OPUS PICTURES presents
an IDIO PLAN production
This film is based on actual event, but the names have been altered
Yakchon Jct, Aug. 2000
What?
Where are you? Look at the time!
- I'm on my way. - Get home now!
- Go to bed! - Are you on a bike again?!
Hey!
I'm sensing a major headache.
What is?
The massive joint crackdown
prior to the World Cup and the election here.
Yeah? It's a good chance.
What exactly is?
The 2nd Declaration of War against crime.
Boss, you aiming to become the chief?
Say what?
- Do I look the part? - Of course, boss.
- Congrats, chief. - Shut your hole.
- Let's go eat. - Yes, boss.
Hold on.
Boys.
Isn't he from the bar?
- Yeah, the hooligan. - What's he doing here?
He came out of nowhere...
What are you doing?
What's this?
Prosecution, sentence demand?
As a preventative measure against rise in violent crimes,
we demand maximum allowed sentence.
The sentencing is as follows.
Defendant Cho Hyun-woo is
sentenced to 15 years in prison.
- That can't be! - Mom...
- That's not right! - I didn't do this, mom!
- Let him go! - I'm innocent!
- My baby... - Please help!
Mom, help me!
Mom! Mom!
You sons of bitches!
Mom! I didn't kill anyone!
The court grants a party's motion on the grounds of a legal defect in the original trial
NEW TRIAL
Hey!
Why aren't you coming home? Are you nuts?
Do you ever feel responsible?
It wasn't for a selfish reason.
You really are nuts, then what?
I didn't want you two to feel inferior somehow.
No, I never wanted anything like that.
We can talk about it at home, why are we doing this here?
I didn't want to see seizure stickers at home.
Are you two fighting again?
Yes.
No, baby, mom and dad aren't fighting.
No, we are.
We're not fighting, we're having a chat.
I'm used to it.
It's embarrassing, so be quiet.
Okay, daddy's sorry.
- What's with her language? - She took after you.
I'm involved in this trial.
I got suckered by you to pool my parents' money
and bought an apartment in the new city, no?
Right, sorry.
The court is now in session.
Please leave, I'm really tired.
Just go.
End this right.
Is the defendant present?
Yes, Your Honor.
And the plaintiff?
Yes, we're here, and in the hallways.
Many of us are here.
There are over 10,000 plaintiffs.
- Mr. Lee. - Yes, Your Honor.
I do not take kindly
to lawyers using trials for wealth or promotion,
I absolutely hate that.
Neither do I.
To protect my clients' assets, I've put in my own funds...
You are shameless!
Sit down.
Yes, Your Honor.
Here is the verdict.
How can you just leave!
You must take responsibility! I lost $500,000!
You're a con man!
A con man?!
I paid for this trial out of my own pocket!
I'm in massive debt because of this!
I gave everything, how am I a con man?!
You should've settled, it's all over now!
The court unfairly sided with a large corporation.
We must appeal, this is tyranny!
I got a call, wait! Give me a second!
Yes, sir!
Yes, the trial is over.
The Justice Department is a joke.
The judiciary has to be reformed.
Hello? Sir?
I can't hear you, one moment please!
Hello? I can't hear you.
Hello?
How am I supposed to live?
Send this off and that's it then?
Sending boys off to 2-year military service is bad enough,
but mine spent 10 years, in prison no less!
I know you're in a bad spot.
Look here, ma'am.
What?
I'm looking, so what?
He paid for his crime, why should we pay?
Your boy killed a man, a family man!
His family received $40,000 from our insurance.
That's what we're asking you to pay.
It's far more than $40,000!
Money doesn't just sit around.
Imagine 10 years of interest!
There's no point in making a scene here.
Let go, let go!
- Please go home. - Kill me instead!
Hey, Yoo-min.
What's up?
That thing I asked last week,
how did that pan out?
Sorry buddy, it's a tough time for us.
So, there's not a single opening?
I got a meeting.
Let's get together for a beer, okay?
Must be nice to be busy.
Hey girls!
Come here, come here for a sec.
Let's see.
You got any teachers you want to sue?
Or seniors who hit you?
- What the heck? - Whatever.
Let's go.
- Is he crazy? - Fine, go.
Mid-life crisis?
What the hell...
Mo Chang-hwan
Cheers!
That's good!
My boy's all grown up.
You were a snot-nosed kid when we first met.
We met in a dorm, we were adults, asshole.
That looks good, it's new?
Fancy new watch.
Stop, give it.
Speaking of which, return the watch I lent you.
That's long gone.
But it's a Rol...
If you lost a Rolex...
Wife took it to put food on the table.
I heard about you on and off, why did you do it?
I wanted to go out with a bang.
Mo Chang-hwan.
Okay, let's work together.
Say what?
I'll let your firm scout me, happy?
Scouting's not up to you, It's up to employer.
There's no smarter and cheaper lawyer than me.
So the partners get 50:50?
Joon-young, I'm happy that you're alive.
Let's live long and prosperous.
I'm off.
Chang-hwan, sit. Sit back down.
Come on.
Bro, can't you let me work at your firm?
I'll get whatever that will rake in money.
It's not up to me, my boss is still alive and kicking!
It's my last favor as your friend.
