Wake up already.
(Episode 1)
Ba Reun.
You promised me that you'd go there today.
Is it that hard to just go there and have a cup of coffee?
Mom, it's my first day at the new court tomorrow.
And I told you that I don't like going to things like that.
You never know what can happen in life.
I'm doing it for you,
but you just ignore me all the time.
I went through so much to raise you well.
Enough, Mom. That's enough.
Ji Soo's mom came by earlier.
Because of our rent?
All I hear on the news is how bad the economy is,
but our rent keeps going up.
We'll have to move if we can't pay the increased rent this time.
Your dad and I are fine because we're old,
but you're a judge now. Are you okay with living like this?
Aren't you sick of living like this?
Just one cup of coffee, okay?
Yes, just a cup of coffee each.
Okay?
- "Each"? - Yes, that's right!
A cup of coffee just three times.
- Pardon? - You came all the way here.
You have to meet more than just one, of course.
But I think that's an unmannerly thing to do.
I told all of them that you can't stay too long because you're busy.
It's not easy to meet a judge who works at the Central District Court.
And you're so handsome too!
- Goodness. - Let's go.
Speaking of which, I can pay for your transportation.
Could we meet up for a cup of coffee like this from time to time?
What do you take me for?
My gosh, don't mind me. I was just joking.
My goodness.
The parents of the first lady you'll meet have their own business.
I'm sure you've heard of it. Oryong Group.
I know the name comes up a lot for embezzlement and malpractice.
Doesn't her family love wheelchairs?
Oh, my goodness. You have such fair, beautiful skin.
I never go out.
Then what do you do at home?
- I learn flower arranging, - Flower arranging?
And I also take yoga and cooking lessons.
I don't do anything special. My parents are very frugal.
You do all of that at home?
I take badminton lessons occasionally as well.
- At home? - We don't have a badminton court,
- A badminton court? - But I can do it on the lawn...
between our two parking lots.
I see. Two parking lots.
Who teaches you?
The former pro player, Lee Yong Dae.
This. You know who he is, right?
Yes.
Realistically, this family will help you out the most.
Have you heard of Brown Bear of Dapsimni?
Her parents have a private, money-lending business.
Oh, there she is. We're here!
- So her parents are loan sharks. - Hello!
I bet they've committed tax evasion.
So you hit a gavel with that face?
That must look so cool.
Judges in Korea don't use gavels.
We just announce the verdict verbally.
Really? Then it wouldn't have the same impact.
- What? - Also,
when there are big cases,
do higher-ups in court have a secret meeting...
and give you orders?
Do you get tailed and bugged?
It looks like you've watched too many TV dramas and movies.
I know. Can you please tell me what it's really like?
- Tell me. Tell me, please. - What...
- I'm so curious. - Miss, please.
Can't you tell me?
I'm sorry.
I was too chatty, wasn't I?
It's probably because I've been going to the mountains a lot...
with my mom and her friends these days.
I guess your mother likes to go hiking.
No, she collects mountains as a hobby.
Oh, I see.
Then you should meet the third lady.
Honor and status are more important than money.
My gosh, you're very good-looking.
He'd look great in the photo for the election campaign poster.
- What? - Totally.
Her father is a congressman who's been elected four times,
and he wants to run for provincial governor this year.
How did you get into Seoul National University Law School?
Because my grades were extremely high.
I just applied and got in. I guess I was lucky.
- Mom! - He's even humble!
- Goodness. - Why did you become a judge?
I'm not sure. There are several reasons.
Is your goal to become a judge in Supreme Court or a politician?
You're too handsome to be a judge.
You should get into politics.
How about becoming the president?
My role model was Jacqueline Kennedy when I was young.
Goodness.
I'll be the president's mother-in-law.
Gosh, this is terrible.
This is why I hated the story of Shim Chung.
Why should we sacrifice our bodies for our parents?
Why are you so bad at playing the piano when you're an adult?
It's my first time learning how to play it.
Why are you so bad when you've learned it for five years?
Why didn't you learn it when you were young?
Why do you play the same piece every day?
This is the only piece I want to play.
("To Kill a Mockingbird")
Hello, Mr. Yoon.
