[Episode 16]
Do you want to be my sponsor?
Do you think you can do it?
If you want to be my husband,
can’t you even answer me?
If that’s what you want, I’m not against it.
Don’t drag me into this just to torture yourself.
I’ll always be in my place.
When you want to rest and no longer want to torture yourself,
come look for me when you need me.
Have a seat.
Did I do something wrong?
Was I wrong for liking you?
I said I’d give up everything.
If I could only have you,
I would throw away everything I’ve earned.
I would throw away my dreams and beliefs for you.
Was it so wrong for me to have you in my heart?
What do you want me to do?
Shall I cry my eyes out, or shall I take your hand?
Look here.
When will you stop regarding love as some kid of virtue?
Why do you think that it’s only the noble class that have something to lose?
How could you think that you’re the only one who has something to lose?
But you think I have nothing to lose, don’t you?
Aren’t you cold?
The weather’s quite cold.
Put this on.
Take it, or you’ll catch a cold.
The minister is a nice man.
I know.
If you brush him off so coldly,
you’ll be feeling the pain.
Don’t be too concerned.
Life has taught me not to rely on love alone.
A gisaeng is an artist before she is a woman.
A gisaeng should be satisfied with having a life full of only the arts.
You’re early.
Why do you look so pale?
Did you not have enough sleep?
Aren’t we practicing?
Why do you think it’s only the noble class that have something to lose?
How could you think that you’re the only one who has something to lose?
But you think I have nothing to lose, don’t you?
You must not falter one bit.
Be lighter. Extend your legs out.
The crane dance is all about grace.
You must make your body look as graceful as possible.
Straighten your neck and feel as though someone is pulling on it.
That’s right.
Fold your wings, and slowly extend your body.
You shouldn’t be lowering your chest like that.
Your speed is too slow because you’re not concentrating.
The line that connects to a curve...
Practice that line first.
Then, I’ll teach you the other steps.
Stop!
How many times must I tell you that the drum dance is not the knife dance?
You can’t swing you wrist as if you’re swinging a knife.
You’ll end up ripping the drums before you get to use them.
Don’t use your wrists like that.
You mustn’t use too much force in your arms.
Forget the fact that you’re hitting the drums with drumsticks.
Think of the drumsticks as your arms, as a part of your body.
Like this.
Breathe in deeply.
Distribute your strength all over your body, and go with the flow.
Do what your body tells you to do.
You can only gain a clear sound if you move with the drums.
I’ll try it again.
No.
No. You still have a long way to go.
The first thing you must do is to make your body suitable for the drums.
Don’t think of hitting the drums before you do.
Think only about the knife dance and nothing else.
And if you’re still passionate about dancing,
you can learn the crane dance.
I’m going to do all I can to make the drum dance outshine the crane dance.
I really don’t know what you’re thinking.
- What is it? - Aren’t you angry?
How could you be practicing after being ignored by Maehyang?
But what other choice do I have?
She’s still the boss.
Do you remember what she said?
She said that the one who survives is the fittest and not the other way around.
Booyong.
Just trust me, and wipe your anger aside.
Let’s learn all the dance steps while we can.
And we can think of the next step later on.
Don’t you agree?
I guess Baekmu was right when she said your mind was elsewhere.
What do you mean?
You can recognize the minister just by hearing his footsteps.
Go to him.
His shoulders are hanging low.
He must be devastated.
Shall I go in your place then?
Moomyeong.
I’m willing to give up everything.
I can be your sponsor.
Stop.
That’s the only way for the minister not to lose you and for you to continue the arts.
What about the things that the minister would lose?
I don’t want that.
I’d hate it more than losing him.
Oh, goodness.
You want to be a sponsor?
It’s just not possible.
How come Moomyeong can be one and I can’t?
Let me go.
You’re just pretending to be a gisaeng. Can’t you see that my heart is burning?
There are many women in the troupe.
My heart’s belonged to you from the start.
A sponsor is someone who has to see his partner be with other men.
