YEAR 1998
DEBT ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM SUM: 70 MILLION WON
SEO SOOK-MI, NA SEOK-JIN NOVEMBER 5TH, 1996
What are you waiting for? Let's go.
But Dad!
We'll come back for Ho-doo.
When?
Mr. Na!
Are you setting us up for a fall? Come out!
Moon-young.
- Let's go. - Ho-doo.
Moon-young!
There you are. I've been looking for you.
Do you remember me?
I'm your dad's friend.
NA MOON-YOUNG
Well,
I'm supposed to meet your dad today.
Do you know where he is?
Jae-pil.
Friends are indeed the best.
You should've told me about your situation.
- Here, drink up. - Thanks.
You silly.
Just down it.
I'll pour you some more.
Moon-young.
I have to die...
for you to live.
YEAR 2023
I like your lipstick.
- You do? - Yes, it goes well with your outfit.
"Look upside down and between your legs."
"Then you can see me."
I'm not sure about this.
I don't think a mother should look so pretty.
It's been two years since I've had fun.
I can't wear sweatpants.
You're going out to have fun?
I thought you were wining and dining Prosecutor Joo Sin-hwa.
Hey, Cha Sung-jae.
Right.
Cheer up the old man, okay?
She just moved to Haejeon City and must be lonely.
And find out what's going on at the Prosecutors' Office.
Now that I think about it,
the future of our law firm depends on you.
You're impossible.
If you want to stay home, that's fine with me.
We already have Bom, which is "spring."
Let's go for all four seasons.
That's a terrible idea!
- You're ridiculous. - Come on.
There's still time before you go.
MORINO HIDE AND SEEK
Bom, I'll see you later!
Mom!
Bom.
I made you fried rice for dinner.
Dad didn't make it?
My fried rice is good too.
I'll make sure Bom eats.
Don't drink too much, Ms. Na.
I can't even if I want to, Mr. Cha.
I'll be back soon.
Okay. See you!
"See you!"
Hey, Na Moon-young!
You've still got it.
I've missed drinking.
Let me pour you one.
Let's do this.
- Come on. - Bring it on.
It's nice to have alcohol in my system.
I see you've been holding back a lot.
My poor old man.
We should be celebrating...
the start of your new post in a better place than this.
What did you say?
Stop calling me an old man.
Sung-jae made me promise
to wine and dine you.
You two were just made for each other.
I got divorced and demoted.
Stop rubbing it in my face.
You're so annoying.
Why is a law firm figurehead trying to work an angle on me?
Because it's the only way I can save face.
I quit my job as a prosecutor
and moved down here to be a good mom.
But Bom is still attached to her dad,
and I still can't cook even though I study hard.
You can't learn how to cook by studying.
Whatever.
Give it up already.
The one who's good at cooking should do it.
Maybe you're right.
Hey, two o'clock.
Don't be so obvious.
Those bastards are having an affair.
How can you tell?
Do you see the security camera?
They're sitting in a dark corner, which happens to be a blind spot.
That's reasonable grounds for suspicion.
Look at their suitcases.
Their families must think they're on a work trip.
Excuse me, Ms. Joo.
Please calm down and have a drink.
And stop accusing innocent people at a bar.
I'm telling you I'm right.
I've been through it, remember?
Look at his face.
He looks like Yoo Jung...
Damn it, I mean...
He looks like Mr. Yoo, my ex-husband.
In any case,
I'm now officially and legally single,
so you need to set me up.
He has to be way better than my stupid ex.
Maybe I will.
This is a surprise.
Who knew you'd get drunk first?
Who said I was drunk?
What's wrong with me?
- Hello. - Hi there.
Would it be okay to join you ladies?
No, thank...
Where should we go?
There's a private room over there.
If it's okay with you, join us.
Sounds good.
Hey, Moon-young.
Let's go.
- Eat some fruit. - No.
Then how about the vegetables?
Come on.
You like these.
What are you folding, Bom?
Eat this.
You can eat while you do that.
Here. Have some protein.
Who do you take after?
You, Dad.
I can't argue with that.
Just have two more bites.
- No. - What about this?
- Ms. Ha made it. - Really?
Open wide.
You silly.
I'll pick you up as soon as you're done,
so come right out, okay?
Okay.
Did you hurt yourself?
Oh, I nicked myself cutting fruit.
How did I get home last night?
Oh, no!
That's so hot.
I'm late to court.
- Just have one more bite. - No.
- Can you clean up? - Sure.
Hey, wait for me!
- Is that okay? - Yes.
There we go.
Take care of that hangover.
The car needs washing.
Hey, you're right.
See you later.
