Oh, Mingi.
What? When?
Dad, Dad.
Dad, move it, quick.
Quick!
You haven't hidden it?
Seungi? Did you get him?
He's not picking up.
What if he comes here?
Do this, talk later.
- Here, here. - 1, 2, 3.
- Up, up. - A little more.
Grandpa, Boram's here.
MOM!
Aram's nana is scary.
We don't say that. Hop in.
Come in.
Me?
You.
Him?
You first.
Dad.
Fighting.
. . . fighting . . .
Hyongi.
What?
I need intel.
Intel?
Mom Implosion Index, scale of ten.
7? 8?
9?
20
. . . eep . . .
Account book.
What account book? You know all my?
Shall I turn the store and the house inside out?
It's not here. I left it at the store.
Now you listen to me.
You are no longer the president of my real estate holdings.
What's that?
I'm the owner, you're my employee.
You will give a full account of each day's books.
Anything over $100 must be approved in advance.
Every penny must have a receipt.
What is all this?
You're the boss and I'm under you?
Yes. If you don't like it, quit.
Just say so now. I have no use for a loafer
But I get a salary?
You do. But you'll never see a penny.
Not a penny? So I'm working for free?
I'll be deducting all the money you've wasted over the years.
You can't pay it off before you die.
But count yourself lucky that I'm taking pity on you.
Hello-o-o...
You'll get pocket change. $10 a day or $300 a month.
$300?
If you don't like it, quit.
Return the cycle. Get your down payment back and give me the account book.
Dad.
Dad, Dad...
You okay?
Need some water?
Hyongi?
Yes, ma'am.
Seungi next.
Ma'am.
Well? Go on.
Yes, but, Dad...
Stay out of it.
It's not that. It's his blood pressure.
He may collapse?
And me? What about me?
I'll collapse before he does.
Now get Seungi.
What are you doing?
Gathering strength.
Strength?
Mom's "force" is no joke.
There's only one way here.
Strength for strength, head to head.
You're a piece of work.
Joking at a time like this?
It's no joke. I'm really worried.
Life or death. Today I'm on the edge.
Come on.
Dad?
He's done?
Dad...
Go on. Mom's waiting.
Maybe you should rest in Mingi's room?
Mom.
Come in.
Why do you look like that? Are you tired?
Your skin is dry. Let me get you some salon cream.
I'm under a doctor's care.
Call Mirim.
She won't pick up.
Really, I'm not lying.
See? She won't take my calls.
Get up.
Huh?
We'll have to go see her.
Up.
Mom.
You first.
Mom.
She's not at home. She's working.
Working?
Yeah, that's why I have Boram.
Where?
Her friend's restaurant.
You know where it is?
Sure I do.
Mingi, car keys.
Ma'am.
I'll drive you.
What good will that do?
Keys.
Did you call?
Hm?
Did you call about the bike?
Yeah, yeah.
Mom, listen, Mirim?
Come on, tell me on the way.
She's at work, we can't just show up.
Think about her position.
Go on, scoot.
Hyongi.
Mingi.
Hey, hey, keys.
Now we're in it. Deep.
Did you call them?
Hm?
Oh, my head. Why is it...?
Dad.
What did she say?
About Seungi, I mean?
What else? She won't stand for a divorce.
What do you think? Will Mirim listen to her?
I hope so, but I have no clue.
Sorry to make you run errands.
Don't be. I'll be right back.
I appreciate it.
Where? Here?
Mom, why are we here?
Spit it out. Where?
I swear...
Speak up. Where? Over here?
Here.
Here?
Mm.
Mom, why bother?
Argh!
"Say I quit."
Pardon me.
It's been a while.
Too long.
Where's Mirim?
She quit.
Didn't she tell you?
Sorry, Mother.
They gone?
Yes.
What now? She's going to your place.
Open it.
How many times to I have to say it?
Mirim changed the pass code.
Shall I call a locksmith?
Suit yourself.
I'd just as soon wait inside as out anyway.
Daddy, where's Boram?
In your uncle's room.
Time to sleep.
'kay. Night-night.
Night.
What happened? Did you see Mirim?
Not yet?
Mm. Their waiting for her outside the apartment.
Just like that?
Just like that.
Poor kid, stuck in all this.
Three is too many with Seungi here. Take him to Mom's room.
Leave him. I'll go to the studio.
Now?
Sorry.
For what?
Leaving you alone.
You being here won't fix anything.
Go on.
Oh, Mingi.
