01x05 - Episode 5

[bunniefuu]

[theme music playing]

Everyone.

How many of you were aware
that rhinos are an endangered species?

The main reason being

that we believe miracle cures
originate out of the rhino's horn.

That's not what really happens.

It's just keratin. The horn's made up
of plain keratin. That's the truth.

Dead skin cells. That's about it. Yeah.

So to consume it
is the same thing as biting your nails,

followed up by swallowing them,
to be blunt.

Rather disappointing, wouldn't you think?

It seems those who've been enticed

by the rhino's loud voice
and strong appearance

were exaggerating the value
of the rhino's horn.

The crazy rhino...

She seems pretty pissed, doesn't she?

- I provoked her. That's why.
- [Seo Min-jung]...Ms. Oh is better known.

However, there's another name

among your campaign staff
that stands out to me.

Hwang Do-hee.

Hwang Do-hee. That's right.
She manages my campaign.

That was the one I meant.
Hwang Do-hee, Campaign Manager,

who worked very hard for a certain
conglomerate family for over a decade

and is widely known as
the organization's fixer actually.

Sounds like she's the polar opposite
of the rhino who battles injustice

and who fights for workers' rights?

Yes, she was.

Hwang Do-hee's journey is
quite a different one than I had.

No.

I would say utterly different than mine.

But we happened to face each other
over the issue of temp employees one day,

and that experience taught Hwang Do-hee

the miserable reality
that our laborers deal with.

This made her pay attention
to something greater...

So tell us something.
Are you saying that you're willing

to go ahead and embrace anyone,
just so you might win the election, yeah?

You're willing to embrace everything,
aligning yourself with her,

a rotten tree that grew in the garden
of a conglomerate family,

as long as you win?

[somber music playing]

So,

what I'm required to say then to you

is that I'll just abandon
a courageous woman like that

because our past is different?

[Seo Min-jung scoffs]

A woman?

You're making this
into a matter of gender now, huh?

All right. So, Ms. Seo, tell us then.

Would you say the correct way
is to turn a cold shoulder

on people that wouldn't be supportive
to your cause or weren't past supporters?

I see. So that's the reason why you keep
ignoring Hayu-dong residents

who want the chemical plant
in the area demolished.

Or are you prioritizing your sympathies
with the company which built that plant,

for you to keep your status

and to keep your influence
as a National Assembly member?

Is this your strategy?

I think that you're
going off-topic to attack, and I...

[Oh Kyung-sook] Please answer.

Tell us the actual reason
why you are refusing to pass the bill

which could relocate the plant.

Relocating the plant
isn't the hardest challenge we face.

It's by relocating to a rural area.

Jobs in the city would get lost to that,
and where can you replenish them...

Hold on. We're talking
about a chemical plant right now.

Not talking about kimchi factories
and chili dust here.

We're discussing sulfurous gases
that a plant like this creates, okay?

Are you willing to throw away
the health and safety of Seoul's citizens?

That it doesn't matter if you only
make up for that in our economy? Yeah?

Is money more important
than people's lives? Is that it?

Listen, Ms. Oh. Would you please
just listen to me. Can you relax a little?

Naturally, the safety of the city's people
ranks at the top of all.

Yes. There you go. We agree on this point.
That's great. I'm glad.

So then you must believe this plant,
that's currently in Hayu-dong,

should be demolished, yeah?

And it should be far away

so that our citizens can then
feel healthy and safe again.

That's what you're saying, right? Or no?

[steady rock music playing]

[laughs softly]

[Oh Kyung-sook] Ms. Seo.

Many Seoul citizens are watching tonight.
You should keep that in mind.

Please give us your answer.

[inhales]

Yes, of course, uh...

I also think, uh, consideration be given

to the removal of this certain
chemical plant out of Seoul.

I knew it!

I expected nothing else.

The people will be grateful
to hear all that.

It's good to be clear.

[laughs nervously]

[on TV] We will be right back
after this short break.

[Seo Min-jung]
Call Chairperson Cheon and say

what I said was only meant for TV.

Just focus on the debate for now.

They're gonna do questions now.
They're done with this part.

So look at the possible questions.

[shuffling items]

[sighs]

Ms. Oh.

People are going wild about you.

They're saying the rhino slammed
the opponent into the ground.

What about Hwang? Tell me what she said.

[suspenseful music playing]

[woman] Ms. Hwang? He's here.

[Hwang] Soo-h*, you're here.

Am I too late?

No.

The timing is just right.

[host] This is our End-All Debate,
and it's time to change the world.

And with us today,
two female mayoral candidates.

Assemblywoman Seo Min-jung
and Attorney Oh Kyung-sook

are both with us
as we are airing here today live.

This is going to be
a question and answer session

where you answer the questions
your supporters have chosen for you.

Now, let's see. Does anyone have
a question for Ms. Seo Min-jung?

Oh, yes.

I'd like to ask you about this clip
that went online just before the debate.

So tell us, Ms. Seo, um...

