Come here, ride my back and we'll play. Come here, ride my back and we'll play.
Love, love, love, my love. What a love, my beloved.
Yes... my love. Oh... my love.
What would you like to eat? What would you like to eat?
A poked round watermelon poured with sweet white honey?
Take the seeds out and taste a juicy red piece. Savor it all in one big bite.
No don't want any.
Then what would you like to eat? What would you like to eat?
A short, thick, and oval sweet cucumber, eggplant, or melon?
No don't want any.
Then what would you like to eat? What do you like to eat?
Would you like cherries or grapes? A taffy or tangerine candy my dear?
Then my love...
What would you like to eat? What do you want to eat?
Sour apricots after you're pregnant with Young Lee's baby?
No don't want that either. Oh... my love.
Go away, let me see your backside. Come here, let me see your front.
Crawl like a baby. Would like to see you crawl. Smile, for would like to see your inside.
Then my love...
Traditional music is good and all but how are we going to stand it for 5 hours?
I think there is a reason why we were told to watch it.
What reason? It's the same old tale of Chunhyang
Hey, over here!
- Why are you so late? - I'm sorry.
Don't laugh! Stop laughing You can't hide anything, can you?
Hey, isn't anyone going to buy the pamphlet? We're going to need it for the report.
Do you know what the story is all about? This isn't a joke!
I might fall asleep.
Hey, you have to be awake when I'm asleep and will stay awake when you are a sleep.
There are six of us here. Why don't we take turn watching, 50 minutes each?
I'm tired and have a back pain. I can't take it for too long.
I'm going to get some information on the net for my report. You guys go ahead and watch it.
Traditional art has never disappointed me. You should watch it.
Just hang in there.
It will take 5 hours to complete the performance.
Performing for 5 hours is going to be exhausting for me and you.
We'll have two intermissions.
You can use the bathroom for peeing or crapping
during those intermissions.
To be more polite, urination and defecation.
The show... I'll do my best till the very last minute of it.
I ask you to encourage me so can do my job well.
From the beginning to the very end.
Thank you.
Namwon town of Honam Province
was known as Dae- bang region long ago.
On the east is Chiri Mountain. On the west is Chuksung River.
Water flowed southwards with high mountains above.
Full of spiritual energy,
Namwon bred many pretty people.
With endless graves of loyal officials,
can unswerving loyalty not exist?
In King Sukjong's early reign,
there lived the only son of a local governor.
He was 15 years old.
Since he was handsome and righteous,
he was a great man.
On one fine day,
he called his servant Pangja...
- Hey Pangja! - Yes master.
I've been here several months,
but I've yet to go sightseeing. Do you know of any good places?
Why does a diligent student like you need to know?
You're foolish.
All the greatest scholars have visited famous sights.
So tell me now.
As you wish Master Lee. I will tell you outline
Out the north gate, Kyoryong Fortress is a good place.
Out the west is Sonwon Temple and to the east is Kwan Mausoleum.
To the south is Ojak Bridge, and Yongju Pavilion.
They say they're the best places to visit in the south provinces.
From what you said Kwangharu seems the best.
Go get the horse ready.
But your father forbids this and we'll get into trouble.
I'll just get permission.
Go mount the saddle!
He mounted the horse,
and Pangja leads the way.
As he leaves the South Gate,
a fan shaped like a crane's yellow wing,
he flips it open and blocks the sun.
As he travels down the South Road,
the breezy dust from each trot,
flutters in the air with the scent of peach flowers...
The governor's son is out.
Juksung Mountain in the morning
is still covered by late fog.
The river water reflects green willows and flowering trees.
The spring wind blows gently.
The beautiful columns
soar high into the sky.
The purplish- red tower embraces the sunlight and shines radiantly.
Must be Kwangharu.
Kwangharu is beautiful,
but Ojak bridge is better.
If it is really Ojak bridge,
then the legend of Gyunwoo and his love Jiknya must be true.
I'll be the Gyunwoo star on Ojak bridge,
but who shall be my Jiknya?
- Pangja. - Yes, master.
Today, we'll drink as friends not as master and servant.
Who is the oldest of you two?
Master, he's a few years older.
Then you have a drink first.
Take this drink. Today's your day.
It's really great
"I didn't recognize spring's arrival. "
"But everywhere, peach flowers blossomed already. "
"A pair of butterflies left the peach flower,
but they returned missing it. "
White and red flowers. White and red flowers
from the flowery forest an angelic girl appears.
Like the sun or moon,
this beautiful girl appears.
She arrives in a forest
for have a swing
with a girl about her age.
The long twisted ropes,
she grabs them with her delicate hands.
She leans once,
and swings up.
She leans again,
and swings back.
If she flies higher,
she'll meet the Sowangmo angel.
If she flies lower,
she'll meet the ancient Yoji empress.
She is a girl,
but also an angel.
One moment she's far away,
the next she's very close.
Her swings in and out
are like a swallow's springs
Her lovely motions put Mongryong in a spell.
- Hey, Pangja. - Yes... Yes, master.
- Look over there. - Where?
Where my fan is pointed idiot.
Oh, the wrestling match we passed by.
Look carefully.
Can't you see that girl swinging in the forest?
Looks like a fair maiden on a swing. Let's go inside...
You think a fair maiden would be out here on a swing?
You fool. You should even recognize a passing dog in your hometown.
Oh, her name's Chunhyang. She's an old courtesan's daughter.
Looks like her maid Hyangdan is with her too.
A courtesan's daughter... This is good.
Pangja. Go and bring her here.
- Please can't... - Pangja!
She won't come.
Even though her mother's a courtesan Chunhyang is arrogant,
So refuse become a courtesan do weaving and sewing
well- read, and writes poems. She's like a noble's daughter.
She's a courtesan's daughter. So can't ask to see her face?
Bring her to me now.
Oh master... Many officials, penniless rakes,
and even nobles of Namwon tried endlessly to seduce her, but they all failed.
That's nonsense.
The world's precious beauties are destined to have an owner.
So go and get her.
