This film is based on the events surrounding
1990's 'war Against Organized Crime' announcement.
All names of institutions and people are fictitious.
May 1961, apprehension of gangsters
August 1980, Samchung Prison Camp
President Roh declared war against organized crime
October 13, 1990, Busan
that's impairing our society,
and do everything in his power as the President
to expel them from this country..
I am formally declaring war against
organized crime and within my constitutional power...
Do you admit to embezzling millions of dollars?
what's your connection to Kim Pan-ho?
Move aside!
what's your relations with yakuza?
Mr. choi! A comment please!
questions later!
head of Busan crime syndicate Choi lk-hyun was arrested today.
he is charged with threatening and embezzling from hotel construction companies.
According to the prosecution, he threatened the head of...
... accused of kidnapping, and assaulting...
... Choi is known to be the real boss of the syndicate, and in May of 1987...
he's captured on tape of performing a ritual that solidifies his ties to yakuza,
and have amassed great power over the years.
The prosecution is investigating choi's background in depth
to build their case with additional charges.
nAMeleSS GAnGSTeR: RUleS OF THe TlMe
Hold still. I'm getting wet.
1 week ago, Busan Dongbang hotel
welcome, boss.
Please, don't kill me.
Afternoon, boss.
enough, bring him out.
Mr. Kim!
Son of a bitch...
Please, let me go! Don't kill me!
Go get that fucker!
Fucking asshole!
Stop right there! You fuck!
was the hotel built for a good night sleep?
It's for the casino, ain't it?
If they take half, what am I left with?
Forget it. I'm gonna go to the police.
Mr. Hur, that won't solve anything.
You'll still need the muscle if you're gonna maintain the casino.
Don't I know that?
But how could they mess up their partner like this?
Iook at this! Just look at this bruise!
He's not the only gangster in town,
and I'm to blame for getting in bed with you.
Shit, putting me in an awKward position...
why did he do it?
I was damn sure right then.
we've known each other for a long time,
so I didn't think much of it,
but I didn't realize how big a criminal he was.
Say hello. This is prosecutor Jo.
- Mr. Prosecutor. - Pettyy gangster.
Answer me with yes or no to my questions. Got that?
Yes.
- can you write? - Yes.
write down your involvement
in kidnapping, and assaulting of Hur Sam-sik,
and every crime you committed in your life,
in clean, legible letters.
when and why you became a gangster and how you became the boss...
Mr. Prosecutor,
I, I think there's a misunderstanding,
but I'm not a gangster, you hear?
Do I look like a violent gangster?
I was a civil servant, a respectable one at that.
- Open it. - Yes, sir.
Huh? For what?
what are you doing?
Fucking shit!
civil servant?
Motherfucker!
If you forget something I know about,
or lie in your confession even in the slightest,
I'll leave the rest to your imagination.
Done.
March 1982, Busan Customs Office
There's really nothing inside.
Ah, here he is. Thanks for coming.
what is all this?
This is fish food?
I know the world is a better place, but fish eats ginseng now?
And wear gold watches apparently.
Iet's go inside.
Please, wait a moment.
Actually, supervisor Park in management is my family.
I'll look the other way since you're family with Park,
but make sure this doesn't happen again.
Of course, I'm sorry.
This is the entire lnspection team.
The four of us must inspect the entire Busan Harbor.
Do you know how hard that is?
Just the four of us, all this...
we're so overworked...
we're done, let's go.
One moment.
This isn't much, but have a drink on me.
Please don't do this, you really don't need to do this.
we're all family here.
Keep it down.
How could you do this to another civil officer?!
You're completely deranged! Did you see it?
- That's why I brought you in! - what did you see?
- what's going on? - let's stay out of it.
what's going on outside?
we're fucked.
That woman reported to the prosecution, it's blowing up.
Shit...
what's that?
It's nothing.
You idiots...
Drop one notch, will you?
I'm off, don't work too hard.
- Good bye, sir. - See you tomorrow.
Get inside.
Sit.
Take it easy...
Okay, hold still.
come on, hurry up.
Get on with it! Hurry!
Sit up!
careful...
Here it is.
why is this so big?!
Be quiet! Keep it down!
Pack it up.
come, sit down.
Thank you.
I hear you're an athlete?
Yes, sir.
where will you start the family with my sister?
Ah, there's a small room in the dojo I work at...
we'll go from there.
we may look like we don't have much.
But us, choi family from Gyeong-ju, is a very noble family.
even today, many successful people,
from prosecutors, judges to generals,
all the top brass in Korea are from our family.
Yes, I've heard many stories.
Iet's see...
Here, take this.
Mortgage a house with it and...
where is it...
And this is wedding gift.
no, sir, I can't accept this.
Go on, take it!
Okay, thank you.
what a day!
How did I ever live without a brother...
Took years to save that money...
Kids, say hello, this is your new uncle.
- Hello. - Hi there.
This is Joo-han, our family's only son! choi Joo-han!
You watch, he'll become something!
he's here, he's here.
what do we do?
just be quiet.
Ah, you're here. Did you take care of it?
Yeah, it's done.
Alright. Iet's drink first.
Ik-hyun, as you may have heard,
one of us from lnspection Department should receive the noose as well.
Then... who'll get it?
For everyone's sake, I wish I could do it myself,
but I'm the chief,
it may cause problems upstairs by doing so...
So I thought we'd choose by least amount of family members.
what do you think?
How many kids you got?
I got 3 sons and 2 daughters.
4 daughters and a son.
3 daughters and 2 sons for me.
Ik-hyun, what about you?
I got 2 daughters and a son.
