Original subtitles

The National Assembly has held an emergency plenary session,

calling for the immediate resignation of President Rhee.

They've determined March 15th's presidential election to be invalid.

An overwhelming majority of the National Assembly

has voted to approve the reform of the parliamentary system.

There have also been in-depth discussions

regarding the formation of an interim government.

College professors have been spearheading demonstrations,

an effort to seek restitution for student deaths

during the bloody April 19th Revolution.

Citizens are petitioning for the severe punishment of those responsible for,

and who benefitted from, the stolen election on March 15th.

There have been many spirited campaigns to raise funds for the wounded

and for the families of the deceased.

Citizens have shown their generous support for the cause.

Spurred by passionate citizen request,

Assemblyman Kim Daewoo of the Democratic Party

has expressed the importance of holding those who benefitted accountable.

If we don't punish those who benefitted from this political foul play,

South Korea will not have a future.

We'll be able to hold officials accountable

for their corrupt deeds.

Hmm.

Um…

With the Development Bank loans

and the illegal presidential campaign funds,

everyone at this table is going to be subject to indictment.

That goddamn Kang Seongmin, he'll be the ruin of us all!

Why bring a dead man into this?

Where's Samsik now?

Still in the hospital?

The Punishment of Corruption Act

will target the businessmen

who were involved in the fraudulent election.

The interim government appears steadfast…

…in its determination to completely eradicate

corrupt businesses using this bill.

Uncle Samsik

Uncle Samsik

Rice Cake

Uncle!

Uncle Samsik!

Uncle.

Are you okay?

Here, sit down.

- Thank you. - Don't worry about anything right now.

The Cheongwoo Federation…

Without it…

I… I'm nothing.

How can you say something like that? That isn't true at all.

You are way more valuable than the Cheongwoo Federation.

Don't lose hope now.

Uncle, I should've…

I should've treated you better.

I'm sorry.

Kang Seongmin.

Taemin, don't!

Kang Seongmin!

Are you all right, sir?

Ah, my wages…

May 2, 1960 Seoul, South Korea

National Assembly

Hold on. You aren't seriously proposing a civilian National Defense Minister?

Ah…

Cutting the National Defense budget? The soldiers would never agree to that.

So you want to take National Defense

and establish a National Reconstruction Bureau?

That goes against the 50-50 agreement!

You're claiming all the economic sectors,

first, it was Reconstruction, and now, National Defense?

Okay, how about this?

Here's what we'll do. You can take the Ministry of Land,

and we'll call off Reconstruction.

Just do it. Cross it out.

Happy now?

Ministry of National Reconstruction

That's how we'll handle it.

Are you feeling any better?

Yes, sir.

Have a seat.

Why did you try to steal the Sineui Alliance Code of Conduct?

I'm sorry, sir.

He used to stand right here

and tell me to observe.

My father, that is.

He told me not to talk or even think

but instead, learn to just watch and listen.

Like I was his dog.

But can anyone really do that?

When you see and hear something,

you'll always analyze and react to it.

What I'm trying to say is…

that day I overheard you describing your "great plan",

there are two things I became certain of.

Firstly, that parliamentary reform will never be possible.

And secondly, that Uncle Samsik…

…will never turn his back on Kang Seongmin.

Don't even think about going up against me.

Kang Seongmin and I are very different men.

The Punishment of Corruption Act.

You can thwart it, can't you?

Of course.

After all, I'm the An family's bloodhound, aren't I?

I'll leave it to you.

Ministry of Home Affairs

I'm sorry. Let's go.

How may I help you, ma'am?

- We, uh… - Over here.

It'll be announced soon.

You'll contact us once the National Reconstruction Bureau is established?

Of course, I'll need you both on my team.

I had no idea we'd be getting a National Reconstruction Bureau.

I'd really like to see you become Minister too.

Let's go out for drinks… once they've announced it.

It's been a while.

The country is quickly recovering

from the damage caused by the April 19th Revolution.

