Dwiju: Cursed Box (2024) Movie Script

Please leave a message
after the beep.
Soyoon.
It's Mom.
Why aren't you answering the phone?
How's school going?
Have you made many friends?
I'd like to hear.
Please give me a call
when you get this.
Dasong Gallery is planning
a project to reinterpret artifacts.
Dasong? Kang Byeongji's gallery?
What's this?
Mr. Kang brought in something
called Dwiju from Mongolia himself.
Dwiju?
I heard nomads used it as a prison.
And we're going to reinterpret it.
For some reason
Mr. Kang seemed obsessed with it.
It will be the main focus
of the exhibition.
Professor Kim?
Your solo exhibition
went well last year.
So why not have
a special exhibition this time?
Yeah.
What the...
Yea, yeah.
I've tried so hard to secure this.
I mean yes, I'll take the job.
Of course I will.
Pick two excellent grad students.
I'd say Jung Woosoo and one other.
Thank you for the class.
Welcome, off you go.
Well done today.
Hey, Hyunah.
Yes?
You have time?
Thank you.
Here you are.
Yes?
Hi.
Jung Woosoo?
Did you say Dasong Gallery?
Yes, I got a chance to have
a team project exhibition.
So I thought about
doing this with you two.
What do you think?
Remember? Prof. Kim Ahjin.
She had a solo exhibit
at Chowon Gallery last year.
Yes.
The one with the pretty face.
Right.
Of course.
I'll arrange something for you.
Yes.
Alright.
Bye.
Oh.
Hey sis, it's been ages.
Here.
It's good to have birthday.
Because I finally get to see you.
Yeah, I wonder how busy
I must have been.
Look at you, you've lost weight.
Take care of yourself.
Sorry.
How have you been?
Well.
I'm working on a project with Dasong.
Dasong? Awesome!
It's been doing really well lately.
It's not a solo exhibition though.
Just showcasing one artwork.
Hey, you're being way too modest.
Then it's obvious.
What is?
You'll be a full professor
next year, I'm sure.
It's just one special exhibition.
I mean it's perfect timing for you.
You've completed your time
as an associate professor.
If I finish this project well,
and become a full professor...
Hold on.
Hey sweetie, mummy's with Ahjin.
Signature please.
This is massive.
Wait, what?
What was that.
Professor.
I'm really excited.
Thank you for giving me
the opportunity.
Thank you.
No, you earned it yourself
because you are doing so well.
Let's make it best together.
Yes.
You're here.
You came early.
Hi, Professor.
Hi, Woosoo.
Man, you're good looking.
Hello.
You are...
I'm Hyunah from
the Western Painting Department.
Right, Hyunah.
I see.
I forget things more as I get older.
Beers, huh?
Can I have soju with the red cap?
You know, this project is
really important.
Make sure you support Prof. Kim well.
You sound like you're not joining us?
Hey, I'm an old man now.
Make me your assistant.
Toast to the project's
nationwide success.
Cheers!
You haven't eaten any, Prof. Kim.
Would you like to order
something else?
No, I'm good.
You know, a vegetarian
might not be so healthy after all.
See? humans are omnivores.
We are born to eat
both meat and plants.
So, while you're busy with
ethics talk and avoiding meat.
Your nutrient balance
might go all wonky.
I'm getting plenty of
plant-based protein instead.
Like what? Tofu?
Just think.
What if you fed tofu to
a tiger every day?
Nowadays, there are
alternative meats.
And protein supplements
are out there too.
Alternative meats are
processed foods.
Bunch of chemicals, you know.
So the food...
Professor, can I get you a drink?
Start thinking outside the box.
Take a shot.
Hey, cheers.
Oh no, let me top you off.
Bottoms up.
By the way, you two have been
hanging out a lot since college.
Yeah.
Are you going out?
Sorry?
No, we're not like that.
Men and women can
never be just friends.
Wouldn't you get turned on
if you saw her naked?
Sorry?
Professor, saying things like that
could get you in trouble.
What trouble?
It was just for fun.
She's not my type.
I'm into a more mature style.
Like Prof. Kim, she's my type.
Hey, careful.
You're being rude to the professor.
Am I not allowed to speak my crush?
Professor, did I offend you
because you're my type?
Hey, I said enough.
I was blown away by
your solo exhibition last year.
Didn't expect that vibe from you.
That's why I recommended
you for this project.
Give your best shot this time, and
leave Prof. Song and Min in the dust.
You mustn't lose to those
from other unis, right?
Only one will make it.
You know what I mean?
Sure.
Take a shot.
Bottoms up.
That jerk.
