Episode 5
- 1997, New Jersey -
Yes... Yes, Father.
Your father.
Yes, Youngmin said he's coming, too.
He said he'll come to Seoul, then leave for Denver.
Yes... I already booked a flight.
Once Minjae's graduation ceremony is over...
No, no need to come, Father.
You can come for his high school graduation instead.
Yes...
Do you want to talk with Youngmin?
No need.
See you in Seoul.
Ohh... Bye.
Even if the sky falls down, this time I can't let it slide.
If the sky falls down we're all dead,
why couldn't you let it slide?
Don't you agree, Madam Gang Geumhwa?
What am I, supposed to laugh?
What else can I do? It's my son we're talking about.
I can't pretend otherwise.
I just wonder what kind of excuses you'll make up this time.
We can just say he's back from his studies in the States.
No. Let's just say he was born there.
Aigoo... Do as you wish.
I'm not going to let him set foot inside my house.
Ehh Ehh... Who ever asked you to live together?
All I wanted was to add him to your family register.
Why don't you try to sell that off, too?
Aigoo... You'll break that door!
Why does your father keep doing that?
If he's been hiding him all this time,
couldn't he just toss a business his way and settle it?
When your sister-in-law comes back,
I'm going to stop her from returning to the States.
Why?
I've been enduring your old folks for more than a decade all by myself.
It's only natural that the youngest daughter-in-law should take care of them.
I vaguely recall you saying that you had to be the one taking care of my father?!
There's no longer any reason to worry, now.
Who is ever going to inherit the company, if not you?
Your older brother has long given up,
Youngmin said he dreams of becoming a college professor,
and all his other children won't ever compete with you.
Isn't that right?
My father's favorite is Youngmin.
That's out of the question.
Who made Atlantic Group what it is today?
If it weren't for my father's help, think you could have even dreamed of that?
I can't believe it...
I said no more than once.
It is time now.
How much longer will you keep running away from your problems?
What is that supposed to mean?
You're not confident you can beat your brothers at this.
I have no interest in business.
You said your dream was to make a better world.
Will you only talk the talk?
Don't you need power to change the world you live in?
Atlantic Group has become one of the Top 10 chaebol in the country.
If you inherit that company, you can do anything you wish for.
Do you even know what my dream is?
To rid ourselves of all the pollution my father's company is producing.
That's what environmental engineering is all about.
Meaning that I can't follow in my father's footsteps.
You're only making things more complicated for yourself.
Can't you just simplify things?
First, inherit your father's company.
Then, you can do whatever you want with it.
Do it for Minjae's sake.
If you hate it that bad, you can always leave it to Minjae later.
All right, let's suppose we move back to Seoul as you wish.
How about Minjae?
We can just send him to a private school here.
What?
There's this Catholic private school in Philadelphia.
It's an elite institution renowned throughout the country.
And their dorms are top class.
They say that once you graduate from the school,
you can go wherever you want, be it Yale or Harvard.
He won't endure it all by himself!
Honey...
Look at me.
From the very moment I graduated from elementary school,
my father dragged me to the States and threw me there.
Those six years felt like a prison term to me.
I spent my entire childhood as if stranded on a deserted island surrounded by strangers.
What do you think is to blame for my personality?
What's wrong with it?
You're not a cold-hearted person.
You...
Try to open up just a little.
Even if I can never be yours,
at least allow me a glance into your heart.
Just a little... It's all I ask...
I'm not asking you to love me.
If you only...
If you only could open up enough to acknowledge me,
then I'd be perfectly happy.
You can do that much for me.
For my son's sake.
Since I'm the mother of your child.
Minjae's piano lesson will be over soon.
I'll be right back.
Who did you take after, being so pretty?
When your lesson is over, you should wait until I arrive.
Where have you been?
I walked my way back.
- And on the way... - On the way?
I met a friend, and since she was hungry,
we had hamburgers together...
You know, that other time, the Korean ajumma who asked about Lincoln Tunnel.
I met her again by chance,
and she wanted to thank me for showing her the way.
I'm sorry, Mom.
How many times have you met?
How many?!
Just that time and today, twice.
So you really don't know her?
- She was just a little hungry... - All right.
Don't do that again.
Mom.
She's not a bad person.
