01x03 - Episode 3

[bunniefuu]

How much did we hit this month?

A little shy of 300,000 dollars.

With 900 dollars more
today, we'll get a bonus.

What a shame.

Won't it be possible?

When have you seen a guy in a
suit buy a washing machine before?

I guess. I'll send him away.

- Let's wrap up for the day. - Okay.

Is there anything specific you need?

Is it past business hours?

Gosh, no. Take your time looking around.

That's a relief.

Could I ask you something?

Sure. What about?

I need a washing machine and a dishwasher.

Is that so?

The one you were observing is
our best-selling washing machine.

As for dishwashers...

Here. This is our best one.

And the price?

The washing machine is 810 dollars,

while the dishwasher is 450 dollars.

That'll bring your total to 1,260 dollars.

I was told my budget was 1,000.

By your wife?

Yes, including the microwave.

I'm afraid that'd be
difficult for us to match.

I guess.

What I'm asking for is probably
the employee discount price.

Right?

I guess.

You should be closing up by now.

Are there any other shops...

How about this, sir?

Why don't you call your wife?

We're offering a special discount...

for the residents of Astro Apartments.

Are you a resident?

No.

Even so, we'll offer a discount...

and give you everything
including the microwave for 1,200.

This is a bargain you
won't find anywhere else.

I only came here to meet
someone, and it's my first time...

in this neighborhood.

Just a second.

I don't know the streets well
and should probably make haste.

Won't you be back, then?

Most definitely not.

(Yoon)

Washing machine, dishwasher, and microwave.

Right?

We have never sold the
items at this price before.

Thank you. I'll spread the word.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Have a good evening. - Thank you.

- Have a pleasant evening.
- Sanin Construction...

was sold to Bium D and I.

It was the biggest acquisition of the year.

It seems to have been a move...

to improve the former's financial health.

However, Sanin Construction
was its bread and butter.

Hasn't it prompted any concerns?

The stock price did suffer a little,

but it is now holding steady...

at 110 dollars.

- That's better than expected. - Right.

Now that Sanin generated
cash through this deal,

people must be excited...

about the new momentum it may present.

A new momentum?

Is there any word as to what that might be?

I'm afraid there's no chatter about it yet,

but I'll look into it.

Thank you for the update.

This is Han Ji Eun at Jungang Economy,

and that's all we have prepared for today.

Thank you.

- Good job. - Good job.

- Good job, everyone. - Good job.

- Good work. - Good job.

- Right. Good job. - Good work, everyone.

Do you really not know?

I ask as a shareholder myself.

You mean, Sanin?

Things aren't that great over there.

Should I sell my stocks?

The group is done for.

(Sanin Business Performance)

(Sanin Condensed Financial Statements)

(Market Growth of E-commerce)

(Episode 3: The Pivot)

(Sanin's Road Map into E-commerce)

Come in.

I'll take that.

(Vacant)

We meet again.

Right. Hello.

I live around here, you see,

and it always makes my day to
have my first customer be from Sanin.

Once in a while, I'm
asked to go a long distance.

I see.

You must like video games.

Oh, right.

It's actually work-related.

Sure.

Don't mind me.

It's true.

But it is.

(Game Clear: White Snake)

E-commerce emerged in the 90s...

and grew exponentially...

since the boom of smartphones in 2010.

It surpassed in-person
shopping as of 2017...

and will only continue to grow.

That is why Sanin's
expansion into e-commerce...

Mr. Yoon.

What is the meaning of this?

The chairman already shut this idea down.

This is presumptuous of you.

He must be aiming for the throne.

What I'm trying to say...

is that Sanin's crisis is far from simple.

There's a structural aspect to it.

Exactly. But that is for us to decide.

You're in no position to bring that up.

Is e-commerce a joke to you?

Let's hear him out.

Come on, Director Lee.

This is a failed project
that was once attempted.

Yes, I lacked in many ways.

However, Mr. Yoon must
have the same idea as me.

Exactly.

But this can't fail again.

Mr. Yoon, do you believe
you can make this happen?

Yes, that's why...

The key to e-commerce is a platform.

However, platforms keep
users strongly locked in.

We stick to one platform
and rarely jump ship.

But you're suggesting we
steal users from other platforms.

How?

As you said, consumers
stick to one platform...

and rarely use another.

They're extremely loyal.

Because of that, NAVER and Coupang...

have been dividing the market...

which has led to an aggressive competition.

Let me get this straight.

Those dividing the market
is battling for the throne,

but you think we have a chance.

Yes, whichever of the two that wins...

will try to improve its earnings rate...

that suffered a blow
from the long-term battle...

by raising the price of its
shipping or membership fee.

One should be rewarded...

for its bloody victory.

Right.

I see that as an opportunity.

How can that be an opportunity
when the throne is now taken?

Are you saying we'll have a
chance by taking on the winner...

of the cutthroat battle that just ended?

Exactly.

Moreover, e-commerce...

is now shifting from a
platform w*r to that of logistics.

This, also, is an opportunity
for Sanin since logistics...

- is one of its strengths.
- It is the power of logistics...

that lowers prices and ships items faster.

For that reason, making
a move on e-commerce...

is a new opportunity for Sanin,

as well as a survival strategy.

Sanin Retail has Bareun Life,

and Sanin Fashion has its SPA brand,

but sales have been declining.

That's because most consumers...

now use e-commerce platforms.

The same can be said
about the other subsidiaries.

As the e-commerce market grows,

this will only get worse.

That is why this is the right time...

and the last window.

So tell me.

How can we sell our products online?

We're not NAVER.

We don't have a platform.

Then allow me to inform
you about platforms.

Rather than recruiting new developers...

or collaborating with a
company in that area of expertise,

an M and A deal...

will cut costs and save time...

Mr. Yoon.

Go ahead.

Do it.

In a nutshell, you want
to purchase a platform.

Go ahead.

But if this doesn't work,
you'll be held responsible.