But I got 2 young unwed sisters.
Then you can count in my grand folks, 3 brothers too, like 1 0 people!
Iet's just drink for now.
come on, raise your glass.
- let's drink. - Yeah, drink!
I know this is dirty business, but just give him 20 grand,
that's the only way for you.
His neck is on the line too,
why would he accept it at this time?
So you gotta be coy about it.
why don't you look into his brother,
I heard his surgery bill's astronomical.
Make sure it's enough to stuff his fat ass with it.
5 grand to get appointed, another 5 for the transfer,
now what?
Fuck, was I the only one who took bribes?
Hurry, hurry, let's go!
Iet's go, now.
what are you doing?
- we had some work to do... - what kind of work at this hour?
I wasn't notified of anything.
- It's done. - Yeah, we're done.
Iook here.
what are you doing?
You shit! what the, son of a bitch!
You fucking bitch!
Over here! Over here!
Stop, you shit!
Back up, back up!
- You said no one's here! - I told you to hurry up!
- Move out of the way! - what are you waiting for?!
Just step on it, go!
Stop fucking right now!
who the fuck were they?
Open it.
This is fucking nuts...
Those bastards.
Supervisor Jang, why is this a problem?
who in the world will claim that he's the owner of 1 0kg heroin?
But what if, who knows what will happen?
Mr. Jang, seriously! we have to do this.
Then I'll wrap the noose around my neck with my hands.
Seriously?
no, no. It's a terrible idea.
Okay, let's be completely frank about this.
what's so wrong about selling some dope to the Japs?
I mean, really.
How many years were we slaves to those fucking monkeys?
Huh? How many?
About 30 years.
30? 36 years, to be eact.
Honestly, it would be disservice nOT to export this,
Iet them get high and fuck themselves up,
I wish they'd all die, frankly.
This is patriotism!
we've to rise above Japan somehow, right?
Am I right?
I agree with you.
Then how about...
I know a gangster who has ties with yakuza.
Ah, really?
no, no, no.
This really is a bad idea...
come.
It's been a while.
I'm sorry for being late, I was held up.
Don't worry.
Pleasure to meet you, I'm choi lk-hyun.
I am choi Hyung-bae.
Iet's go.
Yes, sir.
Alright, let's talk business.
Mr. choi.
Yes.
From what I can tell, this is a stolen property,
how would you deal with backlash?
Iet's do it this way.
I'll be responsible for everything,
$3,000 per kilo,
I'll cover the transportation,
it's half of street value.
what do you think?
Okay, it's a deal.
By the way, Mr. Hyung-bae!
Iook at me, shouldn't have called you that.
I'm sorry, really.
I don't know what to call you.
what should I call you?
whatever's easy for you.
Oh, then, just Hyung-bae?
Just call me Mr. choi.
Ah, sure, Mr. choi!
excuse me for asking... but which choi are you?
It's choi from Gyeong-ju.
And clan?
choong-ryul clan.
I knew it.
I knew Hyung-bae belonged to our family!
Gyeong-ju choi, choong-ryul clan, 39th generation!
Yes.
Iook! I'm like your great great grandfather!
I'm 35th generation of the same clan!
Ik-hyun, you drank too much. enough of this.
I knew this would happen.
The moment I saw you,
you got the same head shape and all.
Same physique too.
what's your father's name?
It's choi Moo-il.
Moo-il, choi Moo-il?
Did he ride the tuna boat until a few years ago?
That's right.
I got you! You little prick!
I know your father all too well!
Show some respect to your grandpa!
Shouldn't you bow to your elderly?
Go on, take a bow!
Don't just stare!
Take a bow!
what's with you! what're you doing!
Hey, stop it!
Please, no more!
enough. Stop it.
Hey mister, why are you talking shit during business?
why are you so late?!
Shouldn't you come right away when I call?
This is your Daebu, he helped me out so much when I was on the boat.
He's a prominent man, who's very well connected,
so treat him with utmost respect,
you hear me? Got it?
Yes.
what are you waiting for!
Go take a bow!
I apologize in his behalf, Daebu.
no, don't worry.
That's it.
Good.
why don't you check?
I'm sure everything's there.
And I sincerely apologize for the other day.
no worries. It's okay!
no need to get worked up. It happens.
Do you have any plans for tonight?
would you join me for a dinner?
Yeah? Iet's do that. I should buy you a dinner, aren't l?
The deal worked out and all.
- Shall we go then? - Alright.
Only dinner though?
Ah, chang-woo!
This is my deputy.
If you have anything to take care of, feel free to call him.
Take a bow.
Please to meet you. I'm Park chang-woo.
Ah right, we met the other day, didn't we?
If you're not busy, come eat with us.
Sure, come.
Take the boys back.
- Good night, boss! - Take care, boss!
Early morning dew on the petal...
Hyung-bae, when I first saw you,
don't take this the wrong way,
it was like falling in love with a woman at first sight.
I felt electricity run over my body,
it was that feeling.
who knew we had someone so prominent in the family?!
You're too kind.
I'm not at all...
You are too.
Hyung-bae,
I see you taking those pills, what are they for?
Are you sick?
It's just painkillers.
My leg's busted.
Got hurt in a fight?
It's not that. I was sent to the Samchung Prison camp.
It got messed up by fucking MPs there.
You went through a lot, haven't you?
Hyung-bae, you don't need to worry about anything any more.
I'm here for you now.
I got bureaucrats and civil officials
in the palm of my hand.
Ah, chang-woo!
You can really sing! Beautiful voice!
Do you practice at home?
Iet's see.
Have some pocket money!
