Law and The City
ALL CHILD ACTORS FILMED SAFELY WITH PARENTAL SUPERVISION
- I think it's her. - You're right.
Over here!
Wait.
EMERGENCY ALERT
What? An earthquake?
Hi, I'm Attorney Kang Huiji.
It's been a while.
Do you know me?
What?
EMERGENCY ALERT
Nice to meet you.
I'm Kim Hyungmin.
Don't you remember me?
You do look familiar.
You seemed shocked to know her.
No, the subtle tremors were what startled me.
What? You felt that?
What are you, a seismometer? So lame.
Please take a seat.
- Okay. - Why don't you sit here instead?
- Thank you. - Sure.
Would you like a glass of beer?
Yes.
I was in Gwangseong Law School's 13th cohort.
What? Seriously?
- Ninth cohort? I saw it on the website. - Yes.
I see! Nice to meet you.
Thank you.
- Should we toast first? - Great timing.
- Cheers. - I'm all out.
You should've told us earlier then.
Have some of mine.
All right, then. Cheers!
- Cheers! - Nice to meet you!
So, how do you know Juhyeong?
We were briefly together before.
- Here. - Thank you.
You crazy bastard. You forgot someone you dated?
What are you talking about? We never dated.
When did I say we dated? I said we were together.
We were both briefly in Hong Kong and met.
Gosh, you should've said that then.
He said he doesn't remember anyways.
Wait, Hong Kong?
When you went two years ago?
Honestly, if it was two years ago, you should be able to remember that.
Someone this pretty would be hard to forget.
Exactly.
This is the first time we've met.
I only saw your name when I signed the lease agreement.
Right. I usually leave property matters to the building manager.
I'm probably new to all of you,
but I've made sure to learn who each of you are.
So you all seem familiar.
Us?
You're the tenants in my building.
To me, you're my clients.
I think this is our first time meeting like this as well.
Well, we've crossed paths before, but we've never introduced ourselves.
We've introduced ourselves. Right, Director Seong?
Yes, we have.
It was because of Attorney Ha Sanggi, right?
He used to work for Mr. Seong.
And then, he switched to Ms. Kim's firm upstairs.
That's right!
With someone as beautiful as her,
you should remember if it was just two years ago.
- Wait, wasn't that around then? - You're right.
What? What is it?
Well, the reason why he went to Hong Kong was…
Hey, what was her name again?
The blind date.
Diamond Kim! Right?
- Thank you. - Crystal Park. Park Sujeong.
Right. Crystal Park is his ex-girlfriend.
After they broke up, he was a mess.
We told him to take a trip and he went there.
Her name was Sujeong, so we nicknamed her Crystal Park.
How did he turn that into Diamond Kim?
Hey! Diamond Kim, Crystal Park. It's all the same in Korean.
They're totally different. Crystal is sujeong.
And diamond is… What was it again?
- Geum gangseok. - Thank you. Yeah, geum gangseok.
So you're saying Juhyeong's ex was Kim Geum Gangseok?
I mean, Kim and geum basically sound the same in Korean.
So it could've been Kim Gangseok.
Kim Gangseok?
What, did she sing A Letter from a Private?
That's Kim Gwangseok.
I know that.
Did you just say her name in front of my face?
Were we still not supposed to say her name?
No, you said it wrong anyway, so you're fine.
But seriously, Diamond Kim was a bit ridiculous.
Right? Hey, Munjeong! I can't believe you.
How could you say her name so clearly?
Hey, this was your fault.
Yeah. This was your fault, Munjeong.
Are you serious?
You all brought it up…
What?
It's been over two years. I can't even say her name?
Yeah. You don't even recall Attorney Kang from two years ago.
No, we didn't meet then.
- It was 10 years ago, not two. - What?
- 10 years ago?
You keep saving the important bits for last.
Are you a storyteller or what?
Right. You went to Hong Kong while in law school too.
Juhyeong was a law student, and I was still an undergrad.
You even said we should meet up again in Korea.
I said what?
My gosh! You two were a thing!
- You were a thing! - What is this?
I didn't know you had such skills back then.
In any case, who cares? He doesn't even remember.
So, how was Hong Kong?
It was so beautiful back then.
Which part?
Hey, which part?
But are you sure we actually agreed to meet again?
Geez. And here I thought he'd remembered.
I mean, it's just not true. You think I'd say that?
- You did. - You said you didn't even remember.
Or maybe he does remember.
