(theme music)
ALL CHARACTERS, INCIDENTS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND SETTINGS IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTITIOUS
EPISODE 11
All right. Let's start.
We will begin the disciplinary hearing
of Assistant Manager Yoonjo Park
and Assistant Manager Jaemin Ryu.
(inhales deeply, exhales softly)
But first, we need to wait for a few more people to show up.
Who?
(dramatic music)
What is she doing here?
(dramatic music builds)
Ms. Goo, go right ahead. (clears throat)
What's going on?
A WEEK BEFORE THE DISCIPLINARY HEARING
-(knocks on door) -Yeah?
DIRECTOR OF SALES
I'm asking you to cancel the hearing.
(exhales deeply)
I'm afraid I can't do that.
Do you understand how big of a problem this is?
You can't pin all of the blame on PR!
Actually, we can. They are fully responsible for it.
The PR department and you as well!
We're running a business here, not a charity.
How much more can we put up with you?
(shouts) And why do we have to suffer
for your incompetence?
This has happened two times now!
(inhales deeply)
-If we don't fix this soon... -(deep sigh)
...this company is going to collapse!
You're a parasite, and this is the end of you!
(dramatic music)
CHULJUN: The hearing's happening earlier than we expected.
And it's targeted at us in PR, not the sales department.
They're using us as a scapegoat.
(sighs) All this does
is prove my suspicions correct.
But what are they trying to hide here?
Hey.
Mr. Song... How deep is his involvement in all of this?
I asked him but, uh...
he didn't answer.
You... just asked him?
What kind of a moron asks such a direct question?
-I guess you... -(knocks on door)
(gasps) You scared me!
This is the "emergency meeting"?
(Chuljun sighs)
CHULJUN: I mean, doesn't matter what we call it,
but this is... an emergency.
So what happens after a hearing?
Well, they'll probably punish you.
From what I've heard around the office,
after you, they're going after Ms. Goo next.
YOONJO: Wait, what did they have against Ms. Goo?
Why do they want to get rid of her so badly?
That's not important right now.
What are you guys gonna do?
This is the fake ingredient study Song gave to Hugil.
I think this is where we should start.
-(knocks on door) -(gasps)
Ugh, you scared me.
We can see you.
Why are you having your emergency meeting in the office conference room?
Seunghee.
I thought you could use some help.
Uh, Seunghee...
CHULJUN (inhales deeply): And Mr. Heo.
Haven't seen you in a while.
You look like you need some help.
I don't think it's fair to place the blame squarely on you two.
It's unjust.
Mr. Heo.
I had no idea you were so eloquent.
(soft chuckle)
We'll help. What can we do?
(bright music)
YOONJO: There's nothing we can do about my situation right now,
so let's find a way to help Mr. Ryu.
He may be the one responsible for the leak,
but that's besides the point.
So, let's do some digging then.
You know I have the connections.
-(Chuljun chuckles) -(sighs)
By the way,
we should also be thinking about the negative marketing issue.
Ms. Park's issue.
Jihyo said...
that you're against the negative marketing idea
from the very beginning.
Why should she be punished for something she fought against?
You know, I trust you, Ms. Park. I like you.
(awkward comical music)
Hey! You know what?
Uh, let's show them the ingredient analysis.
JAEMIN: Uh, all right. (soft chuckle)
This is the ingredient analysis Song gave Hugil.
CHULJUN: Uh-huh.
JAEMIN: And this is the one I got.
IS SEYONG RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF ITS SUBCONTRACTOR?
I mean... it's good.
But Jaemin is...
EUN: Hyeyoung.
(sighs) You shouldn't feel bad about this.
You just happened to see it unintentionally.
You said you told him about it.
I simply let him know that the article was being published,
and that was it.
Well, if you'd turned a blind eye specifically for his sake,
would you feel any better?
I don't think so. I think you'd feel guilty.
But Jaemin will be okay. Don't worry about him.
(chuckles)
I have feelings for you.
(soft music)
HYEYOUNG: I really like you, Eun.
Let's go out.
You're not seeing anyone, right?
(awkward chuckle)
Have you ever dated a woman?
Ah, shit. That question again.
Why does that matter anyways?
It matters.
It matters a lot, Hyeyoung.
As I'm sure you know,
it's hard to be open in Korea.
You're asked who you're dating,
and what guy you're gonna end up marrying.
We can't answer questions like that.
So you think, "Ugh, I can't do this."
(inhales deeply)
"I want to be in a relationship that society perceives as normal."
"I want to be with someone I can show to the world."
So you leave them for a guy.
Even those accepting of people like us,
they don't understand what it's truly like to live like this.
(inhales deeply) I should...
thank you for... showing interest in me.
Well,
I don't agree with you.
If what you said was true,
then a relationship that's normal and celebrated by others,
couldn't that be us no matter where we are?
A relationship based on the perception of others is bound to fail.
But if it's not that,
then maybe you haven't found the right person.
I told you about my honest feelings,
because I really like you and really want to be with you. So think about it.
And I think... the problem lies with you.
