Original subtitles

(Im Si Wan)

(Ko A Sung)

(Son Hyun Joo)

(Park Yong Woo)

(Tracer Season 2)

(The names of people, incidents, and backgrounds...)

(of this drama are fictional.)

(Episode 3)

Was it you?

The one in charge...

of the Myeongju Electronics case 17 years ago?

Do you know what the easiest way to turn the table around is?

It's to plant a seed.

A seed of doubt.

When you can't even trust the person in front of you,

everything you thought you knew won't be so certain anymore.

Please answer me.

All those people back then...

My family...

The person who pushed them to the end...

Was it you?

Yes.

It was my case.

I led the investigation as I was the team leader then.

Then did you extend the investigation to put pressure...

on the company?

Yes.

It was my call.

Back then, Myeongju Electronics was suffering from...

capital impairment that I couldn't understand.

It was before I had found out about Sancho Bank's ulterior motive.

I had to confirm if Myeongju Electronics declared bankruptcy on purpose or not.

To do that, I needed time.

I need more detail,

so I can understand this.

What do you want me to say?

Have you ever regretted it?

Whatever the case was, people died.

You never regretted it?

In the end, Myeongju Electronics did go bankrupt.

And my suspicion that the bankruptcy was intentional was merely wrong.

I'm responsible for failing to alleviate your family's despair.

Even if I were to go back in time,

I would make the same decision.

You make it sound so easy.

I should have kept things strictly professional.

Then it would have been easier.

No.

Maybe, it was for the best that it ended where it did...

before you knew more.

I know that you had no other choice.

I understand it in my head,

but I don't think...

I can see you anymore.

- I'll quit. - Gosh. I can't stand this anymore.

All right. Let's stop here. We'll talk about this later.

Let's go. We should just...

Hye Young.

Hye Young.

Hye Young.

Can we talk please?

Why don't you just curse him out instead? Come on.

If it'll help you feel better, then hit me.

Go ahead.

So what are you getting at?

Why did I betray Chief Lee Ki Dong?

I'm sure you know that he's got a lot of dirty laundry.

No. You didn't betray Lee Ki Dong. You betrayed me.

As we discussed initially,

this case should have ended with a suspicion...

that there may be an illegal activity regarding loans from Sancho Bank.

And the higher-ups of Sancho Bank were involved in the loan process.

And one of the higher-ups...

had a wife who held a high-ranking position in the NTS.

Then spread the word. That was all.

The mastermind shouldn't have been brought up.

Because of that, we don't know how big this is going to get.

On top of that, if the Joongang Regional Office gets involved again,

I will be...

in a pickle, Do Hoon. Don't you see that?

Even if I stopped it, the mastermind would have been brought up.

I know you want to use Chief Oh and Hwang Dong Ju to get things done,

but it seems to me that they already figured out all of your moves.

The mastermind is already out. Do you want me to cover that up?

- That's too much... - I don't care if I'm asking too much!

But I always finish what I start!

And I make sure they know that!

That's why they fear me!

If you really want to become the most powerful man in this agency,

you must know how to turn lies into truth too!

You push it through with your guts!

If you didn't even have the guts to get your hands dirty,

you shouldn't have joined Bureau Five.

Let me tell you this since you seem to love being gutsy.

I did some thinking to see what I wanted.

And I figured it out.

I may not be able to live the life of Commissioner Baek Seung Ryong.

But I don't want to live like you.

Perhaps, it's because I spent my middle and high school years...

waiting for my father who never once looked for me.

At one point in my life, I thought I should do...

everything you asked me.

But now, I have a family.

And some of the things I do for you...

will end up hurting my family.

I see.

Okay.

You must be different from me as I am nothing but a shell.

And hoping for that...

is the best I can do for you.

But Do Hoon,

I don't expect you...

to do what I say because you're my son.

I just want to make you see that what you want isn't so different...

from what I want.

What do you say?

Will you say no to that too?

Have you ever regretted it?

Whatever the case was, people died.

You never regretted it?

We're here.

Here.

- Keep the change. - Thank you.

You got into the cab without your bag or wallet.

What were you thinking?

What would you have done if I weren't here?

These days...

I need to turn my car around.

Are you okay?

This should be enough to relieve your anger.

Let's go eat. You haven't eaten yet, right?

Gosh. What kind of person are you?

- Then let's talk a bit, at least. - Move.

