All language subtitles for Secret Forest.S02E02.x265.720p.WEB-DL.srt - eng(2)

STRANGER 2

ALL CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS,
LOCATIONS, AND INCIDENTS

DEPICTED IN THIS DRAMA
ARE ENTIRELY FICTITIOUS

YONGNAM BEACH DROWNING CASE

MARCH 7, 2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 20:00
YONGNAM BEACH, TONGYEONG

PROSECUTOR HWANG SI-MOK

TAKEN AT 19:47 ON MARCH 7, 2019

TAKEN AT 19:53 ON MARCH 7, 2019

TAKEN AT 19:53 ON MARCH 7, 2019

TAKEN AT 19:47 ON MARCH 7, 2019

TAKEN AT 19:55 ON MARCH 7, 2019

TAKEN AT 19:55 ON MARCH 7, 2019

The owner lives in an apartment building.

This is an old house,

but it's a guesthouse now.

The owner used to live here,

but now they just rent the place out.

Had the owners lived here,

they would've heard
those students going out.

It gets quite busy here
during the peak season.

But it was cold that day,

and there's no witness because of the fog.

Thank goodness someone heard them.

- We should be grateful for that.
- Where was that?

An elderly lady lives alone
in that house over there.

She heard them talking outside

when her favorite show was about to start
at around eight o'clock.

They probably shouted
something like, "Let's go to the beach!"

Did you write that in your report?

Of course, I did.

What else would I write about?

TAKEN AT 19:55 ON MARCH 7, 2019

According to the broadcasting station,

the evening drama
began at 8:06 p.m. on March 7,

which means those students
went to the beach

after the couple from Seoul
cut the restriction line.

It only takes about
two to three minutes by foot

from the guest house to the beach.

ESTIMATED TIME OF DEATH
19:00-20:30

Yes, this is the Tongyeong Branch Office.
I called earlier.

Is Prosecutor Ryu Si-yeong not in yet?

I was told he would be in today
even though today is a holiday.

I'm sorry,

but could you give me Mr. Ryu's number?

Then could you give him my number instead?

Yes, this number.

Please pass it along right away.

- This looks so good.
- The institutional investors

will attend the general meeting
of shareholders

to vote against the reappointment
of Chairman Choi.

Moving on to the next story.

The identity of the high-ranking
police officer

who leaked information about a case

the prosecution was investigating

has been revealed as
Director Kim Myeong-han,

the Senior Superintendent General
of the Intelligence Bureau.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office
disclosed his name

at the press briefing
which took place just now

and stated that an investigation
will be launched.

INTELLIGENCE BUREAU

Did you just get here?

Yes, ma'am.

Did something happen
at the Reformation Unit?

No. I don't think anyone is there now.

Then what's the matter?

I wanted to ask you if you were okay,

but how could you be?

The Director of
the Intelligence Bureau at HQ

is the commander of all commanders.

It's the most important position that
a senior superintendent general can hold.

- Right.
- Only one person in the Blue House

can open the sealed reports
submitted by him,

making it easy for the prosecution
to target him.

But the people who took him
weren't from the prosecution.

They work on the same floor as we do.

They were from the Investigation Bureau.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office said
that he'd be summoned.

So why did our bureau…

The Director told me this story
a while ago.

It was 2011, and the police and
the prosecution were fighting as always.

A young prosecutor said this to him
as soon as he sat down at a meeting.

"You sure have it good now, don't you?"

I know that was a long time ago.

Young prosecutors these days
are polite and courteous.

But we still can't let them
take the Director away.

From what I know,
that has nothing to do with his summons.

Everything is connected.

What will you do, Inspector Han?

- Pardon me?
- If they take me,

will you just wait and see?

I probably won't do anything.

Who'd take you?
Unless they have a death wish.

- I have business to take care of here.
- Yes, ma'am.

As for the Reformation Unit,
keep me updated on every little detail.

Yes, ma'am.

ASSISTANT CHIEF WOO TAE-HA

Hello, Assistant Chief Woo.

Since you're not having a good day,

I'll take some work off your plate.

You won't be seeing
the Director for a while.

What do you mean we snatched him?

We, the police,
want to rectify our own mistakes

by finding out what actually happened.

Anyway, you've been informed.

Bye, then.

Prosecutor…

PROSECUTOR HWANG SI-MOK

What's up?

Non-prosecution? Already?

Yes. They can charge them with
damaging public property,

but there was no way to prove that

the actions of the accused directly
caused the accident.

He's quite the miracle worker, isn't he?

Do you know someone named Oh Ju-seon?

