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S1 • E1
Jin Do-hyuk is a reporter for a tabloid MONDAY SEOUL. The little news agency doesn't have much of a reputation, thanks to its sleazy news contents and paparazzi-styled method of gathering news. Still, he's enthusiastic about his work and as his colleague commented, he's the only diligent reporter in the office. Due to his work, he's buddies with the officers from the criminal section of the Yongcheon Police Division. He sorta bribes them with little gifts and coffee and soju sessions just so to gather information. However, he has just met with an opposing force that will put that previous arrangement on a permanent standstill. That force is the new section chief Joo Jae-in (YOON SO YI), who he had the literally slammed into while he's on the swinging high, clicking paparazzi pictures at a concert; and she's on an undercover assignment protecting a female pop group (yes, that's really KARA) from an anonymous threat. She's knocked out cold and as the performers and audience scramble off in mid the chaos, the attending press captures the moment Do-hyuk performs mouth to mouth resuscitation on Jae-in! Jae-in regains consciousness and seeing a stranger putting his lips on her isn't exactly helping her think straight. She reflexively hits his family jewels and gets him hauled up in lockup for the night. The next day, Do-hyuk and Jae-in, in their lipped-up glory, grace the newspaper front. Do-hyuk is excited about being (in)famous for the day but Jae-in is still clueless....until they meet at the police station and a verbal war breaks out. Jae-in loses the upper arm. Her look is telling that she's reminded she's at fault for almost causing grievous hurt. That is until, her subordinates (who are unaware of the grudge between them) stops Do-hyuk from being rude, telling him she's their new boss. Do-hyuk crumbles, Jae-in regains her earlier stance. She asks him what's his purpose for coming here? Is his presence even legitimate? She takes the opportunity to remind everyone that all future cases - solved or unsolved - remains confidential. Do-hyuk yells at her for being unprofessional and finds her too unreasonable to continue fighting until....he glimpsed the paper and the two stars of the day put him right back into a favorable position. For vengeance. He grabs the paper and calls out for the other officers, spreading a little gossip about the female in the news. The grapevine says she's a cop too! He narrates how she had went down and how he had given her the 'mouth-to-mouth'. And how he had learned that she's actually from their division! Jae-in, who had grown suspicious of what's in the news, moves up to look at the paper. She's shocked and smacks her palm right over the mouth of the horrendous blabbermouth! At the losing end now, she begs him with a little facial language - desperate eyes, shaking head, beseeching. Do-hyuk nods his head, signaling a truce. Jae-in is relieved, she slacks immediately, letting her hand slip from the gaping hole of broken promise! In an instant, Do-hyuk eyes light up, thumbs right at her face and tells everyone "SHE'S THE ONE!" and he scrams right out of the office. Jae-in is seriously pi*sed, left to endure the humiliating giggles and snickers from her men. Kang Hae-sung from a reputable and large news agency, Daese Ilbo. How high is he on the high seat, I don't have an idea now but he's high enough to be after his reporters' hides for letting tabloid news hit the front page. He's high enough to bought lunch by political figures to help blank out their dirt from the media and he's high enough to reject them outright. Of course, he's high enough to have Chairman Choi's backing for him to be that bold. Such fearlessness seems so attractive in print except that newsman Kang is treading on the tightrope of underworld links too. Not the justice by night underworld dealings but the injustice kind as we see him receiving a call from a shifty figure Gong Chil-sung , asking him if he knows that a certain Jo Yong-deok will be released from prison and he might need some finishing off. The cool newsman tells him that he will handle the problem himself (which really means butt-off!) and Gong isn't too happy with that sort of careless treatment. Jo Yong-deok aka THE TRIAD. Former inmate as of now. Trapped in a time warp as in forever. Do-hyuk's interview quest of 15 years but the sombre ex-kingpin is nowhere interested. He has a debt to collect and he heads off with a trusted triad member Sang-cheol (whose loyalty may need some looking into, I think), with a persistent Do-hyuk tailing them. They arrive at Daese Ilbo building and Yong-deok lunges for Chairman Choi. Ever the newsman, Hae-sung captures that scene on camera (and we notice a quick moment of recognition for Do-hyuk), the trio are held back and soon ferried to the police station, by order of Jae-in who was called in by Hae-sung. Hae-sung, plays the nice gentleman and tells Jae-in to let the trio off, he thinks it's an incident out of a misunderstanding. Jae-in complies, lets them off and enters into a small argument with Do-hyuk. And now the relationship pattern is coming together. Jae-in has a crush on Hae-sung (who says she isn't with that adoring smile). Hae-sung isn't interested at all, likely playing to that adoration for favors (like that of today). Hae-sung knows Do-hyuk (because he asks Jae-in about him) and is not buddy with him (by that conceited smile he flashes on knowing that Do-hyuk is a small fry attached to a cheap tabloid). And we all know that this is likely to be played out to Jae-in being the trophy later. Do-hyuk, undeterred by Yong-deok's rejection to be interviewed, tries to get into his favor by feeding him. Yong-deok feeds himself but is still not obliged to return the favor. Do-hyuk leaves him his contact number and address. He'll be waiting. Yong-deok splits path with Sang-cheol and heads off to meet Gong Chil-sung. His expression says he knows Chil-sung is no good anymore but still asks why didn't he come visit? Gong Chil-sung dispenses some good advice to his hyung-nim - times aren't like before...the triad is dissolved....they have gone straight and it's not doing hyung-nim any good to be thinking about that business anymore. He hands over some money to Yong-deok and gets whacked in the head by an ashtray. Blood trickles down, Gong Chil-sung is a wounded and raging animal. Yong-deok leaves without batting an eyelid. Yong-deok decides he wants to look for Do-hyuk but he's seriously hampered by the modern day inventions so he ends up WALKING to Do-hyuk's residence - to see him trapped in a serious mess. What happened? Retreat a couple of scenes back. Do-hyuk was at a nightclub, he's friendly with the female boss Madam P. He's fishing for news leads. She tells him to come help her instead, she can even pay him good money and on time too. He declines but promising to come help when he's free. He heads home, surprised to see his nieces So-ra and Jung-ah. And the cheat of his sister (Do-hee) who he's now trying to make her pay for running of with his house deposit. She scurries away when the creditors come-a-knocking and Do-hyuk suffers the physical brunt. This is when Yong-deok comes to his rescue, which he then uses the favor to exchange for staying for the night. Do-hyuk learns that he's now a guarantor to his sister's debts. How it came to that, he doesn't know. Now that she has skipped town, Do-hyuk is expected to pay up or surrender his organs. After the initial earth-shattering news, Do-hyuk has calmed down and promises to care for his nieces despite his impoverished state, the least he promises to do is to feed them. Meanwhile, not wanting to be obliged to Do-hyuk, Yong-deok declines dinner although his belly is growling in hunger. That night, he offers us a peek into his life. It was a last assassination job, after which he will leave the triad and go back to his wife and daughter. But his flashbacks shows us that he missed his target.....the next morning, he asks for breakfast. He had mended the girls' torn socks as a barter. No obligations again. Do-hyuk is dropping off So-ra at school before he leaves for work when they meet Jae-in. She has just moved into his neighborhood and had bumped right into his hip. She thinks his nieces are his daughters and tells him to live right for their sakes. So-ra corrects her but Jae-in is not in the mood for another argument with the kid who she already thinks is a species of rudeness, taking into account her encounter with So-ra at the convenience store. The nasty mood prompts Jung-ah to wail, Jae-in tries to coax her unsuccessfully and Do-hyuk has just found his babysitter for the day. Do-hyuk might think he has scored big for that morning but things are not well at work. The office is bare, the boss is gone, the reporters are jobless and penniless. His day gets gets worse when he meets Hae-sung outside the police station. Do-hyuk is there for Jung-ah, Hae-sung is there to meet Jae-in for lunch (in return for the favor). Hae-sung tells Jae-in they were classmates from middle school and wants a private word with Do-hyuk, at which he turns smug. Do-hyuk is surprised that Hae-sung is a section chief at Daese Ilbo. Meanwhile, Yong-deok has also left the house to look for his wife, who has remarried by now and refusing to let him meet his daughter, citing his unchanged ways by evidence of the newspaper report. Hae-sung's picture-taking has a purpose and it has gone on to make the news. Yong-deok finds Do-hyuk drinking in the park, he almost choked him by telling Do-hyuk that he's ready for the interview. Do-hyuk tells him that it's pointless now, his office has shut down. "Then set up another one." Do-hyuk chokes again. "WHAT?" Without much of an expression, Yong-deok says. "Let's set up a news agency."
S1 • E2
Do-hyuk is exhilarated when Yong-deok tells him that he has the money to set up a news agency, however the money is left at Sang-cheol's for safekeeping. Do-hyuk's initial exhilaration deflates as he thinks that the money should have been long gone by now for Sang-cheol had once left him in the lurch! But NO! Sang-cheol is crying his guts out at the police station because he thinks his hyung-nim has gone missing. Detective Na promises to bring him to Do-hyuk's place to look for Yong-deok once he's done with work. The thing is, Do-hyuk is not picking up his calls. Do-hyuk is too busy at work. He has taken up Madam P's offer to part-time at her nightclub and being the honorable man that he is, he brings part of his news gang with him - Cha Man-soo and Na Ga-yeon - while they awaits for the police to apprehend their fleeing ex-boss.Things are looking up for Do-hyuk again when he learns from Detective Na that Sang-cheol is with him. Do-hyuk lights up because Sang-cheol represents the money that is leading him to his future. So along with Yong-deok, they start planning for the new business. Office space, arrangements with the printing company, office equipment, vehicles and most importantly, REPORTERS. He takes the opportunity to recommend the gang from MONDAY SEOUL but Yong-deok has standards (he's aware of the bad reputation) and he tells Do-hyuk that since they are acquaintances, he has no choice but to let him join his new venture but as for the rest...he prefers some new people. But as you all know Do-hyuk by now, he never forsakes his friends and so being the guy with a quick mind and some sly tricks, he concocts a plan. He brings on his gang - all professionally attired and each with a reputable - and tells Yong-deok that these fine people have been scouted from some top-notch news agencies. Without much of a word, Yong-deok welcomes them on board. The gang heaves a big sigh of relief after Yong-deok leaves, glad that they have managed to outwit him (which I don't really think so, Yong-deok seems too worldly to be outsmarted). So the one thing left to do now is to get the money. Braving the late night rain, the gang follows Yong-deok and Sang-cheol to the woods and start digging. Their enthusiasm begins to fizzle out after several hours of digging and no money bag in sight. They begin to wonder....but Sang-cheol is sure - there's their triad logo pasted right on location. On Ga-yeon's prompting, Do-hyuk fishes for some motivation for them to dig - HOW MUCH IS THE PRIZE awaiting them? Yong-deok tells him that he has sold his house to get that amount of money. They are more than motivated now and with that bit of information, they begin to do the calculations - how much do they really think it is? What's the estimated price...when did he sell the house - 15 years ago or recently? Based on a modest estimation, they think it should be no lesser than A BILLION WON!! They are practically glowing in the dark, increasing their efforts and then *thunk*, Do-hyuk's shovel finally hits the jackpot! A mad scramble ensues, Yong-deok opens the bag, throwing out sheets of crumpled papers and soon the bag is empty or rather, almost empty. The grim look Yong-deok directs at Sang-cheol tells Do-hyuk that it's no good. He grabs the bag and start counting. 1, 2, 3....5, 6......10. ONE MILLION WON. That's three zeros missing and if you think that isn't really a lot, well, it's not too less a difference either. Sang-cheol drops to his knees and starts explaining. He had wanted to build a fortune for Yong-deok while he was away in prison. He was conned into buying a plot of land but later learned that the land is covered by the greenbelt policy (government policy to preserve certain agricultural land so other developments are prohibited). Then he invested the remaining in stocks only to be met with the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis (when Korea's economy was at stake). What's left of that fortune is what they are looking at now. So what happens now? Yong-deok is a man of his words, he offers everyone a share of the remaining funds but while the four diggers are happy, Do-hyuk is not. He seriously thinks that he has been played by Yong-deok, he hands back the money and turns to leave. Yong-deok tells him that he'll be settling down in the vicinity but Do-hyuk doesn't care. After hanging Sang-cheol by his feet for the night, Yong-deok sets him free. That's on account of Sang-cheol's loyalty for the past 15 years. After all, he was the only one who had been sending him postcards. Sang-cheol tells Yong-deok to forget all about his plans, he's worried that Daese Ilbo will be planning something against him again. However, Yong-deok has a more pressing curiosity - he wants to know why bus passengers have to lift their butts when they take the bus? (Remember in episode one, he was having problems getting through the fare scanner?) Sang-cheol smiles, introduces him to the bus card. The next we know, Yong-deok is on the bus trying his new gadget. He's relieved he finally has some noise coming from back there. So what's the real deal between Yong-deok and Daese Ilbo? That's what is pricking Jae-in's curiosity too but Hae-sung is staying clear from that territory and brushes it off as nothing, as a misunderstanding. By the way, if your memory needs some nudging, they are together because he's treating her to dinner to say thanks (as in episode one). The way he's attending to her needs really makes you think that he's wooing her but sorry Jae-in, he merely needs another favor. He tells Jae-in that he's worried about how Do-hyuk is faring with his office shut down and all that stuff, so he would really appreciate it if she updates him about Do-hyuk's recent developments. Jae-in doesn't think Hae-sung needs to be worried about that despicable guy, he'll find a way somehow, she thinks. Jae-in's mother, Myung-hee is excited to see Hae-sung sending her daughter home. She invites him in for tea, he agrees but then takes a rain check when he gets a call from his boss. Now, if mother and daughter knew that sort of man Hae-sung is, they wouldn't have been smiling like they had caught the golden goose. First, we find out that Hae-sung is not as ethical as he paints himself to others. He's only human and he bends too when pushed by a higher force. It's not clear but I believe Chairman Choi is planning some underground activities and Politician Park agrees to smooth the path for him if they help clear him of the MONDAY SEOUL report about his debauchery. Hae-sung is not happy but he gets it done nevertheless. Second, he's engaged to his boss's daughter, Ho-kyung. It makes the news the next morning, and Jae-in takes in every word of it simply because it's penned by the righteous Hae-sung. Relatively, her prejudice for Do-hyuk triples, despises him for making up stories. At Do-hyuk's place, So-ra's attempts to hide the news from him fails, he's enraged and storms off to Daese Ilbo after entrusting the kids to Detective Na who had stayed over for the night. By the way, I mentioned So-ra and Jung-ah are Do-hyuk's nieces. Sorry, that's so wrong. Jung-ah is his nephew as his character bio says so. I guess the two kids are causing a lot of misunderstandings (not only for me) but Jae-in had thought they were Do-hyuk's kids and now her mother thinks they are Detective Na's grandchildren, having met him with them at Do-hyuk's house the night before while she was making her neighborly rounds. Of course, So-ra isn't helping and addresses him as 'harabeoji'. Myung-hee does not have a good impression of the man because he keeps clarifying that he's single, not knowing that he's smitten to the extent of loving her poorly-baked goods. At Daese Ilbo, Do-hyuk confronts Hae-sung over his report - does he need to tell him how many pair of eyes had bore witness to Park's licentious ways? By which Hae-sung reminds him that what the eyes see is not necessarily the entire truth and this brings us back to the past when the two men were schoolmates and competing for the seat of President of the student body. To force Do-hyuk out of the competition, Hae-sung had resorted to bribery to pin a false accusation on Do-hyuk. Newly fueled to fight his cause again, Do-hyuk comes looking for Yong-deok (who's deeply affected when his daughter had ignored him and told her friend she doesn't know who he is) and asks if his offer to set up a news agency still stands. Yong-deok asks if he has the confidence to beat Daese Ilbo. Why not? There's always a chance at winning if we fight it out, says Do-hyuk. Let's go then. With barely enough money to pursue their cause, Yong-deok cashes in on his due favors. With that triad boss tactic, he goes physical to wrestle a mansion cum office, a contract with the printing company and vehicles from his former subordinates and business associates. The newsroom gang gets the call and arrives outside their BOHO (big office home office) in awe. YONGDEOK ILBO is finally set for business. Meanwhile, Gong Chil-sung is feeding information about Yong-deok to Hae-sung, while they aren't in the know yet about their news agency, Hae-sung is not happy to learn Yong-deok and Do-hyuk are close. With their new jobs ready to start, Do-hyuk and Man-soo go to the nightclub to inform Madam P of their resignation. Do-hyuk is surprised that she has not shown up for work, he's worried when her staff tells him that Madam P is acting out of sorts lately and the last he saw her was last night when she was talking to someone in the car. Do-hyuk remembers the car he had glimpsed (along with its car plate) when he was attending to patrons. He instructs the waiter to call him if Madam P shows up. Jae-in is intrigued by Yong-deok and couldn't believe the stuff that goes into his rap sheet, she wonders about what's going on between Yong-deok and Do-hyuk. Detective Na assures her that there's nothing. Do-hyuk is a warm-hearted guy and he had merely taken in someone homeless for a couple of days. Jae-in is not pleased that her men are acting in defense of Do-hyuk and shoos them out for work. Detective Na who had been minding the kids, is now worried about So-ra having to go home with Jung-ah by herself. The spunky kid assures him that she knows her way around. Not feeling safe for them to go home alone, Jae-in trails them from behind. So-ra notices her and asks her why she's following them? Jae-in tells her she's not, she happens to live here too. Then from nowhere comes the reply. "She resembles me! Hey, thanks for seeing them home." Do-hyuk. He had seen Jae-in following the kids, he had smiled knowing that she was worried about them going home alone. He shares the good news with the kids that he's working at a news agency again! Jae-in asks if he's joking but then she's more interested to know where is Yong-deok. She's shocked to learn that Yong-deok is his boss. But before that conversation is able to continue, the money lenders appears. They decide that the children organs are a better deal than Do-hyuk's and they lunge for the kids. Jae-in intervenes and beat them to a pulp. A fleeing Do-hyuk turns back and steers her away from a hard beating but she scrapes her knuckles and let two escaped in a cab. No fear, for Do-hyuk puts his wondrous memory work to use and gives her the car plate. Later, he buys her coffee and a plaster while she grumbles about him not making a police report about the illegal money-lending deal. She wants him to find his sister before she can attend to the case and before she apprehends the bad guys, she tells him to leave the kids at the station during the day. Do-hyuk is genuinely grateful for her concern despite her coldness. Do-hyuk's amiable disposition turns to a mix of angry disbelief.
S1 • E3
Jin Do-hyuk's late father (Jin Yeon) was a reporter with Daese Ilbo. Do-hyuk is every bit his father's son, inheriting his righteousness, humility and foremost, the need and drive to undo the grievances of the people. I may be wrong at this point but it seems that at the time of his tragic death in a road accident, Jin Yeon was following up on a redevelopment case where the residents were evicted and not compensated for the loss of their homes. Here, I was reminded of an earlier scene in Episode One, when Yong-deok was thinking about the past when he was supposed to kill of someone before he retires but was stopped in his tracks when a kid called out for his father....that scene bears similarity to Do-hyuk's flashbacks so I believe Jin Yeon's death was not an accident but a murder to silence his voice on the injustice. As the young Do-hyuk shouts out to his parents after witnessing the accident, the scene cuts to Yong-deok who's meditating on a sleepless night, indicating his link to the incident. Now we get to the fun part of this episode. Do-hyuk is leaving for his MT (Membership training = team building), with no one to care for the kids, he sends them to Jae-in's. On the way, he tells Jin Sol that she has to think about where her mother could be, how else can he find her? She grudgingly promises to think about it and then quickly steers the subject back to him. Why is he nagging in the early morning? Isn't he going away for 2D1N? Has he packed his stuff? Do-hyuk tells her to quit nagging, does she think she's his wife? She replies, "You are so not my style." and tells him to get the doorbell. Before he does that, he reminds them to put on the saddest face to gain some sympathy. Do-hyuk puts on his best behavior and tells Myung-hee that Jae-in has agreed to care for the kids for the time being, Myung-hee remembers the kids and invites them in. Meanwhile, Jae-in is overly excited about receiving Hae-sung's call, he's waiting to send her to work. She's only concerned about babbling to her mother that Hae-sung is sending her to work, she doesn't notice the guests and proceeds to change out of her clothes! Screams alert Jae-in to her carelessness, she cowers behind her mother in embarrassment. As Do-hyuk and team set off, he meets Hae-sung (who's waiting for Jae-in) and tells him about Yongdeok Ilbo. Hae-sung tells him, at most, he's only a third-rate reporter. Do-hyuk keeps his cool and tells Hae-sung he doesn't see why Yongdeok Ilbo is not able to win Daese Ilbo if they fight fair. Or is Hae-sung resorting to underhand means again? Jae-in who has just arrived is not happy about Do-hyuk's attitude and questions his ethics in return. Do-hyuk makes a move to leave and tells her to ask Hae-sung about the details if she's curious about what's going on. She asks but Hae-sung tells her Do-hyuk is nursing a grudge from their school days. Jae-in is even more displeased with Do-hyuk's pettiness. The MONDAY SEOUL team is excited about their trip, this is their first time on an outing. Do-hyuk is quick to hush them - they are top reporters from reputable agencies, how can they say it's their first trip on the job? Sang-cheol comes to distribute their attire, they are even more excited because they are thinking they are heading for the beach. Instead....they are in the wilderness, in military attire and in for some serious training. They try to make light of the program, making fun of Sang-cheol but Yong-deok intervenes and scares them (in his usual expressionless manner) into being serious. Later that night, Yong-deok asks Do-hyuk what has inspired him to be a reporter? Do-hyuk remembers the old granny who had came to their house, bearing some apples to thank his late father. "This is a little something to thank you all for returning justice to us. For people like us who have neither wealth nor power, [your father] is our hope." It was then when Do-hyuk decides to be a reporter who rights the wrongs and to bring hope to the aggrieved. Yong-deok tells him about something he has learned while he was in prison. He remembers reading history about King Taejong who had placed a drum outside the palace for the commoners to come and seek their grievances. Do-hyuk lights up and finally realizes that Yongdeok Ilbo's concept should be just like the drum - to redress the people grievances! Meanwhile, Jae-in has got a lead on the money-lenders and is on a stakeout. She finally apprehends them and drags her tired self home only to have another spar of words with Jin Sol. Jin Sol enters the bathroom without waiting for a rebuttal, of course, Jae-in is left wanting to tear her hair out. She sees that her mother has dozed off while waiting for her. Their concern for one another touched a chord in Jin Sol who has just walked out of the bathroom. Jae-in is surprised by the look on the girl's face but Jin Sol enters the room without much of a word. Despite being taken for a third-rate news agency, Yongdeok Ilbo is still a threat. Gong Chil-sung and Hae-sung are keeping tabs on them and unlike Hae-sung's disregard for them, Chil-sung warns him not to undermine Yong-deok and Do-hyuk. Hae-sung reminds him to tie up loose ends if he intends to do something about them. Hae-sung seems loyal to Chairman Choi but he's really not. We see his displeasure as he's now forced to make preparations for his engagement to Ho-kyung, something that he has tried putting off for a while but Ho-kyung doesn't want to wait further. Another thing is: he really likes Jae-in and not merely using her as I first thought he was. He still keeps the pictures he had taken of her on his first interview assignment with her and he's smiling adoringly at that mere thought. Jae-in returns home to see Do-hyuk waiting for her - with a bag of apples. His gift. She's not interested and chides him for not calling to ask about the kids (no phone signal). He teases her about her eye bags ( that's because she was up the entire night on a stakeout) then she asks about his sister (he decides to wait till she shows up on her own). This is really cute. The idea is to scare Sol from revealing her mother's whereabouts, which Do-hyuk is pretty sure she knows. They bring the kids to to Myung-hee's café, setting a big plate of Myung-hee's biscuits before them. Then he proceeds to tell them that he will be away for a while because of his new job. During his absence, Jae-in has agree to take them in for a month (Sol's eyes widen in disbelief!). Jae-in then tells them not to worry, she'll do a good job of it (Sol is knitting her brows....). Do-hyuk believes that they will have a good time at Jae-in's, not mentioning the delicious biscuits that they will get to eat EVERYDAY. They love it, don't they? Sol says no (Jung shakes his head) but Do-hyuk says she's lying. He's honestly worried about leaving them alone, thankfully Jae-in is willing to help...."Wait a minute! I know where she is." Sol is cornered. So Mr and Mrs Smith head off, bluffing their way into a members-only dance hall. Their presence attracts the attention of the patrons. Seeing that it's impossible to put off the attention, he tells her to act the part and let's dance. So they did and finally after some twirling, they spot Do-hee. She runs but not far enough. Jae-in tells her that she still needs to repay the loan principal at the bank rate, Do-hee asks her brother if he has money to spare? Do-hyuk tells her no and walks off. As if intruding into their family's affairs, Jae-in is feeling increasingly awkward until the kids who have been waiting, runs up. Sol surprises Jae-in when she bows to her in gratitude. Do-hyuk sees Jae-in home and thanks her for helping him out - taking care of the kids, apprehending the money-lenders and looking for his sister. She broaches the subject about Yong-deok and advises him to stay away from the man - does he even know what a dangerous man Yong-deok is? Do-hyuk is not alarmed but hopes she shows some leniency to a lonely man who has spent his last 15 years in the cell. Do-hyuk tries to iron out the misunderstanding she has about him and tells her that he's not that despicable man she thinks he is. He hopes she'll realize that in time. As he turns to leave, Hae-sung calls out. Do-hyuk has a moment of realization when he sees Jae-in beaming. He's curious and asks if they are dating but Jae-in shoos him off. Hae-sung apologizes for coming at this late hour, when asked if there's anything wrong, Hae-sung tells her he was looking at her pictures from the interview and he has this urge to see her. Then we see Do-hyuk having lots of trouble sleeping.... The next morning at Yongdeok Ilbo, brainstorming session is heading no where. There's no good ideas coming from the rest of the team and the only good one (Do-hyuk) is miles away, seriously distracted (by Jae-in and Hae-sung?). Expecting Yong-deok to flare, but he doesn't; rather coolly, he tells them that payday will be the day when their paper is published. So they can just take their time to get the news. Which means you're not getting paid if you don't start cracking. Anyway, despite the silent threat, he throws them a lifeline. Daese Ilbo's news for the day. A redevelopment project that has lead to an eviction. The thing is: someone committed suicide because of that and Daese Ilbo had kept it under wraps. Do-hyuk and Joon-hyung have just finished speaking to the victim's son when Hae-sung arrives. He's here to compensate and to shut some mouths but he's obviously too late. Back at the office, Ga-yeon mentions that Do-hyuk has some luck with his social network that gets him all the news. Madam P, for instance. He remembers that he has not heard from her and goes to the nightclub, when he learns she has yet to show up, he goes to her apartment. No sign either. He goes to the police station to seek help but Jae-in refuses to bypass protocol and tells him that it's not unlikely for people in this trade to disappear for a while. Do-hyuk is offended by her careless judgment of his friend. Before he leaves, he riles her further by implying that they are in a 'relationship' - the first kiss, living in the same neighborhood and that sexy dance! She is gritting her teeth while her men tease her. He does not stop at that. He goes back to the office and does a write up about her attitude towards Madam P's case. That will be making the news for Yongdeok Ilbo's first publication - a newspaper that takes on the grievances and problems of the common people.. And when it gets published, Jae-in is mad. So is Hae-sung when he sees the suicide news. Then we learn that Chil-sung may have some thing to do with Madam P as he's taken aback to see Madam P in the news.