I'll do my absolute best.
Sorry, sorry.
Good morning.
I'm late.
Let's start the mentoring session.
Okay.
I went to Hermes party with a doctor friend yesterday,
and people were lining up to get examined...
Are you still drunk?
I'm fine.
He was asked about 3 glands.
Prostate, thyroid and lymph.
Since it was free, they went nuts.
Koreans really love free things.
The friend looked annoyed and whispered,
"Mr. Gu, what'd you do in my place?"
What do you think I said?
"Bill everyone who requested diagnosis."
So, here's today's question.
What do you do first thing in the morning?
As a lawyer.
You?
Looks like we're closing shop.
You bill your doctor friend.
Your name?
Lee Joon-young, we studied for the bar together.
Are you drunk?
No, I can't drink at all.
Anyway, bingo.
Do you know why people go to trial nowadays?
99.9% of the time it's about money.
Ergo, I firmly believe that
the client's asset protection is a lawyer's ultimate goal.
The type of client whose asset needs protection is also crucial.
He may've committed crimes against our society or...
A client with a massive wealth, of course.
Pardon?
A law firm is a corporation that provides law service.
As such, it must generate profit.
But still,
shouldn't public service be a lawyer's priority?
Public service?
Many people believe that our society is rotting at its core.
Why is that?
Because they're all poor.
From the rich's perspective, it's an ideal society.
At our level, let's be frank, okay?
We spent hundreds of thousands to reach here.
Because of money, right?
At least that's what I want, since a child.
Interesting.
Did I say something wrong?
He was a great student, made a mint for his firm too.
So why is he here?
He helmed new city class action lawsuit...
That's par for the course.
You go after one big score and lose everything.
School?
He dropped out of no name college.
Mr. Mo.
Mr. Gu.
You have an event today.
I got another appointment...
what to do...
- Should I cancel? - No, don't do that.
Mr. Lee Joon-young?
Yes, sir.
There's a case I'd like to hire you for.
Thank you, I'll do my best.
Okay.
Treat me to lunch, OK?
Free Legal Consultation
Over here.
Could you smile a bit?
This will go on our homepage.
Can we go? Time's up.
There's one more!
She signed up a month ago.
It was dull, wasn't it?
I don't believe this...
How are you so good without working eyes?
You don't own this sea.
Bullshit.
The sea is fair to all.
How much could the blind take, you think?
I got a clam!
It's a rock.
What's with her accent?
She's a bride from Uzbeck or whatever.
She's got it bad.
We wanted to introduce her to a real lawyer,
but no one will take her case.
Whoa! Whoa!
It's a flat.
What now?
I think it's that house.
Mr. Lee!
Anyone home?
Hello?
We're from Themis.
Anyone home?
Here's somebody.
- Good afternoon. - Hello.
We're here about the indemnity case.
Jesus!
What's with him?
Goddammit!
I don't believe this.
What's going on here?
I ain't got no money, leave us alone.
What?
I think there's a misunderstanding.
Get the hell out!
We got guests?
Afternoon, ma'am!
Mr. Lee!
I'm here with a lawyer, this is Lee Joon-young.
Good afternoon.
Didn't you request a legal consultation?
Yes, yes.
This is all useless shit!
You're the useless piece of shit!
We gotta do something!
We got conned enough times already!
So we should drink booze and sleep all day?
I'm begging you, let me be!
Listen to that bastard.
Wait here for a bit, Mr. Lawyer.
I gotta go to the market and make some money.
Certainly, ma'am, take your time.
- Mr. Lee. - Get in.
Mr. Lee!
Get in, I'll drive.
It'll be a while before the tow truck arrives.
Jesus H. Christ!
Why don't we listen to her story?
Didn't you see? He's a major asshole.
Fine, don't do it then.
Of course I won't.
The boss cares deeply about the firm's image.
How do I report this to him tomorrow?
Goddamn!
Holy shit! Mother Christ!
Right to indemnity is,
when a third party pays out on your behalf,
they have the right to claim it.
I don't know what the shit you're saying.
The Welfare Service compensated the victim,
the family whom you killed 14 years ago.
$40,000 or whatever.
Since they paid that out, they want you to pay them back.
You understand? The consultation is over.
I didn't kill him.
Pardon?
I didn't kill anyone.
Sure, I feel terrible.
I know shit about indemshit, so tell them to fuck off.
I'll tell them to fuck off.
What exactly is law?
You keep going on about law.
Is it really there to protect people?
Listen.
What do you want to say?
- Where you going? - Come with me!
- Let go! Let go! - Holy cow!
I'm a busy man, what do you want?
Follow me, now!
School is pointless, I learn shit there.
School isn't for learning.
It's for easing other people's minds, like me.
Shit.
You gotta fold it, and show it off a little.
You look like a movie star.
A movie star?
I know.
No way, fold it down!
- Collar down! - Let go!
You bastard! Keep it down!
This is style!
Welcome.
No customer again?
Drinkers in Yakchon must all be dead, dang it.
Come in, it's cool here.
Doesn't that bastard go to school?
Why's he here at this hour?
His pops died at sea, and he lives with his mom.
This town is full of hooligans like him.
I'm the only saint here who hires them.
