01x08 - Before Judgment

[bunniefuu]

DEAR X

ALL CHARACTERS, PLACES, AND EVENTS

IN THIS WORK ARE FICTITIOUS

CHILD ACTORS WERE FILMED

WITH GUARDIANS PRESEN

Two, three. Clear!

CARDIAC PACEMAKER

- One, two, three. Clear!

- At that fork

where one life stands

between life and death

what kind of prayer

did desperate Ah-jin

offer up?

At death's door

was that one's life

or one's end?

Was that death

God's answer to Ah-jin's prayer

or His punishment?

WITH DEEPEST CONDOLENCES

No!

Grandma!

EPISODE 8: BEFORE JUDGMEN

SAMYUN SEOUL HOSPITAL MEMORIAL HALL

NOTICE REGARDING MEDIA COVERAGE

REST IN PEACE

Get some rest.

You'll collapse at this rate.

I'll take him outside for a moment.

HONG KYUNG-SUK

- You two know each other?

- Yes.

He helped me out a lot.

And I worked part-time

at his café for a year.

BASEBALL PLAYER CHOI ARRESTED

FOR MURDERING A PART-TIMER'S FATHER

PARTIALLY ADMITTED GUIL

AND SAID "IT WAS IMPULSIVE"

I was going to go home

after In-g*ng left.

But I went to her place instead.

He had asked me

and I remembered she hasn't been

sleeping well at night lately.

I wanted to keep her company.

I thought of you

as a gift from my daughter.

I scolded In-g*ng for doubting you

and pushing you away.

I reprimanded him for that.

You looked so pitiful

when I first saw you

so I believed

you could never do such a thing.

The one who deceived me

No.

The one who deceived my whole family!

I foolishly trusted you

and I drove my own grandson

into a bottomless pit.

What

What should I do?

What am I supposed to do now, Ah-jin?

Can you explain what happened

before and after the fall?

A cat.

She went out to show me

the kitten that had come by.

A cat?

She used to feed

the stray cats in the neighborhood.

In-mo is allergic,

so she couldn't let them inside.

She had only put food out for them.

Sometimes, the cats would bring

their kittens

and show up at her door

at night.

Please continue.

After putting food out for them

she was standing up

when she suddenly swayed

as if she got dizzy.

Then, she lost consciousness.

I see.

I know this is hard

but I have a few more questions.

I'll take care of it.

I'll wipe every security camera

and dash cam clean

so get her away from here.

It's more natural

to say that I was here.

And there aren't

any security cameras here.

Don't do anything stupid.

A grandma fell down the stairs.

Please hurry.

Wait!

I'd like to know

exactly what kind of relationship

you have with Baek Ah-jin.

I looked you up.

The Nojeong-dong Rooftop m*rder Case.

What does that have to do

with Dharma Sister Yeonhwa's passing?

I read that you testified

you were caught in a trap

set by the victim's daughter,

who worked part-time at your café.

What exactly are you trying to ask?

Is it whether there's a link

between Baek Ah-jin

and her father's m*rder?

Can you answer that?

You want an answer?

Between the m*rder

of Mr. Baek Seon-gyu

and Ms. Baek Ah-jin

there is no connection.

Sorry?

No connection whatsoever.

Back then, I testified like that

out of a cowardly wish

to slip through the law

because I was afraid

of becoming a criminal.

Which I regret now.

I served five years

and paid for my crime behind bars

but my debt to the deceased

is something I must carry for life.

Baek Ah-jin is

simply a bereaved daughter

who lost her family.

She's someone

I must keep apologizing to

until the day I die.

Since she became so famous

there will inevitably be

all kinds of rumors.

But they're baseless.

I'm relieved to hear that.

Thank you for coming.

Why did you tell him that?

It was a chance to get revenge.

Why defend me?

During my first year in prison

I wondered what I'd do to you

once I got out

and how to pay you back.

During the second year

I kept thinking

"Why me, of all people?"

After the third winter

I started thinking

about what could have driven you

to do something so horrific.

And the year after that

I began taking pity on you.

