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

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

[Gi-ppeum] Mr. Kang!

[pants] You're going to sue Chairman Choi?

What on earth are you doing?

I'm filing a civil claim for damages.

[inhales] But why did you say…

"File a civil claim for damages." That's too long.

"I'll sue you." That's much easier and simpler to say.

- [Nan-hui scoffs] - It'll make for sexier headlines too.

[Gi-ppeum] "Sexy"?

Do you think that is an appropriate word for this case?

It has to be sexy to grab attention, and we have to grab attention

if we want more people to hear us out.

We'll be holding a press conference, so get ready.

But no one usually comes to press conferences of pro bono cases.

Haven't you been listening? We'll make it sexy to draw them in.

[Nan-hui scoffs]

Could you find me a hair salon?

- [Nan-hui] You brat! - Hair salon? What for?

- Isn't there one in your town? - Of course, there is!

Hey, Stretch. How can you let a kid be sharper than you?

Sorry? But what did I…

- Geez, that attention seeker. - [loudly] I can hear you!

- [Jun-u] Why a hair salon? - Geez!

THE PEOPLE'S JUDGE SUES KOREA

[Jun-u] You may now begin to take Kim Gang-hun's photos.

[rapid camera shutter clicking]

I'm sorry.

I'm sure you all must be busy.

Thank you for coming.

You said you'd make Woongsan Group CEO Choi Woong-san stand trial.

It's an appeal trial for damages against the hospital.

Is it possible to add a defendant?

[snaps fingers] That's a good observation, Ms. Park.

You can't add a defendant in an appeal trial.

Therefore, in the appeal,

I will prove the suffering Gang-hun has felt up until now.

And then, since the one truly responsible is hiding behind the hospital,

I'll file a separate lawsuit for damages

against Chairman Choi Woong-san.

If this appeal is the preliminary round, then that trial would be the final match.

It's going to be more intense and brutal.

- Brace yourself, Chairman. - [camera shutters clicking]

Okay, everyone. We'll take just a few more questions.

Gang-hun is such a smart and mature kid.

Did you say you got the courage to file the lawsuit after watching Capernaum?

What? Someone as young as him saw that?

Do you like movies?

Yes. For some strange reason, I like those kinds of movies.

- My mom teases me for being an old soul. - [reporters laugh]

What's your favorite movie then?

It's Forrest Gump.

Right. The one where Tom Hanks plays a disabled…

Gang-hun and I have so much in common.

First of all,

our handsome looks.

[reporters chuckle]

That's pretty rare.

Gang-hun is also a Go genius.

Aren't you the top player

- on online Go? - No.

- Yes, you are. - I'm not.

It's called Go! Go Game.

I'm barely holding on to first place in that game.

What? Go! Go Game? I play that too.

What is your username then?

AlphaGo911.

"AlphaGo911"?

The renowned Go master, AlphaGo911? That's you?

My goodness. You're amazing.

Not at all.

I have…

a lot of free time on my hands.

[dramatic music plays]

- [sighs] - [indistinct chatter]

What on earth are you doing?

My apologies, sir.

How could you drag our CEO's name into this joke of a trial?

Is this what we're paying you all that money for?

My apologies. I'll stop it at all costs.

If any inconvenience happens upon the chairman,

you'll be held responsible.

[ominous music plays]

Yes, sir.

EPISODE 4

[Jun-u] You were amazing today, Gang-hun.

[Gi-ppeum] It was tough, wasn't it?

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Anyway, did I do okay?

I didn't look arrogant, did I?

People like it when the disabled look pitiful.

Don't think like that, Gang-hun.

Anyways, so you like Forrest Gump?

I love that movie too.

No, I don't like that movie.

You don't?

I only said I did.

Honestly, the main character of the movie

has difficulty walking and an intellectual disability.

But his mom says,

"Life is like a box of chocolates."

"You never know what you're going to get."

That's ridiculous.

"Life is like a box of chocolates"?

How?

[dramatic music playing]

She knows perfectly well that whatever you get will be garbage.

Why did she lie to her son?

Mmm…

Gang-hun.

Why wouldn't Forrest's mom know

that her son would face difficulties in his life?

Why did she lie then?

Maybe it's not a lie.

Maybe it was a desperate hope.

Desperate hope?

Yeah.

In this unpredictable life,

you don't know what kind of things may happen.

But even if they leave a bitter taste at first,

she hopes things taste sweet like chocolate in the end.

She so desperately wished that to be true, so maybe that's why she said that.

She prayed her son's life would be like a box of chocolates.

It's time to go home now, Gang-hun.

- Let's go to my car. I'll drop you off. - Thank you.

Okay, Gang-hun. Let's get going.

Let's go.

Let's go.

[Gi-ppeum] Mr. Kang.

What is it?

Stop using Gang-hun for a PR stunt.

Using him? What are you talking about?

- Gang-hun came to me on his own-- - He's still a kid.

Don't you get it?

He may seem mature, but he's just a kid.

You made him stand in front of reporters and TV cameras.

Don't you get it, Ms. Park?

I'm giving it my all to fight for Gang-hun.

There's already a Supreme Court precedent that's going against him.

If we don't do this,

that presiding appellate judge will dismiss the case immediately.

We have to grab people's attention--

Are you sure you're fighting for Gang-hun?

What?

[Gi-ppeum] Are you not fighting for yourself?

Right, justice candidate and the people's judge, Kang Da-wit?

[intense music playing]

[scoffs]

Do I look like that much of a scumbag?

I'm sorry. I crossed the--

If you don't want to work with a scumbag, quit the team.

- Mr. Kang. - Whether you like it or not,

I came here to lead this team.

Whether it's you or me, it looks like one of us will have to leave.

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

[music intensifies, fades]

[Jung-in] Why the long face though?

What is it?

Do your team members not listen to you?

[smacks lips] No, it's just…

Just?

There's someone who makes me uncomfortable.

