Episode 43
I'm sorry.
I was suddenly reminded of something.
I only found out that I was an orphan later on in life.
But more than resenting my parents for abandoning me, I wanted to meet them.
It would be natural to bear resentment against them.
Right... They abandoned their child, after all.
They must have had a reason.
Or else, why would they do something like that?!
Every time I spotted someone even remotely resembling me,
all the women felt like mothers, and all the men felt like fathers to me,
so I'd always happily smile at them.
"They must be out there, somewhere."
You really seem to be kind.
Missing your parents despite the fact they threw you away...
Because I must meet them at least once before they die.
So that I can spit in their face for all they did to me!
I wonder what someone who did something so terrible could look like.
Have you thought about how many cruelties are committed by people?
Abandoning a child is nothing compared to that.
What could possibly be worse than that?!
You'd be surprised!
How about children abandoning their old parents...
Yesterday on the news I saw this kid who was arrested for hitting his old mother...
just because she wouldn't give him money, cursing at her for being obsessed with it.
So I'm the one to blame, right? After all, they're my parents.
Nah...
I don't know who your parents are, but it's natural they should be ashamed.
Ehh... People these days...
Isn't it?!
Tell me about it... But actresses sure are different.
Seeing you raise your voice with those teary eyes choked me up.
How can you cry with such ease?
Whenever there's a crying scene in a film,
that's what I think about.
The face of those two people who threw me away and then ran as if it was nothing.
Then I won't even have to force tears out of my eyes.
Now that's smart... You're right.
I'm sure you'd cry at ease.
Did I miss anything fun?
Seeing you from afar, you looked like two lovebirds?
How can you joke about that?! She could be my daughter...
You don't look old enough to be her father, come on.
Maybe I'd give you... forty?!
President Yoon always makes fun of me like that.
So she can empty my pockets with a smile on her face.
By the way, I'm afraid I'll have to go.
I really have an important appointment.
Sorry again, Miss Baek.
It's all right.
It's not like we won't get to meet again, anyway.
It was a pleasure.
Ahh... Was just an excuse to shake hands with a star...
Didn't work too well?!
I'll go.
Thank you for the treat, Director Park.
I suddenly got an appetite?!
Let's finish this, shall we?
Director Jang called me. The Americans were even more convinced after meeting you.
They'll bring you to the States next month for a test.
What?
That's the man who abandoned you.
Don't jump to conclusions.
I just set this up so that he could help fund our film.
All right... I admit I did date him before getting married.
How do you think a poor girl like me can make it in life?
I might have gotten all the way to college, but graduating looked unlikely,
so I bought a little notebook, and wrote down the name of every rich boy in town.
So that I could choose wisely and then get married.
And go figure, rich guys are even more cunning that you'd expect.
Afraid that messing with the wrong girl could get them into trouble.
But after wasting a year doing that, I decided to stop.
Still... I always protected myself. Afraid it'd come back to haunt me later.
Is that why you got a job at that bus company?
Because you spotted the boss' son?
How do you know that?
You lie so often that you must have forgotten.
Why, did I ever tell you that?
You took me to that old bus terminal which has now been replaced by apartments,
and walked down memory lane with that touching little story of yours.
"I was pregnant, but they were against" this and that...
Did you make that all up as well?
That's true.
Is that really all you could do?
Even though you were smart enough to go to college?
And who was going to pay for my tuition?
We couldn't live off part-time jobs like kids do today.
And it's not like I could make money spending nights at a bar.
He told me this while you were away.
That his father used to run a bus company, and you worked there.
What's with the sigh now?
Didn't you do all this so that I could find out?!
So?
No.
Thank you.
For finally helping me realize who my father is.
I didn't want you to know.
You've had your fill with me, already. Of people making you suffer.
Did you tell him?
Who I am?!
Dealing with you is already hard as it is.
If I could erase you from my mind, I'd do it without any hesitation!
- Did it disappoint you so much? - Be honest.
You can't completely hate me, can you?
I grew up for months inside your womb,
how could abandoning me have been easy for you?!
Don't you feel anything at all?
