EPISODE 5
Kim U-jin speaking.
Who is this? Please, speak.
If you have nothing to say, I'll hang up.
Sim-deok?
It's you, right?
U-jin didn't come home last night?
The study was empty all night,
so I thought he was still at his office.
I checked again a while ago, and it was still empty.
Couldn't he have come at dawn
and left early in the morning?
There were no traces of him being there.
After finishing work yesterday, I went by his office to talk to him about something.
But he wasn't there.
So I thought he went home early.
I think it was at Dansungsa.
I was deeply moved
after watching your performance.
Afterwards, I immediately told
our company's president
that we had to sign a recording contract with you.
Thank you.
For the down payment, as per the contract,
we're thinking about paying 600 won.
That's enough to pay
for Seong-deok's study abroad to the States.
Sorry?
It's nothing.
-I'll sign the contract. -Thank you.
The recording will take place
at our company in Osaka.
By the way,
when do you think you can pay me?
As soon as the recording is done, we will pay you.
Okay.
Could you write your name on the contract?
YUN SIM-DEOK
Don't go anywhere. Stay by my side.
I don't think I can live without you.
I'm going to leave for Tokyo.
Come with me.
Can't you stay for a bit longer?
I must go right now.
We can soon be together for a long time, so be patient.
Okay.
It would have been nice to leave for Tokyo together.
I have some matters to take care of here.
If it's your siblings' school expenses--
No.
I don't want your money.
I only want your love.
Wait for me in Tokyo.
Once I arrive there, should I meet you at that boarding house?
Earn lots of money. I am absolutely stone broke.
Go on.
Follow me.
Was she the reason
why you had been going to Gyeongseong all along?
For a vulgar woman who sings in front of unknown men?
She is precious to me.
U-jin, how dare you?
Sure. It's not uncommon
for a man to briefly lay his eyes on another woman.
Right, that could happen.
It wasn't for a brief moment.
For a long time,
I tried to forget her but to no avail.
So?
What will you do?
I will leave with her.
And I'll never return.
What is that woman to you
that you'd forego filial piety?
I'm willing to give up filial piety or anything else
if I can just be with her.
That fox
has completely and utterly bewitched you.
Listen to me carefully.
Without my money, you will lose
both that woman and your love for writing.
You have lived in abundance all your life.
How long will you be able to withstand poverty?
How long will that woman stay beside you when you have no money?
If she abandons me for that reason,
that, too, is my fate.
You damned imbecile!
Leave.
I don't even want to look at you, so get out!
All that I can say to you
is that I am terribly sorry.
Please.
Do not forgive me.
Jeom-hyo, are you there?
Yes, Father.
Burn these outrageous letters as well.
This instant!
It's not a surprise.
I don't know what to say to you.
Don't be sorry.
I understand.
The heart is stubborn.
You can't change it just with determination.
I'm just worried about you.
Our engagement announcement
has been already printed on the newspapers.
It may not affect me too much.
But you're well-renowned compared to me.
And you're also a woman.
It's my burden to take, so it cannot be helped.
Thank you for your concern.
If you're truly thankful, can you do me a favor?
If you ever think of me from time to time,
please wish that I'll meet someone better than you
and live happily ever after.
Please do that for me.
Okay. I will do that.
You're finally smiling.
Where could you possibly find another man like him ever again?
I don't love him.
I couldn't.
I've signed a contract with a Japanese recording company.
I will receive my payment once the recording ends.
With that money, Seong-deok can study abroad.
And Gi-seong? What about him?
Well...
Gi-seong, I'll get the money for you no matter what,
so continue preparing for the study abroad.
Okay.
Our country may be ruined, but youth is still youth.
You're right.
So you signed with Yun Sim-deok?
Yes. The president was delighted.
But not long ago, she visited me.
She asked if I could raise the down payment.
Is she financially struggling?
From what I hear,
her family barely gets by.
Also, she has two younger siblings who study music
and she must pay for their studying expenses
with no extra income.
That's how it seems.
How much more does she want?
About 600 won for her younger brother's studies overseas.
Why do you ask though?
Set up a meeting with Ms. Yun.
Tell her that I'm offering the money.
Really?
I've often supported poor but talented artists.
