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(Winter of 1979)
Did you...
kill Hee Ae?
Jung Ho.
Did you really...
kill that little girl, too?
I didn't do it.
- I... - Kang In Kyung.
Did you...
actually...
love me?
Even for a moment.
Did you...
ever love me?
Jung Ho.
(Reaching for the Stars)
(7 years ago in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province)
(We're against communism. Let's get rid of North Korean spies.)
(Episode 1)
Mum...
Are you all right?
Don't cry.
I'll help you find your mum.
What's your name?
Hey you, In Kyung.
Have you lost your mind?
What's your problem? Am I wrong?
You make it so obvious that you're her stepmother. That's all I said.
- How dare you... - Listen.
You'd better watch your mouth.
Just be quiet if you lost all the money.
I don't want to play this card game who mooches off her stepdaughter.
What did you just say?
Who mooches off whom?
Fine.
I need to teach you a lesson today.
- You witch! - Look at this.
How many men are you trying to seduce?
Why do you carry so many handkerchiefs with you?
I never seduced anyone.
I just sell these. That's all.
Don't sell them, all right?
I know that you're pretending to sell these stupid fabric scraps...
to flirt with and seduce guys.
That's exactly why my naive boyfriend was lured...
into buying this ridiculous handkerchief.
Are you seriously accusing me of seducing guys? Are you done?
Am I wrong?
It hurts! Let go of me. Let go!
What do you even know about my pain?
It hurts so much!
Promise me that you'll never try to seduce him again.
- Mum? - Hey, Kang In Kyung.
Are you ignoring me right now?
Do you not hear me? My gosh!
- How could you... - What did you say?
I'll get back at you for this. Gosh, it hurts!
Oh, no. I'm so scared.
You should've just gotten your perm quietly.
Why did you have to talk about my family like that?
You're too nosy for your own good!
It hurts.
Is this woman trying to kill me or what?
In Kyung, she's trying to kill me.
Ma'am, why are you being like this? My mum will get hurt.
Please let go of her and talk it through.
You wench! Can you not see her hand grabbing my hair right now?
Let go. Let go of it right now!
Let go of me first if you want me to let go of you.
- Goodness. - My gosh.
It still hurts.
Goodness, my blood is boiling.
They say you never hear good things when you raise someone else's child.
Did I go through all that to raise this stepdaughter of mine...
to hear these ridiculous things?
Gosh, even a dog would find that ludicrous.
Do you know what people say about you?
Everyone says that you're like Cinderella's evil stepmother!
- Who said that? - What?
Who said that my mum is an evil stepmother?
In Kyung.
I don't think of her as my stepmother. She's my mum.
She raised me even though she's not my birth mother.
To me, she's more important than anything else in this world.
Stop badmouthing my mum.
Goodness.
Why does everyone call me an evil stepmother?
Mum, let's go.
Okay. Let's go, In Kyung.
See? My daughter is the best.
My goodness.
- Gosh, I'm in so much pain. - In...
What was that about? What a crazy...
Let's go home.
Gosh, that woman...
- In Kyung. - Yes.
Ki Tae.
Thanks.
That witch.
She literally pulled my hair out.
Mum, did you get any injuries?
Are you trying to upset me more or what?
This is all your fault.
You must've been badmouthing me to everyone in this village.
That's probably why everyone hates me so much.
That's not true at all. I've never said anything bad about you.
You always try to look like a victim. You're just like your mum.
Where did Han Soo go? We should eat soon.
Han Soo?
He stepped out earlier saying that he has surprising news for us.
You fool.
You don't even care whether your only brother starves or not, do you?
That's right. You must hate him because he's your half-brother.
You're so vicious and evil.
You witch.
Mum, please.
Go and find Han Soo.
I'm going to make the potato rice which he loves.
Okay. I'll go bring him quickly.
Han Soo. My sweetie!
Han Soo.
Ms Lee went through hoops to get this.
Thanks.
The girl who passed the qualification exam...
for university entrance studied with this.
Sweetie.
Gosh, I told you to stop calling me like that. It makes me cringe.
Why?
Other guys' hearts melt when I call them like that.
Come on, Sweetie.
Save it for those guys who love hearing it.
Don't forget that I'm five years younger than you.
That's how I call every handsome guy.
Age is nothing but a number.
They say that true love knows no potteries.
Potteries?
You must mean "boundaries".
Oh, is it?
Anyway, why do you need to take this exam?
Did you get kicked out of high school?
Why would I get kicked out of school?
I will...
give this to a girl I love.
A girl you love?
Who?
Who is that girl?
It's none of your business. Go for your delivery. See you later!
Wait, Sweetie! I'm done with the delivery.
Wait up!
Is that boy Han Soo?
The one who claims that he's the best fighter in Bonghwa?
That's right, Boss.
He knocked out three guys from the gang last week.
He's still in high school, for goodness' sake.
What makes him think that he can be so arrogant?
You'd better watch out.
I'll teach you a serious lesson if you get on my nerves.
He's not here.
Where did he go?
He must be very hungry by now.
