LAW AND THE CITY
CHARACTERS, ORGANIZATIONS, EVENTS, AND PLACES IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTITIOUS
EPISODE 6: HEARTFELT WORDS
Did you know Attorney Ha was from a wealthy family?
I had no idea. I just found out from the article.
Seriously, I was shocked.
How can you be that two-faced? It's so scary.
- Is he hiding how he's rich? - That's enough.
Let's get to work.
- Yes, ma'am. - Yes, ma'am.
HA, THE ELDEST SON OF HANGUK GROUP'S CEO, DREW ATTENTION FOR…
STARTING HIS LEGAL CAREER AT A SEOCHO-DONG LAW FIRM…
- Could I get a piece of rolled omelette? - Sure.
Are those reporters?
Maybe it's from Hanguk Group's secretary.
Read the room.
What?
HELLO ATTORNEY HA PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL
Together?
- I've never teamed up on a case before. - Okay, then.
They only have one associate. Attorney Kang will likely handle it.
We have two, so I'll ask Attorney Bae.
I'll just take it.
Our advisor, Ms. Kim, gave us the case on the condition
we work with a firm from another floor.
I see.
Here he comes.
So you're taking the case, Attorney Ahn?
Am I working on it with him?
Yes.
You two know each other, right?
Yes.
Now that I see you two like this, you look pretty good together.
Sorry?
All right. Please take good care of Attorney Kang.
Don't get distracted.
So which side are we representing?
The plaintiff, Kang Changjun.
WRONGFUL TERMINATION SUIT
Hey! Say something!
You never listen to a damn thing!
How many times have I told you? What? It hurts?
Now this punk's not even answering me.
Hey. I said answer me.
Answer me, you punk!
You little bastard!
You son of a…
Get up, you punk.
Get up.
We got a report about a fight.
Thank you for coming.
Hello, officers.
I heard it wasn't much of an issue though.
We're fine. You can go.
Since we received a call, we still need to check.
There's no problem. We can't have you come in like this.
- Were they the two fighting? - Not at all. It's not a big deal.
Have you seen him hit anyone before?
No, it was my first time.
If it happened before, I wouldn't have been shocked.
But he was beating the kid like a dog.
It didn't seem right, so I called the cops.
But the kid goes and says he was never hit.
And they told you to stop coming in the next day?
Yes.
Once they heard I called the cops, they fired me right away.
What was the reason they gave?
It probably wasn't because you called the cops, right?
There was no reason. They just said I was fired.
I did nothing wrong. Why should I get fired?
This counts as wrongful termination, right?
Aside from everything else,
no proper steps were taken in the termination process.
If we focus on that, it should be an easy case.
Under labor laws, they did skip every step of the termination process.
Isn't that all we need then?
But before that, we have to see if Kang Changjun counts as an employee.
He's a club DJ, but do labor laws cover him?
His employment status.
You're right.
That needs to be recognized first. But from what we've heard, it's iffy.
There's no contract, no insurance,
and no suitable way to prove working hours.
And he didn't work every day.
What about pay? He must've been paid.
Yes, he probably was.
But since he didn't have a regular five-day work week,
that amount likely changed every month.
So it wouldn't look like a fixed salary.
- It'll look like he just got paid per gig. - Right.
Even if he's recognized as an employee,
Kang Changjun has been accused of filing a false report against Lee Dongsu.
In the end, it might not count as wrongful termination.
Even if this termination is deemed invalid due to procedural issues,
they could just fire him again by taking proper procedures.
Exactly. That's the point.
Then, should we go meet that guy first?
- Who? - Jeong Minkyu, the person who was hit.
Where?
You came like this?
Look who's talking.
I'm here for work. What else would I wear?
You're not supposed to show that.
At least, take your tie off.
Geez, why would I take it off?
Just listen to me.
Let's undo just two buttons.
Okay, fine. I'll do it myself.
- Take off the jacket. - The jacket too? It's cold.
- Take it off. - Yes, ma'am.
That's much better.
Did we have to come here though?
Even Mr. Kang didn't have his contact information.
I'm sure we would've found that out later.
We can't wait around for that. Let's go.
You said you were here for work.
Is Jeong Minkyu here by any chance?
- Who? - Jeong Minkyu.
Try over there.
Excuse me.
Are you looking for the restroom?
Only employees can be here, so you can't come in.
You're Jeong Minkyu, right?