He was formerly a presiding judge
at the High Court.

- Is he their lawyer?
- Well…

I get that it's hard to prove.

And they can decide
not to prosecute the case.

But how could they make
the decision in just a day?

Unless they had nothing else to do.

In most cases, it takes them
at least three months to process anything.

SENIOR INSPECTOR HAN YEO-JIN

Detective Jang was right.

He said they'd get special treatment.

I should file a complaint.

Don't. It'll only irritate the higher-ups.

It can't get any worse than this.

I have to go.

"It can't get any worse than this"?

I guess he's even fallen
out of favor with the people there too.

ARE YOU LOOKING AT THIS NOW?

STUPID PIGS BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

Gosh, these jerks…

I can't believe the prosecution gave them
special treatment. How dare they?

As for the Reformation Unit,
keep me updated on every little detail.

Special treatment…

Special treatment…

How did you hear about this?

When did you discover that
there could have been an assailant?

We shouldn't call them that.

They were never indicted after all.

Do you think the prosecution
made the right decision?

This is a residential area.

Please try not to inconvenience
the residents.

I'll answer your questions
after I meet with the bereaved.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Did you not hear

that someone had removed
the restriction line?

Didn't anyone tell you?

- You see…
- Yes, sir.

I couldn't buy him these shoes.

I'm his father, but I couldn't even…

But he said it was okay
and that he'd just get a part-time job.

He only got to wear these for a few days…

I'm truly sorry that the prosecution

didn't try harder
to solve your son's case.

Did my son really die
because of those people?

If the prosecution's initial investigation
was inadequate,

can't you get them to reinvestigate it?

The police apprehended the suspects,

but the prosecution…

I'm sorry, but it won't be easy
to get them to revoke their decision.

This is from that afternoon.

Look, my son was alive and healthy.

He was on a trip.

He left the house
saying he was going on a trip.

So why hasn't he come home?

Sir, I'm sorry,

but may I take a look
at the photos of your son?

He was a good son
who sent photos to his family

until his final moments.

But people have criticized him
saying that his death

was caused by his own recklessness.

The bereaved was not even aware

that someone had removed
the restriction line.

By disclosing the photos sent by
one of the victims before his death,

the police have implied that
the prosecution

should be held accountable
as they have the authority to close cases.

Though the prosecutor
who first dealt with the case

filed a complaint pointing out
the unfairness of the decision,

the case was closed
only a few days after a lawyer

who used to be a judge took the case.

This is the reality of the Prosecution's
service to this country.

Do you think the prosecution conducted
a hasty investigation?

If no change is made to
the prosecution's investigative authority,

such special treatment

will continue to be given

- to its former and current officials.
- This case has reignited the debate

over reform of the police
and prosecution's investigative authority.

Commissioner General Song Jin-gyu

met with Justice Minister Lee Jong-han
earlier today

and suggested
that the prosecution and the police

work together to discuss the issue.

Meanwhile, Chief Prosecutor Kang Won-chul

of the Seoul Eastern District Office

denied the allegations.

Removal of the restriction line
did not cause the accident.

The accident simply took place after that.

If the bereaved decides
to make a motion to revoke

our decision not to prosecute the case,

we will do our best
to help them resolve their concern.

A prosecutor in Tongyeong

filed a complaint regarding
the unfairness of the decision.

We receive such complaints occasionally.

This isn't the first time.

That prosecutor
isn't even in charge of the case.

Also, he did not file a complaint.

All he did was make an inquiry
about the procedures.

What high-ranking officer
visits the bereaved in person?

I bet she was the one who called
all the reporters there.

She's putting on an act.

Yes, it's so obvious.

It's not like they pushed them
into the water.

By that logic,
we should arrest everyone who drives.

- Who knows when they'll cause an accident?
- Exactly.

The interview with the bereaved

is already all over the news.

Everyone is criticizing the prosecution.

"Who is Hwang Si-mok, the prosecutor

who filed a complaint
about the Tongyeong case?"

Hwang Si-mok, that prick…

Do you have the branch chief's number?

Yes, I'll give you his number.

TONGYEONG BRANCH CHIEF

CHIEF PROSECUTOR KANG WON-CHUL

CRIMINAL LAW AND INVESTIGATION

MR. LEE

- Yes, Mr. Lee.
- Mr. Hwang, where are you?

You're not there yet, right?

I'm almost there. Why do you ask?

It looks like you should kill some time.

Pardon?

I was told to tell you
to go to Wonju later.

So I'm staying in Tongyeong?

No. I don't think you need to come back,
but…

Why did you have to file the complaint?