Thank you very much.
chang-woo, let's go pay our water bills.
Manager choi!
what the... Ah, chief Jo.
whoa, what are you doing here?
I could ask you the same.
I want to introduce someone.
This is someone I worked with,
didn't I tell you about a funny colleague the other day?
Ah, is this him?
So pleased to meet you!
How do you do, I'm choi lk-hyun.
Iet me pour you all a drink.
- Sure, sure. - Please take this.
Heard so much about you.
So nice to meet you all.
Thank you.
- what an interesting fella. - let's all raise our drinks!
cheers!
Gents, please take good care of the chief.
He may not be the prettiest,
but depth of his compassion is... huge.
Iike his dick.
what's with you? Are you drunk?
I'm not drunk.
You know how fun I can be.
This bastard's drunk.
Go away quietly if you had your drink.
I better do what I'm told.
I'll be on my way then.
Ieaving?
Gents, please take care of chief Jo, I mean Mr. Jo Bong-goo,
buy him nice meals,
and get his rocks off too, he likes that.
what's this asshole yapping on about!
Have you gone mad?
what, did I said something wrong?
Don't you like good ol' in-and-out?
Should I treat you to a whore today?
You fucking shit!
Don't fucking hit me, asshole!
I'll kill you!
who the fuck are you?
You son of a bitch!
Am I still your bitch?!
whatcha looking at, you fucks!
There's no business quite like it.
with a good spot, it'll run itself.
You're saying it's good money with some muscle and bribes, right?
Alright! Iet's do it!
Koreans go nuts over gambling, ain't it?
what a fucking day!
Hyung-bae!
Hot-blooded men like me should be in the military!
Iife's fucked! Fucked!!
careful, it's hot.
It's fresh.
Sweetie, you're embarrassing me....
Very fresh.
October 14, 1990, Busan Prosecutor's Office
First of all, I'll start with a brief on choi's arrest.
On May 5th, 1 990, 2PM,
Busan hotelier Hur Sam-sik was kidnapped
and assaulted by Kim Pan-ho's men at a Dongbang Hotel room
without reason and provocation.
Hur then accused choi as the perpetrator,
and confessed about his involvement in hotel casinos and other gambling joints.
Busan Prosecutor's Office announced their intention to press charges
against Choi lk-hyun for ordering the assault.
The prosecution is also in search of the gang leader Kim Pan-ho,
who carried out the assault.
Reporter Kim has that story..
How many are staking out at his girl's place?
we have 3 undercover men there.
Mr. choi.
How are you holding up?
Iet me make one call.
well...
It's choi lk-hyun.
Prosecutor Jo, come say hello.
This is chief prosecutor choi, from Seoul Prosecutor's Office,
Good afternoon, I am Jo Bum-suk.
Prosecutor Jo,
I know choi well because he's a Kyung-joo choi too,
and it's true that he's acquainted with some gangs.
But your reasoning is that if you know a gangster,
you're automatically guilty by association.
excuse me in saying so, but I know the difference at least that much.
Then how could you investigate this inadequately?
choi lk-hyun was a civil official, an appointed figure.
Do you know choi Hyung-bae?
You mean the gangster?
Yes, the gang boss.
That man is choi lk-hyun's relative.
Did you know that?
Is that so?
That's what I thought...
How do you investigate without such vital info?
Iet's say choi lk-hyun is a gangster,
then logically he should be associated with choi Hyung-bae,
why'd he side with rival Kim Pan-ho?
This is what I'm trying to tell you.
I too investigated gangs in my days.
My apologies, sir.
From what I'm hearing, I think Jo made some grave errors.
we'll investigate according to the protocol.
Shall we go for lunch?
So you're saying you have no ties to Kim Pan-ho, right?
Yes, that's what I'm saying.
And you had no part in assaulting and threatening Hur.
Don't change your story later.
Fine, go home for now.
But let's get one thing straight.
If there is slightest contradiction in your story during my investigation,
I'll come after you with everything I got,
no one will be able to protect you.
Go.
April 1985, Busan
- Bring me something cold. - Yes, sir.
- Bring some juice here! - Yes, how many glasses?
Two!
Oh hello, Mr. Hur.
wait, look who it is! Manager choi!
what are you doing here?
Shouldn't you be at the office at this hour?
You haven't heard, Mr. Hur.
I left the customs office 3 years ago.
why did you leave such stable job?
People tend to look for vocations that's just right for them.
If you got some good business ideas, be sure to let me in on it.
certainly!
Good afternoon, boss.
Ah, yeah.
- Go on now. - Yes, boss.
who are they?
You know, they do some chores for me now and then.
Busy?
Ah, no. enjoy.
Sure thing.
This is fresh!
By the way, Mr. choi,
this may be inappropriate for me to ask you,
but do you know any gangsters?
How could they not make any profit,
even though it's this crowded on a weekday?!
That's what I'm saying.
See that guy with mustache?
They're the ones I've been telling you.
As you can see, this place is doing very well,
but at the end of the month, they take out various bullshit expenses,
so there's no profit, and I'm putting more money in for maintenance.
You're such a fool.
And you didn't do anything about it?
what am I supposed to do then?
who brought those goons in?
Among the investors, there's a woman who owns 400%, she's the one.
I think they partnered up with her and siphon the profit.
what's your share?
240%.
Here he comes.
That's Kim Pan-ho, the chief manager.
That deputy works for him.
From what I hear, he's one of the top gangsters in Busan.
So they want to pay him off with 20 large that he put in 2 years ago.
we're really tight.