- Who are you? - You know Kang Changjun, right?
- Yes. - We are his lawyers.
When you were assaulted, Mr. Kang reported it and got fired for it.
- He got fired? - Yes.
We wanted to hear your side of what happened that day.
He was mistaken and filed the report.
I'm sorry, but I'm kind of busy.
We might be able to help you too, Mr. Jeong.
I got hit because I deserved it. It wasn't a big deal.
It's not serious enough to need your help.
Next time you come by,
book a table through me.
That's what will help me.
I don't know what happened,
but no one deserves to get hit.
No matter what you did,
Lee Dongsu had no right to lay hands on you.
So if you change your mind, please give me a call.
Who are you?
This area's for staff only. You can't come in here.
I wonder where you could be from.
Aren't you looking for a DJ here?
I heard there's an opening.
- A DJ? - I wasn't sure who I should talk to.
Both of you?
You don't take DJ teams?
"Aren't you looking for a DJ?"
"You don't take DJ teams?"
You mentioned the DJ thing first, so I had to go along with it.
You could've said "manager" instead.
- Call you the manager? - No, yourself.
Anyone would see that you'd be my manager and I'd be the DJ.
You don't exactly look like a DJ either.
So do you think he'll call us?
Getting his statement won't be easy, but let's wait and see.
I forgot to take this off.
- Give me your wrist. - No, it's okay.
No…
You must've been to a lot of clubs.
- Yes. You haven't? - I haven't.
And you call yourself a DJ.
24 HOURS HANGOVER FIX
This is my stop.
- Okay. See you tomorrow. - Bye.
Hello, Attorney Kang!
- Hello, sir. - Did you just get in to work?
Yes. Are you going somewhere?
I just ran out of coffee this morning, so I'm heading to the store.
Would you like these?
They're great when coffee's a bit much for the stomach.
Goodness, thank you!
Hello.
How long will it take?
Just a moment.
- Sir, what's all that? - That?
They're installing a base station in our building.
Really?
I heard the rent being paid for this is pretty sweet too.
So is Ms. Kim going to give you a bonus?
No, nothing like that!
Well, go on up then.
All right, have a good day.
Thank you.
OPERATION BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Do you need anything else?
This should be enough to make a case.
And if it's ruled to be wrongful termination,
you're entitled to back pay for the time you weren't able to work
- We'll add this to your claim as well. - No.
I have no reason to leave.
I only care about proving I'm not at fault.
I don't want to get paid for the days I missed.
This is a legal right that protects you from wrongful termination.
You don't have to think that way.
As long as I can work again with my head held high, that's all I need.
But do you really want to go back and work there again?
Yes.
I came from the countryside and worked so hard to make it in a Hongdae club.
There's no reason to stay away.
I did nothing wrong.
Okay, we'll stick to only having the termination invalidated.
Thank you.
Hello, this is Law Group Hyungmin.
Yes, where are you calling from?
Yes?
A fellow alumnus from my school?
Okay, put him through.
Hello, I'm on the line.
- Attorney Ha? - Yes, speaking.
Hi, I'm Lee Minwoo from HR Hunting.
I'm a recruiter.
You went to Gwangseong Law School, right? I'm a graduate too.
I see.
I'm sorry, but how can I help you?
A startup that just closed its Series C funding round
wants to bring you in as its director.
Would you be interested?
They're guaranteeing corporate executive-level pay.
Me?
Yes.
They specifically asked for you, which is why I'm reaching out.
But I've never actually worked in-house before.
Why me though?
Well, they're looking to build ties with Hanguk Group.
It sounds like they're hoping you can give them some leverage.
I'm sorry. I have to go.
Is it okay…
if I bring it up?
About what exactly?
That article…
Is it true?
It's not.
Okay.
Then, that's what our firm will go with.
- Let me know if you have any issues. - I don't.
Okay.
It's freezing.
- He's here. - Where's Sanggi?
He had something urgent to do and told us to eat first.
All right.
So?
No one's going to mention Sanggi?
He wanted us to play dumb.
Was that what he meant?
Yes, it was.
I told you to read the room.
- Is yours bulgogi? - Yeah.
- Trade with me. - Okay.
But did you guys know about it?
We had no idea.
- Did you? - No, I had no clue.
I was the one most in the dark.
Why are you so upset about that?
He wanted us in the dark.
Yeah, let's give Sanggi some time.