I'm still your one and only child...
Don't you?
Let's get up.
Hurry up and send me to Hollywood.
If I spend a year there and come back, maybe things could change.
I'm...
I feel nothing for you.
If it weren't for Minjae, I wouldn't even be here.
What now...
I'm afraid you're starting to grow on me?!
If you let go of Minjae, it'll be a one-way ticket to stardom...
You brat... Who did you take after?!
What are you doing here?
Director Park doesn't know that you're my daughter.
So stop worrying.
He's not the kind of man who would bother you,
and he'd try to deny even if he knew, so...
I'll tell Minjae.
I'll settle things with him before leaving for Hollywood.
Why did you suddenly change your mind?
Wasn't that the condition for sending me to Hollywood?
Glad you realize it.
It's for Minjae's sake. Not for you.
I thought you had an appointment?!
How could I sit there any longer?
- Afraid she'd grow on you? - What?!
Wouldn't you get to know each other, anyway?
So you need to meet often to break the ice.
Does she know, too?
Did you tell her I'm her father?
I didn't tell her, but she might have realized it on her own.
She's a smart kid, you know...
All the better, why worry?!
You finally got your one and only child back.
So is that why she kept crying?
Ahh.... I'll be damned!
Half the budget, and I won't tell her a thing.
What are you taking me for?
Spare me the smirks. Is this really that funny?
Not really.
Shouldn't you feel a little guilt, at least?
I'll give you the money.
But don't you ever mention that I'm her father.
Or else I'll sell all those shares and you can kiss your flick goodbye.
I love money.
More than I'll ever love you!
It's my money!
Where are you?
Ulsan?
I'm outside the restaurant.
The board's still up?!
A few repairs here and there and it'll be as good as new.
I'll fix it whenever I have time.
Eonni.
It's you?
Why? Did he ask you to go live with him in Ulsan?
No...
Looks like he's really divorcing, why don't you just do it?
Are you thinking about it?
I won't get involved, so do whatever you want.
You mean that?
It's not because of the chief.
I just want to go back to Ulsan, that's all.
Make excuses, will you...
I can't live here. This place is just not for me.
So why didn't you listen to me? I'll settle the seizure, so go live there.
Did you come to tell me that?
Just felt a little upset.
What else is going on?
I told her to go shoot a film in the States,
and she agreed without putting up a fight, even saying she'd break up with Minjae.
That's good, so why?
- I finally tell her the truth, and now... - She's resentful?
You think?
I'm not sending her there for her own good, but to get her out of the way.
I slept with her one night, and she kept clinging to me.
Don't start wailing, dammit!
I came here to take a breather.
Give me a blanket, I'll take a nap.
Go to work... I don't want to talk.
Would you stand running a small business in the provinces after leading a chaebol group?!
I've got a lot to learn from you.
But I'm famous for always choosing things that make no money?!
It's what I really respect about you.
Feels good to be praised by Kim Youngjun, all right...
I'll be counting on you, then.
Ulsan used to be one of the most polluted areas in the country.
It took great sacrifice and effort to turn it into the environmentally-friendly city it is today.
- Everyone in the sector is praising you. - Ehh... You're flattering me.
We couldn't handle this alone, so we joined forces with other people who helped us.
And we kept pressing city hall to change their environmental policies.
Nice shot!
I'd be happy to see you again, then.
Uncle.
Let the boys handle the dirty work.
It's all right.
- Having fun? - Yes.
- What did you buy for Baek Ingi? - Nothing too expensive...
- Just... - Will take money, living with a movie star.
It's me.
Where are you?
I don't really see you from here?!
All right, I'll come out.
- Uncle, I'll go out a moment. - Baek Ingi?
Yes, she dropped by.
Minjae.
Yeah... Go. Let's talk later.
- Is anything the matter? - I'll tell you tonight.
Just go. She's waiting for you.
- Uncle... Ingi is just... - All right. Just go.
Ingi.
You look nice dressed like that.
I was working. Should I go get changed?
No, don't bother.
- DSY DNA Research Lab - DNA Test Report
- All "No Match" -
Hyungnim.
