Love is about sharing happiness and not about selfishness.
It’s more about protecting the one you love and their sorrows.
But I failed at that.
I’m sure you were very mad and angry.
But you know what?
Even if we were to turn back time,
I may have left you alone all over again.
My mother had been in pain for the longest time.
I don’t think I can fight against her.
It’s not right to fight her.
I want to convince her without having to fight her.
But that’s...
I know it’s not going to be easy.
I know that not everything in life is possible.
And I also know thatyou don’t want to go through any more pain.
But I have faith in the truth.
The truth is what helps move people’s hearts. I truly believe this.
So can you wait for me and trust me?
I know that my mother will understand me.
She’ll try to understand.
And she’ll wipe the tears off your face when she comes to understand us.
So please, trust me and wait.
What is this?
Gaeun.
I don’t know what to do.
It’s just not right.
I can’t believe what Eunho’s done.
Do your parents know?
I came to see you because I didn’t know what to do.
If my parents were to find out,
I don’t think I could come up with a good plan to solve this problem.
Eunho is such a fool.
He’s lucky to have such a nice girl like you.
But how dare he make you suffer?
My lady.
Please, don’t call me that.
It sounds so distant.
You can call me, mother.
What’s going on? Why isn’t she here yet?
I hope nothing bad has happened.
Jini.
Gaetong?
I guess things didn’t turn out the way you expected.
What did he say to make you forget my new precious name?
Goodness.
Come on. Tell me what’s going on.
What is that?
Are you getting married?
Things are going in the right direction. Am I right?
Do you think it’s possible?
Jini.
I thought I had set up a high wall to protect myself.
I had made sure that the wall was nice and high.
But Eunho was always looking over the wall.
He’s too tall for me to block him out of my life.
What? Get married with that low life?
I’m going to marry her, mother.
You’re crazy. You’re totally crazy.
Is it so bad to want to marry the person I love?
Of course it is. She’s of a very low class.
Nothing matters in the name of love.
Eunho.
You’re the very person who taught me that the truth is the only thing that matters.
Your true feelings belong to someone else.
I never taught you to be true to someone of such low social status.
She’s a nice girl.
But she’s not of the same class.
Don’t you know that even the king married a woman of a lower class?
Are you talking about the king who was overthrown because of his wife?
Do you expect me to understand you?
Mother.
No. I won’t let it happen.
I won’t allow it, even if it’s the last thing I do.
I’m going to wait, mother.
I knew that it wasn’t going to be easy to change your mind.
But people say that dedication can move even the heavens.
So if Jini and I are dedicated,
I’m sure that one day you’ll give us our blessings.
In order!
Did you call for us?
Look here.
I have received a document that the contest will be held early next month.
Really?
But before that, everyone will be invited to a ball where they must perform.
If anyone does poorly in the performance, no one will be allowed to enter the contest.
That won’t happen.
You have to be with a man before you enter this contest.
So most of you will be able to be experienced at the ball.
Only those who are talented and beautiful will be able to attract men.
And you will be selected.
A woman who is inexperienced cannot be called a true gisaeng.
Otherwise, you cannot enter the contest nor work here anymore.
You must take care of your body and work hard to learn your moves.
Okay?
Okay.
Ma’am.
Is it true?
Do you have something to say?
Well...
Yes?
Talk to me if you have something to say.
How long do I have to wait for you to talk?
Why do I have to be with a man in order to become a real gisaeng?
For a gisaeng, it’s the same as being married.
You need to know more about men in order to become a real woman.
What does that mean?
How should I put it?
You ache all over.
Ache all over?
Why?
Do you think you’ll be fine after spending your first night with a guy?
What do you mean?
Are you saying I’m going to get hurt?
What?
You shouldn’t keep us from the details.
Tell us in detail.
What if she turns out to be just like you.
What did you say?
What if she runs out of the bedroom with a pillow at her side?
I heard you did the same thing.
And hid in the storage room.
And the guy complained that he didn’t meet up with her to play hide-and-seek.
You girls!
I can’t stand it.
What did you just say?
Did you say that Jini will be with a man for the first time at the ball?
She’s at that age already.
Sir.
You have to let her live her life the way she was born to.
How could you say that when you know everything I’ve been through?
You’re the one who’s being stubborn.
Do you still want Jini to endure even more pain after what’s happened?
Sir.
I don’t want Jini to be concerned with puppy love anymore.
Sir...
Let her accept her own fate.