Perhaps you'd like to speak
with the branch chief yourself?

Okay, I will.

CHUNGJU SERVICE AREA

I've never dealt
with something like this before.

I'm looking into it, so give me some time.

They'll probably let me know
by the end of the day.

I'll call you as soon as I hear from them,

so just go home for now.

Well, it's nice that you get to go home.

Yes, sir.

Be careful!

- Gosh.
- What?

Come on. Let's go!

JUVENILE CRIMINAL LAW IN GERMANY

CHIEF OF CRIMINAL LEGISLATION DIVISION
WOO TAE-HA

Woo Tae-ha.

Hello?

- Is this the prosecutor Hwang Si-mok?
- Yes, speaking.

You saw my business card, right?

- Yes, I did.
- Can we meet now?

It'll take me about two hours
to get there.

Come to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office.

Yes, sir.

RESTRICTED AREA
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY

I'm here to see Chief Woo Tae-ha.

You must be prosecutor Hwang Si-mok.

Come on in. He's waiting for you.

CRIMINAL LEGISLATION DIVISION

Hello, you must be tired
from the long drive.

I'll take your ID card.

I'll register you for the door.

Is that necessary?

Pardon?

You're here. Come in.

CRIMINAL LEGISLATION DIVISION
CHIEF WOO TAE-HA

Hello, sir. I'm Hwang Si-mok.

"Sir"? Please. Just call me chief.

Yes, Chief.

Do you want some coffee?
Did you have dinner?

I actually already had coffee.

You must've heard.

The council meeting
is right around the corner,

so we made a rushed decision.

- No, I didn't hear anything about it.
- Really?

A decision about what?

Do you know what we do here?

The Criminal Legislation Division…

A temporary organization that
conducts studies on prosecution reform

and reports directly
to the Prosecutor General.

- Yes.
- It's a temporary organization,

but it's been around for nine years,

which is well over
the maximum lifespan of five years.

That tells you
how important this division is.

Why did you want to meet with me?

A Police-Prosecution Council
will be formed soon

at the suggestion
of the Commissioner General.

We can no longer put it off.

The prosecution has been overseeing

police investigations fairly
from the moment we were established,

but the police have been protesting it.

Each time a new administration
takes over, they complain about it.

For us,
it wasn't even worth talking about.

It's like a turf war.

This is our territory,
and we have full control over it,

so we could ignore their complaints.

But this time, it's a little different.

As you know, their voice is
too loud to be ignored.

They're demanding that our authority
and influence should be curtailed.

Hasn't the government already
proposed a bill for the reformation?

Why would we hold
a separate meeting over this?

Then should we just accept
that ridiculous reform bill?

You have a hard time accepting
other things,

but not that?

Will I be joining
the Police-Prosecution Council then?

You were supposed to transfer
to the Wonju Branch Office, right?

Yes.

How about
the Supreme Prosecutors' Office instead?

It's a promotion
that others only dream about.

But why am I suddenly being promoted?

I wonder that myself.

Some were even strongly against it
when your name came up.

So you'd better do a good job,
Mr. Hwang Si-mok.

Understood, sir.

The first meeting is just around
the corner. Get ready.

I know this is sudden.
Do you have a place to stay?

- Where's your family?
- In Seoul.

Great. Then you can go visit your mother.
I'm sure it's been a while.

Yes, sir.

See you tomorrow.

See you.

INVESTIGATOR KIM YEONG-SIK
ASSISTING OFFICER KIM A-HYEON

RECENT DESTINATIONS
SUPREME PROSECUTORS' OFFICE

PROSECUTOR WOO TAE-HA

WOO TAE-HA APPOINTED AS
THE CHIEF OF CRIMINAL LEGISLATION DIVISION

I wonder that myself.

Some were even strongly against it
when your name came up.

SEOUL EASTERN DISTRICT
PROSECUTORS' OFFICE

You're early.

- Hello, sir.
- Hey.

I'm sorry, but could you
make us some coffee?

It's okay, sir.
I just came by to say hello.

All right.

Have a seat.

So you've managed to return to Seoul.

CHIEF PROSECUTOR KANG WON-CHUL

No, actually…

It's the Supreme Prosecutors' Office,
congratulations are in order.

So many prosecutors dream of working there

but struggle to even
get a foot in the door.

Is that why you were against me joining

the Police-Prosecution Council?

That's refreshing.

Because I'm jealous that you'll be

working at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office
when I never had the chance to?

No. I know you'd never think that,

but I wasn't sure why you were against it.

Do you know why you were chosen?

Sit down.