No, I don't. It's because I would've never said that.
Don't worry about it.
Want me to get you another glass?
Then, could I have some soju?
Beer upsets my stomach a bit.
Goodness, you should've said so earlier!
- One soju, please! - Thank you.
- Still, we just met and you offered. - Come on! I'll take that formality and…
I threw it out. Okay? No need to be so formal.
- You can relax. - I will.
So I guess you threw away your beer on me then.
What?
- What's wrong with you? - It's true.
Gosh, don't take it that way.
Your glass was empty, so I shared mine.
Come on. We go back 10 years.
Ten years? Says who?
But what did you want to meet about today?
Isn't this just about getting to know each other?
Is this just a casual get-together?
No, not exactly.
Since you're all busy people,
let's get straight to the point.
Yes, please.
Your law firms
and law office…
Let's merge them into one.
- I take Line 2 on the subway. - What? Me too.
- Which way? - I go toward Jamsil too.
We're this way. You?
- Okay. - That way?
- Yes. - See you next time!
- Bye! - Good night.
Which way are you going?
- Bye. - Okay, bye.
It still seems to bother Juhyeong, doesn't it?
Yeah.
I figured it was okay to talk about her now,
so I tossed it out there.
But I guess not.
I didn't expect that at all from someone who seems so chill.
Right?
Hey, doesn't Attorney Kang seem like a good person?
Yeah, she's super friendly.
I almost snapped at her earlier by accident.
- You're getting in just now? - Yes, you're still up?
I woke up in the middle.
- What about dinner? - I had dinner with my friends.
Okay, get some rest.
- Okay, good night. - All right.
He doesn't remember me?
I mean, how could you forget someone this cute?
SUPREME COURT UPDATE
A new precedent.
Let's have a look.
Ten years, my foot.
COURT, PROSECUTION OFFICE, REGISTRATION BUREAU
Episode 2 More Than Meets the Eye
It's not much, but please enjoy.
Gosh, you didn't have to! Thank you. I am in your debt.
I should be the one saying that. I'm the new one here.
I didn't even know you were a lawyer.
You look as young as a student!
What kind of student looks like this?
ATTORNEY AHN JUHYEONG
Attorney Ahn?
Attorney Kang told me to give this to you.
She wanted to thank us getting together for her.
It wasn't for her though.
Come on, it was. What do you mean?
I don't drink coffee.
How would Attorney Kang even know that?
Just take it, will you?
If you don't want it, fine. More for me.
That's why I'm asking you for help.
Originally, you only wanted us to draft the seizure request,
so we gave you a discounted rate.
And I'm going with you free of charge because I understand your situation.
I'm also aware, but…
- What's going on? - I wouldn't be asking
- if I wasn't so desperate! - Tomorrow's the asset seizure.
They're going to force open the door and start tagging items,
so he wants a lawyer to come along too.
- There's really no way? - I understand your situation,
but we really can't.
All right, then.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Mr. Eom, are you going to the asset seizure tomorrow?
Yes. You don't have to worry about it.
What kind of person is the debtor?
He runs a business. It's a classic dine and dash.
The lender's the real victim.
It seems he lent his whole fortune.
You're going to the asset seizure tomorrow?
Yes, I do feel bad for the lender, but I'm also curious.
You're going to see some ugly stuff.
Debtors who are cornered tend to lash out.
Don't go. What for? You'll just come across trouble.
No, it's okay. Word is, the debtor's actually loaded.
But he's hidden all his assets, so they have no choice but to seize them.
Rich people aren't easy to deal with.
- Wait! He hasn't taken a picture yet. - I did.
- What? When? - Earlier.
He's fast now.
Hold on! It's not ready yet.
But if you just started yesterday,
you should be swamped with looking at your own case files right now.
Do you have time to tag along on some other case
just because you feel for them and are curious?
You're only a first-year.
Yes, I've already reviewed all my case files.
All of them?
Yes, but as I looked through, a few parts were confusing.
- Can I ask you about them later? - Why would you ask me?
That's what it said on the handover file.
It said to ask you about difficult cases.
- What? - Wait.
That was in the handover file?
Yes. "Ask Ahn Juhyeong for difficult cases."
"For good restaurants, ask Bae Munjeong."
And it said to ask Ha Sanggi for savings accounts,
retirement plans, and tax deductions.
It turns out Mr. Yu was more calculating than I thought.
Look at him. He's already calling his friend "Mr. Yu."
