Original subtitles

(THIS DRAMA IS PURELY FICTIONAL AND IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH)

(ACTUAL PEOPLE, PARTIES, LOCATIONS, CORPORATIONS OR INCIDENTS)

That footage won't be disclosed.

Why not?

It'll be hard to determine

the cause of the accident with the footage alone.

And even if we disclose it now, it'll end up getting buried.

Mr. Song and Mr. Lee are very close.

Mr. Song will soon be appointed Minister of Justice.

Then he'll do whatever it takes to pressure the police and prosecution

But that accident cost someone's life.

Are you saying we should turn a blind eye to it?

No, something will be done.

But Mr. Jang made the best choice he could've made.

Unless the law and the system change, nothing can be done.

And Mr. Jang is trying to change them.

I don't believe that you've made the best choice.

What's your point?

I don't know much about politics.

But

I don't think this is right.

How could you change the world

when you disregard someone's life?

When did it start going south?

Don't trust Mr. Song and Mr. Lee too much.

They'll ditch you when you become useless.

I know.

And I'm just using them as well.

Take a good look at yourself now.

Who is the one that's being used?

If you're planning to help Assemblyman Lee, just give up.

What if I stop you?

What will you do then?

Mutual interests formed by misunderstandings and conflicts.

Life is entangled like a messy skein of thread.

Tae-jun.

Don't get intoxicated with what Mr. Lee has to offer.

A tangled skein of thread.

If you're going to fight with someone,

you must win at all costs.

I'll help you. Let's fight together.

Are you really going to keep fighting till the end?

- Are you? - I need to see through the fight.

When Mr. Song is appointed Minister of Justice,

he'll gain authority to command the entire prosecution service.

That won't happen.

Mr. Song...

won't be appointed as a minister.

Independent assemblyman, Mr. Lee Seong-min,

is joining the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

Assemblyman Jang Yong-gi resigned from the committee,

and Assemblyman Lee, who is now on the Environment and Labor Committee,

will be taking his seat.

The more you try to untangle the knotted skein of thread,

you won't be able to find the knot, and it'll get tangled up even more.

In the end, the skein will be messier.

(CHIEF OF STAFF / AIDE) (EPISODE 7)

What's wrong with this?

Damn it. What's wrong now?

Where did I put the scissors?

Where are my scissors?

Did I see that right?

(KIM MYEONG-SU)

I searched this place upside down for this. Why is this here?

Unbelievable.

Gosh, where's my pass?

This is driving me crazy.

- What are you looking for? - What?

It's nothing.

What is it?

You wore this suit, didn't you?

Well, Mom. Let me explain.

Remember Dong-su? I had to wear it to Dong-su's wedding.

- To the wedding? - Yes.

Is that so?

Wait, Mom.

Hands off.

Let go!

(HAN DO-GYEONG)

What are you up to these days?

Mom, it's...

It's been a month since you stopped going to your classes.

I called your school.

What on earth are you doing these days?

Explain this. What is this?

Well, I've been going to the National Assembly.

What? National Assembly?

Why would you go there?

I've been working at an assemblyman's office to become a chief of staff.

Chief of staff?

You brat. I supported you to be a civil servant.

- How could you pull a stunt like this? - Wait, wait.

They are civil servants too.

- They are? - Yes.

Look.

It says so here. Can you see?

So are you telling me that you're a civil servant?

No, I'm just an intern now.

But if I keep working, I'll become one.

If I do, it'll be a privileged government position.

What's that?

Well...

It's a special position.

A special position?

Is it some kind of specialized position?

Well, I guess you can say that. It is special.

Mom, I'm late.

I'll tell you in detail tonight.

I'm sorry.

Hey, Do-gyeong.

Lee Chang-jin, the CEO of Joojin Constructions,

visited the family of Mr. Yu Jin-su,

who lost his life in the conveyor belt accident at the cement factory,

and apologized on his knees.

He stated that he'd cooperate with the police investigation...

I don't know much about politics.

But

I don't think this is right.

How could you change the world

when you disregard someone's life?

Why did I do that? It's not like I know anything about politics.

MR. OH

Yes, Mr. Oh.

Goodness.

Come in.

It's the schedule for the hearing.

(HEARING SCHEDULE)

(ASSEMBLYMAN LEE SEONG-MIN)

How could they replace the panel when the hearing is around the corner?

Even if Chairperson Lee approved, this isn't appropriate.

Mr. Song, you should go to Chairperson Lee and make a complaint.

I'll round up the members of our party and their staff.

If you meet with him now,

it might seem as if you are exerting pressure.

That will only attract attention to your hearing.