If you had had

even one proper adult in your life

as a child

I thought your path

might have been different.

So, in the last year

I decided to pray for you.

And I started wondering

if I could become

that one adult for you.

Once I thought about it that way

I stopped resenting you.

So, don't carry any guilt.

What happened then

was simply my fate.

That sounds just like you.

I'm going to root for you.

That's my way.

So, live your life

remembering there's someone out there

who genuinely pities you

and sincerely cheers for you.

Try living like that.

That's the best revenge I can offer.

But Mr. Choi.

There's no such thing

as "best revenge."

What just happened was

that you missed

your one and only chance

to take revenge on me.

Thank you.

HEO IN-g*ng WAS KNOWN

TO BE DEEPLY AFFECTIONATE

TOWARD HIS GRANDMOTHER

Baek Ah-jin and Heo In-g*ng?

How long are you going to milk them?

It works for the public.

They're like a bone broth.

You boil and boil,

and it still gives.

It's about time

they broke up, though.

I was going to lock in the breakup

as an exclusive

and be done with it.

Why split up a couple

that's doing fine?

Isn't it obvious?

Ah-jin is a rising sun,

and In-g*ng is a setting sun.

She's gotten everything

she could out of him.

Why would she keep dating him?

Who knows?

It could be true love.

"True love"? You don't know anything.

What do you want?

Oh, nothing.

I'm just calling to see

if there's anything new.

Nothing pulls clicks

like you and In-g*ng.

We're in mourning. Show some respect.

I have something to verify--

Hello?

Hello

Right.

For a time like this

RÉSUMÉ

PHOTO

Hello, Ms. Sim Sung-hee?

I told you I never did that.

It looks like Ah-jin's side

has already made a move.

Was it Longstar's CEO, Seo Mi-ri?

I don't know

what you're talking about.

If you're going to keep talking

nonsense, I'm hanging up.

I did what you told me to.

Guess you're scared, after all.

Figures.

Your dad's past

as an adulterous lawyer

and your own past,

stealing your classmates' stuff

beaten by the homeroom teacher

and kids

and forced to transfer.

It'll look bad on you

if those spread in your workplace.

You saw the comments

on your post last time, right?

Plenty of people still remember you.

So, unless you want

your past dragged out in the open

shut your mouth and lie low.

If not

I'll follow you around

with your past everywhere you go.

f*ck.

SAMYUN SEOUL HOSPITAL MEMORIAL HALL

Director.

Hello.

Are you heading out now?

Oh, Ms. Baek Ah-jin.

I'm glad you know my name.

I was nervous you might not.

Of course, I do.

I enjoyed your works.

Thank you.

I've watched all of yours as well.

I'm a big fan.

And In-g*ng talks about you so much.

He does?

I should buy him a meal sometime.

No need.

Since you came today

once he settles down,

let me treat you to a meal with him.

What do you say?

I'd love that. Anytime.

For today, please stay by him

and comfort him.

I will.

- Get home safe.

- Thanks.

Ms. Baek.

If you don't mind

how about you drop

by my studio sometime?

He must have seen Ah-jin

at In-g*ng's grandma's funeral.

He said she was the image

he'd been looking for

and wants her to play

a key role in his new work.

Director Seol Yeong-uk is

It'll be invited

to the Cannes Film Festival

and that naturally opens

a route into the global market.

There's no better opportunity

for an actor.

It's what every actor dreams of.

In-g*ng's grandma left Ah-jin

a big gift as she passed.

You're curious, aren't you?

Whether I was the one

who did it to her that night.

What do you think?

Do you think I could go that far?

I don't get you.

It must have been hard

thinking about what to do with a girl

who even committed a m*rder.

Say it.

It wasn't you, right?

And what happens if it were me?

You're right.

She started getting on my nerves.

She was no use to me anymore

and constantly got in my way.

She had also found out

that I approached her on purpose.

So, what do you think I did to her?

Is that true?

Did you really do it?

Whatever you're thinking

is the truth.

Baek Ah-jin.

This is so exhausting.

