THIS DRAMA IS PURELY FICTIONAL AND IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH
ACTUAL PEOPLE, PARTIES, LOCATIONS, CORPORATIONS OR INCIDENTS
Hide between the bushes
and silence your breathing.
Discard all emotions.
Do not be wavered.
If you
are connected to this case in any way,
I can never forgive you.
You must wait.
Why you little...
-Sir! -Don't stop me!
-Sir, you'll injure yourself. -Get out of my way!
Imbeciles!
Until your opponent reveals their weakness.
And
until they're on the verge of spitting venom.
EPISODE 2: POISONOUS FANG
What happened?
A few members of the Supreme Council must've changed sides at the last second.
Is that your way of saying it was out your hands?
I apologize.
If you couldn't persuade them,
you should've tried to threaten them.
Are you done getting your hands dirty now that you have a badge?
Never, sir.
Jo Gap-yeong will use
the legislative election nomination as leverage to put his people
in the prosecutors' office.
Do you still think you could secure the Chief Prosecutor position?
I think it'll be best
to postpone any new appointments.
You will only be met with backlash and resistance.
No can do. Just go forward with it.
I don't care what the others say.
The Minister of Justice has jurisdiction
over appointments in the prosecutor's office.
I'll take command of the office before people talk
and shut them up for good.
Still, you can't ignore the concerns of the Ethics Committee.
MR. LEE CHANG-JIN
Why is this degenerate always calling me?
One more thing. It's about Assemblywoman Kang.
I hear she's interested in the bill
that the late Lee Seong-min was trying to have passed.
What's that about?
It's a bill for improved labor environment.
Crying over spilled milk now, isn't she?
This woman!
She's good at finding trouble for herself, I give her that.
Anyway, Lee Chang-jin has been barking about it.
I want the issue resolved.
The dung may stink now,
but take it as the price you pay for the fertilizer that blooms your heart.
Got it?
You should be busy. Go on.
Yes, sir.
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE
JO GAP-YEONG EMPHASIZES ON PROSECUTION REFORM
REPORTER KIM SEUNG-U
Jong-uk, it's me.
Do you know Kim Seung-u of Dodam Daily?
Hye-won, hi.
Seung-u?
Thanks for the article. It scored some points with my bosses.
There's no need to thank me. You wrote a good story.
I was worried when you gave up journalism to work as a chief of staff.
I had no idea it would help me.
You're not the only one.
I'm receiving help too, and I need that.
Then let me ask you this.
I hear that the PRC is striking the Ministry of Justice.
What's the ammunition? How about a heads up?
You know I can't tell you even if I did know.
Even between us? Come on.
Once I know, you'll be the first one I call.
You're really a proper chief of staff now.
Anyway, about Assemblyman Jang.
Does he really have nothing to do with Lee Seong-min's campaign slush fund?
What do you mean?
Rumors are flying among the reporters.
Jang Tae-jun was in Lee Seong-min's campaign.
Mr. Jang managed the fund,
so it's hard to think he didn't know.
I'm sure you're aware of this, but he left the campaign
before Mr. Lee received the money.
I know,
but you know how reporters are.
I'm just giving you a heads up.
Anyway, we'll get coffee sometime.
Yes, it's me.
The last person Mr. Go met before he died
was Jang Tae-jun.
Where did you get this footage?
I heard that the prosecution confiscated all evidence.
The footage is from the Facilities Corporation.
They manage the security cameras in the park as well.
The prosecution must not have thought of it.
Is that all the lead detective said?
Yes.
He couldn't say more because of the prosecution though.
Burying the case by giving orders to the prosecution
and shutting the police up has to be--
Minister Song.
How about asking for Assemblyman Jo's help on this case?
He is good friends with Seo Yeong-cheol.
It won't work.
As long as Mr. Song holds power over them,
Mr. Seo will have to follow Minister Song's orders.
Then your next option is to talk to Jang Tae-jun.
Right now, Mr. Jang is also
a prime suspect in Mr. Go's case.
Rumors are flying among the reporters.
Jang Tae-jun was in Lee Seong-min's campaign.
-Hello. -Good morning.
Sir,
Assemblyman Jo sent over a list
of candidates for chief of the Prosecutors' Office.
RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES FOR CHIEF PROSECUTOR
They're all his people.
Right.
I think he's planning announce the recommended candidates
during the Prosecution Reform Committee press conference.
Send his office a copy of the press release.
Yes, sir.
Sir,
the reporters are asking around about Lee Seong-min's campaign fund.
They're trying to tie you to it.
Could Mr. Song have found out?
No, not yet.
Look into where the leak came from.
