BEYOND THE BAR
Goodness.
YOU GOT THIS!
Yes?
Mr. Yoon,
Ms. Seol is here.
Hash is tough,
and he's already recovered so much in just a day.
I said I'd pick him up.
I was heading downtown anyway.
I'll go pick him up for the time being.
Don't leave him at the hotel.
It's far.
Wouldn't it be easier to use the hotel?
It's not far.
Okay.
Do what you want.
About what I said yesterday…
Let's not talk about that anymore.
I don't want to talk about something
so pointless.
I understand.
I've given it a lot of thought.
I think it'd be better
if you took care of Hash.
Are you sure?
Under one condition.
What is it?
Whether it's a roommate
or a wife,
I want you to find someone to raise Hash with.
Then you can have custody.
What do you say?
Deal.
Heart Logic
doesn't rely on manual matching like traditional matchmaking companies.
We use AI to analyze the info you enter
about your ideal type and match you automatically.
We turn your preferences into data
and recommend the ideal matches for you.
Another unique feature is that you meet without seeing photos or profiles.
It's literally a blind date, just as the term suggests.
People meet without photos or profiles?
Yes. In fact, the success rate is much higher
when you meet without having any information.
And we don't limit the number of dates
like traditional matchmaking companies do,
so you can meet your matches with no pressure.
As long as your schedule allows,
you can get unlimited matches for a year.
Would you like to--
Mommy, I need to pee.
Go find Dad.
- I see. - Yes.
You do verify your members, right?
Of course!
We conduct rigorous manual verification.
LOVE YOU, MOM AND DAD
I'll get going.
I'm just having one face-to-face meeting and heading straight back home.
Really? Then can you pick up Min on your way back?
Why?
I'll probably have dinner with Sang-min.
Is that so?
I was thinking the three of us could have a family dinner.
- Let's do that tomorrow. - Okay.
Are you still in the talking stage,
or are things moving forward?
I don't want to discuss my dating life.
It's weird. After all, you're my legal husband.
Okay. I'm off.
Bye.
I'm home.
Where were you?
Min said you went to take out the recycling.
Where's Min? Is he asleep?
Yes.
Have you been drinking?
Yes, a little.
So,
about our living arrangement…
Are you sure this is okay?
What's going on?
I…
I think…
I have feelings for you.
When I think about you with another man,
I get jealous,
and I can feel
something hot
- boiling up in here. - Min-chan.
This is a breach of contract.
Our co-parenting agreement
has no real meaning in Korea.
What are you saying?
Are you sure we're doing the right thing?
Do you think we are truly
happy in this loveless family?
Love is a feeling that can change over time.
A family built on nothing but that feeling
will eventually make you miserable, and it will end in divorce.
I don't want
to raise Min in a divorced family.
I think…
I really love you.
I'm sorry.
I don't want…
to break our family apart.
Okay.
In that case,
we should get divorced.
I'm really sorry,
but I don't want to live in a loveless family.
I want us to be a real couple.
BEYOND LOVE'S VOW
A breach of contract?
What kind of breach of contract?
Co-parenting agreement.
We agreed to raise our child together without a marital relationship.
I'm not sure if I'm following.
Min-chan and I got married without love.
We believed that such a marriage would be more stable,
so we agreed to have a child through IVF and not interfere in each other's lives.
So, there was no physical relationship with your husband?
No. Not even once.
I met Min-chan in the US,
where I found people like us
who believed that love can actually ruin a marriage.
There was an online platform that connected such people,
and that's where I met him.
I see.
Both Min-chan and I grew up
in divorced families.
So, having experienced firsthand
how unstable a marriage based on love can be,
we joined the platform.
In the US, depending on the state,
contracts like this may be recognized legally.
The chances of such a contract
being recognized by a Korean court seem low.
If it's determined that such a contract goes against public order and morals,
it can be declared void.
What do you mean by that exactly?
It refers to the basic moral values and public order of society.
For example, a "concubine contract" that went against the monogamy system
was ruled void for violating public order and morals.
A "concubine"?
Yes.
Another case involving a contract
in which a married person agreed to marry a specific person after divorcing
was declared void for violating ethics and social order.
But my contract with him isn't anything weird like that.
Taking on a concubine or agreeing to marry someone else
is in itself against basic human ethics.
But we simply found ourselves a better form of marriage,
one that doesn't rely on imperfect emotions.
I understand.
But from the court's perspective,
it could be seen as fundamentally denying
the traditional concept of marriage
since sexual union and emotional bonds are regarded
as essential to a marital relationship.
I see.
But why do you see it as a breach of contract?
My husband ended up falling in love with me.
He wants us to be like other married couples.
And I'm not interested.
Now, he wants to divorce me.
But I don't want to get divorced.
I like how things are now,
just as we agreed in the contract.
Whether it's a roommate
or a wife,
I want you to find someone to raise Hash with.
Then you can have custody.
MATCHMAKING AGENCY
HEART LOGIC AI-BASED MATCHMAKING SERVICE
CONSULTATION INQUIRY
CONSULTATION REQUEST
NAME YOON SEOK-HOON
PHONE NUMBER
CONSULTATION REQUEST
REQUEST SUBMITTED
Min-ji told me you are the CEO of a matchmaking agency.
Yes, I am.
