Flames Of Ambition
Episode 2
How much have injuries on the job been reduced?
We've reduced them by over 90 percent.
Convey to every department what our priorities are.
First, safety. Second, safety. Third, safety.
Yes, sir.
- You can go ahead, then. - Yes.
When did you get back?
Ohh... Yesterday.
The moment I arrived in Seoul, Dad dragged me here as expected.
It's impressive.
You can thank our father for it.
Your studies?! Are you done?
It's still a long way.
So Dad did it, after all.
You could say that.
But I hear your wife played a crucial part?
Is your father-in-law still a minister?
Ever seen a corporation succeed without backdoor deals with politicians?
Dad has always been quick on his feet when it comes to that.
Same goes for the States, really.
But now the real struggle begins.
It might be easy to start a corporation here, but making it flourish is the matter.
Looks like he's coming.
He's still driving firsthand?
He's the commander-in-chief, after all. Leading his troops on the field.
That's what he lives for.
Ahh... Really...
Why suddenly call me back, when I was doing just fine in the States?
Why bother?
Guess he wanted to brag?
You've always been his favorite.
Get in.
What are you waiting for, Youngmin?
Me?!
Youngjun, I don't want to see mistakes.
Don't let the labor union drag you around.
I said get in!
Hyung, let's go for a drink later.
What is it that you were studying in the States again?
Tell me.
Environmental engineering.
Say what?
Environmental engineering.
So what does that do?
In simple terms...
Just say it.
Don't beat around the bush treating me like a simpleton.
People build factories to make a living,
and doesn't that negatively affect the environment in the long run?
So what it does is help the environment without compromising productivity.
And does that make any sense?
We need to make sure it does.
So what you mean is that you'll get in my way.
- Not really... - Think I was born yesterday, you silly?
So let's hear it, when would you be done with that?
It will still take me a while.
How long?
Another ten years, I'd say?
That long?!
Yes.
So you'll only be back in a decade...
I actually was planning to stay a little longer after my studies,
so I can gain some experience thanks to their superior facilities.
And no interest in business.
My brothers are already doing fine without me.
Then,
just fulfill one wish of mine.
Be that ten or twenty years, I'll let you stay in the States for as long as you like.
So just do this one thing for me.
Not even that?
Go ahead, then.
I'll send you a fine young lady to marry,
so let her move in with you there.
Dad...
Refuse that, and you can kiss the States goodbye!
Dad...
- Dad, where are we going? - You'll find out when we get there.
What is all this stuff?
Underwear.
What, all of this?
Underwear is crucial for women.
- And who would ever see it... - When a man is well dressed...
but wears cheap shoes, they still look down on him.
Same goes for women.
Underwear is what makes or breaks a woman.
Keep your voice down.
What if they hear you?
How about Dad?
About what?
He refuses to say anything, so that makes me even more anxious.
Dad doesn't know a thing.
He doesn't. Really.
If he found out, so be it.
Nayoung...
Don't act like that,
just go to Seoul and go back to school.
Called it quits.
When...
Was it after a year...
Nayoung.
Have a seat.
Why did you quit school?
What's the point?
It's not like going to college would improve my family background anyway.
But you're smart.
If you give it your best, you'll get plenty of job opportunities.
Eonni.
A woman's life depends on her man.
It's whom you marry that decides your fate in the end.
No need to worry. I'll make a fresh new start.
I'll find myself someone much better than that Deokseong,
and show him what he missed.
Eonni.
Are we clear?!
What?
This is between you and me.
Take it to the grave.
I'll share a few with you when you get home.
Need to get married, don't you?!
You don't like Kang Jungu, do you?
No way...
Jungu is just Dad's...
That man's a thug, don't even dream about it!
No... No way...
You can't cut me up.
How can I get married with a scar on my belly?
No way.
The baby?
What happened to the baby?
Is it dead or alive?
Who's that?
Beats me!
Ehh...
I think he said Chairman Kim Taejin. One of your father's friends.
Ehh...
That geek, aren't you?
Don't you remember, whale meat?