The lifestyle you seem to be having there,
are we to trust that, or...

Let me give you the important facts
upfront. It's all made up.

As it appears, the other side is
trying hard to hold a witch hunt

to brand me with the stigma that
I'm living this extravagant lifestyle.

So I think it's attempting
to get us into a fight

where we could confirm the dumb cliché
that women are women's own worst enemies.

[host] Okay.

And does anyone have a question
for Ms. Oh Kyung-sook?

Yes.

[tense music playing]

I would like to ask Ms. Seo Min-jung
a question, if that's possible.

Actually, it's time for Ms. Oh Kyung-sook
to answer a question...

No, Ms. Seo Min-jung.

Can you tell us your thoughts

on the ethical boundaries of politicians?

Do you think their private lives

should be under strict protection,
as long as they do not break the law?

Can you share with us here

your thoughts about the matter?

Yeah, that's uh... [clears throat]

Uh, that's quite a...
That's quite a riveting question.

[classical music playing]

[music echoes and fades]

OH KYUNG-SOOK
SEOUL, A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE

[ominous music playing]

[host] Ms. Seo Min-jung?

I think that...

Um, I believe that...

[coughs]...one needs to listen

to what their conscience
is saying to them.

[ominous music continues]

[panting]

Joong-seok.

Your ex-wife is such a b*tch.
She's truly evil.

How could she drag Soo-h* into this?

- I'm sorry, ma'am.
- You need to get him now!

Get Soo-h*...

out of my sight. Do it. I mean it.

Live TV is complicated.

If he is being taken away
right after a question for you,

the viewers might believe
there is validity...

You son of a b*tch! You dickhead!

You were married to that woman once,
and you have no control over her one bit?

That's why I was advising you prior

to end things before you got
somebody using it against you.

What the hell did you just say?

I think the debate is more important now.

Clean up this mess,

or I will take down Hwang Do-hee

and k*ll her myself.

[sighs]

[woman] Oh, you're here.

[Oh Kyung-sook groans]

[Oh Kyung-sook] Oh!

It's hot! [panting]

Ladies, will you just, you know...

- Just let me...
- No, you can't!

Don't do that!

God, it's gonna cut me in half!

Still, look at your waist.
It looks incredible.

- Oh, it's so hard to breathe!
- Yes.

[moans]

- Just bear with us.
- We'll start with the left.

Hey, Hwang.

Did you watch Seo Min-jung?
She seems to have completely lost it.

What happened with her?

Forget what happened.
We have to plan ahead.

And we're doing away with the cue sheets
and the questionnaires

and just go unscripted, okay?

What's happening? What is this?

Just meet every question head first,
the way you do.

Answer the questions and be blunt.
You're the Rhino, aren't you?

[sighs] I don't know.
I might cause an incident on air.

Yes, I want that. Go ahead.

Let's go burn the place down.

[suspenseful music playing]

Now let's go to another question

from a member of our audience
at this time.

Yes, over there at the end.

Hello. Good evening.

Great to see you.

I support you both, and I certainly intend
to support either candidate down the line.

[cheering]

Pleasure to meet you.

[woman] I would really love to see

our city of Seoul getting its historic
first female mayor in this election.

Yet, it's concerning to witness

that this contest between you
could be detrimental,

meaning it could end up
driving your voters apart.

So I was wondering

if both of you are willing to
come together as a single unit?

And by which you mean?

As an example,

a pre-election race
could see you both unify under the winner.

[audience murmuring]

[rock music playing]

She's in cahoots with the moderator.

The moment she struggled,
he wanted a break. That's clear.

Only with that we've used the entirety
of breaks in an hour-long debate.

There's one break the moderator directs,
and the middle ad break. That's it.

They will not be able to put a stop
to this thing. It's all airing live.

Then we'll bring up the question
of a pre-election race.

That's your signal

to then start pushing her
to commit to that,

using the power of live TV.

[rock music continues]

Well, since this is not currently
an official election period,

uh, I don't think we should start
going down that road.

There'll be an appropriate time...

- [Oh Kyung-sook] Mr. Moderator.
- Yes?

You're prohibiting this certain question?

Not prohibiting it.
I'm simply just correcting it.

Okay, sir.

You're not the one who was asking it,

so why would you attempt
to correct the person who did?

I thought the goal of this Q and A session

was that our citizens could ask us things
in a democratic and neutral climate.

You're right. I still must...

If I am right,
let me please hear the question.

Young lady, please. Let's try again.

So would you agree to unite

under one candidate
to clinch the election together?

A single candidate?

Yes.

All for it. Sure.

As long as the contest is run
without any major controversy,

I am willing and ready
to humbly accept the voters' will.

That's all that matters.
And Seoul is worth it for me.

I'm willing to be a unit together

and become one with Ms. Seo.

We will live and die together as one,

a single mind and even body
if needed. Whatever.

Count me in.

[cheering]

You'll have to forgive me,
but this is not just

something I can decide all by myself.

I would need to discuss it
with the full membership of the party.