It operates in a more progressive way than traditional ones.
This is my agency's brochure. Have a read.
It might be a bit soon to think about getting married,
but if you're going to, now's the right time.
I got Min-ji to sign up too.
She told me.
We have a discount for acquaintances.
Okay.
It's rather ironic
that someone who doesn't believe in love is in the matchmaking business.
That's why I can run the business.
Love is about feelings, but marriage is about reality.
It's not a promise to love forever.
It's simply a lifetime contract to live together.
Compatibility is more important than feelings
when it comes to spending life together.
Introductions through friends are limited.
It's not easy to find a good match by chance.
In a matchmaking agency,
you have access to a much larger pool,
so the odds are in your favor.
- I look forward to working with you. - I do too.
Give me a break.
How can she have a child without being intimate?
Who is she, the Virgin Mary?
Through IVF.
That thing for infertile couples?
It's not exclusively for that these days.
So you're saying the husband wants to divorce his wife because…
Because he ended up falling in love with his wife.
Isn't it just weird?
He wants to divorce her because he loves her?
What is it that the client wants?
She wants to legally enforce the co-parenting agreement.
She also wants to claim the one billion won penalty
specified in the contract.
The purpose of that isn't so much to get compensation
as it is to use it as leverage
to avoid divorce and keep living as they are now.
But will judges actually see that as a valid contract?
I told her it could be void
if it's deemed to be against public order and morals.
It's pissing me off.
What is?
You see,
she's violating the sacred marriage system.
Don't project your emotions onto it too much.
Did I?
These days, a lot of married couples have affairs and sexless marriages.
Couples that are just for show.
But these people left emotions out from the start by contract.
Couples that are just for show keep it hidden.
They're basically the same. Marriages without love.
No.
They must have been in love at first,
so it's a marriage where love has faded.
Maybe marriage isn't the culmination of love
but the process of exhausting it.
Look at you people.
Why are you so negative about marriage?
I'm not saying what I think.
I'm just saying how it is these days.
People half-jokingly say marriage should be renewed every 20 years.
When marriage became an institution, people would only live to about 50 or 60.
People live up to 100 these days,
so the idea of loving only one person for life
can seem a bit unrealistic.
If anything, having an expiration date
might make people try harder--
Whatever.
I don't care how other people live or what they think.
I just want to marry someone I love deeply,
shower her with love forever,
and even when I'm old, I'd use all my energy to--
Okay. That's enough.
What do you think, Mr. Yoon?
Does it make sense to get married
solely for the purpose of having and raising a child
without intimacy or affection?
Some people even consider marriage just so they can have a dog.
Sorry?
You see,
love is a feeling,
and feelings can change at any time.
On the other hand,
marriage is essentially a fixed lifelong contract,
so the two won't always coincide.
So I can see why someone would choose to build a family
based on the responsibility of co-parenting,
instead of relying on the uncertainty of emotions.
That's unexpected, coming from a romantic.
A romantic?
Mr. Yoon?
- Not anymore, apparently. - No.
Anyway, I want to take this case.
Public order and morals are not fixed concepts.
They can be understood differently
depending on the era and social norms.
I also believe that marriage
should now be viewed in more diverse ways.
Can I take this case?
Yes.
I'll join her.
- Go ahead. - Good grief.
Tell me if you feel any pain.
Okay.
I thought it would hurt, but it doesn't.
Right?
This is the most popular treatment these days.
You'll see the improvement if you get the treatment regularly.
Okay, thanks.
- I'm so glad. - I'll introduce them.
Ms. Heo Min-jeong, over here!
- Hello. - Hi.
This is my friend, Lee Gyeong-hui.
She's Jin-woo's big sister.
How do you do?
- Nice to meet you. - You too.
You're the reason I got a fresh start in life.
So, for winning the case, I figured I'd treat you and invite Gyeong-hui
since she's the one who referred you to me.
That's great.
Please.
So, you and Jin-woo work on the same team?
Yes, we started at the same time, so we get along well.
I see.
Then you must be around the same age.
Same age, apparently.
As Jin-woo?
No.
- As us. - Are you for real?
- You're 42? - Yes.
You must take really good care of yourself.
I thought you and Jin-woo were only a year or two apart.
But a ten-year gap?
How do you have zero age spots?
Your complexion is amazing.
It's because I went to the dermatologist yesterday.
Really?
That's why you were glowing!
What did you get done?
I had a treatment for my age spots.
They definitely look lighter now,
and my skin texture seems better too.
With that ten-year gap,
Jin-woo must seem like a baby to you.
No, not particularly.
He's only a baby to you.
Jin-woo is 32 now.
- I know. - Yes.
It's about time he got married,
but there hasn't been any news at all.
Doesn't he have a girlfriend?
I don't think so.
Does he?
Well,
I'm not so sure.
Ms. Heo.
Please take care of my brother
like a big sister.
If you know anyone nice, you could introduce…
I guess everyone you know must be older than him.
They are, right?
I guess so.
Why can't he meet someone older?
Are you serious?
Jin-woo doesn't like older women. I don't, either.
My family wouldn't approve.
A gap of a couple years is fine.
No way. They need to have a baby.
- Right, a baby. - Yes.
- This is good. - This place is famous.
Enjoy, Ms. Heo.
Thanks.