Pan-ho was one of us.
we're the same age as well.
even though he's not with us now, we rose together in the same family.
I can't get involved without justification.
Yeah? He's that tough?
You can't beat him?
Daebu, that's not it.
Justification is the problem.
There are rules even in the gangster world.
I can kick his ass no problem though.
Ms. Ko, isn't there fresher batch?
Bring us those.
Yes, sir. The ladies who had that meeting are leaving.
Yeah? excuse me for a moment.
Ms. Ko, you became more beautiful.
Ieaving already?
I wasn't sure if the food was to your liking.
we had a great meal thanks to you.
Is that so?
Jong-bin, let me give you some allowance.
My gosh, you shouldn't do that!
Those pigs ate so much.
Sir, you're much too busy.
why are you paying so much attention to those women for?
She's the one who took care of the licensing problem you had.
would I feed anyone who'll blow me?
Is that right?
Hyung-bae,
you mentioned justification earlier.
You and I are family.
Is there more important justification than that?
Tell me if I'm wrong about this, am l?
what, you're not up for it?
Sir, I don't know what you take me for,
but I'm an upstanding martial artist!
I shouldn't get involved in this line of business.
Iisten to yourself, just listen.
what a selfish bastard!
would you let your child live like you?
At the very least, your child should live proudly.
crazy bastard.
welcome.
Good afternoon.
- It's this room. - Right here?
Good afternoon!
welcome, Mr. Hur.
Been a while.
You got here early.
Please sit down.
I'm sorry for being late.
I'm choi lk-hyun, your new partner.
- This is Ms. Jung. - Is that right?
Mr. Hur told me a lot about you.
You're more beautiful than what I've heard.
Fine, let me introduce you,
this is the chief manager Kim Pan-ho.
nice to meet you.
I heard the gist of it,
why did you make us come all the way down here for?
what a prettyy mouth on that prettyy face.
Alright.
Iet me get down to the business.
From today, I will check the admissions,
and daily accounting reports.
I hear this place leaks money like a bottomless barrel.
How could you run a legit business this way?
Secondly,
in order to prevent further complications,
I want to place one of my men here.
who?
This fella right here.
He's a competent man with plenty of experience,
so he'll be a huge help with your endeavors.
what the fuck!
I had enough of this bullshit!
You've been around much?
I don't know who the fuck you are,
but I've had enough!
calm down and sit down.
who the fuck are you? which gang do you belong to?
I'm a black belt, sit down.
enough.
can't you see the grown-ups are talking?
I'm sorry boss.
Hey, mister partner,
Iooks like you're old enough,
shouldn't you know when to shut your mouth?
Scared?
Mister, I don't know where you crawled out of,
but you should stop for your sake.
watch your fucking mouth, bitch!
- what the fuck! - Are you fucking nuts?!
You're done for now.
I'll fucking kill you!
Hey! Do you know who I am?
So this is how you want it?
Assholes! You're all finished!
Alright, they bit the bait, just go and wait for my call.
Bastards.
Fuck off!
See them making off.
Those bastards ganging up...
Sir, I coulda really kicked their asses one-on-one.
Hyung-bae,
It's all ready for you.
chang-woo...
Iet's go!
Fuckers!
Assholes! Beat them all!
Motherfuckers!
where you going?!
Head down! I said head down!
what the fuck's going on?!
I heard about this today.
I know this is your turf,
but also my Daebu's business.
isn't it better for me to have his back?
Iet's do it like this.
Iet's put half of our guys in the club,
and you take care of my guys leaving,
with severance pay.
Okay, I'll prepare some dough.
I'll talk to other owners and get as much as possible.
But I can't allow any of your boys here.
How can we be under the same roof together?
Asswipe, I still got some pride in me.
Iook at you, already using grown-up words.
Iook here.
I still got pride in me too.
I'm almost 40, and
got my ass kicked by ignorant thugs,
but I'll let it slide since you guys are good friends.
I sincerely apologize again for what happened earlier.
Is the female owner your bitch?
Don't want to look bad in front of her?
watch your mouth, asshole.
Asshole?
Iight this cigarette.
Go on.
Iight it.
woke up on the wrong side of bed today?
Hyung-bae.
I'm not the same snot-nosed kid who used to light your cig.
That's it. Iet's get you some bruises.
Give me a smoke.
'Resist, resist'
withstand the action,
synonyms are endure, refuse.
It just pours out of your mouth, huh?
Do I always have to get angry before you study?
next.
Mr. choi,
we need to talk.
Haven't I given you
all the top positions over to you?
And now the bookkeeping too? Do you need anything else?
will you calm down?
I found out that the accountant's been stealing quite a bit.
I'm gonna shove the shit from your mouth down your throat!
what?
who do you think you're fucking around with?
Stealing? who's stealing?
You're the one doing it!
Fucking bitch, have you gone mad?
Did you just hit me, motherfucker?!
Fucking asshole!
You crazy bitch!
Take this, you bitch!
Take them all!
Get him!
I, um, sir... I'm a customer here, customer.
Hurry up, will you?
Slow fucks, come over here.
Sit.
You seem younger than I am, can you show some respect?
Shut your mouth and sit the fuck down!
Asshole, watch it! watch where you put your hand!
where's your chief?
Get me chief Kang!
Do you know who I am?
Do you know how close I am to your chief?
excuse me sir, could you tell me how you know our chief?
He lives in namchun, doesn't he?
Yes.
You idiots, I had dinner with him last night,
and went to the sauna together.
we did everything together, you picked the wrong man.
Is that so...
In that case... Detective lee, apologize to him.
now!
I'm sorry.
Have a good visit, big boss.
