Original subtitles

-Mr. Ko In-tae. -Yes.

Can you explain what made them launch the special investigation unit?

Yes. First, they found new evidence

that both the district chief and deputy chief stayed

at the same hotel when the prostitution took place.

And there is a possibility that Yoo, a transportation business operator,

is involved with Assemblyman Kang Jun-mo,

the current Judiciary Committee chairman.

So the prosecution is taking

a preemptive measure to reform the organization.

I heard Kim In-ju, the new head of the special investigation unit,

wasn't an influential figure within the prosecution.

Right, that's what makes people curious.

Kim In-ju, the new head of the special investigation unit,

is known as a prosecutor of integrity among his juniors,

but he wasn't from the special division or the public security division,

but the criminal division.

But before his tenure in the Suwon High Prosecutors' Office,

he worked at the Jinyeong Branch.

Mr. Kim is now in the public eye as he arrested

the defendant in the insurance fraud case who turned out to be the son

of Assemblyman Kang Jun-mo.

Is Assemblyman Kang Jun-mo involved in this too?

I don't know.

Anyway, he's such a lucky man.

How could he make a comeback like that?

The launch of the special investigation unit…

We all are sincerely happy for him, but we know from experience

that this has nothing to do with us.

That's enough. Let's just start the meeting.

Yes, sir.

-Prosecutor Hong, you go first. -Yes, sir.

This is a contempt case.

Two friends went to a karaoke…

But you should know that we're the kind of people who expect

to ride on the coattails of our boss who got a special promotion.

Mr. Kim, congratulations on your promotion.

MESSAGE UNREAD

Congratulations. Please stay healthy.

MESSAGE UNREAD

Justice has been served. Good luck, Mr. Kim.

The song title is "Open Sesame".

-And they both-- -That's enough.

Prosecutor Cha.

Is the forensic result for Jimil Island Case out yet?

Yes, sir.

She's the girl in high heels?

Do you all remember the High Heel Case?

We're still not sure if what he saw was really

the spirit of a girl in high heels.

My feet hurt.

But it still remains an unsolved disappearance case in Room 309.

Cover her with a blanket.

Last month, a 17-year-old girl with a mental disability was rescued

while doing hard labor like a slave on Jimil Island.

She was about the same age as the missing girl in high heels,

so we all expected it might be her.

No, sir.

The DNA of Oh Ji-hyeon, the 17-year-old girl found on Jimil Island

and Jeon Hui-jin of the High Heel Case didn't match.

But she told the police that there was another girl around her age,

and she died and was buried somewhere.

Oh Ji-hyeon had a mental disability, right?

Were her statements consistent?

I'll investigate further and keep you updated.

Okay.

MR. KIM, LET ME OFFER MY SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS

MESSAGE STILL UNREAD

Gosh, it's funny how life turns out.

Tell me about it. I guess some people are destined to succeed.

By the way, how do you think our inspection will turn out?

Oh, right.

Why are you looking at me?

I have a friend in Yeosu.

She says they will also let some employees go there. It's a total mess.

I hope we'll be all right.

No news from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office?

No news.

They wouldn't call you directly though.

They will probably call the Branch Chief or Mr. Cho.

What do we do?

The person you have reached--

The phone is turned off. Please leave your message after the tone.

Hello?

Hello, it's me.

Hello, sir.

So what is happening?

-What do you mean? -I mean…

Kim In-ju became the head of the special investigation unit.

And I heard the district chief and the deputy chief

are being investigated.

Is that so?

Did you not know about that, Mr. Choi?

Well…

Did you do anything wrong?

-Pardon? -I'm a little busy now.

Oh, right.

I don't think it is a good idea

that an attorney talks to the branch chief on the phone often.

So, did you get my text?

I have never doubted that

you'd get promoted like this.

I can't describe how happy I am.

Thank you.

Those from Jinyeong Branch were the first ones to text me.

I was deeply touched.

They did? Who texted you first?

-I bet it was me… -It was Prosecutor Cha.

I see.

But I wanted to hear your voice most, so I'm calling you like this.

Why are you talking politely to me again?

You feel so distant.

Oh, you're right. Let's talk casually again.

But I can't be rude to the head of the special investigation unit.

In-ju.

HEAD OF SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT KIM IN-JU

All right.

But I'm worried now.

It will be like going after my own family.

I understand what you mean.

In that regard,

Mr. Cho, I have a favor to ask you.

Me?

Sure. You can ask me anything.

I have a friend in Yeosu.

She says they will also let some employees go there. It's a total mess.

My political views?

That's great, then.

Just call me a commie and fire me.

Yes, Mr. Cho.

Come to my office.

Yes, sir.

Hey.

One of you

needs to make up your mind.

-Prosecutor Lee. -Why me?

I'm well aware that I'm not good enough.

But I don't think I'm bad enough to make up my mind like this.