Hearing how her brother is also studying music
makes me want to be of help.
Someone as talented as Ms. Yun
should not spend time worrying about money.
She will be very happy to hear the news.
I'm truly grateful.
My younger brother wanted to express his gratitude as well.
That's not necessary,
but please tell him this.
I wish for him to become a great artist
who shines the light of Joseon all around the world.
I will tell him that.
The same goes for you as well.
How may I ever repay you?
Come by from time to time and let me hear you sing.
That's more than enough.
Sure.
Please help yourself.
You have to head to the broadcasting station.
All right, then.
WOOILGAK
SANGSEONG UNLIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By ourselves, sir?
I've taken care of most of the work,
and it won't be for too long.
Even though you have signed most of the documents,
it will be impossible for us to run the company without you.
It'll only be for a while.
My father will give out orders soon.
Please look after the company until then.
Yes, sir.
Yun Sim-deok? Did she really?
That's what I heard.
In the middle of the night,
she exited Lee Yong-mun's front gate discreetly
and glanced around.
There are more than enough witnesses
who saw her secretly leave the house.
My sister said that
Yun Sim-deok was seeing a man from a wealthy family
as well as Lee Yong-mun.
The man caught her in the act,
called her a whore, and even slapped her.
He told her to go to Lee Yong-mun.
I heard that Lee Yong-mun gave her 600 won.
That money must be payment for Yun Sim-deok
selling her body to him.
-You're right. -Say that again.
Say it again, you bastards!
Grab him.
Gi-seong, don't. Gi-seong!
-Let go of me! -Gi-seong.
Gi-seong, what happened to your face?
The 600 won for my studies.
Why did Mr. Lee give you such a large payment?
I told you.
He wishes for you to be a great artist--
I want the truth and not some lie!
-Gi-seong... -At his house,
were you alone with him?
Yes. It was just us two.
Just you two? What did you do then?
I have no idea
what you're trying to say.
Sim-deok, we've been trying not to tell you,
but rumors spread all across Gyeongseong.
What rumors?
That you and Mr. Lee are in a relationship.
And that your fiancé called off the wedding once he found out.
They're also saying that Mr. Lee paid for Gi-seong's tuition
in return for your secret relationship.
-What? -Sim-deok, tell me it's not true.
Seong-deok, I...
It's not true, is it?
Seong-deok.
Gi-seong.
How could you...
How could you even think that?
Sim-deok, please. I wanted to confirm that it was a lie.
I'm afraid we can't have you perform for the time being.
The rumors are too ghastly.
Does she love money that much?
Isn't she Yun Sim-deok?
-Was money that important? -Tell me about it.
-Unbelievable. -Absolutely horrid.
She's an embarrassment.
Can you believe it?
Is this the house of Ms. Yun Sim-deok?
Yes, I'm Yun Sim-deok.
The Education and Management Bureau Director
of the Japanese Government General of Korea
has ordered your presence.
What business does he have with me?
Does he need a reason?
I can't comply without knowing why.
You insolent bitch.
-Take her. -Yes, sir.
-Sim-deok. What's going on? -Sim-deok.
Sim-deok!
-Sim-deok! -Sim-deok!
THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT GENERAL OF KOREA
Come in.
Are you Yun Sim-deok?
That's right.
I heard you studied in Japan.
Have you forgotten how to speak its language?
I heard that you are also from Joseon.
The rumors are right about you being bold.
I find that...
more charming.
You're a whore who sells herself for money,
so don't act like you're so honorable.
I hear that things are tough.
You're a singer who can't perform anywhere.
That's why I called you.
I'm giving you a chance to sing
on a magnificent stage.
-This... -That's right.
I'm offering you a position at the Japanese Government General of Korea
as a guest performer.
Your contract will begin with you
singing at the banquet hosted by the office.
Then you will attend other shows
the office holds to celebrate Japan's prosperity.
With your singing, enlighten the foolish Joseon people.
Show them the spirit of the empire.
I have a contract with a Japanese record company.
I must go to Osaka to record,
so I cannot accept this proposal.
Excuse me, then.
House number 1-73,
Seodaemun District, Gyeongseong.
I wonder how your parents are doing.
Younger sister Yun Seong-deok and younger brother Yun Gi-seong.
