Why Her? (2022) s01e01 Episode Script
The New Managing Partner
1
(Why Her?)
(This is a work of fiction. All characters, places, incidents,)
(and organizations portrayed in this drama are fictitious.)
(Under Investigation, Do Not Enter)
(Oh Soo Jae, Partner Lawyer)
(Why Her?)
(Episode 1)
(TK Law Firm, Life of a TK associate attorney)
(- You're so cool. - TK Law Firm? Good for you!)
"You're so cool."
"TK Law Firm? Good for you!"
Look at you, Mr. Influencer.
Oh, please.
If you have time to brag about working at TK on your social media,
why don't you go over your report and fix it?
Attention, please.
It goes for all of you.
You desperately wanted to join Ms. Oh's team and made it happen,
so it's time you proved your worth.
Do not submit reports
that are missing the mark and don't even make sense.
I have to stay up all night
to fix your darn reports.
If I were you, I'd go kill myself out of embarrassment.
Why would your father-in-law's fault be seen as your weakness?
At the confirmation hearing,
the assemblymen on our side will shield you,
so put your worries to rest.
In any case, I got it all sorted out for you.
So let's grab a bowl of hot soup together soon. Sounds good?
Okay. I have to go.
(Assemblyman Lee In Soo)
Sir.
- Your phone. - Yes.
All right. Tell me what's going on with Hansu Bio.
Why won't you answer my calls?
Oh, where's my phone?
My goodness. I forgot that I had put it on vibrate.
I guess I'm getting old.
We'll fill you in on the details another time, sir.
Ms. Oh, are you very busy at the moment?
Hey, Soo Jae. Stay for a moment.
Young Bae, you can go.
Ms. Oh, you see
Over 200 residents in Yeongpyeong District
can't afford to move, let alone rent a room.
(1 day ago, National Assembly Transportation Committee Inspection)
Yet you still wish to push ahead with the plan.
Do you want them to all give up on life and die?
Good grief, those destitute peasants.
Not owning a home isn't something to brag about.
- What? - How could you say such a thing?
Your microphone.
What did you say just now?
Did you call our citizens "destitute peasants"?
Assemblyman Lee In Soo. You want to run for President.
How dare you call our citizens "destitute peasants"?
No, I was talking to myself while thinking about something else.
You can't feign ignorance and say you were distracted.
No one will buy it.
You must bow down and apologize.
Goodness gracious.
Hey, I was just mumbling to myself.
I had reported him for accepting illegal political contributions,
but the prosecution completely ignored it.
Thanks to that, Lee In Soo was elected for his fifth term
and is considered one of the strongest presidential candidates.
He wishes to run for President
but dared to refer to citizens as "destitute peasants".
- We must stop him! - What is this?
- And Yeongpyeong District too. - I'm sorry, sir. I'll look into it.
Ms. Oh.
Then what should I do?
What's the biggest weakness we can use
against someone fighting for justice?
Being called "destitute peasants" is like our golden ticket.
I'll make him give me an apartment and a commercial building.
Once he gives me those, I shall cast my vote for him.
Their not-so-righteous intentions being exposed.
We sent him the recording, so I'm sure he got the message.
I suggest you bow down, apologize, and end it on a high note.
(Lee In Soo's Ratings Skyrocket)
(After Promising Compensation for Yeongpyeong Residents)
Hurray for Assemblyman Lee In Soo!
- Hurray! - Hurray!
Who knows what Soo Jae did?
They were shouting hurray together hand in hand
Whatever. Why envy her when all she does is clean up everyone's mess?
The managing partner title is mine anyway!
Are you sure you'll be promoted to managing partner?
Yes, I'm 99.9 percent sure! Tell the kids.
Go ahead and tell your father too
Gosh, I'm getting goosebumps.
Oh Soo Jae is at it again. She's chewing out the associates.
That nasty witch. Goodness.
Cho Moon Yong, the whistle blower who disclosed
the false emissions data, will testify for the plaintiff.
What can we do to invalidate Cho Moon Yong's testimony?
We must stop him no matter what.
"No matter what"? How?
Of course, not by force. We'll talk him out of it.
We should meet him and persuade him in person.
I'll try to persuade him.
I'll find out what he needs.
"Have you ever seen things work out for a whistle blower in the end?"
"You're bound to be bullied and get kicked out."
"You have a family to feed. Decide wisely."
We'll pressure him while we
You're out too. Get out.
If I'm wrong, please tell me exactly what I got wrong.
If you want to know, you can attend the trial.
However, you'll be sitting in the audience.
(2nd trial for the Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex case)
Counsel, you may cross-examine the witness.
Your Honour. Before that,
please allow me to reveal the truth about Mr. Cho Moon Yong,
the witness who first reported on Hansu Bio's
allegedly falsified air pollutant emissions data.
Now that you've seen the photo, please think about this.
Mr. Cho received money from the plaintiff.
Could we say his intentions behind the testimony are righteous?
He stated that the company falsified its emissions data.
But could we trust him?
It's true!
It really is true! Please believe me.
This is a trap.
This is a trap!
They're trying to sabotage me! This is a trap.
This is a trap! Let go of me!
We will take a brief recess.
This is a trap!
(Plaintiff)
What are you doing?
I told you that it'd be hard for you to win the second trial.
(Court in Session)
While preparing for this trial,
we focused on finding out why Yang Ji Ho fell ill
and conducted in-depth research and experiments.
We collected data from other areas too,
not just the vicinity of the factory.
And as you can see,
similar levels of pollutants were detected in other areas too.
This shows that the emissions
from Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex
had nothing to do with Yang Ji Ho's illness.
No, Your Honour!
My son, Ji Ho,
fell ill because of his poor, incompetent parents.
He inhaled black dust even when he was in my womb.
Your Honour.
Please help my son, Ji Ho.
Please help my child, Your Honour.
Please help them, Your Honour.
Thank you!
This child is suffering from a lung disease similar to pneumoconiosis
because of the pollutants from Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex.
Air pollutants
that can cause lung diseases and various types of cancer
caused this little boy to develop a pulmonary disease
and have been threatening the health of the residents.
(Plaintiff)
Ji Ho's doctor, Mr. Shin Do Hyung, concluded that
environmental factors were the main culprit
behind Ji Ho's condition, which is similar to pneumoconiosis.
Other doctors at the hospital have stated the same.
Ji Ho is still a kid.
Do you think it's fair that he has to go through all this pain
and get tested on an ongoing basis due to such environmental factors?
Your Honour. I just received a medical certificate.
I'd like to read it aloud and submit it as evidence.
Your Honour.
Counsel is trying to cloud the issue.
I have no reason to stop her as she hasn't given her closing statement.
Please go ahead.
"The suggested correlation between Yang Ji Ho's condition"
"and emissions from Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex"
"cannot be proved."
Your Honour.
Please check who issued such a medical certificate
and how it was done.
We must find out.
There is no need to check.
This was issued by Dr. Shin Do Hyung, Ji Ho's doctor.
I've also enclosed the opinions of the pulmonologists
at the hospital where Dr. Shin Do Hyung works.
(Judge)
Your Honour.
I must tell you something very important about Ji Ho.
Your Honour.
Please have the security guards escort him out for a moment,
and I ask that you make a closed court order.
You can't do that.
Just say it in front of everyone! Why must Ji Ho leave?
You cannot suddenly make a closed court order.
Please proceed as is.
I gave you a chance.
A chance for what?
Ji Ho was adopted when he was five.
- What? - He was adopted?
- For real? - What is going on?
Their claim that Ji Ho was inhaling pollutants
even in his mother's womb
is all a lie, Your Honour.
- Seriously? - Is this really true?
- I can't believe this. - This is insane.
- He was adopted? - What is going on?
Your Honour, may we have a short recess?
Forget a recess. I suggest you give up on this trial.
We have witness statements that say they have been abusing Ji Ho
and that they have generated profit in the process
of adopting a number of children and giving them up.
It's all a lie.
Ji Ho is our son.
Ji Ho is our son!
And we don't abuse him. We never once abused him!
This must be backed by objective evidence.
I have evidence right here.
It's fake. It's all made up!
Order!
(Plaintiff)
(Judge)
(DNA Test Report)
(A and B are not biologically related.)
You ran a paternity test?
It's against the law to do this without our consent.
Which is why I won't be submitting this.
But there's plenty of other evidence.
This is all your fault.
You ruined everything!
I should've abandoned you long ago.
You can't even earn your keep.
What will you do now? What will you do about this?
- My goodness. - Let the boy go!
- I can't believe this. - What is going on?
Since Yang Ji Ho
was not born and raised near the factory,
we cannot conclude that his lung condition was caused
by the emissions from Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex.
Ergo, the court hereby announces that the initial verdict
concerning Yang Ji Ho has been revoked
and that his request has been denied.
Don't you think you owe Ji Ho an apology?
- Don't you feel responsible? - Don't you feel bad?
Do you not think you violated Ji Ho's rights?
Let's go, ma'am.
- Wait! - Just a comment, please.
- One moment! - Please say a few words!
- By the way, - Just one comment!
how did you know that Ji Ho was adopted?
Didn't you notice anything strange
while going over the family relation certificate?
First.
The other two kids share "Ye" in their names, but Ji Ho doesn't.