Got it?

Director Ha.

Why don't we discuss this internally and...

He called it an opportunity
and a survival strategy.

We're doomed without it.

Aren't I right?

Yes, you're right.

Exactly.

The company is close to shutting down,

so you should stick your neck out as well.

Don't you agree?

Yes, I'll do as suggested.

Okay. Then that's it for today's meeting.

Director Ha, did the
chairman agree to this?

Let's grab tea.

- CEO Kim. - Yes?

Are you worried about
losing the distribution sector?

That won't happen.

This will be Yoon Joo No's demise.

How so?

Our logistics is strong,

so the plan could work
with the right platform.

That is why I once
took the initiative myself.

However,

there's a reason Director
Ha gave in this easily.

Director Lee once tried to
have this ship sail as well.

Right. Why did it fail back then?

His words were identical to
what Yoon Joo No said today.

Have you heard of Collection?

The online shopping platform?

Yes.

It's too famous not to know.

Of course you know what it is.

That's where the younger
generation buys their clothes.

It has been a roadblock for Sanin as well.

It once...

suggested an acquisition on our end.

The group had a chance
to acquire Collection?

You were in Hawaii at the time.

How much is Collection currently worth?

In the off-exchange market,

its estimate is around
four billion dollars.

Unbelievable.

Back then it was ten million dollars.

That's 400 times more.

It started off as a blog.

From there, it grew into a giant.

That's right.

People visited the blog,

so the management thought
it could sell a few things.

They offered to sell
our clothes on its blog.

And?

We offered...

to buy the blog for ten million dollars...

as long as it exclusively
sold our products.

It was to be Sanin's platform.

Right.

That way, the company would
have a foothold in e-commerce.

I doubt Collection took the deal.

Collection did.

It was the chairman who upended the deal.

Our chairman wouldn't have had...

the slightest idea of
what this business was.

Didn't Director Lee try to convince him?

Even when the distribution sector
and in-person shopping hit a low,

the land still increases in price.

After the business itself didn't work out,

we were still able to turn
a profit by selling the land.

As for e-commerce,
you're left with nothing.

The opportunity cost is higher.

In the chairman's eyes,
e-commerce was a gamble.

Our chairman continuously
states he's a merchant and trader.

Why would he opt to gamble...

when he could choose the safer route?

Since then,

the idea of e-commerce
has only been enraging him.

Still, right now,

Sanin must show that
it has the power to grow.

If not, the stock price might plummet...

before we raise the 11 billion dollars.

I agree with you on that,

but isn't it too late?

It will be possible with an M and A deal.

You'll acquire a platform?

There aren't any platforms
that are on the market.

It didn't seem that tricky,

but this is harder than it looks.

(Mission Failed)

Just for being late,

I'm getting an earful.
This is one cruel boss.

The customer is returning the
item because shipping took too long.

(Requesting Return!)

Forget it. I'm done.

Whatever.

How are you doing, Ms. Kwak?

I'm not big on video games
and can't tell how I'm doing.

Jin Soo, what about you?
Don't you know games well?

- I'm not sure.
- You don't find it straightforward?

It's not that.

I just can't explain it in words.

Did the briefing go well?

Yes.

What did you think of the game?

Right. This game may seem simple,

but there's a nice balance of features...

such as timing-based action,
business strategy, and simulation.

The graphics aren't that bad,

and there are details
utilized in the game...

that could only be known
by an actual courier...

which adds realism.

Also, an actual map has
been integrated into the game...

and that's the sickest.

Let me put it on the screen.

As you can see,

the delivery map is just
like what we use in real life.

After you complete a mission,

it gives you feedback on
possible improvements.

A lot of resources must've gone
into a game this sophisticated.

Is this game worth all that praise?

Yes.

However, I believe
this game to be a failure.

Why?

(Delivery King)

The game is of good quality, but...

But the BM lacks.

- BM as in business model? - Yes.

Even the worst games become a success...

with the right business model.

That's why the worst game is
actually a well-made game...

that can't generate money.

Because it costs more to
create but doesn't make any profit.

Yes, and that's the story of this game.

Now that I think about
it, the game was free,

and I didn't buy anything
while playing the game.

There aren't any ads either.

It could've easily had ads here and there.

Right. Which is why...

this game will flop.

You're right. It flopped.

It flopped for real.

"We thank all gamers who
loved CHACHA Games."

"Unfortunately, Delivery
King will end its service..."

"at the end of this month."

"We appreciate the support..."

"and will be back with even a better game."

There's no coming back from this.

Then, why don't we meet
the developer ourselves?

This is the place.

I don't think this is
it. It's a private home.

This is the correct address.

The developer must've
renovated a private home.

This could just be the billing address.

One that was written when
the business was registered.

Don't let this discourage you too much.

We can always try again.

We spent all our money.

Come on. I'll get the money somehow.

Who'd pay us?

Hey, don't you want pizza?

Shall I order some?

Sure.

Get going.

Hang in there too.

I'll see you.

- Bye. - Bye.

Who are you?

Hello, I'm Yoon Joo No
from Sanin's M and A Team.

Sure. So what?

Let me get this straight.

You're a fan of the
system and not the game.

We're fond of them both,

but it's the system we want.

What do you need it for?

To enter the e-commerce sector.

Hold on. Is Sanin still not
in the e-commerce market?

Seriously. That's hilarious.

You want a real-life
version of Delivery King...

as your platform.

It must've been a foolish idea on my part.

Gosh, no.

It actually makes sense.

Digital transformation.
Everyone does that these days.

Right.

That's why we're here to suggest a pivot.

A pivot?

I'll have to take this to my boys first.

Pizza's here.

I see we didn't bring enough.

No way. That actually makes sense.

h* Jin worked as a
courier when he wanted out.

Hey. Why would you tell them that?

They kept saying he was awful at his job.

He was sick of getting
chewed out, so he made it.

Hey, that's not what happened.

