Witness (2019) - full transcript

Dad, I don't have time for this.

Did you think about
getting a housekeeper?

Don't just say no.

Things are taking a toll
on me, too.

Dad!

You're sure
about a suspended sentence?

Most likely.

Did you buy the stock

- I told you about?
- No.

It was a very exclusive tip.

You don't trust me?



Probably skyrocketing by now.

I'm light on funds.

I thought you made a lot
working for LEE & U.

That only applies to partners.

I haven't been there long.

Ah...

So, can you tell me
how long I'm supposed to get?

- Pardon me?
- Just curious, you know.

To get an idea of
what my money's worth.

Are you offended?

No, sir.

They'd have asked for 10,

- probably get 5.
- Jesus!

That sends chills down my spine.



So, who wants to recite?

Ji-woo? Want to try?

Quiet.

Snow", by YUN Dong-ju.

"Last night snow fell abundantly"

"on the rooftops,
on the paths, on the farms."

"Perhaps it is a blanket"

"that keeps us from the cold."

"That's why it falls only
in the chill of the winter."

You memorized it quickly.

Well done. Have a seat.

It's a lie
to say snow is a blanket.

It doesn't keep you from cold

because snow is cold.

Snow is... cold. Snow... is cold.

Dad.

Dad?

Dammit!
What's the matter with you?

I've got to pee.

I've been holding it too long.

Life is pure joy for you,
isn't it?

Take those off.

Son...

I can't sleep.
Want some rice wine?

Okay.

Kaliopenia is a condition

where the level of potassium
in the blood drops significantly,

possibly resulting in death.

The drug's manufacturer
has halted production

on the drug for two months.

PARK Jong-sun reports.

You're taking your meds?

Algae is supposed to
be good for Parkinson's.

Worry about yourself.

In 46 years, how come you've
never brought a girl home?

I'm not going to get married.

It's too late,
and I can't afford it.

People ask me if you like men.

You know, I don't mind
if you bring a guy home.

As long as he's nice.

Life is...

too lonely on your own.

Enough talk for tonight.

She has a university education

and lives in this neighborhood.
Her folks are good people.

Name and number's on the back.

Your mother was older than me too.

Kinda looks like her.

Right?

Last week, we reported on

a toxic sanitary pad case
involving C&A.

The FDA announced the result of
their findings yesterday.

(We condemn C&A
for concealing the truth!)

I'm at C&A,

the center of the controversies
regarding toxic sanitary pads.

'Lawyers for a Democratic Society'

held a press conference
this morning.

We believe that a toxic substance

found in C&A's sanitary pads...

She looks familiar.

She came
to your 70th birthday party.

Oh, your university friend?

Did you say she was divorced?

You remember everything.

Divorced is okay.

As long as there's no kid.

She has a daughter
in middle school.

We should just get a dog.

Yo, Chipmunk! How can you let
someone like that bully you?

I'm embarrassed for you myself!

But you're like that.

Stop it. Both of you!

Oh... Oh, no...

Don't stop.

Don't do that...

Please! Stop!

What's the matter?

- Ji-woo?
- What's wrong, sweetie?

It's okay, it's okay.

No.

No, sweetheart.

It's okay. Just calm down.

Calm down, baby.

There, there.
Calm down. It's okay.

Don't do that...

Ahh! Mr. KIM!

(INNOCENT WITNESS)

Morning, Mr. YANG.

Morning.

I'll do that. It's my desk.

I like tidying up.
And I'm not really busy.

You deserve to work with
a good lawyer.

All lawyers in this firm are good.

I heard you were
a fierce fighter at the NGO.

Really?

The mock trial
for the C&A pad case

was moved forward an hour.

Per client request.

Client request...

I don't understand
why they want me there.

It's not even my case.

Mr. LEE speaks highly of you
to everyone.

We'll begin the mock trial for

the C&A sanitary pad case.

It's a rehearsal,

but I want you to think of it
as the real thing.

So...

you're not new
to trial situations?

Is this really necessary?

Can't you handle it by yourselves?

Sit up, please.

Straighten your back.

All eyes will be on you.

It's best
to lower your gaze slightly.

I'm not a school kid.

No sarcasm
and no talking back, please.

Judges are human, too.

Negative attitudes will impact
their decision.

You have a long list of charges
against you.

Judges are humans, too.
What about lawyers?

Everyone! This firm will be
in the news a lot

because of this case.

So be aware.

The prosecution will try to prove

the sodium polyacrylate
used in your product

may have a direct connection
to cervical cancer.

Did you receive that report?

I have never seen that report.

Conviction. Good.

- You've been searched, right?
- Yes.

Then they have documents
with your signature on them.

- Yes.
- You just committed perjury.

That's why this prep is necessary.

Then I don't remember.

Why did you laugh, Mr. YANG?

I didn't. Something in my throat.

Mr. YANG is not involved
in this case,

but I called him in anyway.

The victims are represented by
Lawyers for a Democratic Society.

You worked there
for a long time, right?

Yes, sir.

Tell me,

what's the best
defense strategy for us?

128 cervical cancer victims
filed the suit,

including 17
who've already passed away.

C&A must make
an official public apology.

We've been trying to keep things
under wraps.

Wouldn't that attract
undesirable media?

We should adopt a strategy that

the CEO lacks medical knowledge

and the study was only conducted
on a small study group.

That's the answer we want.

While they pull at the heart,

we pull facts out of the air.

Shall we continue?

How long have you been here now?

Just over a year.

How has it been?

The cases you deal with
are different.

I'm adjusting.

I know you've been assigned
only small cases,

despite your ability.

We won the MJ inheritance tax case

thanks to you.

You just need to make
a little effort.

I continually hear that

clients aren't comfortable
around you.

Why do you think that is?

It's because you're not tainted.

If you want to succeed in society,

you have to be willing to
get a little grime on yourself.

Let's talk about
why I called you in.

I want to make you one of
our representative lawyers.

The firm's public image
isn't very good.

People think of us as
pawns of the establishment.

We need to change that image,

and you're perfect for that.

Skilled, with an NGO background.

Which is why

I want your help on
a pro bono case I've taken.

I'd be honored.

I need to focus on the C&A case,

so take the lead in preparing this

- and I'll have your back.
- Yes, sir.