I thought you left. You scared me.
Didn't you hear the door?
I was reading.
What are you doing here?
I told you. I'm working all night.
That's right. But you were gone so...
I went home, ate, talked to Jin and here I am.
Oh?
What were you reading?
Nothing.
Nothing and you didn't hear me come in?
Get to work.
Why does he need a password?
You working?
Huh? Yeah, I gotta.
Oh, we set a date.
For the wedding. Mom set it today.
Oh?
December 22, the fourth Saturday.
Is Jin okay with that?
Mm-hm. I was worried he would hold out till the spring.
That's great. Congratulations.
Thank you.
Looks like a nice place to relax.
Right? But won't it get dull after 10 days?
Ten?
Mm. The wedding is on the 22nd.
So I asked if we'll leave on Christmas Eve for our honeymoon.
Jin said, sure, we'll make it 10 days.
Including Christmas Eve, New Years Eve, the lot.
Oh?
Uh-huh.
How cool is that?
Ringing out the old year and bringing in the new with Jin by the sea.
Just like a movie.
Who is it? It's after midnight.
No one. Just a friend.
What friend? My worthless son with worthless friends.
Mom.
"Bring Boram to the neighborhood playground."
Right now? How?
Give it. Give.
Would you just?
Mom.
Come on.
You see her?
No.
I said come on.
Those cards are no good, Mirim?
Mom.
Mo-o-om!
You won't set one foot outside this house till you've made up with Mirim.
Huh?
The day you set foot outside this house, we go our own ways.
And my job?
Nope.
Mom.
I'm done. Out.
Mommeeee...
Forget the rest but let me work.
He'll fire me if I don't show up. You going to support me then?
Give me my cell. Without that?
- Go. - Going.
Night.
Whew.
Oh my God.
You didn't really quit...
did you?
Does your mom know I'm here?
No. She'd be here if she did.
You're not coming back?
Huh?
If not, don't bring your mom around.
I don't want to, but she'll be at your place tomorrow.
Then I won't go home.
You won't? Where will you sleep?
Shh.
Hey. You nuts?
She's not asleep?
She listens in her sleep.
Over here.
You're on my side?
Yes.
Then help me.
The cycle?
Mm.
Then you help me.
Hand phone?
Yes.
What are you up to?
Nothing.
- You? - Nope.
How did it go?
Tell you later. She's sleeping.
She won't even let me say goodbye if she wakes up.
He going to sleep?
Guess we'll have to wait.
December 22, the fourth Saturday.
How cool is that?
Ringing out the old year and bringing in the new with Jin by the sea.
Just like a movie.
Quiet, quiet.
Easy, easy, easy.
It's too heavy.
Quiet down.
Listen to yourself.
None of your sass.
Close the gate.
Go on.
Easy, easy.
Easy.
Hurry.
C'mon, c'mon.
So heavy.
- Quiet. - You be quiet.
No back-talk.
They got it at dawn.
When exactly?
Four o'clock? Five? They loaded it up and woosh.
Mingi, you up?
Yes, come in.
Boram?
Didn't his mother come get him?
Mo-o-om.
Explain yourself.
Dad.
Hm?
How did you sleep?
How do you think?
Mommeeeee...
The bike?
Where you going? Hold still.
That son of mine...
What is it now?
Mirim was here last night.
She wanted her son.
You should have told me.
So you could kill her?
You'd rather kill me instead?
I swear, she wanted her own son.
He's yours too. Boram is your boy.
She got custody in the divorce.
Custo-what-now?
Mom, stop.
Aram is coming.
There she is.
You up sweetie?
Yes. Good morning.
Did you sleep well?
Yes, ma'am.
Go wash up now.
- Last night Mirim? - I heard.
He's not my son, he's my enemy.
When are you leaving?
I'll drop off Dabin and head to work.
You have no lessons this morning.
Wow, you've even memorized her lesson schedule.
People still stop in to ask questions.
I don't like to leave it empty if I don't have to.
Will you be home for lunch?
Yes, probably.
You'll be back after your evening lessons?
I finish at 8 o'clock.
Just write out what you did and when, what you will do and when.
Put Dad's mind at ease.
What did I do?
Are you done?
All done.
Cranky, cranky.
Songhi.
I'll go first.
You can't live like this. He's suffocating you.
How so? I'm?
He's changed.
Either because he's retired or because that guy...
Thanks for breakfast.
Eat up, Dabin.
Songhi.
Inok.
What? Dad?