Both are planning to study abroad in America.
That means they are still here in Joseon at the moment.
I guess I finally got through to you.
We should meet up for a drink when you get back.
Somewhere private, of course.
I wish you the best on your recording in Japan,
Yun Sim-deok.
STAY TUNED FOR THE FINAL EPISODE
FINAL EPISODE
Sim-deok,
it must be tough not to be able to perform.
The guest performer at the Japanese Government General of Korea.
Why not accept the offer?
You'll even be paid for your services.
If you agree to take the job, how much will they pay you?
The Japanese Government General of Korea will probably pay more than others.
Mother, this is wrong.
A Korean should not sing for that office.
Why?
She can't earn money elsewhere because of the rumors,
so why not accept this job?
Mother!
Don't you dare raise your voice.
Who pays for your tuition?
Who pays for the food that you're eating right now?
Sim-deok.
No matter how important singing is to you,
don't ever stoop so low.
I agree with Gi-seong.
Don't accept the job.
Fine, don't take it.
Starting tomorrow, we'll all starve instead!
I should pack since I'm leaving early tomorrow.
You'll accept the job before you go, right?
-Mother! -Gi-seong, that's enough.
I can't just stand by while she accepts the job.
Then bring home money for the family then!
Still, she can't do such a thing.
There's no other choice! We'll all starve if she doesn't.
Mother!
Go and get some makgeolli.
There's no need to throw things!
Sim-deok.
Next Sunday at noon,
do I meet you at Nitto Records in Osaka?
Don't be late since I can't record without piano accompaniment.
Why don't you leave for Osaka with me next week?
Why are you leaving so early?
There's someone I need to meet.
I see.
A letter came for you a while back,
so I left it in your room.
FROM KIM U-JIN
I only heard of the rumors about you after I arrived in Tokyo.
Those disgusting rumors about you
seem like nonsense to me.
The only words I believe in are yours.
Every time
I think about how lonely and tormented you'd be,
I'm swept with regret.
I should have brought you with me.
I shouldn't have left you alone there.
Hurry to me, Sim-deok.
Be that vivacious woman you were
when we first met.
Be that lady who always smiled...
and hurry to me.
IF I DIE, UNTIL THAT DAY...
Mr. Kim?
A lady is here to see you.
Is this the life you came here to pursue?
Come back to Joseon.
I do not intend to.
Your father has stopped eating
and is waiting for your letter that does not come.
He's determined
to pick up his spoon again
only when you return to run the company.
Even if you do not write, there are others who can,
but no one else can run the company.
That is none of my business anymore.
Will you return to Joseon only after Father passes away?
Does this seem like nonsense to you?
You know your father as well as I do,
so this is nothing you can brush off.
I'll take it that you will come back
and go back home.
Don't get your hopes up.
It will only be in vain.
I married you without even meeting you.
Throughout my life in this family,
I have never desired your heart.
Even though your heart was somewhere else,
I believed that it was my duty
to love and support you no matter what.
For the first and last time, I urge you to reconsider.
U-jin,
I will not ask you to be a husband for me.
However, please...
do not forget your duties as a son.
What? Wolf?
Not The Dormitory at Night?
Did you really work on The Dormitory at Night?
-I'm really sorry. -Are you serious?
U-jin.
U-jin!
You've been confined at home with your writing,
so what brings you here?
I just wanted to see the theater.
How is the script writing coming along?
-Somewhat okay. -Well, I'm curious.
How good would yours be?
He wrote four scripts already.
He's writing his fifth,
but he never let me read any of them.
Seriously? That's harsh.
When will you show it to us then?
Soon.
-It's me, right? -Yes.
Rehearsals are about to start.
Why not stay and watch?
I shouldn't be here. I should just get going.
Come on. Stay and watch the rehearsal. You've been curious about it.
Gosh, you're so stubborn.
Then I'll stop by your place later. Let's have dinner together.
Okay.
Excuse me for a second.
See you next time.
All right, everyone is here, right?
Hey, where's Hiroshi?
He had something to do, so he'll be late.
Right.
Then let's practice together until he comes.
Okay.
All right. As you all know,
today is the first rehearsal of Wolf.
You're the wolf, right?
Yes.
For our theater, this stage is...