Second.
He was born only 11 months after Yang Ye Seo was born.
They're not even a year apart.
How come I'm the only one who notices these things?
But how did you know that Cho Moon Yong would accept a bribe?
Who knew a whistle blower would take a bribe?
Because of his attitude.
It's all about the attitude.
To tell you the truth, I knew this would happen.
Those with questionable intentions always have a suspicious attitude.
I made sure Yang Jung Tae would hear
that bribing Cho Moon Yong would make things easier in the courtroom.
The two men with unsavoury intentions blew themselves up together.
But things like attitudes and intentions
You could tell because it was you.
We're associates, not fortune-tellers.
If there's a witness that puts you at a disadvantage,
make them lose their credibility.
If it's the trial itself, make sure it never takes place.
That's what it's all about.
If you still don't get it after watching the trial,
find yourself a different job.
The award ceremony is tomorrow, right?
What do you say? Should I show up with flowers and my kids?
Forget it. Even just thinking about it makes me cringe.
Can you smile a little when you're getting photos taken this time?
You kept a straight face the last time you received an award.
Tell Auntie Soo Jae to smile!
- Smile, Auntie Soo Jae! - Smile, Auntie Soo Jae!
Congratulate Auntie Soo Jae on the award.
- Congratulations, Auntie Soo Jae! - Goodness. You're so loud.
- Nice job. - Bye.
(Lawyer of the Year, Oh Soo Jae of TK Law Firm)
Did you see that yesterday?
- Congratulations. - Congratulations!
Congratulations!
- Congratulations. - Congratulations.
- Congratulations, Ms. Oh. - Congratulations!
- You're so cool. - She won't even smile.
She never smiles.
Goodness. Someone's really lucky.
When she first joined the firm, she was a clueless loser.
No one even wanted to talk to her.
Hey.
Get out.
You remember, right?
Back then, she couldn't even dare to look at us.
- How about sushi? - Let's just go for jjajangmyeon.
Hello.
- Come on. Let's go. - I know of a good restaurant.
- Why don't we go there? - Let's go.
- Come on. - I know of a good place too.
- Nice. - Let's go.
When she was an associate, I didn't even eat with her.
I mean, why would I? She'd just ruin my appetite.
Will we let her be promoted to managing partner and call her ma'am?
No, we absolutely can't let that happen.
According to our new policy, your opinion is worth 40 percent.
The associates and partner lawyers' opinions, 40 percent.
And mine, 20 percent. We'll tally them all up
and appoint our managing partner.
That report tells you what the associates
and partner lawyers think.
You can do as you please.
You don't have to ask the employees for their opinions.
Pretending to listen to employee opinions
is the latest trend among all the top-notch law firms.
We must not fall behind the trends, you know?
In any case, we're rooting for Mr. Min Young Bae.
Look at the top ten law firms in the country.
There's no female managing partner.
And she didn't even go to college. My goodness.
She comes from nothing and didn't even go to college,
yet you helped her come this far.
That, in and of itself, makes you a trendsetter.
Soo Jae has been doing a great job.
I heard Song Mi Rim was like Ms. Oh's chief assistant.
Why should we interview her?
I wanted to interview the final candidates' chief assistants
and hear their honest opinions.
I see.
Well
In this day and age, people are moved by stuff like that.
That's true. This top-notch advisory board that consists of
former high-ranking officials such as police commissioner,
national director of Tax Services, director of Customs Service,
chief justice, secretary-general of the National Assembly,
and even former ministers
are gathered together to listen to mere employees' opinions.
This should be in the newspapers.
Song Mi Rim? I've already won her over.
She's very ambitious.
Think about it. She's an associate, but she's like Soo Jae's secretary.
That's why everyone calls her "Little Oh Soo Jae".
Which is why I cut a deal with her.
"Support me and come work for me."
"Then I'll help you make partner."
What?
Make partner after just five years? Don't go overboard.
Come on. You know how it goes.
I just had to win her over!
It doesn't mean I'll actually help her.
So? Who's buying dinner today?
Last year, Ms. Oh pulled in 32 million dollars,
whereas Mr. Min pulled in eight million dollars.
Ms. Oh's total revenue was a lot higher.
We're aware. We know that,
but that's not the only thing we should consider.
So I'd like to carefully bring up my next point.
While working under Ms. Oh for the past five years, I learned
that not every partner lawyer is a leader.
There are 38 partner lawyers and 62 associates.
The firm has over 100 employees.
The managing partner must possess excellent leadership skills.
I believe that character matters more than performance.
So who do you think should be promoted to managing partner?
Ms. Oh, of course. Right?
Are you rooting for Mr. Min Young Bae?
As they say, an arm naturally bends inward.
I'm sure she's rooting for Ms. Oh.
The thing is, your arm doesn't only bend inward.
It can bend outward too, like this.
Congratulations on the award.
Everyone's jealous, but I mean it. You know that, right?
I heard you impressed the higher-ups.
Among the three companies that want to acquire Hansu Bio,
SP Partners has made the most aggressive offer.
The price they suggested is on par with what the other two offered,
but they're willing to offer royalties
on the use of the Hansu brand.
My uncle is keeping a keen eye on SP Partners as well.
I have to say, I truly envy Director Han.
His uncle is the chairman of Hansu Group.
He's set for life. His job is more secure than civil service jobs.
Director Han.
What's the number one rule you must follow to keep your secure job?
Make safe choices.
Sure, Yoon Se Pil of SP Partners is a very successful CEO.
But the company grew too quickly.
What does that mean?
There's a higher risk.
Right, of course.
That's why we'll trust your choice.
The three of us need to discuss some things in private.
Yes, the bosses need to have a quick chat.
I love stuff like this.
Get back to work. Go.
Work hard. Your time will come.
You know, the judge for the appeal hearing.
I'd like to give him a little gift.
His son is graduating from college this year.
Oh, that's perfect.
We'll create a position for him at Hansu.
With the recent hiring scandals,
I suggest you give it some time.
I can't even show my gratitude?
Come on. What's the world coming to?
In this day and age, I can't even hire an aide
whenever I want to.
Oh, boy.
I must say, fortune-teller Kim is very accurate.
Kim said you'd make big money this year
and that you, Assemblyman Lee, would move up the ladder.
If all goes well with Yeongpyeong District
and the sale of Hansu Bio,
all our hard work in the past ten years will come to fruition.
Yes. What we've been planning for the past ten years
will finally come true. Dreams do come true!
Oh, right.
Will Min Young Bae be promoted to managing partner?
Yes, that's the plan.
Good. Young Bae is an easy one to handle.
Oh Soo Jae is the perfect one to put to work.
(Oh Soo Jae)
Excuse me. I have to take this call.
Hi, it's me.
It looks like you've been having a lot of fun these days.
You took a bribe from Naeun Group using a golf wager as an excuse.
Then you partied it up with people from H and T Korea.
They paid for everything, of course.
You've been keeping very busy, Young Bae.
What? Hey, Soo Jae.
What's all this?
This was a strategic move. I met them to get Intel from them.
Come on. You know the drill.
Take your hands off this quietly.
I'll tell everyone that you're too busy to work on it.
- What? - I told everyone to leave
because I wanted to save your face.
Have you not heard the rumours?
Maybe you've been too excited about the award.
I'll be promoted to managing partner. It's almost a done deal.
Even your assistant Song Mi Rim is rooting for me.
Sir, is it true that Young Bae is getting the position?
It's not decided yet.
You little
The sale of Hansu Bio. Let me handle it on my own.
All right.
(Chairman Choi Tae Guk)
How dare you do a background check on me?
What are you, a bully?
Aren't you the one who lied to my associate
that you'd help her make partner?
That makes you a bully.
Song Mi Rim, that little
Now, that's your cue to leave the room.
We need to have a meeting.
- Where is Song Mi Rim? - Yes?
Hey, what's your problem?
Come in.
Come on in, please.
Darn it!
What are you looking at?
I apologize on his behalf. None of this should've happened.
Don't worry. I'm a little flustered, but it's fine.
- Shall we continue? - Yes.
By the way,
you're aware that we're missing a lot of documents, right?
I told you that you must send us everything.
I believe I reminded you a bunch of times.
Right, you did.
We'll check again.
- Look into it. - Yes, sir.
We'll stop by soon to pick them up if you're okay with it.
Well, sure.
Great.
Go!
- Hey, hurry. - Okay.
Let's get this done quickly.
All right.
Please stop.
Who are you? Why are you doing this?
I said, stop.
What?
Are you the one who sent the people who are at our office now?
Did you send them already?
You said "soon".
Let's go.
Hey! What were the security guards doing?
How could you let them take everything?
I've never seen Director Han Ki Taek get so worked up.
I suppose there are lots of things that he wants to hide.
Breach of duty and embezzlement, which isn't even news.
I'm sure he has quite a record.
Oh Soo Jae, that crazy witch. How dare she raid my company?
What exactly did she take?
What about the cruise?
That too?
You idiot! Do you want to get kicked out like your father did?
Go retrieve everything she took!
Now!
So what will you do?
Sir.
Everything Soo Jae has is in the palm of my hand.
You need not worry, sir.
Darn it!
You know, the cruise We have to be extremely careful.