Well, what about me?
You were…
I guess there was nothing.
Yes.
I was the closest to him though.
I brought it along just in case. They're notes my predecessor wrote.
- I don't understand the part he marked. - Let me see.
Gosh, look at these insane indents.
I know. That firm always formats like that.
- Hey, Juhyeong… - I'm in a hurry.
- I have to… - Just wait a second!
I'm busy this afternoon too.
Geez.
It's ready.
Eat up. Ask him after we're done eating.
- Okay. - I want some meat.
- That's good. - Here you go.
What are you consulting on, Juhyeong?
It's related to an eviction lawsuit.
A real estate transfer claim through the creditor's subrogation right.
What? What lawsuit?
It's a lawsuit to evict someone for not paying debts.
You made it sound too fancy.
Did you do that to intimidate her?
It's the same as mine. Tracking someone down over unpaid loans.
It's totally different. I file lawsuits and don't chase people to their homes.
Hey, hurry and eat. You said you were busy.
Cooking it longer was a good idea.
- The flavor needs to infuse in the tofu. - It's really good.
I'd be better if it simmered a bit more.
I forgot my phone!
Goodness.
- Bye. - See you.
Later.
I think you might be misremembering things.
- About what? - We never made plans to meet in Seoul.
That wouldn't have happened.
Try to think carefully again.
That's what all the attitude was about?
I believe I'm remembering it correctly.
This is kind of ridiculous.
ATTORNEY AHN JUHYEONG
Okay.
Is he insane?
IS HE INSANE?
- Huiji, do you have a minute? - Yes, ma'am.
Can you sit in on a consult for me?
Sure.
Mr. Jang Hyeonseok!
I said no one by that name's here.
Are you sure he's not in there? It's the right address.
Yes, it is.
But no one by that name lives here, so leave.
We were here two days ago!
Look, we have documents showing he lives here.
There's a court order to vacate, and we have to enforce it today.
It makes no sense that he's suddenly gone.
Either way, they're not here.
So leave. Get out!
How many times do I…
Is he really not here?
- I need the restroom. - Are you insane?
Get out!
Thank you so much.
I agreed to help because of your circumstances,
but I can't do it next time.
No, I should be the one apologizing.
Gosh.
Hey, hang in there.
Okay.
Thank you.
NEIGHBORLY SAVINGS BANK KIM JAEWAN
Yes, I heard the eviction order didn't go through today.
No. We went, but some stranger answered and claimed
Jang Hyeonseok didn't live there.
Let's consider a provisional injunction to block transfer of occupancy.
First, look at this since that's what you came for.
Okay.
Mr. Na told me you wanted to hear the explanation again
before the hearing date.
Yes. I'm still unclear on a few parts.
Right. We did go over it once by phone before the complaint was filed.
Basically, you loaned him money, right?
Yes, he said he needed it for a lease deposit.
Right, but he hasn't paid back the principal or the interest?
- That's right. - So as collateral,
the lease deposit was transferred to you?
- Yes. - Okay.
In this case, the debtor's lease should have ended first.
But since we acquired the lease deposit claim,
they can't oppose us with a renewed contract.
The original lease term has ended now,
so the contract is considered terminated.
But that doesn't mean
the landlord is required to give back the deposit to us.
The debtor must hand over
the rental property to the landlord first
before the deposit can be returned.
Since that isn't happening,
we're exercising our subrogation right as the creditor
to forcibly claim the property.
That's the lawsuit.
Right.
Okay.
This is us. And this is the debtor.
That's the landlord of the debtor's home.
- Who's this again? - Us?
- The debtor. - The debtor.
DEPOSIT
Now, once you move out,
the public housing corporation can return the deposit to the bank.
The bank is evicting you to get the deposit back.
Does that make sense?
Yes.
Since it's true that you haven't paid the bank back,
so legally, it's hard to block the lawsuit.
Then, does that mean I'll just get kicked out of my house?
You should still fight it somehow. At least try to buy yourself some time.
But the trial's tomorrow.
It seems cases like these are common nowadays.
I heard about a similar one earlier today.
I heard the lawyer's office for the bank was in this building,
so I came to try and plead with them.
I didn't even get to see their lawyer. They turned me away at the door.
I'm grasping at straws, so I came up here.
The floor below us?
Do you know the lawyers downstairs?
COMPLAINT FILED BY LAW GROUP KYUNGMIN ATTORNEYS NA, AHN
What are you consulting on, Juhyeong?
