Ep 1. Episode 1 (Episode 1 of 4)

The Running Mate is a political drama that follows the story of Kim Do-hyun (played by Lee Jun-gi), a charismatic and ambitious political aide who aspires to become a member of the National Assembly. The show is set in South Korea and revolves around the high-stakes world of politics, where alliances and betrayals are common, and the pursuit of power is ruthless.

Episode 1 of The Running Mate starts with a flashback to four years ago when Kim Do-hyun was working as a reporter. He covered a story about a 16-year-old girl who was raped and murdered, but the killer was never caught. This experience left a deep impression on Kim, and he decides to enter politics to make a difference and bring justice to the innocent.

Fast forward to the present day, and we see Kim working as a political aide to Assemblyman Ki-heon (played by Choi Jae-won). Ki-heon is a seasoned politician who has been in the National Assembly for several years. He is well-respected and has a good reputation as a lawmaker. However, he is facing a tough reelection campaign that he may not win without the help of Kim.

Kim is smart and resourceful, and he knows how to navigate the political landscape. He is determined to help Ki-heon win the election, but he faces opposition from the incumbent candidate, Jung Han-mo (played by Jun Kook-hwan). Jung is a corrupt politician who does not hesitate to use dirty tactics to win. He has a team of loyal supporters who will do anything to ensure he stays in power.

Kim also has to deal with his own personal problems. He is estranged from his father, who is a powerful figure in the political world. Kim has a complicated relationship with his father, and he is determined to prove himself and make a name for himself without his father's help.

In Episode 1, we see Kim and Ki-heon campaigning in a poor district of the city. They meet with various groups and individuals, including a group of senior citizens who are unhappy with their living conditions and a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Ki-heon listens to their concerns and promises to help them if he is reelected.

However, Kim also discovers that Jung has been using his power to evict residents from their homes to make way for a new development project. Kim sees this as an opportunity to expose Jung's corruption and help Ki-heon win the election.

Throughout the episode, we see Kim's determination and ambition as he works tirelessly to help Ki-heon win the election. We also see the corrupt and dirty side of politics, where candidates are willing to do anything to win.

Overall, Episode 1 of The Running Mate sets the stage for the rest of the season. We see the characters and the world they inhabit, and we get a sense of the high stakes involved in political campaigns in South Korea. With Kim as the leading man, the show promises to be an exciting and engaging political drama.