Yes, sir.
Sir.
Could I have a word, Mr. Jang?
JANG TAE-JUN
Could you excuse us?
Have a seat.
The day before Mr. Go died,
did you
meet with him?
Tell me.
Did you meet him?
Yes,
-I did. -Did you know
that Mr. Go had the FIU file in his hands?
I did.
-Why didn't you tell me? -Because you'll look at me that way.
-What? -You think I killed Seok-man.
Tell me what happened that day.
Do you not see what you've become?
You look like a corrupt, backstabbing jerk.
-Get a grip on yourself! -Seok-man.
Let go of me.
Seok-man.
Seok-man!
Are you insane?
What are you doing?
I'll take care of it, so leave it with me.
-Tae-jun! -Okay, fine.
Seobuk Market vendors, Assemblyman Lee, Seon-yeong, and you.
I haven't done right by any of you.
But I'll make everything normal again. Soon!
Enough with your excuses. Your greed took over you,
and I won't let it happen to me.
Seok-man!
Seok-man...
Seok-man!
Seok-man.
Get out.
Seok-man!
If it weren't you,
-then who was it? -Those who were afraid of
the FIU file coming out.
Song Hui-seop, Lee Chang-jin,
Chairman Sung of Youngil Group, of Samil Association.
Who knows? It could be all of them.
And...
even you.
Had that file been released,
your position here wouldn't have existed.
Facilities Corporation?
-So this is... -Hold on.
Why is she pacing again?
Walking is the best exercise
for postpartum swelling, apparently.
Good. The bill seems sorted out enough.
Good job, everyone.
Are you happy? Well, don't be. It's too early for that.
Having the bill get passed is another uphill battle.
We need it to be something that'll force the assemblymen to pass.
Let's make it a public issue, and let the public say that they need
this bill to go through too.
All right.
Shoot me some ideas.
Yes, ideas...
According to the opinion poll,
those who knew about cases of big industrial accidents in Korea
were more accepting of the bill.
Industrial accidents?
We should search for a case
where the bill could rule in its favor.
Have you come across any?
Joojin Chemical.
-Joojin Chemical? -Yes.
Employees of Joojin Chemical filed for the death of laborers
who were exposed to toxic chemicals seven years ago.
The employees claimed that the company knew of its toxicity
but hid the fact.
However, the case was closed for no charges were found.
-Hello. -Hello.
I like the idea, but the case is too old.
Find something more recent.
An ongoing one is the best.
-I'll look into it. -Okay.
Find me articles that'll help pass this bill.
Find something useful, and we'll discuss it.
-Sure. -Yes, ma'am.
The Entrepreneurs' Association material?
Here it is.
She needs to leave soon, so get ready.
Yes, ma'am.
JANG TAE-JUN
Sir,
I think Assemblywoman Kang has the CCTV footage.
Lee Ji-eun stopped by the Facilities Corporation.
Once that footage is released,
you will become a prime suspect.
Unless you stop Ms. Kang, all your plans
will go awry.
-Let's focus on our next goal for now. -But sir--
Minister Song is moving forward with his appointments.
He will announce it next week. We must move fast.
Isn't it too soon? We're not ready--
When Minister Song takes command is when everything goes down.
Just be ready.
Did you talk to Assemblyman Jang?
I doubt he'll easily admit it.
Ma'am,
you should release the CCTV footage.
Then the investigation will be reopened.
You don't have to trust me.
I can't prove it to you right now anyway. However,
you won't be able to uncover anything while Minister Song is in office.
No, releasing the footage won't do any good
while Minister Song is still in office.
How is the bill coming along?
Mr. Han suggested a fine idea.
Seven years ago at Joojin Chemicals, there was an industrial accident
where laborers were exposed to toxic chemicals.
Once we attach the related story, the bill will be ready for announcement.
Mr. Lee Chang-jin is very invested in this bill.
If Joojin Chemical is involved, he'll fight us.
Thoroughly research all the related material
so that he can't refute it.
Yes, ma'am.
This is the file regarding
the Entrepreneurs' Association's public hearing.
I hope that the association backs you up.
I'll have to be persuasive.
Yes, I got it.
She's ready to move.
Entrepreneurs' Association just called.
You aren't needed at the public hearing.
Has it been canceled?
No, the hearing will commence as scheduled.
I wasn't given a reason.
They just said you'll put them in an awkward situation.
They canceled all other events and meetings as well.
Someone must be pressing on them.
Lee Chang-jin.
He's the head of Industrial Policy Committee
for the Entrepreneur's Association.
If the bill passes, he's the one most likely to have a problem with it.
Ma'am.