I doubt that this plan was concocted from small fry like him.

Is it Kang Seon-yeong again?

Goodness.

I shouldn't have stirred up a hornet's nest.

- Seriously. You're of no use. - Sir...

Damn it.

(CHIEF PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARY)

There's never a quiet day in our office, is there?

Goodness.

You didn't plot this with Ms. Kang again, did you?

I asked just in case.

Look at how your face changed.

Goodness.

- Mr. Han isn't here yet? - No.

How could an intern be late?

I sent him on an errand for something.

What? I can't send an intern on an errand?

You're all glaring at me.

Let's go.

- Yes, sir. - Have a good day.

Have a good day, sir.

- Jong-uk. - Yes?

Give me the list of members of our party in Seongjin City.

Seongjin City? Hold on.

(LIST OF PARTY MEMBERS IN SEONGJIN)

Why do you need the list?

Because I'm grateful to them.

(JANG CHUN-BAE DAEHAN PARTY)

The doors are closing.

Ms. Kang, I'd like to offer my advice to you.

If you switch sides whenever you get a chance, you won't survive here.

You must make your move after securing your spot.

You only play with fire when you don't know any better.

Thank you for your advice.

But it's too late.

I plan to play with a bigger fire now.

You're joining the Judiciary Committee at a crucial moment.

- How does it feel? - I'm a bit dazed.

As a newly appointed member of the committee,

I must do my due diligence not to harm the other assembly members.

What will you be focusing on at Assemblyman Song's hearing?

The Minister of Justice

must impartially establish law and order.

The Minister's role is very important in our society

as he must uphold the human rights and supervise the prosecution.

Therefore, this position demands higher standards

in terms of obeying the law and ethics compared to other Cabinet Members.

I plan to verify and weigh if the nominee, Assemblyman Song,

indeed carries such traits

from the perspectives of the people.

Things are bustling here.

Yes, it should be for a happy occasion like today.

You have a point,

but it's too soon to tell

if this will be a happy occasion or a tragic one.

Prepare for your happy occasion well.

I want to enjoy it too.

Hey, Ms. Kang.

Are you heading to Jungil-gu?

- Yes. - Do your best.

You must maintain a good relationship with the mayor.

That will help you gain more votes.

By the way, don't forget to add my name to your lone-parent support project.

Okay, I will.

Don't you think you're being too generous with Ms. Kang?

You never know when she's going to stab us in the back again.

She's more than capable of doing so.

Put a tail on her.

Yes, sir.

We must keep a stronger grip on her when she's trapped,

so she doesn't try to resist.

The committee seems to be going through a rough patch. Will that affect you?

As you know, there are always arguments and biting remarks at hearings like this.

If the hearing progress report isn't approved,

it'll impose a great deal of pressure on the Blue House.

As the former minister stepped down,

the President is even considering to withdraw the minister appointment.

Please make sure the President doesn't have to make that choice.

Please don't worry. That should never happen.

Of course. Please have your tea.

Have your tea.

- I'll see you soon. - Goodbye.

Damn it. That troublemaker, Lee Seong-min.

He has nothing to lose, but he can be such a hassle.

Call up Lee Seong-min and invite him out for a meal.

What do you plan on doing?

He doesn't have ambition,

so I'll make him ambitious.

Goodness.

(CONFERENCE ROOM)

I'd like your support for the lone-parent support project,

so it runs smoothly.

Of course. I'm looking forward to working with you.

Let's go back in.

Did the meeting go well?

Yes, his staff will contact you regarding the project.

- Please proceed with it. - Yes, ma'am.

How is the hearing for the Minister of Justice going?

It looks like Mr. Lee will go all out against Mr. Song at the hearing.

I heard he's focusing on Mr. Song and Lee Chang-jin's relationship.

Ms. Kang, if I may ask,

are you planning on helping Mr. Lee Seong-min?

It will be too much for him to prepare for the hearing alone.

I'm just a bit concerned.

I understand his circumstances, but this seems a bit risky.

I feel as if you're walking a thin line between Mr. Song and Mr. Jo.

I know.

That's why I need your help,

so I don't fall from it, Mr. Go.

I don't know how I can be of help to you, but I will do my best.

Please buy me a meal.

Did anything happen?

No.

I don't think you came to me only for a meal.

You can tell me.

Give me a call if you need help.

Please lend me some money.

What is it for?

Don't ask me that. Just lend me some money.

Out of everyone I know, you're probably the richest lady.

How much do you need?

I need one million won.

Why? Do you not have that much?

By any chance,

are you considering

getting an abortion?

Does the assistant administrator know that you've come to meet me?

Forget it if you don't want to.