Death by asphyxiation?

The prosecution is arguing
the housekeeper committed

the murder and staged a suicide.

The defendant maintains
she was trying to save the victim.

She admits being at the scene?

Well, there's... a witness.

The way I see it,

the prosecution built the case
solely on the witness' account.

The witness is... 15?

- She's young.
- And autistic.

Autistic?

There's a lot of media
interest in this case.

Death, housekeeper,
autistic witness –

everyone's eating it up.

Bring it in.

Just to help you out.

Because you'll get busy.

Ms. OH Mi-ran?

- I'm your attorney, YANG Soon-ho.
- Hello.

I've heard
you'll represent me for free.

Thank you so much.

Please, sit.

I'm sorry...

Being here is... difficult for me.

Before we start,

can you promise me something?

Of course.

I mean, I'll promise you anything.

You're here to help me.

Right?

That's right.

All I ask is you don't lie to me.

I can't help you

unless you're completely honest.

Don't worry.

You're the only person
I can trust right now.

Alright, then.

Shall we start with the day
the victim died?

I'd just gone to bed

when I heard a strange noise.

I thought it might be a cat,
so I went to check.

The noise was coming from
Mr. KIM's bedroom.

Mr. KIM, are you alright?

Mr. KIM?

My God! What are you doing?

Oh, my God! Please, stop!

Mr. KIM!

Mr. KIM, please!

Oh, God!

My God! Mr. KIM! Mr. KIM!

Please don't! Mr. KIM!

What's going on?

Mr. KIM?

No!

No!

It was like his determination

gave him beast-like power.

I couldn't restrain him.

So I thought

I'd get something...

to tear the bag.

I rushed out
and saw a pair of scissors.

Mr. KIM!

I guess
I was petrified by the sight.

My feet turned to stones.

I couldn't move.

It's all my fault.

If only I hadn't panicked so much.

Did Mr. KIM ever talk
about suicide?

His wife passed away 2 years ago.

He always said
he'd follow her soon.

All the neighbors know that.

Mr. KIM even had to get treatment.

I'm alone in this world

so I don't need money.

Mr. KIM could be difficult
at times,

but he put a roof over my head.

We've been like family
for 10 years.

Why would I do
such a horrible thing to him?

Sir, do you like spiced pork?

I'm sorry?

I consider that my specialty.

I don't marinate the meat
beforehand.

I heat the oil until just smoking,

add garlic and sugar
to caramelize,

then leave the pork shoulder
and sauce to sizzle...

- Sounds delicious.
- It's really not bad.

I have no money to give,

but I'll cook for you
if you help me.

I'm begging you. Please.

- How was the meeting?
- Good.

I contacted the victim's son.

- He agreed to meet you.
- Great.

What about the video interview
of the witness?

I saved it on your computer.

Ji-woo,
can you introduce yourself?

Here... into the camera, please.

Can you introduce yourself?
Into the camera, please.

Ji-woo...

I'm YIM Ji-woo, a freshman...

That's the witness?
Are you kidding me?

If you can get her on the stand,

it'll be game over.

Who would believe her?

Cuckoo, cuckoo.

I'm sorry.

Sweetie, please.

Cuckoo, cuckoo.

- Excuse me.
- Yes?

- I'm looking for this house.
- What?

See that pine tree?

Yeah.

It's the two-story house
behind it.

I see. Thank you.

- Why are you going there?
- Sorry?

Someone died in that house.

Do you know
who used to live there?

Of course. This is a small town.

I'm the defense lawyer for Ms. OH.

Ah, you came here to help her.

Yes.

She'd never do something
like that.

She cared for the old man
like he was her father.

Not even a wife does that.

It's absurd,

locking her up based on the words
of some mentally...

unsound kid.

Can I get your card?

Sure. I'll vouch for her

if you want.

I'm not a stranger to court.
I know a thing or two.

- Thank you.
- Sure.

Thank you for meeting with me.

I wanted to get
a picture of father.

I don't have a good one of him
at home.

Ah...

He used to bug me

about getting
a family portrait done.

I gave excuses to avoid it,

but now I regret...

I was wondering if
you'd be willing to help Ms. OH.

Absolutely not.

I believe
her testimony is credible,

and with your father's
medical history...

You seem to trust people.

From my long experience
as an accountant,

I tend to rely on numbers
more than people,

but I'll tell you all

you need to know about my father.

- Who is it?
- Who is it?

Hello,
I'm Ms. OH Mi-ran's attorney.

"I'm Ms. OH Mi-ran's attorney."

Are you Ji-woo's mother?

- Yes.
- Hello.

I believe you know Ms. OH.

As her attorney,
I was wondering...

I'm sorry,

but we have nothing more
to say about that.

If you'll give me a moment
to ask some –

Sorry.

I understand this is bothersome,

but it's very important
for my client.

It's not because it's bothersome.

My daughter has had trouble
sleeping since that night,

but it's starting to get better.

I'm not going to make it worse
again.

Besides, she already told
the prosecutor

everything she saw.

I'm sorry we can't help.

Ma'am!

This is where she saw it happen.

Hey, you must be Ji-woo. Hi!

Sit up, sweetie.

What's interesting here is

this girl's condition is atypical

for what we commonly see
in the autistic.

How so?

First off,
she has high intelligence.

She sounds like
a five-year-old to me.

From her lack of focus,

it's easy to assume that.

Let me sing along cuckoo

But if you listen carefully
to the way she talks,

the song I just sang
is called "Cuckoo Waltz".

It's dance music in three-four.

Strong-weak-weak,
strong-weak-weak.

She's very logical,

You sing well, Ji-woo,
almost like a little professor.

That prosecutor...

seems to have knowledge of autism.

- Really?
- It is like a textbook scenario.

The session is well controlled

and in the presence of a guardian.

He's not leading her either.

Do you feel
her testimony is admissible?

If you show it to another doctor,

I'm sure they'll say the same.

What if I put her on the stand?

Communication will be tricky.

She lives in her own world.

It'll be tough for you,
and for her, too.

Some people might wonder

if she even understands
the question.

You must be thirsty.
Have some water.

(Cancer-causing sanitary pads!
Prosecute the responsible!)

