Big Deal (2025)

[bunniefuu]

South Korea Seeks IMF Bailout

The government has eventually

decided to seek IMF bailout.

Amid ongoing financial difficulties,

Gukbo is now reportedly

on the brink of bankruptcy.

Concerns are growing over the

future of the beloved soju brand.

BIG DEAL

1997, New York

In-beom, where are you?

Almost there.

Should I just go to the

Asia special task force?

No, go straight to see Mark.

He wants you to

give a briefing on this.

In-beom, don't screw this up.

Solquin Global Financing Group

Follow me.

Am I even allowed to go in there, sir?

Just present your report.

And don't f*ck this up.

Now, tell me about you.

Bachelor from Seoul National University,

MBA from University of Chicago,

three years at Bearstons,

three years as an Associate

Analyst at our firm.

South Korea is facing a

series of bankruptcies

following collapses of Hanbo

and Sammi last spring.

In-beom?

Get to the point. We know Korea.

At least 30 corporations

will be on the M&A Market

following a series

of bankruptcies soon.

That's why I propose

establishing a branch in Seoul.

If we don't have that immediately,

all our rivals like Lehman,

JP, Deutsche,

and even small hillbilly banks like Lone Star will

f*cking swarm in to take what should be ours.

Our first target is Gukbo.

In a country that has the highest

alcohol consumption in the world,

they make the best soju in Korea.

And they have... never lost money.

Gukbo

Amid harsh criticism of reckless

expansion and management,

and under mounting

pressure to repay its loans,

Gukbo has defaulted today

on six of its key subsidiaries.

Gukbo defaulted after

failing to cover 8.25 billion won

in promissory notes from

nine financial institutions.

So, what's the president's stance?

They won't talk with us anymore

if we don't come up with a

concrete recovery strategy.

They had no problem pocketing my money

during the election, those f*ck.

There are reporters outside.

Rude little shits...

Chairman.

The public has started a

"Save Gukbo" campaign.

Shouldn't we do something

from the company's side too?

You heard, right?

We won't go down that easily.

We absolutely will not fail.

We're Korea's number one soju brand,

how could we possibly go bankrupt?

But the f*cking media,

they're spinning it like Gukbo's fall

is coming from reckless expansions.

I don't regret the expansions.

Well, this is w*r now.

Get out!

- Director Pyo.

- Yes, sir?

Go meet them.

It's an up-and-coming law

firm, and I hear they're sharp.

They're snatching up consulting

gigs from all the big ballers.

Understood, sir.

Mumyeong?

Koo Young-mo

Gukbo - Director Pyo Jong-rok

If you'd invited me to your

office, I'd have gladly come.

Well, yes.

I just came to watch

your trial out of curiosity.

- Well, then...

- Okay.

Excuse me, Mr. Koo.

May I ask your thoughts

on today's verdict?

Well...

The merger of subsidiaries and the defense

against foreign capital had a favorable impact

and strengthened Taeseong Group's

hold on management rights...

Had a favorable impact...

But it can't be considered an act

aimed at succession of control.

You should file for composition.

Composition?

A request to mediate a deadline

extension for you to repay the debt.

Your management rights will remain

100% intact during that time.

I've never heard about this before.

It's a newly implemented system.

Gukbo would be the first to use it.

If approved, you'll only pay interest for

five years while restructuring subsidiaries

and liquidating assets, all

while maintaining control.

Then, in five years,

repay the principal.

And if we can't repay in five years?

Creditors could file for

bankruptcy with the court.

First, file for the composition.

Then find a consulting firm

to help you repay the debt.

Most creditors prefer responsible repayment

rather than dragging things through the court.

If you get us the composition,

I'll have Mumyeong handle

all of Gukbo's legal affairs.

I'll give it everything I've

got. You can trust me.

- I'm counting on you.

- I won't let you down.

Gimpo International Airport

Mr. Choi In-beom?

Nice to meet you, I'm Back Sung Bin.

I was sent by Director Gordon,

head of Solquin Hong Kong.

He told me to bring you in, but

there's no corporate car yet,

so I came in mine.

Where is Director Gordon now?

Macro Building in Gangnam,

he said to bring you there.

Sir?

Didn't you say you start next week?

Enjoy your free time

while you still can.

I can borrow your car, right?

Macro Building

Thanks for your time.

Now I understand why they

sent you from New York

when I insisted on bringing

my team from Hong Kong.

Why's that?

'Cause you're f*cking Korean.

I haven't been back in ten years.

Won't be able to make deals

through personal connections.

Great. That just closed the deal.

Use this space as

your temporary office.

Cheers.

I read your report.

Gukbo.

Unbelievable. Koreans

drink soju every day.

Happy, sad, bored, they'll find any possible

excuse to pour out soju like tap water.

How can a company that

literally prints cash go bankrupt?

I know. It's time for Koreans to

put away that bitter drink, I guess.

Gukbo filed for composition yesterday.

They're gonna need a

plan to pay back the debt.

They'll need a consultant.

I'll push them right away.

Yeah, use this office. I'm here three

days a week. The rest, in Hong Kong.

Oh, how is the kiddo who

picked you up from the airport?

I thought you might

need a Korean sidekick.

He flew to Hong Kong as

soon as I asked for an interview.

How do I keep you updated?

Phone, mail, Messenger, whatever.

This is your turf, bud.

Home field advantage.

It's your shot. Don't f*ck it up.

I never imagined Solquin would

open a consulting branch in Korea.

Timing really is everything, isn't it?

Chairman Seok, it's a great honor

to have you as our first client.

It is our great honor to

have you as our first client.

Thank you.

- Director Pyo.

- Yes, sir.

A press release about Solquin being our

consultant should put the creditors at ease, no?

- Certainly.

- If you trust us,

we'll deliver the outcome

you're looking for.

I'm sure you've seen the data.

We would need some

restructuring, right?

Yes, Chairman.

Out of the 20 subsidiaries, sell off

12, including Gukbo Distribution,

and declare bankruptcy for

all non-core businesses.

Director Pyo, are you sure

we showed them everything?

Yes, we shared everything we could.

Sell off 12 subsidiaries

and bankrupt the rest?

We're not that far gone, are we?

We reviewed the data thoroughly.

You'll need over two trillion won to

meet debt obligations in five years.

If you sign an NDA, we'll show

you the rest of the data.

Chairman, we haven't yet signed

a consulting agreement with them.

It's currently under review

at Solquin Hong Kong.

If your concern is about trust...