You're going to regret it later.

I told you to go away!

Where do you suggest I go?

What should we talk about?

Should we talk about how embarrassed I am?

About how I can't face my coworkers anymore?

I don't like making people uncomfortable.

I hate being pitied even more.

Someone claiming they understand me that easily is mortifying.

Ms. Seo.

Don't act weak.

You lost your family. But didn't you overcome it all?

Others would have given up already.

What are you embarrassed about?

You're strong. You're more than worthy of praise.

Why judge yourself like that?

Do you think...

nobody else has...

told me that before?

There have been so many.

I've heard all of that before, and I don't need that kind of thing.

It's just that everyone knows now.

Everyone found out,

so I just want to disappear. Okay?

So,

you're going to do that thing you couldn't talk about earlier?

You're going to quit it all?

Yes.

I don't have any affection or feelings for anyone I met here.

I'm sure...

they did it because it was their job.

Just like how I did my job.

I just think it's best that I quit now.

You need to give me some leeway if I'm to help.

Are you absolutely sure?

Yes.

Okay.

I'll let people at work know. You don't have to come in for a while.

Stop following me!

This is my house.

Darn it.

She has anger management issues.

(Central District Prosecutors' Office)

Read it. Read what you've done.

Your superiors who ordered you to do those things...

and the public officials who covered it all up for you.

See for yourself.

You should do that yourself.

You don't have definitive proof. That's why you need my testimony, right?

- Is that what you think? - But...

I can't say anything unless I know I'm protected.

Even if this were true, did you think I would just tell you everything?

Mr. Nam.

Funds from an unknown source were consistently invested...

into your wife's corporation.

Your brothers and sisters are all receiving money from the company...

in the form of dividends.

You know I've even killed someone...

during a tax investigation.

Your superiors may protect you,

but who's going to protect your family?

Ju Seung.

I'm not afraid of anything.

I have nothing to protect.

Is that the case for you?

Put your head down...

and look again.

I'll show you just how serious I am...

as soon as you're out that door.

(Myeongju Electronics Family Survivor)

("Coercive Tax Investigation of Myeongju Electronics...")

("Pushes Family to Death")

("Myeongju Electronics Family Found Dead, Daughter Survives")

Who could have sent it?

Could it be In Tae Jun?

If it was, why did he publicize it?

Why did he use a card that he's been hiding for 17 years?

The investigation on Sancho Bank's loan evasion is underway.

They also have evidence.

(Chief Cho Jin Ki)

You're here early.

I have some work to do.

You won't be able to stop it, no matter how fast you work.

I only needed one final confirmation,

and you've already pulled the final trigger, Ms. Min.

So,

did you come here to blame me?

Why did you get in so much debt...

when it wasn't even your fault?

Weren't you someone who could deal with a scandal head-on?

Chief Oh.

You still don't know anything...

about people or organizations.

Is it because you haven't experienced the hardship of starting work...

in an office in the middle of nowhere even with the highest test scores?

I'm sure you were never unfairly excluded from receiving an award...

with the rest of your team for a group investigation.

That's what this place is to me.

They say I broke the glass ceiling,

but I've never seen a single piece of broken glass here.

No. I'm sure you would've gotten to where you wanted even without that.

Why do you underestimate yourself?

I'll be going, then.

I have to stop the person who's trying to cover this up...

from doing even more harm.

That was all. Sancho Bank.

That was it.

I'm not the person who stopped you from investigating Myeongju Electronics.

It's In Tae Jun.

The article published by Daeju Daily on a certain bank is causing a stir.

According to the article,

this bank purposefully denied loans to small and medium sized businesses...

to help forcefully close down or overtake the business.

It's none other than Sancho Bank.

The recent murder that happened within Sancho Bank...

- is known to be related to this case... - Ms. Seo.

You forgot the expenses for the Moojin Chemical investigation...

- Gosh. - Am I going to have to wait long?

- Please wait just a moment. - Did you hear about Hye Young?

- I'll check on that. - Should I try calling?

- No, it's okay. - I apologize.

- How long do I have to wait? The time... - Please wait just a moment. Sorry.

- There's a lot going on. If you wait... - Yes.

- just a moment, I'll be right with you. - If you sign the document right there...

The person in charge of this case is out at the moment.

- Yes. We'll check on that... - I'm sorry.

What comes as even more of a shock...

is that high-ranking public officials were aware of this situation,

but helped cover up.