This morning,
the Entrepreneurs' Association released a statement
expressing their objection against legislation that only hurt
the entrepreneurs of this nation.
Park Jin-hak, the chief of the association
accused the National Assembly for passing bills
that are insensitive to the current economic crisis...
It sure seems like Lee Chang-jin is powerful.
Let's see to what extent.
He went on to accuse them
of disregarding the ramifications.
Tabling a bill just to score points with the public
-will result in -Ma'am.
-shrinking the economy... -Do you have a moment?
Many other economic organizations agree...
It's the file on Lee Sang-guk.
It's the same one you based your statement on.
Who sent this to Assemblyman Jo?
Is it Mr. Jang?
Yes.
What game is Mr. Jang playing?
You'll find out soon.
I was wondering who was next on your hit list.
This I didn't expect.
It sure paid off to enter the tiger's den.
What do you think?
This is enough to start digging.
You can count on me for backup, so don't worry.
Minister Song has survived in the political arena for 16 years.
Two thousand prosecutors follow his lead,
so don't get comfortable yet.
Just get this one done for me.
A head-on collision then?
So be it, I guess.
Were you waiting for me?
Gosh, I told you to go ahead.
Now I feel bad for keeping busy prosecutors waiting.
That's absurd, sir.
Of course we should wait for you, minister.
Right, let's sit then.
The party is choking me
with their emergency planning committee or some stuff like that.
But I still have my family to look out for me, don't I?
Have a drink.
I'm worried that it'll take a toll on your health.
It doesn't have to happen this time around, you know.
We can wait.
But it's me who can't.
You know how I am.
I'm the type to wield a sword,
not fool around with my tongue in some political game.
It's stifling, to say the least.
I need you all to be my strength. You know that, right?
-Yes, sir. -Of course.
Must you ask?
Only Chief Prosecutor is up for grabs this time,
but prosecutor general
and then the Minister of Justice should be on your radar.
Well, please know that we have your back, sir.
I will make sure that all my nominations are appointed,
so let's keep aiming high.
Raise your glasses.
For Korea.
-Cheers. -Cheers.
JOOJIN CHEMICAL SUBCONTRACTOR REBATE INCIDENT
JOOJIN CHEMICAL HEAD OF PRODUCTION EMBEZZLES 2.56 BILLION WON IN REBATE CLAIM
Call the chief of White Collar Unit Two to my room, please.
HEAD OF INTELLIGENCE UNIT ONE, JEONG HAN-SU
What do you think?
Betraying Minister Song
and joining forces with Assemblyman Jo
could be the groundwork for reelection.
This isn't enough to say
that he had nothing to do with Mr. Go's death.
What could be Mr. Jang's intentions?
What game is Mr. Jang playing?
You'll find out soon.
The rebate case of Joojin Chemical was revealed
to be in the scale of billions of won.
The police has decided
to expand the investigation to include the executives.
A search warrant has already been issued
for CEO Lee's residence and Joojin Chemical's head office.
Jang Tae-jun
is after Minister Song.
The investigation will include a close look into the books...
Lee Sang-guk and Lee Chang-jin.
Mr. Jang's getting rid of Minister Song's people one by one.
He's actually playing a dangerous game.
It's not so bad for us though.
We can use this opportunity to strike Mr. Lee.
Let's eliminate the suspects one by one
starting with Mr. Lee.
Gather everything you can on Mr. Lee.
Sure.
I just can't help being a former prosecutor, I guess.
Chief Prosecutor.
-That will be-- -Sir.
What is it?
All eyes seem to be on
the Joojin Chemical rebate case
which is mounting up to be billions of won.
According to a source within the police department,
those in higher positions seem to be involved.
It has sparked an investigation into...
Mr. Jang, it's you.
I was hoping to see you. Are you getting back from somewhere?
Yes.
What is this about?
I just heard some interesting news.
Was that your work as well?
I haven't seen the news yet.
Is it good news?
You'll see. By the way,
I was hoping to nominate a candidate
for chief of Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.
Give Minister Song a heads up. I wouldn't want to shock him.
I saw the list of your nominees.
None seemed adequate.
Having the power to nominate doesn't matter
when the legislative election is still weeks away.
While my title is still worth anything,
I have to take what I can, don't I?
Do you really think planting a few of your people in the prosecutors' office
will bring down Mr. Song?
Are you saying we should do nothing then?
-No. -Then what will you do?
I'll let you know later.
I heard you're holding a press conference
regarding the Prosecution Reform Committee.
We have put together your press release for you.
I'm sure your office received it by now.
Please read it carefully.
Mr. Jang.
