Original subtitles

(Ju Ji Hoon)

(Ha Ji Won)

(Nana)

(Cha Joo Young)

(Oh Jung Se)

(Climax)

(This drama is a work of fiction.)

(Characters, places, and events are not real.)

(Children and animals were filmed under production guidelines.)

You...

were just planning to use my fame...

for your own grand ambitions.

Do you get it now?

Now, this is your last chance.

The choice is yours.

If either one of us...

takes this any further,

we'll end up more than just hurt.

I did my best to protect you.

But I guess I went about it the wrong way.

(Danger, High Voltage, Authorized Personnel Only)

(Lord Gu of Changwon, Hun Gap)

Bang Tae Seop.

What you are about to do...

is kill a dead man all over again.

But once this is done,

you'll rise to the very top, just like you wanted.

But the price you'll pay...

will have to be what you cherish most.

Like...

(Investigation Records)

Chu Sang Ah.

Fine.

I'll be the one to die.

(Climax)

(Episode 1)

I was born the son of a factory worker.

My father was a union representative.

While fighting for the workers' rights,

he was sentenced to prison by a prosecutor bribed by the company.

(Union Leader Bang Tragic Death, Will the Injustice Be Cleared?)

That night, he took his own life.

I wanted revenge.

So I became a prosecutor.

But that place...

was their own private kingdom.

To get in with the families that ran the legal world,

I once used my deposit for my studio to buy a Mercedes...

and ended up crashing at my sister's salon.

(Seong Hye's Beauty Salon)

To get on a chief prosecutor's good side,

I once dangled from a ninth-floor hotel balcony...

for five hours in -8°C weather,

but nothing changed.

Come on, just give it a break.

Do you really think that'll get you in with these elites?

Gosh...

They'll use desperate guys like you and spit them out.

That's how it works in the prosecution.

I wanted to look down on them...

from the top of the world.

I needed the key to open their kingdom.

Chu Sang Ah.

I eventually met her when she was in for questioning.

This was the perfect opportunity...

to make my name known to the world.

(Top Star Chu Sang Ah Announces Marriage)

The meeting of a humble prosecutor...

and a top star who swept across Asia...

is called Korea's Notting Hill, the wedding of the century,

captivating the nation like a real-life melodrama.

(Top Star Chu Sang Ah Suspected of Massive Tax Evasion)

(The Nation's Sweetheart Falls from Grace)

(Chu Sang Ah: Public reaction is cold despite heartfelt apology)

And joining us today is...

someone who has been with me through it all...

as we navigated the harsh world of entertainment.

Please welcome the beloved actress, Chu Sang Ah!

(Update on Chu Sang Ah, Lying Low After Tax Evasion Scandal)

(Spotted at her co-CEO's child's first birthday party)

Come on out. Say hello.

It's okay.

A round of applause!

- Sing a song for us! - Sing for us!

- Sing for us! - Sing!

- Sing! - Sing!

- Sing! - Applause!

As the rainwater runs down

My tears run with it

My long-lost first love drifts away

In my faint

Flickering memories

(Update on Chu Sang Ah, Lying Low After Tax Evasion Scandal)

- I'm sorry. - The one I met back then

Keeps drifting farther away

See? I told you not to watch it.

Mi Jin.

Yes?

Is the one who filmed and posted it the problem?

Or is it the people tearing me apart online?

Or am I the problem, now that I'm all washed up?

Of course not.

You, washed up? Don't be silly.

Am I twice as washed up then?

Come on.

Darn, look at these fine wrinkles...

Remove this. I can't look like I'm wearing makeup today. Okay?

The moment you stood before me

I fell in love with your eyes

Yesterday was too late

But today, because of you what will I be tomorrow?

- Happy! - Happy!

Not your face not your style

No, no

I only ever needed your tender love

So I can forget

All the years gone by

Without you there's nothing I can

Do anymore

Love is all I know

(Assemblywoman Gwak Jeong Ja)

Alright, I wish a very happy birthday...

to Assemblywoman Gwak Jeong Ja of the Creation Party.