What’s to like about that?
I don’t think I’d be able to have you otherwise.
It’s better than nothing.
No, I don’t want that.
I can withstand everything.
I promise not to give you a hard time.
It’s not that. I don’t need a sponsor.
Gaettong...
I’m... I’m pregnant.
What?
I’m pregnant with a child.
Is it true?
Is it true that you’re pregnant?
You stupid girl.
Stupid girl...
What did I tell you?
I told you not to work for 10 days after having your period.
I knew this would happen when you went out dressed so fine.
Whose baby is it?
You don’t know whose baby it is?
You’re being so difficult. Just tell us.
You won’t tell me?
What will it take for you to tell me?
You stupid girl.
Geumchoon!
What are you doing?
You stay out of it. It concerns the troupe.
I can’t do that as her mother.
Why are you butting in when I asked you to stay out of it?
Are you going to be responsible if she has a miscarriage?
That’s nothing major.
I know.
It’s nothing to celebrate when a gisaeng has a baby.
Stop talking nonsense.
Do you know whose baby Danshim is carrying?
It’s a member of the royal family.
Look here. What do you mean by that?
A member of the royal family?
Are you saying that the king himself has chosen Danshim?
It’s the same thing since the father is a relative of the king.
The king’s relative?
Don’t tell me...
So then, it’s the baby of Mr. Byeok?
That’s right.
If it’s confirmed that
the baby is of royal blood, she would be emancipated of slavery.
That’s the law.
Is that true?
Yes, it is.
It’s because members of the royal family must make babies with care.
There’re many girls that ended up becoming concubines for royal family members.
Did you hear that?
So be nice to Danshim now, and don’t be mean because she used to be a slave.
Okay?
What took you so long?
I thought I was going to die waiting for you.
You’re even prettier when you sulk.
Why are you more difficult than usual?
Do you want to see your husband break his skull?
Who are you calling husband?
Parrot.
I shouldn’t have gone out with you.
What did you say?
If I had done my best to look good in his eyes,
he would’ve chosen me instead of that slave-turned-gisaeng Danshim.
What are you talking about?
I should be the one with his baby.
Do you want a baby?
Do you want to try to make one tonight?
Do you think I’m crazy?
What would I do with your baby?
What’s the use of making a baby when it’d only be made into a slave?
Did you ask Myeongwol to attend the ball?
I’m sure you know that she’s very busy preparing for the festival at the palace.
Of course, I know.
But I couldn’t refuse the noblemen who have been helping me at my job.
Really?
The other girls can entertain and Myeongwol can sing just a single song.
Okay. I’ll arrange it.
What’s taking Myeongwol so long?
We told you that she’s choosing the appropriate strings with her accompanist.
You’re too impatient.
I just feel bad about having my important guests wait so long.
Oh, brother. Don’t drag me into this.
You’re the one that was looking forward to tonight.
My name is Myeongwol.
Hey, don’t tell me that you’re infatuated with her already.
She looks familiar.
I think I’ve seen her before.
Where did I see her?
Maybe in your dreams.
She looks just like a fairy.
No, that’s not it.
Yes. I know what it is.
I thought she looked familiar.
She looks a lot like someone I know.
Someone you know? Who is is?
It was a long time ago.
More than 20 years ago.
Would you like us to continue?
Oh, my.
I guess we were being quite rude.
I’m sorry. Please continue.
No.
I would rather listen to your story than their playing.
But...
What happened 20 years ago?
There was a gisaeng that I was living with when I was here in Song-do.
We had loved each other, but maybe we went too far.
It almost got me into trouble later on.
What was it that got you into trouble?
No. It’s none of you business.
Continue playing.
What was the name of this gisaeng?
I said, it’s not your business.
Please tell me. You never know.
If the story is interesting, I may spend the night with you.
Why?
Would you ask me to take you in after spending a night with me?
So, that’s what happened?
What did you say?
What did you say when the most beautiful woman asked you to be with her forever?
He threw her away.
