Flames Of Ambition
Episode 6
Don't just look here and there,
search everywhere.
You know Hyejin.
But I looked everywhere, any place she might have gone to.
What now... Did anything really happen to her?!
I'm sure she won't have gone far. She'll eventually come back.
Continue looking for her.
Looks like it might start raining soon...
I think I'll have to call someone else to help me.
And look underwa...
Listen to you!
I'll give it another try, then.
Jeongsuk, don't you worry.
Let's go.
You must find her!
Come on in, your mother's in my room.
Did anything happen?
Your clothes are all wet.
Did you fall into the water?
Yes.
How did it happen?
You risked getting hurt.
Let's go in and get you changed.
They're all dry now.
They still feel damp?
Dad.
I'll get going.
From now on, I'll take care of Eonni.
What if you catch a cold?
Minjae.
What's wrong?
Looks like he fell into the water while he was playing outside.
I told you to be careful!
It startled you, didn't it?
It was fun.
How did you end up falling into the water?
You were playing around with the other kids?
This won't do it, we'll turn on the car heater and dry them on our way back.
You're not even staying for dinner?
My father-in-law is in Ulsan, so we're having dinner with him.
I'm still his aunt, I can't let him go without cooking him a single meal.
Later.
Minjae, say goodbye to Auntie.
See you again.
Wait a minute, let me give you some spending money.
Forget that, Eonni. What spending money...
No... At least something so he can buy supplies for school.
Then again, would he need any?
If there's any problem, call me right away.
Don't try to do all by yourself.
All right.
I said I'm fine...
It's just that seeing you live this way tears me apart.
Let's go, Minjae.
What's wrong with your hand?
You don't want to hold my hand?
Hyejin doesn't like that, either.
- Kids these days... - Why, could he ever be like her?
You said she comes from an orphanage...
Let's go.
At least sleep over.
Next time.
Nayoung...
See Hyejin before you go.
You really...
I can just see her next time we come.
I just wanted to show her to you.
I might have brought her here from an orphanage,
but Hyejin is a pretty girl.
Raise her well, Eonni.
Who cares if it's someone else's child?
When you love them that much, they're as good as yours.
Let's go.
I fell into the water while picking shells.
I'm not afraid of dying!
You should have just told her the truth.
If you told her she came from an orphanage,
she would have never been shocked by her father's death.
I couldn't tell her the truth.
What are you trying to say?
How could I tell her that I don't even know who her father was?
Even if my father is a murderer, I'm not ashamed!
How many children with bad fathers turned out to become great people?
I'm confident I can do that!
So look at me.
Here is where my life ends.
And where I will be reborn!
I won't be reborn as the daughter of a murderer,
but that of a great man!
In that world I will head to, I will become a singer.
And I will make a lot of money.
Make a ton of money, and have dozens of people working under me!
You just wait.
See what my rebirth will look like.
Mom...
I'm not dying out of hate for you...
I just...
hate the world I'm living in.
I really...
hate this world!
Grandpa's favorite has always been your father.
And one day, your father will inherit the company from him.
I hate the thought of leaving you alone in the States, too.
But if I don't help your father,
he won't be able to inherit that company all on his own.
So even if it might be tough, you'll have to study there alone.
Mom...
You can only reap what you sow in life.
Spend your life lazily avoiding difficulties, and you'll never amount to anything.
You can do it, right?
Answer me, Minjae.
Do you know how much I love you?
Enough that I can't live without you.
Hyejin!
No luck.
Hyejin!
Where did that brat go?
Look...
Go look over the hills again.
Why would she go up the hills at this hour?
It's too scary.
Enough with all the excuses!
Go take a look again!
Hyejin!
I'm sorry...
Nayoung, I'm sorry...
I'll come visit you twice a year.
And you can come to Seoul during spring break.
Or maybe we could travel together.
Paris, Rome, London...
Buenos Aires, Cairo...
Let's have fun traveling the world.
Wouldn't it be nice?
What is it, Minjae?
If you want to go to Yale or Harvard,
you need to frequent this school.
Only if you graduate from Yale or Harvard will Grandpa...