In Kyung, it's so good to see you.
Hello, Sir.
It looks like you're busy.
The storage room is too humid. I'm trying to dry these.
Shall I give you a hand?
It's all right. I'm almost done.
Today is such a hot day. Come in and have some watermelon with me.
It's okay.
I have to find Han Soo. Have a good day, Sir.
You moron. Your jaw is about to drop.
What did you just say?
How can you say such a thing?
How crude.
Crude?
Look who's talking.
Whatever.
Goodness.
Is...
someone there?
Who is it?
It was you,
Ki Tae.
In Kyung.
I love you!
Your parents must be worried about you.
You should go home.
You're the only one for me.
I love you so much.
Go and say that to your mum.
You should give her these flowers, too.
Hurry up.
If you don't accept my love,
I'll take my own life in front of you right now.
Do it. Take your own life.
Go ahead and try it. Hey!
In Kyung.
I want to have a word with you.
About what?
It'll be quick.
What are you doing? Let go of me.
I said it'll be quick.
Let go of her hand!
Han Soo!
Han Soo.
Do you want to end up with a broken wrist,
or shall I break your neck?
Look at this crazy kid. Do you want to die or what?
In Kyung, are you okay?
Crazy?
Shall I show you what a crazy person can be like?
Do you want to get beaten up until you go crazy?
Han Soo!
- Gosh, my head hurts. - My entire body is in pain.
- Goodness. - That little rat.
Han Soo.
Goodness, my Han Soo.
Han Soo, where are you...
I'm here.
Han Soo.
My son. My baby.
Are you all right?
I'm totally fine.
Really? Let me see.
Your face is fine, too.
Thank goodness.
It's you again, isn't it?
Mum, it's...
- This wench. - Mum, stop it.
I told you to bring your brother home, not to the police station.
Are you crazy? Move over.
Mum, please. In Kyung didn't do anything wrong.
Gosh, those scums...
- No! - No!
- Don't hit us! - No more!
- We didn't do anything! - Seriously!
You didn't get injured, so it's all good. Let's go home.
Ma'am! Let go of his hand.
We can't release your son.
He can't be released?
Why is that?
Settlement money?
That is complete nonsense.
I mean, 300 dollars isn't a small amount.
I have to somehow arrange that huge sum by tomorrow.
Mum, you should eat some porridge at least.
In Kyung.
Yes, Mum.
Do you hate Han Soo that much?
Is that why you're trying to ruin his future like this?
Please don't say that. That's not true at all.
Right, how can you not hate him?
You hate me, so I'm sure you hate my son, too.
Still, you can't do that to your brother.
Mum.
We need 300 dollars to get him out.
If we can't get it by tomorrow, he'll end up with a criminal record.
He'll be charged with assault.
If that happens,
his life will be over. Gosh, what should we do?
I know that the woman at the hair salon got some money...
from her friends, so she must have 300 dollars now.
I can't ask her to lend it to me after fighting with her like that.
If we can't pay it by tomorrow, Han Soo will...
He'll be locked up in prison in Daegu. What should we do?
Then...
I'll try talking to her.
Did your mum send you?
She's so shameless.
No, I volunteered.
I'm so sorry about yesterday.
I have no problem lending it to you,
but when I think about that evil woman, Park Mal Soon...
Go and tell your stepmother.
She should be thankful that I'm not asking her...
to pay my hospital bills.
Could you please help us?
I'll make sure to pay you back...
Unbelievable. I'm just speechless.
I'm sorry that I can't help you.
I don't have any money right now, either.
My youngest one couldn't even pay this month's rent.
My family is just waiting for Geum Soon to get paid.
I see.
Geum Soon is doing well, right?
Don't even get me started.
Her job as a bus attendant must be so tough.
She doesn't even have time to write to us.
Geum Soon is so inspiring, though.
I mean, she got a job in Seoul. She's making money,
and she supports her family, too.
Stop it. She's all right.
Before she moved to Seoul,
you two hung out every day like sisters.
Oh, right. She told me that you also want to get a job...
and study in Seoul. Is it true?
Pardon me?
I do want to take the qualification exam...
and get into a college in Seoul,
but my family can't afford it. It's just a wish.
I should get going now.
Go in.
Han Soo, did you get any sleep last night?
You look so tired.
Don't worry. I slept better than I do at home.
I guess I was born for this.
Don't say that. Everything we say may become true.
Don't you worry.
I won't have to be locked up for long.
Those jerks are just being crybabies to make money off of us.
If I spot any of them, I'll break their legs and...
Stop it.
I'll be sure to get the money today to get you out of here.
Then you can't afford to waste your time here like this.
What are you doing here now?
Were you able to borrow money from that woman?
Mum, I...
If you're actually worried about your brother,
stop being all talks and go borrow money from someone.
The day will end soon.
Mum, please.
I was just about to leave.
Han Soo. Don't skip meals, and don't worry about a thing.
Mum, you know that it's not a small amount.
How is In Kyung going to get the money before the end of today?
Stop saying foolish things.
If she can't do it, I'll do it.
It's not like you have means to make that happen.
