Original subtitles

Myeong-ju.

PROSECUTORS' OFFICE

Myeong-ju…

"Myeong-ju?"

He called her Myeong-ju, not Prosecutor Cha, right?

"Myeong-ju?"

Is he her teacher?

But he didn't have the vibe of a teacher.

His vibe was exactly like that of my late grandfather-in-law.

The neighborhood gramps vibe.

Would he be her neighborhood gramps? Prosecutor Cha lived in Bangbae-dong.

I know. Then who is he?

Whoever he is,

this is the first time she seemed that surprised to see someone

since Prosecutor Lee.

-True. -Was it that bad?

Seon-ung, why don't you go ask him discreetly?

What?

Yes, go talk to him about his case and naturally bring it up.

Me?

You're in charge of that old man.

Over here. Hurry up.

Honey.

Honey.

Why are you so late?

I'm sorry. Here.

Give me that.

-You go over to that room. -What?

Myeong-ju is in there!

Go on, it's that room. Go.

Hurry up.

Just go.

PROSECUTORS' OFFICE PROSECUTOR CHA MYEONG-JU

Yes, you may go now.

PROSECUTOR CHA MYEONG-JU

Next person, please.

According to Article 244, you have a right to remain silent…

Goodness. Hello.

-Welcome. -You're all working so hard.

-Prosecutor. -Yes, hello.

Here you go.

DEFENDANT INVESTIGATION REPORT DEFENDANT: CHA JU-HWAN

Right.

My goodness.

It must be so hard to work until this late to serve your country.

It's fine.

I know very well

just how hard prosecutors work.

My daughter is also a prosecutor.

She's just two doors down. Her name is Cha Myeong-ju.

What?

I see.

Right.

I saw you…

on TV last time.

You looked like a real prosecutor.

Are you doing okay?

You look so thin.

Are you eating well?

Yes.

And you're not sick or anything?

No.

You always told me that what happened to you was because of me,

so I thought you'd leave Dad if I were to disappear.

If you don't have any more to say, I'll be going now.

Maybe it's because my daughter is a prosecutor,

but I feel very much at ease sitting across from you.

Please go easy on me,

at least for Myeong-ju's sake.

Sure.

I see you don't have any priors in gambling.

Of course not. And it's not just gambling.

I have led a clean and honest life, away from places like this.

A buddy of mine just said I should join him to get some fresh air.

I trusted him and tagged along.

You don't know how surprised I was.

My goodness, talk about bad luck.

Did you write "unemployed" for your occupation?

-That's right. -I couldn't read it very well.

I have such bad luck.

Okay.

Gosh.

We're all done.

Yes, we're finished too. You may go home.

Yes, sir.

Anyway, sir. I hope you can look kindly upon me.

Sure. Goodbye.

-Bye. -Bye.

Right, then.

Come here. Say hello.

Hello.

This is Myeong-ju's mom.

Yes, of course.

-Let's go. -Right.

-Okay. -Have a good day.

Bye.

Come on.

This is unbelievable.

Do you think he's really Prosecutor Cha's dad?

I saw them run into each other in the hallway.

The air felt real.

Oh, my. How did the air feel?

How should I put this?

I could feel the love-hate relationship only a family could have in their eyes.

The love-hate relationship of a family.

What are you doing right now?

What?

I was just…

Anyway, sir. I hope you can look kindly upon me.

Mi-ran. Prosecutor Cha's dad was a totally shabby old man, right?

I heard he looked like he had a backstory.

What was he like during the interview? Did you hear anything?

But is he really Prosecutor Cha's dad?

Did she say anything?

How's the mood in your office?

How was it?

Prosecutor Cha's dad was…

-Yes? -Her dad was?

His surname was Cha.

She gets on my nerves.

Same here.

What was that?

"I'm your father."

That was some Star Wars-level plot twist.

I know.

This is some big news.

Prosecutor Lee. Did you look into it?

Into what?

I thought she lived in Bangbae-dong? What happened?

That? Maybe they rented their place.

Did her family go broke?

I guess that could've happened.

Who said that she is the high prosecutor's daughter?

You didn't investigate at all?

You don't know a single thing.

That's a personal matter.

And it didn't seem like there was a happy story.

