(All characters, places, institutions, incidents,)
(and organizations portrayed in this drama are fictitious.)
Hello.
Long time no see, Ms. Ji.
How have you been?
I'm sorry I called out of the blue.
Please have a seat.
It's Paik Seung Yoo!
Mr. Paik!
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.
I feel ashamed to ask you this,
but I wanted to meet to ask you for a favor.
Go ahead.
What do you think of the situation that Seung Yoo is in right now?
I feel bad for him, and I'm worried.
He doesn't know what he's getting into.
I'm worried he might get hurt.
It makes me nervous.
I feel the same way.
Ms. Ji. Then please do me a favor.
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?
All I ask of Seung Yoo is just one thing only.
I don't even expect him to achieve more as a mathematician...
or become more famous than he already is.
He used to love math so much.
But this thing that he's trying to prove...
leaves me speechless.
What is it that you want?
I just want Seung Yoo...
to live a normal...
and average life...
just like his friends.
I need your help, Ms. Ji.
I beg of you.
I also have something to tell you.
Your report has been filed. We'll give you a call soon.
Okay.
(Bill of indictment)
He's coming out! He's here!
Mr. Paik, please tell us whether the tip-off is true or not.
Why did you say you were being framed?
At the recent event regarding the National Museum of Mathematics,
you claimed that mathematicians can't lie.
Is that why you're staying silent?
Because denying your relationship would be a lie?
Please tell us the truth! What is it?
Wait! What's the truth?
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.
Sir, isn't it mandatory to submit...
important agendas like this to the board before the meeting?
Let's hear what she has to say.
Please take a look at the screen.
"Somnium."
It's a scholarship foundation...
that Ms. Noh recently made with Lim Hyung Bin.
Ms. Noh Jung Ah used it...
to steal from the Asung Foundation Parent Fund.
Can you back that up? Somnium's donor list...
includes parents who promised...
to give to the Asung Foundation.
The amount they pledged was the same too.
I will explain.
Chairman, I will explain.
Carry out an internal audit on Principal Noh Jung Ah.
Once that concludes, we'll hold a temporary board meeting...
to vote on her dismissal.
That's all.
(2021 Asung Foundation Board Meeting)
Well done.
Not even Noh Jung Ah can get out of this one.
Right, Auntie.
(2021 Asung Foundation Board Meeting)
Father.
I don't want to hear excuses.
I won't make excuses.
I'll tell you the facts.
The scholarship foundation didn't accept donations.
They were consultation fees. Consultation fees?
Yes.
It was for kids preparing for Ivy League universities...
and admission officers.
They were disguised as donations.
You didn't take the money to line your pockets?
Father.
Do you think...
what I want is just money?
My dream...
is to succeed you and own Asung.
Yeon Woo is different.
She wants to carry on her mom's father's work.
Only I can...
inherit the Asung that you built up and solidified.
Only you and I...
can become Asung's new roots.
Do you like math?
No.
(Hangok Art Hall)
Yoon Su, you're not picking up.
I played the cards at the board meeting.
I think we'll get what we wanted. Call me when you hear this.
She's insane.
What are you doing?
Did you not dare crash into me?
Now do you know when to stop?
You're the one who stopped first.
What will it take for you not to fear me?
I'm so sorry.
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.
Sure.
You may think so. But guess what?
Father wasn't an original member either.
That's why the person who gets me better than anyone else...
is him.
Don't celebrate too soon.
Your source is Ji Yoon Su, isn't it?
Pardon? You were suspended?
For a while.
Starting today, you will take over my duties.
Wrap up the midterm exams.
And look after my plants.
Oh... Okay, then. I'll do that.
(Principal Noh Jung Ah)
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 is it, Mr. Paik?
Are you two in love or not?
(Hangok Art Hall)
(Connect to link)
(Current status with teacher from scandal?)
You don't care? Because you love Ms. Ji Yoon Su?
Yes. I love her.
What is it, Mr. Paik?
Are you two in love or not?
(Call)
Hello?
So you are Ye Rin.
Did you see the clip?
Where are you?
I warned you.
Not to ruin Seung Yoo's future.
Not to hurt him.
Don't you feel ashamed?
Aren't you ashamed of what you did?
You're the one who should feel ashamed.
You ruined Seung Yoo, not me.
This happened because of you.
Nothing you do will ruin Seung Yoo.
You can never ruin him or win him over.
Do you think you can have him?
I'm talking about you, not me.
You want to have Seung Yoo or ruin him.
It's one or the other.
I once thought it wasn't your fault.
That it was on the adults who made you this way.
But you need to stop blaming others and take a look at yourself.
