Whistle Blower (2014) - full transcript
"This film is based on the true story of disgraced Korean researcher whose unethical practices were exposed after he received critical alarm for good work." -- Screen Red
Although inspired by true events,
this film is a work of fiction
A MEGABOX Inc. PLUS M Presentation
Let me tell you
an amusing story.
Johns Hopkins researchers
put sensors on a Korean's fingers,
and were astounded.
A Watermelon Pictures Production Co-produced
by B Plus Pictures and were astounded.
We're 60 times more developed
than an average American.
Dr. Lee Jang-hwan's Guest Lecture:
'Biotech and Future of Korean Science'
Dr. Simon visited our lab,
and saw our SCNT
technique, and exclaimed,
Unbelievable, so fantastic!
He was utterly in shock.
There's only 1 reason
why I study stem cells:
to give those with
incurable disease a hope,
and that is why I'm
standing here now.
I should be in the lab
conducting experiments,
PARK HAE-IL I should be in
the lab conducting experiments,
but as I dedicate
3 hours to you all,
LEE KYUNG-YOUNG but
as I dedicate 3 hours to you all,
even if just 3 of
you in this crowd
YOO YEON-SEOK even
if just 3 of you in this crowd
YOO YEON-SEOK
take my baton and
contribute to the science,
WRITTEN BY LEE CHUN-HYUNG take
my baton and contribute to the science,
WRITTEN BY LEE CHUN-HYUNG
WRITTEN BY LEE CHUN-HYUNG
I'd be forever grateful.
Thank you.
After publishing
his personalized
stem cell thesis in
Bioresearch journal,
Dr. Lee became a strong
candidate for a Nobel Prize.
DIRECTED BY YIM SOON-RYE Dr. Lee became
a strong candidate for a Nobel Prize.
Another big round of applause!
THE WHISTLE BLOWER
She was a healthy
gal with a strong body.
But after a visit to the clinic,
she felt queasy, and
passed out like a log.
These kids didn't know
their mom was dead,
and lived days with her body.
And those clinic
bastards are something.
They said they never
had her as a patient.
They even showed
me a chart to prove it!
Goddammit...
So, out of desperation, I
called you as a last resort.
Why?
You're PD Chase!
- I see, right.
- Goddamn...
Thank you for that.
Producer!
Producer!
Sir!
Can't you at least let
me know if you'll air it?
I hear you loud and clear,
but you'll have better
luck with the police.
That'll be much faster.
They won't listen to me!
If you want to report, at least
fill in the holes in the story.
As you say, if she
was so healthy,
why'd she drop
dead after a surgery?
It doesn't make sense.
Eggs!
What?
She went there...
to sell her eggs.
Restricted Area
Who are you?
Isn't this a clinic?
No, it's not.
That's weird, I was
told it was this building.
You're wrong, just walk away.
My wife said she
went to this clinic...
I don't give a damn
about your wife.
I guess I'm wrong.
Newman Medical
Current Affairs Department
One moment please.
Newman's involvement
complicates things.
How come?
Illegal eggs trickling into an
infertility clinic, we got a story!
Don't you know about Newman?
They're Dr. Lee Jang-hwan's
joint research laboratory.
Didn't know?
It's Dr. Lee's official
oocyte supplier.
Don't stir anything up
without proper evidence.
My balls are tingling.
I can start gathering evidence.
He's a national pride.
If you do a half-assed
job, we'll all get the noose.
You're scared, aren't ya?
Watch your mouth!
Just don't do it.
Promise me.
I'll be watching you.
Fine.
I don't like headaches anyway.
Yeah, it's me.
You got a friend in
Dr. Lee's team, right?
To be absolutely clear,
my team operates under very high
and strict ethical standards.
Including these oocytes,
we've met all
international science community
rules...
What are you doing in the dark?
Didn't want to wake up Su-bin.
I put the house up for sale.
It'll be okay, sweetie.
Daddy will be here
with your medicine.
Hold on, sweetie.
Hello?
My name is Yoon
Min-chul of PD Chase. Is...
Isn't this Mr. Shim
Min-ho's phone?
No, you got the wrong number,
there's no such a person.
But it's the right num...
Honey, let's take the
meds, you'll feel better.
Stem Cell Research Institute
Where were you? The
doc was asking for you.
- Me?
- Go on.
Yes?
Did you want to see me?
- Please come in.
- Thank you.
It's just that...
This could be rather awkward,
but I'll just say it since
we're all family here.
I know how difficult it has been
for you two because of Su-bin,
and I should've done more
to convince Dr. Shim to stay...
Somehow it feels
like it's all my fault...
Please don't say that sir.
I arranged the best hospital
and doctors for Su-bin,
so don't worry anymore.
But sir... you mustn't...
Mrs. Shim,
I will not abandon those who
put their hearts to our cause.
This is my honest
gesture, so please accept.
Thank you.
Dr. Lee Jang-hwan is entering.
A big round of applause please!
Ladies and gentlemen,
please take your seats.
International Stem Cell
Bank Supporters' Night
Ladies and gentlemen,
and Minister,
Thank you so much for coming.
A few days ago, New York
Times reporter visited our lab.
He said world science communities
and media are watching me,
for successfully creating clinical
stem cells from a patient somatic cells.
So I told this reporter.
'Keep an eye on
Korea instead of me.
We suffered a major war, and
received care from the world.
But now it's our time to become
the forerunner in biotechnology.'
This night cannot be about me.
This night,
belongs to these children, who
will soon get back on their feet,
and become our future leaders.
I will help them get back up!
Please keep an eye on us.
Doctor, over here please!
Smile wide!
Where are you going?
We need to talk.
I'll be late, don't wait up.
Honey.
Side effects and sequelae
of oocyte donation
- I challenge you!
- Ji-ho, please.
I challenge you!
I'm so scared! I'm busy,
so go play with mom.
Go on now, hurry!
In the name of justice,
I will not forgive you.
Honey, please.
Ji-ho, I told you!
Mom! Dad won't play with me.
Min-chul, go answer the door!
Hello?
Is this...
are you...
producer Yoon Min-chul?
Yes, Mr. Shim?
I'd like to meet you.
Going somewhere?
- Going somewhere?
- Just for a moment.
- Producer Yoon?
- Yes, yes.
Good evening.
I'm from Dr. Lee
Jang-hwan's research lab.
Please accept this
gift on his behalf.
Perfect rendezvous point.
Not a soul around.
Mr. Yoon.
Between truth and national
interest, which comes first?
The truth, of course.
Ultimately, it serves
the national interest.
I do not have any evidence.
Would you still believe me?
If this isn't a test,
then absolutely.
I know how difficult
it is to come forward.
I know you're in a tough spot,
and there are countless
patients counting on him,
which complicates this matter,
but that shouldn't
justify his illegal actions.
There's a report of illegal
oocytes trickling into his lab...
There aren't any stem cells.
What?
His stem cell theses are...
all works of fabrication.
There never was...
a single cloned stem cell.
Are you... serious?
One moment.
I just remembered I
quit smoking 2 years ago.
Do you smoke?
We could talk in a few hours at work,
no need to wake me up at this hour!
Didn't you quit smoking?
Damn, this is so messed up.
I just can't believe it.
Is the whistleblower credible?
He has no reason to lie.
He had a fall out with Dr. Lee,
but his wife still works for him,
and his daughter's in the mix.
Why'd he risk everything
if it wasn't true?
Dammit...
Evidence?
None, we gotta do all the work.
Damn...
Not a single one?
The stem cell, I mean.
Not one?
Global Channel NBS
Honesty, Impartial, Open
So what?
You never asked for
my permission before.
So?
Want me to take all the heat?
Sons of bitches...
They gotta have at least one!
They can't be bluffing
with an empty hand!
How can they lie about having
11? Does that make sense?!
How can they pull off this against
the entire bioresearch community?
This isn't feasible
unless they're insane!
See that?
That's what I call logic!
That's the proper logic
of a broadcast veteran!
Can you feel the
monumental backlash?
So, do we do this or not?
Don't ask me that, idiot.
That's for our chief to decide.
Chief?
- Let me think!
- Okay.
- Min-chul.
- Sir.
I have some clout
as a chief, right?
I actually do want to be
cool and tell you to proceed.
But this is a
catch-22 situation.
When we start
digging, heads will roll.
Let me ask you this then.
Between truth and national
interest, what's more important?
What a load of BS...
- What's more important?
- Yes.
Truth is the national
interest. Happy?
It's settled then.
Say what?
- So it's decided?
- Do it!
Chief, make it irrefutable.
I just told you, proceed.
Okay, I'll proceed. Secrecy
is of utmost importance.
- This stays between 3 of us.
- Okay.
Good day.
Shim Su-bin
Su-bin...
What happened?
- Su-bin...
- Dr. Shim.
Do you call yourself a father?
Thank god Mrs.
Shim called me in time.
It could've been bad.
I'll leave you alone.
I know how busy you
are, thank you so much
Not at all.
Don't worry, and
call me any time.
Boss, what happened?
What's the emergency?
Min-chul's waiting downstairs,
go to him right away.
What?
He'll give you the details.
Huh? What's...
Iseul!
You know how
much I love you, right?
- What?
- Yeah.
You're the department
ace, so don't resent me later.
Go! Go!
Say what?!
I don't believe this...
There's not even one?!
Is that a protocol question?
Why's everyone asking me that?
But the cloned animals
have to be real though!
The first cloned cow, Chorong,
then the mad cow-resistant cow,
and there was that dog.
- Molly.
- Molly!
They were all over the news.
What of all the reports now?
That's why Korea's
all messed up!
I tried really hard
to understand you.
You quit the lab
without a word with me,
and I didn't want to trouble you
with all the debt that's piling up.
But I really cannot
get you today.
Where have you been all night?
If you're tired, just say
so, I won't resent you for it.
It's not that...
When she stabilizes, let's
move her to another hospital.
I can't, she can't get a
better treatment elsewhere!
I can't trust you anymore,
how can I leave her with you?
Honey...
Just look how bad things are!
Final loan notice...
Where are we?
We gotta interview the informant
before he changes his mind.
Don't you even know
the basics of our work?
Listen, when I call, get
the camera and come up.
- Got it?
- Yup.
Good afternoon.
Glad you're home, I was
worried you wouldn't be...
I'm sorry.
Let's drop everything.
What?
Wait, Mr. Shim!
It's natural to feel hesitant,
you're supposed to be.
And I know you're
in a tough spot.
If you need some time...
- No.
- I'll come back...
I won't change my mind.
I'm sorry for your trouble.
What, aren't we
doing an interview?
He'll need some time.
Why?!
Make up your damn mind!
If coming forward was easy,
why's the world so messed up?
Let's get to the next step!
There's plenty of
fish in the pond.
Say what?
We got reporting to do.
You're the first deaf
ace I've ever seen.
Get in!
My fortuneteller was right
about a messed up year.
Even birds drop from the
sky at Dr. Lee's command.
Use someone on his bad
side? No hospital will take him.
Shim's career is all but
over in the research field.
Can't you find a way?
You got some clout.
I'm just a petty
surgeon, what can I do?
Why is this industry
so gloom and doom?
It's not like he didn't know
how the world worked.
He didn't have to come forward.
What a dick...
Fine, enough about that.
Who's the expert in this field?
Who should I interview?
Isn't Dr. Lee a veterinary
college graduate?
He may be an expert in
animals, but not humans.
So he lined up all the
top medical professors
and brought in Newman Medical,
and received oocytes and researchers.
Cloning stem cells won't cure
incurable diseases right away,
there are many
hurdles to overcome.
I see.
Misleading media is a problem.
As well as government that waste
tax money without all due process.
And scholars that are begging
for crumbs on Dr. Lee's table.
They are the worst.
Mr. Shim!
Evening.
I'm really in a tight spot.
Could you do me a
favor and let me be?
Please give Dr. Yoo
Jong-jin a call.
He said it'sa pity to waste
talent and found you a job.
That's what I came here to say.
For your child's
sake, be strong.
My kid is Su-bin's age.
When I grow up, I wanna
be a good doctor like dad.
And help sick kids like me.
I'm proud of dad more
than anything in the world.
Dad, I love you!
He'd be so happy
when hears this, right?