Mr. Lee is being considerate of Ms. Cha for once.

I know.

Usually, he's the happiest to talk about this stuff.

Hey, what do you guys take me for?

Anyway, let's not gossip about someone else's family.

Prosecutor Lee. When did any of us gossip?

It's just that we're concerned.

Right?

Of course. As prosecutors,

-we must also check the facts. -Of course.

And I am a little curious too.

-A tiny bit. -Eat your food.

Hello?

What?

According to article nine of the Prosecutor's Code of Ethics,

a prosecutor must avoid a case if he or she is related to

the victim, defendant, or any other person of interest

in an assigned case.

Sir.

Prosecutor Cha played a major role in the investigation of this case.

Her own father was revealed to be related in the Mountain Gambling Case.

I believe you must make a decision before it's too late.

Prosecutor Cha's father did not set up the illegal gambling house.

He was only a participant and a first-time offender.

He was going to be released with a warning.

Did so many get released with just a warning

because of Prosecutor Cha's father?

No, that's not true.

How can we believe you?

What did you say?

Sir, if you reassign this case to Criminal Division 1,

we will work ourselves to the bone to take care of it.

Sir, this case…

Criminal Division 2 worked tirelessly to solve this case.

Please entrust it to us until the end.

Prosecutor Cha.

I thought I should say this when both division chiefs were here.

I apologize for barging in.

Division Chief. Branch Chief.

As of this moment,

I'll remove myself from the Mountain Gambling Case.

Prosecutor Cha.

Wait.

If you excuse yourself from the case, does that solve the whole problem?

I know

that you worked hard on it from the early stages of planning.

Everyone in my division worked hard on it.

I do not wish to cause harm to everyone else in my division.

I understand your intention.

Then Division 2 will continue working on the Mountain Gambling Case

without Prosecutor Cha. Be sure to wrap it up well.

Yes, sir.

Prosecutor Cha, I'll give you

the Muryang-dong Case instead.

But that's one of our cases.

Because Division 2 was occupied with the gambling case,

I had given it to Division 1.

But now that someone from Division 2 is free, there will be no need.

But this is…

I'm sure Prosecutor Cha will work herself to the bone to take care of it.

I will do my best.

CRIMINAL DIVISION 2

Prosecutor Cha already sorted everything out.

Prosecutor Cha isn't feeling too great right now, is she?

Right.

It's obvious, isn't it?

But still, she'll get the Muryang-dong Case.

That's good news.

Sit over there.

A woman who was domestically abused for 40 years

beat her husband to death with a wooden stick.

They called it "the birthday tragedy." It was in the news.

DEFENDANT: JANG YEONG-SUK CHARGE: MURDER

It's been a while since we had a case like this in Jinyeong.

The police who were dispatched suggested murder.

What did her lawyer say?

They're claiming unsound mind and self-defense.

For what reason?

Acquaintances said the husband beat her throughout the years.

And on the day of the incident, the couple had another fight with weapons.

They arrested her in the act. Any other remarks?

She attempted suicide right before her arrest.

It's written there,

but she tried to hang herself.

PROSECUTOR CHA MYEONG-JU

I'm so fast, aren't I?

Here. Goodness, I'm so busy.

Around 10 p.m. on September 9th,

you argued with the victim, Kim Tae-su, at home, right?

You must have been happy to see your son on your birthday.

Why did you argue?

Did the victim, Kim Tae-su,

habitually abuse you, Ms. Jang?

I'll ask again.

Did the victim, Kim-Tae-su,

beat you often?

On the day of the incident…

he also beat you, right?

That was why you fought back with a wooden stick.

Is that how it happened?

GOOD DEED AWARD, EXCELLENCE AWARD

-What are you doing? -Honey.

-Myeong-ju. -Wait. She's asleep.

Why is she sleeping?

-Hey, your dad is home! -Honey, she's sleeping.

Out of my way!

Hey, get over here!

It's because you taught her wrong!

-Hey, get up. -I'm sorry.

-Get over here. -Just go to bed.

Hey!

Did you ever…

report him to the police?

And you never requested help from a counseling center or your friends?

For 40 years,

you just…

continued living

like that, right?

You could've avoided it.

If you do nothing, nothing will change.

