(All characters, places, institutions, incidents,)
(and organizations portrayed in this drama are fictitious.)
A mathematical proof...
is either true or false.
There are only two outcomes.
You can't say what's true is false,
and you can't say what's false is true.
Mathematicians cannot lie.
But in the world we live in,
what's true sometimes becomes false,
and what's false sometimes becomes true.
Four years ago,
at Asung High, the former entity of this school,
something like this happened.
There was a rumor that a teacher and student...
were having an inappropriate relationship.
The scandal turned Hangok-dong upside-down,
and it spread and snowballed.
True became false,
and false...
became true.
The student, a junior at Asung High...
who was said to be in that relationship...
was me.
(Asung Academy of Mathematics and Arts)
(Episode 12)
Ms. Ji, take a look at this.
(Ms. Ji, take a look at this.)
The student, a junior at Asung High...
who was said to be in that relationship...
was me.
Mr. Paik, you can't use this time to speak of your personal life.
I'm here to talk as a mathematician.
I said that math had no room for lies.
I believe in the power of logic and proof.
Here today,
I will announce the assignment I will attempt to prove next.
The scandal that erupted at Asung High four years ago.
What was true and what was false.
Who, why, and for what purpose...
turned true into false and false into true?
I will prove that.
Do you mean to say the scandal was a setup?
Yes.
What is Seung Yoo trying to do?
He's crazy.
Is this why he came back?
Who is he saying set him up?
Is he talking about how Ms. Ji suspected that...
- Ye Rin cheated... - Park So Jung.
Don't jump to conclusions when nothing's official.
Why are you taking it out on me?
What's up with him? He's crazy too.
You completely ruined my event.
Not at all.
"Asung Academy of Mathematics and Arts",
"Asung High", "National Museum of Mathematics".
They're the most-searched keywords right now.
I believe it was a great PR stunt.
Are you...
trying to take me on?
If something bothers you,
you should take me head-on too.
From now on, the one who threatens the other...
is the guilty party.
My gosh.
Paik Seung Yoo is out of his mind.
Ye Rin, don't worry.
Your dad and Ms. Noh will take care of it.
Okay?
Goodness...
Let's talk to the press.
Bring them all back now.
And say what?
That we didn't set him up?
That it wasn't about us?
Pull yourself together.
He didn't say a word about us.
It's a matter of time before he does.
What will you do about it then?
Is the seed of an apple...
a fruit or not?
What are you on about?
A seed is not a fruit.
But if it's sown and grown, it becomes a tree that bears fruit.
Then a seed is a fruit, but it's also not a fruit.
What on earth...
Why wouldn't there be something that is both true and false?
You really don't know?
You have to know.
You have to have something to tell me.
You must.
I truly hope you have something to tell me.
Here, this will warm you up.
Drink it.
- What if... - What?
I had admitted to doing wrong?
What would've happened then?
What did you do wrong?
You know. I copied the answer sheet you got me,
- and Ms. Ji found out... - You didn't do anything wrong.
Then who did?
Ye Rin.
You need to pull yourself together.
None of us did anything wrong.
I did everything so that you...
Will you stop saying that?
Out of what you did for me, did anything do me any good?
Ye Rin, how could you say that?
I did it all for you.
Did I do it for me?
I'll ask you one last time.
Do you have nothing to say?
Ye Rin.
Relax. Try to breathe.
Oh, dear.
Where is Sung Ye Rin?
- Honey, we're over here. - Hey.
(Emergency Ward)
What happened?
She was in shock. She couldn't breathe.
Honey. You can sort it out, right?
What did Ms. Noh say?
- Did it really happen? - Did what happen?
Did Ye Rin cheat in high school?
Watch what you say. Are you mad?
Come with me.
(Paik's Shocking Revelation: It Was a Setup)
What are you doing?
Do you know what you've done?
I said I knew.
I know very well why I'm like this.
This isn't right.
You can't ruin your present and future.
Why do you say I'm ruining it?
Don't you know?
What's more important than your life as a mathematician?
Why would you...
risk your career...
to prove something like this?
Why not?
Why don't I have something more important than math?