Ms. Na!
Ms. Ha.
- Good morning. - Goodness.
What are you up to today?
I got some fresh strawberries, so I'm making tarts.
- That sounds delicious. - There's pumpkin too.
Bom likes pumpkin puree, right?
Should I bring some by later?
Yes, thank you.
SIN-HWA I don't remember how I got home.
I didn't make a scene, did I?
MANAGER KO CHUN-HEE
CHO IN-KYU
- Yes, Ms. Ko. - Where's Mr. Cha?
He should be at court right now meeting the witness,
but he's not answering his phone!
CHA WOONG LAW FIRM
He left for work?
No, it's not for a broadcast.
We're too busy for that.
I'm going to lose it.
If you don't know where he is, then who does?
He took off right after work yesterday.
Did something happen at home?
ATTORNEY CHA SUNG-JAE
No, not at all.
- Get going. - I'll look into--
- I said to get going right now! - What?
Me?
Mr. Cha's missing, and the legal advisor's on a work trip.
You're the only attorney left.
Head to court
and review the case on the way.
Wait, Ms. Ko.
I don't think...
Right now isn't a good...
Remember Geumsin Development?
Mr. Cha worked for them in Seoul.
Geumsin is developing a resort in Haean Village,
but a resident refused to sell his land to them.
He got hit by a car and died.
The suspect is a female employee at Geumsin.
A female employee? And the victim?
A man in his 50s.
She would've been found guilty,
but a witness came forward
and claimed the victim jumped in front of the car.
A witness?
Today's the first witness examination
and our only chance to turn the tables.
I sent In-kyu there. He'll fill you in.
He wouldn't miss an important trial like this.
FREEDOM, EQUALITY, JUSTICE
Here she is.
This is Attorney Na Moon-young.
She's a managing partner
and was a prosecutor for 12 years.
This is Mr. Ma Kang from Geumsin
and our client, Ms. Kim Yoon-sun.
Nice to meet you.
I'm Na Moon-young, and I'm a managing partner at Cha Woong.
Where's Attorney Cha?
Is he not coming today?
Something urgent came up.
Please don't worry.
Tell me.
What's so urgent that an attorney can't show up
for a trial?
I'm terribly sorry.
I promise the trial will go accordingly.
Mr. Cho, where's the witness?
Here he comes.
Mr. Do Jin-woo.
Mr. Do.
This is Attorney Na Moon-young.
She's taking Mr. Cha's place because he couldn't come.
Why couldn't he?
I promise the trial will go accordingly.
I'm sorry,
but are you wearing that on the stand?
It's important for the witness to appear reliable.
Mr. Cho, give him your suit.
Yes, ma'am.
Excuse me?
I can't go in like this.
It's not bad.
Hey.
What's taking Ms. Kim so long?
I'll go check on her.
She's gone, sir.
Damn it!
So are you saying...
DEFENDANT
...the defendant has failed to appear?
You submitted a letter of non-attendance
for the defendant ten minutes prior to trial.
The defense counsel has changed too.
Yes, Your Honor.
I'd like it to be known that the substitution of counsel
and motion for continuance are not an attempt to delay this trial.
The defendant suddenly fell ill while waiting
outside the courtroom--
I don't need to know
the defendant's personal reasons for not being here.
Can she be here a month from now?
Excuse me?
Yes, Your Honor.
I'll make sure she appears.
But Your Honor!
The trial will be postponed
to the 17th of next month,
and closing arguments will be held on the 24th.
If there are additional statements or evidence,
submit them in a timely manner.
Let's move on to the next case on the docket.
SUNG-JAE
The person you have dialed--
Why isn't he answering?
What's wrong with him?
He should at least answer.
We were done in five minutes,
but the defendant ran off while we were dealing with the witness.
We lucked out because the judge was nice.
I know, right?
Maybe Mr. Cha took off on purpose.
He didn't want to try this case.
Mr. Cha didn't want to try this case?
You could tell
that he didn't want to.
Why?
I'm not sure myself.
Ms. Na, please watch the road.
Ms. Na!
Ms. Na, what's going on?
Ma'am?
Ma'am, please...
Hold on.
It's a red light!
Ms. Na!
Seriously. What's gotten into you?
Ms. Na!
Mr. Cho, it's 33GO 8130!
CHA WOONG LAW FIRM
SUNG-JAE
ATTORNEY NA MOON-YOUNG
OPINION LETTER
CASE TYPE: VEHICULAR HOMICIDE
SUSPECT: KIM YOON-SUN
Where's Attorney Cha?
Is he not coming today?
This wall encroached on our land by 30cm.
I've already told Mr. Cha many times.