S1 • E4
Jin Do-hyuk distributing his papers at Daese Ilbo, it's sort of a publicity but I bet he's doing it just to irk Hae-sung. Hae-sung is irked and confronts him about the article on the redevelopment site. It's the government decision to push for the project, Daese Group is only involved in running a business and he blames the suicide on the victim's moment of impulse. Do-hyuk takes offense at his careless attitude towards a man's death and how Hae-sung is relegating them to a third-rate news agency. He returns to his office and faces Jae-in, who's fuming over his report about her discriminating stance towards her cases, in this case, her refusal to aid in searching for Madam P because of her profession. Jae-in tells him that he should follow procedures. Do-hyuk tells her to quit being a stick-in-the-mud, what if all these waiting dissolves into a dead lead? Jae-in is near tears as she confronts him about his conjectures to her work. "DO YOU KNOW ME ALL THAT WELL [to say that]?" Do-hyuk is beginning to feel bad. I'm expecting him to say "I'm sorry", instead he says. "I know. I understand. I know you're not that kind of person. I know you don't look into cases based on personal judgment. I know that." Jae-in cools down and he continues. "You helped look for my sister and took care of my niece/nephew. Although you act cold, I know you're not that kind of person." She's not as mad anymore but still frustrated that he had defamed her with that article despite knowing what kind of person she is. Do-hyuk explains that he was desperate, too worried for Madam P. He pleads for her help because Madam P is someone dear to him. Before the fight breathes its last breath, Jae-in clarifies her position. "I admit I'm a stick-in-the-mud but I never once think that is something bad. Regardless of the seriousness of a case; to the people involved, it's always desperate and important. That is why I've to follow procedures." (I believe by this, she means she cannot afford to jeopardize the cases, which can be so if she ignores lawful procedures.) Hae-sung shows Chairman Choi a copy of Yongdeok Ilbo and notices a change in his facial expression when he glimpses something in the newspaper. He takes a look when Chairman Choi refuses to admit to it. It's the report on Madam P. Later, Chairman Choi calls his loyal man Chil-sung and tells him to take care of matters and also reminds him to keep Hae-sung in the dark. The Youngdeok Ilbo team is celebrating their first publication with a drinking session. After a couple of congratulatory rounds, everyone is tipsy and Ga-yeon's curiosity takes the first shot at Do-hyuk, asking how's things going on between him and the female cop? Doesn't she live nearby, let's get her to join the party. Do-hyuk tells her to not even go down that road - she has a boyfriend. Man-soo mutters that's a shame. Ga-yeon chides him for still kissing Jae-in when that's the case. That's not a kiss, it's mouth to mouth resuscitation. Someone asks how was the kiss? Good, Do-hyuk replies to the envy of the others but he's quick to brush it off as a joke. Ga-yeon doesn't think so, it's more likely that he's trying to convince himself that it's a joke. He insists it is and tells them that Jae-in is not his type. Women have to be gentle but she's temperamental, not mentioning her herculean strength. "But THAT's just your type!" Ga-yeon reminds him. Do-hyuk insists she's not! Man-soo is envious. Ga-yeon tells him to just date Jae-in and soon the entire team is chanting: "Date her..... Date her.....!" Jae-in is having trouble sleeping, she mutters that someone must be talking about her for her ears are itching. (I don't know if it's only an Asian thing but there's a saying that if you feel an itch in your ears, then someone must be talking about you.) She's thinking about what Do-hyuk had told her about Madam P being extremely dear to him. The next day, her mother notices her eye bags, Jae-in tells her that's because she's busy with work. She asks her mother if she does think she's a stick-in-the-mud? Myung-hee tells her that she's like her late father in that manner - stubbornly hanging on to his principles. Jae-in asks if that's bad? She never thought so but she's having doubts about that now. Myung-hee tells her that at times she had wished her late husband was a little craftier at the expense of being a good cop, at least things wouldn't be this way today. She asks Jae-in if she gotten the reply she's looking for but Jae-in playfully tells her that she's even more confused now. She looks for Do-hyuk and tells him to follow her to the station. He's surprised that she has agreed to take on the case but she's still not breaking the rules for him and tells him to wait for a week for the approval to track Madam P through her calls. A week is too long so Do-hyuk looks to Detective Na for help. With Detective Na's internal social network and Do-hyuk's sympathy act (he cooks up a story that Madam P is his girlfriend who has broken off with him and left a suicide note), Do-hyuk gets the information he needs. Chil-sung tells Hae-sung to get Jae-in off Madam P's case. Hae-sung tells him that he should feed him some information about Chairman Choi and Madam P first before asking for his help. Chil-sung is not intimidated, instead turns the table on Hae-sung by hinting that he has no qualms about hurting Jae-in if that is what it takes to lay her off Madam P's case. It's out of goodwill that he's informing Hae-sung as he knows they are extremely close. The car that Do-hyuk had seen parked outside the nightclub is a scrap vehicle with a false numberplate. This bit of information has now placed Madam P's disappearance under greater suspicion, Do-hyuk asks Jae-in to come along with him to Madam P's hometown to check things out (her last call made out was from a place near her hometown) but Jae-in is too excited about going on a date with Hae-sung. She tells Do-hyuk to wait till they go through the CCTV images to decide what they will do next. Do-hyuk is frustrated that she's ditching the case to go on a date and leaves in a disgruntled mood. Back home, Do-hyuk flies into another rage when his sister hints if she can ask for money from Yong-deok to settle her debts. Hae-sung tells Jae-in his point of view about the missing person case. It's not as serious Do-hyuk as made it out to be because abducting a person is not an easy task. Jae-in tells him that she's attending to the case out of her acquaintance with Do-hyuk. Hae-sung tells her to be wary of Do-hyuk, he believes that Do-hyuk is using her to gather news for the paper. He then invites her to attend a musical the following night. The CCTV images show that Madam P's disappearance indeed requires some in-depth investigation. Jae-in and Do-hyuk leave to check out Madam P's hometown while the rest of her men begin sourcing for leads. Chil-sung tells his men to stay low for the moment and reminds Hae-sung that Jae-in is in for some trouble if she continues to snoop around the case. Do-hyuk and Jae-in get into a minor squabble in the car, almost dashing past the traffic lights. Jae-in glares at her driver and indicates that she will drive. The tortoise pace that she's going on the road is bursting Do-hyuk's bladder. He couldn't get off fast enough at the rest stop and dashes for the bathroom. Do-hyuk emerges later, sees an incoming call for Jae-in. It's Hae-sung who's expressing displeasure that Jae-in had ignored his advice to stay off the case. He reminds her about the musical, then hangs up abruptly. Jae-in panics, hurries Do-hyuk to get into the car and finish with matters as soon as possible. He replies sarcastically that he should be the one driving if that's what she wants. Their search, though not entirely successful, does turn up some information. The last time an acquaintance saw Madam P aka Park Sun-geum, was seven years ago. She was very pregnant and scared when she came looking for a place to stay. But she was soon taken away by some burly figures. The acquaintance guesses that she must have been someone's mistress and that someone is likely not pleased about the unborn child. Having gotten what they had come for, Jae-in is now anxious about getting back but Fate has other ideas. The vehicle refuses to come to life and the earliest the mechanic can get the job done is the next morning. She's more than worried about missing the date with Hae-sung, but Do-hyuk is, as always teasing when Jae-in is concerned, or in reality trying to loosen her up before she agonized herself to death. But the mechanic pops the bubble that is her ticket out of here. The last bus has left. Do-hyuk snickers, things are panning out as he had said so. He then asks if there isn't any available inns for them to spend the night. "Young man, have you been here before? How then are you so informed about our town?" Do-hyuk giggles, turning to Jae-in. "See what I told you?" The mechanic continues. "There's a place for you to stay for the night, however...there's only one room." Do-hyuk lights up - that should be the way. Jae-in just can't believe her bad luck. Jae-in calls her mother and subsequently Detective Na to tell them she won't be back for the night, not aware that they are both together. Detective Na was trying to find out about Myung-hee's husband when Jae-in called. From their loving conversation, he had assumed Myung-hee was speaking to her husband, when Myung-hee later tells him that she's a single mother, he's delighted. Over dinner, Do-hyuk asks Jae-in if she has contacted her boyfriend, wasn't she supposed to attend a musical? Jae-in has forgotten all about it and quickly texts an apology to Hae-sung. Hae-sung is not happy about the message, Ho-kyung arrives before he has the time to reply her. He returns to his apartment with Ho-kyung, surprised to see his mother waiting outside. His mother is surprised to see Ho-kyung, not sure who she is but when she realizes, she's not happy with that look of wealth. Ho-kyung is equally offended by the woman's careless treatment of her. Back in his apartment, she tells Hae-sung to look for a suitable woman for a wife. It will do him no good to have a wife who's superior to him in all ways. She reminds him that it's his father's death anniversary but he tell her he's not going back for it. When asked if she can stay the night before returning home the next day, he prefers that she leaves now. It's only after her repeated asking, that he relents reluctantly. Meanwhile, Jae-in keeps peering at her phone, waiting for Hae-sung's reply. Do-hyuk continues to be nosy. She goes for him with a spoon in frustration, he blocks it with a pot lid. He grumbles at her hot temper and she warns him to cut the crap talk. He gives in, telling her to finish her food. Their after-dinner get-together takes on a tamer mood. He offers her hot tea and a jacket to keep from the cold. He mutters that she bears a double personality, she's nice to people who she's close with but puts on the cool act with others. She looks at him in silence, he takes it that she's going to get mad again and hurriedly explains to himself that he understands she needs to be fierce to control her male subordinates. "Since we are closer now, treat me better in future." Jae in nods lightly. "Fine. Like how I treat my ajumma neighbor. You are full of justice, overly talkative, innocent..." "I'm friendly too, discerning and with a unique train of thought." Jae-in replies that he's too glib, maybe he can save himself with that glib mouth of his if he falls into the water. They break out in laughter, camaraderie increasing. Then he turns solemn, Jae-in asks if he's worried about Madam P and consoles him, telling him to wait a little longer. Do-hyuk mumbles that he should have been alerted then and followed the vehicle. This reminds Jae-in about his photographic memory and she asks him about his hidden talent. Do-hyuk tells her that it's a talent nurtured out of habit. Failing to get a look of the vehicle that had killed his parents, he had developed the habit to pay attention to car number plates since then. Jae-in is sympathetic to his plight of losing both his parent together, she tells him that she had lost her father in an accident too. He was a cop and had perished in the line of duty. She has chosen this career because of her father's influence. Do-hyuk tells her that he's like her too, in his choice of career. His father was a reporter with Daese Ilbo. In the mid of these heartfelt revelations, the scenes had cut to and fro between Do-hyuk's story and Yong-deok's discovery about Do-hyuk's background. Yong-deok was at Do-hyuk's house for dinner at the invitation of Do-hee, who's trying to find a way to benefit from Yong-deok's money. He had stepped into Do-hyuk's room and discovered his parents' keepsakes, shocked to realize that his father was the man he was sent to kill.... The next morning, Do-hyuk awakens from the freezing cold. He calls out to Jae-in, with no response from her, he opens the room door to see a sweet image of her sleeping. He smiles...until she flips over with her snore, breaking his moment of fantasy. He washes up, browses the morning paper then the look on his face announces another brewing crisis. Thanks to Hae-sung's digging, Yongdeok Ilbo is suffering another smear to their 'third-rated reputation'. He had managed to get the inside information from Yong-deok's former subordinates and business associates about how he had coerced them to cough out their resources into setting up the news agency. Along with it, the hidden identities of the MONDAY SEOUL team are spilled in the news too. So now, both the team and Sang-cheol are chiding one another for hiding the truth. Jae-in expresses her disappointment at the turn of events. She never expected them to go so far, she should have guessed as much when Do-hyuk gets himself mixed up with gangsters. She asks him if he's even aware of the extent of trouble he will sink into if the other parties decide to sue them? Then she makes another point that hurts him most. "How are you going to face your father?" Do-hyuk arrives outside the Yongdeok Ilbo office to a clutter of trash and graffiti. His team is leaving too, disgraced by the idea of resorting to underhand means to set up a paper that is hypocritically promoting the concept of justice. Do-hyuk explains that the news is distorted. The help they had received will be returned in the favor of free ads and any profits from the sale of the paper. He swings his anger towards Hae-sung and stalks off to his office. There, he sees him getting into the car with Ho-kyung. Their intimacy speaks for their relationship. Then, he sees Jae-in. She had rushed over to apologize for her absence at the musical, only to see Hae-sung holding hands with another female. Her world comes crashing down, she hides behind the pillar till they leave. She walks out of her hiding place, dispirited and with questions, then she sees Do-hyuk.
S1 • E5
Jin Do-hyuk returns to the office to see his colleagues packing their stuff. No amount of his persuasion is able to change their mind. Yong-deok is meeting with Chil-sung, he knows that he's behind the damage done to Yongdeok Ilbo. Chil-sung doens't deny it but asks him in return isn't revenge his purpose in setting up a news agency? Yong-deok tells Chil-sung that he knows best about why he had landed up in prison. Can Chil-sung still trust Chairman Choi based on that? Chil-sung is not swayed, vowing his loyalty to his boss. Yong-deok tells him that regardless of what they do, he will not be stopped. Before he leaves,Yong-deok asks him if he remembers what had happened on the night before he was apprehended? Chil-sung feigns ignorance, asking why he's bringing up a matter that had happened so long ago? Chil-sung continues to tail Yong-deok and seeing Do-hyuk perks his curiosity. He tells his man to look into Do-hyuk's background. Jae-in instructs her men to stay on Madam P's case, Detective Na doesn't like the idea of staying late for work and mutters that she is now Do-hyuk's girl after just spending some time with him, that she had become so involved with his case. She is offended and tells them to stay for some physical training. They get seriously beaten up by her. Ho-kyung tells Hae-sung that she's intending to run her mother's art gallery after their marriage. She thinks it's a good idea since he's taking over her father's business too. Hae-sung is outside Jae-in's house. He has been waiting for her as she had promised to call him when she gets back. He senses that something's wrong and surprisingly, she doesn't avoid the topic. She tells him that she had seen him with another girl and that he shouldn't her made her misunderstand his intentions towards her. He tells her that they should talk. Do-hyuk, on his way home, sees them together and he's not too happy about it. Later, during dinner. Detective Na, tipsy, grumbles to Do-hyuk about Jae-in. He asks Do-hyuk if he likes Jae-in (and Do-hyuk says yes because Na keeps pressing him) and that he should date her to get her off their back. Why didn't he start something with her when they were at the countryside? Do-hyuk, already in a lousy mood, feels worse now. He goes home to another confrontation with his sister. She's not happy about how he had set up the agency with underhand means. She rubs salt by telling him not to disappoint their late parents. Hae-sung apologizes to Jae-in and admits he likes her and finds himself drawn to her without much reason. Jae-in asks him what he's expecting from her? To continue meeting him despite him having a girlfriend? Do-hyuk looks for Yong-deok after he has repeatedly ignored his calls. He begs his boss to carry on with running the newspaper. Yong-deok tells him if he can indeed fulfill his promise to be as outstanding as his late father, then he'll forgive them for lying to him too (about MONDAY SEOUL reporters). Yong-deok wants to set things right before they start afresh with running Yong-deok Ilbo so he offers his apologies to his former subordinates and associates about squeezing them for financial aid. He kneels to to them, seeking forgiveness, returned what was taken and offers to pay rent for their existing office space. The granny who had found her dog because of Man-soo's help, passed on in her sleep. Man-soo was informed because his number was the only number they found in her phone. Knowing that her son is rushing home from overseas, the gang helps out with her funeral matters. Her son is extremely grateful, promising never to forget their kindness. As they leave the hospital, Man-soo announces that he's returning to work at Yongdeok Ilbo and persuades the others to join him. They agree. They are vexing about the lack of funds which will hamper their next publication, when Eun-shik (photographer) suggests putting the newspaper online. They retain their original concept of being a voice for aggrieved citizens but Do-hyuk still thinks they lack an exclusive content, until he hits upon an idea. What they decide to do is to put up videos, teaching people to guard themselves against bullying. Who better to teach them the tricks than the triad leader himself. Do-hyuk goes to see Jae-in upon her request. The police has confirmed that Madam P's case is indeed an abduction. Do-hyuk blames them for not acting upon it fast enough, it has dragged on for too long. Jae-in tells him that their leads all ran cold, they had checked into Madam P's kid but there wasn't any records. Do-hyuk chides her for relying solely on documentation proof, wouldn't Madam P have kept the kid a secret to protect him? He continues to criticize her - has she gotten her head too full with her love life that it's hampering her ability to work? Isn't she foolish to continue meeting Hae-sung after seeing him with another girl? He's not interested in a gullible person handling the case, then he stalks out. She asks where he's going and he tells her to follow if she's curious. Her men are left puzzled by the outburst of words (that had veered out of the case context), they are even surprised that she's actually running out after Do-hyuk. Then one of them comments that they must be dating. They go to Madam P's apartment. Jae-in distracts the guard while Do-hyuk climbs his way into the apartment. The climb is so difficult that he couldn't help scolding himself for being a busybody and landing himself in this situation. Jae-in grumbles that he's taking too long to do the job, if she had known, she would have done it in his stead (that's why he was making faces behind her back). Do-hyuk finally finds the evidence that confirms Madam P has a son. Chil-sung assures Chairman Choi that Yongdeok Ilbo has ceased operations and he shouldn't concern himself over Yong-deok. That applies to Madam P and her son too. Then we see Madam P being imprisoned somewhere with her wrist cuffed. Do-hyuk sends Jae-in back to the station. She has agreed to pass over the CCTV videos and pictures to Do-hyuk for him to do a write-up. He asks for her assistance to grant his reporters some news leads should they come by. His curiosity got the best of him for he couldn't stifle the nagging urge to ask about things between she and Hae-sung, throwing up a couple of prompt questions to get her talking. She tells him that the lady is Hae-sung's girlfriend and she has decided not to see him anymore. Back at the station, she tells her men to check for more leads regarding Madam P's case. Then she notices that Detective Na is absent. He's with her mother, and Myung-hee is taken aback to learn of his occupation. She tells him that her late husband was a cop who had died in the line of duty. Detective Na quickly tells her that he doesn't get himself into dangerous situations, also he has been considering quitting. She tells him that her daughter is a cop too and before he can fully absorb that, Jae-in is back. She doesn't notice him but he did and scurries away. At Yongdeok Ilbo, they are working late into the night getting Madam P's story out but Do-hyuk is very distracted about what he has just learned about Hae-sung and Jae-in. He's knocked out of his reverie when Sang-cheol comes down, wanting to prepare some seaweed for Yong-deok's birthday the next day. It's his first birthday in 15 years and he wants him to have some good soup at least. The next day, Madam P's news alarms Chairman Choi. Chil-sung apologizes for his blunder, he calls Hae-sung, demanding to know why he has yet to put a lid on the investigation? But Hae-sung hangs up on him, he's already at the prosecutor's office and sure enough, Jae-in receives the no-go on Madam P's case. She's shocked and sets off to the prosecutor's office to make clear on the matter. Meanwhile, Chil-sung is in for some shock too when he realizes that Do-hyuk is Jin Eon's son. His flashbacks tells us that he was the driver of the truck that had killed Do-hyuk's parents. Chairman Choi had sent him as a backup, in case Yong-deok backs out. If he accomplished the task, then Yong-deok's seat in the triad will be his. Pondering about the matter, an idea descends on him. Do-hyuk presents his boss with a birthday gift. Yong-deok is happy about receiving a gift after such a long time and thanks him for his thoughtfulness. Do-hyuk tells him that he was merely fulfilling a wish of his own too. He tells Yong-deok that his late father would be of the same age with Yong-deok if he were alive. He had thought about his father and wanting to send the gift...With the subject broached, Yong-deok says he has something to tell him BUT Chil-sung beats him to it by calling Do-hyuk and asking him if he wants to know more about how his parents had died.
S1 • E6
Yong-deok was planning to tell Do-hyuk something but by now, Do-hyuk is seriously distracted by the phone call he had just received. Your parents were murdered. Do you want to know more about it? He's shocked but keeps the caller's revelation to himself and excuses himself, telling Yong-deok they will have to talk later. Yong-deok, not aware that a storm is brewing, beams (that's an exaggeration but it's a rare moment to see an emotion on that deadpanned face) at the mirror as he holds the tie up against his chest. Chil-sung cannot wait to do Do-hyuk the favor by revealing his parents' murderer but Do-hyuk, though emotional, still has his analytical mind intact. Before he's ready to listen, he demands to know who Chil-sung is. Chil-sung tells him that he was formerly the No. 2 in the triad, and that Jin Eon was silenced because he had dug too deep into Yong-deok's illegal affairs. He cannot bear to see Do-hyuk being used by his parents' murderer, which is why he has taken it upon himself to reveal the truth. That done, he leaves, clearly pleased with his plan. Meanwhile, a little light moment at the Yongdeok Ilbo office. Yong-deok has his tie on, Joon-hyung comments that it's nice. Yong-deok tells them that it's a gift, to be precise it's a BIRTHDAY GIFT. It's a scrambling mess as the team tries to ignore the expensive hint. Then, Do-hyuk returns with a look on his face that's screaming murder but no one notices. Yong-deok wants to continue the talk, but he and everyone are soon taken aback when Do-hyuk screams. Unable to finish his sentence, Do-hyuk leaves in tears. Jae-in is at the prosecutor's office, arguing her case. Citing irrelevant evidence to consider Madam P's disappearance as a kidnap, the prosecutor refuses to budge. Seeing that the situation is getting out of hand, Detective Na mediates by proposing that they allow to pursue the case if they are able to get their hands on more evidence. Much as Mr. Prosecutor intends to cover the case, he has no choice but to agree as it's not against police procedure. Detective Na says his thanks and pushes Jae-in out of the door. Outside, he advises Jae-in that she should know better than go head-to-head with the prosecutor. Even if the existing evidence is not sufficient, they know the case is legitimate based on Do-hyuk's investigation. Jae-in hushes him at that point, probably fearing that the little tidbit of information might jeopardize the case. For now, they decide to locate the abductor first. Mr. Prosecutor calls Hae-sung, much as he wants to help Chairman Choi, the matter has taken a turn and there's only so much he can do. Hae-sung tells his boss that the police is continuing with the investigation despite he having tried to put a lid on it. He tells Chairman Choi to let him in on the secret, he needs to know that much in order to help him with the matter. Chairman Choi merely asks him to help Chil-sung on the quiet. Yong-deok knows that Chil-sung is responsible for planting the murder accusation on him and he also knows that Chil-sung had committed the hit and run. Chil-sung mocks him - is he still unaware why he had spent the 15 long years in prison? There's no way he's able to meet Chairman Choi head on although he admits that he doesn't think that the Chairman is crime-free either. Yong-deok serves him another hit before leaving. Jae-in arrives at the café, she sees her mother outside, seemingly waiting for someone. Myung-hee tells her that a customer should have arrived but he's not here yet. They turn to enter the café when Jae-in sees Do-hyuk. Myung-hee serves him tea, asks about the kids and leaves. Detective Na is already waiting outside, she asks if he wants her to give him an introduction? He's happy when he sees that Jae-in is with Do-hyuk. He tells Myung-hee that he doesn't want to intrude as Jae-in is dating. He then offers to send Myung-hee home. Inside the café, silence persists. Jae-in asks if Do-hyuk is not talking? He's so unlike his usual self today. They move on to an eatery for drinks. Seeing Do-hyuk downing his drinks, Jae-in tells him to have some food to go with it. Ho-kyung suggests to Hae-sung that she moves in with him after their engagement since they will be living together once they are married. Hae-sung, being a smooth talker, tells her that since she will be leaving her parents once she's married, she should fulfill her duty as a daughter now that she's still with them. He asks why she's hurrying to get married? Because I love you very much, she says. A tipsy Jae-in and a VERY tipsy Do-hyuk are walking home after their drinks. Everything is fine for a while. She asks how he is, he replies that he's good. They make silly jokes until she starts speaking informally to him. He looks tanked but catches on that slip-up almost instantly. Jae-in sits up, pokes him in the chest, asking if he's asleep and that he can't be lying out here, but he's unresponsive. She grabs his jacket to pull him up into a sitting position. Before she knows it, he falls onto her, lying on her shoulder and clutching her arm as he sleeps. She's surprised for a second, then her hand comes up to pat his back comfortingly, fingers stroking his hair; her chin leans down lightly, continuing to pat him as he sleeps.... Not far away, Hae-sung is in his car, taking in every detail of Jae-in's action and he looks defeated. Do-hyuk is completely knocked out, Jae-in piggy-backs him home, to the surprise of Do-hee and the kids. Do-hee tells Sol to bring the camera, she might just be able to squeeze some cash out of Do-hyuk for this picture. Jae-in pleads for her to help in taking off the load from her back, she's cold and tired. Do-hee tells her to just let him down, he's not a piece of expensive treasure anyway. Taking in Do-hee's calmness, Jae-in stopped herself from asking if she knew about her parents' murder. As Jae-in turns to leave, Do-hee asks if she's dating Do-hyuk? She tells Jae-in that her brother has never dated in his life. He looks strong but he's just a kid and knowing that Jae-in already has a boyfriend, she hopes that Jae-in does not hurt Do-hyuk by two-timing him. Jae-in leaves with a good amount of confusion. Do-hee and Sol drags Do-hyuk into his room, just as Do-hee finishes tucking him in, she hears him crying. She's surprised, touches his face and felt tears. Do-hee wipes his tears and Do-hyuk grabs his sister's hand, searching for a familiar warmth. Though not knowing what is causing Do-hyuk's sorrow, she pats him back to sleep. Sang-cheol wakes up in the middle of the night to see Yong-deok staring out of the window. He tells Young-deok to speak to Do-hyuk even if he wouldn't believe him. Yong-deok prefers to let him have time to think about the matter, he can wait till then. He tells Sang-cheol that Chairman Choi had imprisoned him for 15 years and that he doesn't even know the reason for warranting that long punishment. As I suspected, Chairman Choi is indeed branching out to the politics arena. Preparations are in place as he tells Hae-sung to ignore the gossips and just help run his business since he will be busy from now. He's meeting Hae-sung's mother today about engagement matters and he hopes Hae-sung picks an early date to finalize the union. Later, Hae-sung brings his mother to shop for new clothes and before meeting up with his boss, he reminds his mother to tell Chairman Choi that she wants Hae-sung to get married later. She's puzzled but he doesn't offer more explanation. Another piece of puzzle emerges to create more mind-guessing games in the already-secrets-ridden plot. Hae-sung's mother is angered, then shaken when she learns that her future in-law runs the Daese Group. She looks at Hae-sung in anger, begins to reprimand him about something when Hae-sung looks at her imploringly. She gets his message and keeps mum but shaking so badly that she breaks a glass. Taking her carelessness for frustration at Hae-sung for keeping her in the dark about his bride's social status, Chairman Choi makes light of the matter. Back at his apartment, Hae-sung tries to ignore his mother's questioning by telling to return home early and giving her a card to get a new hanbok for his engagement. She doesn't let up. Do-hyuk is a mess. His room is littered with his father's stuff and lots and lots of empty soju bottles and ramen bowls. He's lying on the floor, disheveled and lifeless. Sol lets out a light sigh as she bids him farewell, barely able to hear his reply. Do-hee brings him food, telling him to eat even if he doesn't want to get up. "Is it because of that woman? Hey! Being in love with a woman who's already attached will only hurt you." Do-hyuk tells his sister he gets it and tells her to stop bothering him. He sits up after she has left, grabs a glass of water and scans the papers. Despite his own pathetic state, he manages to work up some anger at the news. Hae-sung's engagement. Myung-hee is shocked, and even more so when she realizes that Jae-in knew about Hae-sung having another girl. She starts cursing Hae-sung and asks why she was seeing him knowing that he has someone else. Jae-in explains that she didn't know then and when she did, she stopped seeing him. She tells her mother to stop reading the news and eat, putting up a brave front, as if not affected by the engagement news. But she is. Detective Na comes into the office, discouraged by the dead leads once again. They are searching for Madam P's son but it's another futile effort. Seeing Jae-in in a gloom, he suggests a drink but she takes her leave. Outside, she gets a text message from Do-hyuk, inviting her for a drink. She's about to reply him when his voice tells her to save the money for replying a text message and reply him now. She's surprised to see him, tells him that she wants to do something else instead of drinking. Both of them vent their frustrations at the indoor amusement arcade. Then for a round of drinks. Do-hyuk is surprised yet again to see her chug down a mug of beer. That night, Do-hyuk looks at their first issue and remembers his encounters with Yong-deok. He seems to have reached a decision. Same night, Yong-deok looks at the news about Chairman Choi's political ambitions. He's angry and crushes the newspaper. The rest of the guys are discussing about that piece of front page news too. Man-soo wonders if they should attend the press con but Ga-yeon reminds him their readers have no interest in such news. Man-soo starts to grumble about Do-hyuk's absence and that veers into his previous animosity towards Yong-deok and accusation of murder. Joon-hyuk wonders who he had murdered to have riled Do-hyuk to that extent. Ga-yeon is puzzled too, it's not as if it's someone Do-hyuk knows. Man-soo tells them it couldn't be true - would Yong-deok be imprisoned for only 15 years if he has indeed committed murder? (Which brings me to think that Yong-deok was imprisoned for exactly 15 years so that he wouldn't report Chairman Choi's involvement in the murder until the statutory limit has ended.) Yong-deok comes down to the office just then, disappointed to see that Do-hyuk is still absent. Then Do-hee arrives to speak to him about Do-hyuk. She's worried, did something happened? He's spending his days drinking and sleeping only. She wonders if she can come work in his place to earn some money. Yong-deok wants to know how did both of them survive after their parents' death. She tells him that Do-hyuk might have been shocked by the accident, resulting in a period of reactive mutism - just like her son Jung is now. Yong-deok is curious to know what's wrong with the little boy. Do-hee tells him that he has not spoken since witnessing his father beat Do-hee to almost half-death. She's blames herself for being a troublemaker but what's she supposed to do? She has neither skills or knowledge but they scrapped by in life by depending on Do-hyuk laboring through odd jobs then. Jung is trying to poke Do-hyuk awake. He doesn't move until he hears a familiar but hated voice in his house. He dashes out and demands to know what Yong-deok is doing here? Sang-cheol holds him back, Do-hee is shocked by his violent attitude as he tries to lunge for Yong-deok. Calm as ever, Yong-deok suggests they have a private talk. [....flashbacks....] The reason being Jin Eon was digging too much into Chairman Choi's illegal dealings - bribery and triad violence -and that would prove to be a burden for him if the news gets out. Removing Jin Eon from his job is not enough for he may join some other press agency or even go to the police. He hands Yong-deok a picture of Jin Eon and pleads for him to help him for the last time. Yong-deok rejects him outright, "I can't do it" and prepares to alight from the vehicle when Chairman Choi brings up his little daughter. Left with no choice as his family's safety is at stake, Yong-deok tells him that this will be his last job and he doesn't want Chairman Choi looking for him ever again. [....end of flashbacks....] Do-hyuk tears at that revelation, still trying to digest the information. He laughs mockingly at Yong-deok, praising his cock-and-bull story-telling. Then he leaves. Hae-sung is finally on that highest seat, pleased with himself for achieving another rung of success on his vengeance strategy. He accompanies his father-in-law to the press con and addresses the start of the conference when....a bunch of rowdy reporters arrive. The Yongdeok Ilbo gems! Just as Chairman Choi is vexing over the sudden gatecrash, he gets a call from Yong-deok who's wanting to have a chit-chat session with him. Chairman Choi says it's not a good time now and Yong-deok reminds him that his staff are at the press con, so unless he's wanting to see things turn ugly for him, he'd better find time.He has no choice but to ask Hae-sung to hold the fort till he returns. Hae-sung knows something's up but there's nothing he can do. He delays the event for another 30 minutes, earning the grumbles of the press. The Yongdeok Ilbo guys and gal high-fives their success. At the rooftop, Chairman Choi breaks the silence first. The camera gives a wide shot and somewhere higher Do-hyuk is hiding with earphones and a voice transmitter. His body crumbles, and his eyes redden as he finally gets the truth he has been searching for.
