THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION BASED ON THE LIVES OF KIM U-JIN AND YUN SIM-DEOK
SOME PARTS OF THE DRAMA MAY BE DIFFERENT TO ACTUAL EVENTS
AUGUST 4TH, 1926, 4:00 A.M. DEOKSUHWAN FERRY
CABIN NUMBER 3
"I am terribly sorry,
but please send my luggage back home."
TOKYO, 1921
"Whether the world tortures you or not,
value your own selves
and love the people.
All humans are the same.
We are all tortured by the same fate.
We all are misfortunate."
What do you think?
Do you think we can use it during our tour in Joseon?
"Kim Young-il's Death."
I plan to use this for our first performance.
We did it.
-We did it! -Yes, we made it!
If others hear you, they might think that our country has been liberated.
Are you that exhilarated that your piece will be used?
It must be more meaningful because U-jin acknowledged the piece.
KIM YOUNG-IL'S DEATH
With this, the three new pieces
that we'll use for the tour has been decided.
I believe that this show will not only help raise the fund for our association,
but will also be of great help in the development of Joseon's art.
Furthermore, the presentation of new plays and music
will motivate the people of Joseon
to feel a sense of pride in their country's art.
Art is great and so is the sense of pride,
but why does it have to be me?
Then what can we do?
You're the best at imitating women.
Me?
There's an actual woman sitting right there, so why me?
Didn't you see
Gi-ju's acting earlier?
I told you. I'm in charge of playing the piano.
Well, if you're really that unhappy, there is someone else who can do it.
Who? Who is it?
Tell me. Who is it?
Well... It's...
Who is it?
Hold on.
Look at the score,
and interpret the last measure's lyrics.
I'm going to wait for him with my unwavering trust.
Exactly. This piece is about a woman
who is yearning and waiting for her lover.
She doesn't even know when he will come back.
So you shouldn't sing so cheerfully.
Okay, I understand.
Sim-deok.
Have you ever yearned for someone you loved?
Not yet, ma'am.
A song that doesn't carry the singer's sincerity is fake.
One day,
I hope you will be able to
really understand the meaning of the lyrics.
All right. Since you do not know how it feels,
try imagining the singer's feelings. Let's try again.
Yes, ma'am.
Sim-deok.
An association?
It's an association created by students from Joseon and self-supporting students.
They have asked us to perform in Joseon during this upcoming summer break.
What's the purpose of that show?
The association's purpose is to gather enough money to build a hall.
Our purpose is to promote these new plays and Western music
and enlighten our people.
Isn't that...
a bit dangerous?
I'm not sure if I want to do that.
For now, just come by.
You can decide after watching.
I'll just stop by then.
Okay.
8-4 TOTSUKA, SHINJUKU, TOKYO
"Watch.
Watch how love takes from you.
The moment you underestimate love as nothing but a gentle strength,
you have made a mistake.
Love is something you use to your advantage.
To love is to take unsparingly."
Takeo Arishima.
I don't agree with him.
How could taking unsparingly be understood as love?
It can't be helped when you are in love.
True love means to give unsparingly no matter what.
Why are you reading a Japanese book in Korean?
I will answer once you explain why you barged in unannounced.
Well...
The door was left ajar.
I never left it open.
Moreover, I never gave you permission to enter.
I am terribly sorry to have interrupted your precious reading time.
I'll leave then.
You're here early.
Did you
introduce yourselves?
Oh, I guess not.
Her name is Yun Sim-deok.
She is 25 years old.
She's majoring in Vocal Music at Ueno College of Music.
And this is Kim U-Jin.
He's 25 years old. He's majoring in English Literature at Waseda University.
Come to think of it, you're the same age.
-It's nice to meet you. -I beg to differ.
I heard that you are talented in acting. I also heard you've acted in a new play.
That's why I'd like you to perform with us.
No, thank you.
I don't have time for something like that.
Bye.
If you're are Korean,
shouldn't you do anything and everything for your country?
That's exactly why I won't do it.
What do you mean?
I barely managed to come here to study with the government's money.
What if I fail to become a soprano because of your show?
Will you take responsibility?
You're going to ignore your country so you can live a good life?
Our country's a mess right now so I, at least, should live a good life.
Do as you please.
After hearing about your major, I didn't expect you to be good at acting.
Anyway, have a great life.
I'll do it.
However,
I have two conditions.
She'll perform with us, but she'll only sing?