Back when we were this tall, you came to my house in Bangeojin.
You puked all that whale meat when I forced it on you.
Don't you remember?
Ahh...
Wow... You haven't changed a bit, have you?!
You could at least have told me you moved.
How can you just leave without saying a word to anyone?
- I was going to contact you. - So why didn't you?
You're always so busy...
You do have a point.
When you run a business, every little second matters.
Hey... Come here.
Forget it, I can see him later.
You should see your son-in-law at least once!
Youngmin, get moving!
Remember him? He's my...
How have you been?
And you are?
Aigoo... This must be Jeongsuk!
Aigoo... You sure are pretty.
Just as pretty as when you were little.
I might be pretty as you say,
but Jeongsuk is my sister. I'm Nayoung.
How have you been?
She's grown up into a pretty lady herself.
Right...
Didn't you say you'd love to become my daughter-in-law,
if I had another son?
And you still remember that?
I better get going. Remember to call.
If I call Jeongsuk, she'll be here in no more than ten minutes...
It's all right.
Still, at least let them see each other!
No need to meet her. Right?
Hurry up and get her a passport,
so she can follow him to the States.
See you again.
Tomorrow,
hand in your resignation.
No way.
I told you Chairman Kim wants to hurry.
He wants to send you with Youngmin, whenever your passport is ready.
Dad!
They haven't even met once, how do you know if they'll get along?
Shut your mouth.
If the parents have decided, that's it.
Why would you need to do that at this hour?
Finish it tomorrow.
It keeps shaking, I can't leave it like this.
And who's ever going to sit there at this hour?
Jeongsuk.
You didn't think it possible, did you?
You just thought he'd forget it since it was too long ago, didn't you?
I never really gave it much thought.
Chairman Kim is not the type.
He wouldn't go back on his word.
He owed me one, and see how he came all the way to Jangsaeng Port to look for me ?
And we were able to move to the city, thanks to that money.
I was sure.
That one day he'd finally show up, asking me for you.
When did you ever trust him?
How long have you been cursing at him for not showing up these last ten years?
You little...
This won't work, will it?
Come here and have some fruit, will you?
I'll just go for a drink.
I'm coming with you, Jungu Oppa.
Who said I wanted company? Stay there!
If you let the drinking get out of control, it'll be bad for you.
Wait for me, Jungu Oppa.
He shouldn't act that way.
Why, Jungu Oppa?
Did my father promise Jeongsuk to you?
Fueling the fire, aren't you?
I said don't follow me!
Did Jungu and you have something going on?
What are you talking about?
Whether you have feelings for each other.
Of course not...
Then, what's with all the scene?
Dad...
I can't just get married that way.
Why?
Could he possibly want a woman like me?
And what's wrong with you?
He's studying in the States,
why would someone like me...
And what complaints could he have about you?
If it's your upbringing,
then I'm the only one to blame.
Who ever put the blame on you?
Just meet, for starters.
Give it a try, and if he really refuses to do it, can't be helped.
Why are you keeping quiet?
Yes...
If you insist, I'll at least meet him.
Jeongsuk.
I've been living for this day all these years.
I knew it.
I was sure this day would come.
And that's because Taejin...
always lives up to his word.
Listen to you... Does that even make any sense?
Why would a tycoon accept Jeongsuk as his daughter-in-law?
Don't you worry, Jungu Oppa.
He'll never take Jeongsuk away from you.
If he had no intention of doing that,
why would this "Chairman Kim Taejin" even show up?
It's just because he owed it to my father since they were young.
Acting like it never happened would make him lose face,
so he had to show up and at least pretend.
What did Chairman Kim owe to your father?
Don't ask me. Dad never really told me much.
Is money all that matters?
Your father shouldn't act that way.
And he'd always act as if he didn't care about money.
Oppa.
Jeongsuk likes you too, doesn't she?
She doesn't?
She never really, like, told me firsthand.
She likes you, trust me.
Did she tell you that?
Ahh... Really.
A tycoon is asking him for his daughter, I can't really stop him.
Ahh... I'll be damned, really.