Excuse me.

You're the grandson of the lady

who lived in Unit 401, right?

My grandma was crying?

Yes, she was practically wailing,

so I was shocked.

She normally doesn't do that.

By the time she calmed down

a pretty, young woman

walked into her place.

I brought her some red bean porridge

and saw something strange

at the door.

What was it?

Your grandma was pounding

the young woman's chest

saying things like, "I trusted you

who deceived my whole family."

It was something like that.

Also, the woman in Unit 409 said

someone kept stealing her packages

so she secretly set up

a camera in the hallway.

But it's ill*gal

so she probably didn't tell

the police.

But if your grandma fell

down the stairs

between the fourth and third floors

it might have been filmed.

Could I speak with her?

My husband saved

a copy of the footage just in case

but a detective came and got it.

I see.

Thank you.

Don't ever make me do

stuff like this again.

You, of all people,

should believe in Ah-jin, damn it.

- Did you see it?

- No.

I don't need to.

I believe her. She's innocent.

And don't worry about Sung-hee.

I gave her a good scare, so she won't

dare open her mouth again.

She won't be spreading stories

about Ah-jin.

Good.

In-g*ng, are you still in bed?

Yes, why?

Come on. You too?

I heard you backed out of the film

you were supposed to do.

We've got to hang in there

now more than ever.

Don't keep starving yourself.

Remember to eat.

Ah-jin brought me some porridge.

I'll have it later.

I saw you were asleep, so I left.

Don't skip meals, okay?

I love you.

HEO IN-g*ng SPOTTED

SHOPPING FOR RINGS IN HONG KONG

There are headlines saying

you're about to get married now.

This is a problem, Ms. Baek.

You do know

what kind of character

you're playing, right?

If audiences can't stay

immersed in my film

because of your real-life romance

or marriage rumors

I've got no reason to cast you, do I?

I'm sorry.

I wasn't expecting

this kind of speculation, either.

I actually like

seeing you and In-g*ng together.

I got to work with you thanks to him,

and I appreciate that.

But let's keep personal

and professional matters separate.

You're not dumb enough

to confuse them

right?

No, Director.

Director, you're already here!

I came as early as I could.

Long time no see, Ms. Seo.

Hi.

I don't see Mr. Yoon, though.

Is he running late?

He said

we should meet on a better day.

He said today wasn't

the night for drinking.

Anyway, I'll get going.

Let's talk again soon.

Of course.

We'll see you soon.

Take care!

It must have been tough

cleaning up the mess.

I only posted a statement asking

to refrain from wild speculations.

What about In-g*ng?

When has he ever cared

about articles?

His fans are already freaking out

that he can't get married yet.

But he's talking about retiring

once his contract's over.

It's driving me insane.

He really said that?

He didn't tell you?

I had my phone turned off.

It was getting too chaotic

due to all the calls coming in.

You didn't know

about the ring, either, did you?

No.

Are you going to marry him?

No, I'm going to end it.

You'll back me up, right?

Ah-jin.

While preparing for your birthday

I realized

it was the first time in my life

I had ever felt so deeply grateful

that someone was born.

I suddenly understood how huge

my feelings for you had become.

This must be love.

Let's share our lives together.

Let's fill and exchange our love

within the same everyday life.

I want to marry you.

You're home, right?

I'll be at your place in ten minutes.

We need to talk.

Will you stay by my side?

What are you hesitating about?

Is it something exciting?

Something scary.

I'm not sure if I can handle it.

Scary?

Like what?

It's just scary.

Then throw it away.

I wish I could.

Why isn't he home yet?

Man.

What are you doing?

Wait, who are you?

"Who are you?"

Are you serious?

Don't you even remember the guy

you hugged last time?

Go make some ramyeon.

I'm sorry?

It's for Jun-seo's stomach.

He needs something spicy to sober up.

Jackass.

Gosh.

I was worried

something had happened to you.

It relieves me to see your face.

In-g*ng,

are you thinking of retiring?

Did Mi-ri tell you?

Why didn't you tell me first?