Hang on.

You still haven't fixed
that light?

You could trip.

Careful.

Open the door, sweetie.

Good to see you, Mr. YANG!

Long time, no see!
I brought ice cream.

Need help?

Don't touch it.

It's like a chimney in here.

Just leave it alone.

Mom told me what you like.

Looks like
you got all my favorites.

Mom! Let him taste it first.

Let's see.

Ah, this egg smells... smoky.

It's good. Really good.

When did you first meet Mom?

After I started university, so...

Over 20 years ago.

Whoa.

What was she like back then?

Actually,

I see a bit of her face in yours.

You don't have her personality
though.

Yeah, she can be...

- Can be what?
- Too by the book.

Exactly.

But, Mr. YANG,

that means
she's correct all the time,

so how about we just say
she's strict?

You take after your mom after all.

Oh! Let's take a picture
with my new phone.

- Sounds good.
- Okay.

Smile.

How's your dad?

He's okay.

He's gotten slower

but talks far more.

About getting married?

He just won't give up.

How come you're not dating?

My dad's condition...

plus I'm still paying off debt.

There's someone out there
who understands that.

What about you?

Happy doing what you love?

Happy being frustrated, you mean?

How rotten the system

and how mighty and rigid
its walls.

Su-in...

the C&A suit is going to be
a long battle.

Eventually,
people will lose interest,

and you'll end up defeated.

Why don't you focus on settling

compensation for the victims?

You sound like a peddler.

I sound realistic.

There are things
you have to accept.

Autism and Asperger's Syndrome...

Damage... Autism...

The Mysteries of Autism...

The World through Autistic Eyes...

Geez...

Makes me queasy.

(LEE & U!
Lapdogs of the Bourgeoisie!)

(YANG Soon-ho Attorney-at-Law)

(I'll remember that face!)

Watching porn?

Dad... come on.

If you watch that stuff,

you'll never find a real woman.

I wasn't.

Ta-da.

What have you got?

Pick one.

What are they?

Wow! It's meant to be.

She must be the one for you.

Give her a call.

I knew it.

- Just one date.
- Give it up!

I can't afford to think
about marriage!

Do you know how much
I still have left to pay back?

Because you provided security
for your friend's loans?

How can you be like that?

What choice did I have?

Watch my friend's life end?

The witness' testimony is...

likely to be admitted as evidence.

What does that mean?

It doesn't mean
it'll affect the trial, but

we need stronger evidence
to support suicide.

God...

Can I ask you a favor?

Of course.

Attorneys have a duty
of confidentiality.

We're penalized if we breach it,

which means, even if
you're guilty of the crime,

I cannot reveal it to anyone.

Are you willing to take
a polygraph test?

Do you...?

You think...

If the test is fair,

then I'll do it.

If it'll get rid of your doubt,

I'll do it.

Should we now?

No. I believe you.

Even if the prosecution
requests it, refuse.

It could affect the trial,

and it's by no means
100% reliable.

Yes, sir.

Let's talk about the trace of
butane found in the bag.

I don't understand it.

We have a gas line,

so there's no need for any gas.

Shit!

Aw! Sorry.

What's this?

(Pre-trial arrangement)

Both of you approach the bench.

It's down
to YIM Ji-woo's testimony.

Yes, Your Honor.

Considering
the witness has autism,

the prosecution suggests

using the affidavit
and filmed interview.

She's the sole witness
to the incident,

and her testimony was the basis

for my client's arrest.

As defense counsel,

I cannot represent my client

if I don't get a chance to ask
the witness a single question.

Prosecutor,
if the defense doesn't concur,

the witness has to
take the stand, correct?

No, Your Honor.

There are exceptional cases

whereby supplemental materials

replace witnesses
who can't take the stand.

Please consider the girl's
special circumstances.

She may not be able to answer

the defense's questions,

especially
in an unfamiliar environment.

According to your reasoning,

she can only provide her testimony
in certain circumstances

when asked by certain people.

Can such testimony be
considered valid at all?

My client requested a jury trial,

and juries have a right to
hear the testimony.

If necessary,

I will conduct
another video interview

with questions provided
by the defense.

From my experience of examining
her during investigation,

I fear this courtroom

will be harmful for her.

Give me a moment.

I'll order the witness' attendance
in court.

That seems only fair.

Okay?

Good work, gentlemen.

Excuse me.

Mr. LEE...

Let's do this right.

I'm sorry, but I don't shake hands

with opposing counsel
during trial.

I heard your brother's autistic.

Yeah, what about it?

That's why you were assigned
the case, I presume.

Possibly.

Let's be fair and square.

Teach me how I can communicate
with her. That's only fair.

If you're thirsty,
dig your own well.

How can you ask a prosecutor
to help a defense counsel?

You want to see my case files too?

Well?

Bye.

How do you keep up with someone
in a wheelchair?

What?

You walk at their pace.

Autistic people
live in their own worlds.

It's hard for them
to break away from that

because they're born that way.

No fluffy words, okay?
Be straight with me.

If you want to talk to someone who
has difficulty getting out to you,

then you have to go in to them.

Stop it!

Hey, Sin-hye!

Are you Ji-woo's babysitter?

Let her be. She gets paid for it.

Really?

It's not a bad idea,
idiots looking after each other.

Hope you get rich.

You must be Ji-woo.

Who are you?

I'm a lawyer.

Here's my card.

Business card.

Are you her friend?

- What's your name?
- Sin-hye.

Sin-hye...

A lawyer is one of 702 professions

that will disappear
in the coming era!

Is that so?

It's rude to say that
to a lawyer's face.

I'm sorry if I was rude!

Not at all.

- 267...
- Hmm?

267 dots on your tie.

Seriously?

Remember the incident you saw?

When an old man died?

You mean the house
across from Ji-woo's?

You know about it, too?

The lady who used to live there.

I'm her attorney.

I'm so thankful that at least
one of you is responding to me.

Yes, thank you.

Don't worry. She hears everything.

I see.

Anyway, Ji-woo,
I'd like to chat with you

about what you saw that night.

He asked you a question.

No, he didn't.

When you ask a question,
you must raise the end.

It's the same thing, dummy.

Is it okay for me

to ask you questions
about that night?

