BLOOD FREE
EPISODE 2
Mr. Woo Chaewoon?
That's me.
This way, please.
RESTRICTED AREA
VR ROOM
Your suit and gloves.
Wear these goggles too.
All right. Let's begin.
Why did he stop? He can keep attacking instead of waiting for it to load.
Is he waiting for the other guy on purpose?
Oh.
Thank goodness.
I thought the program froze because it's old.
You're lucky to at least have the old version.
Our team can't get any work done.
All our files are locked.
Nothing is showing up.
I need to see their oxygen saturation levels.
But isn't it obvious that they're low on oxygen?
Only shoot the red targets.
Look behind you.
BLOOD FREE
No need to get up.
On San, research director and Research Team Two leader.
He founded BF alongside Yun Jayu.
But when BF struggled in the beginning, he went into the medical field
and was a medical examiner for three years.
What did you do at the Naval Intelligence Command?
I was on the Vessel and Aircraft Info-communications Support Team.
Then you moved to the Recon Team.
He avoids media appearances at all costs
and has never attended a BF event despite being the research director.
You received prolonged RIMPAC training in the US.
It's like the Navy SEALs, right?
I didn't receive training.
I participated in RIMPAC.
You left the military last year.
With your background, you could've had a stable career as a lifelong officer.
And you could've had a stable career as a medical examiner.
If you checked my background, you must've checked Ms. Yun's too.
Would I be escorting her?
Why did you leave the Sanghwa Group?
I'm sure escorting the chairman paid well.
Fortunately, Chairman Park doesn't need my protection.
No one is after him.
Ms. Yun is the one
who needs close protection.
In 2023, she was targeted during her visit
to the production facility in North America.
The suspect, likely a hit man, was shot dead on the spot.
In 2024, an extremist targeted her during a Greenpeace meeting.
These are just some of the well-known incidents.
Thank you for today.
-Are we done? -You may go home.
-I have a question. -What is it?
How much is the salary?
Sorry?
Am I not allowed to ask?
How much did Sanghwa pay you?
Isn't that written on that paper?
Does that mean I shouldn't ask?
We don't ask about our employees' former wages though.
Yet you just did.
Your working hours will be irregular.
That won't be an issue.
You'll get paid at least the same amount.
We can talk further if you pass.
Understood.
Thank you.
CONTROL ROOM
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
No one on my team accessed the external network during working hours.
Same with my team.
We only used the internal network per the security rules.
My team too.
And the ransomware?
I'm afraid that both the Security Team and I
have yet to fix the issue.
We're still working on it.
Should we stay shut down for a bit longer?
Rumors will spread once the employees turn on their computers on Monday.
Thank you, everyone.
-Bye. -Wait, Ms. Yun.
The bodyguard candidate just left.
Okay.
He's very competent but blunt.
He'll be a man of few words but stubborn
and loyal but not obedient.
Did you interview yourself?
What's important is that his background checks out.
I'm sure Sanghwa did a thorough background check
for their chairman.
What's most crucial for you is whether or not
he's trustworthy.
That's what I'm saying.
I'll keep that in mind.
I have bad news
and slightly less bad news.
How much worse can things get?
You should visit Prime Minister Seonu Jae.
He wants to see you regarding the culture fluid rumors.
Are you free this afternoon?
He says that's the only time he's free.
Should I let him down easy?
"I'm truly sorry,
but Ms. Yun isn't available today."
I can say that.
Tell him I'm free and that I'll go to him.
And the less bad news?
I'm sorry, but that was it.
And this is the bad news.
Don't get in our way. We'll kill anyone who does.
BF will pay for threatening our business.
Whoever brings us Yun Jayu's head will get three million USD.
We're warning you, Yun Jayu.
Ignore us, and this is what you'll get.
They're a South American gang called Bosque Archi.
They put a price on your head.
They're originally a drug cartel.
But they also set jungles on fire, exploit the locals,
and operate a huge tropical farm.
It's about the food you said you'd culture in the next six months.
So South America is a no-go.
This is no time for jokes.
These bastards…
I'd get it if they were Korean farmers.
But why are these scumbags throwing a fit?
Because I threatened a primary industry.
I was always prepared for this.
If you're okay, I'm glad.
I'm not.
Seeing it now, I'm scared.
I'm terrified.
Ms. Yun.
One of the bodyguard candidates we interviewed today used to be a cyclist.
His thighs were…
You won't believe it, but they were this thick.
He even subdued a mugger on the street.
-That's nice. -The man Mr. On just mentioned
is also super strong.
I'm not sure about him.