You know, this kind of pre-election should
really only be a contest within a party...

[Oh Kyung-sook] In that case,

I'm gonna join your party.
Now you're good?

[audience laughing lightly]

It's the People's Reform Party.
We're not a shopping center.

There's procedures to adhere to,
to join the party...

Nah, that doesn't really matter
right now...

A new member must align with our vision,
and they'll undergo a serious check

so they don't harm our name,

and only with the approval
of the other party members...

Ah, I can't believe how frustrating
this is! [moans] Really! I mean,

why is this so painful? Huh?

God! That's it!

This is nuts!

Really!

[rock music playing]

[gasps] Oh my God!

Ah, it's too much.

All this tradition and correctness
and pretending I'm so skinny and cool.

Can we try and put a stop to that? Yeah?

All this here.
Let's all just put a stop to this madness.

There's nothing at all
that we've got to think about now

than serving Seoul
with everything we've got.

Oh Kyung-sook

has put down the facade
for our city of Seoul,

to protect it
from the conglomerate's tireless minion.

Behold, I stand here now,
as me and none other,

as authentic as I can,
to challenge the opponent to take me on!

[cheering]

[audience chanting] Oh Kyung-sook!
Oh Kyung-sook!

Oh Kyung-sook! Oh Kyung-sook!

[chanting continues]

[man] The time is up!

It appears the People's Servant
is hearing the last bell.

The corset revolution attorney
Oh Kyung-sook started

truly seemed to have
knocked Seo Min-jung down.

Maybe she'll stay there.

That's right. The debate had a sudden end.

In addition, she didn't have a comeback,
and Ms. Oh's challenge never got answered.

The horn of the Rhino,
is it directed at the pre-election yet?

[cheering]

[whooping]

[uplifting music playing]

To Oh Kyung-sook!

I knew that you could do it.
You were so charismatic.

You did incredible.
Just absolutely amazing.

I think so too.

You suggested the head-to-head,
and I got chills up my neck.

I think all of us got 'em!

[cheering]

Yeah!

It's all because you were here.

I could only provoke her, you know?

'Cause you backed me up in there.

[cheering]

Ms. Oh, I want you to meet her.

You know, she was the one
who completely rattled Ms. Seo

with that viral video earlier.

Lee Cha-sun. Pleasure.
Hwang Do-hee was the one who asked me,

so I worked my magic with that.
I trust it was to your liking?

Oh, thanks to the work you put in,
I really had a great start in the debate.

I would love to work together more.

[cheering]

Okay, lift up your cups. You gotta say,
"Let's go," when I say, "Oh Kyungsook."

One, two, three.

- Oh Kyung-sook!
- [all] Let's go! [cheering]

[Oh Kyung-sook] What an attention seeker.

Why are you here by yourself, huh?

All cool and brooding like that?

It's because you want my attention, right?

You were trying to grab my attention
with your little surprise, I think.

The corset.

I must have alarmed you, huh?

I thought the Oh Kyung-sook I knew

didn't use such strategies.

Strategy? What strategy?

Who in the world

hatches such a crazy idea?

[laughing]

[sighs] That's the reason
I say you're a natural.

How do you come up
with an act that's so out there?

Listen.

I want it gone.

The corset. Gimme a break, yeah?

I mean, it's really suffocating and fake.

It's also oppressive and dumb.

I'd rather you cuff my wrists. Okay?

[sighs]

Yeah.

I accept that.

Sincerely? Yeah?
You'll keep your word, huh?

[laughing]

[mellow music playing]

- [Oh Kyung-sook] Yes!
- [laughing]

Whoo!

- Yes, I'm free now!
- Wow!

So, to liberation. Cheers!

On a day like today,

wouldn't you get terribly wasted, huh?

So what are you planning here?

Oh Kyung-sook being the mayor. That's it.

To make her mayor, I need to

get dirt on my rival.

Soo-h* is

just another prodigy
that Ms. Seo chose to be supporting.

With him being so gifted naturally...

I know she illegally used
corporate funding

to get him the kind of violin
that costs a fortune.

She bought him a house, too,

and slept with him.

And when she felt like
she was gonna get caught,

you were the guy
who had to go and tell Soo-h*.

[tense music playing]

[sighs]

[Oh Kyung-sook] ...as authentic as I can,
to challenge the opponent to take me on!

[cheering on TV]

Hwang Do-hee knows
how to play this game well, hmm?

[Baek] Shouldn't we cut them off now?

Oh Kyung-sook running wild

might make it very hard
for us to remain in the spotlight.

Now, this makes elections fun, hmm?

The hero of the morning,
newly christened and revered,

makes way for a new hero of tomorrow,
created overnight.

Thrilling, isn't it?

Now it's time for us
to join the game as well.

THE GREEN PEOPLE FOUNDATION
7TH ANNIVERSARY

[cheering and whooping]

Hello, all of you.

Today we're here
to celebrate our birthday,

the seventh year for our foundation.