It's related to an eviction lawsuit.
A real estate transfer claim through the creditor's subrogation right.
It's a lawsuit to evict someone for not paying debts.
If you're close to them, could you ask them to drop the case?
The lawyers downstairs are just doing their job
on behalf of the bank.
It's not my place to ask them to drop it. It wouldn't be proper.
Right, of course.
Then, don't you take on any pro bono cases?
I know it's shameless of me to ask.
I'll ask my director and get back to you.
- Thank you. - No problem at all.
I used to take pro bono cases because I wanted to help.
But once word got out,
everyone started showing up asking for free help.
So I stopped.
I can see that.
I do feel for him.
But I'm afraid I can't.
All that fancy talk,
but he's just kicking people out of public housing while acting cool.
COMPLAINT
Don't we need an appointment?
Don't places like this usually take walk-ins?
There are so many law offices here.
How do we know where to go for counseling?
- There's too many to choose from. - Should we try every floor?
- Let's skip the 6th floor. - Why?
That one's a law office, not a law firm.
- Is there a difference? - Doesn't it feel like a smaller operation?
Sixth floor…
A merger?
Some of you run law firms,
and others run law offices.
But don't most people prefer to run a law firm if they could?
Law offices aren't necessarily lesser.
I'm well aware of that.
But do regular folks see it that way?
Probably not.
- Attorney Ahn, are you busy? - Yes.
Attorney Kim Geoncheol left,
so you know we have an open partner spot, right?
- Yes, I'm aware. - Any thoughts of taking that spot?
- All of a sudden? - Come on. You've been at it for 10 years.
Sir, don't keep adding a year every time you bring it up.
It's been eight years since I passed probation
and nine if you're counting by calendar.
Either way, you're due to go solo.
- Yes, well… - Who stays an associate
this long in Seocho-dong?
No, I have no thoughts about that right now.
A few years ago, you talked about starting your own practice with me.
No, I like where I'm at now.
Really?
- Okay, don't worry about it. - Okay.
But we're not a law office. We're already a law firm.
So why should we do this?
You currently have only two registered partners now, right?
Since Attorney Kim left?
You need at least three, excluding associates.
We're planning to bring someone in soon.
If your firm stays non-compliant for a few more months,
you'll end up paying back a ton in taxes.
ATTORNEY KANG HUIJI
- Hello, ma'am. - Hi.
She's coming to the asset seizure tomorrow.
She's really dedicated.
Right? I think we made a good hire.
I had a great feeling about her during the interview.
She's very eager to learn too.
You were so worried since we only had one resume come in.
Exactly. We rarely get applicants.
I hope she doesn't leave soon for some bigger firm though.
No, I don't think she will.
You're saying we should ditch our current independent partners
and only merge with the managing partners here?
If we ditch them, we'd lose headcount. There'd be no point in merging.
You'd need to grow in numbers for it to mean something.
With more lawyers, the firm will look bigger.
And that would help with both business
and recruitment.
Ms. Kang,
it seemed like finding that new hire wasn't easy.
LAW GROUP CHUNGGONG
- Ms. Kim. - Yes?
I need more business cards. Could you order them?
- Sure. - Ms. Kim, hold on.
What's the matter, sir?
Put a hold on ordering those for now.
Sorry?
- But I only have about 20 left. - Just wait a bit, all right?
You don't even use them. Do you use them for something else?
- No, it's not like that. - Exactly, so just hold off.
If the boss says so, there's always a reason.
It's for business reasons.
It's not like you scout clients.
Yes, sir. I understand.
No new cards. Okay?
Gosh.
Thank you.
LAW GROUP CHUNGGONG DIRECTOR SEONG YUDEOK
LAW GROUP CHUNGGONG MANAGING PARTNER SEONG YUDEOK
Hyungmin Building's Law Group…
Hyungmin.
Law Group Hyungmin.
That will be the name of the merged firm.
Well, you've already picked a name? I have no thoughts of joining though.
If you merge,
you'll get the top four floors of our eight-floor building.
A single law firm taking up half the building with a name
that matches the building's?
It looks way more impressive, right?
It'll look like the firm owns the building.
It'll be beneficial.
Hyungmin Building's Law Group Hyungmin.
Law Group Hyungmin in Hyungmin Building.
It'll look great even on a business card.
Law Group Hyungmin, located in Hyungmin Building.