Mr. Cho, you know I have a family to support.

I'm not experienced enough to start my own practice.

What do you mean?

I called you because Mr. Kim asked me to recommend either one of you two.

-What practice? -Pardon?

Do you not want to join the special investigation unit?

I'll go, sir. Please leave it to me.

I see. Will you?

No, I want it too. I'll go.

You just said no. You said you were not good enough.

When did I say that?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good for you.

I'm jealous.

It's too soon to congratulate me.

At least you became the candidate.

Lady Luck seems to be on your side.

Then you won't have to worry about the inspection results?

As the special investigation unit has been launched,

I guess the former inspection results will fizzle out to nothing.

I see.

Once you're transferred, will I be on my own?

Have the house for myself?

Hey, don't pop the champagne too soon. We can't be sure yet.

So what are you going to do?

The thing is…

Then…

I'll let you two decide who will go.

-What? -Why don't you decide for us?

Whomever I pick, one of you will be disappointed.

You two discuss it and decide by the end of the week.

You'll be working in Seoul starting next Wednesday.

What?

It's Mr. Cho who should make a decision.

How could he let you decide?

There's no way Ms. Cha will give it up.

You don't intend to yield, right?

Of course not.

They'll start the unit with those who handled many special cases,

so Ms. Cha has the upper hand.

Everyone starts with ordinary cases.

Considering all the disciplinary measures and penalty points you've given,

I don't think you're in a position to give way to her.

You should go to Seoul and start afresh.

Right.

Hey, try the sea squirt. It's good.

It's very pungent.

BRANCH CHIEF'S OFFICE

Oh, right. Mr. Cho.

Isn't Choi Jong-hun the new branch chief there?

Yes, it's him.

I see.

Why?

Nothing. He sent me a text.

He congratulated me and said he would be happy to help.

I wasn't sure who it was.

Come in.

What's the matter?

I got a call from Mr. Kim In-ju, the head of the special investigation unit.

He called me directly.

He wants one of my juniors, either Lee Seon-ung or Cha Myeong-ju,

to be transferred to his unit.

He wants to root out all the corruption in the prosecution,

and he believes they will be cut out for the job.

He asked for them both at first.

I guess he wanted to wield swords in both hands.

I talked him out of it.

So what?

Which one is going?

I told them to talk about it and make a decision.

Aren't you supposed to decide it yourself and report it to me?

They can't go without my approval.

But it was a direct order from Mr. Kim In-ju.

Well… I don't know if you heard,

but District Chief Jung and Deputy Chief Park are in a bind.

They wanted to resign before the inspection,

but the Prosecutor General rejected it and told them to be investigated.

Aren't you close to them?

Stop the nonsense

and go focus on your work.

Yes, sir. I'll get going then.

BRANCH CHIEF CHOI JONG-HUN

I have three reasons to join the investigation unit.

First,

most of the prosecutors in the unit

are my former colleagues who handled special cases in Seoul.

Things will probably go smoother with me.

Second, I was the one who was in charge of cases that must be inspected,

such as Kang Jun-mo's case.

Lastly,

it is reasonable that the best prosecutor in the Jinyeong Branch goes.

What is the reason you must go?

There are countless reasons why I must join the unit.

But that doesn't matter.

If we were chosen by Mr. Kim,

that means we both have enough reasons and qualifications.

What should we do then?

Should we ask Mr. Kim directly?

And lastly, there is a prosecutor I'd like to express my gratitude.

Prosecutor Cha Myeong-ju.

Thanks to you, Prosecutor Cha,

I could end my term in Jinyoung honorably.

No, we can't do that.

Let's make it simple.

Rock, papers, scissors.

This is surprising.

If you think about it, you owe me a favor.

I didn't think you'd want to fight against me over the position.

What do I owe you?

While working on Kang In-sang's case,

you stole someone else's brass ruler and used it to take the case.

If I were you, I'd feel sorry to do this.

Stole it?

I didn't steal anything, so I don't feel bad at all.

If it weren't for the brass ruler, would the case have been assigned to you?

For me, the brass ruler has always meant nothing more than a bottle opener.

Are you still hung up on that?

The real owner of the brass ruler would find this really pathetic.

-What? -Think about it.

I'm sure the owner felt disgusted about the Brass Ruler Society

and threw it away for good.

You have no idea how the owner must've felt.

But you're being jealous like a kid over it.

Actually,

you can have it.

You take the brass ruler,

and I'll join the special investigation unit.

I don't think so.

What do you mean?

The real owner must've lost the brass ruler.

Gosh, you'd never let it go.

Are you saying the owner must've lost it

since no one would throw away something so precious?

Not everyone is like you.

Do you want to find out who's right?

-What? -Let's return the brass ruler

to its real owner and ask.

Whoever gets it right will join the special investigation unit.

