This movie is an adaptation of a novel about an actual case that happened at a school for the deaf in 2005.
Today's weather is cloudy to overcast.
There will be rainfall and snow in the central areas.
In the early morning, there will be thick fog in mountains areas.
Thick fog will also be seen on west coast.
Today's temperature will be similar to yesterday's.
Seoul is at -2 degrees Celsius. Dae Jeon is at -2 degrees Celsius.
Gwang Ju is at -1 degree Celsius. Mujin is at -1 degree Celsius.
You're not there yet?
The fog is too heavy, and I don't even know where I am.
You'll get there soon.
Mujin is a foggy town.
What's Sol-yi doing now?
She's sleeping.
She's been crying for you and only fell asleep a while ago.
Did she cry a lot?
That's what kids who are away from their parents do.
Don't worry too much.
Just focus on your job.
It wasn't easy to get this job, so make sure you hold onto it.
Got it?
Dogani Silenced
How long will I have to wait?
It's a busy day because of the fog,
so it's gonna be a while.
Excuse me. Are there any public buses to Ja-ae Academy from here?
Ja-ae Academy?
You mean that school for the deaf?
It's a bit remote, so there's no direct public bus.
A taxi will cost you at least 50 000 Won.
You're just gonna leave?
I'm running out of time. Let's talk tomorrow.
Can you leave your car here for repair?
Mister, what's the matter with you?
How can you just reverse without looking?
What are you talking about? I didn't even move my car.
Mister, are you bullying me because I'm a woman?
You've picked the wrong person this time.
Mr. Lee, may I borrow your spray?
What the hell? She's the one who hit me.
Miss, I haven't even started my car.
You, you're gonna get into trouble one of these days.
Mr. Lee, come and take a look.
This guy is pretty drunk.
What should I do?
What?
Did you have too much to drink again last night?
I'm really sorry.
My insurance will cover it.
Looks like you don't like the cold.
I went out for a drink with my co-workers yesterday.
When I came out, the windows were all smashed.
You look like the guy who ran away after smashing them,
but I guess I've made a mistake.
Miss... How much longer?
People in my profession tend to make a few enemies.
It's similar to the cops.
We target people who drink and use violence on their wives and children.
I'm asking when we'll be there.
You sure whine a lot for a grown man.
Anyway, why are you going to Ja-ae Academy?
I'll be teaching the children.
Oh, really?
You're a teacher?
So you know sign language, right?
What does it mean?
I think I know why you have so many enemies.
Call me with the estimate of the damages.
And don't even think of screwing me over!
I'm on very good terms with the cops here.
AWARDED BEST SCHOOL IN MUJIN
Hello.
This is the headmaster's office.
Ask the Admin Head to come here for a minute.
So you're a student of Prof. Gim?
Yes. He was my professor at the university.
Prof. Gim painted this portrait for me.
I see.
I'm fully aware of the caliber of Prof. Gim's students.
I was in the same class with Prof. Gim till 3rd year of high school.
If he hadn't chosen to specialize in fine arts, we would have most likely studied at the same university.
You don't have to be so polite.
Oh, but I do.
You're going to be our teacher soon.
Of course I need to be polite.
Admin Head.
This is our new art teacher from Seoul, recommended by Prof. Gim.
I'm Kang In-ho. I look forward to working with you.
Is this the first time you've seen identical twins?
I'm sorry.
It's all right.
It's always like that when people see us for the first time.
You must be very tired after traveling so far.
Take a good rest this weekend, and start work next week.
The Admin Head will direct you with the details.
Hyeong, how should we handle that matter?
Admin Head, this is a school.
Headmaster, how should we proceed with it?
Didn't I mention that he's recommended by Prof. Gim?
Are you playing with me?
You're from Seoul, so why are you so dumb?
Usually, you need to give one big note.
But since you're recommended by Prof. Gim, 5 small ones will do.
You mean money?
Did you think this teacher's position comes free?
Please...
Bring it in cash.
School Development Fund?
Yeah. Apparently, everyone must contribute to it.
So how much do they need?
50 million Won.
Not 5 million Won? 50 million Won?!
It's already a discount since I was recommended by my professor.
Oh my god! Where would I get so much money?
Nice drawing.
You have talent for drawing.
The lesson has already started. Why are you late?
I'm talking to you.
Are you talking about Min-su?
His younger brother lost his life in a train accident a few days ago.
He's not himself these days.
His only brother died. How could he not be depressed?
It's not just Min-su.
The rest of the kids seem a bit strange too.
Strange how?
It's not easy to explain clearly in a few words.
Mr. Kang, this is your first time teaching at such a school, right?
You can't treat the kids here like any normal children.
When one has a disability, they feel incomplete.
I've been around these kids for more than 10 years.
But they're still not opening up to me.
Jeon Min-su.
Father mentally retarded. Mother's whereabouts unknown.
Jin Yu-ri.