A continuous stream of aid is reaching the victims nationwide.

There is now a growing interest in Korean politics' return to normalcy.

The interim government has agreed to reduce

the inflated National Defense budget

in order to invest in economic development.

They've announced that along with the reduced budget,

they plan to appoint a civilian as the new Minister of National Defense.

They've stated that this appointment befits our changing times.

It has been determined that ministerial positions

will be shared equally between the old and new factions

of the Democratic Party.

The Prime Minister has released a statement

detailing the new Cabinet formation.

Through a series of discussions, we have all agreed

that it is time to now form a brand new Cabinet.

We need to focus all of our efforts on economic revival.

This can only be done through the cooperation of all parties.

In order to redirect funds from the inflated National Defense budget

towards much-needed economic development,

we will appoint a new Minister of National Defense.

The discussions concerning the establishment

of the National Reconstruction Bureau will continue at a future date.

The government plans to appoint the nation's

first civilian Minister of National Defense

as part of their new Cabinet.

The planned establishment of the National Reconstruction Bureau

has been tabled.

As such, the Democratic Par...

Ah, well done.

Sir, wait. Assemblyman.

Ah, Yeojin. Hello.

Why was the Reconstruction Bureau scrapped?

Hey, it wasn't scrapped at all, we're still in discussions.

Is it because of the new National Defense Minister?

Not at all! It doesn't have anything to do with that.

Are you sure it's not a result

of the factions fighting over Cabinet seats?

How could you say such a thing?

Did you hear of any of the rumors about the coup?

Enough!

Defend democracy! Defend democracy!

Protect democracy!

Protect democracy!

We must protect democracy!

You'll do it?

Workers' Party Directive No. 29

- Pak Wonil. - Yes, sir.

You know Labor Party Directive 29, right?

"Infiltrating the military to win over diplomats."

No, General Hong.

I'm not familiar with that, sir.

You're being investigated by the Counter Intelligence Corps, correct?

What's the nature of the investigation?

It's regarding Workers' Party Directive No. 29.

What is that?

Well, it's a term for…

for the Northern regime's spy operations

to win over high-ranking Southern officers.

Yoon Palbong was receiving orders from the North is what I heard,

then was able to distribute keys to decipher the codes in the broadcast.

Distribute to who?

I heard he relayed it…

to Pak Wonil, the Captain of Capital Defense.

Have a smoke.

It'll help you think.

Hmm?

How about a trip downstairs?

I haven't been able to sleep since then.

Youngki's a son of a bitch.

All right.

Let's go out with honor.

Okay.

Aemin Daily

This is a list of all the groups that have held protests this week.

The National Unemployed Union,

the Association of Patriotic Women,

the National Association of Entrepreneurs, and the Political Reform Advisory Union.

Uh, does each one…

…need its own report?

So, should I look into the Ministry of National Defense?

I'm betting people have a lot to say.

Hey. You met the Prime Minister?

I only talked to Assemblyman Sun.

Why'd they scrap the Reconstruction Bureau?

I couldn't get a straight answer.

Who wants to cover the Punishment of Corruption Act?

I'll do it.

No.

You focus on the general election article.

I'll do it.

Are you sure?

I reported on the Reconstruction Bureau too.

All right! I trust you heard the announcement?

Assemblyman Sun.

- What just happened? - Oh! Chairman Kim.

I intended to give you a full explanation.

What kind of explanation?

- You put in National Defense instead? - Hey!

It's not like that, eh?

Here, here. Let me explain.

I'll get you nominated for the Dongdaemun seat.

- Dongdaemun? - Yes.

Nominated?

That's right. It's all been planned.

Assemblyman.

Do you…

Do you honestly think that I care about a National Assembly badge?

Hold on. You'll get an explanation.

I don't care about the assembly.

I don't care about getting a badge.

I don't want your pathetic nomination.

And I don't want to be an assemblyman!

Do you know how many citizens…

shed their blood for us out there?