Don't you think you're being childish?

Better than rock, paper, scissors.

Let's do that. I'm in.

Now we have to find the real owner.

I've already looked into that. I knew this would happen.

I must say you're meticulous.

You stole the ruler after finding out its owner.

Where does the prosecutor work?

The owner is no longer a prosecutor.

What?

When did you go to Jimil Island?

Six years ago.

The police records say it was seven years ago.

Do you remember which year it was?

She doesn't remember which year it was.

Was there

a girl who was about your age?

Was it this girl?

She's pretty.

Take a close look again. Is that her?

She says there was a girl.

But she wouldn't say anything more than that.

Prosecutor Cha, I'm sure the girl she saw on Jimil Island

-was my daughter. -That's right.

There was a ferry that ran between Jimil Island

and the seawall where she went missing.

We are also considering the possibility,

but the seawall isn't the only route to Jimil Island.

And the girl who just got rescued keeps changing her statements.

And she didn't specify where she was buried.

She might still be alive somewhere on the island.

If that girl came back alive,

my daughter would be alive as well.

He's right. She must be alive.

So please search the island.

The police already searched the island right after the incident.

We will conduct one if it is needed during the investigation.

Please go home and wait.

I'll call you after I'm done talking to the defendants.

Prosecutor Cha, should we request another search to the police?

Just in case.

They didn't find a girl of her age during the first search.

If she's not alive, it will be hard to find where she's buried.

For now, we will focus on

Oh Ji-hyeon's abduction and forced labor case.

Yes, ma'am.

Today, the special investigation unit was launched

to reinvestigate Hwang Hak-min's corruption case, which was acquitted

by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.

Kim In-ju, the head of the unit of the Suwon High Prosecutors' Office

arrived at his new office prepared for the special investigation.

Even his way to work makes news.

-An official from the unit… -He must feel a lot of pressure.

I wish I could feel such pressure at least once.

After I leave, where will you guys have a beer?

Is it settled?

Isn't that obvious?

If the owner won the brass ruler,

he or she must've at least been more competent than Cha Myeong-ju.

Then why would one give up everything and move to an island?

I'm sure it was thrown away.

I hope you will lose.

What?

Both you and I will be transferred to another branch in a few months.

Until then,

I just want to hang out and spend more time with you.

What's good about that? We always were on each other's cases.

If you leave and Cha Myeong-ju stays,

I will have to deal with her alone.

I might get a hole in my stomach.

I'm worried too.

I'm worried regardless of whether she leaves or not.

Why are you worried about her leaving?

Well, just…

I'm just sad.

My gosh.

But she's only going back to her place since she was from Seoul to begin with.

That's good for her.

She moved to Seoul in high school.

You can't say she's from Seoul.

-If that's the case, I'm from Seoul too. -Me too.

Right.

I was born in downtown Seoul.

My gosh.

A true Seoulite.

It's cold out.

I like the fresh air.

This sea breeze…

I guess I'll miss it a lot when I go to Seoul.

Let me ask you one thing before I go.

When you first came to Jinyeong,

why did you act like you didn't know me?

Why did you hate me so much since university?

What did I do wrong?

My gosh.

Don't tell me…

Did you have a crush on me? And you didn't want me to find out.

That's what it is.

My gosh.

I just hated you.

What?

I had to work as a private tutor in a rich family

to prepare for my bar exam.

I was annoyed that

you went to Africa just to clear your head and volunteer.

"Who cares if I don't pass the exam early?"

"I will just enjoy my university life." I hated such pretensions.

I couldn't even afford to smile all day,

but you always seemed so pleasant and relaxed.

I despised it.

So I pretended not to know you. Because I hated you.

I was curious though.

I wanted to see what kind of

lousy prosecutor you've become in Jinyeong.

Are you happy that you saw how I turned out?

I thought I would be.

But I'm not sure anymore.

It's over there.

This place must be it.

Time to eat.

Who are you?

Hello. By any chance,

Are you Ms. Jeon Ha-yeong?

Do I know you?

You were here.

JUDICIAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

Please gather around.

A TALK WITH SENIOR PROSECUTORS

Smile.

All right. One, two, three.

LECTURER: JEON HA-YEONG

Thank you.

Ms. Cha Myeong-ju?

Yes?

You're the top of the class?

Yes.

You'll be a prosecutor?

Yes.

I'll make the first female Prosecutor General.

So just make sure you will follow in my footsteps as a prosecutor.

I remember you.

That was ten years ago already.

You haven't changed much.

But how do I look?

I recognized you right away.

Does Jinyeong still have a nice ocean view?

-Sure. -Which office are you in?

Room 306.

I used to be in Room 306.

Actually, this…

BRASS RULER

-Where did you find this? -Pardon?

I don't remember where I put this.

It was stuck in your desk drawer.

Then did you lose it?

Yes.