I refuse.

Do you always hang out together?

Only between home and school.

Otherwise, she wanders off.

Can't you stay still
for just a second?

You're a good kid.

No, I'm not a good kid.

"No, I'm not a good kid."

- What's the matter?
- Because of that.

One, two... Go!

Ji-woo,

the lady wasn't trying to
hurt the old man.

She was trying to help him.

Do you think you can help her?

When a stranger follows you,
report it to the police.

- No, Ji-woo!
- What?

Oh... okay, okay. I get it.

- Mister?
- Yeah?

Start with things she likes.

She'll talk after a while.

What does she like?

What all autistics like.

Puzzles and quizzes.
That kind of stuff.

Puzzles and quizzes...

(First Day of Trial)

Nervous?

Just don't let people see it.

Aren't you nervous?

Not really.

I envy you.

I have confidence in
my client and my reasoning.

Shall we proceed?

The defense wishes to
admit new evidence.

- Damn...
- What have you got?

The deceased's medical records,
including his mental health.

Your Honor,

I see no relevance
in such records.

The deceased showed signs of
anxiety and insomnia.

Traces
of prescribed sleeping pills

were found in the autopsy.

Medical records
are not irrelevant.

I will allow them,

not as direct evidence,

but as valid material
in determining

whether this was suicide
or homicide.

Thank you.

The prosecution may sit.

Mr. LEE, back to your seat.

Sir?

Would you rather go home?

Oh...

Members of the jury,

please remain quiet
in the courtroom.

The prosecution may begin.

State your name and
where you work, please.

My name is YOO Jae-hong.

I'm with
the National Forensic Service.

I analyzed the corpse
and evidence gathered.

What was the cause of death,
according to your analysis?

Death by asphyxiation

via plastic bag
placed over the victim's face,

blocking the passage of air.

What kind of plastic bag was it?

Just a regular, small, trash bag.

This is the same type of bag.
Correct?

That's right.

So...

if someone put this over
a person's head,

wrapped tape around their neck,

then restrained them by force,
without tearing the bag,

the victim would surely
die from asphyxiation, right?

Objection, Your Honor.

The prosecutor is basing
his question

on the assumption of murder.

Let's hear the witness.

We all know it's hypothetical.

Answer the question, please.

If force was used,

then yes, the person would die.

From when the bag was placed

over the head to time of death,

what's the estimated time lapse
in your opinion?

Considering
the deceased was in his 80s

and was agitated from
the struggle with the defendant,

I would say about 4 minutes.

Did you find anything

that suggests the defendant

tried to save the deceased
in that 4 minutes?

The bag had multiple fingerprints
on it,

all belonging to the defendant,

but no signs suggested

the defendant tried to tear
the bag open.

Are you saying

you could find
no physical evidence

of the defendant trying
to save the deceased?

No.

Ms. OH is...

a healthy, robust woman
in her early 40s.

The deceased was in his 80s

and weighed less
than 50 kilograms.

A 43-year-old woman of solid build

failing to rip open a plastic bag

because a frail old man
resisted her?

That possibility is close to zero.

No further questions.

Am I guilty of being healthy?

Defense, you may cross-examine.

That's right.

Anyone can easily rip open
a plastic bag,

but as the oxygen level dropped
inside the bag, the deceased

must have struggled more, correct?

Sir? Am I right?

Yes, I would think so.

So, if the deceased had
willingly put on the bag

and was struggling fiercely,

could he have been restrained
easily?

Considering
the difference in strength

between the deceased
and the defendant,

I think
he could have been restrained.

Let's look at the screen.

What you see is an extract

from a paper published
in 2011 entitled,

Forensic Characteristics
of a Drowning Person".

According to the paper,

a drowning man can exert
Hercules-like strength

under respiratory distress,

a result
of the human survival instinct.

Victims are even often found
with broken

or missing fingernails.

Sir, have you seen this paper?

Yes. I wrote it.

It's in direct contradiction
to your testimony.

So is what you wrote
in the paper false?

- No.
- Your Honor,

the defense is badgering
the witness

with irrelevant questions.

Counsel, please choose
your questions carefully.

Yes, Your Honor.

Based on your paper,

could the deceased have exerted
superhuman power?

Please answer the question.

- Yes.
- When I came across this case,

the first thing
that struck me as curious

was whether it's possible

to commit suicide
using a plastic bag.

So I looked up

'plastic bag suicide'
on the internet,

and what I found was surprising.

In the States,
a suicide kit furnished

with a plastic bag

is being sold on the Internet.

Also, suicide using a plastic bag

has become
a growing social concern.

Recently, four people in Korea
committed suicide

using a plastic bag.

Your Honor, relevance?

Sustained.

The jury will disregard
that last comment.

Your Honor,
allow me to speak a little more.

Go on.

There's something interesting

about this method.

Butane gas is put into the bag

in order to induce hallucinations,
thereby reducing suffering.

Traces of butane gas were found

inside the bag used by the victim.

If you'll look
at the screen again.

This is the butane can
found at the scene.

If we can prove that
Mr. KIM bought this himself,

it could be key evidence
for getting closer to the truth.

Mr. Prosecutor?

Yes.

Would you accept it as evidence

if I could prove the purchase?

Don't try to lead.

This is a clip of Mr. KIM
two days before his death.

Your Honor,

I'd like to admit this
as evidence.

His purchase of butane gas

is not proof of suicide!

I'll allow it to be admitted.

Court is adjourned.
We'll convene again in two weeks

to examine Ms. YIM Ji-woo,

who is the eyewitness in the case.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Ji-woo! Sin-hye!

- Hello.
- Hi, Sin-hye.

I'm not a stranger anymore, am I?

Look, I got something for you.

Do you not like it?

Aren't those for little kids?

That's biased.

I still like puzzles.

There are different kinds.

For instance,
this is a math riddle.

How do you make 7 with three 6s?

I don't know.

"I don't know."

Think about it.
The hint is a fraction.

What's the answer?

If you add 6 over 6 to 6,
then you get 7.

Is that lame?

It's about changing the way
you think.

What about logic puzzles?

That's my favorite.

Logic puzzle?

"Logic puzzle?"

How do you build a house
with the windows

on all four walls facing south?

That's too hard.