Hankuk University Hospital
Between you and Su-bin,
I have so much to apologize for.
I thought about what
the best thing for us all is.
This is the best I can do.
I'll be at mother's for a while.
Call me there if you need me.
Divorce Agreement
NBS station, please.
'MYSTERY OF LIFE' TEAM ONLY! No stem
cells are registered at any tissue banks.
No stem cells are registered
at any tissue banks.
None are being screened either.
And Dr. Lee's animal
cloning research theses?
I scoured for those, but
couldn't find a single one.
They only exist in
the news articles.
So I called up his lab
and requested them.
And?
They're too busy to check.
I filed an official request,
so I'm waiting on that.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot!
The most important of all!
- I couldn't believe my eyes.
- What is it?
It's an organization
chart for Dr. Lee's lab.
How can they have more
PR staff than researchers?
Check out the next page.
It's a list of media people
maintained by their PR.
Right here.
You are listed right
smack in the middle.
I'm told you even received
a prime beef gift set recently.
What?
This is why the press is so
favorable towards Dr. Lee.
Do you see now?
This is how he became famous
without ever publishing a paper.
Interviewee list?
None yet.
I've been gathering
these all day.
Didn't I tell you
not to slack off?
I'll get to that right now!
Someone's all energetic
thanks to prime beef, but not me!
Cut the shit!
Be quiet.
Hello?
Yes?
Right now?
Yes, I understand.
Get your stuff.
What?
Whistleblower interview.
Interview?
Even those listed as
co-authors on the thesis
never participated in the research,
so none of them saw it of course.
So, stem cell cloning
was never successful?
Never.
While I was a team leader,
we've never once cloned it.
But they could have
succeeded after your resignation.
Unlike how our team is
perceived by the public,
there's no researcher
who could pull it off.
We've never succeeded
even with thousands of oocytes,
so it's illogical to make 11
in just a short few months.
We have never...
cloned a single stem cell.
What's troubling is the fact that
human clinical trial is being prepped.
This is a matter
of life and death.
'Personalized stem
cell' may seem legit,
but its safety is
far from certain.
There's also a high chance
of it developing into cancer.
Pardon? Cancer?
There's no telling what
a stem cell will become.
It could be a heart,
bone marrow or a tumor.
Right now, it's like a rugby
ball, it could go anywhere.
Even if this problem is solved,
human clinical trial
should be years away.
It must've been very
difficult to come forward.
What was your
motivation to do so?
I became a doctor to save lives,
and I joined Dr. Lee's
research team
in order to save my
child and many others...
But when I found out that
he was creating false hope,
it was...
too hard to bear.
And most of all,
I wanted to be a
proud dad to my child,
who may not live long.
Thank you for everything.
Please rest up now.
Okay, good evening.
Bye now.
When the interview airs,
your daughter will be proud.
It's all in your hands now.
Meeting in progress
Left is an embryonic stem
cell from a fertilized egg.
The right is cloned
embryonic stem cell.
Cloning is done
with SCNT technique,
where nucleus of
an egg is removed
and a donor
nucleus is implanted.
According to Dr. Lee, he said
he developed this technique,
how valid is that claim?
I found out during my research
that it was used in Japan in the '90s.
- Are you positive?
- Of course I am.
So, we got everything?
This already gives
me a headache!
Take things slow
and we'll get there.
Hello?
Dude, I don't know if
I should be doing this.
I almost died
because of your favor.
You can't die,
you're my best bud.
If I go to prison for
leaking patient records...
I'll send you contrabands,
so what happened?
You were right.
The kid in the picture is one of
the somatic cell-donors in the thesis,
and the first
clinical trial patient.
Give me the address.
Yes, yes.
I think I love you.
Dr. Lee giving hope to
boy with incurable disease
Park Su-hyun...
Okay!
Hey, Iseul!
How can you sleep right now?
Sir, I was...
Get the gear and come!
Where are we going?
On an assignment, at
least wipe your eyes.
- So unrefined.
- I found it, boss!
I found out how they
faked the stem cells.
Boss!
Look at this.
They said they have
11 stem cells, right?
Did you stay up
learning to count?
- Look here!
- What?
'Cloned stem cells and
embryonic stem cells look so similar,
it is difficult to tell apart.'
That's what it says right here.
How many embryonic stem
cells does Newman have?
Bingo! 11!
This is too precise to
be a mere coincidence.
Why? They lied that these
embryonic cells are clones!
Remember that I discovered
this, PD Chase's intrepid ace!
If we obtain DNA of
Newman's embryonic stem cell
and match it with the
stem cells in the thesis,
then it's all over!
Game over!
- My dear Iseul.
- Yes?
Are you kidding me?
What do you mean?
He conned the entire world.
Why'd he use such
a simple method?
How could someone who
skimmed a few papers figure it out?
You think this
world is that easy?
Damn...
It's a possibility,
that's all I'm saying.
Where are we going?
The first clinical
trial subject,
we're going to obtain DNA of
the somatic cell donor in the thesis.
If the DNA does not match, we
can prove the paper was faked.
Right?
That's what you call
a smoking gun, idiot!
Get in!
There's a weird
rumor going around.
What?
Reporters are
digging into stem cells.
What do you mean?
Honestly...
Who here has seen
a cloned stem cell?
We only heard that it was done.
But no one has
seen it in person.
Did Dr. Shim say anything?
Make sure to keep a lid on him.
He's the likeliest
leak among us.
We've been tailing
Dr. Shim for a while.
I never asked you to do that.
I'm sorry, sir, we didn't
want to disturb you.
But he is the one
who went to the station.
He even did an interview.
And...
the station requested
a copy of the thesis.
How should I proceed?
We must comply.
Since you came so far, I
wish I could do the interview.
But Dr. Lee cordially
asked us not to.
I see.
The documentary
we're shooting is
about explaining ins and outs of
biotechnology for the general audience.
And we plan to have an
interview with Dr. Lee soon.
It's not that I don't
trust you, Mr. Yoon.
Right.
May I give Dr. Lee a quick call?
What?
I've been calling him,
but he's a busy man...
Of course.
The call cannot be connected...
No answer.
He's the busiest
man in all of Korea.
It'd be a disservice
to bother him now.
- I guess so.
- Right.
What should we do first?
To start off, we'd like to
obtain DNA from your son.
- DNA?
- Yes.
It's an important data
for our documentary.
And it was openly revealed
in the thesis so it's no problem.
Right, please go ahead.
Okay.
- Go on.
- Sure.
- It won't hurt.
- So handsome.
Yes, doctor.
NBS came here to do a report.
They'd like to obtain
Su-hyun's DNA.
Yes.
He'd like to speak to you.
- Me?
- Yes.
Sure.
Hello?
Producer Yoon Min-chul?
Great to speak with you,
I've heard a lot about you.
I'm so honored.
We've never spoken but
how do you know my name?
You're doing an expose
on biotech, how could I not?
I wish you all the best, and
hope to see a great episode.
Yes, thank you so much.
- Here you go.
- What did he say?
Well, he'd like us to proceed.
Right.
Come on, continue.
Okay.
Su-hyun, could you say ah?
When do I get the surgery?
Dr. Lee adores him so much that
he promised to allow him to
be the 1st clinical test subject.
Is that so?
Shall we get some fresh air?
Pastor, sir.
Listen to me very carefully.
Clinical trial isn't
very safe at all.
You should consult
an expert first.
And if you must proceed,
announce it officially to the press.
I don't...
This is my card, and
an expert contact info.
There's no need to inform
Dr. Lee, please give him a call.
Mr. Yoon.
I trust Dr. Lee implicitly.
Good day.
He's not a messiah, what's
with all the blind faith?
Min-chul!
What's with him?
ATTN: Producer Yoon Min-chul
Copy of Cloning of Molly thesis
- Who brought this here?
- What is it?
Someone from Dr. Lee's
lab came by earlier.
Hurry, find an expert
who can verify this.
Okay.
I heard you 2 prepped
our animal cloning patent,
I hope you'd assist me in
prepping stem cell patent too.
- Of course.
- Sure.
Okay!
I've been too busy
to do it myself,
so there's a rumor going around.
It's all secured here, so
please treat them carefully.
Did you tell the press that
there aren't any stem cells?
How could you lie like that?
For Su-bin's sake, how
could you have done that?
You shouldn't turn a
blind eye to the truth.
You know what
goes on in the lab.
How long will you ignore that?
If this is for Su-bin's
sake, we must stand tall.
That doesn't make any sense.
There aren't any
cloned stem cells.
There never was,
and there never will be.
It was impossible
from the beginning.
You saw all those oocytes that came
in, where do you think they're from?
What about planting human
somatic cells in animals?
Dr. Lee will do even worse
things for his career and ambition.
No, I don't care.
If it means Su-bin will get a
stem cell treatment, I'll do anything!
So it's your conscience
that's bothering you?
That's a luxury we can't afford!
- Honey!
- I saw them!
Cloned stem
cells in the storage!
With my own eyes!
What?
Do-hyung, it's me.
Let me ask you something.
There aren't any
cloned stem cells, right?
Why would you think that?
What?
What are you talking about?
You mean you actually did it?
I'm hanging up.
Do-hyung, Do-hyung!
Dr. Lee sent me
this thesis on Molly.
I verified it with an expert and
there's nothing wrong with it.
The lab will send others too,
what the hell happened?
No, this is impossible
So suddenly...
That's what I want to ask you.
You should be giving
me answers right now.
I really don't know
what's going on.
Even if this is true,
cloning animal and human
stem cells are different domain.
You said everything's fake, that
Dr. Lee was lying the whole time!
But now that there's evidence,
you're saying it's something different?
What if more evidences pile up?
You'll say something
else, how can I trust you?!
Is this a joke to you?!
Of course not!
I don't know what's going
on, but I only told you the truth!
Then tell me!
How can you be so sure that
there isn't a cloned stem cell?!
There's gotta be evidence
to support your claim!
Your words aren't enough,
I need a reason to trust you!
And I need it now!
I already told you,
there is no evidence!
I need evidence!
I got here on your word alone.
I put my career and
my life on the line!
So tell me,
you'll never get another chance!
After this moment, I will
not be able to trust you.
Whether you trust me
or not, I only told the truth,
and that will not change.
You got here by putting
everything on the line,
but I got here by
throwing them away.
I told you the truth.
I hope it's not discourteous
to bring top publishers here.
Not at all!
I grew up poor, so I
love these street huts.
It's very humbling.
By the way,
you look pale, is
something the matter?
No, I'm fine.
Don't you worry.
Future of Korea rests on your
shoulder, how could we not worry?
Actually,
a former researcher made
some false accusations recently.
What?
He's a good man, but he held grudge
for not putting his name in the thesis.
We didn't know.
It's all my fault, I was
rather inconsiderate.
Don't trouble yourself,
we'll take care of it.
Thank you.
I don't believe it, look
at this son of a bitch!
His identity should be
made public and lynched!
- You're right.
- Goddamn bastard!
Son of a bitch!
Grudge for not co-authoring?
He probably took bribes!
He probably took bribes!
Piece of trash...
Yes?
I'm on my way!
Making false accusations due
to mounting debt? I'm on my way!
Making false accusations
due to mounting debt?
Have you gone mad?!
For a story of this magnitude,
you should've let us know,
and verified the informant.
But the thing is,
we can't judge the informant
based on negative publicity
sourced from Dr. Lee's camp.
Please listen to the
full story from my team...
We've heard enough!
Drop this before
the tsunami hits.
If there's reasonable doubt,
it's our job to look into it.
Producer has the editorial
control, not the board!
This has the ear
of the president.
What about the media outlets
who sold Dr. Lee's name?
What's true and false
isn't important here.
The public already
believes it, that's the key.
And is there a proof
that stem cells aren't real?
The thing is, if you
give us some time...
That's all I need to hear.
What are they doing
without evidence?
Where the hell is
Min-chul! That bastard!
I know...
Taking after Dr. Lee,
Molly is extremely smart.
She always finds her way
back to the temple on her own.
I see.
Boss, should we be here?
It must be chaos
back at the station.
Turn off your cellphone.
She even knows not
to bark in the temple.
Sometimes tourists
give her pieces of meat,
but she never takes any.
Her conduct is so proper that
she's better than some of us.
She's the pride of this temple.