Pangja obeys and runs for Chunhyang.
A fast, chic, and charming Pangja.
Yet a flippant, fluttery, and sly Pangja.
Like a blue bird delivering a letter to Sowangmo,
a clever and quite cunning Pangja.
He wears an ox felt hat with silk straps,
a fake jacket and linen pants.
With a stick for a pipe,
and the front end of his garment tied to his back,
he takes one step,
and takes another.
Step, step, step, step away.
He breaks a branch,
and plays around with his staff.
Cross here and there
He picks up a stone,
and throws it at a willow tree
to scare the birds away.
After his childish play,
In front of proposing Chunhyang
he runs to the forest swing
and yells as loud as he can...
...Chunhyang!
Oh gosh! You fool! My lady almost had a baby on the swing!
What? A baby? Can you believe it? A virgin gave birth!
I meant she almost fell, you idiot.
Chunhyang, there's a big problem.
What is it?
The governor's son came to visit Kwangharu. He saw you on the swing,
and wants to meet you. So let's go.
How come the governor's son is interested to meet me?
Chunhyang is this... Chunhyang is that...
Pangja, you must've squealed everything about me.
Chunhyang. If you're a fair lady then you should've swung
in your front or backyard.
Tie a rope to your tree and make your own swing.
But in this open field you flaunt your bare ankles,
ease us with your raised dress pretty smile, and giddy laugh,
So no wonder he fell for you.
Let's go!
I may be a lowly person but I'm not a courtesan.
So as a fair lady, you can't just drag me to any man. So go alone.
Chunhyang, wait! Do you want to get into serious trouble?
The governor will torture you
for being rude to his son. Is that what you want?
Well, Pangja, How can a flower call a butterfly
Then tell him this. "The wild geese desire the sea the crabs desire their holes, and a butterfly desires a flower. "
You idiot! I didn't tell you to chase her away.
I didn't do such a thing.
She cursed me in words I didn't understand.
And told me to repeat them to you.
What words?
She said, "the wild geese desires flowers... " ... or was it the other way.
Really? They're not insults but a proverb with deep meaning.
Like the wild geese desire the sea the crabs their holes, and a butterfly's flower,
"The wild geese desire the sea the crabs desire their holes,
and a butterfly desires a flower. " She wants me to go to her place.
Let's go.
Now?
My father granted half a day so we've got to go back.
Studying in nature is one of the scholar's ways,
but you're forgetting to balance your body and mind.
Don't forget to follow the 'six exercises of a scholar,'
such as archery and horseback riding. Don't forget to do these things.
If you get sleepy reading old classics read this book to stay awake.
Young Lee sits at his desk under Chunhyang's spell.
He sees the six officials and Pangja, and it's Chunhyang.
His mother, and it's Chunhyang. And his father, it's Chunhyang.
Shapes of the 'Gwon'... the shape of a sphere, a cube Chunhyang's shape, my shape, the shape of lovers...
they sleep together, and make a baby's shape.
Master Lee, what kind of book is that?
- 'The Book of Changes'. - No, it's the 'Book of Lovers'.
Is there anything about my shape too?
No. There's nothing about lowly servants.
Bring me the 'Book of 1000 Characters. '
Why read a beginner's book to study for your test?
The Book of 1000 Characters is the base of Korean classics
Because each character has profound meaning.
The sky was created on the first hour.
Before four seasons existed,
in the empty space lies the 'sky'
The earth was created on the second hour.
Since it's composed of minerals, wood, water, and fire,
everything is born and raised by the 'earth'.
The profound and delicate color
of the North God is 'black'.
The color symbolizing the first of the five musical scales,
and the center of four sides is 'yellow'.
We can see thousands of miles away
on the large and high 'pavilion'.
Through the past and the present
is the infinite and endless 'space'.
The nine rules, spread by Kija, that govern the heaven and earth is "broad. "
Children are bound to take after their parents.
You will pass the civil service exam just like your father.
Yes, dragon bears dragon and phonix bears phonix.
Go see how far the sun has fallen.
It hasn't set yet, master.
Why does it move so slow today?
It seemed to run so fast yesterday,
but today it must have a boil in its foot.
The guard shouts...
Young Lee is ecstatic and says...
Let's go to Chunhyang's house.
Pangja leads the way.
On the way to Chunhyang's home,
a wide, dusty road leads into a trail,
while the moonlight seeps through the clouds.
And with the green willows between the flowering trees,
the night is so lovely.
When they arrive at Chunhyang's home,
on the left is green pine trees,
on the right is green bamboo trees.
The wavy pine trees stand calm.
What shall we do now, master?
Call her.
Sir think it would be better if you call her yourself.
Just do as said. Call her now.
Chunhyang! Are you awake?
My master is here so come out this instant!
- Come out this instant! - Is this some prank?
It's me Pangja.
What are you doing here?
I've brought the governor's son.
What? The governor's son? You fool!
You should've told me earlier he was coming.
Look at you.
You're better off worrying
about your underpants instead.
Oh gosh!
Hyangdan! Go open the gate for them.
Master Lee, it's an honor to have you at our humble home.
Please do come in.
Lotus Pavilion... '
The writing is refined and graceful.
Who wrote this?
It's a girl's clumsy writing.
Although a lotus blossoms from clay,
it's clean and enchanting and its scent travels for miles.
Scent more farther and purer
The farther a lotus scent travels the fresher and purer.
Your scent is full of the Namwon
Your scent fills my room and intoxicates me.
Instead of the lotus you're the best flower, Chunhyang.
A painting of the famous Minister Kang.
Did you draw this too?
You're making me blush, Master Lee.
While fishing with no bait,
he waits forever to meet King Moon and later fulfills his dream.
Up the world and becoming a hermit, it's an ambitious life that u
Your wish to meet a good husband is shown in the painting.
Did you come here thinking I was an easy courtesan?
You're a talented writer and so am I.
Don't you think it's fate that brought us here together?
Hyangdan... He's fallen for Chunhyang so you have to serve him well.