I was just next door and couldn't help but stop by.

I'm Bang Tae Seop,

the star of Violent Crimes Unit Three...

at the Seoam Central Prosecutors' Office.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about!

Prosecutor Bang, you can't leave without serving a drink.

Yes, of course.

I'd be delighted.

- You're a natural. - Happy birthday.

- Happy birthday. - Thank you.

Even top stars are bound to fade, aren't they?

His ride on his wife's coattails is bound to be over by now.

And now, he must be looking for an escape...

since he sees no future in this organisation.

That's right, I am getting out, you punk.

So...

what's your big plan?

Well, if you tumble down and land in the gutter,

you just find another way out.

That's true.

You had an offer from the Creation Party before.

Don't rot away in here...

and go get their nomination for the general election.

By leaving Prime Minister Lee Sang Myeong behind,

she has maintained the number one spot.

With the election in three months and the presidency in about a year,

all eyes are on the next move of Seoam's Mayor, Nam Hye Hun.

She continues to lead the polls...

as the favourite for opposition leader.

Recently, Mayor Nam, in her capacity as Mayor of Seoam,

conducted an exclusive interview with The Times of London,

showcasing her stature as a global leader.

No way, Nam Hye Hun...

At this rate, she might actually become president.

Hey.

Have you forgotten what a scumbag she is?

Don't say something so horrifying.

Remember Senior Yun?

He got canned for digging into Nam Hye Hun.

Yun Jong Hyuk did?

Senior Yun was...

probing Mayor Nam's kickbacks from TM for that redevelopment.

He got caught by the chief prosecutor...

and got canned for it.

Mayor Nam and Chief Prosecutor Ju are in-laws.

No way.

But I thought Senior Yun was one of Chief Prosecutor Ju's guys.

Whatever he was, he got thrown under the bus.

Anyway, Mayor Nam is a hot potato right now.

Some think they can expose her and break the story,

and then get scouted by a big firm or go into politics.

So they all take a shot,

but they get axed, blacklisted, and become career public defenders.

She's a poisoned chalice.

Tae Seop, it's been a while.

Hey, Mi Jin. It's good to see you.

- Your hair looks great. - You've got a good eye.

- Thanks, Mi Jin. - Of course. Good night.

I thought you had a work dinner. You're home early.

I came home early to have a drink with you.

But do you have plans?

Yes, something came up.

What's going on?

Are you meeting another man?

If I were, I'd change my underwear.

Must be something important, then.

The production company. I have to discuss the script.

It's not the production company.

You know my situation. I have to go to unwanted meetings.

I'd really rather you just drop it.

Fine.

Sorry.

Yes, I'm on my way out.

We'll talk when I get back.

Okay.

(Nam Hye Hun List)

(Social Media Chat Analysis Report)

(Receipt of Final Payment for Real Estate Purchase)

(Seller: Lee Jun Seo, Buyer: Nam Hye Hun)

(Response to Personal Information Inquiry)

After the slush fund and real estate speculation scandals,

Nam Hye Hun's reputation was at rock bottom.

But after she cosied up with WR, she's now a presidential contender.

And Lee Yang Mi in particular.

Who's the one calling the shots at WR these days?

(Director Lee Yang Mi of WR, Korea's 3rd Most Powerful Group)

It's Lee Yang Mi.

(Director Lee Yang Mi turns WR Entertainment around.)

(WR Entertainment, WR Resort and Hotel)

Hello, sir. Do you have any seats inside?

Sorry, we're closed today.

What? But it's not your usual day off.

- Did someone book the whole place? - Yes, it's a private event.

- You're kidding. - I'm very sorry.

- Let's go somewhere else. - Sorry about that.

- It's alright. - Thank you.

How are things on set?

Everything's going well, I assume?

The director may be a nobody, but the script is good.

So it won't be a flop.

Of course.

It's my big comeback, and you set this all up for me.

So I have to give it my all.

Good.