Are you trying to steer the ship now that you're in charge of the helm?
If you don't like it, you're always welcome to jump off.
I won't stop you.
MINISTER SONG HUI-SEOP
Do you have someone you can trust
in the police department?
Yes, I do.
There's a Detective Lee Hyeong-bae who's a friend.
Isn't he the detective
who was suspended?
-That's right. -I'll have him reinstated,
so have him find out the cards the police are holding.
Yes, sir.
And where's Jo Gap-yeong now?
He's addressing the press
regarding the appointment of personnel.
For the first time as the Minister of Justice,
Song Hui-seop will soon announce the prosecutors of high-ranking posts.
However, the people being mentioned
are those very close to him, who are known members
of the so-called Song Hui-seop Clan.
-You little rat. -You asked us to trust you
- with the reformation of the prosecution. -How dare you?
So how could you even consider such favoritism?
Aren't you ashamed of yourself?
What will you do
about Lee Chang-jin?
I haven't decided yet.
If you dismiss the seizure warrant,
more suspicion will be raised.
MR. LEE CHANG-JIN
What used to be a fine stepping stone
is now a rock in our way.
Mr. Lee
will only hurt your chances at the presidency.
You should cut him loose.
I know I should cut him loose,
but he won't go down
without a fight.
MR. LEE CHANG-JIN
What an annoying pig.
Good heavens.
You seem relaxed.
I've just been thrown into a fire.
Meanwhile, I guess you had time for a nice meal.
No matter how worried you are,
know that I feel worse.
I'm looking for a way, so be patient.
Until when?
All you care about is the presidency and I'm not your priority.
Dismiss the search and seizure warrant.
Look. If I dismiss it without probable cause,
the situation will only get worse.
Once I'm done appointing new members of the prosecutors' office,
I'll help you out.
The stock price plummeted 22 percent after news of the investigation went public.
Being a businessman, I couldn't care less about probable cause.
The personnel reshuffle you're planning.
Do you think I'll let you get your way if I ever got arrested?
What happened seven years ago will resurface.
-Lee Chang-jin-- -Minister Song!
Have you already forgotten
who set your table here for you?
My hands aren't the only ones with blood on them.
I want the warrant dismissed by tomorrow morning.
This isn't some friendly request.
Arrogant prick.
I treated him nicely
as a favor to Chairman Sung,
but now he's trying to control me.
The reporters are having a field day because of this...
-You're back, sir. -You were great...
Sir, your speech has been sent out
to the reporters.
They've actually been asking for more.
They're eating it up.
Did Jang Tae-jun call?
I'm afraid he hasn't, sir.
Damn it!
Who does he think I am? His puppet?
POLICE ISSUES WARRANT IN SUSPICION OF KICKBACKS
JOOJIN CHEMICAL REBATE AFFAIR REVEALED TO BE BILLIONS OF WON
Where in the world are these articles coming from?
Materials are being fed to the press from an assemblywoman's office.
Whose?
Kang Seon-yeong. They're collecting everything from
the BAI, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Labor.
Even if the warrant is dismissed,
if the press keeps releasing articles,
it'll be hard to stop the case from reopening.
And that's all you have to say as my general counsel?
I apologize, sir.
Why...
Is this really all I get for putting food on all your tables?
Is it true that Mr. Song nominated Mr. Jang as a member?
What will the committee be focusing on?
Don't play dumb with us.
I'm sorry. I'll answer your questions later.
-How did it go? -Song Hui-seop...
is going to dismiss the search and seizure warrant.
Then he'll hurt his chances at the presidency
as well as taking command of the prosecutors' office.
There's a secret between them that I'm not aware of.
We're running out of time.
We must figure out what that is and sever their relationship.
And how's Lee Chang-jin?
Ms. Kang's office is keeping him occupied.
-What? -I told Ms. Kang that you sent
the file about Lee Sang-guk.
-Hye-won! -I know you're worried about her,
but this is too much for you to handle alone.
And like you said, the clock's ticking.
If things go south,
it won't be Ms. Kang who gets hurt.
It'll be you.
I heard that you're going after Lee Chang-jin.
I want him behind bars too.
Tell me everything that you know
about him.
Lee Chang-jin won't hold back if he's backed into a corner.
Stay out of this.
Let me worry about myself.
-Seon-yeong. -You can't fight both of them
while under Mr. Song's watchful eye.
You can't deal with this alone.
Minister Song and Mr. Lee are involved
in an incident seven years ago that I don’t know about.
The personnel reshuffle you're planning.
Do you think I'll let you get your way if I ever got arrested?
What happened seven years ago will resurface.
-Lee Chang-jin-- -Minister Song!
