ALL CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS, PLACES, AND EVENTS ARE FICTIONAL.
Here's my last question.
Before that, could I ask a question that wasn't on the question list?
Of course.
That is the beauty of a live broadcast, isn't it?
When you were a reporter,
you fought for the freedom of speech.
And you suffered a great deal because of that.
That is why a lot of reporters consider you...
as their greatest senior reporter...
and role model to this day.
As their senior reporter,
is there any advice for the reporters?
Please say a few words.
I'm sure some people already know that my daughter is also a reporter.
I say this to my daughter when she goes out to investigate a story.
"We must right what is wrong."
"Turning a blind eye to it won't make it go away."
"Rather than ignoring it, we must face it and go head-on."
"That's the only way the world will change."
If you cover stories with this kind of faith...
and sense of responsibility,
I believe you can become a good reporter.
"A reporter must not ignore the corruptions in the world."
Is that what you mean?
Yes. That's the role of the press.
What's the matter with him?
Then why did you do that?
Why did you...
send me to prison?
He's a crazy jerk.
I'm sure you will know well,
but I was arrested while covering the corruption of JC Telecom...
and was released recently.
I remember you were charged for defamation.
I'm sorry about that.
However, even if you saved my life,
I cannot cover up such a thing for you.
Since 2016, JC Telecom...
has been oppressing reporters by...
filing civil and criminal suits...
for news reports negative towards them even a bit.
Not even the press, but the individual reporters.
It's nothing but a strategic lawsuit against public participation.
STRATEGIC LAWSUIT AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IS A LAWSUIT...
INTENDED TO SILENCE THE CRITICISM OF PUBLIC AGENDA.
It's not just JC Telecom.
For the past five years,
the number of lawsuits filed by the government,
national organizations, politicians, and public officials...
is 12 times greater than during the last administration.
Do you know about this?
I'll have it checked.
But statistics are not everything.
It could mean there have been more cases...
where malicious or false reports caused harm.
As much as the press has the freedom of speech, taking...
the responsibility for their social influence is important.
"A watchdog."
"The first duty of a reporter is being a watchdog."
"A person who wants the watchdog to be scared..."
"and not bark. Who would it be?"
"The owner? Or the thief?"
"Then who is the one that is benefited..."
"when the press is afraid of a lawsuit and closes its mouth?"
It's the contribution you wrote yourself when you were a reporter.
Do you remember it?
The article begins like this.
"Another junior reporter put the pen down and left."
"Sending him off, I'm writing this, feeling devastated."
Mr. President.
Times have changed.
But the situation hasn't changed much.
Please protect...
many junior reporters...
who are having a tough fight.
I'm begging you.
Let's end this here.
Control room, stand by.
"STRAIGHT FROM THE PRESIDENT"
It was a special discussion with President Seo Ki Tae.
It's a broadcast accident.
- Lee Jin Woo, that guy... - The content of the discussion...
He's completely crazy. Isn't he?
Today, on the live interview with the president...
Look at the way he talks to the president.
Guys like that need to rot away in jail longer.
He needs to spend his whole life in jail.
Look at the way he talks.
It's so rude.
Everyone, leave the room.
Yes, sir.
Everyone, please leave the room.
Let's go.
Do you have something more to say?
What's the reason you're doing this?
I'm doing as you said, not ignoring the truth,
but facing it head-on.
You said that's the only way the world will change.
You're still as spirited as ever,
and as foolish as ever.
It's the foolishness that made me come to you five years ago.
Thank you for the interview today.
What is it you want? Is it me, or is it money?
The reason you deceived me and caused this scene.
Is it because you want to gain celebrity as a reporter,
and gain fame and money?
Or is this just to get me? That's my question.
Think before you answer.
The course of your life may depend on it.
I do like the former option,
but the latter sounds more impressive.
I've already done plenty of good things in my life,
so this time, I'd like to try doing something impressive.
All right. Give it a shot.
Then you'll come to know...
how I've changed...
over the past five years, which you have no memory of.
You can go now.
Today will be the last time we meet with smiles on our faces.
That's true.
Next time I see you, I'll be wearing an angry expression.
It's me. Call everyone to meet.
What do you mean, where?
Of course, it's at Times.
TIMES
EPISODE 11
Why are there so many people here?
What do you mean? They all used to work here.
I don't have enough money. Send a few of them home.
What?
Send a few of them home because you don't have money?
How can you say that?
Isn't that right, guys?
- This is wrong, isn't it? - It's wrong.
That's going too far. We've worked together so long.
Mr. Lee,
I already boasted to my father that I got a job again.
He was so happy.
He said he was proud of his son,
and he embraced me, weeping.
Seeing him like that also brought tears to my eyes.
You don't need to pay us.
Just let us work here, like before.
What's the point of being employed if I can't pay your wages?