The police picked you.

They wanted to bring you in as an advisor.

They recommended you as someone

who'd turn the council's proposal

into a bill before submitting it
to the National Assembly.

The Chief of the Intelligence Bureau,

I'm sure you know her. Choi Bit.

The woman who visited the bereaved

with the reporters and put on a show.

I bet it was her who recommended you.

But instead of just serving as an advisor,

I've become a member
of the Criminal Legislation Division.

An eye for an eye.
If they intercept, we'll do the same.

Why do you think the police chose you?

You're not a good fit for the council.

We need someone

who will protect our authority
at all costs.

This is the fourth time the police
and prosecution are butting heads

over the right of criminal procedure.
And not once have we let the police

take any of our rights away from us.

So if you join the council
and let them walk all over you,

you'll be the biggest disgrace

in the prosecution's 70-year history.

But we handed over the rights to initiate

- and conduct investigations in 2011.
- Goodness.

You can't think like that
if you want to win this fight.

Think about what happened back then.

This is just between us,

but the police have to initiate
and carry out investigations anyway.

The reform we agreed to in 2011?

All we did was turn the law into reality.

Even so,
many of us were strongly against it.

The chiefs and even the Prosecutor General
wrote resignation letters to protest.

But this time, the police are demanding
the right to close all cases.

And they don't want to be
under our command.

If the Criminal Legislation Division
fails to do their job,

they're going to have to resign.

Assistant Chief Woo
obviously thinks you're a good fit

because of all your accomplishments

and stellar recommendations.

You look like the perfect employee.

But you know how it'll end, Hwang Si-mok.

You're a sharp knife
that should only be used for tough jobs.

They'll swing the knife
until the blade is chipped

and when they end up with a cut,

they'll say that the knife is dangerous
and shove it back into the drawer.

You've been through it already.

However,

I can't stay inside the drawer forever.

And I may find the answer this time.

The answer to what?

What is your question?

More importantly,

was it special treatment?

Are you done saying hello?

Was it because he used to be
a presiding judge?

You're not as sharp as you used to be,
are you?

Had we indicted them,
it would have been overkill.

But how do you know that?

Did you have time to review everything
in just a day?

What would change
if I reviewed the case for three months?

Yes, so they did remove
the restriction line.

But is that a crime equal to murder?

In order to prosecute this case,

we have to prove that the removal
of the restriction line

directly caused the drowning.

But how would we do that?

How would we prove

that they damaged the line
to lure specific individuals to the beach

so that they would drown?

We can't prove that
unless we distort the facts.

They're not some brutal criminals.

If we indict them for something
as childish as this,

isn't that an abuse of power
and an infringement of human rights?

My question isn't about
the non-prosecution decision.

"The process doesn't matter
if the outcome is the same."

I know that's not how you think,

so why was the process completely ignored?

And you're right.
They're not heinous criminals.

Like you said,
they're just an immature couple.

For people like that,

don't you think there's a huge difference
between three months and just a day?

Are you trying to say that I gave them
some kind of preferential treatment?

You're saying the same thing
as the police.

No, I'm trying to say that
you robbed them of an opportunity?

An opportunity to reflect on what they did
and what kind of outcome

their childish prank could cause

during a prolonged investigation.
A chance to feel remorse, shall I say?

Now, they probably think

that they can get away with anything.

You, of all people, know that similar
accidents are very likely to occur again

in cases like this.

It looks like you'll need a good lawyer.

Oh, dear.

It says that you colluded
with the deceased

and glorified a murderer

in return for information
on Hanjo's corrupt deeds.

Criminal Lee Chang-jun who had no way out

had no choice but to take his own life.

INSTEAD OF LEAVING THE FAMILY ALONE

And you cut him a deal,
knowing that his life was at stake

just to make a contribution.

How could those bastards
insult the deceased like this?

You just watch.

I'll take Hanjo down first.

Sungmoon will be next.

Why continue to deal with Hanjo yourself?

Why not hand them over
to the central office?

What kind of a question is that?

All offices are free
to investigate corporations.

The Hanjo HQ is under our jurisdiction.

I've done so much work for it.

Also, don't you think this is unfair?

Sungmoon's CEO
obviously hasn't learned his lesson.

It's my first day of work

so I'll get going.

Alright.

Woo Tae-ha has a pretty big mouth.

How could he tell you that I opposed?

He didn't tell me who it was.

Whatever the opinion, it had to be someone
who knows me.

And the only person
who could say anything to influence

an assistant chief
in the Supreme Prosecutors' Office

is you.

Of course, I can say something.