Don't let it bother you.
I was just giving you a heads up, that's all.
- Songhi. - I'm heading out.
One thing.
You said, "That guy."
Right. The dentist, that guy.
Yes.
Solomon's Seal tea. Good for fatigue.
Fatigue?
Mirim and Seungi have you distracted lately.
Today you look especially tired.
My mother came home yesterday.
Oh?
Yeah. She heard about the divorce.
Oh, dear, that's got to be tough.
Tougher on her.
A pretty bad shock.
The cash.
What cash?
The money you withdrew.
And the down payment on the bike.
It was a return.
They don't give refunds.
Where is it? I'll talk to them.
I'll do it.
Do what?
I'll get it.
See that you do.
Or no $300.
Just kill me.
Die. Who's stopping you?
Oh, hello.
Hello.
When did you get back from Japan?
Yesterday. How's business?
Too soon to say, but I'll make the rent.
Good to hear it.
Pardon me.
We need to talk. Do you have a minute?
About what?
About your husband.
He's been carrying on?
Huh?
I appreciate the thought, but I couldn't care less...
if he was in a hotel with a little tramp.
Mind your own business.
Mother. Hello.
No patients?
Not in the morning.
- Please. - Thanks.
Yes.
Dabin's mother.
Hello.
Good morning.
I really can't accept this.
Huh? It's just flowers. Not even expensive ones.
That would have been fine if not for this.
You sent them?
Yes. She opened yesterday.
I sent the flowers and the ribbon.
But no card.
Uh-oh.
What?
"I love you?"
No, it was a mistake, this was mean for Professor Kim.
Professor Kim?
Yes.
The professor has always expressed concern for me.
I wanted to say something.
Before it's too late.
I'd be less worried if you did write this sort of thing to a girl.
But what would make her think you wrote this to her?
Excuse me a moment.
Where you going?
Card... I need to explain the card to her.
Hang on a minute.
What's he so worked up about?
He's obviously not the type to send that kind of note.
Hm?
Yes.
About that lady just now.
Have they been friends long?
No. Just since she had the interior designers in.
But her son was playing with Aram.
They met at school then?
Not that I heard.
Oh?
Enjoy your tea.
Sit a moment.
Have you spoken with Mirim?
You must think I'm a freak.
No. Who knew they would send the wrong card?
May I ask who it was for?
A professor, he's like a father to me.
He has cancer.
Go ahead.
One moment.
Hello? I was just about to call you.
Yes.
No. It can't be helped.
Of course. Goodbye.
Bad news?
I lost another student.
That's two now.
Don't look like that.
In this economy, it's the same all over.
I've been meaning to talk to you.
Don't misunderstand, I just didn't have time.
Aram says she wants to study piano.
Oh?
Yes. She hates extra classes.
But she wants to come here.
That's great. Why would I misunderstand?
You're losing students. You might think it was charity.
Why would you help me?
There's nothing between us to misunderstand.
That's not charity, not if I'm teaching Aram.
Right?
Yes, exactly.
I had some idea, but this?
She was right to divorce him, the little creep.
If you'll excuse me.
Of course.
Talking about Mirim?
I'm at a loss. I don't know how to face her.
He's as bad as his father.
Pathetic.
Mother.
You clear it up?
Yes.
Why did you rush over there?
So it wouldn't get worse.
Smile like that on blind dates.
She'll be glad to know you're happy.
Sinyong?
Mm. She spent the night at the studio?
She works better there.
All the same, all night with Mingi?
He's the reason I don't worry.
Tell her to come home at night. For appearances.
I'm home. Jin.
Good work. Get some sleep.
After breakfast. Clean up first.
Okay.
Mom.
What?
Mingi is like a brother to her.
Did I say anything?
Make breakfast. I'll eat with Sinyong and sleep myself.
Hello.
It's been too long.
Yes, I was visiting family.
I see. Ms. Pak just left.
Oh?
Yes. To take Boram to preschool.
Preschool?
Yes.
I see. Thank you.
Mirim.
Look at you. Like you haven't eaten in days.
I'm sorry, Mother.
Come on. We'll talk and eat.
Two soups. One extra meat.
Ma'am.
And extra pepper, too.
Ma'am.
What? Isn't that how you like your blood sausage soup?
Why did you sell the car? Did it remind you too much of Seungi?
I'm opening a ramen shop.
I'm selling the car and the house.
A ramen shop?
Yes. I have to do something.
Yes that's true.
Mother...
Eat.
Okay.