What do you think? It would help with business.
- Right, Director Seong? - I like it.
It's nice.
- Right? I like it. - You already operate separately.
So even if you merge,
you'll still keep your own clients and profits.
Nothing really changes.
Except now, you look like a major firm.
I can't see why you'd say no.
Gosh, Ms. Kim.
You seem to know everything about this field.
Are you a former lawyer?
I've spent my fair share of time in Seocho-dong.
Let's assume we have no reason to turn it down.
But what would you get out of this?
Me? Nothing really.
Then, I won't accept the offer.
Because I don't benefit?
There's no such thing as a deal with zero upside.
Saying you have nothing to gain
just sounds like you have something to hide from us.
You're lawyers through and through.
All right.
Here's the truth.
If your firms merge and share the same name as the building's,
it'll be harder for you to move out.
I want to maintain stable, long-term tenants.
So does that sound convincing enough?
Even with all of that,
if one of us wanted to move somewhere else,
it wouldn't be impossible to open a branch
under the same name.
Well, it's not impossible, but I'm sure it'd be a pain.
Make it easy to enter and hard to leave.
That's basic business.
And one more thing.
If you do merge, I might throw a few cases your way.
Maybe often.
I always have a lot of lawsuits going on around me.
What do you say? Would you like to merge?
ORDER AND GROUNDS
MANAGING PARTNER KANG JEONGYUN
This is Kim Hyungmin.
By 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning,
please let me know your decision regarding the merger.
After that, I won't bring it up again.
Thank you.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
How do you live here and not pay your debts?
Hello.
Hello!
What about Mr. Eom?
He said he had an errand to do early this morning.
I guess he'll be a little late.
Okay, we'll just open the door then.
We'll open the door and begin the asset seizure.
Are you the creditor?
- Yes. - Okay, right here.
Just sign here, please.
CREDITOR: SON DEBTOR: KIM
And…
- Here. - Are you the witness for the creditor?
- Yes. - Here.
Please sign here.
Hey, Jeongsik!
- What? - Put that out and come here.
Here, sign this.
- Sign it here? - Yeah.
Okay.
All right, then. We'll open the door.
Okay.
Excuse me.
What are you people doing?
We're from Seoul Eastern District Court.
According to case 2024-65123, we'll proceed with the asset seizure.
- Sir, please open the door. - You can't just barge in!
- Please move, sir. - Stop it!
- Come on, sir! - Sir!
- How dare you barge in? - Can I leave now?
Hang on. You signed as a witness, so you should at least step inside.
I'm busy though.
For goodness' sake.
Hold on!
I'm done.
- Don't waste your energy, dear. - Right!
Come in or don't! I don't care!
- Easy! This flooring isn't cheap. - Please excuse us.
What are these fools doing here this early?
- Come this way. - Okay.
- Hey, upstairs… - Pay back the money!
- What money? - Pay back what you borrowed!
I said I would, you fool!
Oh, my God!
If that breaks, you're paying for it!
- Yes, we'll take care of it. - Why are you going into the kitchen?
You scoundrels!
- Tag that silver tray too. - What silver tray?
- That's not silver! - Sir.
This is obstruction. Please step aside.
- Come on! - That blue painting.
The blue one? Here it is.
Hey, who are you?
For someone looking so clean-cut, why pull this nonsense?
- Get out! - She's the creditor's witness.
Quiet! Get out of here!
What a joke!
Unbelievable!
You'll be charged with obstruction!
- Fine, whatever! - Whatever? Okay!
Why are you opening that?
That's where my underwear is! How dare you touch them, you creep?
- Are you a pervert? - Don't be ridiculous!
- What do you want with women's underwear? - Geez, I don't want them!
- Don't stick that label there! - Yes, ma'am.
- My clothes are going to get ruined! - They won't.
My goodness, this is unbelievable. Why are you digging through everything?
- Don't tag that! - We have to look through all of this.
I don't believe this!
- And over here… - No, not there!
Gosh, there's a bunch.
Seriously, that's…
- What am I going to do? - Sir!
- Yes? - Over here!
- Just a moment. - Are you nuts? Why are you opening that?
My goodness.
Why did you open that? What are you doing?
You can't go up! Don't!
My goodness!
- I knew it. - Seriously, these…
All of these were borrowed, okay?
We borrowed all of these!
They're not mine. None of them are mine!
- Seriously! - Why on earth are you doing this?
- What? - What you're doing is obstruction!