Big boss' got a visitation!
Have a good visit, big boss!
I think Pan-ho got his story straight with the owner bitch.
Otherwise, how could we get arrested together?
Is it looking bad for us?
I can take care of myself, but you're the problem.
Pan-ho's hurt quite a bit. He's hospitalized for 1 2 weeks.
why did you have to go that far?
Shame on him.
How could a gangster press charges over a beat...
That spineless...
There are still ways to solve this, so don't worry too much.
what have you got in mind?
May 1985, Gyeong-ju Choi Clan Gathering
Clan Member of the Month: Prosecutor Choi joo-dong
Ah, uncle, you're here!
Joo-dong, how have you been?
Iet me introduce you, I told you about him earlier.
This is choi lk-hyun, he's one of us.
How do you do? My name is choi Joo-dong.
nice to meet you, prosecutor choi.
Mr. choi and you are about 1 0 degrees of kinship apart,
so, let me see,
ah, that's right, so your father...
my brother's grandfather... his brother's grandson is lk-hyun.
Is that so?
Yes, sir.
Sir, I think my men made a mistake without knowing what's going on.
Iet me check and call you back.
you still don't get it. There's nothing to check again!
chief Kang, the quarrel between choi and the owner is a business dispute,
and choi Hyung-bae and Kim Pan-ho situation is a separate matter.
Don't you understand what I'm saying?
you want us to take care of them separately.
That's right.
And speaking of choi Hyung-bae,
won't it be better to take care of it without charges?
They can settle on their own.
Alright, please take care of it.
Yes, thank you.
They won't be any more problems,
Daebu, the chief will take care of it.
You didn't have to...
This is...
As the saying goes, the gold toads are famous for returning the favor.
Oh, they sure look loyal alright.
It's over now.
I shoved a grand for a nice dinner for their trouble, and all of sudden,
they are oozing respect.
Those crooked bastards...
Daebu... I don't trust people easily.
Got backstabbed many times.
I was imprisoned 5 times,
and it was all due to the people who acted like my brothers.
Right, humans are the most cunning animal of all.
So I had a huge revelation,
there's no one to trust except my family...
Godammit, Daebu.
I feel so confident with you by my side.
I love you.
Hyung-bae.
I want us to surpass our partnership,
and become one in mind and body.
You got the muscle, I got the brain!
we must take this chance to become one
and create something big.
The stars are lining up just for us!
You're right, you're right.
May 1987, Busan
To wish everyone's bright future and prosperity!
Kanpai!
Iet me formally introduce you.
This gentleman lobbied the government for us
concerning the hotel we invested in.
He's my Daebu.
Pleased to meet you.
I am choi lk-hyun.
nice to meet you. I am Kaneyama zaidoku.
Thank you so much for your help.
expresses his gratitude...
Please accept this gift.
Thank you.
congressman Park is calling for us downstairs.
Iet's go and get this over with.
Ah, you're here!
Iet me introduce you.
This must be chairman Kaneyama,
choi Hyung-bae here heads our party's Youth Movement.
what are you doing?
Be more respectful to these great men.
Do it again.
My apologies.
He must be nervous for seeing such important men.
This is a plaque from the President.
For the invaluable contribution to
the successful preparation of the 1 988 Seoul Olympics,
this plaque is awarded.
Oh, and please take this souvenir, this is called Hodori,
the official Olympics mascot.
The gold medal isn't really gold, but this sure is!
I apprised the President of your request for the hotel casino,
so don't worry.
we'll now commence the historic opening ceremony.
with cutting of the tape, a new era of Daedong Hotel and casino will begin!
One, two, three!
Mr. choi, you really overdid it!
You must've finally hit it big!
Prettyy?
Big time my ass.
You can't get rich off just two casinos.
Gotta have 20 or so in Seoul to be a big shot.
There's no end to a man's greed.
whatever you start,
you gotta see it through no matter what.
can't stop until you reach the top.
Do you know why?
when I was a kid, my family was the richest in town.
Tons of land too...
That was real fresh...
But in the era of the liberals,
my father ran for a seat in the parliament independently,
and lost the election and our fortune, then died of stress.
He placed second in the election.
Being second is worthless.
You don't get shit for placing second.
we lived in poverty afterwards,
and I grew up rough all because he placed second.
Then what place are you in now?
Me? Obviously I'm #1 in Busan.
Dunno nationally.
what about Hyung-bae? Isn't he #1?
what are you talking about! Hyung-bae's under me.
His only job is to manage his boys.
He can't do shit without my permission.
Is that right? So you're above him?
It's... not set in stone, of course,
but I guess you could look at it that way.
Is it really Firetruck?
I don't think so...
can't you tell? They're fakes.
Don't even look alike.
Get off the stage!
Bastard...
Hey you, do you know who I am?
carry on.
Hey, supervisor Park!
come over here. need to talk to you.
Talk about what?! Do it later.
I need to fucking talk now.
Go on.
come here.
Ma'am, leave us for a moment.
Is that Firetruck? Huh?
Is that the fucking Firetruck?!
They didn't want to come, what can I do?
They're the same, acrobatic and shit.
Fucking moron, didn't you say you could get 'em?
Buddies and shit!
Fuck, they didn't want to come, what am I suppose to do?
Then what happened to $1 5,000?
I gave them the whole lot.
Fucking liar, stop shitting in my ears.
Asshole, I've been hearing shit.
what? Heard what?
Heard you gave them 2 grand. Then where's remaining 1 3?
Give me half.
what the fuck.
Be ethical about this.
Any business with money involved should be done cleanly.