She hasn't been in the States for long,
so she said she doesn't know her way around yet.
Your father is home tonight, so tell him to buy you something tasty.
I need to go to Manhattan a moment.
May I help you?
One burger and one coke, please.
Is this all you have for me?
Twenty grand.
If she gave you enough to last for the next six months,
it should be at least thirty.
Need to make a living, too.
Bring me the rest.
See you in six months.
You bitch...
Listen...
The mafia is breathing down my neck, you bitch!
Let me go, you bastard!
Am I even supposed to pay back your own gambling debts?
You better listen.
Just a word from me, and your son will end up on a street.
Do as you wish!
Think they'd kick their own son out?
You really don't know how tycoons live, do you?
They're cruel, merciless people.
Think that if they learn that their son knocked up some bar girl in the States,
they'll just let it slide?
Hey!
Nice catch...
Try to ruin my son's future and see what happens.
Even if I have to sell my body for it, I'll find a gun for hire.
One needs to learn the art of patience, darling.
Then you'll really be ready to become a chaebol chairman's mother.
Hello?
Why didn't you keep your promise?
You promised me you would never meet Minjae again!
Are you really going to act this way?
Speak to me! What are you trying to accomplish?
Do as you wish.
What did you say?
I've had it with this, so do whatever the hell you want.
So you give me carte blanche, is that it?
That's right.
Kill me... Just kill me and get it over with.
I'm tired of living this way!
Let me go, you bastard!
I said let me go, you asshole...
Do you even know who I am?
I'm Kim Minjae's mother...
Who's Kim Minjae?!
Someone a sorry-ass loser like you couldn't even...
Go to hell!
Goodbye...
Goodbye, my love.
I had pizza with Dad, and it was really great.
Have some yourself.
Your beloved son, Minjae.
Now you'll never be taken away from me.
Ever.
Minjae.
You're my son.
I'm so sad to see you go...
We had become such good friends...
Tell me about it.
So Ma'am, are you going to keep working for the company in Seoul?
Would I have the time? I have to look after the chairman.
You must be happy.
Happy? Know how hard it is to look after elders?
Miss Jeong.
What memo is this?
It's a number this lady told me to give you, once you came.
Who did she say she was?
Was it Mrs... Yang?!
And when did she call you?
It's been a few days.
Was it yesterday, or the day before?!
She said it wasn't urgent.
Just to call her whenever you have time.
Ma'am.
Might have been last week, Ma'am.
By the way,
have you seen an accident across the street, a few days ago?
Accident?
It was at night.
Ahh... That?
That Spanish guy who drove over that drunken woman and ran away?
Was it someone you knew?
The lady who was hit.
I was just wondering whether she's the one.
This friend of mine in Manhattan said that someone she knew...
might have been in a car accident.
Why, would some drunken woman walking about at night be perfectly sane?
Did she... die, that lady?
I guess.
I think an ambulance came and carried her away.
Next.
Where are you going all the time, these days?
I only packed Minjae's summer clothes and left the rest behind.
I went around looking for some presents.
We're going to Seoul for the first time in ten years, can't go empty-handed.
Didn't really find much, despite looking for something that would suit everyone.
How about dinner?
After waiting for you, I just took Minjae out.
And you?
I said we'd sell the house this autumn.
Just leave it to me.
I'll wrap it up once Minjae starts school.
Will he really be all right by himself?
Dorms at private schools are always...
Is he still a child?
He's old enough!
What's with the attitude? Who's always the first to indulge him?
Just stop being so childish with me.
You know? I'd much rather live here with you and Minjae myself.
Let's make another thing clear, then.
Even if I wrap things up here and go live in Seoul,
I still won't work under my father.
I've been in contact with a citizen's coalition in Seoul.
I've sent my resume to a few universities, and contacted environment coalitions.
What's that, Minjae?
Grandma, Grandpa,
Big Uncle and Big Auntie,
and Little Uncle.
Dad, how did your father make all that money?
It's a long story.
Tell me.
All right.
When your father was thirteen,
he came to Seoul to make money.
Where did he use to live?
Ulsan.
It's called Bangeojin, famous for its whale hunters.
Whale hunters?
Grandpa was a whale hunter?!
Wow! That's awesome!
