank you for the food.

You know sign language?

Just a little.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Thank you for the food.

Take a seat, everyone. Please eat.

You know sign language too?

Just a little.

Gi-ppeum!

Your family runs this amazing bakery?

I'm jealous. That's a bread-lover's dream.

[gasps] Isn't it?

I must have saved the world in my past life.

[Nan-hui] Right? Thank you for the food!

It's so good.

- Ms. Park. - Yes?

So…

You must have opened this pretty recently.

As expected,

you have a keen eye.

It's only been a month.

What about before?

In the past,

they ran a place that was a bit bigger.

But when I was in high school,

Dad was tricked by a bad friend

and lost the entire bakery.

Oh, no.

Because he was the co-signer, he had to take on bank debt.

After baking with my mom, my dad had to drive a taxi for ten years

just to make ends meet.

You said you grew up comfortably and was raised by a loving family.

People like that don't know what real struggle is.

[clears throat] But this competent daughter of theirs

worked hard as an attorney to pitch in what she earned

and borrowed a little bit of money to open this place.

[mouthing]

You're amazing, Ms. Park.

You're making me shy.

[Nan-hui] It's true though.

She's awesome.

Mmm.

You like apricots, Gi-ppeum? Aren't they sour?

[Gi-ppeum] I like these over the sweet ones.

They're sour and bitter.

It's just like our lives.

[Nan-hui] Okay. I'll try one.

- Gosh. - What?

- It's so sour! - [both laugh]

[Nan-hui] Mmm!

[Yeong-sil] The coffee's good and not bitter.

[Gi-ppeum] Please enjoy.

INCHEON DISTRICT COURT APPEAL HEARING

[Nun-hui] Doesn't Judge Kook Yeong-jun look a bit uptight?

Don't worry. I'm sure Mr. Kang has it all planned out.

- Plaintiff's counsel. - Yes, Your Honor?

Well,

is there anything more to do with an appeal?

In the first trial,

you did everything you could.

He rejected the wise ruling of the first trial and appealed,

so I'd like to ask the plaintiff's counsel.

What on earth did the defendant do wrong?

Is it wrong to value life more than anything else?

Do you actually think it's better to not be born

than to be born as a person with a disability?

Unless that's the case,

the plaintiff's appeal has no actual benefit.

That is our standpoint.

Your Honor.

The defendant's Woongsan General Hospital

followed Woongsan Group CEO Choi Woong-san

and his sacred belief that all lives are precious

as they ignored the wishes of a 16-year-old pregnant girl

to have the plaintiff Kim Gang-hun be born.

At the first trial,

with the sacred reason that all life is precious and equal, they also ruled

that a life, no matter whose, cannot be regarded as damaging

and dismissed the plaintiff's claim.

[clapping softly]

That is amazing. I was touched too.

Therefore, at this court of appeals,

we would like to examine one by one

if Woongsan Group and Korea really do treat

every life respectfully and equally.

Hold on.

If you simply say something is precious and equal,

does that really make it precious and equal?

I mean, is it okay for a judge to lie?

Is it all right for a court to scam a kid?

Plaintiff's counsel! What are you doing?

Is this trial a joke to you?

No, Your Honor. I am simply asking whether the Constitution of Korea,

which states that all lives are sacred and equal,

is a scam or not.

[hesitates] Just a moment.

Why is he blowing things up?

If Gang-hun, the boy sitting here,

has not been given dignified and equal treatment in his life,

if the words "All lives are sacred"

are revealed to be nothing but a beautiful load of crap…

then it'll have to be the one who used his wrong beliefs

to recklessly bring the plaintiff into this world…

[rock music playing]

That crazy…

Your Honor.

I would like to sue Choi Woong-san, the CEO of Woongsan Group,

and have him stand trial.

[laughs] Your Honor, does this even make sense?

With a ridiculous accusation…

There he goes blowing things up again, that attention-seeker.

- I really want to learn from him. - Learn what?

[man] Sir, I have something urgent to report.

CHOI WOONG-SAN

The thing is…

STAY TUNED TO WATCH THE EPILOGUE

- What on earth are you doing? - [Da-wit] Aren't on-site inspections done

so judges can form beliefs from firsthand experience?

That's what I did as a judge.

[Gi-ppeum] Stop using Gang-hun as a PR stunt.

You're not fighting for yourself, are you?

I'm going to make a winning team. If you don't like that, you can leave.

I'll file a separate lawsuit for damages

against Chairman Choi Woong-san.

[Myeong-hun] Do you believe giving birth to Gang-hun was damaging?

If Gang-hun's life is damaging, then who caused that damage?

- Is it for the money? - [Da-wit] Do you have some kind of right

to be involved in the lives and deaths of others?

[Gang-hun] Please tell me.

What do I need to do so I can live like other kids?

If anyone causes harm to Oh & Partners…

I won't keep them around.

That goes for Team Pro Bono and you.

[judge] The debtor, Mr. Park Chang-sun.

The Court rules…

[Gi-ppeum] Wingardium Leviosa.

[judge] …that the debtor

is exempt from liability.

What? Mom!

We won!

They said our debt is gone now.

- Really? - Yes.

[judge] There are no grounds for denying the exemption from liability.

The applicant's remaining obligations as a joint guarantor

are hereby fully extinguished.

[Gi-ppeum] The spell cast by the judge in that moment

was more incredible than any other spell

from Harry Potter.

Next, case number 2015-686…

I see. You're hard of hearing.

Is this how you do it?

Congratulations.

You won.

Thank you.

[chuckles] I guess it's right.

Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon

Synced and corrected by WEISSACHsubs