Where am I? I'm in the subway.
My car broke down, so I left it in the shop.
Foreign cars are inconvenient. It can't be fixed everywhere.
It gave me a chance to ride the subway. What's up?
She thinks she's the only person in this industrialized society.
What? You're scared?
50,000 dollars is nothing.
What's so scary about that?
You won't lose it, so don't worry.
People who have money should trust and support each other.
The elderly introduced me to it.
That was very kind, wasn't it?
By the way, did you hear about it?
Our pastor is having an affair with a young woman.
- Could it be... - There's nothing to worry about.
Medicine works very well in this day and age.
- I'm sorry. - I'm not trying to brag,
but my grandson from New York seems like a prodigy.
He's too smart for ordinary school.
He's from a good family.
My son-in-law graduated from a school in New York.
They had their child in the US, so he's American.
Sending my daughter to study abroad paid off.
That's why my grandson has amazing leadership.
With 5 to 6 friends,
he scolded one who didn't listen to him.
Then School Violence Committee called him.
Isn't it normal for boys while they're growing up?
I think my dog is a prodigy.
The neighbor's dog barks like this,
but my dog barks like this.
The pronunciation sounds eastern.
The dog must be from abroad.
What are you talking about?
Are you insane?
- Why should I hear about your dog? - Exactly.
Why do I have to hear about your children?
What?
Darn it, that's just unlucky.
No way.
Are you playing Debussy starting this month?
Are you enjoying your lessons?
I don't like...
my piano lessons.
Why not? Don't you like playing the piano?
During the lesson,
my teacher keeps...
My teacher keeps doing it to me.
- It's raining. - It's raining.
("To Kill a Mockingbird")
Sir, sir!
Are you okay? Do you need help?
- What do you mean? - I think...
this woman kept grinding her buttocks to your hand.
Are you okay? Shall I report her?
I don't know what you mean.
Don't worry. Just in case,
I also caught it on video.
Don't let others bully you only because you're a weak man.
- You can do it. - Give it to me.
- What are you doing? - Give it to me.
- What's wrong with you? - What are you doing?
How dare you touch me, you jerk!
You're a professor.
Professor of ethics education.
Please call me if you need a witness.
You're a judge.
Thank you, sir.
Shall we go, Professor Ko?
I need an ambulance. I can't walk.
Are you okay? Were you startled?
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
Let's not be scared of silly men like him.
They're this small.
They're tiny.
- Please take care. - Thank you.
Goodbye.
Thank you for helping me today.
Are you a judge here?
Today is the first day of my work.
Civil Case Department 44.
I belong there, too.
Really?
Wait a minute.
You look similar to my high school colleague. What's your name?
It's Ba Reun.
Im Ba Reun.
Ba Reun. Goodness.
Don't you remember me?
I'm Oh Reum. Park Cha Oh Reum.
Oh, right. Are you from that...
book club?
Yes, I can't believe this.
It's so cool. I thought it was you.
It's nice to meet you, Judge Im Ba Reun.
What's wrong with him?
Don't look at him. You might make eye contact.
He's the best student in class.
He's cute too.
- Isn't he in your class? - So what?
- He's so arrogant. - Arrogant?
Last time...
Ba Reun, can you teach us math?
Don't be good at it alone.
But I'm not very patient.
And I think I'll need a lot of patience if I'm going to tutor you.
Sorry. I don't mean to hurt you.
Can you set me up with someone? My standards are not very high.
There are just a few things I want.
Taller than 180cm, fit but not too muscular,
and stylish.
But I do want to be able to communicate with him,
so one of the top students would be nice.
All right.
And he should have low standards for girls.
I'll try to find one.
Did you do well? What's your score?
Don't ask. It's no higher than last time.
What was your score last time?
100 out of 100.
He's such a jerk.
He's so full of himself.
In addition,
he looks down on girls.
Really? What a jerk.
Don't even look at him.
Gosh, he's really annoying.
I don't think there are any infectious viruses on my hand.
Oh, sorry.
Nice to meet you, Judge Park.
I'm so surprised.
How long has it been?
12 years, 9 months, and 10 days.