I want to come to work.
In that case,
do you want to try working a bit, without pay?
I won't keep your wages from you forever,
but as soon as we make some money, I'll pay back the wages. How's that?
Of course, that's all right.
Should I start with the cleaning?
Then...
what about the rest of you?
We wouldn't be here if we didn't want to work.
I'll leave it to you, Mr. Lee.
All right.
Thank you, everyone. Let's do some good work.
Why don't you lead everyone in a cheer then?
Me? Okay.
- Everyone, come in. - You need to come too.
- This is so lame. - Just do it.
- 1, 2... - 1, 2...
Let me join.
My goodness.
- Mr. Do - Welcome back.
- I missed you guys. - Welcome.
- We missed you. - How have you been?
- We need you here. - Where have you been?
What are you saying?
You lied to us on purpose?
Why?
Why did you do that?
You said you're too tired of setting things right,
that you want to give up.
Why did you even say that to us then?
Not "us".
- You knew? - I told her.
I told her I'd interview Seo Ki Tae to strike a blow at him.
It was so hard for me to keep up the acting on the roof.
You were a great actor.
Right?
Wow, I got done in by both of you?
Wow.
Why did you tell her and not me?
Why? You trust her but not me?
You don't trust me?
Is this why?
To join hands with Seo Ki Tae?
Is that why you're leaving us?
You jerk!
Lee Jin Woo!
You don't trust me?
I don't.
- What? - I didn't trust you to tell you.
You can never keep a secret!
Me? I can't keep a secret?
I'm not...
You can't. It's true.
It's true?
Definitely.
My goodness.
Fine, so I can't keep a secret.
If you told me, I'd end up telling the whole world,
and Seo Ki Tae would have heard,
and the interview would have been canceled.
Fine, I get it.
Let me just ask one question.
Why did you get back at him that way?
You don't have any proof.
On air, on live TV.
I wanted people to see.
People? What people? The citizens?
No, people like us.
People who spend at least a few months, to a few years...
to publish what they've investigated,
but blocked by those with money and power,
helpless to do anything about it. People like us.
I wanted people like that to see.
I wanted to show them the fight isn't over, that we can keep going.
Why are you trying to encourage those people?
We tried to go it alone, and ended up losing that battle.
That means we need to work with others like us.
If my predictions are right,
starting from tomorrow, our phones will be ringing off the hook.
Just watch.
TIMES
SIHO CULTURAL HISTORY
TIMES
- No, no. - That's right.
- Could you email that to me? - So about JC Telecom,
when you had a business running cables,
what happened to you?
We'll investigate closely.
- So please tell us everything. - Yes?
I'm sorry. Thank you.
Oh, yes.
At 5pm?
If you have some articles at hand,
could you email them to me?
- Yes, just a moment. - Yes, that's right.
Jin Woo, we're getting flooded with calls with information.
- I see. - This is Times.
Thank you for giving us a call.
I can meet with you directly to hear your story.
Yes, this is Times.
- When would be good for you? - Yes.
I heard you were threatened...
Just a moment.
Can I help you?
My name is Han Tae Jin,
and I used to work at Sisa News.
I have some information that you might find useful.
TIMES
I'll call you back.
I wanted to give you this.
ON JC TELECOM'S STRATEGIC LAWSUITS AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
As you said yesterday on TV,
there are many reporters who went missing...
while investigating the relationship between JC and Seo Ki Tae.
At least you were famous enough to merit an article.
How many people are involved in these materials?
There's one page per person.
Then, all these...
Yes, it's 100 people.
That's 100 people that I've met with personally,
but there could be even more.
It's not just reporters.
Small business owners, private individuals, clergymen.
It's a diverse range of people.
There's also a diverse range of reasons they were targeted.
TIMES
Thank you so much for today.
It was nothing. I'm just sorry I can't be of more help.
Please let me know if you'd like me...
to keep your story from the article.
No, it's all right.
Will you really be all right?
You could be the target of a lot of slanders.
I'm prepared for at least that much.
We're reporters, after all.
Thank you.
I'll call you when we release the story.
You could learn a thing or two.
JC TELECOM STRATEGIC LAWSUIT VICTIMS
Hello, this is Times.
Hello, I'm Kim Hye Joo from Times.
Are you Reporter Jung Tae Hyun from Issue Global?
Hello. Are you Reporter An Hyun Ji from Hwachi Newspaper?
Hello. Are you Reporter Song Ye Ji from Chung News?
Are you Reporter Kim Do Hyun from Myungjoo Daily?
Do you have time to talk on the phone?
- I'm calling regarding... - If you can't, I can go see you.
- the strategic lawsuit. - There's nothing on the safety...
- on the equipment, so we need to... - I'm calling about 2018...
- fact check. - Hello?
Can you help us out?
Hello? Hello?
