EPISODE 3
Have you calmed down?
Yes.
Aren't you in pain?
I'm fine.
Don't lie. You were beaten.
We're here. This is my place.
Is it you, Sim-deok?
Yes, Father.
I'm sorry. There's not much that we can offer to our guests.
By the way,
what happened to your face?
He got a little scratch. Don't worry about it.
It doesn't look like a small scratch.
Excuse me, sir. What's your relationship with our older sister?
We are...
Where are your manners, Gi-seong?
I'm sorry. My brother is a bit immature.
Come here.
Come on, aren't you curious? Mother, aren't you?
I'll let you two talk.
Your siblings are bright and energetic.
And your parents seem warmhearted as well.
They're my pillars of strength.
Once we return, I should be theirs.
It must have been difficult for your family to live in Tokyo.
You're not well-off...
I'm sorry.
The same goes for you too.
You don't have much, but you chip in for the play.
Hold still for a second.
There's a place I'd like to go with you.
After your wounds heal, could you spare me some time?
I can't see myself wearing those hats.
It's as if I'm advertising myself as a modern woman.
It seems too ostentatious. It's embarrassing.
They don't look that pretty either.
I'm not sure. I like those hats.
Really?
There was something I was curious about.
It's about the poem I saw in your room.
At the end, it said, "Soosan."
What is that?
It's the pen name I use when I write.
Mine is "Soosun."
Kim Soosan. Yun Soosun.
We share a lot in common.
GYEONGSEONG RECORD SHOP
"Waves of the Danube" by Ion Ivanovici.
It's my favorite song.
It's beautiful.
By the way, where was it that you wanted to go with me?
After singing in the practice room all along,
it was nerve-racking to sing in front of an audience.
At the same time, I felt emotional...
to be singing on-stage.
And then, a desire sparked inside of me.
"I want to become the best soprano in Joseon
and sing on a bigger stage.
I also want more people to hear me sing."
It's my dream to sing on that stage.
If I get the opportunity
to perform here someday,
would you come and watch me?
Help me not to be nervous
and do well in front of the audience.
I will.
Let's go.
Since you came here with me, dinner's on me.
Let's go.
I was blabbering about my dream, but I didn't ask about yours.
What's your dream?
I'm not sure. I've never thought about such a thing.
Dreams don't always have to be grand.
What gives you joy?
Try to think about what makes you happiest.
I guess it'd be when I write
and when others read my writings.
And to write until my last day.
-I think that's it. -You can always do that.
Hurry up, and finish that glass. We have somewhere to go.
I should throw farther.
What are you doing? Is this a joke to you?
Now, we're talking.
Which idiot threw the rock?
Hey, you two!
Stop!
You two, stop!
-I think they went that way! -Let's go!
Stop! Stop running.
Stop!
We should go.
TRAMS TO NAMDAEMUN
By the way,
since we're the same age, let's address each other casually.
I'll keep calling you by your first name.
Later.
I actually have something to say.
Never mind.
I'll tell you once we arrive in Tokyo.
-Ms. Yun. -Yes?
I invited the troupe to my house in Mokpo.
We're spending the night there before returning to Tokyo.
You should come.
To your home?
Please come.
I'll get going then.
Okay.
Goodbye.
How could that be pretty?
GYEONGSEONG
She's running a bit late.
Hey!
Do something about your hair.
Sim-deok! Over here!
I'm sorry to have made you all wait.
You look so gorgeous.
You have no idea how long we've waited for you.
I'm so sorry.
Let's go.
-The air is so fresh here. -I know.
I thought U-jin was a poor, self-supporting student.
No way.
He's the son of the wealthiest family in Mokpo.
This place looks like a painting.
It looks amazing.
Hello.
These are my friends.
We study in Tokyo together.
You should greet your father first,
my dear husband.
Please follow me.
All right then.
We'll now begin our disbanding ceremony in the form of a small concert.
Please applaud.
First, we'll hear from Myeong-hui.
Actually, please stay seated.
We'll hear from Sim-deok first.
Give her a big hand!
Louder!
Sim-deok, please sing us a song.
I'm sorry. My voice seems to be hoarse.
You sang throughout the tour, so I understand.
Sim-deok, why don't you rest?
Nan-pa, show us what you've got.
Sure.
How about the song
that U-jin said was too sad to play on tour?
Oh, that one.
Sure thing.
-Thank you. -It was so much fun.
-We had fun. -Thank you for having us.
I wonder what urgent issue came up
that Sim-deok had to only leave a note and head home.
I'm sure she had a good reason.
When will you go back to Tokyo?
I'm thinking about staying for a while.
I'll see you in Tokyo then.
Sure.
I told you not to do anything foolish,
but you've been running around with clowns and writing literature.
You've been living like a yahoo.
I apologize.
U-jin.
You are the eldest son of this family
and the successor to our business.
Keep this in your mind.
Quit fooling around writing literature and being a patriot.
Just think about taking over the family business one day.
Yes, Father.
SANGJIJEONG
U-jin.
I was too busy earlier
to hand over the items your guests forgot to pack
when they left.