It's not that we can't trust them,

but that particular information

may need more consideration.

If there's additional material, of

course we'll review it thoroughly.

And as you said, you should be cautious,

but let me make one thing perfectly clear.

Chairman, Solquin will prevent

the final collapse of Gukbo.

And we'll protect your

control over the company.

I skimmed through all the documents

including restructuring plans,

assets, financial conditions,

cash flow, marketing, export strategy.

Here's the strategy.

First, we gobble up as much

of their bonds as possible

under the name of Stone Investment.

In a few years,

this shell company will be the largest

shareholder of Gukbo in Korea.

We are only financing 100

million dollars for this project.

Like, how could we possibly control

a large company like Gukbo?

What percentage of Gukbo

bonds should we be securing?

The bonds are being

sold dirt cheap right now.

Our goal is to buy in at 10% of the face

value, securing about 30% of Gukbo's bonds.

Are you confident we can bankrupt

them with only 100 million?

Absolutely.

Our advice for retaining

management control

is the sale of stakes in overseas

subsidiaries to secure liquidity.

Among the overseas branches, Gukbo

Japan holds the highest market value.

Mr. Choi? Mr. Choi?

Excuse me.

Do you have time to stick

around a little longer tonight?

Yes, of course.

I was actually hoping to grab

a drink with you anyway.

It's not really about the drinks.

There's a place I'd like to show you.

I see.

Sure, we can do that.

I'll head down first, then.

Now the finance chap

is flirting with me.

Doesn't look so easy to me.

They've inflated their size to

pretend to be a large corporation.

But the Chairman is the only

one who calls all the shots.

In Korean society, there is always

that one person who is sucking up.

But you know, it's all fake.

First, let's feel him up.

Gukbo's original symbol was

the legendary flying horse.

But eventually, it changed

to the tiger we use now.

After the Korean w*r, the late chairman said

that the Korean Peninsula resembled a tiger...

Chief!

There he is.

How have you been?

This is our newest

product called Top Soju.

Would you like to taste it?

- Right now?

- Yes.

It's bitter and sweet.

That's right.

That's soju for you, bittersweet.

Kinda like life, don't you think?

Is that all? There should be

something else you're tasting.

- It's...

- It's?

- A bit...

- A bit...

It's...

- Smooth?

- It's smooth.

- It's got that smoothness.

- Yes.

And...

It's somewhat...

Fresh?

Yes, it's fresh.

We were going for a smooth and fresh

drink, and you tasted it perfectly.

You did good.

We need a firm...

that works like it owns this company.

I'm sure as a major firm, Solquin

won't go all in just for a retainer,

but we need a partner

who'll ride or die with us.

Sir, this might be a bit out of line,

but why do you care so much?

What do you mean?

What I mean is...

Does the company properly reward you?

You seem genuinely loyal.

Come on now...

It's not about loyalty.

I've always liked soju, so I

love working at a soju company.

And when the company

does well, I feel good too.

When the company's struggling,

it weighs on me too.

Chairman Seok is lucky to have you.

Stop it.

Looking at you makes me think my

father must have been like you at work.

He's retired, I take it?

He passed away ten years ago.

He was always busy, so I

don't have a lot of memories.

Damn...

He used to love Gukbo soju.

- Director.

- Yes?

I'll do my best, like

it's my own company.

Thank you.

Let's drink to that.

This stuff is like nectar!

One moment, please.

Let's drink properly tonight.

Here!

- Cheers!

- Cheers!

Have you heard of the

Gukbo herbal tonic?

Allow me to demonstrate.

First, you add an egg yolk!

Pour in the herbal tonic,

and that's how you make

the Gukbo herbal tonic!

Here! Bottoms up!

- I can't drink this.

- Come on.

It's great for your

health, give it a try.

How am I supposed to drink this?

Just swallow it all!

You people are savages.

When are we going home?

It's time to go to work.

We should consider selling

the training center too.

Wow, look at the time.

Let's grab a meal with

a little drink on the side?

- Sound good?

- Sounds good!

It's market research.

- Hello!

- Hello!

- It's gotta be...

- Top!

- Top!

- Top!

- I work for Gukbo.

- What's this?

It's our new product. Give Top a try.

- We'll take a bottle!

- Yes! Coming right up!

In-beom! Over there, those folks...

He'll bring it over! Go on.

This is Gukbo's brand-new soju.

It's... smooth and fresh.

All right, time to go home!

- Let's go.

- Wait, wait!

That's it, no more! Let's go!

The boys threw up, so

they must be hungry!

You need to go!

Thirsty?

Let's have a drink.

The court has approved

Gukbo's composition request,

and after narrowly escaping collapse,

it'll retain management control

and be allowed to delay

debt repayment for five years.

Gukbo's sales increased last year,

boosting net revenue by 20%,

calling the strong

performance a relief...

Relief?

Which idiot said that to a reporter?

Relief? What a moronic thing to say.

Legal review of the first phase

of restructuring is complete.

The employees are likely

worried about the company,

so it's important to use

this to push for wage cuts.

Business Evaluation Report

It'll really hit them hard

if we cut wages by 20%.

Be a little understanding, Mr. Koo.

Pyo only sees the world

through a salary man's lens.

A very small lens at that.

Did you look into what I asked?

Of course, Chairman.

You can push forward quietly

with minimal manpower.

From now on, don't involve the

legal team, and talk to Pyo directly.

Yes, sir.

All right then. See you next week.

Certainly, Chairman.

Director Pyo.

Yes, Chairman.

We bought ourselves five years.

But what if we can't generate enough

cash, or can't make the interest payments?

We go into full receivership,

and the court takes my control.

I don't think that will happen.

- Director Pyo.

- Yes, sir.

Do you understand the

weight of my position?

How could I...

Founded by my father, and expanded

by me, Gukbo has a 70-year legacy.

Have a seat.

What I'm about to say stays between us.

Did you finish the list

of Gukbo's creditors?

- Schedule meetings with all of them next week.

- All thirty in one week?

Yeah, study Gukbo's relationship

with each creditor closely.

Sir, can we really gain control

of a company with just bonds?

Why do bonds matter?

Bonds are basically debt contracts.

When a company hits crisis mode,

the creditors become the real owners.

But...

Gukbo Launches Top Soju in Recovery Bid

It's smooth and fresh.

Sir, that could be considered a

breach of trust and embezzlement.

That's why this shell company

will be under your name!

Give the paperwork to Koo.

Use Gukbo Distillers' stock as collateral

and raise about 20 billion won.