It sure was a long time ago.
Right? And we knew each other so briefly.
If it weren't for our unique names, we wouldn't have remembered.
Right?
Right.
Probably.
Anyway, let's go.
We don't want to be late from our first day.
Sure, Ba Reun.
- Well... Judge Park. - Yes?
Even though we know each other from before, it'd be inappropriate...
to call each other by our first names in court.
We're at work.
Yes, I understand.
Judge Im.
(Court)
- Hold on. - What?
- Just a second. - Gosh.
Judge Im.
Let me go through that gate one more time.
Judge Park.
- Let's just go. - Okay.
Let's go.
Were you as nervous on your first day as I am right now?
You didn't seem nervous at all earlier.
You've changed a lot since your high school days.
What was I like back then?
Well...
You were...
Let's go.
You'll be busy meeting new people all day.
You'll have tea with the chief judge and the presiding judge.
You'll have to visit every office.
Okay.
(Associate Judge, Presiding Judge)
Let's introduce ourselves.
Let's go.
Yes?
I'm Judge Im Ba Reun.
This is your first job, right?
It'll take you a few months to get the hang of it.
Try to speed up. We can't wait too long.
Yes. I'm...
Save that for the afternoon.
You'll be meeting people all morning.
If you have any questions, ask Judge Im.
Think of him as your mentor. Learn everything from him.
Okay.
What? You can leave now.
Okay.
Let's go.
Get out.
You can register your fingerprints...
at the general office on the first floor.
Well...
You can use your thumb or index finger on either hand.
If you don't have a seal yet,
the third store across the street is five dollars cheaper.
Your seal should be smaller than the presiding judge's,
so get a small one.
Well...
Judge Im, I couldn't find your seal in your belongings...
from your old department.
So I asked them to bring it.
If you want a new thimble,
take 1 from the 3rd shelf in the cabinet.
If you have a thick thumb, from the left compartment.
Different kinds of sticky notes are on your desk.
If you need more, take some from the fourth shelf.
You should register your fingerprints first.
If you go out the gates without your ID card,
you'll have to wait until you see someone you know.
Okay.
- Well... - General Office on the first floor.
Okay.
- Well... - Third shelf in the cabinet.
Okay.
- Ms. Lee. - Suspended execution files are...
in the second pile on the left side.
Under medical case files. I told you 10 minutes ago.
All right.
I'm back.
Are you going over something?
Case files.
You like Goya?
He depicts human ignorance and greed very well.
This department sure has a lot of unsolved cases.
450 in total.
On top of that, we have about 50 new cases.
We'll have to solve five cases each every week...
just to keep the status quo.
And the judgments?
By when do we need to submit them to the presiding judge?
Trials are on Wednesdays.
We'll have to submit drafts by Monday...
so that he can revise them.
Right after that,
we'll have to go over cases for the next week...
and come to an agreement with him by Thursday.
We'll hardly have time to breathe.
It's like juggling.
Before one ball falls,
you have to throw another.
If you take your eyes off even for a second...
As it's your first day, let's look around the court.
You'll show me around?
Thank you.
Don't thank me yet.
It's not going to be very pleasant.
This parking space is for the handicapped. Back up.
What? I'll be late for my trial.
Will you take responsibility for that?
Didn't your subpoena say that we didn't have much parking space...
and that you should use public transportation?
Government employees are paid with taxpayers' money.
They should use public transportation.
Move the judges' cars out of here first!
How can civil servants still be so unfriendly...
in this day and age?
I'll report you!
I'm sorry,
but you have to fill in the application yourself.
You can find the instructions over there.
- Please follow them... - You're paid by the public.
You can't even do this much for me?
They do it at the district office.
There's something seriously wrong with the court.
We definitely need a judicial reform.
You're paid with taxpayers' money.
And you can't even fill in a form for me?
Defendant.
Your tax evasion methods are despicable,
and the amount is tremendous too.
Well...
He'll be punished according to Tax Evaders Act.
VAT must be the only tax he's ever paid in his life.
Defendant is sentenced to one year in prison...
and put into custody.
This is unfair, Your Honor!
Your Honor! What about my car?