I'll deliver them when I get there.
U-jin,
it's been a while since you came home.
I humbly suggest that you refrain from activities your father hates.
Your father wishes you to devote yourself to the family business
after you finish your studies and return home,
If he finds out that you still write literature,
he'll be deeply disappointed.
Isn't it...
hard for you?
Isn't it exhausting to live a life
that has already been mapped out?
I have never...
thought of it that way.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
It's been four months, hasn't it?
Is that so?
I'm...
heading back to Joseon in two days.
Since we used to perform together,
I thought it'd be rude not to say goodbye.
I see.
Thank you for inviting me
to your home in Joseon.
Extra!
Takeo Arishima committed suicide with his lover!
Extra!
Takeo Arishima committed suicide with his lover!
Extra!
If a forbidden love is causing pain,
you can just end it.
Why take such drastic measures?
The loneliness they would be left with after they part
must have been terrifying for them.
Well, we all eventually forget.
Anyway, I wish you the best, U-jin.
I wish you the best as well, Sim-deok.
5 YEARS LATER
SANGSEONG UNLIMITED PARTNERSHIP
DONGJIN ILBO
Come in.
Here's the paper.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
SINGER YUN SIM-DEOK TO PERFORM AT DANSUNGSA
If I get the opportunity
to perform here someday,
would you come and watch me?
Sim-deok.
U-jin?
Of course it can't be him.
TO U-JIN
GYEONGSEONG RECORD SHOP
"WAVES OF THE DANUBE"
U-jin!
It's you, isn't it?
Sim-deok.
STAY TUNED FOR EPISODE 4
EPISODE 4
How have you been?
Could you spare me some time?
I won't take long. Just give a few minutes.
Let's go somewhere and talk...
You should change first.
I don't want you to trip.
I heard you were running your family business in your hometown.
Myeong-hui said
that you were too busy
to even respond to his letters.
At the end of every letter he sends me,
this is what he asks.
"U-jin, have you still been writing?"
I couldn't write back
that I've been signing papers and documents
instead of writing literature.
You looked amazing on that stage today.
Thank you for remembering
your promise to come and watch me.
You didn't seem nervous at all.
Not enough to need my support anyway.
I'm not nervous to perform on stage anymore.
However,
seeing you made my heart race.
Because you were watching me
and you might leave.
I thought I'd be able to forget you,
and I thought I did.
However,
it struck me when I saw you in the audience.
I had never...
been able to forget you.
Just leave it as it then.
I will too.
I'll write to you.
You don't have to respond to Myeong-hui's, but I'll be expecting an answer back.
All right.
I'll get going then.
U-jin,
pick up your pen again.
I'm fond of your writing, you see.
GYEONGSEONG BROADCASTING STATION
Great work today.
Thank you.
You're such a phenomenal singer.
I always feel bad that I can't pay you more.
Our budget is low at the moment since this is a test run of the show.
That's okay.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to sing.
Thank you.
Well,
that being said...
The song you sang today was wonderful, of course.
But you usually sing classical music,
which most people find challenging and aren't familiar with.
Frankly, I'm one of those people.
From now on,
how about you sing songs that more people are familiar with?
Oh, okay.
I understand what you're trying to say.
I knew you'd get my point right away.
Then I'll look forward to your next performance.
Okay.
Are you coming from the broadcasting station?
Yes.
Did you get paid today by any chance?
We've completely run out of rice.
Oh. Yes, I did.
-Here you go. -Thanks.
By the way, whether it's a TV program or a recital,
why do you always get paid so little?
I guess that's because
people aren't familiar with vocal music yet.
Gosh, still...
You studied in Japan.
Even errand runners get paid more than this.
You must be tired. Get some rest.
Okay.
U-jin,
how are things there?
I'm...
I'm doing pretty well.
I have nothing to worry about.
Things are going great.
I go anywhere where I can sing.
Being able to sing in my mother tongue here in Joseon
makes me incredibly happy.
But I'm most happy
when I see you.
Would it be because of the warmth in your eyes
when you look at me?
Or...
would it be because of how warm your hand feels
when you hold my hand tightly?
Whatever it is, it doesn't matter
as long as I can be with you.
I'm happy to hear that
you're doing well.
I'm also...
doing quite well myself.
I'm struggling to get used to the work that I have to do for the company.
But I occasionally write a few reviews for literary magazines,
write poems or plays,
and think about you to find solace.
Then I think...
and realize how much I miss you.
I visit Gyeongseong when I feel that way,
but what's the point?
The moment I turn back after we part ways,
I find myself already missing you.
What should I do with my feelings for you?
Sim-deok,
Father wants to talk to you.
Oh, really?
This family is far wealthier than any of the families
that wanted you to marry their sons.
Still, I don't want to do it.
Are you seeing someone by any chance?
No, I'm not.
Then why is it that you keep turning down these offers?
Enough.
Sim-deok.
Thanks for being the breadwinner of the family and even putting
your brother and sister through school in your incompetent father's place.
Father, please don't say that.
I'm ashamed to ask you this,
but do me a favor for one last time.