Su-min.

Isn't she Su-min from the lone-parent center?

Why did she come to see you?

It looks like she left the center.

Could you look into it?

Sure.

(ONE HEART PRINTING SERVICE)

Excuse me.

Hello.

- What brings you here? - Mr. Oh Won-sik sent me on an errand here.

Mr. Oh sent you here? Hold on.

Tell him that I'd appreciate his help next time too.

- Thank you. Have a good day. - Sure.

We've been working in politics for long.

And our districts are placed right next to each other's.

But we've been so distant to one another for all this time.

Please make this brief.

I don't think we're close enough to have a meal together.

You're right. I'll get to the point.

Seeing the path you've taken as an assemblyman,

there is a great number of things I could learn from you.

If everyone could work as hard as you do,

our dear country will be a much better one.

But for you to handle all of your tasks,

don't you think that you'd need more than four years?

Your term will mature next year.

You must get reelected

and continue to serve the country.

What are you trying to say?

At the last general election,

the candidate of our party

was disqualified due to the corruption scandal,

and you got lucky and became an assemblyman.

But I'm not sure if you'll have such luck next year again.

You're an independent assemblyman without any support.

The public support continues to drop in your district.

Given your situation, do you think you can be reelected?

So if you join our party...

I wasn't aware that you were concerned about my reelection.

Mr. Lee, to serve a greater purpose in our society,

a little bit of compromise is necessary.

"I'm getting into politics

because I want to empower the powerless."

That was

one of your campaign promises in the last general election.

If you give up now,

who is going to protect all those people that voted for you?

Or are you going to tell me

that you were just bluffing to win more votes?

You see, even water lilies are rooted in mud.

A little bit of mud

cannot mar the graceful beauty of water lilies.

The flower must bloom again next year, you know.

I won't bother trying to get reelected if I must soil my hands and feet with mud.

And by the same token, I can't support you.

I should get going.

An assemblyman like him really exists?

My goodness.

I came to coax him, not to be insulted.

That arrogant prick. Look at him acting all upright and honest.

I'll meet with Assemblyman Lee one-on-one.

No, don't bother.

Let Won-sik handle him.

He won't lower his head. Let's hit him in the neck

to show him how cutthroat those in politics can be.

This is Yun Hye-won from Mr. Song's office.

Right, I'll resend the missing documents for the hearing.

- Da-jeong, did you check your e-mail? - Okay.

Yes, I did.

Why are there so many pre-hearing questionnaires?

- I can't even take a break. - Pass me those reports, Mr. Kim.

I'm back.

Did Mr. Oh step out or something?

He's visiting the district office.

Where have you been?

I picked up the printed samples of our policy handbook.

Come over here and organize these reports for each office.

Sure.

(ONE HEART PRINTING SERVICE)

(SEONGJIN CITY DAEHAN PARTY COMMITTEE)

Sir!

How have you been?

I haven't seen you at all lately.

What brings you here?

This pleasant breeze made me think of you, Mr. Assemblyman. Here.

Assemblyman, my foot. I took off my badge years ago.

Losing the election once doesn't mean you can never wear the badge again.

What's this random blabbering about?

I was told to oversee this district because I lost.

Assemblyman Song is ruthless.

Giving you this position

was his thoughtful decision for next year's election.

Sir, you should crush Lee Seong-min

and make a comeback.

Look at Seongjin City.

It's become a hot mess since that man got elected.

He's even trying to cancel the projects that you were working on.

You need to get reelected

to represent the city next year and take good care of it.

Let's be honest. Did he beat you last time

because he's more competent than you are?

He was just lucky.

Why did the prosecution investigate me right then?

Who doesn't spend money during campaigns?

Exactly.

So? What are you trying to suggest?

Listen.

But if I step in, it won't look good.

Of course, you shouldn't get directly involved.

(FOR THE ORDINARY PEOPLE)

I was going through the list of party members

and found the right man for this.

Do you remember that man who helped you during your campaign?

He was a CAO of a township.

He's still a committed member of our party.

- He'd be perfect for the job. - Yes.

Give him any position, and he'll do a great job.

Will it really be okay though? You know who he is.

I sure do.

And that's why he's perfect for the job.

(ASSEMBLYMAN SONG HUI-SEOP'S OFFICE)

Ms. Yun, we're heading out to eat. Do you want to come?

I'll eat in a bit. You guys go ahead.

All right, then.

What shall we eat?

Whatever you like.

I know of a great place.

Ms. Yun, I'm stepping out for some food.

Okay. Just a second, Da-jeong.

- Yes? - About our policy handbook...

Did we send the print job to One Heart Printing Service?