("Higher-ups at NTS Help Cover Up Sancho Bank's Wrongdoings")

Even if you wanted to act tough in front of the journalists,

shouldn't you have reported to me first?

"Bureau Five is under my orders as the Director of NTS,"

"but I can't control them." Is that what I should have said?

One of our high-ranking officials...

was aware of this situation.

I thought that if something has been covered up once,

it could be covered up two or three times.

That's a good excuse. But you just didn't trust me.

No. The only people involved in this case are Vice Commissioner Min...

and Chief Lee Ki Dong.

Unless you are involved too.

The press office will announce the results of the investigation,

so your team should take your hands off of this case.

Don't make any contact with outside parties.

Do you think you can exclude me...

by keeping me silent for a short time?

What do you think about a negotiation?

You're the last person in the world who would compromise with anyone.

You want a negotiation?

What is it you want?

Your position.

I want to sit where you're sitting.

What?

It was PQ who advised Sancho Bank...

to deny loans.

And Min So Jung concealed the fact...

that Myeongju Electronics went bankrupt 17 years ago...

because of those PQ jerks.

Standing when told to stand. Sitting when told to sit.

I lived ten whole years like that, like an idiot.

But this I cannot stand.

You know it.

If I had listened,

your position would've been within my reach.

Since I'm late to the game,

I'll need that much more means.

I'll cover up any evidence...

that can look bad on the NTS Joongang Regional Office.

I won't mention...

Chief Lee Ki Dong. In return...

You won't block Bureau Five.

Make it happen.

Depending on how you do,

I can make this position yours.

Oh, and one more thing.

This is the report to include in your announcement.

This.

Analyze it, please.

If you take a close look, you'll see some parts that don't make sense.

I want to know if it's just me, or if you feel the same.

Wait. The company name.

You can read numbers.

Numbers. Analysis. Now.

About Ms. Seo...

Why did you do it?

It wasn't all because there was a suspicion of willful bankruptcy.

I know you bought time to sort out the bonds...

for other companies connected to Myeongju Electronics.

If it were you, would such an excuse help?

What if she never comes back?

Overcome it. Turn away from it. She'll decide that for herself.

She's a full-fledged investigator now.

Are you sure?

That she'll overcome it?

(Press conference room)

(NTS Joongang Regional Office)

Did I expect too much?

Not mentioning me in the press conference.

It was a nice try.

But Oh Young, who knows only to hesitate,

but not how to make a jump...

decides to rise up all of a sudden?

Goodness.

You thought that gimmick would work?

- Darn it! - Chief Oh Young of the NTS,

- you volunteered for this interview? - Yes.

Now then. I realize you took on the role of investigating...

the Sancho Bank loan corruption case.

There's something you want to say about the matter?

Before I do that,

I first want to apologize.

Apologize?

We got information that Sancho Bank...

was mobilized by an illegal loan company named Gold Cash.

And while investigating related matters,

we realized Sancho Bank had a loan corruption problem.

Also, we realized that the same entity was behind...

both of these incidents. PQ Group.

Furthermore, we learned that...

there was an NTS official who helped them.

Wait a minute. Are you implying...

that there is a relationship between PQ and an NTS official?

Nam Ju Seung's testimony proves the guilt...

of only Joo Young Moon and Lee Ki Dong.

I can testify.

That everyone is connected, from Ryu Yong Sin of PQ,

to Min So Jung of the NTS, and even her husband Heo Jong Soo.

How much will really change from your testimony?

The name written on the loan agreement...

and the fact that the original file was destroyed.

It's all just circumstantial evidence.

You'll just be ostracized without being able to change anything.

Just like my father.

In order to finish these three people,

we need to wait for In Tae Jun to move.

Today,

let's first get the two people who will never be able to escape.

Yes, that's right.

Those who seem to have disappeared during the investigation,

including PQ Group's Finance Director Ryu Yong Sin's chief of staff...

and from the NTS Joongang Regional Office,

(NTS has relationships with PQ Group)

Chief of Bureau Four, are all key players.

Are you finished watching?

Information about Nam Ju Seung's borrowed-name account has been revealed.

We also found the money flow...

from you to Gold Cash, to Joo Young Moon.

We also have evidence that you were the one...

who covered up while the bank operated debentures and denied loans.

Nonsense.

You can't avoid a prison sentence now.