What's with you now?
Damn it.
- Are you leaving just now? - Yeah.
You should have told me.
- About what? - That my family made money
working under yours.
It must've been so laughable every time I mentioned it.
It's not like that.
Maybe not for you.
But if I suddenly find out like this,
how could I not think that?
It's not what you think.
What is it then?
What's your deal?
You still have nothing to say to me?
It's not just about my family.
I thought we were a lot closer than some random coworker.
I thought we could be honest about everything.
I never talk about my family to just anyone. I did it since it was you.
I guess only I thought we were friends.
I'm sorry.
The defendant has denied the plaintiff's employment status claim,
and the plaintiff has submitted materials to prove it.
Yes, Your Honor.
- Yes, Your Honor. - Plaintiff's counsel.
Could you briefly explain the evidence?
Yes, Your Honor.
First, please refer to Exhibit 3, the plaintiff's subway transit records.
He consistently clocked in and out at the same times
at the club run by the defendant.
If you refer to the plaintiff's cell phone records in Exhibit 4…
These show he was always in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu during work hours,
which is where the defendant's club is located.
Regardless of his performance schedule,
he had clearly set working hours.
The pay received by the plaintiff may appear to vary each month,
but you can see it matches his days worked,
and it has nothing to do with the number of performances.
He was paid for showing up for work, not for performing.
Most importantly, the messages between the plaintiff and defendant
prove that he was working
under the defendant's supervision and control.
Work the 11:00 p.m. and the 3:00 a.m.
That's why I said to get in there.
You have nothing for today. Just go home.
- Defense counsel. - Yes, Your Honor?
Are those texts really from the defendant?
- Defense counsel? - Is it true that you sent them?
Counsel, who are you talking to?
The defendant, Lee Dongsu.
Are you the defendant?
- Yes. - Step forward, please.
- Defense counsel. - Yes, Your Honor?
Did you know he was back there?
Well…
If you were present, you should've sat up front.
Why were you back there?
Should I take that as a sign you're hiding something?
No, it's not like that.
The termination process wasn't followed, was it?
He wasn't an employee, so it wasn't a termination.
Did you follow the procedure?
A club DJ isn't an employee.
It seems you sat back there without listening.
That is exactly what we've proven.
Kang Changjun is an employee.
Plaintiff's counsel.
Please refrain from addressing the other party directly.
Yes, Your Honor. I apologize.
- Nice work today. - Hello, Ms. Kim.
I was curious and stopped by.
- You came well-prepared. - Yes.
You.
I have proof you filed a false police report anyway.
I can just fire you again for that.
Jeong Minkyu already testified.
There really was an assault, and the report wasn't false.
I'm here because I kept thinking about what you said.
But it just doesn't feel right.
If I testify, do you really think I can keep working there?
Mr. Kang reported it
to help you, Mr. Jeong.
I never asked for his help.
Other go out of their way to help you.
But why won't you do the same and take care of yourself?
There's no such thing as deserving to be hit.
You don't have to testify for us.
But at the very least, protect yourself.
I'll help you.
THE DJ CALLED THE POLICE
LEE DONGSU SLAPPED AND STOMPED ON ME
STATEMENT BY JEONG MINKYU
That little bastard, Minkyu.
Jeong Minkyu will be pressing charges soon.
Just leave me alone!
Why do you keep chasing me around and annoying me?
How does Lee Dongsu know our advisor?
Who's your advisor?
You don't know her?
I don't.
Really?
Is she seriously that rich?
She owns the building.
- This building? - Yeah.
Unbelievable.
Did you know that?
Well, I kind of figured it out.
It's Kim Hyungmin's Hyungmin Building.
You're right.
Did you guys know?
- No, I didn't. - What about you?
I didn't know either.
I'm a little…
out of the loop these days.
What's with that reaction?
Since when do you stay calm about such huge news?
I can't make such a fuss all the time.
What?
What's up with him?
A BETTER TOMORROW, CORRECTION FOR HOPE
You'll be back in a few days anyway,
so drop the pride.
You'll only hurt yourself.
Hello.
You can just go in.
Hello.
Hello, Mr. Seong.
When you wanted to switch firms for the salary, I actually respected that.
You were honest. They offered more, so going made sense.
Who cares if it's right upstairs or next door?
Now, I see that was all a lie.
Just say you didn't like our firm. Why blame it on the salary?