Mom.
Can't I come live with you in Seoul?
I'll live with you there, and study as hard as you want.
I'll take violin lessons, and piano as well.
Why are you doing this to me?
Listen well, Minjae.
The world is a cruel place.
Only the strong can gain what they want.
I just want to live with you and Dad.
Keep it up and I'll get angry!
It's my wish, Minjae.
I want to give you the entire world.
A world with no tears or sadness.
Don't cry...
- Present Day, Seoul -
Let's have a toast!
Father, let me help you get up.
Aigoo... That sly fox...
Honey.
Today we celebrate Chairman Kim Taejin's seventieth birthday.
Let's all wish him long life and prosperity!
Cheers!
Minjae, you stay right in front, since you're Grandpa's favorite.
Help me out, will you?
Only for ten minutes, pretend to be my boyfriend.
All right?
Get ready, it's time.
Where is Minjae?
That little...
He just got back, and already got himself a date...
Listen, someone go look for Minjae.
There's no time, let's just go.
Let me push it.
Please back off. Don't shoot.
Sorry, the reporters...
Do it right.
I apologize.
I'm sorry, we'll organize an interview later, so please be patient.
Sorry again.
You have a pen?
Pen.
You don't know what that is?
As a souvenir, I'll give you my autograph.
- Baek Ingi -
Cute...
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday, dear Chairman.
And Minjae?
Happy birthday to you.
Still going strong, for an old man like him.
Guess you'll have to wait another ten years to become chairman...
Cut the cake.
Why is this so heavy?
- Mother, help him out. - Yes.
Our youngest is already acting like she owns the place.
She's all your father has eyes for, what can you do?
If he keeps that up, he'll end up hitting his nose on that cake.
- Father, just hold it. - Ohh... All right.
Come a little closer.
Mother. "Cheese."
I'll go with "Kimchi."
As you wish, then. Kimchi.
All the rumors about Baek Ingi spreading on the Internet.
They're interesting, I can give you that.
My coordinator told me this.
Not to even check the Net.
Not to bother getting angry over nothing, and just ignore it altogether.
But when people tell you not to do something,
it intrigues you to do it even more, right?
"What's this? What are you all rattling on about?"
It was a little... extreme?!
It was dominated by so many insults and four-letter words,
at first it was hard to take.
"So you really hated me this bad?"
I got so angry that I replied as well.
"I'm Baek Ingi."
"Please, stop making up all those stories."
"You might be only throwing rocks at me for the hell of it,"
"but why do you fail to realize that the poor little frog..."
"on the receiving end of your silly games could die because of it?"
Remember what those replies looked like?
The amount of bashing was so bad, the site's server went down.
And then it just hit me.
"Fine, then."
"I could just quit being an actress."
But isn't quitting your career just because of Internet-bashing a little laughable?
Yes.
And that is why my views changed in no time.
On second thought, those people bashing celebrities on the Internet...
I felt sorry for them, you know?
Think of how pathetic their lives must be,
if they resort to venting their anger on the Internet.
"Fine."
"If you need to walk over me to release all that pent-up stress,"
"be my guest."
I prefer weeds over flowers.
Something you can stomp on, walk over repeatedly,
over and over again,
and yet they'll still look up, stronger than ever. Weeds.
It's that kind of tenacity that attracts me.
Today marks my father's seventieth birthday.
Not to mention the fiftieth anniversary of our DSY Atlantic Group, folks!
Ladies and gentlemen, as you well know,
wasn't my father nicknamed "Midas' Touch"?
Not a single business venture of his has ever failed.
Isn't that what you could only call greatness?
Secrets of birth?
What are you saying?
Since there's no way my mother would have given birth to me by herself,
I guess I should also have a father?!
And since they both passed away,
well... I don't really know how they got together and had me.
You can imagine how hard life was.
Since I achieved all this on my own.
Should I go on some variety show and tell the world about every single detail?
Then you'll all be drowning in tears,
and I'll also manage to make the haters feel a little bit of regret.
Wouldn't be too bad.
However,
I hate all that.