I meant it when I told you not to try and trick me.

Hey.

Lee Ki Dong. You are now finished.

For real.

Let's never see each other again.

(PQ Group Internal Report)

You guys take charge of PQ's tax audit.

Oh, right.

And about Lee Ki Dong...

- Move. - He said to turn you away.

How dare you chime in?

The details of the property under the borrowed name...

I heard you showed it all to the Commissioner.

Unless you want to be finished for good,

just quietly resign.

Make it happen.

Depending on how you do,

I can make this position yours.

Oh, and one more thing.

Even if everything you just said is a load of bull,

don't worry about it. I won't be surprised.

Yes.

The Sancho Bank case brought up the incident from 17 years ago.

And since the Myeongju Electronics case is unforgettable for you,

it must have provoked a sense of duty...

and complicated emotions.

So, Oh Young, who has become sincere.

How far can he go?

Up to my position?

Or up to a point where you reveal everything to reporters?

Even after you guessed I was involved in covering up the Myeongju Electronics case,

you hesitated for 17 years.

Can you go higher than that?

No, you can't.

When faced with duping and hurting others,

you've always hesitated.

Just like today. Just like this.

But if you still have something to show, climb up.

I'll be looking forward to it.

You have to stop In Tae Jun's tax audit.

PQ having been mentioned to this degree,

Mr. In...

He will never miss this opportunity.

You're not as good at reading the situation as I expected.

It's impossible for me to stop a case...

that the Director of the Joongang Office conducts individually.

Couldn't the situation change...

depending on where you place your chess piece?

If what your husband did hadn't held you back,

you wouldn't have gotten on this boat with us.

Then I assume you have set up at least some sort of plan...

to deal with In Tae Jun alone.

It's too early to say...

we are in the same boat.

Ms. Min.

I know you're not the kind of person who is used to this kind of cooperation.

I can tell.

But even if you dodged a bullet now,

do you really think this can stay quiet?

Eventually, you'll have to rely on us.

The investigation on Sancho Bank will continue.

At some point, they'll start mentioning Deputy Chairman Heo Jong Soo's name.

You can imagine, right?

You've seen plenty of high-ranking officials fall from grace...

because they couldn't control their families.

I'm begging you.

It's because I don't want to lose someone so talented.

A dirty fight will happen no matter what.

You might as well start it early.

Last time. He wasn't arrested.

Attention.

All those...

who wake up early in the morning...

and head to the office and factory every day...

have faith in one thing.

The faith that they will get paid for how diligently they work.

But we know that's in vain.

Because the table we're sitting at is already tilted.

Those who take advantage of others...

and earn money without paying for it.

Those who cut off the table's legs with a saw...

so that the table doesn't turn over.

At the top of that chain...

is PQ.

From now on,

let's start the cleanse.

(Cleanse: a slang word referring to a tax audit)

(PQ Group's Corruption Investigation)

(PQ Group Headquarters)

Bureau Three from the NTS Joongang Regional Office...

has started a comprehensive tax audit...

against 12 affiliates of PQ Group.

(PQ Heavy Industries)

(National Tax Service)

(PQ S and I)

We're from the NTS.

We're conducting a special tax audit against PQ Group.

This is the Taxpayer's Charter of Rights, so read it.

We'll start once you agree.

If you don't, you will receive a warrant.

- Let's get on with it. - Everyone, stop what you're doing.

It's been a rough year for PQ,

who was reported to be involved in Sancho Bank's loan corruption...

and is even suspected of running a moneylending business.

If this tax audit reveals the top management's crimes...

or charges of tax evasion,

it is predicted that PQ Group...

might face the biggest crisis since its establishment.

No mercy.

It seems In Tae Jun and PQ completely split.

I just wanted to hang out with you.

Ms. An.

You don't need to bring up hard topics. I know what you're going to say.

You don't have to quit. You can switch positions.

Everything about me was revealed.

I'll be uncomfortable no matter where I am.

Do you think we should have just let you go back then?

You tried to quit that one time.

Hwang Dong Ju brought you back.

If you quit then,

you wouldn't have had to deal with all this stuff.

Would that have been better?

The workplace is where work should just remain work...

so that any trouble or responsibility can be avoided.

You were the first weirdo I met there.

Because Investigator Seo Hye Young treated people...

with goodwill, not just as work.

Thanks to you,

there are people who probably realized life is still worth living.

