01x07 - A Tale About Sodeok-dong I

[bunniefuu]

Happiness Road is a highway

that Gyeonghae-do
and Dongbang Land and Housing

have jointly pledged
to bring forward as a response

to future transportation demands.

For the planned city of Hamun,

this is the full stretch
of Happiness Road.

And here's what Happiness Road
will look like in Sodeok-dong.

GYEONGHAE-DO, KIYOUNG-SI, SODEOK-DONG

Wait a second!

That's crazy!

The proposed highway route isn't just
passing by Sodeok-dong,

it's cutting right
through the center of town!

Is this a joke?

Are you trying to split
our neighborhood in half?

Look at that! You just drew the line
right through our community, really?

Everyone, please.

Gyeonghae-do is responsible
for the proposal.

We at Dongbang are simply operating
on their behalf.

I'm here as a representative
of Gyeonghae-do,

in the construction division.

We are obligated to notify residents
of the planned route.

However, we cannot discuss
changes to the plan

at a residence meeting.

The route was established
after a great deal of consideration.

Yeah!

-Listen…
-We don't want this road!

I am Choi Han-su, head of Sodeok-dong!

How has Gyeonghae-do
treated Sodeok-dong up until now, huh?

The… the… What…

-We're talking about subway line ten.
-That's it!

You kicked residents out of Sodeok-dong,

and then proceeded
to dig up the entire town

to build subway line ten!

And what has Seoul done for Sodeok-dong
in that time?

Huh? Huh?

-Huh?
-The incineration plant.

Right, the incineration plant.

It's not even for our trash.

They built a garbage incineration plant
in Sodeok-dong for Seoul's trash!

No matter how hard we fought it,

neither Seoul nor Gyeonghae-do
would give us the time of day!

What makes that relevant?

Happiness Road
is what we are discussing here today.

This is about Sodeok-dong
and all that's been done!

The subway was just finished,
and the trash incinerator before that!

And now, there's more?

The… Wha…

Happiness Road!

Do you expect us
to welcome this into our town?

Can't you give us a break?

For once?

The hardworking people of this town
have had enough!

HAENGBOK-RO ROAD CONSTRUCTION ROUTE

CASE 7
A TALE ABOUT SODEOK-DONG I

The fact that they planned
a route like this,

means they want us to leave our town.

Can you imagine cars driving up and down
your neighborhood?

Our lovely community will be assaulted
by all that noise, exhaust, and dust.

When we discussed all this,
Dongbang offered to put a, uh…

Uh… What was it?

-A soundproofing wall.
-Oh, yes.

They said a soundproofing wall
will solve it.

But if they do that,
it means having a massive keys of…

Um, what do you… What do you call it?

-Soundproofing wall?
-No. No.

-Hey.
-Retaining wall. A retaining wall.

Ah, right. A retaining wall
as high as an apartment building

with seven, or eight floors
splitting apart the town.

So, each part is isolated.

Um, have you spoken to Gyeonghae-do
or Dongbang in regards to compensation?

Sometimes they will make up for any
difficulties that they caused financially.

Oh, please.

They hardly even paid anything
to the people whose land they took away.

You think they'll bother
with the people still living there?

Uh, people had their land
taken away unfairly?

Sodeok-dong's a green belt area.

The compensation offer is much cheaper.

When they built subway line ten,
everyone whose land

the government confiscated
took a hard financial hit.

Some had to surrender all their land,

but the compensation was much lower
than the land value at the time.

Where were these people supposed to go,

when you can't even afford
a small apartment in Seoul

with that kind of money?

We've tried everything you can think of.

We've submitted petitions,
created a community board,

asked everyone to make phone calls,

and even protested
at the provincial office.

Nothing helped.

It's clear Gyeonghae-do
doesn't respect us at all.

Our only option…

Uh… What is it?

A trial. A trial.

Yes, a trial, yes. But what's the…
The thing…

You want a lawsuit?

Seeking to revoke the zone choice
for Happiness Road.

Whoa.

That's right. We wanna do exactly that.

I see.
We understand your wishes.

However, since road constructions
not our area of expertise,

it will take time
to look into Happiness Road.

Can we research this on our own
before we accept?

Of course.

Just make a decision quickly, please.

They're already working on that new city…

So… What is… What is it, the…

-A shovel?
-Hydraulic excavator!

It's a… a digger.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Uh, it won't be long
before the digger's coming

for our own neighborhood.

Yes, all right. You'll be hearing from us.

Uh, I appreciate it.

Thank you.

Come on, let's go.

Take care.

Thoughts, anyone?

Why would they construct
the road this way?

There are all sorts of routes
that avoid bisecting the town.

That's probably because of costs.

If the road is built straight through
instead of around,

that will require less materials.

If costs alone were responsible
for the decision,

we can claim the Principle
of Proportionality was violated.