S1 • E7
The confrontation between Chairman Choi and Yong-deok, except that we are seeing it from Do-hyuk's viewpoint now. Do-hyuk has the recording transmitter ready to record Chairman Choi's confession - if there is indeed a confession. He starts to tense at his late father's name being mentioned, then crumbles to the ground upon hearing Chairman Choi admitting that he had ordered for Jin Eon's assassination. He leaves the building without saying a word, Yong-deok and Sang-cheol following a distance away. His sadness gives way to fiery hatred when he hears Chairman Choi's campaign speech, pledging to bring peace to their country. The YD Team swarms in as Yong-deok and Sang-cheol enter the office, eager to know if Chairman Choi is indeed responsible for Jin Eon's death. Did they record his confession? Yong-deok is solemn, Sang-cheol nods silently, confirming their worst fear. Do-hyuk, Do-hee and the kids are at the seaside. The place where their parents' ashes have been scattered. Do-hee comments that Do-hyuk was like Jung, refusing to utter a word then, as if there was an immense anger in him. Just like how he is behaving now. They should have just left the ashes at a temple and not in the ocean, at least they would have a place to go and pay their respects. But then, they couldn't afford to do that at time, she remembers. Do-hee collects her sadness, resumes her chirpy self and bounces off with Jung to collect seashells. Sol, Ms Mature incarnated, has sensed that something isn't right with her uncle. Are you unwell, she asks. Do-hyuk, smiles and nods. Where, she asks. Do-hyuk palms over his heart. Relieved, she smiles. "That happens to me at times too. But then, it does gets better after some time!" Do-hyuk smiles as she skips away to join her mother. He takes out the recording from his pocket, listens to Chairman Choi's words again, and he's fired up once more. Chairman Choi is worried although he was all courage and defiance earlier. Hae-sung notices and asks where he was, did it have something to do with Yong-deok? But Chairman Choi is not ready to share, he replies that Hae-sung is busy enough helping to run his businesses and cleaning up dirt for him, so he shouldn't worry about this. He goes to Chil-sung, reprimanding him for letting matters get out of hand. Chil-sung assures him that any accusations brought forth by Do-hyuk will only be seen as an attempt to smear his credibility because of the presidential election. Chairman Choi is not assured, he can't even imagine what's going to happen if Do-hyuk finds out about Madam P. Chil-sung mentions that he should have taken up his earlier advice and silence Yong-deok, just imprisoning him has proved to be useless. Chairman Choi starts to chew on the idea. "It's not too late now. Find a way to do it." Do-hyuk asks Yong-deok what was his father investigating that had led to his death? Chairman Choi was dipping into the business of urban redevelopment then, he had even bribed officials to issue him the right to do it. To ward off the protesters of the affected area, he had set the gangsters upon the residents. Jin Eon was drawn to the case and soon found himself digging into Chairman Choi's illegal activities. That night, Do-hyuk looks through his father's news clippings and notebook. With a renewed determination and new found purpose, he writes his name below his father's name, an indication that he will continue his father's unfinished work. Do-hyuk's quest to look into Chairman Choi's illegal activities is met with his colleagues' disbelief. They are attributing his decision to a case of extreme sadness and hatred over his parents' untimely death. Do-hyuk understands if they are unwilling to help (which of course he's hoping that they will help, which will make things easier), considering what he's going to do isn't in context with their newspaper's concept. Yong-deok points out that the case isn't different from their concept at all. He and Do-hyuk have both suffered an injustice. Man-soo asks if they can't just give the audio recording to the press, now that the statutory limit is over? Do-hyuk says they can , just that not many will be believing it. Joon-hyung is scared - how can they fight Daese Group and the next president hopeful? Do-hyuk reminds them that he doesn't let go once he has his bite on it and he never gives up. Do-hyuk shows Yong-deok his father's notes and articles, just that they aren't of much use now. Yong-deok gives him a notebook, detailing the crimes that Chairman Choi might possibly send Chil-sung to execute. Do-hyuk is surprised by the details, until Yong-deok tells him that was the illegal stuff he had done before. Do-hyuk tells him to stop blaming himself, he has been punished by serving time. Yong-deok gives him another notebook, telling him to refer to if if he needs guidance in future. He reminds him to be wary of Chil-sung for he's someone who has no qualms about causing harm to his next victim. Hae-sung is stunned to learn that Do-hyuk's parents had perished in an 'accident'. Chil-sung tells him that he should not be shocked, it was really an accident. Although Jin Eon was someone that Chairman Choi found to be a hindrance, it doesn't mean that Chairman Choi was behind it. Both Do-hyuk and Yong-deok had misunderstood, he reminds Hae-sung to be wary of their attack. Hae-sung voices his curiosity about Madam P - again. Chil-sung tells him that he should just forget about it and he'll handle the matter himself. Hae-sung advises that it's not wise to antagonize the police. At that, Chil-sung smirks. Could he be right that Hae-sung isn't simply getting close to Jae-in for inside information? Hae-sung leaves with a parting remark that he will report to Chairman Choi directly in future. When alone, we see that Hae-sung is not looking good. He's affected by the information regarding the death of Do-hyuk's parents. Do-hyuk visits construction sites and government offices to find out why Daese Group is always winning the bid to be in-charge of redevelopment's. Was it a pre-determined decision because under table money has passed hands? But no one is talking. He goes back to look for the youth whose father had committed suicide because of Daese's redevelopment plans. He learns that despite the trouble dished out by the thugs (cut electricity, burst water pipes, excavators, etc) to evict them, the police remains firm that there's insufficient evidence against Daese Group. Do-hyuk suspects that Daese must have gotten someone to do it on its behalf. The youth is troubled that Daese Ilbo is repeatedly saying that the residents are holding out for a larger compensation. Hae-sung is unhappy to see Do-hyuk, he wants to know why he's here. Do-hyuk replies that it would be nice if he's only here to offer his congratulations, but then it's not that simple. He's simply curious to know how deep Hae-sung is submerged [in the s*it] and if he really knows what's going on. Hae-sung tells him to cut the crap. Do-hyuk whips out the recorder and waves it in front of Hae-sung, "Be careful" he smiles. Hae-sung snickers at Do-hyuk's speculation. Do-hyuk throws him a look of disgust and leaves the office. Only to see his enemy walking in through the main door. He tempers his anger and brushes past him whereas Chairman Choi is shocked. Do-hyuk goes back to his office and begins compiling all the information on Chairman Choi. Jae-in asks her men if they have gotten anything on Madam P. That is a 'no' to both Madam P and her abductor's information. Surely it wouldn't be that easy to get a lead on them. Jae-in is doubly sure now that something is more than fishy about it as it's obvious there's a great effort to cover things up. She removes her jacket and rolls it up when Detective Na takes an interest to it. He asks where she has gotten it, she was about to reply 'Reporter J.." when she suddenly clams up and mumbles that someone has given it to her. If your memory needs jolting, Do-hyuk had given her the jacket when they were stranded in the countryside for the night. She begins to think about him and then clearly worried, asks Detective Na if he has heard from Do-hyuk. No, he replies. then goes on to chide him for pulling a disappearing act when they are just getting busy on the case. After Jae-in leaves the office, Detective Na hurries over to his colleague's desk, needing to satisfy his curiosity. Why is Jae-in showing extreme concern for Do-hyuk? His colleague thinks that she might be interested in Do-hyuk. Detective Na is letting the information settle when he suddenly turns wide-eyed and shouts, "NO! NO!" Do-hyuk is still working in the office, he receives a text from Jae-in: "Guess where am I." He smiles. Jae-in is waiting outside his office, peering through the gate. Do-hyuk returns text: "Did I ask?" She's disappointed and makes a move to leave when the gate opens and Do-hyuk walks out. He's happily surprised to see her but she's embarrassed. They are at an eatery. Jae-in tells him he shouldn't have place an order for her as she has eaten. Do-hyuk tells her that it's no fun eating alone. He tells her to eat, even if it's just for show. He places the chopstick in her hand, she is quick to snatch her hand away from his touch. He couldn't believe her and starts teasing her. "Do you think it's necessary to be that discreet? We have kissed, danced, done the piggy-back..everything." After the moment of embarrassment, Jae-in shows her worry again. The next morning, Hae-sung is still troubled by Do-hyuk's 'warning'. His thoughts are interrupted by the phone, his mother had left him a voice message asking him if he really isn't going home for his father's anniversary prayers. She tells him that she understands why he's doing what he's doing but hopes that he aborts his plans. Just as the message ends, Ho-kyung arrives with breakfast. At Jae-in's house, her mother who's still sore about Hae-sung's engagement, has arranged for Jae-in to go on a blind date. She's not interested and jokingly tells her mother to marry herself off first. Detective Na tells his colleagues about his crush on Jae-in's mother. They are shocked but finally understands why he has been extremely nice to Jae-in of late. Detective Na tells them that his impression of Jae-in changed the moment he realizes that she's Myung-hee's daughter. He thinks she's lovely and sees her as his daughter that's why he's objecting to Jae-in's choice of Do-hyuk as a love interest. Do-hyuk simply does not fit his bill [of a son-in-law]. Do-hyuk has been working through the night, the YD Team is moved and volunteers to help when he reports to Yong-deok that he intends to tail Chairman Choi round-the-clock. They ask him what he wants them to do when Yong-deok reminds them of what he taught them during their MT Training. A true reporter is one who demonstrates diligence, puts in efforts and remain persistent. So the team take turns to tail Chairman Choi - with favorable results. Armed with the information collected by his colleagues, Do-hyuk waits for Politician Park who is stunned when Do-hyuk asks him what he is giving Chairman Choi and Hae-sung in return for helping him cover up his scandalous news. Is he publicizing to his peers that Chairman Choi has strong financial resources that can be rendered when needed? He drops hints that he has been followed and before leaving the room, Do-hyuk tells him to be careful with hints of harm that might come his way (although he really saying that to scare him). Hae-sung gets the call from Politician Park immediately. Knowing Do-hyuk is behind it, he sets off to look for him but Do-hyuk is already waiting for him outside the building. Hae-sung warns him once again to lay off the matter, Do-hyuk reminds him that he never heeds his words anyway. Just then, he receives Jae-in's call, he feels victorious somehow, throws a glance towards Hae-sung as he announces the caller. He soon turns serious and tells Jae-in he will get there soon. Then he tells Hae-sung that he has every intention of tailing him today but there's a witness with information about Madam P and he has to run. The witness has raised Madam P's son, Choi Han-gyul, since seven years ago. She had went to get groceries and returned home to find Han-gyul missing. Before she was able to lodge a police report, the man who had arranged for her to care for the boy, called and told her that he has taken Han-gyul home as he will be starting school soon. Do-hyuk is surprised that it wasn't Madam P who had arranged for the sitter, the sitter tells them that Madam P only comes by twice a month to visit. They ask if the man is Han-gyul's father but the lady doesn't think so..... Hae-sung is trying to persuade Chairman Choi into revealing the details about Madam P, only then can he help to resolve the matter. Chairman Choi tells him that Madam P has been his mistress for 10 years and Han-gyul is his son..... The sitter reveals that she had once overheard Madam P threatening Han-gyul's father that if he doesn't settle the matter soon, she will reveal it to his wife, daughter and his employees. She tells the cops that Madam P had tried running off with Han-gyul but always gets sent back. Jae-in shows her the picture of Madam P's abductor - is he the one who had sent her the boy? She exclaims that it is.... Chairman Choi tells Hae-sung that with his political ambitions on the line, he cannot afford to have his mistress thwarting his plans which had resulted in this state of affairs. Upon Hae-sung's advice (seemingly), he wants Chil-sung to silence the abductor. Hae-sung wants to know where mother and son are but Chairman Choi has no idea, having left it under Chil-sung's care. He vexes over the matter, couple that with Yong-deok, Do-hyuk and Jae-in's interference, it's troubling him to no end. He reminds Hae-sung to keep it from Ho-kyung. We cut quickly to Madam P, still in cuffs but throwing a rage in the spartan room. Attendants and nurse enter with tranquilizer ready as she keeps screaming for her kid, until the sedative takes its effect on her..... Done with interviewing the witness, Jae-in instructs Detective Na to check the bank accounts and wants them to run another thorough check on Madam P's phone logs. Do-hyuk is cursing the man who has not claim responsibility for his son until Detective Na reminds him that the boy's father is a married man. He wonders if he's a patron from the nightclub. Later, Jae-in and Do-hyuk are at the nightclub, asking staff to identify the abductor but the search turns up fruitless. Hae-sung is drinking alone, wanting to call Jae-in but decides against it. Then, we see that he's waiting outside her house, and the pain that flashes across his face (Uhm Ki Joon puts this emotion across perfectly that I really felt a stab in my heart. Poor guy. I'm sorry but I just can't hate him.) as he sees Do-hyuk walking her home. Jae-in is surprised to see him but he takes his leave without saying anything. Jae-in calls out to him, he stops, says 'Sorry' and moves on. Jae-in makes a move to follow but Do-hyuk grabs her arm to stop her. Jae-in is conflicting between Do-hyuk and Hae-sung, then she runs up after Hae-sung. Before more can be said, Do-hyuk walks up to them. He tells Jae-in to go back into the house, he will send Hae-sung home. After she leaves, Do-hyuk asks Hae-sung what he's doing? Stripped of his usual animosity towards Do-hyuk, Hae-sung replies rather forlornly, "I don't know either", then he staggers off. Jae-in is looking at the list of nightclub patrons when she recognizes Politician Park's name. Detective Na reminds her that he's the politician in the scandalous news but the accusations were refuted when Hae-sung ran a report to clarify it. Hearing her men mention that Park and Chairman Choi are buddies, she suddenly hits a light bulb as she recalls Hae-sung's knowledge of the matter (and has likely seen the link in the complex relationship). She hurries off to somewhere to confirm her hunch. Meanwhile, Do-hyuk and guys have just hit the jackpot as they chance upon their former boss (from MONDAY SEOUL) right outside their office. They give chase and get him. They're deciding on how they should mete out punishment when he tells them he was threatened into shutting down the office - all because of Do-hyuk's insistence to write about Yong-deok. He had no choice but to fold it up and run. Just as the guys are trying to make head and tails out of that revelation, he sees the picture of the man who had threatened him. Madam P's abductor! Do-hyuk starts to piece things together. Choi Il-doo is is the mastermind behind the closure of MODAY SEOUL and the abduction of Madam P. The shock has yet to settle when Ga-yeon announces that Chairman Choi could be Han-gyul's father! Do-hyuk stands up in anger, intending to charge to Chairman Choi but Yong-deok stops him. Hae-sung is at the studio for Chairman Choi's publicity shoot, when he receives a call from Jae-in. He goes down to meet her. She's not friendly, tells him she needs some questions answered. At the same time, Joon-hyung alights from a vehicle in courier garb, bearing a delivery. He heads for the studio and hands over the box to Ho-kyung - it's for Chairman Choi. Panic overtakes the powerful man as he removes the recorder from the box and hears his own voice confessing to the instigated murder of Jin Eon. The phone call follows shortly.
S1 • E8
Knowing that Yong-deok had laid the trap to have their conversation taped, further incensed Chairman Choi. On the other hand, Do-hyuk who had seemed confident dishing out the ultimatum is actually worried that Madam P may have already been harmed. Yong-deok tells him that they can only be patient and just wait. He wonders if the police does know about Chairman Choi's relationship with Madam P... Jae-in has guessed as much and she has seek Hae-sung out for confirmation. Is Madam P the mistress of Chairman Choi? Is that boy his son? Has he known everything from the beginning? And getting close to her is for the purpose of gathering information and hindering their investigation? Hae-sung doesn't explain, just tells her to stop investigating, it's getting dangerous. Jae-in tells him that what she's doing has always been dangerous because that's her job. She tells him to exercise better responsibility to his job as a reporter, then she remembers he's no longer one, he has moved up the rungs. She goes on to tell him that she used to like him simply because he was an outstanding reporter with one of the most reputable news agency in town but now she has realized that he has only been covering up the dirt for Chairman Choi. "I thought you were a bad person, but no, you are not even fit to be a person." Jae-in has just entered her office when Do-hyuk follows from behind. He's here to stop her from pursuing the case, fearing that police interference might just pushed Chairman Choi's camp to harm Madam P. He wants to assure the safety of mother and son first. Jae-in insists on apprehending Chairman Choi first, she doesn't think he will resort to murder. Or would he? She's shocked after listening to the taped confession that Do-hyuk's parents had died under his order. Do-hyuk tells her that revenge and an exclusive report don't matter to him. It's the [safety of the] person that is important. Hae-sung has just finished listening to the recording too. He assures Chairman Choi that an audio recording is not admissible in court but then the tide will still turn if they decide to release it on national media. Hae-sung can handle than much of a crisis but gossips won't do Chairman Choi any good. Hae-sung asks what it is that Do-hyuk wants in return? Knowing that Madam P and son are the deal in this barter, he continues to ask where she and her son are. Chil-sung replies that she's at the hospital, as for the son, he has been taken care of. Hae-sung is trying to control his fury when he questions Chil-sung if that means the son is gone? "It means I don't know", came the reply. Chil-sung tells his boss that under no circumstances should he hand Madam P over to Do-hyuk. At that, Hae-sung asks for permission to handle the matter, since Chil-sung has never done things right. Chairman Choi, clearly having lost some faith in Chil-sung, agrees to Hae-sung's request. So Hae-sung meets with Do-hyuk at the café. That shuts Hae-sung up finally and he leaves without another word. A table away, Jae-in sits inconspicuously but taking in every detail of the conversation and she's upset. Do-hyuk is surprised, does she mean a stealth investigation? She nods in embarrassment because this is way out of her principles. Do-hyuk asks if that's really OK? Jae-in replies that they should just try. Do-hyuk returns home to a little drama. Do-hee is in a fit over Jung's bed-wetting. Sol blames it on the salty dinner, that's why Jung had to drink more water than usual before his bedtime. Jung's crying is only fanning Do-hee's frustration as she continues to reprimand her kids. One is always arguing back at her while the other refuses to utter a single word. Do-hyuk tells her to cut it and count her blessings. Jung gets closer to his mother, indicating he's sorry and all's well again. Do-hee brings her brother a glass of milk. He smells something fishy with that pampered gesture, he tells his sister outright that he has no money. She's offended by his suspicious nature, telling him that she can't even treat him better. He irritates her some more by asking if she has added something 'extra' in his drink. Do-hee asks if anything is wrong and Do-hyuk says everything's fine. She mentions that he's acting weird of late - is he troubled by women affairs? Do-hyuk tells her to stop burdening herself with useless questions. Still, he's happy about the little gesture of kinship. Jae-in notices her mother engrossed in watching Chairman Choi's campaign speech. She asks her mother if she admires him. Myung-hee says what's not to like, she's even thinking of giving him her vote. So are the other ajummas. They know nothing about politics but they are giving him their vote of confidence because he's good-looking, a family man and charitable. Jae-in mutters that she had thought so to since that's how the papers had painted him to be. She can't help but feels that they are living in a society choked with lies. The Yongdeok office is abuzz with news coming in, except Do-hyuk is miles away and filled with tension. He's waiting for the phone call that has yet to come. He tells his colleagues that he will wait until noon, if he doesn't hear anything, then he will release the news and get the police on the case. Man-soo tells him to wait a little more, he's sure that things will unfold just fine. Hae-sung is at the hospital, taken aback to see Madam P's sorry state. He calls Do-hyuk telling him that he's sending Madam P over. The guys are worried if Hae-sung can be trusted, Do-hyuk tells them that he'll just have to take a chance. He tells Eun-shik to remove the notice about Madam P and her son from the newspaper's notice column. Eun-shik asks if he should remove all accompanying replies too. Do-hyuk's curiosity is pricked, especially after learning that the sender is working at the hospital that Madam P is admitted in. The message is short - voicing that Madam P looks like a patient there - and without accompanying information. Do-hyuk tells the guys to try checking the hospital near Madam P's hometown (since that was her last known location) while he goes to meet Hae-sung. Just as Do-hyuk is leaving for his appointment, Yong-deok stops him for a while. Nothing is said but it seems Yong-deok has some advice (and back-up plans?) for Do-hyuk. We will find out later. Meanwhile, Man-soo, Joon-hyung and Ga-yeon are getting around the hospitals and they finally got a hit. Hae-sung arrives but no Do-hyuk in sight. He continues to wait, unaware that Do-hyuk has arrived but he has hidden himself. Do-hyuk tries to peer into the vehicle's window, determining if Madam P is indeed there when he receives the call from his colleague. They have found Madam P. Now that he knows Hae-sung has no intention to fulfill his part of the agreement, he sneaks away. Joon-hyung and Ga-yeon pose as a couple. His wife is mentally unwell and he wants to admit her to the hospital but before that he would like to take a look at the premise. They are on the way to the ward when Ga-yeon goes into a deranged spell, creating a small commotion. In the mid of confusion, Man-soo gets the keys from the nurse's pocket and passes it to Do-hyuk, who's impersonating as a doctor. He gets into the room and calls out to Madam P (who I'll now refer to as Park Soo-jung) but her mind has taken flight and she's listless. Do-hyuk hurts to see her, he removes the cuffs and soon they are away from the hospital. In the vehicle, Do-hyuk receives Hae-sung's call asking if he's not intending to meet him. Do-hyuk arrives and hands over the tape after Hae-sung indicates that Soo-jung is in the car. He flung the tape into the water. For show, Do-hyuk peeps into the car but his fury is real. Do-hyuk walks away and he recalls what Yong-deok had told him before he left to meet Hae-sung. "I do not mean to put down your beliefs but we carry an umbrella to avoid being caught in the rain, we take out an insurance in case of accidents. I carry a knife in my sleeve, just in case. That's not being sly, it's just to protect ourselves." Do-hyuk fishes out another tape from his pocket. The master tape. Do-hee nurses Soo-jung, feels sorry for her plight. She tells Do-hyuk that the kids' father had beaten people up just to collect a debt but not till this extent. At least he had loved his kids. Do-hee wonders what kind of father kidnaps his child's mother and puts her in a mental hospital. She asks about Soo-jung's son, Do-hyuk tells her they are still looking for him. Sol and Jung enters the room with cloth and water, Sol asks what's wrong with Soo-jung and her mother tells her that her heart is hurting. Upon hearing that, Jung takes Soo-jung's hand into his and soothes her. Soo-jung stirs, sees the boy and gathers him in her arms, crying out "Han-gyul!". I thought this is cute. Sang-cheol brings a stone ornament to Do-hee's house (he's here with Yong-deok). She grumbles at his gift and said that he shouldn't have brought it. Sang-cheol replies that he feels bad for visiting empty-handed. Do-hee reminds him to keep a watchful eye on Soo-jung. He assures her by recounting his glorious achievements during his earlier days. She doesn't care one bit. Do-hyuk and Yong-deok are in his room, discussing what should be done next. Do-hyuk walks out of the convenience store, just in time to catch Jae-in running over. He teases her for rushing over (as in eager to meet him), she's old enough, couldn't she be more discreet? Jae-in glares at him. Do-hyuk returns to the office and begins to prepare for the write-up that he's intending to publish once he finds Han-gyul. The team comes in the next morning, asking how is Soo-jung. Do-hyuk thanks them for their help. Then, he receives a phone call, his face lights up at what the caller has to say. At the station, Jae-in's men are surprised that she is suggesting a stealth investigation. She tells them she will understand if they prefer not to assist her. Detective Na persuades her to drop the case because the implications are too great, furthermore they can't make a case without an approval from the prosecutor's office. Jae-in reminds them that every citizen is subject to the punishment of the law if they breaks it. To her, Choi Il-doo is just a person who's involved in kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment. She doesn't care about his powerful background. If Detective Na is afraid, he can always back out. He tries to explain that he's worried for her, not afraid. Still frustrated, she tells him to save it and continues to look for Han-gyul. Jae-in is all her way to Do-hyuk's house, she's irritated that Detective Na is following her. He explains that he's not following her, merely worried and curious. Do-hee asks Jae-in her purpose for coming over. Jae-in tells her that she was worried. Do-hee is not convinced. "Not because you're harboring personal feelings for Do-hyuk?" Jae-in is taken aback by her directness. Sol interrupts, "Don't worry. She's not samchun's type." Jae-in has yet to gather her wits when Do-hee tells her to stop thinking of such stuff and just concentrate on looking for Han-gyul. Chil-sung is informed by someone from the tender office that Do-hyuk has been around asking questions about Daese's bids for redevelopment projects and asking if bribes are used to win the tenders. Not only that, he has been poking around other construction firms trying to obtain leads. Chil-sung sends his man to tail Do-hyuk and true enough, sees him meeting someone from another firm. The man had called Do-hyuk, offering information about Daese's unlawful obtainment of redevelopment rights. Bid figures show that Daese had won the right despite bidding at a higher amount. Not only that but all related people, who had opposed to the eviction have suffered the brunt of their mistreatment. The man reminds Do-hyuk that he has to remain anonymous, otherwise, his company will suffer. Chil-sung, still assured of his control over the situation, gets the shock of the day when a phone call tells him that Soo-jung is gone. Chairman Choi is pleased with Hae-sung's handling of the matter. They are about to attend a shareholders' meeting when Politician Park storms in and grouses about being held hostage by Do-hyuk's threats. He's blaming Chairman Choi for implicating him into this mess. Hae-sung is trying to keep it from Chairman Choi and quickly tells Politician Park that he's on to the matter, he needs not worry and only focus on aiding the Chairman. Park stalks off. At the meeting, Chairman Choi announces his decision to retire from the post of honorary chairman and is passing the seat to Hae-sung. His decision is clearly not accepted by the board but they acknowledges it nevertheless, as they are bring forced to do so by Chairman Choi's authority. Chil-sung is blaming Hae-sung for Soo-jung's 'disappearance', didn't he suggest they transfer Soo-jung elsewhere? Did he even verify the authenticity of the tape ? What has he been doing? Just as he ends the call, Do-hyuk pops in. He follows Hae-sung out of the building and reminds him to think about what he had said. As Hae-sung's vehicle drives off, Do-hyuk signals for another vehicle some distance behind, to follow Hae-sung. It's Jae-in and her men. Do-hyuk receives a call and hurries back to the office. Soo-jung's bloodied-face abductor is right there. He refuses to go to the police, asking for Do-hyuk's protection and arrangement to send him somewhere safe. In return, he will give them Han-gyul. Yong-deok contemplates on that situation, then nods his head, indicating to Do-hyuk that he agrees to the deal. Do-hyuk and Joon-hyung arrives at an orphanage (?) and shows Han-gyul's picture around, but the staff tells them that there's no such kid here. The bad news soon follows. Jae-in calls to inform him that Han-gyul's corpse has just been identified by his nanny, there's also a pendant with his name inscription on it. Fearing the worst, Do-hyuk charges home, relieved that all is fine. He heads to the office, troubles abound as they see the office trashed, Eun-shik beaten up and Yong-deok gone. Soo-jung's abductor was sent as an infiltrator to the enemy's camp, he's on order to capture Yong-deok. Yong-deok is now being held captive by Chil-sung - under Hae-sung's instruction. Yong-deok doesn't lose his composure, continues to verbally attack Chil-sung in his usual soft-spoken manner. "So, like before, you're still No. 2." That sentence doesn't sit well with Chil-sung - as Yong-deok expected and he takes a punch to his face. At Yong-deok Ilbo's office, Do-hyuk waits. The call comes through finally, and Hae-sung , with the winning card, takes a snide stab at Do-hyuk.