A grade-3 intellectual disability and a mental age of 8.
Needs to be watched as she has a huge appetite.
Gim Yeon-du.
She's an orphan...
I'm about to leave.
Did you have dinner?
A little.
How's Sol-yi? Have you fed her?
I fed her a few spoons.
Why only a few?
She said she doesn't like rice, and wanted pizza.
If she wants it, just buy it for her. How much can that cost?
Don't worry. I won't starve your daughter.
When you get home, check your bank account.
You got the money?
When you withdraw it, you must get the new coins.
Anyone inside?
Did something happen?
What are you doing here?
There were some strange sounds coming from there.
That doesn't mean you can go inside a ladies' bathroom.
What if a child passed by and saw it?
Looks like you're new and don't know the situation here well.
The kids often make strange sounds when they're bored.
And they yell even louder because they're deaf.
I'm going to lock up the main gate. You better get going.
The investigation's been giving me headaches recently.
And now kids act up, too.
They've been a pain in the neck for you too, right?
Can't really say it's a pain in the neck.
Teaching children manners is part of a cop's duty.
The key is that the kids need to listen.
I told them many times not to leave their rooms at night.
There's no use telling them.
They can't hear you.
You're right.
It's all right. Come in.
Development funds aren't against the law.
Right, Officer Jang?
Of course. If I earned more, I'd contribute to the school development fund too.
I heard you were from Seoul. Are you adapting well?
Except for the constant fog, there isn't really much in this city.
It's okay. I'm good.
That, how about a drink with me when you have the time?
Although this city looks pretty dilapidated, there are still places for men to have fun.
The gals here aren't bad.
Min-su, it's impolite to stare at a teacher like that.
Stand up!
Stand straight.
Didn't I teach you to show courtesy even while being beaten?
Get up, Min-su.
Hello.
Mr. Pak, what happened?
Please wait a moment.
This kid secretly left the dormitory at night.
And even brought along two girls.
I was so worried that I didn't sleep at all last night.
His brother sneaked out and died.
Mr. Pak, the headmaster is looking for you.
Min-su, Don't you understand how I feel?
Let's open up to each other more, okay?
Isn't it better that way?
What are you doing? Get in, quickly.
Get in!
Hey, you!
Get down from there.
What are you doing?
What if you fell out of the window? What were you thinking?
Sorry. I scared you.
I was just worried about you.
What are you doing?
I'm educating the children.
Who are you? Who lets you educate them this way?
I'm the dormitory superintendent, Yun Ja-ae.
I'm in charge of after-school education.
This isn't something you should interfere with.
You want me to ignore you dunking her head into the washing machine?
Are you crazy?
I heard there's a new teacher from Seoul.
So it's a fool who doesn't know to mind his own crap.
Are you looking down on me?
In Seoul, I have a number of friends who are prosecutors and lawyers.
If you do it again, I'll make sure you get thrown into jail. Got it?
Yeon-du.
Hello.
Which guy?
Oh, that guy.
What's the matter?
I thought the repair fees had been settled.
Beating up disabled children?
This isn't discrimination. It's pure atrocity.
How did she end up in this horrible state? What were you doing?
Please call her parents first.
She's an orphan.
I've heard it from the Admin Head.
Miss Yun Ja-ae's teaching method is bad.
Mr. Kang, it's understandable for you to be angry
when such things happen to your students.
I've already issued a harsh warning to Miss Yun Ja-ae.
So do you think you could forgive her this time?
Miss Yun Ja-ae has already reflected on it.
She also wants to personally apologize to Yeon-du.
But it seems that Yeon-du didn't go back to her bedroom last night.
Nothing happened to her, right? We're worried about her.
Actually, her condition is quite bad, so I admitted her into hospital.
Really? Is it very serious?
No, not really. They said she can be discharged tomorrow.
You don't have to be too worried.
We'll handle the discharge procedure.
But which hospital is she in?
Yeon-du can't come today, since she isn't feeling well.
How about...
You draw me and I draw you.
What? Don't want to?
I have bruises and scars.
Don't worry. I'll draw you beautifully.
Mister, where are you now?
Can you come over right now?
I'm getting off from work now.
I'll rush over to the hospital.
That may not be the best place.
Let's meet outside.
Okay then.
Okay.
What's the matter?
Yeon-du was...
almost raped.
By the headmaster.
He...
forced himself on her, but I think he wasn't successful.
Because she was too young.
That's just too ridiculous!
Who told you that?
Did you have a drink too many?
How many glasses did you drink?
Yeon-du wrote this for me last night.
- Was it really the headmaster? - Yes.
Yeon-du wasn't the only one who was violated.
There were a few perpetrators.
A teacher by the name Pak Bo-hyeon had even sexually abused boys.
Can't you understand my feelings?
- Was the headmaster the only person who did those acts?
- The headmaster, the Admin Head, and also Mr. Pak Bo-hyeon.
Then,
we have to file a police report.