Does Dr. Lee ever
come visit Molly?
He's a terribly busy man.
But he does call
from time to time.
There's a tinge of
sadness in his voice though.
He must think of
Molly when he's tired.
I see.
Sir, where can we find Molly?
We have to shoot right away.
If you walk into the village,
you'll come across her.
I see.
It's a stupid dog.
It never barks at people
and sleeps all day.
Don't you watch the news?
This is Molly.
She's a cloned dog.
Tons of money was spent on her.
What?
Who has that money to burn?
Why make a stupid dog like that?
You're better off with a mutt.
My Lassie is so much smarter.
Here, Molly, it's a sausage.
Molly!
Here!
Eat it!
That's good, take it.
She's getting up...
Is she sick?
Here, Molly, that's a good girl.
Molly!
Molly! Molly!
What's wrong with her?
What should we do?
Take her to a vet?
Whoa...
The tumor is too
big, she won't survive.
- What?
- Pardon?
It's a common symptom
among cloned animals.
They age much faster and
higher chance of cancer too,
I don't know why
they keep cloning.
You should put her down.
It must be unbearably painful.
At least let her die in peace.
That's... not something
we can decide on our own.
Then talk to the owner,
and don't take too long.
Who was she cloned for?
This is too much...
Get her DNA.
What?!
What's the verdict?
Su-hyun is indeed the donor.
And Molly checked out.
It was still worth a try.
What do we tell them now?
They must be waiting for us.
I'm too scared to do this!
This is not right!
I can't believe this!
Here, take a look.
This form is just a formality,
but you know what he wants.
Informed Consent Form for Oocyte Donation This form
is just a formality, but you know what he wants.
This could come back to bite us.
It was fishy when I was asked to
close the lid on the donor ledger.
No, it's probably nothing.
Of course it is.
Dr. Lee said he'd be the first
to donate if he were a woman.
Dammit, I can't do it.
I'm not even married!
Newman can't get any
donations due to recent bad press,
so we got short
end of the stick.
Doctor.
Truth aside, the informant's
motive is being questioned,
it'll be hard to continue.
We gotta think
about the public too.
Continuing this could
induce extreme hostility.
A little more, just give
me a little more time...
The informant's credibility is
gone, and they're reacting rapidly.
A little time won't make
any difference on our side.
No amount of
debating will change it.
It's the right call to stop.
Min-chul, will this
be your last story?
What of the informant then?
He's ridiculed by the media,
and became a public enemy.
Do we just throw
him to the curve?
The least we can do for him is,
give him a chance make his
case and let the public decide.
The person who should be
validated is Dr. Lee, not the informant.
All right.
We all made our cases.
Should we... take a vote?
- Nay.
- Nay as well.
Nay.
Min-chul.
My opinion isn't all that
different from the team.
You can ignore
the suits upstairs.
If you're right, you
can ignore their orders.
But not your teammates.
They raised valid reasons
and you can't ignore that.
The informant is one thing,
but I gotta protect my team too.
Let's weather the storm first.
Goddammit...
Dude!
It's me.
Dr. Lee asked me
to do an interview.
He told me to talk about
you in front of the press.
And I...
will do it.
I'll tell them how selfish
and irresponsible you are.
Then do it. I won't resent you.
For our daughter
I can do far worse.
But before that, I
have to ask you this.
How can you be so
certain about the stem cells?
Answer me, I have to know.
I was given an offer.
What?
Why are you
telling me that now?!
I only found out last night.
This is insane...
He was very close to a
researcher named Do-hyung.
An offer was made to him
a month before publication.
We can't end here,
once is all I need.
Please help me out.
I'm sorry.
Have I asked you for anything?
I'll talk to Dr. Lee.
No, please don't!
Don't you know him by now?
If not us, he'll find someone
else and get what he wants.
Do you think,
you can survive in this
field by going against him?
Min-ho!
Falsifying the thesis
for Do-hyung's sake?
As a scientist, this
should never happen.
You know that!
If you continue down this road,
I cannot work for you anymore.
Do-hyung!
Do-hyung!
Do-hyung!
Do-hyung! Do-hyung!
If Dr. Lee's order
cannot be verified,
Do-hyung'd be
blamed for everything,
and even attempted
suicide for that reason,
so Shim was even more
hesitant to come forward.
He was bound by guilt.
Are you writing a novel?!
No...
Hold on a sec.
Let me think.
Honey, I'm sorry.
This is all my fault.
I wanted to tell you, but I
just couldn't bring him up.
I'm so sorry to you and Su-bin.
I'm sorry I couldn't
tell you before.
Min-chul!
Where is Do-hyung now?
Pittsburgh, USA,
Dr. Simon's lab.
Then go to Pittsburgh.
I'll take all the heat,
so go right now.
Get Do-hyung's
confession no matter what.
For the story, and the informant,
that's the best course of action.
Authorized Personnel Only
Screw you traitor!
Go to hell!
Goddamn you!
Stop right there!
Honey!
Honey!
- Su-bin!
- Daddy!
What's going on?
Where are you
going at this hour?
USA, Pittsburgh.
And you didn't
bother to tell me?
When will you be back?
A few days, it won't be long.
Mr. Yoon!
Can't you let me in
on what's going on?
Hold on.
Hello?
What?
Okay, I'll be right there.
Okay.
Let's talk after I get back.
This is part of Dr. Lee's
stem cell batch.
He probably showed
it to me to reassure me.
I see.
- Have it checked right away.
- Sure.
Hello?
Have you arrived?
Yeah.
It must be nice to fly
away during this mess.
I'm hanging up.
Wait, wait!
I got the results from
Mrs. Shim's sample.
Yeah? What's the verdict?
It does not match
with the thesis.
- Tada!
- Okay!
Aside from the Molly thesis,
no new paper has arrived,
and Dr. Lee's camp is quiet.
They probably
think we backed off.
It's all over now.
Far from it! We
need solid evidence.
The DNA does not match!
Are you stupid?
How will you present
that? It's a stolen property!
Do you think it's
legally admissible?
And send Mrs. Shim to jail?
Don't get into trouble while I'm
here and call if something's up.
Got it!
Let's do this right.
Mr. Lee Do-hyung?
Afternoon.
I'm from NBS's PD Chase.
I'm producer Yoon.
I know the stem cell
paper was fabricated.
And that you're
intimately involved.
Could we speak privately?
It's been hell, but
I can't talk about it.
Sorry for wasting your trip.
Mr. Lee!
If it was such an ordeal,
this is your last chance.
We have verifiable evidence
that there is no stem cell,
and Dr. Lee will be...
investigated by the prosecution.
If Dr. Lee denies the accusations,
you'll be the scapegoat.
So, for your own sake,
please tell us the truth.
Will he really be investigated?
Once the story airs, he
won't be able to avoid it.
How did you get
involved with the paper?
As the publication date approached,
Dr. Lee became very nervous,
and pressured the researchers.
He pressed Min-ho,
but when that didn't work,
he called me.
Where did you obtain
the sample for the thesis?
We brought Newman's
embryonic stem cells
and lied that they
were cloned cells.
Because they're too
similar to tell apart.
And Dr. Lee ordered it directly?
Right.
Everything was
ordered by Dr. Lee.
I received the order myself.
Shall we vote?
- Aye.
- Aye!
- Aye!
- Me too!
Go for it?
Aye!
Let's do it!
This is Lee Jang-hwan.
Good afternoon.
This is producer Yoon.
We acquired evidence
that the paper was faked.
We could just air this story,
but shouldn't we
meet beforehand?
We want to give you
a chance to respond.
Let me check my schedule.
Certainly.
Mrs. Shim is on a sick leave
and her whereabouts are unknown.
And her daughter was discharged.
And Do-hyung?
He's not in the lab
and we lost contact.
Call the station,
let's do the interview.
Sir?
Limit their staff and it
should be taped at our lab.
I sent someone to Pittsburgh,
why not wait a little bit?
We can't delay any longer,
let's face them head-on.
Do-hyung...
will break and come
back to us soon.
Doctor.
They're here.
Thank you for coming.
Intro isn't necessary for
our distinguished guests.
They're awfully famous.
Of course.
It's an honor, gentlemen.
Since we have guests,
shall we start right away?
As you like.
Could you clarify the allegation that
you're using illegally obtained oocytes
and from your female staff?
To start off, it's absolutely untrue
about using oocytes from our staff.
Let me tell you something.
When one of my staff had
difficulty obtaining oocytes,
she insisted on using
her own for the research,
but I talked her
down many times.
I haven't looked into it since.
I did not know Newman Medical
provided us with illegal oocytes,
I only heard they were leftovers
from artificial insemination.
When were 11 stem
cells from the thesis
developed from blastocyst phase?
Well, this is something
that happens routinely,
and because of
my heavy workload,
I simply can't remember.
Mr. Yoon.
I'll try very hard to
take note of everything.
I didn't know I'd be scrutinized
over every little detail.
I promise you with
them as witnesses.
Sure.
Who was in charge
of verifying teratoma?
That'd be professor Kang.
Professor, could you elaborate?
Well, sure.
I verified teratoma
with SCID mouse...
One moment, sir.
According to my research,
your labs don't have SCID mice.
Let's see here.
Where are SCID mice grown?
That'd be...
a lab formerly used before...
our veterinary
school's relocation.
Ah, that research lab...
I see.
We'll look into
it at a later time.
We've checked with various
stem cell banks and patent offices,
but couldn't find
a single patent.
We are always concerned about
potential leaks during the patent phase...
Let's move onto staining images.
According to Lee Do-hyung,
he was ordered to
create images by faking
Newman's embryonic stem
cells as cloned stem cells.
Is this true?
I don't know how you
threatened Lee to get that answer,
but as researchers who deal with
life, we have high ethics standards!
You must have your own
editorial code of conduct as well.
If you used methods of coercion
to fabricate a sensational story,
you'll be responsible
for your actions.
To be clear, no methods of coercion
were used during the interview.
Shall we get back
to the questions?
- Lee claims he was ordered...
- Wait a minute.
Creating a stain is
not a difficult task.
Even with a colony, our
junior researchers can do it.
So you've never given
such order to Lee?
It's implausible!
I don't know why he'd make such
allegation, but it cannot happen.
This is an allegation
over something very trivial,
a simple staining photograph,
I simply cannot understand.
Doctor, could I
make a proposition?
In order to eliminate all doubt,
could you allow us to independently
validate your stem cells?
Of course, I'll
certainly allow that.
If we verify that
cloned stem cells exist,
we will not pursue
this story any further.
Sure.
We'll provide you with
11 stem cell samples,
and DNA of the
somatic cell donor.
Will you be okay with that?
Of course.
The tension in the
room was unbearable.
Oh, and I was right
about the stem cell forgery.
Fine, I wondered when
you'd bring that up.
Good job.
But I'm rather miffed because
he was way too relaxed.
Here they are!
Are you NBS's
producer Yoon Min-chul?
Hide your face!
What's your agenda?
'Agenda'?
- Have you interviewed Dr. Lee?
- Move aside!
Let us through!
Give us a comment!
Don't harass Dr. Lee!
- No, we won't.
- A comment!
Grab her camera!
Let go of it!
Please stop!
Why are they at fault?
It is their job to
look into suspicion.
What are you waiting for?
Escort them to their car!
Out of the way!
Stand back please.
Are you okay?
Please come this way.
- You good?
- Yeah.
I am solely to be blamed.
I'm sorry.
- You haven't done anything wrong!
- Please concentrate on your work!
- We're here for you!
- Be strong!
We are on your side!
- We'll support you till the end.
- You have us!
- We'll protect you!
- We're on your side!
Doctor.
- PD Chase's producer Yoon...
- What is it?
- What?
- He visited me in the Pittsburgh lab...
- What is it?
- And demanded an interview...
Lee Do-hyung Press Conference
Lee Do-hyung Press Conference
insisting that the thesis was a fake.
When I told him I
couldn't bring myself to it,
he threatened me
that I'd be prosecuted,
and in fear of such incrimination,
I gave a false interview.
Dammit!
I'm here today because
I'm afraid my interview
may be accepted as the truth.
Don't they know Dr. Lee
is our nation's hope?
Why are they trying to prevent
him from getting us out of recession?
You got that right!
Why should a TV
producer validate his work?