What's up?
About our dinner…
- Yeah? - I forgot I had plans.
What plans?
Just some plans.
Let's have dinner another time.
What's her deal?
Hey, Gyeong-hui.
Yes.
When?
With Ms. Heo?
Let's talk for a second.
You really have plans this evening?
Yes.
Don't lie.
Why didn't you tell me you met my eldest sister?
What did she say to make you avoid me again?
She didn't say much.
We both know what it's about.
I tried to ignore it, but I can't.
Okay. You're ten years older than me.
You're divorced and have a kid.
But I still love you.
Are you going to play hide-and-seek every time this comes up?
If you start dating now, marriage comes next.
But are we even compatible?
You can date without checking all the boxes,
- but marriage is different. - Checking boxes?
Look.
Marriage is something you do when you're crazy in love.
What determines a good match or a bad one?
Isn't love what really matters in marriage?
Jeez.
Marry me.
What?
Let's get our families' blessing and get married.
I bet your family will be over the moon.
So what if they're not? You'll be living with me, not them.
Listen carefully.
I'm done sidelining myself for love.
I love you, but I'm more important to me.
I love myself more than you.
It's the only way I can ever repay my mom.
What?
What did you just say?
- Say what? - Say what you just said.
I love myself more.
No, right before that.
I love you, but I'm…
You can't just drop that on me.
I'm all shaken up.
Trust me.
I'll never let you feel less than you are.
Never.
Where's Ms. Kwon?
She's out for a while.
I was going to give you a call.
About what?
I got a call from Ban Gi-seung.
Just as we suspected,
Mr. Ko orchestrated the whole thing.
I knew it.
Now we just need to find the evidence.
Yes.
He's agreed to hand over all the key evidence.
Did they seem to be on bad terms?
Of course they are.
That's why he came to me.
From Ban Gi-seung's standpoint,
if he admits that Mr. Ko orchestrated everything,
he'll lose his license for breaching the OEM rules.
If he says the asset management company handled everything independently,
he'll be on the hook for over 80 billion won in damages.
Either way, it's a dead end.
On top of that, I hear Mr. Ko
is trying to pin everything on Ban Gi-seung.
LEE JIN-WOO
The organization that supported Mr. Ban
is the Seunghun Foundation, operated by Mr. Ko Seung-cheol.
Did you give our information to him?
He asked me where I hid the technical documents,
so I said there's no such thing
and that it's all in Mr. Lee Seong-bin's head.
- Why? - It doesn't seem like Mr. Ban
would betray Mr. Ko.
What if Mr. Ko sent him to see what we're up to?
Why do you think that?
He got backing from Mr. Ko's foundation.
He did?
Then Mr. Ban would also be one of Mr. Ko's protégés.
Mr. Ko's protégés?
Yes.
Law firms are all about people,
and Mr. Ko has got that down to an art.
He used his persuasion skills to run another venture built on people.
He nurtured talent through corporate and client sponsorships
and built networks to strengthen his client base.
He has a knack for developing people and reaping the benefits.
Mr. Ban Gi-seung is probably one of them too.
Ko Seung-cheol's protégés.
Still,
if his life's on the line, he'll want to find a way out.
They're handing over
all the evidence at four o'clock the day after tomorrow.
We'll know the truth then.
Yes.
- Take it easy. - You too.
Can we get a drink after work?
Is something wrong?
This is about the most important thing in my life.
I need you to hear me out.
- Okay. - Can Hyo-min join us?
Why her?
I'm not sure if she'll be any help,
but I need someone with a female perspective.
Okay.
Thanks.
I'm dating Min-jeong.
I knew it.
Since lunch the other day, you were acting weird.
You're not even surprised.
Anyway, I want to get married.
- With whom? - With whom?
I just told you.
I'm dating Min-jeong. Who else could it be?
Why are you so surprised?
Things are moving too fast.
Exactly. Very fast.
- And? - And?
Jeez.
What are you, his echo?
Out with it.
You want to marry her, and what?
I'm thinking about popping the question,
but she sounded like she's not big on marriage.
So I figured I'd get your advice
on how to pop the question.
Nothing beats the classics.
How about reciting your personally written vows of love?
Very simple, yet very intuitive. I love it.
So, what should I write?
I'd love to help you out,
but I have no idea.
I'm not even sure
if marriage and love go together.
You're not helping me at all.
How about you?
Me?
I think…
marriage is built on love.
Over time, that love just changes shape.
How so?
Love between a couple
starts with passion, goes through reality,
and ends in solidarity.
Losing passion
doesn't mean losing love.
Solidarity, loyalty, belonging.
They're all just different forms of love.
I've got an answer.
Wait.
Can I use that for my vows?
Let me borrow your words.
What did you say?
"Love starts with passion."
"Goes through reality."
I know.
"Goes through reality."
"And ends in solidarity."
- Just one more round. - One more round.
- One more round! - One more round!
You two can go ahead.
Just one more, then.
- Yes! - Yes!
You're just chugging it.
- Excuse me! - Yes.
- One more soju, please! - Sure.
Thanks.
Cheers! Thank you.
You can do it, Jin-woo!
Go, future groom!
COURT
If they say this, we have to bring this up.
Okay?
Here they are.
Long time no see, Ms. Kang.