I don't want anyone's compassion.
You know this?
To people gritting their teeth to survive,
that compassion is like a drug.
It's poison.
And that is why I...
don't want that to weaken me.
But my father also had another nickname.
C-h-e-a-p-s-k-a-t-e!
Since the beginning of time,
Korea's greatest miser!
You'd probably be hard-pressed to find someone as stingy as he is...
in the entire world.
So even when the Bank of Korea's vault is empty,
Atlantic Group's one is always filled to the brim.
But you'll hear him complain about every single won spent.
Although I'm sure your pockets are filled with money now?
However,
what my father knew was how to really spend money.
He generously invested in sectors which will sustain our country for centuries,
like real estate, distribution, and the service industry,
and even paved the way towards the future,
through his investment in heavy chemicals and heavy industries.
Back then, didn't people call him crazy for risking so much?
Keep producing shoes and building hotels,
why risk failure by so dangerously expanding your spectrum?
But my father did it.
Didn't he manage to make it into one of the leading firms worldwide,
competing with the very best the world has to offer?
Father?
Thank you.
Chairman Kim Taejin.
Thank you for all your efforts.
So you're telling us that you never shed tears even once?
Seems like you endured quite the difficulties.
Tears?
Why don't you lay it all bare?
All about your coming of age, for instance.
I will let you in on this, at least.
I...
couldn't even afford to shed tears.
Because the act of crying in itself...
was a luxury to me.
Aren't tears like a sweet temptation?
Because they bring comfort exactly when you need it.
But, tell me.
What difference would that make?
Does anyone even care about my tears?
Still, stars live off of their mainstream popularity,
can you really show that much hatred for the world?
That was great.
Now that is acting.
Who said you can't act to save your life?
No more trashy CFs like that.
She doesn't like money?
Stop making me look like a third-rate tramp.
Don't forget the party at nine.
Did you get a few decent shots?
The camera.
Looks like something went wrong here?
So you can't even shoot a damned photo?
I didn't mean that...
Give it here.
What's wrong with them?
Now that I think about it, they're two different guys?!
It wasn't long after our liberation.
Thinking that big fish needed a big pond to swim in,
I walked from Ulsan all the way to Gyeongju,
and got onto the train for Seoul without paying a dime.
I was fourteen at the time,
and I didn't have a penny on me.
Looks like the chairman will keep us here all night.
Seeing how he's bringing that up again...
Well, so, then... To make a long story short,
I certainly wasn't the only one who went through difficulties back then.
The entire country was poor beyond belief,
could its people be doing any better?
Looks like he's cutting it short, for once.
Don't start snoring.
Here he goes again with the crying...
This...
This thing called money.
It's a strange animal.
Where would you find people who live for it from the get-go?
But the older you get, the more it enslaves you!
And this is truly regrettable.
Nuna, is he still not done?
Let him be.
He's only bored.
I made up my mind today.
As far as transferring management rights of Atlantic Group to my sons,
I have no intention to do so.
How about this idea of mine?
What is wrong with him?
Honey.
Lawyer Hong.
Come here.
Yes! Chairman.
Go get my testament.
I'll have to change it right here.
Chairman...
Are you deaf? I said go get my testament.
- Chairman, please calm down... - So you're deaf, all right!
How dare y...
Chairman!
Father...
- Father! - Chairman.
Chairman!
Father...
It's him, right? Kim Seongjae.
Yes.
So who is this?
I don't really...
Name is Kim Minjae.
The only son of Kim Youngmin, Chairman Kim Taejin's third son.
We wasted our time, then.
What should I do with these photos, Ingi?
Why, did I say anything wrong?
Whoever puts food on their table owns them.
When it comes to mutts.
If you have a problem with that, just quit.
Or you can always work for free.
Then, maybe I'll start treating you like a human being.
If I were you, I'd just swallow my pride and worry about my next paycheck.
Powerless mutts trying to meddle is just career suicide.
Wake up, you fool!
Tell her to be in the hall by 8:30.
Say there'll be a car waiting for her.
Yes.
Get yourself some help...