This is considered a gold medal in legal circles.

A prosecutor even got his brass ruler gold-plated.

-I see. -You came here to give me this?

Why did you quit?

I used to brag about how successful I was.

So you wonder why I ended up like this, right?

I was always busy back then.

I went to Seoul Central District after my training.

Everyone gossiped that I was the first female prosecutor

with the brass ruler.

Honestly, it felt good.

I only served in high-profile positions.

My seniors guided me and covered up my small mistakes.

And they talked me up over nothing.

After I moved around the offices in Seoul for about 12 years,

then I came to Jinyeong.

Is that why you quit?

No.

I worked even harder

to go back to Seoul.

I took on big, significant cases.

I only handled difficult cases that other prosecutors avoided.

I didn't even care about petty cases.

I thought they were for the lousy Jinyeong prosecutors.

I had to stand out and go back to Seoul.

After about six months, I was appointed to Seoul as I expected.

And…

the thing happened.

It was a common alcohol-fueled assault case.

PROSECUTOR JEON HA-YEONG

I was going to return to Seoul in a few days.

Something felt off about the case,

but I couldn't afford to begin an investigation.

I just wanted to wrap things up

and hand it over to another prosecutor.

And soon after…

a whole family was murdered.

This is what they say.

We must focus on the people, not the records.

And…

we all are well aware

that it's not as easy as it sounds.

Everyone said there was no problem with the summary indictment.

My seniors consoled me saying I didn't have to feel bad.

My district chief even said a mere countryside case

shouldn't get in the way of a brass ruler prosecutor.

But I felt inside me

that I missed something.

I knew where things went wrong.

And the first case I got in Seoul was

an embezzlement case of a conglomerate.

The case was dismissed for lack of evidence.

Not surprising, right?

Once we set our minds to it, no one could stop us.

That fact made me proud and feel encouraged.

But what if we were wrong?

I didn't do my job properly thinking of going to Seoul

and had a whole family murdered.

I acquitted the embezzlement case

as if nothing happened

just because they contributed to the national economy.

I couldn't do it anymore.

We can't take care of all the crimes in the world.

But…

if I fail to handle one single case properly,

whether it's in Seoul or Jinyeong,

I probably shouldn't work as a prosecutor.

That's how I felt.

If I didn't lose this,

what would I be using it for now?

As a bottle opener?

You should go back in.

We will get going.

I'm sorry for ending up like this after telling you to follow my steps.

It's fine.

Take care.

-Drive safely. -Take care.

LAW AND SOCIETY

A TALK WITH SENIOR PROSECUTORS

We can't take care of all the crimes in the world.

But…

if I fail to handle one single case properly,

whether it's in Seoul or Jinyeong,

I probably shouldn't work as a prosecutor.

I want you to take this, Prosecutor Cha.

They say the brass ruler is to have the law administered fairly to everyone.

I hope you will realize its true meaning.

Come in.

-Hey. -You wanted to see me, sir?

-Have a seat. -Yes, sir.

I hear you guys made a bet.

Yes, sir.

And Prosecutor Cha won.

Yes.

All right. Then you're going.

Right?

You already know that.

Do you really have to call me here to confirm it?

You know I'll stick around here.

Do you think I have nothing better to do?

Do you think I called you to rub it in your face?

What is it then?

You go.

-Pardon? -You join the special investigation unit.

Prosecutor Cha says she has a goal to achieve here in Jinyeong.

You're my junior, but I must say there's a lot I can learn from you.

You must be happy to go to Seoul.

You just decided that without asking my opinion?

Winner gets to decide.

So you're just happy that you won, and I can keep the trophy.

If you're happy, just say so.

The work starts next Wednesday.

Reassign the cases you're working on to the others.

And make sure to thank Prosecutor Cha.

No.

What?

You can't refuse it after all this time.

I'm not refusing it.

What?

I don't want to thank her.

She always gets to look cool.

And now I even have to thank her?

I don't want to. That's not going to happen.

My goodness. What's wrong with him?

Just cut him some slack.

Mr. Lee.

Can you get me the documents

for the High Heel Case and the Jimil Island Forced Labor Case?

Will you be double-checking them?

Yes.

Yes, ma'am.

Do I still reek of alcohol?

We drank too much last night.

Was it really a farewell party for me?

It was more like your concert.

Come in.

Prosecutor Lee is here.

Hey, Prosecutor Lee.

-You're leaving now? -Yes, sir.

All right.

Good luck.

Stay healthy while you work in Seoul.

Yes, sir.

-All right then. -Goodbye, sir.

Okay.

Oh, right.

About the disciplinary measures you've received.

I'll see what I can do and take care of them.

If you have any hard feelings for me,

let's keep them as memories, okay?

Yes, sir.

-Take care, sir. -Sir.

I won't see you off. Bye.

All right.

All right.

Did he just say memories?

