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Episode 1
Attention.
Elections for the village chief will be held at six.
Everyone in Cheongang-ri should attend.
Finish your dinner and show up.
We really went all out.
You're in for a surprise.
[All politics are based on the indifference of the majority. - James Reston]
You call this an election?
You better announce it again.
Village folks!
What a disappointment.
What's with the indifference?
And it's always the ones who don't vote who complain.
Support democracy and show up now!
Why vote?
It's just between Min Seok's father and the chief.
Did you just mention Min Seok's father?
He mortgaged his land to shack up with some young tramp.
Then we better go show our support for the chief.
You're right.
Someone who breaks up his own home can't run the village.
We better go to the town hall and vote.
That's right.
[Most people vote against someone rather than for someone. - Franklin P. Adam]
Vote for me because you'll miss me if I'm gone.
All of you know it, and I know it.
Thank you.
Attention, please.
Attention.
Stop eating and look up.
Man...
You just heard from the two candidates.
And now we'll select our chief by a show of hands.
Wait!
In an election, votes should be cast in secret...
Like I don't know that?
But there's no paper or pens.
A show of hands will do.
"I vote for candidate one even if it kills me."
Raise your hands.
[Today we are witnessing the triumphs of a hyperdemocracy. - Jose Ortega Y Gasset]
"Candidate two is way better."
Raise your hands high.
Man...
Who didn't raise their hand?
One person didn't.
"Oops, I forgot."
Raise your hand now!
Did you raise your hand?
It was you. It was her!
[Hottest places in hell are for those who in times of crisis are neutral. - Dante]
For goodness sake, stop eating...
Mi Rae, please participate.
So who's your choice?
Vote for one and it's a tie. Vote for two and...
And two would win!
This is important!
I hurt my back last year helping your family pick yams.
It still hurts now and then.
Well, 100 day aren't enough, but I'm not a greedy person.
Anyway, remember when I helped you get that job at city hall?
Just the thought of having done that for you
puts a smile on my face even when I'm sleeping.
How many times are we put to political tests in life?
Mi Rae, you like Mommy more that Dad, right?
- You like Daddy more, right? - Do I have to choose?
Mommy cooks and Daddy brings home the bacon.
Let's get some kimchi stew for lunch.
I'm all for something spicy.
How about some bean stew instead?
Yes, how about bean stew?
How about some noodles, guys?
Great idea, sir!
I love noodles! I almost opened a noodle joint!
[Park Dong Pil: 24, Kim Chun Bong: 25, Undecided: 1]
[Abstention is not neutrality. It's tacit consent. - Anonymous.]
[Inju City Hall]
For an anti-democratic and non-political person like me
questions of Mom or Dad and kimchi or bean stew
are always too difficult.
Especially as the unknown genius at city hall.
- That makes no sense whatsoever! - Why not!
We have to cut the mayoral discretionary budget!
Come on now!
The mayor decides how to use the discretionary budget.
So what did he use it for?
Sir, have you been taking herbs?
Your voice is so booming.
Like I can't raise mine?
What about the discretionary budget?
Didn't you fund a dog park with $200,000 of the budget?
And who's the head of the city's SPCA?
Madam Jung, right?
Rumor has it, the beautiful woman frequented your office.
So she obviously lobbied for it!
It's a misunderstanding.
I don't even know what lobbying means.
Oh?
What about last year's rumors that you two were seen
being intimate in the mountains?
Did you get some hanky-panky from her or not?
I don't even know what 'hanky-panky' means.
And the dog park was long-desired by the citizens.
Long-desired by the citizens?
You want to turn this into Madam Jung-Gate?
This is an attempt to undermine the city council!
How can we earn the people's trust?
And that's why he uses the city vehicle for hanky-panky?
Who pays for that gas? Taxpayers!
Yes, that's why I was just parking the car.
In front of Madam Jung's hostess bar?
That's some kind of car!
Ms. Shin, what do you think as a citizen?
Pardon?
You work around here.
Have you seen Madam Jung go in the mayor's office?
Stop grilling her!
The mayor is right here, so tell them you didn't see her.
Hey, stop coaxing her!
If you've seen her, say that you have.
Well, I don't always see her...