At this time, I want to express
my heartfelt gratitude

to all the Green People supporters
who volunteered for us,

who were there for us
from the very beginning.

And I'm also quite thrilled

to come to you bearing
a heartwarming gift on this wonderful day.

It's a place where those who need
a shelter that's safe,

like the single mom, will get protection.

But it's a place

for all of our women.

The Green House. A home for you.

GREEN HOUSE

[cheering]

Wanna look at this? This was done so that...

[woman] Do you like that?

...the children will be able
to raise the plants themselves.

[man] Mr. Baek, could you do
a loving pose with your wife?

Oh, sure. Shall we do it?

Could you please stand a bit closer,
if you can?

Look this way, please.

Thank you.

- Please tell us, is something the matter?
- [man] Are you two happy right now?

It's been a while
since I've been asked that question.

[man] Are you aware of the rumor
that your marriage is a sham?

Some are even saying that this event is
just a show to help you become mayor.

- You know...
- I was asking Ms. Eun, Mr. Baek.

[Chae-ryoung] The truth is,
I haven't been well recently.

I went to the doctor because I thought
I was likely pregnant. Although,

as it turned out,

it was malignant tumors that had spread.

- [reporters murmuring]
- [tense music playing]

I underwent surgery right away
and am no longer at risk.

But the painful chemotherapy has
made me extremely sensitive to stress.

And...

I was devastated by the fact
that I cannot bear any more children.

[sniffles]

I'm certain it's not a secret to you
at this time

that we have grown distant as a couple.

It's because it feels as if
my womanhood has come to an end...

which has made it difficult
to share our love and home together.

Jae-min thought that running for mayor
would cost him a lot.

He said he didn't want the position
if it took him away while I was in pain.

But I urged him to run.

Thinking about the luxuries
and the privileges I've enjoyed,

of what I still had to endure,

it's hard to imagine
how others in dire situations would deal,

how intense their hurt would be.

So I went to him and said,

"You need to lead
to show them what is possible."

"Help those mothers with their struggle."

She's smooth in her choice of words.

I'm sorry.

Please forgive me.

Just so we're clear,

this is the last time I do this.

[cheering]

[Yoon] Wow.

A new hero is born.

You did well. Such a pleasure.

I feel truly at ease now,
after how everything went,

due to your stellar performance.

The loving couple did all the work,
I'm afraid. Hmm.

The part with the cancer
especially was outright dramatic.

I was close to believing it.
It worked so well. [laughs]

Yes, Ms. Eun had the idea with the cancer,

and the kiss was Mr. Baek's improvisation.

Chae-ryoung,

you really did great.

Well, Jae-min, you did well also.

I'm very aware

that the hard part
rested upon her shoulders.

Mom.

Then will I be going back to my position...

Until the election is done,
it will be best to stay at his side.

Right. He needs your support
as his loyal, loving wife,

so that Mother's plan will pan out.

So you'll have Seo-jin keep running
the department store?

The department store is closely tied
to attracting investments in duty-free...

That's enough with that.

[sighs]

Today is a day we should all relish.
[chuckles]

To Mayor Jae-min.

[men] To Mayor.

[reporter] Baek Jae-min has
won the hearts of voters

with a romantic gesture
during the anniversary of his foundation

and continues rising
to the top of the polls.

However, Attorney Oh Kyung-sook has
taken the nation by surprise

with her corset revolution.

The public lean towards Baek Jae-min
as he displayed support to his wife

who has endured recent trauma.

This election is expected
to be a heated race,

as the public gathers more information.

It's the warrior Rhino...

[man 1] A race between the two?

They're not evening mentioning us at all!

So what is it? You've not done anything
to grab the attention of the voters

in this election.

[man 2] Popularity isn't our only worry.

We were counting on this
but didn't prepare any backup plans.

We might end up losing
the public's support

to both the Korea Republican Party
and the mayoral office.

We also hear certain talk that's
in regards to your personal life now.

What is going on?

It looks like a b*mb is
really close to going off.

You're the party leader,

but you've stepped over a line there.

Considering how I'm the one
who keeps you and yours afloat,

it wouldn't hurt you
to keep your dirty mouth shut,

instead of running it
about my own personal dealings!

You're gonna give me such bullshit?

- [man 3] Take him outside!
- Keep afloat?

- [man 3] Let's go! Come on!
- [leader] How dare you?

- Let me go!
- [man 3] Outside!

- [leader] Who do you think you owe it to?
- [man 3] Sir, please don't!

[leader] Who won the election, huh?
What have I ever done wrong?

Where are you taking me, hmm?

[overlapping voices fade]

[mysterious music playing]

Accept the race, and

no more Soo-h* blackmailing,
I guarantee it.

You want to remove us,
and then Baek Jae-min is your opponent.

Yes. Will you oblige us?

Hwang Do-hee.

Do you really think
that insisting on this...

Seo Min-jung...

caught with musical prodigy
in steamy, secret affair.

Desire, carelessness,
and utterly disgraceful!

I believe gossip like that

is certainly gonna rile up the electorate.