You stay out of this.
What gives you the right to get involved?
- Hyungnim, I just... - Hyungnim?!
I've never been your brother. Know your place, you bastard!
Ingi.
Don't say anything and just take it back.
I'll never be able to live like your mother.
I told you my grandfather gave us his approval.
And why should I mind your family for the rest of my days?
I told you, if that makes you uncomfortable, I can always leave.
I'll leave for the States next month.
I'm not going to lose the opportunity of a lifetime.
Sorry. For not keeping my promise.
Go shoot the film and come back. I'll wait for you.
- Minjae! - The practice range is doing great, Ingi.
- I told you I can succeed. - I don't want to marry some "practice range" owner!
If I really have to marry for money, might as well go for a chaebol like your mother did.
I want a glamorous life.
Go ahead... Laugh at me all you want.
I wasn't laughing at you.
It's just because you didn't mean a single word you said.
We can't get married anyway, Minjae.
I'll make sure my mother doesn't bother you again.
I said I don't want to!!
Stop fooling yourself, Kim Minjae.
You think giving up the chance to become a chaebol just to pursue love is cool?
That only happens in the movies.
People only like those stories because they can't happen in real life!
So wake up, Kim Minjae.
Love? Given the right price, anybody can buy it.
But even if they gave me the world, I'd still keep you instead, Ingi.
Stop getting in my way, Minjae.
I'm not going to let you ruin my life as well.
Ingi...
Just go.
How can you leave Minjae there all by himself?!
He's my brother.
He's what?!
Minjae is my brother!
Welcome, Ma'am.
Chief Yang. Still working here?
Thought you'd be retired by now...
What are you waiting for? It's the chairman's wife!
Could they remember me? Been a glorified maid for longer than I can remember...
Don't even joke about that, Ma'am.
I gathered the wives of all the new board executives.
Whenever you have time, they'd be happy to pay their respects.
- Respects? Whatever... - They should...
It's a matter of discipline, after all.
Madam Gahwedong always used to handle all the executives\ wives, you know.
All right, then. Hope you can help me out.
Yes, need to ask, Ma'am?
- Aunt, it's you? - Was he working here as a secretary?
- Yes, Ma'am. - As if we needed more embarrassments...
Chief Yang. Don't you know the old saying? Keep in-laws and latrines as far away as possible.
I'll find a solution right away.
Ma'am.
- Got here?! - Yes.
- Did you tell your father? - Yes.
- Ehh... Our Youngjae is so stubborn... - Why?
I keep asking him to work here, but he insists on running those coffee-shops.
I told you to listen to him, didn't I?
Business is doing great, why should I stop that?
You need to secure your spots before Minjae gains power!
Kim Seongjae.
Where would you like to be transferred?
- You don't really need to worry. - Why?
Are you going to just quit?
This is the reason why people are so obsessed with holding their seats.
Yeah... Wise decision.
You hate this job, why bother?! Right?
You better listen.
Secure your spots while your father is still in power.
Make sure people don't ever look down on you again.
Know how disheartened I was when Yoon Nayoung gave you that job at the dept. store?
And you wake up as well, or they'll take that seat away from you.
Put a magnet under my seat.
Don't you worry, Ma'am!
Aww... Hearing that "Ma'am" after so long, I'm so happy I could fly.
You really...
That's it.
Why are you bringing that to me? Take it to the chairman.
But since you still have decisional power...
We just had a personnel reshuffle, and there's another proposal already?
Tell me about it.
Take it back.
But, Vice-chairman.... Just approve it. If anything, for the chairman's sake...
If he really wants another reshuffle, tell him to approve it himself.
I looked around me, and it turns out you're the only one I can trust.
You used to be a staunch supporter of my husband.
- I just... - So for good old times' sake, help him out again.
Here.
Whose name is on the chairman's testament?
- But that's... - You won't regret telling me.
That's something only the chairman knows.
Then it means it's not my husband.
But that name could still change.
Since that testament will only be revealed after the chairman's death.
I suggest you think about it.
You're the only one who can turn the impossible into reality.