That means you've seen her at times!
- I'm not saying I've seen her. - So you're saying you haven't, right?
- I'm not positive... - That means you've seen her.
I didn't say that.
You just said you haven't seen her.
- It's true that I haven't seen her just now. - So have you seen her or not?
I hear her lipstick is always smudged when she leaves.
That can't be true, they never make any noise.
I think we can reach a conclusion.
As proposed by the Justice Party
the mayoral discretionary budget will be cut.
Have you lost your mind?
What if even more of the budget was cut?
How long have you been here?
Seven Years, so you should be familiar with all this crap!
The Justice Party wants political capital.
And you fall for it!
No wonder you're still at the bottom of the ranks!
Excuse me, Councilwoman Min...
How dare you cut me off!
Why don't you just quit while you're ahead?
I'll take the scolding from the mayor.
So why don't you shut that trap, Joo Hwa?
What?
I'm having a conversation with a councilwoman.
But are you talking to your friend Mi Rae?
Or a seventh year entry-level civil servant?
Talking down to me whenever and wherever?
I can to that too.
Well, I can't tolerate that.
You and I are in different positions.
True, it's like heaven and earth.
So dish it out at them, not at me!
You're supposed to clean up that crap.
That's why people voted you in!
What did I do?
You don't even know what you did.
I should just mutilate myself for voting for you...
But I'll just get that darn cappuccino you love so much.
So just see the major.
Forget it. Who knows what you'll put in it!
Just shove it down your throat. I'll put milk it in.
Please grow up.
So what did she have to say for herself?
She apologized, of course.
She regrets having disappointed you, the council, and the city.
She was bawling.
She sure can flap those gums.
Well, she can at least answer the phones.
You wanted to talk to me about something?
Assemblyman Boo really said that?
Yes, the national elections are in six months.
And he can't run for re-election because he can't afford posters.
That'd be a great loss for the city of Inju.
So I wanted us to talk about this.
Any ideas?
Let me think...
Well, it's spring so people are out and about
How about repaving the roads?
No, that'd be so obvious.
Maybe so.
Why don't we build another bridge?
Councilwoman Min, come on.
How many bridges do we have on that river?
Mine, yours, and the provincial assemblyman's...
We can't even see the river anymore. People think it's a stream.
We've done so much for the people. Will we ever get credit?
Let's do something with the land.
Let's convert those farmlands to residential areas.
Well, my in-laws own some of those lands...
And they play hardball?
Yes, so those lands have already been converted.
You're on such good terms with your in-laws.
Then let's see...
Looks.
Time to utilize some good looks.
Good looks?
[First Annual Miss Herring Pageant]
What is this all about?
- Take a look, sir. - It looks fine.
What about our model?
We're holding auditions.
These are all we have?
Who brought this one? This one's bent.
Did someone eat the head off this one?
We need some fresh and sexy ones.
- Who's planning the event budget? - I am.
I looked into some other pageants.
We have to provide room and board, maybe at a hotel.
You'll discuss this with the others?
Yes. When do we start taking applications?
Monday.
We don't want the dress to be too fancy.
This looks good. Somewhat plain yet racy.
Miss Herring?
Why not Miss Orange or Miss Cherry?
You don't want to win?
Even if I lose, I wish it had a better title.
But I'll get first place no matter what?
Wake up. Don't you know me by now?
I'm all about shady backdoor deals.
I can't stand fair and square.
It's all fixed, so just play your part.
Jeeze, why didn't you get some work done?
Boo Mi, just this once...
I don't even have time to pee thanks to this Miss Herring deal.
You keep doing this!
How many times has it been?
I know.
But she lives by herself with Kyung Hee, and he's only eight.
Isn't Min Ji eight too? They could be friends.
How can you do this to your daughter's friend's grandmother?
Now a total stranger is my daughter's friend's grandmother?
Lift!
She fell down because of the road construction going on.
Can't she get compensation for that?
How the heck should I know? Go talk to someone in that department!
- I did, and they won't listen. - And they'd listen to me?
They would. I'm last in rank, but you're second-to-last.
You have colleagues.
They all think of me as the girl who makes coffee.
And who the heck said that about you?
So you're going to help?
Man, my life...