Ah, shit. This mosquito is annoying as fuck.
Fucking prick, you think I'm joking around?
Get me the money!
There is none, motherfucker!
You think I'm just playing with you?!
I'll roundhouse kick your fucking face.
Get me the money if you don't want the beat.
Got that? Son of a bitch...
You know, I'm a taeKwondo master!
worthless dumb fuck...
what did you just say? Say that to my face again.
I'll shove your dick up your fucking asshole.
where's your manner? Don't you greet anymore?
Afternoon, boss.
Piece of shit, are you nuts?!
what a fucking day!
Fucking day?! Fucking day!
That's enough, boss.
what do you think you're doing, let go!
You're fucking done, you hear?!
wanna die? Keep at it, asshole!
Boss, please.
- let go! - Boss, what's with you?!
Iet my hand go!
- Boss! - let go!
what's going on!
Boss, you're here.
Oh, Hyung-bae, this fucker!
Do you know what he did today?
You're finished, asshole!
Daebu,
if there's a problem with the boys, don't act out on your own and tell me.
welcome, boss.
- what's this? - Oh, boss.
why is everyone swarmed in here?
Haven't heard? Pan-ho and his men
are eyeing you and the boss,
so we're on full alert.
That doesn't make any sense!
why would Pan-ho order a hit on us at this time?
It's probably because of the hotel casino,
since we're running the hotel in their turf.
Idiot. That's not for us to decide.
The government tells us what to do.
Anyway, before we get sucker punched,
we assembled so that we could be proactive about this.
Alright, I hear you.
But withdraw for now.
You get snatched up even in a small group nowadays.
what are you waiting for! Disperse!
I'll consult big boss and proceed.
Son of a...
what the fuck do you think you are?!
You take orders from Hyung-bae but not from me?
I'll fucking...
Is he upstairs?
Iook here.
we're just now in business, why'd you stir things up?
who's gonna clean up the mess?
Daebu, a student is a student when he studies,
and we're gangsters when we fight.
can't get anything done by being chattyy.
Is that for me to hear?
Hyung-bae, let's settle this amicably, huh?
I'll go talk to Pan-ho and hear him out.
whether we go to war or not, I'll take care of it.
So step out for this one.
How could you say that?
Aren't we on the same boat?
what did I work for till now then?
what am l?
what do you think you're doing?
Do you see yourself as a real gangster? Huh?!
Daebu, what do you think of yourself?
Iet me ask you that.
Don't you know what this country is like today?
It's not the time to fight over the turf.
I'll organize a truce talk soon.
no, don't bother.
Don't worry about wrinkles on my ass and worry about yours.
I can overlook it since I know what's going on in the world,
but what about my boys who're out of work because of you?
They're not smart enough to know what's going on.
This is what I'm trying to solve.
Is this the only gig in the world?
If another hotel pops up,
I'll make sure to hook you up with the government.
will this be the only tourist hotel?
The restriction's lifted now, eh?
In a few years, there'll be plenty of casinos for everyone.
Then there will be a shortage of people to manage them.
what a wonderful era we're living in.
Mr. choi, why don't we use this opportunity to team up?
Your connections and my muscle.
That's fresh!
Iook at you...
Are we still kids? Taking sides?
Honestly, if you hand over hotel or casino management,
would Hyung-bae let it slide?
That fuck.
Then what? what could he do over me?
who's making a killing because of me?
Don't worry about Hyung-bae, alright?
He has no choice but to follow my lead.
Then Mr. choi,
it's not easy for us to get together like this,
why don't we go have a drink or two?
Another time, I'm a little busy today.
Sure, you look busy.
Democratic Party presidential candidate Roh Tae-woo
stated in his candidacy acceptance speech that he wishes bright future in...
- I'm back, boss. - Yeah. where's the room?
It's crown Hotel just across the street, room #706.
Alright, take the boys back.
I'll be see myself back.
will you be okay, boss?
I'm fine.
can't even drive outside anyway.
- Yes, boss. I'll be on my way then. - Okay.
- Have a good night, boss. - Go on.
Yeah? Yeah. Sure.
That's right. So, Hyung-bae's there?
Impeach President Jeon!
Abolish the constitution! Overthrow dictatorship!
Impeach President Jeon! Impeach President Jeon!
Abolish the constitution! Overthrow dictatorship!
Impeach President Jeon!
Sir, come over here.
what's going on?
Here?
Yes, boss.
what, what happened?
It's nothing.
Doesn't look like nothing! Is it bad?
what did the doctor say?
Daebu,
could you leave us for a moment?
Uh, sure. I'll be back later.
- let's go. - Yes, sir.
we can't let either of them slide.
I'll take care of it since you're not well.
Find Kim Pan-ho first!
Son of a bitch!
where's Pan-ho?
where's your boss?
Suck my dick.
quite heavy.
Iook at you now.
He's rather cute like this.
where's that grin when you were crawling up Pan-ho's back?
Getting scared over a little beating?
Prick.
In you go.
So long.
- Killing me... - Don't get up, it's hot up here.
My back's killing me.
My back...
Please let me live...
Fuck, I'm too old for this shit.
what the fuck am l doing this for? Huh?
It pains me so much.
- How is it? - Feels nice?
Drink up, it's good for you.
Tastes good?
Have plenty, boss.
That felt good.
I'm starved. Iet's eat and finish this.
- Sure, boss. - what should we eat?
Should we get something for him too?
we could finish up and go...
Must be salty...
- Boss, you're still fresh. - I sure am.
Go ahead.
Hyung-bae,
I don't know what you heard about Pan-ho and l,
but everything you heard is not the truth.