The real issue is neither my father nor the chairman.
It's my sister.
There's no issue with Jeongsuk! What did she ever do wrong?
Why? If I were in her shoes, I'd refuse right away.
"Dad, there is someone else I like."
I never told you I was sure...
Of what?
I mean, whether she really likes me or not...
- You know... if we can call this... - Oppa!
Forget it.
Why, if I was sure, then what?
If I were her, I wouldn't choose someone like me, either.
All the more reason why you should make her yours!
Or if you don't have the balls to do that, then just call it quits.
What are you waiting for?
It's way too tight.
Only bought it a few years ago... Is my waistline to blame?
So tacky...
Wait a moment.
Here.
It's my favorite, but I'll make an exception since it's your first date.
What?
The color just seems a little garish, that's all.
Stop acting like that.
Act all prudish, and good luck trying to charm someone who studied in the States.
Just put it on, there's no time.
What's wrong with you?
All right...
Nice body, all right.
What is she waiting for?
It's all right, no need to rush her.
And I told her to be ready on time...
Don't women always need more time to get ready?
Yeah... You're right.
What have you been doing?
She was acting all prudish, our Miss Yoon Jeongsuk.
Get in.
What are you doing? Hurry.
Eonni.
You sit in front when you're on a date.
Sit in the back, and you'll make him feel as if he's your driver.
Here... Get in.
She's always like this, shy and all.
I hope you'll understand.
Aigoo... With that personality of hers,
wonder if she can endure living with tycoons.
Don't you agree, Dad?
Still better than a certain petulant brat I know.
Dad!
If you ever gave me a fraction of all the affection Jeongsuk received...
Shut it and go look for Jungu.
Orders are piling up.
Is this boring you?
No.
Hyungnim... Great shot! Nice!
- How about another round? - Hyungnim.
We're so glad you're back.
One needs to stick to what he knows best, right?
Still happy to see me?
Yes! Even if you beat me to a pulp. As long as you stay...
But you lost the pool hall while I was away?
- Set it up, you fool. - Yes.
Quick, man.
Hyungnim...
Wow... Again! You really are phenomenal, Hyungnim.
So you had lunch, and then what?
And then we had a cup of tea.
And?
Dad, let her catch her breath, will you? You can ask her later.
So what, you ate lunch, had coffee or something,
and that was it?
Then we went for a drive.
Really?
So what did he say?
Did he say he likes you?
- Dad! - Just stay out of this!
Who ever says that on a first date?
Chairman Kim called again today.
Told me to hurry up with your passport.
Still, his son first needs to say he likes her.
And why do you think I was asking her?
So tell me, did he say he likes you?
He didn't really say that.
You pranced around all day together, and what did you two talk about?
You know,
just this and that.
Nothing else?
Aigoo, Dad. Enough.
If he spent the entire day with her, there must be a reason.
Then, you could have told him instead.
Ever since he was little, Youngmin has always been shy...
Didn't go too well?
No.
So what's with the long face?
Let's hear it.
It's just that...
I'm worried about Dad.
And why?
If I end up getting married,
who's going to look after him?
Look at what she worries about...
If I get married and you go back to Seoul,
Dad won't survive all on his own.
If you're that worried, then let me marry him instead.
Aigoo... What do I have to see...
I remember those days.
I remember I kept the pebbles and seashells you gave me...
on my desk up until I left for the States.
I really couldn't bring it up with my father.
I'm sorry.
It's all right.
I haven't been able to tell my father, either.
My father just kept counting on the chairman's promise all these years.
I've told him time and time again that it was unrealistic,
- but he just... - Jeongsuk.
If only I had met you earlier or later on...
I know.
I can understand perfectly.
It will take me at least ten years to finish my studies in America.
I can't ask you to wait for me that long, can I?
Don't even tell your father.
I won't say anything either, and will just leave for the States.
Time will eventually heal all wounds.
And I'm sure you'll meet someone much better than me,
since you're such a nice person.
Tomorrow Jeongsuk is going to Seoul to make herself a passport.