If you're going to live and die an actress,

your career's going to be as volatile as Tesla's stock price.

You have to be a little detached to be in it for the long haul.

I suppose so.

I try to see it as a life lesson and not get too emotional,

but that's impossible in this business.

Then again,

I hated the life of entertainers,

getting swept up by the trends,

riding the emotional roller coaster like their life depended on it.

Which is why, even with these looks, I gave up on acting early on.

I'm a Scorpio,

and I have to be the one in control.

I can't stand being anyone's puppet.

Don't forget, I put you at the top before you came crashing down.

And let's not forget I bought a stake in your agency.

And at your age,

did you really think I would let you fade into obscurity?

Which brings me to my point.

I have an ace up my sleeve to put you back on top instantly.

Lee Yang Mi...

She's the one who egged on the Chief Prosecutor Ju...

and got me to retire.

Mayor Nam Hye Hun's approval ratings were tanking,

but her image bounced back once she started dealing...

with Lee Yang Mi, who has the media in her pocket.

I knew she financed movies and shows...

and hobnobbed with celebrities,

but she's involved in politics too.

That's what I'm saying.

Now Lee Yang Mi has chosen Nam Hye Hun for president.

That's right.

But Lee Yang Mi is notoriously known to...

bring in celebrities she's got dirt on...

to provide sexual favours as a way to handle her business.

Sang Ah,

you know that rising star your agency with CEO Eom signed?

Bae Yun Seong.

Nam Hye Hun said her day's highlight is watching his show.

She's been going on and on about how she's dying to meet him.

I mean,

the other day, we both signed up for packages at Dr. Park's clinic,

and get this, she put her nickname as Kim Byeol.

Seriously.

That's the name of Yun Seong's love interest in the show, right?

It is, right?

- Ms. Lee. - Am I wrong?

Don't go there.

What?

Deal with me and me alone.

Leave the agency and Yun Seong out of it.

Hey, Chu Sang Ah.

Get a grip.

You're not a moron.

Didn't you say you want your top spot back?

Whether you sink or swim from here is entirely up to me.

You need to face reality, right?

In a situation like this,

is this really the time to let your pride get in the way?

One more step and you're going over a cliff.

You see it, don't you?

It's your call whether you take that step or not.

Are you okay?

How much have you had to drink?

It's not that.

I just feel sick to my stomach.

What's wrong?

I'm just having a hard time.

Are we...

going to be okay?

I'm sorry.

I feel like I'm no help at all.

Don't say that.

I just had a really rough day.

I know I can go so much further,

but I'm scared this is the end of the line for me.

And that terrifies me.

Do you know why I fell so hard for you?

Even when you get knocked down and stumble,

and even when you're terrified,

you're always more afraid...

of standing still than anything else.

That's why...

you've always been amazing to me.

I feel the same way.

With you,

I feel like I can see this through to the end.

That's why...

I just puked...

When I look at her, it's like I'm looking at myself.

That's why I had to have her.

And I thought I did.

But lately,

I'm starting to think I was just fooling myself.

What a messed-up way to be in love.

This isn't the place to be telling your sappy love story.

It's not like I have anyone else to talk to about my wife.

Sorry.

You don't have to go on apologising...

Here's the file on Lee Yang Mi and Nam Hye Hun.

Those two are definitely best friends.

No matter how busy they are, whether it's for golf or spa days,

they always go together.

Also,

after the SBC vice chair and Doyak Party's head...

arrived one after the other...

and took the elevator up to the penthouse floor,

some women arrived later and got off on the same floor.

I couldn't make out their faces,

but they looked like they could be famous celebrities.

Look at this.

And one more thing.

This is the WR Hotel reservation list.

See "Kim Byeol" right here?

Apparently, that's the alias Nam Hye Hun uses at the spa.

It's for next Wednesday.

Okay.

See through this case...

to the end for me.

Once this case is closed, I'll throw in a big bonus.

Looks like you're really planning on quitting being a prosecutor.

And you should stop being a mole for the prosecution.

