Episode 1 of The Chair Season 1 kicks off with the arrival of the esteemed Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim as the university's new female chair, heralding the dawn of significant transformations. As the gathering commences, Ji-Yoon confronts the harsh reality of declining student enrollments, painting a bleak picture of Pembroke University's current plight. However, amidst the adversity, there's a resilient spirit that strives to rekindle the institution's lost pride.
As Ji-Yoon vows not to let the department crumble beneath the pressure, she is promptly handed a list from the dean, highlighting the names of overpaid faculty members facing termination. Ji-Yoon braces herself for the daunting task of delivering the grim news.
In parallel, a scene unfolds featuring Bill, bidding farewell to his daughter before his erratic behavior takes over. Despite his obscure reputation among some students, one even dares to approach him for an autograph. Eventually, Bill arrives at the university, tardy and reeking of alcohol. During his class, he inadvertently plays a video of his deceased ex-lover, Sharon, who appears naked and heavily pregnant.
After class, Bill wanders into Ji-Yoon's office, where the two engage in a flirtatious banter. It doesn't take long for Bill to collapse on Ji-Yoon's sofa, only to wake up late for his next class. Ji-Yoon sternly advises him to get his life in order and show up for his responsibilities. Heeding her words, Bill gathers his wits and commences his lecture, captivating his diverse student audience. But just as things seem to be looking up, a shocking moment unfolds as Bill, while discussing fascism, inadvertently performs a Nazi salute, leaving the audience in stunned silence.