Do you know how much it cost?
I wish his car would be confiscated,
but I'm sure it's under someone else's name.
When someone is put into custody,
it's such a pain to dispose of their cars.
Let's watch a civil trial this time.
Well...
Do you testify that the defendant was issued...
a certificate of seal?
Yes. I'm confident that...
the defendant used the seal at the legal office.
Witness, I appreciate that you memorized all your answers.
But you've been one question ahead the whole time.
You were asked question number nine,
but you gave the answer to question number 10.
Lawyer Hwang.
Did the witness write down the answers himself?
Yes.
Tell your office manager that each sentence needs only one subject.
Civil trials are full of lies.
Koreans are too nice. They commit perjury without...
even feeling guilty when someone they're close to asks them to do it.
But I must say, civil trials aren't so bad.
I only worked on criminal cases in the last year or so,
and I had to see all kinds of murderers, rapists,
and con artists on a daily basis.
Friends and relatives who never used to call will get in touch with you.
"I didn't call because of this, but..."
It obviously means that's why they called you.
Soon, you'll just start ignoring their calls.
You'll start avoiding people as well.
That's what our job is like.
It's not about examining the pretty things on the outside.
We have to closely examine the raw, ugly things on the inside.
You should prepare yourself mentally.
I see.
Thank you for your advice.
I think I'm quite ready though.
Shouldn't you head over to the chief presiding judge's office?
- To have tea with other newbies? - Oh, is it already time for that?
Thank you very much...
for the tour.
No, you can't. Please make an appointment first.
Do you even know who he is?
He's a congressman!
I can't make an exception for anyone.
I cannot let just anybody walk into the judge's office.
But he's not just anybody! You're being extremely rude!
- Yes, Judge Im. - Is somebody outside?
A congressman, who claims to be your high school alumnus, is here.
- You can let him in. - Okay.
You can go in, sir.
This way, please.
Judge Im! It's nice to meet you.
I'm Kim Myeong Guk. I graduated in the school's 50th year.
You were in the 69th class, weren't you?
I saw your name in the alumni directory.
Yes, that's right. But what brings you here, sir?
The chief judge invited me.
He wanted me to join an event here at court...
and say a few words.
I see.
I stopped by because I wanted to see you before I left.
I've heard a lot about you from my friends in the legal circles.
You were the top scorer at the institute.
Everyone says that you'll make all alumni proud.
Thank you for your kind words.
I'm a newly-elected congressman,
but I'm also part of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.
I'm very interested in what happens here at court.
I highly praised you when I was speaking...
with the chief judge earlier as well.
Just cut to the chase, will you?
Actually... This isn't why I stopped by to see you, but...
Here it is.
Chairman Seong has been providing support to my district.
He owns a large construction company.
Because he has a big business,
I guess it's impossible to avoid legal problems at times.
I heard that you guys are overseeing his lawsuit.
That's enough, sir.
If you say anything else, I can report you for violating...
the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.
Don't be so harsh on me.
We're alumni. How can you say that to me?
Congressman Kim.
We've never met before, right?
The only thing we have in common...
is that we went to the same high school, but at different times.
You're still wet behind the ears. How dare you speak so rudely?
- Do you know who I am? - That is not my business.
And I'm not your friend, sir.
Fine, if this is how you're going to treat me,
I'll see how much longer you can stay...
on the judge's bench, you kid.
Look, Mr. Kim Myeong Guk.
You seem to think that you have the power to oust me from court,
but you should study the law more.
Unless they're impeached or receive a sentence of imprisonment,
judges can't be removed from office.
What... What did you just say?
If you want me gone from court,
you'd have to file a motion to impeach me.
You're newly elected, so it'll be hard to even introduce a new bill.
You'll have to work harder.
I guess you can try when you're reelected.
You little...
The guest is leaving.
I hate people.
Staying in this job forever...
means that I'll continue to loathe people for the rest of my life.
Can I really live like that?
I'm back!
Now, I can do some work.
(Protocol for Pleading)
(Congratulations. You're a social media star now!)
(Connecting to the web page)
("Female Judge's Amazing Knee Kick")
(I admire the female judge for doing that.)