(awkward chuckle)
A... All right, smart-ass.
I am smart. Thank you, Eun.
This is a load of BS, right?
Fucking BS, Heeyoung!
Calm down, now, calm down. (chuckles)
He called me "incompetent".
(laughs)
I swear, every day, Seyong is turning more into a soap opera.
Well, Seyong's a pharma company.
Places like that can be...
a bit more strict and rigid, right?
They don't have any common sense.
They have different standards?
No! They have no standards at all.
Common sense is based on consensus.
It wouldn't be "common" with different standards.
Yeah, yeah, well... If you work at the same company for a long time,
your standards might end up changing.
Otherwise, why would people put so much effort
into covering up their company's mistakes, you know?
-Huh? -No, no, no.
People don't just want to see
all their hard work go to waste if a company goes under,
so that becomes their value...
(inhales sharply, sighs)
Oh, I just don't understand these people. (groans)
You know what? Everything you just said...
reminds me of some jerk I used to know.
What do you mean?
As an assistant manager,
I filed a corruption report to the audit team against my boss.
But this guy, this total asshole, this man who had seen
our boss's corruption in action first-hand,
took my boss' side like that,
and denied everything he did during the audit.
That kind of thing makes me so mad. (frustrated sigh)
So naturally,
I got labeled a whistleblower by my colleagues after, huh?
And I got shunned by everyone and they weren't even subtle about it.
I mean, I was hired for my experience,
so they never liked me anyway.
But now they had a good reason to hate me.
I knew I was not gonna get promoted.
-(chuckles) -(sighs)
You know where that was? (soft chuckle)
Seyong.
Seyong?
Yep, Seyong.
-(groans) Really? -(chuckles)
-Yeah. (laughs) -Let's drink.
(sighs)
But Yijung...
I don't... want you to give up.
Why?
I have no idea how big of a difference you'll be able to make in the long run,
but if you give up like I did,
their chance... gone!
(sighs)
CEO SEO DONGHOON
(knocks on door)
(chuckles) Heading out?
Yeah, I am.
From what I've heard, you prepared it yourself.
You could've spread the work a little.
It's for Seyong.
Everyone's busy with Ang's Bread.
I can do this myself.
Mmm. (clicks tongue)
Seyong is our client, after all,
-so I guess it makes sense. -(soft chuckle)
-Can we charge them for this? -No.
They'll want to take the online monitoring service for free.
Yeah, I guess.
So please, hang in there.
-Yeah. -Well, uh...
(clicks tongue) It's the CEO's job
to take care of these things,
-right? -That's true.
(both chuckle)
Oh.
Yeah.
I heard you've been working very hard for us.
(chuckles)
-What now? -Uh...
This is about the monitoring of the protein powder,
as requested by Ms. Goo.
Oh, you want that?
Well, you're... Earth Comm, right? You'll do fine.
Actually, it should be better than fine.
Seyong is not the easiest of clients, after all.
And making money should never be easy.
Am I right?
Yeah, I guess... I suppose you're right.
It seems like Mr. Jin still prefers discussing things with you in person.
Right, and I'm really grateful for that.
(Eunjeong chuckles softly)
Uh, things are pretty bad right now.
Yeah.
-(sighs) -Oh.
I think it would be a good idea for you
to temporarily turn off comments on all of Seyong's social media accounts.
That includes Ms. Lim's.
On my way here,
I saw a flood of comments denouncing Seyong.
Right.
Well, thanks for the concern.
Yeah, sure.
(inhales sharply) Wait, uh...
I heard that one of your clients got caught up in all of this.
I didn't think you were going to do everything by yourself.
I feel like we're asking a bit too much of you.
Well, Earth Comm is Seyong's corporate client.
It's important to us.
We're simply fulfilling said client's request.
We'd be grateful if you could keep that in mind.
Yeah, I'll try to remember that.
Thanks.
(sighs)
-All right. See you later. -(door closes)
(whispering)
(tense music)
Those test results? I got them from him.
Mr. Song, are you really not involved in any of this?
I'm what?
JAEMIN: If you didn't hear me, I'll ask you again.
Mr. Song.
Do you have any involvement...
in this protein powder situation?
CHULJUN: Wait, Mr. Kwak, you're sure you don't know anything about this?
KWAK: How many times do I have to say it? No!
CHULJUN: Hey, you're the best of the best on the sales team,
-and you don't... Huh? -Just stop.
I don't know anything.
Jinseo was the one who took care of that, all by himself.
I have to go, okay?
Mr. Kwak...
(car engine starts)
CHULJUN: Jinseo Cho handled
most of the protein powder modification by himself,
so no one else knows much about it.
RESEARCHER: Those are the ingredient results you asked for.
-This is the whole thing? -RESEARCHER: Yes.
SEUNGHEE: The research team still had
the ingredient analysis they got from Dongshin.
STORAGE ROOM
(sighs) Yeah...
there's only so much we can do.
Should we...
report this file to Audit?
And get ourselves fired, huh?
The PR teams would fall apart.
I bet Hugil survives.
That bastard... he didn't want any part of this.