It's not just that,
I don't know what I did made you unhappy,
but I'm really sorry.
Then could you... call off the boys for me?
I still got kids, I don't want them to grow up fatherless.
I made sure that won't happen, you're not on the hit list.
Thank you.
You got plans tonight?
How about a drink with me?
Alright, take care of yourself.
I'm off now.
Daebu,
Iisten to me carefully.
Don't ever step into this world again.
Don't go around saying shit either.
Understand?
This is your share of the hotel casino and the night club.
1 00 grand in cash, and 200 in bank notes.
Is this all?
And this is...
expensive ginseng the boss prepared for you.
Since you're not all that well,
rest at home and get well with this.
Don't worry, my lips are sealed.
what, you got something else to say?
Sir, since it's Thanksgiving and all,
couldn't you give me some pocket money to buy some ginseng for my folks?
That fucking piece of...
He was no better than a street pimp,
I got him to where he is...
How could he do this to me?
That fucking son of a bitch!
Sir, please, put the gun away!
can't you get me some bullets?
I'll look into it, sir. Please put that away.
It's been a long time, Mr. choi!
Good to see you.
Mr. Kim,
why are you late...
what's with him?
Alright, alright, he drank quite a bit.
Be careful.
- let's sit down. - So drunk...
I can tell you that it can't be done without an order from the top.
Right? That's what I think too.
Hyung-bae was always like that,
ignorant fuck.
Asshole.
we've known each other for many years,
but it's still awKward between us.
Iet's change that from today.
Iet me treat you like a big brother.
Okay, let's do that.
Drink up.
Pan-ho,
thank you.
no one's enemy forever in this business.
Yesterday's enemy is today's partner.
October 20, 1990 Busan Prosecutor's Office
now that they became partners, choi managed to hand over
casinos for Samhwa Hotel and Giant Hotel with ease.
To Kim Pan-ho.
This is getting better and better.
Since the government unofficially permits casino
regardless of hotel management,
choi had full control over it.
Powerless hotel owners like Mr. Hur and I are just pawns,
so what are we to do?
Give 'em what they ask,
and sell when they demand.
Okay, okay.
Then where's Kim Pan-ho now?
You two were cozy for a few years,
you should know his hideouts.
come on, speak up.
As you know, with President's war against organized crime declaration,
Busan Prosecutor's Office will execute its operation to sweep 34 active gangs
with 550 members in Busan area starting midnight Friday.
As is written in the enforcement order,
you'll be allowed to arrest gang members without warrant
and if met with resistance, use of fire arms is allowed.
Mr. Choi, you gotta lay low quick.
I got it.
Stop, you shit!
Stop right there!
... commenced crackdown on organized crime...
... 2 weeks since the announcement of the operation.
heads of 10 syndicates were arrested within a day of search.
The police intends to execute 20 more operations to incarcerate more suspects.
From what I've been hearing,
they'll continue to investigate further.
You better lay low for a while.
He's supposedly the most vile prosecutor in recent memory.
The Jeollado boys are all locked up because of him.
I've never ever met someone who refused money.
Sir, we might get all locked up this way.
Know what this is?
This contact list is worth a million dollars!
They'll never lock me in.
You just watch.
Dear lord, please console them and always be with them.
come to me, all you who are wear and burdened,
I will give you rest, said the lord.
Please comfort these poor souls.
Please help us, lord.
Take this.
Sir, so good to see you!
Ik-hyun, my wife dragged me out of bed.
Your necktie is really beautiful.
Oh, is it?
Madame's wardrobe is stunning too!
when we used to live together...
Ah, prosecutor Jo.
It's been a while, sir.
Say hello, you're well acquainted, right?
Sir, nice to see you again.
Uh, nice to see you too.
I don't think I should be here,
I'll see you later.
what's with you?
This isn't right!
He's the primary suspect in my case!
Haven't you seen the news?
I know all about it.
I think you're gravely mistaken, I wanted to make things right.
Sure, let's drink another time. Just the two of us.
How could you do this to me?
who helped you out of all the problems
This is not Bum-suk that I know.
Don't you remember?
Is this all there is to you?
How'd you become the Attorney General this way?
Go, if you want!
You'll never get anywhere.
Alright, alright. I'll have just one drink.
Happy?
Bastard... How have you been? How's your wife?
Dead, what's it to you?
I felt terrible, there were some things that I couldn't tell you,
who knew we would meet like this?
Sure, who knew, right?
I wanted to let it all out since you already know this,
Kim Pan-ho or whatever his name is,
that's his name, right?
I've never met the man.
From what I hear, he's really tall.
we already know about that!
Mr. choi, his glass' empty,
can't you see?
Ah, look how slow I am.
Here to pass the water too, sir?
Iook how tense your muscles are.
I hear it's all due to the liver. Been stressed out lately?
You think we're friends now?
How dare you put your hands on a prosecutor!
Hey, choi lk-hyun.
You are seriously barking up the wrong tree,
I could care less if you're a gangster, asshole!
when I say you're a gangster, you are one.
Keep a straight face,
don't you dare muddy the mood.
Did it really?
You must be having a hard time.
It won't look good of me to get involved at this point in time.
But I'll look into it.
This will blow over, I'm sure.
Your kind words are enough to comfort me.
Yes, sir. Take care.
Tougher than I thought...
what happened to the boys?
Those fuckers...
Alright, I'll call back later.
call me if something comes up.
Kim Pan-ho! Get him!
Iet go!
Kim Pan-ho in custody. he's in custody.
Dad!
It's okay, get inside.