If things go well, all of Namwon might be Chunhyang's.
And you'll be blessed with good fortune.
Wolmae... Part of the reason why
I brought him here is for me. So put in a good word for me.
Come on Wolmae. It's time for me move up too. So can brag about myself.
You're out of your mind. Don't steal my part of the gold.
Wolmae... Wolmae?
Just shut up and pull out the chicken hairs.
Master Lee, this is my mother.
- It's my honor to meet you. - Good evening.
If knew you were coming I would've greeted you formally.
What brings a noble young man to our house this evening?
- Please come in and sit comfortably. - Thank you.
A few days ago I saw Chunhyang at Kwangharu,
and instantly adored her like a butterfly desiring a flower.
How would you feel if took Chunhyang's hand as my wife?
You're the son of a noble,
but Chunhyang is of a low class.
If the butterfly just came to pick the flower and leave, our world will be miserable.
So please stay and just have a drink with us.
I know this is informal but think this is fate also.
I'll be a good husband so give me your permission.
When her father was the governor of Namwon,
he picked me as his courtesan for one night and so she was conceived.
He promised to take us to Seoul,
but he passed away suddenly. So raised her all by myself.
And did it with the utmost care.
Since you're so insistent I could give you my approval,
but it's not my decision.
Chunhyang, what do you think?
Since Master Lee is so intent does a lowly girl have a choice?
But... Since the future is unforeseeable please vow... your eternal love for me.
My love for you will never change like the sun and the moon.
His name means "dream" and "dragon. "
This is amazing!
I had a dream of a blue dragon submerged in a pond full of flowers.
I was startled and woke up to find out it was the Dano day.
I sent you to swing even though you wanted to stay in.
That has brought this wonderful turn of event.
Chunhyang, my baby. Every woman does it.
Don't be scared and do what he says.
Also... Lay this on the floor.
He has to know you are a virgin. So don't forget to show this to him, okay?
Chunhyang, come here. The night is late. Let's sleep.
I don't want to.
Listen to me and come here. They say for a married couple
ever-lasting happiness depends on the first night.
But if you grab the wife's hand they say it's bad luck.
The moon is bright. Oh yes, it is bright.
The moon is brighter than ever.
My wretched moon is bright. The reflection from Chunhyang's room is bright.
When was young I was known as "Bright Moon" of Namwon,
Wolmae Wolmae
but am bright no more as my face grew old.
As one day, two days and several days pass,
the young lovers' shyness disappears,
and they grow fondly intimate. One day, as they hug and roll around,
they enjoy the 'Love Song. '
Come here, ride my back and we'll play. Come here, ride my back and we'll play.
Love, love, love, my love. What a love, my beloved.
Yes... my love. Oh... my love.
What would you like to eat? What would you like to eat?
A poked round watermelon poured with sweet white honey.
Take the seeds out and taste a juicy red piece. Savor it all in one big bite.
No don't want any.
Then what would you like to eat? What would you like to eat?
A short, thick, and oval sweet cucumber, eggplant, or melon?
No don't want any.
Then what would you like to eat? What do you like to eat?
Would you like cherries or grapes? A taffy or tangerine candy my dear?
Then my love...
What would you like to eat? What do you want to eat?
Should Master Lee eat a sour apricot?
No don't want any. Oh, my love.
How did they find out? Who's the bastard that told them?
When the morning cock cried the governor suddenly came and demanded your whereabouts
Forgive me had no choice.
Since your father knows already don't try to lie to him.
Tell him you won't leave anymore and you'll concentrate on the exam.
My love, my treasure, my joy.
Oh yes... you're my beloved.
When you die, become a flower.
A peach flower that blossoms in the spring.
When die I'll become a tiger butterfly.
On a beautiful spring day,
if dance around you,
then recognize it is me.
If the flower withers the butterflies don't visit anymore
Seek for Butterfly, Bird, and Flower
So don't want to be a flower.
Then there's another after you die.
You become the Bell of Chongno,
and I'll be the hammer that hits it.
In the night, I'll hit it 28 times,
In the day, I'll hit it 33 times.
When hit you,
recognize it is me.
Don't want to be a bell.
Then there's another after you die.
You'll be the Yin,
such as the 'earth', 'shade,' 'wife',
and 'woman'.
I'll be the Yang,
such as the 'sky', 'sun', 'light',
husband', and 'man'.
'Son' become a word
'woman' and 'like'
We will live happily forever when we become 'one'.
- Hey Hyangdan. - Oh my gosh! You're bad.
Master Lee.
Master Lee!
What are you doing here?
The governor is looking for you. You have to go.
What for?
Everybody is saying something good has happened.
Where have you been lately?
Were you too busy to study and hear the good news?
What sort of news father?
I've been appointed to the King's cabinet.
I'll finish up here
so take your mother to Seoul ahead of me.
Master Lee is here.
My son-in-law is home!
But why are you here so early?
Well, I'm glad.
I just sowed an autumn jacket for you.
Come up and try it on.
Why did you walk here without Pangja?
Why do you look so worried?
Did your father scold you? Please say something.
I don't smell any alcohol.
...no fever.
What's wrong?
My father has been appointed as a minister in Seoul.
What great news.
That's a high rank in the government. But why aren't you happy?
I have to leave for Seoul tomorrow.
Are you worried won't follow you?
A woman follows her husband wherever he goes.
There's nothing in Namwon if you're away.
My mother said if people discover our marriage,
I'll be disowned and forbidden to take the state exam.
So she insists don't mention our marriage to my father.
Are you saying we must separate?
Only for a little while. All can do is come back for you later.
Oh my husband!
Is what you said
a quirk, a joke,
a mistake, or nonsense?
Watching me kill myself...
Is that what you want?
When we met the first time,
what did you say?
We swore to the mountains and the ocean
with the sun and the moon as our witnesses...
Until the mulberry field becomes the sea
or the sea becomes the mulberry field,
we will never part.
Not even a year has past,
and you're saying farewell?
There is the cloud you swore on.
Speak to me. Speak to me.