S1 • E9
Do-hyuk's anger is fanned, not so much by Yong-deok's capture but by the murder of Han-gyul. "How could you murder a child?!! HOW COULD YOU?" He would have strangled Hae-sung if he was standing in front of him instead of feeling victorious over the other end of the phone. Hae-sung turns sombre for a quick second then resumes his unfeeling composure, telling Do-hyuk that he's unaware of it. If he wants to get Yong-deok back, then bring along Soo-jung and the incriminating audio tape to meet him. When the conversation ended, the look on Hae-sung's face tells us that he isn't as unfeeling about the boy's death as he wants Do-hyuk to think. He is extremely upset too and puts a call to Chil-sung. "You killed the boy? You couldn't just give him away to someone or keep him hidden? You had to kill him?" The hardened gangster writes it off as something that was beyond his control, he never thought it would have turned out this way either. "How are you thinking of repaying the debts for all the sins you've committed?" Yong-deok, still bounded and black and blue on the face, questions Chil-sung, out of rhetoric rather than mere curiosity. "I'm not a weakling like you are." "What's your reason for holding me captive? Do you really think Reporter Jin is going to hand over Park Soo-jung and the tape to you, just because of me?" "Well, we just have to wait and see to find out." Do-hyuk is at the station, being updated on Han-gyul's murder. It's death by strangulation. As in most cases involving child murders, the sentiments are running unusually high among the detectives. With the boy's death, the case is now an open investigation, on top of that, Soo-jung is safe with them now so Jae-in thinks that they have grounds to arrest Chairman Choi. That is until Do-hyuk reveals another problem at hand: Yong-deok's capture. Jae-in promises to help him. Do-hee is immensely worried that Soo-jung had acted calmly upon hearing of her son's death. Now she's sleeping herself into oblivion - possibly to block the reality? Doo-hee suggests to her brother to just do a write-up about it. Do-hyuk hints that if he were to do that, then she'll be privy to some things that she didn't know. He seems compelled to reveal the truth about their parents' death but decided against it. Knowing that Do-hyuk is torn between loyalty to safeguard Yong-deok and assisting the police in apprehending Chairman Choi, Sang-cheol breaks into a smile and offers him a solution. He should just take up the detectives' suggestion. He assures Do-hyuk that Yong-deok is not a sitting duck. Do-hyuk knows that too, doesn't he? Then Do-hyuk remembers, about the little piece of blade that Yong-deok hides in his sleeves - just.in.case. As the recollection comes to mind, the camera cuts to Yong-deok's roving eyes scanning his surroundings of slacking gangsters, a blade emerges between his fingers, ready to saw through the thick ropes binding his wrists and a smile that says: checkmate. Then we see the police all ready to go, the Yongdeok Ilbo team setting out too and the lone, burly Sang-cheol standing guard outside Do-hyuk's apartment building, ready to crush some unfortunate bones - if they do come at all. Do-hyuk seeks the help of Yong-deok's former triad member who's in the business of vehicle sales. He calls a subordinate of Chil-sung at the pretext of selling them some bikes because sales has been poor of late. Through that harmless cold call, the police tracks the location of Chil-sung which would lead them to Yong-deok. Possibly already having guessed that the call is a ruse, Yong-deok asks how long would it take to travel from Seoul to where they are. The man, who is Soo-jung's abductor, replies that it will take an hour. His civility earns a hard stare from Chil-sung and he shies away instantly. Chil-sung reminds Yong-deok that if Do-hyuk doesn't hand over Soo-jung and the tape by noon, then it's the end for Yong-deok. Over at the meeting place, Hae-sung is waiting. A vehicle arrives but it's not Do-hyuk. It's his colleagues bringing Soo-jung, at least that's what they had hoped to pull off by having Ga-yeon impersonating as Soo-jung. Hae-sung sees through the cheap ruse and drives off to the astonishment of the gang, who then blames Ga-yeon for doing a poor job of it. Chil-sung receives the call from Hae-sung about almost being tricked by Do-hyuk. Chil-sung tells Yong-deok that although Do-hyuk has been sharpening his intelligence, he is still raw around the edges. He sends some men over to Do-hyuk's apartment but they are greeted by Sang-cheol and Detective Oh, who have been expecting their arrival. The news infuriates Chil-sung, Yong-deok seems to have guessed as much of about what has been happening. He mocks Chil-sung about his plans not working out smoothly. Chil-sung signals his men to finish off Yong-deok. Yong-deok, calm as ever, asks the two men if they know what's the most important factor in a fight? It's all about the timing. Just as he ends the sentence, sirens wail and he cuts through the last strand of the rope, frees himself to kick some asses. The trio scrams outside but the police has swarmed in on the grounds. Do-hyuk weasels through the mass of fistfights and heads for the abandoned building to look for his boss. He's relieved to see that he's safe. As if nothing serious had happened, Yong-deok tells him he needn't come, he can take care of things. Do-hyuk replies that he's not here to rescue him but as it's getting late, he's here to bring him home since he's not familiar with taking public transportation. Do-hyuk asks Yong-deok if he knew he would come for him? Yong-deok replies that he knew. Jokes aside, Do-hyuk asks where's Chil-sung? Chil-sung has fled, he makes a call to Hae-sung, explaining that he has no choice but to flee as the police had came for him, also, he thinks it's impossible to kidnap Soo-jung again. He reminds Hae-sung to be wary of Do-hyuk, as long as he's with Yong-deok, he's no longer the simple guy Hae-sung had thought to be. Hae-sung is assuring Chairman Choi that he's trying his best, utilizing all possible resources to settle the matter. However, the child's death is intensifying the police's involvement. True enough, the police arrives as they speak. Jae-in states that her purpose here is to collect some hair samples from Chairman Choi to be run through a DNA testing to determine if the late Han-gyul is indeed his child. Anyone objections to the procedure will only lead the police to assume that they are father and son. No choice but to agree, but Chairman Choi is in a huff about being twirled about by a cop, he tells Hae-sung that he hopes Hae-sung is doing something about that. Before that initial wave of annoyance has begin to settle, Chairman Choi faces another one a couple of steps away from where he is. Do-hyuk and Joon-hyung are staging a live report about the scandalous revelation of Chairman Choi's involvement in a hired assassination 15 years ago. He even plays the audio tape right in his face. A scuffle ensues with Joon-hyung falling to the ground and his video camera trashed. Seeing that the camera is out of the way, Chairman Choi comes up to Do-hyuk and chides him for being bold. His ways are definitely resembling his father. Do-hyuk asks, "Then, are you having me killed too?" That shuts Chairman Choi up and he leaves with Hae-sung. The vehicle pulls away, and high at the opposite building, Eun-sik has successfully captured everything on video. Joon-hyung gets the OK from him, kicks away the dummy videocam and asks Do-hyuk why aren't they publishing the news about Soo-jung and Han-gyul? Do-hyuk reminds him that Yongdeok IIbo doesn't publish without concrete evidence. And concrete evidence it is. The DNA test is positive, the detectives are exhilarated. They remind Jae-in to inform Do-hyuk of the good news. Jae-in tells Do-hyuk that he's free to write his story now. Do-hyuk tells her that if they do succeed in sending Chairman Choi to prison, he promises to bring her someplace nice. She tells him to dream on and hangs up on him in jest, clearly pleased at the idea. Yongdeok Ilbo is being freely distributed with the shocking revelation. Even Chil-sung name is being dragged into the puddle of mess. Jae-in tells her men to start documenting all reports and evidence to send to the prosecutor's office to present a case. But Hae-sung, who has seen the incriminating video online (the confrontation between Do-hyuk and Chairman Choi) has beaten her to it, he's already meeting up with the prosecutor, and we all know what that will do to the case. Do-hyuk is sharing his concerns with Yong-deok about Soo-jung when Do-hee barges into the office, with their newspaper in hand. She's trying to make sense of Do-hyuk's report about their parents' murder. Her confusion gives way to disbelief and she breaks down in a heartbreaking wail. Later that night, she asks Do-hyuk why he had never told her about it. "Why do you always shoulder it alone when a problem crops up? Am I a fool? I'm still your sister." "What will it change if you had known? What can you do about it?" "At least I could have consoled you. And we could have cried together." "I...can't bear seeing your tears. I'm sorry." Do-hee grabs his hands in hers, Do-hyuk pats her on the shoulder. In a corner of the dimly-lit room, in their own way, the orphaned siblings offer each other the consolation that would at least numb their pain. The next morning, Do-hyuk drops by Yong-deok's room. Yong-deok asks after his sister, admitting that it was a difficult subject to broach. He too, did struggle at the thought of revealing the painful truth to Do-hyuk, thinking if it would have been better to keep the truth from him. "This thing call Truth is strange. It has double sides to it. We have to unravel it but unraveling it brings on the pain." "That's why there are times when people choose to ignore it despite knowing the truth." Do-hyuk nods in agreement, then notices that Yong-deok had put on the tie he had given him for his birthday. He teases him that he would have to buy him several more ties if Yongdeok Ilbo starts earning some profits. Does he like it this much to be wearing it all the time? That is because it's the first gift after 15 years, Yong-deok replies. Do-hyuk asks if his daughter had given him lots of gifts? Yong-deok smiles as he reminiscences about the past and the little things that his daughter had given him - paper flower pins, her drawings, a necklace strung out of tangerine peels....Do-hyuk asks if his daughter reads their paper? Do-hyuk then asks for her name (Jo Yoo-ri). Do-hyuk tells him he's sure that she reads their paper and in no time, she'll learn that all is a misunderstanding. Yong-deok smiles at the optimistic thought. Myung-hee is in utter disbelief after reading that Chairman Choi is an alleged suspect in a murder case, more so ever, as Yongdeok Ilbo was the one that had broke the news. She scans through the papers and realized that Jae-in's division is the investigating team, also the DNA results had proven positive. That is when she decides that there is a certain amount of truth to it, still she's not totally believing it since Daese Ilbo has not published anything about it. Ho-kyung receives a rude shock when she browses the morning paper. Not the least suspicious of her father's misdeeds, she's upset about Yongdeok Ilbo's unjustified reporting and asks Hae-sung to do something about it. Hae-sung is all smiles, tells her that there's nothing to worry about. Hae-sung meets with the executives of the other four major press. He distributes a press release clarifying their stand on the report and tells them to make a judgment on their own. As for the investigating police division, he's prepared to question them on the credibility of their news source. He reminds them not to reprint any materials from Yongdeok Ilbo as they are considering legal actions against them, and that might implicate any other press agencies if they carry such alleged reports in future. Hae-sung's diplomatic threats turns the tables on Do-hyuk. No other press agencies are reprinting their articles about Chairman Choi, instead they are taking turns to paint them as a disreputable evil bully. At the prosecutor's office, Jae-in is also in for a shock. The prosecutor tells her that the submitted evidence is not conclusive proof to issue a warrant of arrest, only sufficient to put Chairman Choi under suspicion. He tells her to come back with more evidence. By now, Jae-in knows that the power is behind the obstruction. She asks if it's Chairman Choi who had put him up to this? She tells him to sit up and take a clearer look - a child was murdered. Fearing more damage done, Detective Na gets her out of the room. Hae-sung and Chil-sung are discussing the case. He believes that there's nothing the police can do about the case anymore, however, the situation may take a turn for the worst if Soo-jung regains her senses. Chil-sung tells him that he has been keeping an eye on Soo-jung and he will get rid of her the moment opportunity presents itself. Now, Hae-sung is beginning to look real bad, with that slyness creeping out by the bit. He has manipulated another victim into cleaning up the dirt on his behalf. Sang-cheol continues his guard duty into the cold freezing night. Detective Oh receives the bad news about the non-clearance on the case. Now that it has come to this, his colleague wonders how long more do they have to protect Sang-cheol? At the entrance of the subway, the Yongdeok Ilbo team brave the chilling air to salvage their paper, now strewn all over the ground. They urge commuters to believe the reports but they are ignored. Joon-hyung is totally discouraged, lamenting that they had even foregone their salary to print the papers. Do-hyuk looks on in silence, discouraged and defeated. Outside the convenience store, Do-hyuk and Jae-in are discussing their options. Jae-in tells him that they are left with only one solution now. Do-hyuk asks her so what if Soo-jung regains her senses and testifies? If Chairman Choi has the ability to control the prosecutors, then the outcome of the case will still remain as it is now. That will only land Soo-jung in severe danger. Jae-in refuses to believe that their country is corrupt to that extent, she believes there must be others who were coerced into submission. Do-hyuk asks what if no one is willing to testify, to share their story with the public? They cannot force them into revealing the truth. "Do you remember my reasons for wanting to be a cop? If people like Choi Il-doo are left to their own whims, what more atrocities will be committed? Do you want to see a person like him being the future president?" "He murdered my parents. Do you think I want it to just end like this?" "Let's try to convince Park Soo-jung. Like how you convinced me. I once thought that you are only a third-rate reporter dishing out sleazy news but your sincerity moved me. That's why I decided to pursue Park Soo-jung's kidnapping." "So you trust everything I say now?" "Of course. I believe [in you]." Myung-hee asks Detective Na's opinion on Chairman Choi's case. She tells him that her daughter is the investigating officer and much as she wants to trust her daughter, she's also having doubts because the major newspapers are putting the case down as unfounded claims. Detective Na, who's also nursing a major disappointment over it, tells her to believe in her daughter. That's what a mother should do despite what others are saying. He, for one, believes strongly in her daughter. Myung-hee catches that slip-up and asks if he knows Jae-in? Detective Na denies it in a hurry. Do-hyuk notices a girl peering through the gates of his office. He walks up to ask if she's looking for someone. She asks if there's someone by the name of Jo Yong-deok? When Do-hyuk replies that there is, she becomes unsure if she wants to see him and turns to leave. Do-hyuk asks if she's Yoo-ri and invites her in. Instead, Yoo-ri hands him a gift box - her father's birthday gift - and wants him to convey the message to her father that she has been reading their paper and that she has utmost trust in him. Yong-deok goes through the items in the box. It's what Yoo-ri had made for him for his birthday when she was a little girl. She tells him in a note that he had left these behind when he left. She had discarded the tangerine peel necklace, in its place, she had replaced it with something else. It's a new tie. Do-hyuk, pleased that Yong-deok has finally received the only consolation he has been waiting for, teases him that he has finally got another new tie. "Even it it's only one person who has trust in us, that is enough. We can just wait for another day to find another person to believe in us. Then, there will be a day, when everyone will start believing in us." "If I were your father, I will be feeling immensely proud of you right now." With the matter temporarily settled, Chairman Choi and family are celebrating. Ho-kyung, still sore about the allegations, asks if he can drop out of politics? This episode had shown her how scary Man can be. He assures her that things will be well, he didn't enter the arena without having an idea about how the game is being played. Ho-kyung tells Hae-sung to watch over her father. A new day, a new development. Soo-jung awakens with senses intact. Do-hee tells Sol to call for Do-hyuk. Soo-jung looks at Jung, tears flowing as she remembers her son. "Do-hyuk." "Yes." "Han-gyul......is dead." Do-hyuk is surprised. "You knew it before this?" Soo-jung cups her mouth and gives in to a heart-wrenching cry. Do-hyuk and Jae-in accompany Soo-jung to the columbarium. There, Jae-in tries to persuade Soo-jung to assist them. "Please. Reporter Jin's parents and..........Han-gyul....not only that. We can't let there be more innocent victims." "Who....is going to believe me?" "I know this will be hard on you." "I'm sorry. I've lost the confidence to do anything." Back at Do-hyuk's home, Soo-jung expresses her thanks to Do-hee for caring for her all this time. She then asks Do-hyuk why he had looked for her? Do-hyuk takes a light offense to that. "I'm nobody to you. If not for you, I would have been dead too, right? Because no one would have looked for me. People like me would have just vanished and no one would be looking. Thank you." Do-hyuk tells her to save her breath and eat. Hae-sung is going over the headlines of the nation's largest papers. He's pleased with his handiwork, everyone is rolling Yongdeok Ilbo's reputation in dirt. Then, he gets the surprising call of the day. Yongdeok Ilbo is calling for a press conference. The press is taking the conference for a joke, asking if Yongdeok Ilbo is here to clarify about the stuff written in the papers against them. Seeing that Hae-sung has arrived, Do-hyuk begins by telling them about the recent redevelopment project that had led to the death of a resident. He brings up the death of Jin Eon and then plays the audio conversation between Chairman Choi and Yong-deok and points out that a certified voice analysis has confirmed that the speaker is indeed Chairman Choi. A reporter points out that the statutory limit has passed and Hae-sung stands up to leave since there won't be a case at all. He sits down again when Do-hyuk tells them that there's another case, at which it will be years before the statutory limit will pass. He shows them the CCTV recording of Soo-jung's abduction and relats how Soo-jung was imprisoned in a mental ward. Hae-sung signals his reporter to refute the claim since the case was not accepted based on the grounds of non-conclusive evidence. Do-hyuk tells them that he will be showing them the evidence that is necessary to make the case. Hae-sung's face clouds when he sees Soo-jung. Soo-jung tells the press that she's the mistress of Chairman Choi and how he had forced her to abort her child, how he had kept her away from her son and subsequently having she and her son abducted, leading to her imprisonment and her son's murder. She had come out publicly to demand justice for her son and to safeguard her own safety for she believes that Chairman Choi will have her kidnapped and killed to silence her once and for all. The broadcast of the press conference soon has the campaign office abuzz and the press are lapping up every ounce of juice. Chairman Choi prepares to leave the office but Jae-in has arrived with the warrant of arrest. Ho-kyung, who has just arrived, is shaken to see the commotion and her father being led away in the police vehicle. The Yongdeok team is rejoicing over their win - finally. Their emotions up some more when advertisers come calling, their online news server has just crashed from the enormous load of visitations and for once, the reporters are going to be interviewed by some major newspaper! Yoo-ri, who has watched the live broadcast of the press conference, is now meeting with her father. Possibly to ease some nervous vibes, Yong-deok has gotten Do-hyuk to tag along. Do-hyuk takes his leave after the initial awkwardness, seeing Sang-cheol standing out in the cold, he chides him for not going in when told to do so. Sang-cheol is too moved by the reunion to interrupt it. Later that night in the playground, Do-hyuk and Jae-in are on the swings. [credits to hjkomo for helping with this dialogue] "I thought you said we'd go to a nice place" "What's wrong with a playground?" "Anyhow....it's just a remark." "You're the one who didn't want to go [to someplace nice] in the first place." Jae-in sulks a little. "Let's go. To some place nice." "Forget it." "We can still go even it's late now." "Forget it. But then, any place is a nice place as long as there are nice people around." Do-hyuk smiles at the hint of the little compliment. Jae-in enters the office to a round of congratulatory claps but a phone call soon breaks the chirpy mood. Chil-sung has gotten Mr. Abductor to be the fall guy. He claims that he had abducted Soo-jung and murdered Han-gyul because he was spurned by Soo-jung despite his love for her. With his arrest follows Chairman Choi's release. Jae-in and her team couldn't believe it, so can't the Yongdeok team. Do-hyuk screams at the injustice, hatred overtaking him once more.
S1 • E10
As all politicians know, admitting to a mistake is crucial and seeking sympathy is essential. That's how Chairman Choi is planning to get back into the politics game despite just being grazed by a scandal that could have ruined him. He's looking frail and being wheeled out on a wheelchair. He admits that Soo-jung was 'a mistake' but denies that she was ever his mistress and if he had knew about their son....but he didn't. His voice cracked, trying hard to keep his sorrow under control. However, he understands her pain and he has decided to just let the matter rest. When asked if he will be seeking damages from the police for wrongful arrest, Chairman Choi replies that as long as the real murderer is apprehended, he's willing to let it go. He's just feeling sorry for letting his supporters down. So will he pick up from where he left on and continue with his political career? "How can a man run for presidency if he cannot even protect his own child? How is he going to protect his citizens? I've decided to spend the rest of my life quietly." He is suddenly not so eager to make his stand when asked about the murder of Jin Eon and his wife. He feigns a headache, Hae-sung comes to the rescue. The Chairman's health had deteriorated since the past days' events, however they will be seeking legal actions against Yongdeok Ilbo. To that, Chairman Choi interrupts. "No. I'm going to forgive everything." His benevolence worked, his kind act is earning the respect of people. Then from out of nowhere, Do-hyuk's voice screams, "FORGIVE? WHO'S FORGIVING WHO? What? Lies? Who's lying now?" He charges forward but is held back. "You killed my parents, you killed your child!" Chairman Choi is composed and rebuts him - how could he say he's a murderer? "Sure you aren't, you merely instigated someone to do it! A heartless person like you expressing sorrow over a death? Not only you imprisoned you child's mother in a mental ward, you are claiming you don't know her! Are you even a human being?!" By now, Do-hyuk is uncontrollable, he grabs Hae-sung by his collar and tells him to wake up but gets thrown off instead. Hae-sung bundles Chairman Choi safely in the vehicle, the crowd begins to disperse, only Do-hyuk is thrown on the ground, left to his own misery. Jae-in is sure that the sudden twist in the case is manipulated by either one of the three - Chairman Choi, Chil-sung, Hae-sung. Her men asks if she's still intending to pursue it. Of course, she replies and set off for somewhere. Ho-kyung is confused and disappointed. She had always thought her father is different from other men but it doesn't seem so now. Hae-sung tries to persuade her to understand her father, he's the one who's suffering now. Then, the doorbell buzzes, it's Jae-in. Ho-kyung is antagonistic, recognizing her as the arresting officer. Jae-in tells Hae-sung that she has taken the liberty to come to his apartment as he has been ignoring her calls. Hae-sung is irritated, tells her that they will talk outside. "What do you think you're doing?" "Why? Afraid that she's going to find out that you have been two-timing her with me? Ah..no, not two-timing, merely using me, right? Anyway, I'm not here to argue about this." "Then what?" "Han-gyul's murderer has now become the spurned lover of Park Soo-jung? Who had conceived this cheap story? Daese Ilbo will be publishing a huge story about this tomorrow and then people will be believing everything about it." "Why do you think that it's a story? Park Soo-jung could have lied. Yongdeok Ilbo could have staged this affair." "No. Jin Do-hyuk is not such a person, however if it were you, then maybe. Who could have instigated the murder of the child? Choi Il-doo? And it's either you or Gong Chil-sung who had instructed Oh Dong-gi to carry it out." "What are you intending to do?" "Send Choi Il-doo back to prison." "You think you can do that just because you want it?" "A murderer and an instigator to murder is alike." "There's a limit to my patience. I won't just let it pass if it becomes an obstacle to my goals. Even if it's you." "Goals? What more are you seeking?" "I can't tell you now. Go back." Jae-in senses a double meaning in his words, but she has no idea what he meant. She recalls what he had told her before, about telling her why he's doing what he is doing now. A text message comes in for her. It's Do-hyuk: "Guess where am I?" She replies, "Did I ask?" Then he sees her approaching. "You're here." She chides him for being informal with her again, then asks if he just had a drink? "I didn't even eat, not to mention a drink." "Do you still have the time to be here doing this? The press will be swarming in tomorrow, don't you have to prepare for it?" "I should." "You knew it would turn out this way, didn't you?" "Yes." "Then what? Are you pretending to be defeated?" "I'm not pretending. I'm really feeling defeated." She stares at him without a word. "Why? Didn't you tell me not to build a wall around myself? I have never let anyone know see this side of me. I'll just pretend that everything is fine when tomorrow comes by and take on the day with gusto. Tonight, I just want to feel defeated." "You're breaking down too much of that wall. I'm feeling burdened by it." "I won't be burdened. You can talk to me if you're feeling troubled." "It's lucky that we didn't go some place nice, though here isn't all that bad either...but, let's really go some place nice if we send Choi Il-doo back to prison again." "Two days one night?" "OK. Or three days two nights would be as good." Do-hyuk is stunned, trying to get her words in line, trying to understand what she meant by that. Then he starts to stutter, changes the subject and tells her to go for dinner. He hurries off ahead of her while she tells him to wait up..... They are eating when Jae-in suddenly asks if he's feeling like he didn't wipe his ass after doing his toilet business. Do-hyuk chokes at her crudeness and chides her. She explains that she means that the matter is weighing on his mind, not feeling good about it. He has to agree. "I'm sure Gong Chil-sung is behind this." "If it isn't Gong Chil-sung nor Kang Hae-sung, then it has to be Choi Il-doo." "Sheesh. How are we going to get him?" "It's really infuriating. How can he pretend not to know his kid? Doesn't he know what a father means to a child?" "That's right. Most likely he didn't want the child that's why he feels it's a burden." "Such an irresponsible person wanting to be the president..." "Of course we can't let that happen." "Ah. Why not fire up all the mothers? Write something that will anger them, something like 'how can he not acknowledge his own child' Something like that. Aren't mothers the most powerful figures in the world?" Do-hyuk is looking at her with a new found admiration and couldn't help but compliment her in a teasing manner. "Oh my. Not only you are good at handling the internal affairs, you are as good as helping with the external affairs." (I think what Do-hyuk means is teasing that she's good wife material, handling the home affairs well, as well as in helping with [the husband's] business affairs.) Jae-in doesn't quite get it, she's momentarily confused and he doesn't bother to explain. Yong-deok is sitting in the dark, recalling how Chairman Choi had once threatened him into coercion by mentioning Yoo-ri. He might be worried about his daughter's safety now. His quiet time is disturbed when Do-hyuk enters the office with Jae-in. She wants to know where to find Chil-sung. He gives her the information and tells her that Chil-sung many not be as forthcoming with information. Do-hyuk reminds her that there has to be a complex relationship between Chil-sung, Hae-sung and the alleged murderer Dong-gi, she should dig into that. She replies that he's sounding like a cop, he should just leave the investigation work to her and work on his writing because even her mother is confused as to who to believe. "Isn't it too dangerous for a lady to be doing this work?" asks Yong-deok. Do-hyuk replies immediately with concern, "Of course it's dangerous." Jae-in looks at him weirdly, Yong-deok smiles as his eyes swings between Do-hyuk and Jae-in, guessed as much about what's going on. Do-hyuk realizes that he had made a slip and quickly masks it by muttering that someone told him that. Jae-in is embarrassed, knits her eyebrows, throwing dagger stares at him. Do-hyuk beaks out in a laughter. Later, Yong-deok sits down with Do-hyuk for a chat. "I think I've been relying too much on you. Didn't you once said what's a gangster doing dabbling in the newspaper business? I fear that my insistence may cause others to start pointing fingers at you all." "No such thing." "But then, looking at the society now, there are more tabloids run by scums compared to a gangster-run newspaper." "That's right." "Regardless of if you're taking care of matters at the back or from the front, following by the book isn't going to help. So you take care of matters at the front, and I will be responsible for those at the back." "What's this about? Are you announcing that you are stepping back into the business?" "I'll take care of your back from now. " "Huh?" "We've to defend against Gong Chil-sung's ambush." "You might get hauled back to prison." "Maybe, but then at least I will not feel aggrieved this time. Thanks to you, I found my daughter again. As much as I want to repay you for it, your parents can't come back to life again. Can they? I know this is insufficient to be a substitute." "No. It's sufficient." On this night, the bond between the two unlikely friends becomes a little tighter. The next morning, Yong-deok comes down to a room of discouraged employees. He peps them up, reminding them that at least the advertisers are knocking and there are encouraging notes. The staff surfs about the online news sites, expresses disgust at the sympathy given to Chairman Choi and the news stating that Chairman Choi will not be seeking legal action against Yongdeok Ilbo. Do-hyuk tells them that they can churn out some news if they start gathering evidence that Chairman Choi had lied. He tells his colleagues to set out with him. It's Round Two - Declaration of War. The gang is at the hospital, with fruit basket and everything. Yong-deok reminds them that confidence is the most important factor when facing down a powerful opponent. They enter Chairman Choi's room, Sang-cheol blocks the door from bodyguards and the rest is immensely enjoying talking down at him. "You really don't know Choi Han-gyul?" Yong-deok asks. Silence. "How can you say you don't know your own son? Don't you care for your daughter very much?" "He couldn't have cared about her. He merely wanted to maintain the nice family man image." Do-hyuk adds. Yong-deok turns to leave, Chairman Choi stops him, asking him what he's trying to do, getting involved with people like this. Is he declaring war? "That's what I'm thinking of doing" comes the reply. The gang oooohs over their boss's boldness. "Tell Gong Chil-sung to stay where he is. I'll get him. And I will kill him." They all leave, leaving Chairman Choi stunned but Do-hyuk has something more to say. "Never expected this, right? Start cleaning up. I'm telling you to start hiding the traces of Han-gyul's 7 years of life. Do you really think you can erase the fact about Park Soo-jung's kidnap and Han-gyul's murder? Well then, rest well until you get send back to the prison." Do-hyuk leaves nonchalantly after throwing that scare in his face and Chairman Choi looks like he would be bursting a couple of arteries. The gang bumps into Hae-sung and Ho-kyung as they are leaving the hospital. Yong-deok's second tip comes to mind: strike first when faced down with a stronger opponent. Hae-sung cannot possibly be friendly but Do-hyuk is. He smiles and wishes him a 'good morning'. Hae-sung fumes, Joon-hyung quips that he probably doesn't understand the English language then Ga-yeon offers to translate it in Korean,it simply means 'a good morning'. That isn't doing anything to cool Hae-sung down and it's just what Do-hyuk is liking about it. The second victory of the morning, leaving them in a glorious mood. Then Hae-sung remembers the Chairman, he hurries to his room. Ho-kyung equally upset, asks if her father is well. He's not; more shaken by fear than fury, he tells Hae-sung to conceive a counterstrike immediately. (WOW! WAR!!!!) Man-soo and Joon-hyung move on to their third strategy: attack the weakest spot when the enemy is cowering in fear. They head to the mental hospital and is direct about their purpose of visit. Does the hospital collect its fees after imprisoning innocent victims? The nurse becomes defiant, demands who they are, and then being reminded by Joon-hyung, she asks where they had taken Park soo-jung? The two reporters identify themselves, then warns her that if she doesn't come clean, then the hospital will come under suspicion too. Joon-hyung shows her Soo-jung's pictures, followed by the pictures of Hae-sung, Chil-sung and Dong-gi. Does she know them? She nods. Yeah, another win. Jae-in and her men are waiting for Chil-sung. She tells him that Dong-gi has confessed that Chil-sung had instigated him to kill Han-gyul and kidnap Yong-deok. However, based on that charges, Chil-sung would only be sentenced to a max of 10 months imprisonment, which she thinks is too easy. She tells him that she'll be watching his back and he'd better not get caught in another one of his atrocities. Knowing that the cops doesn't have anything on him, Chil-sung bursts out in laughter and tells them to stop harassing innocent citizens without concrete proof. Jae-in tells him that evidence will come by as long as they continue to search. Ga-yeon is at the hospital with Soo-jung, having her blood tested for an overdose of tranquilizers meant for the mentally unstable patients. The doctor confirms that Soo-jung is indeed suffering from an overdose of drugs. After leaving the hospital, Soo-jung visits the childcare center where Han-gyul had stayed. The staff tells her that they may still have some of Han-gyul's drawings in possession. She sobs as she goes through her son's work, then comes upon his hand-drawn family portrait with the most important evidence - below his drawing of a male figure is written: Father - Choi Il-doo. On an