Want some drink? We got a new chick.
She's no chick.
More like an egg.
Nice and soft, eh?
- What's up? - Nothing, sir.
Boss,
she looks underage though.
Dickwad, did you see a cop getting arrested for anything?
We are sly as fuck, arrest me if you want.
What's your name?
- Su-jung. - Su-jung?
She sounds fertile!
Shit!
Hey!
What the hell?!
You got shit for eyes?!
Hey! Get over here!
Come here!
You're so fucking dead...
He came out of nowhere...
What's this?
You said you met the suspect.
Is that all?
No, well...
Everything happened so fast...
Are you lying to me?
So.
How's your memory now?
I, I...
I didn't kill him...
Look at this.
Killers always brand themselves.
What?
Son of a bitch.
Raise your head.
Raise it.
Ask the bar owner.
I met him after midnight, he called me.
He said he never saw you.
What?
Sit up straight.
Is this an act, asshole?
Strip.
Strip to your undies.
I said strip!
Okay, okay, I'll do.
Write this down.
Son of a bitch.
- Strip faster. - Okay, okay.
Useless piece of shit.
This asshole and the cabby got into an argument.
They were cutting each other off on the road,
and swearing and shit.
He blocked the cab with his scooter,
and took out his knife.
What?
What's going on?
You should know better than I.
Then he jumped into the back of the cab,
and with this,
he stabbed the driver's back, waist and neck.
Back, waist and neck...
What a bastard.
Wait, wait, detective.
How can I kill a man with this?
You goddamn shit!
He's not with the program.
Boss, I've been thinking,
the victim's wounds are quite large,
and this knife's bit too small.
What? Yeah?
- A little... - Boss!
I found it!
This was in the bar kitchen.
It matches the victim's wounds.
See?
This is the smoking gun.
Goddammit! I didn't do it!
"Goddammit"?
He doesn't know me yet.
I'm a...
Yakchon Football Club striker!
This bastard still doesn't get it.
That's enough.
Think of it as early military enlistment.
How long was he out?
Shouldn't we resuscitate him?
Mr. Lee, are you dead?
Get up.
He's alive.
Come on, wake up.
You're here?
What took you so long?
I'm out of the divorce case due to a clerical error.
Huh? What happened?
Paralegal forgot to send a document to the court.
But I apologized...
You apologized?
You're a bona fide idiot.
I'm a what?
Just look at the world.
No one in power apologizes for anything.
Right.
Not that they can't, they won't.
Why?
Once he says it, it becomes his fault.
Negotiations are futile after that.
So a lawyer...
Listen, you pricks!
A lawyer mustn't!
Listen, a lawyer must never apologize, got it?
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir!
Come with me, asswipe.
- We're on the clock. - Come on!
Remember the homeless man case?
The one where the prosecutor created a suspect.
Yeah, it was all over the news for a bit.
What about it?
Your boss likes the news.
A lawyer rescues a wrongfully convicted man.
Rescue how?
Right to indemnity isn't illegal, and that trial was 10 years ago.
It's too much, right?
Right.
If that was doable, then you're a made man.
A made man, I tell you.
Are you drunk?
I'm fucked, I can't unspill this.
What?
What what?
What did you say?
"I'm fucked, I can't unspill this."
Why isn't it doable?
Why not what?
Unspilling it.
Get the partners together.
I gotta go, get the bill for me.
Are you a moron?
Cho Hyun-woo served 10 years for homicide,
and was released in 2010.
3 years later,
the government demanded indemnity paid to the bereaved family,
which amounted to $40,000,
but with snowballing interest
it's up to $170,000 at current state.
He spent his most formative years in prison,
now he's in a downward spiral with this debt.
What's more, if he doesn't pay,
he may face additional prison time.
Why should our firm handle this case?
Don't mention justice or righting the wrong.
- Money, of course. - How so?
If Themis takes this case and wins it,
it'll generate positive reputation.
Why do big corporations pour money into brand campaigns?
Why do you do free legal consultations?
A good public image is invaluable.
According to my review,
the Welfare Services has the legal precedent.
How will you crack this?
We request a new trial of his original homicide case.
If we clear his name, the indemnity is nullified.
No, no, that's impossible.
You can't reverse a 14-year old Supreme Court judgment.
It's possible in theory.
Of course it is.
I'm saying it's got 0% probability.
Even if we get a retrial, what if Cho is the real killer?
What do we do?
Pardon me.
Sir, since when did you care that a client is guilty or not?
Themis will...
Okay, let's do it.
Pending the outcome, we'll consider you for a partner.
Good work, any objections?
Give Mr. Lee a corporate car.
Temp employees aren't allowed?
Are you serious?
No! That's my car!
To leave a message, please press 1.
Hyo-jin, it's me.
I'm going to quit drinking.
I got a real shot at a job.
I miss our daughter and you too.
Give me one last chance, I'm begging you.
I love you, always.
Okay, that felt real.
So you want to see the Cho Hyun-woo case records?
Yes, that's correct.
Wasn't this a right to indemnity case?
Yes, we're going to request a new trial.
Primary Detective: Baek Cheol-ki
Baek Cheol-ki?
You know him?
I always suspected his investigative techniques.