Why did I do math, how did I become a mathematician,
and how did I win the Lucifer Prize?
Because I was smart?
Or because you taught me well?
Not at all.
The student, a junior at Asung High...
who was said to be in that relationship was me.
Is it funny?
Look at their faces.
They're perplexed and angry, but they can't show it.
That helpless fool.
Yoon Su said she wanted to keep Paik Seung Yoo out of it?
He showed he has no intention of backing out.
Leave the past to him.
Meanwhile, you and I can go after what Noh Jung Ah is currently doing.
It looks like Paik Seung Yoo...
is truly sincere about Yoon Su.
So what if he is now?
When he should give up on her.
I guess weighing things out is not considered love.
To Paik Seung Yoo.
For the past four years,
I did nothing but math.
Because that was all I had left.
I needed to do that to survive!
And now I finally found you, so why...
Why do you say math is all I have?
Why can't I have something more important than math?
I never...
wanted to become more important than math to you.
I never will.
The proof you announced you do.
It's not more beautiful or worthy than a line of geometry.
He's too good to ruin.
Why are you so startled?
Did you not learn anything...
from the photos that were taken at Jeju Airport?
(Noh Yeon Woo)
I apologize for making you come in early.
As the head of the school, I wanted to provide...
an explanation regarding yesterday and tell you something important.
Mr. Paik Seung Yoo's actions and statements...
will be investigated and will be disciplined accordingly.
Is it true that Asung High did something...
improper?
Why are you looking at me?
What did you hear? They're all groundless rumors.
Groundless?
I'm not making it up.
Ma'am.
This isn't Asung High, it's Asung Academy of Mathematics and Arts.
And as you all know, midterms are coming up.
School grades are the most important in the efforts...
to get into ivy league schools.
As I had mentioned,
I've arranged for a meeting with the best consultant.
He will share the latest information that he obtained...
through his connections...
with ivy league admissions officers and what must be done.
Let's head there now.
The upcoming midterms...
will be used to boost the grades of the Global Talent Class kids.
(Students in the Project)
What is it?
Are you afraid Ji Yoon Su will know what we're doing?
I know I've been thorough with security,
but since I had kept someone with ill intent by my side,
I can't help but be wary.
Minister Kyung Woo Min.
Minguk Party Leader Sung Min Jun.
Son Seung Yun, a professor at Hanguk Law School.
Kim Yun Joon, chairman of Myungjin Daily.
The parents of the kids in the Global Talent Class...
are people like that.
As in, even if a problem does arise...
These people have our backs.
What is there to fear?
Come in.
The parents of Asung Academy students are here.
Okay.
The student, a junior at Asung High...
What is going on here?
was me.
Why is Seung Yoo doing that?
Seung Yoo.
What happened?
You must be shocked.
Please have a seat. I need to tell you something.
What should we do?
Is there a way I can help?
Darn it. Ji Yoon Su, that craft brat...
was a famous instructor at a clinic in Hangok-dong.
I almost sent Yoo Chan there.
Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
I'll see you after it's over.
You got this for me from Italy.
Ms. Noh had the exact same one.
Maybe she has a similar one.
I didn't sleep well last night...
so my face is a wreck.
How's Ye Rin?
What?
She's a total mess.
She has been through a lot.
What do you mean?
Haven't you heard?
About Ji Yoon Su's relationship with Paik Seung Yoo.
She knew for a while now.
Knew what?
Did something happen to Ye Rin?
You're saying...
it was all true?
They started that lie...
about you and Ms. Ji Yoon Su...
to cover up Assemblyman Sung Min Jun's daughter cheating?
Yes.
Drop it.
They couldn't even prosecute the case.
Do you think anything will happen now?
That's why I must do it now before it gets any later.
I said to drop it!
Leave that school right now.
- Father. - Why can't you live a quiet life?
Why do you keep making it worse?
This is a critical stage in your life.
You have so much to do.
I'm not making it worse,
I'm solving problems I couldn't in the past.
Are you still seeing...
that woman?
Answer me.
Are you?
It's not what you think.
Then? What is it?
I'll tell you later.
I have to get to work. Bye.
Was this it?
