Wonderful Mama
Episode 1
People make the worst choices when cornered.
I'm about to do something no sane person would ever do.
I'm about to throw away the most precious thing in the world to me.
Money!
'The easiest way to teach your child about money is not to have any.' - Katherine Whitehorn
[One Month Ago]
My name's Go Young Chae. Age, 30.
And I'm unemployed.
Actually, I'm a fashion blogger who's crazy about fashion.
In other words, I have rich parents and the good life.
Of course I studied design with dreams of becoming the next Coco Chanel.
But I got bored.
This is my playground. I come here every day.
Today, I'm here to get something new to wear to the fashion show.
Just walking in...
I'm so happy I'm a woman.
A woman can change her scent and look depending on her mood.
She can remake herself.
The only downside is that it takes a bit of money.
I'm perfect.
My name's Jang Hoon Nam.
I'm a manager at an investment firm.
My goal in life is to be rich.
My favorite thing?
Money, of course.
And my older brother, who means the world to me.
Even though I lost my parents when I was seven
I still had a good life growing up.
And it was all thanks to my brother.
So I have to get this deal in the fashion show for my brother.
Hi.
I'm on my way to the department store.
To buy a gift for Mr. Wayne.
What do you think it's for?
I have to get this deal at the fashion show.
Okay.
Okay!
I love you too.
The Fashion Trade Show?
Of course I'm going.
It's the first time I've been formally invited as a fashion blogger.
2442, please.
I'm going to pull out all the stops and look my best.
All the other girls ignore me because they think I like to flaunt my money.
I'm going to show them.
I have something for you. Come out.
Okay, Da Jung. I'll see you at the cafe.
Oh my!
Aren't you going to get out?
Get out and put these in the trunk.
Look here.
Do you know me?
What?
You're not the same valet.
Then who are you?
What?
I'm... Well...
Why are you sitting in my car?
Who the heck are you? Why are you in my car?
Hey, look here!
You're the one who's...
What do they think they're doing? They can't let just any bum take the cars.
Bum?
How dare you touch me?
That's not...
Help me! Help me!
This man's trying to steal my car!
Your car's here.
What?
My car?
Yes.
I'm so embarrassed.
I need to get out of here.
Fine! Fine! I'm sorry.
I thought it was my car.
You're partly to blame too!
Out of all the cars in the world, why did you have to get one just like mine?
And what kind of man drives a red sports car...
Get a grip.
Eyes aren't just for show.
They're science! They help you tell things apart!
Got it? You crazy old lady!
Wha... what?
Old lady? Crazy old lady?
Watch it!
What the heck?
I don't look like an old lady.
I admit to acting a little crazy...
If you think eyes are science
why can't you tell a young woman from an old woman?
You rotten fish-eyed old man!
What?
Don't mess with me.
Someone said that bad encounters are fate too. There's a very fine line between them.
Is that so?
Our bad fate was just about to begin.
Thank you very much for attending the grand opening of our building.
I'd like to give special thanks to Assemblyman Choi Kwang Choon
and Subcommissioner Shin Kyoung Nam.
I humbly thank you.
I, Yoon Bok Hee...
can't tell you all the struggles I went through to build this.
But I got to where I am with the attitude that I could do anything!
Too much?
Dong Soo, maybe I shouldn't lift my arms.
Yes, you should, Madam Chairwoman.
Really?
It's the grand opening tomorrow.
It's all your fault if I embarrass myself.
You'll be radiant.
You're the star tomorrow.
Right, money's everything.
Ten every month times 365 is...
That's $180,000.
Today we settle Mr. Kang's loan.
Let's go.
Thanks, Mr. Kang.
Business is good, isn't it?
What are you talking about? I'm barely getting by.
That's life.
I almost forgot. I haven't seen Mr. Yeom around.
He's been busy.
He went on a business trip to the Philippines.
How interesting.
Why does a bar owner need to go on a business trip?
What the heck?
Who the heck are you?
Well, well, Mr. Yeom...
Is this the Philippines?
Madam Chairwoman, why are you doing this?
You shouldn't be playing until you pay me back.
What are you talking about? We settled everything yesterday.
What?
When?
Last night.
You were alone. We squared things off!
This is crazy!
Sorry!
Why am I so forgetful these days?
You stretched yourself too thin because of the building.