They're just thieves!
15% OFF ALL SERVICES AT HAEJEON CLEANERS
I've already explained all of this to that male attorney.
Do I have to repeat it?
How dare he bring
that young bitch into my house?
I want her arrested for trespassing!
Any word from Mr. Cha?
No, not at all.
He's probably fine, right?
I called the police and 911 just in case,
but I got nothing.
Maybe he's just out getting some air.
Or maybe he's out getting someone.
He could've run off, you know.
Do you think he'd do that?
That's more your type of thing.
What do you mean? I've never dated.
Stop that.
Mr. Ma from Geumsin keeps telling us
to find Mr. Cha.
Have you reached Ms. Kim?
She's not responding either.
What's going on with everyone today?
When you reach her, inform her of the postponed trial date
and that if she doesn't appear again,
it'll affect the sentencing.
Hey, Attorney Choi.
Have you seen Sung-jae today?
I thought he might've gone to the bar association workshop.
I see.
I have a call coming in. Talk to you later.
Bom?
Mom, where are you?
Dad's not answering his phone.
Oh, my. Are classes over?
Just wait a bit. I'm heading there right now.
- Okay? - It's not that.
I brought Bom home myself.
Mother?
You should've told me you were busy.
What if something had happened to Bom?
I'm sorry. I couldn't get in touch with Sung-jae.
I heard Sung-jae's been busy.
Something urgent must've come up.
It's just that he wouldn't skip an important trial like this.
Moon-young, you need to stop jumping to conclusions.
I suppose
it's understandable that you're having a hard time
because my husband
is in Seoul right now.
He promised to pick up Bom today,
but if Bom didn't hear from him...
Sung-jae is a grown man.
Hold on.
Did you two have a fight?
No.
Then he'll be back soon.
Here. Take this to Bom.
She's in her room.
MR. MA KANG
Yes, sir?
You have one hour to get here.
If you don't, I'll kill you.
Got it?
Then bring Mr. Cha!
I can't go to trial without him!
SUNG-JAE
What the hell is this?
I won't take the fall.
You need to call me.
Right now!
Kim Yoon-sun. Cha Sung-jae.
Have they lost their damn minds?
Why are they making things so difficult?
Has Mr. Cha called?
Not yet, sir.
I thought we were on the same page.
I wonder what he's plotting.
Hey.
- This is pretty, isn't it? - Yes.
Mom, when will Dad be back?
I'm not sure.
He's running late, isn't he?
Should we try calling him?
Okay.
SUNG-JAE
SIN-HWA
Sin-hwa, why didn't you answer before?
Men? What are you talking about?
Don't you remember?
They wanted to join us.
Don't be ridiculous.
All I did was drink with you.
- Hello. - Hi there.
Would it be okay to join you ladies?
So did we join them?
I wouldn't call it that.
We were getting our drink on when Sung-jae stormed in.
Sung-jae was there last night?
What? You really blacked out, didn't you?
Did you call him?
Are you insane?
What? I thought you had called him.
Me?
- It wasn't me. - What?
Then how did he know we were there?
Do you two track each other?
No, of course not.
But maybe I should have done that.
What? Why?
Is something wrong?
No.
Except that Sung-jae's gone.
He's disappeared.
He skipped a trial and won't answer his phone.
Sin-hwa.
Do you think Sung-jae
thought I was maybe...
I know what you're thinking.
But you were on good behavior, so don't worry.
He wouldn't ghost you over that.
SUNG-JAE Where are you?
Why aren't you answering?
Last night was...
You've got it wrong.
Let's talk in person.
Please come home.
Ms. Kim Yoon-sun?
What brings you here at this hour?
I have a message for Mr. Cha.
But he won't return my calls.
Is he still not reachable?
It's late right now.
I'll have him contact you in the morning.
- Have him contact Mr. Ma, not me. - Right.
Mr. Ma Kang.
I'll have him call Mr. Ma.
The consumer price index has increased by two percent...
The price of petroleum has plummeted
to an all-time low.
The government has announced plans to ensure
price stability by keeping an eye on weather conditions
and price and supply demands and will take swift action if necessary.
Starting tomorrow, the police force will...
I came by because I was worried.
And carry out inspections.
The Korean National Police Agency will
use this opportunity to prevent...
I'm sorry.
Has he called you--
Have you heard from Sung-jae?
They also stated their intent to lift the ban.
A dump truck crossed the center line, causing a multi-car accident in a tunnel.
One male driver in his 30s was killed, while two others were severely injured.
There was also a marine accident.
A car fell into the ocean while reversing at the Haejeon docks.
The driver was rescued by the Korea Coast Guard.