You're not a reporter anymore?
Hello?
Darn it.
Hello. Are you Reporter Choi Hae Jun from Line Search?
TITLE: "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH REPORTER HAN TAE JIN"
Are you done?
- I think it's ready. Hey, Su Kyung. - Yes?
Can you come look at this? I think it's ready.
- Are you done? - Yes.
Let me see.
Look at it.
TITLE: "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH REPORTER HAN TAE JIN"
SUBTITLE: "JC TELECOM'S INDISCRIMINATE STRATEGIC LAWSUIT"
REPORTER HAN TAE JIN SAYS JC TELECOM PRESSURED LAWSUIT.
It's good.
- Is it okay? - Is it?
Yes. I think you can upload it like this.
Hold on.
Is it okay to put his real name in it?
Su Kyung. Turn on the TV.
President Seo Ki Tae is starting a briefing.
What is this?
SEO KI TAE STEPS ON PODIUM FOR A PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER THE TALK
Hello, my fellow citizens.
I was unable to provide a proper answer...
during the talk due to the time limit,
so I thought that many people would have a lot of questions.
That is why I am standing in front of you all today.
First of all, I would like to clarify that...
I have never pressured the media for the sake of...
a certain company or candidate.
Let me make clear that...
I have never used the authority that you have given me...
in a wrong way,
- Of course, he'd say that. - nor will I ever do that.
In order to resolve the distrust against the media,
I will not turn a blind eye to select media outlets...
that habitually release fake news and malicious reports.
It goes without saying that this is not something that can be...
compromised or contemplated about.
If I were to say something to Reporter Lee Jin Woo...
and other reporters as a senior,
before you assert your freedom,
please show us your position to take responsibility...
first.
- Hey. Turn it off. - Right.
Don't worry about that.
After this article goes out, he can't say that nonsense anymore.
Please continue what you were doing.
- Okay. - Okay.
Let's go.
Okay.
Let's do it.
What should I do? Should I upload it?
Yes.
YOUR ARTICLE HAS BEEN UPLOADED SUCCESSFULLY.
This is our first article after we started again.
How long has it been?
I know. I can't believe it.
I'm sure things will be different starting tomorrow.
We have an informant and a statement.
They won't be able to accuse us of criticizing without any basis.
I won't suffer in the same way this time either.
YOUR ARTICLE HAS BEEN UPLOADED SUCCESSFULLY.
"SPECIAL TALK, ASKING THE 2020 PRESIDENT"
"REPORTER LEE JIN WOO, CONTROVERSY OVER TALK WITH PRESIDENT SEO"
- Jung In. - Yes?
Shin Wook said he wants to see you.
- Right now? - Yes.
- Shin Wook. - Hey. Have a seat.
It's not anything serious.
You know the story you're working on?
I think it would be good for you to put it on hold temporarily.
Why? I'm almost done with it.
If this gets delayed, the informant might go somewhere else.
You said a bunch of conglomerates is connected to it.
Including JC.
I'm looking into it, but...
That's why.
Let's talk after you verify that JC is involved too.
It doesn't hurt to be careful.
What do we need to be careful about?
The atmosphere these days is a bit... Well, you know.
I'm so considerate.
If I was the one to do the talk, this never would've happened.
I don't know if your father is aware of that.
Put in a good word for me, okay?
Why would you want to get on the good side...
of a president whose term is ending?
What are you talking about?
When CEO Park... No. If Park Chan Yong gets elected,
it's the same thing as your father serving a second term.
He's practically his avatar...
- In any case... - I can't do it.
It took me over a week to convince the informant...
to sit down and do an interview with me.
Before that, I had to go through so many hoops to contact them...
I'm telling you. That's not the issue right now.
Then what's the issue?
Are we in the 80s?
This is okay, but that's not. It sounds like a media guideline.
There's a media guideline regardless of the era.
The issue is what kind of guideline it is.
If you don't listen to me, you'll end up regretting it.
If I give up on this story, I'll end up regretting it more.
Who told you to give up on it?
I'm just saying we should delay it.
Stop what you're doing for now and look for a different item.
I won't stop...
My gosh.
Hi, Dad. It's me, Jung In.
I was wondering if you have some time today.
I thought you might call me.
I figured there must be a lot of talk around you.
You don't believe in what Lee Jin Woo is saying, do you?
Of course not. I believe in you.
That's fine then.
You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine.
Dad.
About CEO Park Chan Yong...
I mean, Candidate Park.
How much do you trust him?
I guess you heard something.
I didn't hear anything. I just found out something.
I recently got some information from a whistleblower,
and there was a company I was looking into.
There are a lot of talks surround it,
but I'm trying to find out if JC is involved too.
What company is it?
I can't tell you that.
But upper management said that the atmosphere isn't good,
so I should stop looking into my story.
So what do you plan to do?