She'll also take the opportunity to visit her in-laws.
Are you naive or just stupid?
Letting the woman of your life slip through your fingers just like that...
Once a woman abandons herself to a man, it's over.
Do you really mean that?
You're really something.
Do you want your sister to get ruined that badly?
So I guess that's why all she does is sighing.
You still can't guess what she's feeling?
What?
She likes you too, you dumbass!
Jungu, where have you been?
Dad has been looking for you all over.
Why are you packing your things?
If you leave, Dad won't be able to handle the shop by himself.
His eyesight is even getting worse...
He'll be back soon.
First talk it out, and...
Jeongsuk.
Can I ask you something?
Just one thing.
Ask me what?
Have you...
ever liked me?
I wasn't trying to imply anything else, it's all I want to know.
I see... Shouldn't even have asked.
Jungu...
I'm really grateful...
for everything you did for my father.
I wasn't asking you that!
Also...
I'm asking you whether you ever had any feelings for me!
And what's the point of asking that now?
Jeongsuk...
Jungu... Don't act like this...
Let me hug you just once.
Jungu!
Please...
Don't do this!
Jeongsuk...
I can't take it anymore... Jeongsuk...
What are you doing?
Jungu, you can't do this to me.
You're mine... I'll never let you go!
Stop, please...
I will scream!
What if someone sees us?
Jeongsuk!
Jungu... I beg you... Don't do this.
Dad!
What are you doing out here?
Was on my way in, then I saw you.
When are you leaving for Seoul?
Next week.
I'll need to work hard this winter, if I want to enroll next semester.
You could at least wait until Jeongsuk leaves for the States.
I guess.
What's the matter, Jungu Oppa? Acting as if you did something wrong.
I apologize...
I'm sorry.
I deserve to die...
I have no excuses.
You son of a...
You bastard...
You bastard.
Enough, Dad... You'll end up killing him!
Know how I've been raising her, you disgusting beast?!
There's nothing you can do now. Jeongsuk likes him, too.
You brat, what the hell are you saying?
Didn't I tell you?
That I'd never give my Jeongsuk to a thug like you, dirty son of a bitch!
I'll take responsibility!
Sa...Say what? Responsibility?!
He said he will... Come on, Dad, stop it.
Dad...
Dad!
- Boss... - Dad!
- Boss! - Dad!!
What are you doing? Call an ambulance!
Dad!! Dad...
Open your eyes, Dad!
Dad, wake up!
Da... What are you waiting for?
Dad... Dad...
Dad!
So who's dead?
One of Dad's friends.
He never goes to funerals, what the hell?
Guess he and the Grim Reaper signed some sort of new deal?!
He's a pro when it comes to walking over everyone...
Ahh... Right.
Heard you came back.
How have you been?
Your father is planning to get his hands on a shipyard,
so I stepped in and I'm dealing with the negotiations.
We'll soon sign a deal.
Looks like Dad is going to put you in charge of heavy chemicals?
That's news to me.
Your father-in-law played a crucial role.
If it weren't for him, we could have never even dreamed of acquiring a shipyard.
See what politics can do?
All right...
Let's not talk about politics.
Don't you know that only latrines can be dirtier than politics?!
I bet Mom will be ecstatic when she hears about you coming back.
I'm leaving again soon.
So you weren't coming back for good?
It'll take another few years just to complete my master's degree.
I can imagine... Studying in the States is hard, all right.
Can't even compare with going to college here.
But you know, all the better.
After all, we're a chaebol group.
At least one of us getting a master's degree is a must.
Don't you agree, Youngjun?
The Chairman is leaving.
Here is Dad.
Here I am.
Everything going as planned?
Yes, Father.
Youngmin, you come with me. You two will follow behind.
In the back with me.
Yes.
Over here... This way.
Careful.
Put the one from Atlantic Group's Chairman Kim over here.
No, the other way.
Make sure you can see it on your way in.
This one goes here.
Yes, right in front.
Thank you.
- Atlantic Group - Chairman KIM Taejin
So...
Is my brother-in-law coming in to give me a hand?