And if she gets into danger midway,
she'll quit immediately?
These are her conditions?
Do we really need to work with her if it means we have to accept those conditions?
I think if we add singing to the show it will enrich it.
Ms. Yun Sim-deok will be joining us starting from the next rehearsal.
What kind of person do you think she is?
She's a good person. She's outspoken as well.
All right. Let's call it a day.
TAKEO ARISHIMA
What kind of person do I think she is?
He's so unreasonable.
Then why did you agree to perform
with a guy like him?
Didn't you say it could be dangerous?
I wanted to see how good it is.
-See how good what is? -The new play he's preparing.
I want to see how good it is
for him to look down on me like that.
And I'm going to show him
how good I am at singing.
Is that so?
Excuse me, U-jin.
Thank you.
Your father sends letters to you
every single day.
How sweet of him.
KIM U-JIN SHINJUKU, TOKYO
Don't splurge, and use the money wisely.
Don't read useless books
and do not even put them on your desk.
I allowed you to study English Literature as you wished,
so once you finish your studies and return to Joseon,
live the life I want you to live.
I'll be in touch.
The collaboration with Gi-ju
was fine but it sounded quite sad.
I'd rather it be cheerful since reality is quite depressing.
Gi-ju, I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
You sounded amazing though.
It's all right.
And...
The musical session is now over,
so let's move on to the play.
Kyosuke Tomoda will be helping us with directing.
I'm Kyosuke Tomoda.
I hope we get along well.
Heung-su.
My fate lies in your hands.
Hwa-bong!
Hold on.
Is that the face of someone who's hugging her lover?
Stop.
Hold on.
I can't do this.
Stop whining, or I'll make you do worse things.
Goodness me. U-jin, I'll do better!
Heung-su, I promise to do better.
I love you, Heung-su.
All right then. We'll wrap up today's practice.
Gosh.
-Good job, everyone. -Good job.
Sim-deok, would you like to grab dinner with me?
I'm sorry, but I have an axe to grind with someone.
What?
I see he already left.
Goodness.
All right.
A bowl of noodles, please.
I never said I'd have that.
It's for me.
A bowl of noodles--
Just kidding. It's for you.
Thank you.
Why...
did you in such a hurry earlier?
I was hungry.
How did you know about this place?
There is no Korean in Tokyo who doesn't know about this place.
That's true.
Take your time then.
Wait a second. I have something to say to you!
You'll empty the pot at this rate.
What is that you wanted to say?
How could you do this to me?
From the first day we met,
you've been belittling me.
You think I am a pathetic girl who doesn't care about her country.
That's not true.
A show in our home country?
That's great,
but what difference would it make?
We've already lost our country,
so what good would western music and plays do?
They have no power.
You're right.
However,
I'm only trying to hold onto my country in my own way.
Our country is being trampled on,
but I want to show that our spirits are still alive
in the form of a play.
Isn't that also the reason
why you sing?
If you weren't belittling me,
then why did you only comment on other people's performances
but not on mine? It was embarrassing.
I just didn't have anything to say.
What?
I didn't need to comment on it
because it was very beautiful.
When we first met,
you asked why I was reading a Japanese book in Korean.
Well, it's not to forget that I'm Korean.
Anything else?
Well, no...
We should get going then.
Why couldn't you have said that sooner?
Kim U-jin...
What about my family?
-Look-- -My poor mother and sister...
I'd like you to say that line with a bit more despair.
-It didn't sound sad... -Sim-deok.
Oh, yes.
-Shall we begin? -Sure.
Hold on.
The rehearsal must cost quite a sum of money.
How are you covering it?
We're all pitching in to some level,
but U-jin is taking care of most of it
with the money he receives for his own expenses.
I guess it's true what Nan-pa said.
He said that U-jin's passion
for writings and plays is boundless.
I DIDN'T LIKE HIM, BUT MY MEMORY OF HIM TORTURES ME...
Gosh, I'm late because of the rain,
but everyone's here already.
Excuse me, Myeong-hui.
Is there something going on with U-jin?
It's just that he's been absent for two days.
I'm worried about the show since our director isn't here.
There's no need for you to worry.
He'll be back in a few days once he shakes it off.
Is U-jin...
sick or something?
This is Mr. Kim's room.
Thank you.
"As time goes by,
tears stream down because of the wound that can't be healed.
Not being able to bear it, I cry.
But why does it sit deep as if there's a fire
burning inside me?