Dad, have you ever tried whale meat? How does it taste?
How can you eat that? Doesn't it smell?
- Jangsaeng Port Murderer Kang Jungu Executed - Justice Has Been Done!
Ac... Actually, I was a little scared.
I told the warden that Yoon Jeongsuk was the only person I wanted to see,
but I was worried you wouldn't come...
So that's why I said I didn't want to meet anyone.
Where have you been all day?
Nowhere.
Why are you looking so down?
Did you make dinner for Hyejin?
Aigoo... Don't get me started.
She ate this huge fish raw,
and not content with that, she finished two bowls of rice with pepper pot.
How shameless...
If you haven't had dinner, sit down and eat it now.
I'm fine.
See, what did I tell you?
She's back from the prison.
Shut that trap, you brat.
I told you to watch your mouth.
Ahh... Everyone around here knows, secret my ass.
Think anyone wouldn't be aware that Kang Jungu was executed?
Aigoo... You foolish brat...
You're not sleeping?
Mom.
I ended top of the class.
Really?
My teacher was surprised as well.
Saying "So our Hyejin was really smart, after all," she kept caressing my head.
Are you sure you didn't copy it all from a classmate?
Of course not... I did it all by myself.
Good girl.
So what reward am I getting?
Hurry up and tell me.
Didn't you tell me I'd get a reward if I ended first?
What would you like?
Walkman.
What's that?
With that and earphones, you can listen to music while walking.
Buy me one.
Is it expensive?
A bit.
If you're asking, why wouldn't I buy it for you?
Who asked? You promised me.
That I'd get anything I wanted, if I became top of the class.
Didn't I tell you I would?
All right.
I'll buy you a Walkman.
Honey... Minjae?
Haven't you seen your grandfather?
He said he missed you so much, he'd come to the airport?!
Aigoo, my apologies, Young Master.
I didn't quite know when the flight would land. Give that to me.
Who's that?
Ahh... He works for our family.
Lawyer and butler.
Young Master. Come this way.
Yes.
There are still people calling you "Young Master"?!
He's pretty much like family to me.
Minjae, let's go.
Young Master?!
Young Master, you haven't been back in a few years, have you?
Yes.
There have been quite a few happenings in the family all these years.
I've heard.
Ma'am, it's a pleasure to meet you.
We'll be counting on you.
Aigoo... He even plays the violin...
He plays the piano.
Our Minjae is a genius, all right!
You'll wear him out, come on.
Wait... Let's see who you take after.
You look just like Youngmin when he was your age!
Doesn't he?
Rather than Youngmin, he looks a lot more like you?!
Uh?! Really?
Listen to you...
Doesn't look like any of the Kims here.
Look at how small your face is.
You'd make a great movie star when you grow up.
A movie star?!
That sounds nice!
Grandma.
Remember me, too?
Of course.
Remember you came to New York when he was seven?
He still keeps those Barbie dolls you bought him.
A boy playing with dolls?
His personality is a bit like that.
He inherited his love for reading from his father, and he's quiet like him.
Minjae, you'll tire Grandma. Come here.
You did a good job raising him in the States.
Need to say Hi to your aunts now, right?
How have you been?
Aigoo...
How well-mannered...
So you're back for good now?
Yes.
That's good.
You studied enough, time to help Dad out.
For the time being, I thought I'd work for an environmental coalition.
Environmental coalition?!
Ehh... Dad surely won't approve?!
Youngshik, come here.
You've heard, right?
Yes.
Must have been hard.
No.
I was just worried my presence there would create controversy, that's all.
That attitude of yours is the problem.
I apologize.
You should open up with them first.
I am trying.
Listen to those excuses...
He must feel like sitting on a bed of thorns himself.
Think your mother would just chat? She'd just fire away at him.
You know how she is, don't you?
So I hear you're interested in politics?
Isn't creating something out of nothing what people call politics?
That's right! Nothing can beat politics when it comes to raising your profile.
I'm late?!
So you're back for good, Youngmin Oppa?
Let's have a drink, one of these days.
- Sure. - Aigoo... Look at her.
Drink.
Dad.
Are you really going to give the department store to Aeri?
You said you'd give it to me, Dad...
What's that supposed to mean?
That's what Chief Im said.
