Episode 2 of Season 1 of "Low Life" transports us back to the year 1964, where Jung-sook toiled as a secretary at Heungbaek Plastics. One fateful morning, she chanced upon a heart-wrenching newspaper article chronicling the tragic drowning of Jeon-chul at sea. At the time, their marital bond was still intact, and the news shattered her heart, though life's relentless march pressed onward.
Flashing forward to the year 1976, Jeon-chul performed a miracle akin to Lazarus, unexpectedly knocking on Jung-sook's door on a dreary, rainy night. Despite her marriage to Chairman Cheon, Jeon-chul confessed his enduring love for her.
Meanwhile, Gwan-seok and his team find themselves aboard a train bound for Mokpo, nursing wounds sustained in a scuffle with fellow passengers. Upon their arrival, Gwan-seok cautions them to maintain a discreet profile as they make their way to the inn mentioned by Ki-taek.
At the inn, they encounter Yeong-su, who initially attempts to project a tough demeanor but quickly wilts upon beholding Jeon-chul's scarred chest. Business is swiftly addressed as Yeong-su recounts how the accidental discovery of the pots' value by a chance passerby ignited a chain of events, drawing both the government and other interested entities to Mokpo in droves. According to Yeong-su, a Chinese shipwreck lies at Sichan, and there persists a belief that more pots await discovery beneath the waves.
Following their meeting with Yeong-su, the group ventures to a store to make some calls. Dae-sik reassures Ki-taek that all is well, while Jeon-chul conveys the same message to Chairman Cheon, who warns him to keep an eye on Gwan-seok and the rest.
After the call, Jeon-chul and Hee-dong clash once more. This time, Seon-ja steps in to halt the altercation. Jeon-chul's suspicions grow when he learns that Hee-dong was previously in Mokpo. Seon-ja reminds Hee-dong to uphold his promise and exits, seemingly captivated by Hee-dong and eager to learn more about Seoul.
Later, Yeong-su receives a call from Tae-san, the captain they aspire to recruit, and they arrange to convene at a nearby restaurant to deliberate on the job prospects. As Gwan-seok engages in conversation with the captain, Hee-dong fabricates a tale to Jeon-chul about his connection with Seon-ja, claiming he journeyed to Mokpo to sever ties with an ex-lover but unexpectedly encountered Seon-ja there.
The meeting progresses when, suddenly, Beol-gu and his henchmen storm into the restaurant. Beol-gu provokes a brawl with Hee-dong, who strives to maintain his composure. Jeon-chul reaches for his knife to defend himself, only for Beol-gu to seize it. The situation spirals into chaos as Dae-sik announces a duel outdoors. The gang follows him out, and Hee-dong urges Gwan-seok to expedite their discussion.
Outside, Dae-sik postures as though he's about to decimate Beol-gu and his cronies in a fight. However, for someone known as a boxer, his fighting prowess leaves much to be desired! A couple of local policemen stroll by but remain indifferent to the unfolding drama.
Meanwhile, Tae-san presses for a higher remuneration, highlighting the inherent dangers. He insists on keeping half of the pottery to sell independently. The exact location of the wreckage remains unknown to them all, making their endeavor incredibly risky. The sole diver privy to its whereabouts is currently incarcerated.
Employing reverse psychology, Gwan-seok enumerates the myriad requirements for their success to Tae-san. He underscores that, despite obtaining the pottery, they might still end up empty-handed due to the mission's overall expenses. Eventually, he agrees to allocate Tae-san two million Won to manage his responsibilities.
He also tasks Tae-san with managing Beol-gu and his entourage. Soon afterward, Officer Hong-gi arrives on the scene and dispenses with Beol-gu and his men, sending them packing. Later on, Officer Hong-gi persists in his inquiry about Tae-san's dealings with the Seoul contingent.
Following the gathering, Gwan-seok cautions Yeong-su against toying with him, revealing his awareness of Yeong-su's instruction to Tae-san to demand more funds. Subsequently, Gwan-seok dials Ki-taek and briefs him on the evolving situation. Ki-taek is astonished by the escalating expenses of the mission, leading Gwan-seok to believe they will require a sum of five million Won. He further inquires if Chairman Cheol was genuine in his intent to eliminate Jeon-chul, to which Ki-taek responds with a heavy sigh rather than an answer. After hanging up, Ki-taek hastily rushes to his friend, the potter Seong-cheol, and urges him to increase the number of pots in his order.
Back in Mokpo, Jeon-chul and Hee-dong engage in another fiery verbal spat. This instance prompts Gwan-seok to pull Hee-dong aside and administer a stern reprimand, warning his nephew about the ill omen of quarrel before embarking on a voyage. On a ship, camaraderie can swiftly dissolve into animosity.
Meanwhile, in Seoul, Jung-sook sneaks out to gather money from several individuals. One lady bestows upon her a gift and pleads for Jung-sook's assistance in securing a job for her husband. Jung-sook then pays a visit to the Marilyn Boutique, helmed by Madam Jin. While there, she receives a call from Chairman Cheol, who urges her to return home. She also dials Jeon-chul, who is in a foul mood despite assuring her that they are faring well.
In Mokpo, Gwan-seok treats his team to dinner, compelling Hee-dong and Jeon-chul to apologize to Yeong-su for their rude behavior. Eventually, Jeon-chul and Hee-dong strike a truce, vowing not to betray each other; Jeon-chul confesses his fear of sailing due to a near-fatal experience aboard a ship in the past. Inside the restaurant, Gwan-seok delves deeper into the matter of the diver incarcerated.
The following day, Jung-sook cunningly persuades Chairman Cheol to impose a ceiling on both the quantity of pots and the monetary compensation destined for Ki-taek, while reassuring him that she would personally manage Ki-taek's affairs. Elsewhere in the town, Ki-taek and Seong-cheol continue their clandestine endeavor, burying additional pots beneath the waves of the sea. Ki-taek confesses that holding the genuine pots in his grasp brings him a sense of profound relief.
Meanwhile, in Mokpo, Gwan-seok pays a visit to Bok-geun behind bars. Bok-geun, suspicious of Gwan-seok's intentions, steadfastly refuses to divulge the precise location of the wreckage, fearing betrayal from Gwan-seok and his comrades. Subsequently, Gwan-seok tasks Hee-dong with escorting Jeon-chul to meet Seok-bae, another diver who might possess knowledge about the submerged treasure. Mistaking them for law enforcement officials, Seok-bae takes to his heels. After catching up with him, Seok-bae insists on his ignorance but directs them back to Bok-geun for further insights.
At the bustling market, Yeong-su's sharp eyes catch sight of his former accomplice and fellow trickster, Professor Kim. With a hint of foreboding, he informs Gwan-seok that Professor Kim's presence in their midst undoubtedly signals his own pursuit of the treasure.