Get a medical note and find out the exact location!
Sure.
Hey, help me move this table!
Jung Boo Mi! My friend!
[Miss Herring Pageant]
Do you have recent photos of your daughter?
Can't use any recent ones. She's gained weight.
This is her best photo.
So it'll have to do.
But ma'am...
Next.
Any preference for the experienced?
I was in the finals of the Miss Sea Cucumber pageant...
Then apply for the next Sea Cucumber Pageant.
You have to use your own photo.
But soon I'll look just like that.
I've done the nose so I just need work on my eyes and chin.
The actress will have you arrested. Next!
Is this for the Mademoiselle Herring Pageant?
Look at how they're dressed.
Don't mix me in with these dogs and cows.
Give me a break. You look like a wolf.
Next!
How do you do?
I didn't want to apply, but my husband insisted.
Thanks for looking out!
Sure, go on.
Finally.
So yummy.
Try some.
A beauty pageant. So stupid!
You voted for that wench, didn't you?
What?
I don't know.
Man, don't you really admire this man BB?
BB? Are you looking to get remarried?
How can you not know who Big Brother is?
He's the most influential non-public official there is.
Watch the news once in a while.
No wonder people treat you like a housewife.
You're such a know-it-all.
BB is the one who got the current president elected.
Yet he turned down the prime minister position.
'I'd rather be a servant than second-in-command.'
With those words, he retired from politics.
A legend in his own times.
The administration watches his every move
but he's living as a recluse with his books and two dogs.
A city called Inju falls under your jurisdiction.
- Yes. - What kind of place is it?
A small city of 130,000. Nothing noteworthy.
What else?
It almost always votes for the Victory Party.
It habitually votes for its favorite sons.
And it's been lagging behind economically.
Sounds like the ideal place.
You better go to Inju.
Is that a no?
I ask you to reconsider, sir.
Why?
It's worse than I described. It really has nothing to offer.
There must be something.
The people there show no interest in politics.
It's like stagnant water.
A person of stature creates his legend in such places.
What's your real reason for not wanting to go?
What do you have to gain from not telling me.
That's where I was born.
Oh?
So that's where you were born.
I thought you knew.
How?
I'm sorry, sir.
So you don't miss your hometown?
Should I repeat the question?
If you could give me a hint as to what I'd do there...
You'll go if you like it and won't if you don't?
You've become stupid.
You think I'm asking for your approval?
[Muyang Province Office]
You're going where?
Goh Boo Sil plans to run for provincial governor.
We're all geared towards that election two years from now.
I asked you to go, and what did you say?
- You just wanted to do some auditing. - I was wrong.
The auditing will just ruin your image, Governor.
Inju is a stronghold of the Victory Party.
To catch the tiger, we must enter the tiger's den.
And who's the tiger?
Goh Boo Sil is no tiger!
Never mind. You're not fit to do that kind of thing.
I regret you feel that way.
No, don't say that...
Just go.
And find something really wrong.
I should just cut the funding.
No, give them more.
They asked for money for a new city building.
And I'll bring that money as the new deputy mayor.
Deputy mayor?
What do you mean?
But we have a deputy mayor...
Of course, we're grateful for the funding.
But I do have my obligations...
Hello? Governor?
He hangs up without a word!
Where were we?
The budget for the beauty pageant.
Right.
- $100,000? - That's what city events cost.
We can get corporate sponsors...
I've always felt that you're too naive.
What sponsors?
And it's not good for us to have corporate sponsors!
- Just ask for some supplementary funding! - We can stay within the current budget...
And if you can't, you'll mortgage your house?
This isn't child's play.
This is why people say we lack vision!
- In my opinion... - Man!
Usually you're like some mute.
But when I give you a job, you keep yapping!
Just call this man to run the pageant.
[Mayor Goh Boo Sil] [Promoter Goh Bi Sil]
It's a good agency.
They're great.
Right, sir.
And when did you pass the civil servant exam?
Got a former classmate in the provincial government?
The governor tells me he's a young fellow.
- Are you referring ot Joh Guk? - Yes, know anything about him?
So he's the new deputy mayor?
Yes, the governor can appoint the deputy mayor so...
Do you know him by any chance?