I'm also considering selling off some

properties, but use that money to buy bonds.

This is our insurance policy.

You get what I mean, right?

The money from selling assets

should go to paying off the debt.

Buying back bonds is...

Above all, self-dealing in

bonds is a serious crime.

You'll be in serious

trouble if this gets out.

Goddammit!

I can take care of myself!

Didn't my father once pay for your mother's

surgery after she got into a car accident?

I'm giving you a chance

to return the favor.

Get this done discreetly.

No one cares about our bonds yet.

We need to sweep them

up while the price is low.

Got that?

Yes, Chairman.

They'll sell off all the bonds

at 10% of face value.

Is that so?

It's next to nothing.

Okay!

Buy 300 million won worth

from Daeyoung Securities.

You serious about buying these bonds?

I've been stressed over them anyway.

Now that you want them, maybe

I should hold onto them.

They're just trash in your pocket.

I'll pay a fair price,

so hand them over.

Are you here to buy Gukbo bonds?

Yes.

The bond we bought today

has a 13% interest rate!

We'll earn back the investment

in a few years with the interest alone!

Well... We could be looking

at a much bigger return.

Yo, Beom!

If you could buy your

Porsche for ten million won,

collect 13% in maintenance

fees, and resell it for 100 million,

what would you do?

The ball!

You wanna go, huh?

This boiled beef is k*ller.

How'd you even know about this place?

I came here a few times

as a kid with my dad.

But why do you play

basketball with your mouth?

Your moves are so predictable.

It's why you keep losing the ball.

Basketball's meant to be played with your mouth.

It's all about talking your opponent down.

Think you'll play as well

as me when you're my age?

We'll see, punk.

We won't see each other that long.

You ever think about dating?

Well, girls must hate you.

Always off to New York or Hong Kong...

- You're not exactly one to talk.

- Why?

Seoul's tiny, so you can

get anywhere in two hours.

Was it really that

hard to just go home?

You look like your kids abandoned you.

Unbelievable.

Why are you chugging so fast?

Go easy, I can't take you home tonight.

You're making me thirsty.

A recent expose uncovered ill*gal

betting on golf matches among CEOs...

Those sons of b*tches!

And one of them turned out

to be Chairman Seok of Gukbo.

Yes, he's definitely

the Gukbo chairman.

He comes by often,

so I know his face well.

He usually bets between

300,000 and 500,000 per stroke,

but he was betting a million that day.

Taxpayer money is being

used to delay bankruptcy,

and citizens rally to save

Gukbo by buying their soju

- to help sales recover.

- They still haven't got it together.

- But the chairman is deceiving

- Easy, easy.

the public and the government

while playing high-stakes golf.

Ma'am, we don't want Top Soju!

Give us something else!

I'll take that Top Soju!

Sure.

Another Top, please!

A bottle of Top!

Director.

Another drink?

I Love Gukbo!

Workers face wage cuts, while the

execs are playing high-stakes golf!

Incompetent and corrupt

Seok must step down!

- Step down!

- Step down!

Seok Jin-woo must step down!

- Step down!

- Step down!

Seok Jin-woo must step down!

- Step down!

- Step down!

Seok has ignored our blood and tears!

He must resign!

- Resign at once!

- Resign at once!

I don't think today's the day for this.

We've got our final

meeting with Solquin today.

I believe we should proceed.

Shouldn't we call the cops?

If we do that, the media

will just make it worse.

Please give me ten minutes.

Chairman.

Stupid b*stard.

He's brain dead, so

he's getting physical.

I hope you can understand.

We'll reschedule the meeting.

I'll be in touch before flying out.

Okay!

In-beom!

Why did you bother coming?

Just wanted to give you

some meds, that's all.

Why'd you buy so much? They've

got this in Hong Kong too.

I'm kinda sad you're leaving.

Things started going well after we met.

I'm really grateful.

Don't drown your sorrows just

because we sold the basketball team.

You have to take care of yourself.

Yeah, you're right.

I have no one to drink with anyway.

Sohn just had a baby.

So I literally kick him

out of the office at seven.

I tell him not to end up like me.

Call me when you're back,

we'll grab another drink then.

Take a vacation and

come visit Hong Kong.

No one up top even notices

you're working yourself to death.

Look who's talking. You and I are

the same, a couple of workaholics.

I'm off.

All right. Safe travels.

Thank you for this.

Bye.

1998

2003

5 years later

Bet you want to lower the stakes now.

Repayment 3 days overdue

We can still lower it if you want.

Shut up. Just stick with a million won!

I heard Gukbo Japan is

being sold to Osaka Beer.

It must sting, selling off

a golden goose like that.

It was doing well in Japan.

What can I say? Got no other options.

Just gotta carve off a piece

and stitch things back up.

It's almost done.

Pyo must've gone to hell and back.

What's that dumb-a*s ever done?

Solquin charged a fat fee and

handed him the whole solution!

Where the hell is the update?

Director!

How did it go?

Osaka Beer is asking

for just two more days.

Can't tell if they're

stalling or serious.

We'll have to wait it out, then.

They're still coming to Busan, right?

- Well, it's...

- Sit, come sit down.

Okay.

We're already three

days past the deadline.

Feels intentional, doesn't it?

The court approved the

repayment extension, right?

Not yet.

I'm sure it'll go through.

They know we're negotiating

with Osaka Beer.

Don't worry.

Osaka won't back out of the deal.

The creditors won't panic just

because we're a few days late.

Let's head back to Seoul for now.

Yes, sir.

I'll call the court again

to confirm we'll repay.

We've long wanted to

expand into the soju market.

So when we heard about Gukbo

Japan's sale, we moved fast.

But the offer you made for Ginjo

Soju was too good to pass up,

so we had to reconsider.

Under the name of Stone Investment.

In a few years,

this shell company will be the largest

shareholder of Gukbo in Korea.

We are only financing 100

million dollars for this project.

Like, how could we possibly

control a large company like Gukbo?

So my second strategy is, we collect

bonds from its overseas subsidiaries,

so that Gukbo cannot

easily react to it.

The highest value of its overseas

subsidiary is Gukbo Japan.

They have to sell it

to pay back the debt.

Since it's their best performer,

I'm gonna convince them to

hang on to it as long as possible.

We'll make a move... at that moment.

So it's pretty obvious that Osaka

Beer will drool about that company.

They only just need another liquid company

that could potentially sway Osaka Beer.

They'll need to dangle Gukbo until

they miss the golden hour window.

