[Episode 4]
A notice from the capital?
I was told to select a suitable girl.
A suitable girl?
I was told to pick a girl who was beautiful and talented.
I think this is going too far.
All the talented are already in the city.
No one will be left in the country.
Stop it.
In any case, pick someone nice and send her to the capital.
After all, the Songdo troupe is one of the finest in all of the country.
Don’t do anything to hurt the reputation.
Haengsu, do you have anyone in mind?
I think Hyeongeum’s daughter, Jini, is the most beautiful and talented of them all.
Don’t you agree?
Is that what you think?
You didn’t see us.
Says who?
Don’t go that way.
Haengsu’s room is the other way.
We’ve been out here for two hours looking for you.
What does she want with Jini? Why is she looking for her?
Mind your own business. All you need to do is carry water.
Hey, you...
Don’t take her side.
I know.
But what did you do Jini?
What did you ever do to have the teacher look all over for you?
Did you walk the rope in the market?
I asked you if it were true that you hung out with the clowns?
Did you walk that rope?
Yes.
I did walk the rope.
What did you learn from me?
You’ve learned how to walk rope for over two months.
Have you been wasting your time here?
How can I afford to keep you here?
I wanted to get a better feel of how to work my feet.
But I haven’t gotten it down yet.
But I’ve learned something more important.
And what is that?
To focus with all my heart.
As I would concentrate to keep from falling off the rope,
I learned how to be focused throughout.
I believe that is the way of an artist.
This what I learned, ma’am.
Fine.
Go and pack your bags.
You have somewhere to go as soon day breaks.
Are you going to be sending Jini off to the capital?
Do you think it’s the right decision?
Have you forgotten what we had to go through to get her?
We’ve nurtured her for the last 6 years.
Ma’am.
Did you say she’s gone to the capital?
Yes, she went with the teacher yesterday morning.
What for, all of a sudden?
I heard she became an artist of the palace.
What did you say?
But then...
But there’s high chance that Jini will be left in the capital.
How is this possible?
It’s already over.
She must be sad.
But I’m even sadder.
She’s the only friend I have.
This is where the king, his Highness, makes his dwelling.
This place is so noble that those of the lower class cannot even dream of entering it.
But there is an exception.
Do you who that exception is?
The artists who are in charge of the royal dances.
The artist of the palace.
Jini.
Yes, ma’am.
You have a special talent for the arts.
It was your passion for the arts that brought you to my troupe.
Do you remember that day?
Yes.
You have to go past the doors once again.
You must always be nervous, and be careful and diligent with your work.
If you do that,
you’ll easily be able to go through that door.
Hyangrin and Youngmae from the Euiju troupe.
Yes.
Iltalyeon from Pyongyang.
Yes.
Choonmae from Jeonju.
Yes.
From Songdo...
Madam Lim, why haven’t you written the name of your artist?
It’s because I thought that it is unfair to take all the talented ones from the country.
Unfair?
That’s right, sir.
What do you mean by that?
Tradition has it that only the very talented are chosen as artists of the palace.
I hope you haven’t forgotten this.
It’s more outdated than anything else.
Look here.
Dear sir.
I know that the royal dance is important.
But the arts of the country are important as well.
So all the talented girls should be left in the country.
Don’t go overboard.
That’s not up to you to say. We’ll be taking care of that.
No, she does have a point.
- Sir. - Sir.
I’ve come up with a plan that will benefit both the palace and the country.
What is this plan of yours?
What do you say to a contest in which
gisaengs of the entire nation will compete in?
A contest?
The troupe that is recognized as the best will be able to head the palace ceremonies.
I’m sure that you’re well aware that competition will help foster talent.
And everyone here knows it as well.
Your spirit is still well alive.
Are you trying to go against me head on?
I’m just an old woman with a back problem.
I won’t be competing in the competition.
What do you mean?
My pupils will be performing in it.
Really?
I still remember you.
It’s been a long time.
My name is Booyong, ma’am.
I’ll be able to see your skillful dance moves once more.
You’ll regret that you ever mentioned the bit about the contest.
Regret?
Our troupe is the best in the entire nation.
All of the girls joined the troupe before they turned seven.