Why bother if someone
eats grass or not?
Whenever he talks,
it's always sexual harassment.
Ugh, I really can't stand him.
He's always been like that.
But he still brings in
a lot of big projects.
Like Dasong gallery
exhibition this time.
Idiot!
He's trying to piggyback on the work.
He's gonna dump
all the work on Prof. Kim.
And then slap his name on it.
Right on the top.
He's got no skills, but
messing around with school politics.
Really annoying.
Are you alright, Professor?
Yeah.
Would you like me to drive you home?
No, I'm good.
Come on, you don't stand a chance.
Know your place.
Whatever, I'm just a fan of hers.
Professor?
It's all done.
Right, thanks.
Isn't this bigger than you thought?
It used to be a prison.
So it's quite spacious.
Let's...
Sorry.
Let's start with the image
that comes to mind first.
You still look hot.
Were you even hotter 10 years ago?
Well, I never saw you naked.
Cut the crap and stick to the point.
Okay.
The 'Maze Garden', that looked exactly
like my painting from 10 years ago.
It's like you copied mine.
Copied?
That's ridiculous.
It totally makes sense,
given our history.
So, did I copy your work
because we had a thing?
Wasn't your solo
exhibition last year,
the first one with
a new style?
So, the Maze Garden's
new style was a hit.
That's why you're
working with Dasong now.
Am I wrong?
Why the face?
You won't believe
how fast rumors spread.
Well, an exhibition by
the artist accused of plagiarism...
Watch what you say.
If you thought it was plagiarism,
why didn't you say
anything last year?
Why wait until I'm working
with Dasong to bring it up?
I was in Paris for 3 years.
This is a stretch, you know?
You dumped me 10 years ago
leaving me hurt.
And now you've even taken my art.
You better think carefully.
About your offer.
I'm really disappointed.
It's like student stuff.
What do you say, Prof. Kim?
Professor Kim?
Oh...
What do you have to say about
your students' proposal?
The story of Crown Prince Sado
is no longer new to us.
And it also moves away
from our concept.
Besides, we can't
paint on the artifact.
It's impossible.
You knew it all and still, why?
You sure you gave
the proper direction?
You're working with Dasong.
See? It's Dasong!
You're going to make me
so embarrassed.
I'm sorry.
Hey, Professor Kim.
I get your youthful energy
but it went too far.
This isn't a project for students.
Sorry, Professor.
I'm so sorry.
It's not your fault.
Let's talk about the concept again.
Wow, you're interesting.
Please come in.
Hi, welcome.
Hey, Mrs. Kim
It's been a while.
We should have met somewhere else.
This place is creepy.
This town's buzzing,
with young artists right now.
Bullshit.
Oh goodness.
Please take a seat here.
Yes.
Why do you want to exhibit here?
Munrae town is mainly industrial,
with a focus on metalworking factories.
Lately, young artists are
really shaking things up.
So I think it'd enhance
our reinterpretation message.
That makes sense.
Thoughts?
Yes?
About Dwiju.
This is the real deal.
It's cursed.
Cursed?
A man locked his daughter in it
because she refused to marry.
Do you know who
her lover was?
Who?
It was her younger brother.
Her stepmom's son,
to be precise.
No blood relation,
but family's family, you know?
Oh dear, sounds like a soap opera.
Filled with love, death,
and resentment, that's the Dwiju.
Try your best.
This exhibition will
make you a star.
Okay.
Let's go grab something
expensive today, my treat.
Let's go.
Here you go.
Professor Kim.
Let's go grab a drink.
I held back because of you.
But, it's hard.
Mr. Kang might be a handful.
But, it's time for artists
to get down to business.
Uh, sure
Alright.
I'll handle it.
Just stick to your work, okay?
Professor.
Professor?
Yes?
Right.
What brings you here at this hour?
I thought you might be here.
Me?
This project is
important to you, isn't it?
All exhibitions are important.
But, it's the main event of
the major exhibition.
You're right.
This is extremely important to me.
Because I want to be happy.
Professor.
May I say something?
Sure.
I'd like to make you happy.
Please don't laugh.
I told you that you're my type.
I'm over thirty.
I'm not a kid anymore.
I know.
I should leave.
Our new concept is liberation.
It was inspired by the idea of
being used as a mobile prison.
Dwiju's been perceived as confining.
But by giving the new image
a sense of liberation.
It's completely different...
It's too direct.
It's like pushing for
the right answer.
Any idea, Prof. Kim?
Just had an idea.
How about using Dwiju
as a conduit for human desires?
Professor, you're the bomb.
That was so impressive.