I should see it to the end.
Even if it's in secret.
I understand that you don't have a choice but to support...
Candidate Park since you are in the same party.
But I don't think...
he's a trustworthy person.
I'm wondering if what Lee Jin Woo said during the talk...
had anything to do with something we aren't aware of.
I guess what came out during the talk...
manage to shake you.
But Jung In.
Do I seem like someone that's careless?
Candidate Park was vetted by the Party...
and I vetted him as well.
We don't just choose anyone for a presidential candidate.
I'm sorry.
I should've looked into it further before I said anything.
It's okay. Thank you for telling me.
I'm sure you told me because you were worried.
I'll look into it again too.
By the way, I thought that by now...
I would be able to eat with you more often and have some free time.
But things are still hectic, aren't they?
So many things give me a headache these days.
I'm wondering who I should put on the transition committee.
The elections aren't over yet, but you're doing that already?
Do you think I'm going to lose?
No, it's not that.
You can only know once everything is over.
Plus, the one who will win or lose would be Candidate Park,
not you.
TITLE: "EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH REPORTER HAN TAE JIN"
REPORTER HAN TAE JIN SAYS JC TELECOM PRESSURED LAWSUIT.
Candidate Park said he will come right away.
Mr. Kang is also coming.
I think Lee Jin Woo is well prepared this time.
It's not long after the article from Times was posted,
but other news outlets are writing it down as well.
That's how reporters set things up.
Stop whining and fix it up.
We should meet company owners first.
Do you think such a method will work in today's world?
People are not fools.
They all know they buy news articles with advertisements...
and block them with advertisements.
If it goes wrong, we will face greater opposition.
What should we do then?
We can't threaten reporters again after all that.
In order to make their voice not heard,
we have no choice but to break the speakers.
But there are so many eyes on Lee Jin Woo...
to do something to him.
You're talking about Han Tae Jin from Times, right?
Please dig into him.
- I'll give the order right away. - Yes.
You start the move.
You're good at it.
If you don't mind,
can I have Reporter Seo Jung In do it?
Ms. Seo is digging into Candidate Park.
Even if I try to stop her, she won't listen.
You know it better than me.
I think it's not a bad idea to distract her using this opportunity.
I think it's safe for everyone.
Do you think she will do it?
I should make her do it.
Your daughter is a reporter.
Yes, this is Seo Jung In from DBS.
Information? Go ahead.
Where should I go now?
Yes. I'll get going.
You must've suffered a lot.
Don't get me started.
In such a small neighborhood, everyone knows about it.
It was so difficult for me.
So you didn't know reporter Han Tae Jin...
was fired because of the lawsuit against public participation?
If I knew, I would've not hired him.
He didn't write it on his resume.
Can I meet the victim?
- Do you know his phone number? - Sure.
He's still my customer, so we're close.
Just a moment.
NEWS IN TODAY
- Thank you for today. - You're welcome.
Mr. President is in a difficult situation because of a weird person.
Please tell him I'm rooting for him.
Yes, I will. You can go in now.
Okay. Bye.
Did you interview the victim?
Yes.
If things go well, it will make a commotion.
- Let's release it today. - Wait.
Let me check something just a bit more.
Why would you do it? When are you coming back?
Soon.
I'll go after meeting just one person.
Bye.
President Seo Ki Tae's approval ratings...
haven't moved even though his term is reaching the end.
Lame duck...
My gosh, Mr. Lee. Did you come?
What's the matter? Did you eat something weird?
Guess how many donations we received.
You're like this because of that?
First, we don't have to worry about rent for several months.
Let me finish here. Or you'll faint.
I feel like we'll get advertisement deals at this rate.
You like it, don't you?
Despite the controversy aroused after the discussion,
President Seo Ki Tae's approval ratings were 68 percent last week.
68 percent? Gosh.
Most of the respondents...
What's with the 68 percent?
I can't understand.
We have a long way to go.
I'll get going. Don't worry about it.
TIMES
Yes, this is Lee Jin Woo from Times.
Is this reporter Lee Jin Woo?
Ms. Seo Jung In?
Yes, this is Seo Jung In from DBS.
Can we meet now?
TIMES
GATE FOR GOODS TRANSPORTATION
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
JC TELECOM STRATEGIC LAWSUIT VICTIMS
TIMES
There's nothing good to serve the visitors in our office.
- It's better than nothing. - Thank you.
I read the article.
The discussion was impressive.
I came as I have some questions about the article.
Please say it comfortably.
I'll tell you anything I can tell.
Did you know that reporter Han Tae Jin...
was sued by his interviewee for threatening?
What are you talking about?
He wasn't the one who was threatened...
and he's the one who threatened someone?
I guess you didn't know.
I'm sure you didn't write the article after hearing from him only.
Of course, I checked the content of the interview.