An administrative agency is required

to utilize the method that infringes
on the other party's rights, the least.

Here, we see they did have an alternative,

but the option was rejected
entirely on account of its cost.

A violation of the principle
of minimal harm.

If we calculate the damage
in terms of social costs,

then wouldn't it exceed the benefits
of constructing the road?

Then this planned route
inherently has a conflict of interest.

"The Principle of Proportionality."

"A conflict of interest."

Mm. They're good ideas.

The Judicial Branch
will typically avoid a judgment

on the Executive Branch.

Especially in cases like this
where it gets technical.

It's too much pressure for a judge

who doesn't know much about the subject
to make this kind of ruling.

It could be due to the reasons
you just said,

but it's rare to take a case like this
to court and expect to get a settlement.

I don't know of any previous cases
like that, either.

Let's consult some professionals
and get their opinions.

To figure out
whether this route is the best option,

or what alternatives exist.

We have to know that

before we can decide whether we'll be able
to take the case or not.

Civil engineers in Korea
are simple-minded.

They completely ignored the shape
of the land and draw a straight line

from one end to the other.

In Europe,

engineers consider the scenery
when they map out a route.

So they never just draw a straight line.

They consider the natural curve
of the land

and use it to make winding roads.

They want people to enjoy the journey.

This creates a pleasant experience

that's in line with the image
of the whole country.

This is ridiculous.

From a civil engineering perspective,
this route could be worse.

I know this neighborhood.

My students used it
for their urban design assignments.

The first time I heard a road

was being constructed here was 2016.

That's more than six years ago now.

And what if Happiness Road were designed

to go around Sodeok-dong
instead of through?

Circumventing it?

That Happiness Road
would have to be constructed

next to Peaceful Road,
the highway below Sodeok-dong.

Or right above here,
next to subway line ten.

To put it near Peaceful Road
means a lot of excavating for tunnels.

And creating an intersection is tricky.

So it would be better
near subway line ten.

However, the University
for Defense Security is here.

So that would be difficult.

If those routes
are too difficult, there is another way.

Go below the town.

It would work.
You just underground the road.

Would it be cost-efficient, though?

I don't see why not.

In expensive areas, they're taking
roads underground all the time,

and it saves a lot of money
and construction fees

compared to above ground.

And if you build the road underground,

the town can still use the land
on the surface.

If we consider
the land's utilization value,

that amount can offset
the additional expense

of undergrounding the road.

Without much difference in terms of money,

why hasn't Dongbang given consideration
to going underground?

Well, because…

these people all have
civil engineering majors.

Civil engineering
is only about the surface.

Undergrounding is an architect's purview.

It saves the surface for future use.

No, no, no. That's not true.

You have to think objectively.

Is the land in Sodeok-dong valuable enough

that building an underground road
is worthwhile?

The answer is no.

Sodeok-dong is on the outskirts of Seoul,
but with this military function,

its green belt zoning won't change.

There's no chance it will turn
into a planned city.

So what you're saying is,

we should abandon
the lawsuit idea entirely?

Based on what we've found out,

it's difficult to claim
that there's a surefire alternative

to the route as it's currently planned.

So, the chances of winning the suit
are quite low.

In this sort of civic matter,
reaching a verdict

takes three months at minimum
and could take up to a year and a half.

We're concerned about putting
that much time and energy

just to lose ultimately.

I really didn't want to say this yet.

But I'm pretty well-off.

-Huh?
-He's a man of wealth.

His reputation is well-known in our town.

His family's been in Sodeok-dong
for generations.

The land he's inherited
spans far and wide.

Not only in Sodeok-dong,
but all over Kiyoung.

-If you take a step anywhere in Kiyoung…
-All right, now.

…you will be standing on his property.

Ah.

This lawsuit…

Uh, what was it?

You know, that famous saying.

Eggs…

Don't put all your eggs in one basket?

That isn't it.

Hitting a boulder with an egg.

That's it.

I know this is hitting a boulder
with an egg,

but we're going with it.

Even if we lose, even if it's only me,

whatever commission you want to charge,

so please stand with this little egg.

Uh…

I have an idea!
You should all come to Sodeok-dong.

-What?
-Well, I mean…

How can you decide about taking the case

without visiting Sodeok-dong
at least one time?

Uh, no. The materials
you showed us are sufficient.

We've got so much to do
and not enough time.

Hey, Sodeok-dong is really close by.
It's only an hour drive from here at most.

Yes. You can turn us down
in Sodeok-dong if you must, yeah?

No, we have something after this,

-so we really should finish up.
-Attorney Jung, let's go.

-Wait. Let's go.
-We should…

It won't take long.

Right here.

-Hello.
-Hello.

-Please, go ahead, have a seat.
-Thank you so much.

-Hello.
-Hello.

-Is Mr. Jung ready?
-Yes, he's on his way.

We're still waiting for one more.

Got it.

They're such an equal match.