Especially how you use
the media facade technique.
To reflect present desires
onto past events.
It's really brilliant.
You're being too kind.
No, I'm serious!
We don't have much time.
Let's hurry.
Yes.
Professor?
How about this?
It's a new approach.
I found something in
the Poland materials...
Hyunah, I need to use the restroom.
Sure.
Hey, did you annoy
the professor or something?
No, why?
Her checking you out,
seemed weird.
What's up, huh?
Hongwon Uni's pride, Jung Woosoo?
I'm heading out.
See you.
Bye.
Where the hell are they?
That douchebag, Mr. Kang.
What the hell is
he paying money for...
Professor?
You scared me.
Why are you so late?
I was stuck in heavy traffic.
But, what brings you here?
I'm on the team too.
Just swinging by,
with some things to talk about.
What about?
Seems like Mr. Kang really likes you.
He mentioned dinner next week.
Ugh, not up for dinner.
Dasong will be
backing us up for a bit.
So...
Take good care of him.
Hello?
Hi, it's me.
Yes.
How have you been?
Why did you call?
I wanted to talk to Soyoon.
But, she's not picking up.
Can you switch it over?
We agreed not to do this.
It's just a quick call.
I'll only take a moment.
Honey, it's getting late.
I'm coming.
I got to go.
We should cut these
kinds of calls out.
Wait.
Hey, you can't just leave like that.
Do you know how hard it was
to calm him down alone?
Professor, I couldn't
bear it yesterday.
Could've just rolled with it,
and you know, sucked up to him?
We do in social situations,
like all the time.
I'd rather focus on
the quality of my work.
You got to balance
work and social life.
Just being good at work isn't enough.
I'll work hard and get the result.
Let's make it easier.
Professor.
I need to talk to you.
Well...
Can we do this later?
I'm a bit busy right now.
Is it because of what
happened before?
You've been avoiding me.
And it's bothering me.
If you want,
we can just forget about it.
I'll forget about it too.
So could you please
treat me like before?
Lee Juhyun?
Results?
Is this what you meant by result?
No, that's not it...
Don't make excuses.
Seriously, now?
You should've talked to me
before this happened.
I tried to handle it myself.
Should've fixed it.
How could you let this?
Why would I plagiarize
a debut work from 10 years ago.
He's just making things up.
It's been sent to the department.
We can't just ignore it.
Just being accused of
plagiarism is damaging,
regardless of whether
it's true or not.
Settle with him.
Settle?
It'd be admitting
to something I didn't do.
I didn't plagiarize.
Are you going to sue then?
If I have to.
Are you out of your mind?
Lawsuits don't just wrap up quickly.
They're messy.
You could lose more
than just your job.
Step away from this project.
What?
This is a major project.
Rumors like this? No way.
What the hell are you doing?
You gave me no response,
so I followed the procedure.
Sending an unverified
plagiarism accusation
to the department,
is that your procedure?
Didn't you read the title?
That's why it's a request
for a plagiarism verification.
You son of a bitch.
Whoa, watch your mouth.
Fine. Do whatever you want.
Follow the damn procedure.
I'll see you in court.
You sure?
Isn't Dasong known for
being sensitive to plagiarism?
Soyoon.
Professor?
Hello?
Professor.
You're not Soyoon?
Who are you?
I'm Woosoo.
Are you okay?
Put Soyoon on, please?
I need to talk to her.
Hey.
You okay?
Hey.
Hi.
I'm not a professor.
This is a bar.
Professor.
We're in the studio now.
I'll make you some hot tea.
Just a moment.
Are you alright?
I need to do this well.
You've got this.
I'll do this well and
bring Soyoon back.
What did I do wrong?
Why's everyone picking on me?
Why?
Is it all my fault?
Professor.
I would like to be with you.
How dare you.
Leave this out.
No.4 on page 2.
Fix this.
That's the part Prof. Kim,
finalized in the outline.
Do you see Kim Ahjin here?
Hey,
can't you guys do this more sexily?
Huh?
Fix everything exactly
as I instructed.
Yes.
And you?
Yes.
This is serious.
If we remove that,
the whole concept falls apart.
Does he even understand
what he's doing?
Exactly.
This won't work.
It's gonna be a total disaster.
Then what do we do?
Are you free at lunch tomorrow?
Excess energy of colors
can be seen as
an origin of the fact
that the sun emits light freely.
Bataille's excess in nutrient supply.
That's about...
Bundle them up.
Bundling it all together.
And more than that the destruction.
It suggests a delightful destruction.
Professor.
You finished the class early.
What's going on?
Can I have a moment?