If that gets out
You don't need to worry.
Ki Taek, that moron.
Oh, dear.
I will promote Soo Jae to managing partner.
What are you talking about? You should fire her at once!
She's too useful to be let go.
A loyal dog that wags her tail no matter what you throw at her.
I don't want to get rid of her just because she acted up once,
because it'd be such a shame.
(Mom)
- My gosh. - Is this real?
- What? - For real?
- Is this really happening? - This isn't a prank, is it?
- Is this really true? - This makes no sense.
My gosh! Yes!
Yes, Oh Soo Jae! She stole that position from me!
Chairman Choi promoted her instead of me.
(Oh Soo Jae has been appointed TK Law Firm's managing partner.)
(General Meeting of the Women Lawyers Association)
(Choongin Law Firm, TK Law Firm)
You heard about Oh Soo Jae, right?
Managing partner, seriously?
Lawyer Min Young Bae was supposed to get the title,
but Chairman Choi suddenly changed his mind.
She raided Hansu Group to get her hands on all their documents.
That's why Chairman Choi changed his decision.
She's got some nerve.
How could she do that when Hansu is her client?
She scares me.
There she is.
Look at her smiling. I can't stand her.
- My gosh. - How have you been?
Congratulations, Ms. Oh. You really broke the glass ceiling.
I'm so proud of you.
I owe it all to you, ma'am.
Congratulations, Ms. Oh.
- Congratulations. - Congratulations.
I'm so jealous. You're already a managing partner.
You know, Serin Group's case my firm is currently working on.
We want more attorneys on the case.
Can TK help us?
I'll speak with Chairman Choi.
I can certainly take care of that.
Great.
Soo Jae.
Congratulations.
Young Bae thought he'd be the one getting the promotion.
But don't you think it was too mean to kick him out
of the Hansu Bio case like that?
Are you two back together now?
You're no longer separated?
Hey, we were never separated.
Where did you hear such a groundless rumour?
My gosh, ma'am! How have you been?
- You made it. - Yes. You look great.
Hello.
Congratulations, Ms. Oh.
I'm looking forward to the sale of Hansu Bio.
SP Partners CEO, Mr. Yoon Se Pil.
A meeting like this is unnecessary in the middle of a deal like this.
And you know it can cause misunderstanding.
Did you get the position you wanted
by becoming the managing partner at TK Law Firm?
The case decided in favour of Min Young Bae was overturned.
This means that the information you have was an effective weapon.
Should I
give you a little tip?
That information
includes something beyond your imagination.
Make sure to find it.
(CEO Yoon Se Pil, SP Partners)
- Congratulations. - Ms. Oh, congratulations.
- Ms. Oh, congratulations. - Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
- Congratulations. - Congratulations.
- Congratulations. - Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, Managing Partner Oh.
I haven't officially taken office yet.
Fine. Did you see the news article?
The success story of a lawyer with only a high school diploma.
The first female managing partner from the top ten law firms in Korea.
You have a lot of requests for interviews.
Turn down all of the interviews,
and ask the maintenance staff to move these out of my office.
But why?
It'll be great. Everyone's going to be jealous.
Look at them. They've all fallen into some collective depression.
Come on in, our new managing partner.
There was someone who was sure they would get the position.
Thank you.
You never know how HR decisions are going to turn out until the end.
Min Young Bae was overly confident.
You hustled.
Assemblyman An Kang Won.
You know him, right?
He seems to have
played around with some girl at a hostess bar.
The problem is she's going around
saying she got raped.
Assemblyman Lee is asking us to quietly cover it up.
Why would he ask us to do that?
Aren't they rivals?
I even heard they don't get along.
It's also not good for Assemblyman Lee
if a rival within his own party is caught up in a scandal.
Assemblymen fight in front of the camera,
but in private, they eat together and go to the sauna together.
Don't you know?
I see.
Also, about that information you found.
Chairman Han was furious, so I told him
Whatever is in Soo Jae's hands is also in mine.
I told him not to worry.
It's just double bookkeeping.
He must've built up a slush fund. What's the big deal?
If you got what you wanted using the information,
clean it up and give it back.
Of course. I'm going to help with the sale.
There won't be any issues.
As it should be.
There can't be any issues.
Your inauguration. I'll make a good one.
Buy me dinner before then.
Let's get fresh fish from the market and eat some sashimi.
You got the position you wanted and a big case.
You owe me.
Yes.
Ms. Oh.
Here's the additional information on Park So Young.
Family relations, any rumours within her community.
The video recording is on the USB drive.
Did you look into Assemblyman An Kang Won also?
I haven't. Do you need me to?
No. It's okay.
(Park So Young)
Gosh.
This piece of trash.
He's about to be president
(Kang)
What is all this anyway?
Park So Young. She works at a hostess bar.
She's claiming she was raped by Assemblyman An.
Chairman Han ordered me to keep her quiet.
Why? She could be a victim.
It's biased to assume she's lying just because she's a hostess.
Aren't you also biased?
Why are you assuming she's a victim just because she's a woman?
What if she is really a gold digger?
What if Assemblyman An is really a victim?
(Kang)
Soo Jae.
It's not true.
I've been there a few times, and I was really drunk,
but it's not true. I don't remember a thing.
I'm being framed.
Someone's using Park So Young to ruin me.
Are you so important that someone would try to ruin you?
You've gained popularity by working on your public image.
You seem excited that you became a potential presidential candidate.
But the fact that you're even being considered a candidate
is proof that Korea's politics are still lousy.
Then why did you date me?
- A big toy. - What?
It was funny to see you begging and spending money on me.
It was also fun to see you pleading for me to wear the shoes you got me.
You were perfect as a toy that I play with and then throw away.
What result do you want?
I'm asking as a lawyer what my client wants
and what the desired result is.
Help keep my political career alive.
Make it pass by
like a baseless rumour.
Help me out.
Get on your knees then.
Give you what you want and end your political career
or get on your knees.
Hold on.
(Assemblyman Lee In Soo)
Yes, Assemblyman Lee.
Yes.
I understand.
Please save me.
You and I
never
met personally.
Let's go.
Gosh. What a surprise.
We have similar tastes.
These shoes are very expensive.
You must make a lot of money.
Park So Young. Your attitude is a bit cheap.
Have you met Assemblyman An Kang Won before the incident?
No.
Even if you hadn't, you knew who he was, right?
An unmarried assemblyman who used to be an actor.
He's popular and has a great public image.
But among us, his nickname is "Dog".
A dirty, crazy dog.
But it's a VIP.
He spends a lot of money.
So were you trying to take that money?
No.
I'm a victim.
A rape victim.
I even have proof.
I don't care.
What's your dream?
Do you not have one?
Then what did it used to be?
There's no way your dream was to be what you are now.
In Korea, such a thing as a dream
Why?
You accomplished your dream, so you're sitting over there,
and I didn't accomplish mine, so I'm sitting over here.
Are you trying to teach me a lesson?
I'm curious.
Why would you do something like this?
I'm asking because I'm curious.
I didn't do anything. Something happened to me.
Something was done to me.
I'm the victim!
Why are you not doing anything? Are you a lawyer or what?
Yes. One second.
Right. Ms. Oh.
I have evidence.
They found Congressman An Kang Won's DNA
on Ms. Park's underwear, which I submitted for evidence.
That's clear proof that she was raped.
To prove that it was rape,
you have to show
that she was forced against her will using physical force or threats.
How do you prove she was forced with the DNA from her underwear?
There would be DNA on her underwear even if she had consented.
Right. However,
Ms. Park is consistent in her testimony.
Also, it's common nowadays for the victim's testimony
to be given priority.
She's laughing.
How can you laugh
hearing another woman has been raped?
How can you be like that?
Mi Rim.
You flirted with Congressman An first.
That So Young is so funny.
She flirts with him all innocently, then stabs him in the back.
That's her strategy.
Hey!
Your dad's an alcoholic. Your mom's sick.
Does your younger sister know what you do for work?
Do you want me to post this video on your sister's school website?
I can send it to people at your mom's hospital.
Shut up.
Do you think you can live a normal life, Ms. Park?
There's nothing Korean netizens can't find.
I can spread information about you no matter where you go.
You'll want to die.
Ms. Park. Relax and have a seat.
Really. Secretly recording videos and threatening the victim's family.
Aren't you being too harsh?
What year did you enter the training institute?
I didn't attend the institute. I was in the ninth class of law school.
And you're trying to win against me?
No. I mean
I'm not saying I'm going to lose.
Listen up, Ms. Park.
When a woman is sexually assaulted in Korea,
the law is not on the woman's side. Public opinion is even less so.
What do you think of that, 9th graduating class of law school?
But
However, we have to think from the victim's side.
And recently, the victim's testimony
is given priority
Let's say you are the victim and we go to court.
Do you think you can beat me in court, 9th class?
Ms. Park.
You lost your sense of judgement because you were drunk.
You never even met Congressman An.
The end. Okay?
Was this
your dream?
Becoming a lawyer
who threatens the victim
and makes them want to kill themselves.
Was that your dream?
Why would you die? You should live.
Curse me as you keep living.
Cursing someone magically
gives you the strength to live.
Let me know if you need a lawyer.