I wonder how much you'd be rewarded for that...
Ma'am, you're back?
What's with that?
- I... - Is anyone here?
Your youngest brother-in-law.
I'm here, Nayoung.
What are you doing here?
Felt bad for Minjae, so I was taking a look around.
What?
I was afraid he might have learned, so I took a look at his PC,
but thankfully everything seems all right?!
What do you think you're doing?
Get out of here.
Do I have to repeat myself?
Keep your voice down.
What if that maid hears you say that Minjae is not your son.
Went to the hospital to meet an old college mate of mine,
and I've heard this strange rumor.
That a certain chaebol asked for a DNA test to verify his paternity.
Something smelled funny,
so I handed him a little money, and got my hands on their records.
What do you want from me?
Just say the word. I'll give you anything you ask.
If it's money you want, then it won't be a problem.
You and Minjae are on the same boat.
Why should you subject him to all that suffering, too?
Minjae and I ride two very different boats, I'm afraid.
Because honestly, aren't Minjae and the chairman complete strangers?
I beg you, Youngshik.
All the shares I have will be yours. Please, Youngshik...
Let's suppose that'll take care of Minjae, but how about Baek Ingi?
What?! Baek Ingi?
Someone said secrets don't last long...
Anyhow, you're really impressive.
Keeping not one, but two huge secrets like that.
Help me, Youngshik!
I'll do everything you want.
I beg you... Don't... Don't do this to me.
Leave.
And stop trying to swallow everything in your way.
Or maybe you could call it quits and just hang yourself...
Wait, Youngshik!
I'll do everything you want, please! Minjae did nothing wrong!!
Aren't you having dinner?
Ma'am, are you all right?
Ma'am!
I tell her about the DNA test, and she suddenly grabs my leg...
So now you hold Yoon Nayoung in the palm of your hands?
She'll be trembling in fear every time she sees you, don't you think?
Oppa. For the time being, we must keep this secret.
Spill the beans at the wrong time, and we'll be the only ones losing out.
Think about it.
What if Yoon Nayoung just runs away in fear?
Hell, she might even commit suicide.
She's not that kind of woman.
You can push her into a corner all you want, but she'll still show you her teeth.
But Oppa, even cats leave mice a way out while hunting them.
Once they've got nothing left to lose, those mice might even bite him.
Just get what you want out of her.
All I need is the department store.
First we need to send Minjae crazy.
Why?
If he goes crazy, then it'll be over for both Yoon Nayoung and Youngmin.
Isn't that a little cruel?
Don't you think it's time people start treating me like a human being?
And for me to earn the chairman's affection.
Didn't you notice I came in?
What's with the make-up at this hour?
Thought I could pay your father a visit.
What for?
- How about dinner? - I ate it.
I'll go see him a moment.
Why would you meet him at this...
Oppa.
Think.
We're not dealing with a pushover here.
Think about how she's been living all these years.
You really think she'll take the fall all by herself?
Nayoung is not your real foe. Dad is.
He might be hugging you with a smile on his face,
but deep down he's never considered us his children.
See what happens if Minjae and Nayoung are kicked out.
Dad will just get a big weight off his shoulders.
So let's just get what we need out of her.
What's the point of taking it out on Minjae?
Don't you think, Oppa?
- What did Nayoung come here for? - You're asking me?
I guess she's here to whisper something in the chairman's ears, again.
But what's with the thick make-up?
I could smell it from a few rooms away.
Tell me about it...
She must have done that to look pretty.
And I'd have to admit she succeeded tonight?!
Do you call that pretty? Looked pale as a ghost...
Father.
I'll do everything you want.
Have you ever seen me not live up to my promises?
Once this shareholder's meeting is over, I'll wrap everything up and leave.
Why did you suddenly change your mind?
How could I possibly beat you?!
You told Mister Hong to dig up my past, didn't you?
Should have done it a lot earlier.
But, you know... I thought you knew everything already.
I didn't bother digging up what you did before you got married.
Why not?
Because you knew more about my parents than I could ever know?
I just never imagined you could be such a promiscuous woman.