You've got yourself an interesting case.
Why can't the plaintiff ask for a divorce?
The plaintiff seeks a divorce,
claiming that the defendant had feelings for someone else.
However, according to Article 841 of the Civil Act,
a divorce cannot be filed
if the other party's misconduct occurred with prior consent
or if it was forgiven after the fact.
In this case, the plaintiff and defendant agreed at the time of their marriage
to have no emotional or physical ties,
to allow separate romantic relationships,
and to only share child-rearing duties.
This constitutes prior consent under Article 841 of the Civil Act.
So if someone gives prior consent for an affair,
or if they forgive an affair after the fact,
they can't file for divorce over it?
- No. - Right.
She's good.
That's what Hyo-min is using here.
The plaintiff is not only claiming
that the defendant had a fling with another man
but also that he can no longer endure a loveless, sexless marriage.
Even if there had been prior consent,
it has now been clearly withdrawn.
Do you not understand the meaning of a contract?
Does a contract become null and void if it's retracted unilaterally?
A contract?
Yes, that contract is void.
From day one, that deal excluded love and intimacy
and even allowed them to date others.
It denies the essence of marriage.
That contract goes against public order and morals. It's void.
In short, a loveless, sexless marriage itself is a violation
of public order and morals.
If a loveless marriage is a violation of public order and morals,
does that invalidate any marriage based solely on practical conditions?
By that logic, couples whose love has faded or who are sexless
should all get divorced.
A marriage is not only a union where a couple's feelings align.
The couple also shares intentions and life purposes.
The plaintiff and the defendant made this agreement
for the purpose of child-rearing,
and they have successfully maintained their family without issues.
However, the plaintiff now seeks to break up this stable household,
citing nothing more than a change of feelings.
Your Honor,
this agreement directly denies the marital obligations
of cohabitation, support, and cooperation
stipulated in Article 826 of the Civil Act.
Should the court allow this,
it may result in significant confusion
in the legal system governing spousal relations under the Civil Act.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court holds
that sexual relations are essential to marriage,
and a prolonged refusal without cause can be grounds for divorce.
If the defendant wants to keep this marriage so desperately,
she could sleep with the plaintiff.
Are you telling her to sleep with a man she doesn't even love?
So why get married
when you don't even love the guy?
Because love is an imperfect, exhaustible, and temporary emotion.
That's why not everyone who's in love gets married
and not everyone who gets married is in love.
You know that better than anyone.
Your Honor,
the case cited by the plaintiff's counsel is only a standard for a typical marriage
and cannot be applied when there was a clear agreement
before marriage not to have sexual relations.
Okay, then. Let me ask you this.
Put all the feelings and sex aside.
Are you saying you want the court
to permit a married woman to see another man?
Hang on. I find this very offensive.
You seem to think our contract violates public order and morals or whatever.
What was it that I heard?
A concubine contract? I heard this applies to things like that.
The contract we made was not immoral or abnormal.
He knows it better than anyone. He's using his lawyer as his mouthpiece.
I won't see Sang-min anymore.
Would that do?
Defendant,
please calm down.
Your Honor,
there wouldn't be an issue
if we remove the contract's open relationship clause, right?
Wouldn't it be a severely outdated judgment
to say that this contract is void solely because it's a loveless, sexless marriage?
Regarding that matter,
the court will make a comprehensive judgment.
Your Honor,
this contract is based on sexual self-determination
and social responsibility towards child-rearing
and does not violate public order.
The institution of marriage evolves with time and alongside culture.
Two people from divorced families entered this contract
to provide a better environment for their child.
Clear rules were necessary to ensure
predictability in child-rearing and daily life.
I understand.
The court will carefully determine whether this contract represents
an evolved form of marriage or a structure that undermines
the institution itself.
The law represents the minimum threshold of morality.
In reviewing this case, we will consider the nature of marriage
and the principle of public order and morals.
File any additional submissions by the deadline,
and we'll set the next hearing date.
Let's talk for a minute.
About what?
I go on blind dates every week.
Sometimes three times a week.
So?
Every time I meet someone, I regret what I did.
And I wonder
why I did that to you.
I meant everything I said in court earlier.
A marriage without love doesn't work.
Even if I find someone who's a better match,
what's the point if I don't love them?
You're not right for me.
Why not?
I'll be better.
Forget love. You're not loyal.
I wouldn't date someone like that, let alone marry them.
It's been 20 minutes. Where is he?
I'll give him a call.
HYNIC CORE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHOI CHIL-HYEON
What is Mr. Choi from Hynic Core calling me for?
- Who's that? - The head of technology.
Go ahead.
Hello.
Yes.
What? Now?
You can sign in the designated space at the bottom.
The moment you sign,
20 billion won will be transferred immediately to your account.
This offer is valid until 6 p.m. today.
You have 18 minutes left.
This is the only way.
With 20 billion won, we can clear not only your debt
but also Sang-jun's, Geon-taek's, and Seung-nam's.
You can't let your family
lose their home and end up on the streets.
We trusted you and even brought in loan shark money for the research.
If Hynic Core cuts us loose too,
we're done for.
Are you sure if I just sign,
the plan to lay off Hynic Core employees will be withdrawn?
Yes.
You already checked the contract several times.
Only authorized personnel are allowed in here.
Move aside.