Professor.
We have a serious problem.
All the effort we've put in
is going to waste.
I know, but...
I'm facing a tough
situation right now.
But, it's not your fault.
Yeah, she's right.
It's just his one-sided claim.
Some people often
cause drama like this,
just to boost their reputation.
It's pretty common.
We believe in you, Professor.
Please help control Prof. Nam.
Please, Professor.
About the plagiarism issue,
I'll do my best to resolve it.
Please give me another chance
with the project.
Resolve it, then we'll talk.
There's not much time left.
I'll start working right away.
Please.
Is this enough?
You missed the point.
You know, I'm rolling in money.
What do you want, then?
Do I have to spell it out?
Let's not beat
around the bush.
It makes me want to
get more intimate with you.
Not this one.
The one we worked on last time.
Can you find it?
Sure.
Let's go with this.
We've got two weeks.
Let's finish the layout work
by the end of this week.
Professor, can we go ahead with this?
Yes.
These images should
appear on screen.
Got it.
Oh, looks good.
We're done now.
What's wrong with your face?
You look so tired.
Yeah.
Looks like you're really struggling.
When does it end?
It's almost done.
Is everything okay?
Yeah.
You don't seem okay.
Come on, spill it.
Do you remember Lee Juhyun?
What was he like?
Lee Juhyun?
Are you asking me?
You know him better than me.
I don't remember well.
Well, he was from a good family.
He was talented and popular.
Who would've thought someone
like him would end up like that?
End up?
I heard he went to Paris.
Didn't he make it?
Yeah, he made it.
But he came back to Korea.
After getting kicked out
over plagiarism accusations.
What? Really?
Why did you call?
Got something to say?
Like what?
Plagiarism letter?
You agreed to cancel.
I did.
But if I cancel like it's nothing,
what's left of my dignity?
I know you came back from Paris
over plagiarism accusations.
That's why I'm back in Korea,
taking full responsibility.
Not like you.
You're accusing me just to make
a comeback, aren't you? No?
Isn't this...
the time to beg?
See you in court.
What's going on here?
Kim Ahjin.
It won't open!
Come out. It's locked.
What the heck!
Did you get the official letter?
Yeah, good to hear you sorted it out.
I'll get back to the work then.
But the thing is...
The gallery already removed
Prof. Kim's name.
What do you mean...
Dasong found out about
the plagiarism issue.
So, it's all sorted out.
Even if it's resolved,
knowing the history, they might
still feel uneasy about it.
Did you upset Mr. Kang?
I told you to satisfy him.
Anyway, it's hard to help for now.
Sorry about this time.
Let's work on a better
exhibition next time.
Don't be too disappointed.
She's way too stubborn.
Should've listened to me.
It doesn't make any sense.
You did everything.
Yeah, you can't let this happen.
No, it happens,
because I have no power.
So, you need to succeed.
Professor.
I'm okay.
Just drink.
Professor, do you
eat meat now?
Professor, did you stay up
all night here yesterday?
Yeah, I had to check on something.
Hyunah.
Are you finishing up this semester?
Yes.
What's your next move?
I'm planning to begin
my Ph.D. right away.
Here?
Yes, I think it's the best option.
Ever thought about studying overseas?
It'd be nice,
but money's tight, so.
Is Woosoo heading to the U.S.
after his master's?
Yeah.
Through the school's
sponsored program.
I feel really sorry now.
Yeah?
Why, professor?
Honestly, in terms of skill,
you're no less than him.
It's really unfortunate.
So, if this project had succeeded,
I'd become a full professor,
I would've suggested you
for the study abroad program.
Study abroad program?
For me?
It's too bad.
Sorry.
Hyunah.
Seriously.
Prof. Nam is freaking useless.
Yes?
Hyunah.
What's going on?
Can we talk about counseling?
Take this.
I brought it for you.
Oh, thanks for the coffee.
So, what do you want to talk about?
It's about my career.
I'm not sure what to do next,
after finishing my master's.
I see.
What are your plans after finishing?
I want to become a professor.
But getting all my degrees in
Korea might disadvantage me.
That might be true.
So, what I'm saying is,
I really want to study abroad.
Professor, are you okay?
Just a moment.
Of course you're not okay.
Hold on, did you record that?
Yeah.
Why the hell?
To threaten you.
What?
See? What if the school finds out.
What's the fallout?
What do you want?
Yes, Professor.
You're leaving for
an overseas seminar now?
But the exhibition...
Really?
Dasong agrees too?
Yes, I'll take care of it.
Bye.
Here, you shouldn't do this way.
It has to be that way now.
