(All people, places, organizations, and incidents appearing in this series are entirely fictional.)
[KIM YI-SEOL'S ART CONCERT] [ARTIFICIAL CITY]
[Q. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE ROLE OF THE FIRST LADY?]
The role of the first lady…
So, presuming that my husband Jung Jun-hyeok does become president,
I'll answer it in that way, I guess.
I think the role of First Lady demands
that she help her husband stay faithful to his principles.
I've been interested in the ignored and those discriminated against.
All around us,
so many kinds of discrimination remain unresolved.
But, you know,
despite their continued suffering,
the world just keeps on turning.
It's a real shame.
Really, quite a shame.
(Artificial City)
(Episode 1)
This way, please.
Your assignments, then.
In the Third Exhibit Hall we have… Lim So-yeon?
Yes.
- Shin Su-rim? - Here.
- Kim Yi-seol? - Yes.
If you look at the floor plan, your sections are all marked.
Oh, there's one thing to be aware of.
Items in the designated exhibit spaces are fluid,
so we request that all of you here
read the distributed materials carefully.
- Okay. - Yes.
Let's go to the next room.
This is the usage rights permission form that we received from the family.
During the exhibition period, insurance and transportation are covered.
Lately people are really only interested in monochrome,
so I was rather worried,
but look at what a great exhibition you've planned.
Impressive.
I had a great teacher, right? I learned a thing or two.
I've got a long way to go before I reach your level, though.
Too much humility comes across as cheeky.
Don't push your luck.
Now I'm scared.
Here…
What's this for?
So you can look your best for the cameras at the hearing.
If I want to shine this brightly,
I'll need the permission of your mother-in-law first.
No?
Two days and I'll have it all sorted.
You'll need to trust me.
Of course I do. I always trust Yun Jae-hui.
Your signature.
Right here, please.
Where's Jae-hui? Still not here?
Where is she now?
She had an exhibition planning meeting. It must have run late.
With whom?
Kwon Min-seon.
Cho Gang-hyeon's wife?
Yes.
She knows today is the anniversary of Grandfather's death, right?
I inform her of the day's events every morning.
So she's intentionally late?
I'll try contacting her again.
Don't.
Work is all she's good at, that girl.
Hang it carefully, guys.
[MISSED CALL / GO SEON-MI]
When our Gyu-seong's midterms are over, we should all go camping together.
We can watch Hyeon-wu follow him around like a puppy, too, yeah?
Sounds good.
Looks more and more like his father every year.
Nice guy to take after, too.
So manly, and… manly.
Nice thing in a man, right?
Why is your door wide open like this?
Oh, because there's a guest.
Hello there.
Why the sudden visit?
Because Director Go will be eating at our house tonight
and I'm here for a bit of food.
I have no idea why my abalone never tastes the way I want it to.
Can you give me some water, please?
Yes, ma'am!
What's this?
You selling this one?
But it's…
You need some money, eh?
How much might it go for?
I'll buy it if it's not too expensive.
Don't touch the painting.
[ARTIST - SON SANG GI / TITLE - NANJIDO] Nanjido.
A village?
Nan-ji-do…
Nanjido!
Oh, this is…
This became Sangam-dong, right?
I should have bought some of that land way back then!
Oh wow, that sucks! Ah well.
So this is what Sangam-dong used to look like, yikes!
Drive safe.
Call me when she leaves.
I will.
Just a moment.
Add this to her bath. I'll help improve her mood.
Yes, thank you.
There's something more important than whether Cho Ganghyeon
becomes Prosecutor General or not.
Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs.
The seat is currently vacant, so who will take it?
I mean, the alliances Cho makes now,
they'll have an effect on the next election.
How's that?
Cho doesn't come from money.
So what?
That's why the people trust him.
Not having those kinds of connections helped with securing the nomination.
But what kind of guy is he?
Not the kind to feel satisfied leading a toothless Prosecutor's Office.
So you're saying his real goal is to lead the Corruption Investigations Office?
Exactly.
And he'll need the help of the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs.
Right.
In exchange for what?
Oh, um…
You suppose he could find support and a guaranteed position for nothing?
We talking some kind of angel or what?
If someone like that exists, please introduce me.
All right, let's get back to work.
Yes, sir.
Understood.
- Tell me right away. - I will.
Jun-hyeok.
Did I go too far?
No, keep on it.
