Episode 1 of "Cashero" commences with Kang Sang-ung's desire to purchase a home alongside his long-term companion, Min-suk, despite lacking the necessary funds. Min-suk, a mathematical prodigy, adept at managing finances and imbued with a no-nonsense demeanor, is stringent about their expenditures. Her logical approach contrasts sharply with Sang-ung's romantic nature. In fact, she curtails their courtship period and suggests they start dating to avoid extravagant dating expenses. She even proposes marriage to secure a favorable rate for the apartment. Sang-ung acquiesces, recognizing that through her practicality, she genuinely loves him.
The narrative then shifts to Mr. Kang, Sang-ung's father, who has struggled financially. A victim of the IMF crisis, he is perpetually mired in debt. Sang-ung resents him for his irresponsibility and incompetence. When Mr. Kang summons him home, he announces that he has something for Sang-ung now that he's retiring and about to receive his pension. He grips Sang-ung's hand and bestows upon him a superpower that has been passed down through the generations of Kangs. These powers enable them to assist those in need, but their potency increases with the amount of money they possess. Each use of their power, however, results in the loss of the cash they currently hold, which is replaced with a small amount of coins as consolation.
Three cardinal rules govern their actions: always assist people discreetly, never steal anyone's money to use the power, and keep their secret to themselves. The Kangs typically seek help from Jeong-ja, a loanshark.
An agitated Sang-ung rushes to Min-suk's side. Upon demonstrating his powers, her initial shock transforms into a pragmatic assessment, as she deduces how his superpower operates and whether they can exploit it for their own benefit. Unfortunately, they fail to identify any loophole.
The following day, she imposes a strict set of rules upon him: carry the minimum amount of cash, refrain from helping anyone, and conserve your energy. This leads to a chaotic commute to the office as Sang-ung walks at a snail's pace, fails to hold the door open for anyone, and neglects to assist even the elderly. His behavior irritates his colleagues, and he is reprimanded by his boss. His mind is preoccupied with scratching an itch on his wrist. Upon returning home, Min-suk devotes her attention to purchasing the apartment, calculating that they require an additional 30 million won for the down payment. She dismisses Sang-ung's idea and instead sells his belongings, labeling them as "unnecessary." As a gesture of compensation, she allows him to purchase a second-hand PS5 game console.
Sang-ung is tasked with completing the transaction and is surprised when the PS5 seller even offers him his games for free. The seller explains that he would rather use the money for his children. Unfortunately, a group of bullies attacks the seller and steals the money. Sang-ung has half a million cash on him and hesitates. Instead of intervening, he runs home. Min-suk notices that 20k was spent on his escape and scolds him. Sang-ung is in a daze, self-loathing and constantly justifying that he's too poor to help others. Min-suk observes his dejected mood and tries to lift his spirits, suggesting they should live a good life.
To make matters worse, the rash has spread to his neck and arms. His mother visits him and comments that even his father used to get such a rash. But this isn't just a casual check-in. She has 30 million won for Sang-ung! It's from her savings and she hopes he can live a good life, unlike his father. She also casually mentions that Mr. Kang is changing; he has planned a surprise couple's trip to Spain.
Sang-ung is overwhelmed and scared but decides to be optimistic that things will work out. He is on the phone telling Min-suk about the money when there's a road accident. A bus full of people is about to fall off the bridge. Sang-ung realizes he has no choice. As he saves the bus from falling, the 30 million starts disappearing. But even his rashes disappear. By the end of the episode, he is surrounded by a pile of coins instead of his mother's hard-earned 30 million. He looks upset but people are praising him for his heroic deed.