I said, do you know how many citizens shed their blood in the street for us?

And what did you people do?

What did you do?

What did any of you people do?

I don't want to be an assemblyman.

You didn't visit me in the hospital.

I was disappointed.

Oh, I brought us this steamed rice cake.

You want some? I just got it, so it's piping hot.

You heard about the Reconstruction Bureau?

I told you not to believe what they said during the election.

The Military Academy used to rank us,

in shooting, strategy, and fitness.

I was first in everything.

Even those snooty Americans respected me.

They never doubted me, not for a second.

They thought I would change South Korea.

But now…

just look at me now.

Fast forward a few years…

and… I'm nobody.

This rice cake here.

Hmm.

To the naked eye, it… doesn't look like much.

The flour takes quite a while to rise,

and it looks unrefined.

But the moment you try it, you can't believe what you're tasting.

It melts in your mouth and makes you come back for more.

This rice cake…

My dear Minister, this cake's a little bit like you.

Eat some. It's nice and hot.

They're criminalizing business people

all in the name of political reform.

They're defunding our soldiers to try and save the economy.

How long can this administration last, Minister?

Let's turn the world upside down.

I'll take over the Cheongwoo Federation.

The Cheongwoo Federation?

I thought that us breaking bread together meant we were family.

But those bastards, they've never considered me

one of them, not once.

I'll destroy the Cheongwoo Federation

and after that, I'll take the industrial complex.

You should do the same.

South Korea is too small of a vessel for us.

It's a tiny bowl that can't contain our potential.

So let's shatter it,

build ourselves a bigger one.

You're right.

It really does melt.

But it…

…tastes pretty great, huh?

The government has reduced the inflated National Defense budget

to 20 percent of the total government budget.

It has also announced plans to reduce the military

by more than 100,000 personnel.

Major General Ko of the 89th Division

addressed the National Assembly to denounce the proposal.

The US government is worried

about the reduction in the size of the armed forces,

which would, in turn, lead to a decrease in combat capabilities.

Any more questions?

At this rate, a coup might actually be in order!

Destroying the military won't fix the economy.

There's a rumor a civilian will be appointed Defense Minister.

That'd be insane!

During his visit, Major General Ko Wonwoong mentioned

the possibility of a coup and expressed his strong disapproval.

There are growing concerns that the military's fury

at the proposed budget cuts may lead to a coup d'état.

Have you met with General Ko?

- Yes, sir. - And the Second Infantry Commander?

Yes, of course.

Office of First Infantry Commander

Oh.

Who do you think would be suitable?

Major General Ko is far too indiscreet.

He keeps mentioning the coup.

The Second Infantry Commander used to be a leftist.

Will the US approve?

You keep mentioning that.

Isn't that the reason

we need the Albright Foundation on our side?

How do you think I've come this far?

All right.

Let's meet with the Second Infantry Commander.

Are there, uh…

other revolutionaries in the military?

The Second Infantry Commander, and Major General Ko of the 89th Division.

General Choi.

Major General Ko and the Second Infantry Commander…

they're already being closely monitored by politicians.

The Military Academy's eighth class supports the Second Infantry Commander.

I can meet with them if you want me to.

Who in that class supports him?

Do you know any officers from the eighth class?

Yes, sir.

I know Captain Lee Sooil of the 55th Howitzers.

The 55th Howitzers, Captain Lee Sooil,

his father is the CEO of Samjin Textiles.

Samjin Textiles is a subsidiary of Mr. An Yosub's company.

Eighth graduating class of the Military Academy.

May 6, 1960 Seoul, South Korea

Sir.

They say the eighth graduating class

often holds meetings at the Chinese restaurant, Chungmujang.

Chungmujang

We should assume the 55th Howitzers

are allied with the Second Infantry Commander.

We don't have the numbers.

General Choi, we've formed an alliance with General Jang.

Jang Doosik of Capital Defense.

Before we act, let me go meet with Hanmin.