That Nam Aeri would be the new president.
Dad...
Dad.
I've done all this by myself for the last ten years.
Father might eat just about everything,
but you can't imagine how picky with food Mother can be.
Aigoo... I've looked after them for over ten years without any aide.
And on the hills of Sadang-Dong, at that.
It's nothing compared to that, I guess.
With the exception of the family dinner every week,
all you need to do is adapt to Mother's taste.
Honey...
Let's get going.
Dad has fallen asleep.
Yes.
That is no ordinary lady, our youngest.
Looked quite docile to me?!
You just wait.
She's the type who throws fire at you behind your back.
Could she be any worse than Youngjun's wife?
Haven't you seen her earlier on?
How she pranced around nodding and saying "yes, yes" all the time.
Of course I can just sit and enjoy the show.
Mother.
- I'm Minjae's mother. - What's the matter?
If there is nothing else I can do for you,
I was going to unpack our bags.
We're fine. Go have some rest.
Yes, Father.
I wish you both a good night.
Really...
Good for you.
The smart daughter-in-law is on her way out, and look what you get instead.
I'm still against it.
Of all people Youngmin could marry...
It would have only brought us more chaos, if even Youngmin's wife was as clever.
Let's just sleep.
So, what, are you leaving Youngmin out of the picture?
Leaving the company to Youngjun.
Youngmin said he wants to become a college professor.
Ehh Ehh... I said let's sleep.
I really...
Does it make you uncomfortable, sleeping together?
When Minjae leaves for the States,
I'll turn his room into a little studio for you.
No matter how uncomfortable it might be, endure it just a little longer.
Let's just send Minjae to school here.
No way.
Do you know what it means to live alone in the States at his age?
Afraid he'll turn out like you?
He'll be lonely.
Too lonely to bear it.
I'll visit my sister with him.
My father forced that private school on me,
even though I didn't speak a word of English.
It was so bad that I even pissed my pants once,
since I didn't know how to ask permission to leave the classroom.
But he and you are different.
Why must we raise him this way?
Minjae is my son.
I gave up my life to have him.
What do you mean by that?
You don't really need to know.
Tell me...
So it felt like you were being abandoned by your father,
frequenting school in the States all alone?!
That's not what being abandoned feels like.
Sleeping in separate rooms for over ten years despite living together does.
I'll take Minjae to see my sister.
Because if there's anyone who's been abandoned, that's her.
Hey...
Wanna listen, too?
No, thanks.
Come on. This is so fun...
- Free of charge. - Let's... Let's just go.
Try to ask me and see what happens!
Even if you get on your knees begging, you won't even be able to smell it!
It's Hyejin!
What is it?
What are you whispering about?
Did I get shit on my face or something?
Park Sangmi.
Get up.
You laughed at me, didn't you?
I didn't... I wasn't laughing at you.
Then?
- Kang Jungu -
- Hyejin -
- Murderer -
Who did it?
Who did that?
Did you?
You little bastard...
My father is not a murderer!
I told you he died in an accident!
You bastard...
Already home from school?
Ahh... What did she do today, again?
Just go in with her.
These days, she always ends up top of the class.
Hyejin.
What are you doing there?
What are you doing?
Is Kang Jungu my father?
Who taught you to behave like this?
Answer me.
Is Kang Jungu my father?
He's not.
Who is this Kang Jungu?
When you said...
my father died in an accident,
it was a lie, wasn't it?
Why did you hide it from me?
Hyejin!
How can I face people at school now?
Hyejin... Hyejin!
Hyejin... Hyejin.
I bought your favorite, herring.
I don't need it.
I'm not eating that!
Hyejin!
My father is not a murderer.
He died in a car accident!
Which way shall I go, Ma'am?
Turn left and then go straight all the way.
Aigoo... Come on in.
We have plenty of fresh fish caught this morning.
Didn't an ironworks shop use to be here?
That's right.
Who are you looking for?
I...
Nayoung!
Nayoung... It's you, right?
Eonni...
I'm sorry, Eonni.
I was always so busy in the States, I never called you.
It's all right, don't worry.
Now that you're here, everything's fine.
You look tired...
That's what the sea breeze does to you.
I'm all right.
I'm sorry, Eonni.
From now on, I'll take care of you.