With my sister in that state, I can't handle it all by myself.
I... I have no excuses.
Listen to you... Was it your fault?
What happened to my father has nothing to do with you.
He's always had heart problems, not to mention high blood pressure.
You know how temperamental he was.
I... I was out of my mind.
All the better.
My sister had no intention of marrying anyone else.
You like each other, isn't that enough? Just go on and live your life.
Let's go.
- Nayoung, later. - Help me out, will you?
Help me with the food and talk with those people.
There's only my sister and I inside, who's going to preside over this wake?
Let's go in.
Nayoung, later.
How can I just stand before him like that?
I said let's go!
Wait... Just go in.
*implied as "...in-law"
Father*.
Who's that?
Dad gave us this condolence money.
So there was a caring side to him as well?
Really...
Aigoo, you wretched fool...
Why did you have to leave us now? Right when things are getting better.
Dad...
Don't you worry, Sanghoon.
I'll look after your girls.
Dad...
Rest in peace...
You wretched fool.
My legs are giving me so much trouble these days...
Once I sit down, getting up is just...
Thank you, Chairman.
Someone as busy as you gracing us with your kind visit...
How about the body?
We decided to cremate him.
Cremate?!
So that we can fulfill his wish, and spread the ashes on the beach of Jangsaeng Port.
I see.
That would be nice.
Pay your respects.
Are you leaving already, Chairman?
Youngmin will spend the night here on my behalf.
Aigoo... You wretched fool... Wretched fool...
Aigoo... Aigoo...
I don't know what to...
Youngmin...
Moments before he left us, my father called your name.
I don't know how I'm going to go on now...
Dad...
Dad!
Forget it all and go peacefully.
Only then will Jeongsuk and I find peace.
Look up, will you?
People are talking enough as it is.
I wonder what will happen to you when I go back to Seoul.
Nayoung...
No need to worry about me, really.
Right?! I mean, why bother worrying?!
You've got a job, and Jungu Oppa will be by your side.
Don't be hard on him.
He did that out of love, what can you do?!
And what else should we call you?
If you don't pay back your debts, you're nothing but conmen!
- You've got that right. - Those weren't debts,
you invested in his work!
No need to waste any more time, let's just sue them and get what's ours.
Let's go!
Ohh... Look who's here!
How are you going to settle this?
Why blame our father's debts on us?
Takes after her father, doesn't she?
Let's just drag these brats to the police station!
Get your hands off of her!
You little...
I'll take responsibility!
In one month...
Give me just three months,
and then I'll pay back all the money he owed you.
So!
Don't even think about laying a finger on Jeongsuk.
Or I'll kill every single one of you with my own hands.
So write a pledge that you'll pay in his place!
Right.
Come inside with me.
Let's write that pledge.
See? You can count on him.
Just stay with him.
What would be the use of marrying tycoons?!
They'll look down on your upbringing for the rest of your days.
That's right...
Nothing beats living with a man who loves you.
Take a look at me, take a look,
Take a look at me.
As if glancing at spring flowers bloom,
Take a look at me.
Aigoo! Look who's here!
Sadon (in-law).
I'll have to subject you to a little spectacle, if you'll pardon me.
Ari Arirang, Suri Surirang,
- Arari is here. - Nice!
Take it out, will you?
Isn't that what I'm saying?
So they want to amend the constitution and let the people...
directly elect the next president.
Something like that.
And if that's not a revolution, what is?
Don't you agree?
It was bound to happen.
This bonanza couldn't go on much longer.
And why would someone like you need to worry?
Be it the governors or whomever picks them,
can you run for president without a penny?
You know...
When the earth trembles, birds are the first to fly away,
followed by startled beasts on the run.
Only foolish species like us stay put and bear the brunt.
I was told this by my second daughter-in-law.
"The tides are turning,"
"so if you want to survive, you need to change your image accordingly."
Is that what she said?
I can't say I fully understood what she was saying,
but the idea sure made a mark on me.
There always was a wise side to her.
I owe you a lot.
Didn't our Atlantic Group turn into a corporation thanks to your political clout?