(What's wrong with touching her a little bit?)
My gosh!
Who's calling me?
Come in.
Sir.
Your name will be engraved in court's history for a long time.
How can you get yourself in trouble on your first day of work?
I had to have a talk with the chief judge because of you!
- Sir, she tried to help the girl... - You stay out of this!
You should've just called the police.
Why did you get involved and turn it into this headache?
And that girl is partially responsible too.
That happened because she was wearing such a short skirt.
Sir, I don't think she should be blamed for wearing a short skirt.
It's entirely the man's fault because he tried to molest her.
How dare you talk back to me?
She should know to dress appropriately.
One is not born a woman but becomes one.
All women must make an effort to become real ladies, okay?
- Pardon? - "Pardon?"
Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt,
- but that's not what she meant... - I said, stay out of this!
Do you have no respect for hierarchy or what?
You must look up to...
(Wifey)
Get back to work.
Get out!
Hello?
Honey. My gosh, yes.
I answered late, right? I must've been out of my mind.
I was talking to my associate judges. Yes, I was training them.
By the way, why did you call? You're craving strawberries today?
Okay, no problem. I'll pick some up on my way home.
I'll try to be home soon. All right.
Yes, ma'am. I'll see you soon.
She's craving strawberries.
Let's go.
They were still here.
- Hello. - Hello.
What brings the ace of the department, Judge Im Ba Reun,
all the way here?
Cut it out. What's Presiding Judge Han like?
So you're here to gather intel.
He's the presiding judge on your panel. Why are you asking me?
Because you know everything about everyone.
Tell me what you know.
For free?
- Thank you. - Enjoy.
Thank you for the coffee.
Enjoy it.
- What about mine? - Take care.
By the way,
who is he?
Don't you know?
It's the female employee...
in our office.
"Female employee"?
It's the first female employee of an all-male office in the country.
No, he's an assistant clerk.
Men can also be one.
You're talking about gender equality.
I understand. It's good and all,
but why?
Why is he working in our office?
I like him. He seems reliable.
More importantly, what is our presiding judge like?
Listen.
I could hear him scold angrily from here.
However, don't worry so much.
He may have a short temper, but he's not malicious at all.
This is interesting.
How can he be so mean without malice?
I know you're clever,
but you don't have to make it obvious.
Once you get to know him, he's genuine and innocent.
However, he may lose his temper in court.
Here's an example.
If you want to submit evidence, you need to number it...
and hand in a copy as well.
How can you throw it to me like this?
Take it back to her now.
Take it and leave.
- Sir. - Who's next?
Goodness. Your Honor.
This is my first time, so I have no idea.
Please take care of it, sir.
Haven't you met any lawyers or prosecutors while filing a lawsuit?
Your Honor, I can't hire a lawyer.
If I do, I'll lose money even if I win.
Please take care of it, Your Honor.
- Have you swum in the ocean? - Of course.
Don't you learn how to swim before then?
Don't you buy a swimsuit at the department store?
Yes.
Why won't you do anything before a trial?
There's no free lunch.
You should make some effort.
Leave.
Next.
Defendant Kim Young Cheol.
Aren't you part of Bloody Mafia?
No, I'm not.
I already left the mafia.
Defendant Kim Han Gil, aren't you part of Bloody Mafia?
No, I left a long time ago.
Defendant Cho Chun Jung, aren't you part of Bloody Mafia?
No, Your Honor.
This is unfair.
I also left the mafia.
Then who will protect the mafia? They're in trouble.
(Arrest the enemy of the crook.)
Darn it.
No, I won't release you. I'm not even thinking about it.
Put them back in prison.
What? How dare you laugh?
I'll tear your mouth apart.
You crook. Don't you feel bad for the people?
You thief, you deserve a slap.
- Put them in prison. - Also,
this is what I heard from my boss.
He has an inferiority issue.
- "An inferiority issue"? - Yes.
He's much older than his colleagues.
He didn't pass the bar for a long time.
He barely passed it.
He also graduated from a university that most haven't heard of.
That's why he isn't close to many people.
He only follows his way.
That's more impressive.