Say Hi, she's your aunt. My sister.
How are you?
Fine... Come here.
What's your name?
Minjae.
Minjae?
Even your name is pretty.
So how many this year?
How old are you?
Twelve?
Looks like he can't speak Korean too well.
I do.
Right.
He's just not too good at counting.
I try to teach him all the time, but he forgets right away.
He can just learn as he goes.
Wait a minute... What's your favorite food?
Auntie will make you something tasty.
He already ate on his way here.
Then, let's have dinner together.
I need to go a little later.
Already?
We'll come by often, anyhow.
All right.
Mom...
I want to see the lighthouse.
Lighthouse?
I promised I'd show him the lighthouse.
If you head for the sea from the main road...
I've seen it on our way here. I'll be right back.
All right. Careful.
You've gotten even prettier.
I've heard about you.
So you're doing great in the States?
And how did you...
I read it in a magazine.
They talk about the lives of chaebol all the time.
Jungu Oppa...
Don't talk about him.
I'm trying hard to forget him.
You've resented me all this time, didn't you?
I didn't...
What are you saying?
You had to sacrifice yourself because of all my greed.
What are you talking about?
I liked Jungu, too.
If only I could turn it back...
If I could turn back time...
Let's not talk about that, shall we?
What difference would it possibly make?
As long as you're happy, that's it.
I'm fine.
I must have been out of my mind back then.
I just let the thought of trying to hang onto Youngmin...
Didn't I tell you I liked Jungu, too?
Don't cry...
Stop crying, Nayoung.
Shouldn't you go look for Hyejin?
It felt as if she was about to go crazy.
It's all right. I'll go look for her later.
I did tell my husband to find her, but...
It's all right.
Go look for her, she'll get into trouble.
Look at me...
Let me bring you something to drink.
Who is this Hyejin?
Did you and Jungu Oppa...
No...
Jungu went to prison,
and since I was too lonely by myself, I raised a girl from the orphanage.
How old is she?
Hey!
Hey, you!
Hey...
Take them off.
One hour in the sun and they'll get dry.
Go ahead and take them off.
They're too wet to wear them.
Take off your clothes.
Never mind, then.
Turn around.
But, tell me...
You can't even swim, and still tried to rescue me?
You thought I was trying to kill myself?
Why would I do that?
I actually did try to kill myself.
I tried, but the moment I went underwater and lost my breath,
I just started swimming without even realizing it.
So you're going to live alone?
I like it.
Still, you should have someone by your side.
The loneliness is only going to get worse as you age...
I might have brought her from an orphanage,
but she thinks I'm her real mother.
Have some.
I wish it could have been Jungu Oppa's daughter...
Again with that?
So he's your only son?
Why?
Have more.
It was hard enough giving birth to Minjae.
Remember? The doctor said it would be hard for me to get pregnant again.
I was worried, too...
Glad you made it.
Eonni...
What?
Deep down,
you resented me, didn't you?
Resent you?!
If I were you, I would have never forgiven me.
All I need to forgive you is to see you live a happy life.
I envy you.
You're doing everything you can to live a happier life,
but that doesn't work for me.
Nayoung.
Yeah, Eonni.
You've always been passionate.
What could you possibly do about it?
Right...
Let's just forget about the past,
and worry about the future.
That's what will earn my forgiveness.
Here, choose.
There are plenty more where these came from.
Pick another.
One is enough.
It's a gift, go ahead.
Actually, if it weren't for you, I'd be dead by now.
I was going to die swimming until I lost all my strength.
Why do you want to die?
You wouldn't understand.
Choose another.
You saved my life. See you again.
See you!
If I were you, I would have never forgiven me.
I just wanted to show you Hyejin.
Still going strong for an old fart like him...
Guess you'll have to wait another ten years to become chairman?!
I don't even know who her father is, what can I tell her?
Let's have a toast!
Let's all wish Chairman Kim Taejin long life and prosperity!
Cheers!
The youngest in-law is taking over...
Aigoo... That sly fox...
I looked everywhere for her.
Hyejin!
Why are you doing this to me?
The world is a cruel place, and only the strong can gain what they want.
And I will be born anew!
Mom...
Just for ten minutes, pretend to be my boyfriend.
Are we clear?