You begged me
to be your wife,
but now you ruined my life!
It's just a small quarrel. Go back to your work.
Master Lee is going to Seoul.
What?
Oh, my god! This isn't happening! This is going to kill us all.
All of us is going to have to kill ourselves!
Go kill yourself! He might take your body with him.
What did always tell you?
I always told you
to meet some one in your own league
I told you that would make us both happy.
You were so arrogant and different. This is what you get.
Mater Lee! Look at me and talk.
Was my daughter ugly or bad-mouthed, or vulgar?
What is the reason for your departure?
You can't do that to us. You can't betray us like this.
If you still want to go then you're going to have kill us all.
You're going to have to bury us first or we won't let you go.
Mother, I'm taking Chunhyang. I have an idea.
There will be a palanquin for the spirit tablet. I'll hide the tablet in my sleeve.
And Chunhyang can hide in the palanquin.
No one will suspect that Chunhyang is in there.
What the hell are you talking about?
How can Chunhyang fit into that small palanquin?
Mother, he's frustrated, too. Please, leave me and him.
Since Master Lee has to leave tomorrow I want to talk to him
and cry on his shoulder all night long.
How can your heart be so benign?
My husband, take this drink. While you travel to Seoul,
think of my love for you when you see the blue river.
Our enemy is not a person the enemy is the class that divides us.
Chunhyang, take this mirror.
My love is as pure as the mirror's reflection. Cherish it
and think of me when you use it.
Take this, my husband.
My unchangeable love is the same as the color of a jade.
Think of me when you see it.
After Namwon there's Osu and Imsil,
and then Chunju which is famous for its fans.
After Yusan, which is known for its fur and leather,
there's fine honey and ginseng in Kongju.
Then there's Chunan,
which is famous for its carps.
Then Suwon and Kwachon which is 32 km from Seoul.
Bandits in Seoul are so territorial,
country people start to shiver when they pass Kwachon.
Chunhyang... When pass the exam,
I'll send a royal palanquin for you. So wait until that day.
A royal palanquin is only ridden by high- ranking officials.
Do you think this day will come before become an old hag?
When you get there, write to me and let me know how you are.
Don't worry. No matter how far I am from you, I'll keep in touch.
In a legend, Seo Hwangmo in Yoji pond sent a blue bird thousands of miles
to deliver her letters.
I don't have the blue bird, but there will be someone to take my letters to you.
Meanwhile his mother prepares to leave.
Double palanquins...
Single palanquins...
Horses and soldiers are busy.
Nervous Pangja dashes with Mongryong's horse.
Ring... ring... ring... ring...
He arrives at Chunhyang's home.
Master Lee there's big trouble!
Master Lee! Master Lee! There's big trouble!
Your mother asked about you,
and gave her an excuse. We must hurry.
Mongryong has no choice,
but to mount the horse's back.
Farewell Chunhyang.
Farewell mother-in-law.
Farewell Hyangdan.
Chunhyang is speechless.
On barefoot, runs, runs, runs...
she grabs the bridle with one hand,
and with the other,
she grabs Mongryong's leg.
Oh my husband!
Oh my husband, please take me!
Pangja pulls the bridle,
and whips the horse.
It bolts like a flying tiger.
Green mountains and blue rivers
he passes it one by one.
Like the mandarin duck
that lost her lover,
Chunhyang is heart- broken.
As she sees her husband leave,
she sees this much of him
and that much of him,
like a distant moon,
like a distant star,
and then like a butterfly...
I long to go. Long to go.
I long to follow my lover,
for one thousand miles,
for even ten thousand miles.
Where the wind rests,
where the clouds rest,
where all animals rest, even a wild falcon,
where they all rest
at Dongsul's high ridge.
But will cross it over to follow my love.
The Jiknya star in the heavens,
even when the Milky Way blocks it,
the Gyunwoo star can always see it once a year.
The place where my beloved stays,
what milky way is blocking him,
that makes me see him no more?
I want to die,
and become a spring swallow,
so can fly above my beloved's roof
and build my nest under the eaves.
I'll meet him in the middle of the night,
and make love to him till dawn.
While she sobbed every night,
the next governor moved on to Naju city after three years.
So Governor Byun from Seoul takes his place.
The new governor is on his way.
He rides in a luxurious palanquin,
with screens raised like a bird's wings.
Lugged horses follow the palanquin.
Two tall officials with a daunting mien
guard the palanquin.
Out of the South Gate of Seoul he looked around the scenery.
Beds of blooming flowers, birds singing the willows are green.
He crossed Han River and passed through Sungbang Field,
Climbed over Mamtae Ridge and had lunch in Kwachon Town.
After Chungchung Province he arrived at Cholla Province,
and paid his bids to his lord. The next day when he departed,
he slept in Imshil Town.
At Ohri Gate, all the Six Chief Officials wait to greet him.
The Chief Administrator,
f of the Census, the Chief Librarian, who's good at fortune- telling
the Military Chief, Astrology Chief and the Servants Chief.
They announce his arrival and he enters with an arrogant air.
Scores of soldiers and officers stand in a row.
Fifty servants bow to the governor.
Sixty soldiers bow in two rows,
shouting like wild geese.
And thirty courtesans bow in pairs.
Stand in a row by twos
Governor have an appeal!
I'm distressed! I'm still being taxed for my dead son!
Crazy fool.
You idiot! You failed your duties!
As chief of your convoy,
please forgive me governor for that sudden disruption.
- Chief Penal Official! - Yes, governor.
Flog this fool ten times!
A new governor usually decrees the penalty
and not overdo it. But he goes wild on his first day.
He's trying to show us he's the boss. We'll see about that, right?
When he leaves he'll realize he's just a flee.
Listen to this. He demanded to see the courtesans first before us.
That's unheard of...
Yes am present.
Like the brightest lunar night in August... Miss Autumn Moon!
Yes am present.
Governor. This girl has an exquisite style when she does the drum dance.
Like the sweet sounds of a paulownia harp... Miss Sweet Harp!