Look at the face you're making.
Does doing this make you happy?
The phone is turned off. After the tone...
We're here, sir.
Back then,
when you found the flaw in your proof,
how did you feel?
What is a proof?
You can prove someone's mistake or wrongdoing.
But why can't love for another person...
be proved?
Because love...
is unstable.
People's hearts are also unstable.
Even in math,
there are instabilities.
They are all connected.
Hey. Slow down.
Hey. I said to slow down.
Slow down!
I said to slow down!
Snap out of it.
Darn it.
Get out.
What's wrong with you? How far do you plan to go?
I don't know...
how far to go...
or how to stop.
I really don't know.
You can go faster than others.
But if you cross the line and drive on the shoulder,
you could hurt others. Most importantly,
you will hurt yourself.
("Why is the Lucifer Prize Winner Always Involved in Scandals?")
("Mathematician Paik Seung Yoo at the Center of Controversy")
(Paik Seung Yoo)
The phone is turned off. Please...
When did you come?
Why are you standing here?
I wanted the world to know...
that you did nothing wrong...
and that you were a good teacher.
I wanted to put everything back to the way it was,
but I ruined it...
all...
because I fell in love with you.
Seung Yoo. Look at me.
Do you regret it?
Do you regret coming this far?
Neither do I.
I don't regret anything that happened...
since I met you.
Do you want to go?
Somewhere?
Anywhere?
Sure.
Let's go. Anywhere.
The person you have reached is unavailable. After the tone...
(Sung Jae)
Sung Jae.
Were you busy today? You weren't answering your phone.
The board meeting went well.
Jung Ah will be dismissed.
Let's have dinner.
I can't. I have plans.
Sorry about last time.
I was affection deprived, that was why.
You can tell from how I'm still striving for my father's approval.
Let's rush our families meeting.
I'll tell my father.
I think we should take some time.
Let's think about our relationship some more.
Is this about Yoon Su?
Do you still like her?
Do you have an inferiority complex toward her?
That is the only explanation...
for your obsession with her.
And it is not because of Yoon Su, but you, Yeon Woo,
that I want to rethink our relationship.
Was this where you were?
Did you sleep well?
It's really warm here. Have a seat.
It's nice. It's so peaceful...
and quiet.
I'm glad we came here.
You haven't rested in a while either, right?
We can rest for a day.
We can read, listen to music,
and space out like this.
Are you hungry? Should I pick something up?
Let's stay like this...
for a short while.
It's snowing.
Gosh, that's hot. Are you okay?
Come here.
Oh no.
Who fries eggs on such high heat?
I just... You don't usually cook, do you?
I can easily tell.
I don't cook very often.
Wait a second. Let me check if there's anything to eat.
Let's see.
There's kimchi in the fridge.
Should I cook kimchi fried rice? I'll cook.
You can sit down.
Thank you for the meal. Thank you for the meal.
It's delicious.
Math isn't the only thing I'm good at.
How's your hand? Is it okay?
It's fine.
By the way, I heard there was a music library nearby.
Let's go there after we eat. Sure.
This is really delicious.
(2021 Second Semester Midterm Exam, Mathematics)
(Multiple choice questions)
What was the answer? What did you get for this?
Gosh, that was crazy. It was so hard.
I think I got it right.
The test was so hard. What am I going to do?
(2021 Second Semester Midterm Exam)
You completely failed.
Too bad for you.
Did you see Si An's test papers?
She got everything wrong. Serves her right for showing off.
Exactly. What did she expect?
Gosh, my cell phone.
It's over.
What's the matter with you? Who gave you permission to look?
Ji Na, why aren't there any formulas for the questions?
What? You didn't solve any of them.
I solved them in my head, okay?
What's the matter?
She's picking a fight after looking at my test papers.
Jenny.
You didn't write down any formulas either.
How could you just write down the answers?
What do you care?
Don't pick a fight just because you failed the test.
Let's go.
Unbelievable. What's with her?
The report saying my daughter cheated on her tests...
by receiving the answer sheet beforehand is not true,
and this case was already dropped four years ago.
Therefore, I will make sure to take legal action...
against this false accusation that defames my reputation,
and I will surely prove that I am innocent.
Assemblyman Sung.
Are you sure about that?
Are you really innocent?
Who are you?
Please tell us who you are. Who are you?
Tell us the truth!
Shouldn't you be busy with your trial?
What are you doing here?
Seung Yoo came to see me.
He asked me to testify the truth.
Why didn't you come?
You know what will happen if I decide to speak the truth.
You should come up with a solution or offer me a deal.
Listen to me, Mr. Han.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
If you don't want to get reported for blackmailing me,
don't ever come see me again.