Don't you think that Jun-h* has a thing
for Attorney Choi?

Want to trade places with me?

An equal match
should really sit side by side.

-What?
-Uh…

What?

Ah, great minds do think alike.

Yeah.

You see all those red flags
by the roadside?

Dongbang just had a crew here
putting them up.

They're marking their construction route
before they break ground.

And now, we're in Sodeok-dong.

Should we get out and walk a bit?

Uh, sure.

The town is so… so beautiful.

The people who live here,

they are even more beautiful
than the land.

Oh, look.

Right there, that's the Kim Jang-hoon
of Sodeok-dong.

Hey!

Hey!

Why is he the Kim Jang-hoon
of Sodeok-dong?

Ah, that's his name
because he's basically an angel.

Every year, he makes
a huge donation of rice to City Hall,

to help feed the less fortunate
in the area.

-Shall we?
-Yeah.

Ah!

Heung-min!

Heung-min!

-Is it Son Heung-min this time?
-Yes.

Sodeok-dong's Son Heung-min.

The thing in Kiyoung…

What's the word? Like this…

-Athletic competition?
-Yes, that!

Whenever we have these competitions,

Sodeok-dong always wins the tug-of-w*r
in all these events.

But for whatever reason, we could never
get past the first round in soccer

no matter what we did.

So, we got a team together.
Practice, practice, practice.

And last year… Wait, what was it?

-You won!
-Not first place,

-but we got to the semifinals.
-Yeah.

It was Heung-min who's responsible.

-Oh, there he is.
-Yeah.

-Soccer!
-Yeah, yeah.

Hi.

So, want an autograph?

-No, you fool.
-What?

You said "hi," now get back inside.

See you later.

Let's go.

He's very light on his feet.

Sodeok-dong is full of characters.

Kim Jang-hoon, of course,
and Son Heung-min.

-Well, hello there.
-Hello.

-Nice to see you.
-Hello!

Ah, this house is where the Mother Teresa
of Sodeok-dong lives.

Come on. Come on!

As in Mother Teresa?

Yes, Teresa.
President of the women's association.

-Ah, the women's association.
-Hello there. Teresa.

How wonderful!

And you must be the attorneys.

Thank you for coming.

Unfortunately, Sodeok-dong
doesn't have a public bathhouse.

So, once every month, President Teresa

takes all the town elders to the one
in the next town over.

She scrubs their backs and even
takes them for ox bone soup afterward.

To be fair, I use the town dues.

Now, don't sell yourself short.

Making an effort to do it properly
every month.

It only happens
because you're our Mother Teresa.

Really, stop it!

Counselors, please take care
of Sodeok-dong.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Take good care of us.

Thank you. Thank you.

So do the two of you
have nicknames as well?

Of course.

I'm the, uh…

-"What Is It of Sodeok-dong"?
-Uh, no.

-The Bill Gates of the town.
-What's that?

As I mentioned, I'm quite well-off.

And what about you, Chairman?

I'm the Sodeok-dong undercover Brad Pitt.

What?

Why are you surprised?

A handsome guy with those strong features.

Whenever the single women
of Sodeok-dong walk by his house…

What was it? Um…

Ah, they make sure
their clothes are straight.

Where do I find all these

young single women who are straightening
their clothes for me?

The average age of a resident here is 65.

Ah, okay.

So, that's why you still
haven't gotten married yet, is it?

Okay, okay, okay.
You've met enough residents.

Should we go see the town's crown jewel?

We can walk to the hackberry tree
on the hilltop.

Whoa.

That is Sodeok-dong's national monument.

Is it actually designated
a national monument?

No, no. Just us here in Sodeok-dong.

Like, Brad Pitt of Sodeok-dong.

Uh, when was it? 2016.

We asked the provincial office
just in case.

But when they checked it out,
they said it's not enough to qualify.

They said it doesn't count
as a national monument.

It looks so majestic.

You'd think it would at least
be a protected tree.

-What a shame.
-Whether it's official, it doesn't matter.

Everyone from Sodeok-dong as a child
has climbed upon its branches.

Whenever there's a grand celebration,

it's beneath its leaves.

And in times of hardship,
the tree has heard our prayers.

It might not be official,
however, it's the town's own…

What was it? Um…

Hackberry tree!

-The guardian tree.
-Ugh.

But once Happiness comes along,
our old relative will be chopped down.

Come with me.

We're going to the top of the hill.
Just a bit more.

Attorney Woo!

-Are you okay?
-Uh, yeah.

Just a moment. Ooh.

Your jacket's torn.

Ah.

Here, why don't you put this on?

Uh, no, I'm okay.

You're in the middle of work

and you shouldn't have to wear
something torn.

Mm.

Ah.

Mm.

Gather around.
Sit right over here. This way.

Rest your legs, good job.

Now, please.

Careful. Yeah.