BRANCH CHIEF'S OFFICE

Yes.

You should get going.

The special investigation unit asked for two investigators.

I wish you could come with me.

I have to stay here.

And I have to send Gi-jun to university.

Let's go.

Prosecutor Cha.

Thank you for everything.

And…

thank you for recommending me.

It's nothing. You're going because you're qualified.

Well…

I didn't get to wrap it.

When you go to Seoul,

you'll need this a lot both mentally and physically.

Take good care of your health.

-Thank you. -Good for you.

Everyone's waiting.

-Let's go. -Okay.

Mr. Cho, thank you for everything.

Good luck. And don't be so petty.

-Okay. -All right.

Bye.

Gosh, stop frowning. I can't leave you like this.

My gosh. You darn brat.

What's wrong with him? Hey, just ignore him and go.

Ms. Jang, I wish you could come with me.

I need both you and Jeong-hwan on my side.

Mr. Lee will take good care of you. Don't worry.

Prosecutor Lee.

Please take care.

I respect you so much.

Ms. Choi, don't cry. Why are you being like this?

-What's with you? -Stop crying.

Come on.

Don't work too hard in Seoul. Take good care of your health.

Well, I'm sure your wife will take good care of you.

All right.

Thank you for everything, Prosecutor Oh.

Thank you for everything, Mr. Lee.

You must be thrilled. You're finally on your own now.

Take good care of Room 306.

And I might come to visit on weekends, so make sure to clean the residence.

-No way. -What?

That's true.

If Prosecutor Kim lives alone,

nothing will stop these two.

-Right? -Hey.

-Gosh, Mr. Cho. -What?

Mi-ran moved to her own place. They were going to be alone anyway.

Really?

Take care.

Thanks. I'll call you if I have any questions.

Sure.

Goodbye, then.

-Bye. -Bye.

-Go back in. -Take care.

-Stay healthy. -Bye.

-Stay healthy. -Okay.

Bye.

Drive safely.

Bye, Seon-ung!

Bye.

My gosh.

All right. Let's go back inside.

-Okay. -Yes, sir. Let's go.

Yes.

Hello, Mr. Kim.

Hello, Prosecutor Lee.

Welcome.

Thank you for coming.

-Thank you. -I'm glad to see you.

Right. Say hello to them.

Nice to meet you. I'm Choi Jun-ho.

Nice to meet you. I'm Lee Seon-ung.

-Hello. Park Seo-ung. -Hello.

-Hello. Kim Dae-ung. -Hello.

-I'm Prosecutor Park Jun-yeong. -Hello.

They all are competent, but they know nothing about fishing.

Now that you're here, I finally have someone to talk to.

-All right. Let's have a seat. -Yes, sir.

Please sit.

How is Jinyeong? Is everything all right?

Of course.

-And Criminal Division 2 as well? -Yes, sir.

Prosecutor Cha, they are here.

Hello, Prosecutor Cha.

-Please come in. -This way.

Please have a seat.

How did it go?

We've decided to investigate your daughter's case

and the Jimil Island Case together.

We will search the island around the area where the forced labor took place.

And we will look for your daughter's traces on the island.

-Thank you, ma'am. -Thank you.

-Thank you, Prosecutor Cha. -Thank you.

-Thank you so much. -Thank you.

Let's go eat.

-Okay. -Okay.

Shall we go eat too?

Yes.

Prosecutor Lee, let's go for lunch.

Okay.

Are you from the 39th training?

Yes.

Do you know Prosecutor Choi In-tae?

He's also 39th.

Well, I'm not sure.

And he doesn't remember you either.

You must've been out of the city for a while.

Well, yes.

Did you first meet Mr. Kim at the Jinyeong Branch?

-Yes. -Good for you.

Thanks to the connection, you came to Seoul.

Right.

Here's the report.

REPORT ON JANGWON DISTRICT CHIEF'S INVOLVEMENT IN CORRUPTION

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT PROSECUTOR LEE SEON-UNG

About what we're working on now.

Even a minor mistake might disgrace the entire prosecution.

It's that delicate.

Things will barely work out even if we have good teamwork.

Prosecutor Lee Seon-ung.

-Yes, sir. -There's a risk of leaking,

so don't print out confidential material.

Yes, sir.

I reviewed the interim results.

I didn't notice any problems, but please review them thoroughly.

-Hey, it's on. -I will begin the briefing

on the interim results of Hwang Hak-min's case.

Today, the special investigation unit…

There he is.

That's right. It's him.

-My gosh. -There he is.

He looks so cool.

Violating the Special Law on the Prevention of Prostitution

and the public officials…

It's been only a few weeks, but he already looks tired.

That's just how he always looks.

Stop it.

I think he's nervous. He's intimidated.

-He looks cool though. -Deputy Chief Park Jeong-gon.