A gisaeng is never supposed to be married anyway.
She can only find true love with a man that suits her social status.
That’s the only love that is allowed for the gisaeng.
Please, let her be confident about her artist talents.
I think that’s worth much more than being in love with a silly boy and ruining her life.
Are you done already?
That was fast. Oh, boy.
Don’t do this.
What’s wrong with you? Why are you so embarrassed?
I just think that you’re cute.
She’s good for nothing. She’s just playing with him.
I’m going to make my hair as smooth as silk.
Why are you being so wild?
It’s totally unnecessary.
Sumsum, you’re acting strange today.
What do you mean?
It’s about time you said something.
Don’t you think so?
I agree.
A gisaeng is supposed to supposed to strike it big on the big night.
A worthless girl won’t be so lucky.
But the really talented ones can get rich just because of that one single night.
What are you doing? Take off your dresses and let down your hair.
Talent and beauty are important, but for a girl, nice silky hair is key.
Nothing shakes up a guy’s heart more than silky straight hair.
The food ingredients will be prepared by the officials.
But, ma’am...
Why don’t we change the beef this time?
It was too dark last time.
Okay, let’s do that.
Ma’am. Ma’am!
Why are you running about?
You may leave if you have nothing else to say.
Yes, ma’am.
What’s happened for you to coming rushing to me like that?
Don’t you think that the younger girls are influenced by your behavior?
What is it?
What?
I’m just saying that whatever you’re trying to tell me must be urgent.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Someone came from Mr. Kim’s place.
The madam of the house would like to speak to you.
You mean Mrs. Kim?
Do you think Jini has caused trouble?
How could she cause trouble when she’s been busy practicing?
Then why else would that wench want to see you?
Listen to yourself speak.
How could be so hasty when you don’t know the full story?
It seems like just yesterday that Jini was learning the scales.
Has she already gotten good enough to learn the major pieces?
I’m just worried that her technique will far surpass her musicality.
I think it’s something that Jini and I can decide by ourselves.
I can tell that you enjoyed her music because you were listening secretly.
Look here.
Did you call for me?
Of course, that’s why you’re here.
Is there something you’d like to tell me?
You said you’d commit suicide.
Didn’t you say that you’d commit suicide if Jini ever did anything foolish again?
Did Jini do something to cause trouble?
I’m sure of it.
Do you have proof, or is it just speculation?
Why else would Eunho be down these days?
Do you have proof?
How dare you ask me for proof?
If you don’t have proof, there’s no way for me to talk to Jini.
I told you that Eunho has been feeling down these days.
Is it up to me to control how your son is feeling these days?
Are you talking back to me?
Are you trying to make fun of me?
I’m not trying to make fun of you at all.
As you’ve stated, we are all of the lower class.
Who are the lower class?
If we are not able to move our bodies, we would not be worthy of living.
It is a duty of a giseang to perfect the arts and academics.
It’s something that’s just as difficult as what the artistocrats do.
We must focused on our studies day and night, even in our sleep.
Are you trying to teach me something?
Jini is one of my most excellent students.
That means that she’s doing all she can to learn the arts and academics.
I don’t think that she has time to be concerned with other affairs.
If you don’t have anything else to say, I’ll be going on my way.
Facial toner is the first thing you must put on your face.
Pat it into your skin so that it seeps through and mix powder with water.
Powder your face with a puff, and that’ll finish off your make-up.
After you’re done, pluck your eyebrows so that they’re thin.
And finish off with some blush.
Why are you so bad at that?
What’s wrong with your eyebrows? It looks like you smeared charcoal.
Why don’t you have any make-up on?
I just asked you a question.
Sumsum, about Jini...
What about her?
Do you think she still has a crush on Eunho?
Why else would she be so glum after hearing about the ball?
I don’t care.
Did you put on make-up?
You look nice.
It took you long to notice.
I heard you may spend your first night with a guy.
Yeah.
Are you happy?
Of course I am.
I could be paid a lot of money.
It’s only natural that I’m happy.
Are you trying to say that you’re not
interested in make-up because you’re already pretty?
No, that’s not it at all.
Then put on your make-up right now.
Come to my quarters, and I’ll check you out myself. Got it?
Yes.
Why is it that all the potteries are of such poor quality?
The queen’s birthday is coming up soon.
I told you many times that we must make them with care to give as presents.
I’m sorry, sir.
Show me the others.
This is it. This is good enough.
Who made it?