Yes am present.
She's the best harp player in Namwon.
Like her favorite Moonlight on Namwon temple... Miss Love Moon!
She is a great poet and great performer
Like a Milky Way in a legend of crow and magpie bridge... Miss Blooming Light
Yes am present.
Be it song or dance she's good at everything.
Look here! You're calling them too slowly.
Call them all at once.
- Miss String Sound! - Yes
- Miss Pine Fidelity! Miss Deep Cloud! - Yes
Miss Happy Moon! Miss Precious Orchid! Miss Sweet Lotus! Miss Heartful Ballad
Hurry up! Hurry up!
- Miss Traveling Scent! - Yes am present.
Miss Spring Morning!
That's all the courtesans on the register, governor.
- Look here Census Chief. - Yes, sir.
I've heard a pretty courtesan
named Chunhyang lives here. Why isn't she here?
Well, she is... sort of...
Since ordered all the courtesans to appear how dare she not present herself today!
I'm humble to say it but about Chunhyang
She's actually the daughter of a courtesan and noble official. And heard she's married to the ex- governor's son.
So then... Did he take her to Seoul?
That is... she's keeping her chastity for her husband.
Chastity?
A courtesan's daughter... The nobles would die of laughter if they heard this.
- Hey, Chief Penal Official! - Yes, sir.
Bring her to me now!
The soldiers are on their way.
Away the soldiers go.
Wearing animal fur hats threaded with dark blue silk,
it displays "fast" and they take fast strides.
She's caught! Who is caught? Who is caught?
Chunhyang is caught!
Oh yes! The bitch will pay!
So proud for marrying a noble,
she hissed at us,
and turned away.
For she's too arrogant,
this is good, yes so good.
They follow their order and...
their hats are pulled up and...
they take faster strides and...
they arrive in the forest and...
Chunhyang! Come out
Madam, two soldiers are looking for Chunhyang.
Oh no forgot about the courtesan roll call...
Welcome. Please, come in.
It's been a long time.
The new governor demands to see Chunhyang.
Since haven't kept my promise to buy you a drink, were you disappointed?
It would be a lie if wasn't.
I'm sorry was so busy...
Chunhyang, come out!
We're good friends so don't let it get to you, okay?
Please have a drink later.
Stop it.
Hey Kim! We scored.
Chunhyang. When the new governor headed west Pyongyang for two years,
he awarded his courtesans a lot of money.
Also, as the Governor of Unsan he gave his courtesans much more.
So be nice to him, okay?
Chunhyang. We'll take care of you so don't worry and come with us.
Look after her, okay?
Chunhyang has arrived!
Chunhyang is here, my lord.
You're very pretty. Yes, indeed.
I chose Namwon among many other places to see you for myself.
But... Are you really married to the old governor's son?
Yes, sir.
But how can a young woman like you be alone? You must have another man who cares for you?
Please tell me.
Because I'm married to the old governor's son,
I'm devoted to no other man except for my husband.
You're well-intended. But he'll probably marry a noble girl when he passes the exam.
And he'll forget all about you.
You will serve me from now on. So go clean yourself up and wait for me.
I'm not listed as a courtesan and lived my life as a fair lady.
That gives you no reason to do as you please.
By law and custom it's natural to serve your new governor.
Stop your nonsense and get ready for him.
If my husband never returns,
I'll be chaste until die. So please reconsider.
A chaste courtesan's daughter is ridiculous.
My mother would faint if she heard this.
Be it your mother or I, fidelity is the same. But does class make us different?
What?
A governor is loyal to one king. A wife is loyal to one husband.
But would you fall on your knees and serve two kings, governor?
How dare you! You will die for that! Drag her outside!
We've got her outside my lord!
If your mother is a courtesan then you're a courtesan by law.
As a lowly courtesan you disobeyed my orders.
So you deserve to die!
Did steal food?
Did disobey my mother or cheat my fellow brethren?
If not, then why are you punishing me?
You must be ignorant of our laws.
Then tell me what law I've broken.
- Chief Penal Official! - Yes, sir.
Tell her every sin she's committed.
Yes, sir.
Listen carefully.
One who commits high treason,
or disobeys the governor is punishable by death.
Then what does it say about raping a married woman?
She's the wicked daughter of the devil!
Make her confess her crimes in writing!
Chunhyang, write as say.
As a lowly courtesan disobeyed the governor so deserve to die for my crime.
- Chief Executioner! - Yes, sir.
Beat her till her organs burst!
If you don't, you'll be the one to die!
Yes, sir.
Look at the way the soldier is walking.
He lifts an armful and brings the clubs.
He throws them to the floor...
He sorts through the stack.
He grabs one and tests it.
He grabs another and tests it.
He picks a large one with a good grip.
Don't move an inch! Or your bones will be break!
Beat her hard!
Chunhyang's mind and body is scorching with pain,
but she never shows it.
She moves her head in a shape of a 'one' stares into Hakdo's eyes and cries out...
I'll tell you 'one'
One and only one!
My love is only for one man!
So why are you doing this to me!
Just kill me!
Hit her harder!
Yes sir!
I'll tell you 'two'
Two can never be! What's the difference between loyalty to a husband, and a minister's to a king?
I know a woman's duty so how can serve two men?
This is impossible so can't accept two!
After the third hit...
In our three lives in my three obligations,
I'm loyal to my father my husband, and my son!
I'm not a whore!
So just kill me!
After the fourth hit...
A noble governor like you do you not know any justice?
Even if you tear me into four pieces,
and hang them on the four gates I still won't accept you!
After the fifth hit...
You rode with five horses.
So keep this country's five ethics!
After the sixth hit...
I have six organs,
and my love is in each one of them.
So it's useless for you to tear them apart!
After the seventh hit...
If you raised a seven- foot sword,
and cut off my head like a horse,
it's no use!
After the eighth hit...
Try as many as eight hundred times,
but my love will never change!
After the ninth hit...
You're the King's official!
So stop your corruptive ways!
My intestine has nine curves.
My love flows deep in them!