(Lawyer Oh Soo Jae)
He isn't it.
What a novice.
He's not able to protect his client at all.
Hey, you crazy wench!
You don't have a dream either.
You don't have one either!
No.
I do have one.
Getting all the way to the top.
That's my dream,
and I'm half of the way there.
I'm different from you.
Park So Young
seems to be telling the truth, at least partially.
An Kang Won is my client, not Park So Young.
Do you know what Park So Young did wrong?
She didn't hire me as her lawyer.
Is there anything you need?
Go home.
I'll be going, then.
I brought the car out front.
Ms. Oh.
Ms. Oh. Are you okay?
Call 911. Hurry. Call the police.
Hurry. Keep people out.
(Lawyer Oh Soo Jae)
(Luxury Taxi)
Shut up.
Do you think you can live a normal life, Ms. Park?
I can spread information about you no matter where you go.
You'll want to die.
Hey, you crazy wench!
You don't have a dream either.
I'm different from you.
(Song Mi Rim)
There was a security camera inspection at the time,
so there's no footage.
How did she get up there?
(Song Mi Rim)
The police are going to say it's suicide due to personal reasons.
- There's Lawyer Oh Soo Jae! - She's here!
Ms. Oh Soo Jae!
Why did Park So Young jump off the TK Law Firm's building?
I don't know.
Do you feel guilty about what happened?
Not at all.
We heard you were very harsh on her because she wasn't a career woman.
And you also trampled on the rights of career women.
Give us a comment.
Aren't you a career woman too?
Because you have a stable job.
Then you are a career man.
No wonder why reporters are looked down on.
Listen to your cheap phrases.
Oh, right. People call you guys rotten too these days
because you guys swarm over to rotten information.
- What? Seriously? - What did you just say? Rotten?
- How dare you call us rotten? - You think you're better than us?
We must use this incident to kick her out, sir.
Our high-profile clients have been shaken up for days.
Our reputation has been damaged severely because of her.
This is a serious problem, sir.
It's a fact that Soo Jae cornered Park So Young to the extreme.
I saw her do so
even after the meeting with my two eyes.
I believe giving her a break would be a nice alternative, sir.
We can't have an inauguration ceremony
given the recent turn of events.
Please reconsider, sir.
Why don't we give Soo Jae a break for the time being?
We can say that she's going abroad for more training.
How about sending her
to our branches in the US or China for a year?
A year won't be enough.
Has anyone here
brought in more money to the firm than me?
Or has anyone here won more trials than me?
That's not everything!
The lawyers of TK Law Firm must have dignity and class.
Park So Young committed suicide because of you.
TK Law Firm has been disgraced. Do you see that?
Young Bae.
I'm TK Law Firm.
And TK Law Firm is me.
I have lived every day of my life for TK Law Firm.
But you want to kick me out of the country?
If you're going to do that, kill me instead.
Sir.
You looked down on me because I was a high school graduate.
And you never let me join the meetings.
Gosh,
you called me every time you drank. "Why would we call escorts?"
"We can call Soo Jae!"
You said that numerous times.
And you put your name on my reporters countless times.
And you.
Forget it.
I feel awful for you. I just want you to know that.
Despite all the disadvantages,
I became the managing partner!
Because I gave up on having a life to get this far.
So if you come after me,
you'll get hurt.
Are we clear?
You are TK Law Firm, and TK Law Firm is you?
Gosh. Has it been eight years?
You've gotten prettier.
Did you hear I was coming?
Right. I hear you're in a tight spot because someone died.
Let me know if you need any help.
Who will help?
- You will help me? - Yes.
Choi Ju Wan wants to help me?
All right.
This sea bream is my treat to all of you! Drink until you drop!
Over there.
- Nice! - That looks great!
Gosh. You know what? My boss got into law school
and bought a lot in a commercial building, so we're moving there.
Isn't it amazing?
- That's great! - Good for you!
- Eat a lot. - Okay.
- Eat a lot. - What would you like?
- A snapper, please. - A snapper?
I thought you wanted Chinese herrings earlier.
(Amazing News! Gong Chan Gets Into Law School!)
Do you know why I like coming here?
Because it's fun to slice up those live fish.
"Kill that fish and bring it to me."
I get to chew the fish that was alive only a moment ago.
I love that.
I know better than anyone
that you put up with all the hours and work,
so you could rule TK Law Firm.
But Soo Jae.
Do you think I would let all my hard work benefit someone else?
If that's the case, I would just quit.
Here's a thing about dogs.
They must always be loyal to their masters, know their place,
and have humility.
Only those dogs are cherished.
Go on a break.
A law professor at Seojung University.
It won't be long. Just for a semester.
Sir, your offer is flustering me.
Baek Jin Ki is the director there.
He's very worried about you.
He said he would put aside a position for you.
I would like to decline the offer.
I'm not making an offer. It's an order.
And you can be
a managing partner next time. Okay?
I'm about to be inaugurated.
But taking my position away to get your way
It's mine.
All the positions belong to me.
Interns, associates, partners, and managing partners.
Even those lowly positions for security guards and cleaners.
They are all mine.
Park So Young.
Did I tell her to do so?
Park So Young.
Did I kill her?
Answer me, sir!
She's dead because of you.
That's what people are saying.
And so is the world.
I'm so sorry.
- Are you okay? - I'm all right.
I'll clean this up right away.
I'm so sorry.
- Soo Jae. - Yes?
I have no worries because I have
such a kind and smart daughter.
- You have no worries? - You bet.
The hardest thing in life is getting people to open up to you.
But you're kind and smart,
So everyone you meet will open up to you.
No, Dad. That's not true.
How could you leave us so soon?
What about our children?
How could you be so cruel?
- I'm going to leave with him! - Mom!
- Let go of me. - Are you crazy, Mom?
- The water is deep here! - I'm going with him!
Soo Jae, become a good lawyer
people can open up to.
Why me?
Why?
She's dead because of you.
Do you feel guilty about what happened?
That's what people are saying. And so is the world.
I will look up higher.
I will stand at the top of the world
and look up much higher!
I guess you weren't ready to go yet. You managed to come to me.
What did I tell you?
Didn't I tell you arrhythmia was a serious condition
and it could even kill you?
Forget about being the managing partner.
You could really die if you don't rest!
I would have quit long ago if I was ever going to quit.
If you were going to quit, you wouldn't have gone back
after you came back from the US.
Gosh, you're so stubborn.
Soo Jae.
Soo Jae. You seem to have recovered.
Yes.
Don't worry about arrhythmia. Just keep living your life.
If you don't feel good, come here and pass out.
Jun Hee and I can bring you back to life. Right?
I noticed a pile of packages again.
Right. We should go camping together next time.
We can gaze at the camp fire all day
and drink all night. Drinking like that will help us
with our mental health.
Don't look at me like that.
You might give me an arrhythmia. I'll go and see my patients.
Did you hear him? You collapsed because of your arrhythmia.
But he wants to drink with you all night.
Goodness.
(Blackboard, 8 - Gong Chan, 8 - Nam Chun Poong, 8 - Na Se Ryeon)
We're over here, and that's the blackboard.
- Where's your seat? - In the back.
He must be tired.
(Basics of Fieldwork for Lawyers)
Professor.
Why are our seats assigned?
I want to sit in the front row, so I can focus better.
I'm the TA.
The seats were assigned based on your grades.
From highest to lowest.
Then people in Group Eight had the lowest grades?
Me?
Gosh. This is embarrassing.
Seriously? They are based on our grades?
This is lame. Right?
We're lucky we got in.
What's so bad about being on the bottom?
I'm not embarrassed at all.
(Gong Chan, Nam Chun Poong,)
(Na Se Ryeon, Cho Kang Ja, Choi Yoon Sang)
Who's the professor?
(Student Support Team)
Gosh, why isn't she picking up?
- The receiver cannot be reached. - She's driving me crazy.
Her lecture time is about to be over.
Where's the professor? This is just wrong.
- I'm wasting my time here. - Come on.
Seriously. How irresponsible.
I'm so sick of waiting.
When is the professor coming?
Come on. Look at the time.
(Oh)
(Soo)
(Jae)
Oh Soo Jae? Oh, my gosh.
Oh, my gosh.
(Never)
(let my client)
(Never let my client end up in prison.)
That's the first and last thing of your fieldwork as lawyers.
Hello.
Kim Dong Gu?
- What happened to your face? - Get lost.
Hey, I'm your lawyer.
You're not going to listen to me just like the other lawyers.
So get lost.
Get lost!
I don't need your help! Get out of here!
Get your hands off me!
Hold on!
It's fine.
What
a mess.
But
I believe you.
(Never let my client end up in prison.)
I met her again.
I met Oh Soo Jae
again.
(Why Her?)
(Special Appearance by Kim Jong-Tae, Kwon Sang-Woo and Lee Tae-Sung)
Thank you for choosing the law program
at Seojung University.
Is this class going to get cancelled?
Classes with less than five students get cancelled.
Why didn't you switch out?
I like Professor Oh.
Everyone doesn't want to take her class.
The class might get cancelled.
It's Oh Soo Jae. She will never let that happen.
From the spokesperson to the Blue House
if that's what you want.
Darn it!
What are you up to? What on earth are you thinking?