That incident must be their Achilles tendon.
Mr. Han suggested a fine idea.
Seven years ago at Joojin Chemicals, there was an industrial accident
where laborers were exposed to toxic chemicals.
Once we attach the related story,
the bill will be ready for announcement.
There was an industrial accident at Joojin Chemical seven years ago.
The chemical exposure incident?
That case was handled by Jo Ji-hun,
a candidate for the chief of Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office.
If we manage to bring the incident to light,
we can stop both Mr. Lee
and Minister Song's appointment plans.
Mr. Jang.
We'll share information with Assemblywoman Kang.
I see.
Gather information on Joojin Chemical's incident seven years ago.
Yes, sir.
-Mr. Oh. -Hey.
-Did you ask around? -Yes.
Reporter Kim Seung-u was
Yun Hye-won's mentor at Dodam Daily.
They were pretty close.
Some even say that they dated when they worked together.
-Really? -May I ask what this is all about?
Nothing.
Yes, Ms. Lee. I just arrived.
Okay. I'll be right up. Hold on.
Get in. It looks like you're running late.
Thank you.
Are you here to see Ms. Kang?
Yes.
You too?
Yes.
Ms. Kang, I'm still not sure about working with Mr. Jang.
Don't worry too much.
I don't trust him.
Ms. Kang, it's Han Do-gyeong.
Hi.
I haven't seen you since the election.
It's been a while. Congratulations on your new baby.
Congratulations on winning the election.
Enough chit-chat. Let's get down to business.
Mr. Han.
Yes, ma'am.
Joojin Chemical's accident seven years ago
is assumed to have been caused by the chemicals that they were using.
There were a total of 12 victims.
Four of them passed away after a long illness.
The rest of them are still in the hospital.
They were all exposed to toxic chemicals
called dichloromethane and formaldehyde.
If inhaled in a big amount,
they cause heart conditions, lung cancer, and leukemia,
which can even lead to death.
When so many people died,
why wasn't Mr. Lee even indicted?
The evidence was insufficient.
The company hasn't even revealed
exactly which chemicals were involved, saying it's a company secret.
The accident was blamed on the manager's negligence.
They even got a doctor's note that the victims' illnesses were
not chemical-related.
Officially, Joojin Chemical stopped using those chemicals.
I'm not sure we can make this public with the information we have right now.
It happened a while ago, so it won't make much impact either.
What if
it's still ongoing?
This person, Park Hee-jin, left Joojin Chemicals last year.
She fell ill after she did, and filed a suit against the company.
The company claims that her illness is personal and irrelevant to them.
All her symptoms match those of the victims from seven years ago.
That must mean the company is still using the banned chemicals.
All chemical imports must be reported to Korea Environment Corporation.
There might be some data left there.
Please request chemical import records from KEC.
There's a possibility that Joojin Chemicals
has been importing chemicals using another company's name.
There must be someone on night duty at KEC.
-Let me go and ask. -All right.
Are there any other people with similar symptoms?
I do have a list of people who recently left the company,
but I haven't gone through it yet.
This is going to take a while.
Let's finish as much as we can by tomorrow morning.
Call everyone on the list and ask questions.
Yes, sir.
You still don't know where Lee Sang-guk’s document came from?
No. But I'm looking into it.
Won-sik, do better,
or you'll lose your job.
The exact source is not known yet, but there is a suspect.
It's Reporter Kim Seung-u at Dodam Daily.
He published a breaking story about Chairperson Lee and Mr. Lee.
-Dodam Daily? -Yes.
Yun Hye-won was a reporter there before entering the assembly.
Kim Seung-u was her mentor.
LEE SANG-GUK GETS THE DAEHAN PARTY IN TROUBLE
Mr. Song, don't you think Jang Tae-jun could have other intentions?
Isn't it strange?
Jo Gap-yeong took charge of the emergency planning committee too easily,
and Mr. Lee's incident broke out
right after what happened to Chairperson Lee.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR INAUGURATION, ASSEMBLYMAN JANG TAE-JUN
If you try to protect Assemblyman Lee,
they will raise the issue to attack you.
You ought to
give up on him.
I think your appointment plans in the prosecution should be put off.
Mr. Lee
will only hurt your chances at the presidency.
You should cut him loose.
Mr. Song.
That sly prick stabbed me in the back.
That viper was full of venom.
In total, there are 31 people who seem to be victims of the chemicals.
Combine that with the number of victims 7 years ago, and you get 43 in total.
We haven't gone through everyone, so there might be even more.
We need the victims' testimonies.
It's best if you can film them.
Okay. I'll call them up and ask if I can visit.