I didn't mean to hide it.

It wasn't easy to make up my mind.

I was going to tell you

once I was sure.

Are you planning to marry me

after you retire?

I thought we were on the same page.

Was I wrong?

Then you shouldn't have let it

become news.

What?

I feel awful.

Do you have any idea

how humiliated I was

in front of the director today?

Why should I have to take

that kind of criticism

because of you?

Ah-jin.

Let me ask you one favor.

You're a good guy who always

does me a favor when I ask

so I hope you do it again this time.

Let's break up.

Hang on.

What kind of nonsense is this?

This is too sudden.

I know you're angry, but

Are you even the same Ah-jin I know?

And are you the In-g*ng I know?

You're not in your right mind.

You can't even control your emotions

babbling about retiring

and fairy-tale dreams.

Get a grip.

Do you know how many fans you've lost

in the year we've been together?

And now you want me to marry you?

Don't make me laugh.

And what about me?

You want to put

a "married woman" label on me

while I lose my movie roles,

so I can watch as my career dies?

How can a person change

so completely overnight?

Why?

You don't like the new me?

Then would you rather have me

smile sweetly

while I break up with you?

Would that make it easier for you?

We've been together a year.

I thought I knew you,

and I was certain about us.

That's why I pictured

a future together.

Was that so wrong?

You know how much pain

I'm in right now.

Can't you even try to understand--

Why should I understand you?

It wasn't ten years,

not even five years.

Who cares

about a one-year relationship?

You thought I knew you? Well, I

I've never heard

such an arrogant thing in my life.

I can't believe this.

I wish this were a dream.

Given your tragic life

I'm probably not

even nightmare-worthy.

Don't make a scene over something

as ordinary as a breakup.

Ah-jin, what's wrong?

Come on.

- Don't do this.

- In-g*ng.

What I'm about to say

will hurt.

I'm already hurting.

You were pretending ignorance.

But listen anyway.

Don't try to avoid it.

Your grandma's notebook.

I stole it.

I wanted to win her favor

so I could date you.

She found it at my place a while ago

and she found out

what kind of person I am.

And from that shock

she

You understand what I mean, right?

In-g*ng.

How you fell

in love with me

and what happened to your grandma--

What the hell did you do?

All I did was

tell her the truth.

I asked what you did to my grandma!

I simply told her honestly.

For once in my life.

Say that again.

If you don't let go of me now

you'll be in hell

every time you think of her.

You're not the type of person

who can handle that.

So, admit it.

Our ending was already decided.

I'll release the breakup article

through a reporter I know

at the right time.

The reason will be

"grew apart due to busy schedules."

About Ms. Seo

I'll tell her myself,

so get some rest for now.

You look like you haven't slept

since your grandma passed.

Get a good sleep.

It's me, Mr. Lim.

What is it, at this hour?

I think it's time to end

our little arrangement.

What?

Don't tell me

you're going to marry In-g*ng.

No, it's the opposite.

The opposite?

Get a breakup article ready for us.

Breakup? Hold on.

Just write we drifted apart

due to our busy schedules.

- You're seriously going through--

- As quickly as possible, please.

CEO SEO MI-RI

Hey, Boss.

Where are you?

Boss, don't pull over.

Just keep driving.

You've got a tail behind you.

Who are you?

Are you a stalker?

Or gangsters?

You've got nothing better

to do with your lives?

Get out.

Get him.

- No!

- Punk.

Let's stop all this.

Forget about Ah-jin now.

She's not the right girl for you.

We won't renew her contract, either.

I know.

All lovers break up in the end.

This kind of breakup happens

to everybody.

Just today.

I'll let it hurt just for today.

Just for today?

Fine. Let's drink, then.

Let's get totally wasted tonight.

It brings back old memories.

Thanks, Mi-ri.

For what?

Thank you.

Silly.

Pour me some more. Is this a joke?

AH-JIN

Hey, Ah-jin.

Jae-oh, who was in that car

that was following me?

Paparazzi.

I talked to them and sent them away

so don't worry.