That's what I'm saying!
Immediately after
Mr. Lee's press conference,
media outlets are
swarming the NBS station.
PD Chase's online forumis...
This is NBS.
Producer Yoon isn't in.
Assholes!
Are you so hell-bent
on seeing us go under?
You should've stopped
when we told you to!
How could you let this happen?!
No more of this.
Send Yoon to the disciplinary
board and halt the story immediately!
Editorial decisions are up
to the production department,
you know that full well.
You've crossed
the line a long ago.
The shit hits the fan because you
pursued a story without evidence.
We've concluded an
interview with Dr. Lee,
and validation of the stem
cells have been agreed.
They're manipulating the media
because they're getting desperate!
Lee Do-hyung was
not held against his will.
But this blew over
due to false pretense!
Only prosecution
investigation was mentioned.
An official apology would
be sufficient, not a dismissal.
Let the disciplinary
board decide.
This is the last warning,
halt the story right away!
Executive Restructuring
Current Affairs Chief Kim
Min-sik awaiting new position
This is so frigging nuts.
This proved to be a tougher
nut to crack than we thought.
How long do you
think you'll last?
Sung-ho will be
next, and then you.
You have to move fast now.
Once we get the
samples, it's all over.
Just look around you!
Do you think they'll actually
allow DNA validation?
They're ready to seal
this once and for all.
You'll hear from the
disciplinary board, be ready.
Okay.
I am...
solely to be blamed.
In order to brush off all doubt,
we will provide PD Chase
with stem cell samples.
I sincerely apologize for
causing unnecessary concern.
I will do my utmost to prevent further
misunderstanding from happening.
People of Korea,
I am truly sorry.
Protect our technology!
Protect! Protect!
As the scale of demonstration
grows, PD Chase and producer Yoon
are being heavily criticized for
wanting to validate Dr. Lee's stem cells.
Organized by online
fans of Dr. Lee Jang-hwan,
candlelight vigil is taking
place near the city hall,
and they demand the shut down of
not only PD Chase but NBS entirely.
As the situation escalates,
another station criticized PD Chase
and reports that
stem cells do exist.
- Reporter Park has the story.
- What do we do?
As was reported...
STOP VALIDATION OF STEM CELLS!
How much?
As a fellow citizen,
please don't do it.
How will you
repent for your sins?
Abolish Editorial Manipulation!
Overthrow PD Chase!
Boss!
Why aren't you
answering your phone?
What now?!
Dr. Lee is waiting for you.
What?
Where?
What brings you here?
To this humble place.
You report to work quite late.
Yes, I leave late also since
you gave me so much work.
I'm sorry to hear that.
I noticed that you're a fellow
Hankuk University alum.
Although we had
different majors.
I know you didn't
come here to reminisce,
why are you delaying
what you've promised?
We cannot continue to push
airing of the story any further.
Mr. Yoon.
Give me 6 months,
no, could you give me 3 months?
Pardon?
Within 3 months, I'll
create over 30 stem cells.
I'll give PD Chase the exclusive
rights to tape the entire process.
Are you asking me to
make a deal with you?
Deal...
It's not a deal, I'm
giving you a chance.
So how about backing off now?
I won't hold
anything against you.
Before this moment,
before our conversation,
I doubted my own conviction
that there is no stem cell.
Thank you for reaffirming me.
If you continue, not only us,
but the public will pay the price.
This reckless quarrel
does not help anyone.
Let's put it behind us.
Mr. Yoon, I'll do my
best from here on.
I'm asking you a
favor as your senior.
DNA test only takes 2 days,
I simply cannot fathom
why you need more time
You failed to make
even 1 in the past 5 year,
how could you
make 30 in 3 months?
It's a pity to hear
where you stand.
I assure you, there
will not be a validation.
We will air it even
without validation.
Can you really?
There's no way.
Please look into labs
that could help us.
I'll somehow get embryonic
stem cells from Newman.
That's the only way now.
Will it be possible?
We can't just sit idly.
I'll be back.
What is it?
I'm sorry, sir.
My son wanted to
tell you something.
Sure.
I...
believe...
in you...
Be strong!
Of course, I will.
Don't cry... doctor.
I'll be strong.
Thank you doctor,
thank you so much!
I just want to talk to
the department head!
Why can't I meet him?
This way please.
I'm a current affairs producer,
I'm not here to report
or for an interview.
I want to talk to him
on a personal matter.
Let go of me!
- Let's talk outside!
- Let me go!
Hello?
I'll do a press conference.
What?
No, you don't need to.
You don't have any other way.
I'll come forward.
You can go public with my
wife's sample if you need to.
She told me to tell you.
The two of us are ready
to make any sacrifices.
We're determined
to see this through.
No, you really don't have to.
You've sacrificed enough,
the rest is up to me.
- But sir...
- Don't you worry.
I'll air the story
no matter what.
Trust me.
I have my ways.
Traitor to our nation...
Disciplinary board
made a decision.
They'll withdraw the story
and issue a public apology.
It's all over now.
Dude,
for the first time ever,
I'm scared of them.
I thought the truth would
bring them to our side.
But it's not that easy.
Goddammit!
I'm gonna see this through!
If that's their role,
then this is ours,
and the spirit of this program.
Right?
Yes, this is PD Chase.
Is this NBS? Screw you, bitch!
If you're done, I'm
hanging up now.
Screw your
narrow-minded program!
Screw yourself, you bastard!
Pisses me off...
Biotech Scientist Community
We must look from all sides
Why thesis validation is
necessary This is what I want to see.
Shouldn't we
question everything?
Hey, the Internet just exploded.
What?
They're going nuts
over your forum post.
My post?
Everyone's sharing it.
How to fake stem cell thesis
image Everyone's sharing it.
You actually did something good.
You really are the ace!
Can you tell them apart?
You really are the ace!
What are we doing in
the middle of the night?
Who the hell knows?
He says it's important.
It's about the stem cell thesis.
He'll bring us a press release
and wants us to write about it.
A major scoop, ha!
Weren't they supposed to issue
a public apology and drop this?
- I know, eh?
- Of course not!
He's got the evidence,
apparently. He'll fill us in.
- Whatever.
- Who said?
Good evening to you all!
What took you so long?
Thanks for waiting.
Shall we begin?
Hand these out.
Read it carefully and
I'll take any questions.
Is this accurate?
Dr. Lee does not have
a single stem cell...
Irresponsible media
outlets played a role
Suppression of the press, requesting reinstatement of PD Chase
This is a petition signed by the faculty of Hankuk University.
We express serious concern towards
gagging of the press with PD Chase.
If seeking the truth is suppressed
in the name of national interest,
this will ultimately damage
it rather than protecting it.
We demand the following:
Dr. Lee Jang-hwan must come
clean about the thesis to the public.
The government must thoroughly
investigate in pursuit of the truth.
Mr. President wishes to
have this matter settled here.
Political influence
would raise public outcry.
Yoon Min-chul, right?
He was in the student
council in college.
And your were a
former head of union.
It's an interesting combination.
One-sided broadcast does
not help national interest.
One-sided?
'Impartial' is
part of our motto.
We have several
enticing dirt on NBS.
The truth is relative.
I came too far, I
should have stopped.
Everyone looked up
to me, I couldn't do it.
When I gave them one,
they demanded two.
They always wanted more.
I missed the chance to stop.
I missed it.
Dr. Lee was reported to
have attempted suicide...
Why attempt suicide
with reporters on hand?
How did they know where to go?
Due to immense media
scrutiny surrounding his thesis,
he felt tremendous pressure...
Iseul, don't worry,
nothing will change.
PD Chase Message Board
- We aren't stupid! Air the story!
- Screw the thesis, air it already!
Public deserves the truth,
broadcast the episode!
It's replaced with another program,
and we talked to the advertisers.
This will blow over after today.
Okay, thank you.
The dailies went with it,
so why the hell can we not?!
Want a smoke?
Goddammit!
The execs gave
enough thoughts too.
The chairman saw the rough cut.
What did he say?
Pressure from various
parties probably got to him.
It's his damn job
to cover us from it!
Min-chul.
- Let's get arrested.
- What?
Let's upload it online.
If we get arrested, at least
there'll be an investigation.
I told my wife on my way
here that today may be my last.
Goddammit!
Hey!
Hey, where are you going?!
Chairman, allow us to broadcast.
Please?
- Our job is to broadcast...
- Let's get going.
And the public decides.
I'm begging you sir!
Boss!
The broadcast
belongs to the public,
and we deliver impartial,
accurate, objective information!
As per Constitutional
and Broadcast Act,
we have the editorial
independence
and this must be used in
the interest of public alone,
and must be fiercely upheld!
With accurate and
respectable programming,
we are the curators of
social and cultural issues,
and we must shield ourselves from
internal and external interferences!
Chairman!
- Let's do it.
- Sir?
- I'll watch it from home.
- Yes, boss.
Studio, are you ready?
- Ready to go.
- Okay.
- Title, standby.
- Standby.
Sung-ho.
Let's do this.
Okay!
Title, start!
Start!
Camera 1 standby.
1, cut!
Camera 2 standby.
Cut! MC cue!
Good evening, I am PD
Chase's Lee Sung-ho.
Today, we'll look into
Dr. Lee Jang-hwan's
stem cell thesis fabrication issue,
brought to us by a brave whistleblower.
We've upheld all international science
guidelines, including obtaining oocytes.
But unlike such claim, we
have acquired a shocking data
that tells another story.
This is the oocyte
record from Dr. Lee's lab.
Over 600 illegally obtained eggs
were used in Dr. Lee's research.
Anonymous donor (25) I was
told it was for an infertile couple.
Anonymous donor (25) If I had known of
the side effects, I wouldn't have done it.
Gynecology clinic doctor Stimulating the
eggs to multiply them is very dangerous.
Gynecology clinic doctor Heavy blood loss could
lead to death, as well as sterility and cancer,
so informing the risks
to the donors is crucial.
Even more shocking is the truth behind
images of 1 1 stem cells in the thesis.
Not only were these images
fabricated, according to one researcher,
5 of them, which supposedly
came from different stem cells,
all came from the same source.
In particular, stem
cell #5 is identical
to an embryonic stem
cell by Newman Medical,
which was published
in a science journal last October.
We interviewed a researcher
who was involved in the process.
Everything was ordered by Dr. Lee.
I received the order myself.
Tomorrow Daily Chief
Minister Yoon
NIS Director Kim
There's no telling
what a stem cell will become.
It could be a heart,
bone marrow or a tumor.
I joined Dr. Lee's research team
in order to save my child
and many others...
But when I found out that
he was creating false hope
It was too hard to bear.
I wanted to be a proud dad
to my child.
Due to public outcry
concerning our investigation,
we, here at PD Chase,
had a soul searching.
Ladies and gentlemen,
we believe that media exists
for justice and truth.
And this is the reason why
we refused to give up till the end.
Now, it is up to you
to decide what is the truth.
What say you?
Thank you for watching.
Credits, roll!
Ace! Good work!
Sung-ho, great show!
You did all the heavy lifting.
Good job!
- Good work.
- Thank you.
Thank you so much for your help.
Controversies surrounding Dr. Lee
were aired tonight.
What is this bullshit?!
They said incurable diseases
could be cured soon.
And how stem cells could
help our economy.
So it was all a con!
Ain't it?
Indeed.
It's hard to believe because
it's none other than Dr. Lee.
But it's not like the producer
made everything up.
- Don't you think?
- I agree.
I don't care about other programs,
but I trust PD Chase.
I see.
It was them who revealed
those lying douchebag politicians.
If I had some money,
I'd leave this damn country.
Welcome back, chief!
Congratulations!
Screw you both.
I'm not a mover,
packing and unpacking boxes.
At least you got a nice vacation
thanks to us.
It's nice to be back though.
What the heck is that?
Hands off!
Share the goods!
This is producer Yoon.
What? Where?
Yes.
May I call you back in a bit?
Call who back?
Don't stir anything up.
Just don't!
What is it?
Do I need to pack again?
No, it's nothing like that.
We went through so much,
I have conscience too.
Answer me straight,
should I pack or not?
I'll treat you to a nice lunch.
Pack or not?!
Hey!
Hello, this is producer Yoon.
Of course, your anonymity
will be protected no matter what.