It might not be news-worthy yet,
but your hunch might lead you to a big story.
Go find your scoop.
Oh, but, Jun-hyeok.
I saw today's cue sheet and the main spot was open.
Do you maybe have something big prepared?
Never know.
We'll see. Good luck.
Okay!
Please bring it up with the Madam, won't you?
I will, don't worry.
Oh and let's hit the links one of these days,
grab some that cow's head soup you like, too.
Sure, let's do that. See you.
Have a wonderful day.
Oh, Jesus.
What?
Why? What now? What?
What do you mean?
Come on, you know your family.
Don't be like that.
Whatever.
Not like it's the first time.
Hey, Jung. Jung!
What a difficult guy.
Enjoy.
- Madam. - Yes.
Oh, the young miss.
Why is the main spot open?
Oh, it's Jun-hyeok's story, Madam. Even the Station Manager doesn't know.
Does Jun-hyeok have him by the balls?
He's a well-known, reputable anchor,
much respected in the newsroom--
Be that as it may, we can't allow him to overstep his bounds.
Oh, yes, of course.
He's useless if he can't even control his anchor.
What are your thoughts on being nominated to be the Prosecutor General?
A word on how you're preparing for the hearings.
I plan to be as forthright as possible.
[MESSAGES / ARRIVING SOON. BILL LATER] What are your priorities if confirmed?
Well, I think the entire nation really hopes for prosecutorial reform.
Someone has to do it.
[BATTLE EXPECTED OVER CHO CONFIRMATION] Moreover, the position itself,
it really demands integrity.
I look forward to having the opportunity to prove myself.
Yes, this is Yun Jae-hui.
Sorry, where?
Please represent that in your articles.
Prosecutorial reform to you--
Is she in?
It's been a long time, Aunt.
You're a stubborn one, aren't you?
You've married into the family that leads the Sungjin Group.
Why still so ignorant of etiquette? Still don't get it?
You keep your mouth shut until you're spoken to.
It isn't that difficult, is it?
Ten years after you came to us, you're still the same.
I've upset you again I see, Aunt.
This is the first time I've come to visit you here, Uncle.
I wasn't allowed to come,
but I often wondered how you were doing.
Now that I've come,
I see that it's far worse than I imagined.
But you're still the Sungjin Group Chairman, if in name only.
Here with the so-called wife of the Chairman.
I made a grave mistake today.
In general, I refuse all visitors.
I know you hate me, Aunt.
It's not like there's anyone in the family who doesn't.
You aren't intimidating me, so you can save your energy.
It must hurt your pride to need me, but the fact is that you do.
It's how you can protect yourself. Just think of it that way.
And if I tell my sister-in-law everything?
What might happen to you, then?
Why worry about a nobody like me?
Worry about your share of the inheritance first.
He can't hold on for much longer, surely.
How dare you-
I had the paperwork done.
It looks like you did your very best for your son-in-law.
I've got a friend in the Prosecutor's Office.
On a list of names caught up in a recent drug bust,
I saw one that was awfully familiar.
You really went the extra mile.
to keep it from Mother.
Now give me what you promised.
I can't put into words my gratitude
to you for coming here very year.
After-party time?
Director.
Looks like you've finished docent orientation?
We thought you left for the day.
Why not go out to eat? You earned it.
We just felt like ordering in.
Let me know anytime if you have any problems.
Okay.
Enjoy the food.
D-Director?
Yeah?
You know about the memorial ceremony, right?
Yeah, I know.
So Chairwoman Seo and Mrs. Lee left early.
It's been a long day. I should get going.
Oh, hey honey.
The sandwiches must have been great.
I haven't even thought about dinner yet.
Yeah, I'm in the office. It should be safe to talk here.
Right, so did you receive it okay?
Sounds like you had a rough one.
Anyway, finish things up there and I'll see you at home later.
Yep, thanks.
Hey. Where you at, Dong-min?
Let's make some news.
Right, that one. Main story.
Good luck with everything
and see you at home.
Stand up straight.
-Lady.
Do you understand this?
My maternal grandfather does that to my mom.
It's already been 30 years since he passed away.
She could have done that because she was a special daughter.
You're now a member of Seo's family.
- Not Seo, but Jeong.
It'll make your father sad and disappointed.
Father, I'm sorry.
Now, let's eat.
Anything good there?
What's this…?
You know I don't want to be here.
You think life is about what you want?