- No, we use a different print shop. - What about the district office's?

Mr. Oh takes care of all the print materials for them.

Can I see the report Mr. Oh requested?

The one on policy research and development service.

Sure.

(RESEARCH ON SEOBUK MARKET AND REDEVELOPMENT PLANS)

Hello, this is One Heart Printing Service.

Hello, this is Assemblyman Song's office.

Right, yes.

Mr. Oh wants to place a bookbinding order for our policy handbook.

Would 200 be enough, as usual?

Sure. I'll send you the file via e-mail.

Okay, great. Thank you.

(EXPENDITURE DETAILS)

(2,000 COPIES)

Mr. Jang.

The doors are opening.

Mr. Jang.

Well...

I'm really sorry about yesterday. I didn't know any better.

I'll work harder from now on and try to learn from you.

You don't need to apologize.

Everything you said is right.

You want to be a chief of staff?

Even so, you don't need to copy me.

If you want to survive here,

just act on your beliefs.

I'll work hard.

Did you gather all the requested documents?

No, not yet.

Everyone on the committee requested basic stuff,

except for Mr. Lee Seong-min who sent a lengthy list.

He even contacted the prosecution for case files

from when Mr. Song was a prosecutor.

He even requested those files?

It looks like the prosecution has already sent him a few things.

Lee Seong-min can't analyze the case reports on his own.

I bet Kang Seon-yeong will help him.

I guess she really plans to play with a bigger fire.

He requested all of that?

I'll do my best to make sure the sensitive stuff won't be disclosed.

Just send everything over.

He won't have time to read them anyway.

What do you mean?

Assemblyman Lee won't be able to prepare for the hearing.

With all that's going on, he won't even care about the hearing.

I asked our party members in Seongjin City for help.

Hey, if Lee Seong-min finds out about it, he won't let it slide.

Gosh. Don't worry, sir.

I hired someone

whom even Lee Seong-min can't ignore.

When Mr. Song was a prosecutor,

he worked on five cases related to Lee Chang-jin.

Then shouldn't we bring him in as a witness?

Both the ruling and opposition parties will have to agree on it,

including Mr. No of the opposition party, Mr. Ahn of our party,

and the chairperson of the Judiciary Committee.

They all support Mr. Song.

Let's request additional documents to strengthen our case.

- Okay. - Where is Assemblyman Lee Seong-min?

- Where is he hiding? - Where is he?

- Can I help you? - Move! You're not him.

You can't go in.

Step aside. I told you that I have to meet him.

- Please wait... - Move!

What? We've been waiting all this time!

- Stop bullshitting us. - Tell him to come out!

- Come out! - You can't...

The redevelopment was decided a long ago.

How could you try to stop it now?

- It's ridiculous. - Hundreds of people agreed on it, okay?

I voted for you because of my son.

What the hell is this about?

Sir, please calm down.

Please wait until we sort things out with the merchants.

They have nowhere to go. They're struggling, you know.

Are you saying we, the landlords, aren't struggling?

- That's right! - After being renters for years,

we saved up and bought out properties.

- Yes! - Exactly!

If a small piece of land and a home are all we own,

- we're also considered the working class. - Yes, absolutely!

- Cut it out! - Please hear me out first.

We don't need to hear your bullshit!

We won't even take a step out of this place

until the construction resumes, so consider yourself informed.

- Yes! - We won't even budge.

- Everyone, sit down! - Okay.

- Let's all sit down! - Sit.

- Goodness. - You can't do this here.

Sir, you can't be doing this here.

- Oh, my goodness. - There are cameras here.

- My gosh... - Oh, no!

- Everyone, leave. - No photos, please.

- My gosh. - Are you all right?

- Please leave. - Goodness.

- How could an assemblyman... - Is he a thug or what?

- Assemblyman Lee Seong-min hit me! - Gosh.

- Call security. - Call them.

- In an assemblyman's office... - This is crazy.

- We're here to submit a complaint. - Look.

- I won't even budge. - We need a solution.

- You saw he hit me. - My gosh.

- Oh, boy. My goodness... - Excuse me.

Ouch, my back.

Make way for him.

Dad!

I got injured in Assemblyman Lee's office.

Your father is one feisty man.

"Father"?

That's his father?

Oh, boy. My back still hurts.

I should get an X-ray done tomorrow.

Were you promised a position in return for this?

By some sly bastard?

Hey, if the redevelopment commences because of me,

I certainly deserve a position.

So what? Are you going to run for election again?

Why can't I?

That prick, Lee Seong-min...

As an assemblyman, it is his duty to make sure his district prospers.

How could he halt the project because of a few merchants?

