Original subtitles

[This drama is a work of fiction.]

[Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is coincidental.]

[Scenes with child actors and animals were filmed safely]

[under professional supervision.]

[Episode 7] Police have reclassified

Mr. Park's death as a homicide and are continuing their investigation,

but with no suspect identified, the investigation is expected to drag on.

Meanwhile, as the truth behind the case comes to light,

netizens are calling for reflection on the media's witch hunt

and are expressing support and encouragement for Bang Tae Seop and Chu Sang Ah.

You know we trusted you and waited, right?

I'm glad it all worked out.

Thank you. It's all thanks to you.

Bang Tae Seop, Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop, Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop, Bang Tae Seop!

[Bang Tae Seop Secures Changjo Party Nomination for Dongnam-gap]

What's all that?

- Here, take it. - What is it?

I picked some out for your wife and daughter too.

You've been through a lot.

It was nothing.

Things aren't going to get any easier.

So hang in there a little longer.

Thank you.

Let's get through it together.

Now that things have settled a bit,

doing a drama right away might be tough.

The scripts that came in have all been canceled too.

Yeah.

I think I need some time before going back to TV.

I want to ease back in with a film first.

Right.

I was worried even Four Seasons might get canceled,

but Director Park said he wants you no matter what.

They were the ones who set up today's meeting.

But are you sure about this?

You said the script's pretty intense, with some revealing scenes.

You know, this isn't the time to hold back.

It's a bold script, but if it lands, it could even win awards.

Yeah... It's not the end of the road.

Let's go.

Oh, just a moment.

Hello, sir.

We're on our way...

Yeah?

What?

Wait, how can you do this?

The investor suddenly changed...

[Four Seasons] And without the budget,

we can't move forward with the project.

Something feels off.

There was nothing we could do.

What did they say?

Well...

This film's aimed at festivals, so it's not exactly commercial.

They'd been struggling to secure funding, but a main investor just came in today.

The catch is...

They want a casting change.

Director Park said he really wanted you,

but the investor threatened to pull out if they didn't replace you.

He said he's sorry.

Who's the investor?

WR.

Director Lee Yang Mi.

Thank you.

I'm Bang Tae Seop, Candidate No. 2.

Thank you.

- Hang in there. - Thanks a lot.

I understand you grew up in difficult circumstances.

Does that give you a different kind of resolve as you enter politics?

I'm well aware

that this is about far more than just one underdog's climb.

I'll keep that in mind and see it through to the very end.

Please support Bang Tae Seop!

My life is burning brighter now than ever.

One, two, three.

I'll carry this hope forward to victory.

The choice is yours.

Please give me your support.

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

The driving force of change is you.

Everyone in Dongnam-gap, please vote for me.

Thank you!

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

You're so amazing!

You look even better in person.

Who's that pretty actress again?

- Chu Sang Ah! - You're her husband, huh?

Yes, I'm her husband.

Park Hong Jip! Park Hong Jip!

Candidate Park Hong Jip just arrived.

Park Hong Jip! Park Hong Jip!

Everyone, I'm Bang Tae Seop, Candidate No. 2!

Park Hong Jip! Park Hong Jip!

Park Hong Jip! Park Hong Jip!

[Park Hong Jip]

The numbers haven't budged, then or now.

[Dongnam-gap Poll Standings] What haven't we tried?

Nothing, at least officially.

What about unofficially?

The biggest difference is, we don't have any backers.

I was going to tell you.

WR isn't too pleased with you.

Director Lee Yang Mi seems to be pressuring the business side.

That's probably why everyone we reach out to is keeping their distance.

We need to rethink our strategy.

Hold off on contacting anyone for now.

Yes, sir.

I'm so sick of Lee Yang Mi.

She's the person who'd cut me from the one project I needed most,

then bankroll some film she doesn't even care about

just to watch me fade out with nothing to my name.

How far is she willing to take this?

Not just my film. She's cutting off your funding too.

She wants to see us completely ruined.

Damn it.

This war's already started.

I'll find a way.

Whatever it is, don't give up on that film.

What are you going to do?

It's not just me.

You left the prosecution and fought your way here.

This is a turning point for you too.

These days, you can't win an election without backing.