I'm sure you're all winded
from that climb.

Everyone, have a cup of iced tea
to cool down.

-I'll do it.
-Teresa made this for us.

-Here.
-It should be delicious.

Uh, so, who is that?

Ah, the Eugene Park of Sodeok-dong.

I asked him to come play

the violin for us today
since you're visiting.

He's our most talented musician.

Uh, the… Where is it?

-Provincial office.
-That's right!

He works at the Gyeonghae-do office.

Please.

Now.

Take a look over there.

I put a lot of thought
into what would be the right way

to show you the magic of Sodeok-dong
and all its value.

Truth is,

if you just look in terms of numbers,

Sodeok-dong isn't worth a whole lot.

'Cause it doesn't have that many residents
and the price of land is cheap.

But once you come, see it for yourself,

it's an amazing neighborhood

where Mother Teresa and Eugene Park live.

And have you ever seen a…

more beautiful tree, despite not being
a national monument, hmm?

This neighborhood shouldn't be something
they can split into two like that.

It shouldn't just evaporate.

Our priority is to become experts
on everything we can about Happiness Road.

Starting with the decision
to construct it,

to the choice of the route.

I want it organized.

Regulations, precedents.
Look through everything.

-Yes, Attorney.
-Yes, Attorney.

Jun-h* said he put the case materials
in my office,

so divide them between yourselves.

It shouldn't take too much time to read
because it'll be a…

a group effort.

This is all information on Happiness Road?

I don't suppose our group effort
will even make a dent.

This won't be done quickly at all.

Go on.

You got this!

Wow.

Did you eat? You must be tired.

Don't tell me that's for us.

I think we've had
our fill of material today.

Just a little more material.

These are the documents and complaints
made by the residents.

And these are the responses
from Gyeonghae-do.

-Keep up the good work.
-Okay.

Are you just pretending
or do you really not know?

Huh?

From what I can see,
I think Jun-h* has feelings for you.

Oh.

He doesn't. I asked him myself.

You asked him?

What was the question?

Lee Jun-h* likes Attorney Woo Young-woo.

Is this true?

So…

an interrogation?

And his response was?

That is…

too hard of… too hard of a question

for Director Hwang Du-yong to answer.

Jun-h* avoided answering me
on the matter directly.

Are you two in the middle of a trial?
Is love a trial?

What do you even mean
he avoided speaking on it directly?

He changed the subject
without giving me his answer.

Of course, he did!

"Jun-h* likes Young-woo.
Is this statement true?"

How did you expect him to answer?

"Yes, it is under penalty of perjury."
Like that?

Even I wouldn't speak openly like that.

Hmm…

What are your feeling?

Do you like Jun-h* or not?

Hmm…

It's not easy.

It's not easy for someone
to care for me like that.

What?

I know that at least.

You're an attractive woman, and I?

I'm just autistic.

Cut it out!

Mm.

You really shouldn't say something
so weak-minded, huh!

What do you mean by that, anyway?

Okay.

So, you want me to help you find out
if you like him or not?

Mm.

I don't know. You should be careful
who to trust for dating advice.

She's an expert now?

Oh, please, in this neighborhood?

I'm the femme fatale of Ganghwa-do.

-Keep focused!
-Mm.

Now.

Think of Jun-h*'s face.

-How do you feel?
-Mm.

One, two, three.

-One, two, three.
-One, two, three.

-One, two, three.
-One, two…

-One, two… Here we go.
-One, two, three.

-Two, three.
-One, two.

Jun-h* is…

very kind.

You're in the middle of work

and you shouldn't have to wear
something torn.

He's a good person.

What about when you're around him,
your heart,

sometimes, does it start
beating like crazy?

I would hope that maybe you…

wanted to be on my team as well.

Yes, at least once.

Oh!

Look, you're totally blushing!

You definitely like him!

Hmm…

If you're not completely sure,
why not try a little bit of touching?

What?

Measure your heartbeat
at the moment you touch him

to see if it starts pounding.

At 150 beats per minute, it's a crush,

but if your poor heart starts
beating madly, like it's going to explode,

like you've been running
like crazy for miles,

well, then, you really like the guy!

Hey!

What's wrong with you?

Stop talking about touching him, okay?
What about consent?

Huh?

He's right.

You shouldn't touch other people
without consent.

Well, then, ask permission.

Huh?

Finally, a chance to go
head-to-head with Taesan kids.

Who's the kid here?
Suddenly, you're the adult?

I remember going to school
with that attorney.

Which means he's a rookie.

And the other one
doesn't seem like he's any older.

Mm. You're right.

Will it be just those two
without a senior attorney?

Attorney Tae Su-mi's here?

-Why'd the king come herself?
-"King"?

That woman's the king?

Up until recently,
she was the CEO of Taesan.

She resigned
and works as a regular attorney now.

I didn't expect her to show up personally
in court like that.

Right?