I’m sure he had no other choice.
He came to Daecheon with the excuse to concentrate on his studies.
He couldn’t resist his own desires to have fun with a gisaeng and got her pregnant.
And it was too hard to deal with.
Jini.
Did you ask the gisaeng to get rid of the baby?
But I bet she didn’t listen to you.
Did you give her some poison?
Who are you?
Are you talking about Hyeongeum?
Jin Hyeongeun is known throughout Song-do as a very talented gayageum player.
Isn’t that the gisaeng you’re talking about?
How do you know this?
Are you inside?
Come out.
Go to your mother.
She’s looking for you.
The incident that occurred earlier today...
Don’t tell your mother.
Sir.
Your father will be here.
What did you say?
How dare that rude man come here?
I’m going to kick him out.
I’ll make sure that he doesn’t step foot inside.
Your mother has waited for him for 20 years.
But...
If she had no hope,
I don’t think she could’ve survived until now.
Calm yourself down, and take in your father with your mother.
Don’t show any external signs.
Be nice and courteous.
Don’t do anything to upset your mother at all.
I won’t forgive you if you do.
Jini?
Jini, are you here?
Did you hear that your father is coming?
Yes.
He hasn’t forgotten you.
I heard that he’s here to see you.
Are you happy?
I thought that he had forgotten about you and me.
I felt bad that I was never able to show you your father’s face.
Do you think he’ll recognize me?
I’ve gotten quite haggardly.
What are you talking about?
You still look pretty.
You’re like a newlywed bride.
Stop it.
Are you making fun of me?
What are you doing?
It’s been 25 years.
That’s the number of years you came to live in Song-do after falling for Hyeongeum.
You should forget about her instead of doing such a thing.
My heart isn’t like some stringed instrument.
You can’t just cut off the strings with a knife.
Goodness.
I named our child Jini.
It’s a nice name.
Will you come see us once in a while?
Will you help Jini out when things get tough for her?
I shall.
Of course, I shall.
Have you lost weight?
I’ve gotten older.
You’re still beautiful.
I’m sorry.
I’m sure you hated me a great deal.
Would you believe me if I said I didn’t?
But I think I can cast away my hate for you now.
Sir.
I thought you might need this.
Jini.
Are you the one who asked him to meet up with my mother?
And you told mother what to tell him.
Jini.
You shouldn’t have let him meet my mother.
But your mother is happy.
And how do you feel?
It doesn’t matter how I feel.
I can stand it.
What is this love that you believe in?
Largo.
Not allegro or presto.
I’m talking about a slow pace that’s sad but warm.
Sir.
It won’t hurt anyone to fall in love when everyone has a relationship.
But I hope you a meet a better person.
If you can’t make things go your way,
forget about love.
Look elsewhere.
Find a love that can flourish.
I’ll be back.
Be good to your mother.
Okay.
You’re going to get Kim Junghan?
I think it’s the only way for you to get Myeongwol back.
That’s not necessary.
I already told you that I’ve forgotten her.
What about the love that even Mt. Geumgang wasn’t able to cool off?
Booyong.
If you’ve gotten over her, you shouldn’t hate her as well.
What is it you want to say?
Sir,
an extreme form of hate is the same as an extreme form of love.
How could someone like you not know this?
What do you want?
Shall I go to Kaesong?
Or...
What is it you want?
Sir.
I know that you would not do me a favor for free.
Of course, not.
What is it?
The Ministry of Rite will be preparing for the 20th anniversary of the king’s rule.
I received a letter to hurry.
Are you saying that the king himself wants us to perform the drum and crane dances?
That’s right, ma’am.
The drum dance?
So your teacher taught it to you?
I can’t believe she did that after having kept it buried for so long.
Don’t you think it’s a sign that she’s ready for a real fight?
I’m sure that’s what you want, not her.
The minister never reported the crane dance to the central government.
And your teacher isn’t foolish enough to ask that an unfinished dance be performed.