After the tenth hit...
Ten cries for my love!
Move away!
What's the matter?
You bastards! Let me in! My daughter's dying!
Madam
My daughter! Why did this happen to you?
Is beating innocent people the new governor's way to rule?
Is being loyal to your husband a punishable sin?
If she dies, then kill me also!
Please save my daughter!
Move away!
Please sit down.
- They will let you die like this. - What are you doing?
She needs medicine.
Please let me down
Pangja, let her down here.
Oh, Chunhyang...
madam
Oh, my daughter...
Bring some water!
- Yippee - Chunhyang wake up.
- Hurrah - Chunhyang wake up.
Yippee, hurrah goody
She's crazy. Is she doing this out of some spite against Chunhyang?
What is she doing?
In Chinju, a courtesan named Uiam died for her country.
In Pyongyang, a courtesan named Wolson killed an enemy general.
The people in Andong worships the shrine of Iljinhong who fed her husband with her flesh to save him.
In Chungju, they honor Hwawol for saving the king,
and now in Namwon a new courtesan Chunhyang will be next to honor...
yippee, hurrah, hurrah, whoopee
I have heard of prison before but this is more than heard.
Instead of silk padding sleep on rocks.
Instead of blanket and pillow use straw.
Heaven and earth created human and human created words.
You have taught me the meaning of the word "farewell. "
I will hold the everlasting grudge for teaching me that word.
Meanwhile in Seoul,
Young Lee studies hard.
Spring and autumn private
He reads night and day countless pages of Korean classics.
His knowledge broadens and he becomes a skillful writer
The state exam takes place while the country stood silent.
The Royal Teacher comes forth with a scroll in his hand.
His assistant takes the scroll and hangs the question.
"The past spring of this garden is the same as the present. "
The question hangs tall.
Mongryong reads the board He thinks for a moment.
He grinds the stick into the ink stone and dips his brush.
His brush strokes are equal to famous calligraphers.
He's the first to complete and hand in his answer.
The Royal Instructor looks at it and compliments him.
Your words are perfect and has spirits in them.
Each character is as genuine as a jewel.
They post the top score.
Mongryong Lee!
The crowd is amazed by the announcement.
Handsome Lee walks proudly towards the court terrace.
After he wears his formal gown,
He receives a token and is escorted to the King.
He kneels before the King,
and graciously accepts his three cups of wine.
He bows to the King,
and walks down the steps,
wearing a flower cap
and blue gown,
with a jade emblem
and red scroll in his hands.
After he became the ethics official,
the King secretly makes him
his emissary to inspect Cholla Province
and gives him his assignment,
The treasuring mountain peak Honam
with a symbolic ruler and royal insignia.
He bids his family farewell and leaves for Cholla Province.
He leaves the South Gate of Seoul,
and crosses Han River and several streams.
Then he passes many small villages like Mirookdangee, Kolsagunae, and Ssangyoochon,
and many marketplaces like Dukjum and Ohmu
and many towns like Sosa Kwangjung, and Morowon,
High Munemi thunder in Whanhea-jengi
Go over the uphill quickly
He finally arrives at Yusan town.
- First Deputy. - Yes, sir.
Go to the west provinces.
Start in Yusan and Iksan. Then Kimjae and the rest.
We'll meet at Kwangharu on the 15th of next month.
Yes, sir.
- Second Deputy. - Yes, sir.
Go to the east and check Kosan, Kumsan, Muju, Yongdam, and the rest.
- Meet on the same day too. - Yes, sir.
Heave- ho! Heave- ho!
- Hey, you dear farmers - Yes
listen to what say. Listen to what say.
Drop by drop our sweat turns into fruit.
Chop by chop our grain turns into gold.
- Come here. Eat with us. - No thank you.
I'm just a vagabond headed to Namwon to ask a favor from a friend.
So how is this town now?
The town is full of demons.
What do you mean?
The governor is a drunken devil his confidant is an old zombie,
the chiefs are gambling trolls and we're all grumbling ghosts.
This town seems to be cursed.
Do you think that's all?
For the governor's birthday each family has to give three sacks of rice.
He's robbing the people.
I've heard the governor adores a courtesan named Chunhyang,
and enjoys her every night. Is this true?
What? You bastard!
She lead a chaste life with Governor's such hard whips
How dare you insult her!
It's just what I've heard! Why are you angry?
Who the hell told you that?
I'll rip his eyes out! And tear his ears off!
Catch him! Get him!
How much farther? How far to Seoul?
Where do sleep today? Where do sleep tomorrow?
My fate is unlucky, so have to go. But Chunhyang's fate is worse.
How much farther, how far?
Hey you, come here. Come here.
Why do you call me? I'm a busy person, you know.
- Because I'm from Seoul. - From Seoul?
Who are you visiting at such a far place?
I'm delivering Chunhyang Sung's
letter to Mongryong Lee.
- Let me see the letter. - Are you serious?
Reading a man's letter is forbidden but you ask to see a woman's letter in public?
You don't recognize me?
Look carefully.
I can't believe this! Oh, Master Lee!
It's a blessing to see you.
Are you and the family well?
Why are you dressed like this?
Pangja, give me the letter.
After you left,
three years have past and I've yet to hear from you.
Are you too intoxicated by Seoul's beautiful spring petals?
Or is your mind taken away by pretty brothel women?
Or are you going to marry some noble lady in Seoul?
I'm living with these worries day and night.
After the new governor arrived, he asked me to court him but defied him and he beat me severely.
Will die soon at the governor's birthday feast
when he beats me on the death chair.
Vicious bastard! When get hold of him..!
Why do feel such a fierce wind?
Could it be a fierce wind to save poor Chunhyang?
My master can't really be a beggar, so could he be...
- an... an emissary? - Pangja! Don't be foolish!
Well, it's good we met. I want you to deliver a letter to my home in Seoul.
Standing on the hill
looking left and right,
the mountains are the same
and the water is the same.
Kwanghan Arbor is well and Ojok bridge is well, too.