It was I.
I knew it.
You’re skills are always the best.
This will make a great present.
You’re too kind, sir.
If I were you, I’d break the vase you’re holding up now in an instant.
What?
In addition, I’d behead the man who made that vase.
How dare you!
Who do you think you are?
Booyong, what are you doing?
How dare you speak of such things?
Please, forgive me sir.
I have not taught her well.
Why are you standing there like a statue? Ask for forgiveness.
I can’t do that.
How dare you?
Do you know who this is?
This is the honorable Mr. Byeok.
His artistic taste is known to surpass all others in the capital.
Then how could he not be able to read the contemptible mind of the maker?
Did you say that the pottery marker has another agenda?
Yes, sir.
What do you mean by that? What makes you think that?
Will you step aside?
I’ll tell you if you do.
If you give this vase to the queen, it’ll cause her to become very ill.
The vase has many flowers drawn on it, but there aren’t any butterflies.
It’s already public knowledge that the king has not been visiting the queen.
The flower represents the queen, and the butterfly represents the king.
What type of message do you think the vase is giving off?
That the queen is a flower that cannot attract a single butterfly?
That’s right.
If I were to give this vase to the queen, the queen would be the target of ridicule.
That’s right.
Do some background research on the person who made it.
I’m sure he was commissioned by people who are against the queen.
Maehyang, I can only compliment your intelligence.
How could you have such an intelligent student as your pupil?
Your compliment is making me blush, sir.
No, please don’t be embarrased.
If it weren’t for her, I would’ve been in a lot of trouble.
Did you say your name was Booyong?
Yes, sir.
I owe you a great deal.
No, it’s not right to say that.
Of course I’m right.
I don’t know how to repay you.
Tell me if you need anything.
I’ll do anything for you.
Are you serious?
Will you do anything I ask for?
Of course.
Is it money you need?
How much money do you want?
I don’t want money, sir.
If not, what would you like?
I would like you to make me into a real woman.
The only wish that I have is for you to make me into a woman.
A woman?
That’s right.
I’ll do that.
It’s not something hard to do.
What an honor to have you as Booyong’s first mate.
I’m sure that it’s an honor that surpasses anything else.
The honor is all mine.
No man would refuse such a beautiful lady who asks to spend a night with her.
I hope no one saw you meet up with the potter.
I gave you a lot of money becaus the first transaction was a success.
It means that I want to continue working with you.
Just say the word.
I will.
Did you have it calculated from the beginning?
Would you believe me if I told you otherwise?
An innocent man is going to die because of you.
There was no other way to graps the heart of Mr. Byeok.
You’re the one who told me that life wasn’t easy.
You’re incredible.
You’re even smarter than I am.
You must lose your virginity.
A woman who is inexperienced cannot be called a true gisaeng.
I’ll promise you that I’ll give myself to you for a thousand years.
Jini?
Yeah.
What took you so long to get here?
Didn’t Gaetong say anything to you?
I asked for you many times.
She told me.
Let’s go inside.
Wait a second.
Can I just hold you for just a second?
Jini.
You’re so warm.
Jini.
Yeah?
You know...
Do you think you can give away your virginity?
Do you think you can live as a gisaeng forever?
It’s something I chose to do.
Will you be happy?
Probably.
That’s enough then.
If it’s something you really want.
Do I seem strange today?
Do I seem out of the ordinary?
I’ve given it much thought.
If I hadn’t known what love was,
I would’ve been happy just learning how to play an instrument.
Mother...
But when you taste the bittersweetness of love, you’ll be hurt forever.
How will you live your entire life hurting in pain?
And how am I to see you in pain like that?
But you can have a different life.
As your teacher said, you’re an extremely talented artist.
I think that it would be wise for you to rely on your talent throughout life.
I think it’ll be better for you.
Yes, mother.
Have some.
You were the only reason for me to continue on living.
You’re nice, smart, and intelligent.
I know that you’ll make me very happy once you become successful.
But in order to do that, you must forget about Jini.
Mother.
Don’t talk back.
I don’t have strength to fight with you.
She must be a fine girl.
I’m sure that’s why you like her.
But in life, there are things you just can’t have.
If you marry Jini, you’ll lose everything.
You will not be allowed to become an official if you marry a gisaeng.
Do you want to waste the rest of your life as a wanderer?
Is that how you want to live?
Of course I know that having a prominent career is most important.
Yes, that’s the way it should be.