SEUNGHEE: I'm not leaving either.
I need extra money for the baby.
So please, forget about filing that report.
All right.
Do you know who the root of all of this is?
It's Song.
We need dirt on him.
Well, let's talk to the team leaders.
Maybe I can start with Ms. Ji.
Oh...
Ms. Ji?
(suspenseful music)
(sighs)
You know, this is beyond my jurisdiction, actually.
I can try to minimize your punishment,
but Ms. Park, that's the best I can do for you now.
(sighs) And I'm not even sure if I can do that.
I'm not in the best position to help you.
Besides,
Mr. Song must have had his reasons.
And I just can't ignore that.
YOUNGHO: Jaemin, my friend,
you know, I don't think we should do this.
I mean, how could I...
How could I stab Suntae in the back like that?
JAEMIN: I know you can't.
But that's not what I'm asking you to do, sir.
We wanna know why this happened...
(inhales sharply)
...and we can't do that without your help.
That makes no difference to me.
You're still digging into something Suntae is involved with.
(Youngho smacks lips, sucks teeth)
YOUNGHO: Listen, Jaemin.
Do you know why I keep working at Seyong after so many years?
Loyalty.
I've never done anything that could do any harm...
to the company or my colleagues.
You may be disappointed to hear that.
(sighs) But that's just who I am.
Let's pretend this meeting never happened, all right?
Well, have a good night.
(Jaemin sighs)
I'll get the bill. No worries.
(sighs)
(Yoonjo sighs)
Let's talk to Ms. Goo.
She's the only person on our side with the authority to investigate this,
-and I think she'll want to. -But we don't have enough evidence.
The only thing we have... (inhales sharply)
...is the protein ingredient analysis.
And Ms. Goo's in a tough spot as it is.
I know that.
But do we have any other options at this point? She's all we have left.
It takes courage to ask for help, but she's a good boss. Let's ask her.
So, how has the sales team responded
to the protein powder issue?
Well, there's no simple answer,
so they've decided the best solution is
to recall all of Seyong's protein products.
YIJUNG: I see.
And Hyeyoung Choi from Daeguk Daily.
The ingredient analysis she gave seems to indicate...
Well, um...
There were no issues found with the analysis we got from the MFDS.
-(tense music) -SUNTAE: Uh...
But that said,
the results may vary, of course, depending on, uh...
the samples that they used.
That's probably why they decided to recall every product.
Different samples?
Yeah, well...
(anxious sigh)
(inhales sharply) Um,
Ms. Goo.
Mr. Jin decided
that Mr. Ryu and Ms. Park will be punished
and that their punishment is better
than any apology the company could deliver.
(Yijung sighs)
And Mr. Jin... is he here now?
He's taking a few days off before the hearing,
and his phone has been turned off.
What's the point of having this meeting by ourselves
if Mr. Jin isn't even here with us?
It seems like there's nothing we can do to...
YIJUNG: Very well, then.
You can go.
It looks like Ms. Goo is as good as gone, huh?
Certainly seems that way.
That's what I was getting at back there too.
(scoffs) Wait!
Are you two really just gonna sit back and watch them smash PR to bits?
What else do you want us to do? We're the weakest department.
(sighs)
(tense music)
Hey.
This wasn't something a sales team leader could've pulled off on their own.
They had help from the higher-ups.
JAEMIN: Yeah.
-And that ingredient analysis... -Oh, yeah, that.
Mr. Song already explained that to me earlier.
Different samples were used,
and there were no problems with the results they got from the MFDS.
-So my assumptions... -That's a lie.
It was the same sample.
And Mr. Song was the one who provided the analysis that proved that.
They used the same sample?
Yeah.
(soft suspenseful music)
(sighs)
Ms. Goo.
I'm not telling you my suspicions to try and save myself from punishment.
And I don't think that we can get to the bottom of this
before the disciplinary hearing takes place.
Why then?
The real reason why I decided to tell you this
is because...
I didn't think you'd ignore this,
unlike every other executive who works for Seyong.
You won't give up, even if you don't have power.
So I hope you'll investigate this issue,
even after the hearing is over.
But you know, the thing is...
I might not be here after that.
So if I am going to investigate this,
I have to do it before the hearing.
CHULJUN: Okay, look.
We have to do something about this, so why not show them?
We can't just stand here.
So what do we do?
-Do we all just quit? -Send a message.
"The truth must come out right now!" More or less.
We could post it online.
DAECHUN: Demanding the truth?
It's too dramatic.
I mean, I've been to a protest. Heard of Molotov cocktails?
There's an activist among us, I guess.
Let's be real. Mr. Ryu made a mistake.
That reporter is a friend of his.
He had to know there was an issue there.
That said, Ms. Park was the one called out online.
In my eyes, they're giving two people their just punishment.
Daechun.
-(tense music) -HYUK: That's not true.
He didn't leak the information.
And that's not even the point we're getting at here.
The problem is that they're trying to cover this up.
It's obvious...
Ms. Park is just a scapegoat.
How can you work here and not understand that?