Was this why...
you sent us your thesis and came over to eat?
To placate us?
How could you say that?
Then promise...
you won't get involved with her ever again.
If you're trying to prove there was nothing there before,
why are you close now?
Who would believe you then?
Am I wrong?
If you see her again,
we'll be the ones disowning you this time.
You can do as you wish if you never want to see us again.
Why that jerk.
How could he...
Don't mind what he said.
I'm okay.
I'll come back.
Seriously! You jerk.
Bitter? What for?
My mom said...
they were no joke.
- How? - In what way?
- In the middle of the night... - At night?
- In the classroom... - That's insane.
Watch your mouth.
What do you know? You didn't see it yourselves.
What about you? What do you know?
More than you punks.
You went to that clinic, is that it?
I hear Ji Yoon Su is an instructor there.
My mom told me.
That must be why they made a fuss regarding confidentiality.
Because she has a sordid past.
She got kicked out anyway.
We have to make sure Paik Seung Yoo and that woman can never come back.
I said to stop talking about them like that.
Who do you think you are?
Quiet. Everyone.
Take your seats.
Mr. Paik Seung Yoo's class will be a self-study session.
Start studying.
You have been terminated as of today.
You may not teach or do anything else here.
Breach of duty and harming the school's reputation.
Those are the grounds.
Read and sign it.
(Paik Seung Yoo)
There will be a disciplinary hearing soon.
Kicking me out...
won't stop me from doing what I must.
You know that, right?
Can you prove...
that you love someone with math?
What about not loving someone?
Can you prove it...
with formulas and logic?
It's a great new challenge.
It may be the most difficult problem...
in your life.
What do you mean?
That which you are attempting to prove...
may not be regarding defamation,
but rather love.
(Explanation for Termination)
Paik Seung Yoo may quit.
No, not quit. He's being kicked out.
Poor you. You're losing someone on your side.
Hey, Ji Na.
I told you before that you scared me, right?
I take it back.
- I pity you. - What?
The principal is your mom.
Unlike me, you have someone who will always have your back.
So why do you go out of your way to pick fights?
Oh, wait.
You don't like your mom very much, do you?
But you still enjoy the perks of being her daughter.
You're awfully two-faced.
Hey, come out here right now!
Hey! Come out here!
I know you live here.
How shameless.
I know there's something going on between you two.
You already made him fall for you when he was young,
and you're getting in the way of his future by doing it again.
Open the door!
Open up! Now!
What is she doing?
You must have no conscience.
Brace yourself.
I'm going to make sure you pay for this.
Come to school.
The principal wishes to see you.
Why did you want to see me?
Sit down.
There's something I want to share with you.
You can do whatever you want with it.
I'm repaying you...
for sharing the photos you took at Jeju Island.
There were many, but I picked out the best one.
Use it to your advantage.
- Hello? - Where are you?
Why did you want to see me all of a sudden?
I was busy. Couldn't you have waited until I got home?
I went to see Ji Yoon Su today.
- Did you meet her? - No, I failed.
What's your plan?
Principal Noh is going to deal with it on her own.
- You should take your mind off it. - How am I supposed to do that?
When did you ever manage to take care of anything properly?
Don't do anything rash. Just be careful.
You can't do anything without Principal Noh, can you?
What?
You should go.
Let's open a bottle of this wine too after the audit.
Explain this.
Is there something going on between you and Noh Jung Ah?
What is this?
What do you think you're doing?
Explain this to me right now.
What's going on between you two?
- We take advantage of each other. - What? You take advantage?
Don't you understand?
Thanks to Principal Noh, Ye Rin and Yoo Chan...
were able to receive a lot of special treatment.
In return, I do what she asks and give her information.
- I thought you knew that already. - I see.
So you give her information and affection. Is that correct?
- Hye Mi! - You startled me.
We don't have time for this.
You need to stay focused.
If you have time to sneak around behind my back,
use that time to take better care of Ye Rin.
Does Yoon Su still spend time with that boy?
I can't believe that has become an issue again.
Mom.
You should hurry up and marry Chairman Noh In Hyung's...
youngest daughter, Yeon Woo.