It's not like that, sir.
If it's because of that article, it's a big misunderstanding.
Okay.
- It'll be a little cold. - Okay.
INCHEON JUNGBU POLICE STATION SUSPECT, KIM YUJIN
THIS PERSON HAS BEEN PLACED UNDER EMERGENCY ARREST
FOR A DRUG-RELATED OFFENSE UNDER THE NARCOTICS CONTROL ACT
She's my daughter.
I see.
I don't know where to start.
You can take your time.
Or would it be easier if I asked you first?
No.
I'll tell you.
When she was younger,
we sent her to study in the US.
She was in eighth grade.
I think that's where I should start,
because that was the wrong decision.
Did your daughter go alone?
Yes, we sent her by herself.
Her father and I had too much going on here.
We believed sending her alone
was the best thing for her future.
She's our daughter.
So we believed she'd do just fine on her own.
And she started using drugs while she was there?
Yes.
She said her first time was in college.
To be honest,
we were aware of it earlier.
We took her to therapy,
brought her back to Korea,
and even moved to the US
to live with her.
But nothing worked.
Then,
does Yujin have any prior drug charges?
No.
This was her first arrest.
It was an emergency arrest.
Do you know where it happened?
Incheon Airport.
She was arrested on landing.
On landing?
Someone must have tipped off the authorities then.
- Do you know who it was? - Yes.
It was me.
She may be our daughter, but we had reached our limit.
So,
we told her to come home…
and we turned her in.
Still,
we want to get her out.
That's why I'm here.
Attorney Bae, please do what you can for her.
- Going home? - Yeah.
Going home?
Yeah.
What's with this tension?
This feels weird.
Hello. Are you Attorney Ha Sanggi?
- What? - We're from News Off.
It's for a follow-up on law school nepotism.
No, you have the wrong person.
From the list, your background's the most privileged.
Excuse me.
- Stop. He said no! - Did you earn it?
- Okay, we got it! - Stop!
You have the wrong person.
Don't be like that. We know everything. Please give us a word.
- I said it's not me. - Attorney Ha.
- Stop. - We know about you.
- Talk with me. Go on. - Mr. Ha.
I said go on ahead.
It won't cost a thing!
- Mr. Ha! - Hey!
Hold on…
I know a lot of fun stories.
Come on.
WITH FISH ROE RICE AND SHRIMP TEMPURA
A PERFECT MEAL
THAT'S IT FOR TODAY'S LAWYER'S TABLE
A RICH KID'S SECRET HOBBY! EATING POOR PEOPLE FOOD
NO WONDER WHY PEOPLE CALL IT MODERN-DAY NEPOTISM
BOUGHT THE GOOD LIFE WITH A FAT WALLET
LAW SCHOOL ELITES, THIS IS HOW YOU FLEX
A LAWYER'S TABLE BLOG
ENTER TITLE
THIS IS HA SANGGI
A LAWYER'S TABLE NEW POST
That lunatic.
Now, of all times?
THIS IS HA SANGGI
Back in college, I was nicknamed "The Spirit of Spring."
I'd vanish during the fall semester
and reappear at springtime the next year without fail.
That's how the nickname stuck.
I had to work every fall
just to afford school in the spring.
That's why it took me eight years to graduate.
I was born poor and with pretty much nothing.
During a childhood where every day was a struggle,
studying was the only thing I could do.
It felt like the only way out.
After graduating college,
I didn't have the time or means to even think about law school.
But after working for six months,
I felt compelled to go back and study again.
Maybe I really was The Spirit of Spring.
Without support from the school and scholarships,
I never could've become a lawyer.
I've always been thankful of the anonymous generosity
and aid system for the warmth they provided.
Someday, I hope I can pass on that kindness to someone else.
Modern-day nepotism?
I don't know much about that.
All I know is that students are just working hard
to become good lawyers.
The person you mistook for me because of our similar names
probably did the same.
So please, don't point fingers at him either.
Also,
I truly hope no one else
has to ever prove their poverty
the way I did tonight.
SEOKGO BLOOD SAUSAGE SOUP
Could I get a bowl of gukbap, please?
This isn't dinner, is it?
- I had dinner hours ago. - Then, why not just rest?
What are you doing here this late?
I'm fine. You're the one who should stop working this late.
I have to keep working as long as my boss still gives me shifts.
Sitting around only makes me ill.