At your age you need to be involved in your family.
All right.
Have you found a good candidate for Prosecutor General?
Yes. A few have made it onto our final list,
but they're all holding back.
It's the reforms. No one wants to stab peers in the back.
And the job carries no power.
If I put out feelers directly,
would that help?
What might you have in mind…?
Prosecutorial reform isn't a problem.
We can put on a show and fire a few prosecutors
and the people who want reform,
they've got their own skeletons, right?
Make sure they find out
each other's dirty little secrets
so they fight among themselves.
Our prosecutors are working so very hard.
We should do our best to protect them.
Hurry, hurry! It's time for the desserts!
Okay.
Oh, you'll give yourself indigestion.
Sit and eat slowly.
Already finished.
Can I bring you anything else?
The hot pepper paste is great. Wrap a little up for me.
No problem. I'll get that.
Hurry up, guys!
And then…
Director of Corruption Investigation,
we'll give that to our party representative here.
Assemblyman Kwak here will lead the presidential elections.
The Corruption Investigation Director and Prosecutor General will work together.
Yes, ma'am.
Ah, editor-in-chief of the Hanju Daily,
would you like to enter the National Assembly?
Oh, I… No, ma'am.
If things work out as planned,
it would be good to get Cho Kang Hyun on the team, as well.
I want it to be done quickly.
Mom, so before Uncle dies,
you're setting Jun-il up to become the new chairman?
So? Can't I?
Ouch, I have to stretch my legs.
Sit. You're the youngest one here.
How dare you.
I was wondering what you were up to.
I said no one was to enter.
Madam…
If you've been talking a while,
perhaps you can catch your breath while watching the news.
You'll enjoy it, Mother.
What's up with you today?
Good evening, this JBC Nightly News.
Our first story tonight
in a JBC News exclusive,
[ACCOUNTING FRAUD AT SEONGJIN] evidence of fraud at Sungjin Group.
Leaked documents suggest that from 2012 onward,
Sungjin Group, in advance of the Vice Chairman's planned succession,
intentionally hid 4.5 trillion won and covered up evidence of wrongdoing.
Reporter Han Dong-min reports.
Confidential documents given anonymously to JBC
detail evidence of accounting fraud
that, in total, has sought to conceal 4.5 trillion won,
in a concerted effort ongoing since 2012.
JBC News confirms-
Hyeon-wu, you want to go see the new motorbike?
First, find the source of the leak.
Yes, sir.
Also, how great the leak-
Trusting cats with fish, eh?
It's not exactly a surprise, is it?
We should have watched Jun-hyeok from the beginning.
I told you.
If we had kept him here with us,
that would have been so great.
As a member of the press,
he must have been conflicted, whether to serve family or the public.
Tough situation, poor kid.
Did you really not know what he and his wife were up to?
Or, are you pretending you had no idea?
What is she on about?
Sorry, Dad. We'll let you talk to Jun-il first.
Outstanding.
It wasn't easy,
but that just made it more fun.
All that time, shamelessly deceiving us…
You always told me that people never change.
You said hiding the truth is already halfway to success.
Never reveal the sordid truth, right?
I just did as you said.
Stop messing around and tell me what you want.
Let's hear it.
I want compensation,
for all the times you used me and my husband.
All right. What compensation?
Try to put yourself in my shoes for a moment.
What might I want?
Think it over slowly
and then make me an offer.
Consider whether that offer will satisfy me first, though.
These outsiders come in and make a mess
generation after generation.
Come on, that's a bit harsh, isn't it?
If it wasn't for Mother,
would they be here with us?
Living lives they don't deserve, instead of repaying us,
they act like ungrateful upstarts.
Honey, stop.
Why? It's all true.
I appreciate the input.
Please be forthright during the investigation, Jun-il.
The nation will be watching.
Hey, Jae-hui. You think we'll just let you do this?
Everyone, stop.
We don't need this, Dad. Let's go.
Hyeon-wu! Time to go home!
Don't you need to head home?
Saw it all over the news sites. Today's your grandfather's memorial, no?
Everyone, everyone!
Being first is great, but being honest is better.
Here's to being fair and accurate.
Let's stay committed. Cheers!
Cheers!
Shall I get him washed up?
No, it's fine. One night won't hurt.
[JUN-HYEOK] [BE BACK LATE. OUT WITH TEAM TONIGHT.]