Do you not like him?
Then should we disqualify him?
How far has he gotten?
Mansik.
Mansik?
Your hands.
Is the test not over yet?
Is it an actual fight this time?
What kind of name is "Mansik"? So tacky. Don't you think?
Let him go.
The same goes for you.
You must get paid generously for a soldier
to send her to a foreign school.
Who sent you?
Yun Jayu of BF.
Bring her to us.
That's all we want.
We're not going to harm her,
so you don't have to feel guilty about it.
We just have a few questions for her.
Look for her yourself.
Your kid goes to an expensive school.
If you're not up for it,
just let us know
when and where…
Yun Jayu will be alone.
Money.
Your family's safety.
Shouldn't you have both?
Wait. Calm down.
Open the door. She'll explain everything.
That's all I know.
Mr. Woo, I'd like you to come with me.
I was rooting for you.
I thought you were the perfect candidate.
Does that mean I'm not?
I'm not sure. I don't have the final say.
But you should be alert.
Ms. Yun has gained another enemy.
Who is it?
They're stupid druggies.
Illegal research!
Condemn the murderer Yun Jayu!
Cultured meat should be thrown away!
Good luck.
We know each other's names, but we haven't said hello yet.
My family is not cultured meat.
Please don't experiment with them.
I was verifying, not experimenting.
Please step away from the window.
May I close these?
You need the verification because you don't know whom to trust.
Because your bodyguard could be your biggest threat.
The same goes for bodyguards.
We show the highest levels of efficiency
when we develop trust with our client.
And…
you should stay away from windows.
Mr. Woo.
Yes, ma'am.
I'd like you to be someone we need.
And luckily, you came at the right time.
Coincidentally or not,
you oddly seem to possess all the skills that we need.
I considered asking how you could have all the experience that we needed.
But if you really had an ulterior motive,
you would've already prepared your answers thoroughly.
May I ask you what kind of experience I have?
You happened to be present at the time of the stockbreeder's death.
And you just happen to be
a bodyguard.
Plus, your former job as a soldier.
I was on my way back from the event at the time of the incident.
The event?
Correct.
You were at our presentation?
I went there willingly, so that's not a coincidence.
And escorting clients
is just my job. I don't know what else to say.
However,
I didn't know you'd remember my former military duties.
But it was in your résumé.
What exactly are you talking about?
OCTOBER 2020 NAVAL INTELLIGENCE COMMAND
Naval Intelligence Command.
What about it?
Is that an issue?
You know CitizenX, right?
They attacked when you were serving.
Correct.
-And? Did you resolve it? -I'm afraid that's classified.
Did you decrypt the ransomware or pay them?
That's classified information.
You couldn't decrypt it.
Or catch them.
No one in history
has caught the culprits behind ransomware.
-Not even one? -Not even one.
How much are they demanding?
Here it is, sir.
Hypothetically speaking,
would they decrypt it if we paid them?
We'd suffer a greater loss if they only took the money.
That's unlikely if they want to continue doing this.
If word gets out that they broke their promise,
no one would pay them again.
What'll happen if we pay them?
They'll unlock the files. But I'm sure that's not what you were asking.
Is there no way of catching them?
If the culprits are extremely greedy…
Then?
Your only chance
is when they exchange the Bitcoin.
Let's say there's a record of someone withdrawing 80 billion won.
Then you can track them down.
I would exchange it bit by bit.
I'd take my time, go to every exchange that exists,
and withdraw tiny amounts.
That's often the case.
Or they make withdrawals simultaneously.
In any case, I need to pay…
if I want to catch them.
Yes, and then wait and see what happens.
I'd rather throw cash on the streets than pay these bastards.
Yes, Ms. Yun?
Let's…
pay the ransom.
Are you serious?
Yes.
How shitty.
Forget it.
I'm done.
Kudos to you, smart-asses.
I sent the Bitcoin.
The files are unlocked.
You need to report this now.
You must.
Even a conglomerate like yours can't monitor all the exchanges.
A governmental authority needs to open an international investigation.
People will think the rumors are true if we report this.
If they hear about this right after the rumors about our culture fluid…
Plus, it was our lab with classified files that got hacked.
No one has caught these hackers
because the victims swept it under the rug.
And that's exactly what these hackers want.
People will believe the rumors and think our secret got leaked.
That'll be the conclusion.
Ma'am, you have an appointment in 40 minutes.
-Where's your car? -Yeongsil, get the car ready.
Yes, ma'am. I'll bring out the car.
Hello, my name is Kim Hoseung.
Hello.
I'll be the driver, obviously.