I heard rumors she's a candidate
for the Justice Ministry.

All right, that's more than enough gossip.
Come on. Focus.

The defendant's proposal
for Happiness Road's route

cuts through Sodeok-dong, the plaintiffs'
place of residence, splitting it in half.

Consider these other options.

Happiness Road could go
around Sodeok-dong,

on either the south side,
or the north side.

Or it could go underground.

All of these alternatives would work.

However, the defendant underestimated
the plaintiffs' rights,

and consequently overestimated
the benefits of the road,

leading to a decision
that presents a conflict of interest.

That is all.

PLAINTIFF

Defendant, is the plaintiffs' claim true?

Did you fail to thoroughly review
alternate routes?

We did thoroughly review them, Your Honor.

And now, I will explain to the court

why none of the routes
that were just described are…

suitable alternatives.

I apologize.

I got you and the associate judges

to make an appearance without bothering
to get your consent in advance.

Uh, those would be us?

The three bobbing heads
dressed in robes?

Yes.

The weather is so nice today.

Since I'm not exactly able
to bring the court outside,

we could travel Happiness Road virtually.

First, we'll drive along the first route
suggested by the plaintiff.

If Happiness Road were built on the south,
next to Peaceful Road,

the road would stretch
in extra five kilometers.

It wouldn't just be the road.

There's a garbage
incineration plant near Peaceful Road.

Which is impossible to relocate.
So what are we to do?

Tunnels and elevated roadways
would need to be built.

And that's not to mention having to make
a sharp curve connecting it to Seoul.

This will result in construction piece
amounting to 230 billion won.

And incidentally, the road is as bumpy
as a rollercoaster

which is bound to result
in countless accidents.

And so, what about the second route?

If we were to build Happiness Road
to the north, next to subway line ten,

we'd have to pass through the land owned
by the University for Defense Security.

The university would not allow
this construction, which leads to this.

The plaintiffs have something to say here.

The University of Defense Security's wish
to maintain its land is significant.

But what about all the residents
of Sodeok-dong

who don't want to give up their land?

Your Honor.

The planned city of Hamun
will open its doors by June.

If this suit causes a delay
in Happiness Road construction,

Seoul and Gyeonghae-do will be faced
with unimaginable traffic.

Other towns that fall along the route
of Happiness Road understand this

and gladly gave up their plots.

And yet,

Sodeok-dong is a town that ranks least
in terms of Gyeonghae-do's populus.

And they are being very uncooperative.

Going so far as to bring up
underground roads.

This seems to be a case
of regional egoism that--

What do you mean regional egoism?

How can you ignore us like that?

Other towns must've received
proper compensation

while our people suffer
time and time again!

Ah.

Ah.

Tell me, are you only bringing
this lawsuit to court

to receive different compensation?

It doesn't matter if billions
of taxpayer's won are wasted,

or if the whole area
turns into a traffic disaster…

as long as the compensation
is better, right?

Stopping this construction with a lawsuit.

Isn't that the definition
of regional egotism?

-How that…
-Can you not…

Please sit down, it's okay.

Honorable judges,

Happiness Road construction crews
have already broken ground,

and it's on track to be completed
this year.

At this point, if the project is revoked,

then billions of government won
will be lost as a result.

That will be all.

Come in.

Hey, Young-woo. You have to try this.

There's a new bakery in the neighborhood.
It's just down the…

THE GREAT CEO ATTORNEY TAE SU-MI

ATTORNEY TAE SU-MI

What are you doing?

Tae Su-mi, do you know this woman?

She used to run the Taesan Law Firm,
although, she recently resigned.

Her father founded Taesan,
her husband is the president of Gangcheon,

-and she has one son.
-Why…

Why are you reading about her?

Ah.

She's opposing counsel
on the case I'm working on.

What?

I saw her plead her case today.

She was amazing
even on the opposing side.

I want to be impressive,
just like Tae Su-mi.

Come over this way!

Yep, over here!

-Stop working!
-Stop!

-Wait!
-No, stop!

Wait! Wait! Wait!

-Wait!
-What is it?

You have to stop digging right now!

Come on, stop digging. Stop.

What's happening? What are you doing here?

Who gave you permission to dig, huh?

Huh?

What are you going on about?

We're building this road
for the government.

-Wait!
-Hey!

We're in the middle of a lawsuit
to halt work on this road!

-What was… What was the thing called?
-Suspension of effect.

Right, we asked
for a suspension of effect!

-Huh?
-Complain to the judge then.

-Why are you doing this here?
-This is really getting on my nerves.

Look, guy, are you going to be responsible
for us getting paid

when this isn't built on time?

What are you saying?

I'm saying that we're going ahead, okay?
Raise it up, come on! Come on!

No, no!

-No! No, you can't. Stop. Stop.
-You as*h*le.

No, no, no, stop. No.

You can't do this!