We've decided to purchase

Ginjo Soju instead of Gukbo.

Let's get started on the MOU today.

I'm really sorry to say,

but we got a call from Ginjo Soju this morning

saying they want to renegotiate the sale price.

If you could give us a little more

time, we'll try to talk them down.

Though, I can't promise anything.

What is this?

We only considered Ginjo Soju, with

Gukbo's acquisition practically sealed,

because Solquin, as a trusted intermediary,

proposed a very generous offer!

Right now, all we can say on their behalf is that

they're asking for about a 30% price increase.

Call Gukbo Japan.

Hurry.

Yes, sir.

Yes?

Yes.

Yes, I understand.

Director Pyo!

Yes?

Osaka Beer wants to meet immediately.

They're here?

Yes.

- All right, get us a cab.

- Right away.

Taxi! Taxi!

Over here!

The review process took

longer than expected.

We deeply apologize for the delay.

You've apologized, so

I won't press it further.

Thank you.

Please, let's sit.

Let's proceed with the contract today.

Certainly.

What's going on?

- Pardon?

- Gukbo Hong Kong's creditors

have reportedly filed a lawsuit in Japan

claiming ownership of Gukbo Japan!

That can't be right.

What's he talking about?

Excuse me.

Gukbo Japan's been hit

with a trademark lawsuit

Trying to sell during an

active legal dispute?

This is unacceptable.

Let's go.

Mr. Kono. Mr. Kono. Please, wait!

- One moment please, Mr. Kono!

- Mr. Kono, please!

Hold on a second.

It feels like the Hong Kong creditors

are stirring things up on purpose.

But why would they?

- Hello?

- Director!

The rep of the Hong Kong

creditors turns out to be Solquin!

Solquin?

All right, this hole is

two million per stroke!

Chairman!

What?

- You g*dd*mn moron!

- I'm sorry, sir.

How the hell are you

even doing your job?

Solquin knew everything about

our overseas bond situation,

and they played both sides.

Speak plainly, for f*ck's sake!

They advised us to sell

Gukbo Japan to Osaka,

- but they sabotaged the...

- Those sons of b*tches!

What the hell do they gain

from blocking the sale?

What do they gain by

filing a trademark lawsuit...

Wait a minute.

The sudden delay in the

Osaka deal feels off.

They're after management control!

Stop them, no matter what.

You have to stop them!

Stop them!

It's smooth and fresh

You're one step too late.

You missed the 1.7 trillion won

repayment deadline by three days.

Solquin has filed for Gukbo's

bankruptcy as a creditor.

Now the court will decide.

You really did this to me?

Are you...

really the In-beom I know?

Seeing all our confidential documents, our

profitability made you change your mind?

So you started buying up

our bond behind our backs?

Or...

did you approach us from the

beginning because this was your goal?

We legally acquired the debt

from Stone Investment.

Stone held Gukbo's bonds, and

we paid for them fair and square.

Are you being serious right

now? Who do you take me for?

If you were genuinely just investors, you

never should've approached us as consultants!

Call it "advanced

financial engineering."

What?

You learned your lesson,

so feel free to benchmark us.

You really are trash.

"Advanced financial engineering"? You call

backstabbing clients advanced finance?

Mark my words, we're not

going down without a fight.

You really think the creditors

will agree to the bankruptcy?

Most of the creditors are Koreans.

Will they just hand over

Gukbo to a foreign firm?

f*cking hell!

That naive belief that the

creditors will try to save Gukbo.

That mindset is totally wrong.

That's exactly why you're losing!

Do you hear me?

You're afraid of nothing, huh?

Why would a thief be

scared of anything?

We don't go after just anything.

We pounce when we see a weakness.

Because we're a company with

weaknesses, it's fair game to attack us?

Alright, alright, alright.

Alright, listen up, listen up!

To this f*cking as*h*le

who k*lled the first step.

Cheers!

- Cheers!

- Cheers!

Phones are ringing off the hook

in Hong Kong. It's been insane.

Gukbo probably clued in, right?

They'll sue, won't they?

Now call me anytime if you need help.

This is gonna be messy.

Fighting for creditors, and

fighting with Gukbo in court.

You don't really like them, do you?

Yeah.

He irritates me.

He knows nothing of the world.

But somehow, his stupidity makes

me feel like... I'm a f*cking as*h*le.

Solquin will focus on rallying

creditors who support bankruptcy.

The majority's stance will heavily

influence the court's decision.

So this ends up in court?

Isn't there any way to overturn it by

revealing Solquin's double-dealing?

Chairman, the truth is, Gukbo

failed to repay its debt on time.

We can't cancel the application

now that it's been filed.

As for Solquin violating the NDA,

Gukbo will need to prove that in court.

Solquin won't readily admit it.

sh*t.

Pyo got played like a puppet for

five years. Can you believe this?

How did he not suspect anything, and

blindly believed every word they said?

Let's not get too discouraged.

Not many Koreans want to see Gukbo

handed over to a foreign company.

Isn't Top Soju practically

the national drink?

Use public opinion to your advantage.

A good number of creditors

will oppose the bankruptcy.

Focus on securing as

many of them as possible.

We need to buy more bonds.

I'll scrape together ten

billion by the end of the week.

So buy some more.

At this rate, it's all over for us.

Damn, Solquin really is something else.

Their M&A strategy

is insanely calculated.

Global investment firms

really are on another level.

You call that an M&A strategy?

That's called a con job!

You should know better,

working as a financial supervisor.

Dude, to be honest, if

it's not technically ill*gal,

even fraud counts

as financial strategy.

Speculation and investment

are basically the same.

Tanzania earns 3 trillion a year

and splits it among 25 million people,

while Solquin makes 3 trillion a

year and splits it among 160 people.

Shut up and drink.

Save Gukbo Campaign HQ

It's our honor to meet you.

You can save Gukbo only by

filing for court receivership,

and finding a specialist to

confidently manage the company.

Please help save Gukbo. Thank you!

- We ask for your support.

- Sure.

Please help.

We had more than enough

time, but Solquin...

Chairman Seok recklessly

created subsidiaries,

using top-selling Gukbo

Soju as collateral, didn't he?

His vanity ultimately put a solid

company like Gukbo in jeopardy.

These documents prove that

Solquin disrupted the sale of Gukbo Japan,

which prevented us from repaying our debt.

If you look at page three,

there's a report from Solquin itself

advising us to sell Gukbo Japan.

At that time, Solquin had already

created a shell company...

Chairman Seok will never

be able to revive Gukbo.