All set to go.
It's going to rain a lot starting this evening.
I'll drive safely.
Jeez, they're still at it?
Aren't they cold?
Why don't you feed them, ma'am?
Hey.
They'd be reluctant to bad-mouth you
if you gave them something to eat.
THE FILES ARE UNLOCKED
Mr. On, the deceased victim who jumped off the overpass
is resting at B-3.
MS. YUN HAS SENT THE CONDOLENCE MONEY
WISHING YOU HEAVENLY BLESSINGS AND ETERNAL HAPPINESS
He never caused problems with anyone in his life.
He was always busy looking after his cows.
I pity my poor brother!
Some of his bones remained.
They weren't fully cremated.
So they had to grind them!
CHIEF RESEARCHER HONG SAEIP
- He couldn't die in peace. - Hello?
Mr. On, can you talk right now?
-Well… -Where are you right now?
I'm at… I'm sorry, but I'll have to call you back.
He did nothing wrong.
All he ever did was work hard.
My poor brother…
It's you, right?
Previously, you and I…
Right?
-Right. -Right?
I knew it.
We got into a big company, you know?
I guess major companies hand these out for free.
I guess this is our ID card.
I need an ID card with a blue lanyard.
I wanted to have an iced Americano with that hanging from my neck.
What's your name again?
Woo Chaewoon.
I'm Kim Hoseung.
How old are you?
-How old am I? -Can I call you "sir"?
You look much older than me.
-I do? -Am I wrong?
Oh, I apologize.
-Let's focus. -Yes, sir.
Ms. Yun. BF plays a part
in us developing trust with foreign countries.
Tainting your company's reputation will also taint our country's.
"The culture fluid rumors aren't true. I'll give you scientific proof."
I was expecting this kind of answer from you today, but…
You got hacked?
And you already paid the ransom?
-Yes. -Then it's done.
It's over.
Sir.
Our lab has the core technology that helped us dominate
the cultured meat market.
It's wishful thinking to believe
that the hackers only locked the files
and didn't make any copies.
What if they already copied and sold the technology?
You got hacked two days ago.
All the more reason to catch them.
We need to find out what information leaked where.
Then why haven't you reported this if it was that important?
I would've done so if we could catch them.
But in reality, we can't even catch scammers who reveal their voices.
Sir.
Cryptocurrency leaves a trace as soon as an exchange is made.
I just need your help in finding out who withdrew it
or is planning to do so.
The culture fluid rumors
are true, aren't they?
That's why you couldn't report this.
Not at all.
Then are the rumors about your illegal research true?
Imagine what the public would've thought if even you
are assuming such things.
How would they have reacted
if I'd disclosed the hacking incident?
You said BF's credibility affects that of this country's.
I'm only here
to protect that credibility.
Because I knew you were different.
Let's get our facts straight.
You're only here because you need me to assert my power
while keeping your company's name out of the public eye.
No one has ever caught the ransomware culprits.
I'd like you to become
the first politician to do so.
Look.
How about we do this?
I'm listening.
I'm sorry. Ms. Yun is unavailable right now.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CENTER
There have been many accidents due to the rain today.
Thankfully, she had a witness and was saved just in time.
There was a witness?
How did her vehicle slip?
The witness didn't see that.
They just spotted her vehicle before it went completely underwater.
I see.
- Let's go to the Seoul office. - Yes, ma'am.
We're in a pickle thanks to your company.
BF is raking in money, but people want compensation from us.
So…
First,
I'd like your company to donate money to a primary industry.
As for the amount…
You generously paid 80 billion won to those thieves.
So it won't be an issue to give the same amount to the people, right?
As a donation to the government.
And the second condition?
Second.
Give the public proof that your culture fluid is safe.
I'll give proof that our cultured meat is safe.
So you refuse to disclose your culture fluid's ingredients?
The ingredients and their combinations
are the core of this industry and are top secret.
It'd be suicide to disclose them just to overcome this hurdle.
Everyone would duplicate it.
Then should the people continue to tremble in fear?
You didn't single-handedly monopolize the market.
"We don't kill animals or emit carbon dioxide."
You owe this much to those who trusted and consumed your meat.
If our culture fluid were full of germs, our meat that eats the fluid
would be teeming with germs too.
They are already analyzing the meat.
As for the donation,
I'll do as you say.
Now, will Interpol keep an eye on the exchanges?
I'll make sure they do.
"The first prime minister to catch the ransomware hackers."
I wouldn't mind that title either.
That sly bastard.
Hello?
You called.
Which hospital?
-Who? -Ms. Hong got into a car accident.