Those who realized the world is still a good place to live in.

Gosh. I promised myself I wouldn't cling to you like this.

I know I'm being rude.

I'll stop here.

I'm glad it allowed me to hear these words.

But don't worry too much.

Although I'm pretending to be tough right now,

I'm not so cold...

that I've forgotten the times we worked together.

Thank you, Ms. An.

(Don Quixote)

- Yes. - Let's say...

you were a bit emotional yesterday.

Don't you have anything to say to me today?

I...

think I've explained it plenty. I have no intention of taking back...

That's not what I wanted to talk about.

I know you're going to, so don't...

- It's not about that. - Mr. Hwang.

I find this conversation uncomfortable,

and I just want you to let me be.

- When are you going to give it to me? - What?

The cab fair.

(Send money, Don Quixote)

No worries. You can pay me back some other way.

- I already sent it. - A tax evasion reporting proposal...

You sent it?

Wait a minute, 12,000 won?

You're missing 200 won.

I'll send it to you, okay?

No. Pay me back with the tax evasion self-reporting proposal.

Why?

To someone who told you she's quitting?

Ms. Seo.

I swear...

I really didn't want to say this.

I'm having a really hard time, Ms. Seo.

Do you know how hard is it for me because a team member left?

So, if the proposal were to be solidified,

that would really take a big burden off my shoulders.

That's why I'm asking. Am I asking for too much?

You'll do it, right?

Here is the tax evasion self-reporting proposal.

Please check the file attached. Thank you.

(Send)

Let's take a look at the Ongsan Industry reassessment claim again.

Why?

The vendor analysis is lacking.

There is no explanation of the payment details either.

So?

What do you mean "so?"

After drowning everyone on the team in a flood of work.

You'll take a look, right?

(You'll take a look, right?)

Ms. Seo. Can't you do better?

Ms. Seo. Didn't you learn arithmetics?

Ms. Seo. This is simple addition and subtraction.

Ms. Seo. How can I trust you when you make these typos?

Ms. Seo. Don't you think so?

Ms. Seo. Why aren't you responding?

Ms. Seo. Are you asleep?

Ms. Seo.

Ms. Seo.

Ms. Seo!

I'm so tired.

Why is my life like this?

Yes.

Work is fun, isn't it?

I would have slapped you if you were next to me.

Thank you.

Let's have a meeting tomorrow night.

- What meeting? - Regarding the handover.

There's nothing else for you to do. It's time to wrap it up.

- Sure. - Take care.

What's this?

Why do I feel iffy?

I have to say.

You said you were busy every time I called.

Why did you ask to have dinner all of a sudden?

You're just copying what Bureau Five is telling you to do.

Since you're not really earning your keep, you should at least buy me a meal.

Come on. Stop using me...

while pretending to give me something.

I'm not using you.

Look at that face. You're up to something.

I'm not the only one using someone here.

You must have a lot of questions for us too.

That's true. Why?

I haven't met anyone who is up to as much stuff as you are.

But even if I ask my question, you won't answer me, will you?

You should do some good in advance.

What is it?

I can't eat.

You're eating well enough.

(Chief Oh Young)

(Petition)

It's the petition Chief Choi received before he passed.

I only obtained it recently.

(Cheongwoo Society meeting minutes, Jaesong Construction financial documents)

- Cheongwoo Society? - It seems like a big interests group...

made up of conglomerates.

Since the informant only found the meeting minutes,

he didn't know who the attendees were.

The one thing that's certain is that Jaesong Construction was a member.

If you look here,

at a time of competition for redevelopment orders,

Jaesong requests a tax audit of its competitor company.

Are you saying that an NTS official was present at this meeting?

The bigger issue is,

when the NTS official denied the request,

Jaesong brought up the 2004 serial bankruptcy case.

- The Myeongju Electronics case. - Myeongju Electronics?

At that time, Cheongwoo Society was planning a serial bankruptcy board...

to take the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises.

But this official covered up any evidence.

They're making threats,

asking if the NTS is okay with this information being revealed.

It's obvious who Jaesong Construction is asking for help.

In Tae Jun.

Vice Commissioner Min was also determined to end In Tae Jun.

Jaesong says they have the meeting minutes from 2004.

There's no way they didn't create threatening evidence.

Go to Jaesong,

and get that original file, Mr. Oh.

With that, we can bring down In Tae Jun.