This is where it stops. I'll find you something else.

I can take care of my own life, so just stay out of it.

How am I supposed to just not care?

And if you don't?

What, are you going to leave Chu Sang Ah for me?

I'm leaving.

(Cine24)

Tae Seop.

Yes, sir.

I've been hearing good things lately.

Sir?

That you keep biting off...

way more than you can chew.

You must've decided to live life on the edge.

Mayor Nam.

I hear you've been digging into her, is that right?

Sir, about that...

You punk! If I don't promoted this time, it'll be on you!

You hear me? You punk!

What is it, with you? You punk!

The promotions are coming up,

and think you can bring us all down with you?

Is that it?

Listen carefully.

If you want to crash and burn, do it on your own.

Why drag me down with you?

No, sir, you've mistaken me. I was just...

confirming a tip I got.

Confirming?

Unbelievable...

Hey, you little punk.

What right do you have to investigate Mayor Nam?

Why?

I oughta just beat...

This is so infuriating!

Unbelievable!

Darn it!

Even this twerp has an assemblyman for a cousin.

If there's a prosecution shake-up,

a guy like me without connections will be the first to go.

Back off the Mayor Nam case right now.

Got it?

- With all due respect, sir. - Give me a break.

That's not...

going to happen.

Now that I'm backed into a corner,

I'll cause some trouble without any regrets.

I hear they call you the Doberman of the Seoam Prosecutor's Office.

I have a Doberman myself.

Is that why you went after Chu Sang Ah, too?

I can't say that I didn't.

Have some.

I'm on a diet.

Kwon Jong Uk.

The heir to WR Group, the country's third-largest company.

He was spoiled rotten, so he's full of nothing but pride...

and is a completely immature brat.

There's WR's owner, Kwon Se Myeong, and his wife, Director Lee Yang Mi,

and the twin sons from Kwon Se Myeong's prior marriage,

Kwon Jong Uk and Kwon Jong Il.

When his brother, Kwon Jong Il, gave up his claim to the company,

WR was supposed to be all Kwon Jong Uk's for the taking.

But Lee Yang Mi had a daughter with Kwon Se Myeong...

and took over the hotel and entertainment businesses.

And that's how the all-out war...

between Lee Yang Mi and Kwon Jong Uk began.

The score so far? Two to one.

In Lee Yang Mi's favour, of course.

So if I take down Nam Hye Hun, and by extension Lee Yang Mi,

the person to gain the most from it is this guy.

Your proposal made me want to meet you.

But how exactly do you plan on...

using Nam Hye Hun to take down Lee Yang Mi?

Soon, Lee Yang Mi will illegally lobby Mayor Nam at the WR Hotel.

If I raid the scene and take Mayor Nam down,

Lee Yang Mi's grand plan will go up in smoke.

Sexy.

So you must want something from me, then.

I need this story to break without being blocked,

and I want you to be my partner...

for the nomination of the upcoming general election.

You want me to be your sponsor?

That's not too hard to fulfill.

But...

We've only just met.

Why should I trust you, Prosecutor Bang?

I never asked you to trust me.

You need to take down Lee Yang Mi discreetly to protect WR,

and I need to take down Nam Hye Hun to clear my path to the election.

What stronger bond is there than our mutual interests aligning?

Well, Prosecutor Bang.

We're on the same wavelength.

You're a strategist, aren't you?

Somehow, it feels like a waste to split up after the election.

My goal isn't just the election.

It's to be sitting at the very top in Korea.

You're quite ambitious.

Take over WR,

and let's go all the way to the top together.

Bravo.

I heard you met with Director Lee Yang Mi.

Yes.

Then I guess you also heard...

about what happened with Yun Seong?

How did you know?

I got a call from the director's office at WR.

Don't worry about it.

It's not that big of a deal.

I figured this would happen...

when Director Lee Yang Mi started buying shares in our agency.

But this really sucks.

It does suck.

And by the way,

why do you think I bought up shares in your agency?

Out of pity?

No.