"Ottogi Jin Ramen"

"Ottogi Jin Ramen"

Stop! You're embarrassing me.

Shall we get ramen?

- Um... okay.
- Okay!

Okay!

Don't do that.

She only eats blue ones.

You can trust blue jelly.

She's almost back to normal,
thanks to you.

Thank you, Sin-hye.

- Cross!
- Bye.

Mrs. YIM, do you remember me?

I ran into Ji-woo

and said hello.

We have a prosecutor and
a defense attorney.

Now we can do the trial at home.

I came to ask you one more time.

You can refuse the subpoena.

Yes, I refuse.

"Yes, I refuse."

Bye.

Ma'am?

Well, hello, Mr. Prosecutor.

It's a matter of life and
death for someone.

I want to hear your examination,

but I'm doing this
for Ji-woo's sake.

For no reason, can you let
an innocent person get punished?

All evidence points to suicide.

What's the matter with you?

- You know what?
- What?

Autistic people can't lie,

so I believe Ji-woo.

I believe Ms. OH.

And even if she isn't lying,

Ji-woo could've misunderstood
the situation.

People call prosecution
and defense

the spear and shield,

but let's forget about that

and be balanced armor instead.

Okay.

Show me what you did with her.

I want to get close to her too.

I refuse.

You refuse...

(Toxic Pad Case Dismissed)

Why didn't you answer your phone?

I want to be alone.

I came to drink alone, too.

It's only the first trial.

How can you be so naïve?

You're up
against a team of 15 lawyers,

all former judges and prosecutors

who specialize
in this sort of thing.

So what?

Are you telling me to give up?

I'm telling you to
pursue practical interest.

Looks like I'm up against 16.

- What?
- 15 plus you.

Are you here
at your firm's request?

Come on!

I'm worried about you.

I won't...

turn out like you.

Can you please go?

This is about to get ugly.

(Release prisoners of conscience!)

Definitely want to visit Mongolia.

Switching to offense now.

- Play ball!
- Play ball!

Hey, YANG!

Come join us.

Is your family from Mongolia?

You two have met, right?

This is Mr. LEE Yun-jae.

Hello, I'm YANG Soon-ho.

Nice to meet you. I'm LEE.

There! It's a hit!

That pitcher has no control.

I remembered
you're a baseball fan,

but I also have something
to discuss with you.

- Come have a drink.
- Thank you.

Since YANG has joined us,

let's all drink together.

Cheers!

- Good to see you.
- Good to see you, man.

- Alright! That's more like it.
- Bravo!

Come on, baby.

Scumbag...

Why don't you girls give us
the room?

So... I heard you like soju.

Yes, sir. I don't take
to the taste of whisky.

Whisky has different levels,

but the shitty thing is,

if you drink
good, top-level whisky,

you can't go back down a level.

Sometimes, I wonder

if I work just so I can drink.

- YANG.
- Yes, sir?

You met KIM Man-ho, the CEO for
the accounting firm, Taewha?

Isn't he the son of the deceased
in my case?

We're fellow alumni.
He's looking for a legal advisor.

I was thinking
about recommending you.

That's huge.

I know you and he are connected
by weird coincidence,

but I expect the pro bono case
to be over soon.

It's a really good opportunity

for you and for this firm.

Is it something
you're interested in?

A recommendation is by
no means a guarantee,

but just so you know,
you have to get a little dirty.

Just tell me what I need to do.

Drink up and enjoy.

Be a man
who fits this kind of scene.

I can do that.

Bring the girls back in.

Come on, ladies.

Let's get some dirt on you, huh?

Dirt? Dirt...

You're home.

You're still up?

This is a good book.

I might get promoted to partner.

Aren't you happy?

What's that?

What's partner? Well, that's...

It's a good thing.
They make tons of money.

So making tons of money is good?

Of course.
We can pay off your debt.

If you're happy,
then I'm happy for you.

Goodnight.

(Su-in)

The North Pole?

"If you build a house
at the North Pole..."

The puzzle!

- Hello?
- Is this... Ji-woo?

Yes. This is YIM Ji-woo.

Is that the correct answer?

Yes, it is.

Okay.

Hello?

Ding ding ding! Correct!

Next puzzle.

Five numbers that add up to 15

and multiply to 120.

Please give the correct answer!

Okay.

Ji-woo? Hello!

- Hello?
- The answer is 1-2-3-4-5.

Is that the correct answer?

That's correct!

Well done!

Ji-woo? Did you... hang up again?

No.

Okay.

So you like puzzles like me.

Why don't we decide
on a time every day?

I'll give you a problem,

you think about the answer,
and tell me the next day.

- Okay.
- How about five?

5:00 PM.

Okay.

YIM... Ji...woo

Save.

- Related case files.
- Thanks.

YIM Ji-woo

Hi, Ji-woo.

The answer is 3/4.
Is that the correct answer?

That's correct! Well done.
Congratulations.

Hey!

Pass the ball.

Hey! Hey!

Hey!

Come here, you!

How dare you, you...!

Come here!

Little shit...

Pick on someone your own size!

Ji-woo.

So good. Slushies are the best!

Can you trust slushies?

That's correct. Congratulations!

Okay.

Hello.

You should check

if the other person has finished
talking before hanging up.

Have you finished talking?

Yes.

One, two... Go!

Ji-woo!

Ji-woo.

Did you see how the dog
was wagging its tail?

He was saying hello.
He was happy to see you.

It's like when I wave at you
because I'm happy to see you.

The barking is too loud,

like my ear drums might burst.

Sorry for keeping you waiting.

No problem.

- Please have a seat.
- Thank you.

Funny how we're meeting again.

Yes.

Did you sign the contract?

- Yes, sir.
- Let's see.

Now, we're family.

That's right.

I look forward to working
with you.

Take a drink. It's good.

It's good.

Drink already!

Ugh!

I drank it, too.
I drank it because of you.

We're friends.
You should drink, too.

Swallow it, you autistic idiot!

It's weird
if just one side is red.

I've got to make the other match.

What are you doing?

I thought you were a good kid.

I told you I wasn't!

You...

No, don't go with her!

Did she do this to you before?

Hit you and make you eat things?

Mom told me to go with Sin-hye.
Mom told me.