The cops were the ones to send the children who reported the case back to school.
Then the kids got beaten as revenge.
That dormitory superintendent, Yun Ja-ae, who beat up Yeon-du,
is the adopted daughter of the founder of Ja-ae Academy.
In other words, she's the headmaster's younger sister.
Is there a girl named Gim Yeon-du on the patient list?
And what's even more ridiculous,
Yun Ja-ae and the headmaster are lovers.
When she cut Yeon-du's hair, she told her
that if she flirts with the headmaster, she's dead.
Mister.
Wait a moment.
MU JIN Human Rights Center.
We understand that you were
violated by the headmaster of Ja-ae Academy last Thursday.
Could you give an account of what happened?
That day, after school,
I went to my bedroom to change my clothes.
Then I went to play in the field.
I was playing with Yu-ri.
She had to go to the bathroom.
When she wasn't coming back,
I went back to school to look for her.
Then I saw the headmaster, and he seemed to be asking me to come over.
He brought me to the headmaster's office.
The TV was on.
I saw pictures of a naked man and woman.
After the headmaster came in,
he took off my pants.
Anyone inside?
Did something happen?
It's drizzling outside the windows now.
The sound of raindrops falling on the leaves
is like whispers telling us that the cold winter has ended.
My dear listeners, why not open the windows and listen to the sound of raindrops?
The first song I'm playing is suitable for a rainy day.
Let's listen to "A Thorn Tree" by Jo Sung-mo.
Everything is fine now.
Yeon-du said she had seen it too.
If you dare to tell this to others,
I will kill you.
Looks like you're new and don't know the situation here well.
The kids often make strange sounds when they're bored.
Dad!
You're here, mom.
Why did you take so long to open the door? What are you doing?
Don't tell me that teaching deaf children has made you deaf too.
Why didn't you call?
Do I need to make an appointment to visit my son?
This is not a hotel.
But how can you bring a sick child over here?
You... Have you forgotten?
Today is Sol-yi's mother's death memorial day.
How's the school?
Don't ask.
What? They don't like newcomers?
You just have to bear with them.
Country folks can be a bit xenophobic.
What's that?
I heard that your school's headmaster loves cymbidium.
Prof. Gim has mentioned
that your school's headmaster is a person with wide connections.
I heard that a few teachers before you were transferred to Seoul
after getting into the headmaster's good books.
Mom,
do you know what those people really are?
Mom, those people...
Do you think I'd think people who sell teaching positions are good?
You wanna know where I got the money?
It came from the deposit money for the house.
Did you move out?
Is that where the money came from?
What did you think?
That I stole the money or something?
You never send us any money. Where was I supposed to get that much?
I get it, but why did you return the house?
Really, now...
You're still acting like you're the head of this family.
While you were wandering aimlessly for the sake of drawing,
did you forget it was Sol-yi's mother and I who raised Sol-yi and covered your living expenses?
Before Sol-yi's mother died, she was still worrying over Sol-yi and you!
Dad, are you fighting with grandma?
Just drop the subject.
Focus on teaching instead.
Don't be a busybody, and do a good job in your own line of work.
Sol-yi, are you all right?
Mom. Quickly.
Here's the medicine.
Sol-yi.
Come on, breathe in.
One more time. Good.
I've found a house close to where we used to live.
It may be a bit small,
but it's good enough for Sol-yi and me to live in.
In-ho,
don't think about other things.
Just think of Sol-yi, please.
We're putting up a formal application to dismiss the Chairman of Ja-ae Academy,
and to punish those who sexually abused the children.
I'm sorry. May I interrupt here?
These... sexual abuses, as you say...
Was it something that happened during class?
If you watch the testimonies, you'll see
that after school—
So, it was after school.
If it's after school, then it's not under our jurisdiction.
What?
If this happened after school, why should it be under our jurisdiction?
Such things should be the City Hall's problem.
The headmaster, the Admin Head, and a teacher
sexually abused students at the school.
Don't tell me this isn't under the Education Department.
Let me put in another way.
Ja-ae Academy is indeed our jurisdiction.
But the residence is a school dormitory
and falls under the City Hall Social Welfare Department.
After school, the children are managed by the school dormitory.
Therefore, you should go to the City Hall.
I already went to the City Hall.
They sent us to the Education Dept. since it happened in the school compound.
As I've said, after-school incidents aren't under our administration.
Look, lady!
The children were abused at school. Who exactly is in charge here?
The Blue House? Or how about the White House?
The City Hall.
Why aren't you investigating?
The children were sexually abused at school. By the headmaster, on top of that.
Shouldn't that be investigated?
Of course we should investigate.
Then why aren't you?
Miss Seo, the headmaster is an elder of Mujin Church.
He's a devoted Christian and a reputable person in this city.
That's why I brought you the DVD and written records of the children's statements.
Here's all the evidence. Why aren't you taking any action?