Is that so?

I wonder who could make the great Kang Da-wit

feel uncomfortable.

Well, they're all crazy, so they all make me uncomfortable.

Don't worry. I'll handle it.

Thank you.

By the way, Da-wit. It's okay to make things a big event,

but let's not cross the line.

What line?

That kid was cute. The adorable boy in the wheelchair.

And Oh & Partners is helping that boy.

That's very nice.

But making a chaebol CEO stand trial?

You're going way over the line.

Everyone clamored for me to fire you at the management meeting,

and I was barely able to prevent it.

"It was just a show to put pressure on the opponent."

"You know he's good at doing that."

What if I wasn't putting on a show? What would happen then?

[suspenseful music playing]

[Jung-in chuckles dryly]

Hold on. Oh.

It's been so long since I handled a criminal case, so my memory's fuzzy.

The Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes Act.

If the amount of a bribe is over 100 million won,

what was the penalty?

[inhales] Life imprisonment or…

Ah. Right.

Imprisonment for at least ten years. Am I right?

So you saw the video.

This is a bar. Why aren't you drinking? Come on.

[glasses clinking]

[music swells, ends]

Geez, my phone.

[tuts, sighs]

[distant rattling, beating]

What is this noise?

[door lock clicks]

- [door squeaks] - [rattling continues]

RESTING AREA

[grunts]

[swords clanging]

Ms. Park?

Oh, my gosh! So that was you, Mr. Kang.

- What brings you here at this hour? - That's what I want to ask you.

And what are those things in your hands?

Ah.

[Gi-ppeum] These?

Let's put those down

and talk like rational people.

I didn't really mean it earlier when I told you to leave the team.

I was just doing a bit of sword dancing.

What kind of nonsense is that?

Why would an attorney suddenly be sword dancing in the middle of the night?

[sighs wearily] Exactly.

It all started…

because of this law firm.

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.

[in English] Okay?

[in Korean] Right, everyone?

- [man] Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

[boss] That's it for today.

Gosh, Park. You're still such a kid.

How adorable.

Park, let's get it together.

We're professionals. Don't hurt the team.

[Gi-ppeum] The life of a law firm associate

was filled with a constant stream of stress.

I despised my senior colleagues.

I was afraid I'd end up getting thrown out at that rate,

so I looked for a place to let off steam.

[salsa music playing]

Oh. Incredible!

Mr. Bae?

[exclaims]

No!

[panting]

[rattling, beating in distance]

Mmm?

[rattling, beating continues]

- [woman] You. - [clanking]

Are you here to learn sword dancing?

Uh-- No, I was just looking…

- [swords clanking] - Learn it.

I see you're filled with rage.

You should learn it so you don't get sick from stress.

[swords clanking]

Sick from stress?

- [Da-wit] So, you learned to sword dance? - [Gi-ppeum] Yes.

[Gi-ppeum] My teacher was spot on.

Whenever my senior colleagues made me angry, I danced like crazy.

- [rattling, beating] - [shouting]

[screaming]

- [swords clanking] - [drum beating]

Hey, you.

Yes, ma'am?

Would you like to be my successor?

[upbeat music plays]

- Sorry? - [teacher] You're a natural.

A nerd's level of concentration is scary indeed.

It had been a while, but a certain someone made me want to dance.

Excuse me.

Hold on.

If the senior colleagues you despised made you dance,

- then tonight-- - [door slams]

Gosh, you make me uncomfortable.

[music ends]

GAME RESULT WIN

[man] I learned some good moves today.

[Gang-hun] How many times have I beaten you?

I told you you're no match for me.

When are you going to give up?

[man] As you know, I never give up.

- I have lots of time. - [Gang-hun] I'll play with you again.

Challenge me again next week.

What? Do you have something to say?

[man] I saw you in the news, AlphaGo911.

[Gang-hun] What?

[man] Kim Gang-hun is your name, isn't it?

[door lock clicks]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[Gang-hun] Welcome back.

You were on the news.

Yeah, probably.

"Probably"?

I saw your interview. Did you file the lawsuit because of that movie?

What?

Yeah.

You're doing it to punish me, aren't you?

Mom, what's the matter?

I know it's true!

That movie!

It's about a kid suing his neglectful parents

for giving birth to him.

Is that how you really feel?

[dramatic music playing]

You should have sued me then.

[sniffles] Not God and a hospital!

[yells] Answer me, Kim Gang-hun!

I see right through you.

ADOPTING A DISABLED CHILD

Look.

[yells] Look at it!

You wanted to get on TV to be adopted.

What? You want to go to America?

[pants softly]

Do you hate me that much?

How could you… [crying]

How could a mother-son relationship--

Don't you hate your parents?

What did you just say?

That music box you love so much…

You said she left you the day she bought you that.

You still like someone like that?

Kim Gang-hun,

I told you.

Our family went bankrupt, so because of debt--

I guess parents abandon their children during hard times too.

You should've abandoned me too!

[yells] Kim Gang-hun!

[panting]

[cries softly]

[door opens, closes]

- [sighs] - [indistinct chatter]

[Yeong-jun clears throat]

Okay.

What are you going to prove in this appeal?

The defendant Woongsan General Hospital's fault

in not diagnosing and explaining the disability

was already acknowledged during the first trial.

For the sole reason of not accepting the plaintiff's life as damaging,

the plaintiff's claim was dismissed.

Therefore, in this appeal trial,

we will show what life is like for people with disabilities

to prove the damages suffered by the plaintiff.

I think the plaintiff's counsel is a bit mistaken.

Korea is an advanced country now in every aspect.

Welfare and equality for people with disabilities are legally secured.

Mobility rights and transportation services.

We've invested an exorbitant amount of money

to provide all sorts of accessible facilities.

What more do they want?

Your Honor, did you just agree with the defense?

Pardon? No.

I was just…

- It was an unintentional-- - To refute what the defense just argued…

we request an on-site inspection.