Money Bok Hee has finally lost it.
You'll have to be alert.
We're ready for the grand opening. The food's been catered.
The kids!
Do they know that tomorrow is the grand opening of their mother's building?
I'll tell Young Chae, Young Soo, and Young Joon to come home early today.
What's wrong with all my kids? None of them come home before dawn!
I'm going to start the fire therapy.
That feels really good.
Are you comfortable?
I'm great.
I thought you were going to set the fire.
I just did.
Liar.
It's not hot at all.
Look in the mirror.
Mom! Mom!
Put it out! I don't like it!
You're scared!
I'm not scared.
It just feels so good that I didn't even realize I was screaming.
It feels great! Awesome!
It does, doesn't it?
Then I'll sign you up for a year's worth of therapy.
One year?
What's the matter?
Is it the money?
What are you talking about?
Sign me up for two years!
Sign him up for two years!
Come on! I don't like it! Put it out!
Hae Ji, close your eyes.
Why?
It's our two-two anniversary.
I want to give you something small, pretty, and imported.
Ta-da!
What can it be?
It's pretty.
Honey...
You're surprised!
I thought about buying you an expensive purse at first
but I thought it'd offend your purity.
It's a one-of-a-kind from Hokkaido. You like it, don't you?
Of course. I love it.
Hae Ji, you're so untainted.
I almost forgot. I have a gift for you too.
Hold on.
Ta-da!
My father came up with a business plan for you.
You don't have to do a thing.
All you need to do is put up the money.
Really?
But Mom put me on probation
after I lost all that money in a friend's business.
Okay!
I'll ask Mom to invest one last time.
My family's really, really loaded.
Really loaded.
Read and sign the proposal while I go to the restroom.
I'm going to show this off.
She really loves it. She's so pure.
This can't really be it.
A ring. There must be a ring.
That loser! Is he kidding me?
'Blood Sausage Boy?'
It's pretty good.
I'll ask Mom for $400,000.
All of you, get home by six. Be prepared to die if you don't show up.
Mommy?
Ta-da!
Young Chae!
Your amazing fashion sense is really a blessing from God.
A blessing from God?
Oh Da Jung, have you started going to church?
You were going to a Buddhist temple last month.
No, wait. You were following that cult.
You were following some Buddhist monk from Cheongdamdong.
I'm willing to do anything to win over Jang Ho.
But I think that this time God will really help me.
Amen.
Girl, it's never going to work.
Don't you know that sly is better than boring?
Never mind all that.
Let's go.
Where to?
I told you we were going to the fashion show.
I know Jang Ho will be there. He'll faint when he sees the new you.
Men are all about looks.
Girl!
Why don't you have a boyfriend if you know so much?
This must've cost a pretty penny.
For a rich man's wife, you worry too much about money.
Don't you worry.
Our Money Bok Hee has a lot of money.
A lot, a lot of money.
All of you, get home by six. Be prepared to die if you don't show up.
This sucks.
Very nice!
Hee Jin!
What do you think you're doing?
Wake up!
Did he tell you that his mother's rich?
He's a serial womanizer.
Really?
Go Young Joon.
Let me explain.
Jerk!
Yoo Ri!
Womanizer!
H-Hee Jin!
All of you, get home by six. Be prepared to die if you don't show up.
This day really sucks!
Let's hear it!
Let's listen to Mom.
Not good enough.
Louder!
Let's listen to Mom!
I'm so sick of this!
I'm a busy person. You called me home for this?
Does our family motto entertain you that much?
You better watch your mouth!
Busy? Who? You?
She sure was busy.
She was busy shopping.
This is crazy!
She doesn't care how much she spends on your credit card.
Young Soo, do you know how much of Mom's money you lost
investing in those ridiculous businesses?
Blood Sausage Business Proposal?
Mom, Young Soo's at it again.
Hey, punk!
Why don't you wipe that lipstick off your face first?
At least I don't make women cry.
You two are just the same!
Who do you think you are? You can't even get married!
Who'd marry someone with that temper?
Are you done talking?
I could get any man if I only tried.
- Stop kidding yourself! - Stop kidding yourself!
What?
Come on!
Fight!
Dong Soo!
Yes, Madam Chairwoman.
Call the TV stations.
We have quite the show here.