We need to make things clear and draw a line...
before people start spreading groundless rumors.
It won't do us any good to get involved in this mess.
I'll take care of it.
Are you sure about that?
You held onto a woman that your father and I disapproved of,
and look where that got you.
You can't take care of anything.
Just hurry up and get a move on with the wedding.
Your signature, please.
Thank you.
- Let's go. - Okay.
You and Sung Jae should quickly get married.
I trust that you'll handle this.
Of course, Mother. Don't worry.
Hey.
- We're ready for our meal. - Okay, ma'am.
This will come in handy at the board meeting.
First, check the list of shareholders.
I will.
This is exactly what I wanted.
If I also manage to prove that Jung Ah stole money...
from the foundation to fill her own pockets,
I'll definitely be able to bring her down.
- Please hurry. - Once she loses authority,
it'll become easier for Mr. Paik to deal with her.
By the way, I also brought a gift.
(Jeju Verta School)
If you're up for it, I'll write you a recommendation.
Let me know if you're interested.
You're here.
I invited him for lunch as well.
I hope you're both okay with this.
Have a seat.
I heard you met your mother.
She texted me and asked me to hurry up and get married.
We're getting married.
Fate really has a way of surprising you, right?
You can never know where life will lead you.
The same goes for your relationship with Mr. Paik.
Yoon Su.
Are you guys done talking?
I should go now.
Aren't you going to congratulate us?
Congratulations to the both of you.
You shouldn't have looked so angry at me in front of Yoon Su.
Couldn't you keep a straight face?
You expected me to be considerate of you...
after what you pulled on me?
I personally think I tried my best.
At least I didn't tell her that I haven't actually...
made up my mind about getting married.
I expect this to be the last time...
you use Yoon Su to provoke me.
That is if you're really willing to marry me.
Yoon Su gave me the important file.
Jung Ah...
will never be able to become the chairwoman of Asung Foundation.
Think of the odds,
and make sure you watch what you say and how you behave.
That's my point exactly.
We're only doing this to use each other.
So why waste energy by getting emotional like this?
She still forgets stuff easily.
- This is what I'm talking about. - Gosh.
Paik Seung Yoo!
Over here.
You yesterday...
My legs almost gave way, I was so shocked, you know.
- Hi. - How are you?
There must've been quite the aftermath.
- I got disciplined. - Hey.
I'll ask out of pure curiosity.
What's going on between you and Ms. Ji?
Do you like her?
What are you on about?
You had a thing for Ms. Ji back then.
Do you still like her?
What do you mean "still"?
Did you meet Ms. Ji?
Not just meet.
They're really close.
- Is that true? - That's not right.
- You can't do that. - Why can't I?
What? Well...
Wait. Hang on.
You said you were set up.
That nothing happened,
but you were wrongfully framed.
And now you're dating?
What on earth is that? Do you like each other?
Let's not go there.
- Seung Yoo. - Hey!
That lunatic.
- Sung Ye Rin? - What was she doing over there?
How long was she there for?
Seung Yoo.
I like you.
Why won't you say anything?
You needed a confession of my mistake, not my love.
So you used my feelings.
I hoped you'd be honest.
About why you did what you did.
I did it because I liked you.
Out of jealously.
I wanted to tear you and Ms. Ji apart.
Why cry and scream if you like someone?
Liking someone makes you smile with happiness.
You want the other person to smile and be happy.
You don't like me.
Then what was it?
You were able to have anything you wanted but not me.
So you wanted me and the person I loved to become unhappy.
Am I wrong?
We're leaving.
(Jeju Verta School)
(Schedule)
(Programs)
I should go now.
(Paik Seung Yoo)
Hello?
Isn't this Ji Yoon Su's phone?
This is Ryu Sung Jae speaking.
Why do you have her phone?
The bombshell you dropped yesterday.
Did she agree to it?
If you fail to prove it,
who do you think will take the biggest hit?
You're a successful mathematician with a place to go back to,
but not Yoon Su. Do you get that?
What is it you want to say?
If it's not what Yoon Su wants, learn to take a step back and wait.
Find out what she wants.
Ask her.