Let's meet again once they've decided.
They might get let off.
And then, this won't be necessary.
The last thing I want to see is time being wasted while I'm gone.
Do you know where Ms. Park is?
JIHYO: Oh, she had to go to the hospital.
She said she wanted to speak with the owner of Ang's Bread bakery.
I went to see him too.
You did? Why?
Because I felt so guilty.
I put someone under so much stress they wound up in the hospital.
It was really weighing on my mind, you know.
So, it seems like people's opinions are starting to change.
And your sales figures are slowly improving as well, right?
(Donghoon sighs)
(somber music)
YOONJO: I wanted to apologize.
This is all my fault.
KANG: You didn't have a choice.
But I did.
Everyone thinks it was out of my hands.
But I could've kept pressuring them to stop what they were doing.
And if I couldn't do that, then I should've quit my job altogether.
And yet, well,
I didn't, and I'm sorry for that.
And I'm sorry it took me so long to come here.
Honestly,
I was scared to see you again.
I was afraid Mr. Hwang wouldn't get better.
Everything you're going through...
it's because of my decisions, and I can't do anything about that now.
I'm really sorry.
I mean... (sighs)
...this was all Seyong's fault, really.
I understand that now.
And you know?
You actually apologized.
Even though it's been days since I made that post,
they've been completely silent.
I'm sorry. (inhales sharply)
I'm afraid an apology is all I can do for you right now.
(Kang sighs)
What if we both get fired because of this?
Then we'll sue them.
Oh, yeah.
Your mom is a judge, right?
Why does that matter?
I mean, she knows a lot of people in the legal field, right?
Oh, that might help if we end up having to sue.
I'm sure she knows some good lawyers.
But I don't.
Oh, right. You don't talk.
No, we don't. It's been a long time.
(sighs)
(comical tense music)
You always get upset when your mom's brought up.
(scoffs) You don't?
You hate talking about your mom too.
Our situations are totally different, okay?
You make it sound like your relationship is utter hell.
(pounds on table, smacks lips) Fine.
You have the worst mother-child relationship
of anyone in this room right now.
Happy?
All right. Now you're being offensive.
(scoffs)
(door opens)
(sighs) Get ready.
(Jaemin grunts, blows air)
Any less nervous now?
Not at all.
YIJUNG: Before we proceed with the disciplinary hearing
of Mr. Ryu and Ms. Park,
we would like to bring something to your attention.
This is regarding the protein powder processing.
(suspenseful music)
What... what does this have to do with the disciplinary hearing?
I'm sure you're all aware that the ingredient supplier was switched
from a company called Dongshin to a company called PF.
And PF is spearheaded by a relative of Mr. Jinseo Cho.
Their facilities, HR and R&D
are overwhelmingly abysmal and poorly managed.
So it should be no surprise that the product was defective.
It wasn't until the victims came forward
that we learned there was an elaborate scheme
to cover up this story.
(suspenseful music builds)
YEONSOO: What the hell are you talking about?
-You enjoy playing golf? -W-What?
It's a simple question.
You enjoy playing golf, correct?
(soft gasp)
A DAY BEFORE THE DISCIPLINARY HEARING
(panting)
Oh.
Ms. Goo.
What... uh, what, uh, brings you here?
Let's go somewhere and talk.
(tense music)
(Suntae slurping)
-(cup thuds) -(sighs)
(Suntae clears throat)
I've been thinking about this a lot lately.
"What is Suntae Song's role in all of this?"
You know, "How deeply is he involved with Mr. Cho's irregularities?"
"Is he completely innocent in all of this?"
(inhales sharply)
"Or is he at the center of it?"
"Or is he some kind of wild card,
-a double agent... -(sighs)
...someone who's playing both sides?"
I guess,
it's possible that you...
may not have known
that the ingredient analysis you handed over...
-(Yijung inhales deeply) -(soft grunt)
...was not the real one.
Uh...
Perhaps you got it from Mr. Cho and passed it along without checking it.
I mean, you know each other.
You went to the same school, grew up in the same neighborhood.
Why should you suspect the analysis was tampered with?
(inhales sharply) Mr. Cho's a good friend.
You've known each other for a long time.
You know, I would really like to believe you.
But the thing is,
you have to understand... this looks suspicious.
Especially at Seyong,
where people like to use their own personal connections and friendships
to cover their hides with someone they can trust.
Um, Ms. Goo...
Mr. Jin is the one who brought Mr. Kim into this,
and you were the bridge between Mr. Cho and Mr. Jin...
their one shared connection.
That's the center of this protein powder scandal.
That's where it started.
-(breathes deeply) -Correct?
Um, I... (sighs)
What are you asking me to do, Ms. Goo?
You're not saying I should be a whistleblower, are you?
I...
(reluctant breathing)
But I hate...
-I don't think I can be that... -YIJUNG: Mr. Song.
Jumping ship is the right thing to do.
If the ship has already sunk.
We live in a different time now.
I promise you won't get in trouble.
The Suntae Song who covers up Mr. Jin's bribery?
You can move on from that.