Do you understand? During the three years...
as Ye Rin's teacher, I did all sorts of things to help her.
If you choose to be so ungrateful,
you'll get punished. You want me to be grateful?
How can I be grateful to someone...
who isn't even worthy of being a teacher?
You're a teacher who received bribes.
(Assemblyman Sung sues Paik Seung Yoo for defamation)
Honey.
Honey, try calling Seung Yoo.
Do you think he knows about this?
Hello.
Did you hire a skilled lawyer?
He should've known whom he was messing with.
They were the ones who had feelings for each other.
Why is he taking it out on us? My goodness.
Get out. You have no right to be here.
Look at this. Are you still going to deny it?
I told you to keep an eye on him.
I told you to deal with that woman, Ji Yoon Su.
Get out!
I don't want to talk to you, so just leave!
Fine. I'm leaving.
Yu Hye Mi.
What did you just call me?
You're the one who should keep an eye on your husband.
Don't go around badmouthing my precious son.
What? You have no idea, do you?
Do you know whom your husband is having an affair with?
I saw everything.
My goodness, look at you.
You knew already?
What did you see?
What's wrong?
Did you not have the guts to say anything to her?
Well, that's what you get for buttering up to her like that.
You treated her like a queen.
What exactly did you see?
I saw Noh Jung Ah doing this to your husband.
They made a really good couple. Like attracts like.
Now, stop stalking my son.
I can't believe those two.
I have big news. Principal Noh got dismissed.
My goodness. Unbelievable. Are you serious?
What's this about?
(Father)
Hello? Where are you?
I just met Minister Kyung Woo Min.
What did he say?
He's going to meet with the police superintendent...
to help us with the investigation.
Are you done with the press conference?
Mr. Han came? What happened?
We got rid of the cell phone we used four years ago for the answer sheet.
There's no evidence left.
I wasn't going to let him blackmail me, so I sent him away.
Then what's the problem?
A witness? Yes.
He's going to testify as a witness when we get investigated.
That's why he came to see me. What should I do?
Are you incapable of doing anything on your own?
When are you going to stop asking me for help?
Yes, Ms. Noh.
Are you free? Yes, I'm free.
I went to get investigated in the morning.
Meet Mr. Han...
and try to figure out what he's planning to do.
Okay, ma'am. I will.
(Principal Noh Jung Ah)
Mr. Han, this is Choi Sung Han.
Can we meet?
(Principal Noh Jung Ah)
Is it true that Principal Noh got dismissed?
Don't you think we deserve an explanation?
Let's just cut to the chase.
Ask Principal Noh to come see us right now.
Have a seat, ladies.
Ms. Yu.
(Music Library of Uijeongbu)
Apparently, they also let visitors play that piano.
Instead of just listening to music,
visitors are also allowed to play instruments as well.
Is it similar to the math museum that you're planning to build?
Kind of.
I can't wait to see it.
There's an audio room where you can listen to music.
Do you want to check it out?
"What happened that got her suspended suddenly?"
"We want to hear it from her."
"Call her immediately."
They wouldn't stop complaining.
We need an explanation.
Never a day goes by without some kind of incident.
We're all so concerned. Aren't we?
We are. It's all so stressful.
I have such a headache.
What happened that your dismissal is on the table?
Do explain, Principal Noh.
I apologize.
I caused concern...
with a mere happening. It's "a happening"?
The funds I accepted from you as consultation fees...
caused a misunderstanding.
I'm cleaning things up, so don't worry.
Today is the last day of the midterm exams.
How did the Global Talent Class do?
Soo Young did pretty well.
My daughter too.
And Jenny.
Right? I'm sure you're satisfied with your children's grades.
I'll explain the misunderstanding. You needn't worry about...
Then is this...
a misunderstanding too?
There's a rumor that you have a special relationship...
with the husband of one of us.
No way. My husband has high standards.
That's nonsense.
What is that about?
Do explain.
What are you thinking about?
What?
Why won't you say anything?
What should I be saying?
I feel anxious.
Is it okay that it's so peaceful?
Yesterday, I walked by Hangok Art Hall.
I remembered...
when we first met there.
You seemed like a wary kitten back then.
Now...
you seem firm.
Enough that nothing can topple or sway you.
So I feel relieved.
Excuse me.
I have something to tell you as well.
I don't want Seung Yoo to live an ordinary life.
Seung Yoo...
loves math much more than...
he realizes.
So what?
Like you said,
instead of the proof he wants to work on,
I'd like him to prove something more meaningful and worthwhile.
I'd like him to...
continue his work as a mathematician.