The system was awful,

but they kept blaming the part-timers,

so I made it out of frustration.

I see.

No wonder it's so realistic.

The character is you, right?

- I see the resemblance. - No, it's not me.

In addition to handling deliveries,

they also have to accept
orders, secure products,

and assign jobs to drivers.

Did you have experience with that too?

Yes.

I took care of the deliveries at
first, but they said I was too slow.

So, they had me handle orders
and dispatch drivers instead.

When you do that,

customers complain like crazy...

even if their orders
arrive just a day late.

But they were using a paper calendar
to manage the delivery schedule.

Are we still living in the Joseon Dynasty?

So, I made all of it by myself.

And?

Did you actually try using it?

No.

I showed the owner,

but he said they didn't
need it. Old folks don't get it.

So, I just ended up...

turning it into a game.

So, it was originally made for that.

Yes, you're right.

Let it serve its original
purpose as a platform.

No, the details are different.

Come on. We can tweak those things.

Besides, we can't afford
to be that picky right now.

- Do you think it can be done? - Yes.

The game allows you to get
data on information such as...

the total number of orders
and manufacturing output.

We've already set it all up
to control the difficulty levels.

Yes, we can use the data to
cut down on the distribution costs,

and I believe we can also
utilize them in marketing as well.

Oh, so you know what you're talking about.

My gosh. We really
struggled to set that up.

Who knew it'd be useful like this?

See? I told you we should do it.

You? When? It was my idea, you punk.

Wait, I have a question, though.

If we turn this into a platform,

we'll have to scrap this game, right?

Yes, I believe so.

Do you want to think about it?

No, I won't sell it.

Okay.

But I still learned a lot from you.

Thank you for your time.

What? Wait.

How much will you pay us?

About that...

We'll have to learn more about
CHACHA to be able to answer that.

When is the latest we can let you know?

The sooner, the better.

- Can we contact you at this number? - Hey.

We won't sell it.

Shouldn't we find some other options?

Not all games have that system.

If Mr. Cha is a good leader,

he'll probably contact us.

Right.

Does he think he's Elon Musk or something?

Hey, are all young people
like that these days?

Well, those in the gaming
industry tend to be like that,

but those guys are a bit extreme.

Right?

They made me feel like a boomer.

But Mr. Cha is the one who calls the shots,

and everyone on the team
seemed to be fine with it,

which tells me that Mr. Cha
is probably a good leader.

How do you know these things?

Honestly, I don't really
know either. I'm just...

hoping that's the case.

But even if we do hear from them,

I'm not sure if Mr. Cha
will accept the pivot.

Right. He seemed very proud of his game.

The pivot...

Hey, Jin Soo.

Do you play basketball?

Come on. Do a pass.

Pass.

All right.

Look. Keep one foot planted like this.

Like this. Left and right!

You get it, right? Like this.

Think of Michael Jordan.

Like this.

Attorney Oh. Stay still, will you?

The car is shaking.

Okay.

Pivoting describes the process
of changing direction in business.

Actually, I knew that.

Oh, you did?

Then you should've told me.

I got scolded because of you.

It looks like we'll need
a consultant for this deal.

We don't know much about video games.

I'll try to find someone who
knows a lot about video games.

Actually, a friend of
mine is a consultant...

and a video game addict.

Should I call my friend?

I hear Yoon Joo No wants to
start a whole new ball game...

to get into e-commerce.

Then Director Ha wouldn't have approved it.

Right. Even Yoon Joo No got him good.

Oh, you made it.

My goodness. Why didn't
you go ahead and start eating?

We should eat together.

- What? - Hello.

Director Ha said he wanted to
take me to a famous restaurant.

I see. Come on in and take a seat.

- Well, then... - This way.

So,

how are things going at the store level?

What do you think?

You must be very upset with Director Lee.

Distribution is doing great,

but they want to change it
all up and try e-commerce.

I'll be honest.

Director Lee is like a father to me.

He used to be in charge
or Distribution, you know.

When he announced that
he'd hand it over to me,

so many people were against it as you know.

He managed to persuade
every single one of them,

so think about...

how grateful I must've felt.

I should be grateful.

Right, we know all about it.

You truly look up to Director Lee.

Who here doesn't know that?

The thing is,

wanting to get into e-commerce...

means they want me
to hand over Distribution.

My gosh.

It's like he gave it to
me only to take it back.

That's exactly what's happening.

I feel like an illegitimate
son who is being pushed off...

to the side by his real son.

So, Yoon Joo No is the real son?

Hey, that's why...

you should've chosen your side wisely.

What? Me?

I'm not on Director Lee's side.

I'm just grateful to him. That's all.

People seem to have
the wrong idea about me.

They think I'm on his side.

- Well, then... - Oh, thank you.

What's your plan now?

I must protect my position.

After everything I've been
through to come this far.

After all, that's how I can do
my duty to Sanin, you know?

Oh, boy.

My goodness.

I'm dying over here.

Come on. You exercise to live longer.

Don't die just yet.

How much is the ice cream?

It's three dollars.

Goodness. That's expensive.

Then go back down and get one.

- I'll take two. - It's too expensive.

He distributes these himself,

so he should charge a fee for that.

- Oh, my. - Here you go.

- Oh, boy. - Have a good day.

You too.

He knows how to run a business, doesn't he?

Let's sit down.

- Oh, dear. - By the way,

I see that young people aren't buying this.

Right. These days, you can
get everything delivered...

right to your door without a delivery fee,

so young people
probably can't understand...

having to pay extra in
the middle of the mountain.

They won't buy it because it's overpriced.

If it's cheap, everyone will buy it.

It's good.

Aren't you coming?

Got a death wish?

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello.

I'm Jenny, an analyst.

I specialize in video
games and entertainment.

Hello.

I'm Yoon Joo No from the M
and A Team in Sanin Group.

(CEO Cha h* Jin)

CHACHA Games, Cha h* Jin.