Don't let Seyong's past decide what your value is.
The future will reveal your real worth.
(tense music)
Yeah, that's correct. So, Dongshin was, uh...
replaced by PF as ingredients supplier, and PF is run by Jinseo Cho's relative.
In return, Jihoon Park, PF's president,
bought Mr. Kim and Mr. Jin memberships with the golf club,
as well as expensive luxury cars.
I'm, uh... really sorry I didn't tell you this sooner.
Mr. Kim, you have a membership at Yeochon CC, correct?
And Mr. Jin, you have a membership at Dongbu Benest.
That's 1.8 billion won for Yeochon
and 980 million for Dongbu Benest.
(shouts) Those memberships have nothing to do with this!
Make her leave!
YIJUNG: The reason they have those memberships
is because they were bought for them by the president of PF, Jihoon Park.
He's the brother-in-law
-of Mr. Cho of Sales Team 1... -Get that woman out of here!
She's making a mockery out of all of us!
Get her out of here now!
Are you even listening to me?
YIJUNG: The golf membership was only a part of it.
You also love cars and luxury resorts as well.
-Stop. -And money, above all.
(shouts) I said stop!
(tense music)
(breathing heavily)
YEONSOO: Mr. Jung.
I've devoted decades of my life to Seyong.
You know that, sir.
(inhales deeply)
I'm loyal.
I've pledged my life to Seyong!
(crying in disbelief)
It's my life.
Oh, no.
No!
(breathing shakily)
(huffing)
(sighs)
Audit Team.
-I want this investigated. -Sir.
You two.
Do you have anything you'd like to say?
I don't. Thank you, sir.
(inhales sharply, clears throat)
JAEMIN: Sir.
I've never felt ashamed working for Seyong.
(somber music)
But that's not because I was actually proud to work here,
I just never cared enough.
But my colleague, Yoonjo Park,
she blamed herself for all of this
throughout the entire project.
She regrets not taking a stand for what's right,
and she can't change that.
Seeing this haunt her...
made me ashamed of what I do.
My own inability to take a stand has done nothing
but perpetuate Seyong's outdated and unreasonable corporate culture.
So I realized I had to change.
And now I care.
(sighs)
That's all I wanted to say, sir.
Hmm.
(sighs)
Please.
Mm.
(sighs, inhales sharply)
You said the problem with Seyong
is its corporate culture.
Yes.
(inhales sharply) Is that...
something you can change quickly?
It's not something that'll change overnight,
but I think it's already started to change.
Really?
(bright music)
About that R&I project,
I'd like for that
to be your top priority.
(sighs)
Yes.
Good work today.
(bright music continues)
YOONJO: Hey, I like what you said.
(chuckles softly, clicks tongue)
I have you to thank for that.
YOONJO: Hmm?
Without you...
I wouldn't have changed myself.
-So thank you. -Oh, come on.
Stop saying stuff like that.
(sucks teeth) It's so cringy.
(soft chuckle)
By the way, about that golf club membership.
How did she know about that?
She knew the price and everything.
(inhales sharply) Maybe she had someone on the inside.
(exhales deeply)
Oh, do you think it could be Song?
Nah. (smacks lips)
No way.
Or is it?
The Vice President requested a thorough investigation into this.
If Song did something, it'll come out.
You're right. I'll just wait.
Hey, do you wanna grab drinks?
Uh, I have plans.
So are you guys officially dating?
Mm-hm. I think we are.
So do you...
like him?
YOONJO: Hmm.
(inhales deeply) Yeah. Well, he's a good guy.
That's all I need.
(soft music)
EUN: How can I tell if I like a friend romantically or not?
You know, I might be overthinking things.
So how do you know if it's friendship or romantic feelings?
Only an idiot would get those two confused.
(scoffs)
I guess...
Well, I mean,
you could think about whether or not you want to kiss her or sleep with her.
Does that sound like something you'd want to do?
Then that's your answer.
Oh.
(smacks lips, sucks teeth)
EUN: All right, who is it?
(clicks tongue, sucks teeth)
If it's one of your friends...
No way.
-Huh? -(music stops abruptly)
Wait, uh, uh...
Is it...
Hyeyoung?
EUN (sighs): Shit.
(clicks tongue) Oh, that sucks.
(Eun sighs)
Did...
-(comical music) -Did Hyeyoung ask you out?
-Huh? -Hey, she's totally your type.
(scoffs)
Yeah, you can drink by yourself.
Oh, seriously.
(Eun clicks tongue)
Well, if it's not Hyeyoung, who is it?
Actually...
-Hmm? -You.
(sighs) Not funny.
(clicks tongue)
(snorts)
Oh, my god! (gasps)
You like Yoonjo!
(gulps)
(light music playing)
YOONJO (gasps): Mmm!
It's so soft, it's almost like it melts in your mouth.
Does it really do that?
Of course not. I'm just saying because it's so tender.
(chuckles) Oh, yeah.
Enjoy it, Mr. Seo.
-This is my special treat to you. -Hmm.
My way of saying thank you. (soft chuckle)
Could you... maybe stop calling me "Mr. Seo?"