We all studied very hard with the best teachers.
We will never lose.
No one will be able to win over us.
What about you?
Do you think you can win?
I can read your expression.
I guess you’re not confident.
Why don’t you tell your teacher that this is all nonsense.
I am not interested in winning or losing.
There is something else I want.
Something else you want?
What is it?
I would like to be complimented by the king.
How cocky you are!
You should consider yourself lucky just to be performing for the king!
How could you be so foolish?
An artist performs as a living.
It’s only natural that one would want to be given a prize.
So how much prize money do you want?
It’s something that’s worth more than a million dollars.
But it can be given away easily if the king really wants to.
What is it?
I’m talking about the king’s tears.
We’re running late.
We should get going now.
Let’s go.
Yes, ma’am.
Ma’am.
You look tired.
It’s mental fatigue rather than physical pain.
What type of person is Maehyang?
She’s great at the ballad dance.
She’s the best in the country.
She used to be my best friend.
What?
Why are you so surprised?
She seemed too fierce to have been your best friend.
I can’t call her fierce. All artists have a competitor.
If the contest goes well,
I’ll be able to have drinks with an old friend.
Jini.
Yes, ma’am?
Do you know what the most important thing for a gisaeng is?
Is it wine?
No.
Is it artistic talent?
Maybe.
Is it love?
What do you know about love?
Oh, ma’am.
For a gisaeng, wine, talent,
and love are necessary, but not important.
Enduring pain is the most important thing for a gisaeng.
Only those who can endure pain and can become oblivious to it,
deserve to be called a true gisaeng and a true artist.
Open the doors!
Have you decided to enter the girls in the contest?
Yes, I have.
I thought you were very satisfied in being in Songdo.
I thought you wanted to stay here all your life.
So what’s gotten into you?
As the old saying goes,
"How can you stop a river from rising all the way to the sky?"
So now, you want to swim with the big fish?
A large fish belongs in bigger waters.
My pupils must become big fish first.
Big fish?
Good luck to all of you.
Once you become famous, don’t forget about me.
We’ll always remember you, sir.
Before we become one during the contest, each of you must work on yourselves first.
I’m going to be testing you on poetry, prose, and drawing.
Make sure that you’re prepared.
Also, pick an instrument that suits you the most.
Those who wish to pursue singing will be studying with Keumchoon.
And the others who wish to study instruments will study with the master and Hyeongeum.
All of you must practice very hard.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Master! Master!
They’re here!
They came last night over the hills and the waters.
Are you serious?
Yes, I am.
What are you talking about?
What?
You said something came.
Well, what I was trying to say is…
It’s nothing much. Don’t think much about it.
- Let’s go. - Okay.
I know what they’re up to.
What?
It’s dirty pictures.
I’m sure they’ve gotten hold of some.
No way.
Or else, why would he say they were from over the hills and waters?
I’m sure they’re really graphic drawings.
From Japan or China. I’m sure of it.
No way.
I’m telling you.
Are you sure that Eunho’s into that?
You never know with people.
Hey.
Why would he be so secretive?
Why don’t you go ask him if you can look too if you’re that curious.
I don’t need to.
What?
I have pictures of my own.
Master, do you know what you look like?
You’re like this.
You’re totally out of it.
What is it?
I think someone’s outside.
What’s wrong with you all of a sudden?
I have to practice.
I don’t have time to do anything else but practice.
Hey.
So tell him not to come here again.
Tell him I can’t see him anymore.
Did you say you want to learn the geomungo?
Yes, sir.
Women in the troupe are usually more accustomed to the gayageum.
You’re already familiar with that instrument.
Why do you want to learn a new instrument?
The geomungo is…
The geomungo is enjoyed by noble men.
That is why I want to learn how to play it.
I don’t like the gayageum because it resembles the sound of girls.
You don’t like feminine tunes?
You shouldn’t hate the likeness of your gender.
I hate that I was born a woman.
Jini.
I see that women are swayed by their emotions left and right.
I don’t want to waste my time becoming
an artist with my emotions getting in the way.
Excuse me.
Oh, gosh. I should’ve knocked first.
I didn’t know that someone else would be here this late.