Hey! Let go of me!
Get your hands off of me!

-This is our town!
-Oh, no.

Please! Do something!

Attorney Jung?

When does the suspension start?

The construction guys barged right in
and they've started digging up the ground.

Everything's a mess here.

A decision hasn't been made
regarding suspension,

which means there's no way to put a stop
to the building as of now.

I will request that the court
perhaps speed up the decision process.

Okay.

Was that about Happiness Road?

It seems they've started construction.

Isn't it unusual for a court's decision
to take so long?

Is there any possibility they forgot?

Hmm, there's no way they forgot.

I assume this means
they're going to decline,

but we'll hold the decision
and dismiss everything at once.

Meaning when the decision comes,

there is very little possibility
it will go in our favor.

Well, I imagine the magistrate
must be under pressure.

Happiness Road, existing or not,

would affect the property value
of the planned city of Hamun.

The government wouldn't look kindly
on a reckless decision.

That's why we're looking for something
done illegally.

The only way the court would defy
the government is if

they've reached a judgment
based on something ill*gal.

I found something that seems ill*gal.

You did?

What is it?

They violated the Strategic
Environmental Impact Assessment.

Really?

I see they did the assessment, though.

Yes, they did it.
However, the issue is when it was done.

According to the Environmental Impact
Assessment Act,

the Strategic Impact Assessment
has to be done as soon as the proposal

that would impact the environment is done.

Happiness Road was designed in 2017,

however, the impact assessment itself

wasn't actually completed
until the end of 2019.

Oh, is that right?

Gyeonghae-do's in the wrong, then.

Good job.
We should try moving forward with this.

Shouldn't we put more effort
into how we present things in court?

It doesn't have to be a video game
like Taesan did,

however, something flashy would help.

What is exactly is flashy about showing

that the Environmental Impact Assessment
was done late?

There are companies
that specialize in that sort of thing.

Should I make some calls to find out?

Why don't we go about things another way?

Gyeonghae-do's entire strategy
involves a major law firm

using a flashy design,

so instead, we should emphasize
the sincerity of Sodeok-dong,

and take a straightforward tact at it.

I mean, we're a major law firm too,

but we'll use a more humane strategy here.

An emotional strategy.

Uh…

How about if we ask for an on-site
verification for Sodeok-dong?

On-site verification?

Well, when they first came to us,
we didn't want the case,

but after we took a trip to Sodeok-dong
in person, we changed our minds.

Mm.

Yes, well, just cause
might be hard to find, but even so,

we should think about it.

Very nice work.
I'm genuinely impressed, Attorney Woo.

Gwang-h*.

Gosh, I'm sorry.
Have you been waiting long?

How was the trip out here?

What?

What's this about?

The case…

Young-woo is assigned,

were you aware that Tae Su-mi
was on it as well?

Really? And?

Don't act like you didn't know.

Know what?

It was strange…

that a rookie attorney who was passed over
would be suddenly hired,

and personally visited by the director.

Did I visit just as the CEO of Hanbada?

I also came to visit my old colleague
from law school, didn't I?

Seon-young.

If you really value me as your friend,

then don't lie to me.

When you gave my daughter a chance,

was Tae Su-mi the reason?

Considering you came here at all,

does that mean I should believe
the rumor about you and Tae Su-mi?

Mm-hmm.

I'll permit this once.

What?

You may use my daughter
to mess with Tae Su-mi this one time

since you gave her the job.

Use her since I gave her the job? Come on.

What makes you even say that?

You want Hanbada to be number one.

So, you have to beat Taesan.

But if Tae Su-mi gets into politics,

it's a problem for you,
even more if she becomes a minister.

That's why, why you hired Young-woo,

isn't it?

So you're saying that

I gave a job to your daughter

just to proclaim
that Hanbada is the employer

of Su-mi's daughter out of wedlock?

If your tactical scheme
is what got my daughter a job here,

then okay.

But just once.

Only use her once at a crucial time.

You can't put them together

in the same courtroom
whenever you want to.

What are you saying?

Gwang-h*.

What kind of father are you, huh?

If you believe I'm taking advantage
of your daughter,

shouldn't you be putting a stop to it?
Isn't that what fathers do?

I won't stop you because…

then you would fire my daughter.

You'll make any excuse
about why Hanbada doesn't need her.

What?

Seon-young.

You know the truth.
The world doesn't give Young-woo chances.

Even if she graduated summa c*m laude,

and earned a near-perfect score
on the bar exam,

autism closes every door.

She applied everywhere,

from government firms
to private practices,

and never even got an interview.

Seeing Young-woo's pain…

with no ability to help her out…

I'll just…

be the bad father.

Even knowing it could make Young-woo
resent me forever.

Even if I have to collude
with a bad friend

who used Young-woo.

She deserves this chance.

Huh?

Oh, Yo… Young-woo.

Father, what are you doing at my office?