They will be summoned on the same charge as Hwang Hak-min.

District Chief Jung Yun-ho will be summoned tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.,

and Deputy Chief Park Jeong-gon will be summoned at 2 p.m.

Please refer to the briefing materials

for further details.

This is it for today's briefing.

All right. We should've done this sooner,

but we've been too busy.

Thank you all for your hard work.

I hope you will try your best until the end.

Giving a toast would be inappropriate,

-so let's just drink quietly. -Yes, sir.

Thank you for everything, Mr. Kim.

It must've been hard for you to come up with a balanced conclusion.

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office seems satisfied with today's briefing.

Our District Chief gave me a call.

He said it wasn't too strong nor too weak, and got to the point.

He thinks it's thanks to your fishing experience.

He's more experienced than I am when it comes to fishing.

-The meat is burning. Let's eat. -Yes, sir.

-Let's eat. -Okay.

All right, then.

-Goodnight, sir. -Goodnight, sir.

-Prosecutor Lee. -Yes, sir.

I have something to tell you. Come with me in my car.

Yes, sir.

Be safe on your way home. I'll see you tomorrow.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Why did he bring him?

How is the work?

Is goldstriped amberjack in season in Jinyeong now?

We had enough evidence and testimonies to support

the charges of District Chief Jung and Deputy Chief Park.

But I'm still not convinced why we only requested a warrant

against Hwang Hak-min.

Prosecutor Lee, I read through your report.

As expected, you investigated with effort.

But I'm afraid

you always tend to get a little carried away.

You should stay cool-headed. Then you'll find a way.

If we keep giving them time like this,

they will find a chance to destroy evidence.

I heard they already--

It's not like

the other prosecutors in the unit are not aware of that.

Pardon?

From now on, Prosecutor Choi Jun-ho will be your senior.

So you can report to me through him.

I asked you to join me to tell you this.

-I'll appreciate your help. -Hello. This is Prosecutor Park Jun-ho.

I'd like to get the materials on Hwang Hak-min's case.

Yes.

No, I'd need the original copies.

I asked for them last week.

Yes. Next week?

Okay. Please make sure to send them.

Yes. Thank you.

Mr. Lee.

You startled me.

What are you doing here?

Prosecutor Lee, I can't even have some coffee in peace here.

-I'll get going then. -Okay.

Hang in there.

Thank you.

Is this Prosecutor Hong Jong-hak of the Jinyeong Branch?

This is

Prosecutor Lee Seon-ung of the special investigation unit.

Hey, Seon-ung. How are you?

Excuse me. This isn't a personal call.

I received intelligence that you are sharing

restorative herb medicine with Mr. Cho.

Is that true?

Mr. Cho? Hang on. He's right here.

-Seon-ung? -Yes.

Hey, Prosecutor Lee.

Hello, Mr. Cho.

-Hi, Mr. Lee. -Hello, Mr. Lee.

Where are you?

Here? We're at the chicken restaurant.

You know the place over the hill.

At this hour?

Hey, after you left,

we're not getting many cases. Sometimes, we get only two cases a day.

What?

Suddenly, Jinyeong has become a crime-free city.

Can you believe that?

But still,

you can't do that during office hours.

-What if your branch chief finds out? -Oh.

That guy is at the head office now.

It's not like we're fools.

-Prosecutor Oh. -Yes.

How many cases today?

Only one case.

She says one case.

So I sent it over to Division 1.

I wish you were here, Seon-ung.

-Right? -I know.

-All right. -It's nice to hear your voice.

Sure.

Hey, are you happy to be in Seoul?

We saw you on TV.

I guess so.

Anyway, have fun.

I'll call you again.

Okay.

Stay healthy and don't work too hard.

Come visit us sometime. We miss you.

Hang in there, Mr. Lee.

-I love you, Mr. Lee. -Don't skip meals.

-The chicken is so good. -We love you.

-We're eating well. -It tastes so good.

I love you. Bye.

All right.

I feel bad for Seon-ung. Too bad he can't eat this.

I know. This is crazy.

Prosecutor Hong, let's go play ping-pong.

Yes, sir.

Chicken soup in winter is good.

I know. Let's bet on dinner.

A sports car?

My gosh.

What's that? My gosh.

It looks so cool.

What's the matter?

-What's going on? -Let's go.

What? Did you get a new car again?

To match my outfit.

My gosh.

Here.

Come on.

-My gosh. -You startled me.

Oh, dear.

Who is she?

What?

Chief Cho's ex-wife.

She's a ballerina.

I see.

"Parental consent form"?

I'm immigrating to Canada.

What?

After you left me, I had to raise our son all by myself.

That's not easy in this country.

But I call you often.

And I go to see him once a month.

It's you who doesn't take good care of him using your work as an excuse.

That's enough. Just sign the consent form.

I can't issue his passport without your consent.

Hurry and sign.