He has shown no remorse

for his own mistakes

and insists he's the only

one who can run Gukbo.

Would you really entrust this

company to such a self-serving man?

Creditor Overview

April 28th, 2003

If the sale of Gukbo Japan

hadn't been blocked,

we could have easily repaid the principal,

and been on the road to recovery!

The way to save Gukbo is to find a new,

competent leadership through court receivership.

Solquin states that there is

a strict "Chinese Wall" between

consulting and investment departments.

They claim that Gukbo's allegations of insider

information sharing simply aren't possible!

What is a "Chinese Wall"?

It's an information

barrier preventing firms

from using consulting data

for their own investments...

The trial begins next week.

Any thoughts on the court

now deciding Gukbo's fate?

Solquin, a global consulting firm,

came in under the guise of an advisor

and took all of our internal secrets.

They secretly bought up bonds,

and now they're trying to take

over Gukbo's management itself.

We trust the court will

deliver a fair judgment.

Do you realize we've been

working 115 hours a week?

And I'm not even getting a bonus.

Isn't getting posted to

New York your bonus?

That's true.

62% of creditors still oppose

to bankruptcy, is that true?

61% actually.

I found that Chairman Seok made a size able

slush fund to get the current president elected.

If an arrest warrant is issued, and he's

forced to stand in the police lineup,

more than half the creditors

will change their minds.

No, it's not enough.

Slush fund doesn't feel dirty enough.

Put yourself in the

creditors' position.

They'll think Chairman Seok is doing

whatever he can to save the company.

How about an audit?

Link them to national tax service.

They go after companies that

barely survive the IMF crisis?

That's not a bad idea because we need...

we need something bigger than a tax audit.

Who knows Gukbo like we do?

That law firm?

Mumyeong has been in charge of Gukbo since

the approval of the composition in 1997.

They represented Gukbo

for the last five years.

They would damn well know Gukbo's

f*cking weaknesses. Which means...

they're the perfect partner for us.

Gukbo can approve. Solquin's internal departments

have been sharing information with each other.

But it's ill*gal for Mumyeong

to be partnered with us.

It's a conflict of interest with

the Korean Attorney-at-law Act.

This plan could

backfire on us. Big time.

Hey, Beom. You wanna win?

Then you accept the risk,

okay? Let's figure it out.

Remember, information is king.

High risk, high return.

Law Firm Mumyeong

- Please have a seat.

- Thank you.

So, Solquin is finally our client.

Are we?

We've actually been wanting

to go global for a long time.

Since Korean laws are different

from the U.S., you need a friend here.

We'd be more than

happy to be a partner.

Wow, I'm glad to hear that.

Mumyeong served as

Gukbo's legal representative

from the composition approval

to the recent restructure.

Given your close ties to Gukbo, is it

legally feasible for you to work with us?

Of course, it's not a problem.

The law is like a spider web.

Small bugs such as flies and

mosquitoes get caught and die.

But large animals like birds fly

through without a worry in the world.

I know exactly what

you're worried about.

The provisions of the Attorney-at-law

Act is a conflict of interest.

But we can proceed without

violating any regulations.

There are plenty of law firms

that will gladly be our puppet.

Aside from the law, are you

okay with this, personally?

I mean, you have an amicable working

relationship with Gukbo, I heard.

Haven't you also had an

amicable relationship with Gukbo?

It's the job of the court to make

moral decisions and judgement.

Law firms simply decide

which clients they work with.

Does that clear everything up?

We can force Gukbo

into declaring bankruptcy.

And I'll put Gukbo in your path.

Your Honor.

Gukbo is a highly capable company,

generating over 200 billion won

in operating profit annually.

First Hearing

As Top Soju has contributed significantly to

Gukbo's recovery since it launched in 1997,

they got to fully meet

its composition terms.

Furthermore...

Why isn't Mumyeong handling

such an important trial for us?

They suddenly backed out.

They declined twice,

so I stopped asking.

The opposition is a firm called 2K,

- I've never heard of them.

- Your Honor,

may I read a petition that the Gukbo labor

union asked me to present to the court?

Keep it short.

When executive mistakes put our company in crisis,

Gukbo's 10,000 workers took to the streets,

promoting Top Soju

wherever alcohol was sold.

Their efforts brought in 200 billion won

in profit and boosted market share,

and full recovery was within our grasp.

If Gukbo is declared bankrupt now, all our

hard work would be dismissed and betrayed.

That's right. Gukbo is a solid

company with strong operating profits.

Both the creditors and the public

want to see Gukbo revived.

Which is exactly why Solquin

filed for Gukbo's bankruptcy.

Because under corrupt

leadership, Gukbo's future is bleak.

- Your Honor!

- Your Honor.

I'm explaining the justified distrust

toward Gukbo's current leadership.

You can continue.

For months, rumors of Chairman

Seok's embezzlement circulated.

And people said it wasn't just

some baseless market gossip.

Yesterday, prosecutors officially launched

an investigation into Chairman Seok.

There's strong suspicion he used

funds that should've been used

to repay company debt to

defend his control of the company.

Possibly through ill*gal practices

like buying back company bonds.

Was it you?

Were you running your damn mouth?

If not, bring me that b*stard

Koo Young-mo right now!

If Mumyeong didn't leak that info,

how the hell would they know?

It's a violation of the Attorney

Act! This is ill*gal! No?

I'll look into it, sir.

Director Pyo.

We need to make use of this properly.

They say it's hard to prove Solquin

shared our info with their investment arm.

But with this, we can catch them.

We can nail them for this one!

Only Mumyeong had that info.

Sue their a*s under the Attorney Act!

And expose Solquin to the media!

If you can't pin this down,

don't bother coming to work.

No, screw that, go k*ll yourself!

You should've known the second that

son-of-a-b*tch Koo declined this case.

You should have figured it out!

You g*dd*mn moron.

Plaque of Appreciation

It'll be hard to prove any ties

between 2K and Mumyeong.

Those clever b*stards

wouldn't leave a trace.

The prosecutor on Seok's case won't

let go once he sinks his teeth in.

This doesn't look good for Gukbo.

Stop blaming yourself.

There's nothing more you can do.

Letter of Resignation

Let me ask you one thing.

Like you said, Seok is a b*stard.

And I'm trash for standing by him.

But...

what did the employees do wrong?

I don't care about

anything else, so tell me.

If you take over the company, do

you actually plan to run it properly?

You're not...

gonna lay everyone off and

flip it for profit, are you?