isolated road, Hae-sung and Chil-sung meets in a vehicle. "Want me to get rid of Park Soo-jung?" "Use your head. Why do you think Yongdeok Ilbo called for a press conference with Park Soo-jung? The nation knows her now. Stop thinking of the useless stuff and just do the jobs I told you to do." "Yongdeok Ilbo has Park Soo-jung now and they are digging into the Chairman's past." "I know." "Not only that, the cops are investigating me too. They are making their rounds in the vicinity of my office! If they get me, the Chairman will be in danger. Don't you know that?" Jae-in and her men are keeping tabs on Hae-sung too and they are not afraid of letting him know. Detective Na wonders if they are able to gather enough evidence against Hae-sung and gang. Jae-in tells them that Yongdeok Ilbo will continue to dig into the Chairman affairs, knowing that both Hae-sung and Chil-sung will not let up in obstructing them, then that will be their chance in pinning them down. She vows to return Chairman Choi to the prison even if it means venturing to the end of the earth. Detective Oh is sorry to interrupt the serious conversation but he can't help but comment that Jae-in is beginning to resemble someone he knows. Detective Na agrees, he knows some guy bearing the exact nature. Jae-in knows who they are referring to and what the conversation is hinting at. The Yongdeok Ilbo office is buzzing with activities. Everyone is busy compiling the evidence they have gathered and uploading their stories on their news site. Chil-sung, seeing his name being mentioned in the kidnap of Soo-jung, is not heeding Hae-sung's advice to keep cool. Chairman Choi is furious at Chil-sung for being sloppy at his work, leaving so many loose ends around. Hae-sung tells him that it's impossible to eliminate every single trace, and trying to put a lid on the story might just cause an adverse effect. He assures the Chairman that he has a plan and is confident that the matter will iron out smoothly, however, he needs Chairman Choi to be at some place the next day. The Yongdeok team is now waiting for Daese Ilbo to refute their stories but it's still quiet on their side. Ga-yeon figures that the news would be out by the morning. Do-hyuk tells them to be ready for Daese's counterstrike and they can guess as much about what will be written. He tells them to start writing their articles and arrange to meet up with the experts in case Daese claims that their evidence are fabricated. So what happens now? Soo-jung is being tailed, she senses it but didn't see anyone. As she enters her apartment building, we see Chil-sung in a vehicle, hidden by darkness of the night. And part of Hae-sung's grand plan is having Chairman Choi appear at the columbarium. He lifts his frail body up from the wheelchair and leans on the glass panel of Han-gyul's niche...... then camera flashes go off in a burst, the reporters are ready to take their headline picture and Chairman Choi's sobs for the cameras. Seeing her mother engrossed in the morning paper, Jae-in tells her that the headline news about Chairman Choi weeping by his son's ashes is just a show. Myung-hee, still an ardent supporter, tells her that it's unbelievable someone would stage an act by using his dead child. At the public sauna, the feigned sorrow is lapped up by the ajummas. If he were truly as bad, he wouldn't have acknowledge the dead child, would he? Anyway, no man is perfect. Then they begin to lament that he's out of the presidential race, they would have voted for him if he was still running for the seat. The Yongdeok team is looking at the same news report. Eun-sik guesses he must have used lots of eye drops to stage the act. Joon-hyung likens him to a beast but Man-soo reminds him that animals take care of their cubs, unlike him. Do-hyuk is unusually calm, he thinks something is not quite right here. Why didn't Hae-sung refute their articles? Ga-yeon thinks that it could be because they have hard evidence and Hae-sung decides to stop fighting them. Do-hyuk doesn't think so, Hae-sung wouldn't but he just couldn't fathom what Hae-sung has up his sleeves. Speak of the devil! Hae-sung steps into their office, shocking everyone. The guys crowd outside the room, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation between Do-hyuk and Hae-sung. "What brings you here?" "You are curious why we're quiet, right?" "You mind-read?" "Let's end it here. After all no one will be believing in your stories." "Then just leave it and let us write to our fancy. As long as one person believes in us, I'll continue to assert the truth until the day I die." "If you're not going to stop now, you're going to regret it." "What? Defamation? Libel? Spreading rumors? I'll accept everything. Show your cards. We've nothing to fear. The more we dig, the more stuff we unearth about Choi Il-doo's misdeeds and the real him behind the mask. He's totally like an onion, there's no end to peeling off the layers. Why? Have you reached the end of your rope?" "You really don't know how to fear." "You know me well, right? Jin Do-hyuk, the brave one who charges on." "Truth is when you hide things well. I only tell people what they want to hear. Truth or untruth, you'll only get hurt if you try to unearth it." "Sure, I may be hurt but then you cannot be the only one to set a measure for it. Hiding the truth for fear of mishaps and lying with the intent to cheat are two different issues." "I've warned you." "Thanks for the warning." "So you are going to carry on with it?" "Of course." "Don't regret when you get hurt." When Hae-sung leaves, the guys dashes into the room, eager to know what was said. Do-hyuk isn't as cool as he had faked it, he's troubled. Outside, Hae-sung makes a call. He instructs the listener to gather the reporters. Back at the office, he starts working on the new stories. He's hitting on Soo-jung first, highlighting her licentious affairs with the high and prominent, making use of her son's death to haul in some money and causing damage to the Chairman's reputation. The next day as the papers hit the news stands, Soo-jung becomes an instant object of contempt. The ladies in her neighborhood start throwing eggs at her. Do-hyuk is worried about what might happen to Soo-jung, he calls his sister to head for Soo-jung's apartment. Jae-in is not spared either. The newspaper is painting her division as fools, apprehending an innocent victim and at a loss as what to do to the real criminal. The police chief is putting her on suspension, reprimanding her for carrying on a stealth investigation when told to close the case, and even upsetting the prosecutor. The police chief, a former colleague of her late father, expresses his initial pride when she had graduated with honors and was transferred to his division but then he cannot afford to bear the bad name of shielding her for her father's sake. He tells her to take a break and self-reflect on her mistakes. Jae-in hands in her badge and pistol. She and her men are analyzing Daese Ilbo's recent articles. Why didn't they fight Yongdeok Ilbo based on their earlier articles, instead they are childishly attacking Soo-jung and the police's reputation? Only they and Yongdeok Ilbo know that Dong-gi's statement is not in synchronization with Soo-jung's statement, however, they are sure that Soo-jung's account is the truth. So, isn't Daese Ilbo indirectly admitting that they are lying? If the damage done isn't severe enough, netizens are now being paid to criticize Soo-jung and Han-gyul online. It's the handiwork of Chil-sung and it has achieved its purpose. Do-hee arrives at Soo-jung's apartment to find her unconscious after an attempted suicide. And Chairman Choi's popularity is on the rise once again. Soo-jung is rescued by Do-hee's timely arrival. She's now at the hospital with Do-hyuk and his family by her bed. Do-hee couldn't believe how a news article can drive a person to her death. Do-hyuk finally gets what Hae-sung words meant, he tells his sister to look over Soo-jung, he needs to go somewhere. "You almost killed someone today." Do-hyuk tells Hae-sung as he is seated. "So? You're going to make me pay?" "Why? Are you in anticipation of that?" "You brought this upon yourself. You are the one who caused Park Soo-jung hurt." "What?" "Everyone believes only in us now, they are our strongest power now. It's not too hard to manipulate a life." "Even though it's a lie? We had thought you would write something to refute us but that didn't came. Instead you attacked Park Soo-jung and the Kangsan Police Division." "So?" "I see that as an admission to guilt, meaning you're lying. You want Park Soo-jung dead but you can't kill her in front of the press at the press con, so you made her kill herself. You're worse than I thought. You're worst than Gong Chil-sung. To think that you were once a reporter and yet you are making use of public opinion to manipulate a life. It looks like I can't just let you off easily now, can I?" Throughout, Hae-sung remains silent and smug. Do-hyuk is on his way back to his office, he speaks to his sister on the phone. He tells her to let Soo-jung know that he'll be dropping by soon. As he approaches his office, he's surprised to see Jae-in waiting outside his office at this time of the day. Jae-in is now inside the office with Yong-deok and Do-hyuk. Yong-deok breaks his silence. Do-hyuk asks Jae-in if she can find out about Dong-gi's family. Jae-in thinks it's going to be hard to do it through the proper channel, she'll speak to Detective Na about it. Do-hyuk smiles and calls her an unlawful imp. Jae-in says that Dong-gi is the one who hands the monthly allowance to Soo-jung for her son. He doesn't transfer it through the bank account but deposits the cash to her account instead. Dong-gi's personal account doesn't have a cent either. To that, Yong-deok tells her that it's their (the triad) practice to transact with cash. Do-hyuk suggests looking into Dong-gi's family bank accounts then, but Yong-deok shakes his head in disagreement. "If it's not in the backyard, then it's in the fermented soy urn, or under the roof tiles." The Yongdeok reporters set off to Dong-gi's family home. Man-soo, in the guise of a postal worker, offers to help read Dong-gi's letter to his mother. While he distracts the elderly lady, the trio sets off to look for Dong-gi's hidden cash. True to Yong-deok's words, they find stacks of it hidden in the urn. As they begin to take pictures as proof, we see Chil-sung's man spying on them. Chil-sung is in a rage as he speaks to Hae-sung. He asks if he's going to let the reporters just run free, doing as they please? Until when does Hae-sung intend to fight them with only words?! He should get rid of them once and for all! Hae-sung, vexed by the news, shows his irritation by asking Chil-sung what does he want him to do then? Are you shirking your responsibility then? Chil-sung yells at Hae-sung but he has already hung up on him. Yong-deok, Do-hyuk and Jae-in are at the prison to see Dong-gi. Do-hyuk introduces himself, Dong-gi should remember him, right? He had came to them demanding for justice but then kidnapped Yong-deok on the sly. He had even kidnapped Soo-jung. Dong-gi is feeling guilty and ashamed, not daring to speak. Jae-in tells him that they had found stacks of money at his family home. Who gave him that? Then, Yong-deok asks him who had instigated him to kill Han-gyul? Dong-gi insists that no one did, he had done it and how he had kidnapped Soo-jung because she had spurned him. "You should know the kind of man that Gong Chil-sung is. Think about your lonely mother in the countryside." Yong-deok tries to get Dong-gi to open up. "Is it Gong Chil-sung? He instigated you, right?" Do-hyuk asks. After a moment, Dong-gi says 'No'. Do-hyuk is defeated, thinking that Dong-gi is going to take the rap for good, until Dong-gi continues. "No one instigated it. It's Gong Chil-sung who had carried out the murder." If Yong-deok was shocked, he doesn't show it but it's certainly a huge one for both Do-hyuk and Jae-in.
S1 • E11
The surprising revelation turns into a light in the dark tunnel in Do-hyuk's perspective. As long as they get Chil-sung....they get Chairman Choi, Jae-in finishes his analysis. She doesn't understand why Dong-gi would take the rap for a murder he didn't commit? Yong-deok figures he would if he was threatened. It's just not Chil-sung and Chairman Choi's style to let someone go free after knowing so much about their dirty secrets. Jae-in now fears that the prosecutor's office will not cooperate with them on the case, despite Do-hyuk's confidence and volunteering to speak to them himself, she doesn't think it's going to be easy. Jae-in and her men mention the possibility that Dong-gi may have lied to get off the hook since he was sentenced to life imprisonment. For Do-hyuk, such evidence does not come by easily and he's eager for the police to push for a case, even though Detective Na thinks that they will face much obstacles in convincing the prosecutor. Then, Do-hyuk remembers that Jae-in has been suspended, so who's going to represent the case, he hints as he eyes Detective Na. Detective Na is taken aback and voices his objection. Jae-in suggests that he put in a good word for her with the police chief then, so she can go speak to the prosecutor when she's reinstated. While the persuasion and objection bounces to and fro, Do-hyuk breaks out in one of his random jokes and scares them by exclaiming that the police chief is here. Everyone scrambles to hide out of fear, then Do-hyuk bursts out in laughter. Do-hyuk tells Jae-in that he doesn't care for working around problems, the only way for him is to meet it head-on and he is ready to leave for somewhere. Jae-in stops him by grabbing his jacket and tells him to make his destination clear. He asks Detective Na if he knows the residential address of the prosecutor. Chil-sung is beginning to feel the heat. He reports to Chairman Choi that Yongdeok Ilbo has even managed to find their way into Dong-gi's home. Chairman Choi's response is to chide Chil-sung for killing the kid himself, he should have just gotten his men to do it. Chil-sung explains that's because it was an order that had came direct from the Chairman. Chairman Choi tells him to keep out of view for the time being, he believes that there isn't much for the police to investigate anyway. As for the prosecutor, Hae-sung has a firm hold over him. That said, Chil-sung is momentarily relieved, however he had failed to notice that look of annoyance coming from his boss. Do-hyuk's personal plea to the prosecutor to re-investigate the case is put down instantly. The prosecutor thinks that Do-hyuk's insistence is more of a need to seek vengeance for his parents' death and he's not interested in being embroiled in his personal vendetta. Having said that, he leaves after telling them that this is the last he wants to hear of the case. "I told you it wouldn't't't be easy." "Nothing is easy in this world." "So, what are you gonna do now?" "Continue with it. 'Giving up' does not exist in Jin Do-hyuk's dictionary." By continuing with it, Do-hyuk actually meant hassling - in the legit way. His colleagues begin to infiltrate Mr. Prosecutor's life, reminding him at all times to start a re-investigation. His patience is strained to the limit when Do-hyuk impersonates the valet and talks to him about the case when driving him home after a drinking session. Initially furious by Do-hyuk's audacity, he begins to cool down after Do-hyuk's explains that he isn't doing it out of vengeance. He's just furious that the scumbags had taken lives without considering that it becomes a loss to a family somewhere. He believes that Mr. Prosecutor did notice from Dong-gi's expression that there's more to the case, he urges him to take a second look at it. Do-hyuk promises to back off if his investigations arrive at the same conclusion. Myung-hee is worried for Jae-in after finding out about her suspension. Jae-in tries to be brave, apologizes to her mother but is unable to keep her pent-up feelings bottled for long. She should just have dragged the murderer to prison instead of letting him be free. So Myung-hee does what most loving mothers would do and pulls a favor with the police chief - her late husband's colleague. She hopes he trusts Jae-in's judgment, since he has known her since she was a child. Outside the chief's office, Detective Na is practicing his lines to put in a word for Jae-in. He gets a surprise, seeing Myung-hee exiting from the office; she too, is surprised and wonders why he has never told her he's working here. When asked about the purpose of her visit, she wouldn't't't talk about it and leaves. Then, Detective Na gets the call from the police chief....Jae-in is in bed, whiling away time when Detective Na calls to boast how he had confronted the chief and gotten back her badge and there's another piece of good news...... Do-hyuk is encouraging his colleagues not to give up the fight, or else their earlier work will only seem like a joke but it's not taking effect, everyone is in a slump until Jae-in bursts through the door in exuberance. She tells Do-hyuk that she's given the green light to pick up the investigation from where they left off, on top of that, she got her badge back! Do-hyuk is equally thrilled, they give each other high-fives, the office is filled only with both their heavy chatter, he grabs his jacket and follows hurriedly behind Jae-in. All these to the amusement of his colleagues. One mentions that they had dropped formalities, one comments that they are crazy, one is suspicious of things going on while another decides that they kinda look good together. Yong-deok is all smiles - let's set off too! The Yongdeok team gets into undercover mode once again and begins keeping tabs on Chairman Choi and Chil-sung, gathering evidence that Chairman Choi's illness is fabricated and his relationship with Chil-sung is more than mere business associates. Then, before Chil-sung knows it, Jae-in has arrived to arrest him for the murder of Han-gyul. He tries to escape but his escape route is timely blocked by Yong-deok and Do-hyuk. While Jae-in hauls in her catch, Do-hyuk and Yong-deok is in Chil-sung's office searching for his books (as in financial records). And we thought that it's Yong-deok's intelligence that has led to his discovery of the safe, knows the number code and finds the keys until Yong-deok smiles and couldn't help mumbles that Chil-sung is so predictable, he has not changed in 15 years. Jae-in asks Do-hyuk if he has found anything, Do-hyuk is in high spirits and tells her that he's working on his article right now. And as a bonus for her, he will write up something nice complimenting her division. He tells her to ask Chil-sung if Chairman Choi had instigated him but Chil-sung is determined to maintain his silence. Do-hyuk's high spirits becomes food for his colleague's teasing. Joon-hyung is envious that Do-hyuk is working and dating at the same time. But the table turns on Joon-hyung when Ga-yeon states as a matter of fact that both of them are working and dating at the same time too. Everyone knows. Then the rest of the guys hum the wedding march, Joon-hyung suffers from a bout of mental agitation. Chairman Choi is vexed about the recent happenings. He couldn't believe that peace is short-lived, upset by the constant hounding of Yongdeok Ilbo. Hae-sung suggests he keeps a low-profile for now. When asked if he's just letting Yongdeok Ilbo act upon their wishes, Hae-sung tells him that Yongdeok Ilbo can be ignored, no one reads them anyway. Chairman Choi thinks otherwise, if Yongdeok Ilbo can be overlooked, then why is the prosecutor office resuming investigations. Top that with Chil-sung's arrest....Hae-sung suggests breaking off ties with Chil-sung at this opportune time since their relationship is not known to many. Chairman Choi, seasoned to the core, warns of a counterattack by Chil-sung in response to the betrayal. The proper way is to get Chil-sung out of lock-up then do away with him on the quiet. That alone is insufficient, when matters begin to settle, he wants Yong-deok and Do-hyuk to be rid off without delay. The police will be interviewing Dong-gi and Chil-sung, Do-hyuk is full of hopes, encouraging Dong-gi to be truthful so he can return home to his mother. Yong-deok tells Chil-sung to speak the truth as knowing Chairman Choi, he's most likely thinking of feeding him to the dogs right now. But it's disappointment again as Dong-gi reclaims his earlier confession and insists he's the child-killer, which means Chil-sung is now free to go. Chil-sung warns Do-hyuk to keep out of this affair if he doesn't want to perish like his parents. As a parting shot, he tells Do-hyuk he still remembers the rush of exhilaration when his truck hit his parents on that fateful day. If Do-hyuk doesn't want to be smash to pieces in the same manner, he'd better stop creating a ruckus about it. Do-hyuk lunges for him but is held back by Yong-deok and Jae-in. However, Yong-deok loses his composure for a second and slugs Chil-sung. Yong-deok deduces what is happening. Chairman Choi is thinking of abandoning his loyal man but he wouldn't't' t let the man stay in police custody either. He figures that someone must have visited Dong-gi recently to pass on a message. Jae-in calls the station to run a check on Dong-gi's visitors. Just as their vehicle pulls up in front of the office, a car with several men is seen leaving. Do-hyuk dashes in a fear, true enough, the office is trashed and Sang-cheol is severely beaten. He has taken every single blow to protect the others. Chil-sung's men had left with their prepared materials and the books they had taken from Chil-sung's office, with also a warning. They'd better halt all ideas about publishing their articles on the case. Or else. Man-soo is getting frustrated by these run-ins with the gangsters. They run a news press and he would get it if they are rivaling against a stronger press. BUT WHAT THE HECK WITH GANGSTERS?! Eun-sik remind Do-hyuk that this is his second time with gangsters. Ga-yeon asks if they should just give the matter up? Do-hyuk stands firm by his decision to carry on with the investigation. Joon-hyung mumbles that Do-hyuk just doesn't understand because he wasn't here. Man-soo's last string of hope, in justifying what they are doing, breaks as he learns that Chil-sung is let off scot-free. After hearing what has been voiced, Yong-deok leaves to return to his room. He opens his closet, and like Bruce Wayne donning his black rubber capesuit before he goes off into the night to fight his enemies, our ajusshi has a simple charm of his own when he replaces his retro look with leather jacket and gloves - just like 15 years ago. Naturally, he shocks the gang below. They believe that he's heading for a fight but he tells them to just follow him. Chil-sung is still in a huff over the mess in his office, he has just settled into his seat when Yong-deok comes visiting with his employees. He's here to apologize for creating a mess in his office FIRST, then Do-hyuk offers tofu - a symbolic gesture for someone just released from prison. Let's call it a truce now. "We run a news agency. They are reporters. Their weapons aren't their fists but pens and their fingers." "So? What do you want from me?" "Fight it fair and just. If you are looking for a fight, I'll be your opponent. Do you really have to go and scare them, knowing that they are alone?" That said, Yong-deok tells everyone that it's time to leave. As they filter out of the room, Chil-sung asks Yong-deok his real reason for coming over. Yong-deok tells him that he's warning him out of their former relationship; Do-hyuk finishes the sentence by telling him to be wary of Chairman Choi. Chil-sung ha-ha over the that bit of information - are they worrying for his safety now? "Sure. I'm worried. Be it you or Choi Il-doo, I don't intend to let either of you off. However, are you slow in the head? Do you think that Choi Il-doo needs a gangster around him as he goes after the presidential seat?" Yong-deok adds on, "Why do you think he got you out from prison? Because he knows you will sell him out if you remains in lock-up." Do-hyuk reminds him to be cautious, and on their way out, they quip that it would have been better if he had remained in lock-up. They tail Chil-sung and park their vehicle a distance away. They need to know who had gotten Chil-sung out. Nothing surprising when they see it's Hae-sung turning up to meet Chil-sung. Do-hyuk takes a picture of the two men together. In the restaurant, Hae-sung is direct about his intentions. He tells Chil-sung it's best not to meet Chairman Choi for a while and that doesn't sit well with Chil-sung. "I saw what had happened to Park Soo-jung. I'm a brute who kills directly but you are quite different. You take control of a person's life with just one write-up. The Chairman should know what you're capable of." "What do you mean?" "I mean, is the Chairman is aware that he's at risk too, if you should fall. Why would a person like you not do something about Yongdeok Ilbo? Why would a person like you not do something about the cop?" "If I were to retaliate whatever that comes my way, it will only prove their significance." "Isn't there some other intentions??" "Other intentions?" "From the beginning, I've only seen you as an ambitious young man. I try to put in a good word too when the Chairman asks for my opinion. Then when you start talking marriage plans with the Chairman's daughter, I merely thought you for a man with some abilities." "So?" "Now, it's beginning to look strange." "What?" "Your ambitions are expanding. You seems like you won't be satisfied till you get rid of me." "This never cross my mind. I think you're getting paranoid." "Let's see then." While Hae-sung remains calm, he does seem rattled (to us), masking that well in front of Chil-sung. He takes his leave with an excuse that he has an appointment. Chil-sung is grinding his teeth in anger. Meanwhile, while Soo-jung is still recuperating at the hospital, Chairman Choi has moved Han-gyul's shrine to the temple. He's paying his respects in the sacred hall as the camera flashbulbs go off by the dozens.... The playground is now the official meeting place for the reporter and the cop. Do-hyuk receives a text message with an attached ringtone from Jae-in. As he's listening to it, Jae-in arrives, asking if he doesn't like it. He asks her what's that about? Jae-in merely wanted to 'give' him something to boost his morale. Do-hyuk asks if she had gotten anything about Dong-gi's visitors, Jae-in tells him that they are still going through it. Do-hyuk teases that despite her hard work and sacrifices, she has yet to reclaim her lost reputation. Jae-in remains positive, she tells him that it needn't be today. "It's strange. We've worked hard at it and so it should be lesser, instead more people are suffering from injustice. Oh Dong-gi. Soo-jung nuna." "Stop being anxious. These things won't work out in just a matter of a day or two. There's going to be some huge reports in the papers tomorrow, right?" "I'm not sure. Who knows what Daese Ilbo will be writing? By the way, Gong Chil-sung met Kang Hae-sung right after his release. The cops are responsible for apprehending the baddies, as for us, we just have to keep writing to keep the people informed. Just what kind of a person is Choi Il-doo? " Wanting to knock him out of his gloomy mood, Jae-in suggests they return home, it's getting cold. She heads for one direction and Do-hyuk heads for the opposite. "Where are you going?" She's surprised that Do-hyuk is not following her. "Didn't you say to go home?" He's puzzled. "Aren't you sending me home?" She think he is but it's obvious he isn't. "Huh?" Twice the level of puzzlement. "OK. I got it. I'll go off on my own." Jae-in is disappointed and somewhat miffed, walking off alone. Do-hyuk seems to get it finally and runs after her. "OK, let me send you home. Wait up....!" The next morning, Do-hee gets into a fit after hearing neighbors gossiping about Soo-jung's fake suicide (that's what Daese Ilbo has written) and also about the gangster-reporter (Do-hyuk) living in the same neighborhood. Do-hyuk sits down for breakfast, catching fragments of the conversation between Do-hee and Sol. He learns that Sol is being punished for distributing Yongdeok Ilbo in her school. Do-hyuk is annoyed and demands to know who her teacher is. Sol makes light of it, she asks for more free copies of the paper for distribution but Do-hyuk tells her there are no more complimentary copies. She decides that she'll just tell her schoolmates to visit the online new site. Do-hee is worried that her aggressiveness about the paper will cause her to be ostracized by her peers. Sol tells her not to worry, every single one of them is perfectly under her control. Do-hyuk knows that his family is trying hard to make people believe in him and his paper. He assures them that someday that's what people will believe in. Jae-in's men are frowning over Daese's deprecating articles about their division, Jae-in tells them to ignore the papers, it's good enough if they aren't a bit like what has been said about them. The police chief walks in then, both Jae-in and Detective Na, assuming the chief is here to voice his displeasure, are eager to assume responsibility. Instead he surprises them by showing his approval. He's here to show his support to them, instructing Jae-in to continue investigating, let's see who will be the one to hold out first. Even though everyone is working on their news about the case, the general air is still gloomy. Man-soo tells Do-hyuk that his mother has hopes for him ever since knowing that he's a reporter but then she only reads Daese Ilbo.....Just then, a visitor arrives. If you remember, he's the man who had fed Do-hyuk information about the redevelopment bid. Do-hyuk is apologetic about the matter being revealed in the papers although he has promised that the tip-off will remain anonymous (apparently Soo-jung revealed unscrupulous insider information about those bids at the press con), the man thinks it's a blessing in disguise though, as shortly after, they receive work to build some new apartments. He admitted being worried initially but Yoingdeok Ilbo has thought him to be honest and just, time will reveal the truth. He pulls out a white envelope - it's their company's practice to donate a portion of their profits annually, his boss wanted to make the donation to them this time. He encourages them by telling them that everyone in the company are great fans of their papers, he just wants them to continue unearthing the truth. Jae-in has information about Dong-gi's mysterious visitor. Do-hyuk goes to the station to view the CCTV recording, it's Dong-gi's mother BUT THEN he soon sees Hae-sung in another scene capture. He's not surprised, expecting that even. Jae-in tells him that they has no grounds to take up a charge as Hae-sung was not threatening Dong-gi. Do-hyuk guesses that Dong-gi must have known Do-hyuk and his presence alone is enough to scare him. "I still don't understand why Kang Hae-sung is doing this?" "Maybe because he's family [with Chairman Choi] now? So why not just get his hands wet?" "Then why warn us? He told me so when he came looking for me on the day he was drunk." "Is that so?" Do-hyuk recalls Hae-sung saying something similar to him too. "It's obvious he's in cahoots with Choi Il-and Gong Chil-sung since he had wanted to make the audio exchange for Park Soo-jung. So then, why did he keep warning us [about being cautious]? Also, he said something strange too." She recalls him telling him not to obstruct his goals. 'Crazy fellow! What more goals then? Maybe he was just being scared, knowing that the end for him and Choi Il-doo is near." Despite that, Do-hyuk is beginning to have suspicions too. He goes to Hae-sung office building, congratulates him on Chil-sung's release. He believe that Hae-sung would exhaust his means to get Chil-sung out even if he had been sentenced. Right? Hae-sung is not interested in sparring with Do-hyuk and intends to leave. "I really have no idea why you are doing this. Are you really just working on your ambitions, or is it something else? And then, why do you keep warning us? You could just have go ahead and do what you have to do. Why warn us about it?" "No such thing." "I understand Choi Il-doo doing it for his political career, but you? You already have Daese Group in your hands and you are the future son-in-law, I believe your money vault must be full too. So why the need to be that seriously involved in this? Even though you may be the future son-in-law, but do you have to dip your hands into instigation of murder or even issuing threats? Two years. That's how soon it took you to be the son-in-law and Choi Il-doo's trusted man. That would have been a feat for some other guy. I want to dig into your background too. I'm issuing you a warning now." The moment Do-hyuk turns his backto leave, Jae-in and her men enters. They need to bring him in for questioning since had visited Dong-gi. "What did you say to Oh Dong-gi's mother?" "Nothing. Not even to Oh Dong-gi." "Why are you doing this?" "What do you mean?" "Did Choi Il-doo threatened you? You can't reject him because of your family? You keep sticking your hands into it despite knowing that it's illegal? Is it of such utmost importance to be his son-in-law? For a person like you....." "Can I leave now?" "Go then, but know we'll be keeping an eye on you. It's worrying. Although I don't have the evidence but I know what kind of a person Choi Il-doo is. I believe you know it too. If you carry on..." "I know, but it's too late now." "Huh?" "I've always hope that maybe you might be able to hold me down/ I've always hope that maybe both of you might be able to hold me down." If Jae-in had hope to unravel some great mystery about Hae-sung, she's only doubly puzzled by now. Hae-sung leaves the station, and we see that Chil-sung has been tailing him. Do-hyuk has started digging into Hae-sung's background, as promised. He goes through Hae-sung's past articles with Joon-hyung and discovers that he had been uncovering the scandalous lives of politicians. How could he change so much in a span of two years? Joon-hyung guesses he must have courted Ho-kyung with intent, he must be looking to advance his ambitions. Would he do that if he doesn't want it? Do-hyuk's suspicions have not been satisfied, just getting deeper until Yong-deok enlightens him, "Only a mother knows her child best." So, Do-hyuk and Jae-in pays Hae-sung's mother a visit at her eatery, posing as customers. While she prepares their food, Jae-in asks Do-hyuk what he's hoping to uncover (he doesn't know that yet), doesn't Hae-sung's mother recognizes him since they were classmates? Do-hyuk reveals that Hae-sung was a transfer student and he never brought his friends back home. After some thought, Do-hyuk pulls out the chair beside him and tells Jae-in to come sit next to him. Hae-sung's mother notices that they are in couple clothes (now, was that intended or merely a coincidence?) and asks if they are newly-weds? Yes! Yes! Do-hyuk hurriedly agrees, thankful for the hasty identity. He grabs Jae-in shoulders to make their relationship more obvious. They ask if she's living alone, where are her kids? She replies that she has a son in Seoul but he hardly visits. Then, Do-hyuk feigns an upset tummy, Hae-sung's mother tells him to use the bathroom in her living quarters. Do-hyuk snoops around the house. He discovers Daese Ilbo's news on Chairman Choi in the bedroom, then sees a wedding picture of Hae-sung's parents and finds out his father was Kang Gyu-hyun - a name he finds familiar but just couldn't put a finger on it...In Chil-sung's office, he's also going through Hae-sung's particulars and his father's name strikes him as familiar too.... It turns out that Kang Gyu-hyun was the chairman of the redevelopment committee 15 years ago, the same case that Jin Eon was covering before his death. It seems Kang Gyu-hyun death was ruled a suicide but Jin Eon had his suspicions. Do-hyuk is shocked to find the link between Hae-sung and Daese Group. As for Chil-sung, it has made the same discovery too, he asks his boss if he knows enough about Hae-sung...... At the end of the episode, Do-hyuk appears at Hae-sung's apartment. "Your father was Kang Gyu-hyun? Are you seeking vengeance against Choi Il-doo and Gong Chil-sung?"