That can be true,
but other people don't see it as normal.
Most people in this office graduated from Seoul University.
Of course,
there's someone clever and smart like me.
A mutant comes around once in a while.
He graduated from K Engineering School.
Jung Bo Wang.
Which university did Mr. Han graduate from?
Is it a school far from here?
Did he graduate from Very Nice University?
You talk too much.
You should work. We're in court.
You came to me for information.
I gave you information. How can you just leave like that?
Hey!
My goodness.
- What is it? - Pardon?
- You know that we're close. - I know.
He was rude since he was in high school.
He's not normal.
Don't you think Department 44 would be fun this year?
- Why? - Look.
A judge who doesn't hold his tongue.
A new judge who's arrogant and silly.
How is this combination possible?
It's going to be great.
I'm excited about this year's Department 44.
Time passed by so quickly.
I must go and humor my bosses now.
Come in.
Yes.
- You're on the phone. - I'll see you again.
Sir, it's almost time. Shall we go?
Let's leave five minutes later.
They'll be uncomfortable if I wait for them.
- I see. - Judge Jung.
Etiquette isn't easy to follow.
It's about being polite and considering others.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
Presiding judge of Civil Department 43, Bae Gon Dae.
He's a genius from Gwangjin-gu.
May we take a couple shot together?
Gosh, I'm not ready.
Me?
- Let's drink. - Okay.
Presiding judge in charge of warrants, Woo Gap Cheol.
He's a monster from Ulsan.
- Let's drink. - Thank you.
Presiding judge of Criminal Department 48.
Kwon Se Joon.
He's a mutant from Pocheon.
- That was great. - Good job.
Among law school graduates in Class of 1989,
you're the best, Presiding Judge Woo.
He was on top of his class.
He also scored high during his training.
How can a dumb person like me...
stay in this office for so long?
That's the problem.
Stop teasing me.
I'm the only one who didn't pass the bar...
while I was in school.
Passing the bar a few years later isn't a problem.
How well you do now is what counts.
- Don't you agree? - Yes.
Unless like Presiding Judge Kwon,
you passed the bar during the second year.
The young one will laugh at me.
No way.
- Come here, Judge Jung. - Yes, sir.
Which graduating class were you in?
Which professor taught you corporate law?
Didn't Professor Kang retire?
I'm sorry. I didn't graduate from a law school.
I see.
Still,
Judge Jung is the best when it comes to social skills.
If he becomes an administrator...
and works in planning and communications,
he'll be amazing.
Just like me in the past.
Judge Jung.
Consider yourself lucky for working with him.
Yes, sir.
I lack in many ways.
If you guide me well, I'll work hard.
All right.
I can be quite cute.
Goodness.
Judge Jung, let's be together!
- Bring us more soju, please. - Hey, you.
Drink some more.
You're working late on your first day.
I was prepared for it.
It's still your first day.
Don't worry about me. You should go home first.
I'll be leaving then.
Don't worry about...
what the presiding judge said.
I'm okay. Thank you.
There's something you should know.
It's hard to survive in this society if you stand out.
Regardless of your intention, if the result is bad,
you won't be protected.
I see.
I thought it was better than that.
Thank you for everything today. See you tomorrow.
See you.
(Seoul High Court)
Miss, who was the judge that...
Can you tell me which judge it was?
Can you look and see which judge it was?
Listen.
What is it?
Which judge gave this ruling?
(Judicial Opinion)
(The plaintiff's claim is dismissed.)
Ma'am.
If you want to complain, you must make an appeal.
You can't do this here.
What? Are you also a judge?
Are you also a judge?
You terrible man. Bring back my son.
My son died unfairly.
- Ma'am, you can't do this. - Bring him back.
- Ma'am. - All of you!
Even to the end, this day is full of surprises.
My first day at Civil Department 44.
I'm home.
I can't wait any longer.
Can't you wait just a little longer?
Just a little while.
- Hello. - Hi.
Please just pass this time.
You can raise it next time. I promise.
My son is making money now.
You want me to wait two more years? We've already lost so much.
What's the point of having a judge son?
- It doesn't seem to help much. - Wait.
That's enough.