I'll find my own way back.
(Why Her?)
(This is a work of fiction. All characters, places, incidents,)
(and organizations portrayed in this drama are fictitious.)
(Under Investigation, Do Not Enter)
(Oh Soo Jae, Partner Lawyer)
(Why Her?)
(Episode 1)
(TK Law Firm, Life of a TK associate attorney)
(- You're so cool. - TK Law Firm? Good for you!)
"You're so cool."
"TK Law Firm? Good for you!"
Look at you, Mr. Influencer.
Oh, please.
If you have time to brag about working at TK on your social media,
why don't you go over your report and fix it?
Attention, please.
It goes for all of you.
You desperately wanted to join Ms. Oh's team and made it happen,
so it's time you proved your worth.
Do not submit reports
that are missing the mark and don't even make sense.
I have to stay up all night
to fix your darn reports.
If I were you, I'd go kill myself out of embarrassment.
Why would your father-in-law's fault be seen as your weakness?
At the confirmation hearing,
the assemblymen on our side will shield you,
so put your worries to rest.
In any case, I got it all sorted out for you.
So let's grab a bowl of hot soup together soon. Sounds good?
Okay. I have to go.
(Assemblyman Lee In Soo)
Sir.
- Your phone. - Yes.
All right. Tell me what's going on with Hansu Bio.
Why won't you answer my calls?
Oh, where's my phone?
My goodness. I forgot that I had put it on vibrate.
I guess I'm getting old.
We'll fill you in on the details another time, sir.
Ms. Oh, are you very busy at the moment?
Hey, Soo Jae. Stay for a moment.
Young Bae, you can go.
Ms. Oh, you see
Over 200 residents in Yeongpyeong District
can't afford to move, let alone rent a room.
(1 day ago, National Assembly Transportation Committee Inspection)
Yet you still wish to push ahead with the plan.
Do you want them to all give up on life and die?
Good grief, those destitute peasants.
Not owning a home isn't something to brag about.
- What? - How could you say such a thing?
Your microphone.
What did you say just now?
Did you call our citizens "destitute peasants"?
Assemblyman Lee In Soo. You want to run for President.
How dare you call our citizens "destitute peasants"?
No, I was talking to myself while thinking about something else.
You can't feign ignorance and say you were distracted.
No one will buy it.
You must bow down and apologize.
Goodness gracious.
Hey, I was just mumbling to myself.
I had reported him for accepting illegal political contributions,
but the prosecution completely ignored it.
Thanks to that, Lee In Soo was elected for his fifth term
and is considered one of the strongest presidential candidates.
He wishes to run for President
but dared to refer to citizens as "destitute peasants".
- We must stop him! - What is this?
- And Yeongpyeong District too. - I'm sorry, sir. I'll look into it.
Ms. Oh.
Then what should I do?
What's the biggest weakness we can use
against someone fighting for justice?
Being called "destitute peasants" is like our golden ticket.
I'll make him give me an apartment and a commercial building.
Once he gives me those, I shall cast my vote for him.
Their not-so-righteous intentions being exposed.
We sent him the recording, so I'm sure he got the message.
I suggest you bow down, apologize, and end it on a high note.
(Lee In Soo's Ratings Skyrocket)
(After Promising Compensation for Yeongpyeong Residents)
Hurray for Assemblyman Lee In Soo!
- Hurray! - Hurray!
Who knows what Soo Jae did?
They were shouting hurray together hand in hand
Whatever. Why envy her when all she does is clean up everyone's mess?
The managing partner title is mine anyway!
Are you sure you'll be promoted to managing partner?
Yes, I'm 99.9 percent sure! Tell the kids.
Go ahead and tell your father too
Gosh, I'm getting goosebumps.
Oh Soo Jae is at it again. She's chewing out the associates.
That nasty witch. Goodness.
Cho Moon Yong, the whistle blower who disclosed
the false emissions data, will testify for the plaintiff.
What can we do to invalidate Cho Moon Yong's testimony?
We must stop him no matter what.
"No matter what"? How?
Of course, not by force. We'll talk him out of it.
We should meet him and persuade him in person.
I'll try to persuade him.
I'll find out what he needs.
"Have you ever seen things work out for a whistle blower in the end?"
"You're bound to be bullied and get kicked out."
"You have a family to feed. Decide wisely."
We'll pressure him while we
You're out too. Get out.
If I'm wrong, please tell me exactly what I got wrong.
If you want to know, you can attend the trial.
However, you'll be sitting in the audience.
(2nd trial for the Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex case)
Counsel, you may cross-examine the witness.
Your Honour. Before that,
please allow me to reveal the truth about Mr. Cho Moon Yong,
the witness who first reported on Hansu Bio's
allegedly falsified air pollutant emissions data.
Now that you've seen the photo, please think about this.
Mr. Cho received money from the plaintiff.
Could we say his intentions behind the testimony are righteous?
He stated that the company falsified its emissions data.
But could we trust him?
It's true!
It really is true! Please believe me.
This is a trap.
This is a trap!
They're trying to sabotage me! This is a trap.
This is a trap! Let go of me!
We will take a brief recess.
This is a trap!
(Plaintiff)
What are you doing?
I told you that it'd be hard for you to win the second trial.
(Court in Session)
While preparing for this trial,
we focused on finding out why Yang Ji Ho fell ill
and conducted in-depth research and experiments.
We collected data from other areas too,
not just the vicinity of the factory.
And as you can see,
similar levels of pollutants were detected in other areas too.
This shows that the emissions
from Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex
had nothing to do with Yang Ji Ho's illness.
No, Your Honour!
My son, Ji Ho,
fell ill because of his poor, incompetent parents.
He inhaled black dust even when he was in my womb.
Your Honour.
Please help my son, Ji Ho.
Please help my child, Your Honour.
Please help them, Your Honour.
Thank you!
This child is suffering from a lung disease similar to pneumoconiosis
because of the pollutants from Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex.
Air pollutants
that can cause lung diseases and various types of cancer
caused this little boy to develop a pulmonary disease
and have been threatening the health of the residents.
(Plaintiff)
Ji Ho's doctor, Mr. Shin Do Hyung, concluded that
environmental factors were the main culprit
behind Ji Ho's condition, which is similar to pneumoconiosis.
Other doctors at the hospital have stated the same.
Ji Ho is still a kid.
Do you think it's fair that he has to go through all this pain
and get tested on an ongoing basis due to such environmental factors?
Your Honour. I just received a medical certificate.
I'd like to read it aloud and submit it as evidence.
Your Honour.
Counsel is trying to cloud the issue.
I have no reason to stop her as she hasn't given her closing statement.
Please go ahead.
"The suggested correlation between Yang Ji Ho's condition"
"and emissions from Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex"
"cannot be proved."
Your Honour.
Please check who issued such a medical certificate
and how it was done.
We must find out.
There is no need to check.
This was issued by Dr. Shin Do Hyung, Ji Ho's doctor.
I've also enclosed the opinions of the pulmonologists
at the hospital where Dr. Shin Do Hyung works.
(Judge)
Your Honour.
I must tell you something very important about Ji Ho.
Your Honour.
Please have the security guards escort him out for a moment,
and I ask that you make a closed court order.
You can't do that.
Just say it in front of everyone! Why must Ji Ho leave?
You cannot suddenly make a closed court order.
Please proceed as is.
I gave you a chance.
A chance for what?
Ji Ho was adopted when he was five.
- What? - He was adopted?
- For real? - What is going on?
Their claim that Ji Ho was inhaling pollutants
even in his mother's womb
is all a lie, Your Honour.
- Seriously? - Is this really true?
- I can't believe this. - This is insane.
- He was adopted? - What is going on?
Your Honour, may we have a short recess?
Forget a recess. I suggest you give up on this trial.
We have witness statements that say they have been abusing Ji Ho
and that they have generated profit in the process
of adopting a number of children and giving them up.
It's all a lie.
Ji Ho is our son.
Ji Ho is our son!
And we don't abuse him. We never once abused him!
This must be backed by objective evidence.
I have evidence right here.
It's fake. It's all made up!
Order!
(Plaintiff)
(Judge)
(DNA Test Report)
(A and B are not biologically related.)
You ran a paternity test?
It's against the law to do this without our consent.
Which is why I won't be submitting this.
But there's plenty of other evidence.
This is all your fault.
You ruined everything!
I should've abandoned you long ago.
You can't even earn your keep.
What will you do now? What will you do about this?
- My goodness. - Let the boy go!
- I can't believe this. - What is going on?
Since Yang Ji Ho
was not born and raised near the factory,
we cannot conclude that his lung condition was caused
by the emissions from Hansu Bio Chemical-Industrial Complex.
Ergo, the court hereby announces that the initial verdict
concerning Yang Ji Ho has been revoked
and that his request has been denied.
Don't you think you owe Ji Ho an apology?
- Don't you feel responsible? - Don't you feel bad?
Do you not think you violated Ji Ho's rights?
Let's go, ma'am.
- Wait! - Just a comment, please.
- One moment! - Please say a few words!
- By the way, - Just one comment!
how did you know that Ji Ho was adopted?
Didn't you notice anything strange
while going over the family relation certificate?
First.
The other two kids share "Ye" in their names, but Ji Ho doesn't.