My kids are fighting in front of their mother!
Mom!
Forget it!
One more word and I'm taking your credit cards.
Tomorrow is my building's grand opening.
All of you better be there by three.
It's at three.
Got it?
Mom, I can't go.
There's a thing at a club...
I mean, I have to go to a job fair tomorrow.
But Young Soo will be there.
What are you talking about?
Tomorrow I have...
A very important business meeting. About Blood Sausage Boy.
Young Chae will go as our representative.
Don't even think about it.
Mom, I was invited to a fashion show.
Right here.
I have proof.
So none of you can make it?
You're good at spending my money, but you don't want to do your duty?
So you're not coming
even though it's been my lifelong dream to have my own building?
Mom, that's not it.
You listen to me.
The only thing that's free is poverty.
There's give-and-take even between parents and children.
Dong Soo, take their credit cards.
Wait!
Fine!
I'll make Mom happy!
Mom's really going to send me to an early grave!
I'm doomed tonight.
I'll have to do what I hate most in the world.
Going to the bathhouse with Mom.
What's this?
Please try it, Mr. Wayne. It's skate and pork.
A specialty from the southern Gyeonggi Province.
Skate and pork?
You need to chew it thoroughly.
It's great for digestion and especially good for virility.
Oh, really?
Did you decide what company you'll invest in?
He hasn't decided yet.
He'll decide after the fashion show tomorrow.
Really?
Then you should take a close look at this company.
You'll take the Chinese fashion market by storm
if you invest in this company.
Hmm... Nara Fashion?
Okay, I'll keep an eye on it.
Thank you.
You can trust me.
Cheers!
[Go Eun]
Excuse me.
Go ahead.
What is it, Go Eun?
It's a mess, Uncle! A mess!
What's a mess?
Calm down and tell me what happened.
Dad... Dad...
Anyway, just hurry over.
Okay.
Bye.
What is it?
Is it something bad?
I have to go.
I'm sorry, but can you brief Mr. Wayne on Nara Fashion?
Nara Fashion?
It's a pretty unknown company.
Do you know it?
I'll explain later.
We have to make this happen.
I'm counting on you.
Honey! Honey, open the door!
Honey! Mr. Jang!
You can stay in there, just eat.
You have to eat!
Seriously!
He won't die if he starves for one day.
What a petty little man!
Are you adding fuel to the fire?
He's a great man!
The company depends on this! He just cares too much.
Mom, don't.
Young Yi!
Hoon Nam.
Where's Ki Nam?
He's been locked in there since yesterday.
He doesn't want to do the fashion show tomorrow.
He said he can't do it.
What are we going to do, Uncle?
When did you get here?
Just now.
What are you doing here at this hour?
I know you're busy.
I wanted to see you.
Go Eun called you, didn't she?
I can't do the show tomorrow.
Why not?
Why can't you do it?
The clothes are here.
You're ready, so why not?
Do you know how hard I had to work to get this going?
I had a hard time pushing your company behind my boss's back.
That's why...
I can't do the fashion show.
Why not?
Because I'll put you in a tough spot if I mess up.
I don't want you to suffer because of me.
That's why... I can't do it.
Ki Nam, it's really good.
Let's have Chinese noodles every day now.
Okay?
Goodbye!
Run when he goes to the kitchen.
Hide somewhere far away.
Why?
Just do what I tell you.
Ki Nam!
Ki Nam, I'm sorry.
I'll never ask you for Chinese noodles again.
My brother paid for my noodles with a beating that day.
There's only one thing I can do for my brother.
Is everything ready?
Everything is ready.
Thanks, daughter.
I know you hate going to the bathhouse with me.
I should get mad more often.
So I can go to the bathhouse with my daughter.
You're not mad anymore, are you?
We really regretted what we did.
We'll all be there at the grand opening.
So you can't take our cards away, okay?
Okay, Mom?
Okay.
You're all pros at spending money.
One's a pro at shopping.
One's a pro at being swindled.
And one's a pro with women.
I have three professional children.
I don't get why she's so happy.
Coming here brings back horrible memories.
Legends start when someone does something big.
A legend at our school was the most popular boy fought alone against 17 boys.
My mom is a legend at the East Gate Market for being the toughest woman there.
Tenacious as a dog. Loan shark. Dragon Lady.