What on earth is there to inspect on-site?

If everything is exceptionally accessible as you say it is,

the judge can experience the life of a disabled person

and decide for himself.

You seem to be interested. Would you like to join him?

[Yeong-jun] Plaintiff's Counsel!

Do you think this Court has that much free time?

Experience the life?

If you keep this up, I'll hold you in contempt--

What is the issue at hand here, Your Honor?

- What? - The issue is whether we can consider

the plaintiff's life with disability damaging or not.

Aren't on-site inspections done

so judges can form beliefs from firsthand experience?

That's what I did as a judge.

- [clears throat] - Things must've changed a lot since then.

[clears throat]

[Myeong-hun] Your Honor.

The plaintiff's counsel is saying remarks and requesting evidence unnecessarily

- to delay the trial-- - [Da-wit] In that case,

I'll read you a newspaper interview

that Woongsan Group CEO Choi Woong-san participated in.

"Our country has become an advance country in every aspect."

"But I believe we still lack consideration for the socially marginalized,

such as people with disabilities."

"I, Choi Woong-san, have a deep interest in this matter."

Mr. Woo, could I submit a formal inquiry to Chairman Choi Woong-san

to see if his thoughts have changed?

- I agree. - What?

- [intriguing music plays] - Pardon? What did you say?

I agree to the plaintiff's motion for an on-site inspection.

Please set the date, Your Honor.

[sighs]

[music fades, ends]

- [camera shutters clicking] - [Yeong-jun clears throat]

All right, are we good now?

So we make our way to court in these. Am I right?

Just a moment.

What? What is it now?

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Hey. Hold on.

What are you doing? Huh?

As you know, Gang-hun is a paraplegic.

Please excuse me. It's for an accurate inspection.

- [clicking] - [Yeong-jun] Good grief.

[in English] Nice.

[in Korean] What are you doing? Move your foot.

- Here you go. - [Gi-ppeum grunts]

[Gi-ppeum] Please gather your feet.

- Gently. - [tie cranks]

You're cutting off blood flow. I have varicose veins!

[exclaims]

[quirky music playing]

[Yeong-jun] Geez.

The streets are in good condition.

What's there to complain about? We'll be there in 15 minutes.

[Myeong-hun] Just a moment. Okay. [grunts]

Goodness. [chuckles] Thank you.

[man 1] Excuse me. Could you move the truck?

[man 2] Not now. Please wait.

No. Please move now.

Why are you blocking the sidewalk?

Forget it.

We'll go around the front. It's fine.

Geez.

- Whoa, whoa! - [car honks]

[Yeong-jun] Geez. This is…

- [tires screech] - [honks]

- Whoa! - Just stay home, damn it!

For Christ's sake!

Geez, that guy…

- Someone write down his plate number. - [clears throat]

Let's go.

Goodness.

Whoa! Thanks.

Push harder. The bus… Geez.

Sorry. Coming through.

I'm sorry.

[man on bus] We don't have time for this!

Sorry. Excuse us.

I'm sorry.

This isn't too bad.

- Sorry? - It's all right, isn't it?

Yes. It's so convenient.

[Yeong-jun] Right?

It's a bit hot though.

- Here. - Thanks.

Wait a second.

Let's…

- Let's stop by a restroom. - I was going to say the same.

I drank too much water. Where's the nearest one?

- Let's go that way. - [Yeong-jun] Yeah.

- It's close. Let's go. - Geez.

[camera shutter clicking]

[Yeong-jun] For goodness' sake.

- No. - Don't.

Can you help…

Can you push…

A wheelchair can't climb up a curb this high.

Okay, I get it.

For crying out loud.

Geez!

Oh, oh, oh! [grunts]

For crying out loud.

Untie me, will you?

I can't, sir.

Gang-hun can't untie his for life.

Jesus Christ.

[panting, grunts]

[Myeong-hun] Geez. [grunts]

[straining]

Just untie me. I really need to go!

[Yeong-jun groaning]

[winces]

[panting]

- [panting] - [Myeong-hun groaning]

Okay.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Just hurry up. [groaning]

[Myeong-hun] Hurry, hurry.

What?

- Geez. - Come on.

[wincing] Oh. Oh!

[comical music plays]

You do it.

[groans]

It's okay.

[Da-wit sniffs]

We apologize for the trouble, Your Honor.

Oh. No, it's okay. [clears throat]

With all due respect,

you traveled less than two kilometers to arrive at court.

You've only experienced a tiny glimpse into Gang-hun's life.

That was only two kilometers?

Yes, Your Honor.

For your information, Gang-hun went back and forth

between Bucheon and my firm every day to ask me to take his case.

- [gentle music plays] - Every day?

It's because I'm good at dealing with my disability.

[sighs]

[clears throat]

Your Honor.

Yes, Defense Counsel. You may speak.

The defense would like to request evidence.

What is it?

We request a direct examination

of the plaintiff's legal guardian,

Jung So-min.

[slow suspenseful music playing]

Is it okay if Mom doesn't come?

Mmm… Oh, no.

It'll be hard to refuse.

Why did it have to be on that day?

What?

Why? What day is it?

Uh…

It's nothing.

WITNESS JUNG SO-MIN

Defense Counsel, you may begin the examination of the witness.

[sniffs] Are you the mother of the plaintiff, Kim Gang-hun?

[clears throat] Yes.

I'm sorry, but where is the child's father?

Objection, Your Honor. That's irrelevant.

Didn't you argue the issue at hand was the plaintiff's life itself?

How can a child's parents be irrelevant to his life?

[sighs] Yes. Ms. Jung, please answer the question.

I've lost contact with him now.

You got pregnant when you lived with other runaway teenagers.

I'm sorry,

but do you even remember who the father is?

[Da-wit] Your Honor, the defense counsel is going beyond the scope of examination.

Okay. I will retract the question.

Ms. Jung, I'm sorry,

but you have a lot of stuff on your neck and arms.

