(Numbers)
(A Good Friend to Meet)
(All people, organizations, locations, and incidents...)
(in this drama are fictitious.)
(Episode 8)
It wasn't AN.
It was Han.
(Deals Leader Han Je Kyun)
Han Je Kyun.
If VP Han is really the operator of the private equity fund,
this is clearly illegal. It's a crime.
If I were you,
I'd go to Mr. Han before going to Ms. Jang.
There's something between them.
You should give Mr. Han the chance to tell her himself.
How did you know that?
You're doing it again. Is that important right now?
What? Why?
Come with me.
Where did he go?
Hi.
Where are you? I have something very important to tell you.
See?
I told you it wasn't VP An.
How did you know?
Why don't you go ahead and open my desk drawer?
(Bid Submission Form)
(Bid Submission Form, Solo applicants)
(Bidding price: 3,110,000 dollars Bidding price 3,111,000 dollars)
These were the only two bids that came in...
for the auction of Haebit Construction's patents?
Just Sang Ah Construction and HK Private Equity?
There was quite a lot of buzz...
around Haebit Construction's newly patented technology,
but only two places submitted a bid, so we didn't have much fun with it.
It was also the first time...
that Taeil Accounting failed to win the bid...
as Sang Ah Group's representative.
It was strange.
(Bidding price 3,110,000 dollars)
(Bidding price 3,111,000 dollars)
It's a difference of just 1,000 dollars.
This price seems to show...
that HK Private Equity already knew how much Sang Ah would bid.
Seriously.
I'm sure they already knew...
because VP Han Je Kyun, Sang Ah Construction's representative...
for this auction, was the fund operator of HK Private Equity.
Jang Ji Soo has a child?
How amusing.
Yes?
(National Forensic Service)
Let's go.
This isn't just...
about the slush fund for you, is it?
I feel too ashamed to face you.
This is yours, right?
(Haebit Construction)
Please open your eyes, Mr. Jang.
Please!
If you act up again,
I'll show you how cruel a man can become...
when he loses his composure and gives up on being reasonable.
I will teach you a lesson you won't forget.
I have something to say.
I don't.
Ji Soo.
It was my father.
The fund operator of HK Private Equity.
What did you just say?
It's true. VP Han Je Kyun.
I came because I thought I should tell you first.
Are you saying...
it was Han Je Kyun that stole the patent...
and ran my dad's company to the ground?
You should stop now.
I'll stop him this time.
When I found out that Sang Ah Shipping...
created a 200 million-dollar slush fund,
we had already issued an unqualified opinion.
It was my mistake for not noticing earlier.
I still should have corrected it afterwards,
but it wasn't easy to proactively reveal...
my mistake when no one else knew about it.
The more I think about it, the more impressive Kang Hyun is.
He did something I couldn't do.
Do you remember...
what I told you before?
Are you satisfied with the good deed...
that I carried out for you?
Yes. Very much.
Quite a lot.
If so,
please do me a favour too,
VP An.
Go ahead.
I need your power...
to bring someone down.
If Han Je Kyun is the reason...
you need me,
I'll do it.
(Article 34, Method of execution)
(Article 35, Prohibition of competitive business)
(A director or CPA of an accounting firm may not perform work...)
(for that accounting firm out of self-interest.)
Using the work of an accounting firm to make money personally,
like VP Han Je Kyun,
is of course grounds for disciplinary action,
but the punishment is only...
Only?
It's only a fine of under 3,000 dollars.
Even if they make millions?
It won't change much,
but I'm sure it'll affect it a bit.
I didn't expect it,
but it really will be impossible to punish VP Han in that way.
You can use a different law.
The Foreign Exchange Transactions Act.
Violating the Foreign Exchange Transaction Act...
by illegally moving money abroad...
is a serious offence.
Bank of Korea must have the records.
It's true that you submit foreign exchange transaction reports...
to Bank of Korea,
this is just to monitor foreign exchange reserves.
It's mostly just statistical data.
Verifying the authenticity of the paperwork...
and transferring the money overseas...
is all done by commercial banks.
President Jin?
A bank.
Being excluded from main projects...
could actually be beneficial to you.
When you fall, you can take the opportunity to rest.
It's not a project for a big client.
It's not a big project, but it's a meaningful case.