Poetry used to be chanted on the high rails of Kwanghan Arbor.
How long has it been since the heartbreak?
When the sun is about to set,
he arrives in front of Chunhyang's home.
In the back of the garden is a silent cry.
He's drawn to the sound
to take a closer look.
He sees Chunhyang's mother
at a small altar in the backyard.
To the Great Dipper,
with lit candles
and a bowl of clean water
set in front of her, she prays...
I pray... pray...
...to the gods of heaven and earth,
and the gods of the sun, moon, and stars...
Please come and help me.
Please make my son-in-law who went to Seoul
a royal emissary or a lord of Cholla Province.
Either one will be fine.
Please let him save my daughter's life.
Passed the test... But owe it mostly to their prayers.
Is anyone home? Come out! Come out!
- May help you? - Go and tell your madam to come out.
Who is it?
Someone is asking for you madam.
He looks like a beggar asking for food.
What? Are you deaf? Haven't you heard?
My daughter is in jail and about to die,
and you ask us for food? We have none! Get out of here!
I've arrived! It's Mongryong Lee from Seoul!
How can this be? Is this true, or is it a joke?
- Hyangdan. Bring the lantern. - Yes
Is my son-in-law really here?
What took you so long? Let me see my son-in-law.
This can't be...
The son of the ex- governor.
Look at the way he's dressed!
Chunhyang's dead...
She's dead for certain.
I prayed day and night you'd return as a high official,
but you come back as this country's filthiest beggar!
A crisis struck our family so couldn't take the exam.
Our wealth is all gone, and I've been begging since then. To remember old times came back to Namwon.
I am very hungry. Give me some food.
There's no food for you.
Please, madam.
Chunhyang will kill herself if she hears that Master Lee was treated like this.
Be nice to him.
That was delicious!
Must be your job to stuff your face.
Your appetite reflects your living.
I was so hungry before could barely think. But since I'm full now, Chunhyang comes to mind.
- Bring me to Chunhyang. - Chunhyang's dead!
Let's go. She's dying because of me so can't see her? Let's go.
- Let's go. - You can't go now.
The governor is so strict so no man can bring
food to her. Even a male dog can't go there.
If they catch you, you'll be killed.
When the last bell strikes you can see her then.
Oh, my poor baby...
The first bell, the second,
the third, fourth, and fifth bell strikes.
The time has come.
Hyangdan leads the way.
And the beggar son-in-law follows them
to Chunhyang's decrepit cell.
The night is dark and gloomy,
not a person in sight,
the echoes of a warbling bird...
running water...
wailing ghosts...
the wind blows...
...like trembling ground.
Heavy rain is falling...
Ghosts in twos and threes
come together and cry...
Guard. Guard.
Damn guards are busy gambling again.
- Prison keeper. - Who is it?
It's you again.
We can't let anyone in until the governor's birthday tomorrow.
- Go back. - Don't be stubborn. Take this, okay?
Hey Dukbae! Hey Dukbae!
Open the gate idiot!
It's some food for my baby. Give her this later.
- Anything else inside? - Oh, come on...
Go in.
My baby... Chunhyang... Wake up. It's your mother.
Mother, what are you doing here this late?
- He's here... - Who are you talking about?
The one you've waited day and night for. Be it your husband or a beggar, he's here.
See for yourself.
Is this true? Hyangdan, raise the lantern.
Yes
Chunhyang, it's me. What happened to you?
Oh, my husband. What took you so long? What happened to your face?
He can't save you and you still call him your husband?
Chunhyang.
My husband. Tomorrow at the new governor’s birthday feast, I'll be executed.
Don't let anyone touch my body.
Take me to Seoul and bury me in your ancestors' graveyard.
Then prepare a simple altar for me and say these words...
Chunhyang, cherish the drink pour for you. If you do this can rest in peace.
Young Lee is disheartened.
Don't cry. Don't cry.
My love Chunhyang, don't cry.
When the day is bright tomorrow,
either the death carriage or the fortune carriage,
no one knows what you'll ride.
Like crumble the sky.
Even when the sky collapses,
There is a hole to escape.
If said don't cry then please don't cry.
Let's go.
Where are you headed?
- Let's go to your house. - Don't have a house.
- Whose house was it back there? - It belongs to a widow.
That's even better!
Better? I'll kill you. Let's go.
On the next day,
the birthday feast takes place in Kwangharu Pavilion.
It's a spectacular sight.
The red pavilion stands tall in the blue skies.
Surrounded by large shades like the clouds.
Covered by silk curtains on all four sides.
Red and blue candle lanterns
are hung on the open road.
Crowded with courtesans, musicians performers, and passerbys.
Town magistrates of other counties arrive.
I'm very fine
Here comes Lord of Unbong town the Lord of Soonchun town,
the old Lord of Goksung the handsome Lord of Soonchan,
the lucky Lord of Damyang the chic Lord of Okgwa,
the Lord of Nampyung and the lazy Lord of Kwangju.
When all the lords enter another palanquin arrives.
Firecrackers crackling.
Sun umbrellas bumping.
Palanquin bearers' shoulders colliding.
Servants searching for their masters.
It's out of control.
Take this, take this,
take this drink and live one thousand, ten thousand years.
Thank you for sparing your busy time to come today.
Chunshim can still twirl well even with twins in her belly.
I heard the officials of Kumsan were caught for embezzlement.
It was well taken care of. Forget it and have a drink.
Look here, Soonchun. Seems like this feast will go on all night. Are you staying till the end?
Of course.
After the feast, Chunhyang will be flogged to death. I won't miss it for anything.
Our henchman can kill a person with one blow.
I'm sure there's someone here like that, too.
Why do you think there's so many people outside?
There's so many people!
Look's like all the beggars around Namwon.
Two cows, fifteen pigs and all the chickens in Namwon.
Is there anything to left?
Exactly
Hey, since you were the only one late you have to dance in front of us.
I thought you only knew politics.
You are also a good dancer, huh?
He's not only good in dancing but also excellent in bed.
Halt! You can't go in!