I need to find another source of funding.

It's hard to find money

that WR hasn't already touched.

Then find someone who's not on Lee Yang Mi's side.

[The Past of WR's Lee Yang Mi, Who Even Abandoned Her Current Husband]

[Lee Yang Mi, once known as "Madam Lee" who linked elites with celebrities]

[TG Trading]

Mr. Bang Tae Seop.

I get that you need a hunting dog to go after Lee Yang Mi,

but what exactly makes you worth my money?

The fact that she's going out of her way

to cut off all my funding

proves I'm a threat to her.

Fair point.

She is a bit of a psychopath.

Once you get on her bad side,

she'll crush you until you're nothing.

So your mother ran a fish shop, and your sister a hair salon?

Yes.

I built myself up from nothing. Just like you.

People like us only climb higher the more we're pushed down.

Sounds like we've got a lot in common.

I like you more and more.

I'm going all the way.

If you invest in me, you won't regret it.

You've heard of gwaegangsal, right?

If it goes well, it's a jackpot.

If not, you lose everything.

A life of extremes.

I divorced the man I loved because he was young and broke,

then remarried a rich man who didn't have long to live.

My life's been pretty extreme too, hasn't it?

It's the fate of a man with heavy karma reborn as a woman,

living a man's life in a woman's body.

Lonely and solitary, but exceptionally capable.

Wherever you go,

you'll rise to the top and become a powerful figure.

Oh please, power or not,

I think I deserve a break now.

Still,

I've got a president to make.

Shall we go?

Let's go.

Are you okay?

Let's keep going.

If it gets too much, let me know.

That's it.

The home of Assemblyman Son I told you about.

What do you think?

Does it have the kind of energy

that could produce a king?

Judging by the energy of the site,

if the timing aligns,

it's a place where one could ride the rising dragon's momentum

and ascend.

I know how to read faces.

[Son Guk Won]

A wood-dominant type.

What they call a viper's face.

Cold temperament, volatile emotions,

and strike the wrong nerve, he bites.

My reading's right, isn't it?

Right.

Based on his fortune,

he's entering a powerful cycle with strong backing.

Politically, his luck is exceptional.

He has a high chance of becoming president.

Sounds like he's got it all.

So, Son Guk Won is our pick for the next presidency?

Everything looks favorable, but...

his lineage lacks virtue.

In a presidential race,

the most important factor is the candidates' ancestral graves.

Elections are battles between ancestors.

If my ancestors lack virtue,

then I'll cut off someone else's ancestral ties to make a king.

That's how someone like me survives.

If I can't have it,

I'll break it.

I'll lay out the alignment for a young tiger

who can cut off the opposing candidate's energy

and make Son Guk Won king.

Let's find the one whose fate fits,

the tiger who'll be his right hand.

Let's find him.

Let's see.

I hear they're flipping the casting again on Four Seasons.

What are you talking about?

I got a call from the producer.

Director Lee said in a meeting she's willing to reconsider your casting.

What?

You know it's got nudity,

and it wasn't an easy role to cast to begin with.

Now that other actresses have all turned it down,

I guess they're having second thoughts.

So the producer carefully asked

if you'd be willing to meet

Director Lee yourself...

Do you even understand what's going on?

If I want that film,

she's telling me to come crawling back to her.

It might not mean that.

It could just be a gesture,

like trying to make peace over your friendship.

"Friendship?"

You and Director Lee used to drink together...

Then and now,

we were never equals.

She toyed with me like a cat with a mouse,

and the moment she got bored, she could've crushed me.

So you're just going to let her swallow you whole?

Yeah,

that's how it is for actors.

You only survive if people like her cast you,

and you only shine when you're in front of the camera.

But...

do you know

why I took your hand when you asked me to start a company with you

instead of staying at my old agency?

Because

I thought you'd be the one

to take it all, the roles and people like her included.

I believed you could reach the very top as an actress.

And I wanted

to be there to see it, as your manager.

Sang Ah,

I'll be honest with you.

If you miss this project,

you might be out for the rest of the year, maybe even longer.

And if you're lucky enough to come back in a weekend drama,

you'll end up playing a divorced woman or some mom role.

You know what comes next.

The choice is yours.

Yeah.