Who gets ill from resting? You get ill from overworking.
- More radish kimchi, please! - All right.
Hold on.
Have a fried egg before you go.
I handled Sujeong's divorce case.
- What? - What?
I represented the husband in his lawsuit against her.
- It was settled in mediation. - No way.
- We met up afterwards and talked too.
No way.
Actually, I've been doing prison visitations lately.
- Prison visitations? - You know.
You go every day to keep them company
share news, and entertain them like a butler.
Things you shouldn't do.
- You're doing that? - Your boss made you do that?
I know. They don't even check my ID at the front desk anymore.
I'm there that often.
Actually, I'm pregnant.
- What? - What?
That's why I haven't taken my allergy meds out of caution.
I cut out coffee and obviously alcohol.
It worries me when I work all night and even when I run.
Wait. Does Jiseok know about this?
- Since when? How long has it been? - They said it's been six weeks.
I knew all of this already.
- What? - What? How?
You kept checking your period cycle and spitting your food out.
- What about Juhyeong? - When I ran into him at family court,
I looked up the case number and parties.
- What about Changwon? - He told me about it.
Wow, you're…
You're amazing.
Wasn't today supposed to be about me?
- Why would it be? - Why you?
- What about you? - For what?
I bet you didn't know this,
- but when I was younger… - We know.
You wrote a whole essay last night. No need to pretend.
You knew about it?
You put it out there for the world to see.
- You wanted us to play dumb. - Hey, hold on.
- What? - You took eight years to finish college
and had a job in between…
So you never did your military service?
This punk's been pretending all along!
I did serve, you idiot! For six months.
My dad's a national honoree.
- This won't taste good if it goes cold! - Yes, ma'am. We'll eat right away.
Hurry up and eat.
Hey.
I…
I'm sorry.
It's all right.
About yesterday…
Thanks for that.
I take it back! How embarrassing.
I didn't mean it either, you punk!
I cringed before you did, you fool!
- Okay? Wait for me. - He's so weird.
Hey, wait for me.
I thought you were just asking me to play dumb.
But it really wasn't you?
That's right.
I told you that it wasn't me.
Then, why didn't you just strongly deny it from the start?
Why wait until after receiving all those insults?
What?
- Did you read all the comments? - Well…
I mean, they were everywhere.
Was it that hard to say it wasn't you?
That it was just someone else with a similar name?
Well, I mean…
I simply hoped it would pass by.
I just…
I didn't want to relive how I grew up poor,
and if I denied it too loudly,
it'd be as if I was bashing the real guy instead.
I didn't want that either.
I didn't know you had such a side.
I figured you were all about yourself.
Yes, it turns out I did have such a side.
I guess so.
Come in.
What are you doing?
You can't just walk in here.
We're still collaborating on Kang Changjun's case.
That case is closed. We're all done, so why?
The verdict hasn't been delivered yet.
- The verdict? - Let's go.
Why would we go to that?
Don't you want to see it? It's your first collaboration in 10 years.
Come on, we'll be late.
I told you it's nine years, not 10.
Fine, nine years.
We have to hurry.
Okay.
Civil case number 2024-25134.
Plaintiff, Kang Changjun. Defendant, Lee Dongsu.
Absent, I presume?
Present.
Mr. Kang's side is present?
- Yes. - And the plaintiff himself?
Yes, that's correct.
All right, here's the ruling.
The court declares that the termination issued by the defendant
to the plaintiff on September 3rd, 2024
is hereby declared invalid.
Court fees are to be paid by the defendant.
We rule in favor of the plaintiff.
Thank you.
Civil case number 2024-1987.
Plaintiff, Butino.
Defendant, Flip LLC.
Absent, I presume?
The court orders that the plaintiff's claim be dismissed.
Court fees are to be paid by the plaintiff.
So? Aren't you glad you came?
We didn't even do anything. We were going to win anyways too.
Damn it.
Hey.
Why did you have to introduce me to Jiseok
so I'd get me married and now pregnant?
Why are you getting angry over a blessing?
A blessing? Says who? Who are you to decide that?
By the way, that's up to me.
But I haven't decided yet, so zip it.
Damn it.
Is it really tough?
It's tough.
I have so much to worry about because of this.
I don't even have any maternal instincts.
And I doubt I ever will.
That's it?
Why do you think you need maternal instincts?
Of course, you need them.
You have to raise a kid.