S1 • E12
The episode starts a little earlier from where it had ended previously. Do-hyuk and Jae-in had just left the eatery. His grave expression tells Jae-in that he had discovered something. Do-hyuk tells her that Chairman Choi and Chil-sung had exacted violence on the union chief 15 years ago in relation to their redevelopment project. His father was killed while investigating this case, so that he couldn't write anything about it. The union chief who was almost beaten to death by Chil-sung committed suicide because of this. He was Hae-sung's father, Kang Gyu-hyun. So now Do-hyuk is at Hae-sung's apartment, asking if his father is Kang Gyu-hyun. Hae-sung is stunned for a second, regains his composure quickly. "I learned that you've been digging up on me, and you got only as far as my father's name?" "Your father was involved in the redevelopment project 15 years ago, right?" "If that is a yes?" "Then you are seeking revenge for your father?" "Revenge?" Very quickly, we cross over to Chairman Choi and Chil-sung, who are coincidentally deep in talk about the same subject matter. "Revenge? Kang Hae-sung is seeking revenge?" "Yes." "You think that's possible? Why would he do that? And that Kang Gyu-hyun, who's that?" "He's Kang Hae-sung's father. The man who had committed suicide because of the redevelopment project 15 years ago." "I don't remember." "I do. I almost beat him to death." Then we hear Hae-sung's voice, devoid of warmth and sorrow, admitting that Kang Gyu-hyun is his father. "Yes. That man who was betrayed, who was almost beaten to death. That weakling who didn't do anything about it and committed suicide. You're right, he's my father. But what has that to do with revenge?" "If you're really seeking revenge for your father, this is an opportunity. It's obvious Choi Il-doo has instigated murder and Gong Chil-sung an alleged murderer. It's fine if you aren't aiding me on this case, but why continue to obstruct me?" "Why should I want revenge?" "Huh?" "Jin Do-hyuk. Listen here. It might have been a blow to you because your father, who happens to be a great reporter with Daese Ilbo, had died unjustly. But it's different for me. You want me to sacrifice my future for a person who had committed suicide? I can't do that and I won't either." "Then why does it have to be Daese Group? Daese Ilbo?" "Because it's the best. It's famous." Chairman Choi would have bought Hae-sung's explanation because he too, doesn't think Hae-sung is exacting revenge. It doesn't make sense. "If he's looking for revenge, then why would he put in his entire effort to help me out? Why would he get you out of prison?" "That's...that's because..." "Yes. His father may have committed suicide. I didn't kill him. So what has it got to do with me?" "What kind of son wouldn't want revenge for his father who had died unjustly? I believe Kang Hae-sung has gotten close to your daughter with the intent to seek revenge." Chairman Choi slams the table in fury. "Say that again....Kang hae-sung is my family. Get it?" "I'm still suspicious of his intent." "I'm even more suspicious of your intent. You know I'm taking a risk by meeting you like this, right? Go through Kang Hae-sung in future, if you've anything to say to me." Chairman Choi and Chil-sung are officially on a rift. I guess that may have been part of Hae-sung's plans. Back to Hae-sung and Do-hyuk. "The Chairman wouldn't believe your talk about revenge." "You think I care about what your Chairman believes? I'm not here to create a rift, I'm here to discover the truth. So it's not revenge? That's fine, I get it. Oh, one more thing. You told Jae-in not to obstruct your future?" "What about that?" "What's that future?" "That the Chairman becomes the next President, I guess." "If your late father were to see you now, he would be shedding tears from Heaven. Your father, the man that my father was investigating, was not as bad as you are." "Who do you think you are,spitting nonsense here. I didn't persist this long to lose out to someone like you. Do you know how I've gotten to where I am today?" "Yes. I don't know you've gotten this far but I know what kind of person you are." "Scram." "Kang Hae-sung. I'm disappointed. I didn't think that your goal is putting a murderer on the presidential seat. You make use of the Republic's press to lie to the citizens. You're letting a piece of trash be the next President. That's not the way." Do-hyuk slams the door shut on his way out. By the next morning, Do-hyuk is still simmering in anger, he's venting it on his practice kicks with Yong-deok. He voices his doubts to Yong-deok that it seems strange that Chairman Choi isn't aware of the possibility of Hae-sung seeking revenge. Wouldn't he have ran a background check on his future son-in-law? Yong-deok reminds him that Chil-sung was behind all the violence, so it wouldn't be strange even if Chairman Choi has no recollection of the matter. Do-hyuk agrees in between catching his breaths, if Chairman Choi has his doubts he wouldn't let it be, would he? Anyway, Do-hyuk is determined to get everyone who is helping the Chairman. Yong-deok tells him that the game is still on as long as the players remain in their seats. The Yongdeok team gets on into the action by tailing Hae-sung and gathering information from his meetings with other press agencies and politicians. Their paper is filling up with articles casting doubts on Hae-sung's personality and intents. Do-hyuk and Yong-deok pay Ho-kyung a visit at her gallery, telling her that they know many of her gallery's art pieces are hanging in the homes of politicians, all because Hae-sung had instructed her to do so. Does she know the real intentions for sending them those valuable art pieces? Do-hyuk tells her that he's warning her in good faith, else she trips and falls terribly someday. The next day, another article appears, insinuating that Hae-sung has been bribing politicians with valuable art. Ho-kyung arrives soon after, clearly upset by the reports claiming that Hae-sung has gotten close to her with ulterior motives. Hae-sung tells her to stop checking out Yongdeok news as they are unreliable, but she shows him the report from some other press. Why does she have to put up with these gossips about his real intentions towards her? Why would he let Yongdeok Ilbo write as they please? Hae-sung tries to make light of the issue and tells her that Yongdeok Ilbo isn't worth his time at all. Does she want him to write an article professing his genuine intentions? Ho-kyung is slightly appeased, that about put out the fire for the time being. Or so he thought. While he's having lunch with Ho-kyung and Chairman Choi, Chil-sung is on the phone with his boss, convincing Chairman Choi to believe him. Even if the public may think that Yongdeok Ilbo is just a trashy newspaper, they both know what Yongdeok Ilbo has been saying so far are the truth. He then reveals that Hae-sung's has another girl - the cop, Jae-in. At that, Chairman Choi asks if he's able to take responsibility for the accusation? Why not? Yes, he would. If there isn't anything between Hae-sung and Jae-in, would he have let her off that easily after what she had done to the Chairman? Finally, Chairman Choi seems convinced and issues the determining loyalty test. He wants Hae-sung to get rid of Yongdeok Ilbo and the cops immediately. Hae-sung, already suspicious of the phone call, agrees without protest. Jae-in is deep in thoughts when Detective Na walks into the meeting room, he asks what's on her mind? She wants to know if Hae-sung has done anything incriminating so far? Detective Na tells her that if he has, he has enough grounds to talk himself out of the charges, as for anything concrete, they don't have anything on him. Jae-in thinks they might be some hope then. Jae-in wants to know what Hae-sung had meant when he told her that everything is too late now for him to pull back, and what he meant by hoping Jae-in could stop him. She tries to convince him that nothing is too late as long as he's willing to finger the culprits - that could be his form of revenge. She believes that he's not someone to do these things without a reason. "The Chairman did not instigate anyone to commit murder. As for Gong Chil-sung, I'm not sure if he's a murderer. Revenge? I don't know what you've heard for you to come looking for me. I'm warning you again. If you keep hounding the Chairman and Gong Chil-sung on those alleged charges without concrete evidence, then it won't simply be a suspension the next time. I beg you to just stop." Hae-sung walks out of the café, followed by Jae-in, unaware that Jae-in is being tailed by Chil-sung's man. Chil-sung is happy to hear that Hae-sung was meeting Jae-in, he wants his man to continue tailing the cop. Hae-sung returns to the office with composure shaken, he's feeling nervous, trapped between seeking salvation from Jae-in's proposal to come clean and Chairman Choi's order to take care of the cops. He makes a call.... Do-hyuk is scanning the Daese Ilbo for Hae-sung's article in response to Yongdeok Ilbo's reports - but none. Ga-yeon points out that something is seriously amiss when a man keeps postponing his marriage plans. Joon-hyung wonders what that could be. Ga-yeon replies that he should know best, right? Do-hyuk starts looking at Joon-hyung funny, while Joon-hyung is getting nervous because Ga-yeon is implying they are in a serious relationship. He pleads with Ga-yeon, asking if she really wants to see him resigning from his job? The humorous episode is interrupted by a violation notice. Yongdeok Ilbo is ordered to pay a fine of 10 million won in violation of the press law. Before that has begin to settle, advertisers are calling in to terminate their advertising contracts because consumers are threatening a boycott of their products if they continue to see product placements in Yongdeok Ilbo. Then Eun-sik realizes their online site has been shut down by the hosting company. The final blow arrives in the form of tax investigators. They have received a tip-off about Yongdeok Ilbo's tax evasion and rumors that the agency is set up by a former triad leader with finances obtained through money-laundering. The officers begin to confiscate their documents and computers, and want everyone to follow them back for an investigation. The next morning, Do-hee is still unaware of what has happened until Sol reads it in the papers. She rushes to Do-hyuk's office and sees Jae-in there too. Jae-in has no idea what is happening as she has just found out from the papers. She consoles Do-hee, promising to find out what's wrong. Chairman Choi is happy with the measures that Hae-sung has taken, Yongdeok Ilbo needs to suffer some at the prosecutor office, although Hae-sung should have done this earlier. Hae-sung admits his carelessness in undermining them, he had allowed them some grace because he and Do-hyuk were classmates. Chairman Choi is still not totally convinced, he asks when he intends to get married? Hae-sung tells him that his affairs are of utmost importance now, he will marry when current matters are settled. Again, Chairman Choi raises the bar a little and asks what Hae-sung intends to do about the Kangsan Police Division? Hae-sung replies that even without them having to do anything, it's a sure fact that the Kangsan Police Division can no longer proceed with the investigations. Chairman Choi seems satisfied with Hae-sung's performance, he calls Chil-sung to update him on the current situation. Chil-sung is adamant that there's something going on with that cop, why else would Hae-sung let them free? Chairman Choi tells him that since they are no longer being suspected, they should just leave the cops alone. Chil-sung is furious, why can't he just believe him for once? Hae-sung and that female cop....Chairman Choi tells him to stop making conjectures , Yongdeok Ilbo is out of the picture and that's what matters! At the prosecutor office, the reporters are nervous, Yong-deok tries to calm them by telling them everything will be fine as long as they speak the truth. However, instead of being investigated for tax evasion (as they thought they would), the four reporters are told to include in their statement how they are forced to work under a triad boss. They four begins to feel that there's something fishy. Do-hyuk and Yong-deok are questioned away from the others but the treatment is no different. They first pinned several petty charges (distorted ones) on Do-hyuk, with stalking being the main charge. Do-hyuk explains that he doesn't stalk, it's just part of his work to follow his subjects to gather information. When the prosecutor 'tries to be understanding' and persuades him to confess that Yong-deok is the mastermind and Do-hyuk was working under his threat of violence, Yong-deok begins to understand what the arrest is all about. He admits to being the mastermind and tells the prosecutor to let the reporters go free. Not a problem, since Yong-deok's 'confession' is what he needs. and so Do-hyuk, shocked by the sudden confession, is swept out of the door. Inside the room, Yong-deok is being interrogated for his involvement in obstructing Chairman Choi's political career........ Just as he's confused and unsure what to do, Do-hyuk is glad for Jae-in's arrival. He tells her he isn't sure what's going on or what the prosecutor is really investigating. Jae-in tells him that she'll find out on his behalf and tells him to stay strong. "Thank you for coming." Do-hyuk reveals his sincere appreciation to Jae-in. It's four in the morning when Do-hyuk and gang are told they can leave - without their boss. Yong-deok is still under investigation. Do-hyuk demands to know what they are still investigating but he;s ignored and left to fret about the unknown situation. In another room, Yong-deok is continuously being asked about his triad connections and if he's been told by rival political parties to ruin Chairman Choi? he finally speaks after a long session of silence but what he has to say is not what the prosecutor is wanting to hear. "Yes. I was from the triad. After 15 years of imprisonment, I'm reduced to a homeless, penniless and hopeless man. But it's Reporter Jin Do-hyuk who had offered me lodging and food and took care of me. He treated me like his father even though I almost became his father's murderer. I merely wanted to give him some help in return for caring for me. That's why I set up the news agency. You asked if I did use force on them? That's a no because they are like family to me. Who threatens family? You ask if there's a mastermind? No, because no one instigated us. We have willingly taken it upon ourselves to be the voice for the people who are mistreated or suffering from injustice. Mr. Prosecutor, we are willing to be punished if we had indeed broken the law during the course of our work, but that's all to it. We commit no other crimes. Please look into the truth." The prosecutor, who had came on strong and harsh just until moments ago, is now pinching the bridge of his nose in helplessness; he's caught in a deadlocked between wanting to believe and having to charge the former triad boss. After several hours later, Yong-deok finally emerges from the interrogating room, accompanied by Jae-in and Mr. Prosecutor from Han-gyul's case. He explains that the misunderstanding had stemmed from the numerous tip-offs but thanks to Jae-in who had personally went to investigate the sources, the criminal charges are cleared now, however the violation charge on the press law stays. Yong-deok and the others hurry to thanks Jae-in, Do-hyuk doesn't say anything but he's more than grateful. As they near their office, Yong-deok makes a remark that he now understands why Chairman Choi had to be wheeled out in a wheelchair after his time at the prosecutor office. It certainly is tough, he jokes. Eun-sik and Joon-hyung come round immediately and makes a makeshift sedan with their interlocking arms, they are carrying him in to the office in style.... Yong-deok suggests he steps down from his position since it's his criminal records that had gotten them into trouble with the law. That suggestion is met with objections. Do-hyuk tells him if that is becoming a burden for him, then they will let him be the Chairman instead, they will alter his title after their first anniversary.Yong-deok is surprised that they are still keen on running the business, Man-soo replies that they are just getting started and the rest express their enthusiasm to keep reporting. However, there still lies the 10 million won fine, Do-hyuk reminds them. If they don't cough up the money, their computers remain confiscated. After dipping into their reserves, they are still short of 4 million won so Eun-sik suggests they get round to raising that sum of money. Do-hyuk is back at home, Jung is glad, Do-hee is still angry about the incident - the reasons these people cook up just to find trouble - and Sol is worried. "Samchun, were you afraid when you were imprisoned?" "I told you I wasn't imprisoned." "You won't get arrested again, will you?" "I already told you 'no'. Hey! Sol, Jung. Stop worrying. You know me right? I'm resilient and courageous.That's all that I have." "So, didn't I say it's better to have money?" Do-hyuk has nothing to say to that. Do-hee asks how much does he need but Do-hyuk tells her that he'll come up with something, she can't help him too even if she knows. "Give up the house then. I've never help you all my life. I know you'll give up this house if the three of us weren't here." "Then what about the kids? They won't have a place to live." "Isn't there a living quarter at the news agency?" Sol suggests. "Will that be OK?" Do-hyuk asks his sister. She smiles. "But! Samchun, you have to stop bullying my mother, OK?" Do-hee couldn't agree fast enough. Do-hyuk is relieved for the offer to tide over the crisis. Jae-in is wide awake in bed, twirling her phone, contemplating if she should call. She calls and breaks into a smile when she hears the familiar ringtone that she had sent to Do-hyuk, humming along to the music as she waits for the call to be connected. "What are you doing, taking so long to answer the call?" "Oh. We're telepathic now. I was about to call you." "How's everyone? Not thinking of giving up, right?" "You still don't understand me? In Jin Do-hyuk's dictionary....." "......there's no 'giving up', right?" "It's my last night in this house." "Huh?" "I'm giving up the house to pay the fine. Yongdeok Ilbo is back in the race." "Aigoo. That's so thoughtful." "Hey, what woman talks to her oppa in this manner?" "What this about oppa? To be honest, I'm more of a nuna, right? I'm always taking care of you and protecting you. Am I right?" "That may be right too. Thank you. I've troubled you again today." "Why are you so serious? I was just joking. Are you upset?" "The truth is, I'm not good at anything." Jae-in is silent. "Hey! By being silent, you're agreeing with what I'm saying. What's this? You should say something like 'There are things you're good at too, like this, like that....' you have to say something like that for the conversation to continue, right? You're being rude..." On the other end of the line, Jae-in is smiling like a 50 watts bulb, carried away by his humor, she replies without much thought to what her next sentence would mean to their seemingly platonic friendship. "Do you know why I like you?" She wouldn't have realized her unplanned confession if Do-hyuk didn't reply with a surprised 'HUH?' Jae-in is knocked out of her dreamy state and ends the call in haste, without much of an explanation. Do-hyuk is left hello-ing in response to the dead tone. He's taken by surprise too. "What's with this woman now? I heard that correct, didn't I?" And the both of them don't seem too upset by the sudden advancement in their relationship. Do-hee hands over their apartment deposit to Yong-deok. He feels bad about accepting the help. Do-hyuk asks if he's really fine about letting them stay here. Yong-deok and Sang-cheol are more than glad to let them stay. Do-hee expresses her relief at their acceptance, she tells Yong-deok that it has always troubled her that her kids are growing up without the elders in the family. She thinks this arrangement will be good for them. Do-hyuk's colleagues are grumbling about Do-hyuk taking on the fine on his own. Aren't they family too? They had wanted to help out. They hand him their meagre contribution, Do-hyuk is grateful and decides to use that as their cash flow. They hurry off to reclaim their computers. Outside, Chil-sung's man reports back. Chil-sung calls Hae-sung to inform him that Yongdeok Ilbo is getting back on their feet again, what does Hae-sung intend to do? He suggests they meet up but Hae-sung turns him down bluntly - it's not a suitable time now. Chil-sung is fuming at Hae-sung's impertinence. Hae-sung is accompanying Chairman Choi at an interview. The journalist conveys that many female readers have expressed regrets that he's being tied down by a mistake that most men would commit. Chairman Choi continues his act and replies that it's only right for him to take responsibility for his mistakes. The journalist tells him that Soo-jung has regain her consciousness, is there anything he wants to say to her? Chairman Choi hopes that she heals her pain soon. Do-hyuk and family visit Soo-jung at the hospital. She asks for Jung when she did not see him. Jung enters with a bouquet of flowers and hand-signs to his sister to explain the flowers. It's from a big sister, he says. Soo-jung reads the gift card but all that is written is, "I'm sorry. Please get well soon." Do-hyuk wonders about the anonymous sender. (Who I think might be Ho-kyung.) Chairman Choi is infuriated upon learning that Yongdeok Ilbo is back in business. On top of that, Soo-jung will be discharged soon. He demands to know what Jae-sung intends to do about that? Hae-sung promises to look into it. Jae-in is on her way to work when she's accosted by some thugs. Chil-sung alights from a nearby vehicle and asks her to follow him somewhere. Seeing her hesitation, he calls one of his man and puts Myung-hee on the phone. Jae-in is shocked to hear her mother's voice. Myung-hee shouts for Jae-in to run for safety...the man snatches the phone away and leaves the café. Myung-hee, shocked and worried for Jae-in, rushes to the door to see Detective Na entering. He's shocked to see her shaken and asks what's wrong..... Chil-sung calls Hae-sung again, he had expected that Hae-sung wouldn't meet him, which is why he had held Jae-in hostage. Jae-in had refused to lure Hae-sung over by speaking to him but Chil-sung smacks her and her scream caught Hae-sung's attention. "Who's there? Whose voice is that?" "Kang Hae-sung. Son of Kang Gyu-hyun. You have the guts to lie to the Chairman and me?" "Who's that with you?" "Your friend, Joo Jae-in. Come and get her if you don't want her dead." "Where are you?" "At the same place where I've given your father a tough beating." Do-hyuk receives a text message with only : 'Kangin-dong Warehouse' as the message. He's still figuring what it means when Detective Na calls him to ask if he's with Jae-in. He tells him no and Detective Na hangs up in haste. Do-hyuk wonders where Jae-in had gone to if she's not working. He continues to wonder about the text message, alerting Yong-deok's attention when he mumbles 'Kangin-dong Warehouse' again, Yong-deok tells him the place is where Chil-sung used to hang out. Do-hyuk finally figures out what is going on. Chil-sung calls Chairman Choi to inform him that he has held Jae-in captive and he had told Hae-sung about it. Now he's going to prove that he has been right about Hae-sung all along when he turns up for the cop. If the Chairman has doubts, he may be confused now, seeing Hae-sung re-entering the room as if nothing had happened. Do-hyuk and Yong-deok are on their way, Do-hyuk asks if they should have reported it to the police. Yong-deok tells him if the police are involved, it's likely to put Jae-in in greater danger in the middle of the crossfire. He reminds Do-hyuk that Chil-sung is his. Jae-in asks Chil-sung why he is doing this? Isn't Hae-sung in the same boat with Chairman Choi? Chil-sung tells her that they will only know about that after he verifies it. "Kang Hae-sung is here to for revenge." "Why? Because you killed his father?" "I only do what the Chairman instructs me to do. I killed Jin Do-hyuk's parents. You can also say that I killed Kang Hae-sung's father. I strangled that noisy kid Choi Han-gyul too." "You know you shouldn't be telling me these." "So why am I telling you? Only Kang Hae-sung knows you're here. It doesn't matter if he comes or not, you're dying here. So, just ask if you've more questions." "If I don't die, then I'll personally arrest you and you'll rot in prison! I'll put you in prison to pay for all the lives you've taken!" Chil-sung slaps Jae-in in anger, Do-hyuk and Yong-deok who have arrived, witnessed the beating from the outside. Angry as he may be, Do-hyuk's takes pictures as evidence and goes round the back of the building, leaving Yong-deok to distract Chil-sung. Chil-sung's men are no match for Yong-deok and they scrams, leaving Chil-sung to Yong-deok. Cornered, Chil-sung points a knife at Jae-in and dares Yong-deok to come nearer. "Chil-sung, what are you doing? Why are you doing this?" "I guess you're not here alone. Did you come with the cops? That Jin Do-hyuk! Where is he?" "It's not too late. Surrender." "I'll never betray the Chairman." "Choi Il-doo will betray you." "What a joke. What do you know? I've used 20 years of my life aiding him!" "What a waste of 20 years. The one beside Choi Il-doo is Kang Hae-sung, who has only been with him for two years." It seems that Jae-in has already noticed Do-hyuk's presence as she keeps averting her eyes to the back, she continues to distract Chil-sung by telling him to surrender and she'll plead leniency on his behalf. "You should know how Choi Il-doo betrayed me, right? He's going to do the same to you too." "That's impossible." "Surrender and end this." "What if I won't?" Do-hyuk rushes out from the back, alarming Chil-sung. His practice kicks come in to good use as one kick had sent Chil-sung flying. Getting Chil-sung seems so near now but one of his man has come for him and takes him away to safety. Unable to contact both Chairman Choi and Hae-sung, Chil-sung tells his man to send him back to his office. Meanwhile, Jae-in calls the station and tells them to arrest Chil-sung while she heads for Chairman Choi's office. There, she and Do-hyuk are taken aback to see that he's gearing to re-enter politics. Just then, Detective Na calls. Chil-sung had committed suicide.