If you say nothing, nobody will come to help you.

This is the result.

The result of not doing or saying anything and just holding it in.

Prosecutor Cha.

Why didn't you try to make a run for it?

Prosecutor Cha.

Mom.

What?

Should we run away?

Where Dad can't find us?

Sure.

Mom.

Go inside. It's cold.

All excuses.

Let's take a break for now.

The victim, Kim Tae-su, couldn't use his legs. Correct?

After a car accident two years ago,

he spent most of his days sitting or lying down.

He couldn't even walk anymore, so why were you so afraid?

-Let's take a break. -You had many chances to run.

Did you think it would get better if you just put up with it?

Look what happened! You got arrested for murdering him.

You can claim unsound mind and self-defense,

but it doesn't change anything.

Prosecutor Cha.

If you had the guts to grab that wooden stick,

you should've just called the police.

Prosecutor Cha.

Excuse me.

Let's talk for a minute.

I'm busy at the moment. Let's talk later.

Actually, your father…

What about my father?

You interviewed him yourself.

Do you still have questions?

No, it's not that…

You drive me crazy! Who gave you the right?

Get up. Hey.

It's because you look down on me.

That's why Myeong-ju does too!

-Myeong-ju, get out here. -No, I'm sorry.

Myeong-ju, get out here!

When will you be finished? I'm late.

I'm almost done.

I packed lots of sausages, your favorite.

Gosh, so hectic.

I'm so fast, aren't I?

There. Take that.

-I'm off to school. -Okay.

Do well on your test. Watch out for traffic!

When is the defendant of the Muryang-dong Case being summoned?

It's the day after tomorrow.

-Cancel it. -What?

We can indict her with the evidence we have now. Cancel it.

Okay.

This is Cha Myeong-ju.

Yes, sir.

The victim, Kim Tae-su, couldn't use his legs. Correct?

After a car accident two years ago,

he spent most of his days sitting or lying down.

He couldn't even walk anymore, so why were you so afraid?

Let's take a break.

You had many chances to run.

Did you think it would get better if you just put up with it?

Look what happened! You got arrested for murdering him.

You can claim unsound mind and self-defense,

but it doesn't change anything.

-Prosecutor Cha. -If you had the guts to--

A prosecutor

treating a defendant so emotionally

was a rare sight even in the '80s.

According to the guards at the detention center,

the defendant has been in a state of shock

since she was interviewed by the prosecution.

She has been refusing to eat or drink.

And she has been taken to the hospital,

due to a rapid decline in her health.

Branch Chief.

Before it's too late,

get Prosecutor Cha before the disciplinary committee

and have this case transferred to Criminal Division 1.

Our division

will take care of it neatly without a hitch.

I apologize.

I will take any punishment that is given to me willingly.

CONFERENCE ROOM

Prosecutor Cha.

Don't be too upset.

I was going to bring up the issue with your father too,

but I held back on that.

Hey, Brownnoser Nam.

What did you just call me?

Why?

Didn't you know that was your nickname during training?

What?

You were so great at brownnosing to all the professors.

That's why.

Are you happy that you ruined a junior prosecutor's career, you bastard?

What? "Bastard"?

That's right, you bastard.

-You bastard. -Why, you bastard!

-Wait, sir… -It's fine.

Let go. Let go of me.

I won't. I refuse.

-Why you little… -Hey, let's not do this.

-Sir! -Apologize.

All right, bastard.

-Why are you doing this? -Sir!

You little bastard.

-Chief! -You little…

-Watch out! -Let go of me!

-Hey! -Stop it!

-You dirty bastard. -Hey, let me go!

Why I ought to…

-Hey. -Sir!

-Sir! -Hey, don't!

-Watch out! -You can't do this here.

-Hey, let me go! -No, you let go.

-No! -Come on!

My hair!

CONFERENCE ROOM

Sir, are you okay?

-Those damn bastards. -Slowly.

Hey, watch out.

-Damn it! -Sir, no!

He can't even fight. What a loser.

So, who wants to take the Muryang-dong Case?

-Prosecutor Lee. -What?

You take it.

But this used to be Prosecutor Cha's case.

If I take this, it would seem…

That's why I want you to take it.

You and Prosecutor Cha will probably never get along.