I want to be naked in my own house!
So what's it to you?
- Put it back on! - Put what on?
- Get dressed. - Don't touch me!
But you touched other people's money!
I didn't touch a thing! Get out!
Yeah. That's a good idea.
Yeah! Let's all strip. Come on!
Hold on!
- Happy now? Satisfied? - How dare you?
- Do you? - Get out!
- Aren't you hot? - Come out!
- Take it off! We have nothing to lose! - Hold on!
Sir, is this right?
What else can we do if they keep acting like that?
Hey! What are you doing there?
Who said you can use the bathroom?
You…
What are you looking at?
You stripped to make us look and feel uncomfortable!
Well, we saw and we were uncomfortable. Happy?
Gosh.
I'm sorry, Ms. Kang.
There must've been an accident somewhere. Traffic was so bad.
It's okay.
Things happen.
I'm sorry.
It must have been really tough.
I'm okay.
Let's just go.
I went up to the secret room,
and there were tons of bags and paintings.
Then, I heard yelling downstairs.
I went down and Chairman Kim was taking off all his clothes.
- Seriously… - Gosh.
See? I told you not to go.
I told you rich people aren't easy to deal with.
They have so much and don't want to lose any of it.
Also, it's not something to be so upset about.
Rich or not, people just do whatever they can.
Come on.
- That doesn't mean they should. - Exactly.
Where's the food?
I said we shouldn't come here. The food takes forever.
That's because they only start breading the pork cutlets
right when you order.
That's why it's so good.
I have a trial this afternoon.
Always acting busy.
You should've brought your files like I did,
so you can head straight to court.
- What trial is it? - You know. The real estate transfer claim.
The one against Jang Hyeonseok?
How did you know?
That's the case where a savings bank
was suing a public housing tenant for eviction.
It must feel bad to work on the case.
Did you feel bad during the asset seizure?
They both didn't pay, so we acted. What's there to feel bad about?
But how did you even know about Juhyeong's case?
Jang Hyeonseok came to us for a consult.
It turned out to be Juhyeong's case.
By chance?
Not exactly.
He wanted me to ask Juhyeong to drop the case.
Why didn't you tell me?
Still, I couldn't ask you to drop it. It's your job.
That's surprising.
I thought you were nosy like a certain someone.
I guess you're not that bad.
Me? Are you talking about me?
I'm not that bad.
Why are you so serious?
I have feelings too, okay?
- What? - Here are your pork cutlets.
Thank you. I'll take mine first.
Thank you.
- Shouldn't you eat first? - Go on and eat.
See you.
- Bye. - Bye.
Coffee?
Why are you always cold to only me?
I was cold to only you?
Do you have main character syndrome?
If we consider the past, I should be the one being cold.
But why are you doing that to me?
What did I do back then?
You said we should meet up, and then…
Never mind. Why bother?
Well, I wouldn't know since I don't remember you that well.
So he's not insane? He's just a jerk?
Defendant? Mr. Jang Hyeonseok?
Please sit.
You sue someone to evict them just because they missed a payment?
You call yourself a lawyer?
Then, you can just repay them.
Shouldn't the court be protecting people like me?
Please sit.
Counsel for the plaintiff, is there any chance of a settlement?
No, the plaintiff won't settle unless the full amount is repaid.
If I had the money, I would've paid!
What do you want me to do?
Sit down!
Defendant.
One more disrespectful outburst, and I'll hold you in contempt.
Yes, I'm sorry.
So Defendant, you can't repay what you borrowed. Is that correct?
Yes, that's right.
Then, it's true.
So why are you getting this worked up?
Excuse me, sir!
Look, isn't there any other way?
Just pay back the debt.
But it's not like I'm refusing to pay on purpose!
If you borrowed money, please repay it.
That's our client's stance.
WE REQUEST THE CLAIMS BE UPHELD
What a long day!
Time to go home.
Time to go home…
The kid acted out, so I gave them a warning.
That's a relief.
Actually, we're planning to merge floors 5 through 8.
So we've started clearing people out.
Your drink.
Please, continue.
I'll get going.
My goodness, I'm so tired!
SUPREME COURT UPDATE
Do they always have to send these at night?
A CREDITOR OF A PUBLIC HOUSING TENANT
TERMINATED THE LEASE ON THEIR BEHALF
A CREDITOR OF A PUBLIC HOUSING TENANT
TERMINATED THE LEASE ON THEIR BEHALF
What are we supposed to do now?