S1 • E13
Not for a moment did Do-hyuk believe Chil-sung's death was by suicide. Chil-sung has lost his value to the chairman and he needed to be taken out. Do-hyuk is angry and waiting to confront Chairman Choi. Hae-sung remains calm at the news but visibly surprised, whereas Chairman Choi expresses bewilderment, but both denying any knowledge of the matter. Do-hyuk tells Hae-sung that Chil-sung had hung himself, just like Hae-sung's father did. Didn't he know? Knowing that it's all an act yet unable to do anything about it, Do-hyuk and Jae-in are doubly enraged. They hit out at Hae-sung, taking satisfaction out of turning him into a hot potato. Jae-in tells him that she's aware he and Chil-sung had communicated when she was captured, which means Chairman Choi should know too. Then, Do-hyuk mentions that someone had sent him a text message about Jae-in's captive ground. Since he's sure Chairman Choi wouldn't have tipped him off, that leaves Hae-sung only. That immediately earns Hae-sung a questioning glare from his boss. Jae-in adds fuel to the fire by expressing her thanks to him for saving her life. Do-hyuk reminds Chairman Choi that a person who indulges in atrocities cannot be the future president, he should just quit his dream. Back at Chil-sung's office, Do-hyuk rummages through the drawers; the financial records are all gone, further cementing Chairman Choi's involvement. Jae-in is reminded of one of the henchman Park Kwang-gi who might be a link to Chil-sung's death. Moreover, the office looks to clean to have been a venue of murder. Detective Na believes it must have been committed in Chil-sung's vehicle, Jae-in hurries them to check out the vehicle dump to locate his car. Do-hyuk is sure that Chil-sung has a hidden chip somewhere, he had once warned Chil-sung about being Chairman Choi's next victim, which is why Do-hyuk believes that Chil-sung must had something to safeguard himself. Hae-sung asks his boss if he had arranged to have Chil-sung killed and is shocked when Chairman Choi admits to the crime. Hae-sung lightly chides him for taking such a risk. Chairman Choi replies that this should be what Hae-sung wants to, doesn't he? Since Chil-sung had warned him that revenge is on his cards. Hae-sung quickly replies that Chil-sung did briefly mentioned the incident to him too. He was also surprise that his late father had known them, however, he was too young at the time of his father's death to know anything about it. Still not convinced, Chairman Choi asks him about the text message that he had allegedly sent to Do-hyuk, Hae-sung simply replies that he has no idea about that. Myung-hee is heartbroken over Jae-in's injuries. She sobs about not knowing how to answer to her late father when she meets him upon her death. Jae-in consoles her and changes the subject ny mentioning her friendship with Detective Na. Myung-hee is grateful for his timely arrival when Jae-in was captured, she reminds Jae-in to thank him. Outside, Detective Na slips a packet of medicine under the gate, promising to be their protector. Do-hee is thrilled that Do-hyuk is giving her a treat. She likes living in his his office, Sang-cheol helps to mind the kids and she gets to come out for something good. However, Do-hyuk is sombre, there's a reason for bringing his sister to dinner. He tells her that Chil-sung had committed suicide. The news is slow to set on her mind, but when he does, she vents her fury by raising her voice at the injustice. He should have been left to rot in prison to atone for all his sins! Seeing Do-hyuk terribly affected, she squelches her anger and goes on to say that it's a good thing he died. That's deserving for a baddie. Yong-deok is the only one who's empathetic towards Chil-sung's death. He sort of blames himself for not trying hard enough to get Chil-sung out before he meets his end. He laments that the poor orphan had lived his life based on his belief for Chairman Choi only. Sang-cheol shares his views that Chil-sung must have been murdered by one of his men. Yong-deok tells him to start investigating, they need to find the person responsible. "We have to end this now. No one should become Choi Il-doo's sacrifice ever again. Betrayal begets betrayal, death only beckons death." Chairman Choi has zeroed in on his next sacrificial lamb. I'm sure he's no longer trusting of Hae-sung, but he's confident about controlling him to the end which is why he isn't in a hurry to get rid of him. He just wants to drag him into the same sh*t by telling him to get rid of the killer. He tells him about Park Kwang-gi and shares his worry that the man may turn on him, so Hae-sung needs to get to him first. Do-hyuk is angered beyond tears, pouring out his frustrations to Yong-deok. "I don't know why I've this strange feeling. I'm feeling lousy despite the fact that the person I want dead is now dead. This cannot simply end in this way. I'm positive he had something....if we don't arrest Choi Il-doo soon....where do you think he could have hidden it?" "If I were Park Kwang-gi, I wouldn't be trusting Choi Il-doo..." "......and be tormented by threat of death forever...." "If Gong Chil-sung had indeed left behind something...." "...it must be with Park Kwang-gi." "It should be a time when he would need one extra brain to work with, but instead he had Gong Chil-sung killed. Choi Il-doo has made a mistake. We just need to worm our way into the crack and tear everything apart." The next morning, Do-hyuk and Do-hee are at the hospital for Soo-jung's discharge but Soo-jung (and so is everyone else) is depressed over the morning headlines. Chairman Choi visiting sick kids and the announcement of re-entering the presidential race. And Gong Chil-sung's death. Soo-jung mumbles that he can even kill his kid, why not Chil-sung? Do-hee diverts her attention by asking who's the mysterious sender of the numerous bouquets? Do-hyuk, who's waiting outside, unravels the mystery and discovers something unexpectedly. A female student is the mysterious sender, she's feeling apologetic for all the hateful remarks posted on the internet because she's one of the culprits. Do-hyuk learns that she had started off innocently, a student looking to earn some extra cash. She was recruited by an internet café, and paid to comment about advertorials but it had turned out otherwise. Do-hyuk sends in his team and true enough, netizens are being paid to sing the praises of Chairman Choi in the latest project. With their evidence, Yongdeok Ilbo reports their findings. The cops are experiencing success too, having found Chil-sung's vehicle, with forensic signs that a struggle had occured in the vehicle. The coroner's autopsy reports also confirms that it's foul play, with abrasive marks, traces of blood and textile scraps in his nails. Hae-sung is meeting with someone from the triad, he wants them to look for Park Kwang-gi. The meeting and outcome would have been successful if Yong-deok didn't appear the instant Hae-sung leaves. Yong-deok is still commanding a great amount of respect in his former circle as the two juniors bowed to him in awe. Nothing is said but we can be sure of what will be said. Chairman Choi and Hae-sung return to the office, glad to see two members from his election committee already waiting for him. They are stunned to see that it's Yong-deok and Do-hyuk. Hae-sung asks Do-hyuk what he wants, Do-hyuk tells him that he has sneaked in for an interview with them and to search for the truth. Yong-deok, in his usual gentle but authoritative manner, tells the two men to sit; reversing the host and guest situation, he's clearly meaning business. The four-way conversation begins. CC: So, what do you want to interview me about, President Jo Yong-deok of Yongdeok Ilbo, DH: He's no longer the President. YD: I'm now a Chairman too. We're on the same level. Thanks to you, I've been promoted. HS: Stop cracking jokes and get out. YD: I do everything. I just don't crack jokes. We can finish with all the greetings now. Ask some questions, Reporter Jin. DH: Chairman Choi Il-doo. It wasn't that long ago that you just had your child killed, why kill again so soon? CC: Director Kang, how long do we have to keep up with this? (to YD) You have yet to snap out of it despite being grilled by the prosecutors? YD: The next time you need to kill someone, use your own hands. (looking at HS) Stop making a murderer out of an innocent man. DH: The cops found signs of struggle and a rope in Gong Chil-sung's vehicle. What do you think about that? CC: I'm upset that an old friend had committed suicide. Hearing that it might have been foul play, saddens me further. I hope the cops apprehend the criminal. DH: Bas***d! (after getting his emotions under control, he continues) What's your reason for keeping Kang Hae-sung by your side, despite knowing that he has gotten close to you and your daughter intentionally? Do you know why Kang Hae-sung has gotten close to you? HS: Hey! Jin Do-hyuk! DH: We are only trying to prevent another murder. (he stands up). There will be a report tomorrow. The cops will be taking action too. YD: Park Kwang-gi....we will get to him first. (Yong-deok and Do-hyuk prepare to leave) HS: I don't know who killed Gong Chil-sung but it has nothing to do with our chairman. Also, you should know better that Yongdeok Ilbo cannot do much damage, right? DH: Who knows? Especially after learning that you have been manipulating the reporters of Daese Ilbo. YD: Do you remember that I once said: People only believe in the words of powerful men? Wait and see who will be remain at your side. You made a mistake by killing Gong Chil-sung, because he's the only one who believes and supports you. DH: Don't be at ease just because he's dead. He's likely to seek his vengeance even from up there. That said, they leave Chairman Choi and Hae-sung to their unpredictable future. Chairman Choi tells Hae-sung to work on a counter-argument in face of Yongdeok Ilbo's article. He's demonstrating panic already, hurrying Hae-sung to find Park Kwang-gi. Do-hyuk meets up with the representatives of the other press agencies. He presents them his findings (as well as the police evidence) about Chairman Choi's possible involvement with the series of recent incidents. One of them mentions that he acknowledges the stuff churned out by Yongdeok Ilbo, however, credibility is always a question since they are always tagged with the triad link as well as being 'known' as a third-rate press agency. Do-hyuk assures them that he never writes an unverified report. He understands their predicaments, however, he hopes that they are more open to these findings and pay a stronger attention to the matter. Thankfully, not all their efforts to seek justice is met with a stumbling block. Mr. Prosecutor gives them a boost by agreeing to make a case, however, they need to find Park Kwang-gi. He reminds Do-hyuk and Jae-in that by agreeing to take on the case, he's putting his life on the line, he wants them to practice extra caution in their investigation. Chil-sung's wake is a cold and pitiful affair, with only Yong-deok and Sang-cheol seeing to it. Yong-deok pays his respects and tells him to seek forgiveness to the dead souls that he had killed, only then will everyone find peace. Do-hyuk stands outside the room, cannot help but recall how Chil-sung has mercilessly narrated his parents' death. He cannot find it in his heart to forgive a dead man. "To think that he has so many men under him, yet no one has turned up. Not even Choi Il-doo who loves to put on a show." Jae-in is feeling an amount of pity too, I guess. "That's because it's bad for publicity. That filth, who uses even his child's death for his own personal publicity." "It's a strange feeling, right?" "I didn't want him to die. I wanted him in prison. I wanted him to feel guilt forever and to atone for his sins, towards my parents, Han-gyul and the others he had killed. At least, I wouldn't feel so aggrieved now. For the first time, I'm harboring thoughts of killing Choi Il-doo by my own hands. But I won't do it. Much as he deserves to die, I don't believe a man has the right to take the life of another." That night, peace and warmth return briefly at Yong-deok's house. Everyone is having dinner, everyone seems happy with the present arrangement. Yong-deok asks Sol how she finds staying here? After some thought, she tells him she likes it, it's near to the market. Do-hyuk replies that it's not as if she needs to go shop for groceries. How about Jung then? He hand-signals something for Sol to translate. Apart from the many flight of stairs that scares him, he loves it. Do-hee shares her feelings too: she loves it, she feels like they are one big family now. After their dinner, Do-hyuk gives Yong-deok a cellphone, complete with subway maps - so he doesn't lost his way. He has also linked their phones together. He asks Yong-deok if it's even possible for them to find Park kwang-gi first? "In this society, problems are solved by the use of money. In our circle, problems are solved as long as there's loyalty. It all depends on where their interest lies." He asks Do-hyuk if there has been responses from the other agencies? Do-hyuk disappointingly tells him no. But a surprise awaits them the next morning. Nara Ilbo tosses the suspicions on Daese Ilbo's integrity - manipulating their press for personal gains. Daese Ilbo is assailed by questioning calls, the Chief brings the problem to Hae-sung. Despite Hae-sung's explanation and persuasion for him to counterattack the reports, the man stands firmly against it. It's wrong to manipulate the reporters. This of course infuriates Chairman Choi, Hae-sung promises him that he will settle the matter. "Do you know why I had Jin Do-hyuk's father killed? Yes, I could have fired him, or even find some other ways. But it's because I wanted to kill him! He's issuing a challenge to me! He had guts, he dared threaten me! He was the first person who dared come against me. Jo Yong-deok is also the first man who dared defy my orders. Because of them, look at the state I'm in now. I don't care if it's Daese Ilbo or the reporters who will be hurt, just fire the disobedient ones and keep the rest. The day I become the President, everyone will return to my side." Hae-sung kicks his plan in action. He meets with a couple, who we later find out is a national athlete and a starlet. There have been rumors circulating about them, Hae-sung convinces them to let him run their story, at which he will suppress them after some time. After all, news blow hot and cold by the snap of the fingers. That night, he meets with the representatives of the the other agencies. Thinking that he's up to his old tricks, they are quick to express their intention to distance themselves from Daese Ilbo....until Hae-sung presents them with some files. Scandalous reports about the athlete and starlet involvement in drugs and gambling! The entire situation take a different stance now, and the Yongdeok Ilbo team's morale takes another serious blow when they face up to the ugly truth the next morning. Every major newspaper is carrying that same headline and everyone on the streets are talking about it. Do-hyuk wanders aimlessly and lands up drinking himself into a stupor. He overhears a couple talking about Chairman Choi but their interest in integrity gives way to the gossipy ones. Do-hyuk interrupts them, mentioning Chairman Choi's news. This offends the male patron, taking him more for a drunkard causing trouble, he punches him and moves to leave. However, Do-hyuk holds on to him, begging them to take another look at the murderer who's running for President. "Please pay more attention to the issue. Tell the people around you about what you know. That will be enough. Please. I beg you!" The male patron, somehow shakes off his earlier anger, and begins to feel some empathy or sympathy for the drunkard. It seems he's indeed taking a more serious attitude to what this man is telling him. Chairman Choi is pleased with Hae-sung's tactics. He tells him that success is near, he just needs to tie up the loose ends. He reminds Hae-sung that he still needs to find Park Kwang-gi and get rid of him. Yong-deok nurses Do-hyuk's bruises, listening to his grievances. "For the entire day, I was thinking: despite my fight for the truth, the public still prefers to read about fabricated news. It's not that they are unaware, they merely chose not to be aware, they chose not to listen." "It's not easy to accept the fact that the stories one believe in are actually fabrications." "I've always thought that I was fighting against Daese Ilbo, against Choi Il-doo and Kang Hae-sung but it isn't so. I was fighting against the people." "Why do you think Choi Il-doo set up Daese Ilbo? He has the eyes and ears of the people." "To think that a filth like him owns the best weapon in this world." "You have a weapon too." "What's that? What exactly is it that I have?" "You're a good person." "It's dead boring." "You think so?" "Yes.It's dead boring." "But it's exactly why you the other reporters believe in you and follow your cause. There's also the former triad member, the prosecutors and the cops. Everyone has trust in you and is willing to help you." Hae-sung is alone at home, tucking in to his dinner when he recalls the night his father was sent home after being severely beaten. His mother couldn't imagine how someone can just beat another person mercilessly. The sight of his father's badly bruised face, frustrates him, he slaps his chopsticks on the table. "Eat, the go continue your studies. You have to study hard to be a useful person. Only then wouldn't you be bullied. What's the use of being kind when one is unable, uneducated, powerless? This is the reason why despite being beaten, there's nowhere to turn to, no one to believe in us." "Don't worry, I will not live like father." Hae-sung promises his mother, and himself. Park Kwang-gi is finally spotted but his exact lodging area is not known. Yong-deok receives the call and heads down with Do-hyuk and the team. As with usual practice, the four goes incognito to fish for information and finally finds him residing at a motel. Ga-yeon tricks the fugitive into opening the door, only to see Yong-deok and Do-hyuk outside. He tries to escape but is blocked and his weapon snatched by Do-hyuk. He's now on his knees, ready to receive judgment but Do-hyuk tells him they are only here to persuade him to surrender. If he doesn't, then he's bound to die. Park Kwang-gi is confident that Chairman Choi wouldn't kill him and he's not revealing what he has on the chairman. Then Yong-deok deals him the hard fact. "Whatever chip you've in your hands, Choi Il-doo will still have you killed." That seems to wake the man up, taking that as a cue, Do-hyuk tells him that it will only be a matter of time before Chairman Choi finds him. And before we know it, Hae-sung gets that dreaded call from his boss. He marches towards Chairman Choi's office with a grave expression. Cops are lining outside the office as he nears the room. "What have you been doing? They have got the warrant of arrest. They caught Park Kwang-gi! You didn't know? So, this is the revenge that you've been talking about? Have Gong Chil-sung die by my hands, and then sending me into the prison?" Then Hae-sung shocks us by replying, "Do yo think this is revenge if this is the extent I'm aiming for?" "WHAT?" "I wouldn't even have started it if this is how I want it to end! We share the same goals, so don't worry. I'll try my best to bail you out. I can't let it end this way." Before Chairman Choi can reply, the detectives enter the room and shows him the warrant. By now, Chairman Choi has regained his brave stance. "It wouldn't go as you plan." Outside the building, he's driven away in the police vehicle. Hae-sung turns to re-enter the building but stops when he sees Do-hyuk. "Want to hit me?" "Did Park Kwang-gi really surrender?" "No." "You don't seem too confident despite having the evidence and having caught Park Kwang-gi." "If this is the way you intend to behave, then why didn't you become Gong Chil-sung's henchman? Why did you have to become a reporter to smear the reputations of your peers?" "You're right. It's all out of revenge. That's the goal, so why should the methods (in attaining that) matter? Just go ahead and do it. With people like you who's washy all the time, you don't possess the ability to do it. You're too much a coward." "So your goal is to betray Choi Il-doo the moment he gets closer to achieving his goals?" "Since you already know, can you just scram aside?" "Revenge? You and Choi Il-doo are alike. The moment you discover a hindrance to your plans, you wouldn't have qualms about killing him." "And it's all because of you! The matter wouldn't have blown up if not for you! Who do you think you are, upsetting my plans of 15 years? Destroying my efforts? "You're ruining your life for just that?" "SHUT UP!" "I saw how my parents died too. So what? Would seeking revenge bring them back to life? Would you father return to life?" "SHUT UP!" "I don't want to see another man hurt just because of your revenge plans! Abandon it." "What if I say no? The chairman will be released if you cannot produce concrete evidence within 48 hours." "Fine. Let's see what will happen after 48 hours then. See if he will be released or will he remain in custody."
S1 • E14
[12 hours ago....] Park Kwang-gi refuses to surrender, he tells Yong-deok and Do-hyuk that Chairman Choi cannot kill him. He leaves the motel hurriedly but the cops are already waiting for him. However, they are still unable to get anything from him and that incriminating evidence is nowhere on him. Jae-in tells Do-hyuk that she can only hold Park Kwang-gi for 48 hours, if they do not get the evidence by then, everyone walks away. The Yongdeok team sets out to spill the beans about Chairman Choi's arrest and his atrocities - distributing news articles, persuading female magazines to run the story. tipping off the networks. The general response is positive. Do-hyuk goes to Chairman Choi's election office, dropping the bomb on the politicians who have been supporting Chairman Choi's cause. The ugly confrontation is recorded and broadcast live on the internet. Jae-in and Detective Na works on Chairman Choi, baiting him with the information that they have got Park Kwang-gi, and that they heard he's got something strong on him. Chairman Choi looks worried but remains silent. They tell him that it's better that go speak with Park and also that he should not get his hopes high about Hae-sung bailing him out because if the evidence does surface, Hae-sung will be called in for investigation too. That last warning certainly got the man suspicious about Hae-sung's real intention. I'm really wondering about Hae-sung too. Is he really ambition-driven, aiding the enemy for his own gain OR is he truly such a genius plotting the flawless downfall of Chairman Choi? If it's truly revenge, then maybe he isn't concerned if Chairman Choi is indicted and imprisoned for life. Maybe he just want to push the man to the edge and then taking his own life - like how his father had hung himself (if it was indeed a suicide). That's why he has to get him out of lockup, I guess. So Hae-sung looks for Mr. Prosecutor and reuses the old trick from before to coerce him into letting Chairman Choi off the hook but it's no longer working. The prosecutor tells him that no one can escape the law after committing a crime and reprimands him for belittling his authority. Hae-sung doesn't bat an eyelid but reminds him that the chairman will be let off after 48 hours anyway. Mr. Prosecutor tells him not to be too sure about that, there's word that they are working hard to locate a piece of evidence. In the privacy of his car, Hae-sung calls someone and instructs him to tail Yong-deok and Do-hyuk. Yong-deok and Sang-cheol go to Park Kwang-gi's apartment and find that it has been thrashed. Sang-cheol thinks that whatever evidence, if it does exists, may have already been taken away by Chairman Choi's men. Yong-deok thinks otherwise, those careless brutes knows only to use force. Then he sees a key. Sang-cheol tells him that it looks like a key to the storage lockers at the subways and public saunas, but then, wouldn't Park have brought it with him? Yong-deok thinks he may have forgotten about it in his hurry to leave. Jae-in persuades Park kwang-gi to reveal the whereabouts of the evidence. She admits that they cannot indict Chairman Choi without it, and if the man walks out a free man, Park's life is in danger - even if he's imprisoned. Park's composure shakes for a second but chooses to remain silent. Do-hyuk goes to Daese Ilbo, informs the staff about their boss's arrest, creating a scene in the event. Although he's generally ignored and escorted out by the guards, his proclamation did stir the interest of two reporters. They verify the information with the cops and soon Daese Ilbo is headlining the arrest! Hae-sung finds out through Politician Park, who's hopping mad. He then tells the Chief to retract the report but the man tells him no, for his information, three reporters have tendered their resignation in one day. Let them go then, Daese Ilbo doesn't need reporters who waver along with rumors. Ho-kyung walks in as soon as the disgruntled Chief walks out. She's puzzled and scared, asks Hae-sung what;s going on, what's this thing about an arrest again? Hae-sung tries to brush it off but as she keeps barraging him, he flares and she's shocked (I guess this is the first time she has seen him raised a temper). Not wanting to stick around for his explanation, she leaves, he thumps the desk in frustration. But he recovers and gets down to business in an instant. He cashes in a due favor with threats, and orders all news about Chairman Choi to be blocked on the internet. Of course he gets his way. Everyone at Yongdeok Ilbo cannot believe what is happening, Do-hyuk flies into a rage too. Only Yong-deok is calm, he tells Do-hyuk to accompany him along to meet Park Kwang-gi. He reminds Park about the hardship of imprisonment, as he was an ex-convict, he should know that, right? Moreover, Chairman Choi will not let him live even if he's in prison. Park remains aggressive and confident, no one will get the evidence. He's shocked when Yong-deok produces the key. Jae-in tells Do-hyuk and Yong-deok that is a key to the subway storage lockers, the thing is which subway is it? Yong-deok tells Jae-in to try to get something out of Park while he and Do-hyuk check out all the subways. Outside, a car is waiting and begins to tail them. Yong-deok and Do-hyuk arrives at the first subway but the key doesn't fit.... [11 hours and counting...] Hae-sung assures Politician Park that he has blocked all the news, the politician can now resume what he was doing for Chairman Choi. He then calls Ho-kyung but she's not ready to make up. Then he gets the call and learns that Do-hyuk is checking out all the subway lockers. He tells the men to do anything necessary as long as they stay out of the police station. Jae-in puts Chairman Choi and Park in the same room. The chairman denies immediately about knowing Park, that irks Park. Jae-in then mentions THE evidence and Chairman Choi quickly tells him not to say anything. By now Park is already having second thoughts, so when he's asked if Chairman Choi had instigated him to kill Chil-sung, he finally nods his head. Do-hyuk learns from Jae-in about the exact location. He heads there but before he can retrieve the evidence, the thugs come at him , trying to snatch the key. Do-hyuk holds on to it with with his life, even at the expense of being severely beaten up. Thankfully, Yong-deok arrives in time to rescue him. Do-hyuk hurries him to open the locker and there it is, a video cam. Hae-sung is furious that the job was a failure, and the guys don't even know what's the evidence. Back at the station, the cops tend to Do-hyuk's bruises as the video cam is being set up . Chil-sung had recorded the meetings with Chairman Choi, with Choi telling Chil-sung to carry out the crimes. Yong-deok asks Jae-in if this is enough to prosecute Chairman Choi. Do-hee is shocked to see Do-hyuk so badly injured. She and the kids hurry to tend to him, Yong-deok tells her that Do-hyuk had done something great today and he apologizes for not taking good care of him. Jung signals to them to hush, Do-hyuk is sound asleep. The next day, Myung-hee arrives at the station to deliver food and a change of clothes for Jae-in. She meets Detective Na outside the office and both of them are awkward. When they later enters the office, Myung-hee tells him (and the others) to share the food and gives him another gift (biscuits, likely) as a thank you gesture for his help. The others couldn't help but snicker at their interaction, Jae-in looks at the couple funny. Do-hyuk gets the pampering at the office. He boasts about how he had beaten the thugs, until Yong-deok, good-naturally reminds him to speak the truth. At Daese's office, the politicians are meeting Hae-sung and pouring out their frustrations. Hae-sung assures them it's nothing and this is the time Chairman Choi requires their utmost help. After some contemplation, one tells Hae-sung that he will make the arrangements with the Police Commissioner. Hae-sung tells them that he won't allow themselves to be played time after time, they need to prove that they are powerful. [59 minutes....] Everyone is waiting with bated breath, then Jae-in gets the call from Mr. Prosecutor, telling her that the evidence is sufficient to process an arrest warrant. Jae-in shares the good news with Do-hyuk, thanking him for his assistance in the case. But he's taking it rather calmly, telling her that there will be others doing it even if it isn't him. Jae-in jokes that he seems to have matured after the beating, when he doesn't respond with his usual laughter, she tells him that he's making her embarrassed by not laughing about her remark. He tells her that is because it hurts too much for him to laugh. Do-hyuk seems to have forgotten that his colleagues are waiting impatiently for the verdict. When he remembers to let them know, their excitement has fizzled off with Do-hyuk's dull response. Joo-hyung comments that Do-hyuk's mind always wanders off at a crucial moment. Hae-sung visits the prosecutor again, asking about the evidence. He tells them to back off the case, or else he will just have to take this the legal way. Mr- Prosecutor hasn't wavered in the face of threats, he tells Hae-sung to bring on his formidable legal team. And that's what Hae-sung did. The pressure is indeed coming from above, Do-hyuk is outraged that the higher ups have chose to ignore. "Is this the law? So, what you're trying to say is that nothing can be done even if you personally catches him in the act? So this is what the band of brothers have been doing. Does it mean that people like us who run about tirelessly will never to overcome the mountainous mass of a problem? I now know why people behave in this way. [I ask myself] 'Why are you so disobedient, why don't you all just understand?' But no, it's not like this at all. They know about what's going on, they just chose not to know. The nation can do nothing about it either, there will be no changes either, so everything is left to it's own." Do-hyuk cries as he speaks, then turns to leave. Jae-in meets him outside, sitting on the stairs. "This is the first time I felt useless. I find it unbelievable that such things are allowed to happen. I had trusted the school text when it taught us that as long as the kind lives uprightly, then everything will be well. I had believed that justice will prevail. I really believed everything the book taught." "I don't read many school texts, but I've read numerous manhwa to know that too. Regardless of what kind of evil force it is, the kind princess will emerge the winner. But... this force of power is getting stronger." "Are you thinking of giving up?" "Giving up doesn't exists in Jin Do-hyuk's dictionary." Jae-in walks over to him and hands him the video cam. "Take this. The situation that we're in now, we've no use for this weapon. See what you can do with it. Use it to do everything. Only you can do something now." Do-hyuk isn't too convinced that it can do anything about it but he receives the video cam from her. "I believe in you. I believe you can do a good job." "I'm grateful for your trust but stop pressuring me about it. Let me take a breather." "Who says you can have a breather? Let's go!" She grabs his hand in excitement, Do-hyuk is surprised then amused by the sight of her holding his hand. Jae-in realizes what she has done but refuses to act cowardly about it. "So what if I hold your hand?" She shakes it off, then walks ahead of him. Do-hyuk runs after her, "Wait up!" and takes her hand in his. "What's this about?" Jae-in asks. "Didn't you say you want to hold hands...? Where do you want to go....?" They swing their linked hands as they stroll down the street, laughing....enjoying.... Cute and non-dramatic advancement in the relationship (a rare one for a Korean romance). Back in his office, Do-hyuk contemplates. He remembers the granny who was thankful for his late father's help. He recalls Yong-deok telling him that his late father wasn't keen on destroying Daese Ilbo, only in revealing the truth. And then Do-hyuk realizes what he must do - to reveal the truth. He starts to type: 'we can change the world with everyone's efforts...." Hae-sung browses through the morning papers, pleased that Chairman Choi's news is not making the headlines. He calls Politician Park, thanking him for his assistance, he's gathers Chairman Choi will be released today. Hae-sung goes to the station to receive his boss but Chairman Choi is staring daggers at him, gone is the trust of yesterday. Nothing is communicated, he enters the car. Jae-in speaks to Hae-sung. "Congratulations. You are really a ruthless guy. Oh yes. Your mother cooks really well. I lost my father at a young age too and live alone with my mother. My mother had to work and I was always alone after school ends, but there's always food ready on the stove. I always feel that's love, I was eating my mother's love. The scent of the food prepared by my mother leaves me contended. I always felt happy even though my father was no longer around and my mother had to work. Your mother's food had that same scent too. But how did you turn out this way, having grown up with that type of food? Why? What made you the man you are today? Is it him? It's strange. After having met your mother, I feel pain and pity for you rather than anger. I would have worked harder to stop you if I knew you would come to this. Your mother would feel doubly sad if she were to see you like this." (Jae-in's lines are so simple in context but it really impacted me and brings about a reality (for me) when hearing her say this. The writer is brilliant for describing the simplicity but heartfelt love of a mother - through the food she cooks. That was one of the thing I remember often. too I remember how there's always my favorite food waiting for me on the stove when I got home from school. Food that she found time to cook, despite juggling two jobs and keeping the home clean. I still tell my mother that, how happy I was then. HERO is good because it keeps the personal/family lives of the protagonists simple, non-dramatic (as I mentioned a few lines above), uneventful and real - most of the time.) With that, Jae-in turns back into the station, leaving Hae-sung with a heavy heart and Chairman Choi with some thoughts of his own - not nice ones, definitely. As of now, Do-hyuk and family, colleagues, friends, associates etc. have all gathered outside Chairman Choi's office. With banners pledging their cause, distributing news articles to passer-bys, offering hot beverages so someone stops to listen. When the vehicle turns in to the driveway, both Chairman Choi and Hae-sung are stunned by the turnout. Do-hyuk sees them arriving, speaks to the crowd about how the law is pardoning Chairman Choi for his crimes although there's evidence to indict him. Don't believe me? He plays the recording on the big screen, shocking everyone, including Ho-kyung. Chairman Choi sees her in the crowd..... But Hae-sung is prepared, he makes a phone call (likely to Politician Park or some other big shots). Before long, the riot squad arrives. To prevent the others from being arrested, Do-hyuk surrenders himself instantly....