I even checked the fact.
So you didn't verify the interviewee.
I came because I wanted to know about it.
How much you knew about it before posting the article.
And how many facts were verified. I thought I should know.
What did reporter Han threaten his interviewee with?
It's the content of my article, so I can't tell you.
Please understand.
What more do you want to know?
The length of the article is just perfect.
It's because I can't...
judge.
What do you want to judge?
Whether I should report it or not.
We're not really communicating today, right?
Shin Wook.
Reporter Han threatened the interviewee...
after serving out his sentence for the lawsuit.
I thought it can't invalidate...
all the stories he covered in the past.
It's true though.
A bad guy here is a bad guy there as well.
A bad guy today will be a bad guy tomorrow as well.
Don't be like this.
Just give me one more day.
I'll think about it until tomorrow and tell you.
We're good, right?
It's over.
A week has barely passed since a doubt that he deliberately...
omitted his property to escape taxation and the scandal is exposed.
Democratic People's Party demanded Assemblywoman Go Bo Kyung's...
resignation and claimed that...
Korean Financial Party must take responsibility...
for turning a blind eye.
Ms. Seo. Thank you.
There's one more article you prepared.
You'll remember reporter Lee Jin Woo, the host of the recent...
discussion with President Seo Ki Tae claimed to...
be the victim of a strategic lawsuit against public participation,
arousing controversies.
After that, Mr. Lee covered the interview with the victim...
of the same case...
and drew attention.
We, Current Events Desk received surprising information...
about the article.
Please watch the video.
Is the interviewee of the article...
reporter Han Tae Jin?
Do you know him?
Of course, I know.
I'm running a construction company,
so I sometimes see this kind of reporters.
But reporter Han was the worst.
He found out something about my private life...
and used it to threaten me to put an advertisement in his paper.
Did you put an advertisement?
Yes, I did.
But he asked for more and more money as time went by.
What? What is he?
He asked for 20,000 dollars.
He's a robber without a knife.
TIMES
REPORTER HAN TAE JIN
He said it's so easy for him to ruin my reputation.
Is the news being aired now true?
I'm sorry.
There must be more than a few companies who can't report.
Why in the world did you do it?
After getting fired because of the SLAPP,
I didn't want to live like this.
So I decided to do a bad thing.
Just like others who are called "trash" reporters,
- I decided to do something dirty. - Gosh.
After seeing what you did,
I changed my mind...
and gathered courage before visiting you.
I'm sorry that I only caused you harm.
Please don't forgive a person like me.
I hope you win no matter what.
President Seo Ki Tae...
held a press conference and made a comment...
about the controversy over the attitude...
of reporter Lee Jin Woo from Times.
President Seo Ki Tae claimed he has never oppressed the media...
in favor of a certain company or candidate...
and requested the media...
to take responsibility.
- Good work. - Good work.
What was that?
What are you doing?
What?
I told you earlier.
I said it's not finished, so we need to know more before deciding.
I made the decision for you,
since your judgment is flawed.
- Shin Wook. - I'm your senior.
Just trust my judgment.
Timing is everything for this kind of thing.
The moment you let down your guard, another outlet will steal the story.
Good work today.
Go on home. You must be tired.
I wonder what happened to Mr. Han.
I'm sure he has a good reason.
A good reason? No way.
Su Kyung and I went through hard times too,
but we never did anything like that.
A good reason, please.
We park here too, it's all right.
If it's not for a long time,
- you don't need to worry. - No, they'll get ticketed.
If it's for a short time, it's fine.
- They won't talk long, right? - That's true, but...
I think they might have a lot to talk about.
- Oh, is that so? - Yes.
I should've contacted you before coming. I'm sorry.
But there are leaks everywhere.
You understand, don't you?
Yes, of course.
But what brings you here?
I enjoyed your TV discussion,
as well as the articles, and the Current Events Desk today.
I'm sure you're very disappointed.
No, this is nothing.
I know I have a long way to go.
You're similar to me.
JC TELECOM STRATEGIC LAWSUIT VICTIMS
I believe we may share a common goal,
so I came to talk to you face to face.
You saw President Seo explaining himself, didn't you?
How ridiculous.
I also investigated Seo Ki Tae and Park Chan Yong...
for a long time,
and I did note that there were many shady aspects.
Why don't we join forces and fight together?
I think you're under a misunderstanding.
I'm not a politician. I'm just a reporter.
I'm not trying to bring ruin upon someone...
through political means.
Then as a politician,
I'll share some information with you for the common good.
Something strange happened...
during the last election.
At that time, my district constituency...
never elected a candidate from the Democratic People's Party.
But when we cracked open the lid,
the enemy was everywhere.
Their approval ratings at the last minute were higher than mine.
Ultimately, I did carry it,
but isn't it strange?