He was born in Ulsan in 1988.

He went to Science and Technology
High School and dropped out...

of Seoul National
University as a math major.

The elite track.

Yes. The typical elite track,
including dropping out of college.

While attending college,

he cofounded DC Games with
his classmate, Do Han Chul,

and quit college.

He cofounded DC Games?

How many shares does
he have in the company?

Even if he just held onto one percent...

That'd be ten million dollars.

But from what I know, he doesn't
have any shares in the company.

That's right. Cha h* Jin
doesn't have any DC shares.

Up until the time when Cha h* Jin left DC,

DC wasn't a company. It was
just the name of their team.

D from Do Han Chul and C from
Cha h* Jin. Hence the name, DC.

Why did the two of them
end up drifting apart?

That's...

Attorney Oh must know
more about it than I do.

Oh, they have a lawsuit
going on at the moment.

DC has a game that became
a hit. What was it called?

- High Square? - Yes, that's it.

- It became a big hit. - That's right.

It turned DC into the
company we know today.

But Cha h* Jin...

sued them, saying he got the game stolen.

The game was developed when
he and Do Han Chul were a team,

so it should've been approached...

as a plagiarism or
copyright infringement case,

but he sued them for theft, which is...

It's an absurd strategy.

That's right. People in the industry...

all called it absurd too.

Have they reached a verdict?

Cha h* Jin lost.

What if it was a plagiarism or
copyright infringement case?

He still would've lost.

Plagiarism cases are
very tricky for judges.

Did they really copy it?

Or are the similarities a mere coincidence?

It's also possible they came up
with similar ideas at the same time.

That's why anecdotal evidence is important.

Right, but the timing of when
Cha filed the lawsuit seems sketchy.

When he was struggling financially
while developing a new game,

he asked Do Han Chul to invest in
his project only to be turned down.

He sued him right after that.

In the judge's eyes,

it could seem that Cha
sued Do to get back at him...

for turning him down when
he asked for an investment,

so I think...

he would've lost, either way.

- Has he appealed the decision?
- Yes, it's in progress now.

And DC has sued him for a false accusation.

I bet CHACHA Games can't
even afford the legal fees.

It all comes down to money,
so they'll have to settle the case.

Well...

The thing is, they have
such a hostile relationship.

They've unfollowed each
other on social media.

Is that important?

For your generation, the action
of unfollowing someone is like...

ending your friendship with the person.

It must be true because...

DC keeps releasing new games
when CHACHA's new games...

are being launched,

although DC says it's a mere coincidence.

It doesn't look like a coincidence to me.

It can't be a coincidence.

How much do you think
CHACHA would be valued at?

We don't estimate game companies' values.

It's really hard to predict which
games would become successful.

And the value can change drastically...

depending on whether
or not it's successful.

But I can tell you a thing
or two about CHACHA.

CHACHA is worth nothing.

Delivery King is already doomed,

and they're in a legal battle with DC,

the dominant company in the industry,

so no one would want it
even if they offered it for free.

Thank you for coming.

Take care.

My boss told me...

your manager's nickname
was the White Snake.

People think he got the
nickname because of his white hair.

But apparently, it means
he thinks a hundred times...

before making a decision.

- Really? - Yes.

So, I was excited to see how
impressive this guy could be,

but I'm disappointed.

Why?

He wants to buy CHACHA Games.

He thought it over a hundred
times before deciding?

If he thought it over even just once,

he couldn't be saying he wants to buy it.

CHACHA doesn't want to
sell the company anyway.

Is that right?

Then I'm relieved.

(Sanin Sells Construction to Secure Funds)

(Today's Key News)

(Why aren't they doing e-commerce?)

(Mr. Chairman, I need
money to feed my kids.)

(Why aren't they doing e-commerce?)

(How could such an old-minded
company do e-commerce?)

(Jungang Economy)

Yes, sir.

Hey.

Ask if Mr. Cho is going to the gym soon.

Call General Affairs and ask.

Yes, sir.

Good day.

- Oh, Mr. Cho! - Hello.

Thank you.

I've been meaning to hit the gym.

Thank you for reminding me to work out.

Sir.

The other day, I could see
that Mr. Kim was quite tactful too.

You see, I've been doing some thinking.

Oh, yes.

I'm sure that punk is up to something.

You mean, Yoon Joo No?

Yes, him.

Yes, I think so too.

How about we find out what he's up to?

Yes, good idea.

You want me to do it?

Sure.

I thought I should do
something about it anyway.

Yes, exactly. You need
to show me something,

now that Mr. Kim is on board too.

Sir, do you need something?

No.

Oh, hey.

Me?

You know him, right? That intern.

Intern? Which one?

You said you went to school with him.

That intern, you know.

Oh, Choi Jin Soo?

You two are close, right?

Why do you ask?

Find out what he's up to now.

He's on the M and A Team now.

No, I mean...

I need to find out what
Yoon Joo No is up to,

so ask that guy.

Got it, sir.

Can you not take hints?

Why are you following me?

Oh, sorry.

Can't he give clear directions?

- Hey. - Yes, sir.

When his contract
is up, tell him that's it.

Yes, sir. This time, the interns...

We'll tell the interns that none of
them will get a permanent position.

Good. Now, you understand what I'm saying.

Sir.

About CHACHA Games,
the CEO doesn't want to sell it.

Would it be a bad idea to
sell more of our subsidiaries?

CHACHA Games will sell the company.

Pardon?

CHACHA will go
bankrupt if they don't sell it.

Selling it is the only choice they have.

At times like this, it's important
to help them protect their pride...

so they can make the decision on their own.

I see.

And we can't sell another subsidiary.

If Sanin were to sell another subsidiary,

would you buy shares in Sanin?

I probably wouldn't.

The market reaction
wouldn't be much different.

It's hovering around 110
dollars at the moment,

but if we sell another subsidiary,
the stock price will tank.

It'd be like admitting that
the company is struggling.