There are many ways to make money.

Isn't there the freedom to

earn money in this country?

You call firing hardworking

people a freedom?

Do you even think about

how they'll struggle just trying

to keep up with tuition

or mortgage payments?

You knew Chairman Seok

was buying up bonds...

with company money.

That was your freedom too.

I admit I made the wrong call.

But I thought helping him was the

only way to keep the company afloat.

For the employees to survive.

Just do me one favor.

For the sake of your bonuses,

people are gonna end up on the streets.

Just think about that

for even one minute.

At least you.

Next on the news.

Early this morning,

a man in his fifties jumped from

Gukbo's Namyangju factory rooftop.

The man has been confirmed to

be an executive at Gukbo Group.

He was transported to a hospital

after being found by a factory worker.

Gukbo's sales are incredible!

It's a real golden egg.

Soju really is a unique business.

Top Soju was released in 1987, 100

million bottles were sold in 6 months.

3 billion bottles, 3 years. That's 85

bottles per adult. Can you believe that?

Okay, so when Gukbo

enters the M&A Market,

the competition to secure

it is going to be tight, right?

Abso-f*ck-lutely.

Alright, once the

bankruptcy is declared,

you gotta delay the sale

as long as possible, alright?

Jack up the price by

jerking the bidders around.

By the way, have you

appraised Gukbo yet?

Yes, it was appraised at 2 billion dollars,

but it can be raised up to 2.2 billion.

And what's the expected return?

If Gukbo gets sold at a

raised valuation of 2.2 billion,

it'll be...

600%.

Don't tell me you're jumping

into bed at 2.2 billion?

I'll get some articles going in several publications

and say that Gukbo is undervalued.

Wall Street magazine, a couple of British

business magazines should do the trick.

We can buy those articles, no problem.

If the valuation is 2.2 billion, the

analysts will pump it up to 3.2 billion.

Adding a billion is not unreasonable.

- That's the sound of your bonus going up, buddy.

- Hey.

You'd better lick them lips

and get ready to suck my d*ck.

Hey, that's right. You are the man.

You manage to pull off this sale, I'll

put you in charge of Solquin Seoul.

Put in a recommendation for you,

that first Solquin branch in Seoul

that you proposed back in New York.

You're gonna build it.

This... This f*cking

guy, his name is In-beom.

I think he should change his name to

b*mb, because he's gonna blow up Seoul

and make it his b*tch.

b*mb!

Hey Beom.

You don't really wanna go back to

New York as an analyst again, right?

Push it all the way.

We've already spent a billion.

Headquarter wants this wrapped

up by the end of the month.

He was lucky to hit several

structural beams on the way down.

Truly a miracle, Chairman.

Aside from a torn kidney,

there's no major organ damage.

But he really needs glaucoma surgery.

- Glaucoma?

- If he doesn't get it soon, he could go blind.

No.

I'm fine for now.

They said you're being

discharged next week?

Yes.

Director Pyo.

Why did you do something so foolish?

If you had died like

that, what about me?

Do you know how much bond

is tied up in your shell company?

How could you try to k*ll

yourself without telling me?

I get it, you may be upset with me.

But to act so recklessly...

The prosecution's digging

into presidential slush funds.

I can't even change the name

on those assets in this climate.

This hospital's best

doctor worked on you.

This company saved your mother's life,

and now it's saved yours too, right?

Yes, thank you.

- Chairman.

- Yeah?

Once we get through this crisis,

please don't lay anyone off.

Of course! I promise.

Why would I fire the

staff? No way in hell.

You don't really wanna go back to

New York as an analyst again, right?

Push it all the way.

We've already spent a billion.

Headquarter wants this wrapped

up by the end of the month.

57% opposed

June 3rd, 2003

How are you doing?

Get to the point.

Have Sohn request

documents from the court.

Ask for 2K's list of

pro-bankruptcy creditors.

Then 2K will fax the

documents to the court.

At the hearing, ask the judge

to confirm the origin of that fax.

What are you scheming now?

You already know.

This case is being handled

by Mumyeong, not 2K.

I'm just getting that straight.

This may sound like a joke...

but I can't stand watching

lawyers break the law.

Just know that this isn't a scheme.

Law Firm 2K

Public outrage is still boiling over.

Revealing the Truth about Solquin!

The "Save Gukbo" campaign

is highly organized too.

The chairman's arrest warrant

will likely be issued.

We just have to time it right.

Ms. Jeon, the court wants the

creditor consent for bankruptcy.

- Send it.

- Yes, ma'am.

Cancel

Sir, I'll head out early today.

Go ahead.

Heading home?

Not yet. I got chores to

take care of at the firm.

You're working hard.

If you've got time, I

was hoping for a chat.

- Sounds good. I know a private members club...

- No, let's go to your office.

You've got work to do anyway.

Let me just make a quick call.

Yes, Your Honor.

I was in an important meeting,

so I couldn't take your call.

The Ieum Group case?

I'll get in touch with you tomorrow.

I've actually wanted to grab

a drink with you for some time.

I'm glad you've made

time for that today.

Is that so?

We're not too far apart in age,

and I was probably around

five years your senior at SNU.

Not trying to pull rank on my own

client, I just wanted to be friends.

If the Gukbo sale succeeds, Solquin

will open a branch here in Seoul, right?

I heard you're being

considered to lead that branch.

I think we can be long-term partners.

At Mumyeong, we prioritize

clients like Solquin above all else.

That's very kind of you to say.

Honestly, I never expected Mumyeong

to betray Gukbo and take our side.

Lawyers are bound

by the law, after all.

Well... American lawyers have been

corporate watchdogs for over a century now.

You seem upset, Mr. Choi.

Is there a problem?

No, it's just...

It makes you feel like there's nothing

you can't get away with in Korea,

and that honestly makes me pretty sad.

Mr. Choi.

I shouldn't be hearing

that from my junior...

so let me be rude to my

VIP client just this once.

Just stick to one thing,

you piece of sh*t.

Stick to making your

money with a smile.

Why pretend to be noble

while making money?

Stick to one story, you son of a b*tch.

What a piece of sh*t.

Second Hearing

Your Honor,

Gukbo's legal advisor has been

Mumyeong for the last five years.

But they aren't representing

Gukbo in this case.

And there was no clear reason

that would've caused a rift.

However, behind 2K, who

is now representing Solquin,

there appears to be Mumyeong, who has

full access to Gukbo's confidential info.

That is outrageous.

That's just speculation with no proof.