A contract formed under such coercion is legally void.
That's not my concern.
I'm simply following orders to not let anyone in.
Hynic Core Inc.
isn't just a workplace.
It's a legacy shaped by the hard work, passion,
and youth of each and every employee.
Please allow my employees to continue working.
Yes, I give you my word.
Mr. Lee,
it's time for you to make a decision.
PARTY B, ASSIGNOR LEE SEONG-BIN
Ms. Kwon!
What?
Get out of the way, you thugs!
Mr. Lee Seong-bin!
- Seong-bin! - Mr. Lee!
Don't touch me! I'll sue you!
Let go of me!
Out of my way!
Let go of me!
- Seong-bin! - Mr. Lee!
How did you…
You damn snitch!
How can you side with Optalyn?
What's the matter with you?
Don't sign that, Seong-bin.
Get them out now!
What do you think you're doing?
Mr. Lee.
This is unacceptable.
You have less than ten minutes.
The offer of 20 billion won will be automatically withdrawn after 6 p.m.
Hang on.
Give me a minute.
I'm backed into a corner.
My house has already been auctioned off,
and you, Seung-nam,
and the others even took out private loans because of me.
That's not on you.
Hynic Core isn't yours alone.
We invested because we trusted the technology and the company.
That decision was ours to make.
Why would you take responsibility for that?
Mr. Lee.
This isn't right.
Mr. Lee.
Give us the chance to correct this.
I'm sorry,
but I won't sign the deal.
Mr. Lee!
Mr. Ban, is this how you handle things?
File the Bluestone complaint
and charge everyone involved with fraud.
Okay.
Sir.
Why don't we find a way for everyone to survive?
We can simply take this to court.
I'm sure you'll win.
But debt collection is another matter.
Bluestone has already distributed 120 billion won to the beneficiaries,
so there's no money in the fund.
Even if the court puts liability
on the asset management company or Mr. Ban,
they have no ability to pay.
Which means you'll have nothing to gain even if you win the lawsuit.
You know that.
Sell Hynic Core
back to Bluestone for 120 billion won.
I will make sure Bluestone can return the 120 billion won.
We've made moves based on our trust in Hynic Core's technology.
Without it,
recovering the 120 billion would still leave us with significant losses.
I want any evidence related to Mr. Ko Seung-cheol.
What will you do with that?
Are you going to kick him out of Yullim?
Yes.
We'll propose his dismissal for violating the partnership agreement.
And
we'll make sure he can never commit such modern-day treachery again.
You honestly believe greenhorns like you
could even lay a finger on Mr. Ko?
There's a whole faction behind Mr. Ko.
Nurtured protégés like myself
and high-ranking executives brought up by the kingmaker Ko Seung-cheol
are spread across the legal, financial, and political worlds.
I'll try laying my finger on him, then.
Mr. Lee Seong-bin will complete the technology
and grant Optalyn an exclusive license to use it.
Does that mean you'll grant usage rights
but keep the technology itself?
Yes, the source code will remain a black box
and will be provided in AIP format.
That's the condition.
Encryption and reverse-engineering prevention.
We'll get back to you on the license royalty.
What if we refuse?
We've secured evidence with Ha Du-sik's help.
That's more than enough
to lay my finger on him.
We just want more solid proof. That's it.
Give me…
that proof.
Without Mr. Lee Seong-bin,
the technology can neither be perfected nor realized.
Even if you win the lawsuit,
failing to collect will cost you billions.
And if you lose the chance to capture the market with the technology,
the loss will be even greater.
This offer is only valid here and now.
Along with Mr. Ko's share of the profits, I will persuade the other beneficiaries
to return the 120 billion won to Optalyn.
We'll return Hynic Core to its original shareholders
once our 15 billion-won investment
is repaid in full with interest.
The numbers still don't add up.
Let me add one more thing.
Okay. We'll take the deal.
Hello.
Name for the reservation?
Heart Logic.
Yes, your party is already here.
Please follow me.
- This way, please. - Thank you.
Hello.
What?
What are you doing here?
No way. Heart Logic?
Don't tell me
this is what I think it is.
I think it is.
Hello.
There's a lady in front of me who's 11 years younger than me
and has never been married.
I was looking for someone closer to my age
who's also been through a divorce.
Our AI analyzes your stated preferences and your actual compatibility,
then suggests the most balanced match.
According to our AI's recommendation,
you're a perfect match. That's why we matched you two.
We're canceling today's arrangement.
If this happens again, I'll withdraw my membership.
It must have caught you off guard
to be matched with someone younger who hasn't been divorced.
Going forward, we'll prioritize your individual preferences
over the AI's analysis.
For today, I hope you can enjoy your meal
and make the most of your time together.
No, I'd rather not.
Bye.
Hello.
No.
I actually think he and I are a great match.
I even bought new clothes and went to the hair salon to prepare.
And this place is a real gem for dining.
Yes. Okay.
Would you like to order?
Could you give us a moment?
I think there's been a misunderstanding.
I'll head out.
Enjoy the meal. It's on me.
Eat with me.
Their food is really good.
I'm sure you haven't eaten.
I'm good.
Can I order for one person?
I'm sorry, but we can only take orders for two or more people.
Then I'll order for two.
I'm sorry, we don't seat solo diners here since this is a central spot.