I'm going to do what I can, one at a time.
If I kept going,
I know I'll get a chance.
Ms. Jin.
One moment.
- See you in the conference room. - Okay.
You're going into this meeting knowing what it's about, right?
Aren't we working out the Ilseong Formula case?
Just a heads up.
If you make trouble again this time, you're really finished.
Fine. We'll see.
I didn't know you were here and was looking somewhere far.
AN.
It would've been nice if I had known from the beginning.
Well, it's not like my name is written on it.
It's all fine as long as the player can play the game.
Why would you need to know who the club owner is?
If word gets out that the VP of Taeil Accounting...
is the hidden manager of HK Private Equity,
the whole world would find it as fascinating as I do.
Is that a threat?
Here.
I have something fascinating.
I found out from working on this case...
that some babies can't digest regular baby formula.
I know.
Not many people know that some babies have to have...
special formula.
There are adults who can't drink milk either.
Adults can eat other foods,
but if a baby can't drink it,
the parents must feel so frustrated.
Is Ilseong the only company that makes special formula in Korea?
Yes.
Ms. Son's father is doing great work.
He's doing great work, but it isn't profitable.
That's why we're trying to work this out now.
Seriously, Han Seung Jo. Do you have to say it like that?
We're working out an issue with her father's company.
But because she's family, she can't do anything...
because she has a special interest.
Is that even right?
Mr. Yang must feel the same way.
A son-in-law is family too.
Apparently, 1 out of every 50,000 babies...
have inborn errors of metabolism.
There's not much of a market.
It's true that it isn't profitable.
The more formula they make, the less money they earn.
What can we do?
As an accountant, it's the first business on the chopping block.
It isn't profitable.
I feel bad for Ms. Son.
I want all the information on Han Je Kyun.
If you lived as his right-hand man for that long,
you must know a lot.
I think you owe me something.
Ms. Son.
- How are you here? - I took a day off.
Today, I'm not your fellow accountant.
I'm here as an interested party of Ilseong Formula.
I'll show you around instead of my dad.
Let's go.
(Care Goat's Milk Formula)
On the outside, it looks the same as regular formula.
But this formula...
is especially made for babies with inborn errors of metabolism.
Babies who are born lacking the enzymes or co-enzymes...
that are in charge of the biochemical metabolic pathway...
can't drink regular formula.
Not many people know about this,
but 1 out of 50,000 Koreans suffers from this condition.
(Award Certificate, Ilseong Formula Supporter List)
(Ilseong Formula Supporter List)
(Enterprise)
Currently, the banks have no plans...
to give Ilseong Formula any more loans.
I feel sorry to Ms. Son,
but it wouldn't be strange if the company gets liquidated soon.
The deficit seems irreversible,
and it's not like the demand for special formula will suddenly go up.
If they can't take out new loans,
what about finding a new investor?
Would you invest in this company, Ms. Jin?
I wouldn't.
Still, if we look for one...
What about the interest that'll build up during that time?
The interest would multiply every second they breathe.
And what if Ms. Son's paycheck gets seized?
Still...
Then we've reached a conclusion, right?
Cease production of the special formula.
The condition is that they use their existing facilities...
to produce regular formula.
If Ilseong Formula accepts this, the loan would get extended.
If not...
It looks that way if you just consider the numbers.
But if you think of the babies who need the special formula...
Accountants don't assess the quality of a company's work.
We assess the quantity.
It has to be acceptable to anyone.
So money is more important than people's lives?
Right now, we're not trying to save the babies who need special formula.
We're here to save Ilseong Formula.
Don't get confused.
End of meeting.
This is why our work is hard.
If you just consider the numbers, there's nothing to think about.
Mr. Jang.
We should go too.
If you tell anyone around...
that a company produces special formula...
and saves babies with a sense of duty,
everyone agrees that this company needs to be saved.
But here, 10 out of 10 says there's no way but to cease production.
Ten out of ten...
Why didn't I think of that?
It's not like it costs any extra money.
It might not be 100 percent reliable,
but if you create a positive public opinion...
Right, they'd have something to lean on.
They might get new investors too.
If only that happens,
we might be able stop the cessation on special formula production.
Let's go.
Who is it?
Hye Won.
I have to tell you something today.
Really.
I thought you had something to tell me.
Hye Won.
