12 YEARS PROMISE
We've just moved in and it's a great day too.
So no pressure, just enjoy.
-Thank you. -Okay.
-Hey. -What?
-Did you see today's game? -Yes.
Hun, go and sleep.
Okay.
Brush your teeth okay?
Okay sir.
Okay.
You should get going too Mr. Heo.
I'm okay, ma'am.
I'm so happy.
What did you tell them giving out those dumplings?
I said it was gimai! Just enjoy!
Gimai?
Oh, that's Japanese. Dokdo is our island!
I forgot that I should never use Japanese.
You're quite funny you know.
Really?
Hun.
I told him to go to sleep. And to brush his teeth.
Oh okay.
It was a great game.
Aren't you hungry?
I'm hungry.
To be honest, it would be great if we could have soju with sea snails.
Not sure if we have sea snails.
Oh, I didn't mean here.
How about going to a pub?
Why not? Let's go.
I'll be right out.
Do you need anything?
I'm okay. Why aren't you sleeping?
I'm going to sleep now.
HAMY
Do you think I believe that you're always busy?
I'm not lying. I was busy with Director Kim.
You told them to leave you in Vietnam? Right?
I did, I did.
But it's not my decision.
We'll have to wait and see. Okay?
Soccer? Semifinals?
Yes, of course. I promised you that we'll watch the game at the stadium.
Good night, Hamy.
Oh, Honey.
How's Da-hae?
Oh, she's studying.
I even prepared snacks for her.
Did you see the game?
Of course, did you Sister?
Why're you calling me Sister?
I was thinking about the old days when we were in elementary school.
Ju Cheol-su was in fifth grade.
Kim Yeong-hui was in sixth grade.
-Honey-- -Honey.
Go ahead.
I'm sorry.
Are you drunk?
I drank a bit.
You're taking pills for your gastritis.
Korean women are so strong.
-Taking medication with drinks-- -It's because of you.
When you were in Vietnam for five years, I only visited once.
And even then, I had to follow Da-hae's schedule.
Da-hae was my first priority.
You must've been lonely living alone far from home.
You never washed a sock by yourself before.
And you do it all by yourself now.
What are you saying? I'm thankful that you understand--
Even though I understand, this is not fun at all and I hate you.
I now understand what it means to hate someone to death.
Ju Cheol-su, I want to kill you.
From what I feel right now,
I don't think I would feel guilty killing you.
Yeong-hui.
But, what would be the point of living after I kill you?
Even if we go away, Da-hae is smart,
so she would be okay by herself.
So don't...
get killed by me.
Let's get a divorce.
Hey Yeong-hui, Yeong-hui. Honey.
Calm down a little.
How can I calm down with your betrayal?
Listen to me, okay?
When I was preparing snacks for Da-hae,
I realized how well you've taken care of her.
I'm always thankful that Da-hae comes first for you.
Da-hae may look like a grown-up woman,
but she's still a kid.
You never know what kind of dude will take her.
I'll try to solve everything. I promise.
I swear.
I really swear. I'll even write in my blood.
Please believe me. I'll never make you cry.
Why're you asking my name suddenly?
Well, it's awkward for me to call you "Hun's mother" all the time.
We should at least exchange our names.
I'm Choi Go-sun.
I'm Heo Se-min.
If I were to live up to my name, I should have been Korea's best.
But I'm living like this.
You don't know what'll happen.
You're right.
It all ends only when we go into our graves.
Stop taking your time, and tell me about you.
You said you didn't want to talk about your tragedy.
So what is that tragedy?
I'll continue after I come back from the restroom.
There's nothing like incurable disease for tragedies.
Okay, leukemia.
Too boring.
Oh this tastes so good.
Cheers.
Are you feeling uncomfortable?
No, I'm okay.
I just feel weird trying to bring up that story.
I'm curious but you don't have to if you don't want to.
Well, I haven't brought it up with anyone else.
But I heard about your story,
so I feel like telling you the story.
My heart aches.
To be honest, my wife's name is Su-jin.
Oh, okay.
She got her bag robbed, and I got it back for her.
She was a very cute girl.
She drank well and was quite forgetful,
but I didn't know it was a disease.
What disease?
Husband: Heo Se-min. Sister: Kim Su-jeong.
My name is Kim Su-jin.
My name is Heo Se-min.
Now, right them down.
Heo Se-min. Heo Se-min.
Min.
Now your name.
Heo Se-min. Kim Su...
Dementia.
Isn't it something old people get?
She was only 27.
Only 27?
Did she have similar symptoms like older people,
even if she was so young?
What?
Oh that must have been hard for you.