Especially considering that the Democratic People's candidate...
was a total rookie in politics, whose face wasn't even known.
I'm not sure.
Perhaps it was precise because he was new that people liked him,
believing he would be different from the old guard.
Did you know that most of the journalists that Seo Ki Tae...
and JC Telecom sent to prison were sent there...
before the election?
Doesn't that mean they were afraid...
of something being revealed?
Please reconsider my offer. If you take my hand,
we can accomplish much more.
I did take someone's hand before, because of my ambitions to do more.
But there is now nothing I regret more in my life.
I will simply do what I can from here.
You may come to regret this later.
I'm sure you're a busy man, so please feel free to leave.
I know just how packed...
the schedule of a presidential candidate can be.
I'm sure there will come a time, soon, when you need me.
I hope not.
After you clean your eyes, then with your hands...
Yes, I do that too.
I see.
What does he know?
Let's go, hurry.
What was that?
- What was that? - Why was he swearing as he left?
Don't worry. I turned him down.
We just need to keep doing our own work.
Everyone here who promised to meet with us,
every single one canceled their appointments with us...
after that Current Events Desk broadcast.
What should we do now?
Did you put an advertisement?
Yes, I did.
But he asked for more and more money as time went by.
To think that kind of person is involved in this...
LOCAL DISK
NEWS IN TODAY
PERSONAL DETAILS REPORT
OCCUPATION: INTER CONSTRUCTION NAME: LEE SUNG CHUL
What is this?
Thank you for today.
No problem.
It was a favor from someone who will be the face of the Blue House.
The Blue House Press Secretary. I wonder if it will really happen?
- Of course, it will. - Look forward to working with you.
Yes, Jung In?
Hello? Seo Jung In?
- What was that? - I'd like to ask you that.
What?
What's going on, right now?
Did you plant informants?
To lie to me?
What are you saying?
They are people I know, but they didn't tell you lies.
You don't have to worry about that.
I made sure to fact-check everything he said.
How could you do that?
Did you want to become press secretary that badly?
Are you acting up to your senior because I've been nice to you?
So it's true. You did it for Candidate Park.
- I said that's not true. - Then why did you?
Why did informants you know end up talking to me?
The circumstances...
The circumstances called for it.
What circumstances?
All because of that position as press secretary?
Your father, President Seo Ki Tae...
made me do it. Are you satisfied now?
What did you just say?
Who made you do it?
Jung In, that's not it.
Jung In, wait.
Why did you do it?
- Do what? - You heard from Shin Wook.
Oh, I guess he didn't tell you,
since he didn't know how you'd react to getting caught like this.
Did you also order him to block my report?
Why?
Because of Candidate Park?
Jung In,
before you're a reporter, you're my daughter.
I'm asking as a reporter now, not the president's daughter.
No one thinks that. You know that.
If the current president's daughter is going around digging...
into his successor, nothing good will come of it.
Both Candidate Park and I did this for your own good.
So coercing me into feigning ignorance of everything...
was for my own good?
I told you already.
The pen cannot change the world.
Even if things are chaotic now, you'll realize soon enough.
That I had no choice but to do this.
That I had to do this.
No, Dad.
I'm not confused right now.
I'm disappointed in you.
I respected you.
I wanted to become like you.
That's why I became a reporter,
but now...
I don't know...
what kind of person the politician, Seo Ki Tae, is.
It's good to stop talking when you're emotional.
Otherwise, you'll only say things you will regret.
Don't look at me like a fool.
I'm sure about this one thing.
I didn't know anything until now,
and what Reporter Lee Jin Woo said might be true.
I'll get going now.
Come here. I'm not done talking.
Seo Jung In!
"WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF THE POLLS FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION?"
At that time, my district constituency...
never elected a candidate from the Democratic People's Party.
Their approval ratings at the last minute were higher than mine.
Ultimately, I did carry it,
but isn't it strange?
2017 GENERAL ELECTIONS
There was a breathtaking close race here.
The competition between a political rookie who caused a sensation,
Candidate Jo Hyung Mook from the Democratic People's Party,
and the experienced candidate, Candidate Kim Sung Guk,
ended with the victory of the experienced candidate.
However, the situation fluctuated until the last ballot was counted,
and we could not let down our guard.
From the start of the general elections, the strategy...
- against Candidate Kim Sung Guk... - Yes. I'm Lee Jin Woo from Times.
- by Democratic People's Party... - I'm Seo Jung In from DBS.
- garnered a lot of attention. - Can we meet for a moment?
Come to think of it, we've never had a chat like this.
Let's hear it. You said you had something to say.
I wanted to apologize for the story today.
It's not like you made it up.
To be honest,
I experienced it too.
- What? - I wasn't taken captive...
and transported somewhere like you, but...
I was covering a story about the issue...
of bribes between advertising agencies and conglomerates.