-If I were a child..." -If I were a child,
and cried in pain,
my mother would call for a physician.
If I were a child,
my mother would bring me cold water for my burning heart.
If I were a child
and was sick,
a good night's sleep would wash it away.
"However, since I am not a child,
the wound keeps digging deeper inside.
If only I were a child...
By Soosan."
Who's Soosan?
What are you doing?
EPISODE 2 WILL AIR SHORTLY
Just so you know, I knocked.
I didn't barge in or anything.
Myeong-hui told me that you were sick.
There's nothing worse than to fall sick
when you're alone and away from home.
I made some porridge for you.
Back in Gyeongseong,
I used to make it for my younger siblings,
so my porridge is to die for...
I see that you're not a fan of it.
Still, you should eat up.
We need you back at the studio.
A writer should keep his books on the desk,
not on the floor.
You should leave.
I will when it stops raining.
I didn't bring an umbrella.
You walked all the way here in the rain then?
Well, you see...
It didn't rain on my way here.
I'll lend you mine.
I actually don't like borrowing things from others.
It stopped raining.
What? Already?
Where did you go earlier?
I just went out for some fresh air.
U-jin.
I thought it'd take a few more days. Are you better?
Yes, thanks to a special treat from someone.
Which was what exactly?
I heard from Myeong-hui that
you always fall sick for a few days around this time of year.
It's the anniversary of my mother's death, so I take a few days off.
I hate having to explain myself, so I tell them I'm sick.
After my mother died when I was five,
my father remarried three times.
Because I was so young,
I barely have any memories of her,
but I try to cling on to what little I have.
That's why I spend a few days just thinking about her.
I'm only telling you this because you think I'm sick,
so don't take it seriously.
To have someone long and yearn for you
is a happy feeling.
I'm sure your mother will be very happy too.
Also, that poem I read...
It was incredible.
I'd actually love
to read more of your work.
Do you write plays too?
No, not yet.
They try writing one. I mean, you love plays.
Why aren't you saying anything?
Don't you want to write one?
I do like them.
Sorry?
Plays, I mean. I like them.
Yes, of course.
I didn't realize we had walked this far.
You should get going then.
Thank you for earlier.
For picking up my books.
Oh, that.
How was the porridge though?
I thought it was pretty good.
I beg to differ.
What? But I made it especially for you.
I was only mimicking you.
"I beg to differ."
Everyone,
you must help me.
Tell us what this is about.
My mother is in critical condition.
-I just heard the news-- -Open up!
Who is it?
Open up!
Open this door immediately!
Open up!
I was on a roll just now.
Who is it?
Open up!
Move!
What is the meaning of this?
You're being disrespectful.
Are you Korean?
What brings you here, officers?
You sound like a native.
Are the others Korean?
We're students
rehearsing for a show to put on stage, so--
I asked if they were Korean,
not what they're doing here.
Well...
Yes, we're Korean.
Talk in our native language.
I am doing so.
Korean is my native language.
You obnoxious Korean pig! How dare you!
I clearly told you to speak our language.
His Japanese isn't fluent enough yet, sir.
If you tell me why you're here,
I can explain it to him.
These days,
malcontent Koreans and socialists with impure intentions
meet up often to cook up ruses together.
That's not what we're doing, sir.
That is for us to decide.
You two.
-Search this place. -Yes, sir!
Search over there!
KIM YOUNG-IL'S DEATH
That is a script for a new play we're working on, sir.
We didn't find anything suspicious, sir.
Mark my words.
If you cause any trouble, you Joseon people
will be brutally punished according to the Public Order and Police Law.
-Let's go! -Yes, sir.
Move!
Now that we've cleaned up the mess,
let's share our opinions.
Shall we continue the rehearsal for our show?
Or should we stop here?
I personally think that we should stop here.
I'm a little scared.
The police won't barge in again like they did today.
Staging a new play in our mother tongue in Joseon
is certainly very meaningful.
But if someone is put in danger again because of that,
-I'm against the plan. -That won't happen again.
The script has been censored,
and the police know that we're not deeply involved with the association.
But the thing is,
Hae-seong does have a point.
We started planning the show because of the association's suggestion,
so we cannot deny our connection with them altogether.
Why are you all such cowards?
We were all excited about being able
to perform a show in our language in our motherland.
Isn't that why everyone has been rehearsing so passionately?
The director, U-jin, said it'll be fine,
so nothing will happen.
And on that note,
let's all cheer up, okay?