Don't just drag her along.
Don't force what you want or how you do things on her.
Is that advice?
What would've happened if I had done that?
It's a murmur of regret.
I'm not rooting for you, so don't get the wrong idea.
Even if I fail to prove the assignment,
Yoon Su won't be the one who takes the biggest hit.
I won't let that happen.
Guess what?
The biggest wound...
is usually caused by the one closest to you.
- Where are you going? - Outside. A car followed you here.
- Now? - He took photos too.
Pretend we don't know and leave.
Go back inside.
- Where did you get this from? - Ryu Sung Jae.
I'll call you. Go home.
The door is closing.
I want to report a strange car.
Let go!
Who are you? Who sent you?
- Let go. - Who are you?
Hey, mister. Are you okay?
Wake up.
Where's Paik Seung Yoo?
He's in the second stall.
Seung Yoo.
(Emergency Ward)
Are you his guardian?
- Is he badly hurt? - It looks like a slight concussion.
The CT scan didn't show much.
But we'd like to observe him. Call me right away if he wakes up.
I will. Thank you.
Are you awake?
I'll get the doctor.
I'm okay.
Stay here.
Are you sure you're okay?
Your head doesn't hurt?
The car was stolen,
and they're looking for the driver.
- What about the camera? - I think he took off with it.
How long have they been watching?
Go in.
Go to the hospital right away...
if anything doesn't feel right.
I can't make your life hard.
I don't want to.
But I don't know how to.
Should I...
stop now?
Go inside. Get some rest.
And sleep.
Drive back safely.
What an amusing picture.
Do you want me to publish this with a story?
Not yet.
We'll tell you when the time is right,
so share it with the public then.
Principal Noh Jung Ah says...
she's making this special request only with you.
- Goodness. - Also,
here's what you asked for.
(Visitors)
Hello, sir.
I met with Park Hye Young,
who worked at Asung High four years ago.
She agreed to give a statement regarding what happened...
- and who ordered it. - So what?
You may tell the truth as well,
or you may not.
Regardless, I will uncover the truth of what happened.
I was kicked out of the school...
and am being investigated by a prosecutor.
Are you threatening me on top of that?
I'm giving you advice and asking for a favor.
If you tell the truth,
it'll help mitigate your charges.
If you keep denying it...
and Asung puts all the blame on you,
things will become much worse.
You're the only one being tried...
for the admissions corruption too.
Please, sir.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Bye.
Sweetie.
We need to talk.
- Get out. - What?
Don't call me "Sweetie", and get out!
Get out. Didn't you hear me?
- Oh my gosh. - Get out.
I heard everything.
They framed our son because of your daughter.
So get out.
Why are you taking it out on me? Listen to me.
We don't have time for this.
You and I have to work together...
to kick that witch out.
What are you talking about?
They love each other to death.
Seung Yoo goes to her every day. He's obsessed.
- What? - She lives nearby.
- Get out. - What was that?
- Oh my gosh. - Get out!
- What's wrong with you? - Go.
- What... - I said to leave.
You shouldn't treat me like this.
My gosh. I'm not lying.
Where does she live?
You don't like me.
You were able to have anything you wanted but not me.
So you wanted me and the person I loved to become unhappy.
Use it to your advantage.
(Visitors)
(Sung Ye Rin)
Hello?
You said I didn't like you, right?
You don't love Ms. Ji either.
You can't let go because you feel guilty.
I'm going to the police tomorrow...
to report...
Principal Noh Jung Ah and your father for corruption...
surrounding Asung.
Get it together. Ms. Ji and I are not your problem right now.
You need to get it together.
That woman is using you. She's using your guilt.
Ye Rin!
Do you know whom you're acting like?
Principal Noh Jung Ah.
She brainwashes and uses people to get whatever she wants.
Do you want to be like that monster?
It's not too late.
You can be different.
- I met with her. - What?
I told Ji Yoon Su to let you go.
But she didn't.
Rather, she's hiding behind you and using you.
So snap out of it! Don't let yourself be suckered!
I'm warning you.
Don't do that again.
What else is it then?
Does she say she loves you?
You don't care if you're being used?