They used to call my mom that because of the dragon tattoo on her arm.
And I was always the Dragon Lady's daughter.
Hey, Ko Young Chae!
How many times do I have to tell you?
My mom doesn't want me to play with you.
My mom doesn't either.
That's right.
My mom saw your mom at the bathhouse.
Your mom has a huge dragon tattooed on her arm.
My mom saw it too.
That's right!
Dragon Lady!
Scary Dragon Lady!
Dragon Lady!
No!
Don't call my mom that!
Don't!
Dragon Lady!
I've never seen a more shameless man!
I know you're not desperate anymore, but you have really thick skin!
Don't you remember when you were begging me for money?
Lady!
Why don't we do this?
It must be lonely for a widow with three kids.
Why don't we go on a hot, hot date?
What do you think?
Look!
They all like the idea.
What about a kiss?
Really?
Why not?
You crazy woman!
Mom!
Calm down!
If I ever see you again, I'll break your spine in half!
You watch yourself!
Hey!
Give me my money!
That's why they call you the Dragon Lady!
That's why your husband died.
You were too tough.
I'll give you your money!
Nasty woman!
Here!
Why do you look like that?
Did you get in a fight?
Didn't I tell you not to fight with your friends?
Fighting is bad.
I didn't fight!
My friends were teasing me.
They called you Dragon Lady!
They said my mom was the Dragon Lady.
And you just took it?
Whatever!
Do you have to do this?
I don't want you to do it.
I hate money!
I hate it!
I don't want you to do it!
You think I don't know, don't you?
Know what?
After being in this business for 20 years, you notice everything.
I know how you feel.
It's pretty ugly.
I'm embarrassed.
I can only imagine how you feel.
You'd rather die than look at my back.
You feel like a cow being led to slaughter every time we come here.
It's not exactly like that...
But why do I drag you here anyway?
It's true!
You buy out the whole place anyway.
Why don't you just pay someone to scrub your back for you?
Silly girl.
That would mean all my efforts are for nothing.
For nothing?
After your father died, I had no idea how I would feed you kids.
So I borrowed money and started an investment club.
But the sky caved in when someone took off with the money.
I didn't want anyone to ever take advantage of me again.
So I got the tattoos.
After that I've been working myself to the bone as a loan shark.
But I want to stop now.
Why?
You think money's the best thing in the world.
Yes, it is!
But there's something I like even better.
The three of you.
If I stay in this business, it won't help any of you get married.
What if the man you want to marry decides not to
because I'm the Dragon Lady?
That's why I got that building.
I'm going to quit the loan shark business...
Get a new identity and live in high society?
That's right!
So you'll have to scrub my back until I die.
For your own sake. Okay?
Forget it. Who said I'm getting married?
I'm never getting married.
And live off whom?
Who do you think? You!
Getting a new identity. It's a good thing.
I want to stop being the Dragon Lady's daughter and lead a normal life.
Ki Nam, you're really not going to do the fashion show tomorrow?
Okay! Fine! Don't go.
We won't go.
But you didn't forget that song, did you?
What song?
When I started elementary school
all the other kids walked to school with their parents.
But I had to walk with you.
You threw a nasty tantrum over not wanting to go to school.
You took me to the bathhouse and made me sing then.
Ki Nam, are we really superheroes?
It's a secret.
Okay.
So you have to go school even though Mom and Dad are gone, okay?
I'm going to protect you in Mom and Dad's place.
The courageous brothers.
Together we can do anything.
Okay?
Okay, Chief!
The courageous brothers.
You had my back.
You have no idea how much that meant to me.
Whenever things got tough and I wanted to give up
I thought of that and it gave me strength to go on.
I think you need that song today.
The courageous brothers.
Together we can do anything. Okay?
No, stop! I can't hear you.
Okay, okay.
I surrender.
I'll go to the fashion show.
He was no longer afraid.
The only thing that's left is for Ki Nam to be a hit tomorrow.
You're sure that Mr. Wayne will be at the show?
Don't worry.
If we get this investment
no one will try to take your rightful place.
The kid's watching.
We invite you to join us in the beautiful world of the 2013 Korea Trade Show!
The entire fashion world is here today.
We have reporters, designers, and fashion bloggers present today.
Hey, sit down! You're embarrassing me.
What?
I'm a fashion blogger.