Who are you?
My father is the governor of this town.
What are you doing this time of day?
I’m a gisaeng. My name is Jini.
I stopped by to look for some books.
What are we to do?
I messed up such an important book.
I have a good idea.
I can write up the letters again and paste it on top of the original text.
I can tell that your writing is excellent.
How could you have such great memory when I can hardly remember anything?
I owe you a great deal.
Not at all.
It’s my turn to help you.
You said you were looking for a book. I’ll help you find it.
This was the precise book that I was looking for.
You were looking for poems as well?
Do you like this poem?
“Your collar is so blue, and my heart longs for you even more.”
People say that this is a poem about a woman who is in love with a nobleman.
A sage doesn’t discuss something that doesn’t concern him.
A sage may discuss something that concerns him, but doesn’t critique it.
These are the words of Chuang-tzu.
Who would like to interpret this?
Eunho, would you like to give it a try?
What are you doing? Read it.
I don’t want to.
Hey. What did you say just now?
I don’t want to read the words of Chuang-tzu.
Is it because it won’t be on the test?
Learning various subjects is a virtue in life.
I still don’t want to.
Hey, you!
Are you refusing the orders of your teacher?
Read it out loud and discuss it.
I don’t want to.
What’s wrong with you?
Are you crazy?
You've been acting weird lately. Hurry up and do it.
I think you need to be punished.
Come here, right now!
Say you’ll read it. Say that you’re sorry.
How dare you go against the words of your teacher?
You’re really bad!
Let me see it.
Does it hurt?
Are those tears?
How could the teacher hit you like that?
Are you hurt?
Yes, I’m hurting.
I’m hurting right here.
What?
There once was a man named Chuang-tzu.
He lost his lover because he was unsure of her love.
I don’t like men like Chuang-tzu, who gamble with other people’s hearts.
I know I’m not like him.
I’m ready to give her my all, but she won’t give me a chance.
She didn’t say she didn’t like you. She said she’s busy with practicing.
Okay. What do you say to this?
It’s the truth.
My master said that he wouldn’t bother your training.
He also said that he’d do anything to help you out.
Please, go easy on him.
My master looks pretty awful these days.
Just give him another chance.
Don’t you feel sorry for him?
It sounds nice.
I thought you were against me playing it.
I’m just starting out.
I still have a long way to go to make it sound deeper and nicer.
No. It sounds nice and deep already.
Come here.
Come over here.
Do you have any good news?
What good news?
You may fool everyone else, but you can’t fool me.
What are you talking about? I don’t have any good news.
That’s strange.
My hands tell me that your face is glowing like a blooming flower.
Mother.
Yes?
About my dad...
What does he look like?
It’s strange of you to ask about your father.
Don’t you want to see him?
Don’t you miss him?
I guess you couldn’t have it both ways.
To live as a talented gisaeng and to be a wife of a certain man.
I guess it’s not possible to be both.
Is something going on?
What’s going on?
Tell me what’s going on.
You’re starting up again.
Nothing’s going on.
I’m just asking because you seem lonely.
Jini...
I’m going to my room.
I’m tired after practicing day and night.
Get some rest.
The contest is making my feet ache like crazy.
Do we have to participate in the contest?
Things are fine the way they are.
It’s not like we have nothing to wear. It’s not like we’re starving.
We’ll be on a whole new level.
This is so tiring.
Look at my face.
My pretty little face is turning really old.
What a fool.
There’s nothing she can’t say.
I know.
You’ll be as good as new with some sleep.
But when we wake up, we’ll still be dead tired.
And new wrinkles appear everyday.
That’s why I’m here for you.
So what are you trying to say?
There are different types of water.
What?
There’s the water that comes from the well,
and the water that you get early in the morning.
There’s also the water that you boil with tea leaves.
Each has different effects on the skin. And some can make your face whiter.
Stop beating around the bush, and tell me which one is best.
The water that’s boiled with tea leaves is best.
It’ll make your face as white as snow.
How much is it?
The water from the well is one cent, and the water with tea leaves is three cents.
Give me the finest one.
When gisaengs get old, no one wants them anymore.
That’s what I mean.
- I want some. - Me, too.