We can't just arrest somebody based on what the deaf kids said.
Besides, he just received the governor's award.
And due to recent problems with human rights, we can't easily arrest people.
Miss Seo, you should know that better than me.
Stop bullshitting me on human rights while kids are getting molested!
If you're all going to continue like this, I'll take it straight to the prosecutor's office.
If you do, I'll be really grateful to you.
Don't jump to conclusions thinking we don't want to investigate.
Without orders from the Prosecutor, we can't take any actions.
Goddamn.
I think I should consider grooming my son to be a prosecutor.
Hello.
Miss Seo, I'm Yeong-hun.
Seoul TV Station has contacted us, and they're interested in covering this case.
Really?
Yes. They're on their way here. Come back quickly.
I understand. I'll be there right away.
Come here. Come here.
Brat.
Min-su, get up. Why are you lying there?
Where are Yeon-du and Yu-ri?
Aren't you friends with them?
Stop mumbling. Speak up. Speak up!
This is so frustrating. I'm asking you to speak up!
You dumb fuck!
I can't understand your goddamn grumbling!
This kid is really...
Mr. Pak, you're getting old.
Looks like the children are no longer afraid of you.
Mr. Pak.
This is the headmaster's office.
Find a quieter place.
Will they really get punished?
Yes, I promise you.
Why did your younger brother go to the railway track early in the morning?
Can you tell us what happened to your younger brother before he died?
When Mr. Pak Bo-hyeon was off from work, he asked us to follow him home.
I didn't want to, but I couldn't refuse because he'd beat me up.
What? You want to go first?
You're too noisy.
I told you to be quiet.
I can't concentrate.
Didn't I tell you that being noisy is rude?
I warned you to stay quiet!
I told you to wait quietly for your turn.
You didn't hear that?
Come over! You brat!
I'm not sure how long it was.
Min-su!
He took off my undergarment.
And then came on top of me...
Couldn't you resist or escape?
If I resisted, I would be beaten the whole night.
Did that sort of thing happen before?
At the teacher's house and also the dormitory's bathroom.
My younger brother was weak.
After undergoing that,
he was under great pain and couldn't really walk.
Officer Jang, what are you doing?
You have the right for a lawyer and the right to remain silent.
Did you arrest me because of what you saw on TV?
They fabricated it. That wasn't me. Do you believe I'm that type of person?
I'm an elder at Mujin Church and a devoted Christian.
Officer Jang, you know this too.
Let me go. Do you know who you're arresting?
I'm a friend of your superintendent. What's your name?
I'm not done with you.
Hyeong, you don't have to worry.
Nothing will happen to you. God will bless you.
Don't worry.
I definitely won't let anyone tarnish my brother's reputation.
What an awful day.
Officer Jang.
Hyeong.
Let go of me.
Officer Jang, you really don't believe in me?
How could you treat us like this?
We've given you so many gifts.
This has caused a big commotion at the Mujin Prosecutor's Office today.
If we don't handle this properly, both me and my superiors will be finished.
I'm not going to repeat this, so listen carefully.
Use all your connections to find a lawyer who started his career as a judge.
He must be at least a ministerial grade judge.
It's even better if his birth place is Mujin.
Don't do shit like screaming that you're maligned. You can do that during your prayers.
Before such a lawyer is found,
act ignorant and be well-behaved just like those kids you abused.
Understand?
Dear residents of Mujin, Elder Lee Gang-bok and Elder Lee Gang-seok
have worked hard day and night over the last 10 over years
and contributed selflessly to our Mujin Church and Mujin City.
They believe and serve Jesus, and care for those pitiful disabled children.
They devoted their whole life to charity.
Yet these dishonest people maligned our elders.
We absolutely can't forgive them.
It's a mixed blessing.
I'm begging all residents.
The children can't hear all this.
Both Elders spent all their time and effort on our church and Mujin City.
Yeong-hun.
Have you checked out the background of their lawyer?
His name is Hwang U-sik. He's a famous and talented lawyer in Mujin.
He graduated from Mujin High and was the best law graduate from Seoul University.
He was once a ministerial grade judge. He opened a law firm just recently.
It seems that this is his first case.
Privileges of former post.
What's that?
There's an arrangement for retired judges with this ministerial grade
to get a favorable ruling at their first trial in practice.
Why are these two so identical, both in appearance and character?
I have lived in disgrace over the last few days.
I reflected on why God is making me go through this kind of suffering.
Because my father, Mr. Lee Jun Beon,
pitied the deaf and mute,
he used all his savings to build this Ja-ae Academy.
It's been more than 50 years.
Since childhood, my brother and I
have never forgotten what our father used to say.
"Treat these pitiful lambs well."
We can't hear.
Please find us an interpreter.
Silence.
Your Honor.
They can't hear you asking them to be silent.
In court, if you speak without permission,
you'll be ordered to leave the courtroom.
I'm Seo Yu-jin and I work at Mujin Human Rights Center.