The problem is that
he's so high and mighty

so he won't listen to me.

LEE CHANG-JUN'S DEATH
GLORIFIED BY HIS PROSECUTOR COLLEAGUE

Getting someone from the Direct Tax
Department is the most urgent issue.

We can get a former auditor
of the National Tax Service.

Why would we do that?

Because we're about to go to court
for canceling additional fees.

Mr. Yoo was the most influential
in the Direct Tax department

when it comes to corporate taxes.

Ms. Lee, the Direct Tax Department is
just a part of the National Tax Service.

Power is what matters
when it comes to non-executive positions.

Mr. Yoo is an expert

when it comes to tax exemption.

Bringing either of them is illegal, right?

We'll be violating
the Public Service Ethics Act

whichever one we hire, won't we?

Yes, that's right.
They were both higher than grade 4

and their former jobs are connected
to our company.

So we can only hire them when it's been
three years since their retirement.

- Don't be stupid!
- Pardon?

Who would hire anyone
who's been retired for three years?

Don't you know why companies prefer
former public officials?

Just bring them both in.

- Yes, ma'am.
- Understood.

The lawyer who got special treatment at
the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office,

what was his name?

It's Oh Ju-seon.

He was a Presiding Judge
at the Seoul High Court

so his work is connected to the trial
of the former Chairman Lee Yun-beom.

So bringing any one of them is a violation
of the Public Service Ethics Act?

Yes. If you announce bringing all three
at the stockholders' meeting,

it'll cause a problem.

Isn't there anyone we can use out there?

We need a lawyer.

The Eastern District Prosecutors' Office

is out to get us. We need someone who can
overpower their chief prosecutor.

Then how about bringing Mr. Oh first?

- We can bring the others...
- Preparing for the lawsuit comes first.

There's over 100 billion won
to account for.

- And Hanjo Distribution?
- They decided to side with Lee Seong-jae.

Call the president of Hanjo Distribution.

Yes, ma'am.

Good work, everyone.

Yes?

This article was released
just before the meeting.

The last article was about how you used
your husband

to get rid of the former Chairman
and your half-brother.

This is the second article.

And I heard that the president
of Sungmoon Daily

and Lee Seong-jae met yesterday.

Are they

still outside the door?

They all left.

Those idiots!

Is this the piece of trash article

the best those idiots can come up with?

They're company presidents,
but all they can do

is talk behind people's backs, drink,
backstab, and get jealous.

Once I secure my share,
I'm going to get rid of them all!

You could meet with the president
of Sungmoon Daily…

I'm sorry, Ms. Lee. But…

You should think about it.

Instead…

Yes?

Contact the Chief Prosecutor of
the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office.

He already refused

but I'll ask again.

LEE CHANG-JUN'S DEATH
GLORIFIED BY HIS PROSECUTOR COLLEGE

DID CHAIRWOMAN LEE YEON-JAE
REALLY NOT KNOW?

SEO DONG-JAE

Prosecutor Seo.
It's our first time meeting, right?

Yes. It's nice to meet you.

I'm Seo Dong-jae from the
Uijeongbu District Prosecutors' Office.

There's nothing nice about meeting
for the first time.

You called me out of the blue and said

I'd be interested in something.
What is it?

Well, I'll get straight to the point.

It's about Chief Choi Bit of the police.

Sir, I came all the way here.

Why would I beat around the bush?

I'll tell you everything.

Among us prosecutors,

no one believes that the police
brought up the Tongyeong case

because they were sympathetic.

There are thousands
of drowning accidents a year.

I belong to the Criminal Division One
at the Uijeongbu office.

And the Namyangju Police Station

is within our jurisdiction.

And Choi Bit

was the Chief there until a year ago.

- Is that so?
- Yes. And, Sir,

do you remember the name, Park Gwang-su?

He was the Chief Prosecutor of
the office in Daejeon.

Park Gwang-su…

Why is that name so familiar?

Because he died.

In a remote road in Namyangju

in April 2018 to be exact.

He was someone who couldn't drink
a drop of alcohol.

When I was at my former office, he gave
a lecture on narcotics-related crime.

We had a gathering after,
but he didn't drink at all.

He said his body can't break down alcohol,

and that he can't tolerate any alcohol.

CRIME SCENE PHOTOS

But he died from a heart attack.

They said he died suddenly
while drinking and driving.

So it wasn't a DUI accident?

- Sit down.
- Thank you.

No, they found alcohol in his body,
but it was only a small amount.

And it wasn't a car accident. The autopsy
revealed that it was a heart attack.

He was already a bit ill.