How could you decide such a thing without discussing it with me?

I'm discussing it with you now.

-What's this? -My gosh.

I can't believe this.

Jong-hun?

Michelle?

What are you doing here?

What?

Do you know him?

Do you not remember him?

When my dad said there was another guy

-and told me to make up my mind, -Right.

you took my hand and talked to my dad.

"Please let me marry your daughter."

-Right? -Hang on. Is this a love triangle?

No way.

I think that's what it is.

Then the other prosecutor who was a potential son-in-law was him?

Yes.

I knew it. That's why he always got on my case.

Why?

I mean,

he gave me such a hard time since his first day here.

Now I understand why he acted that way.

Jong-hun.

Jong-hun!

Did you give him a hard time?

What?

No way. Why would I?

What are you talking about?

Don't you dare harass him from now on.

If you do, I'll tell my dad.

Who's her dad?

He's the Jang of Kwon and Jang.

He's the Jang of Kwon and Jang.

My goodness.

PROSECUTOR LEE SEON-UNG

REQUEST FOR AN ARREST WARRANT JUNG YUN-HO

Come in.

I'll request arrest warrants for District Chief Jung and Deputy Chief Park.

And I got additional statements

on Assemblyman Kang Jun-mo, so I'm conducting an investigation.

-As soon as the proof is confirmed-- -Didn't I tell you

to report to me through Prosecutor Choi?

You may leave.

Please approve it.

A prosecutor in practice received excessive hospitality

from a business operator who was suspected of embezzlement.

If our unit can't even request an arrest warrant for that,

who will trust us?

Do you know

how many prosecutors will be fired after our investigation?

They are four, including Jung Yun-ho and Park Jeong-gon.

And do you still think people won't trust us?

That's enough of brandishing a sword.

We weren't given the sword to brandish as we please in the first place.

In the first place?

Are you saying you won't take things further?

They will be indicted.

But we won't arrest them.

The Prosecutor General will make a public apology soon.

What about Kang Jun-mo?

If we fail to reveal their relationship with him,

there will be no grounds for Jung's indictment.

Then it'll be difficult to indict him,

and he might get acquitted.

That's enough.

Why did you lead this unit in the first place?

Did you turn a blind eye even though

you knew this was only a show?

-Prosecutor Lee. -After the bogus claim case,

you knew you might not get promoted,

but you stepped down with dignity.

You promised you'd become a decent prosecutor.

The evidence we have is more than enough.

But why do you keep ignoring it?

We have to save the organization.

We can't let the flaws of a few destroy the prosecution.

If this was just about me,

I'd step down with dignity just like I did before.

But this isn't the case.

Do you want to kill a patient just to cut out the affected area?

Were you always like this?

Or did you change?

Then why did you bring me here?

Did you call me to show you who you really were?

I care about you, Prosecutor Lee.

You're still young, but you're righteous and warmhearted.

But I wanted to teach you that wasn't enough.

No.

I'll just be a prosecutor who doesn't know all that.

Prosecutor Lee.

Why did you join the special investigation unit?

I'm sure you wanted to realize justice.

But did you really have no intention

of doing something big in Seoul and winning fame?

Did you not really care at all

that your experience in the unit will help your career as a prosecutor?

Just like yours,

my biggest concern is what kind of prosecutor I want to be.

But for now, it's more important what kind of prosecution we will be

rather than what kind of prosecutors we become.

We can't exist without prosecution.

Please put aside your personal opinions for next time.

There won't be a next time for me.

That's what I learned.

If we ignore something, that will be the end.

Please approve the arrest warrant.

What if I don't?

Then you will have to fire me.

Because…

I'll keep doing my job.

A COUNTRY FOR THE PEOPLE RIGHTEOUS KOREA

After the investigation on District Chief Jung Yun-ho

and Deputy Chief Park Jeong-gon

who are involved in Hwang Hak-min's case,

we confirmed that they received excessive hospitality

from Lee Jin-yeong, the CEO of Jangwon Transportation.

However, we did not find any work-related connections with the company

-and reciprocity. -Wait. Seon-ung is not there.

-Since we've secured the evidence, -You're right.

there was no risk of evidence destruction or flight,

we've decided to indict them without detention

for violating the Law on Prohibition of Public Servant's

Bribery and Solicitation.

-And… -Without detention?

I'll brief you on further investigation.

We found no evidence backing the allegations

of abuse of official authority to acquit Hwang Hak-min

against the special division

of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.

-My gosh. -Also, the allegations of their alliance

with Assemblyman Kang Jun-mo were suggested by the press,

but our investigation did not reveal anything suspicious.

This is it for the briefing.

I will receive questions now.

I heard there was criticism within the unit

regarding the failure to arrest the District Chief.

Is that why one of the prosecutors on the unit was replaced?

That's not true. It was due to health reasons.