This is a court case involving the hearing-impaired.
To assist these disabled people,
please arrange for a sign language interpreter.
Seo Yu-jin, you are ordered to leave the courtroom.
Objection.
Guards, what are you waiting for?
Take her away.
Objection! I object to this!
Your Honor, objection!
Did I say something wrong?
Starting from now,
even if it's a whisper, anyone disturbing this court will be dealt with according to the law.
Defendant, please continue.
Jesus will protect you.
Amen.
What? Rape?
You despicable people can only see dirty things!
What are you doing?
Where did this wench pop up from?
Who are you exactly?
I'm Lee Gang-seok's wife. What are you trying to do?
You wretch!
Stop it.
How dare you sue my husband?
You think that we can be easily bullied?
I won't let you have your way, you wretch!
Let go of me. You devil!
Let go of me!
After what he's done, he won't be forgiven even if she prays forever.
Mister, you're really different.
She spat in your face, and you just calmly asked her why she did that.
Can I stay in your office for a while?
Why? Don't tell me you ran away from home.
Fired?
These people think they can just dismiss people as they wish.
Well, you don't have to worry.
I'll make sure they're punished and you can get your job back.
I really envy you.
You live such a simple life.
They really look down on people.
But my life is not as smooth sailing as you may think.
I was only concerned with fashion and never had time for dating.
Crappy grades at school. Can't find any job.
And with the meager salary from my current job...
Mister.
Do you regret...
taking part in this?
Mom, you're really amazing. You know that I get paid today.
I sent it to you in the morning.
Check the bank.
Yes, everything is well.
No. You come over. I'm very busy.
A lot of work at school.
After this busy period, I'll find time to come home.
I swear by Almighty God that the evidence I shall give will be the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
If I withhold any truths, I'll be punished by the law.
Witness Oh Jung-sik.
Defendant lawyer, you can start examination.
Mr. Oh Jung-sik.
What kind of work do you do at Ja-ae Academy?
I'm a security guard and also do night-duty.
How long have you been doing this job?
About 5 years.
So for the last 5 years,
you've been by the side of the headmaster and the Admin Head.
What's your opinion of them?
They're both good people,
and they take good care of me.
Your Honor, objection.
These questions are unrelated to the case.
Objection sustained.
Only raise questions related to the case.
Do you patrol the school every night?
Yes. I patrol every 3 hours at night.
Right. So over the last 5 years,
have you seen any cases where the headmaster or the Admin Head would call any of the children
to their offices after school?
I haven't seen any such instances.
Sign language interpreter, please make it clear
that if they continue to be noisy, I'll have them leave the courtroom.
You mentioned that on the day Gim Yeon-du was nearly violated,
you met Kang In-ho in front of the bathroom, right?
Yes.
What did he say to you?
He said he heard a child's voice coming from inside the bathroom.
So what did you do?
He asked me to check it out.
So I pushed open the bathroom door and stepped in to check.
Was there anyone inside?
No.
No one.
Okay. I'm done with my questioning.
Prosecutor, it's your turn to cross-examine.
Witness, where did you work before this current job?
I worked as a security guard at Mujin Primary School.
Why did you decide to transfer to this special school?
From what I know, you earn less at this school than at the previous one.
That's because...
Because at Mujin Primary School,
you were caught stealing.
It's still on police records. Is it true?
You were dismissed by the school and were unemployed for 3 years.
Your Honor.
The Prosecutor is asking questions unrelated to this case.
No, it's related.
Because there is some kind of arrangement among the school's staff.
That's why these things were kept silent and hidden,
and weren't uncovered until now.
It's even possible that this is the key to solving this whole case.
Objection overruled. Please continue.
How did you get the job at this school?
It doesn't seem easy with your curriculum vitae.
I was introduced by an associate.
That's right. Because you were introduced by an associate.
Also you paid them with money from the school's development fund.
But what if this case causes the school to close down?
You'll lose everything and become homeless.
Is that correct?
No further questions.
You examined Jin Yu-ri when a human rights center employee brought her?
Yes.
What was the outcome of the examination?
There were symptoms of inflammation in her genitalia.
Her hymen had been torn.
Is sexual abuse the only way a young girl's hymen can get torn?
No. For example, cycling or masturbation may tear it too.
As a gynecologist, you must have examined many sexually abused patients.
Yes.
Normally, what's the condition of such patients?
The lacerations will be more serious.
Furthermore, they'll feel humiliated and almost out of their mind.
So when you were examining Jin Yu-ri, what was her condition?
She was munching on biscuits.
Too calm for a girl who supposedly got sexually molested.
She also didn't have any bruises or wounds.
In other words, you don't think she had been violated, right?
Yes.
I'm done with my questions.
This doctor is the general secretary of Mujin Girls' High School Alumni.
That woman is the Chairman.
Your Honor.
What is this?
This is the witness's preliminary analysis report for Jin Yu-ri.