I had Mr. Byeok tell the king about the two unrecorded dances.
You’re unbelievable.
That’s what differentiates me from my teacher.
I’m going back to the capital in four days.
I heard.
I guess I won’t be getting on your nerves anymore.
You will have organized your thoughts by then.
Is this the end?
Are you satisfied?
Yes. Of course, sir.
Are you looking for a response to the dageum?
How about I play my gayageum?
What are you doing here?
What if I told you that I came all the way here because I missed you?
Would you scold me for being too easy?
- That’s enough. - Sir.
There is nothing I can offer you.
I’ve never asked for any monetary compensation.
Nor can I offer you my heart.
I can’t give a single piece of my heart to you.
Sir.
I’m sorry, but I never learned how to tell lies.
So throw away your hopes.
What if I give you twice as much?
I’ll give you the love that you can’t give me, either.
Just don’t send me away.
Because I believe that your heart will be mine,
little by little.
That’s what I believe in.
Sir.
I’m sorry.
I almost made a big mistake.
I almost insulted you.
To leave me would be the biggest insult.
Forgive me.
Do you need a peer?
I believe that I can help you calm down.
A peer?
I don’t think I’m good enough.
There’s no beating you.
It may be true for shooting the arrow.
But it’s you that I want to shoot at,
and not the target.
Don’t you think it’s the other way around?
Do you think Myeongwol could have me when she doesn’t love me?
Hey.
Am I being rude?
I just wanted to tell you this.
Don’t you want to think of a way to be at Myeongwol’s side for a long time?
I can see that you weren’t able to make the minister fall for you.
I guess the dance competition is off.
It’s only right that I allow Myeongwol to perform the crane dance and make you suffer.
But I won’t go that after.
Sir.
Hate is another word for love.
Since you taught me that I should be rewarding you.
Why don’t you think of another way to steal Myeongwol’s heart?
No, that’s not necessary.
I found a way to capture her heart without your heart.
I’m going to make her mine and teach her about love.
After that, I’ll show her how much hate can hurt.
Here goes thee.
I’m sorry to be causing all this commotion when I could be leaving quietly.
Not at all.
You’ve done great work at the institution, so it’s only right for us
to see you off like this.
I’m the one that needs to thank thee.
Without the help of the gisaeng and musicians of Song-do,
I wouldn’t have been able to organize all those music scores.
Thank you for your compliment.
Now for the crane dance.
I hope you can finish taking down notes so that it can contribute to Joseon’s dance.
I’ll work at it, sir.
You seem to be in a good mood, ma’am.
Everything has come to its proper place.
Myeongwol is no longer a fool.
She has learned how to control her heart.
Let’s take a short rest.
Yes, sir.
Get me some wine.
Look here.
Let’s drink to him.
Let’s drink to my love that’s no longer alive.
She looks like someone who’s getting ready to go off to war.
Why is she leaving her carriage and roaming around on that horse of hers?
You want us to go to the capital first?
I’ll be right with you, so don’t worry.
It’s useless.
What I’m doing is useless.
What do you say?
Do you like my performance?
Oh, my!
Were we thinking about the same thing?
I thought that I could meet you if I came here.
Why have you come back?
I have forgotten something so that’s why I’ve come back.
You should try going to your quarters.
If you left something, your servant will help you.
I didn’t leave something.
Actually, I’ve come back for someone.
Can I be your friend?
If I can be your friend, and we exchange feelings and poetry.
Let’s do that.
But I can’t allow that.
I’d rather lose you than be your friend.
I’ve loved a woman for the first time.
And never again.
I won’t be able to take my heart back with me.
My heart that I truly loved you with...
I’ll leave that here with you.
Look at me.
Let me see your face.
It’s the last time.
I don’t want to leave, seeing your back.
Is that what you want me to remember you by?
["Lovesick Dream" - written by Hwangjini]
I can only meet you in my dreams.
You came back to find me, and I had gone to look for you.
I hope the next time I dream of you,
I can see you again on the same road.