Uh, well, I…

-This is your father?
-Yes.

Oh. Hello, sir.

Yes, hello.

I came by to have a visit
with someone that I know.

I'm going to go.

-Ah, yes.
-Yes.

I'll see you at home later, all right?

Mm.

How does Hanbada's boss know your father?

What?

Well, he just came out
of her office and said,

"I was visiting someone I know."
So, he must know the CEO.

Huh?

How much do you know?

Hmm…

I remember you mentioning your father went
to Seoul University law school, right?

Yes, I did.

That means the director
went to school with your dad.

Oh, wait.

Did you use connections to get a job here?

Con…

Connections?

Wow, I can't believe this.

Something was always off.

You're obviously connected.

It all makes sense.

Wow.

Hmm.

Uh, hello.

Here, you can have this one.

That's okay. I'm gonna make one
for Attorney Woo.

Oh, you and Attorney Woo
are working together? Ah.

Jun-h*.

You have lunch
with Attorney Woo still, right?

Yes, that's right.

Listening to her talk about whales
is a good time?

Oh, um…

I wasn't bothered at first.

I thought it takes time
to watch documentaries.

But how lucky for me to have Young-woo
tell me instead, right?

Through blue whales, humpbacks, dolphins,
it was, hmm,

fun to learn about it.

And then, comes narwhals
and the Yangtze river dolphin,

well, it gets old after a while.

I'm here crying because I failed a test,

and Young-woo starts in about
how the Pakicetus is the whale's ancestor.

I had never been so frustrated!

Somehow, I can't forget
about that stupid Pakicetus! Ugh!

I'm not sure I really understand
what you mean.

Just don't pretend
you're gonna listen forever

just to give up in less than a year.

If you're going to hurt her,
it's better if you don't begin at all.

Don't lead her on.

If your feelings are temporary,
stop acting nice to her.

But my feelings aren't temporary, though!

Then go tell Young-woo about that!

That they're not temporary feelings!

Why are you making everyone guess?

What are you talking about?

Woo Young-woo

and Min-woo.

And me.

Ugh! We're all so confused by you!

Your Honor, the defendant
violated the process

of Strategic Environmental
Impact Assessment.

According to the Environmental
Impact Assessment Act,

the survey should've been done

as soon as the relevant proposal
was established.

In the case of Happiness Road,

the road's basic
and implementation designs

were made in 2017,

but the impact assessment
wasn't done until 2019.

Which is not the correct timeframe.

Counselor, please respond.

It's true that the Environmental
Impact Assessment should be done

as soon as the plan in question
is being established.

And in this case,
when exactly was it established?

This is the Standard Urban
Planning Procedure.

Basic design, implementation design,
we'll skip the complicated words.

Look here. This section clearly states

the determination of the best route

is done in a later phase
of the overall design work.

In the case of Happiness Road,
the best route was determined

in October 2019.

And the Strategic Environmental
Impact Assessment noted by the claim,

it was done in June of 2019.

It might be true that
the Impact Assessment

for Happiness Road did happen
a little later compared to other plans.

However, it was certainly done

before the plan that would impact
the environment was established.

So, there's no legal problem.

Hmm…

That is not correct!

If what the attorney said is true,

at the time the plaintiffs
filed their complaint,

they should've been able
to change the road construction plan,

and its route before October 2019.

However, looking at Gyeonghae-do's reply
at the time,

there's a line that read specifically,
"The design is complete."

Ah, is that so?
Where exactly is that phrase written?

There's just so much evidence
to look through.

Just a little more material.

These are the documents and complaints
made by the residents.

And these are the responses
from Gyeonghae-do.

On April 3rd, 2019.

The second line of the third paragraph
of the complaint's response

made by Gyeonghae-do reads…

"The basic and implementation design
is complete,

therefore, the route of the road
cannot be altered."

That would be the phrase!

I submit Exhibit 4,

sent in the name of the governor
of Gyeonghae-do.

Yes, that's correct.

According to the evidence, Gyeonghae-do
had approved the design

and had acknowledged the route.

This is dated here in April 2019.

Which means

the plaintiff's point that
the Impact Assessment

was done after the fact…

is reasonable.

Nice work.

Your Honor.

We'd like to request
an on-site verification

for the town of Sodeok-dong,

so you can see for yourself
how damaging this road could be.

We feel it would be very helpful

in supplementing the wise judgement
of the bench.

There's been a lot of materials
already submitted.

Just take a photograph.

It's too far for me
to go there personally.

No, it isn't!

Sodeok-dong isn't very far from here.

It's only an hour by car.

So many great things about our town
you'd only know by seeing in person.

Honorable judges, please,
come visit Sodeok-dong. I beg you.

You're an attorney at Hanbada, right?

I don't think
we've been properly introduced.

Tae Su-mi.

Uh…

Uh, my name is…

Woo Young-woo. A pleasure.

