Unbowed

In 1995, Kim, an untenured professor of mathematics, publicly exposes an error in the College Scholastic Ability Test. The revelation humiliates the professors who drafted the test and triggers backlash from the academic community. The incident marks the beginning of Kim's long battle against the university system.

A few years after the CSAT scandal, Kim is denied tenure despite the high quality of his research. He is forced to resign from his position, ending his upward career trajectory. The setback propels him to pursue legal battles over wrongful dismissal.

Kim relocates to the United States for a period, seeking opportunities abroad after the professional setback. He continues his research while away from Korea but remains tethered to his cause. The move underscores his need for stability and distance from the university's pressure.

Laws are amended to allow rejected professors to file wrongful dismissal lawsuits, prompting Kim to fly back to South Korea. He renews his fight through the courts, now armed with new legal routes. The return marks a pivot from exile to courtroom battles.

In 2007, Kim confronts the appeals judge at the entrance of the judge's apartment, carrying a cross-bow as a hobby. A physical struggle ensues and Kim is arrested. The incident draws widespread media attention and polarizes public opinion about the judiciary.

Kim's wife initially approaches Park, a heavily indebted lawyer, to take the case but withdraws after discovering Park is an alcoholic. The aborted outreach alters the course of legal representation and delays the proceedings. Park's role will be revisited later through Jang's involvement.

Kim's trial proceeds with a different lawyer, and he pleads No Contest, citing perceived prejudice and dishonesty from the judge. The verdict leads to a prison sentence rather than an acquittal, intensifying Kim's resolve to fight the system. This phase sets the stage for renewed appeals.

While imprisoned, Kim studies the law intensively and continues to argue his case. He hires Park on the advice of Jang and works with the journalist to expose holes in the prosecutor's evidence and conflicting testimonies. His self-driven legal education fuels his appeals.

The original appeals judge resigns and is replaced by another who does everything to obstruct the proceedings and protect the prosecutor. It becomes clear that Kim never fired the arrow, and that the victim stabbed himself. Questions rise about the handling of blood-stained clothes and the missing arrow.

Public sentiment splits: some citizens riot in Kim's defense while a judges' association pushes for the opposite verdict. The event highlights deep tensions in the judicial system and media coverage. Park contemplates drastic protest but is restrained by colleagues.

Park, seeking to protest on Kim's behalf, attempts to pour water on the appeals judge but is stopped by Jang who confiscates the water bottles to prevent imprisonment. The moment illustrates the friction between activists and the judiciary.

Around this time, Kim is raped in prison by another male inmate, adding to his trauma and outrage. The assault becomes a grim symbol of prison conditions and the dehumanization within the system. The event compounds his determination to seek justice.

The appeal is denied, but Kim receives a more lenient sentence of four years instead of ten. He leaves the courtroom with mixed emotions: relief at a shorter sentence, but continued belief in the need for reform. The verdict becomes a turning point toward lifelong activism.

While in prison, Kim continues to study the law and argue with guards. Upon release, he becomes a lifelong activist for judicial transparency, using his experience to push for reforms, accountability, and openness in the justice system.