See you later.
-Good job. -Thank you, sir.
Have you heard from Ms. Lee?
The person on duty insists he needs permission.
So Ms. Lee will wait at KEC until the person in charge comes to work.
I'll let you know.
Tae-jun.
Mr. Jang.
You have guests in your office.
All right.
I asked for coffee! What's taking so long?
-Good morning. -Good morning.
I can't believe I'm in an assemblyman's office.
We should thank Chun-bae for bringing us country bumpkins to this nice place.
-Right? -Get your coffee.
"Assemblyman Jang Tae-jun".
I always knew he'd become a big shot.
He's an ambitious man.
There was no way he'd be stuck being a cop all his life!
-Well said. -Of course.
Goodness. Our assemblyman is here.
-Our assemblyman is here. -The pride of our town!
-The coffee smells fantastic. -It does.
These country bumpkins wouldn't stop pestering me,
so I had to bring them here.
If you have time, show them around a bit.
Hello.
My name is Yun Hye-won, and I work for Mr. Jang.
If it's okay with you,
I can show you around the building.
No way. It's only right for him to show us around!
Your neighbors came all the way here.
I'm sorry, but Mr. Jang has a tight schedule today.
I can do a good job.
-All right. -Sure. Our assemblyman must be busy.
It doesn't matter who shows us around, does it?
It's no big deal.
-Da-jeong. -He's right.
Oh, my. Are these for us?
-Take it. -Goodness.
It's not much, but it's from Mr. Jang.
It's from the National Assembly. It sure looks fancy.
You have a great son.
Without Chun-bae,
we'd never get to be here.
-Mr. Park, please show them around. -Sure, ma'am.
Gentlemen, please wait outside. I'll show you around the building soon.
-All right. -Let's go out.
Don't forget anything. Carry mine too.
You can't show up unannounced like this.
Do I need to make an appointment to see my own son?
Go buy them a meal or something.
Hey.
A meal is not enough.
-We should at least hold a feast. -What are you talking about?
A person from our small town became an assemblyman.
The least we can do is celebrate.
When the village head's youngest son passed the bar exam,
he butchered a pig and everything to celebrate.
Isn't that ridiculous? Just because his son passed the bar exam?
That's nothing compared to what you achieved.
Now that we have an assemblyman, we should butcher at least a cow.
Do that. Go butcher whatever you want.
-Look at this. -Nice.
What are you doing? Go take a look around.
Please do help the busy Assemblyman Jang with his legislative duties.
-I will. Bye. -Bye.
Man-su, let's go.
-This way, please. -Bye.
-Let's start from the end of this hallway. -All right.
Chun-bae should be proud.
Go back in.
-Go back in. -Let's go.
-Hi. -Hi.
This way.
You've never been here before.
This place is incredible!
-Stop acting like a fool! -Come on.
Oh, my.
Your father must have wanted to take a look around here.
He must be so happy.
He gets to be here thanks to his assemblyman son.
What brings you here?
Mr. Song would like to see you.
Why couldn't you just call?
He was worried you'd run away.
He told me to bring you to him myself.
Get ready.
I'll wait here, Assemblyman Jang.
Minister of Justice Song Hui-seop announced
that the appointments of 39 high-ranking prosecutor positions
including the Chief of Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office
will be carried out today.
This will be the first large-scale personnel change
since his inauguration.
There is much speculation as to who will be appointed
to Chief of Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office,
which is the largest DPO in the country.
I didn't expect him to carry out the appointments so fast.
He must have found out about my plans.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN KANG SEON-YEONG
Yes?
Okay. Thank you.
What are you going to do now,
Mr. Jang?
Now that my fangs have been revealed,
it's time to tear him to pieces.
Hello.
-Mr. Oh. -Hi, Mr. Jeong.
When will the appointments be announced?
Wait a little longer.
I'm a bit busy.
This time, you'll have to take off your underwear or something.
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE
Too bad. If you had grown it longer,
you would have seen it bloom.
I know.
Tae-jun, what is this all about?
Revenge for Lee Seong-min's death?
I haven't even started yet.
Now that you've got some power for yourself,
-you think you're the big man now? -Do you think
I'm still your chief of staff?
Well, I'll be damned.
The stray dog I took in is biting me now.
Don't forget.
I'm the one who made you
the Minister of Justice.
I know.
I know you did.
But you should remember what this position means.
Do you want to end up like Lee Seong-min?
It takes effort to bloom a flower,
but it takes a second for it to fall!
For God's sake.
The youngest Chief Prosecutor, a four-term assemblyman,
the floor leader, and now the Minister of Justice.