Are you saying he was

having an affair with Choi Bit
or something?

Of course not.

Then what does that have to do
with Chief Choi?

The late Park Gwang-su's wife
made an objection.

A death from an illness
isn't even a real case.

So Namyangju Police Station
closed it quickly.

But Mr. Park's wife

made an objection,
saying her husband would never

drink and drive.

Well, she was his wife.

But it wasn't mentioned
in the report I received.

- About him drinking?
- No,

the fact that she made an objection.

Not only did they not conduct
further investigations,

but they also left out the part
about the objection

in their report on the case.

How did you know that it was missing

when they didn't report it?

Well, as Mr. Park's junior,

I went to his funeral, of course.

I met his wife and heard it from her.

So as the prosecutor in charge,

I questioned the Namyangju Police Station

- about what they did.
- I see.

So this is where Chief Choi comes in.

Did she use her authority to manipulate

something within the station?

You're really amazing.

Yes, she was the one behind it all.

Isn't it strange?

Why did they have to cover up
a common death from an illness?

Why did a police chief cover up

the death of a former chief prosecutor?

So?

If you want,

I can find

the truth.

What do you mean? You didn't
find out when it happened?

It's how I was able to even step
into your office

at the perfect moment.

If I'd revealed everything then,

we wouldn't have any cards to play
against Chief Choi

at a time like this
when she's vocally criticizing us.

- "Cards"?
- Yes.

Don't be ridiculous.

Sir, these are the resumes.

- You'll need these...
- Do you think this is a casino?

Who's in there?

I'm not sure.

If this were a gamble,

I wouldn't have come.

The media's been flooded with news
about prosecutors

causing issues these days.
Do you think this is a coincidence?

The police are using the media
to discredit us.

Do you think your juniors
and all the young prosecutors

can feel any kind of motivation
with that going on?

The police are doing this

because they know.
This is the perfect chance.

The prosecution is being criticized
more than ever now.

So they're risking everything
to grab the opportunity

to overpower us.

I'm sorry sir,

but you're at a bigger disadvantage
than any other authority so far

when it comes to suppressing the police.

Don't get me wrong.
It's not because of you.

It's the situation we're in now.

If this were a gamble, I wouldn't be here.

I would go somewhere that needs me.

Why would I waste my time elsewhere?

But the Criminal Legislation Division
needs me.

You need me.

I'll hold the cards for you

and deal them out.

I'm sure it won't happen,

but if my actions cause trouble,

then I'll take full responsibility.

Everything will end with me

and I'll make sure no one knows
that we even met.

Why use the same tactics as the police

and stick to exposing petty mistakes?

The citizens hate the prosecution,
but they distrust the police even more.

We need dirt on them
that will inflate that distrust.

Are you positive Mr. Park died
from an illness?

Yes. The cause of death
was really a heart attack.

And he already had symptoms
prior to his death.

How is that "corruption"?

A middle-aged man just died
from an illness.

But Chief Choi was the one

who criticized us for ending a case
because a senior was involved.

Hasn't she done the same?

In 2017, a police sergeant
committed suicide in Dongducheon.

They said he had depression.

But the station where he worked
was later busted

for being lenient on an illegal brothel.

And rumors say that the only one

who wasn't in on that was
the officer who died.

So maybe…

A victim's family submitted a petition,
revealing how

a certain chief of a police station
abused their authority.

This case clearly shows that citizens

will be treated unfairly if the police
gain individual investigation rights.

Is digging dirt all you do at work?

Well, I see stuff like this all the time
even if I don't look for them.

So, should I look into it?

Leave Chief Choi out of this.

Why?

Do you think we're fooling around here?
Don't bother us.

Why bother with the chief
when we should go after their director?

Then the recent scandal about the director
of the Intelligence Bureau was…

You really are the real deal.

I'll have a look at these.

Oh, thank you.

I'll continue to send you updates.

Alright, then.

Thank you for your time.

I'll visit you again, sir.

What are you doing here?

Hello.

Right.

PROSECUTOR HWANG SI-MOK

It's been a while, hasn't it?

- How long have you been here?
- Not long.

Right. This is great.

It must have been rough in Tongyeong.

Well, I'm a bit busy. I'll call you.

Why is he working here?

People are desperate for a chance
to work here.

He's one lucky bastard.

Let's begin.

It's been confirmed. The council's
meeting this Thursday.

Finally. We've waited two years.

But I guess we're the only ones

who were looking forward to it.

Is something wrong?

No, not really.

But the size and the members
aren't that great.

What about the size?

Less than ten people.
Just three or four from each side.