- Jin Ki. - Yes?

Why not you?

Why does it have to be me?

How many years has it been...

since I've gone back and forth between In Tae Jun and Min So Jung?

I have too much at stake.

They'll catch me before I even start.

When you need to draw a knife, just go ahead and do it.

Use it when Vice Commissioner Min says she has your back.

You're the one who suffered the most...

during the long years In Tae Jun has been in power.

Can you really just let this be?

Shouldn't you be the one to end In Tae Jun?

(Accounting records)

(Financial statement)

(In Tae Jun)

(Jaesong Construction)

(Chairman Seo, In Tae Jun's father-in-law, In Do Hoon's grandfather)

(CEO Seo Young Jae, In Tae Jun's brother-in-law)

("Jaesong Construction Wins Competition for Redevelopment Orders")

That...

(Financial statement, Jaesong Construction)

(Financial statement)

Jaesong Construction?

Why do we have Jaesong Construction in our hands?

This doesn't look good for In Tae Jun.

(Jaesong Construction)

Ryu Yong Sin. Min So Jung. Lee Ki Dong.

They are all hostile towards In Tae Jun.

It's not a bad choice if I can hit In Tae Jun...

using help from our side.

But did an opportunity to finish In Tae Jun, who's been safe all along,

really just present itself so easily?

Is it a coincidence?

If not...

How should we proceed with this case?

There's no way Mr. Oh held back for 17 years,

only to make a move on the weak basis of an account book.

He must have obtained the information from someone trustworthy.

That means this person's on the inside.

Someone who has solid information against Jaesong Construction...

but cannot work on it himself.

Probably because he shared his weakness with In Tae Jun...

while gaining benefits.

Among those, the one who can give trust to Mr. Oh is...

Cho Jin Ki.

Mr. Ko. I have a favor to ask.

How have you been?

You look better.

We've been incredibly busy...

since one of our members left.

I have also been busier than ever,

but I apologize anyway.

So you feel relieved now, right?

Good. Then why don't we go and grab something to eat?

Aren't you here today for a handover?

We can do it while we eat. Are we enemies?

We can talk about work while we eat.

Is that too much to ask?

Fine, then. We don't have to eat.

No. We can go eat.

Every time I ask, you say no.

That's a habit, you know?

You were dying to grab food with me. Why aren't you eating?

You're going to leave for real once we finish eating.

Please give it another thought.

You're going to regret it later if you leave like this.

I won't.

Did you check all the specific facts?

Not just your memories.

The specific facts and circumstances. Did you check them all?

What are you talking about?

("Death of M Electronics Family, National Tax Service Investigator")

("Forced Tax Audit Led to...")

Wait. I'm the one who wrote this.

He was one of the journalists to cover the story,

so go listen to his story.

You're not strangers.

There could be something you didn't know.

You're really crossing the line.

Does knowing change anything?

I'm guessing it won't.

But you might see something that you don't see right now.

With the eyes of an adult who recovered from all the pain,

can't you judge Oh Young as a person again?

Right.

The revenge that Hwang Dong Ju wants absolutely needs Oh Young.

You think that he finally got on board, but I might sway him.

Is that why you're sticking up for him?

- It's not like that. - Then what is it?

Does it look like I'm siding with Chief Oh Young?

Aren't you?

If not, why do you care so much about what I do?

Because I just do!

I care about you.

I thought my life ended...

because my father sued PQ.

I thought there was no reason for me to continue living.

But you're the one who dragged me here.

You lit fire to a nearly extinguished flame.

Go back to being the Seo Hye Young you were back then.

The Seo Hye Young I know was that kind of person.

- Ms. An. The context is... - Right.

I read it all. The calculation is a bit...

After you take that into consideration...

When you cross-reference the data...

Yes.

The thing you mentioned last time...

No. Give it to me.

This payment was made. Is it okay if we collect money now?

I put it on hold because there's something I need to double-check.

I'll check it again later.

Where's her seat?

Over there.

(Seo Hye Young)

(Mom)

What time are you coming home?

Don't die. I'll be the one to go to the fiery pit.

Don't die!

(Daeju Daily Kim Seok Min)

Hwang Dong Ju speaking.

It's Kim Seok Min.

The daughter you mentioned last time.

The survivor of Myeongju Electronics.

I don't think there's anything left for me to uncover.

What do you mean?