There were a few similarities...
To the Cho Hyun-woo case?
Not sure yet, it's all circumstantial.
I see.
I'll accept your request to review the case.
The trial will begin in 3 months on October 13.
It can't be delayed even a day.
Yes, ma'am, thank you.
National Archives of Korea
Case Records #4 Yakchon Police
I was checking out the call log,
the case report said the defendant got into a brawl
with the driver and he pulled a knife.
But a person can't kill while on the phone,
so the exact time of the murder would be when the cab stopped.
Mister!
Please, help me just this once.
Fame Motel
Meter Activity Analysis
Someone meddled with it.
What?
The data's been erased.
Who would do such a thing?
I dunno.
Can you recover it?
You're so lucky.
Only a handful in Korea can fix this.
The thing is, he's a tenacious one.
- Name? - Kim Yong-hwan.
Yong-hwan.
Buddy.
You'll serve eventually,
think of it as an early enlistment.
No?
Am I right?
Good.
Nothing's ever easy.
Alright.
What is it?
What? Who?
Yakchon, Cho Hyun-woo, prisoner #979.
What about him?
His lawyer showed up, they're recovering the meter.
His lawyer?
That case wrapped ages ago!
He's getting a new trial or something.
A new trial?
What do we do now?
Isn't it obvious? Shut your hole and fuck off!
Don't ever call me again.
He's a sly bastard.
What's Choi Young-je up to nowadays?
Who's that?
The prosecutor on Cho's case!
How much did you drink?
None other than the local gang boss.
It's hard paying back the debt, no?
$40,000 became $170,000.
What? There's someone worse than us?
Who are they? I need to learn a trick or two.
Why did you look for me?
There's a business that I'm risking my life for,
a highway is being built by Yakchon's new town.
Fucking highway.
Anyway, there's a bastard who got a whiff of this,
but he's got more clout than me.
There isn't much I can do, I'm losing sleeping over it.
Then I thought about you.
Say what?
If you bury him, I'll pay you enou...
Fucking asshole!
- Motherfucker! - What the fuck?!
Back the fuck off!
I heard you're working with a lawyer.
Don't be a sucker, asshole.
Laws are created to protect the pigs' money.
The pigs who put you in prison.
Weren't they carrying out the law?
Goddammit.
Motherfucker!
I'll kill you!
National Forensic Science Laboratory
I didn't find any discrepancies from the case report.
The suspect supposedly stabbed the driver inside the car,
and it had to be done between 18 seconds and 2 minutes,
is that possible?
The original's gone, and the copy's damaged.
I need to uncover how they tampered the incident report.
This is your call log from that day.
I went above and beyond to retrieve the cab meter.
The police obtained the meter log,
but they never used it during investigation.
Is new trial or shit,
will it work?
Nothing's certain in court but we have to win.
By the way,
you know I can't pay you, so why do you help?
You know,
promoting public interest.
You know, why do you laugh?
It's called 'pro bono', that's it.
And my 10 years?
The 10 years I spent in prison.
Wait, where you off to?
Move aside.
Where are you going?
Goddammit.
I'm too old to be taking your attitude.
Do you need a beating?
Excuse me?
He's a killer who served 10 years,
he says he will kill me.
Could you call the police?
What could they be thinking?
There's nothing to it.
'I wish he wouldn't come near me.'
'Why did they release him?'
'Shoulda given him the death penalty.'
Will you live until the end as a killer?
Want to go back to prison?
It's better than out here.
You're a selfish bastard.
What?
What about your mother?
Did you ever think about her?
She's blind but she works everyday!
Will you let her live alone?
Damn it...
He's a good friend, he can be a bit...
Where's the manager?
Sorry about that, take care.
We get one shot at this.
We can't reapply on same grounds!
What do you think you're doing?
You ungrateful bastard! I'm talking to you!
What are you looking at?
Want to go? Alright.
Let's do this, okay.
Let's see who goes down first, there's one way to find out.
Show it to me.
What?
The police report!
Right.
Here.
Take the knife from the compartment.
Hurry up.
Take it out.
Get in the cab, come here.
And stab.
Go on, you fuck.
He'll never make it as an actor.
Not the waist, you stabbed back of his neck.
Do what you did before.
Alright...
Hey,
do you have a stopwatch?
Stopwatch?
What did you think I was doing just now?
Yeah, I got a stopwatch.
Time me.
Hyun-woo spoke to his mom at 2:05:39 AM.
The next call began at 2:09:40 AM.
The taxi meter stopped at 2:08 AM.
- He can't kill while on the phone... - Don't cut me off!
- That leaves 1:40. - You drive like a blind fuck!
How old are you? You got a dad?
Goddammit!
I don't got no daddy like you, asshole!
What's that?
No! No!
Open up!
This is 5775, 5775, robbery! Help!
Help! 5775! It's a robbery!
Help!
The autopsy stated that the knife could get stuck between the ribs.
A lot of force was used to stab him,
and the stab on the hand, shoulder and face
reveal that the driver resisted the attack.
Can all that happen in 1 minute 40 seconds?
Jesus!
Time?
Can you go again?
It's all made up.
Fame Motel
This is where you were interrogated?
Not at the station, but an abandoned motel?