It just sounds so formal.
Should I... call you "babe"?
(laughs)
I'm just kidding.
-(nervous chuckle) -That's a bit too much, hmm?
How's... "honey"?
What?
Uh, it's not like we're a couple, right?
(nervous chuckle) "Honey..."
Are we not?
I had no idea.
When was this?
Well, today's our official first date.
(cutlery clinking)
Is now still too soon?
Do you still need more time?
I can't wait much longer.
(chuckles)
I'm being a little selfish...
Hmm...
Okay. Is that your answer?
It's not... reassuring.
Does this end with me running out of here in tears?
(chuckles)
All right.
Tonight is our first date, then.
(scoffs) Are we at work?
Uh...
Well, you can still say no, so...
(breathes deeply) Okay.
I like you too much to say "no".
Deal.
(soft chuckle)
(romantic music)
Oh.
-That one. -Oh.
-I know. -No.
(both laughing)
-I eat a lot, right? -Yeah.
Of course you got to, the food is really good here.
Mmm...
-Right? -(chuckles) Yeah.
(both laughing)
-Cheers. -(glasses clink)
(romantic music continues)
(indistinct chatter)
Oh...
Yeah, yeah, I see it!
-(indistinct chatter) -(laughter)
DONGHOON: And that's when I realized that...
I was in the wrong place,
-and they asked what I do... -Oh, yeah?
(Donghoon chuckles)
(inaudible laughter)
An apology?
Yes.
We need you to make a public appearance and apologize.
You know in Korea, people can lose their jobs because of this.
And what we did was use social media to spread misinformation to the public.
They need a sincere apology from the CEO.
Okay.
Ah... (inhales sharply)
You should also... mention the internal issues.
(annoyed inhale)
Do we have to air all of our dirty laundry like that?
Your apology can't be apathetic.
You have to show everyone you're taking responsibility here.
So Seyong can't have any more secrets hidden from the rest of the world.
All right, let's do this thing.
I couldn't handle this any sooner... thanks to the hearing,
and I'm sorry about that.
I knew I picked a real diamond in the rough.
Hmm? And not a cheap one.
(both chuckle softly)
We are...
truly, deeply sorry.
We'll make sure that something like this
never happens again.
(uplifting music)
YIJUNG: Seyong will work hard to fulfill and maintain our social responsibility.
Once again, we're very sorry.
(camera shutters clicking)
I'm Jihyeon Lim, the CEO of Seyong.
To start,
the recent controversy concerning our protein products
raised concerns among many of our dedicated customers,
and for that, I sincerely apologize.
(camera shutters clicking)
We have conducted a thorough internal investigation
to uncover the cause of this issue and implement adequate analysis measures.
In this investigation, it was discovered
that there was a significant problem in our communication process.
We utilized an outdated practice
without considering its issues.
This should not and will not happen again.
Moreover, we failed to assure the quality and safety of our products.
This is unacceptable,
and for that...
I met her in person.
-...Seyong is deeply sorry. -That woman who was just on.
To prevent this from happening again,
we will overhaul our external communication process
-and expand our outreach. -EUNSEOK: How about you sit down
-for a minute. -REPORTER (on TV): Seyong's CEO
has given a public apology today during a scheduled press conference.
Will the gambit pay off...
(television zaps)
Tell me, what's going through your head?
I shouldn't have gone to see her.
Now that I have, while I'm still angry at her...
Sometimes, I miss her a lot.
(tender music)
Makes me feel bad for you, kinda.
You feel bad for me?
I know you... You must be mad at her too.
She left both of us.
I know exactly how that makes you feel,
and so...
when I miss her, even a little bit, I feel bad.
I didn't mean to hide this from you.
It felt like I was lying to you, and I didn't like it.
(sighs)
(inhales deeply)
Yoojin.
Listen. I appreciate you being honest with me
about how you feel about your mom, you know.
But I don't want you to feel bad for me.
However you feel about her, that's up to you to decide.
And I will respect that.
Thanks for helping me figure this out, Dad.
I'm gonna go to bed.
Hey, Yoojin.
I'll work things out.
But I can't promise you anything.
(pensive music)
YIJUNG: I'm surprised you called me.
What do you want?
You hear the news?
YIJUNG: No, I haven't.
(inhales sharply) I've decided to run for mayor.
But first, I need to win the primaries.
This again...
And I'd like your help.
(chuckles in disbelief)
Are you serious? You're asking me, of all people, for help?
I'm simply making you an offer.
A few people recommended you for the job,
and there must be a reason why.
(inhales deeply) I see.
Eunseok,
I decline.
I'm not interested.
(soft chuckle)
All right.
That's a missed opportunity.
I wanted to give you another chance, Yijung,
and you threw it away.
I'm surprised you'd give me another "chance."
(sighs)
Okay, looks like we're done here. I gave it my best shot.
Thank you for your time.
YIJUNG: That's all?
You expected to hear something else?
Something about Yoojin?
(scoffs) I'm sorry,
I have nothing else to say.
I guess you had the wrong expectations.