Are those all tattoos?

Your Honor!

[Myeong-hun] The character of the plaintiff's mother

is relevant to the plaintiff's life, Your Honor.

Yes, considering the unique aspects of this case,

the Court will allow

comprehensive questions about his home environment.

You may proceed.

I got these tattoos when I was young and immature.

- But I couldn't erase them. - I see.

It must have been hard to find a proper job too.

Aren't you also taking antidepressants?

[splutters] Well, it's not that serious.

Yes, so you're taking them.

You know the first trial's presiding judge was visually impaired, don't you?

Her mother worked as a teacher

and raised her blind daughter to become a great judge.

The life of a person with disabilities is tough.

I assume it is.

How could I dare to understand how painful it could be?

However,

there are many families in Korea

who take care of their disabled children with love and lead happy lives.

On the other hand,

your son Gang-hun,

who's only 12 years old,

said not being born would've been better and filed this suit.

- [sniffles] - There's something I want to know.

If Gang-hun's life is like hell,

is it only because of his disability?

Or it is because of you since you didn't take care of him right?

Your Honor!

- You may continue. - If Gang-hun's life is damaging,

then who caused that damage?

Is the hospital to blame for not allowing an abortion?

Or is it you and the unruly, irresponsible life you've led?

- [Da-wit] Your Honor. - That's enough, Counsel!

Abusive questioning is not permitted.

Yes, Your Honor. I'll ask one last question then.

Ms. Jung.

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

What?

There.

Look at your son.

Have you been living your entire life hating and regretting the fact

that you gave birth to him?

[sobbing]

No.

I don't.

[sobbing] Never.

I've never thought that.

I can't live without him!

[Myeong-hun] Is that so?

Why did you agree to this lawsuit then?

What?

A minor can't sue without their legal guardian's consent.

This trial is happening because you agreed to file the suit.

Did you agree to it

because you thought it'd be better

- if Gang-hun hadn't been born? - No.

No!

[stuttering] I was just…

I couldn't help it because Gang-hun was so persistent--

So persistent?

You couldn't help it because a child was persistent?

Ms. Jung.

My apologies.

I'm sorry,

but is it for the money?

- Your Honor! - [Myeong-hun] It isn't, is it?

No way.

A mother?

She'd use her young child,

with a disability at that, as a pawn just for money?

That question was also abusive, Your Honor!

I sincerely hope that's not true,

and I will also retract that question.

No further questions.

[sobbing]

[muffled high-pitched whistling]

[muffled sobbing]

[music box playing]

If Gang-hun's life is like hell,

is it only because of his disability?

Or it is because of you since you didn't take care of him right?

[music box continues playing]

[woman] Do you want that?

No, it's expensive.

- It's all right. - [woman] Here.

Could you wrap this up for us?

- [vendor] All right. - Mom!

[So-min's Mom] It's okay.

Let's do everything you want today.

Really? That's strange.

It's not even my birthday today.

Every day is your birthday.

- Should we go ride the merry-go-round too? - Yeah!

[So-min's mom chuckles]

[melancholy music playing]

- Are you having fun? - Yeah!

Mom.

Yes?

Today was the happiest day of my life.

You liked the theme park that much?

No.

It's because you smiled all day.

[young So-min] Mom, where are we? Why are we here?

So-min, it's just for a month.

Just wait one month for me here.

I'll be overseas just for a bit to make some money. [sobbing]

I promise I'll come back for you. Okay?

[sobbing] Mom, no!

Take me with you!

[wailing] Mom!

- Mom, please take me with you! - I promise I'll come back for you.

Mom, let me go with you!

Mom!

[wailing] Mom!

Mom!

Mom!

- [young So-min sobbing] - [music box continues playing]

[music stops]

[light thud]

[car honks past]

[tense music plays]

Mom…

Mom.

[music intensifies]

[phone ringing]

- [phone continues ringing] - [music box playing]

TALK TO THE PERSON WHO LOVES SO-MIN MORE THAN ANYONE IN THE WORLD

Mom?

[Gang-hun] Mom!

[Gang-hun sobbing]

Gang-hun.

Gang-hun!

Is that you, Gang-hun?

How did you…

[Gang-hun] Mom, don't do it. I can't live without you.

[sobbing] Gang-hun.

[Gang-hun sobbing] I'm sorry, Mom.

All you do is work every day because of me.

Because of me, you're in pain physically and mentally.

[So-min sobs]

[Gang-hun] I'm sorry, Mom.

Honestly, I…

I thought you'd be happy if I wasn't around,

so that's why I looked into adoption.

You're young and pretty.

If it weren't for me…

If only I didn't exist…

[sobbing]

[Gang-hun] Some people did contact me.

They seemed like good people.

Mom!

[gasping]

[gentle music playing]

[sobbing] Gang-hun!

[honking]

[sobbing] How did you get here?

[sobbing] I'm sorry, Mom.

I can't live without you.

I love you, Mom.

I love you too.

I love you.

I'm sorry. It's my fault.

I'll never do it again.

I'm sorry.

I love you too.

I'm sorry. I'll never do that again.

You must've been so scared.

- I'm sorry. - [Gang-hun] Mom.

[So-min] I'll never leave you alone again.

[Gi-ppeum] Why? What day is it?

Tell us.

The day after the hearing

is the day when she was abandoned.

Mom has a really hard time all day that day.

But if she has to go to court, I wonder if she'll be okay.

[Gang-hun] My mom is a scaredy-cat.

She's like a baby.

[So-min sobbing] I'm so sorry.

[Gang-hun] But she can't date anyone or get married because of me.

Her arms and back hurt from carrying me around her whole life.

[So-min] I'm sorry.

[music fades]

Due to the defense counsel's deliberate repeating of abusive questioning,

we request an apology and assurance that it won't happen again.

A trial isn't for giving each other well wishes.

Sometimes, we have to touch on painful subjects

to reveal the truth.