- Dad! - Honey!
- Dad... - Honey.
Sit over there.
Know each other, right?
- Fucking asshole! - cool it!
This is all because of you! Shithead!
- Sit down! - Am I your pawn?! You fuck!
- Detective Kim, take him out. - Yes, sir.
- Out, out, out! - will you hold still?!
I'm really tired... Really tired.
Hey, gangster. wait, you're not one, right?
I hear your kind is called 'half bad-ass',
not a gangster but not a civ as well.
Just what are you?
I'm nothing, just an ordinary man.
Because of your pettyy nature, it's hard to treat you with any respect.
Am I here to mince words?! Huh?!
I'm sorry.
You're smart enough to understand.
How's 1 5 years for being head of gang?
Or 3 years for contract assault?
choi lk-hyun, just admit it.
I'll make sure you serve no more than 3 years.
Good?
what? want 1 5 years instead?
no, no, it's great.
Very good, okay!
Okay.
But prosecutor Jo, if it's not trouble...
may I suggest something more beneficial for both of us?
Go on.
when you go to the States, you really have to study hard.
Got that? Remember what I told you?
english is power.
That's right. when you grow up english will help you become #1.
- And eat a lot of fish. - Sir!
Big boss wants a word with you.
can't you see I'm with my family? Tell him another time.
Don't make me fuck you up in front of them.
where do you think you are, you fuck!
Alright, alright, calm down!
Iet go!
Sit back down. Iet's go talk outside.
Have you been busy lately?
I know everything.
conspiring with the prosecutor to put me inside?
what are you saying?
I was interrogated and came out yesterday.
Sucking everything for what it's worth, should I make you a cripple?
Hyung-bae, you got it wrong!
As you know, this investigation was initiated by the President.
why would I want you locked up?
Shut your fucking trap!
If I instigated this, why is Pan-ho locked up then?
You gotta think logically here.
Iet's get through this together.
we have to help each other.
Fuck, I'm being fooled again...
It's true I pretended to be on his side to ease his mind.
Gotta buy some time, ain't it?
I really don't know what to do...
Prosecutors are kings now.
So, what's your plan?
I'm prepping to go to the States.
Got the house on the market.
why don't you hide out in Kobe for a bit.
It might be difficult because of APB,
but I could try to find you a boat.
If you're fucking with me,
your son'll grow up without a father.
Make necessary preparations, I'll contact you.
How much longer?
Almost done.
Hello?
- Daebu, it's me. - Yeah Hyung-bae.
Is everything ready?
Um, yes, it's all ready.
I'll send you a car, I want you here.
Let's talk face to face.
Uh, yeah, okay. But l...
what should I do? He wants me to come over.
Show me what you got.
Sure, it's right here.
Iet's go.
Daebu...
do you think you've benefitted because of me?
I do think so.
Then how could you conduct yourself this way?
I firmly told you to walk away from this life.
Yes, you did.
Then let me ask you this.
I like to think that I tried my best to help you,
did any of it make a difference?
You've been helpful.
Then how could you do this to me?
You sided with Pan-ho in the first place!
I clearly told you that's not what happened.
what do you take me for?
why would I order a hit on family?
That's not what I meant,
you didn't side with me and went to him,
and made me look like a fucking pussy,
isn't that it?
In any case, this is the end for us.
I know you'll look out for yourself, but be careful.
Move!
- Back up for him. - Sure, boss.
what the hell?
we're blocked from both sides, eh?
what do we do?
Every.one standby.
Move!
what's with them from both sides?
wait!
It's you...
Go! Go!
Son of a bitch!
come out, asshole!
Stop the car, asshole!
You fucking rat!
You're done, piece of shit...
You're finished...
Die, you fuck!
who you think I am?!
Fucking asshole!
I won...
I fucking won...
He's a tremendous prosecutor.
It'd be a huge shame for Busan,
but he shouldn't be confined to a pond.
He should be serving the country, isn't that right?
He'll be a big help by your side, Minister.
Ah, you're here!
Prosecutor Jo, come inside.
February. 2011, Gwachun Administration Office
Appointing choi Joo-han as Seoul Prosecutor's Office prosecutor.
congratulations.
Director, he's the top graduate this year.
From Seoul University.
- Is that right? - Yes, sir.
Isn't he a better off at a law firm or the courthouse?
Prosecution's no fun these days.
- lnteresting fellow, none the less. - He sure is.
Iook at this, look here, what's wrong?
Ah, prosecutor choi!
- Uncle, welcome! - Good to see you.
I was at your restaurant last week.
- You did? - Sure.
- why didn't you call? - I know you're busy.
Iet me introduce you, this is prosector choi, my nephew.
where's your father?
- He's out in the balcony. - Alright, let's go say hello.
Sir, you're out here.
welcome.
This is chairman Park, I mentioned earlier.
Ah, I heard so much about you. I'm so pleased to finally meet you.
The pleasure really is mine.
we will now begin Joon-sik's birthday bash!
Today is Joon-sik's first birthday.
Is Joon-sik well rested?
Did he get plenty of sleep?
- Yes. - Ah, he did?
You put him to sleep early and what did you do?
we went to bed early.
- Huh? - went to bed early.
But both of you look tired, what did you do last night?
Their faces are turning red.
Iooks like I hit the spot!
Iet's move on.
Smoke one.
no, I'm fine.
It's fine.
The more I think about it, Joon-sik must be your lucky charm.
All the setbacks suddenly washed away.
It was the same thing for me too, once we had you.
Iet me see you.
Great job.
Father, thank you, for being patient with us.
Father...
Daebu...