What is this?
Please give me a hug.
Did you invest in stocks?
Did you blow your money on cryptocurrency?
(Disability certificate)
Our daughter is beautiful.
You think that because you only see her when she's asleep.
She's feisty when she's awake.
She was so prickly yesterday too.
She kept asking when Dad was coming home.
Hey, don't worry.
It's not like you're going to die today.
And we're not going to go hungry or anything.
I'm an accountant.
You think you're the only accountant around here.
Why don't you eat with your drinks?
I'm on your side.
Did we ever fight when times were tough?
We only got into fights that we were better than each other.
(Disability certificate, Yang Jae Hwan)
It's a shame...
that your vision has gotten this bad at such a young age.
But what is it that you want?
I asked for the appropriate compensation and treatment.
And I asked that all of those benefits...
go to Ms. Son Hye Won in the advisory department.
When you came all the way here,
you must've had something more to say than that.
When the employees at Sang Ah Group's subcontractor...
were on strike,
you paid them compensation to cover things up...
instead of adding safety features. These are the call and text records.
I also have documents...
on Haebit Construction from five years ago.
Haebit Construction.
You're using my father-in-law's loan as leverage to...
Mr. Yang.
I think you're seriously mistaken right now.
As Mr. Sim here knows,
I never gave any instructions.
I only made appropriate suggestions.
If you don't believe me, re-read the messages I sent.
You took in my suggestion and made a move.
All that...
was your decision, Mr. Yang.
Aren't you...
the expert?
Mr. Han.
- It was inappropriate... - Mr. Yang.
Do you think an ambulance keeps to the speed limit?
Well?
(Pride Diner)
Everyone has a one-track mind.
My son, other people's kids,
they just can't keep a secret.
Director Sim.
Check again.
There might be others like him.
I'd been keeping tabs, but I'll check again.
Do you...
want something else too?
I believe...
I've paid you more than enough.
(National Forensic Service)
(Pride Diner)
Hello, Director Sim.
Ma'am, can you get me a shot glass?
Of course.
You won't hide your displeasure at meeting a colleague outside work.
It hurts.
Eat a lot while you can.
At my age, even my throat acts up.
Thank you.
This place is more about kindness than taste.
Hey, over here.
We'd agreed to meet. You don't mind, do you?
Sit down.
Long time no see, Hyung Woo.
Gosh, you look much better now.
Is asset management a better job?
Join me if you're that jealous.
Shall I?
Here.
When you were all new recruits,
I used to bring you and Seung Jo here a lot.
- Ma'am. - Were you busy?
Yes, even more so after I switched jobs.
I'll yell if you don't come more often.
I promise to come by often.
Let's drink.
Hyung Woo back then...
You were clueless, clumsy, and flustered.
Still, you were a good accountant.
If someone were to ask if I wanted to go back to that time,
I'd say no, even for millions of dollars.
I think I would.
Is something wrong?
Did Han Je Kyun chew you out?
Han Je Kyun is just a name. What's wrong with it?
I said the name of the VP you serve so loyally.
What's the big deal?
Are you all right?
Living like that.
You should speak your mind.
I won't ask questions. I'll just listen.
Come by whenever you want to.
(Notice of Personnel Transfer)
(Effective as of June 1, 2023)
(1. Promotions, SR Associate to Manager)
(2. Suspended awaiting transfer: Son Hye Won)
I'll leave early today.
Mr. Han.
I'm sorry, sir.
Mr. Han.
I'm sorry, sir.
Hye Won... No.
Ms. Son is blameless.
You know that.
Sir.
I'll pretend nothing happened. No,
I'll take responsibility for it all.
So please, Ms. Son's career...
I'll do anything if you promise to reinstate her.
Are you sure you can keep your word?
Yes. I'll do anything you ask.
No.
Not what I ask.
Do it yourself.
Okay.
What's this weird combination?
Powdered formula and beer...
Don't talk to me.
I'm trying to save the world.
If you have time to do that, sleep.
- Hello. - Hey.
Hello.
What's that for?
You're going to drink from that?
I saw a stray cat with kittens.
I should be a nice neighbour and help.
Hey, no, you can't give them that.
It's too little, isn't it?
The more the better.
No, not this.
Have you not heard of lactose intolerance?
What?
See this?