I'm a businesswoman, not a philanthropist.

Do you think I'm crazy enough to pour that money in...

for nothing?

Are you threatening me?

I'm proposing a deal.

Let's call it even with this incident.

Whether you end up as a sacrificial lamb,

torn to shreds as if you were thrown in my blender,

or survive and make a comeback...

is all up to you.

Sorry if that sounded like a threat.

(CEO Eom Seung Beom)

Let's find another way.

I can't make a comeback by playing dirty like that,

and Yun Seong doesn't need to resort to that either.

He's destined to be a star.

So even if you get a call from Lee Yang Mi,

don't you dare let Yun Seong get involved.

Got it?

Got it.

(WR Resort and Hotel)

Welcome.

Just leave that there.

That colour is right for how strong the Yin energy is today.

Yes, ma'am.

This isn't the right scent for today.

Then which scent should I change it to?

A woody patchouli scent that adds a sensual atmosphere,

and a warm, lingering trace of ambergris for a carnal finish.

And get rid of that.

Who's the VVVIP, anyway?

The Mayor.

- Welcome, Mayor. - Thank you.

Right this way.

How are you feeling today?

I'm great. You've gone all out.

Please.

Come on, let's go.

Whether you end up as a sacrificial lamb,

torn to shreds as if you were thrown in my blender,

or survive and make a comeback...

is all up to you.

Sang Ah.

I'm supposed to meet CEO Eom. Where is he?

About that...

Something came up for him suddenly.

What came up?

Well...

- Sang Ah. - Where are you?

Well...

I mean...

I didn't want to do it either.

But Lee Yang Mi's people are threatening to pull funding,

and they're playing hardball.

Our agency is in a tough spot as it is.

Are you nuts?

Even so, how could you still go there?

What did Yun Seong do to deserve this?

Yun Seong agreed to it.

- What? - Yun Seong...

said there was a limit to roles from auditions.

After this, they promised him...

the lead in a WR-produced Monday-Tuesday rom-com.

So he jumped at the chance.

So don't worry about it.

Yun Seong's an ambitious kid, you know?

- Take me to the WR Hotel. - Yes, ma'am.

Our recommended wine for today is...

a top varietal from Lafanne Winery...

that boasts a spicy profile with a firm body.

Enjoy your evening.

(Bae Yun Seong)

The person you're calling is unavailable.

Transferring to voicemail...

(Hwang Jung Won)

The Penthouse on the 17th floor. Target is inside.

I'm by the back entrance,

and I just saw Chu Sang Ah.

What are you talking about? Are you sure?

Yes. My eyes are never wrong.

Yun Seong.

Sang Ah.

You should go in, Sang Ah. Right?

It'll be over in the blink of an eye,

and you'll become a star.

Hey...

Sang Ah, I'm sorry.

I'll get this over with my eyes closed.

Hello, Mayor Nam. I'm Bae Yun Seong.

Yes. So you're here.

You're much cuter in person.

- Come sit over here. - Okay.

When you wake up tomorrow morning,

you're going to be a star.

The person you're calling is unavailable.

Connecting to voicemail...

(Bang Tae Seop)

Call me Byeol.

I'm sorry?

Byeol. Kim Byeol.

Kim Byeol.

Call me Byeol.

Byeol.

Hello, Mayor Nam Hye Hun.

What? Who are you?

Who are you?

Hey!

I'm sorry! Please, spare me!

Is anyone out there?

(Epilogue)

(9 Years Earlier)

(Climax)

- Hey! - It's quite a masterpiece.

Too bad it won't ever be released, though.

You don't seem to realise who's holding all the cards,

do you?

He did all this without discussing it with me.

And that's your fault, too.

So from now on, you're going to be my little rat.

Are you hiding something from me?

No.

My wife is hiding something.

Tap her phone or tail her...

I need you to dig into this.

I'm begging you.

If you take this any further, it's the end between us.

It could be like opening Pandora's box, right?

If someone's going to open it,

then it might as well be me who does it.