Should I take it to the reporters then?

Say yes to the pre-election.

It's the one option we have.

They still got Soo-h* to threaten us.

Did they promise you

they won't go to the magazines,
should I accept it?

It appears your Hwang Do-hee
has done nothing but betray us.

- It's tricky.
- [bangs]

Stop!

Are you and your ex-wife collaborating?

Are you just planning to use Soo-h*
to put an end to my career forever?

So what better path have we got?

There's more at stake here, ma'am.

A whole lot of us will be at risk,
should we lose.

It would mean a death blow
for everything we worked towards.

For all the elders, and all the people
in the lowest places in the party.

For me, who supported you,
and the pride that unites the party.

[sighs]

Those men in there,
they'll only support the victor.

Just defeat Oh Kyung-sook, and I promise

the party is gonna do everything possible
to keep Soo-h* quiet.

Since that's our only chance.

[camera shutters clicking]

I, Seo Min-jung...

And I, Oh Kyung-sook...

[both] Swear to engage
in an honest contest against my opponent

to become the People's Reform Party's
mayoral candidate.

To help make Seoul a source of pride
to all of us in Korea.

To create a Seoul full of joy
and beauty for all.

[both] Hereby, we announce to you
our full agreement

to enter into a pre-election
to choose a winner.

[uplifting music playing]

A NEW SEOUL

SEO MIN-JUNG AND OH KYUNG-SOOK
AGREE TO THE PRE-ELECTION RACE

[dramatic music playing]

Has she answered?

Chairperson Cheon hasn't answered
any of our calls.

[scoffs] She's so petty and bitter.

- I'll call up her assistants when I...
- Just let it go.

She'll call as soon as
my approval ratings increase.

[Seo Min-jung] Ohh!

Ooh!

[laughs]

So it's you.

The infamous

Hwang Do-hee.

A late introduction. I'm sorry.

You've dug deep
in order to find a bit of dirt.

A habit as a conglomerate lapdog, huh?

You should be taught a lesson,

if you want to continue

to exist in this part of town.

I can't wait for that.

I'm really looking forward to this.

I'll learn from your expertise.

Lower your eyes!

You dare look straight at me?

Lower your eyes!

Don't you lay a hand on me!
Mind your damn business!

Out of respect for your position,

I will just simply ignore the slapping
this one time, and that's it.

- What?
- [Dong-joo] Let's go.

[Ms. Seo] How dare...

You audacious little b*stard!

Hey, Joong-seok. Joong-seok!

Are you just gonna let him
get away with it? Huh?

[Hwang] Right.

Oh, it turns out Chairperson Cheon
wants to celebrate our candidacy together.

Could you tell her
we're grateful but have to decline?

There's no intention
from our side to accept her support.

[engine starts]

[Seo Min-jung] Ma'am!

Ma'am!

[moans] Here!

[panting]

- [woman 1] Watch your step.
- [woman 2] Be careful.

[Seo Min-jung] Ma'am!

Ma'am, please!

[Seo Min-jung panting]

You do grow more ill-mannered
each and every day.

You're walking on the green
in those heels?

[groans]

Listen, ma'am. [moans]

Please listen.

I need your help, please.

[Seo Min-jung groaning]

You said the plant I own should close
during a debate that was aired nationally.

And now I should care?

Oh Kyung-sook... [inhales sharply]

Oh Kyung-sook was tricking me, I swear.

Just imagine that I was
protecting the chemical plant.

I would drop behind in the race.

And then I couldn't get into office,
which hurts you as well.

Judging from your long-winded excuses,

it must be your time to go.

[Seo Min-jung] Ma'am.

Oh Kyung-sook can't be it.

Should she become mayor,
even if you were to go and help her,

she certainly would shut down the plant.

And what?

If you support me this one last time,
I'll swear on my own li... No!

Also on the life of my daughter.

I will protect that crucial plant.

You know I'm very good at my job.

Yes, of course.

My money doesn't hurt, does it?

And if it weren't for that,
there's not a way that

you could have served
three terms as assemblywoman

when you were
nothing but a pretty figurehead.

This time, I intend
to see how capable you really are.

You win this alone and without my help.
Let's see what you're made of, my dear.

[dramatic music playing]

Are you all right?

I'll win, no matter what.

Oh Kyung-sook's parents, her children...

Get anything we can use to make her bleed,
no matter how bad.

The second I find a fault in that woman,

I'll drag her to hell's deepest depths,
and it'll end her career on all fronts!

TRAITOR OH KYUNG-SOOK MUST RESIGN!
SANGAH MARKET MERCHANT UNION

- That was great.
- Glad to hear it.

- [man 2] Yeah, delicious as always.
- [woman] Thank you.

Can I get noodles, yeah?

Hi. Yes, welcome. How are...

Uh, great to see you again.

The kimchi looks great.
You made it just now?

Don't you touch it!

Not for you.

Come on, Auntie.
Can you please hear me out?

Get out!

There's nothing for us to talk about.
You get that? On your way now!