If it weren't for you, we couldn't have even dreamed of that.
So let's continue to give it our all, Chairman Kim.
But about this "image" thing my daughter-in-law was talking about.
I asked Youngjun about it,
and turns out it's the impression you give.
Impression?!
You know, first impression, an auspicious or even bad one.
Isn't that it?
Right... That's an interesting way to put it.
So that's why we should change Atlantic Group's image for good.
That's right.
We will.
So, what...
Social work, charity, entering the cultural field...
Things like that?
And what would nonsense like that put in our pockets?
Then?
You just wait.
I'm sure you'll find it to your liking.
Sadon.
What helped Atlantic Group get where it is today was the military junta.
If the opposition party comes to power, wouldn't we be their first target?
With this big a stick.
Isn't that right, Minister?
Aigoo... How do we deal with this?!
When they come at you with something this big.
- Atlantic Group, Inc. -
Sadon... What's the matter?
Thought I wouldn't manage to guess that much?
Right?!
How can anyone run for office without financial backing?
We might be going through a democratization,
but money still controls politics.
You have to take a stance to the very end.
Ahh... Certainly!
That's exactly what I was looking for.
I've always wanted to get into the shipbuilding sector.
All right then.
Let's talk over a few drinks.
Yes, yes...
I'll get going, Sadon.
You forgot how to knock?
- I was already... - Right.
You were already here.
What is it?
A young lady was looking for you...
Young lady?!
How can you let her in just like that?
She said that mentioning Yoon Sanghoon's daughter would do...
And who is Yoon Sanghoon?
Ahh... Right, right! Yoon Sanghoon.
How shall I proceed, Chairman?
Let her in.
Here?
She's a friend's daughter.
Just let her in.
Yes, Chairman.
Please, follow me.
Yes.
Thank you.
Have a seat.
It's all right, have a seat.
Tell me,
did your father's funeral go well?
Yes. Thanks to you, everything went fine.
So you cremated him?
Just as he wished, we spread his ashes by Jangsaeng Port...
You gave him a good send-off.
Anyhow, the living should move on. How is your sister doing?
This must have really shocked her.
She loved her father so much.
Actually, it's because of her that I came to Seoul.
Is anything the matter?
It's just that I think we can't fulfill the promise you and Dad made...
Promise?!
Ohh... That...
I apologize.
It's just that my sister was already seeing someone.
Are you telling me she's got another man?
I am so sorry, Chairman...
So your sister has another man.
Yes, my father was struggling because of that as well.
You never forgot your promise and even came asking for her...
He actually wasn't aware of this until then.
But think of the shock, when you showed up and he later found out.
He could have just told me, then. Why struggle so much...
I apologize, Chairman.
It's all right.
If this wasn't destined to happen, what can you do?
Then,
if you'll excuse me, I'll get going.
But, listen.
Are you seeing anyone, by any chance?
I'm sorry.
All right.
I wish I could fulfill my father's last wishes, but...
Last wishes?!
He wished to see my sister marry into your family for his entire life.
So that could explain why he gave her so much more affection over the years.
His last wish was for me to fulfill his promise with you in her place,
but how could I possibly take away all that happiness from my own sister?!
You do have a point.
All right, you can go.
Then, I'll get going.
Listen.
I'm coming down to Ulsan in a few days, so let's have lunch.
Yes, Chairman...
See you.
Yes, Chairman.
All of my father's fortune belongs to Jeongsuk, Oppa!
So go on and live together.
And who helped you get to this point?
You just wait.
Didn't you promise with them, to take her in as your daughter-in-law?
Give me a few days, I'll take care of it!
Jungu... Forgive me...
- This could get you killed. - If anything goes wrong, give this to her.
Let's just report Kang Jungu to the police.
It was because of him that Dad died!
Let's settle this peacefully.
He killed three men, can you make any excuses?
Let's go down to Ulsan.
You must forget me.
You must fight it!
Destiny will never scare me!
And that is why I'll get everything I want!
Come to me.
From now on, think of me as your father.