Episode 2 of "Beyond the Bar" kicks off with a chaotic scene unfolding at Hoseon Fertility Clinic. An enraged and incensed Park Gi-beom storms in, shouting incessantly and insisting that the clinic "restore it" to him. In a fit of rage, he vandalizes some of the clinic's equipment before being ejected from the premises. The CCTV footage of the incident somehow finds its way to Yullim Law Firm.
The damage to the equipment totals over 600 million won, prompting Seok-hoon to scrutinize the case details and determine whether they should defend the perpetrator. The executives emphasize the importance of this matter due to Hoseon's previous status as a client of the corporate law team, before their unethical actions led to the loss of all hospital-related clients.
Hyo-min and Guk-hyeon are assigned to oversee the situation, while Seok-hoon is urged to delve into the case of Na Dong-su. This individual is lazy and unmotivated, yet shielded in his position due to being Attorney Hong's son. He is derisively known as a "salary thief" around the office, and his laid-back attitude is undermining the team's morale. We'll revisit this later!
Meanwhile, Hyo-min goes out for lunch with her boyfriend, Seong-chan. He confesses that the past few years have been a tumultuous ride for him and, after professing his love, pops the question.
However, this couldn't have come at a more inappropriate moment, as Hyo-min is far from enthusiastic about the proposal. She reveals that she has an identical twin sister named Hyo-ju, who was born with a genetic hearing impairment. Fearing disruption to their "perfect family," the family made the heart-wrenching decision to send Hyo-ju to live with her aunt, who also has a hearing impairment. This revelation shatters the illusion of their "perfect genes."
Appearances and status are all that matter to Seong-chan, who reacts to the news as if Hyo-min had admitted to infidelity. Stunned and needing "time to process this information," he is left reeling.
Seok-hoon arrives to meet Gi-beom, whose countenance betrays no enthusiasm for the legal firm's visit. Gi-beom is acutely aware that this case harbors no swift resolutions, only a burgeoning consultation fee, and he surrenders to his seemingly inevitable fate. Seok-hoon concedes his point, acknowledging the uphill battle ahead, yet vows to stand by his side, determined to uncover the root of the corruption, particularly as it affords them an opportunity to strike at Hoseon.
Gi-beom unfolds his plight, revealing how he entrusted his sperm to the fertility clinic only to have it negligently destroyed. He contends that his sperm, valued at no less than ten billion won, warrants substantial compensation. His infertility, a consequences of surgery to combat testicular cancer, makes this donated sperm his sole hope for conception through IVF. With it ruined, his very means of sustaining life has been shattered.
Having absorbed the gravity of Gi-beom's ordeal, Seok-hoon resolves to delve into the nuances of the case. Meanwhile, Hoseon's representatives, representing Lee & Seo Law Firm—a rival to Yullim—arrive at Yullim, ready to dictate their terms with an air of confidence.
Seok-hoon fortifies his stance with the litigation team, deciding to contest the matter in court without reservation. He employs strategic bluffing to prolong the proceedings, much to Hyo-min's concern. She deems their actions reckless without incontrovertible evidence, but as seasoned litigation lawyers, Seok-hoon remains confident they will unearth crucial details to bolster their case.
In court, Lee & Seo express disbelief at the counter-suit demanding 500 million won—a figure initially presented as a bluff. Yet, Seok-hoon remains unwavering, confident he can prove Gi-beom's sperm's worth, requesting a forensic examination. The courtroom is further stunned by the entrance of Gi-beom's wife, Ye-rim, her face partially scorched. Through Gi-beom's comprehensive testimony, we learn of her self-imposed exile from society, driven by the fear of rejection. It was Seok-hoon who persuaded her to confront the court, with Hyo-min lending her a courageous step forward.
Three years prior, Ye-rim's life took a harrowing turn as she and Gi-beom stood on the brink of marital bliss. Their joy was shattered in a devastating car accident, caused by an ominous white truck that seemed to emerge from the depths of despair. With her world turned upside down by severe burns, Ye-rim retreated into seclusion, even contemplating suicide. Their bond seemed destined to unravel, yet Gi-beom's unwavering commitment shone through. He endeavored to restore her sense of self-worth, remaining steadfast by her side through every trial and tribulation. Desperate to rebuild their life anew, they clung to the hope of starting a family as a beacon for Ye-rim's recovery, a beacon that was initially ignited by the sight of her cherished niece. For Gi-beom, this was not merely a means to salvage their relationship but a path to redeeming Ye-rim's spirit as well.
Trusting in Hoseon Fertility Clinic, renowned globally for its sperm preservation expertise, they believed they had found sanctuary. However, their dreams were cruelly dashed when negligence at the clinic shattered their hopes. Rather than offering a sincere apology, Hoseon resorted to a cold, transactional response, throwing money at the issue and proposing another procedure. Adding insult to injury, clinic staff maliciously slandered Ye-rim, labeling her a monster.
As Gi-beom recounted his ordeal, Lee & Seo found themselves in the unwelcome presence of Mr. Hwang, a reporter from Hansang Daily. Realizing their precarious position, the firm requested a recess, a maneuver that played perfectly into Yullim's hands. Their strategy was not only to expose Ye-rim's presence and Gi-beom's heartfelt testimony but also to tarnish Lee & Seo's reputation. Leveraging the media's interest, they hoped to gain a strategic advantage in negotiations.
Han Seong-chan, representing Lee & Seo, cast a disapproving glance at Hyo-min before agreeing to a settlement. In exchange for silence from the media and Gi-beom's discretion, they would withdraw both civil and criminal charges without seeking compensation. Seok-hoon concurred, but only on the condition that they also pay 100 million won in damages. Seong-chan, with few options left, reluctantly agreed, stipulating that the agreement be signed within three days. The scene unfolded as a high-stakes drama, each move carefully calculated to outmaneuver and ultimately bring justice to those wronged.
Gi-beom and Ye-rim exude an obvious joy at having reached a resolution, yet the lingering question persists: Will they ever truly transcend their shared trials? Can any monetary compensation ever suffice for the experiences they've endured?
Back in the office milieu, we're introduced to Na Dong-su, whose arrogance surpasses even our wildest expectations. He parades around as if the office were his personal domain, bolstered by the support of influential figures. Chief among them is Mr. Ko, an esteemed senior attorney within the firm. Their hallway confrontation with Seok-hoon leaves matters unresolved, teeming with the promise of future discord.
Elsewhere, Seong-chan callously brushes aside Hyo-min's feelings by accepting a blind date, ignoring her completely. Her heartache is palpable, intensifying when she stumbles upon him indulging in drinks. That very night, she finds solace in sharing tea and reflecting on the nuances of love and loyalty with Seok-hoon. Their conversation weaves a bond, culminating in his heartfelt assurance that she's coping admirably.