Confession
Bastards...
Shall we go?
Pulmonary artery sprays blood like crazy.
But nothing was detected with luminol.
This shoddy work wasn't verified by the D.A.
Wow, you're onto something.
Is this enough for a retrial?
- No. - No?
- No. - Why?
This proves that the cops and D.A. were incompetent.
But it doesn't prove that he wasn't the killer.
Only if I can find the real killer...
The statute of limitations is coming up soon.
What's with you?
About what?
Since when were you so vested in your clients?
You went too far, we're just legal counselors.
Right.
Indeed.
I'd like to apologize, sir.
Forget it, you left on your own feet.
What are you doing?
Please let me work again.
I have to make some money.
Give me a chance, and if I'm useless...
I'll never come back again.
Good afternoon, ma'am.
We've met before, I'm attorney Lee Joon-young.
My lawyer's here!
So lawyers look like that?
Did you think they'd have horns?
I need consultation, could you help?
I'm sorry, I'm a bit busy.
I saw my hubby's texts by accident...
Did he cheat?
She called the bitch
but got ignored because she's a business woman.
These cheaters deserve to be stoned to death.
Where is he? We can get him back.
You ladies wait here.
I'm going to carve him to pieces!
Let's go!
Ma'am, please calm down.
We can settle this legally.
How?
I'll go to the court and file a provisional attachment.
What's that?
She will only receive half of her salary,
and you'll get the rest as alimony.
Is that true?
Of course!
She'll be mocked at work, and you get paid too.
That's amazing, clap your hands!
Clap harder!
He's amazing!
So you slipped in the sauna?
But they won't compensate because they got a warning sign?
T-t-t-that's right.
Let's go have a drink!
I got a surgery but I'm worried about medical accident.
Of course, what kind of surgery?
You know.
What?
Circumcision!
You little rascal!
Take your pants off.
Come back!
I should've refused.
What are those?
Retainer.
I'm so tired. That was crazy.
Why did you become a lawyer?
You know, somehow.
When I was young, I sucked at studying.
I went to an occupational high school.
I had fun.
Got into plenty of fights, ran away home to Seoul.
When I was a senior, I had over a hundred absents,
and my teacher wrote in my record,
"Lacks law-abiding spirit."
I had this urge to prove him wrong.
So after my military service, I started prepping for the bar.
I wanted to go out with a bang.
So? Did you?
Isn't it obvious? I'm on a killer's retrial case.
Nice.
So calm.
What's this?
Retainer?
My entire savings.
Okay, thanks.
Buddy!
I'm your lawyer now.
Survey report
It's the octopus from earlier.
Eat it.
For me?
Yakchon Junction
Good work.
You too, dude.
What a prick.
Article 420 of the Constitution,
a new piece of evidence is the focal point of a new trial.
Hard evidence is best, but if not...
- A witness. - Very good!
Did you meet anyone when the murder took place?
Why?
If you were with someone, you couldn't be the killer.
Use your head.
There was.
Who?
Open up.
Open this right now! You fucking bitch!
Can't I just work here?
Are you looking down on the islanders?
People live there too.
Open up!
Open, open, open! Bitch!
You can't even fuck men, what good are you?
How will you pay back the money I lend you?
Bitch.
Get out, you bastard!
Are you nuts?
Fucking bitch.
Fucking hell.
What the!
No!
- Stop it! - Let me go!
I'm going to kill that bastard!
Drop it! Drop the knife!
Go! Leave!
Didn't I tell you to quit that job?!
You wanted to live a normal life!
And hit the books and go to college!
GED Prep
You should keep it.
Let's meet again in college.
So on the way home that night,
you met the detectives.
What was her name?
Su-jung, I think.
Don't know her last name, nor age.
Girls in that line of work use fake names.
District Attorney Choi?
Yes, I'm here to see Mr. Gu.
He's a prosecutor on the fast track.
No need to rattle his cage.
Joon-young is doing well.
With a little push...
Mo, this is a petty crime case.
No good outcome will come out of this.
Why do flies go for shit, and bees flowers?
Where is he?
Mr. Lee.
Yes, sir.
I didn't expect a snake to emerge during landscaping.
Is that so?
Mr. Gu, I must be the snake then.
Of course not.
Definitely not more than that.
Buddy, who sent you?
Watch your mouth.
The D.A. of the original trial came to stop the new trial.
Had you read through the fake report,
Cho wouldn't have served.
I said watch your mouth!
A lawyer's greatest enemy is the lawyer of future.
That's a great quote. Who said that?
You did, during a mock trial.
Yeah? What was the outcome?
We won, you brought their lawyer to tears.
Yeah, I remember.
What are you two doing?!
In front of a VIP, no less.
No, it's quite alright.
I heard you're job hunting, I'm starting a firm soon.
Give me a call if you're up for it.
Keep it.
I may be a scumbag, but I don't sell out my client.
Copy of a letter Cho wrote in prison to the detectives.
A trial can't be won with just passion.
I said not to rattle his cage.
That was nerve-racking.
D.A.s are scary.
Hello, Det. Baek Cheol-ki.
I'd like to sincerely apologize for all the lies.
Like you said, I like to think of this as early enlistment.