If it drops to under 100 dollars,
we'll get a call from Samoel.

"Pay us back, or hand over the company."

What's that called?

- Bankruptcy. - Bankruptcy, bingo.

Just like how CHACHA has no other choice,

we don't have any other option either.

So, I'm convinced this deal will work out.

It has to.

So, let's do our best.

CHACHA Games had filed
a criminal case against DC.

Shouldn't it have been a civil case?

Good point. I'll look into it.

I'll do my best.

Please find out how things are at DC.

Sure.

And you, Jin Soo.

Have you ever completed
the final level in Delivery King?

Pardon? No.

- Keep at it. - Okay.

For Mobile and Online,
the numbers don't match.

There's a slight difference.

- Please check page 18.
- Do you want to grab a drink?

Pardon? Where?

- Bye. - Get home safely.

- Bye. - Bye.

Basement One. Going down.

The doors are closing.

Well, I'll be off then.

- See you tomorrow. - See you.

Sir.

Do you just want me to
keep playing the game?

Yes.

It takes a while to beat the final level.

Or should I look into the developers?

No.

Try to beat the final level. It's fun.

Okay.

- Good job today.
- Thank you for everything today.

Hello?

Hey, I texted you. Do you
not know how to text back?

No. I don't know how to do anything.

I know nothing.

Is that so?

Then let's grab a drink.

- Isn't it so pretty? - What?

Stand over there.

Oh, yes.

Hey, I said we should grab a
drink. Why did you bring me here?

I...

come here often when I'm stressed out.

How old do you think this place is?

When I'm sitting here,

I think, "My worries are
just fleeting thoughts."

I think that to myself.

- Well, all right. - I'll take it now.

- One, two, three. - Hey.

Do you know why work is stressful?

I don't know.

It's stressful because you
don't know how it works.

Once you get to know how it works,

it stops being stressful,

but it kills you.

Can you come down?

(Delivery King)

(Delivery King)

So, what are you working on now?

I'm playing a game.

Not that.

I'm talking about the M and A.

We're trying to buy the
company that made this game.

Why buy that company?

I don't know, okay?

Why are you venting your anger at me?

- Hyeong Seop. - What?

You won't betray me, will you?

Betray you?

It's...

tough because I'm no good yet.

Mr. Yoon isn't giving me a hard time.

Don't tell anyone.

Gosh.

That's a given.

Mr. Yoon...

seems to be a nice person.

And he's competent.

Hey.

Don't let him fool you, okay?

All people are selfish.

But your team manager...

is selfish in a complicated way.

Those are the scariest people.

Be careful.

What do you mean by that?

In other words...

He sees others as simply bad...

and himself as complexly good.

That's who your team manager is.

Jin Soo. You see,

if you're going to be selfish,
at least be honest about it.

Right?

Instead of secretly doing everything,

it's better to do it openly.

Hello, Director? Yes.

Yes, it's CHACHA Games.

That's right. The company that makes games.

That's their next target.

I'm not sure about that.

Yes.

Okay. Yes. Please call anytime.

- Oh, gosh. - Goodness.

- Mr. David. - Director Ha.

Right. He's Director Song,
the future of Samoel Fund.

You know him, yes?

Of course. There's no
way I wouldn't know him.

- Take a seat. - Sure.

You can just call me Teo.

Director Teo...

was extremely strict...

when Sanin used convertible bonds.

It caused our chairman to fly into a rage.

Persuading him wasn't
easy at all, you know?

My apologies for back then.

I was simply trying to
protect my clients' money.

Of course.

I totally understand the fund's situation.

Here. Have a glass.

- Mr. David. - Thank you.

Well, that was all in the past.

We should live in the present.

Exactly.

What I meant was that
having you was reliable.

Let's sail smoothly together this time.

Let's do it.

Nice.

By the way,

I heard what we were taking over...

was Yoon Joo No's.

That's right.

Will it be all right?

Don't worry. We've got you, don't we?

But it's best to be careful.

You know Yoon Joo No
isn't your average man.

What is he like?

Remember JUMBO Pharmaceuticals?

He's the one who ruined them.

That guy's the one who ruined
JUMBO Pharmaceuticals?

Yes.

I guess you wouldn't
know as you were in the US.

That was Yoon Joo No's doing.

And here's the witness.

Was he not questioned by the prosecutors?

He was.

That's why he fled overseas.

Thanks to blocking corporate-level news...

and people keeping quiet about it,

not many know about it.

But little did I imagine
he'd return to Korea.

Is he shameless or just
courageous? Who knows?

He could've fled from the US.

Many return after running away overseas.

Well, he must've used up...

all his fortune to cover that incident up.

I'm sure his family went down too.

Go bankrupt, and most men get divorced.

Good grief. Money is
a terrifying existence.

Hello?

Oh Woon.

It's Dad.

You're doing well, yes?

Dad...

is doing fine.

Oh Woon. Who is it?

Hello?

Hey. It's me.

Right.

How is it over there? All good?

Yes.

I'm going to see my brother this week.

Should I take a photo?

Sure.

Listen.

Yes?

Don't call yourself Dad to Oh Woon.

I'm hanging up. Take care.

Okay.

High Square is DC's cash cow,

ensuring stable earnings.

The money is then reinvested
into game development,

resulting in a virtuous cycle.

High Square is the
engine that's operating DC.

Correct. Thanks to it,

the new games see results.

The stock price jumped recently.

Did DC announce a new game?

No. It's because of the photo
CEO Do Han Chul uploaded...

onto his social media.

Let's see.

It looked like he landed
a government project,

but...

it was simply clickbait.

The CEO is known for
his unpredictable behavior.

Shareholders even signed a petition...

demanding he quit social media.

I see. Great work.

Oh, right. You're moving today, yes?

Yes. I'm almost completely moved in.

I sent some move-in gifts.

See you tomorrow.

"Gifts?"

Hi. Hello.