I like this mood tonight.

A fight...

is exhausting.

Brutally.

[How about a drink at your usual spot? I'll have a table ready]

Darn it.

Do I look like a pushover?

No, no.

Would leaving it on read piss her off more?

My taste really is oldies but goodies!

[I'm already here]

Sang Ah, we can't keep the table much longer...

Actually, I only got involved

with Lee Yang Mi for connections,

but I did love her.

She's got her charm. Bold, too.

I loved her that much,

which is why I clawed my way up here for revenge.

Standing next to a woman like that, flashy and ambitious,

isn't easy.

She doesn't even treat men like men.

So what about Chu Sang Ah?

My wife respects me.

She supports me.

No, not that.

Is she good to you

in that way?

Sir, that's...

Oppa!

Come on, hurry up.

Okay.

Hey, let's go.

You know what?

I get plenty of calls asking for sponsorship.

You know why I agreed to meet you?

Actually,

Chu Sang Ah was my first love.

After Lee Yang Mi tossed me aside,

I couldn't get it up for years.

Then I saw Chu Sang Ah's debut film...

I couldn't sleep a wink after that.

Answer me one thing,

and the money's yours.

Lend her to me

for just one night.

Bang Tae Seop.

Pull yourself together.

Get a grip...

Get your head straight.

Pull yourself together.

Pull yourself together.

- We're closing now... - Sorry, sir.

- Just ten more minutes please. - All right.

Track Lee Yang Mi's entire schedule for the next week.

You've got an email from Shaman Moon.

I'm passing it along.

If you leave it there, how am I supposed to reach it?

Sorry.

Let's see...

Who's our little tiger going to be?

Sir.

My wife and I...

We're in a sexless marriage.

That's rich.

Come on,

make it more interesting.

Let's find the one whose fate fits,

the tiger who'll be his right hand.

[Bang Tae Seop / Male]

Bottoms up!

CEO Jang!

I'll give you my heart!

Sir!

I'm going all the way to the end!

Pull over for a second.

What? Why?

[Rising Star Hwang Jeong Won Cast as Lead in Four Seasons]

[A breakout rookie who beat 2,000 to 1 odds]

Director Park Chi Young's new film

Four Seasons has been making waves since auditions,

as a bold two-female-lead melodrama.

All eyes are now on rising newcomer Hwang Jeong Won,

- Great. - who landed the role against 2,000 to 1 odds.

Good.

Good.

- Ms. Yoon So Young. - Yes.

Right this way, please.

That punk used to get drunk and beat me like a maniac.

He even threw away his own child.

Because of that,

I've been dragged down my whole life.

You've seen me hit rock bottom with your own eyes.

And now you're talking about forgiveness?

That's as far as my patience goes.

Stay out of my life.

Jeong Won, I hear you have a role model.

I've admired actress Chu Sang Ah since I was young.

If I get the chance, I'd love to work with her.

The role you were originally up for in Four Seasons...

she's playing your counterpart.

I also heard the production noticed Hwang Jeong Won

when she stood in for you, and then recommended her to WR.

The fact that she picked her of all people...

I really can't tell what Director Lee is up to.

[Suspect in the murder of Mr. Park identified as a man in his 30s]

[Initially believed to be a woman in her 20s based on eyewitness descriptions]

[later corrected to a male suspect]

Okay, got it.

[The Start of Change! A New Dongnam] [No. 2, Bang Tae Seop]

[Transfer from CEO Jang completed]

Yeah, what happened?

Well... right after the incident,

we identified the suspect as the woman seen on CCTV

and proceeded with the investigation.

But we later found signs the victim had a struggle with the attacker,

and fiber analysis from the victim's skin showed traces from clothing

sold only in big-and-tall sizes for men over 185 centimeters.

We also received a witness tip about a man seen near the motel,

and secured additional dashcam footage.

At this point,

it's unlikely the suspect is that woman.

Oh, thank you.

- Hello. - Welcome.

Chu Sang Ah! Chu Sang Ah!

Chu Sang Ah! Chu Sang Ah!

Chu Sang Ah...

Chu Sang Ah!

Thank you for your hard work.

You thought

Hwang Jeong Won killed Park Jae Sang too,

didn't you?