Am I holding the actual preliminary analysis report?
In other words, you have written 2 analysis reports?
That's because...
You just have to answer Yes or No.
Yes.
Then let's take a look at the first report.
The patient's genital injury and the tearing of her hymen
were not caused by recent sexual intercourse.
But in subsequent analysis report,
you said that sexual intercourse was highly unlikely to be the cause.
Instead, you wrote that it was caused by other reasons.
The two reports are different.
Why does the 2nd report conclude that it wasn't due to sexual intercourse?
What's the reason for changing the report?
At that time,
I didn't know that it would regard such a serious matter.
Don't tell me a doctor's report will differ according to how serious the matter is.
In the first report, you wrote that it wasn't due to recent sexual intercourse.
Yes.
Then you believe she had sexual intercourse in the past. Am I right?
Witness, why did you change your testimony?
Was it really because of the seriousness of this case?
No, it wasn't.
I felt that the damage to her hymen wasn't something that happened recently.
But something that happened at least 5 years ago.
If it was 5 years ago, the victim was only 9 years old.
It's too young to have intercourse. Therefore...
I'd like to ask...
Is it really possible for her to have intercourse with an adult man?
Even if it's possible,
without the girl's consent, this sort of thing couldn't happen, right?
Silence.
Min-su, you don't like it? Do you want me to order other food for you?
Yeon-du, you're not hungry?
When I was young, I came to the beach with my father and mother.
That was before I was deaf...
At that time, I heard the sound of wave crashing into the shore.
But now it's very quiet.
"The most beautiful things in the world
cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart."
This is a quote by Helen Keller,
and it's my favorite quote.
What did she say?
She said it would be good if I were her father.
She said it would be good if you were her mother.
Hey! He's a widower with a kid.
I haven't even had a love relationship yet.
How can she match us together?
Mister, don't even dream about it, okay?
What?
Why aren't you answering?
Come on!
You're overreacting.
Tell her there's nothing between us.
First, I'll ask the defendants.
How do you feel seeing this child?
Though it has come to this,
she is still your student.
I wonder who started spreading these absurd rumors.
But I think I can remember her...
Defendant.
You mean you can't clearly remember the child that sued you for sexual abuse?
I've seen her a few times...
The headmaster is right.
She also has a mental disability.
So I also remember caressing her head a few times.
Defendant Pak Bo-hyeon, how about you?
She was in my class. Of course I know her.
I have always loved and treasured these children.
Of these three,
which is the one who took off your clothes and hurt you?
All three of them.
How many times?
Many times. Many, many times.
Do you remember when it all started?
It started when I was in Primary 3.
The Admin Head would always give me money when he did that to me.
Every time, he would give me 1000 Won to buy biscuits.
The Admin Head took off my pants.
It was painful. I said no and pushed him away.
I tried to escape because I was scared.
But the Admin Head grabbed me and pinned me to the table.
He also tied up my hands and legs.
It's all lies!
Your Honor, she's a lunatic!
Don't believe her!
It's all lies.
How dare you say such lies!
Silence.
Did someone put you up to this?
Who made you say such lies?
Silence!
Settlement?
What settlement? The kids were sexually abused!
Yes, according to the Prosecutor,
if children who are 13 and above and suffered from sexual abuse
agree to a settlement, their testimony becomes invalid.
Who would agree to settle outside the court after what happened to their kid?
Yeon-du's parents are gone. Nothing much can be done.
But Min-su and Yu-ri's parents have mental disabilities.
Damn bastards.
Bullying kids with no parents to stand up for them.
If Yu-ri and Min-su's parents agree to the settlement,
then all that's left...
is the case of the headmaster's abuse of Yeon-du.
Professor.
I'm really sorry to ask to see you so abruptly.
No, it's okay. I should have visited you.
I roughly heard about the case from attorney Hwang.
I was the one who recommended you to that school,
so I'm in a bit of an awkward position here.
I'm sorry.
There's no reason for you to apologize.
But if this case continues to drag,
you won't benefit from it either.
This is the money you donated to the school.
And we added a bit to it.
I hope to settle the case with Yeon-du.
I would appreciate if you could help out.
If you're willing to help us,
we'll cover the expenses to send Yeon-du to university.
We'll also send her abroad for further study.
Of course, you should continue to draw.
It would be a pity if you had to give up your future in that area.
I have already made arrangements for you to join a school in Seoul.
You just have to work hard for another term or two.
I have already settled it with the school.
They would convert you to permanent staff.
I'm sorry, Professor.
I have some other things to do. I have to go.
Mr. Kang.
You should think about your daughter.
I hear she's quite sick.
The negotiation for settlement is over.
It seems that Yu-ri's father was convinced by his relatives.
As you know,
he's mentally retarded, so...
Yeon-du, are you confident you can articulate your statement clearly?
What are you doing here?
You said you were busy at school and couldn't return home.