(Yijung sighs)
The only reason I came here was to talk about her.
(somber music)
(scoffs)
(phone buzzing)
AHN EUNSEOK
CHUNGDAHM INSTITUTE
(Jaemin sighs)
CHULJUN: So, about Song.
People are saying he's the one who covered up Cho's bribes
so they could get even.
I mean, Song's kids are abroad.
He must have gotten some money from Cho, right?
-I don't think so. -Ugh, you scared me.
CHULJUN: Why do you always pop up out of nowhere?
Well, I think Mr. Song...
isn't our guy.
JAEMIN: You're siding with Song? Are you okay?
I mean... (sighs)
Um...
-I was thinking. -(pensive music)
SUNTAE: Just...
save yourself.
No one else will help you.
So just...
protect yourself.
Maybe he's been acting so tough just to protect himself, you know.
Hmm?
Do you have a fever?
(music stops abruptly)
-JAEMIN (sucks teeth): Chuljun. -CHULJUN: Hmm?
I think she does have a fever.
CHULJUN: I'll call an ambulance.
Uh, hello?
I'm with someone suffering from delirium.
Oh. Hang on.
(soft chuckle)
I'm the one burning up.
With rage.
-(Chuljun sighs) -(phone thuds)
SEUNGHEE: Please grab a survey to help with our R&I project!
Thank you.
Your interest can make a difference! We are the future of Seyong!
If you have questions, come to me and I'll answer them.
You can ask questions online, too, if you prefer.
PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN OUR SURVEY FOR THE R&I PROJECT!
(upbeat music)
1. ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
SEYONG R&I PROJECT SURVEY
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO SET KPI TARGETS?
2. CORPORATE CULTURE
R&I SURVEY RESULTS
HOW SATISFIED ARE YOU WITH SEYONG'S CORPORATE CULTURE?
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO SET KPI TARGETS?
ARE YOU ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WELL WITH YOUR LEADER?
VERY WELL, WELL AVERAGE, NOT WELL
YOONJO: All right, next one.
Here you go.
Now, Seunghee, please scroll...
All right, so, this one.
(indistinct chatter)
Next up is "Fair evaluation based on achievements."
JAEMIN: We asked them to start by measuring their satisfaction
on a scale from one to ten.
And this is the list of policies that they want to implement.
I have to admit,
I'm impressed.
Yeah!
Well done!
(all cheering)
ALL: Party! Party! Party!
All right, you've earned it!
(all cheer)
(tab clicks)
(refreshed sigh)
(footsteps approaching)
YEONSUNG: Hey, Jaemin.
I know we did a good job today, but that's no excuse to be lazy.
You're making Yoonjo do all the work.
JAEMIN: Come on. Yoonjo's always been good at this stuff.
What?
Whoa. And how do you know that?
Are you flirting with her? Are you guys a thing?
Cut it out. I have a boyfriend, okay?
(gasps) Oh...
YOONJO: I guess I should come clean here.
Jaemin and I went to school together when we were kids.
(gasps)
(scoffs in disbelief)
-Uh, let me rephrase. -(Seunghee exclaims)
My good friend is great at this stuff.
(pops)
-Ta-da. -(soft chuckle)
(soft chuckle)
But why did you hide that from everyone?
You fooled me.
Honestly. It's not even a big deal, yet you still hid it so well.
YEONSUNG: Okay, let's hurry this up. Ms. Goo is coming.
All right, I'll start helping.
Look, um, Mr. Kim and Mr. Jin resigned today.
They quit before the investigation even finished.
What about Song?
I'm pretty sure he's being investigated.
I guess... we'll see.
SEUNGHEE: I want all the details.
What was his role in all of this?
I heard Mr. Cho also quit, right?
YEONSUNG: You know, a lot of people quit.
The ones who tampered with the data and tried to cover up the side effects.
They're either quitting or getting fired.
And guess what?
I heard that PR workers involved in this case...
(inhales sharply) ...got a pay cut.
We made a mistake. I can accept that.
-(door opens) -(Yeonsung sighs)
(door opens)
Oh, Ms. Goo's here!
-SEUNGHEE: Ms. Goo! -YOONJO: Ms. Goo!
-(all cheering) -Wow, this all looks so good!
-I brought you some champagne. -SEUNGHEE: Oh, wow!
-Here, help me... Yes. -SEUNGHEE AND YEONSUNG: Wow...
-How many bottles did you buy? -How many did you bring?
(pops)
-(cheers and applause) -(soft, cheerful music)
-Thank you so much! -Aw...
Thank you so much.
SEUNGHEE: Great job, everyone!
-YIJUNG: Good work, everyone! -JAEMIN: Well done, guys!
Ah, oh, thanks so much!
ALL: Cheers!
Well done!
-Whoo! -YOONJO: Good job!
JAEMIN: Wow. Whoa, this is good.
-YOONJO: So, Ms. Goo... -Yes?
YOONJO: I hope I'm not taking up your time,
but there's something I really want to talk to you about.
What is it?
I...
really want to be just like you...
if it's not too late for that.