About Assemblyman Kang Jun-mo…

Are they talking about Mr. Lee?

Did he get fired again?

Did you hear anything, Mr. Cho?

We're currently investigating…

Ta-da.

That's all we can say.

Surprised, right?

Mr. Cho. I'm back.

How would you explain that?

We are well aware that

we have failed to meet the public’s expectations.

But enforcement of the law is…

What's with your faces?

Prosecutor Lee.

Yes, sir.

Will you smile?

It's not like you're seeing a ghost.

Have you been doing well?

Mr. Lee.

-Then… -I couldn't stand it anymore.

I had to walk around eggshells with everyone.

And I missed the food here.

There was no place to fish,

and the traffic was bad on weekends.

And I have to work overtime every night.

It's not for me.

By the way, you're really not getting many cases?

We do get some cases these days.

Why were things so quiet only when I wasn't around?

Prosecutor Cha. It's been boring without me, right?

Well…

All right. I'm glad you're here.

I was really bored without you.

I knew it.

Hey. Were you happy to be on your own?

What?

Did you clean my room every now and then?

Gosh.

Sure.

What's with your face?

What about it?

This brat is not welcoming his senior.

Did I ask for my office back?

-Hey, how dare you… -Hey.

Just leave them be.

What did you do in my room?

-Hey, stop it. -You little brat…

I know you got fired.

What are you doing? Stop it.

-Mr. Lee. -Stop it already.

You must've been bored because you didn't have a lot to do.

I almost got buried in all the paperwork.

We'll get more work soon. After all, people live here too.

I wanted to quit and forget everything.

I was upset and felt wronged.

It's not like the world will come to an end just because I quit.

But in the end, I'm back here.

On my way here,

I wondered

if you were feeling the same way on your way down here.

In that sense,

I must admit that you are my senior.

I'm glad you finally understand.

The sea is nice.

Only a few people can't make the world a fair place.

The special investigation unit has tried to fulfill its duties

by finding the ills within the prosecution and rooting out the problems

to prevent the tyranny of the strong

and wipe the tears of the weak.

As a member of the prosecution, I believe

our organization is capable of continuously correcting its own wrongs.

Maybe it was impossible to right your own wrongs in the first place.

Is this a rerun or what?

Why do we always have so many unsolved cases?

-Prosecutor Cha. -Yes, sir.

Are you becoming like them? What's wrong with you?

You're just like Prosecutor Lee.

Can't you make me the chief of the division with the best performance?

Answer me.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

These are the files of similar disappearance cases.

Sort out the ones with similar circumstances.

I'm going to trial.

-Yes, sir. -See you.

They had a fight.

-I don't care about the scar or bruise. -It's on the face.

It's not my fault that he's weak.

And yet, I don't want to give up my work.

Why would you say that?

Wait. Excuse me.

He must've scammed me because I live in Jinyeong.

Since he didn't think I'd go to Seoul.

Because there's still hope growing inside us.

I understand how you feel.

Right?

-Did you find it? -Yes.

We found some human bones buried under a pine tree.

They seem to be the bones of a girl in her mid-teens.

I'll be right there.

Gosh, look at the time.

You should go home.

-Shall we go? -Sure.

Oh, dear. I'm tired.

There are people who try not to get distracted

or become lazy every moment.

And they try not to turn a blind eye to others' problems

and to focus on them until the end.

I still have hope in them,

so I'll come to work tomorrow again.

I hope

the world will be better tomorrow than it is today.

That sounds great. Nice.

We should ask for this.

Would you like something to drink?

What do you want?

I'll have orange juice.

-Two cups of orange juice, please. -Sure.

This is what it says.

-Here you go. -Thank you.

Anything else?

No.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

All right.

Do you know her?

What?

No.

What was that?

-What? -Nothing.

BRASS RULER

-What is she doing? -Come on.

-What was that? -What are you doing?

-I can't believe this. -Jeez.

-What's wrong with her? -Sorry.

This is unbelievable.

-My gosh. -Lady.

Come over here.

-Come here. -I can't believe this.

Excuse me.

-Don't go. -Come over here.

What is she doing?

OCEAN DEBRIS CLEANING DAY

Hey, Seon-ung! Did you see that?

I'm going to be the vice division chief at the Cheonan Branch.

I know.

Congratulations.

Gosh, I didn't think I would make it this time.

Hey.

What's wrong?

I see.

Is this because you're being transferred to a small branch?

There's no point in having many prosecutors.

You can make a great team with five people.

I'm not being like this because it's a small branch.

Then what is it?

Did you not see who the branch chief is?

The branch chief?

Prosecutor Lee.

Hey.

We finally get to work together.

I hope we get along.

Yes, Branch Chief Nam. I look forward to working with you.

I like that attitude.

He's the branch chief?

THE END

Subtitle translation by: Young-ju Kim