You ordered a washing machine,
dishwasher, and microwave, right?

Me?

Yoon Joo No. Do I have the right person?

Oh, I see.

Shall I install the dishwasher over there?

Yes, please.

(North Gate)

(Suwon High Court, Suwon District Court)
(Suwon Bankruptcy Court )

You traitor.

Prosecutor.

Pretend you don't know
me. And keep a distance.

I'm scared the chief might see us together.

Come on.

("DC Games CEO Do Han Chul
Accused of Theft? In Disbelief")

Oh, this?

Yes. How did that happen?

Why must I tell you that?

"Why?"

What are batchmates for?
To help out at a time like this.

But didn't you quit after trashing...

the prosecutors for being corrupt...

on the message board?

I thought of going to the press.

But worried my kind
batchmates would get the blame,

I wrote it on the message board.

- Can I have this? - Sure, whatever.

Here's what happened.

The prosecution also
advised CEO Cha h* Jin...

to pursue a civil lawsuit.

However, CEO Cha h* Jin...

is suing for theft,

claiming DC's Do Han Chul broke into...

CHACHA Games.

DC's CEO broke into CHACHA Games?

Putting everything aside,

it's absurd...

a game company's CEO would
break into another company.

But Cha h* Jin insisted
he had hard evidence.

So, I told him to bring it over.

He brought a bunch of codes,

declaring it to be blockchain
or something and the evidence.

Good grief.

Prosecutors don't even
know how to use Excel.

As if they'd know blockchain.

Looking down on the prosecutors...

is the reason you quit.

And so? Did you ask the Digital Team?

I did.

But there were no traces of hacking.

Apparently, blockchain
records everything as evidence.

But nothing was there,

suggesting he was innocent.

True.

The CCTV installed to catch the criminal...

proved the criminal's innocence.

Exactly.

But Cha h* Jin claims
that's evidence of breaking in.

What does that mean?

I don't know. He says the
absence of evidence is the evidence.

But it's ridiculous, right?

DC released a game similar to CHACHA's.

But with no traces of hacking,

DC Games had stolen it physically?

Yes.

The argument that DC's CEO himself...

had broken into is outrageous.

Reversing his statement...

made it less credible.

Mr. Cha insisted he said so from the start,

but it was dismissed.

I see. Thank you.

And the CEO of DC Games.

- CEO Do Han Chul? - Yes.

I've been told to be wary of him.

- Why? - Be careful.

That punk is a scumbag.

- What's he like? - He...

He's like Yoon Joo No.

- What? - Soon Young.

Do you think Yoon Joo No is innocent?

- I do. - What a fool.

And you quit being a
prosecutor to work with him?

- Yes. - You're no smartie pants.

Do Han Chul and Yoon
Joo No are both con artists.

You can tell at a glance, no?

I think it's best that you
stay away from Do Han Chul.

("DC Games CEO Do Han
Chul Marries a Former Idol")

He's notorious in this
industry for using people...

and then discarding them.

(A leading figure in the
Korean gaming industry...)

(By Journalist Kim Ha Na)

Mr. Yoon.

Hello, Director Kang.

And you must be CEO Do Han Chul.

Team Manager Yoon Joo No.

As you've told me,

- he is indeed cool. - Right?

I've always wanted to meet
you, so I pestered Director Kang.

Here.

I've heard all the rumors.

The thought of Sanin...

expanding its business
to games is incredible.

- Is there such a rumor? - Yes.

Well, I don't want to boast or anything.

But in terms of development
level and experience,

we are at the top of the industry.

Right. That's what I've heard.

How about...

working with me?

With what?

With Sanin's capital and
DC's technology combined,

wouldn't it be a huge success?

The rumor is false.

We're not doing games.

Don't let me down.

You do know how much DC is worth, right?

Of course.

We only came to greet
Mr. Yoon today, didn't we?

I should go since that's done.

Mr. Yoon. Let's meet as friends next time,

not for business.

I'm fine with that.

Thank you.

- I'll see you again next time. - Yes.

If there's no deal, how about you and I...

He's a huge jerk.

Sorry?

It's nothing.

I put you in the spot by asking
you to introduce him to me, right?

Don't worry about it. It's all business.

Exactly. I thought you
two were actually close...

when you said you were friends with him.

(Sanin)

Did he come knowing that we
were interested in CHACHA?

- Who came? - Welcome.

CEO Do Han Chul of DC stopped by.

But how?

Director Kang must've told him.

And how did he know about it?

I asked him...

how much DC would need to create a game.

Yes, Director Kang. You're on speakerphone.

Okay. Right.

As you mentioned, he's
very interested in investments.

When I brought up Sanin, he
wanted to meet you right away.

I'm grateful you came.

How was he? Not that pleasant, right?

I'm not sure.

But does DC need an investment?

They must have sufficient funds.

DC's stock price went up recently.

The cause was him
uploading a social media post...

as if he secured a
government support project.

It'll soon drop again.

But he wants to maintain that price.

Correct.

Why? Are stock options involved?

Is it to sell his stocks
when the price is high?

No. Rather than that...

I think there's no particular reason.

No reason?

Yes.

He just seems to want to
maintain the market cap ranking.

Mr. Do tends to think of it...

like a game score ranking.

I need my travel expenses back.

(Sanin, Yoon Joo No is the
best, A good partner, M and A)

Come look at this.

What?

Come over here.

Gosh.

What is it?

He chose DC after getting rejected by us.

(Sanin)

Sanin must be signing the
contract with Do Han Chul.

We need to do it, h* Jin.

Or DC will take it from us again.

Hi. You're Team Manager Yoon Joo No, yes?

Who are you?

I'm Jouranlist Han Ji Eun
from Jungang Economy.

Are you free for a quick interview?

Is there an issue?

Rumor has it Sanin will make
its way into the game industry.

Where's the source from?

Considering Sanin's past nature,

it's definitely an unconventional move.