I heard your boss will benefit from the project

once the construction commences.

I'll see this through, so just leave it to me.

Stop.

Please.

- Don't be like this. - You have no idea what's going on.

Don't get involved when you don't even have a clue.

You see, this is like a battlefield.

Some will die tomorrow, and some will live.

Will you be that foolish for the rest of your life?

- What did you say? - You're not a man of power.

So know your place and don't cause trouble if you want to help me.

You little...

How dare you say that to your father?

Do me a favor.

Please.

I've told you that this is...

I mean...

This is my life, so don't meddle in it.

Okay, fine.

I won't meddle in your life, so you should mind your own business too!

Is this also Oh Won-sik's doing?

- Yes. - Your father...

Let's not talk about that.

And stop helping Assemblyman Lee.

The prosecution will deny all his requests for the case files.

He can't prove the links between Lee Chang-jin and my boss.

It won't be easy since you must have prepared thoroughly.

No one wants him to be appointed Minister of Justice more than you do.

If Assemblyman Song does become the Minister of Justice,

will he really hand his district over to you?

Uigwang City has been his district for 16 long years.

Will he really give it to you easily?

As much as you don't trust him,

I'm sure he doesn't fully trust you either.

Had he fully trusted you, he would've already told you everything,

including all his flaws and corrupt deeds.

Is there anything you know though?

He told you nothing about rigging the floor leader election.

I know why you joined Samil Association.

What if things work against them?

Have you thought about who will be their first scapegoat?

- You, whom they can discard easily. - I am prepared for that.

I'm willing to take that much risk.

Must I give up when I've come this far? Don't you feel the same way?

Yes, I know that neither you nor I can really give up.

- But I want you to... - What the heck do you want me to do?

We started at very different places.

You know how I got this far from the bottom of the barrel.

I just need to take one more step forward.

Just one more step.

Don't worry.

(ASSEMBLYMAN SONG HUI-SEOP'S OFFICE)

Mr. Jang.

Mr. Oh

has been embezzling our research and development funds.

A part of it was spent on printing our policy handbook,

but he submitted fake receipts.

And his reports are basically collections of excerpts from other reports.

How many times has he done this?

Twelve in total, including his recent report on Seobuk Market.

So far, he's received over 50 million won for these things.

Some of it went out as research expenses,

and the rest was spent on covering the printing costs.

As for the Seobuk Market report, 2,000 copies should've been printed,

but he only ordered 200 copies.

I think the print shop is returning the rest of the money to him.

Who did the research?

It was done by our interns.

Mr. Han's name is on the list as well.

(RESEARCH BY HAN DO-GYEONG)

How's it going? Are you liking the job?

Yes, sir. I'm doing my best.

- Do you know him? - Mr. Oh recommended me for this job.

All right, it's time to watch the news.

Let's see.

People who want the redevelopment in Seongjin City to commence

visited Assemblyman Lee Seong-min and made complaints.

He's doing great.

Assemblyman Lee's staff tussled with the protesters,

- which left one of them injured. - My goodness.

Whoever wrote that article did a great job.

The injured is preparing to take legal action.

Da-jeong, I need some caffeine. Could you make me a cup of coffee?

- Sure. - Sixty percent of the residents

granted their consent for the redevelopment,

but the project has been put on hold

- because of those who are against it. - Hey, Do-gyeong.

- Here you go, sir. - Thank you.

Did you pick up the samples?

Here you go.

Thanks.

What are you doing?

Hey, you little... Give it back, you prick!

You son of a bitch.

You piece of...

I'll return everything I've received to the secretariat.

It was made for internal purposes,

so no one will find out...

- You bastard, how dare you. - Sir!

You son of a...

You prick...

Lie low until I call you.

Yes, sir!

Get home safely, sir.

Jang Tae-jun, that piece of shit.

Mr. Oh told me that it's something that's done customarily.

I didn't know it'd cause such a big issue.

I'm so sorry.

Do you think that's a good enough excuse?

You should at least be able to tell what's right and wrong.

Are you saying it's okay to do whatever you're told?

I want you to leave.

- Mr. Jang. - Do you think you deserve to be here?

Get out of here right now!

(HAN DO-GYEONG)

(SUWON DISTRICT PROSECUTORS' OFFICE, PRESS RELEASE)

Ms. Kang, aren't you going to get off work?

Yes, I should.

You can go home first.

I'll be off then.

(NON-PROSECUTION CASES)

Yes, this is Kang Seon-yeong.

We called you because she had your business card.

What happened?

She took unprescribed abortion pills in order to get rid of the baby.

She needs to receive surgery right now. But we need her family's consent.