- Plaintiff's Counsel knows that as well. - Your Honor.

The plaintiff would like to request a witness as well.

[Yeong-jun] Who is it?

It's the key figure behind this case.

[upbeat music playing]

We'd like to call Woongsan Group CEO Choi Woong-san

as a witness to this appeal trial.

Your Honey… Your Honor!

This is a malicious attempt to delay the trial.

[Yeong-jun] All right, Defense Counsel. Please sit down and talk.

I mean, why would we call an irrelevant CEO to this trial?

[Yeong-jun] Please sit and talk, Defense Counsel. Order in the court.

Please sit.

[mockingly] "Your Honey… Your Honor!" [laughs]

That look on Mr. Woo's face was a delight.

Because chaebols pay him all that money to make sure such things don't happen.

Will he really come to the court though? I think he'll do all he can to avoid it.

Choi Woong-san has always been like a hermit.

He hasn't been seen in public for a while now.

He barely goes out too.

Really? But how do you know that?

It's well-known among chaebol circles.

Oh, is that so?

And how do you know that?

- [chuckles] - [door beeps, opens]

[Yeong-sil] Welcome back.

Gi-ppeum, where have you been? You were gone all morning.

Oh, I was busy.

I went to hospitals, child welfare groups, and psychiatrists.

To help So-min? That's my Gi-ppeum.

Mmm. But more importantly,

I wanted to see if So-min is in the right situation

to take care of Gang-hun.

[Nan-hui] I see.

Mr. Kang,

I don't think we should drag this out too long.

So-min and Gang-hun are more important than winning or losing.

Even if we did want to drag this out,

- we probably can't. - What?

[Jung-in] I told you not to cross the line.

[intense music playing]

Think wisely.

If anyone causes harm to Oh & Partners,

I won't keep them around.

That goes for Team Pro Bono…

and you…

as well.

[slurps]

PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR GO

[Go stones clattering]

[Myeong-hun] I apologize for causing you trouble, Mr. Chairman.

I'll take responsibility and make sure you won't have to stand trial.

I'll submit a letter of absence with a doctor's note to the court…

I'll go.

[man] Sir?

Mr. Chairman.

[music intensifies]

[light thud]

[music fades]

- [irritated sigh] - [door opens]

- [door closes] - [indistinct chatter]

What are you looking at?

- [door opens] - [suspenseful music playing]

I'll get the chair for you.

Defense Counsel, that's enough.

- Witness Choi Woong-san. - Yes, Your Honor.

Please take your oath.

[Woong-san] "Witness oath."

"I swear to speak the truth

and nothing but the truth according to my conscience."

"If there is any falsehood,

I shall be punished for perjury."

"Choi Woong-san." Do I sign this?

Yes, please sign it and take a seat.

- [Yeong-jun] Plaintiff's Counsel. - Yes, Your Honor?

[Yeong-jun] Start your examination.

Wow. [chuckles]

Thank you for coming, Mr. Choi Woong-san.

You don't have to thank me.

Isn't it compulsory to appear as a witness? [laughs]

Of course, it is.

It was just a greeting.

Then, I'll proceed. Mr. Choi, are you a god?

[loudly] What kind of ridiculous question is that?

I'm just checking the facts.

By any chance, are you a god, Mr. Choi?

I don't know what your intention is, but of course not.

Okay.

You're not a god.

[in English] "No god."

[in Korean] Then…

Do you have some kind of right

to be involved in the lives and deaths of others?

I think your joke is going a bit too far, Mr. Kang.

I'd never joke in this hallowed court.

Please answer the question.

[scoffs]

How can a mere human being

hold such a right? I don't.

All right. You don't have the right.

Then, on what authority did you meddle in the life and death of others?

[Myeong-hun] Your Honor.

[suspenseful music playing]

What makes you say such a thing?

Did you know Woongsan General Hospital's abortion rate

is far lower than the rates of other hospitals?

I didn't.

Woongsan Welfare Foundation

sends pregnant runaway teenagers, the group with the highest abortion rate,

to Woongsan General Hospital and persuades them to give birth.

Did you know that?

I didn't, but if that's the case, it's not persuading.

It would be support.

Jung So-min, the mother of the plaintiff Kim Gang-hun,

stated multiple times in the early stages of pregnancy

that she wanted an abortion.

But the medical staff exaggerated the dangers of the procedure

and failed to diagnose and explain the possibility of the baby's disability.

Did you know that?

It's impossible for me to know all those details.

Also, let's say that was the case.

Why am I being held accountable?

I've never ordered anyone to do such a thing.

Who picked a doctor from a regional national hospital

and appointed him as Woongsan General Hospital's head?

That was me.

Do you know what the former workplace of the Foundation's secretary general is?

Just say it instead of asking me when you already know.

You're the one who has to answer. Please go ahead.

That's right.

He was my former secretary. But I have never given such an order.

Do they also know about your anti-abortion beliefs?

You can ask them about that.

Okay. Let me change the question then.

This data shows the anti-abortion groups you support

with massive donations through the Elliot Foundation.

Both Woongsan General Hospital's head

and Woongsan Welfare Foundation's secretary general

suddenly started making personal donations to these groups after they were appointed.

You knew this, didn't you?

Okay.

Good. [sighs]

Do you want some water?

I have my own.

Please go ahead.

I think I see the point of what you're saying now.

"Even if I never gave a direct order,

everything that happens within the purview of Woongsan is my responsibility."

Is that what you're saying?

Do you admit it?

- Yes, I do. - [whispering] Mr. Choi.

Let me ask a question too.

But what am I responsible for?

[scoffs] I mean…

Don't you see a boy in pain right here?

I only see a smart, capable,

and very handsome boy.

Well…

"Every life is beautiful."

"How could a life be damaging." You're not going to say that, are you?

Is that not true?

Is there a life without pain?

