Episode 1 of "Oh My Ghost Clients" kicks off with Mu-jin, a seasoned labor lawyer, stepping into a factory amidst a flurry of neglected safety protocols. As he surveys the premises, his sharp eyes catch a near-fatal accident in the making, saving a worker from being decimated by a whirring machinery. Confronting the factory chief about the perilous working conditions, Mu-jin introduces himself with an abrupt authority, detailing violations and impending penalties. The workers, sensing a shift in the air, start to gather, their curiosity piqued. The chief, clueless about Mu-jin's identity, attempts to brush the confrontation off as a mere misunderstanding.
Just then, a crane malfunctions, its load of heavy metals threatening to rain down on Mu-jin. As he looks up, his gaze seems to acknowledge a grim fate.
Flashback to two years prior, where Mu-jin was a dedicated member at a reputable firm. Without any warning, he makes a startling decision to quit his decade-long career. His supervisor tries to persuade him otherwise, but Mu-jin's resolve is unwavering. The truth unfolds: he's leaving to venture into the crypto world with his friend, investing all his savings and severance pay as start-up capital.
Tragedy strikes soon after, as his friend passes away unexpectedly, leaving Mu-jin penniless and unemployed. At the funeral, a former colleague suggests he pivot to becoming a labor attorney. Since his resignation, life has dealt Mu-jin a series of harsh blows—his wife left him, and he's now buried under financial struggles. After considerable contemplation, Mu-jin decides to enroll in labor law studies and sits for the qualifying exams. Remarkably, he aces them. However, a new obstacle emerges—his former colleague, who promised to rehire him, gets terminated.
Stressed to his wits' end, Mu-jin seeks solace in a drinking session with an old friend. In the throes of alcohol, his friend vomits on a statue, prompting Mu-jin, in a haze of drunken remorse, to apologize profusely and leave his business card on the statue as a token of his regretful state.
After securing his license, Mu-jin embarked on establishing his practice with the invaluable support of his sister-in-law, Na Hee-joo. Despite their relentless efforts to attract clientele, they faced repeated setbacks, each attempt proving futile. Their financial woes deepened as they fell behind on rent payments, and Mu-jin found himself unable to even indulge in the humble luxury of a cup of ramyeon.
One fateful night, Mu-jin was jarred awake by a vivid dream: a fiery figure pounded on his door, pleading for assistance. Startled but soon invigorated, he read that such a dream augured a turn towards prosperity.
As their circumstances grew increasingly desperate, Hee-joo devised a plan to salvage their ailing business and reconcile Mu-jin with his wife. She introduced him to Gyeon-woo, a renowned YouTuber. With their persuasive skills, Hee-joo and Gyeon-woo convinced Mu-jin to harness his license to expose and scam negligent factories, presenting it as a mutually beneficial endeavor—earning money while offering valuable advice to the companies. Initially hesitant, Mu-jin succumbed to desperation and agreed.
With Gyeon-woo documenting their escapades and Hee-joo by his side as his assistant, their scheme quickly gained momentum. Soon, their deceptive endeavors began to yield substantial profits. They swiftly cleared their overdue rent and transformed their office, giving it a fresh, opulent decor. However, Mu-jin's conscience began to gnaw at him, questioning the morality of their success. Hee-joo and Gyeon-woo reassured him, brushing off his qualms. Determined to address his concerns, Mu-jin proposed renegotiating their terms, leading to a new, revised agreement among the trio.
Gyeon-woo discovers a fresh target in the province of Gyeonggi-do: Taehyeop Steel, a company with a grim record of four fatalities in the span of five years. It appears that the company has consistently skirted responsibility for its negligent actions. Without delay, the trio speeds to Gyeonggi-do, intent on scamming this seemingly careless corporation. Ironically, this is the very same company that Mu-jin had visited during the opening scene.
While Hee-joo engages in subtle blackmail with the director in his office, Mu-jin stages a scenario inside the factory. The director, feeling cornered, threatens to summon the police, but Hee-joo remains steadfast. Suddenly, Mu-jin is involved in an accident, and his life's memories begin to flash before his eyes. He realizes that he has lived a selfish existence, always putting himself first.
As he ponders over his past, Mu-jin's spirit is transported to another realm. There, he encounters the burning man who had previously haunted his dreams. The enigmatic figure offers Mu-jin a choice: to live and assist wandering souls who perished due to the company's negligence. The man hopes that this will be Mu-jin's path to redemption from his selfish past.
Mu-jin hesitates, scrutinizing the fine print of the offer. However, the mysterious man urges him to sign quickly, emphasizing the dwindling time. Pressured and cornered, Mu-jin signs the document without fully comprehending its terms. The man then vanishes, leaving behind the cryptic remark that he looks forward to their collaboration.
Returning to the factory, Mu-jin collapses from the shock of narrowly escaping being struck by a metal object. A flashback reveals that the statue to which he had offered his card was not, in fact, inert stone.