Go. Get lost!

Stop disturbing my business,
ruining my good mood.

- [man] The nerve!
- Come on, Auntie.

Please. [shrieks]

How dare you show your face
around here? Why?

Are you going to beg for votes now?

Shameless of you, isn't it?

I know that me being here is really...

It's upsetting for you that I'm here.

You know, in running
for the office of mayor of Seoul,

I'm only trying to protect
the merchants here and other ordinary...

[man 2] Cut the bullshit!

Cut the bullshit now!

Hey, Oh Kyung-sook.
You think you're talking to idiots?

You threw dirt
on a good man, Baek Jae-min,

when he promised to redevelop this market,

all so you can collect the necessary votes
from the working class!

Don't you try
and shove it down our throats!

Please, sir, I beg you.

That's really not what this is about. I...

- Don't you touch me with your dirty hands!
- [woman] We don't want your help!

Get lost!

[all clamoring]

That's your fate
when people see you as their hero.

The minute that you're tainted
in their eyes,

your own people will become enraged
and attack.

What a sad life.

[all yelling]

[objects clattering]

You're a traitor! How do you sleep...

Go away!
Why are you pushing her, everybody, huh?

- Hyun-woo.
- [man] Like mother, like son!

What a shame!
Look at the kid's temper there, huh!

Yeah. I'm Oh Kyung-sook's son!

So unless you got a death wish,
you better stay away, you as*h*le!

[Oh Kyung-sook] You little brat!
What are you thinking, huh?

That's not how I taught you
to speak your elders!

Now apologize!

I'm sorry. I apologize.

I'm terribly sorry. I'm sorry.

Apologize. Now.

[man] Goodness! Would you look at that?
I can't believe it.

[woman] You can't even
raise your kid right!

[Oh Kyung-sook] Hyun-woo!

Kang Hyun-woo! Kang Hyun-woo!

[somber music playing]

Just look at me, please, Hyun-woo.

- Hyun-woo.
- Why do you let them do that?

Why do you let them harm you?

Why are they beating you up?
It's embarrassing!

Hyun-woo.

Will you hear me out, please?

So...

The thing is they're not...

You told me I had to accept it all

because you're fighting
for a better world.

Graduations,

and birthdays, ceremonies,
athletic meets, you skipped it all.

And you said I should let it go
because you were out protecting the weak.

So what is this?

Strangers mobbing you.

A constant burden on you.

You jump to your death,
and they beat you now too.

I had no mom
because this is what you chose!

Uh, wait.

I'm sorry.

Kang Hyun-woo.

I'm very, very sorry. Yeah?

Well, if you are,

are you gonna quit?

Hyun-woo.

So I'll wait then.

I'll wait to see the world
you're creating.

Hyun-woo!

THE LEAH COMPANY

[suspenseful music playing]

THE LEAH COMPANY

SANGAH, SOONJUNG DISTRICT
GREENBELT DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

[man over PA] Attention, please.
The fifth investor's conference

for The Heaven,
the new Eunsung duty-free shop

as well as Asia's number one landmark,
will begin shortly.

A quick hello to our guests. I ask
that you now take your seats, if you will,

so that we may now commence.

"Eunsung will complete its duty-free shop,

and Seoul will turn into
a heaven on earth. In this part..."

They're ready for you, Chairperson.

How many will attend?

Counting everybody, those who will be here

as well as the investors
joining us online, 890 in total.

It's twice the amount of people we had
at our last conference.

Well, it seems that this is
us reaping the rewards

of Jae-min running.

[footsteps approaching]

I've dressed the way you like.

Chae-ryoung's ready to pretend
to be in love to secure her share,

so shouldn't I also make an effort?

A little contest never hurts, does it?

Let's go.

Heaven of Asia!

[cheering]

Eunsung's completion of this project,
The Heaven, will make history again.

Seoul will become heaven on earth
right here in Korea.

Over the next ten years, The Heaven is
expected to bring Eunsung a profit of

just under a billion dollars.

The businesses and the school district
that will be built around The Heaven

and the quality of life for local
residents will be second to none.

The infrastructure in the area, including
apartments, shopping malls, and offices,

will be occupied by Eunsung subsidiaries.

The Eunsung Group is a good ally to have.

And if you're our ally,
you will taste heaven.

I hope I'll get to embrace all of you

in this world

beyond paradise.

[cheering]

[crowd chanting] Baek Jae-min!
Baek Jae-min! Baek Jae-min!

SANGAH MARKET

[cheering]

- It's remarkable.
- Yes. Must have had a vision.

- [man 2] Impressive.
- [Ms. Son] Thank you very much.

Though I gotta say,

you'll certainly get resistance
from the poor

who will not be able
to afford that lifestyle.

I'd have to say
that building Heaven requires you

to first kick out
all the people currently living here.

You'll have some issues.

You see hope is all that's needed.

There is no one that can refuse

the notion that perhaps someday,

no matter how poor you are,

fate will grant you an existence
of extreme wealth and riches,

where the world is
right there in your hands,

if you join Eunsung.