Is it okay if I move you to the bar?
We'll order for two.
Okay.
Why don't you like me?
I never said that. I said we're not a good match.
Why not?
You're my junior colleague,
you're a lot younger than me, and you've never been married.
I didn't expect it would be a disadvantage.
It's not about advantages or disadvantages.
So you're saying I'm overqualified.
"Kang Hyo-min is overqualified for her date, Yoon Seok-hoon."
It's just one date, not a wedding.
Just be my date tonight.
You've already cleared your schedule for this anyway.
What should we do after?
Do we have to do something after dinner?
Seok-hoon…
Seok-hoon?
You're my date tonight.
I can't keep addressing you as Mr. Yoon.
Anyway, you'll pay for the dinner, won't you?
Yes.
I can't mooch off you for dinner
and not even buy you a cup of coffee.
I'm okay with that.
I'm not.
But the weather is a bit too nice for just a cup of coffee.
How about a walk in the park and a beer?
You smiled.
It's a date.
That's why you're going on blind dates.
So basically,
she should be a divorcée in her late thirties who's into dogs.
Well,
I don't need my life partner to fit a specific mold.
I just think it would be easier if she and I had similar backgrounds.
"Life partner."
I like that term.
I think marriage is difficult.
Loving someone isn't reason enough to get married,
and getting married doesn't guarantee that love will last.
You can't separate love from marriage,
but they do feel somewhat different.
In what way?
Well,
if love is about looking at each other,
marriage is…
about looking in the same direction.
That's right.
I liked what you said.
What did I say?
"Love between a couple starts with passion,
goes through reality, and ends in solidarity."
"Losing passion
doesn't mean losing love."
I agree with what you said too.
"Maybe marriage isn't the culmination of love
but the process of exhausting it."
My dream…
was a lifelong companion,
walking side by side with me toward the same goal.
But in reality,
my marriage seemed to be a process of exhausting love.
And sometimes…
I feel like my life is a failure.
Why?
Because you got divorced?
Yes.
I don't think so.
Some loves are epic tales,
and some are short stories.
Just because you wrote a short story doesn't mean it's a failure.
Is that so?
Yes.
It's not a failure.
It just means one book has ended.
You need to write another one.
One with passionate romance.
Right.
- What? - I think my heel's wobbly.
Should we stop walking?
- Should we go home? - No.
Let's walk just a little more.
The weather's nice.
Here.
By the way, did you change your cologne?
Yes.
Why?
To write a new story.
Mr. Yoon was there?
Yes.
How did that happen?
How was it? Did you both leave right away?
You said you had dinner. Did you have dinner with him?
Tell us in detail. Don't leave anything out.
We were both shocked at first,
but I asked him to continue our date.
He was going to leave,
but we ended up having dinner and even going on a walk together.
I held… his arm.
- His arm? - His arm?
How was it?
- It was good. - What was good?
We consoled
each other.
Oh boy. They say consolation is the seed of love.
Love?
Hey, he's my boss. How disrespectful!
That's not what your face is saying.
Didn't you tell us that you don't need love?
You said we're all you need.
Do you still buy that?
That's what we say after fighting or breaking up with our boyfriends.
- Accept it. - Accept what?
We always come second to each other.
No way.
Is that a bad thing?
I like it.
Being second?
Yes. Look.
For us, our boyfriends, family, or future husband and children
will inevitably come first.
But those priorities aren't perfect.
They hurt us and disappoint us.
Sometimes, they betray us.
But that's fine
because we always have our second priorities to support us.
We're each other's safeguard, standing just a step behind.
That's us.
That's touching.
You're right.
I can love again and go through all the ups and downs
because you're right behind me.
- Come on. - Jeez.
I love you.
I don't.
- I love you. - Stop it.
That's enough.
So basically,
to oust Mr. Ko Seung-cheol,
you need my vote.
That's right.
Mr. Kim,
this is about Yullim's honor and very existence.
I understand.
Give me some time to think.
All right.
Take your time and let me know.
Don't do anything until I make a decision.
Yes, sir.
Gosh.
It's been a while.
Back when I was out doing sales,
I'd just down my drink without a moment to savor it.
We drank like fish back then.
Do you remember?
When we were in sales, we drank so much
that all three of us, Myeong-jin included, were taken to the hospital.
I remember that.
My goodness.
Back then, law firms were like lobbyists, hiring ex-officials
from the Fair Trade Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service
to reduce corporate fines and adjust the level of sanctions.
That's what we did back then.
Nowadays, we'd be in big trouble if we did that.
There are things
that worked back then but no longer work.
Go on, then.
Sorry?
You've been following me around for days, unable to get it off your chest.
Well…
What is it?
Did Kwon Na-yeon talk to you?
Yes.
Do you remember
what you told me when we first started Yullim?
What did I say?
When I asked you
why you were giving me so many shares if I hadn't really done much,
you said,
"Your shares will be
the last counterbalance to protect Yullim."
Did I say that?
I didn't understand what it meant back then,
but now I do.
You kept me as a safeguard
in case you ever became corrupted in the future.
You could have arranged the share structure
so that no one could expel you.
But instead, you put a check on yourself.
You chose me as the final safeguard
to prevent your whims or corruption
from bringing Yullim down.