(soft chuckle)
I don't think you should.
Uh...
You're right.
I mean, how can I follow in your footsteps?
I think you can be better.
You have so much promise, I know you can do it.
(both chuckle softly)
(pleased sigh)
Today's been fun.
(gentle music)
Oh, I don't think I've said this, but I'm a big fan of yours, so...
if it's okay with you, I'd really like to get your autograph.
-Mine? -Yeah.
No, you must be joking.
(chuckles) I'm not.
I promise, I'm completely serious.
-Oh. -(both chuckle)
Where did you get this picture?
Oh, my.
"Dear Yoonjo."
(marker squeaking)
(chuckles) Thank you so much!
(exclaims) Wow!
ORGANIZATION RESTRUCTURING OUTLINE
COMMUNICATION DIVISION RESTRUCTURING PLAN
Are you sure the VP will approve this?
He doesn't have any reason not to.
Maybe you're right, but what about...
Suhwan Jeong?
Wow.
This... this is pretty drastic.
I think head of sales is nice.
Better than Strategy. Wouldn't you agree, sir?
Hmm.
ORGANIZATION RESTRUCTURING OUTLINE
PR TEAM 1 TEAM LEADER CHOI YOUNGHO
Do you know who put this here?
(rustling)
VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT APPLICATION FORM
I REQUEST APPROVAL FOR MY RETIREMENT DUE TO COMPANY BUSINESS REASONS
(somber music)
(chimes on computer)
[NOTICE] 2023 ORGANIZATION RESTRUCTURING OUTLINE
(mouse clicking)
COMMUNICATION DIVISION DIVISION HEAD GOO YIJUNG
BUSINESS DIVISION DIVISION HEAD JUNG GUYOUNG
SUNTAE: Oh, man, they should all be thanking me
for saving their asses.
Especially him. He should be on his knees thanking me right now.
Hey, do you know what this means? Any idea?
Looks like we have a communications division now
with both Communications and Strategies placed beneath it.
Ms. Goo is in charge of the communications division.
They put PR and Marketing together.
Some employees from Strategy and HR are being transferred here too.
2023 SEYONG PERSONNEL TRANSFERS (STAFF)
PERSONNEL TRANSFERS
Hey, I'm on Communications Team 1.
Oh, me too! (chuckles)
RYU JAEMIN, COMMUNICATION TEAM 1 PARK YOONJO, COMMUNICATION TEAM 1
KIM HUGIL LEE SEUNGHEE
COMMUNICATION TEAM 3, ASSISTANT MANAGER COMMUNICATION TEAM 3, ASSISTANT MANAGER
(gasps)
(happy exhale)
(mouse clicking)
(Yoonjo gasping)
Ms. Ji is the head of Communications Team 1.
YOONJO: The head of Team 2 is from marketing, and for Team 3,
it must be someone new. I don't recognize the name.
Oh, Mr. Maeng.
You're on Team 1 with us.
Isn't that great?
(quietly) Hey.
What?
Oh, Mr. Ryu, you're a manager now!
Congratulations.
(gasps)
Hey, she's totally right! Well done!
Seunghee, you got promoted too!
SEUNGHEE: Yeah! (laughs)
2023 SEYONG PERSONNEL TRANSFERS (EXECUTIVE)
-(pleasant music) -(gasps, scoffs)
Where's Mr. Song?
SONG SUNTAE, DIRECTOR
He's the managing director, and the head of communications?
(Seunghee gasps)
Oh.
EUNJEONG: Oh, wow. Congratulations!
-(laughs) -You're a manager!
-SEUNGHEE: Congratulations! -Oh, uh...
SEUNGHEE: That's so awesome!
-Speech! Speech! Speech! -EUNJEONG: Well done.
-Congratulations! -SEUNGHEE: Thank you, sir!
Oh, I'm crying! I love you all
-so much! -Hey.
I'm so happy for you. You're a manager now.
-Eh, it's not that big of a deal. -(phone buzzing)
-SEUNGHEE: What should I call you now? -Excuse me.
-SEUNGHEE: Call me whatever you want. -JAEMIN: Hello?
-Yeah, did you see it yet? -So, which are you more excited about?
(chuckles) Whoo! Oh, my god!
-Congrats. -(laughter)
-Congratulations to you too. -(applause)
-JIHYO: Congratulations! -Oh, you guys didn't have to drop by.
SUNTAE: Yeah, thanks. Congrats to you too, Jihyo.
-(Suntae laughs) -HYUK: Congrats, sir.
-SUNTAE: You came all the way here? -(somber music)
JIHYO: It's not that far! (chuckles)
SUNTAE: Well, I appreciate it.
-HYUK: I know you'll do great! -SUNTAE: Thanks.
Ugh, my heart can't take all this!
(laughter)
Oh, my goodness.
(grunts)
Crazy.
-SUNTAE: How about dinner tonight, huh? -JIHYO: I'd love to!
SEUNGHEE: Why don't you pick where we go, Mr. Song?
(somber music continues)
(inaudible chatter and laughter)
(somber music continues)