[choral music]

This market I stand in today,
as your Baek Jae-min,

will get its restoration, I swear it.

[cheering]

I ask this of you.
This market belongs to who?

To all of you, of course.

This market is built by your dream.

You all poured your sweat,
your blood into it.

As I stand here today,
I swear the market you created,

this great legacy,
will see growth that's gigantic.

And you'll grow as well.

I will open the mighty gates
to our heaven!

[cheering]

[crowd chanting] Baek Jae-min!
Baek Jae-min! Baek Jae-min!

- Baek Jae-min!
- Thank you for coming.

- [chanting continues]
- Thanks for coming. Thanks so much.

How old are you, huh?

Thank you!

I will do my best!

It's a very sad picture.

All those naive people

really believe they'll end up rich.

He's exploiting their fantasy.

"Trust me, for I shall put you
out of your miserable life."

Anyway,

I assume you wanted me here for something
more than just observing this circus?

[crowd continue chanting in distance]

I asked you to be here, Cho-rong,

to ruin this as*h*le's big day.

It was reported that The Leah Company,
a multinational organization

based in the Virgin Islands,

seems to have been given the rights
to develop a greenbelt area in Seoul,

slipping under the radar somehow.

Districts such as Sangah and Soonjung,

which The Leah Company has
the development rights over,

were originally scheduled to have
five million apartment units built

for low-income families.

Why was an area that was supposed
to become a home for the citizens of Seoul

given to a foreign corporation
with no roots in Korea?

The question now is, who is behind
this corporation called The Leah Company?

Oh, thank you very much.

[Ms. Son] They say
a man's position changes him.

That's what they commonly say,
Deputy Mayor.

You're worthy to go the top now.

Oh, well, Chairperson Son,
it's really because of you if I am.

[chuckles]

Yes, you've had quite a trouble-free run
so far, haven't you?

Feasting on what was left
in Sa Jae-gon's trough.

So I think it's time you did some payback
for the food that's been given to you.

You will protect me by throwing yourself
in front of that derailed truck

that's quite quickly approaching.

If you'd like to keep on feeding
out of that trough, that is.

Wouldn't you prefer that your children
remain in the United States?

[gasps]

Truly, I am sorry about it.
Please consider it done, ma'am.

Get the journalists together.

[dramatic music playing]

Seoul and The Leah Company
have never had a relationship together

is what we'll say,

and that you have no intentions for now

to try and withdraw their authorization
to build or hinder their schedule,

due to the baseless accusations
brought on to them.

Of course I will.

I'll hold a press conference
first thing tomorrow.

Your message is
going to get delivered, ma'am.

[dramatic music continues]

[Ms. Son] Yes, there's a good dog.

As long as you eat
right out of my hand, my dear,

your health is never in danger. [chuckles]

SEOUL METROPOLITAN CITY

"Currently, the government of Seoul

is in the process
of looking at the permit that, um...

that The Leah Company was granted
here to build and redevelop."

Okay, okay. Should be all right. Got it.

Damn it!

So Chairperson's words are
completely incorporated, right?

- You've checked over and over again, sir.
- Oh, I did, yeah.

Also, I invited Eunsung-friendly reporters
for today, to be absolutely certain.

They'll embellish the articles
if we miss anything.

- [slaps arm] Good. Let's go.
- [man] Hmm.

[door opens]

[ominous music playing]

[on TV] Kim Jeong-do,
the acting mayor of Seoul,

will shortly begin the press conference
on the issue of the alleged privilege...

The deputy mayor isn't gonna do
anything silly, is he?

He's just incompetent.
I bet he's smarter than that.

[Ms. Son chuckles]

If this conference will go as expected,

the Sangah District is getting
a little decrease in land value.

But Mom, that means
the sale price will go down too.

Hmm.

I'm being generous. [chuckles]

With Jae-min taking his place
as mayor soon,

Seoul's greenbelt areas
will be all mine eventually.

So perhaps the poor should get
a little relief with their rent.

Yes, this is a good plan.

The commoners were prone
to express deep gratitude,

in case the emperor was being
temporarily kind and generous.

Yes.

I'll hand out some kindness
to the poor folks out there.

In the long run, I'll certainly get
to reap the benefits. [laughs]

Until you ensure that Jae-min will be
the new mayor of the city of Seoul.

[laughs] Yes.

You can count on me.

[Ms. Son sighs, clears throat]

ACTING MAYOR KIM JEONG-DO
EXPLAINS THE CONTROVERSY

ON A FOREIGN COMPANY

[camera shutters clicking]

First of all,

I need to start with an apology
to every single person in our city

about the mentioned allegations
that the Seoul government

was colluding with a foreign corporation.

[Hwang] Yesterday,

you visited the house
of the head of Eunsung.

Your visit started
at about half past one o'clock

and lasted for almost two hours.

It seemed like you had
a very serious talk.

Did this little discussion have anything
to do with your upcoming press conference?