Take the night off. I'm going to wash and head to bed.
Shall I run the water?
I'll do it.
Strip.
The wedding's next week, so we'll need final confirmation.
We can't let a girl who's pregnant with another man's child join the family.
Don't take it badly.
Even if it's just in name only…
you'll now become a member of the Sungjin Group's family.
You'll have to understand.
Don't take it badly, Mother.
Mom.
Hey, did you sleep well?
Had a good dream?
Oh, Dad's up, too.
- Dad! - Hey.
Honey, can you tell me how to get up without an alarm?
Wash your face first.
Shall we wash our faces?
Belief is key, really.
Sounds like cult stuff.
You don't want it enough.
So the only way to make it happen is to believe?
No time for doubt.
Yes, I believe. Amen.
Anything to avoid that blasted alarm.
That belief of mine made the events of yesterday happen.
"I can do this, it's possible." A little positive thinking
doesn't make you an egomaniac.
Mother hasn't been in contact?
Stop worrying about them.
It's not very attractive.
The ball's in her court now.
Dad, move.
So, what are you up to today?
I'm gonna take a nap.
Let's get you to the salon. I'll make a reservation.
Rather not.
Come on, you need to look your best.
You have to keep your hair looking nice and tidy.
Fine, fine.
Do as you're told, kiddo.
Don't baby me.
What about me, Mom?
- Jealous, huh? - You want some, too?
Pinch.
Hello.
Oh, hello there.
Say hello, dear.
Hello.
Hi there.
It's my husband's day off, and-
You're the JBC anchor, right?
Yes, that's right.
I watch you all the time.
Thank you very much.
A fan, eh?
Call me when you're done. I'll try to come pick you up.
Okay.
Have fun at kindergarten, Hyeon-wu.
- Good luck, Mom. - Good luck!
Hyeon-wu, watch your hands.
Shall we?
A student?
One more semester.
You're baby-faced, then.
One or two years difference, it still usually shows.
I started late, so I'm 27 now.
You seem to be cleverl.
I like people who know what they want.
You two seem quite happy.
My husband and I?
Glad you think so.
You must really love each other.
Why do you laugh?
I guess I'm not used to it.
Why not?
Being so young, I doubt you'd understand.
Oh, hello.
How are you today?
I had planned to call,
but once I checked the time it was too late.
Oh come on, after the mess you made?
Do you know who I'm off to meet now?
My mother-in-law?
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I'll call later.
Madam Seo?
Come inside.
Director, the revisions are ready.
Director?
Yeah?
The revisions.
Oh, okay.
Let's see.
I see you've been working with my daughter-in-law.
We've known each other a long time.
About 15 years now.
Enough time to build trust, then.
I think so, yes.
She said you're not one to put yourself in other's shoes,
unable to imagine other perspectives,
so I should believe her.
That's true, I'm ashamed to say.
I understand, though.
You've lived your whole life without ever being expected to do so.
That's why you asked for my husband's support of
the Corruption Investigations Office in return for his confirmation.
Not everyone in the world is here for your benefit.
Have you spoken to her about this?
That you'd met me first?
There's no need for misunderstandings.
If she finds out you're using her,
wouldn't she feel betrayed?
She won't like it, no.
She's a woman of great ambition, Jae-hui.
But she won't do anything rash over it.
Despite being her mother-in-law,
you know her much better than I do.
Aside from my husband's confirmation,
make Jun-hyeok
Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs
Tell Jun-hyeok to do his best
to support my husband.
If you support us through the reform period
until my husband becomes the Corruption Investigations Director…
the Sungjin Group
will continue to contribute to our economy
and enjoy our full support.
Jae-hui, you did well.
It went really well.
Maybe it would be better to get the full story from your mother-in-law.
Good work, Madam Kwon.
Drive safely now.
Yes, I'll contact you later.
Okay.
He's coming out!
They say you volunteered to come in for questioning.
Do you admit to the fraud allegations?
Is it true that the slush funds were used for bribes?
Is it true that you lobbied to reduce pressure on Geumsan Logistics?
Is it true the secret funds are tied up with the Freedom Revolution Party?
Why did you volunteer to meet with the prosecution?
And my eldest daughter-in-law?
She's at her mother's home.
Call Jae-hui.
Yes, ma'am.
We should finalize things today, yes?
I don't want to drag this out, either.
Will Jun-hyeok really accept the position?