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.
You are the eldest son of this family
and the successor to our business.
Quit fooling around writing literature and being a patriot.
Just think about taking over the family business one day.
Are you going to write all night again?
Why must you care
about the theatrical reform movement in Joseon?
Will you return to Joseon
only after Father passes away?
U-jin, pick up your pen again.
I'm fond of your writing, you see.
However, please...
do not forget your duties as a son.
Sim-deok.
I ought to return to Joseon.
I cannot forsake my father.
However, I can't go back to Joseon.
In Joseon, I can neither write
nor see you.
Then we're in the same boat. We're both faced with a dilemma.
The Japanese Government General of Korea wants to hire me as their singer.
If I return upon recording my album here and become their singer,
my soul will die.
But if I choose not to return,
my family will die.
Do you remember the day we first met?
I was reading a book by Takeo Arishima,
and you struck a conversation with me.
Could it be because of how we first met?
Whenever you crossed my mind,
I was reminded of Takeo Arishima as well.
His books...
and his death.
Now, I think I can understand
why he made a choice like that.
You see,
he must have wanted to rest at a place
where he no longer has to try so hard
and where there is no more parting.
He must have wanted to be at peace.
I...
want to get some rest now.
I'm really...
I'm really exhausted now.
But I can't do that...
for I fear I might end up missing you too much.
If that's the reason, you can rest.
I used to think that he ran away from life,
but I no longer think so.
He made that choice to live.
In order not to lose himself,
he chose death. That's all.
For the first and last time in my life,
I want to live my life as who I am.
Even if that life
means death.
So, you can rest in peace too.
By my side.
U-jin. Sorry, the rehearsal ran very late.
Where did he go?
"Come to Osaka in five days. The address is as follows."
Why did he go to Osaka out of the blue?
JULY 31, 1926
Are you done now?
I was so bored.
I actually came up with a poem in my head while waiting for you to finish.
Do you want to hear it?
Sure.
Life running in the vast wilderness.
Where is it that you are heading?
In this lonely world
filled with cruel suffering,
what...
are you
looking for?
That's it.
That's all I could come up with.
In this world made of tears,
will my death truly be the end of it all?
Those of you in search of happiness.
Only futility awaits you.
Those smiling flowers
and crying birds
all share
the same fate.
Pitiful life, absorbed in living,
you are the one
dancing on the blade.
Great job. That was incredible.
-Sir... -Yes.
If you don't mind,
may I sing one more song?
Of course. I'd love that.
What's the title of the song?
"Hymn of Death."
Seong-deok.
There is some cash in the bottom closet drawer.
Give it to Mom.
Why don't you give it to her yourself?
You'll get home before I do.
Then when will you be home?
You'll be late. You should hurry.
All right.
Then I'll get going. You should hurry home, too.
Seong-deok.
Goodbye.
U-jin.
All that is left here are your writings. Where did you go?
May I have your name, sir?
Kim...
Kim Soosan. I'm Kim Soosan.
Mr. Kim Soosan.
What is your name, ma'am?
Then... I'm Yun Soosun.
The stairs are quite steep. Watch your step.
I will. Thank you.
What are you looking at?
I was just wondering if I forgot anything at home.
So? Did you forget something?
I keep thinking, but I don't think I did.
What about you?
I don't think I did, either.
The sun will rise soon.
Give me a moment.
Now, let's go.
Do you remember?
After our last show in Gyeongseong, we went to a dance hall together.
I remember, of course.
You danced with another man that night.
I'll dance with you tonight.
Your unforgettable name.
Deep in my heart,
your name is engraved, and I long for you.
You set fire to my heart.
In my heart, you ignited the inextinguishable flame of love.
Before your name can be forgotten,
I long for you again.
Oh, even at the moment of death,
I shall call out your name.
Even as I am living,
my heart longs for you.
Until the moment of death,
I will long for you.
You set fire to my heart.
In my heart, you ignited
the inextinguishable flame of love,
Sim-deok.
ARE YOU TRULY LIVING?
NO, I AM YEARNING FOR DEATH IN ORDER TO TRULY LIVE
FROM THE POEM THE THEORY OF DEATH AND LIFE, MAY 4, 1926
THE HYMN OF DEATH