Assemblyman Sung Min Jun accused you of defamation.
Come to the police station tomorrow for questioning.
I'll do that.
(Assemblyman Sung Min Jun)
(Assemblyman Sung Sues Mathematician Paik for Slander)
Wait. What are you saying?
That Principal Noh is having an affair...
with one of our husbands?
Don't. That's so crude.
An affair? That's nonsense.
I know it is.
Shouldn't we let her explain, though?
Right?
A special relationship?
There is one.
Principal Noh. "A special relationship"?
My goodness. It's true?
Just now,
I met Minister Kyung Woo Min.
At a hotel.
You're aware that...
Soo Young transferred to our school through a special program, right?
Minister Kyung wished to show me his appreciation,
so I met him in private.
Jenny's father visited me many times as well.
Each time Jenny's grades slipped.
He asked me to help his daughter.
So what?
Ladies.
All your children are in the Global Talent Class.
Have any of your husbands not met with me in private?
If not for those private meetings,
could any of your children even attend this school?
Why are you all so quiet?
I guess there was a misunderstanding after all.
Something urgent came up. I must dash.
Me too. And me.
Wait. Don't go.
Goodbye, ladies.
You found out?
And? You wanted to humiliate me?
What about your husband?
All women are like this.
They leave their husband alone...
and try to go after the mistress.
And start a catfight.
How could you do this to me?
Do you feel wronged?
Then think about what your kids enjoyed thanks to...
my special relationship with your husband.
And if you still feel wronged, cough up everything I gave you.
How about that?
Can you do that?
The recipient cannot be reached...
This year's detailed budget,
account book, and outsourcing contracts.
I found lots of problems.
I noticed hints of a rebate.
Sort it out unless you want to get into trouble for embezzlement.
Why won't you answer?
For many years,
if it were your command,
I did all sorts of things and a lot of them were menial tasks.
If you call...
me taking a small cut for my efforts embezzlement...
It's unfair?
(Principal Noh Jung Ah)
You should remember your place.
How dare the likes of you even wish to take over Asung?
You're just a lackey that does random jobs for a sliver of pay.
Get out.
Where should we meet?
Does it hurt?
I guarantee that...
people will love your proof much more.
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?
Are you inside?
Let me in.
Let me in!
Hello?
Have a seat.
Would you like a drink?
So? What's your plan?
Tell me.
Noh Jung Ah and Sung Min Jun have never once been caught.
They always got out of it...
for insufficient evidence. I know.
That's why I want to face them head on.
Using the loudest means so that the whole world knows.
Acting like friends to their faces...
and glaring at them behind their backs is another means.
You have material on them...
regarding the math museum, right?
Give them to me.
Why are you trying to help me?
Help you? Me? Then what?
I'm a victim of the scandal that those jerks fabricated too.
Did you forget?
She knows about us?
Didn't you tell Hye Mi yourself?
Are you insane? Why would I do that?
I don't know.
Because things are unstable now...
and you want to cut all ties with me?
That's absurd. Do you suspect me?
If that's not it, keep Hye Mi under control...
so she doesn't cause trouble.
So? Did you say it was true?
How could you admit it? You should've denied it!
Why should I? What?
Why do I care whether or not we get caught?
It's your family's problem, not mine.
It has information about donations, national funding, and corruption.
You must know about the process of selecting the land...
and the contractor better than I do, so you can put it together.
Got it.
How's Yoon Su doing?
I wanted her...
to receive an apology.
I didn't know it would be this hard.
You wanted her to receive an apology.
How nice.
That's right. I have news.
Principal Noh Jung Ah...
may be dismissed.
Yoon Su...
made it happen.
The phone is turned off. Please...
(Ms. Ji Yoon Su)
(Mr. Han Myung Jin)
Were you two having a relationship behind Mom's back?
No, Ye Rin, that's not it.
Your dad promised me something.
That he'd be loyal to me if I looked out for you.
All he did was keep his promise.
Be quiet.
Don't listen to her. I'll explain everything.
Are you a child?
Do you not understand?
He made a deal. For you.
"For you."
"Because of you."
Ye Rin. Don't lie to me!
I thought it was real.
I thought it was for me.
That it was for my benefit. That I had to do well.
But... Tell me.
Was this really for me?
No. You're lying. You deceived me!
How long did you plan to deceive me?
How long?
Ye Rin, the thing is...
I won't let that woman use me any longer.
And don't you say it's for me anymore.
Thank you for coming. I had to tell you something.
Principal Noh Jung Ah may be dismissed.
Really? I'm sure she won't go quietly.
How can you protect me...
if I tell the truth?
If you do, I will do everything I can...
to make sure you're not harmed, sir.