But upper management suddenly told me to stop working on it.
It's because JC executives are also connected to it.
I thought they were trying to protect themselves,
but that wasn't the case.
I think my father was behind it.
No.
My dad did it.
Are you okay?
No. I'm not okay.
I didn't know what I should do or where I should go.
But I thought I should apologize to you first. Oddly enough.
That's why I asked you to meet me.
I'm sure you were surprised to hear from me so suddenly.
I'm sorry.
Why are you so sorry?
Didn't I tell you once before?
That you remind me of a friend of mine?
In the lobby?
She helped me out a lot.
She did her best to tell me what to do...
and where to go,
but I didn't listen to her.
That's why I ended up regretting it.
That's why...
I turned everything back.
Pardon?
I'm just saying that I wish there was something...
I could tell you.
By the way,
if you're really sorry, can you help me with something?
What is it? Tell me.
You did the ballot broadcast during the 2017 General Elections, right?
Yes, I did. Why?
Was anything weird or unique?
Aside from Kim Sung Guk's district.
I'm not sure.
I guess you could say there was an overall change.
It was a bit unique.
The Democratic People's Party took a complete victory over the areas...
that Korean Financial Party usually won.
Why do you ask?
I think something happened during the General Elections,
but I can't figure out what it is.
Even if he's the president, he can't manipulate the votes.
That's impossible in this day and age.
There are a lot of eyes.
"2017 GENERAL ELECTIONS, COMPLETE POLL FOR DISTRICT CONSTITUENCIES"
"2017 GENERAL ELECTIONS, RESULTS FOR DISTRICT CONSTITUENCIES"
You're right.
Let's check the other districts.
I'll do a complete enumeration with my reporters tomorrow.
I want to help too.
Instead of helping,
why don't you come work with us?
You said you were going to quit DBS.
I'm sure our salary and welfare aren't as good as DBS...
To be honest, we can't pay you for the time being,
and we won't be able to give you any welfare, but...
- But? - I'll guarantee that...
you won't have to be careful, and you can cover any story you want.
That's what we want.
LEE JIN WOO
Why are you giving me this offer?
Gosh, well...
You wouldn't believe me even if I told you.
Just like how I didn't believe in it at first.
DAD
DAD, KANG SHIN WOOK, DAD
POWER OFF, TAP AGAIN TO TURN OFF YOUR PHONE.
TIMES
Did you try calling him?
I called at 7, but he said he can't make it.
Good morning, everyone.
- Hello. - Jin Woo.
Shouldn't we go to meet him?
Do you think he'd meet us if we went?
We should try something.
It's Seo Jung In.
Yes. I'm Seo Jung In.
Nice to meet you.
She's only here for today. We need the extra hands.
Let me see. Do we have an empty desk?
This desk is empty. You can sit here.
- That's my desk. - Have a seat.
It's okay. Have a seat.
TIMES
Even in the Gwanhyung B district,
they voted for Korean Financial Party during the last elections.
The numbers don't add up.
- Ask her. - Ms. Seo.
- Can you look at this? - Yes?
Mr. Lee. I printed it.
Okay.
Ms. Seo. Can you look at this?
Okay.
This is what we found.
I see. Let me take a closer look.
TIMES
Here, here, here, and here.
The Democratic People's Party is weak in these districts,
but during the last General Elections,
the candidate for the Democratic People's Party was elected here.
But the common factor is that...
if you look at the approval ratings from the week before the elections,
the voting difference between the two candidates is huge.
But when you take a closer look,
the approval ratings on the day of the elections weren't that big.
Rather, they were mostly close calls.
What if the voters...
who decided not to vote because their candidate wouldn't win...
after the ratings in the previous week decided to vote?
That might change the results.
Right.
Public opinion comes from the numbers.
I think that's the Democratic People's Party's strategy.
They manipulate the approval ratings...
to instigate public opinion.
They make the voters give up their votes.
Fine, but is that possible?
Each broadcasting station holds its polls at different times.
I know.
Where did you get the material for the approval ratings?
Which organizations?
I compiled a list earlier.
Hold on.
Gallup A, Polt Research Labs, Panel Now.
It's these three places.
Hold on.
TIMES
EXPENDITURES ON LEAFCOM PROJECT IN JANUARY 2017
It's the company I was investigating.
It's called Leafcom.
It's an ad agency working for major companies including JC Telecom.
What if Leafcom...
had the three companies we saw earlier...
conduct opinion polls for the major companies it's been working with...
and tried to manipulate the approval ratings?
It sounds plausible,
- there's no evidence. - We can find it.
How? It's three years ago.
I don't know about the things that happened three years ago,
but we might be able to collect evidence...
of what's happening now.
It's an election period.
If the strategy worked for the general election,
it must be used for the presidential election too.
Does it mean the approval ratings of the current administration...
might have been manipulated as well?
