Be Strong, Geum-soon
I am not lonely, because I have a dream
And I won't give up
Tae-wan.
< Episode 71 > Tae-wan.
- Carry Hwee-sung for me. - Aren't you hot?
Use a stroller.
It's easier this way when going uphill.
Even then. You'll both get drenched in sweat.
I'll take him.
Hwee-sung, aren't you hot?
Look at his sweat.
It really is hot.
I'm getting a proper workout.
This is labor, not a workout. Give me your bag.
It's OK.
- Come on. - You don't have to.
You tied your hair. You look much better.
You like it?
I just said you look better.
I like tying it up.
Why are you so busy? You're always late.
- I'm taking acting class. - I see.
- I didn't tell you? - You didn't.
What the...?
How embarrassing.
I should get going.
- Wait, Eun-joo. - Yes?
Thanks for the speedy report.
But shouldn't you have come to me before firing her?
I should have. I'm sorry.
But it was her 3rd strike, an obvious decision.
Still, you should've asked me first.
Firing someone is as big a deal as hiring someone.
We're one big family.
Yes. I'm sorry. It won't happen again.
So Miss Na left already?
Yes. She cleared out her cabinet.
I see.
What a pity. She got fired when she has a child to feed.
Mrs. Oh.
It was obviously her 3rd strike. And she'd caused a lot of trouble too.
I feel bad for her.
It's a business, not a charity.
You're right. Thank you, you can go.
Sure.
We're home.
- We're home. - Come on in.
Great timing. Sit down.
- Sure. - Having a party? Nice.
Ma'am, it might rain. Any washing to bring in?
I don't think so. Grab a glass.
- Sure. - Here you go.
Everyone's ready?
OK then. Cheers!
- Cheers! - Drink till we die.
Let me explain.
Most of you know, but I don't think Sung-ran does.
I retired recently.
Surprised?
We just didn't have the guts to tell you right away.
We argued about it too.
You noticed, right?
I knew something was strange, but I couldn't guess.
Everything's cool now?
Father, stop going to the library now.
That's up to me, not you.
Father. Mom. Now you can go traveling and fishing together.
We should. But not fishing, it's boring.
That's exactly why it's fun.
We're fishing for time with time.
So all fishermen are old retired guys?
Forget fishing and do as I said.
Live the rest of your life for me, Sohn Jung-shim.
That's always been my motto.
I was born to love and live for Sohn Jung-shim.
You're going too far, dad.
I need to please her to survive.
- Ma'am. - Yes?
How did you start dating Mr. Noh?
It's obvious.
He followed me around and wrote me letters.
He wrote you love letters?
- A few hundred at least. - A few hundred?
I was in the 11th grade when it started.
They were so cheesy.
What did he write?
Dear Jung-shim.
Life without you is like...
Don't tell them.
Go on, mom.
Like a pool table without a cue, and a pot without a lid.
I'm lying in a room with no central heating...
but I have no regrets or remorse.
That's because I have you.
I should go to sleep now...
so I can dream of drowning in your lovely dark eyes.
- Dad! - Sir!
I sent her hundreds of letters, but she never sent a reply.
How can I reply to a letter about pool tables and pots?
I've retired from the company I worked at for over 30 years.
It's upsetting to think I'll be at home when I know I can still work.
But it's been decided.
I don't know what to do, so bear with me if I get on your nerves.
Don't say that. We don't mind a bit.
We don't, but mom might. Another unemployed worker.
Don't be silly. Your father's not unemployed.
He worked his whole life and retired. You're the unemployed one.
You're an empty field, wasting away...
but your father's a golden field.
He brought you all up...
and now it's time for him to rest.
Do you know how beautiful a golden field is at sunset?
That was a great speech.
No wonder you didn't want to reply.
You liked it?
It was outstanding.
You did a greatjob until now.
Let's toast.
As a thank you for everything he did for us.
Sure.
Thanks so much.
Father.
Thanks. All of you.
With her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law's daughter.
Just the 3 of them.
Hot, hot...
Why are you still up?
Your knee hurts again?
Yes, I think it might rain.
Gosh, that feels much better.
Why did you take Hwee-sung that far?
And you nearly lost him too.
Yeah, for the second time.
I told you not to baby-sit him.
He's a handful, even if you don't take him outside.
You have to watch your blood pressure too.
Let me do what I want.
How can I? I'll have to nurse you if you hurt yourself.
You don't like it, but it's true.
I'm the only person alive who's willing to look after you.
I'll do it.
Go away. Why massage someone you hate so much?
That feels so good. Gosh...
It feels good?
Of course, you're so strong.
Gently, you might shatter my bones.
Gently, gently.
Getting back at me now, are you?
Showing off how strong you are?
Don't strain yourself.
I'm fine, I'm a hippo.
That upset you?
Hippos don't get upset.
Why are you up?
I've been having horrible dreams.
The monster keeps appearing, asking me to tell Geum-soon.