So what did you manage to dig up?
I'm sure you found out about the man I dated before getting married.
- Good guess. - What else?
Don't give me that look, Father...
Just ask me whatever you want to know.
I'll tell you everything and get it over with.
Nothing really. You're leaving anyway, what would be the point?!
You never know.
Might change my mind and insist on staying here, maybe?!
Wouldn't do that if I were you. If only for Youngmin and Minjae's sake.
So if I leave, nothing will happen to them?
They're my boys, what could I possibly do to them?
Thank you, Father.
For being so kind to Minjae.
Forget all the rest, but your devotion to Minjae is admirable.
Are you going to let Minjae and Baek Ingi get married, Father?
What else can I do? He's fallen head over heels for her.
So you'd let him inherit the group even if he marries an actress?
Sure.
Why?
- What do you like so much about him? - Why are you asking?
I'm talking to someone who abandoned his own children.
But of all the grandchildren you have, I just can't believe Minjae would be different.
Minjae is special.
I've never seen such an innocent and kind boy before.
So how could an "innocent and kind boy" take over such a huge group?
By the time he takes over, the world will have changed.
There will come a time when people like me won't be needed any longer.
You can try to fix and mend a wrinkled sole all you want,
but the water will get through anyway.
Be it me, you, Youngmin or Youngjun, that's what our generation represents.
Then I'll trust you on that and tell you the truth.
Minjae and Baek Ingi are in no position to get married, Father.
What's that supposed to mean?
Baek Ingi is my daughter, Father.
Don't tell me there are things that escape even you?!
I can't believe it.
Did I hear that right?
You really didn't know?
How could I?!
Yes! Baek Ingi is my daughter. So of course she can't marry Minjae.
But, Father.
That's not the reason I promised I would leave.
Say what?!
I'm not the one who gave birth to Minjae, it was Yang Insuk.
I might have raised him, but Minjae and I have no blood ties whatsoever.
Still, I will leave.
I'll divorce with Minjae's father and move to the States.
That damned little...
Mister Hong? Come here immediately.
Come to Gahwedong right now and stop yapping!
Give me a little more time, Father.
- I'll wrap up everything and leave. - Don't bother.
You can go tomorrow.
I'll handle all the rest, so leave first thing in the morning.
Wicked tramp...
Afraid it doesn't work that way, Father...
What?! What did you just say?
Eat too quickly and you'll get indigestion, Father.
I told you that I'll leave when it's time, why rush me so much?
I even told you the truth about Baek Ingi, you really think I was hoping of staying here?
You better not abandon Minjae, Father.
Why aren't you answering me? Did you suddenly swallow your tongue?
- Why is he getting violent, all of a sudden? - Mother, don't go.
Get involved, and you might face consequences as well.
- How long have you known? - Chairman, I...
- You knew that, didn't you? - I just...
Keep lying, will you?!
Please, Chairman... I just... I just couldn't tell you that.
Did I ever say you could decide what to tell me or not?
You really think I'm living this way because I'm not as compassionate as you are?
Forgive me, Chairman. I should have thought this through.
Minjae.
Uncle.
Going home?
After waiting for you, I was going to check on Grandpa while on my way.
Is it urgent?
Nah... Go. Let's talk another time.
Yes, Uncle.
Where are you?
Did you drink?
Then I'll come get you.
No...
I was going to just sleep at my sister's place.
Is it okay with you?
All right.
Honey.
You could go on without me, right?
Right?
Drive carefully.
And send my regards to your sister.
I'm sorry, for asking you something so stupid.
Did anything happen between you and my father?
- Tell me. If anything happened... - If it did?
Will you settle it for me?
It's not something you can solve.
- I better go. - I...
I don't know why, but Dad's been acting a little strange as of late?!
Don't even dream about it.
He's not going to crumble that easily.
He should live much longer...
You really think he cares about you in the slightest?
He just let you take over now so he can leave everything to Youngmin later.
Ehh... Still, doesn't feel right.
- These days he's in bed all day. - I wish that was actually true.
If he could just get out of the way and let you be the chairman.