Do you have any of their numbers by any chance?

My goodness, Tae-jun.

- Hello. - It's been so long.

You haven't even called lately.

- You're so mean. - I'm sorry.

- Come inside. - I brought you something.

It's green plum tea, your favorite.

My goodness, this really wasn't necessary.

Please come inside.

(PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION)

(LABOR STANDARDS ACT)

Is Hyo-jin doing well?

Yes, of course.

She always goes on about how much she misses you.

My goodness, look at this.

He must have never used this.

No, he hasn't. He says he prefers ballpoint pens.

He picks it up every now and then when he comes home drunk.

But to be honest, he isn't using it because he doesn't want it to wear out.

(CONGRATULATIONS ON GETTING ELECTED JANG TAE-JUN)

Sit down and have some of this.

Okay.

We don't have much to serve.

Gosh, don't say that.

When you used to work with my husband,

you'd always drop by our place after work.

You've been too distant lately.

I'm sorry.

Honey, you're home.

Hey.

Don't worry about what your father did.

I'm sorry.

I'll make sure he doesn't file a lawsuit.

So don't worry.

You came here to tell me that?

No, I just came

because I felt frustrated.

Let's drink.

Back in the old days, we'd always reconcile

over a couple of drinks after we had a fight.

But now, it's only making me feel more concerned.

I know you're worried about me.

But right now, you should be worried about yourself,

not me.

Let's not do anything that we'll end up regretting.

I've already walked down that path,

so I know it will make you feel uneasy.

I never regret anything.

Everyone regrets a thing or two as they live their lives.

You and I aren't as great as we'd hope to be.

Tae-jun.

Listen to me, just this once.

If you go too far, you won't be able to come back.

What about you? Why don't you ever listen to me?

I'm saying this because I'm worried.

Mr. Song won't let you off the hook.

I know.

But I still need to do what needs to be done.

Okay, fine.

Fight until the very end.

Instead,

I'm also going to do my best to stop you

and keep my place.

You understand that, right?

Right?

Darn it.

After we drink this,

let's not see each other for a while.

There's no time to agonize over a tangled knot.

Right now, it is time to cut the knot

and think about what to do next.

Where are the answers to Ms. Oh's questions?

- I just finished writing it. - Okay.

Mr. Kim's office just sent us an additional questionnaire.

We have so much work to do.

Mr. Han.

Please give me the 2017 hearing report of the Minister of Justice.

(SECRETARY HAN DO-GYEONG)

- Here. - Thanks.

Here.

(REPORT OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS)

(ACT ON THE COLLECTION OF PREMIUMS FOR EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE)

(ASSEMBLYMAN SONG REPORT OF PROPERTY)

(QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ASSEMBLYMAN SONG)

I can't find anything on him.

There's not a single issue.

Is this even possible?

Mr. Song is even planning to run for the presidency

after his time as the Minister of Justice.

He would have made sure not to leave a trace.

Mr. Jang wouldn't have overlooked it if he had found anything suspicious.

How about we approach it from another angle?

Let's look into the people who gave money to Mr. Song.

It's Youngil Group's slush fund case.

Mr. Song was in charge of the investigation.

Sung Yeong-gi is the honorary chairman of Youngil Group.

He's no longer in office.

But he still exerts his influence over politicians and businessmen

through Samil Association.

Where do you think Samil Association gets their money

that makes them so powerful?

The association is a social gathering among former and current assemblymen,

but it's a known fact that they still intervene in many social issues.

Mr. Song joined the association right after he took on this case.

He definitely would have turned a blind eye on the case.

But they didn't give us the case materials

saying there were no records since it happened long ago.

After Mr. Sung became the honorary chairman,

there was an issue with his inheritance tax.

And that's when the FSS checked all his borrowed-name bank accounts.

Mr. Song definitely would've received some money from him.

Mr. Song can stop the prosecution from handing over any materials, but not the FSS.

We'll need help

from other assembly members to dig into something this big.

But they're all very cautious because Mr. Song is currently in office.

If we raise suspicions, they won't be able to stand still.

Let's start out with the press.

Are we done with the opposition party's questionnaires?

We're only left with additional questionnaires from Mr. Jang and Mr. Lee.

Give me Mr. Lee's questionnaire.

Here.

Have some coffee, everyone.

I really needed some coffee.

Thanks.

Mr. Jang.

Take a short break.

- Thanks. - Sure.

This is so nice.

My gosh, it's nice and refreshing.

Next on the news.

The hearing for the nominee for the Minister of Justice is in two days.

And suspicions regarding Assemblyman Song have started to arise.