Do you have any information I can use?
I hear he's hot! Tall, handsome, and loaded!
He'll be in the presidential mansion by the time he's in his forties!
They say he's a natural politician.
He was even invited to Obama's inauguration!
[You're invited! - Obama, The Nightclub Waiter]
And he's a patron of the arts.
They call him the Renaissance Man.
Nice.
Even his nickname is classy.
No way, it sounds dirty. Like the name of a hostess club.
- No wonder his wife ran off. - You're so negative, Mi Rae.
Maybe he divorced her.
It's so obvious.
So you have this tall perfect Renaissance Man.
Would you divorce him, especially with a child?
- No. - But she left him and their child.
Obviously the pretty boy is a cheater.
Anyway, you're single, so good luck.
I hear that geniuses are attracted to the less gifted.
Was that directed at me?
Hey, it's directed at my ears too.
So when is this man coming?
The mayor is signing off on some documents.
I'll wait.
Just a kid still wet behind the ears...
Enjoy.
It tastes and smells so good.
- Is it a secret recipe? - Pardon?
I was just doing my job.
But oh my, you find it to your liking...
It's hot, so cool it down.
Feel free to ask for a refill.
You too.
Okay.
[Samsam Credit Card]
Enjoy.
Is the mayor still working?
Yes, he's been backed up.
You should've kept him up-to-date.
What?
Perhaps Mayor Goh is shy.
We'll come back.
As you wish.
But we should at least say hello.
Is that punk gone...
The punk is still here.
Nice to meet you. My name is Joh Guk.
You don't have to be cooped up in here.
Give me a call when you're done, sir.
Well, sir...
Tall, handsome, and well-mannered.
Talk about perfect.
- What are you talking about? - The new deputy mayor is so dreamy.
What about him being a cheating pretty boy?
You've got an excellent ear for details.
When I said, 'Feel free to ask for a refill'
was I cute or what?
That was quite the first encounter.
He must have a lot of secrets.
In order to get close to the mayor
you have to be friends with the ladies who work for him.
But both of them were the pits.
No, she was all right.
'Feel free to ask for a refill.' No everyone can say that.
I bet you $100 she didn't wash her hair.
I bet you $150 she hasn't washed it for two days.
So this is my office?
I'm sorry, but I didn't realize you were here.
You say that as you enter someone's office?
I didn't mean to offend you. Take your time.
Hey, I want to get out of here too.
This is for the city ordinance, and this is for...
I'll look at it later.
I'll take these personal items.
Now that interests us.
They seem rather special.
And what if they're special?
I was worried you might leave them behind.
Just let me ask this. Why am I being chased out?
I don't know that either, but if I find out...
We may meet again.
Sure.
Until next time then.
What civil servant class are you?
The 42nd.
You're a fast riser.
But fast isn't always good.
We need new frames.
What?
I'm also curious as to what you're doing in these boondocks.
You just saw.
I don't know what the heck I'm doing here either.
But we can't just sit around.
Let's poke around and start some trouble.
You'll be busy.
I'm sorry I had to drag you to these boondocks.
Let me know if you regret it.
You always have to play the good guy.
Forget the mayor for now. Let's go see the directors.
They say he's the lovechild of the next presidential candidate.
He was born out of wedlock.
Will you stop inflating some nobody?
You're polluting my ears.
No, there's something unreal about this.
A deputy mayor in his late thirties?
Talk about being on the fast track.
- See? There's something... - Cut the bull.
Don't go into his office without my permission.
- But we should say hello... - No, he'll come begging for our help.
But we might be the ones who need help.
Why don't we invite him for a drink at Madam Jung's?
She's got some new lookers.
Share a table with a total stranger?
I'll break him in.
So don't go see him without my permission!
- How about some eel? - That sounds good.
I figured you were busy, so I dropped in myself.
I'm Joh Guk, the new deputy mayor.
I'm the Director of Civil Affairs, Byun Duk.
I've heard so much about you.
I'll need you to show me the ropes.
I'm the Director of City Planning, Moon Sul Ju.
You're just as handsome as I heard.
You're too kind.
I'm the Director of Budget...
I should get going. I haven't had lunch.
Did you see him avoid me?
So he's heard about my reputation.