Second.
He was born only 11 months after Yang Ye Seo was born.
They're not even a year apart.
How come I'm the only one who notices these things?
But how did you know that Cho Moon Yong would accept a bribe?
Who knew a whistle blower would take a bribe?
Because of his attitude.
It's all about the attitude.
To tell you the truth, I knew this would happen.
Those with questionable intentions always have a suspicious attitude.
I made sure Yang Jung Tae would hear
that bribing Cho Moon Yong would make things easier in the courtroom.
The two men with unsavoury intentions blew themselves up together.
But things like attitudes and intentions
You could tell because it was you.
We're associates, not fortune-tellers.
If there's a witness that puts you at a disadvantage,
make them lose their credibility.
If it's the trial itself, make sure it never takes place.
That's what it's all about.
If you still don't get it after watching the trial,
find yourself a different job.
The award ceremony is tomorrow, right?
What do you say? Should I show up with flowers and my kids?
Forget it. Even just thinking about it makes me cringe.
Can you smile a little when you're getting photos taken this time?
You kept a straight face the last time you received an award.
Tell Auntie Soo Jae to smile!
- Smile, Auntie Soo Jae! - Smile, Auntie Soo Jae!
Congratulate Auntie Soo Jae on the award.
- Congratulations, Auntie Soo Jae! - Goodness. You're so loud.
- Nice job. - Bye.
(Lawyer of the Year, Oh Soo Jae of TK Law Firm)
Did you see that yesterday?
- Congratulations. - Congratulations!
Congratulations!
- Congratulations. - Congratulations.
- Congratulations, Ms. Oh. - Congratulations!
- You're so cool. - She won't even smile.
She never smiles.
Goodness. Someone's really lucky.
When she first joined the firm, she was a clueless loser.
No one even wanted to talk to her.
Hey.
Get out.
You remember, right?
Back then, she couldn't even dare to look at us.
- How about sushi? - Let's just go for jjajangmyeon.
Hello.
- Come on. Let's go. - I know of a good restaurant.
- Why don't we go there? - Let's go.
- Come on. - I know of a good place too.
- Nice. - Let's go.
When she was an associate, I didn't even eat with her.
I mean, why would I? She'd just ruin my appetite.
Will we let her be promoted to managing partner and call her ma'am?
No, we absolutely can't let that happen.
According to our new policy, your opinion is worth 40 percent.
The associates and partner lawyers' opinions, 40 percent.
And mine, 20 percent. We'll tally them all up
and appoint our managing partner.
That report tells you what the associates
and partner lawyers think.
You can do as you please.
You don't have to ask the employees for their opinions.
Pretending to listen to employee opinions
is the latest trend among all the top-notch law firms.
We must not fall behind the trends, you know?
In any case, we're rooting for Mr. Min Young Bae.
Look at the top ten law firms in the country.
There's no female managing partner.
And she didn't even go to college. My goodness.
She comes from nothing and didn't even go to college,
yet you helped her come this far.
That, in and of itself, makes you a trendsetter.
Soo Jae has been doing a great job.
I heard Song Mi Rim was like Ms. Oh's chief assistant.
Why should we interview her?
I wanted to interview the final candidates' chief assistants
and hear their honest opinions.
I see.
Well
In this day and age, people are moved by stuff like that.
That's true. This top-notch advisory board that consists of
former high-ranking officials such as police commissioner,
national director of Tax Services, director of Customs Service,
chief justice, secretary-general of the National Assembly,
and even former ministers
are gathered together to listen to mere employees' opinions.
This should be in the newspapers.
Song Mi Rim? I've already won her over.
She's very ambitious.
Think about it. She's an associate, but she's like Soo Jae's secretary.
That's why everyone calls her "Little Oh Soo Jae".
Which is why I cut a deal with her.
"Support me and come work for me."
"Then I'll help you make partner."
What?
Make partner after just five years? Don't go overboard.
Come on. You know how it goes.
I just had to win her over!
It doesn't mean I'll actually help her.
So? Who's buying dinner today?
Last year, Ms. Oh pulled in 32 million dollars,
whereas Mr. Min pulled in eight million dollars.
Ms. Oh's total revenue was a lot higher.
We're aware. We know that,
but that's not the only thing we should consider.
So I'd like to carefully bring up my next point.
While working under Ms. Oh for the past five years, I learned
that not every partner lawyer is a leader.
There are 38 partner lawyers and 62 associates.
The firm has over 100 employees.
The managing partner must possess excellent leadership skills.
I believe that character matters more than performance.
So who do you think should be promoted to managing partner?
Ms. Oh, of course. Right?
Are you rooting for Mr. Min Young Bae?
As they say, an arm naturally bends inward.
I'm sure she's rooting for Ms. Oh.
The thing is, your arm doesn't only bend inward.
It can bend outward too, like this.
Congratulations on the award.
Everyone's jealous, but I mean it. You know that, right?
I heard you impressed the higher-ups.
Among the three companies that want to acquire Hansu Bio,
SP Partners has made the most aggressive offer.
The price they suggested is on par with what the other two offered,
but they're willing to offer royalties
on the use of the Hansu brand.
My uncle is keeping a keen eye on SP Partners as well.
I have to say, I truly envy Director Han.
His uncle is the chairman of Hansu Group.
He's set for life. His job is more secure than civil service jobs.
Director Han.
What's the number one rule you must follow to keep your secure job?
Make safe choices.
Sure, Yoon Se Pil of SP Partners is a very successful CEO.
But the company grew too quickly.
What does that mean?
There's a higher risk.
Right, of course.
That's why we'll trust your choice.
The three of us need to discuss some things in private.
Yes, the bosses need to have a quick chat.
I love stuff like this.
Get back to work. Go.
Work hard. Your time will come.
You know, the judge for the appeal hearing.
I'd like to give him a little gift.
His son is graduating from college this year.
Oh, that's perfect.
We'll create a position for him at Hansu.
With the recent hiring scandals,
I suggest you give it some time.
I can't even show my gratitude?
Come on. What's the world coming to?
In this day and age, I can't even hire an aide
whenever I want to.
Oh, boy.
I must say, fortune-teller Kim is very accurate.
Kim said you'd make big money this year
and that you, Assemblyman Lee, would move up the ladder.
If all goes well with Yeongpyeong District
and the sale of Hansu Bio,
all our hard work in the past ten years will come to fruition.
Yes. What we've been planning for the past ten years
will finally come true. Dreams do come true!
Oh, right.
Will Min Young Bae be promoted to managing partner?
Yes, that's the plan.
Good. Young Bae is an easy one to handle.
Oh Soo Jae is the perfect one to put to work.
(Oh Soo Jae)
Excuse me. I have to take this call.
Hi, it's me.
It looks like you've been having a lot of fun these days.
You took a bribe from Naeun Group using a golf wager as an excuse.
Then you partied it up with people from H and T Korea.
They paid for everything, of course.
You've been keeping very busy, Young Bae.
What? Hey, Soo Jae.
What's all this?
This was a strategic move. I met them to get Intel from them.
Come on. You know the drill.
Take your hands off this quietly.
I'll tell everyone that you're too busy to work on it.
- What? - I told everyone to leave
because I wanted to save your face.
Have you not heard the rumours?
Maybe you've been too excited about the award.
I'll be promoted to managing partner. It's almost a done deal.
Even your assistant Song Mi Rim is rooting for me.
Sir, is it true that Young Bae is getting the position?
It's not decided yet.
You little
The sale of Hansu Bio. Let me handle it on my own.
All right.
(Chairman Choi Tae Guk)
How dare you do a background check on me?
What are you, a bully?
Aren't you the one who lied to my associate
that you'd help her make partner?
That makes you a bully.
Song Mi Rim, that little
Now, that's your cue to leave the room.
We need to have a meeting.
- Where is Song Mi Rim? - Yes?
Hey, what's your problem?
Come in.
Come on in, please.
Darn it!
What are you looking at?
I apologize on his behalf. None of this should've happened.
Don't worry. I'm a little flustered, but it's fine.
- Shall we continue? - Yes.
By the way,
you're aware that we're missing a lot of documents, right?
I told you that you must send us everything.
I believe I reminded you a bunch of times.
Right, you did.
We'll check again.
- Look into it. - Yes, sir.
We'll stop by soon to pick them up if you're okay with it.
Well, sure.
Great.
Go!
- Hey, hurry. - Okay.
Let's get this done quickly.
All right.
Please stop.
Who are you? Why are you doing this?
I said, stop.
What?
Are you the one who sent the people who are at our office now?
Did you send them already?
You said "soon".
Let's go.
Hey! What were the security guards doing?
How could you let them take everything?
I've never seen Director Han Ki Taek get so worked up.
I suppose there are lots of things that he wants to hide.
Breach of duty and embezzlement, which isn't even news.
I'm sure he has quite a record.
Oh Soo Jae, that crazy witch. How dare she raid my company?
What exactly did she take?
What about the cruise?
That too?
You idiot! Do you want to get kicked out like your father did?
Go retrieve everything she took!
Now!
So what will you do?
Sir.
Everything Soo Jae has is in the palm of my hand.
You need not worry, sir.
Darn it!
You know, the cruise We have to be extremely careful.