These deposits are listed by date.

These are the loans from the Cheongwoo Federation.

These are Democratic events

and money sent to the party.

120 million to Geoim Steel.

120 million to Juik Construction.

Mm.

I'm glad you've kept such detailed records on everything.

Make a separate ledger for Wooseok and the Democratic Party's New Faction.

All right?

Yes, sir.

Yes.

What are you doing here?

Um… I need to ask you for a favor.

A favor?

Sir…

can you officiate our wedding?

Uh, ca… can I do what?

Officiate.

I'll make a good life for us.

You two…

All you've done is hand him some bread.

You know, he doesn't even have a job. How will you survive?

Hey, kid.

Do you swear she won't go hungry?

- Yes. - What are you doing for work?

Nothing at the moment, sir.

Hmm.

Use this.

I appreciate it.

Are you threatening me?

Assemblyman, have you heard about the new makgeolli on the market?

They're saying, "Wow, that's really good rice wine."

But I suppose you're more of a whiskey drinker.

How about we…

go somewhere nice and try some of this new stuff?

What do you say? Perfect in this heat, huh?

All right.

I'll leave that with you.

I'll be in touch.

Tell me what you're thinking.

Right now, whoever makes the first move will win.

Jang Doosik and Jeong Hanmin.

Can we really trust them?

You also defied my orders.

Respectfully, sir.

If you can't trust your own troops, you'll never achieve anything.

Punishment of Corruption Act

Hold on a minute, what's all this?

Why are we amending the bill?

"Those who provided over 10 million hwan

in illegal funds to politicians or political parties."

"Those who obtained over six million hwan in total in bribes."

I mean… that'd be over 50,000 people.

That's right.

Now… let's make a slight amendment, hmm?

"Individuals who voluntarily contributed

to campaign funds found to be illegal." Huh?

"Individuals who voluntarily contributed." Hmm?

"Individuals who voluntarily contributed

to campaign funds found to be illegal."

Nobody here voluntarily contributed, right?

Who on earth would voluntarily contribute

to an illegal fund?

"Those whose donations to political funds exceeded three million hwan."

It has to be more than three million, huh? Yeah.

Did anyone donate to a political fund that exceeded three million hwan?

- No. No one. - All right.

Now, how about that?

That sounds great.

All right, in that case,

given the new Punishment of Corruption Act, no one's at fault.

It seems that Samsik has saved us once again.

He's done us a huge favor.

That's right, he always does.

Right?

On May 16th,

the Democratic Party will host an economic conference

when they announce the Punishment of Corruption Act.

The Prime Minister and the financial department ministers will be there.

I hope to see each and every one of you there.

We've all made it through this.

Chungmujang

No need to worry about Capital Defense.

Just focus on General Choi Hanrim.

The Second Infantry Commander, what'd he say?

That he's ready to die for this.

I think he just arrived.

Speak to him yourself.

Why are you here?

Do you have a minute?

Excuse me.

Is everything okay?

Look, things are getting complicated.

The Democratic Party,

they're going to host a policy conference on May 16th.

- Yes, I've heard about it. - The Prime Minister

and all the economic sector ministers will be there.

I think it might be a good time to discuss the…

Korea-US Economic Agreement.

But the Democratic Party had a really negative response...

Rachael.

Could you…

arrange for the Prime Minister to meet me that day, in room 806?

- Why? - I'd like to go over it in detail,

on your behalf, of course. Hmm?

That's sweet of you.

What on earth took you so long?

Did everything go okay with Rachael?

Yeah.

Let's head to Taepyeonggak.

Taepyeonggak

Welcome, General.

On May 16th,

they're going to announce the details of the Punishment of Corruption Act.

And the Democratic Party will host an economic policy conference.

May 16th, that's it.

That's the day of reckoning.

What do you think?

If we subtract all those idiots who've joined the…

the Second Infantry Commander and the 89th,

what do our numbers look like?

Our numbers are good. We have Capital Defense.