Step aside.
Said you can't enter!
Get out of my way! I'm a nobleman too!
Step down!
Move away!
- Can't you recognize a noble? - What did you say?
- Step down! - Let go of me!
You're tearing a poor noble's clothes!
You must have an invitation!
Let go of me!
What's all this noise?
A noble who looks like a beggar insists we let him in.
- Governor Byun. - Yes.
Although they're outworn he wears the clothes of a noble.
Just seat him in the corner and send him away after a drink.
If you desire Lord of Unbong.
Let him in.
You may enter.
Take your shoes off first!
- Take this drink. - Yes
Look here.
look at your table and mine and it makes me angry.
Since you're late, it seems your table was hastily made.
You may take anything you'd like from mine.
Here, have a drink.
- Lord of Unbong. - Yes.
There will be a big meeting in Goksung this winter. Please come.
Of course.
- Look here. You say you're Lord of Unbong town. - Yes am.
Then call a courtesan to sing for me also. Sing for this guest.
He demands a singing courtesan too!
Same as take a horse racing when ride a horse
If you drink this wine for thousands of years you will beg.
Drink this wine and living forever
Since cannot beg for thousands of years alone,
why don't we all have a drink and divide these years.
What a rude remark.
For your hospitality, I'd like to improvise a poem in honor of the new governor.
Governor. Since this boy has no manners,
his writing will be poor.
Just send him away after he writes it.
Hey, wayfarer! I'll give you a rhyming
If you can't write a poem with them you will be clubbed.
Good. Then give it to me.
'Oil' Go and 'high' Go
Sure, he must know they go in the second and last line.
It's not very good so please correct it if it's wrong.
Apologize for my disturbance.
How tasteless...
"This wine in golden vases is the blood of a thousand people.
The food on these jade tables is the flesh of ten thousand lives.
When the candle wax drops tears of starving peasants fall.
And the people's complaints get louder to pair this noisy feast. "
This poem is laced with poison!
This is foolish.
Something has come up. I must be going.
- I have to leave also. - Why are you leaving?
My wife is very ill today. I have to care for her quickly.
I have some urgent matters too.
What's a great fuss
Why are all of you worried over some beggar's poem?
Please sit down.
Look at Mongryong,
If it does like this.
He worries everyone might run away.
He runs out to the terrace and flicks open his fan.
Hidden in the crowd,
the envoy sees the signal and storms out of the crowd,
They brandish their clubs,
raise the royal medallion like the sun,
raise the royal medallion like the moon,
thrust into the gates and shout...
The gates were clamorous
In the King's name you're all under arrest!
You're all under arrest!
In the King's name you're all under arrest!
As if the heaven collapses
and the earth trembles hundreds of spectators
scatter like gushing streams.
What can be more frightening
then the thunderous roar of the royal envoy?
Who can bear this whirling wind?
When the governor's guests are panicking all over,
look at their servants' ridiculous movements.
Food is stomped on and vases are broken,
Drums are split into two gongs roll off the pavilion
and make their own sound.
Harp strings are crushed.
Courtesans pin chopsticks in their hair.
Musicians lose their horns and blow from their hands.
Soldiers lose their guns and shoot from their mouths.
Some bump their heads and bleed from their nose.
Some fall on their face and cry,
passerbys also run and shout...
Oh no! Our town is in trouble!
Namwon has the richest rice supply.
But you stole from it impoverishing the people.
You're supposed to keep a close watch on the governor,
but you fattened your pockets while lying to him.
You ignored the sick and desperate peasants who live in misery.
Divide what they stole from the poor and give it back to them.
Release all the innocent people in jail.
As a courtesan's daughter, you disobeyed the governor! And bring Chunhyang to me!
Chunhyang, we're here!
All of Namwon's widows will stand by your side! So don't worry!
- Untie her! - Yes, sir!
Chunhyang, hear me out!
As a courtesan's daughter, you disobeyed the governor! How do you expect to live?
Serving two husbands is the same as serving two kings.
So what injustice have done?
Since you refused the governor will you refuse me also?
I thought the king sent you to help the people,
but you're just like the governor and other officials!
Stop humiliating me and just kill me!
Give this to Chunhyang and tell her look up at me.
He said to take this and look at him.
Don’t just stand there! Bring her to the main chamber!
Move away!
Chunhyang!
Chunhyang, wake up. Chunhyang! Chunhyang!
Chunhyang!
Why did you do it?
If you had told me I would've slept peacefully.
But stayed up all night worried about dying!
Chunhyang.
Don't cry. The King forbid me to give away my secret.
- Hey... - Don't cry.
Are the gates still closed off to me?
This belly bore Chunhyang!
I'm the mother-in-law of the emissary!
Yippee, hurrah, yippee, hurrah
People of Namwon,
listen to what have to say.
Don't try to bear a son.
Bear a daughter like Chunhyang.
Raise her with tender and utmost care.
When a man from Seoul comes,
take him in as your son-in-law!
Yippee, hurrah, hurrah.
Oh... she's my daughter!
Oh... he's my son-in-law!
When you came last night,
I already knew everything.
So that your secret
doesn't get revealed,
I acted like that on purpose.
You were mad, weren't you?
Don't hate Governor Byun.
Without him,
how could my daughter be a loyal wife?
You'll be sent to Cholla province prison. If you have any objections, then do it there.
Adoring a pretty woman is natural.
But don't you think what you did to Chunhyang was too harsh?
Class has a definite order.
A daughter of a courtesan becomes one naturally. She didn't disobey just me,
but she disgraced the law, and committed treason.
That's for your the oppression
it was her will to be a human being.
Later... Mongryong
goes from town to town,
and finishes his investigation.
He returns to Seoul,
and reports what he had seen.
The King compliments him...
You saved the country from great worry.
You're a national hero.
Another official tells the King
about loyal Chunhyang of Namwon
and the King bestows on her
an honorable award for loyalty.
As for the people of Namwon,
the King lifts the taxes.
They all live in peace,
but who knows what will happen after this story.