However, he died 12 hours after arriving at the hospital.
SUNG-JAE
The person you have dialed is unavailable.
Please leave a message...
- Hello? - Attorney Na Moon-young.
This is Ma Kang from Geumsin Development.
Yes, sir.
Has Mr. Cha
come back home yet?
No, not yet.
Ms. Na.
We have to find Mr. Cha quickly.
We're in a difficult position, you see.
I understand, sir.
I'll do my best and try--
I don't think you understand.
This isn't the only case that Mr. Cha
was handling for our company.
I see.
Excuse me, sir,
but are you in touch with Ms. Kim?
I thought I saw her near my house last night,
but I can't reach her now.
Ms. Kim was near your house?
Find out where Mr. Cha is first.
It seems Ms. Kim has other plans in mind.
I'll look into it, sir.
MANAGER KO CHUN-HEE
Ms. Ko, are you at work?
Did you run the license plate number--
- Oh, no. - What do we do?
Yes, of course.
I'll call the police right now.
Come quickly, Ms. Na.
ATTORNEY CHA SUNG-JAE
- In-kyu, call the police. - Yes?
Right. I'll call them.
There's no end to this. I'm going to lose it.
Anything else?
Sir, we pulled this from the security cameras.
I got it.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Cho?
Hello, Prosecutor Na.
No, wait.
It's Attorney Na now.
It's been a while.
So Prosecutor Na...
I mean, Attorney Na.
I'm not used to it.
Hello, Inspector Baek.
My gosh. It's a small world.
Don't you think?
We're not the only former prosecutors and police officers in Korea,
but we managed to run into each other in this tiny town.
If you blame me for receiving disciplinary action,
I'll talk to the other officer
to avoid any awkwardness.
Not at all, ma'am.
I'm very professional.
I'll conduct a thorough investigation.
Now then.
Do you happen to recognize anyone
on this security footage?
No, I don't.
So they trashed the office
but didn't take anything.
Right. I'll head to the station
and try to identify the suspects.
I'll be in touch.
Something is missing.
My husband has gone missing.
It's been over 24 hours.
Has anyone reported an unidentified victim?
We don't consider adults who are just off the grid as "missing."
You should still investigate.
Do you have any proof that links this case
to your husband going missing?
I know adults like him won't be considered missing.
But someone broke in here
right after he went missing.
Isn't this worth investigating?
Did you two have a fight?
No.
Was there anything unusual about your husband?
Not at all.
Did he have depression
or suicidal thoughts?
No, not at all.
My husband didn't play the market or gamble.
No accidents or criminal record.
No illness or warning signs of suicide.
None of that.
He didn't just leave home.
Please check if there's been an accident.
WOOIL BANK BRANCH MANAGER
So she's still stubborn as ever
and likes to complicate matters.
Hello, sir.
Loan repayment?
ATTORNEY CHA SUNG-JAE
The car you asked about
has nothing to do with Mr. Cha...
Is his digital certificate on his laptop?
Goodness.
It's probably on a USB drive.
Do you know which one?
Of course not.
Just try each one.
Do you know the passcode?
I'll have to guess.
CHA WOONG LAW FIRM
Where's his seal?
Ms. Na?
He carried his driver's license,
so I think he left his ID card here.
Do you have a front and back copy of Mr. Cha's ID card?
Let's wait and ask him when he comes.
We might go bankrupt.
I'm a managing partner, but I had no idea what was going on.
I knew we were in the hole,
but I didn't know it was this bad.
Did you also not know?
LOAN PRINCIPAL: 3,000,000,000 WON
BALANCE: 3,075,000,000 WON
Rent and other payments have been overdue for a while.
The employees haven't been paid either.
Since when?
Three months ago.
Why didn't you tell me?
What did Mr. Cha say?
He said the money was coming and asked us to wait.
We had no choice.
He made us promise not to tell you.
Does Father know?
Of course not!
He trusted his son to run his firm.
He's only staying on
as a legal advisor because of the firm's fame.
He occasionally helps us accept cases,
but he hasn't managed the firm in ages.
He had such high expectations for his son,
so Mr. Cha naturally felt pressure as the accounting manager.
I understand.
I'm sorry, Ms. Ko.
I'll make sure you get paid first.
SIN-HWA
I was about to call you.
Is Sung-jae back?
Sin-hwa.
I need your help.
Can you track down
Sung-jae's phone and car for me?
It's bad enough I got demoted and sent here.
Do you want me to lose my job entirely?
I'm not asking for a search team.
Just locate him, and I'll do the rest.
You know that's illegal!
The police accepted the missing person report, right?