What monster?
Her dad's appearing in your dreams?
Tell Geum-soon what?
I can't remember that much.
Really? I hope everything's OK.
Your husband appeared in my dreams.
That's why I got up and can't go back to bed.
I'm sure he's doing fine. He'd have called if not.
He can't be worse off than he is now.
Why are you looking at me like that?
I feel sorry for you too.
Stuck with a loser husband.
I know you don't mean that.
What?
You know what. Why didn't you tell me he'd retired?
I asked twice if something was wrong.
My mom needed some time to accept it.
Why, you're upset?
My legs hurt. I was on my feet all day.
Really? Come here. Lean back, I'll massage them.
- They're swollen. - Really?
What?
Nothing.
Man, I'm done sleeping for tonight.
We might hear some good news soon.
That sounds nice.
Have you tried that hard?
Did you beg your salon owner for mercy?
What are you crying about?
You think you've tried hard enough?
Granny.
Don't worry.
I'll bring up Hwee-sung, just like you did me.
Jae-hee, breakfast is ready.
You came home late last night.
I went to a bookstore.
I'm glad you did.
Eun-joo was here. It could've been awkward.
That reminds me of something.
Do you remember Geum-soon? She wanted to be paid in advance.
Do you?
You don't? She even made us noodles.
- I remember. - You do?
She has a child. Who would've thought of it?
But she does.
And her husband died years ago too.
She's only 23 or 24. Don't you feel sorry for her?
I have to go.
Why? You still have time.
I have to prepare for a conference. Bye.
Eat a little bit. Or some juice, maybe?
No thanks. I'll grab a bite later.
- You eat up. - OK. Don't skip breakfast.
I paid her 3 months' salary in advance just 2 months ago.
She shouldn't have been fired.
Eun-joo's great as a professional, but she's just so merciless.
But I can't rehire someone she fired.
Poor thing...
Good morning. You haven't left for work?
Not yet. Good morning.
Sung-ran.
Mr. Noh's in there.
Need any help?
Can you season the spinach?
I'm really bad at that. You do it.
OK.
Then chop up the leek, please.
I can't use knives.
What's wrong?
How can someone not use a knife?
You can't if you have a phobia.
People afraid of sharp things can't bone fish.
Really? I've never met anyone like that.
You really can't use knives?
I don't like them. And I cut myself way too often.
Then what if you want to eat fruit?
I ate fruit I can peel by hand, like tangerines.
Shi-wan will cut them for me. He did a good job on our honeymoon.
I see.
I'll use scissors. Where are they?
Just let me do it then.
Good morning.
Good morning. You're both up?
Sung-ran. Get me the mashed garlic.
- Which container? - A glass box with a blue lid.
Blue lid? I can't see it.
It must be in the back.
It's not.
No wonder I couldn't see it.
The music kept me up all night.
Don't you feel sorry for me?
I'd like some water, please.
Let's eat. It's been a while since we had breakfast together.
Sorry, sir. I'll skip breakfast and get ready for work.
Eat a little bit.
It takes me time to get ready. And I don't eat breakfast.
You're not the only one who works.
What did you do all morning?
Geum-soon did all the cooking.
I couldn't use the bathroom.
And keep in mind that I'm your senior.
Where are your manners?
She has a point.
Where are your manners? Watch it.
- I'm off. - Bye.
You should get ready.
You go first. I'll see you after lunch.
After lunch? The earlier you get dialyzed the better.
I already made the appointment. I'll get some rest before I go.
OK then. See you later.
Bye. I'll call you when I get there.
OK.
Hello? Taxi service? I called you yesterday.
Yes. I need a taxi ASAP.
Geum-soon.
What are you doing?
Hello, Ms. Jang.
Good morning, Mrs. Oh.
I asked what you're doing.
I heard she fired you yesterday.
Yes. According to the 3-strikes-out rule.
But it's only been 2 months since I got paid in advance.
And I still owe you for the silk blouse I ruined.
Ah, so that's why.
I know what you mean, but forget it.
I don't want anything else. I just want to pay back what I owe you.
If I quit now, that'll make me a swindler.
Then pay us back.
I don't have any money, so...
I'll do anything you want. I'll even cook lunch.
Just give me something to do.
You think I'll rehire you?
I swear that's not what I'm after.
Then just go home.
Let's go.
She'll give up sooner or later.
Don't waste your breath. Let's go inside.
- Ready, mom? I'm leaving. - I'm ready, wait for me.
Hello?
Is it him? Dr. Jang?
Hello? Say something, whoever you are.
Hel...
What the...? What was that about?
What if it was Geum-ah's dad?
Who knows who it was? See you later.
You think it was him?
I'm just wondering. I couldn't tell.
Go.
- OK. See you. - Bye. See you later.
- Hurry up. - OK.
Soon-ja.
I guess I can get used to being sad
I can smile my tears away
I'll pretend it didn't happen
I'll try to forget it
The memories will fade away