There are dozens on our team.
That's way too small.

I guess they're worried that a fight will
break out if there are too many people.

It's better than things getting heated
and losing our chance like last time.

The bigger problem is the members
that were elected for the council.

Members of the
Criminal Legislation Division

and the Investigative Procedure
Reformation Unit can't join the council.

What? Then…

We're the teams that are dealing
with investigative rights.

Does that mean we won't be able to
join the council?

- No.
- That's ridiculous.

We worked on this for years,
and now we can't participate?

Ms. Han.

You're still an officer with
the Yongsan Station, right?

Pardon?

Yes, I was dispatched
from the Yongsan Police Station.

But it's the same for you.

You're the Chief of this team,

but you're also a Chief
in the Intelligence Bureau.

Yes, that's actually my main role.

Both Ms. Han and I are not members
of the Reformation Unit.

Chief, then what about us?

You'll be giving us support.

Sir.

Sir.

Right.

The teams dealing with
investigation rights are banned

from joining the council to ensure
everyone acts in good faith.

What? Then are you not joining, sir?

Of course, I'm joining.

I have a lot of titles, you know.

You too, Mr. Hwang.
We'll say you're from the Wonju office.

No, you really do belong there.

Alright.

A fight is inevitable
whenever there's reform.

If they didn't want us to fight,

they shouldn't have started this.

Anyway, we need another member.

Me, Mr. Hwang, and one more.

Someone not on this team.

Are only three people from the prosecution
allowed in the council?

I'm sure the police will send four.

We don't need more people.

They'll send in high-ranking prosecutors
to join the council.

They're pretending not to be concerned,
but they're at the edge of a cliff too.

Assistant Chief Woo is sure to attend.

He thinks nothing goes right without him.

So we need at least

a superintendent general
to match the ranks.

Has it been decided, then?

The Director of the Investigation Bureau.

You, me, him, and one more.

Who's going to be the fourth member then?

Well, they shouldn't be from
the Police University,

but they shouldn't be low-ranking either.

You know why, right?

And it should be an officer who works
in the field, not at headquarters.

And lastly, I don't want them
to be too old.

Up to late-30s is alright.

I don't think there are many officers
who fit those conditions.

You can bring one, right?

You want me to do that?

You know lots of officers in the field.
Get someone like yourself.

- But I'm a Police University graduate...
- Except that part.

We already came up with everything
we need to say,

and we don't need new people.

We just have to show that we care
about officers in the field too.

Alright?

LEE CHUNG-HYEON
KANG GI-HEON

CHOI SANG-MUK
PARK HYE-SU

Prosecutor Park Jae-yeon from Daegu.

Are you going to summon her from Daegu
whenever there's a meeting?

PARK J

How about Prosecutor Ko Won-jun?

Can't you find anyone better?

Assistant Chief Prosecutor Kim Sa-hyun.

Dispatched from
the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

KIM SA-HYUN

He works with the National Assembly,
so he'll know a lot of members there.

Even if the council reaches an agreement,

the National Assembly has the final say.

So if he joins us in the council,

we'll have an advantage. Don't you agree?

Alright, then.

Sir, wasn't the Legislation
and Judiciary Committee

involved in a lobbying scandal?

Members of the National Assembly
contacted them

to ask the prosecution for favors.

Blame the ones who made the requests.
Mr. Kim had nothing to do with it.

A dispatched judge accepted a request
through the committee

and manipulated a trial,

so that particular dispatch system
was abolished,

and I heard the same will happen
with prosecutors soon…

Ask the Deputy Prosecutor General
for an approval

to have Kim Sa-hyun transferred

Yes, sir.

We can discuss what to say
at the council meeting

when Mr. Kim joins us.

We can all agree that we need a unit
for the corruption of senior officials.

JUDICIAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE
28TH CLASS

Where will the council meet?

- We'll probably meet here.
- We'll meet here, of course.

We called for the council first,
and they accepted.

So it's obvious that we meet here.

- Hello.
- Are you done?

Yes. Good work, everyone.

We'll go, then.

It looks as if your director
can't avoid getting arrested.

The prosecution isn't backing down?

It's strange though.
Why are they overreacting

about leaking a little information?

They're just trying to intimidate us

by making us seem corrupt.

No. A while ago, a judge was caught

showing case files to his wife.

His wife was a lawyer.
They were only reprimanded for it.

And the prosecutor who leaked
statement records only paid a fine.

Seeing how they obsess over the director
of the Intelligence Bureau,

it's as if they don't care
what he's charged with.

Someone in the prosecution
must have a personal vendetta against him.