"Lactose intolerance."
Dogs and cats don't have the enzymes that break down lactose.
They need to take this.
You almost killed all the stray cats.
Cats drink formula?
They have special milk.
Formula for pets?
Yes, like dogs and cats.
They might have to make some adjustments,
but dogs and cats can't digest lactose either,
so the basic formula is the same.
They can use their production line without sinking extra costs.
Not just pets,
but lactose-free protein supplements for the elderly,
and weight-loss health snacks could use this technology.
You want them to produce more instead of stopping completely?
You know you're saying the opposite of what we concluded, don't you?
You said they're worth producing,
but it's not making a profit,
and the market's too small to help.
Can't we expand the market so it makes a profit?
And make similar products that already have a proven market.
Well, you have a point but...
Rather than stare at numbers...
on a financial statement that'll never change,
I think changing what we can...
is a better solution.
The birthrate is dropping,
but the pet market is expanding exponentially,
and the elderly population's rising, so there is a definite demand.
Oh, and this was another of Mr. Jang's ideas.
We'll post about it online...
with the help of some sponsors.
A positive public sentiment...
could help them find new investors.
- What do you think? - About what?
You felt bad about it too.
Now it looks like there's a way out.
I typed up a report saying they should shut down production.
Jang Ho Woo.
You started this, so you wrap it up.
Type up a new report on Ilseong Formula.
If there's just one typo,
you die.
That means...
We did it.
Hye Won will be overjoyed to hear the news.
You two did great.
I knew he's actually pleased.
Did you save the babies?
Tell me now, I can't breathe.
(Hee Sam)
I saved them.
Tonight's drinks are on me.
(Director Han Seung Jo)
(Ilseong Formula Supporter List)
(Jang So Yeon, Jang Ye Rin Jang Ji Soo, Jeon Min Kyung)
(Jang Ji Soo)
I said I would take care of it.
You said you'd take care of it, but why isn't there any news?
When will you show me the firm's handsome man?
Well...
Anyway, I'm busy.
Accountants may be busy,
but bank heads are even busier.
I want to see you. Is your work that important?
Yes.
This person is very important.
- Bye, Dad. - Are you really going to do this?
Ms. Jang Ji Soo.
I remember her because she placed orders,
despite the international shipping.
She used to be our customer,
but since her child became healthy,
she has been supporting us.
She placed her 1st order for baby formula 5 years ago,
so her child must be around six years old.
Is the baby okay now?
Yes.
How did you know?
I saw your name on Ilseong Formula's supporter list.
The person you called each time you made a donation is my junior.
It was all in vain.
I was so careful.
How about going back to Hong Kong...
and living with your child?
I still have something I need to do.
I know you'll be careful for the child,
but I'm more worried about you.
Please don't get involved in my war with my father.
It's something I have to do.
Ji Soo.
I couldn't protect you then,
but I won't make the same mistake.
I'll leave.
Why aren't you asking me?
I think I already know the answer.
And...
because I feel too bad.
With my father like that,
I don't think I can say anything right.
I'll come again.
(Sang Ah Medical Center)
We should have actually killed Lee Sung Ju.
You really killed the stock prices while you were in bed,
so please be satisfied with that.
Thanks to you causing the accident,
the work to make your son, Bo Sung, the successor has begun.
Even without other efforts, the stock prices fell naturally,
so we have started to purchase stocks.
We need to buy as many stocks as we can in Bo Sung's name...
while the stock prices are still very low.
Thankfully, that has reduced taxes,
so we're simultaneously working on gifting the shares.
Exactly.
I should have finished passing things on while stock prices...
were slashed in half due to COVID-19 like everyone else.
The right moment...
is created by people.
Right. Is that so?
But it seems Lee Sung Ju, that punk,
asked Mr. Han to gather Sang Ah Group's debt...
because Sang Ah Group will go bankrupt.
Goodness.
I won't let him get away with this.
Yes?
I know you're busy gathering Sang Ah Group's debt,
but take a look at this. You won't regret it.
He used me to create a smokescreen?
He's making me a fool.
Since you've been used already,
keep being used.
What?
Don't let them know...
that we know.
Gosh.
The stock prices should stop dropping now.
There are absolutely no signs of it going back up.
At this rate, the broker might sell the stocks I bought on margin.