I do, of course! Who am I? Don't you worry.
In Kyung, I heard that Han Soo got arrested.
Is he still locked up?
Yes.
We have to pay a settlement to get him out.
Seriously?
What should we do?
Were you able to...
borrow money from anyone?
I'm wondering...
if you have...
- any money. - My gosh.
The coffee is getting cold.
I'm a little busy now. I'll see you later.
Han Soo!
Hey, In Kyung. Come and join us. This chicken is so tender.
What happened?
Mum got money and settled it.
Here. You should eat this drumstick, too.
Mum.
Where did you get the money?
- I borrowed it. - From who?
Someone you don't know. I borrowed it from my acquaintance.
I thought hard...
about what that woman was saying as she was going crazy on me yesterday,
and I must say that everything she said is right.
You got such good grades in school,
but I made you give up studying so that you can start working.
Don't say that. I'm the one who chose to give up studying.
You did that so that you can make money for our family.
Forget it.
In Kyung, you should...
focus on your life from now on.
Sorry?
Mr Choi from the tailor shop said...
that he's looking for a helper, so I asked him to hire you...
and told him to take great care of you.
If you do a good job, you'll be able to save enough for your tuition.
Seriously? That's awesome!
Mum's right. Don't worry about us any more.
Take the exam and get into university.
Oh, right. Just a second.
Here.
Gosh, this book is expensive. Where did you get this?
There's this girl who is chasing me around, and she...
Anyway, her sister studied with this and got into university.
Goodness, why do you look so torn?
Just do it, okay?
But...
You have to be happy to make me and Mum happy.
- Aren't I right, Mum? - Yes.
(Bonghwa Boutique)
Study while working at the tailor shop so that you can...
get into a university in Seoul.
I'll wish for no more if you get into university.
Yes.
If I get a good job after graduating university,
both Han Soo and Mum...
will be able to live comfortably.
Why are you standing like that? Have a seat.
Thank you.
Well, you won't have that many responsibilities.
Just clean the shop in the morning, manage the fabric inventory...
and help when we take customers' measurements.
Oh, and you can...
sleep in the room over there.
It'll be uncomfortable, but if you hang in there for just a bit...
You'll get used to it.
Yes, you probably will.
I'll work hard.
Don't touch the fabrics carelessly.
If they pill, they'll be unusable.
Don't take it to heart.
She's on edge these days because she's going through her menopause.
I won't.
I'll do a good job so that you won't have to worry about me.
All right. I'm sure you will.
Goodness.
In Kyung must be doing a good job, right?
She's doing it to save up for her tuition, so I'm sure she'll do well.
I mean, it's not a difficult job.
Still, I'm sure that some aspects of the job will be difficult.
Did you say that the owner is Mr Choi?
If he gives her a hard time, I won't let it slide.
What are you talking about?
He's not that kind of person.
(Notice of Qualification Exam for University Entrance)
Yes.
I'll pass the exam...
and get into a college in Seoul.
(Bonghwa Boutique)
Good morning, Ma'am.
I'm going to Seoul today to purchase some imported fabrics.
I'll stay there for a few days,
so make sure that the fabrics don't get mildew.
You have to pay special attention to velvet.
Okay, I will.
She'll do an excellent job.
Don't worry about the boutique and go buy some nice fabrics.
Well, you might miss your train.
Hurry up. Let's go.
Have a safe trip!
Don't push yourself too hard.
You can study when there are no customers around.
It's okay. I should focus on work during my shift.
Gosh, you have such impressive work ethics.
I'm heading over to the storage room to check the inventory.
Let me know if any customers walk in,
and take it easy. All right?
Yes, Mr Choi.
Thank you.
Gosh, look at that silly girl.
She's working so hard.
Well, I must say that she looks well and happy.
Gosh, it's so hot.
What is wrong with this weather?
Would you like a cup of water?
Sure, I'd love that.
Are you okay, Mr Choi?
Yes, I'm fine.
Gosh, I'm so forgetful.
I think I left the inventory sheet in the storage room.
Can you go and bring it?
Sure, that's no problem.
Mum, who lent us the money by the way?
You said it's not one of our relatives.
Who lent us that kind of large sum?
I told you that it's someone you don't know. Don't worry about it.
Don't say that. I should know whom we owe.
Why should you know? Are you going to pay it back?
Stop talking rubbish and try to study, okay?
And stop reading those comic books.
All right. I know that it's hot,
but make sure to lock the door before you go to bed.
I will. Get home safely.
All right.
Good night.
Who are you?
It's me.
Mr Choi?
Why are you here?
Wait, In Kyung.
Why are you being like this?
What do you mean?
You know you owe me.
I owe you?
For what?
What are you doing, Mr Choi?
Please don't do this.
Goodness.
Be quiet. You'll wake up the entire village.
Stay still!
Mr Choi.
(Reaching for the Stars)
What was the nightmare about?
Do I just need a ticket to take the bus to Nangok-dong?
- Han Soo. - Let go!
Han Soo!
Your identification card.
Identification card?
Yes, your identification card!