That's when she was your friend!

Sin-hye is my friend.

Ji-woo, people who bully you
are not your friends.

She's just using you.

She pretends to help you,
but then bullies you.

No, no...

Hey! Hey! What's the matter?

Ji-woo!

Don't do that!

Ji-woo! It's okay!

Ji-woo?

Ji-woo!

Hold on a second.

When is her guardian coming?

She'll be here soon.

Don't tell my mom.

Why not?

Her heart will break,

and Sin-hye will get punished.

Sin-hye will hurt, too.

Ji-woo...

if you don't tell someone,

it'll only get worse.

I think you should tell
your mom and the school.

Ji-woo!

Sin-hye is her only friend.

To think even she...

I don't know much
about these things...

but have you considered
a specialized school?

Change my diapers.

Excuse me?

Those were her first words.

She'd just turned one.

While other babies could barely
mumble 'mama' and 'dada',

my Ji-woo spoke a full sentence.

She could read freely
by the age of two.

Not children's books,
but newspapers.

I thought she was a genius.

Wow!

What's she going to be
when she grows up?

She's really smart.

She talks logically,

and she's amazing
at solving riddles.

If only she weren't autistic...

Then she wouldn't be my Ji-woo.

If only she weren't autistic...

I never once thought that.

About today...

I don't know how to thank you.

Don't mention it.
Have a good night.

- You, too.
- Ji-woo, cross!

We'll see you around.

Have a safe journey home.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Mr. YANG?

Would you like to talk with her
before you go?

May I?

Go on to your room.

Can you wait here a moment?

Of course.

It'll be better in her room,
right?

That's what the prosecutor did.

Shall I?

Can I come in?

Yes, you can.

Just hit me!

How can you let him
do that to you?

Makes me embarrassed to watch.

He is like that.

Don't do that. Please stop.

Can I sit here?

You'll regret it.

(My Dream: Lawyer)

Did you want to become a lawyer?

- Yes.
- Why?

They're good people.
They help others.

Are you a good person?

What?

Well..

Wow, that's the first question
you've ever asked me.

- Here you go.
- Thank you.

Turn it off, Ji-woo.

You're going to talk to him,
right?

What if I do this?

Yes, set it to mute.

Ji-woo,
do you remember that night?

The night when Mr. KIM died.

Go on. Answer him.

Yes.

You told the prosecutor...

He means Mr. Hee-jung.

Yes, you were telling Mr. Hee-jung

that the lady grabbed
the old man's face,

and the old man fell over.

Yikes, that's just pathetic.

Sweetie,
can you focus on the questions?

Sorry about that.

She likes to mimic what she hears
people say on TV.

I see.

Where did the lady grab
the old man's face?

Here. Like this.

And that looked like an attack?

Yikes, that's just pathetic.

You going to keep doing that?

Let me have it.

Just a sec.

I know you've had a tough day.

You probably want to rest,

and I'm bothering you.

People's minds are difficult.

Sin-hye is always smiling,

but she uses me.

Mom always looks upset,

but she loves me.

You smile a lot.

Are you using me, too?

(Second Day of Trial)

You'll do well. Don't worry.

53... 52... 51...

You okay, sweetie?

This way.

Ji-woo...

This way. Come on, baby.
It's okay.

The damn legal fee
will set me back 5 grand!

Ji-woo... Darling, come on.

Mom's here. Look.

Look at Mommy, baby. It's okay.

The witness may take the stand.

You don't have to do this
if you don't want. Okay?

It's okay. Mommy's here.

It's okay, baby.

Witness?

Are you not feeling well?

Your Honor,

may I check the witness' state?

Go ahead.

Ji-woo, are you okay?

The ticking sound is too sharp.

What ticking sound?

That ticking sound.

Your Honor,

for the witness,
who has acute hearing,

can we stop the clock for now?

She can hear that?

Alright, then.
Can you take down the clock?

Whew... that's better.

You okay?

We can start now, sir.

Okay.

I will not reveal the witness'
personal information

since she is under 16...

Witness, why are you giggling?

The sound of your voice is funny.

Well, thank you.

The witness will not take the oath

because
she is under the age of 16.

It doesn't mean her testimony
has no effect, however.

Members of the jury,
please take this into account.

The prosecution may examine
the witness.

Ji-woo...

cross.

On June 16, 2016, around 5:00AM,

you heard a window being smashed,
correct?

Yes.

Did you look outside
upon hearing the sound?

Yes.

Then you saw Mr. KIM's house?

Yes.

Please tell us
what you saw after that.

I could see the old man with
a plastic bag over his head.

What was he doing?

He was doing this...

and was trying to escape.

Then, Ms. OH, the defendant,
approached the old man?

Yes.

What did she do?

She grabbed the old man's head.

How did she grab it?

Like this.

What did she do next?

She attacked him.

How did she attack him?

She grabbed him,
then made him fall over.

Did she look like
she was trying to help him?

No. She was attacking him.

Objection!

The prosecution is asking
the witness' opinion,

not what she saw.

The witness voluntarily chose
the word 'attack'.

Allow me to ask her
why she felt that way.

The prosecution may continue.

Why did you think
the lady was attacking him?

When she made him fall over,

the lady was...

smiling.

That's all, Your Honor.

The defense may cross-examine.

Witness,

you have autism spectrum disorder.
Correct?

Yes.

What's the title of this book?

"Understanding
Autism Spectrum Disorder."

That's right.

Can you read out loud
this underlined part?

"Autism spectrum disorder"

"is a chronic mental disability."

I see.

Can you read this part, too?

"While an average person"

"can easily identify
facial expressions"

"and interpret
the meaning of actions,"

"a person
with autism spectrum disorder"

"experiences great difficulty"

"in understanding
the emotions of others."

Right.

Another problem is that

autistic persons cannot discern
someone's intentional action

from their coincidental action.

This is
due to their lack of ability

to understand
the intention of action.

We'll carry out a simple test
to see if this is true.

Go ahead.

Witness?

Can you tell me

what expression the woman
in the picture is displaying?

She's smiling.

Why do you think that?

The outer corners of her eyes
are drooping,

and her mouth is curling up.

What expression is this, then?

It's a sad expression.

Why do you think that?