I could lose my shares and take a huge hit.
I can't even sleep.
You're waiting so patiently.
I'm sure we'll get good news soon.
What is it?
I told you not to bother me when I had guests.
Sorry, sir.
What is it?
(Section 1 Report Summary)
(Number of shares owned and percentage of ownership)
Participating in management activities?
This was publicly announced?
When did this punk buy all of these shares?
(The 1st bill, Termination of the current chairman)
(The 2nd bill, Appointment of a new chairman)
Are these bastards insane?
Who are they to call for a shareholder's meeting?
You seem to be busy.
I'll get going.
Did Lee Sung Ju, that punk...
Chairman Lee is easy to handle.
But...
can you be satisfied...
with cajoling that irrational guy...
to earn those insignificant fees?
I'm not...
in any hurry.
Shouldn't you now...
rise up with me and dream of bigger things?
When we go,
you can get rid of that annoying "vice" title.
You want to rise up to the top.
But your body...
is in such bad condition.
(Power of Attorney)
Here.
You can sign here.
What if I turn you down?
Why are you suddenly asking me that?
HK Private Equity...
will have to find another player.
There's no need to keep a player...
that doesn't agree with us.
(Delegate, Shareholder)
I'll see you at the extraordinary shareholder's meeting,
Chairman Lee.
Wait.
VP Han!
Hey, Han Je Kyun!
Sang Ah has no future...
in this severe economic crisis with an owner...
that threatens the safety of the company.
As such, I proposal the termination of Chairman Lee Chan Ju...
and the appointment of a new chairman.
I second that proposal.
(Ballot box)
You must've been very busy...
gathering shares without anyone noticing.
This is nothing.
I know who used his own son to set up this strategy.
He must be the person lending you the money.
You asked me to gather Sang Ah Group's debt...
was to give Chairman Lee Chan Ju a false sense of security.
Is that right?
I appreciate what you've done.
When I asked you to gather debt,
you advised me to gather stocks.
I won't forget it.
I'll consider this repayment for borrowing your name.
(The 25th Sang Ah Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders)
In the end,
the deciding factor will be who has more allies...
who are shareholders between Lee Chan Ju and Lee Sung Ju.
Who knows?
Even employees who get paid a salary to work...
abandon their company's owner.
Would Chairman Lee Chan Ju have any friendly shares left?
Yes, you're right.
I tried to bury it in the books as discreetly as possible.
Do you do this kind of work often, Mr. Sim?
Does VP Han...
(The 25th Extraordinary Meeting of Shareholders)
We will now announce the results of the vote.
To make it easier to understand for everyone,
the votes will be revealed in percentages.
First, including friendly shares,
Lee Sung Ju.
Thirty-one percent.
- Gosh. - Yes, 31 percent.
- I knew it. - That's not bad.
Next, Lee Chan Ju.
Thirty-one percent.
- Darn it. - Are they tied?
We will gather your friendly shares for you.
And why should I trust you guys?
Besides, your Han Je Kyun's son.
We have a clear reason for helping you.
Han Je Kyun.
If you remain at Sang Ah as the chairman,
VP Han Je Kyun will lose Sang Ah Group.
That would mean he'd lose one more place...
where he could hide.
Lastly, with 14 percent in shares,
HK Private Equity.
(Power of Attorney)
Why are there two of these?
One is for Chairman Lee Sung Ju.
The other is for Chairman Lee Chan Ju.
Then is HK Private Equity...
The person HK Private Equity supports...
is Lee Chan Ju.
I voted with the power of attorney from HK Private Equity.
It's not because I like Lee Chan Ju.
It's because he still has his uses.
Even if you support him publicly,
VP Han Je Kyun... No.
AN would never be able to step forward and say otherwise.
He has no official position,
and if he were to step forward,
he wouldn't have hidden in the first place.
I want to help too,
but VP Han Je Kyun already took the power of attorney.
I had my reasons too.
No.
It's actually a good thing that he already took that.
Just be sure to come to the shareholders' meeting.
We should show him what it means...
(Power of Attorney)
to be caught like a sitting duck.
Is Han Seung Jo helping too?
You lost your father,
and Mr. Han lost you because of his father.
Now, we all have to put everything on the line to stop Han Je Kyun.
The choice is up to you.