They think I'm a wife looking for her cheating husband.
Come on.
Maybe he just hit a rough patch.
It's not easy to run a well-known law firm.
Is it weird to disappear for a bit because of stress?
Moon-young, are you sure you're not overreacting?
Have you considered that maybe he went missing voluntarily?
Hello?
Moon-young!
I've been married, too, you know!
That was your friend, right?
The Cha Woong Foundation Cinderella.
What was that?
Is that what you call her here?
I didn't mean it in a bad way--
She's famous, you know.
Everyone knows how they met when they were young and then got married.
I'll admit Cha Sung-jae is a prince.
But I can't believe you're calling
that vicious thing Cinderella.
Our friends would have a field day if they knew.
Is something wrong, though?
No, she just can't get in touch with her husband.
The older she gets, the more she worries.
What is it?
The thing is...
MOTHER
- Yes, Mother? - You filed a missing person report?
I did it because this morning--
He's not the type to do anything strange.
He'll be back soon. Why would you complicate things?
This is how rumors start!
Exactly. He's not that type. That's why it's strange.
I'm going to find Sung-jae.
Don't worry.
Okay.
PICK UP BOM FROM SCHOOL
MOTHER
NEIGHBOR MS. HA
Hello, Ms. Ha?
I'm sorry to ask you, but...
If I leave now, I think I'll be right on time.
Don't worry.
Okay.
Darn it. I'm so annoyed.
Bom!
Ms. Ha!
Did your mom call you?
Yes.
Your mom seems really busy today.
I'll bake you some cookies. Shall we?
Yes.
Get in.
INCOME STATEMENT
COMPANY: CHA WOONG LAW FIRM
WOOIL BANK
BOM
Ms. Ha is taking me home.
CLIENT KIM YOON-SUN
Ms. Kim?
This is Attorney Na Moon-young.
Ms. Kim?
I'm here.
You just took off yesterday, and...
Did you come to my house last night?
Why did you just leave?
Was it because of Mr. Cha?
Have you talked to him?
Did you and Mr. Cha...
Hold on. Let's talk in person.
Is Mr. Cha still not back?
That's right.
- So let's meet right now-- - Ms. Na.
Please help me.
Meet me under the Haejeon Bridge.
There's something you should know.
You have to come alone.
If you don't,
I won't trust you.
You came to my house last night.
Why did you ask me for help?
Is it true
he hasn't contacted you?
It's true.
That's why I'm here.
He ran off, then.
That traitor.
He's trying to save himself.
And he set me up for the fall.
Ms. Kim, what are you talking about?
It wasn't me.
Excuse me?
It wasn't me.
I didn't kill anyone.
I trusted Mr. Cha and took the blame.
But he just disappeared,
so who can I trust to get me through trial?
I said it wasn't me and that I didn't want to do it.
I told him that!
Ms. Kim, what do you mean--
I just did
as Mr. Ma told me.
He said I just had to follow Mr. Cha's orders.
Why did I listen to him?
Mr. Cha gave you orders
to take the fall?
What about the witness?
Do Jin-woo.
I should've caught on when he was brought on as a witness.
He's someone you can just use and discard.
What the hell?
I thought you came alone!
What? But I--
Why is that bastard here?
Did you call him?
- No, I-- - I just need to take the fall, right?
Ms. Kim!
Please help me.
Why is that bastard here?
I just need to take the fall, right?
Mr. Do Jin-woo?
Who were you following?
Me?
Or Ms. Kim?
Mr. Do.
You were going to commit perjury.
Don't you know that's a crime?
There's nothing funny about this.
You don't know anything. You should be afraid.
You're right.
I don't know anything.
So tell me already!
That's something...
you should ask your husband.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
This is Officer Lee Pil-seung of the Haejeon Police.
Is Mr. Cha Sung-jae your husband?
Yes. What's this about?
You filed a missing person report on Mr. Cha, correct?
Yes.
Have you found him?
We found his ID card at the scene of an accident.
We'll need you to come and identify the body.
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
Did you hurt yourself?
Oh, I nicked myself cutting fruit.
It goes well with your outfit.
See you later.
It's not suicide.
He wouldn't do that.
I'll find out
what happened to my husband.
Sung-jae was going to file for the firm's bankruptcy.
The problem is,
it wasn't just corporate debt.
Are you saying Sung-jae was involved in something illegal?
Did you kill her, Mr. Do?
You'd perjure yourself for money.
So I wouldn't put it past you to kill someone.
Did Mr. Ma order you?
Go ahead.
Once you start digging deep
into Mr. Cha's history,
you'll want to break his neck with your own hands.
Subtitle translation by Jenny Kim