I'll see if I can take out more loans.
Let me do it.
You don't have to.
Eat this.
I know you skip meals when I'm not home.
Let's eat together.
- Where's Dad? - Do you think he's already home?
Court?
Oh, I forgot. Don't worry. It's nothing.
"Pleading date notice"?
Is it Dad again?
What is it now? Joint surety?
- No. - Then what?
His friend was begging,
so your dad let him borrow his name.
How many times have I told you...
(Transfer from Seoul Central District Court)
My salary for February,
3,379 dollars.
You'll be paid more than anyone else in the industry. What do you say?
I appreciate the offer, but it's a bit sudden.
Sorry. Was I too straightforward?
During the training, I was very inspired by your lecture...
on being a judge.
When was it?
I was the presiding judge at Anti-corruption Department, right?
Yes. Your nickname was Bao Zheng.
Really?
Being a judge is honorable,
but you can contribute to the country in other ways too.
Please think about it.
Hey! Where are you?
Here you are. Are you playing hide-and-seek?
Mr. Chairman, what brings you here? You didn't even call.
Who is this guy?
He is the ace among the new judges at District Court.
I'm trying to get him over here.
You're a judge?
Why would you want to be a judge? Can you even afford food?
Be a lawyer instead.
What do you think?
Please excuse me.
See you again.
Judge Im.
Isn't he behind the billion-dollar pyramid scheme fraud?
He hasn't been tried yet.
Presumption of innocence, remember?
Do you know how many people took their lives because of him?
- And you're defending him? - Shouldn't you know better?
Even the worst kinds of criminals have the right to counsel.
A lawyer is obligated to do his best for his client...
no matter who the client is.
Is that right?
I'm sorry, but I don't think this job suits my taste.
What?
It doesn't suit my taste? How arrogant.
Good job.
The first digit has changed.
I'm a selfish jerk.
I'm not much of a people person.
I don't like sitting between two people on the subway,
so I often move through many cars, looking for a corner seat.
I hate attending gatherings or events the most.
As a kid, I hated family gatherings.
Whenever I heard the song, "People Are More Beautiful Than Flowers",
I'd ask, "On what grounds," in my head.
That said, I wouldn't want to live on a deserted island.
So I live among people.
(The Individualist Manifesto)
Ba Reun... No. Judge Im!
Yes?
You said I wouldn't survive here if I stood out too much.
But let me try and survive.
I'd rather fight back than complain.
Are you sure?
That's very brave of you.
By the way, what's that?
This?
Now that I've decided to stand out, I'd like to go all the way.
Don't be too surprised later.
- What... - Let's go.
(Bring back my son, you jerks!)
We're late. Let's go.
"Medical malpractice"?
Her son died during surgery. She sued the hospital,
but she lost because there was no evidence.
Make sure there's no eye contact.
Judge Park.
Let's go.
Gosh.
She's crazy.
She's in trouble.
Presiding Judge Han, good morning.
What are you doing?
How can you come to work in such a short skirt?
The weather is so nice today.
It's like a spring day, isn't it?
How can a judge dress like this?
It's too showy, and your skirt is too short.
Does the code of ethics for judges say anything about skirts?
Does Court Organization Act say anything?
You clearly seem to hate my outfit.
I'll go change right away.
She has more clothes with her?
About the elderly lady who protested alone...
Why do you think she lost the trial?
Doctors aren't responsible for all patients who die during surgery.
In many cases, doctors can't save such patients...
even with the best that modern medicine can offer.
We're talking about someone's death.
Don't you think you're being too heartless?
Do we have to hold someone responsible whenever a person dies?
Then what doctor would be brave enough to hold a scalpel?
Well, I'm not saying we should always hold someone responsible.
But the bereaved lost their family member.
It won't be easy for them to just accept it.
They fought according to the rules and lost.
And it's their fault that they missed the deadline to appeal.
They have to accept it. That's how the system works.
We can't make an exception just because...
they're pestering us without any evidence.
Judge Im.
I guess the powerless' screams...
just sound like childish pestering to you.
Judge Im, why did you decide to become a judge?
I've been getting this question a lot lately.