"Sir"?
The student that I gave up my teaching career to help...
doesn't show me any respect,
but you do.
Please, sir.
I hear you'll be testifying tomorrow at the investigation...
of Noh Jung Ah and Assemblyman Sung Min Jun.
And? What do you plan to say?
Why? I see.
You're not blameless regarding that either,
so you must be worried.
One thing for sure is,
I will not go down alone.
I'm sure.
I don't want you to take the fall for everything by yourself either.
Rather,
I may be able to help.
(Principal Noh Jung Ah)
Long time no see.
What's going on?
It must've been hard.
I know the hospital director, so I asked for a favor.
Make yourself comfortable.
I apologize on behalf of Assemblyman Sung Min Jun...
being rude to you before.
Are you doing this because I'll be testifying?
Yes.
So why did you do it?
Taking petty cash behind my back like that.
If you had stayed by my side, I would've taken care of you.
Here's a small token of my appreciation.
See you tomorrow.
Principal Noh Jung Ah may be dismissed.
If you tell the truth,
I will do everything I can to make sure you're not harmed, sir.
(2017 Asung High School)
(Academic Affairs)
Hello?
Ms. Ji.
Hey. Have you been well?
What about you? Are you finally done with your midterm exams?
Yes, but I didn't do so well on the test.
Was it hard? Yes.
Also... Here's your food.
You didn't eat, did you? Let's eat.
Okay. Thank you.
Enjoy. Oh, I almost forgot.
Here's your gift.
What is this?
It's your birthday soon.
They're pretty.
Thank you, Ms. Ji. I'll wear them well.
It's Mr. Paik's book.
I really wanted to read this.
Si An.
Don't tell anyone that we met today.
Why not?
Let's eat first.
(Call Log: Ms. Ji Yoon Su, Mr. Han Myung Jin...)
Yoo Chan.
What was that for? Did you...
enjoy yourself?
What do you mean?
Stop pretending like you don't know.
Noh Jung Ah told me everything.
What exactly is your relationship?
Tell me!
Fine. I admit that I was seduced a couple of times.
You were seduced? But I never fell for it.
I turned her down.
It must've hurt her pride that she got rejected.
That's why she's acting out.
My goodness.
My goodness, you make it sound like it's true.
Believe it or not. It's up to you.
I already have a headache because of Paik Seung Yoo.
I'm so sick of that name!
I'm getting investigated by the police tomorrow.
(Hangok Police Station)
(Interrogation Room A)
Let's begin the investigation regarding the defamation suit...
filed by Assemblyman Sung.
Okay.
We'll begin the investigation regarding the irregularities...
that supposedly occurred at Asung High School in 2017.
Okay. Did you know that your daughter,
Sung Ye Rin, was given answers to second semester midterm exams?
No.
Apparently, you knew about this and tried to cover it up.
Is that true?
It's not true.
Ms. Ji Yoon Su, the math teacher at that time,
raised an issue about this after she found out.
So they falsely accused her of having had...
an inappropriate relationship with her student and fired her.
I didn't falsely accuse her. It was true.
Paik Seung Yoo's father even reported Ji Yoon Su...
for luring and kidnapping a minor.
She was acquitted for that case.
Mr. Paik wrote in the complaint...
that what you have isn't just a parent and teacher relationship.
Apparently, you guys are a lot closer than that.
Is that true?
"A lot closer"?
Are you implying that we're having an extra-marital affair?
So they claim they're innocent...
while claiming that we're having an inappropriate relationship?
Unbelievable.
I guess they just assume that everyone else is guilty.
The school wanted to become an autonomous private school...
and got picked to test operate the high school credit system.
When the school got evaluated to become a specialized school,
Assemblyman Sung was a member of the Board of Education.
I'm sure he pulled some strings to make it happen.
Pulled what strings?
Are you saying I received a request in return for money?
Why don't you take a look at both our bank accounts?
A witness is here.
A witness?
Come inside.
The witness is here.
Tell him to come inside.
(Police)
Mr. Han.
Mr. Han Myung Jin?
Yes. I came to testify regarding the answer sheet...
that was given to Sung Ye Rin at Asung High School.
(Melancholia)
Who are you people?
We're from Hangok Police Station.
It's for the better.
Now that things have come to this,
someone will need to step up and take responsibility.
What did you say?
Dad, why don't you ever ask me what I want?
I'm going to expose everything that Noh Jung Ah did.
Seung Yoo, you've done enough.
It's time you walk your path.
Do you think you'll do things differently than me?
I'm more keen to find out how things will turn out for you.
I wonder if you'll get to protect what you care so dearly about.