Whether it's read straight or flipped,
it's still Woo Young-woo.

Kayak, deed, rotator,
noon, racecar, Woo Young-woo.

Woo Young-woo?

Why does that name sound familiar?

Anyway, nice to meet you.

That was great earlier.
You have quite the memory.

Uh…

Yes.

I got it.

Oh, Attorney Woo, allow me.

Thank you.

Is everyone going to the office?
I have an extra seat.

Shotgun. It's mine.

Let Attorney Woo take it.

Go ahead.

Mm.

Hey, I wanted to sit comfortably,
you know.

Next time, give up your own seat.

People with crappy instinct
shouldn't be comfortable.

What? Me? You're referring to me?

You want a taxi? I'll get it.

Oh, did you know that Young-woo's dad
is an alum of Seoul University law school?

Seems like our boss is an old friend.

Oh. Is this another one
of your gut feelings?

You think that's funny?

Getting a job just because your dad's
connected is funny?

It should make you
and everyone else nervous.

And what exactly is there
to be so nervous about, huh?

Employment fraud.

What are you talking about?

Do you have proof
Attorney Woo's involved in fraud?

I saw her father
come out of the boss' office.

Think about it.

Hanbada and Taesan,
along with all the other major law firms

all confirm employment before graduation.

Then, Young-woo suddenly joins our firm
all by herself,

six months after graduating
and after orientation.

Is that not weird?

It's obvious there was some fraud.

Who cares about her connections?

Are you gonna get the police involved?

Or what, report it
to the audit team tomorrow?

While we're on the subject,

did the CEO become the CEO
for her abilities alone?

Not because the position was passed down
from her dad, Hanbada's founder?

So what?

It's more than problematic if our CEO

is using fraudulent hiring practices
that's something we can't overlook,

am I wrong?

Or do you feel guilty
because your own father is a chief judge?

Are you trying to put yourself
in Attorney Woo's shoes right now?

What I'm saying is,

don't act like a martyr

when this is really about
bullying Young-woo.

If you insist on making an issue of fraud
within the firm, speak to the CEO.

Why can't you mess with someone
stronger than you?

Young-woo is stronger!

Can't you see?

You said her nickname in law school
was "First Place Woo."

This is not a fair game.

Woo Young-woo beats us every day

and we're not supposed
to come at her ever?

Just because she's autistic?

We always have to be considerate
and help her?

We have to give up
even that one empty seat in the car?

Woo Young-woo's weakness,

it's all an illusion.

Hey, I…

Are…

you okay?

Uh…

It's nothing.

Mm.

You did good today, Attorney Woo.

Yes, you did good today too.

-Time to go?
-Mm.

Uh, excuse me, please.

Yes?

Can I…

touch you maybe

just this one time?

Uh…

Huh?

With your permission, I would like to see
whether I like you or not.

Ah.

Uh, yes.

And is touching me
the only way you can check?

Hmm…

I want to check my heart rate

to determine if it's beating fast when…

when my hands are touching your body.

So, um…

when you don't touch me,

your heartbeat isn't already going fast?

Even when we're together?

I'm disappointed.

Oh, you're home.

I'm home! I'm gonna go to bed early!

Hey, Young-woo.

I'm going to tell you something.

Hmm?

Tell me tomorrow.

Right now, I have to rest up for the case.

Hanbada's boss is a friend
from university.

We were quite close
when we were in school.

But we eventually lost touch
because we got too busy.

Anyway, she had stopped in for a visit.

She offered you the job at Hanbada.

What?

I thought that you had the right to know.

So, you mean…

I got my job through connections
with Hanbada's boss?

Dad…

was I employed fraudulently?

Employment by fraud or not,
I'm very grateful to Seon-young.

We both suffered greatly
when your applications were denied.

You'll understand when you're a parent.

How painful it is
to see your child discouraged.

Hey.

There's another reason
Seon-young wanted to hire you.

It's, uh--

I want to be completely discouraged.

What?

If I'm going to be rejected,
then it should be…

a rejection that's on my own terms.

Because I'm an adult.

Young-woo.

Every time you intervene
to make my life easier,

and try to stop discouragement,

I hate it, Dad.

So, stop doing it!

Young-woo.

Young-woo. Young-woo!

Young-woo!

Young-woo!

ANONYMOUS BULLETIN BOARD

WRITE

TITLE: HANBADA'S HIRING PRACTICES…

EXPOSING HANBADA'S
CORRUPT HIRING PRACTICES

If it hadn't been for
the unreasonable request of her father,

would the rookie attorney
have gotten a job?

You not being employed with your grades
is discrimination and corruption.

It's only fair
that you joined the firm!

Are you properly representing
the wishes of all Sodeok-dong's residents?

Get the written consent
before the next hearing

I think that I do like you.

-And I…
-Are you running away?

-Do you have something to say?
-Do you really not recognize me?