I know you sent her to tail me,

so just tell me everything.

I've known her since she was young, from a case I handled early on.

It was self-defense against someone who barely deserved to be called human.

She was smart, reckless, and desperate.

That's why I gave her a few jobs.

She showed up on CCTV, so I had to consider her a suspect,

but I hoped it wasn't her.

Now that they've identified a suspect,

once he's in custody, we'll know soon enough.

Lee Yang Mi reached out.

There were things I needed to dig into about the film and Hwang Jeong Won,

so I met with her.

Come work with me.

I'll plug you into Assemblyman Son's line.

The money you got from CEO Jang and the Changjo Party situation...

I'll take care of it, so don't worry.

So now you want your enemy on the inside?

Nothing that dramatic.

Let's just say my stance has changed.

That fortune-teller you've been seeing...

Shaman Moon, right?

You're quick with the gossip. You really are a natural politician.

That's a shame.

After the election,

I'm planning to align with Assemblyman Gu Hong Seo.

Gu Hong Seo? That connection won't last.

I'm backing Son Guk Won,

and there's no money in this country that can beat WR.

You chose your position knowing what kind of bombs are about to go off

around Assemblyman Son, didn't you?

Defusing bombs is my specialty.

Fine.

Then put that specialty to good use.

Let's get to why I'm here.

Go ahead.

Hwang Jeong Won. And that film.

What are you really after?

Well, isn't it interesting?

If this is your revenge play, keep it between us.

Leave Sang Ah out of it.

Exactly.

So think it through carefully,

Mr. Bang Tae Seop.

So...

did you turn her down?

I'm holding off.

If I say no, your film goes with it.

You need that film, right?

Even so, I don't want you getting involved with her because of it.

That won't happen.

She came to me knowing

I wouldn't walk away from the election that easily.

That means she needs me.

Until she gets my answer,

I'll find a way to keep her from messing with you.

Then I'll take the bait for now.

I need that film,

she needs you...

and right now, it looks like we need her too.

[Dongnam-gap Poll Standings] [Bang Tae Seop 28.7%, Park Hong Jip 34.8%]

I know exactly how far my image has fallen

since the Park Jae Sang case.

Elections are about image,

and at a time when I should be your greatest asset...

Even with an actress for a wife, your team won't even suggest a joint campaign.

That hurts my pride.

My pride's already been crushed.

If taking another hit can turn things around,

then so be it.

Looks like Lee Yang Mi deliberately let her schedule slip today.

[Chu Sang Ah: I'll have a table ready] [Chu Sang Ah: I'm already here]

Was I playing too hard to get?

She's probably putting a lot of effort into working Son Guk Won.

And she would've made sure it got out that

if she wants you, she has to go through me.

You're so amazing.

So I'll meet her first.

I've heard

Bang Tae Seop is no ordinary guy.

But with Chu Sang Ah's image already tanked,

is she still of any use?

A celebrity's image?

One word from me and it flips overnight.

I'll handle the rebuild,

so don't worry.

Well...

His poll numbers, everything...

It's all falling flat.

Hello.

Oh, Sang Ah.

You haven't been golfing lately. What brings you here?

I came to see you, Director.

Ms. Chu Sang Ah.

Nice to finally meet you. I'm a fan.

Nice to meet you.

I've heard a lot about you too.

Then I'll see you again.

Get home safe. I'll be in touch.

You're still pulling those little fox tricks, even at your age.

Let her in.

Yes, ma'am.

No manners at all.

Director.

You've got something to say to me, don't you?

I think it'd be better somewhere private.

By the way,

you look rough.

Must've been a lot to deal with.

Thanks to you.

Yeah.

Hwang Jeong Won... she used to be your stand-in actor, huh?

Just a stand-in,

and now she shows up as the lead in the film you wanted so badly.

That's better drama than anything on screen.

Yeah.

Like some punk you tried to crush

ends up becoming the key player.

Go on.

You want Assemblyman Son in the Blue House

so you can take over WR.

That means you need Tae Seop, right?

Director,

you're the kind of person who'd change your daughter's birth time

over a fortune teller's word...

even push her head back in during labor. Right?

So?

Give me the film you took from me.