Thank you for putting me on the right track again.
Lee Joon-young
What's up?
What's with the letter?
What letter?
The letter you wrote to the cops in prison.
Letter?
Answer me.
Hello?
I had to write it, I had no choice.
You're not the killer, so why did you?
If you don't believe me, you should've let me alone!
Listen to this bastard.
Cho Hyun-woo. Hello?
I'm looking for Lee Joon-young.
I knew this would happen.
Let's end this case here.
I still can't believe it.
His acting can't be that good.
What are you doing?
My client stabbed me for losing the trial.
Clients lie to their lawyers all the time.
Get some rest since you're here.
It's only a fractured rib.
15 years?
There's only one way to reduce the sentence.
What is that?
He must admit his crime.
He didn't kill anyone, why would he?
Even if you appeal, it's a lost cause.
If you show remorse...
You douchebag!
Are you working with them?
You prick!
I'll do it!
I'll admit to it.
Mom, let's stop this.
How long must we do this?
You can't even see right with diabetes or whatever!
No way.
Don't take this prick's word.
What should I do? Tell me what to do.
No!
Start with a letter of apology to the judge.
Okay.
Another to the detectives.
Okay...
This is utter nonsense.
Never!
What is it?
What's going on?
That thing we talked about.
Suwon City, Sinjung District 186-3
Why look for her all of sudden?
Are you...
lonely nowadays?
Okay, okay, I'm leaving. Jeez.
Get the fuck out!
Bye!
Lee Joon-young
Welcome.
It's been a while.
I heard about what happened.
I never believed that you did it.
Um...
Could you...
become a witness?
Witness?
Just tell them,
you were with me when the murder took place.
You must be busy.
You are.
Could I come back after you close?
I still sell drinks.
I'm not ashamed now.
But where we worked was different.
What if people find out?
I didn't even think to visit you.
Hyun-woo!
Yeah? What is it?
About 3 years or so after you went to prison...
Something happened in Kunsan.
Sir, remember me?
I heard the youngsters call this country 'Hell Korea'.
At least it's fair in hell.
You only get punished for what you did.
3 years after the murder
Give me a second.
This is Kunsan Precinct.
I... know who the real killer is.
What?
The one who killed the Yakchon cabby.
Gangnam night view.
How is it?
What is this place?
I'm thinking of starting my own firm.
I hooked a big M&A case that I've been working on.
Seriously?
Congrats!
And talk about hiring you.
Hire me?
You wanted one big score to make a mark.
Let's do it together, right here.
Cho Hyun-woo
Don't answer.
We should drink till the morning.
How about it?
You've changed.
Me?
I said don't answer.
I'll tell him not to call me again.
Hello?
I found the real killer.
What?
I know where the real killer is!
Ilsan Car Dealership
No pressure to make a purchase.
But I think this car suits your style.
It's been a long time.
You look really good.
That's enough, or I might kill you.
Go on, kill me.
That's what you do best.
Sir, I'll call the cops!
Shut the fuck up!
Stop!
What the fuck!
Back up!
Back the fuck up!
Goddammit!
Asshole!
Shit!
Who the fuck are you?
Me?
A lawyer.
Lawyer! That's perfect.
I want to sue this guy.
I'll pay you a lot, so take care of him!
Yeah? I get to make money for once.
Okay, I'll decide in 10 minutes.
Decide what?
Whether to represent you,
or represent him.
I got nothing to say.
Wait, Mr. Lawyer!
Do you know what you learn in prison?
Things you should never learn, you fuck!
I'll talk!
I'll spill it!
If you needed money, you should've gotten a job.
Get rid of this for me.
Me?
Why should I?
Gonna ignore your friend in need?
Having killed a person,
I realized that it's no big deal.
Did you sniff glue again?
Confession
I told you we should've turned ourselves in sooner.
I can't live with this on my hands anymore.
Spill it.
Or you're arrested for harboring a criminal.
I tossed the knife in the dumping ground.
How dare you report me?
Son of a bitch! Grab him!
1 case, 2 killers.
Police coercion and irresponsible prosecutor.
The tabloids will love this.
Well, we didn't do this only for my benefit.
You know that.
At attention!
At attention, asshole!
I didn't rot in the boonies
to go down with a small time hooligan.
I'll do whatever it takes.
Sit up.
Sit up straight.
I killed him, I really did.
I confessed to everything.
I'll go to prison.
This guy's funny, not everyone can go to prison.
We have to let you.
Don't you sniff glue too?
What?
You like sniffing glue, right?
No...
Son of a whore.
Just say you do, fuckface.
If you don't,
we're both dead.
I love it.
Good, say that you sniffed together.
And lied about the confession.
We settled things with your folks too.
Get some rest in a mental hospital.
Got it?
Then what?
I was a fake patient for 2 or 3 months.
They all looked for the knife.
I understand.
Chief, I got a call from the station.
Are they sending us support?
No, the warrant...
was overturned, so they want us to halt the investigation.
What did you say?
We can get him, so why aren't we?
We have him...
Insufficient evidence, they said.
I told them I'm the killer, but the cops let me go.
And your friend?
The one in psych ward, where is he?
That fuck...
Depression or some shit.
Asshole.