Tell her.
If you marry him,
his family will fully support Seong-deok and Gi-seong to live and study in the US.
They will even support me and your father financially.
That is simply impossible with your meager savings,
but his family will do all of that for us.
You need to help Seong-deok and Gi-seong so that they can have a bright future.
Okay?
Sir, please also take a look at these when you're done reviewing those.
-There's more? -Yes.
Mr. Kim owns many properties, you know.
I envy you, sir.
From land to other assets,
you'll have a lot to manage.
Yes, Kim U-jin speaking.
Where are you now?
I'll be right there. Wait for me.
MOKPO
Did something happen? What brings you here?
You wrote in your letter that you miss me.
That's why I'm here.
You should have asked me to visit you if you'd had to go back right away.
You told me that your father scolds you every time you visit Gyeongseong,
saying that the president of the company
is slacking off to go hang out in Gyeongseong.
That's why I came this time.
I don't want you to get scolded.
You have to be a good son.
Hold me tight.
What do you mean?
Beg me not to leave.
"Don't leave me."
Hold me tight and don't let me go.
Something must be going on.
You can't do it.
I bet you can't.
You're too much of a good person.
You're a good son.
Sim-deok.
A family wants me to marry their son.
Apparently, they're very rich.
They're willing to support my siblings financially
so that they can study and live abroad.
They'll take care of my family's living expenses as well.
That's how much they want me.
Had I told you that I needed money,
you would have done everything you could...
to get me the money.
Then with your money in my hands,
I would have felt ashamed and disgusted with myself.
Please say it.
"Forget about your parents and siblings.
Let's just run away somewhere far."
Just say that, please.
Come on, please say it.
Hold me like this and say,
"Don't go.
I can't live without you, so just forget about what's on your mind.
Don't leave me."
Say that, please.
Please...
Father would like to see you.
I'll go see him in a bit.
I want to be alone for a few minutes.
Are you going to write all night again?
Father has been waiting for a while.
I got a call from your office earlier in the day.
They said there was a document that needed to get approved,
but you had stepped out and weren't coming back.
They asked me if you were home.
I'm sorry.
You've been visiting Gyeongseong very often in the past few months,
and I thought it was strange.
Are you hanging out with those punks again
to get back into literature?
If that's true, you can't visit Gyeongseong again!
I don't need...
to visit Gyeongseong anymore.
What?
Goodnight, Father.
FROM YUN SIM-DEOK TO KIM SOOSAN
This heart of mine is burning.
This heart of mine is suffocating.
My eyes are welling up with tears,
and I am choked with sorrow.
Why does your letter
bring me to tears?
But what can I do?
Alone,
all alone,
I shall wish you all the best
and wait for you up above.
Sir.
We received mail for a person named Kim Soosan.
-Kim Soosan? -Yes, sir.
TO KIM SOOSAN
Sir, are you feeling sick?
You look unwell.
No, I'm fine.
You may proceed with this.
Yes, sir.
Then I'll visit again soon.
Please do.
Why are you just standing there? You should walk him to the main road.
-Okay. Let's go. -All right.
I'll be off, then.
I'm sorry.
I'm not ready for this yet.
So, you're still not ready.
I'm sorry.
Well, my feelings are a little hurt, but what can I do?
Since I like you more, I should be more patient.
Get home safely.
Have a safe journey home.
MAY ISSUE
Jeom-hyo told me
that you've been coming straight here
after work every day.
She said you've been drinking and writing all night without even eating
for a whole month.
I've made it clear to you that you must stay away from writing.
But...
you sent your writing to a literary magazine.
Not even just one.
Did you think I'd never find out
if you used your pen name, Soosan?
Why must you care
about the theatrical reform movement in Joseon?
Are you trying to rebel against me
because I told you to never visit Gyeongseong again?
I have done
everything you wanted me to do, Father.
What?
I got married because you wanted me to,
and I went to an agricultural school because you said
I'd have to manage all the land that our family owns.
Now, I work at the company for that is what you wanted me to do.
So, tell me. How exactly did I rebel against you, Father?
U-jin, how dare you.
How could you say such a thing to your father?
That's right.
You are my father,
which means I will be your son until the day I die.
But your son is human.
I am human, Father.
I am a human being with his own thoughts and free will.
Did you just raise your voice at me?
Yes!
Yes.
I did raise my voice at you.
I am begging you to let me breathe a little.
What did you say?
Others are sacrificing their lives for Joseon's independence,
but I am living like a coward as per your wish.
For I am utterly ashamed,
I wanted to confess my mortification through my writing.
At least through my writing,
I wanted to do something.
But...
Scribbling a few words on this piece of paper
helps me breathe a little.
But you are telling me to quit it, so I must ask.
Father,
do you want me to live
or die?
You're drunk.
Do you want me to live...
or die?
FATHER, WITH A WHIRLWIND IN MY HEART,
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I CHOSE TO GO AGAINST YOUR WILL
FROM LEAVING HOME, HIS AWARD-WINNING LITERATURE, JUNE 21, 1926
HYMN OF DEATH