I don't know how to use this thing.
Hold it up!
We have some very special guests from overseas.
We have Mr. Wayne from China!
It's that guy!
Do you know him?
I sure do.
That's the old man with the rotten fish eyes.
Rotten fish eyes?
My sister-in-law's boyfriend?
That's your sister-in-law's boyfriend?
Yes!
She's sitting right next to him.
Seriously!
What a small world!
I don't want anything to do with him.
I'm staying away.
Where's your husband?
I don't know.
He said he was coming.
I'll try calling him.
He said he was working late. Is he too busy to come?
[King of the World]
What now?
[Rotten Rice]
Does your wife know that she's Rotten Rice?
That's enough.
How dare you?
That's weird. Why isn't he picking up?
Honey!
What are you doing here?
I came to see you.
How have you been, Miss Kim?
Hello.
Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.
Aren't you happy to see me here?
I dressed up to impress you.
Fancy clothes aren't enough.
Don't you know that your face completes the look?
Do you have to talk like that?
But this is pretty, isn't it?
You gave it to me for my birthday last year.
Hey, hey, hey!
I'm tired.
Go home.
Ji Woo will be home soon.
Go!
Okay.
Honey, come home early!
I'll make the blowfish stew you like.
He's just tired.
I'll have to get him some herbal tonic.
Designer Gwang Joon Seok is a graduate of Parson's School of Design.
He's a member of the designers association in the States.
And he's won many awards.
Enfione?
The clothes aren't bad.
His clothes are rags.
I told you that Nara Fashion will be a hit.
Nara Fashion? I can't wait.
Excuse me.
Wait.
Hold on.
Me?
It's... just like mine.
Where did you get it?
Pardon?
Did my husband buy it for you?
Yes.
Yes?
It was a gift from him.
That necklace costs more than $5000!
Isn't it a bit too expensive to buy for an employee?
Don't you think so?
Maybe I'm not just an employee.
What?
What does that mean? 'Not just an employee?'
Why don't you take a guess?
What does that mean?
Take a guess?
Are you saying that there's something between you?
Madam!
Tell me the truth!
What's going on between you?
Allow me to give you some advice.
When I asked President Lee why he wandered when he has such a lovely wife
he said you don't get anything.
You don't know anything because you're home all the time.
But if I were you, I'd find a way to keep my husband happy
instead of watching dumb soap operas.
Enjoy the show.
Hey!
You're fired!
What's taking Da Jung so long?
What are you doing?
Are you crying?
I'm going home.
Why?
Would you want to stay if your husband had come to the show
with another woman?
What? Another woman?
She told me to try to keep my husband happy
instead of watching dumb soap operas.
So what?
So you want to leave after she said that to you?
What am I supposed to do?
Give me her number.
What are you going to do?
Just give it to me.
Hey!
What's her name?
Her name!
- Kim Nan Hee. - Nan Hee or Nan Hwee?
Nan Hee.
Nan Hee?
I'm Lee Jang Ho's wife.
Why don't you step outside?
She's glaring at me.
Let's get out of here.
No way!
She made my friend cry.
Now she's going to pay for it.
What now?
Put the flowers in a straight line.
Can you center it?
Hello, Madam Chairwoman!
Keep up the good work, everyone.
Madam Chairwoman, what are you doing here already?
Is everything coming along?
Yes, but your hair...
This?
Don't worry.
I didn't space out today.
It's my big day, so I'm going to look my best.
That's not it.
You made an appointment for your hair.
I did?
When?
Last night.
Really?
Darn forgetfulness!
What should I do?
There's still time.
I'll drive you.
Never mind. You get everything ready here.
I can go alone.
Be careful.
Hi!
I need to get my hair done.
Madam Chairwoman!
We were expecting you.
I have someone good for you.
Really?
Who?
Obviously it's a bar girl.
Send her to the office tomorrow.
I'll check her out.
Okay.
Goodness!
You need a new perm. Your hair's flat.
Would you like to get a perm?
A perm?
Everyone!
It's our turn!
No mistakes!
Life is all about timing.
Get ready, okay?
Okay!
Nara Fashion's been a leader in the South Gate Market for 25 years!
It's been a leader in the high fashion world.
This is Nara's fashion's first appearance in our show!
Get ready for a beautiful journey with Nara Fashion!