Her eyes are narrowed,

and the corner of her mouth
is drooping.

I see.

Then what expression is this?

Her eyes are narrowed,

but her lips are curled up.

- Prosecutor...
- Objection, Your Honor!

It's a smile.

Your Honor, please!

The defense is insulting
the witness

with a meaningless test!

She witnessed the incident
as it happened!

Not some cunningly
constructed image like that!

Your Honor!

It was an urgent situation

even a normal person
could have misjudged.

For someone
with a mental disability...

What?

Having special circumstances
like this witness...

Your Honor,

she lacks the ability to discern

whether my client's intention

was to harm or to help.

Please consider the case

based only on what she saw,
not her interpretation of it.

If you feel

the witness is incapable
of identifying expressions,

then an expert should judge

her cognitive ability.

I believe the test made a point,

and the defense's
line of questioning was relevant.

I also believe we must rely on

what the witness saw
with her eyes,

not her interpretation
of the situation.

The prosecution's objection
is overruled.

Defense counsel,
do you have any more questions?

No, Your Honor.

Prosecutor, do you have
further questions for the witness?

No, Your Honor.

Then this court is adjourned.

I'll pass the verdict
in two weeks.

Good work, everyone.

Thank you, Mr. YANG.

Two, three, four,
five, six, seven...

267 exactly.

Ji-woo.

Dividing 12 into 2

to make 7

is 7 and 7.

You can cut
the Roman numeral 7 in half.

Is that a correct answer?

Ji-woo, at the trial today...

Is that a correct answer?

That's correct. Well done.

Am I...

a mentally disabled person?

That wasn't what I meant.

Hello?

(Grief)

(Happiness)

Hello, Mrs. YIM. Is Ji-woo home?

Maybe you can't read
my facial expression.

Sorry?

Did it feel good to humiliate
my daughter

in front of everyone?

I apologize if you felt that way.

I was doing my job as a law–

Labeling someone crazy
in front of their face?

That's doing your job?

That...

It was a mistake.

She's been asking me all day
if she's mentally disabled?

And you pretended to care for her!

I'm sorry, ma'am.
I'm here to apologize to Ji-woo.

Get out of my face
before I call the police.

(Sentencing Hearing)

All rise.

Case No. 2016
- First Trial - 12985

Defendant OH Mi-ran, please rise.

After examining
the arguments and evidence

provided by both sides,

Ms. YIM Ji-woo's testimony,

which served as the sole basis
for the charges

cannot be deemed
sufficient grounds

to support the prosecution's claim

due to her mental state
and inability to communicate.

In consideration
of the jury's opinion,

I have reached
the following verdict.

This court finds the defendant

not guilty of her charges.

Ms. OH will be released
immediately.

- Congratulations, ma'am.
- Thank you so much.

You saved my life.
Thank you so much.

- Come on, let's go.
- Yes.

The prosecution launched
an appeal.

Yikes, that's just pathetic.

Yikes, that's just pathetic.

I'm not scared one bit

because you have my back.

What will you do now?

I'm going to see my son.

I thought
you didn't have any family.

Oh, there's this... kid
I care for like he's my own.

I'm going to go see him.

She once got drunk and told me

she had a baby without a father

and was forced to give him up.

He's very sick,

and she needs money to treat him.

The late Mr. KIM donated
generously every year.

He expressed his wish
to donate all his fortune

after he passed away.

We were in the process
of completing the paperwork

when all this happened.

My firm's been
in great difficulty.

Now, we're family.

Attorneys have a duty
of confidentiality.

We get penalized if we breach it.

I...

I'm sorry.

The lady attacked the old man.

The lady was smiling.

Hey, kid...

tell me what my expression is now.

I did not kill him!

If you ever mess around in
grown-up business again,

I'll rip out that pretty mouth
of yours.

Want to get a drink?
We could go to your place.

Soon-ho,

I think it's best we don't see
each other anymore.

We're walking different paths now.

Things will continue
to get uncomfortable.

(Ji-woo)

The number you have dialed
is switched off...

Ji-woo's mom

I can't believe you people!

That woman came looking
for my daughter.

Hello.

How's Ji-woo doing?

She had a serious episode
and had to be sedated.

Um... and her mother?

She went down to admin.

- How much is it?
- 30 dollars.

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

They're good people.
They help others.

Are you a good person?

Prosecutor LEE Hee-jung.

It's me, YANG Soon-ho.

I want to talk to you.

I beg you to consider

letting Ji-woo take the stand
one last time.

I can't believe
you have the audacity.

Of all people,
I thought you'd understand.

I do.

I know so well how hard this is
for Ji-woo,

and I'm still asking you.

Don't you think
we've done enough already?

I'll just pay the fine.

I'm not putting her
through this again.

I understand.

I'll find another way.

Mom, I want to be the witness.

You can't. It's too tough on you.

Mom, I want to be the witness.

Honey...

you've already done it.

You remember how terrible it was.

Yes, but I still want to be
the witness.

You've done more than enough.

Let's forget this and move on.

Mom, I speak well,

and I read well too, right?

Of course.

But I won't ever be able to be
a lawyer

because I have autism.

But...

I could be the witness,
couldn't I?

Ji-woo...

Mom, I want to be the witness.

I'll be the witness,

and I want to let people
know the truth.

- Long time no see.
- You bastard!

- What's the matter with you?
- What did you do?

I got pulled off the case.

They assigned another prosecutor!

What are you talking about?

I know your firm is behind it,
you bastard!

I swear I know nothing!
Calm down and let's talk.

Can we do that?

You just won't give up, will you?

"I almost forgot your birthday."

"Thank you for being born."

Dear son,

I almost forgot your birthday.

Thank you for being born.

You've been the true joy of my
life.

When you turned 16,

you told me
you wanted to be a lawyer.

With your energetic face,

you said,
"I want to do good things".

I was so thrilled, I farted.

Not thrilled because
you wanted to be a lawyer

but because I knew
I'd raised you well.

Having lived this life,

I learned
it's not always rosy and sweet.

The world is heartless
and full of hypocrisy.

We make mistakes,
and we suffer dearly.

Still, my dear son,

forget all that has gone past you.

There is no one
who never makes mistakes.