But instead of blaming the world and complaining,

you have a duty to fight and overcome

as you move forward one step at a time.

That's what I've believed and how I've lived my life.

Complaining?

Do you think of this trial as complaining?

You may see it that way as someone who established Woongsan Group

after being born into a wealthy family that has been landowners for generations.

But you know what?

There are people who always lose.

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

Did you know

a mother had to leave her precious young daughter

in front of an orphanage because she was being crushed by debt?

Did you know

a 12-year-old child looked for a way to be adopted,

thinking his absence would be the only way for his mother to be happy?

Did it ever cross your mind that there is a mother

who had her hand cut off while working at the factory

but kept the pain to herself to not disturb her child's studies?

[intense music playing]

No matter what pain and hardship you may face,

this world is worth living in is what I believe.

I've lived my life according to my belief.

And I don't intend to apologize to anyone

for my belief.

All right. We'll conclude the morning session here.

We will resume at 2:00 p.m.

[clears throat]

All rise.

[music fades]

[Gi-ppeum slurping]

Why aren't you eating? You must be exhausted.

[sighs] I don't have an appetite these days.

[cell phone buzzing]

Excuse me. Sorry.

[automated voice] All right.

- Hey. - [tech guy] Hello.

Remember how you asked me to keep tabs on Ms. Yoon and find out who she meets?

- Right. - [tech guy snaps fingers]

[tech guy] It was someone unexpected.

- Who is it? Damn it. - [tech guy snaps fingers]

The chief of Seoul Central District Court, your former workplace.

- [suspenseful music plays] - What?

[tech guy] They're meeting at a Japanese restaurant far from the court,

so I thought they were having an affair and eavesdropped.

[inhales] I couldn't hear well, but it went,

"Why do this on such a big day?"

"Give me the money you promised. I did as you asked."

[snaps fingers] That's all I could make out.

Okay, then. [sighs]

- I'll call you back later. - [tech guy] Okay.

Sorry.

Is there a problem?

- It's nothing. - [Mr. Kim on TV] A new wind

is blowing through the judiciary.

Today, the Chief Justice

recommended Shin Jung-seok,

Chief of Seoul Central District Court, to the president as a new justice.

After Chief Judge Kang Da-wit,

who caused a sensation as the people's judge, suddenly resigned,

a fierce contest was held between three court chiefs.

In the end, Chief Shin, who is trusted within and outside legal circles,

has been confirmed as a new chief justice candidate.

I trusted and guided you

when you were a nobody without a college degree.

[angrily] How could you betray me like this, you snake?

[Gi-ppeum] Mmm.

Chief Shin was selected.

I met him once in court before.

He was really nice to new attorneys.

[tuts] He seemed like a good person.

- Did he? - Yes.

Uh… [inhales]

And about the witness examination…

- Yes? - In my opinion,

Chairman Choi may look like a very stubborn person,

but he surprisingly had a human side.

Instead of pressing him really hard,

how about we approach his human side in the afternoon?

Do you believe there are more good people than bad ones in the world?

What?

When it comes to their own interests,

people don't care about the pain of others.

You should know well.

After being scammed by his friend, your father lost the house

and was harassed by debtors.

After going through all of that,

do you still believe there are more good people in the world?

There are all sorts of people.

I mean, how could everyone be bad?

You really are hopeless.

Then, what are you going to do if there are no more good people?

[inhales, sighs in frustration] In that case…

I…

can become the good person.

What?

[pleasant music plays]

Eat up. [chuckles]

Mr. Choi, you've recently donated 10 billion won to Big Love Church,

where you serve as an elder,

to lead the spirit of sharing. Correct?

"Lead" would be a bit too much,

but I did do that.

Aren't you planning to use

that donation to the church to fund the construction of a fancy new chapel?

I don't know if it'll be fancy.

But it was indeed a donation for chapel construction.

[Myeong-hun] Woongsan Welfare Foundation

has been supporting underprivileged children

to give them a chance to get the best education.

The plaintiff Kim Gang-hun began receiving that benefit this year

and is attending Woongsan Elementary School.

Did you know that?

I've heard.

I apologize,

but you also have difficulties walking, don't you?

I do.

But despite the disability,

if you try and don't give up,

you can overcome any obstacle.

You're proving that with your own life, aren't you?

I've lived my life believing that.

No further questions.

Okay. Plaintiff, do you have anything else for examination?

Yes. Of course, Your Honor.

You may proceed.

- [Da-wit] Mr. Choi. - Your Honor!

Yes? Is something the matter?

- Can I ask questions too? - [people murmuring]

What? Ah.

You want to ask questions to the witness yourself?

Yes.

[chuckles softly]

Okay, then.

Is it okay if the plaintiff himself can ask questions from now on?

Yes, all right. You may ask, Plaintiff.

Hello, sir.

Hello.

Thank you for sending me to a good school.

Goodness.

You're a polite boy. You're welcome.

But since last month, I haven't been able to go to school.

Did someone bully you?

No.

They were all kind people.

They were…

until I did something wrong.

[teacher] A new friend has transferred to our school today.

His name is Kim Gang-hun.

As you can see, Gang-hun is very special.

Will you all help him out?

[students in unison] Yes, ma'am.

[teacher] Our class president and vice president.

You two especially have to take good care of him. Okay?

[both] Yes, ma'am.

[Se-ryeong] Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you, Se-ryeong.

My hand is clean.

[teacher] Let's write down "My Future Goals."

- Sorry. - [chuckles]

[teacher] Write it neatly.

[children playing in distance]

[pleasant music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

Se-ryeong.

Yes? What is it, Gang-hun?

Here.

[Se-ryeong] What's this?

Right.

You were going to lend me this book.

Thanks for the book, Gang-hun.

- Sure. - [boy] Show it!

Show it to me now!

[boys exclaim] Oh!

Sorry, Se-ryeong.

Hold on.

- Give that to me. - What is this?

- [both laugh] - "Se-ryeong, I hope you like this book"!