I don't know what you're saying.

IBC's Kim Cho-rong, you know her?

Should I go ahead and send her this photo?

The Leah Company is almost guaranteed
to be in the same hands as Eunsung,

as far as we know.

Kim Jeong-do,
Seoul's current acting mayor,

is at the center
of this controversy, yeah?

This photo's gonna go out today,

and you know that's gonna be
the newspaper's headline.

You should read this
at the press conference instead.

Currently, the Seoul government

is doing its work to investigate a permit

that the so-called Leah Company was given
to build here.

The citizens of Seoul have voiced
extreme concerns about this,

and now a hold is in place

on The Leah Company's
current permit in this area

until Seoul's citizens
have chosen a new mayor.

[dramatic music playing]

[Jeong-do] Additionally,

the 39th mayor of Seoul

to be elected in the by-election,
which is now only 70 days away,

will decide the future
of the redevelopment in its entirety.

It's in their hands alone,
whether it will happen or not.

[reporter 1] Mr. Mayor, what if
it revealed that the city had colluded

with The Leah Company?

[reporter 2] When will we know
if the district

was unfairly sold to the company?

[reporter 3] What if construction work
doesn't resume?

[reporters clamoring]

[reporter 4] Sir!
Sir, one more picture, please!

[on TV] Kim Jeong-do,
the acting mayor of Seoul, has announced

that the Seoul Metropolitan Government is
currently investigating

the fairness of the redevelopment permit
given to The Leah Company.

In addition, it is now said
the development...

[Ms. Son] How much, did you say?

[man] If Sangah District
redevelopment ends,

then we will lose 2.8 billion won per day.

[Ms. Son] And the other districts?

The Soonjung District is worse,
as far as we're aware.

The loans we have received

from the national pension
under The Leah Company

were all spent on the construction
of the duty-free shop.

If they were to conduct an investigation...

So put a stop to it before it starts, huh?

Since when have we listened to peasants'
complaints when doing business?

Public opinion or the press is secondary.

It's our investors abroad
who are getting spooked.

They've been calling to withdraw
their investment in the duty-free shop,

worried about the Seoul government
pulling away from us...

[glass smashes]

[man chuckles]

There.

All right, Dad.

It's your birthday. Whoo!

[both laughing]

I'm thankful you did this, ma'am.

Oh, come on now.

You know I'm your daughter,
not ma'am, okay?

Yes, you are, my dear.
You got married, didn't you?

Right here,

to this handsome man in the photo.

[dad sighs]

[Hwang sighs]

Oh Dad, come here.

Hold on a bit longer.

You know I'll find a donor for you.

Just hang in a bit longer, yeah?

[dad sighs]

What's the point of continuing on?

I know I'm only a burden
to your husband and you.

Yep.

Tell me, how is my grandson doing?

[door opens]

- [dad] Oh.
- Hi. Oh, your daughter's here. [chuckles]

Hello there, miss.
Your hard work is astounding.

Oh, now then, don't you mention it.
I give him my best. [chuckles]

How come you two came on different days?

What?

You know...

I mean, your husband came by
alone yesterday afternoon.

Ah.

[nurse] Other hand, please.

Thank you, miss.
And keep treating my father as you do.

Please let me know should something occur.

[nurse] Sure. Don't you worry. [chuckles]

What are you doing?

What's going on?

You were just gone, I didn't know where,
and you didn't pick up.

Is anything wrong?

Yeah.

For you to disappear out of sight
like that is a really terrible thing.

If something were to happen to you,

you know, this could
really seriously hurt Ms. Oh.

How could I not care
to know your location?

So are you playing hot and cold with me?

What I can tell you is I'm tired.
I'm not playing anything.

What about lunch? Did you have lunch yet?
A certain someone ruined mine, you know.

Let's go eat together if you haven't yet.

Who the hell are you?

[dark music playing]

[music building]

[theme music playing]

♪ Take me to the sky ♪

♪ Breaking down the wall ♪

♪ When you hold my hand ♪

♪ Dreams are coming true ♪

♪ Is this a fantasy? ♪

♪ This is a real life... ♪

[singing continues in Korean]

♪ This is a mastery ♪

♪ I never give up ♪

♪ On my own ♪

♪ I don't wanna fly high ♪

♪ I just wanna stay with you ♪

♪ I don't wanna break down ♪

♪ We can all get down ♪

♪ I don't wanna fly high ♪

♪ I just wanna stay with you ♪

- ♪ I don't wanna break down ♪
- ♪ Ohh, ohhhh ♪

♪ Take me to the sky ♪

♪ Breaking down the wall ♪

♪ When you hold my hand ♪

♪ Dreams are coming true ♪

♪ Is this a fantasy? ♪

♪ This is a real life... ♪

[singing continues in Korean]

♪ This is a mastery ♪

♪ I never give up ♪

♪ On your life ♪

ALL CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS, LOCATIONS

INSTITUTIONS, AND EVENTS IN THIS DRAMA
ARE FICTITIOUS