-Isn't that right? -What?

Sir, wait…

Good luck.

Why do you say they will never get along?

Have you heard of a brass ruler?

A brass ruler?

Professor Park Dae-cheon at Seoul National University

only gave that to his best students.

It's a metal rod about this long.

But among those who received that thing,

there are university presidents and chief prosecutors and so on.

Oh, I see.

But what about it?

Cha Myeong-ju didn't get one of those,

but Lee Seon-ung did.

Really?

That's the actual truth.

And what's more surprising is…

-What's this? -This? It's nothing.

If there was something you wanted so badly,

but you meet a guy who uses it as a mere bottle opener,

how would you feel?

It'd be like watching someone use

the winning lottery ticket to blow his nose.

That's what I mean.

-Gosh. -So they'll never get along.

PROSECUTOR CHA MYEONG-JU

My wife and I bought a cake and went to my mother's house.

I got married in April.

Both my parents were so happy

to spend their first birthday with their daughter-in-law.

Then when did you two go home?

We left early after dinner.

My wife is pregnant, so we couldn't stay for long.

There are witnesses that say your mother was physically abused by your father.

Is that true?

Yes.

My father is rather old-fashioned.

Then on the day of the incident,

did your father get violent with your mother?

I'm not sure.

What kind of man was your father, Mr. Kim?

Well, how should I put it?

He had a bad temper.

Okay.

But he was always a good father to me.

He was a fun dad.

-Thank you. -Enjoy.

Excuse me, Prosecutor Cha.

-Yes? -I…

One minute.

Hello? Yes.

I was going to call you.

I don't think I can come home this weekend.

I was just assigned a murder case.

I mean, I was suddenly assigned a new case.

Sorry. I'll call you. Bye.

-So… -I'll be heading back now.

Thank you for the food.

Hello, ma'am.

I'm Prosecutor Lee Seon-ung. It's nice to meet you.

I'm Jang Man-ok.

Ma'am. Can I call you that?

I hear you live in Muryang-dong, right?

I live in Sajeo-dong. We're practically neighbors.

Then perhaps you know my father.

His name is Lee Dae-cheol.

Goodness. You shouldn't starve yourself like this.

Oh, dear.

Your specialty didn't work.

I know, right? It usually does.

She's been hurt emotionally.

Yes, she's still refusing to eat.

That's not good.

Who are you?

Don't we have enough evidence already?

Do you need a statement?

The DNA or fingerprints found at the scene and on the weapon

all belong to Ms. Jang Yeong-suk.

However, her motive is still unclear.

Her motive is probably domestic abuse.

That's what I think too, but…

The victim was in a car accident two years ago,

so he was mostly immobile and remained seated.

Well, he could've hit her while sitting down.

They found a cane at the site too.

And that lady showed up with a bunch of bruises.

That's right, but…

The level of violence should have been much less than before his leg injury.

But the fact that she had the desire to kill him now is a bit…

So? What will you do?

I'll keep trying to get a statement from her.

That's all good, but go easy.

I hear she's still refusing to eat.

Yes.

Prosecutor Cha. Give me a moment.

I'm glad I caught you. Please come in.

What?

Oh, sure.

According to the daughter-in-law,

the husband hit the defendant on the day of the incident as well.

He swung his cane around while cursing,

and her head was bleeding.

Then his violence started a fight between them,

and that led to this?

The daughter-in-law doesn't know that either.

As soon as the violence started, the son and his wife went home.

Then we should summon the daughter-in-law and interview her.

I agree.

However, it seemed she was hesitant to make an official statement.

Things got awkward between her and her husband.

So she's been staying at her parents' house.

I can see why.

Right.

Thank you.

Yes, sure.

It will be a big help to…

I was just relaying new information as the former prosecutor in charge.

Sure, that's true, but still…

Yes. I got it.

-Right. -Right.

That's all I have to say.

Sure. Then I'll be going.

Oh, right.

What is it?

So the thing is…

Here.

What is this?

Your father…

He must've left this while I wasn't paying attention.

-I tried to give it to you sooner-- -Yes. I get it.

Okay.

Then I'll be going.

I wanted to give it back that day--

Yes. Please leave now.

Please give it back to him.