But you've always liked people.
You just have a habit of cursing a lot.
So you'll love your kid too.
Why are you so worried? Does it have to be maternal instincts?
I've…
always liked people?
Yeah. Didn't you know?
You've been weirdly warm these days.
No, I haven't.
Attorney Cho, Jang Sugil is out today.
They said his verdict hearing is today.
Verdict hearing?
I mean, goodness.
You're back.
Now that I'm seeing you outside,
you look much better.
I told you I'd get out.
He was cleared. Innocent.
- I see. Congratulations. - Thank you for these.
Yes, enjoy.
I wasn't joking the other day.
Come work for me. I'll take care of you.
I'll see you again.
Take this to my office.
What on earth is the prosecution doing?
They let him slip through?
ATTORNEY CHO CHANGWON
They do have pretty female lawyers here. Why did they stick me with a guy?
What the hell's with this lowlife?
Do you know me?
Move!
I'm sorry.
What was that?
Do I really like people?
Everyone, gather up. This one's on me.
It's a pregnancy party!
BORING JISEOK
- Hello? - Are you home?
I'm on my way. I'm on the subway. Are you at the office?
Yeah, I'm still here.
- I might be a little late. - Okay, got it.
That's why you called?
- No. - Then?
Phone's dying, so make it quick.
- What? What is it? - I'm pregnant.
Hello?
- Yeah. - I said I'm pregnant.
It's been six weeks.
Right.
That's it.
- They're still not here yet? - No.
Munjeong.
What's going on? Why did you suddenly come?
It's just…
Earlier,
I was just so shocked.
I was in shock.
Well…
My phone. It ran out of battery and died.
Damn it.
I was worried that I startled you.
Are you crazy? Why are you crying?
I'm sorry. I was just in shock.
Did I scare you?
I'm so sorry.
So, are you happy that I'm pregnant?
You're happy, right?
What kind of question is that? Of course, I am!
- You must be freezing. - I am.
Let's hurry home. Come on.
Watch your head.
Your seat belt.
My goodness.
It's really cold today, isn't it?
So you went home and brought the car?
Yeah, I left in such a rush.
Drive safe, okay?
You'll get into an accident.
Let's eat until we burst!
Geez, you startled me.
It's a bar, not a restaurant.
Hey, you think we can't stuff ourselves just because it's a bar?
What's wrong with you?
- Hello. - Hello.
I guess you're heading home.
- Yes. - Yes.
You must've had a rough time, Attorney Ha.
No, not at all.
All right, I'll see you around.
- Good night. Take care, ma'am. - Good night.
I'm sorry, but tonight's party is canceled.
- What? - Go home. You better not party without me.
Geez, what's with her?
She said to go home.
I saw it too.
Come on.
I mean, we could still go have a drink or something.
Where?
Are you buying?
Just tell me. Where are we going?
- Please, just be patient! - Why should I?
I followed you all the way here.
- Hey. - Just keep following then.
Everything's closed here.
There's one spot that will blow your mind.
SEOKGO BLOOD SAUSAGE SOUP
What is this place?
What is this? Is it a hidden gem?
We came all the way here for gukbap?
Gosh, I'm freezing.
What are you doing? Say hi to my mom.
What?
Mom, say hi to my friend.
- Mom? Your mother? - Yeah.
My goodness.
Ma'am, nice to meet you.
I'm Cho Changwon. Hello.
- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.
I'm Sanggi's close friend.
We always eat lunch together,
drink together, and pretty much everything together.
- Have a seat. - Yes, ma'am.
Give us food already. It's cold.
Thank you, ma'am.
Why didn't you tell me or give me a heads-up?
This place is legit.
It's not my mom's. She works here part-time.
Geez.
- Just once. - I don't want to.
- Let's just do it once. - What's wrong with you?
- I want to do it so bad. - Is this who you really are?
Hey, it's not safe. No.
What's not safe? Just once before the baby gets bigger.
- What are you talking about? - Okay, hold on.
You just be on the bottom. I'll be on top.
No, you never think about what it's like for me down there.
- No, please! - I said no!
Just a meter, okay?
- Okay. - You…
- Just once. - I'm practically raising a kid.
- Hey, I'm getting crushed! - Are you okay?
- My head! - Are you okay?
- This is so high!
Hey, hold on tight. I'm going to lean back.
- Hey, go forward. - Don't do it!