Do you think you're that important to the firm?
Gosh.
You're right.
The reason I chose you
was because I believed you would always make
selfless decisions for the sake of Yullim.
I know I'm not that great a lawyer.
But I do believe I have the eye to recognize talented people,
as well as the generosity and wisdom to nurture them.
I believe that collection of talents will become Yullim's backbone,
and the fortress they build
will stand on a solid foundation,
not on shifting sand.
The name "Yullim" was made
by taking a character from my own name.
Based on the loyalty you instilled in me,
I will carry out the mission
that your past self left me.
Even if it goes against you now.
This is not a discussion.
It's a notice.
Is that Hyo-min?
What are you doing here?
Hi, Hyo-min.
I haven't seen that outfit before.
How chic.
Cherry must be hungry.
I should feed her.
Come in.
- We're home, Cherry. - My goodness.
Have you eaten yet?
Right. Food.
No.
Let me quickly feed Cherry, and then we should eat too.
It's so nice to see you unexpectedly like this.
Go wash your hands.
You should get changed too, Honey.
- I'll take care of this. - Okay.
Take a seat.
Mom…
Auntie.
I'm probably surprising you by dropping in unannounced.
How can you talk?
Can you hear me?
I…
can read lips.
FOR CHERRY
Thank you.
Hyo-ju.
Can I… see you again?
I learned sign language
to talk to you in case I saw you.
I'm… sorry.
I've always felt bad.
My daughter.
I'm sorry.
This whole time I couldn't visit
because I thought it might make you feel bad,
and that is why I came today.
I've been happy. I am happy.
And I will stay happy.
Okay.
The reason we're here is not pleasant, so let's get straight to the point.
You're proposing my dismissal?
Yes, I am.
Ms. Kwon, can't you read the room?
Counting Shin Myeong-jin, Ko Seung-cheol, Kim Yul-seong, Ko Tae-seop,
Choi Hui-cheol, and my own shares, we surpass the majority.
No matter what you do,
the motion to dismiss Mr. Ko can't pass.
Still, I'll give it a go.
Who knows?
Someone you thought was on your side might support the dismissal.
My gosh.
Let's hear your terms first.
You appointed me as the head, so let me do my job.
During my three-year term,
place the voting rights of Mr. Shin Myeong-jin
and your own in my trust.
And
never try to oust me again
through schemes.
Above all,
drop the dirty trick of using a young man
to fabricate a scandal.
A young man?
That's…
I understand. Let's do it.
- Mr. Ko. - Get me the papers.
- I'll sign them. - Why don't you take some time?
You may leave, Mr. Ha.
But Mr. Ko--
Yes, sir.
You joined Yullim
when we had fewer than 30 attorneys,
didn't you?
Yes.
You interviewed me yourself.
I remember that day clearly.
You looked so sharp that I knew you'd be good at your job.
Mr. Kim Yul-seong came to me.
For a moment, I'd forgotten
what Yullim means to me.
I'm not stepping down because you're pressuring me.
It's because of my love for Yullim.
Yullim is like my own child.
I've poured everything I have into it.
But these days,
I feel that we need a fresh change
because sticking to the old ways won't get us anywhere.
So I'm giving you a chance
to see if you can make a change.
Yes, Mr. Ko.
Some use the law as a weapon,
and others use it as a tool.
What is the difference between the two?
I'm not sure.
The former tries to uphold the law,
while the latter tries to rule over it.
I am the latter, and you are the former.
Unfortunately, the former has never once beaten the latter.
With all due respect,
exploiting loopholes in the law
to gain profit and manipulate it like you do
is not the path I intend to take.
I will use the law as a weapon
to build a fair system.
You see,
I thought the same when I was your age.
I believed that skill alone would be enough to succeed.
But in reality, it's never that simple.
I'll face reality myself and make my own judgment.
Suit yourself.
Just don't break.
True strength lies in the flexibility
to bend at times rather than snap.
In that sense,
make good use of Mr. Yoon.
For someone like you, he could prove invaluable.
Thank you for the advice.
I have another engagement now.
Right. I'll get going, then.
Please…
take good care of Yullim.
I will, Mr. Ko.
You did well.
Let's do this right.
I will now deliver the verdict.
From the outset,
the plaintiff, Ko Min-chan, and the defendant, Park Hyeon-yeong,
lacked any intent for physical or emotional union,
and it has since been maintained without the substance of a marriage.
In addition, the plaintiff has unequivocally expressed
the impossibility of continuing the marriage,
and the defendant's genuine intent to reconcile
cannot be recognized. Taking these circumstances into account,
the court finds that this matter falls
within Article 840, Paragraph 6 of the Civil Act,
a serious cause making it difficult to continue the marriage,
and hereby grants the plaintiff's claim
for divorce.
As someone who has handled divorce cases for a long time,
I will add just one remark.
Love is not perfect,
and marriage is the process of enduring that imperfect love together.
That process can be difficult and can fail.
And sometimes divorce is chosen as a result.
However, if we exclude love from the very beginning
just because it is difficult,
we lose the most essential value in the journey of marriage.
Although the marital relationship will come to an end,
I hope that the sincerity and responsibility that existed within it
will remain for a long time.
This concludes the court's ruling.
You held up well.
This ruling views love as the essence of marriage,
but I believe responsibility can also be its essence.