PROSECUTOR LEE SEON-UNG

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

Is Ms. Jang Yeong-suk still not eating?

I'm afraid so.

This is bad.

Ma'am, on your birthday,

your husband hit you in front of your son and his wife, right?

Goodness, ma'am.

You must've felt terrible on such a good day

It's about time we eat.

I'm hungry. Why don't we eat here?

Sure. Ma'am, you should eat with us.

Take a look at these. We can get pretty much everything delivered here.

All right, what would you like?

Take your pick.

This ox knee soup place is really good.

There are big chunks of ox knee in a thick broth.

And they have tasty radish kimchi.

Yes, they have amazing radish kimchi.

I ordered some porridge for you.

You should eat it while it's warm.

Right.

Ms. Jang, do you have some digestive medicine?

I have indigestion.

You will die if you don't eat.

When did you first see your father beat your mother?

-I'm not sure. I can't remember. -Try to remember.

I think I was in kindergarten.

Then for about 30 years, you watched your father beat your mother.

I didn't just watch…

Then did you ever try to step up

and stop your father

or call the police?

I thought as a child, I shouldn't get involved in grown-ups' business.

Then what about after you've become an adult?

Did you ever take action?

My father was rough around the edges,

but how could a son call the police on his own father?

Is that why you just watched

as your mother was beaten?

On the day of the incident,

did you really not see anything?

You witnessed your father beat your mother, right?

Why are you lying?

I wasn't trying to lie.

These kinds of things happen often.

Even when your mother was bleeding from the head,

you just left her there.

Weren't you ashamed to admit that? Isn't that why you lied?

Why are you doing this to me?

I didn't do anything.

Right.

Mr. Kim Min-su.

You did not do anything.

Hello?

Hello?

Is that you, Myeong-ju?

Yes.

-Myeong-ju. -Dad

gave the prosecutor in charge money.

This can turn into a big issue these days.

Give me your account-- No, give me your address.

I'll give it back just as he left it.

We haven't moved.

Our phone number was the same too.

Okay. I'll send it via registered mail.

I thought it would be okay if I ignored it.

Then I got used to it.

Mom getting beaten and Dad hitting her.

I knew…

it was wrong to put up with it.

But because I didn't do anything, Mom…

NEW CORRECTION FOR THE FUTURE

Have you eaten?

You should eat.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Mom, I should've done better.

Mom.

Mom, I should've done better.

I'm sorry.

PORRIDGE, TRADITIONAL SAMGYETANG…

Ma'am, we forgot to tell you last time.

It was something very important.

Don't get too shocked.

We can get fried chicken delivered too.

DUCHON OX KNEE SOUP

Order this one for me.

Yes! The ox knee soup?

-Okay. Can you order it? -Yes.

What a relief.

I know, right?

It was my first birthday

since my daughter-in-law joined the family.

I was thrilled.

It was enough to forget about the bad days.

-Happy birthday to you -Happy birthday to you

-Happy birthday to you -Happy birthday to you

-Happy birthday, dear Mother -Happy birthday, dear Mother

-Happy birthday to you -Happy birthday to you

-Blow them out. -Mother, make a wish first.

-I'll visit again. -Okay.

-Go on. -Go inside. It's cold.

-Okay. -We'll get going now.

-Go on. -Yes, Mother.

But…

that man's temper was unpredictable.

Why were you smiling?

As soon as my son went home,

he became a different person.

-Did you like it that much? -Gosh.

I just thought, "Here he goes again."

-But then… -Why I ought to…

When I looked into her eyes, I knew.

-Let's go. -Honey.

I knew how I lived my life until now.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOTHER

I had forgotten all about it.

But looking into my daughter-in-law's eyes, I knew.

I had been living like a fool,

being treated like I wasn't even human.

I remembered when I looked into her eyes.

The day I first got slapped in the face

after getting married at 18…

Because the soup was cold.

Back then, I was just so scared.

I was terrified, so I couldn't say a word.

But then the next day, he punched me.

And the next day, he threw an ashtray.

It hurt so bad.

I had cuts and bleeds, and I was so scared.

But…

when that continued,

I figured that was how I was supposed to live.

This must be my fate.

I had forgotten about it.

But when I looked into my daughter-in-law's eyes,

I knew.