Like I'd ever be so lucky...
Shall we go pray up the mountains, then?
- So that Dad can croak? - Aigoo... Not that.
So that he can get back on his feet.
- Shall we really give it a try, Honey? - Stop it, come on.
Wash off that make-up, at least.
You weren't expecting anyone, right?
I'll take a nap here.
Sleep in my bedroom.
Look.
Plants are just like people.
They need to be nourished with love to grow into healthy trees.
- You don't feel dizzy anymore, Grandpa? - No.
Minjae, you give it a try.
You're good at this!
Aigoo... Wait. You shouldn't cut it so bluntly.
Think of this as your grandfather. As if you were cutting my hair.
Here... Gently, take it easy.
What are you doing, Ajumma?
You feed on air? Your fridge was completely empty.
Open it now. I filled it to the brim, so you'll be all right for a week.
If you want to get settled in the US, you better learn how to cook.
Of course you'll get a maid, but they won't work during weekends.
Go wash up. I'll finish the pumpkin gruel and the omelette.
What are you doing?
Step aside.
Did you suddenly get the urge to act like a mother?
I was making it for me. That temper...
Why do you keep showing up at my door and torturing me this way?
Fine! Eat breakfast, fast or do whatever the hell you please.
You really think I came here because I missed you?
I told you. I'll go shoot that movie.
I barely managed to convince Minjae, why do you keep tormenting me?
What did I do now? I had nowhere else to go so I just came here, all right?
Felt sorry? Seeing me all messed up and with make-up all over my face?
You only did that to make me suffer.
Don't act as you don't like me being here!
What?
You even covered me with a blanket while I slept on that sofa last night!
That's the reason why you keep coming here.
Am I wrong?
Wicked tramp...
Don't you ever come here acting like that again!
- Can't I go out too, Grandpa? - Isn't anyone else around?
- No one. I'll be right back. - Go ahead, then.
I'll be back in an hour, so keep an eye on the house for me.
So... Had anything to tell me?
- Yes. - What is it?
Go ahead.
If you've got anything to say, do it. Nobody's home.
Father.
Ehh Ehh... I don't have all day.
Are you going to frown all day or will you talk?
- You still resent me? - What are you talking about?
- The reason I sued you... - Why would I resent you?
Your mother told you, anyway...
She came looking for me the day before she died.
I didn't know that.
Doing some gardening with Minjae made me tired.
I'll go take a nap, what will you do?
- I'll stay here until Heejeong is back. - All right, then.
Don't wake me up.
For the time being, we must keep this secret.
Spill the beans at the wrong time, and we'll be the only ones losing out.
What are you doing here again?
Tell me... Can you really break up with Minjae?
- I told you I will. - And if Minjae refuses to let go of you?
- If he does that, what will you do? - I'll handle it.
Handle it how?
I'm sure it won't be easy.
But I can't marry him, anyway.
And if I divorce with his father?
Then Minjae and I would pretty much become strangers.
I'd only be the woman who raised him.
- It's still a no. - Why?
Because he'll learn I'm your daughter, so how can I possibly marry him?
I might have had my share of demons, but I'm not like you.
I'm sure you'd be more than capable of that.
You'd do everything to gain what you want, anyway.
But I want to see you do it.
You could be happy. If you and Minjae got married.
Where did you come from, anyway? Are you some alien from another planet?
I even thought about it...
The fact that if I was out of the picture,
it could actually work between you two.
Go have breakfast. You need to eat something.
Ajumma.
Are you okay?
You look like someone who's gone crazy.
Let go! Let me go!
Let go...
Didn't you tell me?
"I'll take you to hell with me."
I thought I told you not to wake me up?
Let's hear it.
- Or if you don't have anything to say... - Minjae...
Minjae what?
What about Minjae?
If I said Minjae wasn't Youngmin's son, what would you say to that?
Useless fool...
I have clear evidence that proves it, Father.
- You worthless little scumbag! - And I'll show it to you!
And you really think you're my son? You're no son of mine!
What you are.... What you are!!
You don't need to.
I'll go to hell alone.