You've had many impressive titles so far.
Now let me add another title to your career.
The first sitting Minister of Justice
to get arrested.
Tae-jun!
The reporters must be waiting for you.
It's time to step into the spotlight.
By the way,
don't smash the TV. It was paid for with taxes.
I'm Kang Seon-yeong from the Daehan Party.
Joojin Chemical's chemical exposure incident seven years ago
has not ended yet. It is still ongoing, producing new victims at this moment.
Joojin Chemical is still using the banned chemicals to this day.
This tragedy would have been stopped if Mr. Lee Chang-jin,
Joojin Chemical's CEO, had been punished properly seven years ago.
The case was handled by Prosecutor Jo Ji-hun,
who has been nominated for Chief of Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.
This incident revealed a long-term collusion
between Minister of Justice, Song Hui-seop and Mr. Lee.
While Minister Song admitted his personal relationship with Mr. Lee
at his confirmation hearing,
he denied any power abuse or collusion...
-Was he asked a special favor? -Is that true?
-What's going on? -Where is he?
-Wait for me! -If he was bribed...
Minister Song!
-Did you stop the indictment of Mr. Lee? -Is it true?
At the hearing, you said your relationship was a personal one!
-Were you aware of the incident? -Say something!
-Minister Song! -Say something!
-Gosh! -Minister Song!
While Minister Song admitted his personal relationship with Mr. Lee
at his confirmation hearing,
he denied any power abuse
or collusion with Mr. Lee.
In the recent Joojin Chemical rebate case, however, Minister Song dismissed
the search and seizure warrant.
-What? -In addition, he nominated
Prosecutor Jo Ji-hun,
who exempted Mr. Lee from indictment,
for the Chief of Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office.
This series of actions clearly shows
that Minister Song is trying to protect Mr. Lee.
More people are falling victim to toxic chemicals
even at this moment.
-What a turn of events. -Joojin Chemical is still denying
responsibility for the victims' exposure
-to the toxic chemicals. -Find out more at Ms. Kang's office.
Yes, sir.
However, the symptoms of the new victims
are identical to those of the victims seven years ago.
Joojin Chemical is continuing to use life-threatening chemicals.
We demand the search and seizure...
Jo Gap-yeong speaking.
That was tasty.
The meat was a bit tough.
That viper is making a mess everywhere.
What a headache.
Is Jang Tae-jun
behind all this?
Who else could it be?
He hasn't changed a bit, I guess.
By the way,
I thought Ms. Kang and Jang Tae-jun broke up.
But apparently, they're still a match made in heaven.
They must have missed the good old days.
That's what usually happens.
You still have a big appetite.
I'm a cow being dragged to the slaughterhouse.
I should have a full belly to have strength
to at least put up a fight with my butcher.
You sound like you have a plan.
But I can't make it happen by myself.
I need your help.
I'd love to defend you,
but my mouth is not mine.
I guess I'm not the only one who fell into Jang Tae-jun's trap.
From Joojin Chemical's chemical exposure incident
to Chairperson Lee's recent bribery allegations,
doubts about the prosecution's investigations have continuously existed.
Mr. Jang, we're here to talk about prosecution reform.
Why would you bring up irrelevant incidents?
The incidents I just mentioned expose the problems the prosecution has.
Did you say that they're irrelevant?
I'd like to know why.
Is there any reason why these incidents shouldn't come to light?
That's not it.
I just want you to clearly explain how those incidents are related to our topic.
Continue.
The prosecution tends to go easy
on political authority and conglomerates.
When prosecutors are involved in a case,
whether former or current,
no investigation or indictment is carried out.
To root out these bad practices,
we need a thorough reorganization.
But at this critical moment, the Minister of Justice
is filling the prosecution with people on his side
despite all opposition.
You're getting off the subject again.
Isn't power adjustment between the prosecution and the police the key?
You agreed to reducing the prosecution's power earlier.
Yes, I do.
But I do not think the goal of prosecution reform
is to reduce the prosecution's power.
It should be a means, not an end.
The key to power adjustment between the prosecution and the police
is not to reduce power on one side or how power is divided.
It is to introduce an advanced investigation system that reflects
the principle of checks and balances.
The goal of prosecution reform should be to strengthen mutual cooperation
between the prosecution and the police.
I have something to say to the Minister.
The reform plan submitted by the Ministry of Justice shows
the Ministry's determination to hold on to its right
to directly investigate, control police investigations,
and execute sentences, as well as its exclusive right to indict.
It goes directly against the public demand for prosecution reform.
I ask you to contemplate what the public truly wants
and propose new plans accordingly.
Look at him, all excited.
That punk.