Shall we talk in person?
Where should we meet?
Yes, I know.
I understand, see you soon.
this film is a work of fiction
A MEGABOX Inc. PLUS M Presentation
Let me tell you
an amusing story.
Johns Hopkins researchers
put sensors on a Korean's fingers,
and were astounded.
A Watermelon Pictures Production Co-produced
by B Plus Pictures and were astounded.
We're 60 times more developed
than an average American.
Dr. Lee Jang-hwan's Guest Lecture:
'Biotech and Future of Korean Science'
Dr. Simon visited our lab,
and saw our SCNT
technique, and exclaimed,
Unbelievable, so fantastic!
He was utterly in shock.
There's only 1 reason
why I study stem cells:
to give those with
incurable disease a hope,
and that is why I'm
standing here now.
I should be in the lab
conducting experiments,
PARK HAE-IL I should be in
the lab conducting experiments,
but as I dedicate
3 hours to you all,
LEE KYUNG-YOUNG but
as I dedicate 3 hours to you all,
even if just 3 of
you in this crowd
YOO YEON-SEOK even
if just 3 of you in this crowd
YOO YEON-SEOK
take my baton and
contribute to the science,
WRITTEN BY LEE CHUN-HYUNG take
my baton and contribute to the science,
WRITTEN BY LEE CHUN-HYUNG
WRITTEN BY LEE CHUN-HYUNG
I'd be forever grateful.
Thank you.
After publishing
his personalized
stem cell thesis in
Bioresearch journal,
Dr. Lee became a strong
candidate for a Nobel Prize.
DIRECTED BY YIM SOON-RYE Dr. Lee became
a strong candidate for a Nobel Prize.
Another big round of applause!
THE WHISTLE BLOWER
She was a healthy
gal with a strong body.
But after a visit to the clinic,
she felt queasy, and
passed out like a log.
These kids didn't know
their mom was dead,
and lived days with her body.
And those clinic
bastards are something.
They said they never
had her as a patient.
They even showed
me a chart to prove it!
Goddammit...
So, out of desperation, I
called you as a last resort.
Why?
You're PD Chase!
- I see, right.
- Goddamn...
Thank you for that.
Producer!
Producer!
Sir!
Can't you at least let
me know if you'll air it?
I hear you loud and clear,
but you'll have better
luck with the police.
That'll be much faster.
They won't listen to me!
If you want to report, at least
fill in the holes in the story.
As you say, if she
was so healthy,
why'd she drop
dead after a surgery?
It doesn't make sense.
Eggs!
What?
She went there...
to sell her eggs.
Restricted Area
Who are you?
Isn't this a clinic?
No, it's not.
That's weird, I was
told it was this building.
You're wrong, just walk away.
My wife said she
went to this clinic...
I don't give a damn
about your wife.
I guess I'm wrong.
Newman Medical
Current Affairs Department
One moment please.
Newman's involvement
complicates things.
How come?
Illegal eggs trickling into an
infertility clinic, we got a story!
Don't you know about Newman?
They're Dr. Lee Jang-hwan's
joint research laboratory.
Didn't know?
It's Dr. Lee's official
oocyte supplier.
Don't stir anything up
without proper evidence.
My balls are tingling.
I can start gathering evidence.
He's a national pride.
If you do a half-assed
job, we'll all get the noose.
You're scared, aren't ya?
Watch your mouth!
Just don't do it.
Promise me.
I'll be watching you.
Fine.
I don't like headaches anyway.
Yeah, it's me.
You got a friend in
Dr. Lee's team, right?
To be absolutely clear,
my team operates under very high
and strict ethical standards.
Including these oocytes,
we've met all
international science community
rules...
What are you doing in the dark?
Didn't want to wake up Su-bin.
I put the house up for sale.
It'll be okay, sweetie.
Daddy will be here
with your medicine.
Hold on, sweetie.
Hello?
My name is Yoon
Min-chul of PD Chase. Is...
Isn't this Mr. Shim
Min-ho's phone?
No, you got the wrong number,
there's no such a person.
But it's the right num...
Honey, let's take the
meds, you'll feel better.
Stem Cell Research Institute
Where were you? The
doc was asking for you.
- Me?
- Go on.
Yes?
Did you want to see me?
- Please come in.
- Thank you.
It's just that...
This could be rather awkward,
but I'll just say it since
we're all family here.
I know how difficult it has been
for you two because of Su-bin,
and I should've done more
to convince Dr. Shim to stay...
Somehow it feels
like it's all my fault...
Please don't say that sir.
I arranged the best hospital
and doctors for Su-bin,
so don't worry anymore.
But sir... you mustn't...
Mrs. Shim,
I will not abandon those who
put their hearts to our cause.
This is my honest
gesture, so please accept.
Thank you.
Dr. Lee Jang-hwan is entering.
A big round of applause please!
Ladies and gentlemen,
please take your seats.
International Stem Cell
Bank Supporters' Night
Ladies and gentlemen,
and Minister,
Thank you so much for coming.
A few days ago, New York
Times reporter visited our lab.
He said world science communities
and media are watching me,
for successfully creating clinical
stem cells from a patient somatic cells.
So I told this reporter.
'Keep an eye on
Korea instead of me.
We suffered a major war, and
received care from the world.
But now it's our time to become
the forerunner in biotechnology.'
This night cannot be about me.
This night,
belongs to these children, who
will soon get back on their feet,
and become our future leaders.
I will help them get back up!
Please keep an eye on us.
Doctor, over here please!
Smile wide!
Where are you going?
We need to talk.
I'll be late, don't wait up.
Honey.
Side effects and sequelae
of oocyte donation
- I challenge you!
- Ji-ho, please.
I challenge you!
I'm so scared! I'm busy,
so go play with mom.
Go on now, hurry!
In the name of justice,
I will not forgive you.
Honey, please.
Ji-ho, I told you!
Mom! Dad won't play with me.
Min-chul, go answer the door!
Hello?
Is this...
are you...
producer Yoon Min-chul?
Yes, Mr. Shim?
I'd like to meet you.
Going somewhere?
- Going somewhere?
- Just for a moment.
- Producer Yoon?
- Yes, yes.
Good evening.
I'm from Dr. Lee
Jang-hwan's research lab.
Please accept this
gift on his behalf.
Perfect rendezvous point.
Not a soul around.
Mr. Yoon.
Between truth and national
interest, which comes first?
The truth, of course.
Ultimately, it serves
the national interest.
I do not have any evidence.
Would you still believe me?
If this isn't a test,
then absolutely.
I know how difficult
it is to come forward.
I know you're in a tough spot,
and there are countless
patients counting on him,
which complicates this matter,
but that shouldn't
justify his illegal actions.
There's a report of illegal
oocytes trickling into his lab...
There aren't any stem cells.
What?
His stem cell theses are...
all works of fabrication.
There never was...
a single cloned stem cell.
Are you... serious?
One moment.
I just remembered I
quit smoking 2 years ago.
Do you smoke?
We could talk in a few hours at work,
no need to wake me up at this hour!
Didn't you quit smoking?
Damn, this is so messed up.
I just can't believe it.
Is the whistleblower credible?
He has no reason to lie.
He had a fall out with Dr. Lee,
but his wife still works for him,
and his daughter's in the mix.
Why'd he risk everything
if it wasn't true?
Dammit...
Evidence?
None, we gotta do all the work.
Damn...
Not a single one?
The stem cell, I mean.
Not one?
Global Channel NBS
Honesty, Impartial, Open
So what?
You never asked for
my permission before.
So?
Want me to take all the heat?
Sons of bitches...
They gotta have at least one!
They can't be bluffing
with an empty hand!
How can they lie about having
11? Does that make sense?!
How can they pull off this against
the entire bioresearch community?
This isn't feasible
unless they're insane!
See that?
That's what I call logic!
That's the proper logic
of a broadcast veteran!
Can you feel the
monumental backlash?
So, do we do this or not?
Don't ask me that, idiot.
That's for our chief to decide.
Chief?
- Let me think!
- Okay.
- Min-chul.
- Sir.
I have some clout
as a chief, right?
I actually do want to be
cool and tell you to proceed.
But this is a
catch-22 situation.
When we start
digging, heads will roll.
Let me ask you this then.
Between truth and national
interest, what's more important?
What a load of BS...
- What's more important?
- Yes.
Truth is the national
interest. Happy?
It's settled then.
Say what?
- So it's decided?
- Do it!
Chief, make it irrefutable.
I just told you, proceed.
Okay, I'll proceed. Secrecy
is of utmost importance.
- This stays between 3 of us.
- Okay.
Good day.
Shim Su-bin
Su-bin...
What happened?
- Su-bin...
- Dr. Shim.
Do you call yourself a father?
Thank god Mrs.
Shim called me in time.
It could've been bad.
I'll leave you alone.
I know how busy you
are, thank you so much
Not at all.
Don't worry, and
call me any time.
Boss, what happened?
What's the emergency?
Min-chul's waiting downstairs,
go to him right away.
What?
He'll give you the details.
Huh? What's...
Iseul!
You know how
much I love you, right?
- What?
- Yeah.
You're the department
ace, so don't resent me later.
Go! Go!
Say what?!
I don't believe this...
There's not even one?!
Is that a protocol question?
Why's everyone asking me that?
But the cloned animals
have to be real though!
The first cloned cow, Chorong,
then the mad cow-resistant cow,
and there was that dog.
- Molly.
- Molly!
They were all over the news.
What of all the reports now?
That's why Korea's
all messed up!
I tried really hard
to understand you.
You quit the lab
without a word with me,
and I didn't want to trouble you
with all the debt that's piling up.
But I really cannot
get you today.
Where have you been all night?
If you're tired, just say
so, I won't resent you for it.
It's not that...
When she stabilizes, let's
move her to another hospital.
I can't, she can't get a
better treatment elsewhere!
I can't trust you anymore,
how can I leave her with you?
Honey...
Just look how bad things are!
Final loan notice...
Where are we?
We gotta interview the informant
before he changes his mind.
Don't you even know
the basics of our work?
Listen, when I call, get
the camera and come up.
- Got it?
- Yup.
Good afternoon.
Glad you're home, I was
worried you wouldn't be...
I'm sorry.
Let's drop everything.
What?
Wait, Mr. Shim!
It's natural to feel hesitant,
you're supposed to be.
And I know you're
in a tough spot.
If you need some time...
- No.
- I'll come back...
I won't change my mind.
I'm sorry for your trouble.
What, aren't we
doing an interview?
He'll need some time.
Why?!
Make up your damn mind!
If coming forward was easy,
why's the world so messed up?
Let's get to the next step!
There's plenty of
fish in the pond.
Say what?
We got reporting to do.
You're the first deaf
ace I've ever seen.
Get in!
My fortuneteller was right
about a messed up year.
Even birds drop from the
sky at Dr. Lee's command.
Use someone on his bad
side? No hospital will take him.
Shim's career is all but
over in the research field.
Can't you find a way?
You got some clout.
I'm just a petty
surgeon, what can I do?
Why is this industry
so gloom and doom?
It's not like he didn't know
how the world worked.
He didn't have to come forward.
What a dick...
Fine, enough about that.
Who's the expert in this field?
Who should I interview?
Isn't Dr. Lee a veterinary
college graduate?
He may be an expert in
animals, but not humans.
So he lined up all the
top medical professors
and brought in Newman Medical,
and received oocytes and researchers.
Cloning stem cells won't cure
incurable diseases right away,
there are many
hurdles to overcome.
I see.
Misleading media is a problem.
As well as government that waste
tax money without all due process.
And scholars that are begging
for crumbs on Dr. Lee's table.
They are the worst.
Mr. Shim!
Evening.
I'm really in a tight spot.
Could you do me a
favor and let me be?
Please give Dr. Yoo
Jong-jin a call.
He said it'sa pity to waste
talent and found you a job.
That's what I came here to say.
For your child's
sake, be strong.
My kid is Su-bin's age.
When I grow up, I wanna
be a good doctor like dad.
And help sick kids like me.
I'm proud of dad more
than anything in the world.
Dad, I love you!
He'd be so happy
when hears this, right?
Hankuk University Hospital
Between you and Su-bin,
I have so much to apologize for.
I thought about what
the best thing for us all is.
This is the best I can do.