Why are you just sitting there? Go change into your dress.
Okay.
What?
I saw the heels over there.
You have the score, right?
Yes, it's on the piano.
Let's go, everyone. We can do this!
Let's start again from where we left off.
All right.
Gi-ju.
At first, I thought you were reckless.
I thought it was foolish to rebel against something you can't win.
But I don't think that way anymore.
It's fine even if we can't change anything.
The fact that we're trying something with hope is what matters.
Thank you.
For changing the way I think.
I should thank you as well.
For recognizing my sincerity.
Youth.
Oh, youth does not wait for us.
Coldy, like a flowing stream.
Sadly, like a wilting flower.
Our youth is fleeting.
My gosh! Oh, no.
I am so sorry!
Tomoda!
-I'm sorry. -Tomoda!
-I'm sorry. -Guys, look at him.
Tomoda!
You should wash this.
-Really? -Yes.
Oh, youth is just like a handful of sand we encounter while riding
the waves of life.
Here we go.
With all your might, hurl it at the tides.
Make them snarl and howl.
All of you have worked very hard for the past two months.
We'll leave for Joseon tomorrow.
Including our last show in Gyeongseong,
we'll be performing in over ten cities.
Just perform like you did in the rehearsals,
and I'm sure that our show will be amazing.
Tomoda, thanks for all of your help and support for the past two months.
Thanks a lot.
No problem.
Good luck, everyone.
I'll be here looking after the stage.
-Thank you. -Good work.
-Thank you so much. -All right, guys.
I'll see you all tomorrow.
Aren't you guys leaving?
This reminds me of the day that I left Joseon.
It was sunny like today.
I was brimming with excitement,
thinking that I can finally learn vocal music and sing.
And today, I'm as excited as I was that day.
I finally have a chance to sing in my motherland.
-Come to our show. -Come watch our show.
Please check out our show.
Keep it up.
Gosh, all right.
-Please come and watch our show. -Sure.
Take that malcontent Korean to the precinct now.
-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.
Ten years ago, we had freedom.
But today on this land,
freedom no longer exists.
What are you waiting for? Take him right now!
Please forgive us just this once!
Do not be servile.
I will honorably let them take me.
Yeong-il!
Gosh, I'm so nervous.
Just sing as you've been practicing. Then it'll be great.
U-jin, could you stand here and watch me?
I think it'll help me feel less nervous.
I will.
It seemed like the show in Gyeongseong would never come,
but the tour is already over.
I know.
How many years do you have left until you graduate?
I'll be graduating in three years.
What will you do after graduation?
Gosh.
I shouldn't have asked you that question.
I know that you have to go back to your hometown.
What about you, Myeong-hui? What's your plan after graduation?
I don't want to be in Joseon or Japan.
I'd like to go somewhere far
to experience a broader world.
I'm sure you'll become a great writer, no matter where you are.
It'd be wonderful...
if you could keep writing as well.
The music is nice.
Gi-ju, would you like to dance with me?
Me?
Sim-deok, I'll be back in a bit.
May I have this dance?
Well, I was...
Let's dance.
Now that the last show is over,
you must be a bit sad.
Yes.
I think I'll miss every single moment
that we spent together.
What are you staring at?
Nothing.
Here, let me pour you a glass.
Do you like U-jin?
Or do you love him?
Either way,
you should stop here.
Why...
should I?
Because your pain will become greater
as your feelings for him grow.
You see,
I have no idea what you're talking about now.
-Gosh! -What's going on?
-What's happening? -Who are they?
Who is the leader of the troupe that just finished their tour?
That'd be me. What is the matter?
Take him.
Yes, sir.
What happened?
I don't think they'll let him go today.
He probably won't be released for a few days.
The script was censored and approved. What is the problem?
I heard it's because of that line.
Ten years ago, we had freedom.
But today on this land, freedom no longer exists.
But it's true.
We simply stated a fact. Is that a crime?
Why does he have to get locked up?
They want to set an example to show what can happen
when we talk about freedom in Joseon.
I should head home now.
Oh, right.
We should call it a night too.
JONGNO POLICE STATION
PASSIONATELY, I LISTENED TO THE CURSES PUT ON MY FATE
SHE WAS THE ONLY SAFE HAVEN IN MY LIFE BESIEGED BY THE DEVIL
FROM THE NOVEMBER 26, 1921, ENTRY OF HIS JOURNAL, TRACE OF HEART
HYMN OF DEATH