When fall radishes are this thick, it means the winter is going to be cold.
The winter has to be cold for the viper to go into its hole.
But I can't let it disappear into its hole so easily.
I'll pull out all its teeth,
skin it neatly,
and hang its skin in the sun first. Shouldn't I?
To do that, I need a snake hunter.
Can you help me with that?
As long as you can let me off my leash,
it sounds like a good deal.
I have something to say to the Minister.
The reform plan submitted by the Ministry of Justice shows
the Ministry's determination to hold on to its right
to directly investigate, control police investigations,
and execute sentences, as well as its exclusive right to indict.
It goes directly against the public demand for prosecution reform.
I ask you to contemplate what the public truly wants...
Hi, Seung-u.
Hi. It's about Assemblyman Lee Seong-min's campaign fund rumors.
Okay. Did you ask around?
-What's the biggest problem... -The public demand...
What do you think of the Ministry's appointments?
The prosecution's collusion with politicians should come to an end.
The prosecution should stop wielding absolute power over the nation.
It should be democratically controlled and serve the nation.
I believe that's what the public wants.
The key to power adjustment between the prosecution and the police
is not to reduce power on one side
-or how power is divided. -Thanks.
It is to introduce an advanced investigation system that reflects...
The hearing is over.
I'm on my way to the office.
-Check Mr. Jo's schedule. -Yes, sir. By the way,
the information about Assemblyman Lee's campaign fund probably
leaked out from the prosecution.
An internal investigation is going on.
Who is in charge of the case?
Mr. Jang.
Chief Prosecutor Choe Gyeong-cheol of Special Investigation Team.
You really impressed me at the hearing.
I'm Prosecutor Choe Gyeong-cheol.
I see. Thank you.
So, you attended the hearing?
I see you're very interested in the committee.
Well,
I'm not that interested
in prosecution reform though.
I was just curious about what kind of person you were.
I can tell from your expression that you already know
that I'm doing an internal investigation into you.
I thought the case was closed.
On paper, yes. But not for me.
If you're trying to make a political issue out of it,
you better give up.
Mr. Jang.
I know
people like you very well.
I know how you climbed all the way up here from the bottom.
You dress yourself in fancy clothes, but the stink of the gutter remains.
Politics? I'm not interested in it at all.
My job is to put trash in its place.
See you around.
I wanted Tae-jun to lead me to the Blue House.
What a shame.
But public support is much better than what Jang has to offer.
You're right.
Do you know what the public hates the most?
Assemblymen who line their pockets with taxpayers' money.
By putting corrupt politicians in prison,
I can change the public opinion about me.
Of course. Here, sir.
I think I should add a nice title to Tae-jun's profile too.
Pardon?
This government's
first sitting assemblyman to get arrested.
Sure.
That's right.
Ms. Kang.
I didn't mean to startle you.
I was just so excited to see you.
I didn't know you live here.
Quite a nice place you live in.
What are you doing here?
I've never paid you a visit since you became an assemblywoman,
so I thought I'd come over and congratulate you properly.
You didn't have to.
We'll see each other a lot in the Assembly from now on.
It seems like a lot has been going on at Joojin Chemical.
When you appear in the Assembly as a witness,
we'll get a chance to have a proper talk.
Why, you're just as gutsy as I've heard.
I'll take that as a compliment.
You'll receive a witness summon soon.
Ms. Kang.
Be careful.
It's not a good idea to be out so late without even a personal secretary.
It's a dangerous world.
All the invisible wounds
eventually become an invisible weapon.
The venom has filled up.
-Meanwhile, -Mr. Jang.
the first prosecution personnel change
since Minster Song took office was carried out today.
Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office will be led by Choe Gyeong-cheol
from the Special Investigation Team.
His promotion to chief came five years earlier than expected...
Once revealed, your fangs can't be hidden again.
...Minister Song's determination to carry out reform.
Prosecutor Choe is known
to push forward investigations
without being affected by any outside pressure or rumors.
Starting with this personnel change,
the prosecution will reorganize to deal with many urgent problems
including prosecution reform
and fighting corruption among high-ranking officials...
But remember.
If you fail to take down your enemy at once,
you'll be the one going down.
PERSONNEL CHANGE TO INITIATE REFORM AND FIGHT CORRUPTION
You'll learn that you shouldn't have messed with Minister Song.
We need clearer cases
of chemical exposures.
Watch your step. You might break your nose.
You're doing an internal investigation into Mr. Jang?
I'll request a warrant.
Do you have to go this far?
I don't think that's for you to say after stabbing me in the back.
I'll show you who I am. I'll make you regret this.
By all means.