Well, according to the other journalist I covered the story with,

she came to see him a few years back.

She wanted to know what happened.

(Don Quixote)

The call cannot be connected.

So he told her everything.

Sis.

That the person who saved her...

was a tax audit manager.

Then he was demoted...

while investigating...

who was behind...

the bankruptcy of Myeongju Electronics.

Don't die.

What about who the manager was?

Don't die!

I'll be the one to go to the fiery pit. Don't die!

No.

She didn't want to know about the manager.

I guess...

even if she knew who it was, she wouldn't be able to handle it.

She was the only one in the family who survived.

Whether she should hate him...

or thank him...

It would make even less sense.

What's wrong?

I wanted to tell you what I couldn't then.

I have nothing to say about that.

Think again.

If you really can't face him,

I can go instead.

I never forgot for a second!

The day you saved me,

I never forgot it for a second.

Even when people were pointing fingers at me,

saying I was bad luck.

Even when I asked myself...

whether I also should have died that day.

I endured it all...

knowing that there was at least one person somewhere...

who wanted me to live.

That's why I've been in pain.

I was sorry I was the only one who lived.

Because I shouldn't be thankful for that.

You took a fall and took it as an opportunity to rest.

Now,

it's time for us to go back.

You...

and me both.

I'm glad you're back.

I'm glad you lived.

Excuse me?

Go! You won't hear it a second time.

Investigator Seo Hye Young.

Don't be late tomorrow.

Yes, sir.

(NTS Joongang Regional Office)

Since Min So Jung took PQ's side,

she'll soon come for me.

If we want to stop her here,

we need to burn down the bridge.

Make it quick.

If we hesitate,

we'll get hurt.

- My gosh... - I've been dying to...

Wait.

Everyone,

I'm sorry!

We've had such a hard time because of you,

and all you give us is a sorry? Have you no conscience?

Ms. Seo, I hate everything about you, but I especially hate...

when you pull something like that without telling anyone.

Hey. I said sorry.

She said sorry.

Buy us tuna, then.

Tuna?

- Tuna! - Tuna!

Yes. I'm returning right now.

Sure. I'll check that for you right away.

So you're back?

- Yes. - Good.

I'm sorry.

To the chief, to my teammates,

and to you.

Why do you have so much to be sorry for?

Don't be that way. It doesn't do anyone any good.

Right? I can do that, right?

From now on, I'll stop apologizing...

and enjoy work.

That's how I want to live.

That's okay, right?

Just live as you are.

Do whatever you want.

How are you going to hide that character of yours?

Right? I have a great character, don't I?

Elvereign, which is managing a total of...

- 500 billion won in Korea, - Can I get some water, please?

purchased 9,958,735 shares of PQ Holdings...

from the end of last month to the beginning of this month,

acquiring 8.37 percent of the company's stock share,

and rising as the largest shareholder,

making PQ executives very nervous.

Some are mentioning the history of corporate hunting...

led by Israel-based Mayone Investments,

- Elvereign's parent company. - Tell him I'm heading out.

Suspicions arose that...

the acquisition was intended to usurp management rights.

PQ said last year...

a foreign fund acquired a five percent stake...

and demanded an increase in shareholder value...

through means such as debt repayment and transparent management.

They made it clear that if hostile M and A intentions are shown,

they will defend their management rights...

through any means such as stock repurchases.

There are people from the NTS on the finance team, right?

Listen up!

This Elvereign company...

Find out every little detail...

about how it's linked to In Tae Jun!

Move!

Don't report to anyone else. Just me.

Excuse me, Director.

I think there is a relationship situation.

Director Shin said that he already heard from a different route...

and finished reporting about it.

Vice Commissioner Min. It's me.

Mr. Cho.

Release it now.

The whole office will flip upside down.

In Tae Jun was the one who crossed the line. He asked for it.

(Petition)

(Plaintiff: Cho Tae Gu)

(Reason for petition: Collusion between Jaesong Construction and NTS executives)

(CEO Ryu Do Hyung)

In Tae Jun could just be bluffing.

How dare you guys screw me?

You think someone who's bluffing will bring in Israeli investors...

and eat eight percent of someone else's holding company?

He set up the game intentionally.

Cut share prices in half using tax audit.

He jumped in, determined to sell his own country's company.

Are you sure In Tae Jun and Elvereign are related?

Their parent company is Mayone Investments,

the one that ran away with 700 billion won.