Is this place your school?
Did you think people might not believe your words,
so you chose not to tell me?
Think of yourself first.
Take good care of your family.
It's no use saying the right things.
I have to go in.
Hey!
Is this child more important to you than your own daughter?
I was there when she was being abused.
But...
I was helpless.
If I were to give up now,
I wouldn't be confident to be a good father to Sol-yi.
Gim Yeon-du.
You said that the headmaster violated you.
Is that the truth?
Yes.
Are you usually on good terms with the headmaster?
No.
Then how would you know
that the person who violated you was the headmaster?
Because I met him a few times at school,
and he dragged me into the headmaster's office that night.
In that case, between the two persons over there,
which one is the headmaster?
Objection.
He can't request the victim to confirm the identity of a suspect that has already been confirmed.
This is a very important question.
She said that she was violated by the headmaster.
To the victim, it's just an encounter.
But from another perspective, it's possible
that the culprit wasn't the headmaster but his younger brother.
Then Headmaster Lee Gang-seok would no longer be a suspect.
Objection overruled. Please continue.
Of the two, who's the one that hurt you?
Your Honor, Yeon-du requests to take a closer look at them.
Granted.
Prisoner with serial number 4022
is indeed the defendant, Headmaster Lee Gang-seok.
But how did you recognize him?
Does Lee Gang-seok have any special features?
The headmaster and the Admin Head
both don't know sign language.
But on the night when the headmaster did that to me in the bathroom,
and every time when he did bad things to Yu-ri,
he would always make one hand sign.
What's the hand sign?
If you dare to tell others, I'll kill you.
I performed this hand sign to both of them.
Only one of them understood this, and his facial expression changed.
Hence, he must be the headmaster.
Yeon-du, according to your testimony, after dinner, on your way home,
you noticed that Yu-ri had disappeared, right?
After that, you saw the headmaster sexually abusing Yu-ri in his office.
Is that correct?
Yes.
In this hearing, on your way to the dormitory,
you heard faint music coming from the headmaster's office.
So you changed your direction and walked towards it to find out more, right?
Yes.
Your Honor.
This is it.
Faint music.
Everyone knows that Yeon-du is deaf.
But yet she could hear music.
This deaf child, upon hearing music, walked towards it.
When she reached the source of the music,
she saw the headmaster raping her friend.
Your Honor.
This testimony is so absurd!
To come up with such absurd testimony...
She said she didn't lie.
She really heard very faint music.
It's a song from Jo Sung-mo.
Witness, you have impaired hearing,
but you can still hear music?
Yes.
Yeon-du.
From now onwards,
we're running a test to check whether you can hear music.
If you hear music, please raise your hand.
Begin.
I accept the witness' account.
Forensic Branch, please submit a report regarding Yeon-du's suspect identification.
The next hearing is this Friday.
Prosecutor and Defense Attorney,
if you have new witnesses, please reapply to court.
What did those people do to these little children?
When you're done with it, return home.
Miss Seo. Why are you here?
Looks like you guessed it.
Correct.
This is the contract.
When Min-su's grandmother saw the money,
she immediately signed the contract.
Really funny.
No matter how poor or how illiterate you are,
even if it's your own grandchildren who went through this,
you'll agree to settle outside of court for money.
Well, it's understandable.
She has a son, but he lies on a hospital bed all day long.
Her daughter-in-law eloped.
And her grandchildren are deaf and mute.
At times like this
even God seems so unfair.
Teacher, when I'm giving my testimony, can I have this in front of me?
I also want to give a good performance just like Yeon-du.
But I'm not too sure. So I wrote down what Mr. Pak Bo-hyeon did to my brother and me.
Min-su.
You were supposed to give testimony,
but you can't do it anymore.
Why?
Your grandmother has forgiven Mr. Pak Bo-hyeon.
Those people begged your grandmother to forgive them.
Your grandmother is a kind person, so...
He killed my younger brother! He killed him!
When he saw my brother and me, he would beat us and take off our pants.
Min-su!
Who said to forgive him? I haven't forgiven him!
He didn't apologize to my brother and me.
How could he be forgiven?
You promised that you'd make sure those people are punished.
Teacher, didn't you make that promise?
I'm sorry, Min-su.
I'm sorry.
Yeon-du.
What?
I have something to tell you.
What is it?
That time, I forgot to say that when I was dragged
into the headmaster's office, the picture that was shown on the TV...
That movie with a nude man and woman.
I'm not sure, but I think he's...
Do you really think there's such a thing?
And even if there is, I don't think it would be left here.
When the headmaster was arrested so suddenly that day,
he didn't have the time to destroy it.
He could have asked someone else to do it.
Who could he find? His wife?
His wife trusts him so much.
Could he let her know that he's a pervert?
And could he get his lover Yun Ja-ae to do it?
That's right.
If Yun Ja-ae knew about it, she would throw him into the washing machine.
It's so nauseating.