Assemblyman Lee requested the FSS for files regarding the Youngil Group case

saying Assemblyman Song might've been lenient with the company

back when he was in charge of the company's slush fund case.

The opposition party has decided to start an investigation into it,

and this could cause some trouble during the upcoming hearing.

Call the FSS and get the files.

- Okay. - Okay.

Is there anything I should know about Youngil Group?

No, you don't need to worry about anything.

They're causing a fuss over something that happened so long ago.

They're now trying to put me in trouble because they couldn't find anything I did wrong.

Sir, I need to know in order to prepare for the hearing.

How far were you involved in the case?

I told you not to worry!

You don't need to worry about anything else.

Just focus on preparing for the hearing.

See you later, sir.

Did you call the FSS?

They already sent the files to Mr. Lee's office.

They agreed to send us the files as well.

But those files are the results of the investigation

into Youngil Group's borrowed-name accounts.

If there's any evidence that shows that Mr. Song received money from them,

it'll give him a fatal blow.

(COURIER SERVICE)

Hey, it's me.

I have a favor to ask.

If they trace Youngil Group's money,

they'll find out where Samil Association gets the funding.

Sir, do you have any way to stop this?

Everyone has a right to speak,

so I can't stop Mr. Lee Seong-min from talking just because I'm the chairperson.

Darn it.

I'm more than glad to have our member become the Minister of Justice,

but this is way too risky.

We'll end up losing a lot more

than what we gain.

If Youngil Group becomes a public issue,

Chairman Sung won't stand still.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Goodbye, sir.

Goodbye, sir.

Chairman Sung is currently abroad. I'm not sure if I should report to him about this.

This is quite a tough situation.

I'll take care of it.

So just stay quiet.

Do you have a good idea?

Are you thinking about using Jang Tae-jun?

My goodness. It's going to be a waste to lose him,

but at least it'll help us get out of trouble.

Did you purposely make him take care of all your mess until now

so you could use him like this?

My goodness. You're a very scary man, Mr. Song.

- Mr. Lee. - Yes?

By any chance, does Tae-jun have anything on you?

Well, I wouldn't exactly put it like that.

But I found out

that he's a very ambitious man.

I'm sure you didn't come empty-handed to settle a deal.

So tell me.

Let's hear what you have to say.

In order to become the minister,

you'll have no choice

but to hand over the floor leader position to Chairperson Lee.

What will you be offering me?

You know the Minister of Justice has authority over the prosecution's personnel matters, right?

There are way too many positions to fill the organization

with just the people of my own.

Are you sure there will be a position for me?

You can turn down the offer if you don't like it.

But you see, you need

to become the Minister of Justice first in order for this deal to be valid.

How are you going to deal with the issue regarding Youngil Group?

They're doing everything they can to hurt me,

so I'll have to let them bite off my arm if that's necessary.

Are you okay with losing someone that's so good at his job?

What's the use of keeping a cow that's done doing its job?

It'll only cost me money to feed it.

Now, it's time to butcher and eat the cow.

(HANSUNG LAUNDRY)

My goodness.

I was just getting ready to close.

Are you here to have it dry-cleaned?

- Mom, is it this one? - I told you there's one that's washed.

Why did you bring out a new one?

Ms. Yun.

You forgot to take these, so I brought them.

Thank you.

(PERSONNEL RECORD HAN DO-GYEONG)

What are you planning to do?

I'm going to study

for the civil service exam again.

Didn't you say you wanted to become a chief of staff?

You once asked me

why I started working here.

(DODAM DAILY) (YUN HYE-WON)

(EXCLUSIVE)

(DODAM DAILY) (REPORTER YUN HYE-WON)

(HANJANG CONSTRUCTIONS, SUSPICIONS ARISE...)

(SHIN JAE-GYEONG RAISED SAFETY ISSUES BUT WAS COMPLETELY IGNORED)

Hye-won, wait.

You told me you won't disclose Mr. Shin's identity.

How could you disclose his name?

You promised to protect his identity.

That gives us no public confidence.

We had to reveal his identity for the article.

Then what about Mr. Shin?

He had faith in me!

What's important is the article, not the whistleblower!

What happened?

Next on the news.

Mr. Shin, the whistleblower of Hanjang Constructions' blueprint edits,

tried to commit suicide.

He was taken to the hospital after having tried to commit suicide

by burning charcoal in his car early this morning.

And he is currently lying in the hospital unconscious.

Mr. Shin, who used to work at Hanjang Constructions,

found out about the company's irregularity and reported it

to the press for the public good.

However, once his identity got revealed, he was pressured by the company,

and his colleagues...