Is doing all the chores by yourself going to raise your profile?
That Nayoung is really...
Agasshi.
Come take a few plates, will you?
You're hungry, aren't you?
Agasshi.
What is Nayoung doing?
She's looking after your father.
Remember that old saying about a son-in-law serving you...
being better than the prodigal son on the run?
This young lady sure knows her proverbs?!
I'm just saying, Nayoung will make some noise from now on.
Have another.
I'm fine.
Drinks and I don't really...
I hear you can handle the bottle quite well?!
I'm trying to watch it these days.
You'll have to forgive me,
but with the mighty sixties soon knocking at the door, better keep an eye...
Just take it.
Can someone who will soon lead a group say things like that?
Then, I'll accept it.
Did you get chosen, by any chance?
What's with those clothes?
I'm sure I already told you something about them in the hall?
What's wrong with them?
Are they a bit too flashy?
Youngmin, go take a look at how our father is doing.
- Yes. - He'll be all right.
He just had a little blackout, that's all.
But this is serious.
His last dream was that of acquiring a shipyard.
I'm sure everything will go fine, since negotiations are proceeding well.
Let me pour you one.
You've had enough drinks.
Doctor Yoon told you wine is your worst enemy when you have high triglycerides levels.
Ehh... It was just out of concern for Dad, that's all.
So I guess you'll go to sleep with the bottle once he's dead.
I'll have to get going.
And where would you go now, Agasshi?
It's not like I would be of any help, anyway.
And I'm sure I'll get to witness my three brothers hide their feelings...
while they try to study each other enough to grow tired of it.
I'm going.
Sit.
Don't be so vulgar.
What's wrong with you?
When did you ever consider me family?
Mijin...
I've just had it up to here, Little Oppa.
You really!
Youngjun, just try to understand.
Isn't she from another generation?
Sir, may I pour you another drink?
Sure!
I like you folks because you're open-minded.
That is Atlantic Group's true energy.
Sure, sure it is!
We all take that from our father!
What did Doctor Yoon say?
He said he just briefly lost his consciousness.
So he doesn't need to be hospitalized?
No, Mother.
What did I tell you?
Told you he wouldn't so easily collapse.
It happened in front of all those people, can you just overlook it?
I'll have to go in and see him.
Doctor Yoon will soon come out.
If it's nothing serious, why doesn't he allow anyone to come in?
I could understand me, but even her?
Listen, I don't care.
I still haven't recovered from seeing him in that state.
It really shocked you, didn't it?
- Here he comes. - It's nothing to worry about.
It's just a little indigestion, nothing more.
You can lose your consciousness with indigestion?
A sudden fit could create enough dizziness to cause a momentary collapse.
Ma'am. The chairman is perfectly fine.
Anyhow, that appetite of his...
Even before we got to the party,
he already started munching left and right back at the hotel.
I knew it'd catch up to him.
Now that you mention it, I told him to skip a few meals until things settle down,
and he was already panicking.
He's fine, all right.
Darling, serve Doctor Yoon some of that coffee he likes so much.
- Have a seat. - Yes, Mother.
The chairman wanted you to see him right now, actually.
Me?
But if he asks you to bring him any food in secret, tell him no.
Go in.
Yes.
What are you doing?
Go get Doctor Yoon his coffee.
Would he even say that, if he was just fine as you say?
What's that supposed to mean?
He said he won't transfer control of the company to his sons.
Did the chairman say that?
That's not what I heard.
Everyone heard him, were you the only one who didn't?
I'm saying, it's not as serious as you make it out to be.
Doesn't that sound peculiar...
Honey.
Have Father hospitalized by tomorrow.
Let's find out what really happened to him in detail.
- Honey! - What if something really happens to him?
So am I getting my coffee?
I apologize, Doctor Yoon.
My wife's temper is to blame.
Everyone is well aware of how quick-tempered she is.
Have a seat, Youngjun.
Sit.
Yes.
Go ahead.
You know...
Father.
It's all right.
I told you I'm fine.
I need to eat something to regain my strength.
Come closer.
What?
I said come closer.
Yes...