I hope you understand that this outcome does not negate
your responsibility as a parent
nor the respect and sincerity contained within it.
I don't think that way.
Thank you, Mr. Yoon.
Thank you, Ms. Kang.
Thank you.
I'll go…
and pick up Min.
If you have time…
Gosh.
Never mind.
I'll get going.
I'll join you.
Let's have dinner too.
Really?
Can you make time?
Then let's have dinner together, the three of us.
We eat out too often these days.
You do it often as well.
What if Min's eczema flares up again?
I found a temple cuisine place that only uses organic ingredients.
No additives, and the seasoning's light.
Really? Where?
Are you okay?
Don't be nervous.
- I'm not. - Really?
Why am I getting nervous?
- I am too. - Right?
She already said yes, right?
It's just a formality, right?
- No. - What?
So she could say no?
Yes.
This is crazy.
What made you so confident to invite us?
Do you know how living together is different from marriage?
What is it?
Living together is an agreement between two people,
but marriage is declaring that agreement to family, friends, and the world.
So even a marriage proposal needs witnesses.
Especially if someone like Mr. Yoon is here.
It carries more weight.
You have a point.
Hyo-min said she'd cover Min-jeon's eyes as they walk in,
so start the music as soon as Min-jeong shows up.
Good.
Here they come.
Okay!
I've never felt anything like this before.
Be careful.
The ground is lumpy.
Be careful.
To the right.
- How much longer? - You're almost there.
- What is this? - Be careful.
- You can stand here. - Here?
Can I open my eyes?
What's with the clapping?
What's all this?
Min-jeong.
Hi.
I jotted down
a few words yesterday
for this very moment.
A vow of my love to you, my darling.
"My darling"?
VOW OF LOVE
What are you doing?
Come on.
"Vow of Love."
"With you, I will cherish
the first spark of our love even as time goes by,
and I will uphold my respect and trust in you."
"May today's love carry into tomorrow,
and may tomorrow's love deepen into eternity."
"And the name of that eternity…"
Now that I'm reading it out loud,
it's a bit weird.
It all sounds a bit too perfect.
So it doesn't sound like my own words.
Right?
A little bit.
I keep saying I love you
and promising that my love will last forever,
but the truth is…
I'm not even sure I know what love really is.
I guess it makes sense.
After all,
no one tells us
how we're supposed to love each other.
So it seems
we only learn what love is
after being hurt,
and we realize its value only after losing it.
That's how, step by step,
we've come…
to understand love.
So to me, love feels like
a journey of constant questioning,
reflection, and experiences
as I search
for my own answer.
And I want to make…
that journey with you.
I won't vow that my love will last forever,
as I wrote it down.
But there's one promise I truly want to make.
I want to go with you to the very end,
to see what lies beyond this vow of love.
I will be the husband
who stands by your side,
who watches us grow and change beyond our youth
and who protects you
until the very end.
Here.
I…
I got quite a big ring.
Will you marry me?
Do you walk here often?
Yes.
When I have things on my mind.
What was on your mind today?
I kept thinking about what the judge said today.
I did too.
Having loved before,
I know how imperfect love can be.
I've been hurt.
And I've failed.
So I thought maybe it would be wiser
to just meet someone who's a good match
and live a steady, uneventful life
rather than chase love.
So that's why you chose a matchmaking agency.
Still, you had a good time with me, didn't you?
It wasn't bad.
I didn't expect to feel comforted.
See? I told you it would be good.
But it's not just you.
I thought the same way too.
I thought if I loved less, I'd hurt less.
So I thought
that everything might be easier
if I set love aside and simply found an adequate match,
But what the judge said really hit me to the core.
In trying to take the easy way,
I could end up ignoring the very essence of it all.
Yes.
But at the same time, I understood what you said
about the essence of marriage being responsibility.
I guess both are necessary.
Both love and responsibility.
But neither is easy.
I guess that's why people get divorced.
Divorce isn't the end, after all.
Especially this last case we had.
Right.
Ms. Park Hyeon-yeong's husband probably wanted a divorce
not to end the relationship
but to start over in a new form.
I guess divorce isn't a finish line
but a new starting line.
I may have lost the trial, but that was nice.
What do you mean?
Regardless of the outcome,
I feel like I've learned about love in the courtroom.
The judge's words resonated with me,
and Mr. Lee's proposal was the perfect ending.
You were on the verge of crying.
"I don't know
what lies beyond the vow of love."
When I heard that, something welled up inside me.
Honestly, I even get choked up sometimes at weddings.
And yet you said all that in court?
Oh, was that you speaking as a lawyer?
It was fifty-fifty.
Like Mr. Lee said, I'm not sure if I know what love is.
Still, I've learned a lot from handling cases at Yullim,
like I did today.
What did you learn?
About love?
Yes. About love.
The love between a man and a woman.
- Well done. - Thank you.
Thank you.
The love of parents for their children.
The love of children for their parents.
And
the love between spouses.
I'm sorry.
Even the love we show to others.
Thank you for reminding me that love takes many forms
and for teaching me
how to understand and heal the wounds
that come with it.
But I still don't really know
what love truly is.
What do you think love is?
Well…
To me, love is…
BEYOND THE BAR
Subtitle translation by Yuri Kang