- Go forward. - Hey!
Spider-Man, Spider-Man.
This is crazy!
- What's so fun about this? - This is so fun!
Quiet, Munjeong. The neighbors are going to complain!
Okay.
- Hey! Are you okay? - I'm okay.
Be careful.
It's absurd the more I think about it.
A pregnancy party? It sounded off from the start.
Then,
let's call it a first collaboration victory party.
A first collaboration victory party?
That's a mouthful.
So you've never teamed up with anyone on a case before?
No, I didn't have a reason to. I'm too good.
You probably won't either for another nine years.
You always keep it to nine years even though you could say 10.
Because it's been nine years.
Wasn't this the piece you played?
You actually remember that?
Shouldn't we have left a little earlier?
But that dim sum place was a must. I didn't expect traffic to be like this.
But it was worth it, right?
Yes, it was good.
But you should walk faster.
People might think it's my part-time job.
- Are you hurt? - No, I'm fine. Let's go.
Get on my back.
- It's okay. - You're filling in for your friend.
Come on.
There we go.
Hang on tight.
Right.
Thank you. I'll head in first.
- Okay, go on. - Okay.
When did you start playing the piano?
When I was eight years old.
Was it always your dream to be a pianist?
I think so.
My parents really loved watching me play.
Seeing them smile made me so happy.
So their smiles made you want to become a pianist?
That's right.
It's probably why I keep playing.
Honestly, it's not like I ever dreamed of becoming a world-famous pianist.
What about you?
Have you wanted to be a lawyer since you were a kid?
It was something else at first. But it changed as I got older.
Why? What made you want to become a lawyer?
Growing up, I was good at two things.
Arguing and studying.
So becoming a lawyer made sense.
So?
Do you think you'll become a good one?
Yes.
That's my dream.
Wait.
Is your ankle okay?
Yes, I'm feeling much better.
Can you sit for a second?
Can you put your foot up here?
Really, it's fine.
Don't you press the pedal with your right foot?
I do.
You held up really well.
You don't really notice while playing.
You're such a professional.
When did you buy these?
I stepped out right after the playing started.
All done.
This place is beautiful by the way.
Yeah, really beautiful.
If there's a spot…
like this in Seoul, want to go together?
Where?
Gangnam Station.
Sure.
Okay, then.
Okay.
But how did you end up being a lawyer?
I figured you'd stick with piano.
You don't have to say.
No, it's fine.
My dad was running a business back then.
Thanks to that, I could comfortably go to school.
But then, he was hit by a huge scam.
It was some sort of crypto pyramid scheme.
My family was devastated after that.
Nobody smiled anymore,
and there was nothing I could do.
So I promised myself
that if anything bad
ever happened to my parents again,
I'd protect them myself.
It was overcome well even though it must've been really tough.
Yeah.
My dad's incredibly strong.
No, I meant you.
Me?
Not everyone comes out of such things thinking like you did.
You overcame it.
Good job.
You're right.
I did a good job.
Everything's better now.
I just want both of my parents
to stay happy.
That's my dream.
That hasn't changed in 10 years.
Did I tell you this 10 years ago too?
You really don't remember a thing.
I only remember yours.
You wanted to become a good lawyer.
It looks like you achieved it.
I didn't become a good lawyer.
Why not? You are a good lawyer.
You listen to people who are struggling
and help them get justice.
To be honest, I don't see it as helping others.
I just get paid to fight for them
with what I see before me.
If being a good lawyer means thinking beyond that,
then I'm not one.
Still…
To me, you're a good senior lawyer.
And a good person.
Thanks.
Don't you normally take the subway to work and the bus home?
Yes, because the subway is always on time.
And the bus drops me off closer to home.
We're headed toward the subway. The bus stop's the other way.
I know.
You're going back tomorrow, right?
Yes.
Shall we go up?
Sure.
LAW AND THE CITY
The girl you met on your trip when you were in law school.
Wait, you two were a thing?
He's been into her since Hong Kong...
Hey! Munjeong is looking for you.
Go home if you're drunk.
- That voice phishing case. - He said he'd make sure
to help me out to get a loan.
Normal cases should be easy to represent.
Where do you get this?
It must be so hard for you.
But do your families really ask why you're not married?
My goodness!
Is this your first time in Hong Kong?
- Yes. - When was your favorite moment?
Now?
Translated by Hye Min Eom