It's a public secret...

that In Tae Jun helped cover it up.

You can say the relationship...

is way too close.

Sorry for making you worry.

Stop saying things I already know!

For only 600 billion won,

there are some beggars hanging on to me for dear life.

Because with a small stake,

it controls all the spiderweb-like subsidiaries.

We're not the only ones facing this problem.

Oh, really? I had no idea.

Hey. But the thing is,

the guy whose job it is to solve that very problem everyone is facing...

is precisely you!

The only reason why someone as useless as you can stay here...

is because you know how you use your brain!

Seriously...

How are you going to stop the attack on management?

Take the deal.

We will withdraw all the stocks we have accumulated.

And if they decline?

It has begun.

Let the thirsty man dig a well instead.

A civic group that criticized authorities for the abuse of investigative powers...

- In Tae Jun... - disclosed the contents...

of a petition filed with the NTS,

- causing a stir. - I will go get him.

According to the petition,

Jaesong Construction deliberately conducted...

a tax investigation on its competitor with the help of an NTS official,

bringing shock to people.

Block the TV, phones, everything!

(CEO Seo Young Jae)

Seventeen years ago,

- they were involved in the case... - Make sure nobody hears a thing.

- of Myeongju Electronics... - Yes, sir.

That's so you won't just stay in bed.

What shenanigans are you planning?

(Director In Tae Jun)

The ripple is expected to grow, with it now being known they intervened.

Meanwhile, the NTS acknowledged that the petition was received...

and that they would try to get down to the bottom of this.

But there are concerns about whether they will just end up...

- defending their own. - Was it you?

("Suspected Corruption with Jaesong, Who Is the NTS Official?")

("Will Chain Bankruptcy From 17 Years Ago Resurface?")

(The tragedy that happened to the Myeongju Electronics family)

The name's not specified.

But Jaesong means In Tae Jun.

So what were we supposed to do?

If it goes like this, it will be five years under In Tae Jun.

You were hesitating. Time was ticking!

But you leaked this?

I had to. There's no going back either.

So think again.

Got it?

Make some noise when you move, punk!

Answer.

Jaesong Construction, right?

The file.

Have you looked it over?

I get what you're worried about.

Their unclaimed construction cost compared to sales is the highest in the industry.

I looked it over.

They included the money they hadn't yet received in profit,

so they would've had a financial surplus.

But the cash flow shows a deficit.

- Most cases like this... - Yes. Cooking the books.

(Cooking the books: a company committing accounting fraud)

So. What's your next step?

- Do you really not know? - Mr. Oh.

This isn't something you want to get involved in. Just step out.

What?

An incident from 17 years ago...

that can provoke you has resurfaced.

At the same time, a petition targeting Jaesong Construction has appeared.

Two unlikely incidents happening one after the other?

Do you think it's a coincidence? It's a sign that you should run away.

Being cowardly isn't enough, now I should run away as well?

Yes.

Cases like this should be handled by...

a bureau that has enough power to fight In Tae Jun.

Bureau Five isn't there yet.

So what if some other bureau gets it? Don't you realize they'll try to cover it?

That's out of our control.

Out of our control.

Why?

Hwang Dong Ju.

Hwang Dong Ju.

For a person who even doubts someone who has been loyal for decades,

why aren't you curious as to why that guy appeared?

Ever since Hwang Dong Ju joined the NTS Joongang Regional Office,

everyone who stayed by your side has walked away.

And you really haven't noticed anything?

Or...

do you want to protect him?

Since you know what you've done?

This is your problem.

You say you want to right the wrong,

but in the end, your wound hurts the most.

You're not interested in anything other than your own agenda.

Sure!

Let's assume you're right and someone dragged me in with a purpose.

But these are people who use other people's vulnerabilities...

as if they're wringing a child's neck.

If someone they used is a member of your team you must protect,

shouldn't you carry on,

even if that means you'll be duped or get hurt?

Rather than the fact that our bureau does not have enough power for this,

shouldn't you be more embarrassed about your attitude right now?

I have nothing else to say to you.

Mr. Oh!

- Move. - Listen to me.

- Move! - You can't do this!

Mr. Oh! This is dangerous!

What a load of bull!

Why don't I doubt Hwang Dong Ju...

when I've done stuff?

Ki Dong. Is that all you came to check?

Ripped and resynced by YoungJedi