I doubt he'll be dead set against it.
This inexhaustible confidence of yours…
it's a strength and a weakness, you know.
Mrs. Kwon really thinks the world of you.
How'd you know
that we're working together?
Why? Feeling suspicious?
Worried about the loyalty of your partner?
And here you thought I could never get in anyone else's shoes.
But finding out who you're working with
is really nothing for me.
It doesn't matter to me whether you two made another deal or not.
Jun-il…
I watched him go into the Prosecutor's Office.
I'm sorry to hear that.
I'm betting with my son for this hand.
What are you going to bet?
Mother.
We're not making a trade.
You're in the weaker position here.
The emphasis on prosecutorial reform
has now shifted due to the Sungjin Group investigation.
It seems you think Jun-il is my weakness.
What if I decide right now to refuse?
What do you walk away with?
If you can't even put yourself in my place,
how will you support your husband's great ambitions?
I stayed up all night doing the homework you gave me.
I'm disappointed.
Why'd you do all this? Why go through the trouble?
You couldn't have acted so recklessly just so your husband
could become Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs.
Ah…
So what you're hoping for
is a five year stay in the Blue House*. (House of the Korean President)
Even though Jun-hyeok isn't my son-
That again.
How long will you be milking that?
Listen till the end.
Even if he's not of my blood,
I raised him
within my walls and with my two hands.
Letting him work for a man like Cho Gang-hyeon?
I would never do that. Never.
Use Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs as a stepping stone for the presidency.
If he becomes president,
promise me that you'll let me decide the Corruption Investigations Director.
I'll give you all the help you need.
You're not one to keep promises.
You said if I had a son,
you'd give me Sungjin stock…
And here our son Hyeon-wu is nearly in elementary school.
So you're hung up on that, then.
It stung a bit.
I decided that if you wouldn't give it, I'd just have to take it from you.
Come with me.
Go inside.
Compiled from long ago…
ledgers of the dirty secrets of Korea's richest and most powerful.
Every single infraction
of every great person in the country,
it's all compiled here in this room.
Corruption Investigations is nothing.
My father had a saying.
True power resides in those who have given out bribes.
Those who take that money never realize that truth.
They think they're being given that money because they're great.
That stupidity,
helped Sungjin Group weather it's storms
and grow into what it is today.
Corruption Investigations Director?
Doesn't mean a thing to me.
I just don't want another fly in the ointment.
I want to allow our leaders
to do their work without having to worry about being investigated.
So?
Would this…
do something to heal your pain?
However,
if you fail, it's divorce.
No alimony.
You'll leave Hyeon-wu and disappear from our lives.
Will you give me your word?
Madam Kwon. It's me, Jae-hui.
You think I wouldn't know?
Judging by your voice, it sounds you've received something big.
I'd hug you if you were here.
But then, you have your husband for that.
Sure, sure.
Let's throw a big party to celebrate.
Let's finally introduce our husbands.
Right, yes. Have a great night.
It sounds like good news, Sister.
Shut up!
You proud of being a mistress?
Aren't you embarassed?
You call yourself a mother? Huh?
Wandering house to house,
have you no sense of propriety? You bitch!
Sister, wait! Just a moment.
Forgive me, please. Just this once.
I won't do it again, I promise!
Sister!
Seon-mi.
Yes, Madam.
Get me Cho Gang-hyeon's file.
What are the boys up to? It's too quiet.
Hyeon-wu fell asleep right after eating,
and your husband is at his games.
Must be loving that.
Can I get you dinner, ma'am?
No. Strangely, I'm not hungry.
Oh, hey.
Wait, wait, just a second.
Your hair looks great.
That tickles.
Be still.
What are you up to? Huh?
Oh.
Oh my.
That tickles.
What a bumpkin,
using this kind of cheap razor…
Ow!
I don't believe this.
How many more times before you'll learn your lesson?
Hey! What do you think you're doing?
[CHO GANG-HYEON]
Will you be loyal to me?
Of course I will.
(Artificial City)
She killed herself over a video?
Dispose of them.
CrazyBitch2, that's No Yeong-ju.
There's no need to use it again.
Right there.
Our docent must be a fan of Jung Jun-hyeok.
Only VIPs are allowed in there.
Whatever happens, I'll take care of Jung Jun-hyeok
They have an arrest warrant.
You want more, is that it?
All of it. Everything you have, Mother.