We need some warm water.
Hold on. I’ll get some more water.
What does she do with all the money she makes?
She’d buy something tasty.
That’s what you do.
Maybe she wants to buy news shoes from China.
Jini, is this yours?
Did you scoop this water?
No.
Why?
It’s nothing. Let’s go inside.
Why would your mother call for me?
I know why.
She’s going to ask you if something’s wrong with me these days.
Did she find out about you and Eunho?
No, that’s not it.
In any case, don’t say anything to my mom.
You mustn’t tell her anything.
Don’t worry about me. Who am I?
You’re the most loyal friend anyone could ever ask for.
Gaetong!
Gaetong. Hey, girl.
Where were you all this time?
My name is Danshim.
Stop talking nonsense.
Go to the main courtyard. Hyeongeum is looking for you.
My name is Danshim!
Go to her.
Why don’t you have a seat?
No, thanks.
Come closer.
Your fingers are quite long.
They’re not clean because I haven’t washed them.
Is your name Danshim?
What?
Isn’t that the name you want to go by?
How did you know?
I may be blind, but I’m not deaf.
That’s not what I meant.
Your fingers are long and powerful.
They’ll be good to play the gayageum with.
Are you serious?
Do you want to learn? Do you want to be a gisaeng?
Of course, I do without a doubt.
Would you like me to teach you?
Really?
I think there’s someone that Jini likes.
I’m sure you know about it.
How’d you...
I knew it was true.
I knew you’d know about it.
No, I don’t know at all.
How would I knowthat Eunho and Jini like each other...
Can you accompany me today?
I have no one else to accompany me.
I only have you, sir.
I believe that Jini has someone that she likes.
Jini?
That’s a surprise.
He seems to be the son of a noble family.
Since I can’t see,
it’s not easy for me to know more about him.
Can you check him out for me?
I know that I could trust you.
It’s not going to be easy.
Yes, I know.
A nobleman and a gisaeng in love.
The world would be against them.
If the suitor isn’t very serious,
I don’t want Jini to fall for him too hard.
But if they are made for each other, I want to let them fall in love.
I don’t want Jini to follow in my footsteps.
Would you help me?
Would you help take care of the kids?
I’ll meet with the young man soon.
Thank you.
I think I’ll be able to perform well today.
Do you have to dance?
Is my dancing really that bad?
No, it’s not that.
It’s just that...
It’s just too good.
I don’t care about everything else,
but I wish you didn’t have to dance in front of others.
Is that difficult for you?
How have you been raising our child?
It was extremely embarrassing to meet up with his teacher.
Sir.
First, he talks back to his teacher.
Now, he’s been missing his classes almost everyday.
What?
I guess it’s the first time you’ve heard of all this.
That can’t be so.
Eunho isn’t capable of that.
You don’t know your own son.
Raising him properly is your biggest responsibility.
It’s not like you have many children.
Hello, ma’am.
Hey, you.
Oh, ma’am.
Where is Eunho?
How am I supposed to know?
Do I have to threaten you to get the truth?
Well, what happened was…
Are you the son of Mr. Kim?
Yes.
My name is Eumsu, the accompanist.
No, not yet.
Jini is a colleague of mine.
She’s to be a gisaeng in the future.
Do you know this?
Yes, I do.
So you must know that she’s in a totally different situation.
There’s a type of flower that can understand words.
That’s what the noblemen say about the gisaeng.
Do you need a flower?
I’m here to ask you if all you’re doing is leading her on.
Look here...
If that’s all you think of her, you should stop it right now.
What do you mean?
I think you’re too old to have a playmate.
A playmate? Whatever do you mean?
If she’s not a playmate, what does she mean to you?
Well...
Why do I have to tell you this?
How long will this last?
Can you give up everything in order to have her?
Of course. Of course, I can.
Mother.
Mother, please listen to me.
Step aside.
Mother, please.
Step aside!
Sis, it’s me.
Come in.
Why are you so late?
I didn’t know you were here, mother.
Yes.
Mother, I saw Eunho’s mother in front of our house.
I wonder what she’s doing here.
Are you Jini?
Mother.
I asked you if you were Jini.
Yes, I am.