I agree, it is outrageous.

But it's a blatant case of

unethical dual representation

and a clear violation

of the Attorney Act.

Your Honor,

this document was submitted to

the court by 2K and shared with us.

Please confirm whether

the sender is indeed 2K.

Come up and check it for yourself.

The document 2K submitted to the court shows

a fax number that matches Mumyeong's.

Koo Young-mo

Your Honor, this must be

some kind of mistake.

We'll need to verify

this matter further,

so the court is adjourned and this

hearing will be postponed to next week.

The second bankruptcy hearing

for Gukbo is set for next week.

Gukbo warns that citizens'

hard-earned savings, soothed by soju,

could end up in the hands

of foreign investors,

in an attempt to appeal to

the public and creditors.

With clear evidence of Solquin's

breach of confidentiality,

many believe the court is

likely to rule in Gukbo's favor.

Director.

Please get your glaucoma surgery.

I heard about it from the nurse.

You'll go blind if you don't get it.

Why did you do it?

Don't tell me it was

because of Chairman Seok?

I wasn't being impulsive.

And definitely not because of him.

After writing my resignation

letter that night...

I sat at my desk and

looked back on my life.

And I realized I'm a man

who only ever knew work.

My wife left, and so did my daughter.

All I had left...

was this company.

And if I lose it too, then

everything I've lived for...

it would all feel so empty...

and unfair.

That company you

care so deeply about...

Is it really worth throwing

your life away for?

I just don't get you.

I work myself to the bone because

I want a fat paycheck, bonuses,

and guaranteed promotions.

But that's not why you work!

So what the hell are you

working so hard for?

That's exactly what I wanted to

tell you if I ever saw you again.

That company is ruining you.

Someone as smart as you could get

paid well and promoted fast anywhere.

But do you really have to

make money the way you do?

I just can't wrap my head around it.

Come on.

How can making money

be sleazy or noble?

It's just making money!

You're seriously frustrating.

Director.

I can't go into the details...

but Gukbo can't win against Solquin.

Once Gukbo is sold, I'll be Solquin's

Seoul branch manager.

I can get you a job in finance.

I don't want dirty money, no thanks.

I figured you wouldn't bite.

What's with you?

I'm not doing this

for the sake of Seok.

Director.

No human can win against money.

But I think you might be different.

If that photo leaks, I'll be

the one under suspicion.

Approach the judge

privately, and persuade him.

This just came in.

At 2 AM following the pretrial hearing,

Gukbo's Chairman Seok was detained.

He's accused of securing a 20 billion

won loan through fraudulent accounting

and embezzling 15

billion won in slush funds.

Cheating or not,

it's best to win, right?

Pardon?

Director! Where are you going?

The big-shot lawyers are

arriving any minute now.

Sir!

Where'd you get this?

This is our smoking g*n.

These m*therf*ckers are screwed.

I knew that judge was fishy

when he let the fax thing slide.

Should I throw this photo in

that b*stard's face in court?

Chairman.

Doing so will endanger the source.

I promised them I wouldn't leak it

to the media or submit it in court.

They suggested blackmailing Judge

Koh directly to get the ruling we want.

Then what, you're gonna

threaten him yourself?

Who are you gonna send?

Even th*gs don't mess

with judges nowadays.

How about sending a copy anonymously?

Pyo, I hear you. I'll

take care of it myself.

Chairman, I'll say it again.

Please don't leak or

use the photo in court.

Director Pyo!

Who gives a sh*t about the source?

With this kind of dirt, we need

to counterattack properly.

Leave it up to me!

The evidence I just submitted

is a photo of three individuals who seem

to be on good terms during a golf outing.

Mr. Choi In-beom of Solquin's Consulting Team,

Attorney Koo Young-mo of Law Firm Mumyeong,

and lastly, Judge Koh Joong-chun, the

very judge presiding over this case!

Order!

This court is now adjourned.

What's going on?

Don't you think you're gambling

too much with what you're doing?

Even after we got

Chairman Seok arrested,

it didn't change too much

with the creditors or the media.

That's why I need to blow

things up to get what we want.

Will that judge push

for the bankruptcy?

Judge Koh is a prime candidate to

be the next Supreme Court of Justice.

He was earlier humiliated

in his own court today.

That's like f*cking with the judiciary.

And now, it's personal.

No matter the public opinion,

he will bankrupt Gukbo.

It's embarrassing.

But that's how Korean judiciary works.

Wow, you're really blowing

the sh*t up, aren't you?

In-beom, I'm sorry. I

couldn't stop the Chairman.

Regarding the key issues raised by Gukbo, this

court has reached the following conclusions.

First, Gukbo claims that Solquin obtained

confidential information under NDA

and shared it with the investment

division of Solquin Hong Kong.

However, evidence is

lacking to support this claim.

Second, Solquin was accused

of interfering with Gukbo's plans

to sell its overseas subsidiaries by

purchasing its foreign bonds in bulk.

However, the court found

no evidence of illegality.

Third, due to public

distrust stemming from

the chairman's embezzlement and failure to

repay debts despite being granted composition,

the court finds Gukbo's

rehabilitation unlikely.

What the hell are you saying?

- Order in the court!

- What are you doing?

- Calm down.

- Quiet, please.

Therefore, the Seoul District Court hereby

declares Gukbo bankrupt, effective immediately.

Why are you ignoring

the creditors' opinions?

59% of the creditors are

against this bankruptcy ruling!

- Really?

- Let's get into the car.

- You think so?

- Yeah.

Thank you for your hard work.

Thank you.

I'd love to interview you sometime.

Sure, sounds great.

If you feel like punching me, go ahead.

Why would I punch you?

If I were you, I'd throw a punch.

After getting outplayed all

this time, now I finally get you.

Took me a few hits to figure it out.

From the very beginning,

you've always been the same.

I was the one who foolishly...

misunderstood and assumed.

Director, a company is

just a place to make money.

Figure out what really

matters to you in life.

Something beyond the company.

May I have your attention, please?

First of all, I just want to say that we secured

Gukbo's management rights as the major creditor,

thanks to all of your f*cking

hard work over the last five years!

I especially want to

say "thank you" to Mark,

who flew all the way from New York just

to put my f*cking name on the bonus list.

- Thank you, Mark.

- You're welcome.

And to Julie and Linda,

from the Hong Kong office.

They've been riding my

a*s on this deal for so long,

I prayed every f*cking day that someone

would just erect that stupid Chinese wall.