Why don't we have lunch together?
I know a great traditional restaurant.
She's Councilwoman Min Joo Hwa.
Word gets out fast.
I'm Min Joo Hwa.
I'm familiar with your great reputation.
Well, there do seem to be rumors about me.
Just like me.
Councilwoman Min is having lunch with the deputy mayor?
And the two of them were just laughing it up.
What is she trying to pull?
What?
Because I had lunch with the deputy mayor?
Don't tell me you're upset.
Laughing it up with a total stranger...
I have to become the provincial governor
before you can even dream of joining the provincial assembly.
Dreaming isn't free. You must know your enemy.
Why do you think the governor sent him?
I'm already one step ahead of him.
One step ahead?
You got some sharp ideas?
So sharp you might get stabbed.
Just give him all the authority over the Miss Herring Pageant.
Why should I let this punk run that?
Is this about campaign funds for Boo Jung Han?
- Yes, exactly. - That's why we can't!
That's like handing a fish to a cat!
And you see the deputy mayor as a cat?
He seems more like a tiger to me.
We can't hide it so we might as well let it all hang out.
He won't even blink over a mere $300,000.
If he makes a fuss, we'll say he pocketed $1.3 million.
He may be a young genius, but he's just a fish out of water.
He should know how dirty politics can be in these boondocks.
Since he's a genius.
You really are something, Councilwoman.
But this would mean a bigger role for Director Lee.
You know my husband, so you don't need to worry.
Late dinner delivery!
I didn't order any dinner.
Keep skipping meals and you'll age fast.
I said it was for you and the lady threw in extra abalones.
Boo Mi left already when her boss is working late?
This beauty pageant business...
It's a lot to learn for a first-timer.
Isn't it a bit fishy though?
The city council passed it just like that.
There should be proceedings, but it's whatever the mayor wants.
You seem interested in these matters.
Well, you hear things as a secretary.
You don't work here for seven years without catching on.
Good night.
- Thank you. - Sure.
She's so lucky.
Joo Hwa really gets on my nerves.
But I hope they're happy for Director Lee's sake.
- He's such a good man. - Forget it, you and men.
Especially ones who are taken.
He's so kind to me.
I just make coffee and copies.
People say I'm useless and put me to work on menial tasks...
He's the only one who's supportive of me.
But there's one more person like that now.
Here you go again.
I'm serious. You know my coffee philosophy.
People naturally end up talking to others over coffee.
And this man talked to me.
'Tastes and smells so good.'
'A secret recipe?'
I bet you embarrassed yourself again.
Hey!
How do you know?
I tend to do that.
What's wrong with me? I should age more gracefully.
You've got a screw missing.
Otherwise, you wouldn't pay that jerk's debt after he ran off with some tramp.
Do you still get calls from creditors?
What?
You hate it when I badmouth that jerk for screwing you over?
Yes, I do.
I don't want to end up cursing him forever.
Bye. I have a part-time gig tomorrow.
- Can I help you? - Yes.
- Mi Rae, just getting off work? - Yes, hello.
Good evening.
One second.
- Could you drop this off for me? - Sure.
Thanks.
- This is for you. - Thanks.
Bye.
Mi Rae, one second.
This is for you.
Thank you!
Kyung Hee, I got a burger for you.
Grandma, have some warm milk.
It's going to rain tonight.
You better take those zucchinis inside.
I pickled some apricots.
- Take some next time. - Okay!
Wait, you didn't tell me it was this big.
More than three rooms and you pay me for a full day.
Sure, let's just make it fast.
Pay me and I'll be super fast.
Come on, I look after you.
You're my wife's best friend, after all.
I cut your wife out of my life as of last night.
This is a strange choice...
Is this silk wallpaper expensive?
Can I take the leftovers?
Sure, we got paid. Take as much as you want.
Hello...
We meet again.
Do you remember me?
If you tried, I bet you would...
Yes, the secretary. What brings you here?
Oh, I was just in the neighborhood.
Okay, I'll stop.
You know, with this economy, I'm moonlighting.
Only on the weekends.
- And what brings you here? - I own this house.
What? Really?
I see. You own a nice home.
My dream has always been to live in a home like...
Help!