I thought I'd be able

to become the eyes and ears of the weak

once I became a reporter.

But

there was absolutely nothing I could do.

I couldn't even protect the person who trusted me

and told me everything.

So I felt helpless.

I may not be able to protect anyone,

but I felt like I should at least try to make the world a better place

where people don't need such protection.

That's why I started doing this job.

Don't give up.

Mr. Han,

you must work in this field for the sake of Yu Jin-su's grandmother.

And it doesn't have to be at Mr. Song's office.

As long as you stick to your beliefs,

I'm sure you'll find a place where you can work at.

I'll be off now.

Mr. Jang, aren't you tired?

My gosh.

Good work.

Thank you. You too, sir.

Mr. Jang.

What do you mean?

You've done enough.

I want you to stop helping Mr. Lee Seong-min.

I thought you were also against

Mr. Song becoming the Minister of Justice.

When the game changes, I should change the way I think.

Joojin Chemical's CEO will be attending Assemblyman Song's hearing today

as a witness regarding Assemblyman Song's candidacy for the Minister of Justice.

Both the ruling and opposition party have come to an agreement

and picked the witness to resolve the suspicions regarding Assemblyman Song.

Ms. Kang.

Did you hear that Lee Chang-jin will be attending the hearing as a witness?

- Yes. - Things aren't going the way we planned.

Take a look at this.

- He's here. - Come on!

- Sir! - This is your first confirmation hearing.

- Tell us how you feel. - How do you feel?

- Did both parties agree on... - Sir.

- Tell us how you feel. - How do you feel?

- Are you prepared? - You're smiling.

- Sir, please give us a word. - Please tell us how you feel.

- Sir, how do you feel? - Please tell us how you feel.

- Sir! - Sir, please!

Please tell us how you feel.

Mr. Song, how did Lee Chang-jin end up getting chosen as a witness?

The opposition party and Lee Seong-min kept causing a fuss,

so I had no choice.

It's actually for the better.

I can use this chance to resolve all the suspicions.

- It won't be that bad. - But sir...

Is that the answer sheet?

Yes, sir.

Don't worry. He won't say anything unnecessary.

What is it? I don't have time to chat.

Tae-jun, how far are you involved with Mr. Lee Chang-jin?

Let's talk about this next time.

We need to talk now.

Tell me what kind of deal you had with him.

There's a copy of the CCTV footage.

Where is the copy?

I have it.

I'll give it to you

when I join the National Assembly.

I've already told you everything.

It's the questionnaire from Mr. Ahn's office.

Read what's written on it.

(MR. SONG, ARE YOU AWARE)

(MR. JANG USED YOUR AUTHORITY TO THREATEN MR. LEE CHANG-JIN?)

Mr. Ahn is one of Mr. Song's closest men.

He wouldn't have added this question without discussing it with Mr. Song.

Your name is being mentioned here.

It's weird enough that Mr. Lee got picked as a witness.

They're trying to blame you for all the suspicions regarding Mr. Song.

They're going to make it look like it was all your doing.

We will now begin

the hearing for the nominee for the Minister of Justice

based on Article 65, Clause 2 of the National Assembly Act and Article 4

of the Personnel Hearing Act.

(CABINET MEMBER NOMINEE)

During my 20 years as a prosecutor,

I felt rewarded that I was able to fight against injustice

and take care of people who had to suffer.

And during the past 10 years as an assemblyman,

I stuck by my belief and worked very hard

to protect liberal democracy and bring order and righteousness

to our national law.

If this question gets asked,

Mr. Song will only be left with one choice.

He'll discard me.

The people of our country have constantly been disappointed

because of the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution.

And I'm very well aware that they're seeking for a reformation

within the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution.

Thus, I believe the Ministry of Justice and the prosecution

- must look back on their faults - What a smooth talker.

and be determined to change and start anew.

If I become the Minister of Justice,

I will make sure the Ministry of Justice becomes an organization that is just.

If I'm given the opportunity to serve as the Minister of Justice,

I will work hard to serve my country and its people

in the best way that I can.

Thank you.

(CHIEF OF STAFF / AIDE)

Even a tiger eats its own cub if it's cornered.

He's trying to put all the blame on me.

He was planning to pin everything on Tae-jun.

The authority has put out an APB on Mr. Jang.

We won't be able to save Tae-jun.

Let's stop here. He's too big of a fish for us to catch.

- Let's start with this. - Let's try everything we can.

Find Jang Tae-jun and bring him to me right now!

Will Mr. Song let you?

I'll show you what happens

when you treat me with arrogance.

I'll bite off the tiger's neck if I have to.

Subtitle translation by Ja-won Lee