Oh, and big thanks to Jiro from Japan,

who ate a lot of sh*t from Osaka Beer.

And last but not least,

I'd like to introduce a very important person

tonight, who made everything possible.

I endured that boring-a*s

trial because of him.

Allow me to present to you,

ladies and gentlemen...

Mumyeong's Mr. Koo.

Oh... oh...

I'll keep it short.

Our most pathetic, high-maintenance

client, Solquin,

is going to sell Gukbo for

a f*cking incredible price.

Until we get the best

return on our investment,

we, Mumyeong, will work our

asses off to make it happen.

I won't let my guard down

until that day arrives.

Your result is our result. Thank you.

Enjoy your night.

Come on, it's a f*cking party.

Just enjoy it.

I heard it was you.

The one who handed over

the photo to attack me.

You dare come at me?

I hope you're prepared.

What is this?

Mr. Choi In-beom, you're under arrest

for embezzlement and intimidation.

Arrest Warrant

Let's not cause a scene.

Beom, I need to say this now.

Do you remember the contract you

signed before coming to Korea?

If disclosure of any

confidential trade secrets

acquired during one's employment

leads to lawsuits or damages,

the employee will be fined up

to ten times the damage amount.

Don't forget, Beom. You may

drown in debt until the day you die.

How could you have

gambled everything away?

I mean, why would you ruin

your life for the company?

You were the one who told me to

accept the risks if I want to win big.

But we're not the ones who locked you

up in here. It's that f*cking judge.

He was desperate for that Supreme Court

Justice job, and you... You, right?

He gave us the verdict that we needed, we

gave him what he needed. Quid pro quo.

Koo took your sh*t in the middle.

Chill out here for a few

months. Then you'll walk.

Was this Koo's idea? Or yours?

This isn't a fight between us.

It's your country's

damn judicial system.

I hear your threat loud and clear.

Anything else?

I don't know if this is any consolation, but

the company will pay your bonus and salary.

You have my word.

Director Pyo.

How many bonds have we accumulated?

Around 230 billion won, sir.

230 billion...

sh*t, I saw on the news that Solquin

raised Gukbo's price to three trillion.

They really are smart pricks.

The bond prices are going

up thanks to them, so...

That means I'll make

about 700 billion, right?

I still got it.

Even if I lost control, I

still wanted to make money.

Pyo, listen.

Sell the bonds at peak price and

invest it all in Hanbit Capital.

No, invest 400 billion in Hanbit, and

put the rest into Sangyong Electronics.

Got it?

Are you listening?

Do you know why you're sitting there?

What?

You don't know?

I think I do.

In the wild,

whether it's because you stepped on a thorn,

or because you got hit by a falling rock,

if you're a limping

pony, you're in trouble.

Everyone will go after that pony.

It's only natural that

the lion will eat it.

I think I'm ready to accept

that simple truth now.

I ought to thank the guy

who made me realize that.

What the hell are you talking about?

So even if you lost control, you

still wanted to stuff your pocket?

- You're laughing? You mother...

- f*ck you, you f*cking b*stard!

Buddy.

The shell company is in my name.

Why would I give you that money?

You f*cking moron!

Think about the crap you've

pulled for the last 20 years.

You stupid b*stard!

And your real mistake was thinking...

I'd stay loyal to you forever

even in a mess like this.

That's exactly why you lost!

You dumb b*stard!

I'll put it to good use.

Take care, you son of a b*tch.

Director Pyo! Pyo! Hey!

You... You idiot!

- Hey! You b*stard!

- m*therf*cker.

Get back here! I'm not

done talking to you!

Somebody stop him!

Let me tell you something!

Solquin, the representative

of Gukbo's creditor group,

has begun selling off Gukbo's

non-core subsidiaries.

Gukbo Group has laid off 50% of its employees

and entered a phase of aggressive restructuring.

With more than ten companies

bidding for Gukbo,

the bidding price is expected

to exceed three trillion won.

Hey hold on, hold on.

We just sold Gukbo for

an unbelievable price.

The f*ck? What is it?

Come on, spit it out.

Sold for 3.4 billion dollars.

- 3.4 f*cking billion dollars?

- Yes.

f*ck me, m*therf*cker! Yes!

Mark, 3.4 f*cking billion dollars.

You better lick them lips

and get ready to suck my d*ck.

3.4 f*cking billion dollars.

Alright.

Don't call me until tomorrow, okay?

I'm gonna fly to Hong Kong and

f*ck the brains out of Julia. Yeah?

Oh.

Don't forget about In-beom's

bonus, alright?

You owe him that much. It was

you who gave him up to the judge.

You're a bad m*therf*cker.

Two years later

Noble Spirit

Weren't we going to

switch our rice supplier?

- Why did we get Hwang's rice again?

- Come on.

I'm telling you, this

place's rice is good.

I think it's the ratio,

not the rice itself.

Be honest, this

rice is better, isn't it?

Well...

- sometimes it is.

- Yeah?

And other times, not so much.

Don't look at him,

give it to me straight!

Look, boss!

Hey!

It's kinda silky... and more

natural, you could say?

Damn, he said it's silky!

That's so classy.

But what does that mean?

Like those old commercials,

"Smooth as Silk."

Get what I mean?

Are you doing well?

It's nice making everything together.

The real problem is we drink too much.

All the time.

You look good.

Yeah.

I'm good.

You should come stay here.

I'm going to Hong Kong.

Landed a job?

Not exactly.

A friend there got proof that

Solquin broke the Chinese Wall.

Gordon fired him, so he

took all the files to get revenge.

So now you're teaming up for revenge?

Director.

- I gave it some thought.

- Yeah?

There's no such thing as

"advanced financial engineering."

Cheating to make money is fraud.

In-beom.

Just live for yourself.

You've... really changed.

Sure.

You had a little

something to do with that.

Yeah?

You had something to

do with my change too.

Is that so?

How are we never in sync until the end?

Maybe that's our sync.

I'm off, Director!

Jeez.

Stay healthy.

Hope you hit it big.

Thanks.

In-beom.

Life's not that complicated, right?

So how should I say this...

Smooth?

Yeah, live a smooth life and...

Fresh?

Yes, fresh!

Let's live like that.

See you.

The soju company that inspired

this film went bankrupt in 2003.

Fierce bidding pushed the 1.8 trillion

won valuation up to 3.4 trillion.

Foreign investors with the largest share

reportedly made over 1 trillion in profit.

The Korean economy paid a heavy price to

experience advanced investment methods.

Yet, 20 years later, the story repeats.