Because you love Ms. Ji Yoon Su?
Yes.
I love her.
- Hello. - Hi, come inside.
It's cold outside, isn't it?
It's not too bad.
I bet you were surprised.
There seem to be a lot of surprises these days.
I'm fine. I'm just worried about you.
Oh, take this.
Did you make this yourself?
Yes, it's to prepare you for your midterm exam.
Gosh. Thank you, Ms. Ji.
Hello?
Are you the legal guardian of Ji Hyeon Uk?
Yes, I am.
(Ms. Ji Yoon Su)
(Choi Si An)
- Hello? - Mr. Paik, something happened.
Dad.
What happened?
He had insulin shock.
He hasn't been eating properly these days.
He's malnourished,
so his pneumonia is getting worse.
He's become more obsessive.
He's always writing and reading.
That's how he spends his time.
Dad.
What's the matter?
Dad.
Dad...
Why won't you eat?
Why can't you take your mind off this?
No, you're wrong.
No.
Did you solve the problem?
You should solve it...
even if you don't want to.
I'm scared...
that I might've...
fallen in love with the problem.
Sometimes, you must fall in love with the problem...
in order to solve it.
Some problems can't be solved...
if you don't go crazy over them.
They're the only problems that are powerful enough to destroy you.
What if...
there's an error with the premise?
Get rid of the premise.
If you try to solve it even though you know there's an error,
you'll eventually hit a wall.
But at the same time,
it's also a mathematician's fate to live his or her life...
looking for the answer.
That doesn't necessarily mean you need to find the right answer.
Professor Ji, are you okay?
Why did he take that off?
I'll go tell the nurse.
Give me just a little more time.
I'll put things to an end.
Those who gave us a hard time will get punished,
and I'll clear everyone's misunderstandings about us.
As for us, I'll make sure we stop...
feeling sorry and guilty about what happened.
Then it'll be just you and me.
Let's start over with a clean slate.
Do you really think we can start over with a clean slate?
The premise is that it wasn't love.
But can the conclusion change and turn into love?
It's true.
Our feelings for each other.
So you can't say it's false.
No.
This isn't about saying what's true is false.
It means there's an error with the premise.
Your proofs...
were always beautiful.
They were clear and concise.
You shouldn't be wasting your time proving something...
that has so many errors like this one.
Get some sleep.
Don't skip your meals either.
I'll be back.
Mathematics...
is harmless...
and powerful.
It's pure in and of itself,
and it has no purpose.
It's like a kid that loves to run around playfully.
It really is.
You brought me something very nice.
Are you crying?
Oh, dear.
Why are you crying?
You're wrapping it up nicely yourself.
Do you think...
Seung Yoo's heart will ache for you for at least a moment?
They think their love is virtuous and perfect.
There's no such thing in the world.
You are proving that...
no such thing exists.
I guarantee that...
people will love your proof much more.
Hello?
We shall begin the 2021 Asung Foundation board meeting.
I wish to report something before we get things started.
I believe the foundation's assets are being abused.
It's a serious issue.
It's also an issue that could become grounds...
for Principal Noh Jung Ah's...
punishment and dismissal.
It's Paik Seung Yoo!
Mr. Paik!
Are you here to sue Asung High?
- Yes, I am. - Do you still stand by...
your belief that the scandal was to cover up a rigged exam?
- Yes. - You don't have a relationship...
with the woman who was your teacher?
You're both innocent?
Then what is this? I got a tip.
You don't care?
Because you love Ms. Ji Yoon Su?
Yes. I love her.
What's that?
What is it, Mr. Paik?
Are you two in love or not?
- What do you have to say? - What can you say?
This isn't about saying what's true is false.
It means there's an error with the premise.
How have you been?
(Melancholia)
I wanted to make them apologize to you.
- Ji Yoon Su! - I ruined it.
Because I fell in love with you.
What will it take for you not to fear me?
I don't fear you. I detest you.
You're struggling to stay in a game as if you always belonged...
when you don't suit the place.
Everything that happened since we first met.
I don't regret it at all.
Shall we go somewhere? Anywhere?
Yes, let's go. Anywhere.