Did you see the reaction?
It's perfect for the Chinese market.
You'll sell out as soon as it hits the stores.
Trust me and invest!
Didn't you get my text?
Young Chae.
Do you know her?
I do.
She's my wife's friend.
That fashion blogger?
Can I help you?
Be quiet.
Young Chae, you should go.
Why don't you stay out of it?
Come quietly if you don't want to embarrass both of us in here.
I heard that there was a bad apple giving the whole cart a bad name.
I guess it was true.
Are you done talking?
What?
Violent, aren't you?
I heard your mother is an infamous loan shark.
I guess crudeness runs in the family.
What?
How dare you...
That's enough!
Let's go.
Where do you think you're going?
You!
You come with me right now!
Get him off!
Help!
I've never seen such craziness!
This is pathetic!
Mr. Wayne!
She got away.
I'm glad you called.
Da Jung, get my purse.
Are you crazy?
You made a mess!
Whatever.
I have to go to my mom's grand opening now.
Nice!
Awesome!
She has her own building.
This is a true success story.
Wow!
Gobu Building.
Good name.
Rumor has it that it cost 1.5 big ones.
Whatever.
I lucked out.
Don't count your chickens yet.
I'm the oldest son, so don't even think about it.
Mommy! Where are you? Your loving eldest son is here!
That thorn in my side.
You're the one who shouldn't count your chickens yet!
Where's Young Chae?
How would I know?
But where's the star of the day?
What's that?
Dong Soo, what is it?
Where are you?
Why? Is something wrong?
I dozed off.
What?
All the guests are here.
Guests? What guests?
It's almost time for the grand opening ceremony.
Grand opening?
Oh, my goodness!
What's wrong with me? What am I going to do?
Wait! I'm sorry! I'm very sorry!
You can kiss my investment goodbye!
Wait!
Mr. Wayne!
Driver, wait!
Mr. Wayne!
Hey, Mr. Kim!
Mr. Wayne, wait! Wait!
That woman...
Hey, lady!
You stop right there!
Stop!
Stop! Didn't you hear me?
Stop!
What the heck?
Where did she go?
Lady!
What am I going to do?
Wait. Where's my car?
You scared me!
Hello! We meet again.
Bye then.
Where do you think you're going, lady?
Who do you think you are?
You messed up a very important deal!
Let go! You're hurting me.
An important deal?
Don't pretend you don't know!
Who do you think messed up the show?
I don't believe this.
Why is that my fault?
Then whose fault is it?
To begin with, it's that shameless woman's fault
for having an affair with a married man.
Secondly, it's those models' fault for not being able to walk properly.
Thirdly, it's the designer's fault for using an animal in a fashion show.
So you're not to blame at all?
Of course not! Now you get it.
Let's go.
Where to?
It's no use trying to talk to you. So we're going to let the law handle it.
We'll figure out exactly what you did wrong at the police station.
Wait, wait.
Such a temper!
I'm not saying that I'm totally without blame.
I did make a tiny mistake.
A tiny mistake?
I made a mistake.
I'm sorry.
Happy now?
Lady, are you kidding me?
What?
What's going on?
She's late.
We're already ten minutes late. Where's Mom?
You know how much Money Bok Hee loves money.
She went to collect money today too.
I must have lost my mind.
I let go of my marbles now that I'm a little well off.
Where did I park?
My head...
What's wrong with me?
Do you know how much that show cost?
Everyone's hard work and money was for nothing because of you.
Ah, I see. Got it.
Now I get what you want.
Why didn't you say something before?
Will you get in trouble because the show was ruined?
Will you have to write an apology or something?
What?
How much? How much will it take? I'll take care of it.
What's wrong with you, woman?
My purse!
Hold on.
One phone call and my mom will take care of it.
Look!
Why isn't she picking up?
Hello?
Mom, it's Young Chae.
What?
I'm in trouble.
I'll explain later. Send some money to my account.
That's the only way I can get out of here to go to the grand opening.
What are you talking about?
Did you get into another fender-bender?
You had to get a new bumper last month!
I don't care what happened or who is responsible.
Someone has to pay for costing us 50 million.
That woman?
You can't run from your bad luck.
She's 22 days pregnant.
I paid for everybody.
$12,500. Pay up, please.
Stop!