What will you do?
Kill him? Or get the police?
He'll be freed again for insufficient evident, no?!
You think this is over? Not at all.
We'll meet again in court.
Thank you.
We're ready to shoot.
Morning.
What are you doing?
What do you think?
No good will come out of making big deal of this case...
What's going on? Something wrong?
I'm sorry, sir.
No problem.
I got the make-up and wardrobe departments.
- Here. - Thank you.
Producer Lee, get me a 2-shot later.
And make sure to get a close up of our logo.
It's okay, don't worry.
You look good in that.
I feel awkward in this.
Okay, good. Button up.
Look in the mirror.
Very nice.
You look like a movie star.
What?
You look good.
It's Dad.
With newly surfaced evidence...
My gosh, it's really him.
Come out! He's on TV!
Apply for a new trial.
What did he do now?
We need indisputable evidence, and a witness who didn't testify
- Look how good he looks. - in the original trial.
A new witness is the sole hope for Cho Hyun-woo and his family.
If there is a witness, be courageous.
Please help us.
You are their only hope.
Stay there!
What are you doing there?
- Listen carefully. - Okay.
Attach the hook to the rope.
You can safely get here from home.
My baby is a genius.
How did you ever think of this?
I'm going to get GED.
Really?
I can't believe what I'm hearing.
Thank you, thank you so much.
Don't thank me.
Not you idiot, your lawyer.
Right, my lawyer.
Did you just laugh?
My baby.
You really did laugh, right?
You were laughing.
I had something on my face, I got more work to do.
Go on inside!
(Looking for Witness) I'm attorney Lee Joon-young.
- Please read this. - Hello, we're from TV station.
We're looking for a witness.
Hello, I'm attorney Lee Joon-young.
Please give it a read.
I'm Lee Joon-young, please give it a read.
Thank you!
Sir, I'm attorney Lee Joon-young...
- Mr. Lee! - Yes?
We just received a tip.
I understand, okay.
I'll call you back.
This is a sure thing.
Oh Young-gil
It's coming up soon. (New Trial, 13th)
That's great.
Are you the caller...
Hello there.
I can still remember it clearly.
Even after a decade, I can't forget it.
I was standing by to help someone moonlight flit.
What the heck?
It's done, let's get moving.
Did you happen to see
a motorcycle or a scooter near the cab?
Nothing nearby.
Why didn't you call in with the tip then?
I did, how could I not?
But the cops refused to listen to me at all.
I felt bad, it always stuck with me.
That's it.
He's our new witness, it's a done deal.
Ma'am, no need to worry anymore.
- It's over. - Mom, it's done.
- It's over. - I'm free.
What's that?
Arrest him!
Oh, and don't forget,
read him the Miranda rights, his lawyer's present.
Wait, wait!
- What's going on? - Move aside.
Stay out of this!
Listen carefully.
You have the right to remain silent,
and refuse to answer fucking questions.
What's all this?
Possession of obscene material and what else?
Prostitution and gambling.
You got a call girl from a karaoke.
And gambled at an illegal internet café.
You lead a fun life.
Put him in the van.
- Wait a minute! - Let him go!
The lawyer is ignoring the law and order.
Take him for obstruction of justice.
Yes, sir!
Wait, you know me!
Let go of me!
Hyun-woo! Hyun-woo!
You idiot, snap out of it!
Listen to me!
Yo, #979.
You shoulda came to say hello upon your release.
Isn't that right?
Look at this chump, clean and shit.
All rehabilitated.
You see, asshole?
Prison is the best medicine for people like you.
- All loaded up? - Hey! Hyun-woo!
- Let's go! - Hey!
Good work.
What happened?
It was a close call,
but we're safe.
Chairman Park put in a good word for you.
He acquired this golf course thanks to you.
What was the final figure?
$342 million.
With proper title examination, this type of risk is easy.
The commission is 8%...
$27.3 million.
Enough capital to start a firm.
Head of a firm...
No need to think hard, we're helping each other.
I paid my dues in Yakchon long enough for this.
Homicide team
District Attorney Choi Young-je
Real Estate Consulting Contract
Delegate: Choi Young-je Mo Chang-hwan
Chang-hwan, what's this?
Are you fucking nuts?
What's wrong?
What did you do?
It all worked out for you, no need to get angry.
What?
You said it's not important whether Cho is the killer or not.
And that making money is the priority!
I'll compensate him enough to start over.
With the condition that there's no new trial.
Look at this guy.
What is best for the client?
A new trial with no chance? Or guaranteed money?
How could you do this to me?
Aren't you even sorry for me?
I am.
But like you said, lawyers don't apologize.
Let's work together.
This is my official proposal to become partners.
You can reunite with your family for good.
Get out.
Go!
Go away!
What's with you?
Seoul, China or wherever, just leave.
Okay, fine, let's go inside.
Go! Just leave!
With a son like you by my side, I could never rest easy.
After you're gone, I could finally live.
Mom!
Go! Leave me.
This is the only way.
Don't ever come back.
Go! Right this moment! Leave me alone!
Go! Go!
Mom, please...
Mom, open this door.
What am I supposed to do?!
I'm going mad! I really am...
Mom...
Mom!
Motherfuckers!