You didn't call me out

for something urgent, right?

No, I'm a little tired today.

I'll talk to you later.

I'll call you.

What?

HEO IN-g*ng AND BAEK AH-JIN

BREAK UP AFTER 1 YEAR

GREW DISTANT DUE TO BUSY SCHEDULES

THE FAMOUS COUPLE

HEO IN-g*ng AND BAEK AH-JIN

ENDED THEIR RELATIONSHIP

AFTER A TURBULENT YEAR

Ms. Seo, these documents are for you.

Yes, fix the parts I marked.

Where's In-g*ng?

His manager called and said

he just went to bed

after taking sleeping pills.

He won't be up

until late afternoon, then.

That brat probably skipped food

and poured alcohol

into an empty stomach.

Is there

a good hangover-soup place nearby?

Are you taking it to him?

I'll swing by his place

on my way home.

I need to make him eat something

and pull himself together.

I'm out of town right now

but In-g*ng isn't picking up

the phone.

He's just passed out

from drinking too much.

I'm heading over

with hangover soup now.

I'll feed him

and tell him to call you.

Yes.

Don't worry, In-mo.

Focus on your work.

Okay.

In-g*ng, wake up!

Time to fix that hangover.

I brought you

some amazing hangover soup.

He's still asleep, huh?

In-g*ng!

Where is he?

In-g*ng.

In-g*ng, no.

No!

No!

Hey.

Look at me.

Ridiculous, right?

What happened?

You've never been this hurt.

What have you been doing?

I just got unlucky.

How's Boss?

What?

Is she all right?

Why are you asking that?

As long as nothing happened to her.

Who the hell were those guys, anyway?

Heo In-g*ng is dead.

Seriously? Was it suicide?

But he recently broke up

with Baek Ah-jin.

Wait, does that mean

he k*lled himself because of her?

That can't be.

Apparently, he had depression.

What did you say to me before?

What did you say to me last time?

You said you were just going to have

a normal relationship and break up.

You said yourself

that he wouldn't get hurt.

You're hilarious.

Why are you angry?

Who are you to yell at me?

He couldn't accept the breakup.

That's on him.

I did everything I could.

How is that my fault?

It was bad luck on his part

that he ended up like that.

That's not my fault.

He's dead.

An entire family was shattered

in an instant.

And that's all you have to say?

You make it sound like I k*lled him.

Didn't you?

Did you think I'd feel guilty?

Don't expect that from me.

You're the only one

who'll end up hurt and disappointed.

Can't you just

live like a normal person?

It was my mistake

for thinking you had

even a shred of humanity in you.

How exactly

am I supposed to be human?

Do you think things would have

turned out differently

if you had pulled me

out of that bathtub?

But you didn't.

Jae-oh would have stormed

into the bathroom

and smashed that woman's head,

but you didn't.

And you dare to judge me?

Did you just stand there and watch

because you had humanity?

This isn't my fault.

You made me like this.

If you feel bad for me,

say you're sorry.

Say you're sorry

you turned me into this.

When you condemn me

you're actually condemning

your past self.

You can blame me all you want

but I'll never blame you.

If you want to leave me, then do it.

Run away from me

just like you did in the past

and I still won't blame you.

Because you're the first person

I chose to keep by my side.

I was afraid my grandma

wouldn't be able to get her surgery.

Thank you, Manager.

I'll never forget this.

I'm not a manager anymore.

You can call me CEO now.

And just so you know

I never forget

a favor I gave, either.

Thank you, truly.

Hello.

You said you never forget

a favor you've done.

I wish you massive success, Ms. Seo.

Thank you.

REPRESENTATIVE: SEO MI-RI

NAME: HEO IN-g*ng

I never forget

the favors I receive, either.

I sure know

how to pick the right people.

I just want to thank you.

HEO IN-g*ng

Everyone ends up abandoned

and broken in life.

You were just too weak.

I couldn't just fall apart with you.

Please understand me.

- Kick her out!

- Kick her out!

Kick Baek Ah-jin out!

- Kick her out!

- Kick her out!