What about you?
To side with the powerless, to make this society a just place,
and to change this world?
- For such beautiful reasons? - Isn't that a given?
No one should be allowed to become a judge without such aspirations.
That's wonderful.
Do you think this world is a beautiful place?
Those from the upper class sure have the noblesse oblige attitude.
What? What did you just say?
What are you talking about?
You know nothing about my background.
I became a judge to earn a living...
so that I'd never have to ask anyone for help or be servile.
And one more thing.
I think it's our duty to protect the world from those...
who bluff about wanting to change the world.
This world won't change anyway,
so we must make sure it doesn't become worse.
Don't go overboard, and don't side with anyone.
Be objective, and strictly follow the rules...
like an AI robot.
Sure, I learned a lot about judges' duties.
You see, I'm still new, so I don't know much.
But if a person who's struggling to breathe in a sewer...
is fighting against a person standing on the ground,
I'd do whatever I can to get that person...
out of the sewer first so they can breathe.
I will go overboard even if it makes me look unprofessional.
(East Hall)
Those jerks... Those ruthless jerks...
They killed my son. My son...
Gosh, my son. My poor baby.
Are you also a judge?
You terrible man. Bring back my son.
They told me not to do anything because I knew nothing.
- They told me to stay still. - Get up.
She's not in her right mind.
"Right mind"?
How would you define that?
Judge Im.
Her precious son...
returned as a corpse after the surgery.
She didn't even get a proper explanation. So how can a mother...
be in her right mind after that?
She had to let her son go without a proper goodbye.
She's been seeing him in her dreams every night.
How can she...
stay calm and collected?
Do you think that's normal?
How do you define what's normal and what's not?
When you really want to understand someone,
you have to think from that person's perspective.
In other words,
you must put yourself in that person's shoes...
and really become that person.
Judge Im, I heard your father was a journalist.
Yes, you and his parents would get along very well.
I knew it. This is why good parenting is so important.
Korea has joined the ranks of advanced countries, you know.
I know that some smart kids come from poor families...
and have horrible characteristics even though they get good grades.
Kids like them shouldn't be allowed to climb the social ladder.
We did have a president who was a commercial high school alumni,
but that should not happen again.
I'm sorry to interrupt.
You said my father is a journalist,
but I never had a father like that.
My father has been drinking every day since he got fired from his job.
He's just a jobless guy who likes to bluff.
My mom sold insurance policies and beauty products.
She had to sell all sorts of things so that we could make ends meet.
Changing the world? Helping the powerless?
She's just chasing ideals now.
I'm sorry to disappoint you,
but I came this far...
because I got good grades in school despite my family's environment.
And of course,
I have horrible characteristics like you said.
Gosh, that's not what I meant.
But I know my place,
so I don't have any unrealistic ambitions.
I just don't want to inconvenience others,
and I'd like to look after my family on my own.
I'm definitely not good enough for your daughter.
I'm sorry.
("To Kill a Mockingbird")
A piano major.
So she ended up...
going to music school.
(Jeongmok Library, Night of Friendship)
("To Kill A Mockingbird")
(Ba Reun's elementary school graduation in 2001)
(Award)
What are you doing drunk?
You tore off the wallpaper.
The landlady will nag again.
Can you stick them neatly and make them straight?
Goodness.
Stop nagging so much.
Ba Reun will grow up...
and become a great judge.
- Just wait and see. - A judge?
Judge, my foot.
You got fired without a reason.
You were dragged and beaten.
Instead of asking to see your bruises,
the judge told you to submit evidence.
Did you find such a judge that impressive?
Do you wish your child would do something like that?
It was like that back then.
Now, we need a judge who is different.
My child should live...
in a world that's better than where we lived.
(Good Child Award)
(Miss Hammurabi)
It's okay. It's nothing.
Why are you so reckless? Won't you work as a judge all your life?
Why are you making that face?
I felt sorry when I saw your nose bleed.
Is it your first trial today?
On the day of your first trial, I put on your robe for you.
Let's go in.
You have no idea what the robe signifies.
Do I have to forget human feelings when I put on this robe?
My lifespan decreases every time I attend a trial.