I'll be at mother's for a while.
Call me there if you need me.
Divorce Agreement
NBS station, please.
'MYSTERY OF LIFE' TEAM ONLY! No stem
cells are registered at any tissue banks.
No stem cells are registered
at any tissue banks.
None are being screened either.
And Dr. Lee's animal
cloning research theses?
I scoured for those, but
couldn't find a single one.
They only exist in
the news articles.
So I called up his lab
and requested them.
And?
They're too busy to check.
I filed an official request,
so I'm waiting on that.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot!
The most important of all!
- I couldn't believe my eyes.
- What is it?
It's an organization
chart for Dr. Lee's lab.
How can they have more
PR staff than researchers?
Check out the next page.
It's a list of media people
maintained by their PR.
Right here.
You are listed right
smack in the middle.
I'm told you even received
a prime beef gift set recently.
What?
This is why the press is so
favorable towards Dr. Lee.
Do you see now?
This is how he became famous
without ever publishing a paper.
Interviewee list?
None yet.
I've been gathering
these all day.
Didn't I tell you
not to slack off?
I'll get to that right now!
Someone's all energetic
thanks to prime beef, but not me!
Cut the shit!
Be quiet.
Hello?
Yes?
Right now?
Yes, I understand.
Get your stuff.
What?
Whistleblower interview.
Interview?
Even those listed as
co-authors on the thesis
never participated in the research,
so none of them saw it of course.
So, stem cell cloning
was never successful?
Never.
While I was a team leader,
we've never once cloned it.
But they could have
succeeded after your resignation.
Unlike how our team is
perceived by the public,
there's no researcher
who could pull it off.
We've never succeeded
even with thousands of oocytes,
so it's illogical to make 11
in just a short few months.
We have never...
cloned a single stem cell.
What's troubling is the fact that
human clinical trial is being prepped.
This is a matter
of life and death.
'Personalized stem
cell' may seem legit,
but its safety is
far from certain.
There's also a high chance
of it developing into cancer.
Pardon? Cancer?
There's no telling what
a stem cell will become.
It could be a heart,
bone marrow or a tumor.
Right now, it's like a rugby
ball, it could go anywhere.
Even if this problem is solved,
human clinical trial
should be years away.
It must've been very
difficult to come forward.
What was your
motivation to do so?
I became a doctor to save lives,
and I joined Dr. Lee's
research team
in order to save my
child and many others...
But when I found out that
he was creating false hope,
it was...
too hard to bear.
And most of all,
I wanted to be a
proud dad to my child,
who may not live long.
Thank you for everything.
Please rest up now.
Okay, good evening.
Bye now.
When the interview airs,
your daughter will be proud.
It's all in your hands now.
Meeting in progress
Left is an embryonic stem
cell from a fertilized egg.
The right is cloned
embryonic stem cell.
Cloning is done
with SCNT technique,
where nucleus of
an egg is removed
and a donor
nucleus is implanted.
According to Dr. Lee, he said
he developed this technique,
how valid is that claim?
I found out during my research
that it was used in Japan in the '90s.
- Are you positive?
- Of course I am.
So, we got everything?
This already gives
me a headache!
Take things slow
and we'll get there.
Hello?
Dude, I don't know if
I should be doing this.
I almost died
because of your favor.
You can't die,
you're my best bud.
If I go to prison for
leaking patient records...
I'll send you contrabands,
so what happened?
You were right.
The kid in the picture is one of
the somatic cell-donors in the thesis,
and the first
clinical trial patient.
Give me the address.
Yes, yes.
I think I love you.
Dr. Lee giving hope to
boy with incurable disease
Park Su-hyun...
Okay!
Hey, Iseul!
How can you sleep right now?
Sir, I was...
Get the gear and come!
Where are we going?
On an assignment, at
least wipe your eyes.
- So unrefined.
- I found it, boss!
I found out how they
faked the stem cells.
Boss!
Look at this.
They said they have
11 stem cells, right?
Did you stay up
learning to count?
- Look here!
- What?
'Cloned stem cells and
embryonic stem cells look so similar,
it is difficult to tell apart.'
That's what it says right here.
How many embryonic stem
cells does Newman have?
Bingo! 11!
This is too precise to
be a mere coincidence.
Why? They lied that these
embryonic cells are clones!
Remember that I discovered
this, PD Chase's intrepid ace!
If we obtain DNA of
Newman's embryonic stem cell
and match it with the
stem cells in the thesis,
then it's all over!
Game over!
- My dear Iseul.
- Yes?
Are you kidding me?
What do you mean?
He conned the entire world.
Why'd he use such
a simple method?
How could someone who
skimmed a few papers figure it out?
You think this
world is that easy?
Damn...
It's a possibility,
that's all I'm saying.
Where are we going?
The first clinical
trial subject,
we're going to obtain DNA of
the somatic cell donor in the thesis.
If the DNA does not match, we
can prove the paper was faked.
Right?
That's what you call
a smoking gun, idiot!
Get in!
There's a weird
rumor going around.
What?
Reporters are
digging into stem cells.
What do you mean?
Honestly...
Who here has seen
a cloned stem cell?
We only heard that it was done.
But no one has
seen it in person.
Did Dr. Shim say anything?
Make sure to keep a lid on him.
He's the likeliest
leak among us.
We've been tailing
Dr. Shim for a while.
I never asked you to do that.
I'm sorry, sir, we didn't
want to disturb you.
But he is the one
who went to the station.
He even did an interview.
And...
the station requested
a copy of the thesis.
How should I proceed?
We must comply.
Since you came so far, I
wish I could do the interview.
But Dr. Lee cordially
asked us not to.
I see.
The documentary
we're shooting is
about explaining ins and outs of
biotechnology for the general audience.
And we plan to have an
interview with Dr. Lee soon.
It's not that I don't
trust you, Mr. Yoon.
Right.
May I give Dr. Lee a quick call?
What?
I've been calling him,
but he's a busy man...
Of course.
The call cannot be connected...
No answer.
He's the busiest
man in all of Korea.
It'd be a disservice
to bother him now.
- I guess so.
- Right.
What should we do first?
To start off, we'd like to
obtain DNA from your son.
- DNA?
- Yes.
It's an important data
for our documentary.
And it was openly revealed
in the thesis so it's no problem.
Right, please go ahead.
Okay.
- Go on.
- Sure.
- It won't hurt.
- So handsome.
Yes, doctor.
NBS came here to do a report.
They'd like to obtain
Su-hyun's DNA.
Yes.
He'd like to speak to you.
- Me?
- Yes.
Sure.
Hello?
Producer Yoon Min-chul?
Great to speak with you,
I've heard a lot about you.
I'm so honored.
We've never spoken but
how do you know my name?
You're doing an expose
on biotech, how could I not?
I wish you all the best, and
hope to see a great episode.
Yes, thank you so much.
- Here you go.
- What did he say?
Well, he'd like us to proceed.
Right.
Come on, continue.
Okay.
Su-hyun, could you say ah?
When do I get the surgery?
Dr. Lee adores him so much that
he promised to allow him to
be the 1st clinical test subject.
Is that so?
Shall we get some fresh air?
Pastor, sir.
Listen to me very carefully.
Clinical trial isn't
very safe at all.
You should consult
an expert first.
And if you must proceed,
announce it officially to the press.
I don't...
This is my card, and
an expert contact info.
There's no need to inform
Dr. Lee, please give him a call.
Mr. Yoon.
I trust Dr. Lee implicitly.
Good day.
He's not a messiah, what's
with all the blind faith?
Min-chul!
What's with him?
ATTN: Producer Yoon Min-chul
Copy of Cloning of Molly thesis
- Who brought this here?
- What is it?
Someone from Dr. Lee's
lab came by earlier.
Hurry, find an expert
who can verify this.
Okay.
I heard you 2 prepped
our animal cloning patent,
I hope you'd assist me in
prepping stem cell patent too.
- Of course.
- Sure.
Okay!
I've been too busy
to do it myself,
so there's a rumor going around.
It's all secured here, so
please treat them carefully.
Did you tell the press that
there aren't any stem cells?
How could you lie like that?
For Su-bin's sake, how
could you have done that?
You shouldn't turn a
blind eye to the truth.
You know what
goes on in the lab.
How long will you ignore that?
If this is for Su-bin's
sake, we must stand tall.
That doesn't make any sense.
There aren't any
cloned stem cells.
There never was,
and there never will be.
It was impossible
from the beginning.
You saw all those oocytes that came
in, where do you think they're from?
What about planting human
somatic cells in animals?
Dr. Lee will do even worse
things for his career and ambition.
No, I don't care.
If it means Su-bin will get a
stem cell treatment, I'll do anything!
So it's your conscience
that's bothering you?
That's a luxury we can't afford!
- Honey!
- I saw them!
Cloned stem
cells in the storage!
With my own eyes!
What?
Do-hyung, it's me.
Let me ask you something.
There aren't any
cloned stem cells, right?
Why would you think that?
What?
What are you talking about?
You mean you actually did it?
I'm hanging up.
Do-hyung, Do-hyung!
Dr. Lee sent me
this thesis on Molly.
I verified it with an expert and
there's nothing wrong with it.
The lab will send others too,
what the hell happened?
No, this is impossible
So suddenly...
That's what I want to ask you.
You should be giving
me answers right now.
I really don't know
what's going on.
Even if this is true,
cloning animal and human
stem cells are different domain.
You said everything's fake, that
Dr. Lee was lying the whole time!
But now that there's evidence,
you're saying it's something different?
What if more evidences pile up?
You'll say something
else, how can I trust you?!
Is this a joke to you?!
Of course not!
I don't know what's going
on, but I only told you the truth!
Then tell me!
How can you be so sure that
there isn't a cloned stem cell?!
There's gotta be evidence
to support your claim!
Your words aren't enough,
I need a reason to trust you!
And I need it now!
I already told you,
there is no evidence!
I need evidence!
I got here on your word alone.
I put my career and
my life on the line!
So tell me,
you'll never get another chance!
After this moment, I will
not be able to trust you.
Whether you trust me
or not, I only told the truth,
and that will not change.
You got here by putting
everything on the line,
but I got here by
throwing them away.
I told you the truth.
I hope it's not discourteous
to bring top publishers here.
Not at all!
I grew up poor, so I
love these street huts.
It's very humbling.
By the way,
you look pale, is
something the matter?
No, I'm fine.
Don't you worry.
Future of Korea rests on your
shoulder, how could we not worry?
Actually,
a former researcher made
some false accusations recently.
What?
He's a good man, but he held grudge
for not putting his name in the thesis.
We didn't know.
It's all my fault, I was
rather inconsiderate.
Don't trouble yourself,
we'll take care of it.
Thank you.
I don't believe it, look
at this son of a bitch!
His identity should be
made public and lynched!
- You're right.
- Goddamn bastard!
Son of a bitch!
Grudge for not co-authoring?
He probably took bribes!
He probably took bribes!
Piece of trash...
Yes?
I'm on my way!
Making false accusations due
to mounting debt? I'm on my way!
Making false accusations
due to mounting debt?
Have you gone mad?!
For a story of this magnitude,
you should've let us know,
and verified the informant.
But the thing is,
we can't judge the informant
based on negative publicity
sourced from Dr. Lee's camp.
Please listen to the
full story from my team...
We've heard enough!
Drop this before
the tsunami hits.
If there's reasonable doubt,
it's our job to look into it.
Producer has the editorial
control, not the board!
This has the ear
of the president.
What about the media outlets
who sold Dr. Lee's name?
What's true and false
isn't important here.
The public already
believes it, that's the key.
And is there a proof
that stem cells aren't real?
The thing is, if you
give us some time...
That's all I need to hear.
What are they doing
without evidence?
Where the hell is
Min-chul! That bastard!
I know...
Taking after Dr. Lee,
Molly is extremely smart.
She always finds her way
back to the temple on her own.
I see.
Boss, should we be here?
It must be chaos
back at the station.
Turn off your cellphone.
She even knows not
to bark in the temple.
Sometimes tourists
give her pieces of meat,
but she never takes any.
Her conduct is so proper that
she's better than some of us.
She's the pride of this temple.
Does Dr. Lee ever
come visit Molly?
He's a terribly busy man.
But he does call
from time to time.