More than that.
Okay.
Don't choke yourself. Take your time.
Mister.
Mister!
Creep me out.
Where's Seungi?
He's not here.
He's not? Why?
No clue. I got a txt saying he wouldn't be here for a few days.
A few days?
Just leave it.
Tell me already.
How can I tell you what I don't know?
Like you don't? You don't have employee cards?
That was for his old place. He's living with family now, I don't know where.
Family? He said he lives alone.
Doesn't he?
Whatever, whatever, ask him yourself.
Fine. Give me a refund.
Huh?
I signed up cause of him. If he's not here?
Whatever. You'll get your refund.
Maybe he doesn't know.
It's a guy I know. I stop in, have some drinks, spend the night.
Who's there?
Hey.
Hey what?
You know Yu Seungi?
Seungi?
Yes. Tell me where he lives.
He owes me money and I can't reach him.
Ugh.
So? You told her we're brothers?
To a creditor? Forget that.
Good, excellent. She's a total leech.
Anything else you owe her?
Like what?
I got an eye for the ladies.
You don't know this, but I see lots of girls and I'm careful?
Whatever.
Deal with this before she comes here.
You didn't tell her our address?
I will if she keeps coming to my studio.
How can I? I'm dead if I step one foot outside.
Mom has gone to see Mirim.
She'll be gone a while.
You sure? She could be back anytime.
I have a headache.
Just go.
Are you sick?
Within the hour. He lives close.
I have to go.
Good. Go then.
Why do you say that?
I just wanted to check something.
- I'm done. - With what?
That you're okay. Now you can go.
I'm not a dog on a leash you know.
Did you drive?
What do you care?
What do you?
I walked. Happy?
Come on. I'll drive you.
Forget it.
What?
You're so cute.
Miss Han, you're not my type.
You and my style are in entirely different galaxies.
Then why are you here?
To keep you from going to my house.
You don't live alone?
You hiding a woman there?
You're awfully pushy.
I call 'em as I see 'em.
I just spat those out.
I'll drive you to your house.
I didn't think anyone could be worse than Mirim.
I'm sorry, Mother.
I tried to put up with it, even if it killed me.
But I couldn't anymore.
Sorry.
I understand.
This will the last time, this is it.
It will only happen again and again.
Look at my life. Why shouldn't I understand?
Why should I ask you to put up with it?
It's like a stone weighing on your heart.
You cry and cry and it does no good.
You want to die a dozen times a day.
But you go on for the child.
And still I fought with my husband, ran home.
He ran after me, we fought some more, on and on.
I don't blame you for not going through that.
I was the fool.
Me and my son.
We put you through this so he could grow up.
Mother.
I always said you're like a real daughter to me.
But I've been a terrible mother-in-law.
I wouldn't blame you for hating me.
Never. If not for you...
I know, you stayed for me.
Not just once, but over and over.
I'm so sorry that I've brought us to this, poor thing.
Mirim.
Can't you let me be a real mother to you again?
I'll do better, I promise.
Give me another chance to be a mother to you.
Mother.
You're leaving?
I'm going to school.
For what?
To take the appraisers test again.
What? I only failed twice.
All right. Go.
Breakfast.
Coming.
Get Seungi.
Ma'am.
Have a good day.
What is it?
Save me.
I can't breathe. I'm dying.
Where? What hurts?
Let me go out.
Talk to mom. Let me go out just once.
Please.
Daddy, he's being weird.
No he's not. He's just a wimp.
I'm done.
Done eating?
I can't eat.
Tastes like sand.
Then do without.
Do you have time after work?
Sure.
I want you to drive me somewhere.
Of course.
Bring Mingi too.
Okay. He's probably sleeping.
I'll come back at lunchtime.
Good.
Dad.
What about school?
Ah, that's right. I forgot.
What? Something wrong?
No. Her teacher wanted to see me.
Her teacher?
Hello.
This way.
If Aram has done something...
Aram has been sensitive lately.
She loses her temper. She doesn't have many friends.
I see.
She's very reserved. She only talks to Dabin.
You know him?
Yes.
It's only the first term, but I'm concerned.
I thought perhaps some trouble at home?
It's nothing to worry about just yet and it could fix itself.
But I wanted to bring it to your attention.
Aram.
Hm? Dad!
Here. Been waiting long?
Yep.
Let's go. Hungry?
Mingi.
Hey.
What is it? Are you sick?
Oh, you know.
You're sweating. That's not good.
Just a cold.