We have Army Headquarters and the 3rd Marines.

That's not enough to fend off the 15th.

There's no need to fend off the 15th, General Jang.

On the day, I'll lure the Prime Minister into room 806 at the Banya Hotel.

In accordance with the statutes…

"Democratic Party Economic Policy Conference"

…in the new bill, I present…

Prime Minister, sir.

I'd like to show you the draft of the Korea-US Economic Agreement.

Kim San is waiting for you in Room 806 right now.

Kim San?

Once he's there…

General Choi Hanrim will report that the 89th Division is staging a coup.

Oh, General Choi.

What are you doing here?

The 89th Division has mobilized its forces.

I have summoned the 15th Division.

You'll use the 89th to lure away the 15th Division?

You really think it's possible?

Of course it is.

We have an expert on our team, a real one.

An expert?

Hong Youngki?

You're an expert, aren't you?

I'll tell you what you need to do.

You need to rattle the officers in the 89th Division,

just enough to get their confessions.

Once you have them,

General Choi will mobilize the 15th Division to dismantle them.

You'll use the 89th

to lure away the 15th Division?

And if US troops make a move?

We received intel regarding a coup.

We will provide counterinsurgency forces if the Korean government wishes.

Thank you. Just a moment.

General Choi, the US is offering counterinsurgency forces.

Right.

It's me, General Choi Hanrim.

The 15th Division is on it.

So, please do not worry.

The Prime Minister may reject it.

That's why General Choi must speak to the US Commander himself.

Will Choi Hanrim be able to defy the Prime Minister?

Well, we'll have to hope for the best.

We're still short on numbers.

- We have enough. - We can pull this off…

if Capital Defense infiltrates the city.

The Han River Bridge? The streets will be unguarded?

You just need to block them.

Hold them off with troops from the two battalions that we have.

Colonel Baek and his 30 troops,

they'll protect the Army Headquarters for us.

The National Assembly, broadcasting stations, and the Blue House.

Our remaining troops can take these over.

The Ministries of National Defense and Home Affairs…

The 3rd Marine Regiment can handle that.

Before I head to the hotel, I'll check on the Ministry of Home Affairs

and the major departments.

- Thank you for your hard work. - Thank you.

Chairman Kim.

Within the next 30 minutes, we plan on sending two platoons

- straight to the Banya Hotel. - All right, good. Start with those two.

- We're all set then. - I'm on it, sir.

Once we're there…

I'll do everything within my power

to hold the Prime Minister and General Choi hostage.

Can you manage the entire hotel on your own?

Once we move out, I'll join you at the hotel.

Thank you, Hanmin.

What about the 55th Howitzers?

Those troops, they've gone over to the Second Infantry Commander's side.

They meet up every single day at Chungmujang.

Chungmujang, huh?

Have you ever joined them there?

Chungmujang?

Why would I do that?

Why not?

You like Chinese food but you won't eat there?

No, I'm not a fan of the food there.

Oh.

Hmm.

Listen, if we pull this off…

what are you hoping to get out of it?

Something quite trivial.

What's the point in presenting the new Punishment of Corruption Act on May 16th?

The Cheongwoo Federation's illegal campaign donations

will be printed in the papers the next morning.

If you propose another amendment to the Act,

and then were to seize all of the Cheongwoo's assets…

They'll be transferred back at a lower value?

Trivial, isn't it?

Yes, trivial.

On May 16th…

if you have even the slightest inkling that something is off,

go to Sail Developments right away.

I've arranged a boat to Shimonoseki.

I've put aside cash and found us a hideout for two to three years.

You're going to the hotel unarmed?

I'll keep it just for the time being.

Use it if you need to.

If things don't go as planned.

The Cheongwoo Federation said they want to spare Kim San's life.

All right, and?

The revolutionary army doesn't like that a civilian was involved in a coup.

They think he's…

an arrogant and dangerous man.

Kim San…

he's one lucky bastard.