There's a tinge of
sadness in his voice though.
He must think of
Molly when he's tired.
I see.
Sir, where can we find Molly?
We have to shoot right away.
If you walk into the village,
you'll come across her.
I see.
It's a stupid dog.
It never barks at people
and sleeps all day.
Don't you watch the news?
This is Molly.
She's a cloned dog.
Tons of money was spent on her.
What?
Who has that money to burn?
Why make a stupid dog like that?
You're better off with a mutt.
My Lassie is so much smarter.
Here, Molly, it's a sausage.
Molly!
Here!
Eat it!
That's good, take it.
She's getting up...
Is she sick?
Here, Molly, that's a good girl.
Molly!
Molly! Molly!
What's wrong with her?
What should we do?
Take her to a vet?
Whoa...
The tumor is too
big, she won't survive.
- What?
- Pardon?
It's a common symptom
among cloned animals.
They age much faster and
higher chance of cancer too,
I don't know why
they keep cloning.
You should put her down.
It must be unbearably painful.
At least let her die in peace.
That's... not something
we can decide on our own.
Then talk to the owner,
and don't take too long.
Who was she cloned for?
This is too much...
Get her DNA.
What?!
What's the verdict?
Su-hyun is indeed the donor.
And Molly checked out.
It was still worth a try.
What do we tell them now?
They must be waiting for us.
I'm too scared to do this!
This is not right!
I can't believe this!
Here, take a look.
This form is just a formality,
but you know what he wants.
Informed Consent Form for Oocyte Donation This form
is just a formality, but you know what he wants.
This could come back to bite us.
It was fishy when I was asked to
close the lid on the donor ledger.
No, it's probably nothing.
Of course it is.
Dr. Lee said he'd be the first
to donate if he were a woman.
Dammit, I can't do it.
I'm not even married!
Newman can't get any
donations due to recent bad press,
so we got short
end of the stick.
Doctor.
Truth aside, the informant's
motive is being questioned,
it'll be hard to continue.
We gotta think
about the public too.
Continuing this could
induce extreme hostility.
A little more, just give
me a little more time...
The informant's credibility is
gone, and they're reacting rapidly.
A little time won't make
any difference on our side.
No amount of
debating will change it.
It's the right call to stop.
Min-chul, will this
be your last story?
What of the informant then?
He's ridiculed by the media,
and became a public enemy.
Do we just throw
him to the curve?
The least we can do for him is,
give him a chance make his
case and let the public decide.
The person who should be
validated is Dr. Lee, not the informant.
All right.
We all made our cases.
Should we... take a vote?
- Nay.
- Nay as well.
Nay.
Min-chul.
My opinion isn't all that
different from the team.
You can ignore
the suits upstairs.
If you're right, you
can ignore their orders.
But not your teammates.
They raised valid reasons
and you can't ignore that.
The informant is one thing,
but I gotta protect my team too.
Let's weather the storm first.
Goddammit...
Dude!
It's me.
Dr. Lee asked me
to do an interview.
He told me to talk about
you in front of the press.
And I...
will do it.
I'll tell them how selfish
and irresponsible you are.
Then do it. I won't resent you.
For our daughter
I can do far worse.
But before that, I
have to ask you this.
How can you be so
certain about the stem cells?
Answer me, I have to know.
I was given an offer.
What?
Why are you
telling me that now?!
I only found out last night.
This is insane...
He was very close to a
researcher named Do-hyung.
An offer was made to him
a month before publication.
We can't end here,
once is all I need.
Please help me out.
I'm sorry.
Have I asked you for anything?
I'll talk to Dr. Lee.
No, please don't!
Don't you know him by now?
If not us, he'll find someone
else and get what he wants.
Do you think,
you can survive in this
field by going against him?
Min-ho!
Falsifying the thesis
for Do-hyung's sake?
As a scientist, this
should never happen.
You know that!
If you continue down this road,
I cannot work for you anymore.
Do-hyung!
Do-hyung!
Do-hyung!
Do-hyung! Do-hyung!
If Dr. Lee's order
cannot be verified,
Do-hyung'd be
blamed for everything,
and even attempted
suicide for that reason,
so Shim was even more
hesitant to come forward.
He was bound by guilt.
Are you writing a novel?!
No...
Hold on a sec.
Let me think.
Honey, I'm sorry.
This is all my fault.
I wanted to tell you, but I
just couldn't bring him up.
I'm so sorry to you and Su-bin.
I'm sorry I couldn't
tell you before.
Min-chul!
Where is Do-hyung now?
Pittsburgh, USA,
Dr. Simon's lab.
Then go to Pittsburgh.
I'll take all the heat,
so go right now.
Get Do-hyung's
confession no matter what.
For the story, and the informant,
that's the best course of action.
Authorized Personnel Only
Screw you traitor!
Go to hell!
Goddamn you!
Stop right there!
Honey!
Honey!
- Su-bin!
- Daddy!
What's going on?
Where are you
going at this hour?
USA, Pittsburgh.
And you didn't
bother to tell me?
When will you be back?
A few days, it won't be long.
Mr. Yoon!
Can't you let me in
on what's going on?
Hold on.
Hello?
What?
Okay, I'll be right there.
Okay.
Let's talk after I get back.
This is part of Dr. Lee's
stem cell batch.
He probably showed
it to me to reassure me.
I see.
- Have it checked right away.
- Sure.
Hello?
Have you arrived?
Yeah.
It must be nice to fly
away during this mess.
I'm hanging up.
Wait, wait!
I got the results from
Mrs. Shim's sample.
Yeah? What's the verdict?
It does not match
with the thesis.
- Tada!
- Okay!
Aside from the Molly thesis,
no new paper has arrived,
and Dr. Lee's camp is quiet.
They probably
think we backed off.
It's all over now.
Far from it! We
need solid evidence.
The DNA does not match!
Are you stupid?
How will you present
that? It's a stolen property!
Do you think it's
legally admissible?
And send Mrs. Shim to jail?
Don't get into trouble while I'm
here and call if something's up.
Got it!
Let's do this right.
Mr. Lee Do-hyung?
Afternoon.
I'm from NBS's PD Chase.
I'm producer Yoon.
I know the stem cell
paper was fabricated.
And that you're
intimately involved.
Could we speak privately?
It's been hell, but
I can't talk about it.
Sorry for wasting your trip.
Mr. Lee!
If it was such an ordeal,
this is your last chance.
We have verifiable evidence
that there is no stem cell,
and Dr. Lee will be...
investigated by the prosecution.
If Dr. Lee denies the accusations,
you'll be the scapegoat.
So, for your own sake,
please tell us the truth.
Will he really be investigated?
Once the story airs, he
won't be able to avoid it.
How did you get
involved with the paper?
As the publication date approached,
Dr. Lee became very nervous,
and pressured the researchers.
He pressed Min-ho,
but when that didn't work,
he called me.
Where did you obtain
the sample for the thesis?
We brought Newman's
embryonic stem cells
and lied that they
were cloned cells.
Because they're too
similar to tell apart.
And Dr. Lee ordered it directly?
Right.
Everything was
ordered by Dr. Lee.
I received the order myself.
Shall we vote?
- Aye.
- Aye!
- Aye!
- Me too!
Go for it?
Aye!
Let's do it!
This is Lee Jang-hwan.
Good afternoon.
This is producer Yoon.
We acquired evidence
that the paper was faked.
We could just air this story,
but shouldn't we
meet beforehand?
We want to give you
a chance to respond.
Let me check my schedule.
Certainly.
Mrs. Shim is on a sick leave
and her whereabouts are unknown.
And her daughter was discharged.
And Do-hyung?
He's not in the lab
and we lost contact.
Call the station,
let's do the interview.
Sir?
Limit their staff and it
should be taped at our lab.
I sent someone to Pittsburgh,
why not wait a little bit?
We can't delay any longer,
let's face them head-on.
Do-hyung...
will break and come
back to us soon.
Doctor.
They're here.
Thank you for coming.
Intro isn't necessary for
our distinguished guests.
They're awfully famous.
Of course.
It's an honor, gentlemen.
Since we have guests,
shall we start right away?
As you like.
Could you clarify the allegation that
you're using illegally obtained oocytes
and from your female staff?
To start off, it's absolutely untrue
about using oocytes from our staff.
Let me tell you something.
When one of my staff had
difficulty obtaining oocytes,
she insisted on using
her own for the research,
but I talked her
down many times.
I haven't looked into it since.
I did not know Newman Medical
provided us with illegal oocytes,
I only heard they were leftovers
from artificial insemination.
When were 11 stem
cells from the thesis
developed from blastocyst phase?
Well, this is something
that happens routinely,
and because of
my heavy workload,
I simply can't remember.
Mr. Yoon.
I'll try very hard to
take note of everything.
I didn't know I'd be scrutinized
over every little detail.
I promise you with
them as witnesses.
Sure.
Who was in charge
of verifying teratoma?
That'd be professor Kang.
Professor, could you elaborate?
Well, sure.
I verified teratoma
with SCID mouse...
One moment, sir.
According to my research,
your labs don't have SCID mice.
Let's see here.
Where are SCID mice grown?
That'd be...
a lab formerly used before...
our veterinary
school's relocation.
Ah, that research lab...
I see.
We'll look into
it at a later time.
We've checked with various
stem cell banks and patent offices,
but couldn't find
a single patent.
We are always concerned about
potential leaks during the patent phase...
Let's move onto staining images.
According to Lee Do-hyung,
he was ordered to
create images by faking
Newman's embryonic stem
cells as cloned stem cells.
Is this true?
I don't know how you
threatened Lee to get that answer,
but as researchers who deal with
life, we have high ethics standards!
You must have your own
editorial code of conduct as well.
If you used methods of coercion
to fabricate a sensational story,
you'll be responsible
for your actions.
To be clear, no methods of coercion
were used during the interview.
Shall we get back
to the questions?
- Lee claims he was ordered...
- Wait a minute.
Creating a stain is
not a difficult task.
Even with a colony, our
junior researchers can do it.
So you've never given
such order to Lee?
It's implausible!
I don't know why he'd make such
allegation, but it cannot happen.
This is an allegation
over something very trivial,
a simple staining photograph,
I simply cannot understand.
Doctor, could I
make a proposition?
In order to eliminate all doubt,
could you allow us to independently
validate your stem cells?
Of course, I'll
certainly allow that.
If we verify that
cloned stem cells exist,
we will not pursue
this story any further.
Sure.
We'll provide you with
11 stem cell samples,
and DNA of the
somatic cell donor.
Will you be okay with that?
Of course.
The tension in the
room was unbearable.
Oh, and I was right
about the stem cell forgery.
Fine, I wondered when
you'd bring that up.
Good job.
But I'm rather miffed because
he was way too relaxed.
Here they are!
Are you NBS's
producer Yoon Min-chul?
Hide your face!
What's your agenda?
'Agenda'?
- Have you interviewed Dr. Lee?
- Move aside!
Let us through!
Give us a comment!
Don't harass Dr. Lee!
- No, we won't.
- A comment!
Grab her camera!
Let go of it!
Please stop!
Why are they at fault?
It is their job to
look into suspicion.
What are you waiting for?
Escort them to their car!
Out of the way!
Stand back please.
Are you okay?
Please come this way.
- You good?
- Yeah.
I am solely to be blamed.
I'm sorry.
- You haven't done anything wrong!
- Please concentrate on your work!
- We're here for you!
- Be strong!
We are on your side!
- We'll support you till the end.
- You have us!
- We'll protect you!
- We're on your side!
Doctor.
- PD Chase's producer Yoon...
- What is it?
- What?
- He visited me in the Pittsburgh lab...
- What is it?
- And demanded an interview...
Lee Do-hyung Press Conference
Lee Do-hyung Press Conference
insisting that the thesis was a fake.
When I told him I
couldn't bring myself to it,
he threatened me
that I'd be prosecuted,
and in fear of such incrimination,
I gave a false interview.
Dammit!
I'm here today because
I'm afraid my interview
may be accepted as the truth.
Don't they know Dr. Lee
is our nation's hope?
Why are they trying to prevent
him from getting us out of recession?
You got that right!
Why should a TV
producer validate his work?
That's what I'm saying!
Immediately after
Mr. Lee's press conference,
media outlets are
swarming the NBS station.