- Is that so? - I see.
I understand the 68 percent now.
I thought it was weird.
We're waiting for information about approval rating manipulation...
during the last general election or the on-going presidential election.
We're expecting cases where the samples are selected in their favor,
or where the questions are biased.
Let's check the comments.
I also received a call like that.
I answered Kim Sung Guk, not Park Chan Yong.
He asked if I'm working at JC.
I asked how he knew.
He was perplexed and hung up on me.
I should've recorded it.
Right. Something like this.
Can you contact us by email?
I think it's the important case we've been looking for.
We'd be obliged if you tip us off.
Hey. I thought you wouldn't come today.
What are you doing?
Jung In.
Hey, how can you leave like that when your senior is talking?
It's in the second drawer at my desk.
- What? - You'll know when you see it.
I'm leaving.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION
This is Kang Shin Wook.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES' APPROVAL RATINGS AMONG PEOPLE IN THEIR 20S
Mr. President, Mr. Kang called me.
He said there's an issue regarding Ms. Seo.
Jin Woo. A call.
Here.
Yes, this is Lee Jin Woo.
Can you visit me?
I think we have something to talk about.
I called you as I have a favor to ask.
I heard Jung In had handed in her resignation...
before she met you.
Yes.
Ms. Seo is working with us now.
I'm not sure how this will sound,
but persuade Jung In and make her leave.
She doesn't suit Times anyway.
I'm not sure.
I think Ms. Seo has a different opinion.
That's my opinion.
What happened has happened. I'll make her study more...
and slowly get her to enter the political world.
That's what I'm thinking and planning.
Does Ms. Seo know about your plan?
She will listen to me in the end.
If it's not for you.
Well, okay. I won't sway her.
But it's Ms. Seo who will decide,
so call your daughter instead of me to talk about it.
Is this what you're trying to do in the end?
Do you want to win against me, even dragging my daughter into this?
In this fight, my Jung In...
You're seriously...
I also know your daughter well.
No.
I think I know her better than you, Mr. President.
That's one good thing about the situation.
That you have changed,
but your daughter Jung In hasn't changed a bit.
I'll get going.
And never call me...
over something like this.
This is me, Candidate Park.
I think we should look into Lee Jin Woo further.
He's causing issues that are bothering me.
Get it started right now.
- Jin Woo. - What did he say?
What did Seo Ki Tae say? Why did he call you?
It's because of Ms. Seo, right?
You should've said you're not going to hire her.
Did you receive any calls?
What about the person who left the comment?
Not yet.
She came by herself. It's not our fault.
It's me. Lee Jin Woo. Can we meet?
What brought you here?
I thought you turned down my offer without hesitation.
You said you're a reporter, not a politician.
It's still the same.
But I need your help.
And this will definitely help you as well.
What is it? Let me hear it at least.
Have a look at this first.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES' APPROVAL RATINGS AMONG PEOPLE IN THEIR 20S
"Let's defeat Park Chan Yong." "You should be elected."
It's the issue we should think about later.
What we should do first is let people know about the truth.
Please contact three other agencies.
If we compare the results, we'll be able to know who is messing this up.
Yes, this is Lee Jin Woo.
This is Kim Sung Guk.
I contacted a few agencies,
one of them had a sample they made recently.
And it's just like what you said.
The data is completely different from what you gave to me.
I'll go to Times.
I WILL WORK FOR THE PEOPLE! CANDIDATE 2, KIM SUNG GUK
Yes, this is Kim Sung Guk.
- Young Jae, hurry up. - Okay.
- Leave the title. - Make it big.
- Adjust the height of the mic. - Please raise the chair.
You should straighten your back.
Is it recording the sound?
He said he will come with the data? When is he coming?
He's supposed to come earlier.
Why did you make a tiny girl sit there?
Straighten your back.
- Please look to the front. - Okay. Thank you.
I heard Kim Sung Guk is holding an urgent press conference.
Did he contact you?
- Stay on your seat. - Hold on.
CANDIDATE KIM SUNG GUK TO HOLD URGENT PRESS CONFERENCE
He said he will release the statement here.
He's revealing it there?
- What is he doing? - I, Kim Sung Guk,
will resign my candidacy from this time today.
What?
Kim Sung Guk gave up quicker than I thought.
Well done.
CANDIDATE 2, KIM SUNG GUK
That's why you never should've crossed the line.
TIMES
What's the trump card that will let us get Seo Ki Tae?
He's planning something.
- With whom? - Are you curious?
Search everywhere.
Who are you?
Are you going to give up on your life and political career?
What are you doing?
This is ridiculous.
You think this makes sense?
Tell me what the violation was!
- Go. - Leave.
- Did you do this? - I told you already.
You brought all this on yourself.
Jung In, don't come to Times anymore.