I just want you to love yourself.

Dad.

Huh?

Because only then
can you love others.

Dad.

(First Day of Appeal)

Long time, Mr. YANG.

How have you been?

Good morning.

- And yourself?
- Good. Thank you.

Witness, come to the stand.

Is the witness not here?

She's here, Your Honor.

Good.
Are you YIM Ji-woo, the witness?

Yes.

Take the witness stand.

We'll examine the witness now.

Who wants to start?

I will, Your Honor.

The witness is autistic.

"Autistic people"

"lack the ability
to share their feelings"

"or convey memories correctly,"

"much like a child."

That's what is written here,

so regardless
of what the truth is,

she is unfit as a witness

in the first place.

Witness,

are you aware you're different
from other normal people?

"Seemingly abnormal and aberrant"

"doesn't suggest inferiority."

What?

That's also written in the book.

Here's another quote –

"Every man"

"is different."

What are you doing?

It's the predisposition
needed for questioning.

It is?

I bought this handkerchief
on the way to court.

How many dots are there
on this handkerchief?

196.

Could you count how many
drops of water are there are?

How is this relevant to the case?

I'm trying to determine

whether she perceives things
correctly.

Your Honor, please consider that

she has a special way
of communicating.

I'll move onto the case now.

Judge KIM,
would you count the dots?

Yes.

Your Honor,

to help her feel at ease,

do you mind waiting
until 5 o'clock?

It's 4:57,
so that's only 3 minutes.

Go ahead.

There are 196 dots.

Ji-woo, it's 5PM.

Can I pose a quiz?

Yes.

Court Martial,
standing by the door,

can you help me with something?

Of course.

Witness,

will you tell me what he says?

Yes.

Sir, can you state
your name and rank

in a quiet whisper?

Seoul High Court,

Court Martial KIM Young-hoon with

the Security Management Squad.

Is that a correct answer?

Um, yeah! She's right.

This is a paper

on autistic people's hearing.

"Some autistic people
have very acute hearing."

"It is one
of the special abilities"

"often found in people
with autism."

"One child told me
that a butterfly's flapping"

"sounded like thunder
in her ears."

Mr. YANG?

YANG.

Can I have a word?

One moment. I have more questions.

Witness,

you could tell the exact number
of dots on the handkerchief.

On the day of the incident,

do you recall
what the defendant said?

Yes.

How many words did she utter
during the incident you saw?

52 words.

Let's see
if your answer is correct.

Witness,

can you recite exactly

what the lady said?

We have a shorthand typist.

We can count the words later.

YANG!

Yikes! That's just pathetic.

Yikes! That's just pathetic.

Why are you putting up a fight?

If only you die,

both your child and my child
can live.

Just go quietly, will you?

If you had the money to give away,

you should've given it to me.

You just won't die.

Tenacious old fool!

Tenacious old fool!

Finally...

Dead for good...

Yikes,

- that's just pathetic...
- that's just pathetic...

Tough as a boot...

My, oh my...

My, oh my...

Not counting punctuation marks,

exactly 52 words.

YANG, we need to talk now.

The witness stores the sounds

she hears like a photograph.

That's why she can give
such a precise account.

The reason for confusion so far

was because
we didn't understand her

or... weren't willing to.

YANG Soon-ho!
You're the defense counsel.

- Snap out of it!
- Lawyers are humans, too.

We should be.

Your Honor,
tell him to stop speaking.

This man is breaching his duty
as a defense attorney!

Mr. YANG, are you sure about this?

Yes.

We'll discuss

Mr. YANG's breach of duty later.

For now, I wish to hear more.

This is absurd! This has to stop!

I have unique and sole
authority over this court room.

I could hold you in contempt!

- Shut your mouth, you fool!
- What?

Stop this trial immediately!

- You bastard!
- Remove him from the court!

Stop this trial right now!
This is a mistrial!

This is a mistrial!

Do you hear me, you retard?

Mr. YANG, you may continue.

Prejudice.

Unfortunately,
I was prejudiced against Ji-woo.

I thought
she and I were different people.

I didn't trust her,

and I only saw
what I wanted to see

because I thought only of myself.

But the witness was different.

Despite the harsh prejudice
she was subjected to,

she chose to take the stand again

in order to tell the truth.

In my career as a lawyer,

I've never seen a witness

who gave a more precise testimony
than her.

She has told only the truth
from the beginning.

It was us...

who didn't know
how to communicate with her.

Ms. OH,

will you tell us the truth now?

Only then can I help you.

If you confess,
your sentence can be reduced.

I will help you.

Your son...

you have to see him again.

Ms. OH,

who told you to murder Mr. KIM?

It was... his son, KIM Man-ho.

I place you under arrest

for instigating
the murder of your father.

You have the right
to remain silent.

Anything you say may be used
against you...

Ji-woo, you did everything
you had to do.

You became the best witness
in the court.

Thank you, Ji-woo.

Thank you for taking the time.

No problem.

Ji-woo really wanted
to invite you.

If I knew
it were such a big party,

I would've worn a tie.

Ji-woo!

Come on, you invited Mr. YANG!

Mrs. YIM,

that's okay.

That's just Ji-woo.

I'll go to her.

I heard you started
at a special school.

What are your friends like there?

They're... weird.

Weird? You don't like them?

They're very weird.

- It's good.
- It's good?

Yes.

Why?

I don't have to pretend
to be normal.

You've been trying to be normal
all this time?

Yes. I practiced.

Happy birthday, Ji-woo.

I might be busy from now on.

I might not be able to talk
as much,

so I got you this.

- Thank you.
- Sure.

And you can open this one later.

I should go now.

Bye. Have a great birthday.

I'll see you around.

Yes, what is it?

I called because it's 5PM.

Mr. YANG Soon-ho...

is a good person.

I'm trying, Ji-woo.

I'm really going now. Bye.

How have you been?

Good.

I think
I might have to quit practicing.

I heard.

I don't know what I'll do
from now on,

but one thing's clear:

I don't think I can do it
without you.

Have you had dinner?

Not yet.

Want to get a drink, too?

I'd like that.

(Happy Birthday. Ji-woo!)

(Directed by LEE Han)

(JUNG Woo-sung)

(KIM Hyang-gi)