The sleet on the road likely made her crash into the water while speeding.
Yes, her vehicle went underwater at 5:00 p.m.
Why did this have to happen today?
Which hospital?
She's unconscious?
She wasn't underwater for long. She should wake up soon.
- How long was she underwater? - I'm not sure.
They can't get the car out until tomorrow.
We'll find out what happened once we check the dashcam.
Okay.
-Call me if anything happens. -Okay.
BANISH BF!
-I'll park the car and come up. -You may go home.
-I'll escort you to-- -See you on Monday.
First, it was our lab's system.
Now, a lab worker is injured.
Everything is revolving around the lab.
Does this mean the threat…
is coming from the inside?
Good work today.
"She's building a safe house with state-of-the-art security.
She seems to be staying at different hotels until it's complete."
That was wrong.
JUNHUI LOVED IT. WHAT DID YOU DO YESTERDAY?
I'M WORKING. I'LL TEXT YOU LATER.
- Not even one? - Not even one.
The ransomware blocked the crypto device and our security system.
We can't send classified info.
We'd be powerless if North Korea attempted to hack us now.
Maybe they're behind this.
They want us to think it's CitizenX when it's actually North Korea.
That's a possibility, but CitizenX is an existing hacking organization.
We must prepare ourselves in case it's them.
This was the file CitizenX sent in 2021
to an oil pipeline company.
The info, format, and font are identical
to the file we received.
We think CitizenX is a Russian organization.
Russian? On what grounds?
It's not there.
DIRECTOR JEONG HAEDEUN
Is something going on?
Yes. I'm sorry. Were you sleeping?
What is it?
Mr. Woo is waiting on the first floor.
He doesn't have access.
But you see, I'm home right now.
All right.
Yeongsil, open the first-floor security gate.
Yes, ma'am.
And give Woo Chaewoon my number.
I'm sorry to bother you.
I'm sure you're here for a reason.
CitizenX attacked an oil pipeline company in 2021.
This is the file they sent.
It was never officially announced,
but an intelligence agency believes
that CitizenX is a Russian organization.
And the reason?
They made their first appearance five years ago.
Their malware back then had a Cyrillic letter in it.
They fixed that mistake. However…
There are still traces of Russian.
All I see is English.
To be exact, it's the punctuation marks.
You can speak Russian?
I used a translator.
This is a list of Russian and Korean symbols.
According to this paper,
the two countries share 16 punctuation marks.
Apart from these,
the symbols that they use are very different.
These are quotation marks.
And only Russia uses them.
They often use this backslash too.
Other countries rarely use it unless it's for coding.
Especially not in the middle of a sentence.
Do you perhaps have a screenshot of the hacked screen?
Here.
These single angle brackets.
Only Koreans use these.
And Russians rarely use these symbols.
But most of all,
there isn't a single symbol that only Russia uses.
This looks very similar to CitizenX's method,
but it's not them.
Someone is pretending to be them
to hide their identity.
No one on my team accessed the external network during working hours.
We only used the internal network per the security rules.
What if someone
hacked into our system without pretending to be a hacker?
Would we have caught them right away?
If they hacked the system
without pretending to be CitizenX?
No, they would've still been untraceable.
They'd still be anonymous.
This individual went out of their way to hide their identity?
Maybe it was someone close to you, and that's why they needed a disguise.
Because they were so close
and didn't want to be suspected.
Someone I know.
Someone who knows me.
Yeongsil.
Yes, ma'am.
Tell Mr. Seo to come to the lab right away.
I'll call Mr. Seo.
There are 200 workers at the lab
and a total of almost 1,000 workers who have access to the network.
Mr. Seo will be the first one to know
that I'm suspecting someone in this company.
They happened to hack us right when we presented our new product.
Do you think they knew we'd be at the event
and the lab would be vacant?
Not everyone was at the event.
ON SAN
If it was Mr. On…
If it was him,
he would've done anything to hide his identity.
But…
San isn't the only one.
Can we catch those bastards who treated my culture fluid as trash?
They're all the same.
They said it was full of germs!
Then the news reported that!
- They're all the same. - The closer, the more dangerous.
I devoted my entire life to this.
Was it all an act?
Did Professor Kim do it himself and pretend like he was upset?
The sleet on the road likely made her crash into the water while speeding.
At 5:00 p.m.
Why was she speeding at that hour?
Because she received the money?
In that case, the first person who knew the money was being wired was…
I sent the Bitcoin.
Jeong Haedeun.
She has access to the lab's network
despite not working there.
Could it really be
one of them?
Translated by Kim Sooji