So what happened?
Was she sent to a sanatorium?
I heard that it's very hard for family members to take care of them.
How did you do it?
Oh my, it feels like it's my story. What am I going to with my mother?
How does the hospitals test for dementia?
The hospital take MRI's of the brain.
You must have had such a hard time.
Yeah.
So how long has it been?
I mean, when did she pass away?
You don't look like a widower, so maybe less than a year?
It's been a year and a half, so it's my second year.
Life and death is providential. You should be tough you know.
Look at me, I have two kids.
I can't die, even if I wanted to.
Here you go, Mr. Heo.
I'm sure good days will come if you live on.
Let's shout, "We can do it!"
-We can do it! -We can do it.
It's been so long, the alcohol is sweet.
See, it looks good when you smile. You'll get lucky when you smile.
Okay.
Oh, my.
I drank so much today.
-Oh, you did? -Yes.
Thanks for tonight. I'll buy you a drink next time.
Okay.
-See you later. -Okay.
-Bye. -Okay.
Bye.
Why? You want to sleep here?
Yeah, don't wake up and go back to sleep.
Hello.
Are you awake, Son?
Yes.
Why didn't you answer my calls yesterday? I called you a lot.
Oh... I was watching football.
Why did you watch alone? You should've called Mu-cheol over.
Yeah.
You want to sleep more? It's Sunday.
Yeah.
Jun-su.
Huh?
Did you do something wrong?
What?
You did, didn't you?
Mom.
You used to answer like that when you did something wrong.
What is it?
Did you go cheer with Mu-cheol?
Did you do that red devil thing, and not study at all, all night?
No.
No? If so, wake up and get something to eat.
Okay.
Oh, now you sound like my son.
Son! The helper will be there soon.
Guk, what happened to your cell phone?
You know how many times I called you?
You didn't answer at all.
If you're not going to answer, I'll just cancel it.
And didn't I tell you not to be late?
What time did you come in yesterday?
Around 10:00 p.m.
And when did you come in yesterday?
What?
You were out for so long with Mr. Heo.
What do you mean long? I was back around midnight.
Did you check that fran...or whatever?
Mom, he seemed to be single. But he's been a widower for two years.
Oh, he must've lost his wife.
Did you know?
If his wife was alive, she would make him meals.
Why? Eat some more? What's wrong?
It must be tough for her to study.
Really? You studied?
Yeah.
This dried pollack soup is great.
Eat as much as you want, Hun.
Did I leave it at Jun-su's house?
-Hello. -Hi, you going to school?
-Yes I'll get going. -Okay, bye.
Should I wait till Monday?
Should I call him?
HAND-MADE DUMPLING
CALL
$300,000
I can't even see or touch Dad anymore
and can't hear him anymore.
Do you know how much I want to see Dad?
Whether it was a mistake or not, she killed your father.
Even though we get kicked out of our house,
if you want to do that, we can.
So speak up now.
What can I do to calm you down?
How can I make it up to you for losing your dad all of a sudden?
I'll do as you want.
Honey...
Honey.
Why aren't you even visiting in my dreams?
Aren't you even curious about how I'm living with the kids?
Mr. Heo is here.
Hi.
How were you yesterday?
I used to drink a lot when I was young. I'm totally okay with that.
Oh, I see.
It's Sunday. Are you going to work?
Yeah, a guest from abroad is visiting, and I have to go greet him.
Have you had breakfast?
I woke up late, so I couldn't...
If so, sit down.
We had dried pollack soup this morning. You should have some.
Should I?
Oh, you and I go along so well.
You two are such good cooks.
Just let me know. I can make you whatever you want.
I already feel full hearing that.
Mr. Heo.
Yes.
I'd like...
Don't feel too much pressure.
Tell me.
I'll be straightforward with you.
Okay.
Can we do that franchise thing you were talking about?
I think we can do it if you can help us.
It's not as easy as it sounds.
You first need some capital and also need to do research.
You mean money?
Yes.
I do have some money. Didn't I tell you yesterday?
I don't know how much, but if you tell me in advance,
I'll try to prepare them. Well no, I can prepare them.
If someone like you can help out,
I'll trust you and leave it up to you.
How can you trust me?
I know what dementia is.
I can trust you by the fact that you took care of your wife.
Some abandon their parents these days.
Just think about it.
And if it really doesn't make sense, I'll just forget about it.
But don't underestimate us, just because it's a small dumpling place.
I'm really asking you to see if there's any possibility.
You may already know, but we're pretty serious about this.
In other words, we make them with all our hearts.
We never re-sell what's left over and we use the freshest ingredients--
Ma'am.