The date on the video tape is consistent with the one in Yeon-du's testimony.
You mentioned that for a child above 13, the case is closed after settlement with the family.
The date was 14 March.
It means that Yu-ri wasn't 13 yet. In other words...
In other words,
if he sexually abused a child under 13,
he could still be sentenced even after a settlement.
And with such clear-cut evidence,
even if the defendant has privileges of former post,
it would be useless.
The final trial is just a few days away.
Will there still be a retrial?
Even if there's a retrial,
we can't show this evidence in court.
Then what should we do?
Don't worry.
I'll go and find the judge personally,
and present this evidence.
The three defendants, despite being teachers of the school,
sexually abused the students.
It's an unpardonable criminal behavior,
and violates the social responsibility of protecting disabled children.
Making these victims the targets of their sexual pleasure,
sexually harassing them, or violating them,
warrants a severe punishment.
However, the defendants have made great contributions to the development of the city,
and have no previous criminal records.
Furthermore, the families of victim Jun Yu-ri and victim Jeon Min-su
have already agreed on a settlement.
Because the defendants have taken care of their children before,
they had written a plea for the defendants. With consideration of all the above,
the following sentences are meted out.
Defendant Pak Bo-hyeon.
Sentenced to 8 months of imprisonment and a 2-year probation.
Defendant Lee Gang-bok.
Sentenced to 6 months of imprisonment and a 1-year probation.
Defendant Lee Gang-seok.
Sentenced to 6 months of imprisonment and a 1-year probation.
Prosecutor.
After the end of this trial,
carry out the procedures regarding the release of the defendants.
You have worked really hard.
It's not really hard work.
I'm only doing justice to you.
Doing justice.
Justice always triumphs.
That's so well said.
I'm sorry. I didn't keep my promise.
See the kids before you go.
That judge.
I should go and express my gratitude to him.
You don't have to go personally.
Privileges of former post. This is expected.
When I meet him at a classmate gathering in the future,
I'll treat him to drinks.
By the way,
how did you manage to bribe the Prosecutor?
He has no promotion opportunities or any other options.
He's always roaming on the fringe.
In other words, he can no longer carry on in this circle.
I told him that I'll give him a job in my law firm.
He was exuberant hearing it.
What's wrong? Are you hungry?
Min-su has gone to look for Pak Bo-hyeon.
He said he wanted revenge.
I'm going over there now. Please hurry up.
Mister, are you still there?
Oh it's you, Min-su.
Are you thinking of me?
You're all drenched.
Let's go for a bath together.
Min-su! Min-su! Min-su!
Anyone inside?
Min-su! Min-su!
Go to hell!
Min-su!
I treated you so well in the past.
How can you do this to me? You brat!
How dare you try to stab me!
I'm going to beat you to death!
Min-su!
You brat, how can you do this to me?
This is the Mujin Police Department.
Listen up, everyone.
By gathering here,
you have violated the Demonstration Act, Article 6, Item 1 on illegal gathering.
All of you are illegally occupying the roads
and jeopardizing the lives of the kind residents.
Please disperse immediately.
Your demonstration is illegal
and you're violating the law.
Please disperse immediately.
I will repeat the announcement.
You are illegally occupying the roads.
If you don't disperse immediately,
we'll charge you under the Demonstration Act and Traffic Regulation.
Ah, crap.
They can't hear me.
What are you waiting for? Open fire!
Let go of me!
This child...
He can't hear or speak.
This child's name is Min-su.
He can't hear or speak.
Everyone! This child's name is Min-su.
He can't hear or speak.
Everyone, please.
This child's name is Min-su.
He can't hear or speak.
Everyone, this child's name is Min-su.
This child...
One year later
Mister, how are you?
Sorry I haven't called in a long time.
Many things have happened since then.
Some good ones, some bad ones.
Let me start with the bad.
Our appeal was rejected.
The main problem is the settlements the families agreed to.
The good thing is that many people have come forward to help the children.
Because of them, the kids who quit Ja-ae Academy now have a place to stay.
Some volunteers cook meals for them.
Yu-ri is undergoing psychological treatment.
She is healthier now.
She is also more jovial these days
and even teaches me sign language.
Yeon-du says she wants to be an art teacher when she grows up.
She says she wants to help sick children, just like you.
Once during dinner, I asked Yeon-du and Yu-ri,
what's the greatest difference between before and after this incident?
The kids said:
"We now know that we're no different from others."
"We're treasured by people too."
Watching them grow so well,
it makes me think
that the reason we're fighting so hard
is not to change the world
but instead not to let the world change us.
The weather has become colder.
Winter is cold to make us to appreciate
the warmth from the precious people around us.
Although we're not by your side,
I hope you can feel
the warmth given out by the children and me.
I will pray for you.
As of 2011, several of the perpetrators are reinstated at the school. The court rulings for the case are done.
But the effort to dig up the truth is still ongoing.