The life I had lived until that point.

Where are you going? Get back here!

So before I knew it…

Are you crazy?

Die!

Die!

Die!

Die!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOTHER

Die!

But you didn't…

intend to kill your husband from the start, right?

He began hitting you first,

so you were defending yourself and hit him back.

That's how it ended up this way, isn't it?

You didn't intend to kill him, right?

You're wrong.

I wanted to kill him from the start.

Ma'am, think about it.

He was still your husband of several decades.

Are you sure you hit him with the intention to kill?

Of course.

Okay.

Then when you were hitting your husband,

were you hitting him in random places like his arms and shoulders

when you accidentally hit him in the head?

Go ahead.

Wait a minute, ma'am.

Before you answer my question,

think about it for a bit.

It must've been a chaotic moment.

You're not a trained fighter, so I'm sure you just swung the bar around.

-Right? -You're wrong.

I aimed for his head the whole time.

Okay, well,

even so.

If you think about it once more,

when you were hitting him,

your heart was probably pounding. Like this, you know?

-Watch. -Like this.

You were probably so worked up,

that you started hitting him in the arm first.

No.

I only aimed for his head.

So that he would die.

I only went for his head.

I understand.

"Death by injury?"

"A two-year sentence and a three-year probation?"

Are you joking?

Her neighbors petitioned on her behalf.

And her son testified to what happened that night.

If they do an audit, this will definitely get you in trouble.

I have no other choice.

Myeong-ju.

You should've called me before you came.

Here. Drink this.

This kind of thing…

can get you in trouble.

It must've put you in a sticky spot.

It's his first offense, so he'll be fine.

I didn't pull any strings.

Everyone else got the same deal.

Oh, your dad isn't like that these days.

Good.

Hey, did you eat dinner?

I'll prepare it right now. It won't take long.

If you gave me a heads-up, I would've gone grocery shopping.

Next time I visit you,

I'll let you know.

You…

How could you do that?

You didn't even call to let us know

if you were dead or alive.

How could you do that to me?

How could you do that to me?

How could you?

How did you manage on your own when you were so young?

Did you eat well?

Did you have a place to stay?

I worked as a live-in tutor.

I ate well and stayed in a warm room.

Don't worry.

You should've called me, at least.

I promised myself

that I'd pay for my brilliant daughter's tuition.

How could I ask you to do that?

I abandoned you

to go live on my own.

Some moments shake our lives up entirely.

Even still,

we must get through today.

So we won't regret

the coming future and this moment.

-The hidden card. -Okay, here it is.

Take the call.

No, it's fine.

Hand them out.

Here you go.

All right.

What?

Let's take a pick.

-Here's 100 won. -Me too.

And I'll add 400 more.

That's so little.

I'll take that

and raise you 2,000 won.

-Isn't that too much? -It's not…

-Hey, hide it! -No! Wait.

-Stop. Wait. -What?

Hold on. Don't move an inch.

Don't move. Not this time.

-Are you sure? -Okay.

Don't move.

Act natural.

-Get the door. -Hold your cards.

-Me? -Stay still.

Just relax.

The total is 2,500 won.

-You're a thug. -Who is it?

Gosh.

-Who… -Go out and see who it is.

-Go. -Right.

Who is it?

Dad.

Jae-hun.

What are you…

WIFE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOTHER

Jae-hun is here.

What's going on? Why is he here by himself?

-School violence. -What?

How could this happen?

You know I love you so much, right?

Kim Hyeon-ji. Did you ever have your money stolen after school

at the convenience store in front of your school?

-Has the student given a statement? -Not yet.

Kids don't even know what they've done.

"I'm a minor. What will you do about it?" That's the look on their faces.

Jae-hun is fine, right?

He just missed his dad.

Goodness. He's all grown up.

You have to get those kids in line when they're young.

They're just young. They don't seem like bad kids.

Do you think kids live in wonderland?

It's more like Lord of the Flies.

You want to prosecute the kids as a criminal case?

The only way for the victim to overcome the past to move forward is

to punish the assailants appropriately.

Prosecutor Oh, are you familiar with school violence committees?

School violence committees? Why would you keep it a secret?

Subtitle translation by: Youla Kim