So we're just asking you to consider it.
Stop that, he'll have an upset stomach.
Oh what am I doing? I shouldn't disturb you.
You should eat first.
Oh, okay.
Is this enough?
Is this school?
Were you surprised?
What would've happened if I went home?
He went to the intensive care unit.
The visiting hours are fixed there, so I don't have to stay here.
Let's eat and go.
Where?
You said you're going back home.
You're not studying?
I don't know.
Don't know what?
Let's just eat.
Is it because of Jang Guk?
What?
Why are you surprised? She likes you, right?
She just called asking if I knew where her phone was.
To you?
Yeah, I told her it could be at your house.
Didn't she come?
-Hey, Mu-cheol. -What?
About obligations...
Obligations? What obligations?
Well, my friend unwillingly, no, was out of his mind...
No no, because of the mood.
What are you talking about?
Anyways, he didn't intend to do it...
Sleep with her?
And your friend, does he have feelings for that girl?
Well...
What? Is it black or white? Or is it like vague grayish color?
Yes, I think he doesn't make sense.
Is it military? It's not like the national defense obligations.
That obligation is for the old days.
What a stupid dude.
It's not me.
This is Guk's phone, could you take this to her?
-Why? -Guk seems to be comfortable with you.
She didn't even call me for her phone.
What's wrong with you two? Just give it to her at school, tomorrow.
She may need it.
I don't even know where she lives.
Well then let's drop by her place after this.
Then you should just go.
Oh come on. Just give it to her.
If it bothers you so much, you give it to her.
You said she called you? Why should I?
Are you saying you're mad that she just called me?
No, it's just troublesome.
I don't want to be bothered because of her.
Damn, it's all cold now.
MOKPO BUS TERMINAL
JUNGBANG EXPRESS BUS
The bus heading for Jiseong-ri has arrived.
Please get on the bus.
Hello.
Where are you?
Tideland? I'm at the tideland too.
I see you. I'll go there so you. Stay there.
Okay.
-Your brother came all the way here? -Yes.
What are you doing? Go see him.
He'll be so surprised when he sees you.
Wait a second.
Oh he seems to be happier than meeting his girlfriend.
They must have a great relationship. Looks great.
Jeong-han.
Is that you, Su-han?
Yes, Jeong-han.
You'll hurt yourself.
Are you okay? You didn't get hurt?
Jeong-han.
Stop calling me that.
Look at your clothes.
A lady I'm working with gave it to me.
Isn't this woman's clothes?
Yes it is, but it's very comfortable.
Did you eat?
Oh I had some kimbap on my way, but I'm not feeling well.
Is there some place I can lie down?
Oh really?
Follow me.
Oh okay, hey be careful.
Be careful with your leg.
Be careful.
Are Beom-suk and the kids doing well?
Yeah.
Is this okay?
It's okay.
Oh you're back.
Is Jun-su not home?
He went to school.
Okay, oh I'm tired.
Oh these are wild veggies. Fry them please.
Okay.
Give me your clothes.
Did you have fun?
Where's Da-hae?
I took her to the academy.
You want to lie down?
I like it.
Is it cute?
Let's buy it.
How could I've done that?
What are you doing here?
Oh I'm practicing golf. Da-hae, Mom's here.
-You can continue that. -Okay.
I'm not sleeping.
Are you still sick?
No.
Can you give me a hug?
Oh this feels good.
-Mom. -Yes.
I'll live with you Mom.
You see that dumpling place?
Hand-made dumpling?
Yes, call her out and give it to her.
And you?
I'll be at the bus station.
Make it quick.
Oh my, you're making this so complicated.
-Go. -I'm going.
SEARCH: CHILDBEARING PERIOD
SEARCH RESULT
INFORMATION ON CHILDBEARING PERIOD
Jang Guk.
Here.
What is it?
I'm here to give you your phone.
It was at Jun-su's house.
I knew.
Why didn't you ask Jun-su directly?
What's wrong with you guys?
Jun-su even... Oh I won't start. He's tired of this too.
What?
He's tired of thinking about you.
That crazy guy. Whoever asked him to think about me?
Hey.
Go tell him to stop being bothered.
And not to say hi to me even if we meet.
And you stop coming to me.
Are you Jun-su's assistant or what?
The guys here in Seoul are so weak.
Assistant? Weak?
Thanks for the phone anyways.
Hey, Jang Guk, we call it friendship.
When did you go out?
I'm not asking you to do anything since you're a senior.
Why aren't you studying?
I went out to get my phone.
Is that you Su-han?
Yes.
Get some more sleep.
No, I should take the last boat.
About that woman.
