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.
In the enthralling third episode of Season 1 of "Low Life," the narrative shifts to the vibrant city of Busan, where Professor Kim orchestrates an intricate encounter with an intermediary, ultimately acquiring an assortment of Chinese ceramic pots. His cunning plan unfolds as he dupes a Yakuza-affiliated individual into purchasing these pots, in exchange for which he receives a genuine Yakuza Katana and a luxurious gold-plated firearm.
Meanwhile, in Mokpo, the team led by Gwan-seok finds itself at a crossroads. In a strategic meeting, they decide to prioritize hiring Seok-bae while pondering their next steps regarding Bok-geun. Gwan-seok issues a stark warning about the treacherous Professor Kim, his caution echoing through the room. He then proceeds to consult with Tae-sang about using his boat, only to encounter a new wrinkle in their plan. Tae-sang reveals that his vessel would attract undue attention from the coastguard, but offers an alternative: borrowing his wife's nephew's boat—provided Gwan-seok sweetens the deal with additional funds. Reluctantly, Gwan-seok concedes.
The following dawn brings an unexpected revelation for Ki-taek when Jung-sook announces a stringent new budget constraint. Agitated, he storms off to confront the chairman, who surprisingly sides with his wife. The chairman stands firm, declaring that he will only allocate five million won for the ceramic pots.
Desperate for guidance, Ki-taek seeks counsel from Song-cheol. His friend devises a devious scheme: sell the fake pots to Chairman Cheol first and, once they secure the genuine articles, utilize them as under-the-radar political bribes during election season. Unlike liquid assets, ceramic pieces are notoriously difficult to trace.
Back in Mokpo, Hee-dong endeavors to extract information from Seon-ja, but his efforts hit a wall. Seon-ja remains blissfully unaware of the pots' significance, her mind preoccupied with dreams of relocating to Seoul. Ironically, Professor Kim is also present in the same establishment, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga.
Hee-dong catches sight of him and propositions Seon-ja, offering her a sum of money to keep a close watch on Professor Kim. With a promise dangling in front of her—a promise of assistance in relocating to Seoul—Hee-dong seals her interest. Meanwhile, Professor Kim witnesses their conversation but maintains a nonchalant demeanor.
As dusk descends, Ki-taek dials Gwan-seok's number, relaying Jung-sook's newly imposed rules. He is convinced that Jung-sook has Chairman Cheol wrapped around her little finger with remarkable ease. In response, Gwan-seok tasks him with preparing an exquisite piece of pottery. Subsequently, he assigns Hee-dong a mission: to journey back to Seoul and engage with Jung-sook, presenting the pottery as a gift, though the true offering is Hee-dong himself. Gwan-seok's ultimate goal is for Hee-dong to sway Jung-sook's decision.
The following morning, Hee-dong arrives in Seoul and reconvenes with Ki-taek. Under Ki-taek's guidance, Hee-dong rehearses his lines regarding the pottery. However, as he scrutinizes Hee-dong, Ki-taek deciphers Gwan-seok's hidden agenda.
Hee-dong pays a visit to Jung-sook's residence, where she promptly shatters the pottery and dismisses him. Nonetheless, Jung-sook clandestinely instructs her maid to slip Hee-dong a note, inviting him to meet her at Madam Kim's boutique.
Meanwhile, back in Mokpo, Gwan-seok and Tae-san confront Sang-bok, Tae-san's wife's nephew, with a request to borrow his boat. However, Sang-bok balks at the idea of lending it if they exclude him from their plans.
At Madam Jang's café, Professor Kim attempts to engage Seon-ja, but she summarily rejects his advances. Undeterred, Professor Kim proceeds to meet with Beol-gu to discuss business matters.
In Seoul, Jung-sook outsmarts Chairman Cheol's staff and arranges a clandestine meeting with Hee-dong. Initially timid, Hee-dong eventually succumbs to his desires and shares an intimate encounter with Jung-sook. Following their tryst, Jung-sook treats him to a new wardrobe and vows to intercede with the Chairman regarding the money matter. Furthermore, she extends a job offer upon the completion of their mission, which Hee-dong politely declines. Through a fleeting flashback, we glimpse Gwan-seok's earlier consultation with Jeon-chul regarding Jung-sook, deepening the intricate web of manipulations and desires in this tale.
However, Jeon-chul harbored doubts about Jung-sook's ability to elude Chairman Cheol's henchmen. Meanwhile, the team recruited Seok-bae, finding themselves short on expert divers. Tae-san, eager to contribute, volunteered for the underwater mission. Seok-bae, however, dismissed his offer, stating bluntly that Tae-san lacked the necessary skills to survive the treacherous conditions. Insulted, Tae-san flew into a rage and stormed out, making his way to the bustling market where he ran into Beol-gu. Venting his frustrations, Tae-san revealed the turmoil within Gwan-seok's team. Seeking a second opinion, Tae-san later inquired about his chances of survival with the female divers, who candidly informed him that his prospects were grim.
Behind bars, Beol-gu and Professor Kim struck a deal with the prison warden, securing Bok-geun's temporary release for two weeks. Despite the warden's warnings about Bok-geun's dangerous nature, Professor Kim remained unperturbed. The next morning, Gwan-seok was astounded to see Bok-geun accompanying Professor Kim at the market, where he also caught sight of Dae-sik engaging with the group. However, Dae-sik claimed innocence, insisting that they had been pestering him. The sight of Bok-geun galvanized the team into action; they decided to venture out to sea and reconnoiter the area, setting sail as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Elsewhere, Hee-dong returned to Mokpo and paid a visit to Seon-ja, extending an invitation for a meal that she joyfully accepted. As the episode drew to a close, Gwan-seok's team pestered Seok-bae to recall the precise location of the wreckage. Suddenly, they noticed another boat approaching and realized with astonishment that Professor Kim's team had tailed them.