I'm here for a divorce consultation.
I see.
- Sir. - Thank you.
The Supreme Court set a new precedent. The case is exactly like ours.
It says going forward, it'll be harder to evict public housing tenants
like Jang Hyeonseok.
Then, what?
Given this, dropping the lawsuit would be the right move.
LAW GROUP KYUNGMIN
Listen, these public housing leases run 10, sometimes 20 years.
So we just sit and wait until it ends?
That would mean a huge loss for our bank. Isn't there anything we can do?
This precedent literally came out yesterday.
Jang Hyeonseok probably doesn't know,
and even the judge may not be aware of it yet.
Then, what do we do?
Just because we know about this precedent
doesn't mean we're obligated to bring it up.
- Let's proceed as is. - Is that okay?
Yes, that's what we should do.
Act natural.
- Don't look here and just act natural. - Hurry up and take it!
- There you go. - Can I eat naturally?
No, wait!
- Hurry up. - Hold on!
- You're taking all day! - Help me out!
The cream is melting.
- Done? Can I eat the cake? - Hold on.
Isn't your blog called "A Lawyer's Table?" Why take photos of drinks then?
That narrow-minded mindset won't get you far.
Then rename it.
"A Lawyer's Food and Beverage."
That sounds awful.
- Come on. - What?
What?
No one called you.
- What are you so deep in thought about? - It's nothing.
What do you mean "It's nothing"?
Even through the camera, I can see your face is full of worry.
Yeah, spill it. Big bro's listening.
Did you have a blind date and you liked her?
- How about another bet? - There she goes again.
I guess you saw the precedent.
Isn't that what it's about?
Wait, you read it?
- It came out yesterday. - Wait.
You read a precedent that came out yesterday?
Is there an exam we need to take?
What's with you two?
You're dropping the case because of it, right?
Nope. We're not dropping it.
You're not?
In that case, the plaintiff was also a bank,
and the defendant was a public housing tenant.
They used the deposit as collateral when the loan was given.
- It's the exact same as yours. - Were you shut down by the precedent?
- Wasn't it going to be an easy win? - I know. I read it carefully too.
Wait! How did you even find out about a precedent that came out yesterday?
But if you proceed, you'll lose the case.
I might've lost against you,
but not with these two.
What?
- Did you know about it? - I have no idea what you're talking about.
- Can't we win too? - Did you see it yesterday?
- I guess not. - Can we not while we eat?
- Not reading is normal. - You just jumped to that conclusion.
He's not just a jerk. He's a total thug.
ASK AHN JUHYEONG FOR DIFFICULT CASES
How am I supposed to ask a jerk like this for advice?
COMPLAINT
DEFENDANT'S DEFAULT AND EVENT OF DEFAULT
COMPLAINT FILED BY LAW GROUP KYUNGMIN ATTORNEYS NA, AHN
Yes, this case was continued,
because the defendant requested more time to repay the loan.
So, has there been any progress since then?
Your Honor, I haven't paid it back yet,
but I brought a written statement that I'd like to submit.
RECEIPT
SIGNATURE
WRITTEN STATEMENT
LATEST SUPREME COURT PRECEDENT
- You said I could play with it after you! - It's not even yours!
I want to play with my friends too!
Don't run! The neighbors are going to complain!
- Honey, stop. - You promised I could play after you!
We don't even know how long we'll be staying here.
- Who's that? - Who is it?
Hush. Wait inside.
Hello.
They're notes my predecessor wrote.
I don't understand the part he marked.
Gosh, look at these insane indents.
I know. That firm always formats like that.
I'm not an expert,
but I heard the Supreme Court recently ruled that people like me
can't be kicked out anymore, so I submitted that information.
There was a relevant precedent?
Counsel for the plaintiff, were you aware of this?
- Yes. - With this precedent,
it's hard to say
that the defendant still has an obligation to vacate.
Counsel for the plaintiff, have you had time to review this?
We'll take a closer look and either withdraw the claim
or submit a rebuttal before the next hearing.
All right, please do.
But it seems to me
that a withdrawal might be your best option.
I'll discuss it with my client.
Sir, I'm sorry.
I became so angry during the last trial and acted so rudely towards you.
I'm not usually like that.
No, it's all right.
I just didn't want to end up out on the street.
We're all just doing whatever we can.
You didn't have any personal animosity towards me.
- Don't worry about it. - Thank you.