Ehh Ehh... Here.
You know why I accepted you as my daughter-in-law?
Your mother was my first love.
Didn't your father ever mention that?
I really...
I bet he didn't.
Since he couldn't protect her.
It was back when I had this bottle factory in Seoul.
Your father came to Seoul and worked at an ironworks shop.
There was this boiled rice diner by the factory,
and the owner's niece was a stunning beauty.
I did hear that he was working at an ironworks shop in Seoul.
Your mother really liked me.
But then your father was up to something.
Aigoo... I must really be out of my mind.
What am I saying...
It's all right, Father. It's all in the past, anyway.
Darling.
You're the only one I can count on.
You really think I'm starting to lose it, like everyone else?
I don't.
I'm perfectly fine.
You resemble your mother a lot more than your sister does.
It's really too bad.
I thought I'd see Chairman Kim get past the hundred years,
and he's already in that state.
When our time comes, we all end up like that.
When I die, I'll just have to make it quick.
Dying is easier said than done.
Isn't it?!
Being granted such a quick ride out is good luck, too.
Ahh...
For the time being, let's keep this secret, Doctor Yoon.
If word gets out, it'll only create more headaches.
His condition is still not that serious anyhow.
Worry about my health as well, Doctor Yoon.
Of course, Congressman.
Good night.
He fell asleep.
Aigoo... Just my luck.
Has everyone left already?
Go.
They're having some kind of family meeting.
Family meeting?!
Haven't you heard what Doctor Yoon said?
If what Doctor Yoon said is true,
it's not the kind of condition that can turn for the better in a matter of days.
You got your answer today in the hall, already.
Looks like he prepared a testament just in case something like this happened,
so tell Lawyer Hong to bring it to us.
You just stay out of this.
Madam Nam.
Just come here.
That's nothing women should get involved with.
Or at least let's have a shareholders' meeting.
I said stay out of this!
Why, did I say anything wrong?
Nayoung, you come here as well. That's no place for women, I said.
Here...
Auntie, how about you?
Sure...
I'm not getting out of here tonight, anyway.
Nice catch.
Auntie, know what your nickname is?
What is it?
Nice Catch.
A good catcher, that is.
Especially for what concerns men...
Don't mess with me.
Ahh... Sorry, Auntie.
Minjae.
Baek Ingi...
I finally remember.
Got yourself quite the fox, too.
Baek Ingi?
Oppa, I'm a fan of hers?!
- Heesook. - Baek Ingi what?
Why, is she dating Minjae?
Don't you want one?
Why, disappointed?
That they had a family meeting and left us out.
Spare me all that distress.
We don't have the pedigree anyway.
Let that get to you, and you'll only feel worse.
Don't give me that haughty smile. You're warned.
Let's just drink.
Cute...
Minjae... So, what, are you dating? What's going on?
You people are driving me crazy.
Did that upset you, Hyeonpil?
No...
I can't believe it...
Think I'm gonna fall for it if you start acting all sentimental?
Jinsuk.
Those photos, spread them all over the Net.
But we thought we'd give Kim Seongjae another try?!
Whatever.
They're third-generation chaebol anyway, same thing.
Aigoo, really!
I even help her put her shoes on.
Let's not make a mess like last time.
He's one of the ruling party's big shots.
If he ever gets behind you, there will be nothing you can't do.
Worry about driving.
Watch where you're going.
Let's give it our best, Ingi.
We went at each other's throats for much too long.
Hyungnim (older sister-in-law).
If you're tired, why don't you go rest in my room?
I'm not closing my eyes because I'm tired.
I've just had it with all this spectacle.
Are we going to stay here all night?
Let's make a decision and go.
Honey.
Let's do this.
For the time being, you take care of managing the group.
Honey...
Also, Youngmin. You quit school and come back to the company.
Not this year.
I've just received funding for a few projects.
Come back to work for us, and take over planning.
And what would I know?
Only if all three of us join forces can we overcome this crisis.
Let's do that.
Anything's fine with me.
No matter whose responsibility it is, we're in it together.
It's late, so let's just get up and go for tonight.