This is unfair!

- Unfair!

- Unfair!

Take responsibility, Longstar!

- Take responsibility!

- Take responsibility!

This is unfair!

- Unfair!

- Unfair!

Baek Ah-jin is a criminal!

- Criminal!

- Criminal!

Kick Baek Ah-jin out!

- Kick her out!

- Kick her out!

Bring In-g*ng back!

- Bring him back!

- Bring him back!

Take responsibility, Longstar!

- Take responsibility!

- Take responsibility!

Bring In-g*ng back!

- Bring him back!

- Bring him back!

Baek Ah-jin!

- Bring him back.

- Bring In-g*ng back.

- Devil!

- You're the worst!

Who are you? Move!

I was her classmate.

She doesn't deserve all this insult!

- Where do you think you're going?

- Go away!

- Come back here!

- Baek Ah-jin!

- You're a devil!

- Bring him back to life!

- Stop!

- Bring In-g*ng back!

- Get away from her!

- Come here!

Who the heck is she?

Hey, I'm all filthy because of you,

so let me wash up first.

Seriously.

Hey.

You have a nice place.

So fancy.

This is insane.

You have lots of nice clothes.

I missed you.

Not bad for an orphan.

You're successful now.

Impressive, friend.

Bring me some booze.

You drink, right?

Right?

Get out of my house.

You used to run loan-shark schemes

on kids back in school

and now look at you.

Let me try that scheme, too.

How about 100,000 won a day?

Don't pick fights you can't win,

and get out.

Fine.

For now

I'll take this and call it even.

The public sentiment

is extremely negative.

Longstar also hasn't made

a clear statement yet

so speculative articles

are flooding in.

The agency's actor is under attack,

and they're merely watching?

I know you were digging

into Ah-jin's father's death

and stopped

when you started working with her.

I suggest you work with me now.

We may not be able

to reopen the whole case

but this will be enough

to drag her down

since she lives off public image.

Is this everything?

Just a portion.

I'll give you the rest

as soon as you agree.

Think about it and get back to me.

Ms. Seo.

You do know timing is everything

with exposés, right?

About that timing

The sooner, the better.

What are you doing?

I'm sorry.

Ah-jin.

Is this a new persona

you're trying out?

Sorry about what, exactly?

I truly want to apologize.

For everything I've done

I'm sorry.

Ah-jin.

After all this time?

I'm even on my knees.

Won't you please accept my apology?

Please?

Why should I?

Why should I accept your apology?

Ms. Hwang.

For kneeling once?

Considering everything

you've done to me

your knees should be

worn down to the bones.

Deep down, you've been waiting

for my apology.

I don't need it.

Is that right?

Well, I apologized.

Don't forget to tell Jun-seo

that I came and apologized.

Make sure he knows

I got on my knees.

Do you know

when I hated you the most?

I asked what you did to my grandma!

I admit

that was my intention at first.

But

I liked

In-g*ng so much.

So, I

wanted you to love me, too.

I'll take care of it.

I'll tell

In-g*ng the truth

and end this.

Look at me.

I still stand by it.

The fact

that you're also one of my children

just like In-g*ng and In-mo.

When your child does wrong,

you scold them

and embrace them again.

That's what a parent does.

Ah-jin.

Baek Ah-jin.

Yes?

You did wrong, didn't you?

You won't do it again, right?

That's good enough.

Ah-jin.

Here's what we should do.

We'll keep this just between us

and never tell anyone.

My other babies must have arrived.

Do you want to meet them?

I hated you the most

when you were kind to me

every once in a while.

Because I would be tricked

by your kindness

and start to fall for it.

I was afraid of having

even a tiny bit of false hope.

That's what scared me.

Come on. Come.

But now I know for sure.

It's all my fault.

Save her life.

Please save her life.

In hell, hope is

something you should never hold onto.

They don't seem to know

who we are yet.

It looks like he followed us

by coincidence.

She's hospitalized at the moment.

What would you have me do?

Let's observe for now.

Find out exactly

how they're connected.

Yes, sir.