Please give it back!

"And if it's okay, will you go to the library with me?"

[laughing] Congrats, Se-ryeong!

- You have a boyfriend now? - [boys laughing]

- Give it! - You can't reach.

[grunts]

This punk's a real man. [laughs]

[students] Date each other!

Date each other!

- It's not… - [students] Date each other!

Date each other!

[yells] Hey! Be quiet!

[boy] Hey, man. What's wrong?

[boys exclaiming, laughing]

[students] Date each other!

Date each other!

It wasn't their fault.

They were all kind to me.

It was my fault.

[dramatic music playing]

I must've lost my mind for a bit

because they were nice to me.

I put my teachers into trouble too.

[teacher] What are we going to do?

Some mothers are a bit sensitive.

"Why did you leave a boy alone in the classroom during PE class?"

"Some kids saw him fiddling with clothes that girls changed out of."

No.

That's nonsense, ma'am.

You know Gang-hun wouldn't do something like that.

Yes, I know too.

But the mothers here are very sensitive.

They call and text me all day.

It's a headache for me too. [sighs]

I prefer a special education school.

Even if I got a girlfriend there,

no one would be surprised or feel uncomfortable.

But…

to get to the closest special education school from my house,

it takes an hour and a half.

Thankfully,

a new one was going to be built in our town, so I was happy.

But I guess our neighbors hate the idea.

I just…

want to live like every other kid.

[sobs]

Grandpa.

You said if we try and don't give up,

we can overcome any obstacle.

But…

I don't get it.

All I've learned to do is to give up.

That way, I wouldn't inconvenience anyone.

Please tell me.

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

Grandpa.

I know you're a great person.

- Your Honor. - Yes, Mr. Choi?

[sighs]

It's a bit exhausting to sit for a long time.

I'd appreciate it if you could schedule another hearing.

Okay. Let's do that. That's it for today.

The trial will resume on the next hearing date.

[Yeong-jun clears throat]

[bailiff] All rise.

[protestor 1] Why do we need a school for the disabled in our neighborhood?

We're against it!

[in unison] We're against it!

We object to a special education school without the residents' consent!

[in unison] We object!

[protestor 1] We object!

[in unison] We object!

[protestor 1] We object!

[in unison] We object!

[protestor 1] We object!

[in unison] We object!

[protestor 1] We object!

[in unison] We object!

We object!

Please allow my son to go to school.

I'm begging you.

He can go to another special education school!

That's a three-hour round trip.

It's too long for a child in a wheelchair.

Please, I'm begging you.

[protestor 2] Excuse me.

Why do we have to worry about your situation?

We're people in need too!

We had to live in a rental our entire lives

without eating or wearing what we want

to save up our hard-earned money to buy this small apartment.

[yelling] But because of you,

it won't be worth crap now! Do you get it?

[protestor 1] Protect our property rights!

- Protect them! - Protect them!

[protestor 1] Protect them!

[in unison] Protect them!

Protect them!

- Protect… - [indistinct chatter]

[rapid footsteps approaching]

So-min.

[screaming] Please, I beg of you!

Please!

We beg of you!

- [So-min] Please. - [all sobbing]

[dramatic music playing]

Please.

Geez.

[protestor 2 screaming] Stop it!

Kneeling like this?

I can kneel for you all you want!

This apartment is our family's lifeline!

Please let us live.

- [protestor 3] Please! - [protestor 2] Please let us live!

[protestor 2] Okay? Geez, don't beg!

We're worried sick too!

- [protestor 4] Get up! - [protestor 5] Go somewhere else!

[protestors clamoring]

[protestor 6] Get up already!

[protestor 7] Please!

[Go stones clatter]

Mmm.

Thank you again, Your Honor.

Before I answer your question from last time,

can I ask you a question first?

Yes.

Thank you.

Do you believe

that miracles can happen?

- Miracles? - [Woong-san] Yes.

Like where I stand up and walk on my own two legs,

or my grandmother, who abandoned Mom, comes back for her?

That kind of miracle?

Yes.

You know perfectly well those things don't exist.

[Woong-san] Then, let me ask you a random question.

Your dream is to become an astronaut, right?

What? How did you know that?

Isn't your favorite book Romance of the Three Kingdoms?

But you don't tell that to anyone to not be teased for being an old soul.

How did you…

I've never told anyone that.

[Woong-san] What was your ideal type again?

Right. Yu-Jeans…

IVE? No.

It's Yu-jin from IVE, isn't it?

Grandpa!

Was that also a secret no one knew?

Think carefully.

There's a friend you sometimes play with

who you talk to about everything for hours.

A friend?

Yeah.

Mmm…

[Woong-san] "I never give up."

"I have a lot of damn time."

What?

No way. GoChamp?

- That's you? - [laughing]

[gentle music playing]

Yes, AlphaGo911.

You little punk.

[exhales] It was impossible to beat you.

How could you not let me win even once? I've tried so many times. [laughing]

Why on earth are they talking about "AlphaGo" and "GoChamp" right now?

- It's the online Go game. - [Yeong-jun] Just a moment, Witness.

Could you explain what is going on here?

My apologies, Your Honor.

[chuckles] Were you surprised?

The world works in mysterious ways sometimes.

I didn't know either until I saw the news about this trial

that this little boy

was my Go partner.

I pretended to be young since it was an online game,

but I didn't know my opponent was this young.

I thought he'd be at least 15 or 16

because he sounded like an old soul.

What do you mean "old soul"?

After being occupied with work my whole life,

I let my son go on to Heaven first,

and it felt as if my world had collapsed.

I didn't want to live anymore.

I ignored work at the company

and devoted my life to religion.

I supported the anti-abortion groups

that my son actively worked with when he was alive.

I thought perhaps my son

would be happy about that up there in Heaven.

- Your Honor. - Yes?

May I stand up for a moment?

Yes, you may.