Make me the face of WR

and fix the image you destroyed.

Then I'll bring him in.

What?

If Bang Tae Seop and I come in with some standing,

that benefits you and Assemblyman Son too,

doesn't it?

From what I saw earlier, I think he feels the same.

Hey.

Do you take me for a fool?

That aside,

you're the one who needs my film, aren't you?

You're right.

I need it.

No, not "need." Without me, you're finished.

No one will cast you. You'll just fade away and disappear.

I'll just be mildly inconvenienced.

But standing in front of someone like me,

why do you carry yourself like this?

What a shitty mood.

That was my hole-in-one ball. What a waste.

I'll wash it for you.

But

how am I supposed to trust you and your husband?

That's why I'm here as collateral.

I don't have the will or the strength

to fight you anymore.

And if I can't bring in Bang Tae Seop,

you can just cut me from the film.

Isn't that right?

You've gotten sharper.

Thanks to you.

Even when no one believed in me,

I kept going with everything I had,

pushing forward until I made it here.

For the next ten years,

I'll be right here with you.

Oh my, she looks gorgeous.

She hasn't changed a bit.

Where does all that aging even go?

I know.

When she goes to the film festival, she should get me a dress too.

Look at this.

She's such a devoted wife.

[Chu Sang Ah to campaign in support of her husband, candidate Bang Tae Seop]

It's only a matter of time

before our Candidate Bang becomes Assemblyman Bang.

They said I'd have the worst luck this year, like something awful was bound to happen,

but instead

everything's been going my way.

You could quit the salon now.

Should I just quit for good?

Go ahead, do it!

Let's welcome Candidate Bang Tae Seop!

It's been two days since the WR ad and casting news featuring your wife dropped,

and your approval rating is already up 2.4%.

Starting with today's first joint appearance,

[Dongnam-gap, Overall Approval Ratings] we should keep you and your wife

front and center through Election Day.

[Lee Yang Mi]

How does it feel?

It's sweet.

Fall off a villa, you get a few bruises.

Fall off a high-rise, you shatter.

I'm giving you a boost before bringing you in,

so enjoy it while it lasts.

Do what you need to do, then come over.

Your deadline is the day before the election.

I'll think it over.

Sure.

But don't take too long.

Your wife has arrived.

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

Chu Sang Ah! Chu Sang Ah!

They've arrived.

Let's welcome Candidate Bang Tae Seop.

[I will take responsibility for Dongnam-gap's future]

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

Hello, I'm Bang Tae Seop.

Bang Tae Seop!

Seeing all of you here today...

it brings a lot of emotions.

Not once on the way here was the path easy,

and I never chose the easy road.

And now, once again,

I'm choosing the harder path.

In all the history of general elections,

the Changjo Party has never won here in Dongnam-gap.

But I won't take the easy way into politics.

I've endured hardship for the sake of justice,

and together with you,

I will change history.

Please give me

your support.

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

Next, please welcome Candidate Bang's wife,

actress Chu Sang Ah.

Chu Sang Ah! Bang Tae Seop!

Chu Sang Ah! Bang Tae Seop!

We still have a long way to go, and enemies on all sides.

Even so, we've made it this far.

Like before,

this is going to turn into a battle of issues.

That's the burden you and I have to carry to the end.

It won't be easy from here on out.

We've come this far.

What's the worst that could happen?

Still,

I'd rather break

than fade away.

That's not going to happen.

I've got a card I've been saving.

- Chu Sang Ah! - Bang Tae Seop!

- Chu Sang Ah! - Bang Tae Seop!

- Bang Tae Seop! - Chu Sang Ah!

- Bang Tae Seop! - Chu Sang Ah!

Bang Tae Seop!

Bang Tae Seop! Chu Sang Ah!

Bang Tae Seop! Chu Sang Ah!

Bang Tae Seop! Bang Tae Seop!

With that card,

I'll cut

Lee Yang Mi off at the wrist.

I'm going to decline your offer, Director.

What makes you think you can pull this?

How did you get tangled up with Director Lee?

She's someone I owe.

I'm holding a card you can't beat, no matter what you do.

How long are you going to live like this?

Don't you want out?

Action!

I warned you.

The higher you climb, the harder you fall.