I'll try to get over her.
I'm almost done getting over her, so please give me some time.
When I'm sure I can forget about her, I'll come back home.
Do you blame me?
Su-han.
You know why...
I know. That's why I'm trying to listen.
I'm sorry.
Yeah.
Don't stay here for too long.
I want to stay here for awhile.
The people here are so nice,
the air is fresh and the food is great.
It's because I miss you.
I want you to come back soon.
Take care of yourself.
I'll make it short...
Jeong-han.
Okay.
Get out of our way now!
Move!
What is this?
Oh Ham-cho.
Oh you.
What are you doing drunk again?
On, my. Goodness.
Ham-cho...
Ham-cho.
My back hurts.
Why do we have to do this every day?
Ma'am...
What?
What brought you here in the middle of the night?
You don't have to do all this for me to tell you.
You're making me tired.
What are you saying?
He's staying at Ham-cho's place and wanted to know the story.
Why do you have to know their story?
Drink this.
-You too ma'am. -Me?
Me too, Cheers--
Wow, this is delicious.
It's been three years since Ham-cho's family came here right?
Yes you're right. Ham-cho's mother had a big belly when she first came,
running away from the huge debt from Gwangju.
I heard that they had a huge business, but went bankrupt.
It must be true.
When Mr. Kang is not drunk, he even speaks English.
Oh my, where can he use that?
He's a drunkard at the salt pond.
Mom!
Oh what're we going to do? It's impossible to get the baby out.
Sir, sir.
What should we do?
Take this first.
Mommy, Mommy!
This is serious, do something about it.
If this continues, the baby and the mother will both die.
What should we do?
We don't have any boats going out.
What should we do?
Call 119, 119 helicopter. Oh right.
Hey Ham-cho, where's the phone?
Quick, quick.
Get up. Get up!
Go get him.
Oh my, oh my.
Mom, mom.
We could've saved her if she went to a big hospital.
Since then, he gets drunk like crazy every night
and we have to bring him home every day.
It's a mental disease.
I feel bad for both Ham-cho and her dad.
And what a sad story about her mom.
Oh come on. I feel bad for you even more.
-Why? -Oh come on.
To be honest, you two were just trying to help.
But it's really weird you know.
Whenever he's drunk, he lies down at one place.
Ma'am where is that?
At the village head's house. Gwang-ja's room.
He's always there, in front of that window.
Life and death are providential... It'll be tough getting to sleep tonight.
Oh this is bitter.
SELECTED AS CREATIVE SCHOOL OF 2002 SEOUL EDUCATION OFFICE
Jun-su.
Yu Jun-su.
Are you angry?
No.
You're angry.
I acted a bit sensitive the other day.
You were right. I should've thought about your efforts.
So Mu-cheol and Jang Guk came over and watched soccer?
Are you going to keep this up?
What?
Sorry Jun-su. I won't be angry like that again.
So smile, huh?
Hey, wait, wait.
Wait, stop it.
Let's make up, so that others won't feel uncomfortable.
I don't forget about things that easy.
Hey!
-What was that? -What was that?
What's up with you two?
You frightened me.
I meant to do that.
Park Mu-cheol.
Sorry about yesterday, forget about it.
I know.
Where are you going?
Restroom.
What? What was that about?
Hey, it seems like Jang Guk is also mad at you too.
Oh okay.
What was it? I wasn't able to understand everything with her dialect,
but she was saying Seoul boys are weak, don't say hi to her,
go live well and whatever.
Am I the Seoul boy?
Yes, of course.
You said you didn't want to bother. Just leave her alone.
Are you looking for Da-hae?
There she is. Hey Da-hae.
Mu-cheol, Jun-su.
Did you watch soccer the other day?
No, I didn't.
-You didn't? -No.
You didn't watch that game?
That guy Joaquin kicked and Lee Woon-jae...
Let's not start this.
Forget about it.
Hey, you guys go first.
Hey, Yu Jun-su.
What's wrong? Where is he going?
"Blessed is the ignorant." This really is a wise saying.
What're you saying?
I don't know.
I will get one of these.
Let's go steady.
What?
I said let's go steady.
12 YEARS PROMISE
I have something to tell you. On that day...
Hey, Da-hae!
Why are you crying? Why?
I do not want to live any more!
You are the reason why I live.
I can't provide you with everything like well-off parents
But I will try my best for you.
She's a widow, isn't she?
Nope, she's like a big sister.
Do you like her?
I just care for my prey.
Da-hae knows everything.
Da-hae left her school bag at home. And she's gone.
Jun-su, Da-hae disappeared.
12 YEARS PROMISE