I'll help…

[grunts]

While watching this trial,

it made me think a lot.

No matter how hard it is,

my belief that this world is worth living in has not changed.

It's damaging for this smart, capable boy to be born in this world?

That's nonsense.

I'll never accept such a conclusion.

Counsel.

Please drop this lawsuit. This isn't right.

Are you asking me to give up?

I also don't know how to give up.

I've never backed down from a fight.

[Woong-san] In return,

I'll prove it myself

to this young friend that this world is worth living in.

I'll stake the rest of my life on it.

Mr. Choi, how are you going to prove that?

I want to turn this incredible and miraculous connection

[pleasant music playing]

into a family bond.

[people exclaiming, murmuring]

He said "family," didn't he? He just said family.

Mr. Choi?

Are you talking about adoption, by any chance?

- Yes, Your Honor. - He said "adoption"!

[Yeong-jun] I'm sorry,

but to adopt him as a son…

How should I put it? The age difference is a bit too…

Who said I was going to adopt him?

Pardon? Then, who are you…

- May I? - [Yeong-jun] Yes.

Mr. Chairman?

Will you accept this stubborn old man as your father?

[gasps]

Are you talking about an adult adoption?

My only son was about Gang-hun's mother's age

when he passed away.

I don't know if I'm going senile,

but I keep thinking

that this isn't a coincidence.

Will you give the opportunity

to this lonely old man?

The opportunity to have a dependable daughter and a smart grandson

at the same time.

[Gang-hun] Grandpa.

- Your Honor. - Yes?

[exhales]

I promise.

I'll make sure

he never again has the horrible thought

that it'd be better to have never been born.

[people clapping randomly]

I, Choi Woong-san, am a man of my word.

[people applauding]

- Order in the-- - Bailiff, it's okay.

[lively music playing]

INCHEON DISTRICT COURT

[music fades]

[Woong-san] Right.

I'm sorry.

I brought up such an outrageous idea so suddenly.

It's okay.

I know you did it for us.

You don't have to decide right now.

The three of us should meet up often and talk.

When you think you can trust this old man, you can decide then.

But even if you become my real grandpa,

- I won't let you win in Go. - What?

A game is a game.

[laughing] You little brat!

Don't you dare let me win.

Or I'm going to scold you.

There hasn't been a thing I couldn't overcome.

Just you wait. We'll see who gets the last laugh.

[laughs]

- Mr. Kang. - Yes, sir?

With the money that was for building the chapel

and the donations I made

to Woongsan Welfare Foundation and the Elliot Foundation,

I'm going to build a special education school.

- [exclaims] - I'm going to examine each stair

and each desk carefully myself.

- Grandpa… - My goodness!

[upbeat music playing]

All right, then. [chuckles]

[Da-wit] Sir,

I've been meaning to ask you something.

- What is it? - In Go! Go Game,

the username has to be long.

Gang-hun's is AlphaGo911. What's your full username?

My full username is… It's… Well…

[spluttering] Does it…

Does that matter?

All right, bye! Let's go!

Why is he stuttering?

What was that? Gang-hun, do you know?

What is it?

- What? - [whispering indistinctly]

What?

[loudly] Handsome_GoChamp?

Goodbye, now!

Yes. Bye.

- Wait, Mr. Chairman! - Let's go now!

- Is it really "Handsome"? - [chuckles]

- Who knew he liked that kind of stuff? - [cell phone buzzes]

- Let's go. - [Da-wit] Isn't that a scam?

[Da-wit] That's fraud, Chairman Handsome.

[man] Don't let Da-wit fool you.

He's a criminal who took a huge bribe.

And he's a brutal murderer who pushed a good businessman to death.

[Da-wit] Chairman Handsome,

I'll see you in court soon!

RESTRICTED NUMBER

Hey, hold on tight.

[tense music plays]

[Da-wit on video] Be careful.

This is so… Goodness.

- [muffled laughter] - [Da-wit] Ms. Park?

[music intensifies]

STAY TUNED TO WATCH THE EPILOGUE

Pro Bono Avengers!

[Da-wit] Let's play dirty.

Don't be goody-goodies. Play dirty, okay?

[woman 1] Is this Team Pro Bono?

I want to get a divorce.

I bet you're very popular.

Am I pretty?

[Da-wit] Pathological jealousy, verbal abuse, and…

- The trial was over. Why suddenly do that? - Things aren't always what they seem.

That ungrateful girl made it all up.

[man] The whole village knows that family wants a child.

[woman 2] I heard the governor's daughter-in-law wears short skirts

and is a bit promiscuous.

Why did you lie?

You should've pretended you didn't know.

- It's not true, is it? - Brazen bitch.

You have to tell us. What on earth…

What on earth happened that day?

[Da-wit] Mr. Jang, how did it go?

I looked into it.

On that day last year when So-min didn't come home until late,

she was on Jamsil Bridge.

Jamsil Bridge? Why?

The day she was abandoned,

- she went to Magic Land with her mom. - I see.

On that day, she was leaning dangerously against the rail for a while,

so someone called the cops.

I'll be with her all day so she won't do something unthinkable.

- Are you going to be with her forever? - What?

It might happen every year.

And Gang-hun can't stop it by himself.

- What now? - [Jun-u sighs] Seriously.

On Hangang River bridges these days,

they have things called lifeline phones.

I don't know if they can help.

[upbeat music plays]

- Hey, Stretch. - Me?

Yes, you.

Hey, you were smart after all! Ms. Park.

The phones? I'll check.

[Da-wit] Mr. Jang?

I might be able to remodel an old phone.

- Ms. Yoo. - What if we put lights in it

- so it stands out? - [Jun-u] Why?

No, you're good.

No, I mean…

Why remodel the box, Yeong-sil?

Why am I the only one who doesn't get it?

What am I supposed to do?

Mr. Kang?

Subtitle translation by: Yoon Hyewon

Synced and corrected by WEISSACHsubs