You were taking too long, so we started eating.
- We literally just started. - How was your trial?
Come eat.
What was that, Ms. Kang?
It was pro bono.
Someone was focused on personal gain, so I did some public interest work.
You should've officially signed on and shown up then.
Are you mad I didn't show up at court?
I'm not mad.
- What happened? - I think we should stay quiet.
You said you weren't that nosy.
But that wasn't pro bono. That was meddling.
The precedent's already out.
It's not like I made it up.
- I just let things follow their course. - Do you agree with that precedent?
- What? - Do you agree with the Supreme Court?
Are you saying you disagree with it?
Public housing exists to protect people who have a hard time
finding homes like Jang Hyeonseok.
You can't just kick them out so easily.
You think I'm the bad guy.
You wonder why I took this case.
I'm not criticizing you for taking it.
But you should at least feel uneasy about it.
You should be aware of what you're doing.
You said it was "public interest work"?
Are you sure that really was in the public's interest?
For lawyers, public interest means defending their client's rights.
Making the other side accountable for their violations.
That is public interest.
Thinking beyond that is arrogance.
Does that belief make you feel better?
It's not that thought of arrogance holding you back.
You just lack the courage to think that far.
It seems you're the one who doesn't know what they're saying.
What do you think would happen if I told the bank to drop the lawsuit
and that they can't sue anyone who can't repay anymore?
What do you think would immediately happen?
Less people would be kicked out of their homes by banks.
Banks are going to stop lending to people like Jang Hyeonseok.
The world isn't that black and white.
If one thing changes, everything else related to it changes.
We're sorry, sir.
For now, we can't offer deposit loans for public housing.
It's due to a Supreme Court precedent.
That was for people who didn't repay their loans.
- I don't miss my interest payments. - I'm sorry.
So even if awarded public housing,
more people won't be able to move in because they can't cover the deposit.
If collateral can't be enforced, you think banks would still lend?
That means the ones who borrow and repay properly end up suffering.
And still, you're certain this is public interest?
Why do you only see one side?
When a person loses their home, their entire world falls apart.
Do you think one person's world counts as public interest?
Hey, stop it.
- You're so loud. - She's right.
Hey, cut it out!
You said not to act like a lawyer, but you're doing it the most!
Sorry, don't mind us. Please eat. Sorry.
Eat before your food gets cold.
- Let's eat. - Sorry.
We're really sorry.
- Have you made a decision? - Yes.
Please file the withdrawal.
We've reviewed it internally
and decided to look for another solution.
I see.
I'll also think it over and see if there's another way.
Okay.
Withdrawing is simple.
But the issue is what will follow.
I know.
- It's dragging on for a while. - What is?
Come on!
You've known each other 10 years. Let's make up.
Shake hands. Okay?
Ten years? Says who?
Ten years, my foot.
You were the one who first said that.
Changwon, I think we should stay quiet.
- Why am I always told to stay quiet? - Have some dumplings.
Thanks.
You knew I liked dumplings?
I'm not criticizing you for taking it.
But you should at least feel uneasy about it.
You should be aware of what you're doing.
When a person loses their home, their entire world falls apart.
What does she know?
As if I haven't had those thoughts either.
If one thing changes, everything else related to it changes.
For lawyers, public interest means defending their client's rights.
Making the other side accountable for their violations.
That is public interest.
Thinking beyond that is arrogance.
He's the most arrogant one.
SPECIAL HANDOVER NOTES
PLACE TO RELAX WATCH PEOPLE RUN LAPS AT SNUE'S STADIUM
NEW MAIL ALERT
MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT
AS OF TODAY, LAW GROUP KYUNGMIN
HAS OFFICIALLY ENTERED THE PROCESS OF A MERGER
WITH JOHWA, CHUNGGONG, AND HOJEON
A merger?
LAW GROUP HYUNGMIN
Where did he run off to?
I BELIEVE I'M REMEMBERING IT CORRECTLY
THIS IS KIND OF RIDICULOUS
KANG HUIJI
Law and The City
Just be honest.
You remember, don't you?
You're still pretty though.
I guess the merger really did happen.
We're all under one roof now.
Don't get empathize.
You'll lose objectivity and hinder your work.
You don't empathize, because you can't feel anything.
It's not by choice, okay?
- Are you really a lawyer? - It's all on her.
Something feels off.
Either way, someone died, Mr. Kim!
Need help with something?
Translated by Hye Min Eom