I'm curious about the background,

since you're directly
handling the M and A process.

DC Games.

Correct?

Nothing has been set.

Then, may I use an insider quote saying,

"Sanin and DC have no affiliation?"

No.

May I understand it as
the two are affiliated?

I'm running late.

(Sanin)

(Recommended)

(Sanin)

Are you going to work on a holiday?

No.

Can you take me to Bongan Temple, please?

Sure.

Thank you.

(Sanin)

(CHACHA Games CEO Cha h* Jin)

Ten million dollars.

(CHACHA Games CEO Cha h* Jin)

(CHACHA Games CEO Cha h* Jin)

The call cannot be connected.
Transferring to voicemail.

Please leave a message...

(CHACHA Games CEO Cha h* Jin)

(10 million dollars.)

Hello, CEO Cha h* Jin of CHAHCA Games.

It's Team Manager Yoon Joo No...

of Sanin Group's M and A Team.

What did he say?

- Is he in? - Or not?

He's thankful for the proposal.

But they have to evaluate first.

- What? - Evaluate how?

He wants to meet up first.

But why must we?

I sent you an email.

(Cha h* Jin)

(Why Delivery King is
Worth 100 Million Dollars)

"TSA?"

"TSA?"

Are you playing a game?

No.

What's this?

Do you want some toast?

No. The food is good.

Okay.

(Forward: Why Delivery King
is Worth 100 Million Dollars)

(It's a file from CHACHA Games.)

(Please check it. I don't get a thing.)

(TSA)

"TSA?"

It's a business mail.

What a wacko.

People like him make
everyone else look bad.

This is the back end, right?

Yes.

(The database that's not
accessible to the users)

This guy is a lunatic.

No way.

He wants you to come in.

What? We're not going hiking?

No. He wants to have a cup of tea.

My gosh. What's gotten into you?

- What is it? - Pardon?

What are you planning?

So you want to do what Yoon Joo No wants?

Oh, yes.

That's right, sir.

My gosh. I see. So...

will you also start following his plan now?

Oh, that.

No, sir.

Actually, DC Games wants to
buy the same gaming company.

But the CEOs of the two gaming companies...

aren't on good terms.

So buying the company first
and selling it to DC Games...

will give us a great profit.

So are you certain...

about that?

Yes, sir. There's been some
discussion about this too.

DC Games' stock price
will fluctuate on Monday.

I see.

Can I trust you on this?

Good morning.

- Hello. - Good morning.

Did you see the post on CEO
Do Han Chul's social media?

Yes.

That post started a rumor
that Sanin and DC Games...

will develop a game together.

There was a news
article clarifying the rumor.

But the stock price went up by 17 percent.

"An insider from Sanin
didn't deny the partnership..."

"with DC Games."

Are you the insider in the news article?

You think so?

CHACHA Games must have seen the post too.

They asked for ten million dollars.

You were the insider.

Mr. Yoon.

Did you meet up with the
CEO of DC Games on purpose...

to start the rumor?

The CEO came to us
when I hadn't invited him.

So I didn't do anything on purpose.

That could be a good
excuse for CHACHA Games.

An excuse for what?

CHACHA Games...

isn't selling because the
company is going under.

They're selling to beat their rival.

The CEO kept his pride.

Oh, right. Jin Soo, did you play the game?

Oh, the game? Yes, I did.

But I couldn't beat the game yet.

I checked the email, though.

What does TSA mean?

It means the title says it all.

Is that something young
people use these days?

Well, the fad is over now.

TSA.

The screen is up now.

This is the back end.

In other words, it's
Delivery King's program.

That's what we see when computers bog down.

Here's what I think.

The black part is the screen,

and the white things
are the letters. Right?

What we usually see is the front end.

This is the program
behind the screen, correct?

Yes. That's right.

Do developers share this
kind of information with others?

No. They never do that.

How should I put it?

If they were fund managers,

this would be their portfolio.

Like the recipe of a famous
dish from a popular restaurant.

Yes, that's it.

He emailed me his trade secret...

and his know-how?

Why did he do that?

Is it his way of showing his confidence?

Maybe, this was more like,
"You guys don't know anything."

I didn't understand that either.
So I asked Jenny for her insight.

She wanted to explain it in person.

Did you show this email to her?

Oh, yes.

Hello, Mr. Yoon.

Why do you think CHACHA Games sent us this?

They revealed their back-end codes.

- Isn't this just irrational? - Exactly.

We could easily copy the codes.

Us?

Well, everyone can write codes these days.

Sure.

I've never seen anyone do this.

I thought it had to be 1 of these 2 cases.

He's either dumb...

or trusts you too much.

Or he's looking down on us.

Well, I don't know about that.

But anyway, both of my guesses were wrong.

Then what is it?

It's the blockchain.

By blockchain, are you
talking about cryptocurrency?

Yes, that's a blockchain too.

But as for this blockchain,

the key point is that it can
prevent possible hacking attempts.

Records of any access...

will remain permanently.

And the records can't be changed.

So...

since there would be a
record of us opening the email,

they felt safe to send over
their asset. Is that right?

Yes.

CHACHA Games is trying to show off.

Yes. I agree.

They're showing off...

- their blockchain technology? - Yes.

Using this would revolutionize
inventory management.

What does this have to do
with inventory management?

Jin Soo. Could you?

People say when inventory
check is conducted in the military,

even the number of
helicopters doesn't match up.

That shows inventory quantities
are changing every minute...

and it is difficult to keep
up with the updates.

Well, I'm sure it's the
same way with companies.

Yes. That's right.

But you can use this system to
keep your inventory updated...

because all the departments
in the company can use...

a single ledger together in real time.

This might not seem much to you.

But it will revolutionize
the logistics industry.

Jenny.

Then do you believe...

the value of the company
should be reevaluated?

Yes. Absolutely.

Okay.

CHACHA Games recently
launched a game called Delivery King.

It didn't perform well, so the
game is shut down for now.