S1 • E15
Jin Do-hyuk is in temporary lockup, yelling for a hasty investigation so he can be let out. He's anxious about the general response after the public disclosure of Chairmain Choi's crimes but Jae-in tells him that only Nara Ilbo had reported his arrest. She reminds him not to reveal that she had given him the tape recording. She's concerned if he's badly hurt, then chides him for doing what he has done. Didn't you ask me to do something, he retorts. He promises to obey her in future, he just wants her to get him out. She tells him to wait for a while, she needs to do some surface investigation before she can do that. Chairman Choi is in a rage, demanding to know how Do-hyuk got his hands on the tape recording. It's all Hae-sung's fault, he should have got rid of Park Kwang-gi when told to do so. Hae-sung remains calm, "Don't worry. There's always a solution." Chairman Choi finally asks the question that has been bugging him for a long time - did Hae-sung get close to Ho-kyung with the intent for revenge? "Yes. I had wanted to take away everything from you on the eve of your success. I had wanted to see your pain when you realized you were betrayed by your most trusted man. However, the plan changed because of Jin Do-hyuk. There's only one option now. Become the President. I will assist you." "Do you think I will let you off because of that?" "I guess there's nothing much you can do to me. You have given me too much power. By the way, we're family, aren't we? You'll have to leave according to my plans forever. That's quite a good revenge, isn't it? Go out now. Your supporters are waiting for you." "What about the recording?" "It will never be circulated again." "Jin Do-hyuk?" "He's in temporary lockup now. We just need to have him jailed." The investigating officer is giving Do-hyuk a hard time. Do-hyuk has broken the law, why didn't he go through the proper departments to voice his grievances? Do-hyuk explains that there wasn't time for that, also, he doesn't think he will be given the time of the day even if he were to do that? He's on the brink of flaring up when Detective Na enters and reminds him to keep his cool. Jae-in is at Yongdeok Ilbo telling everyone that Do-hyuk is likely to be released after a warning and a fine. Everyone is grateful for her help, but frustrated that the recording has been confiscated and they are at a loss without Do-hyuk's direction. The politicians are casting doubts about Chairman Choi and wants to know what's the deal about the recording. Hae-sung tells them what's important is Chairman Choi has not broken the law in the eyes of the law. Even if some supporters are doubting now, he believes that they will pick up their trust in him again soon. The men seems to be temporarily placated, which only indicates the depth of Hae-sung's authority over Chairman Choi. What Do-hyuk and everyone had thought was a harmless crime has now escalated in severity. Do-hyuk is being investigated by the prosecutor's office. "Who's the instigator?" "You mean the mass gathering? That was my idea." "You organized that to defame a presidential candidate by spreading rumors." "Rumors? I never say anything which is not true." "Aren't you aware that the case was closed due to insufficient evidence?" "How can that tape recording be deemed as insufficient evidence" "So you are challenging the Justice Department's verdict?" "Yes. That's a wrong verdict." "Where did you get the tape recording. Who gave you that?" "I got it by risking my life. What's wrong with making it public?" "How can you threaten with the use of unfounded rumors by making use of the media?" "Since when have Yongdeok Ilbo become such a noble press agency? Reporters? Since when have we been taken for reporters? It isn't an instigation. There's no mastermind. I'm just doing what a citizen should do." "Seems you are not remorseful." " I'm not at fault." "Then there's nothing to say anymore. Put him in lockup." Do-hyuk is stunned by the sudden arrest. Why is he being jailed in the early stage of investigation? But no amount of yelling is getting him off the hook. Jae-in is shocked by the turn of events. She's absolutely sure that Chairman Choi and Hae-sung is behind it. Hae-sung's wield of power is in motion and he is not slowing down. Yongdeok Ilbo receives a warning from the prosecutor's office. Publish more articles on the case and they will expect to be punished too - like Do-hyuk. Hae-sung tells Chairman Choi that he has 'settled' Do-hyuk but the once powerful man is only concerned about his daughter, however she cannot be reached. Hae-sung then calls Ho-kyung and arranges to meet her.For Chairman Choi, this is an outright slap. Hae-sung is taunting his boss, or rather his former boss - 'I've also got your daughter within my grasp.' That's what he seems to be saying. Ho-kyung wants to know if everything that is said about her father is true? Has Hae-sung been hiding the truth from her too? Hae-sung explains that he had to do what he did so as not to be separated from her. That deepens Ho-kyung hate for her father. She wants Hae-sung to tell her father to stop looking for her and she's moving into a hotel. Hae-sung tells her to move in with him instead, and while they are at it, they should bring forward their marriage plans. Jae-in tells Yong-deok that Do-hyuk has indeed broken the law - although she's not sure where the integrity of the law stands now. She's apologetic about giving Do-hyuk the recording, if it wasn't for her, then things wouldn't have turned out this way. Yong-deok tells her that it's something that Do-hyuk has to do. However, they have to get Do-hyuk out of prison. She promises to look into it but she hopes Yong-deok stops the other reporters from reporting on the case further for that will only put Do-hyuk into deeper trouble. Do-hee is vexed about the state of things. Why is Do-hyuk in trouble and the real culprit freed? Sol tells her to stop screaming at Yong-deok. Do-hee tells her that she is just upset. Sang-cheol tells her that nothing is really concrete, however, they may have to get Do-hyuk an attorney. The next morning, she asks Sang-cheol what would it cost to hire an attorney, he isn't too sure either. Do-hee notices that Yong-deok is not around, Sang-cheol tells her that Yong-deok slipped out in the middle of the night. At Daese Ilbo's board meeting, Hae-sung is indirectly putting Chairmain Choi down by chairing the meeting, not allowing Chairman Choi to speak. He assures the directors that Do-hyuk, who is responsible for circulating the recording and creating confusion among their journalists, is awaiting sentencing. He informs them that Chairman Choi will continue to run for presidency and he expects their support. Chairman Choi returns to his office, sees Yong-deok waiting for him. He asks him for his purpose of visit and couldn't help notice that he seems rather lonely without Do-hyuk by his side. "You look lonely too." "Are you intending to beg for my help to let Jin Do-hyuk off the hook?" "I doubt you have the power to do so. Hasn't Kang Hae-sung robbed you of everything? I would like to see when he's going to stab you in the back." "Don't underestimate me. Do I look like someone who will sit around waiting for my time? I'm only keeping him by my side because he's still of some value to me." "Your era has long gone. So has mine." "What's your real reason for coming here?" "I just want to remind you not to commit further crimes." That said, he leaves to meet his daughter. She's has read about Do-hyuk's arrest and is concerned. Yong-deok tells her that he will be fine. He looks troubled..... Yong-deok tells Sang-cheol to take care of his funeral. Sang-cheol asks him if he really intends to do it, what about his daughter? Yong-deok tells him that he has met her, she will understand his reasons for doing whatever he's going to do. At the station, Jae-in and her men are also troubled about Yong-deok's intention. Jae-in tells him that Do-hyuk will never agree to it. Yong-deok wants to convince him, he hands Jae-in a note telling her to have it delivered to Do-hyuk. The note gets secretly delivered by another inmate and this is what it has to say: "Reporter Jin. I want you to obey my wishes. I've thought long and hard about what I can do for you and that is to be jailed in your place. Think about this carefully. The other reporters need you now, not me. The world needs you too, not me. We'll be letting you down now by letting you remain in there. It will mean our failure too. Then what we've been doing will be just a waste of our efforts. Think further and accept it. I will always believe that you will rescue me somehow. I believe that you will succeed. If you do succeed then I will be released too. I hope you put in your best effort. With trust and care for you, Jo Yong-deok." The next day. Yong-deok is at the prosecutor's office giving his statement. He admits to being the mastermind, making use of Do-hyuk to aid his selfish intents. Do-hyuk was forced to comply because he had held his family hostage. The prosecutor seeks Do-hyuk's affirmation but Do-hyuk is torn between integrity and the need to collaborate with Yong-deok. "I was a former triad member. Violence and threats are my only weapon. If you let me free today, I might just kill Choi Il-doo. So let Reporter Jin go. " Do-hyuk yells for him to stop; the prosecutor presses Do-hyuk for an affirmation, finally Do-hyuk admits that it's all Yong-deok's fault. Out of the prosecutor's view, Yong-deok holds Do-hyuk's hand. He's led out of the room and Do-hyuk is freed. Back at home, Sang-cheol tells Do-hee and the kids about Yong-deok self-sacrificing act. They are overwhelmed by sadness. Sol asks when he will be released and Do-hee wants to know if they can visit but Sang-cheol does not have answers to both their questions. Do-hee knows that Do-hyuk will be consumed by guilt, she's worried about how he's going to bear with it . Not wanting Yoo-ri to misunderstand her father, Do-hyuk tells her the real reason behind his arrest. She now understands why he had given her his cellphone (he tells her he will call her at this number if he wants to contact her) and why he had told her it doesn't matter that he's marked once again (for his crimes) since he was already marked once. She regrets not treating him better and had never addressed him as 'father'. She wants Do-hyuk's promise to have her father released from prison. The Yongdeok office is shadowed by gloom. What should they do now? What if they fail once again? Do-hyuk tells them there's only one thing they can do now. To waver the hearts of their enemies and to move the people who they are going to count on for help. Sang-cheol hands him a note from Yong-deok: "One last word - The most fearsome person is the one who fights till he wins." Do-hyuk is rallying outside the Daese building, petitioning for support to indict Chairman Choi. Hae-sung arrives, naturally taken aback to see Do-hyuk again and make calls to find out what's going on. He learns that Yong-deok is now in prison. He decides not to pursue the matter further since Do-hyuk is not breaking any laws as he's alone. Furthermore, no one will be reporting about it. That aside, he informs Chairman Choi that he's marrying Ho-kyung once Chairman Choi wins the presidential seat. Hae-sung tells him that he needn't worry about Ho-kyung, she's doing well. Chairman Choi is silently furious and that's the only way he can react towards Hae-sung now. But Hae-sung is too full of his new found power and he has underestimated Do-hyuk and his colleagues. By the 13th day, they have collected 8000 signatures and their efforts have won them a news spot on the website of Nara Ilbo. Just as Hae-sung is troubled over the report, his secretary enters the room with a grave expression. There's something Hae-sung should see. Outside the building, along with Do-hyuk, two of his journalists are distributing the news sheets.... The Yongdeok team's (including family and friends) effort has entered its second week and there's no signs of slowing down. The radio is broadcasting their efforts, strangers are coming up to offer a warm scarf, a cup of hot tea, a word of encouragement, and even helping out in distributing their news sheets...and now the network news is televising the team's call for justice. Jae-in blames herself for the current state of things. If she hadn't pushed the task to Do-hyuk because she was incompetent, he wouldn't be left to bear the brunt of it. She wants to help him in his mission, she asks her men if she can do that? They render her their support. Myung-hee is surprised to see that Jae-in is dead drunk and Detective Na is carrying her on his back. She thanks him for always helping her daughter and counts on him to look out for her in the future. The next day, Jae-in and her men set up a petition drive outside the station after seeking permission from their chief. Do-hyuk arrives at the station to see her and is surprised to see what she has done. "You look really bad." "Are you worrying about me?" "Yes." "Thanks. From my heart." "What's there to thanks me for? I've been feeling sorry about it. I couldn't help but think it's all because of me. I've been feeling really bad about it." "Life would have been much better if every division leader is alike you." "Life would have been much better if every reporter is alike you. Even if we're standing out in support, we wouldn't be of much help." "It will be of help." "Beginning today, I will be going on a solo protest. Supporters have came around suggesting a relay protest." "That's so thankful." "This is the first time that I'm really feeling I'm going to win this. I'm penniless, lowly-educated and without special abilities. How am I going to win this? I think about this at times." "You're right. You're penniless, lowly-educated and without special abilities. But then, you're a good person." "Gee. You're embarrassing me." "And this is why I like you, Jin Do-hyuk." The politicians are discussing among themselves that the rumoured recording may really exist, now that the police are coming out publicly to call for justice. Just then, Hae-sung and Chairman Choi enter the room. They wonder why Politician Park is absent, the others tell them that Park is meeting other party members. Many are not happy about what's going on now. A staff enters to inform Hae-sung that the complaint calls are coming him furiously and there's a civil group waiting to meet him. After Hae-sung leaves the room, the others ask Chairman Choi if he's aware that popularity is fast slipping. He puts on a brave front, calmly tells them that is not happening. Yong-deok receives some books and a message from Sol and Jung: "Be strong, haraboji." Things are looking real bad for Chairman Choi and Hae-sung. Online news reports and blogs are calling for a probe into Chairman Choi and Yongdeok Ilbo has just attained 130,000 signatures in public support. Hae-sung calls a representative from another news agency, inviting him for a get-together with the others but he's rejected. Hae-sung's secretary is bearing more bad news. The Daese Ilbo staff is officially on strike and they are demanding a separation from the Daese Group, as well as a new management to run the company. If all that is not bad enough, Chairman Choi has just been struck off the politician name list. Hae-sung tells him not to panic, there has to be another way to pursue his political career but Chairman Choi has enough of his tricks. He shouts at him over the phone to SHUT UP! "I have no more reason to let you live." "So what you're saying is: I'm of no use to you anymore, right? You wouldn't be able to do anything without me." "You're undermining me." "I guess you've forgotten that your precious daughter is still under my control." That shuts Chairman Choi up - for a while. Do-hyuk visits Yong-deok and updates him about what's happening. Yong-deok is shocked to learn that Chairman Choi has been removed from the party seat. He recalls Chairman Choi telling him that he is keeping Hae-sung by his side as he is still of use. Yong-deok looks grim, Do-hyuk is puzzled by his reaction. Chairman Choi tells Ho-kyung that she cannot marry Hae-sung and wants her to move out of his apartment. "Do you know why he wants to marry you? He's seeking revenge against me!" "Please stop saying such unreasonable things!" "Just obey me! Do you know what kind of a person he is?" "At least he's a better man than you are!" "WHAT?" "Do you know I'm actually glad you are removed from the party? A person like you is unqualified. You are a MURDE..!" He slaps her before she could finish. Hae-sung is busy printing out documents while calling his mother to inform her he'll be going overseas for a while. He leaves his apartment with luggage and documents but is stopped by Do-hyuk at the carpark. "It seems my boss was right. I'm here because I was afraid you might run. Looks like Choi Il-doo is one real scary person, huh?" He eyes the envelope in his hand. "What's that? Choi Il-doo's illegal financial records? Who are you giving it to? The broadcast station? Daese Ilbo?" "Even if I'm leaving, I have to do what I've to do." "You despicable fellow! Seek your revenge on Choi Il-doo!" "What?" "If you want your revenge, then do it right! Reveal what you know! Han-gyul. Gong Chil-sung. That's two counts of murder investigation. Aren't you the perfect witness? Don't run off! Take your revenge!" "What if I can't do that?" "Why? Are you afraid of imprisonment?" "Don't ruin my life because of vengeance. Wasn't it you who told me that?" "Even so. How can you leave now?" "What's your reason for wanting me to take my revenge now? AH. If Choi Il-doo goes in, Jo Yong-deok comes out. Right? What to do now? I can't do that. I can't sacrifice myself for the likes of you guys." Hae-sung starts to leave. "HEY! KANG HAE-SUNG! STOP THERE!" But Hae-sung ignores him and walks on. From somewhere in the carpark, a vehicle is approaching and is heading for Hae-sung. Do-hyuk realizes what's happening and shouts for Hae-sung's attention. Hae-sung, thinking that it's another of Do-hyuk's attempts to stop him, continues to ignore him. Do-hyuk runs after him and pushes him away but Do-hyuk gets hit by the vehicle instead. Hae-sung is momentarily stunned by the split second crisis. He picks himself up, looks around and sees Do-hyuk trying to get up from where he has fallen. Then Do-hyuk stumbles and lies motionless, a crimson red pools from beneath his head. Hae-sung ignores what he is seeing, maintains his steadiness, picks up his stuff and walks past Do-hyuk to leave......
S1 • E16
It turns out that Hae-sung isn't the only perfect witness - as Do-hyuk puts it before he was reduced to a motionless wreck. Ho-kyung, the one decorative character is the other perfect witness who will be pivotal in bringing down her evil, power-crazed father. She has just bore witness to Hae-sung's true nature and her father's hit-and-run crime. To add to that shock, it was even a premeditated crime, although it was a rushed one. After both her father and Hae-sung had left the scene of the crime, she walks out from where she was standing just moments ago and looks down at Do-hyuk. Next, we see her outside her father's office, peering in and eavesdropping on his phone conversation with Hae-sung..... As Hae-sung walks out of the car park, his composure begins to shake, reality has descended. He calls Chairman Choi. "You life was spared because of Jin Do-hyuk." "Were you intending to kill me?" "You should know what's going on by now. So? Is Jin Do-hyuk dead? I guess you're running away now. So just like your father." "ANSWER ME! WERE YOU INTENDING TO KILL ME?" "I wasn't intending to kill you. I have to kill you.Do you think I can let you go after how you had treated me?" Hae-sung sees a postal box, then looks at the envelope in his hand. "I don't know what you've got in the envelope. However, if I were you. I wouldn't do that. I've been released several times despite being charged. Do you think I will be disturbed by a couple of documents?" "You wouldn't have been released without me." "Dream on. You wouldn't be able to do anything without Daese Group and Daese Ilbo. Try something and I will kill you even if it means chasing you to the ends of the earth." Hae-sung is about to drop the envelope into the box, his hand stills when he hears what Chairman Choi has to say next. "Also, your mother wouldn't be safe. If I'm jailed, you will in the greatest danger. Don't appear in public and live like you're dead. End it with Ho-kyung. You're going to die by my hand. " Hae-sung walks away from the postal box and returns to the car park. The bright red pool of blood is beginning to cake on the ground and Do-hyuk is no longer where he was lying...The buzz of a cellphone pierces the air. It's Sang-cheol, calling Do-hyuk on behalf of Do-hee. Hae-sung picks up Do-hyuk's cellphone and leaves. Do-hyuk is being wheeled into the emergency. Before long, he regains consciousness. Apparently he isn't too badly hurt, likely a mild concussion and no broken bones. He removes his neck brace, IV and turns up outside Hae-sung's apartment. He's not there so he sets off for Hae-sung's hometown. Hae-sung's mother remembers him and is concerned about his injuries but he's more anxious to know the whereabouts of Hae-sung. She tells him that she had last heard from him a couple of hours ago and was told that he's leaving the country. He asks to make a phone call with her phone. At the station, Jae-in and her men are discussing if the prosecutor's office will give in to public sentiments and re-investigate Chairman Choi. Just then, Do-hyuk calls, telling her to check the departure name list if Hae-sung has left the country. He continues to contact Hae-sung without success. Hae-sung's mother asks about why he's looking for her son but Do-hyuk doesn't tell her anything. He leaves her his contact number, tells her to contact him if she knows where Hae-sung is. Do-hyuk bids Hae-sung's mother farewell and is about to leave when he sees Hae-sung outside his home. He staggers towards Hae-sung with a smile. "Thank Heavens. You're still alive. Hey you. Whatever it was, still you shouldn't have left behind the person who got knocked down in your place." "Who told you to rescue me? Who asked that of you? Why are you here? Just because you saved me, you're expecting me to do as you instruct?" "No way. I was only worried that Choi Il-doo is going to come after you again." "Who do you think you are, worrying for me?" "Sheesh. You just need to say thanks." "Why should I thank you? I wanted you dead. It wouldn't matter to me if you're dead. But you....why? Shouldn't you be wishing me dead too?" "Why would I? I don't care if you want me dead. I've said this before: People matters most. It's simply because it's you. I didn't save you with a purpose. "Quit being so full of yourself." "Fine. I'm sorry." Do-hyuk starts to leave, Hae-sung stops him. "What is it that you really want?" "What I want? Run. You are in for it if Choi Il-doo gets you. I don't want to see anyone getting hurt again." Do-hyuk leaves, manages a couple of steps, then collapses. This time, Hae-sung is not ignoring him. He rushes up to him and brings him to the hospital. Guilt is written all over Hae-sung's face as he recalls what had happened just a couple of hours ago, what Do-hyuk had just said to him. By the time Do-hyuk regains consciousness, Hae-sung is gone. On the seat that he has vacated, lays Do-hyuk's cellphone. When Jae-in arrives at the hospital, she's not cooing over Do-hyuk's injury. She's blasting him out of worry. "Did you call home?" He nods. "Why are you running about after the accident? What should we do if something happens? Who's that person who hit you?" Do-hyuk grabs her hand and tells her to stop being mad. "I called you because I didn't want to be nagged." That cool her down. "I'm not mad." "Aren't you checking the CCTV? There should be a clue." "Didn't you see anything? The car plate?" "I was distracted." "Are you really OK?" "I'm fine but I'm worried about Hae-sung." "You're still worrying about someone who abandons the person who took the hit for him?" "I wonder where he went." Once again, Chairman Choi gets off the hook. He's returning to helm Daese Ilbo, and all the past accusations are now pinned on Hae-sung, who according to the papers, has backed out of the wedding and left after tendering his resignation. Do-hyuk tells his colleagues to be optimistic, at least with Hae-sung gone, no one can help Chairman Choi anymore. Hae-sung wouldn't want Chairman Choi to be the future president either. Do-hyuk tells them no one will know what happens in the future. Joon-hyung asks if he has found the witness to the hit-and-run? Ga-yeon thinks he must be working under orders too. What's the use even if they finds him? Do-hyuk tells them to carry on with their work. Chairman Choi apologizes to his directors for the recent fiasco. He promises to put in his best effort to recoup their economic losses and regain their reputation. When asks if he has been struck off the party seat, he tells them he had left on his own will to concentrate on Daese Group. When asks about Hae-sung, he puts the blame on himself for trusting Hae-sung with the business while he had worked on his political career. However, he attributes Hae-sung's mistakes to his zealousness in protecting his interests by making use of their newspaper. He understands why the reporters had went on a strike. "The media's existence is not for personal gains. It exists as a channel to support the citizens right to information. But we ignored that principle. I'm ashamed and extremely sorry about it. I'll place an apology to the citizens in Dase Ilbo. I hope this will put an end to the strike." Mr. Prosecutor recommends an attorney to Do-hyuk who might be able to help him (I believe it's for Yong-deok's case), and he's willing to take on the case pro bono. Also, he has spoken to another like-minded prosecutor who will be speaking to the chief about [Chairman Choi's] case, however it's still too early to foresee what will happen. He then praises Do-hyuk's resilience to make a change to the world, Do-hyuk humbly tells him that's the only thing he has got. He tells Do-hyuk that things will turn out well, they should be hopeful. Yong-deok has been sentenced to a year imprisonment - a sentence much shorter than he had expected. Do-hyuk tells him to be alert, he's worried about what Chairman Choi might do next. Yong-deok reminds him that he's not someone to wait around for his time, he's more worried about Do-hyuk. he feels sorry for not being able to protect him. Sang-cheol assures him that he will protect Do-hyuk. Yong-deok tells them that he will work hard for an early release. He wants them to do what they have to do. Do-hyuk is sorry that he couldn't get him out as promised. Yong-deok reminds him that it's not wise to be hasty. He just need to win over one supporter a day and by the year end, he would have 365 supporters. Sounds like a huge number, right? The cops are reviewing the CCTV, angered by Hae-sung's actions, surprised by Ho-kyung's presence. Jae-in and Do-hyuk wait for Ho-kyung outside her office, Jae-in asks if she had witnessed the hit-and-run. Ho-kyung remains silent. Do-hyuk thanks her making the police report. Jae-in asks her if she had seen the driver, Ho-kyung tells her she has no idea, she didn't see anyone. Do-hyuk asks if she knows where Hae-sung is. She doesn't, he hasn't contact her either. "You should know that the driver was intending to hit Hae-sung and not me, right? That seems to hit a chord with Ho-kyung. Chairman Choi is meeting the politicians. He continues to blame Hae-sung for the recent events and announces that he's stepping down from this presidential race but will be contending for the next one. He's hoping for their continuing support. Things are working well for him here but not with his daughter. Ho-kyung continues to treat him coldly, he's frustrated that she's disrespecting him because of Hae-sung. "Ho-kyung, I'm sorry." "For what?" "For when he courted you. I should have seen through him then." "What did you do to him for him to want revenge?" " I can't remember either. It must have been a misunderstanding?" "Misunderstanding? I think you're scary. I've always believed that you're a great man despite what others have been saying about you. That's right, you're great. To the extent of being indifferent even after you've committed murder.Did you think I wouldn't know you were intending to kill oppa? I no longer have a father as of now." "You brat..." Then a teary Ho-kyung whips out her cellphone and without missing a beat makes a report. "The hit-and-run driver is Chairman Choi Il-doo. I will testify against him personally. Arrest him." The news about Ho-kyung's confession leading to her father's arrest is splashed across the morning papers. Ga-yeon expresses sympathy for Ho-kyung's plight. Joon-hyung wonders where's Hae-sung - could his corpse be somewhere? Sorry Joon-hyung, but Hae-sung is still breathing. He's reading the same piece of news too, with mixed emotions. He checks his cellphone and there's a voice message from Ho-kyung. "Oppa, I'm sorry for whatever it is my father had done to you. Although I now know that you had gotten close to me with an intent, nevertheless, with you by my side, I was happy and I really love you. Forget about all your pain and lead a happy life." Then comes the second voice message from Do-hyuk. "Where are you, Kang Hae-sung? Are you overseas? I'm worried about you. Call me and let me know where you are. Your mother is waiting for your call too." Then another one (and another one) from Do-hyuk. "Are you checking your messages? Send me a text. Let me know if you're still alive....." "There's something I wanted to tell you the last time. Your father wasn't a weak man. He risked his life to gather information against Choi Il-doo, how Choi had used violence for his own gains in the redevelopment project. He gave all that information to my father. He was taken away by Gong Chil-sung because of that. He committed suicide because he had lost all hopes. He knows regardless of his efforts, everything will still be naught. He knows everything was hopeless after learning my father was killed." Hae-sung returns home to visit his mother. She's both surprised and happy to see him, especially when he asks for food. She tells him that she had read in the papers about his resignation, the wedding fallout and the chairman's arrest. She asks where he has been putting up all these time? Hae-sung tells her that he's staying at the hotel to sort things out. Then he apologizes to her. She tells him there's nothing to be sorry for between a parent and child. Then he tells her that he might have to go somewhere until the next year. Nothing is said from then, it seems she has already has an idea about what he meant. Do-hyuk opens the door to the interrogating room and is surprised but relieved to see Hae-sung in the room with Jae-in. "Where have you been?" "Sorting out my thoughts." "I thought you are dead." Hae-sung smiles, then look at Jae-in. Jae-in tells Do-hyuk that Hae-sung is here to surrender himself. Do-hyuk is stunned. "Why so shocked? Thanks. Thanks for saving me." "You call me here to tell me that?" "I guess we need to finish what our fathers weren't able to finish doing." He tells Jae-in that he's ready to give his statement. Do-hyuk presses the recording button of his recorder. Hae-sung begins by telling them about Chairman Choi's orders to kill Han-gyul and abduct Soo-jung. Then he hands over the secret financial records documenting Chairman Choi's bribes to the politicians. By the next day, all the major presses and networks are covering the news. The petition drive to release Gong Chil-sung's video recording is going stronger than ever, only this time round, the public has taken it upon themselves to achieve the mission. Oh Dong-gyu (Chil-sung's henchman) has also make a retraction on his past confession, proving new information about Soo-jung's abduction and the internet scandal. All the efforts finally paid off, the video recording is released and the prosecutor's office is reopening Chairman Choi's case. Naturally, Yongdeok Ilbo is thrown into the media spotlight too. They are praised for their determination in seeking justice and bringing the citizens together to support the cause. As for Yong-deok, he's released on probation. Unlike his early lonesome prison release, the team and Yoo-ri arrive to welcome him - befitting his status as a former triad boss. [2 years later] So how has everyone's lives changed in two years? First, Yongdeok Ilbo is now no longer a free paper. It has joined the big brothers, being distributed along with the other big names. The only thing that has not change about them is that they continue to be the voice of the people. Then we pop in at Jae-in's house. Welcome the new fatherly figure, Detective Na. This is his 100th day of marriage to Myung-hee. He's still lovey-dovey with her and still in love with her awful biscuits and sensitive enough to give her a couple phone to commemorate the special day. Jae-in seems fine with him around, just that their mushiness is getting to her. She tells them she needs to get married fast because of that. "Getting married is a good idea. The thing is who are you getting married to?" "What do you mean?" "I mean you cannot marry Jin Do-hyuk." Myung-hee tells him to just let her be, love is something that cannot be hidden. The man in question is busy keeping himself fit. Sang-cheol tells him that he should be the one working his butt off to keep his figure, not Do-hyuk. Do-hee protests - his belly is what makes him lovable. That's lovebird #2 - Do-hee and Sang-cheol. Do-hyuk is getting goosebumps by looking at them. What's reason for real celebration is: Jung has finally spoken! If Sol was a pain in the neck with her rebuttals, Jung is a double pain. Probably to make up for all the lost time, he rebuts everything Do-hee says. This morning, he's pouting because his classmate has gotten a toy train as a present but Yong-deok has given him a toy ship instead. That's two different type of toys. If his classmate is getting a train, then he expects to receive a car, a subway train etc. Do-hyuk promises to get him one later. Sol tells her mother that Jung is being teased for his hair style and he wants to get a new one, apparently his friends think he looks like a halmoni (grandma) with that cute hair. He declines Do-hyuk's suggestion to bring him to the barber, he wants Yong-deok to accompany him instead. Do-hyuk tells Do-hee that he much prefers Jung when he's not talking, their loud quarrels are getting to him. Sol and Jung tell him that he's as loud as they are too. Do-hyuk has lost in that harmless fight, he apologizes to the kids. That's another happy family there. Jae-in and Detective Na head for work. Detective Na is no longer working under Jae-in's leadership. He's now heading a division on his own. Jae-in enters her office to hear the guys recollecting about Choi Il-doo's case and glorifying their success to a new colleague. She's asks them for how long are they intending to keep bringing up this case? She tells them to start working. Lovebird #3 is at Yongdeok Ilbo. Ga-yeon has finally gotten her prize, Joon-hyung. After learning that Do-hyuk is being asked to participate in the recording of a news-related talk show, she thinks that Joon-hyung is more suitable to go in Do-hyuk's place. Their public display of affection is turning everyone off. Then we see that Yong-deok is now a lecturer... Hae-sung is released from prison. Do-hyuk and Jae-in arrive in time to welcome him. He asks Jae-in if she's well. Do-hyuk reminds Hae-sung that Jae-in is now his girlfriend and puts his arm around her to make it clear to Hae-sung. He turns to Ja-in and warns her about hanging that adoring expression on her face. She shakes him off in irritation and turns back to Hae-sung sweetly, telling him that they should leave.... They send him back to his mother's home and tell him that they often come here to eat. Do-hyuk tels him to come work at Yongdeok Ilbo if he wants to return to the job. Hae-sung merely smiles. Do-hyuk tells him to say thanks even if it's only a patronizing gratitude. As he walks home, Jae-in tells Do-hyuk that Hae-sung does look brighter and carefree. Do-hyuk jokingly tells her that he still doesn't see eye-to-eye with Hae-sung. Remembering something, she changes the subject suddenly. "By the way, were you jealous?" "Gee. Jealous?" He snorts around the question, avoids answering the question and tells her to get in the car. "Tell me!" "I'm a guy too...I'm just a guy...!" He's beginning to sound irritated and really jealous. Hae-sung enters the eatery to hear his mother bickering with someone over her poor culinary skills. That someone is Ho-kyung, apparently she has been coming over to help and accompany Hae-sung's mother. She hurries to leave when she turns around to see Hae-sung. He grabs her hand to stop her and that's another sweet ending for the once-troubled couple. Just before the story ends, we see that Yongdeok Ilbo is interviewing a new blood for their team. She's Yoo-ri and she will embrace the press's philosophy, follow in her senior's footsteps to voice the grievances and shady practices of the people, just to turn the society into a better place........ Do-hyuk, Man-soo, Eun-sik, Joon-hyung and Ga-yeon continue in their pursue for justice..........and they continue to have the winning hand.
Jin Do Hyuk
Joo Jae In
Jo Yong Deok
Kang Hae Seong
Na Ga Yeon
Park Joon Hyung
Na Kyung Man
President Choi Il Do
President Gong Chil Sung
Jin Do Hee