If that gets out
You don't need to worry.
Ki Taek, that moron.
Oh, dear.
I will promote Soo Jae to managing partner.
What are you talking about? You should fire her at once!
She's too useful to be let go.
A loyal dog that wags her tail no matter what you throw at her.
I don't want to get rid of her just because she acted up once,
because it'd be such a shame.
(Mom)
- My gosh. - Is this real?
- What? - For real?
- Is this really happening? - This isn't a prank, is it?
- Is this really true? - This makes no sense.
My gosh! Yes!
Yes, Oh Soo Jae! She stole that position from me!
Chairman Choi promoted her instead of me.
(Oh Soo Jae has been appointed TK Law Firm's managing partner.)
(General Meeting of the Women Lawyers Association)
(Choongin Law Firm, TK Law Firm)
You heard about Oh Soo Jae, right?
Managing partner, seriously?
Lawyer Min Young Bae was supposed to get the title,
but Chairman Choi suddenly changed his mind.
She raided Hansu Group to get her hands on all their documents.
That's why Chairman Choi changed his decision.
She's got some nerve.
How could she do that when Hansu is her client?
She scares me.
There she is.
Look at her smiling. I can't stand her.
- My gosh. - How have you been?
Congratulations, Ms. Oh. You really broke the glass ceiling.
I'm so proud of you.
I owe it all to you, ma'am.
Congratulations, Ms. Oh.
- Congratulations. - Congratulations.
I'm so jealous. You're already a managing partner.
You know, Serin Group's case my firm is currently working on.
We want more attorneys on the case.
Can TK help us?
I'll speak with Chairman Choi.
I can certainly take care of that.
Great.
Soo Jae.
Congratulations.
Young Bae thought he'd be the one getting the promotion.
But don't you think it was too mean to kick him out
of the Hansu Bio case like that?
Are you two back together now?
You're no longer separated?
Hey, we were never separated.
Where did you hear such a groundless rumour?
My gosh, ma'am! How have you been?
- You made it. - Yes. You look great.
Hello.
Congratulations, Ms. Oh.
I'm looking forward to the sale of Hansu Bio.
SP Partners CEO, Mr. Yoon Se Pil.
A meeting like this is unnecessary in the middle of a deal like this.
And you know it can cause misunderstanding.
Did you get the position you wanted
by becoming the managing partner at TK Law Firm?
The case decided in favour of Min Young Bae was overturned.
This means that the information you have was an effective weapon.
Should I
give you a little tip?
That information
includes something beyond your imagination.
Make sure to find it.
(CEO Yoon Se Pil, SP Partners)
- Congratulations. - Ms. Oh, congratulations.
- Ms. Oh, congratulations. - Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
- Congratulations. - Congratulations.
- Congratulations. - Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations, Managing Partner Oh.
I haven't officially taken office yet.
Fine. Did you see the news article?
The success story of a lawyer with only a high school diploma.
The first female managing partner from the top ten law firms in Korea.
You have a lot of requests for interviews.
Turn down all of the interviews,
and ask the maintenance staff to move these out of my office.
But why?
It'll be great. Everyone's going to be jealous.
Look at them. They've all fallen into some collective depression.
Come on in, our new managing partner.
There was someone who was sure they would get the position.
Thank you.
You never know how HR decisions are going to turn out until the end.
Min Young Bae was overly confident.
You hustled.
Assemblyman An Kang Won.
You know him, right?
He seems to have
played around with some girl at a hostess bar.
The problem is she's going around
saying she got raped.
Assemblyman Lee is asking us to quietly cover it up.
Why would he ask us to do that?
Aren't they rivals?
I even heard they don't get along.
It's also not good for Assemblyman Lee
if a rival within his own party is caught up in a scandal.
Assemblymen fight in front of the camera,
but in private, they eat together and go to the sauna together.
Don't you know?
I see.
Also, about that information you found.
Chairman Han was furious, so I told him
Whatever is in Soo Jae's hands is also in mine.
I told him not to worry.
It's just double bookkeeping.
He must've built up a slush fund. What's the big deal?
If you got what you wanted using the information,
clean it up and give it back.
Of course. I'm going to help with the sale.
There won't be any issues.
As it should be.
There can't be any issues.
Your inauguration. I'll make a good one.
Buy me dinner before then.
Let's get fresh fish from the market and eat some sashimi.
You got the position you wanted and a big case.
You owe me.
Yes.
Ms. Oh.
Here's the additional information on Park So Young.
Family relations, any rumours within her community.
The video recording is on the USB drive.
Did you look into Assemblyman An Kang Won also?
I haven't. Do you need me to?
No. It's okay.
(Park So Young)
Gosh.
This piece of trash.
He's about to be president
(Kang)
What is all this anyway?
Park So Young. She works at a hostess bar.
She's claiming she was raped by Assemblyman An.
Chairman Han ordered me to keep her quiet.
Why? She could be a victim.
It's biased to assume she's lying just because she's a hostess.
Aren't you also biased?
Why are you assuming she's a victim just because she's a woman?
What if she is really a gold digger?
What if Assemblyman An is really a victim?
(Kang)
Soo Jae.
It's not true.
I've been there a few times, and I was really drunk,
but it's not true. I don't remember a thing.
I'm being framed.
Someone's using Park So Young to ruin me.
Are you so important that someone would try to ruin you?
You've gained popularity by working on your public image.
You seem excited that you became a potential presidential candidate.
But the fact that you're even being considered a candidate
is proof that Korea's politics are still lousy.
Then why did you date me?
- A big toy. - What?
It was funny to see you begging and spending money on me.
It was also fun to see you pleading for me to wear the shoes you got me.
You were perfect as a toy that I play with and then throw away.
What result do you want?
I'm asking as a lawyer what my client wants
and what the desired result is.
Help keep my political career alive.
Make it pass by
like a baseless rumour.
Help me out.
Get on your knees then.
Give you what you want and end your political career
or get on your knees.
Hold on.
(Assemblyman Lee In Soo)
Yes, Assemblyman Lee.
Yes.
I understand.
Please save me.
You and I
never
met personally.
Let's go.
Gosh. What a surprise.
We have similar tastes.
These shoes are very expensive.
You must make a lot of money.
Park So Young. Your attitude is a bit cheap.
Have you met Assemblyman An Kang Won before the incident?
No.
Even if you hadn't, you knew who he was, right?
An unmarried assemblyman who used to be an actor.
He's popular and has a great public image.
But among us, his nickname is "Dog".
A dirty, crazy dog.
But it's a VIP.
He spends a lot of money.
So were you trying to take that money?
No.
I'm a victim.
A rape victim.
I even have proof.
I don't care.
What's your dream?
Do you not have one?
Then what did it used to be?
There's no way your dream was to be what you are now.
In Korea, such a thing as a dream
Why?
You accomplished your dream, so you're sitting over there,
and I didn't accomplish mine, so I'm sitting over here.
Are you trying to teach me a lesson?
I'm curious.
Why would you do something like this?
I'm asking because I'm curious.
I didn't do anything. Something happened to me.
Something was done to me.
I'm the victim!
Why are you not doing anything? Are you a lawyer or what?
Yes. One second.
Right. Ms. Oh.
I have evidence.
They found Congressman An Kang Won's DNA
on Ms. Park's underwear, which I submitted for evidence.
That's clear proof that she was raped.
To prove that it was rape,
you have to show
that she was forced against her will using physical force or threats.
How do you prove she was forced with the DNA from her underwear?
There would be DNA on her underwear even if she had consented.
Right. However,
Ms. Park is consistent in her testimony.
Also, it's common nowadays for the victim's testimony
to be given priority.
She's laughing.
How can you laugh
hearing another woman has been raped?
How can you be like that?
Mi Rim.
You flirted with Congressman An first.
That So Young is so funny.
She flirts with him all innocently, then stabs him in the back.
That's her strategy.
Hey!
Your dad's an alcoholic. Your mom's sick.
Does your younger sister know what you do for work?
Do you want me to post this video on your sister's school website?
I can send it to people at your mom's hospital.
Shut up.
Do you think you can live a normal life, Ms. Park?
There's nothing Korean netizens can't find.
I can spread information about you no matter where you go.
You'll want to die.
Ms. Park. Relax and have a seat.
Really. Secretly recording videos and threatening the victim's family.
Aren't you being too harsh?
What year did you enter the training institute?
I didn't attend the institute. I was in the ninth class of law school.
And you're trying to win against me?
No. I mean
I'm not saying I'm going to lose.
Listen up, Ms. Park.
When a woman is sexually assaulted in Korea,
the law is not on the woman's side. Public opinion is even less so.
What do you think of that, 9th graduating class of law school?
But
However, we have to think from the victim's side.
And recently, the victim's testimony
is given priority
Let's say you are the victim and we go to court.
Do you think you can beat me in court, 9th class?
Ms. Park.
You lost your sense of judgement because you were drunk.
You never even met Congressman An.
The end. Okay?
Was this
your dream?
Becoming a lawyer
who threatens the victim
and makes them want to kill themselves.
Was that your dream?
Why would you die? You should live.
Curse me as you keep living.
Cursing someone magically
gives you the strength to live.
Let me know if you need a lawyer.
(Lawyer Oh Soo Jae)
He isn't it.