However, using this
game's system will allow us...

to manage everything
from customer orders...

to product procurement and delivery...

all in one go.

What? Delivery King?

My gosh. What are you trying to
achieve with a game that flopped?

This isn't a joke.

Do you think logistics is just a game?

How much?

They asked for ten million dollars.

Ten million?

I see.

If I were to get on board with this,

would you be able to buy
it with ten million dollars?

Yes.

We decided to draft a
binding MOU that grants us...

exclusive rights to negotiate with them.

Once the MOU is signed,
we'll be able to move forward...

with ten million dollars.

When?

It's today.

Many speculative articles
have been published as of now.

- We must hurry. - Okay. Due diligence.

Let's wrap up for today.

Ten million?

Why would we waste
ten million dollars on that?

That's not the point now. Sir.

Oh, right.

You'll report this to
the chairman yourself.

It's not a problem, right?

Director Lee?

Oh, that's not a problem.

(Acquisition Plan of CHACHA Games)

I'll be back after I report
this to the chairman.

He'll be against this, right?

- Probably. - I'm so scared.

Oh, right. What time is CEO Cha coming in?

Is our contract ready?

Yes. He's coming in at 5pm.

I might be late.

Please inform him about the delay.

Is going up to see the
chairman this big of a deal?

It is a big deal.

Meeting with the decision maker...

is the most critical
moment in negotiations.

Things that are above our pay grade...

can be finalized at the meeting.

He could approve acquiring CHACHA Games.

Or he could dismantle our team.

Sir, Team Manager Yoon Joo No is here.

Come on in.

Sit down.

We've never had a 1-on-1
meeting like this, right?

- This is our second time. - What?

I met you 1-on-1 before I left for Hawaii.

Director Lee wasn't there then?

No.

It was just you and me at the meeting.

I see.

I called you in here...

to make something clear.

You.

Are you with me?

I'm asking you if I can trust you.

Director Lee said you didn't.

But didn't you manipulate the stock price?

If you're talking about
JUMBO Pharmaceuticals...

Yes.

You wanted to buy the company.

Didn't you?

All right. Let's keep at it.

- Let's keep at it. - There.

Goodness.

So...

it's about JUMBO.

You were nowhere near it, right?

You know, I asked just in case.

Well, that's a fair question.

It's not like I don't know how you work.

Let me only give you the facts.

If we were to go to my office right now,

I would be able to show
you Yoon Joo No's report,

advising the company to
buy JUMBO Pharmaceuticals.

Really?

I asked you if you advised
Sanin to buy JUMBO.

Yes.

Buying JUMBO was my idea.

But despite that, you still
claim you did nothing wrong?

- That's correct. - Then...

why did your brother hold
so many stocks of JUMBO?

Why?

That's why Yoon Joo No was
questioned by the prosecution.

I see.

But he managed to avoid serving time.

That's because he bought the
stocks under his brother's name.

So he borrowed his brother's name.

Naturally, the prosecution
questioned his brother first.

But he died.

How?

He took his own life.

So...

you're blaming Sanin
for your brother's death?

Will you take revenge?

No.

Can you promise me that?

Yes.

If you can promise me that, buy it.

Pardon?

You're probably here because
you want to buy a company.

Yes.

I want to acquire a gaming
company called CHACHA Games.

CHACHA Games asked for ten million dollars.

If we were to accept the
deal, we'll do due diligence...

and negotiate the price.

If there's a non-disclosure agreement...

Yes.

Buy it.

He's running late, isn't he?

Should I call him?

I'll do it.

Some people don't like
taking calls these days.

Then should we call his company instead?

Sure.

Is this CHACHA Games?

This is Kwak Min Jeong from
the M and A Team of Sanin.

We're supposed to have a
meeting with the CEO today.

Oh, he already left.

I see.

I guess there's traffic.

He left a while ago.

Okay. I'm sure he'll be here soon.

Okay, thank you.

Then I'll proceed with the contract.

But...

make sure to buy it.

Understood?

Yes, sir.

Is there a special reason for that?

What reason?

I'm a businessman. What
other reason could there be?

Okay. I understand.

For a con artist,

he's an awful liar.

What happened?

- We can proceed. - Really?

He didn't scold you?

I knew you could do it, Mr. Yoon.

It seems CEO Cha is running late.

- I see. - Darn it.

Are game developers not punctual?

I guess not.

I could've been late to the
meeting. It all worked out.

Yes, but still. This is
an important meeting.

Yes, Mr. Cha.

I'm sorry, but I can't make it today.

Should we reschedule then?

No. It's not that.

Another company offered more money.

By how much?

They doubled it.

I'm sorry.

Messing with someone like
him could give us a headache.

He'd do anything to get his way.

Well, you're right about that.

But I know all of Yoon Joo No's moves.

Is that so?

Then what will happen
according to our plan?

It's perfect.

Hello. Is this CHACHA Games?

Yes.

I'm here because I have
an offer for the CEO.

Is the CEO here?

("DC Games Drops Lawsuit
Against CHACHA Games")

(CHACHA Games, DC Games)

(CEO Do Han Chul)

h* Jin, it's been a while.

We need to talk. How about over a drink?

It's my treat.

Mr. Yoon.

(The Art of Negotiation)

They would double our offer.

Is that the condition?

- This is a setup. - They played me.

I didn't know Yoon Joo
No could be played too.

Securing the location
is the first step in battles.

You're indeed a negotiation expert.

With the Easter egg, developers
can secretly plant their traces.

There's a game DC Games
developed called High Square.

That's crazy, isn't it?

They didn't hack it, but
the Easter egg is still there.

Should I try to cut a deal?

I can promise you. He won't
give you ten million dollars.

He's a con artist.

How dare he dupe a reporter?

Don't you want to go back to making games?

I hear people like you perceive
the world only in terms of money.

It's not over yet.

Money isn't the only condition
we can offer in negotiations.