People die from that, too.
Don't. It's catching.
You're burning up. You need a doctor. And a shot.
It's not that bad. Just let me be.
Not when you're sick like this.
Go. You bother me.
Want some medicine?
Just go.
Oh.
Hey.
What are you doing here?
I have something on my mind.
From the look of you it can't be good.
Were you at the school?
How did you know?
Dabin told me.
He came home alone because Aram was waiting for you.
I see.
Is something wrong with Aram?
I've been there.
Sometimes a teacher meeting is a good thing, but usually, not so much.
They called me in twice.
Neither time was good news.
Well, actually...
Ms. Song.
Oh, Yujin.
Sorry. I've got a lesson.
Sure, I understand.
- Bye. - Bye.
Let's go.
Jin.
Still asleep.
He looks bad. He's sweating a lot.
He may need a doctor.
Manuscript?
The novel serializations on your site. You saw it.
Wind Story.
It's due now or we look bad.
Sinyong, can you find it?
It's okay, I'll explain.
Chapter 17 this week.
Call when you find it.
Sent.
Not his birthday.
Not Jin's birthday.
Maybe mine?
Wha?? Why use someone else's birthday?
There's a lot here. Who can read all of this?
I'll start with the last chapter.
Then she said, "My mom and dad couldn't know."
"That they would both be taken at once."
My mom and dad couldn't know.
That they would both be taken at once.
Sinyong.
Sinyong... Sinyong...
Sinyong...
Mingi. I'm here.
Sinyong.
Is it bad? You need a doctor.
"If ur at work, come have some coffee."
You done for the day?
Yes.
All I have is instant.
That's fine. I can't tell the difference.
Think of it as beer again and tell me your troubles.
From before. What did the teacher say?
Ah.
Something about Aram?
She's too sensitive.
They said Dabin was distracted.
And?
Party?
Not a cake and candle party.
More like a pizza and wings party for her friends.
And the noodles kids like.
You can learn her friends' names.
Then you can talk about them with her every day.
Naming each one. For example, "Did you have fun with Inok today?"
Inok?
That's my name.
Ah.
"No fights with Hyongi? You and he getting along?"
Excuse me.
Who is it?
My mom.
Yes, Mother.
I'm sorry.
The office. Where are you?
I'm on my way. Yes.
Thanks again...
Oh, Mom.
Mom.
You again.
Yes.
Let's go.
Go, go.
Mom, Mom.
Mom.
Mom, Mom.
Your car?
Over there.
Sinyong.
Mingi, you okay?
Sinyong.
It's a good size. Nice location, too.
Of course. An excellent neighborhood.
You like it?
Sure, for a snack shop.
Ramen shop.
Kids like ramen shops.
A school neighborhood should work.
You mentioned living accommodations?
Yes, of course.
This way.
Read it over and affix your seal here.
The ink.
- Thank you. - Thanks.
Did you tell Mirim?
I will now.
You signed a contract without telling her?
If I did, would she say, "Yes, of course, please do"?
You're right, but suppose she misunderstands?
How so?
That you're trying to keep her.
I am.
Huh?
Why else would I do this? To waste money?
The door.
Ma'am.
Mother.
Are you hungry?
Let's get some dinner.
There's a good seafood place around here.
I know you like seafood.
What's this about?
Trying to butter me up?
Cause you feel bad about lying to your own mother?
I never thought it of you, not in this life.
You been practicing while I was away?
Mother...
Let's go. I like home cookin' best.
What's this?
When did you get here? Hi, Mom.
Aram, come on.
Mom, Mommy dearest, how 'bout a dance?
Enough.
Aram, off you go.
C'mon, I got the beat.
I said stop.
Aram, let's go.
You nuts?
Getting there.
Seungi.
Mom.
Mom, stop. Let go.
You break Mirim's heart and YOU'RE going nuts?
If you're going nuts, I'm going to my grave.
I swear, I was born to be wild.
Born to run free in the mountains!
Shut up.
Locking me up like this, of course I'm going nuts.
Lock up THIS...
Mom, easy now.
- Move. - Mother.
Move!
Is the S story about me?
Say no, please.
Say no.
It's about me.
And the girl I love.
If someone died here... would anyone know?
I love you. I'm the guilty one.
Mom.
Kidnap me, enslave me, whatever you want.
Drive.
What, we're buddies now?
You do what you like?
Your mom's a joke, I'm a joke, is that it?
Now Mom and Dad.
Look in each other's eyes and smile!