Goddamn you!
Sir? Sir?
You have to pay first.
You'd be surprised to find out that I raise a large shepherd.
My dog went to a butcher shop and ate a ton of meat.
And only A+ quality meat.
Even a dog knows good meat.
So the butcher asked me,
"when a pet damaged goods, can the owner be billed?"
I said "you absolutely can."
Then he asked me for $500.
It was the cost of meat that my dog ate.
It's like having a girlfriend, high maintenance.
And regrettably, my dog is a female.
So in this case,
do you know what I told the butcher?
You asked him for $500.
Because your legal consultation is $1,000 per hour.
Indeed.
So...
why did you sell out the client?
Like I told you, I was acting on his best interest.
What's important to him isn't money.
Do you understand?
To live like a man, we must clear his name!
To live like a man, he needs money!
Can we talk later?
No.
A lawbreaker needs to be tried.
Did I break a law?
Attorney-at-Law Act, Article 26,
'An attorney must not disclose confidential matter to a third party.'
Got proof?
Only you and I knew about the tipster's number.
For passing on that tip, you got a big real estate deal!
And started a firm, right?
I told you not to make big presumptions!
Without an indisputable proof, no such law exists!
That's law.
You're a criminal.
I warned you.
Don't mistake common sense with law logic.
Yeah, you broke a law.
Which one?
Attorney-at-Law Act, Article 1,
'One must defend fundamental human rights,
and realize social justice.'
See you soon.
I'll make sure you're tried.
Wondering what friends are doing?
A good lawyer has less friends than a terrorist.
So if you need a friend, raise a dog instead.
That's today's lesson.
Mr. Lee?
May I offer you a job?
You'll be treated handsomely.
Sir, don't you get a huge retainer?
More than you.
What is that?
Have you received a man's entire savings?
Never, right?
I won.
Mr. Lee Joon-young.
Nothing.
I messed everything up.
I'm so sorry.
No need.
It's my fault for having hope.
Hyun-woo's gone.
He won't be back.
GED Prep
Suwon City, Sinjung District 186-3
I'm sorry, we're closed.
I, um...
Are you... Su-jung?
Yes, who are you?
I'm Hyun-woo's lawyer.
I told him I can't testify.
Do you know where he is?
He was here a few weeks ago.
I explained myself clearly.
Please leave me alone.
What now?
I'm just angry.
Did I do something wrong?
No.
It's because of this moron.
Why'd he go to save you and get falsely accused?
Why would he do such a pointless thing?
What a moron...
Now he's trying to become a real killer.
Let's get moving! Jesus Christ!
Who the hell?!
Son of a bitch!
Get that bastard!
Get over here!
You bastard.
Get up, you fuck!
Fame Motel
An ex-con with a grudge
viciously attacked law enforcers,
and the cops fought back in self-defense!
Hyun-woo.
Do you feel wronged?
Son of a bitch.
Another trip to prison will do you good.
Look at this bastard.
What's that?
Drop the knife.
Drop it, you fuck!
Motherfucker!
Let's talk it over.
I'm sorry.
Hyun-woo, I'm sorry.
It's all my fault.
Hyun-woo…
Hyun-woo!
Hyun-woo.
Calm down and give me the knife.
We can resolve this with law.
Law?
Law?!
Are you still on a crusade?
What can you do with it?
Can you put those fuckers behind bars?
You can't!
Answer me!
Goddammit…
- Move! - Stop it.
Move aside.
You're a law junkie too.
You're no better than them.
Alright, kill me if you want to.
If it'll clear your grudge, become a real killer.
But the first one to go isn't this bastard.
I'm the worst one.
What?
I'm actually not... a Themis lawyer.
I got greedy and got a big debt.
My wife left me with my kid,
so I took on your case.
I wanted to use your case to get a job and make money.
So I'm the worst of all.
Stab me.
Kill me first.
Go on.
Can't do it? You know why?
Cause you're not a killer.
I know you.
You...
don't have what it takes to kill.
I know this.
That's why I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Please give me one more chance.
I'll prove it in the court of law.
I'll tell the world!
You!
You are not a killer!
We made you into one!
That's why!
That's why...
we should be apologizing to you…
I'm sorry…
Yo!
Drawing?
Beautiful day.
Take this.
High Court Decision
New trial is approved.
Can we win?
You said nothing's certain in court.
But we'll never lose.
I didn't convince her.
You did.
Look! He's here!
Did you find any discrepancies in Cho Hyun-woo's case?
The truth will be revealed in court.
The court is now in session.
Is the defendant present?
Yes, Your Honor.
You may begin.
Your Honor.
I am not here to defend Cho Hyun-woo.
I'm here...
to allow this court to formally apologize
for causing grief to a boy 15 years ago.
I hope that this new trial and its outcome
will bring about a new start to him and his family.
Let's take a look at the first piece of evidence.
The real Cho Hyun-woo was cleared of all charges on Nov. 17, 2016
It was 16 years after the incident.
The detectives who framed Cho were charged and incarcerated.
Cho is now a family man, and a father of 2 kids.
Attorney Park Joon-young took on other new trial cases
and became known as 'New Trial Specialist'.
Written and Directed by KIM TAE-YUN