We'll continue discussing tomorrow at work.
It just doesn't suit my personality, working there.
Thank you for tonight, Hyungnim. Careful on your way back.
You as well, drive carefully.
Hyungnim, I'll be calling you tomorrow at...
Who the hell are you, to just decide all on your own?
Did Atlantic Group get where it is today thanks to your father?
It was because of my father.
He's behind that company's success.
Don't celebrate victory yet.
Think they'd give that up so easily?
No need to remind me.
I'll get the fight started, so just continue along the same path.
You stand in the middle, pushing and shoving.
At the right moment, you make a stand,
and if things don't go your way, take a step back.
*famous Three Kingdoms-era strategist
I married the new Zhuge Liang*?!
Might not have much of an academic background,
but what do the others have that I don't?
Still better than acting aloof and showing off your pedigree,
to then have one affair after the other behind people's back.
Youngjun is having an affair?
What are you trying to listen to?
Worry about driving.
I do understand letting your brother run the company for the time being.
He's no game for you, anyway.
But why bring Youngmin into the picture?
You could just build some school and put him in charge later.
Don't you know that your father has always liked him more than you?
Why take it all out on the car?
Wish I could see some of that temper under the blankets...
Should I push you?
When did you say you're going back to the States, again?
I'll have to keep you here, for your father's sake.
You're Grandpa's favorite.
You know, right?
My boy.
Now my wish has come true?!
The three of us can live here together now.
My boy...
Congressman, are you just leaving?
I enjoyed it.
- Did she make any mistake... - See you again.
Give me a call, Congressman.
You really... He deserved better treatment.
Why?
It's what you wanted.
Yeah.
There's still a long way to go, I guess.
Wait... I'll go get the car.
Make some money and stop wasting time with all those silly excuses.
Stop trying to live above your means!
Surrender to your destiny...
and all you become is a loser.
Whatever I was destined to be,
I'm not going to surrender.
Is it you?
You startled me...
That's what I should say.
And why?
Come here.
Know what time it is, drinking all by yourself?
Youngjun Hyung had always been an icon to me.
I always grew up in his shadow.
What could he possibly have that you don't?
There was only one way to defeat him.
Becoming a model student.
Your father is perfectly fine.
He has other plans in mind, that's why.
He did that because your older brothers don't fit the bill.
Don't you get it?
He doesn't want them to inherit Atlantic Group from him.
Believe me.
- Your father... - I really thought...
you had given up.
Given up what?
You were playing the model daughter-in-law so quietly and modestly...
Think I'd give up now after coming this far?
Honey...
You can win this.
I have all the cards to make you succeed.
Cards?!
What do you think I've been doing the last ten years?
I didn't just idle around.
I knew this day would come.
It's a war that's destined to break out anyhow,
so we better be ready for it.
Just have faith in me, Honey.
Your older brother has no chances anyhow.
Would your mother push for him, when he's not even her son?
The fight is between you and Youngjun, in the end.
You might be at a disadvantage now, because of his wife's inf...
Enough.
We must succeed!
I know you're a kind man, that few people could be as honest and understanding as you.
But we still must win.
You can show all your generosity after we've won.
If you want to give way to Youngjun, first win and then let him take over.
Don't just sit and have people look down on you.
For my sa... No, for Minjae's sake, become a winner.
Now that's more like it.
Nothing had really changed.
But...
You know this?
Why am I so happy to learn that you haven't changed at all?
Because it's what you want, too.
Becoming chairman of Atlantic Group.
That's right.
Might very well be the truth.
Make some excuses.
Then they'll just have a field day with me.
They'll say I'm damaged goods or whatever.
Shouldn't we solve this before it gets too big to handle?
Give that Baek Ingi a call.
Do you want to meet her firsthand?
They showed interest in Minjae, actually.
That's great.
He needs to marry into that kind of family to gain the keys to Atlantic Group.
So you're not going to have any more children?
Make another before it's too late.
- If he doesn't keep his mouth shut... - Then, what?
Will you kill him?
I never wanted you?!
Have you ever even thought...
how much I desire you?