But if I must give up the person I love,
I don’t think it’s for me.
Eunho.
I’d rather live my life as a husband than try my luck in becoming successful.
I truly believe that it’s worth it to live my life as a good son to my parents.
It’s me, your wife.
Come in, wife.
I guess we were both thinking the same thing.
I was just about to go to your room.
I’ve received a message from the palace.
The king would like me to work in the high courts.
Is that true?
Why do you look so pale?
You don’t seem to be happy about my news at all.
Of course I’m happy.
It’s something to celebrate.
That’s why I wanted to rush Eunho’s marriage.
If we are to move to the capital,
we should go with our daughter-in-law.
Don’t you agree?
Yes, that’s a good idea.
Why aren’t you sleeping?
I’m sure you know why.
The girls have used up so many towels that I still leftover work.
What about you?
Why aren’t you asleep?
Are you feeling ill?
You do feel guilty because you’ll be at the ball with another man?
There’s no need to feel guilty.
You’ll be left with a painful heart.
Sumsum?
What?
Do you remember that girl, Bakeya?
You mean the geomungo player?
What about her?
Why do you think she stopped playing?
Why would she stop playing music when there was no one else like her?
Jini.
Do you think she ever regretted having stopped playing?
Do you think she has no regrets?
What’s wrong with you?
You’re not yourself today.
Come here.
Follow me. Hurry.
Let’s practice.
What shall we do?
I’ll play the gayageum and you the geomungo.
No, maybe we should dance the night away.
Let’s do that.
Let’s forget about everything else and practice.
We have the contest ahead of us.
We have to be the best that we can be.
Sumsum.
Am I wrong?
Let’s practice.
Let’s start from the beginning.
It’s going quite well for us today.
Don’t you think?
I really wanted to see you again, if I ever got the chance.
I’m sorry that I made you uncomfortable.
Are you saying that you haven’t given up on Jini?
Forgive me.
I didn’t ask to meet up with you so that you could comfort me.
What?
Do you know what you’d be losing by making such a stupid decision?
Do you think my loss compares to what Jini has to go through?
What would you do if you were to lose me, too?
What would you say if I were to endure more pain than you could imagine?
Did you call for me?
Is it true?
Is your love for Eunho genuine?
He’s going to have a hard time.
In order to have you, he’s going to have to go through a lot.
If you really love him, you have to let him go.
It’s only right.
Are you unable to let him go?
Are you going to be a hindrance to his future?
This is the only thing that I will not stand for.
Let’s share our love for him.
I’ll let you be his concubine.
No, I can’t do that.
It’s not possible to share something from the heart.
It’s okay for you not to share his love right away.
It’s okay if he doesn’t care for me.
But don’t be so confident.
Don’t be too sure that you have all of him.
Nothing can withstand time.
As time passes, people change.
And the world will change. too.
No one can be sure of what will happen in 5 to 10 years.
Born into a wealthy family, he won’t have much worries.
He would be living because he won’t have any other choice.
Would you be satisfied with such a life?
Don’t you think that Eunho would end up regretting his life?
He’s not one to blame others, so I’m sure he’ll end up keeping to himself.
Are you sure that you can make him happy forever?
Do you think you’ll be able to live your life only to have ruined Eunho’s?
Aren’t you going to answer?
My answer is not going to change.
I have nothing else to say to you.
Master.
Over there.
Come here, master.
Go and talk to her.
I can’t believe this is happening.
I can’t believe you came to see me.
Is something wrong?
Or did you just want to see me?
I guess you did.
You came all the way here because you wanted to see me.
If it’s too hard, just let me go.
Do you want me to let you go?
It’s not easy.
No one would blame you if you gave up on me.
You know that I can’t do that.
That’s what you think now.
Stop it.
Why don’t you try thinking it through?
You’ll come to realize a lot more.
What you’re trying to do is really foolish.
Things will be really difficult for you, and you’ll be even sadder.
But you’ll be at my side everytime things get tough.
Won’t you?
That’s all I need.
I don’t need anything else.
I didn’t know you were such a coward.
Jini, would you like to learn how to dance?
Will you allow it?
Don’t make excess moves. You shouldn’t strike your feet like that.
Hold onto your breath and continue on with the beat.
Your feet must dance on top of the soil.
I would like to be complimented by the king.
Don’t try too hard to forget him.
Keep your love close.
Dance the day away until you can laugh about your love.
When you can smile while in pain, you’re a true gisaeng.