PD Chase's online forumis...
This is NBS.
Producer Yoon isn't in.
Assholes!
Are you so hell-bent
on seeing us go under?
You should've stopped
when we told you to!
How could you let this happen?!
No more of this.
Send Yoon to the disciplinary
board and halt the story immediately!
Editorial decisions are up
to the production department,
you know that full well.
You've crossed
the line a long ago.
The shit hits the fan because you
pursued a story without evidence.
We've concluded an
interview with Dr. Lee,
and validation of the stem
cells have been agreed.
They're manipulating the media
because they're getting desperate!
Lee Do-hyung was
not held against his will.
But this blew over
due to false pretense!
Only prosecution
investigation was mentioned.
An official apology would
be sufficient, not a dismissal.
Let the disciplinary
board decide.
This is the last warning,
halt the story right away!
Executive Restructuring
Current Affairs Chief Kim
Min-sik awaiting new position
This is so frigging nuts.
This proved to be a tougher
nut to crack than we thought.
How long do you
think you'll last?
Sung-ho will be
next, and then you.
You have to move fast now.
Once we get the
samples, it's all over.
Just look around you!
Do you think they'll actually
allow DNA validation?
They're ready to seal
this once and for all.
You'll hear from the
disciplinary board, be ready.
Okay.
I am...
solely to be blamed.
In order to brush off all doubt,
we will provide PD Chase
with stem cell samples.
I sincerely apologize for
causing unnecessary concern.
I will do my utmost to prevent further
misunderstanding from happening.
People of Korea,
I am truly sorry.
Protect our technology!
Protect! Protect!
As the scale of demonstration
grows, PD Chase and producer Yoon
are being heavily criticized for
wanting to validate Dr. Lee's stem cells.
Organized by online
fans of Dr. Lee Jang-hwan,
candlelight vigil is taking
place near the city hall,
and they demand the shut down of
not only PD Chase but NBS entirely.
As the situation escalates,
another station criticized PD Chase
and reports that
stem cells do exist.
- Reporter Park has the story.
- What do we do?
As was reported...
STOP VALIDATION OF STEM CELLS!
How much?
As a fellow citizen,
please don't do it.
How will you
repent for your sins?
Abolish Editorial Manipulation!
Overthrow PD Chase!
Boss!
Why aren't you
answering your phone?
What now?!
Dr. Lee is waiting for you.
What?
Where?
What brings you here?
To this humble place.
You report to work quite late.
Yes, I leave late also since
you gave me so much work.
I'm sorry to hear that.
I noticed that you're a fellow
Hankuk University alum.
Although we had
different majors.
I know you didn't
come here to reminisce,
why are you delaying
what you've promised?
We cannot continue to push
airing of the story any further.
Mr. Yoon.
Give me 6 months,
no, could you give me 3 months?
Pardon?
Within 3 months, I'll
create over 30 stem cells.
I'll give PD Chase the exclusive
rights to tape the entire process.
Are you asking me to
make a deal with you?
Deal...
It's not a deal, I'm
giving you a chance.
So how about backing off now?
I won't hold
anything against you.
Before this moment,
before our conversation,
I doubted my own conviction
that there is no stem cell.
Thank you for reaffirming me.
If you continue, not only us,
but the public will pay the price.
This reckless quarrel
does not help anyone.
Let's put it behind us.
Mr. Yoon, I'll do my
best from here on.
I'm asking you a
favor as your senior.
DNA test only takes 2 days,
I simply cannot fathom
why you need more time
You failed to make
even 1 in the past 5 year,
how could you
make 30 in 3 months?
It's a pity to hear
where you stand.
I assure you, there
will not be a validation.
We will air it even
without validation.
Can you really?
There's no way.
Please look into labs
that could help us.
I'll somehow get embryonic
stem cells from Newman.
That's the only way now.
Will it be possible?
We can't just sit idly.
I'll be back.
What is it?
I'm sorry, sir.
My son wanted to
tell you something.
Sure.
I...
believe...
in you...
Be strong!
Of course, I will.
Don't cry... doctor.
I'll be strong.
Thank you doctor,
thank you so much!
I just want to talk to
the department head!
Why can't I meet him?
This way please.
I'm a current affairs producer,
I'm not here to report
or for an interview.
I want to talk to him
on a personal matter.
Let go of me!
- Let's talk outside!
- Let me go!
Hello?
I'll do a press conference.
What?
No, you don't need to.
You don't have any other way.
I'll come forward.
You can go public with my
wife's sample if you need to.
She told me to tell you.
The two of us are ready
to make any sacrifices.
We're determined
to see this through.
No, you really don't have to.
You've sacrificed enough,
the rest is up to me.
- But sir...
- Don't you worry.
I'll air the story
no matter what.
Trust me.
I have my ways.
Traitor to our nation...
Disciplinary board
made a decision.
They'll withdraw the story
and issue a public apology.
It's all over now.
Dude,
for the first time ever,
I'm scared of them.
I thought the truth would
bring them to our side.
But it's not that easy.
Goddammit!
I'm gonna see this through!
If that's their role,
then this is ours,
and the spirit of this program.
Right?
Yes, this is PD Chase.
Is this NBS? Screw you, bitch!
If you're done, I'm
hanging up now.
Screw your
narrow-minded program!
Screw yourself, you bastard!
Pisses me off...
Biotech Scientist Community
We must look from all sides
Why thesis validation is
necessary This is what I want to see.
Shouldn't we
question everything?
Hey, the Internet just exploded.
What?
They're going nuts
over your forum post.
My post?
Everyone's sharing it.
How to fake stem cell thesis
image Everyone's sharing it.
You actually did something good.
You really are the ace!
Can you tell them apart?
You really are the ace!
What are we doing in
the middle of the night?
Who the hell knows?
He says it's important.
It's about the stem cell thesis.
He'll bring us a press release
and wants us to write about it.
A major scoop, ha!
Weren't they supposed to issue
a public apology and drop this?
- I know, eh?
- Of course not!
He's got the evidence,
apparently. He'll fill us in.
- Whatever.
- Who said?
Good evening to you all!
What took you so long?
Thanks for waiting.
Shall we begin?
Hand these out.
Read it carefully and
I'll take any questions.
Is this accurate?
Dr. Lee does not have
a single stem cell...
Irresponsible media
outlets played a role
Suppression of the press, requesting reinstatement of PD Chase
This is a petition signed by the faculty of Hankuk University.
We express serious concern towards
gagging of the press with PD Chase.
If seeking the truth is suppressed
in the name of national interest,
this will ultimately damage
it rather than protecting it.
We demand the following:
Dr. Lee Jang-hwan must come
clean about the thesis to the public.
The government must thoroughly
investigate in pursuit of the truth.
Mr. President wishes to
have this matter settled here.
Political influence
would raise public outcry.
Yoon Min-chul, right?
He was in the student
council in college.
And your were a
former head of union.
It's an interesting combination.
One-sided broadcast does
not help national interest.
One-sided?
'Impartial' is
part of our motto.
We have several
enticing dirt on NBS.
The truth is relative.
I came too far, I
should have stopped.
Everyone looked up
to me, I couldn't do it.
When I gave them one,
they demanded two.
They always wanted more.
I missed the chance to stop.
I missed it.
Dr. Lee was reported to
have attempted suicide...
Why attempt suicide
with reporters on hand?
How did they know where to go?
Due to immense media
scrutiny surrounding his thesis,
he felt tremendous pressure...
Iseul, don't worry,
nothing will change.
PD Chase Message Board
- We aren't stupid! Air the story!
- Screw the thesis, air it already!
Public deserves the truth,
broadcast the episode!
It's replaced with another program,
and we talked to the advertisers.
This will blow over after today.
Okay, thank you.
The dailies went with it,
so why the hell can we not?!
Want a smoke?
Goddammit!
The execs gave
enough thoughts too.
The chairman saw the rough cut.
What did he say?
Pressure from various
parties probably got to him.
It's his damn job
to cover us from it!
Min-chul.
- Let's get arrested.
- What?
Let's upload it online.
If we get arrested, at least
there'll be an investigation.
I told my wife on my way
here that today may be my last.
Goddammit!
Hey!
Hey, where are you going?!
Chairman, allow us to broadcast.
Please?
- Our job is to broadcast...
- Let's get going.
And the public decides.
I'm begging you sir!
Boss!
The broadcast
belongs to the public,
and we deliver impartial,
accurate, objective information!
As per Constitutional
and Broadcast Act,
we have the editorial
independence
and this must be used in
the interest of public alone,
and must be fiercely upheld!
With accurate and
respectable programming,
we are the curators of
social and cultural issues,
and we must shield ourselves from
internal and external interferences!
Chairman!
- Let's do it.
- Sir?
- I'll watch it from home.
- Yes, boss.
Studio, are you ready?
- Ready to go.
- Okay.
- Title, standby.
- Standby.
Sung-ho.
Let's do this.
Okay!
Title, start!
Start!
Camera 1 standby.
1, cut!
Camera 2 standby.
Cut! MC cue!
Good evening, I am PD
Chase's Lee Sung-ho.
Today, we'll look into
Dr. Lee Jang-hwan's
stem cell thesis fabrication issue,
brought to us by a brave whistleblower.
We've upheld all international science
guidelines, including obtaining oocytes.
But unlike such claim, we
have acquired a shocking data
that tells another story.
This is the oocyte
record from Dr. Lee's lab.
Over 600 illegally obtained eggs
were used in Dr. Lee's research.
Anonymous donor (25) I was
told it was for an infertile couple.
Anonymous donor (25) If I had known of
the side effects, I wouldn't have done it.
Gynecology clinic doctor Stimulating the
eggs to multiply them is very dangerous.
Gynecology clinic doctor Heavy blood loss could
lead to death, as well as sterility and cancer,
so informing the risks
to the donors is crucial.
Even more shocking is the truth behind
images of 1 1 stem cells in the thesis.
Not only were these images
fabricated, according to one researcher,
5 of them, which supposedly
came from different stem cells,
all came from the same source.
In particular, stem
cell #5 is identical
to an embryonic stem
cell by Newman Medical,
which was published
in a science journal last October.
We interviewed a researcher
who was involved in the process.
Everything was ordered by Dr. Lee.
I received the order myself.
Tomorrow Daily Chief
Minister Yoon
NIS Director Kim
There's no telling
what a stem cell will become.
It could be a heart,
bone marrow or a tumor.
I joined Dr. Lee's research team
in order to save my child
and many others...
But when I found out that
he was creating false hope
It was too hard to bear.
I wanted to be a proud dad
to my child.
Due to public outcry
concerning our investigation,
we, here at PD Chase,
had a soul searching.
Ladies and gentlemen,
we believe that media exists
for justice and truth.
And this is the reason why
we refused to give up till the end.
Now, it is up to you
to decide what is the truth.
What say you?
Thank you for watching.
Credits, roll!
Ace! Good work!
Sung-ho, great show!
You did all the heavy lifting.
Good job!
- Good work.
- Thank you.
Thank you so much for your help.
Controversies surrounding Dr. Lee
were aired tonight.
What is this bullshit?!
They said incurable diseases
could be cured soon.
And how stem cells could
help our economy.
So it was all a con!
Ain't it?
Indeed.
It's hard to believe because
it's none other than Dr. Lee.
But it's not like the producer
made everything up.
- Don't you think?
- I agree.
I don't care about other programs,
but I trust PD Chase.
I see.
It was them who revealed
those lying douchebag politicians.
If I had some money,
I'd leave this damn country.
Welcome back, chief!
Congratulations!
Screw you both.
I'm not a mover,
packing and unpacking boxes.
At least you got a nice vacation
thanks to us.
It's nice to be back though.
What the heck is that?
Hands off!
Share the goods!
This is producer Yoon.
What? Where?
Yes.
May I call you back in a bit?
Call who back?
Don't stir anything up.
Just don't!
What is it?
Do I need to pack again?
No, it's nothing like that.
We went through so much,
I have conscience too.
Answer me straight,
should I pack or not?
I'll treat you to a nice lunch.
Pack or not?!
Hey!
Hello, this is producer Yoon.
Of course, your anonymity
will be protected no matter what.
Shall we talk in person?
Where should we meet?
Yes, I know.
I understand, see you soon.