Are you okay?
You can't let go like that!
You had your hands on them anyway.
Just push me back and I wouldn't fall and be embarrassed.
I mean, what's done is done.
Goodness gracious!
Did you hurt your head by any chance?
I have to work, so move.
Why isn't the painter here?
- Hello? - Yes, Inju Painters?
Yes...
I called the painters.
Small neighborhood, isn't it?
I'll do a good job.
[Joh Guk]
[Joh Guk is a stupid mutt.]
You're here.
I thought you were coming back later.
Life doesn't always work out as planned.
No kidding.
I'm almost done. Do you like it?
It's all over the board.
You don't like it?
Can you repaint it all white?
It'll grow on you.
Is it that hard to repaint it white?
Well, no, but...
I'm sorry, but you'll have to excuse me.
The keys...
I'll break down the door.
Hurry...
I have to go.
Hurry...
You don't want to use the bathroom now.
It might be too much to take.
The toilet must be old. It doesn't flush too well.
I'm sorry, but I had to do it.
Give me the number of any place that sells toilets.
You said you want me to repaint it white, right?
Will I get your number again?
No, I'm not in the toilet business yet.
I wanted to get a new toilet.
It's clogged and it reeks.
No, just get me a new one altogether.
Thank you.
- Thank you. - Oh, wait.
I'm just about done myself.
Okay, take care.
Wait!
Weren't you waiting around to give me a ride home?
Is that what you thought?
Am I wrong?
Then why did you wait around?
Well...
I'll leave that to your imagination.
But my imagination might run wild.
What could it be?
I'm sensing it might be something sweet.
Is it because of my pretty face?
Girl, you did it again.
No way I'd leave her with the keys. Then she might go again in my yard...
I don't even want to talk about it.
Mayor Goh did?
- I'm busy. - Who isn't?
If I ever bring him up again, you can cut me off for good.
Did you even wash your face?
At least brush your hair if you can't wash it.
Hey.
Half the men in this town used to cry over me.
- You could hear them wailing. - You've got to be kidding.
You're the one who was crying over men.
Say who?
Oh, hello.
So the mayor is finally finished with his documents. Is he in?
Yes, please go ahead.
'Oh, hello.' What the heck is up with your voice?
What?
But isn't he making it too obvious?
He didn't have to stop and chat me up.
I mean, the mayor must have asked for him.
Why do I have such and effect on men?
You talked to him first!
Jung Boo Mi speaking.
Well he was checking me out from way back there.
Oh, hello. Yes, that's right.
I must be the only customer at your credit company.
Yes, a 30 second commercial.
I'm sorry, I'll pay as soon as... My legal guardians?
I'm almost 40...
What? Who are you going to see?
No, not my mom! She'll faint!
Yes, the prize money is substantial. $20,000 is correct.
Did you say $20,000?
Yes, there will be a classified as about the $20,000.
I should come into some money soon.
I'll call you back in 15 days.
Hey, $20,000 for sure?
Just for being crowned Miss Herring?
Okay, goodbye.
I'm not the one paying that kind of money!
Well, you should've told me.
What's wrong with her?
[Miss Herring Pageant Proposal]
We need out new deputy mayor to do something splashy.
Why don't you take over this important event?
I have so much on my plate these days.
I'm sorry, but I'm still learning the ropes.
But you still have to work.
Is that how it is at the provincial government?
Is this how it is at the city government?
I haven't even been here a week.
So are you saying you refuse to do this?
I'm sure you can find another qualified person to do this.
You know the people here better than I do?
If you must assign it to me, postpone it until next year!
I don't even know where anything is, so how can I take this on?
Right, Ms. Shin Mi Rae?
That's nonsense!
You can't postpone it. Just do it!
Subtitles by SBS
Why don't you think things through? This is a very important competition.
Good on you for talking.
Just do as you're told!
I'm confident no one knows more than me.
Why are you acting this way? If you want to do it, just go ahead.
Now who is it? Who's the jerk now?
Don't you have any ambitions?
Are you going to spend the rest of your life doing the same work?
Don't worry about me and do what you want.
A civil servant can't work that carelessly.
Subtitles ripped by www.vikisubtitle.com Give me something bigger. I want this country.