What a novice.
He's not able to protect his client at all.
Hey, you crazy wench!
You don't have a dream either.
You don't have one either!
No.
I do have one.
Getting all the way to the top.
That's my dream,
and I'm half of the way there.
I'm different from you.
Park So Young
seems to be telling the truth, at least partially.
An Kang Won is my client, not Park So Young.
Do you know what Park So Young did wrong?
She didn't hire me as her lawyer.
Is there anything you need?
Go home.
I'll be going, then.
I brought the car out front.
Ms. Oh.
Ms. Oh. Are you okay?
Call 911. Hurry. Call the police.
Hurry. Keep people out.
(Lawyer Oh Soo Jae)
(Luxury Taxi)
Shut up.
Do you think you can live a normal life, Ms. Park?
I can spread information about you no matter where you go.
You'll want to die.
Hey, you crazy wench!
You don't have a dream either.
I'm different from you.
(Song Mi Rim)
There was a security camera inspection at the time,
so there's no footage.
How did she get up there?
(Song Mi Rim)
The police are going to say it's suicide due to personal reasons.
- There's Lawyer Oh Soo Jae! - She's here!
Ms. Oh Soo Jae!
Why did Park So Young jump off the TK Law Firm's building?
I don't know.
Do you feel guilty about what happened?
Not at all.
We heard you were very harsh on her because she wasn't a career woman.
And you also trampled on the rights of career women.
Give us a comment.
Aren't you a career woman too?
Because you have a stable job.
Then you are a career man.
No wonder why reporters are looked down on.
Listen to your cheap phrases.
Oh, right. People call you guys rotten too these days
because you guys swarm over to rotten information.
- What? Seriously? - What did you just say? Rotten?
- How dare you call us rotten? - You think you're better than us?
We must use this incident to kick her out, sir.
Our high-profile clients have been shaken up for days.
Our reputation has been damaged severely because of her.
This is a serious problem, sir.
It's a fact that Soo Jae cornered Park So Young to the extreme.
I saw her do so
even after the meeting with my two eyes.
I believe giving her a break would be a nice alternative, sir.
We can't have an inauguration ceremony
given the recent turn of events.
Please reconsider, sir.
Why don't we give Soo Jae a break for the time being?
We can say that she's going abroad for more training.
How about sending her
to our branches in the US or China for a year?
A year won't be enough.
Has anyone here
brought in more money to the firm than me?
Or has anyone here won more trials than me?
That's not everything!
The lawyers of TK Law Firm must have dignity and class.
Park So Young committed suicide because of you.
TK Law Firm has been disgraced. Do you see that?
Young Bae.
I'm TK Law Firm.
And TK Law Firm is me.
I have lived every day of my life for TK Law Firm.
But you want to kick me out of the country?
If you're going to do that, kill me instead.
Sir.
You looked down on me because I was a high school graduate.
And you never let me join the meetings.
Gosh,
you called me every time you drank. "Why would we call escorts?"
"We can call Soo Jae!"
You said that numerous times.
And you put your name on my reporters countless times.
And you.
Forget it.
I feel awful for you. I just want you to know that.
Despite all the disadvantages,
I became the managing partner!
Because I gave up on having a life to get this far.
So if you come after me,
you'll get hurt.
Are we clear?
You are TK Law Firm, and TK Law Firm is you?
Gosh. Has it been eight years?
You've gotten prettier.
Did you hear I was coming?
Right. I hear you're in a tight spot because someone died.
Let me know if you need any help.
Who will help?
- You will help me? - Yes.
Choi Ju Wan wants to help me?
All right.
This sea bream is my treat to all of you! Drink until you drop!
Over there.
- Nice! - That looks great!
Gosh. You know what? My boss got into law school
and bought a lot in a commercial building, so we're moving there.
Isn't it amazing?
- That's great! - Good for you!
- Eat a lot. - Okay.
- Eat a lot. - What would you like?
- A snapper, please. - A snapper?
I thought you wanted Chinese herrings earlier.
(Amazing News! Gong Chan Gets Into Law School!)
Do you know why I like coming here?
Because it's fun to slice up those live fish.
"Kill that fish and bring it to me."
I get to chew the fish that was alive only a moment ago.
I love that.
I know better than anyone
that you put up with all the hours and work,
so you could rule TK Law Firm.
But Soo Jae.
Do you think I would let all my hard work benefit someone else?
If that's the case, I would just quit.
Here's a thing about dogs.
They must always be loyal to their masters, know their place,
and have humility.
Only those dogs are cherished.
Go on a break.
A law professor at Seojung University.
It won't be long. Just for a semester.
Sir, your offer is flustering me.
Baek Jin Ki is the director there.
He's very worried about you.
He said he would put aside a position for you.
I would like to decline the offer.
I'm not making an offer. It's an order.
And you can be
a managing partner next time. Okay?
I'm about to be inaugurated.
But taking my position away to get your way
It's mine.
All the positions belong to me.
Interns, associates, partners, and managing partners.
Even those lowly positions for security guards and cleaners.
They are all mine.
Park So Young.
Did I tell her to do so?
Park So Young.
Did I kill her?
Answer me, sir!
She's dead because of you.
That's what people are saying.
And so is the world.
I'm so sorry.
- Are you okay? - I'm all right.
I'll clean this up right away.
I'm so sorry.
- Soo Jae. - Yes?
I have no worries because I have
such a kind and smart daughter.
- You have no worries? - You bet.
The hardest thing in life is getting people to open up to you.
But you're kind and smart,
So everyone you meet will open up to you.
No, Dad. That's not true.
How could you leave us so soon?
What about our children?
How could you be so cruel?
- I'm going to leave with him! - Mom!
- Let go of me. - Are you crazy, Mom?
- The water is deep here! - I'm going with him!
Soo Jae, become a good lawyer
people can open up to.
Why me?
Why?
She's dead because of you.
Do you feel guilty about what happened?
That's what people are saying. And so is the world.
I will look up higher.
I will stand at the top of the world
and look up much higher!
I guess you weren't ready to go yet. You managed to come to me.
What did I tell you?
Didn't I tell you arrhythmia was a serious condition
and it could even kill you?
Forget about being the managing partner.
You could really die if you don't rest!
I would have quit long ago if I was ever going to quit.
If you were going to quit, you wouldn't have gone back
after you came back from the US.
Gosh, you're so stubborn.
Soo Jae.
Soo Jae. You seem to have recovered.
Yes.
Don't worry about arrhythmia. Just keep living your life.
If you don't feel good, come here and pass out.
Jun Hee and I can bring you back to life. Right?
I noticed a pile of packages again.
Right. We should go camping together next time.
We can gaze at the camp fire all day
and drink all night. Drinking like that will help us
with our mental health.
Don't look at me like that.
You might give me an arrhythmia. I'll go and see my patients.
Did you hear him? You collapsed because of your arrhythmia.
But he wants to drink with you all night.
Goodness.
(Blackboard, 8 - Gong Chan, 8 - Nam Chun Poong, 8 - Na Se Ryeon)
We're over here, and that's the blackboard.
- Where's your seat? - In the back.
He must be tired.
(Basics of Fieldwork for Lawyers)
Professor.
Why are our seats assigned?
I want to sit in the front row, so I can focus better.
I'm the TA.
The seats were assigned based on your grades.
From highest to lowest.
Then people in Group Eight had the lowest grades?
Me?
Gosh. This is embarrassing.
Seriously? They are based on our grades?
This is lame. Right?
We're lucky we got in.
What's so bad about being on the bottom?
I'm not embarrassed at all.
(Gong Chan, Nam Chun Poong,)
(Na Se Ryeon, Cho Kang Ja, Choi Yoon Sang)
Who's the professor?
(Student Support Team)
Gosh, why isn't she picking up?
- The receiver cannot be reached. - She's driving me crazy.
Her lecture time is about to be over.
Where's the professor? This is just wrong.
- I'm wasting my time here. - Come on.
Seriously. How irresponsible.
I'm so sick of waiting.
When is the professor coming?
Come on. Look at the time.
(Oh)
(Soo)
(Jae)
Oh Soo Jae? Oh, my gosh.
Oh, my gosh.
(Never)
(let my client)
(Never let my client end up in prison.)
That's the first and last thing of your fieldwork as lawyers.
Hello.
Kim Dong Gu?
- What happened to your face? - Get lost.
Hey, I'm your lawyer.
You're not going to listen to me just like the other lawyers.
So get lost.
Get lost!
I don't need your help! Get out of here!
Get your hands off me!
Hold on!
It's fine.
What
a mess.
But
I believe you.
(Never let my client end up in prison.)
I met her again.
I met Oh Soo Jae
again.
(Why Her?)
(Special Appearance by Kim Jong-Tae, Kwon Sang-Woo and Lee Tae-Sung)
Thank you for choosing the law program
at Seojung University.
Is this class going to get cancelled?
Classes with less than five students get cancelled.
Why didn't you switch out?
I like Professor Oh.
Everyone doesn't want to take her class.
The class might get cancelled.
It's Oh Soo Jae. She will never let that happen.
From the spokesperson to the Blue House
if that's what you want.
Darn it!
What are you up to? What on earth are you thinking?
I'll find my own way back.