I believe that Han Seung Jo is...
different from Han Je Kyun.
When there are two powers of attorney from one shareholder,
the first one to be signed...
can be overwritten by the latter.
The power of attorney that was signed later is...
the shareholder's final decision as guaranteed by the law.
Therefore, the dismissal of Chairman Lee Chan Ju...
and the appointment of Chairman Lee Sung Ju...
have been rejected.
That's it!
- Yes! - Nice!
- That's great. - Congratulations.
(The 25th Extraordinary Meeting of Shareholders)
Go and find out who that punk is right now.
I'll drive you back.
It's fine.
Just listen.
Joyce Jang.
Requested information on VP Han through Sim Hyung Woo.
Sim Hyung Woo contacted a reporter.
We've fabricated the books to make it seem like the raw materials...
are being imported from abroad.
We've increased the cost of inventory assets.
I think there will be no problems if we finish up with a warehouse fire.
Nothing is tidier than burning things up.
I'll wrap it up well.
Director Sim Hyung Woo.
Yes, Mr. Han.
While you're burning things, do you want to burn a bad tip-off too?
What do you mean?
If you succeed, I promise you a spot...
as a partner.
The decision is up to you, so take your time...
for as long as you need.
Sim Hyung Woo.
Hyun.
What is it? What's going on?
I thought I worked hard in life.
But I must've been doing things wrong.
I heard Sang Ah Supermarket and Department Store will distribute...
the pet formula and protein supplements Ilseong produces.
They also decided to become new investors.
Your market has opened up now.
If you just win over the public's opinion with the online post,
it will be all set.
Thank you, Mr. Jang.
This is all thanks to you.
No, this is thanks to your father.
He didn't give up like everyone else...
just because of the numbers.
Thank you, Ms. Jin.
Don't mention it.
Drink this.
What?
Thanks...
for stepping up on the Ilseong Formula case.
I guess I'm a terrible judge...
of character.
All this time,
I've been prejudiced about your educational background...
and looked down on you.
I apologize.
If it's possible,
I'll repay...
for what happened...
with Ms. Son,
even if it's unnecessary.
Please...
repay it.
I'll be waiting.
Sounds good.
Mr. Jang.
How perfect.
Since you don't have work to do,
you can go home with President Jin.
Ms. Jin has been so happy to go to work lately.
I'm sure she won't leave with her dad.
- Well, then. - Sir.
Dad?
Gosh.
The burning is finished, sir.
See you later, then.
Let's eat when Yeo Jin gets here.
Yeo Jin has been ready since she went to work today.
How hard are you wanting to go?
It's the weekend.
(Taeil Director Sim Hyung Woo)
Jang Ho Woo.
If you want to fight Han Je Kyun,
there's something you need to see right now with your own eyes.
(Message)
(One unread message, Taeil Director Sim Hyung Woo)
(Pocheon-Si, Sinbuk-myeon, Gibong-Ri, 360)
Mr. Han, where are you?
There's a warehouse in the middle of the mountains?
There can't be any people around to burn things without a trace.
The fire department went through this a few times...
and knows to take their time when they get a call.
They even wait for us too.
Does VP Han always get rid of iffy inventory...
in this way?
It's almost over.
Almost?
Is there something left?
Just burn the warehouse.
Leave things here.
But the orders...
I'll deal with it myself. Just do as you're told.
If, by chance,
Sim Hyung Woo has other ideas...
Yes, sir.
Hey...
We need to go.
What is this?
The door...
Director Sim!
Jang Ho Woo!
Here! Hurry!
(Raw material warehouse, authorized personnel only)
Jang Ho Woo! Here!
Here!
Jang Ho Woo!
Hey, you punk!
What on earth is going on?
Die!
Where is Mr. Yang?
Get Yang Jae Hwan out first.
What's this? Where is Sim Hyung Woo?
In the warehouse.
(Numbers)
They're from Taeil Scholarship Foundation. Don't you know?
Also known as Han Je Kyun's Knights.
What are you thinking of doing?
Someone went through Sim Hyung Woo's room.
So this is kind of like Han Je Kyun's account book.
Where is the proof that it's me?
I told you.
I like entertaining stories.
Haebit Construction from back then...
Jang In Ho?
Get out here.
Mr. Jang?
Will you be able to handle it?