Do you know anything about that?

They're probably just trying to find fault
with anyone they can.

Gosh, those assholes…

Mr. Hwang.

Yes?

Are you close with Seo Dong-jae?

I worked with him at
the Western Seoul Prosecutors' Office.

Is he a reliable person?

It depends on what kind of work it is…

I see.

He seemed rather fishy to me as well.

CASE REPORT

What kind of work
were you thinking of giving him?

You can go now.

Yes, sir.

If this works, it's going to give us
a huge advantage.

SUICIDE OF A POLICE SERGEANT
AT SEGOK POLICE STATION

SEGOK POLICE STATION

INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURE REFORM UNIT

PROSECUTOR HWANG SI-MOK

Hey, Gangwon Province prosecutor.
How are you settling?

What? You're in Seocho-dong?

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office?

HIGH-RANKING OFFICER VISITS
FAMILY OF TONGYEONG DROWNING VICTIM

Leave Chief Choi out of this.

I'll have a look at these.

PROSECUTOR SEO DONG-JAE

ASSISTANT CHIEF WOO TAE-HA

Hello, sir. This is Seo Dong-jae.

Yes, of course.

All right.

Yes!

Alright. I'll see you tomorrow.

Chief, can you sign this?

Mr. Hwang applied for a room
in the dormitory.

If you write a statement for him,

he'll be able to get a room sooner.

He wants to live in the dormitory?

But isn't that place for investigators.

I don't think Mr. Hwang

has a place to stay.

He needs a statement for it?
When can he get a room?

I'm not sure.
The waiting list there is pretty long.

Then where did he sleep last night?

Bye.

I thought we'd have to wait forever.

My goodness.

- What about Mr. Kim?
- Drink up.

Come on.

That's ridiculous.

Who would even do something like that?

That doesn't make any sense.

Welcome back.

What's with you?

When…

A pop-up bar would have been better.

It's gone now.

How did you know?

Did you move back to your house
in Gongdeok-dong then?

No, it's still being leased right now.

I noticed that the bar was gone
when I came by earlier.

Can we have a bottle of coke and…

Stir-fried octopus or hot pot?

- Stir-fried.
- Stir-fried octopus, please.

Stir-fried octopus!

You're working at the Investigative
Procedure Reformation Unit, right?

Yes. What kind of work are you doing
at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office?

Which team is it?

The Criminal Legislation Division.

They're pretending not to be concerned,

but they're at the edge of a cliff too.

Mr. Hwang,

are you joining
the Police-Prosecution Council?

Yes.

A young prosecutor said this to him

as soon as he sat down at a meeting.

"You sure have it good now, don't you?"

You must be the youngest
among the prosecutors there.

Yes.

- Come on!
- My gosh!

- Hey!
- Come on.

Goodness.

It seems like the Tongyeong case
is going to stay closed.

Yes, Detective Jang told me

that the family of the victims
wanted the case closed.

I guess they decided that it'll be hard
to overturn the ruling.

Or maybe they received settlement money.

Did the families receive money

from the ones who cut the line?

Considering there were two victims

from separate families, the case
was closed very quickly.

They very well could have.

The families didn't seem to be
wealthy from what I saw in the news.

Oh, the one with our team chief?

I reported it.

The special treatment
in the Eastern Office.

You didn't make anything up.
I did file a complaint after all.

Right…

Well, I…

Your food is ready now.

What?

Let's eat.

Do you know anything about
the Segok Police Station?

Segok?

Yes. An officer there…

Hang on.

Yes, Chief.

No, I haven't met Assistant Chief Kim.

Well, I'm actually…

- Oh, are you two there together right now?
- Is he asking for you? Go ahead.

One moment, sir.

Go. I'm going to eat all of this
by myself.

Yes, I'll be there right away.

I'm sorry.

I have a feeling that we'll be seeing
more of each other from now on.

Right.

- Well, then.
- Alright.

Excuse me!

- Could I have some rice?
- Okay.

Sit.

Sir, are you…

If you want Si-mok and me
to work on this together…

I mean, I'll do fine alone.

You brought it to our office,
so we should take care of it.

STRANGER 2

Let's say a police officer
murdered his colleague.

If that were true,
what do you think is going to happen?

I saw him kill himself

with my own eyes!

Did Officer Song get along well
with the rest of the team?

One of the people involved in the case
is still in the field.

Transfers like this hardly happen.

Using him like that could cause trouble.

You have to use him wisely.

A possibility of homicide
wasn't suggested at the time,

so why is it brought up now? And how?

Subtitle translation by Ju-young Park