Good job, everyone.
It's thanks to you, professor.
No, I thank you.
I wondered if it would ever end,
but it seems it has.
Exhibitions are always like this.
It's just something
you'll have to deal with.
It's ringing.
Yup.
It's just nothing.
What's up?
Nothing really.
Why don't you two go grab some drinks
and celebrate today.
Are you leaving?
I've still got one more thing to do.
The project introduction.
Professor, why are you here?
Where the hell is Kim Hyunah?
Hyunah?
Why?
But weren't you leaving?
Fuck it!
Where the fuck is Kim Hyunah.
You been drinking?
Take a seat.
My wife knows.
That bitch sent that
video to my wife.
What did she know?
Please, calm down and explain.
It was you.
You did it, right?
What do you mean?
You put her up to it.
You fucking made her do it.
Do what? You have to explain.
You set her up, you slimy bitch.
I put you in this position.
How dare you.
It's because of you.
All because of you.
You.
You bitch.
Bitch.
What the hell are you doing?
Yes.
Yes!
It's all over anyway.
Just spill it all and
we die together.
You're insane.
I'll show you.
You...
Just watch.
Kim Ahjin.
Watch what I'm going to do.
Bitch, you were there!
Stop!
Stay there, you fucking bitch!
You fucking bitch, stop!
Fucking bitch.
Stop.
Soyoon.
It's Mom.
I'm going to exhibit at
a famous gallery.
It means I'll become
even more well-known,
and earn more money.
Then, I'll do everything you want,
and spend more time
having fun with you.
Let's live together happily.
Okay?
I love you.
Why is it so heavy?
Why does this feel
heavier than before?
This isn't going to work.
I'm on my way.
Professor.
Hyunah.
You scared me.
Sorry.
I thought you might be leaving.
You know, I really look up to you.
I also want to be a great
professor like you.
That's unexpected.
But, you'll definitely
achieve that goal.
When you become a full professor,
I hope you'll mentor me long-term.
Right...
If we pull off this exhibition,
you'll become a full professor.
It's not quite that simple.
I hope you become
the department head.
Then I can study abroad,
become a professor,
and exhibit alongside you.
Wouldn't that be great?
Hyunah.
Let's discuss this later, okay?
Nothing's set in stone right now.
No, I can help.
Look at this.
Prof. Nam looks totally horny.
As long as I've this,
he won't be able to return to school.
If the professor's seat empties,
you'll likely get promoted.
What?
I sent it to his wife as an example.
She has to know
what her husband is doing outside.
Hyunah.
Why would you do such a thing?
Professor.
Like I said, I admire you.
Prof. Kim.
Yes, sir?
Great job, today.
I had you all wrong.
Let's really get to it together.
Thank you, sir.
Why are you here?
It's our DP day today.
How do you feel?
I'm concerned,
about whether our
projections will work out.
It's great, so don't worry.
Sure.
Thanks.
You were a big help.
What.
Hyunho, where's Soyoon?
Can I talk to her?
Again? What's wrong with you?
I told you not to call me for this.
I had this really bad dream.
I'm freaking out about her.
Please, just let me hear her voice.
Hyunho.
Please, just stop.
Soyoon's dead.
What are you saying?
Please go to the hospital
and get sorted.
I beg you.
Please look after her.
She's going to blame herself a lot.
She felt sorry that she couldn't
take good care of Soyoon
because of the solo exhibition.
Sure.
I'll take care of her.
Please stop it. Enough already.
Soyoon should be here soon.
Let's eat out today.
A few days ago, Soyoon wanted pizza.
Please, just stop.
Do you even have the right?
Because of your
fancy solo exhibition,
our daughter...
She stood out in the rain
waiting for her mom, and died.
You have no right to see her.
So, please stop.
Stop doing this!
It's a piece of junk.
Junk!
Hyunah.
What are you doing?
In Dwiju...
I need some help.
There are dead bodies.
So what?
Should I call the police?
Tell them you killed people?
Don't you remember?
Kim Ahjin.
Come out. It's locked.
Hey.
I said it's locked!
What are you doing?
Hey.
I'm talking to you.
Open the door now.
What the hell?
Kim Ahjin.
Damn bitch.
No.
No way.
No.
You're so funny.
Why are you acting
like you don't know?
Woosoo.
Professor, why did you ditch me?
What are you doing?
Professor.
You scared me.
Professor.
Woosoo.
No.
112, what's your emergency?
Hello?
This is Dasong gallery.
Yes.
There are dead bodies here.
I think I killed them.
Hello?
Hello.
Professor?
What are you doing now?
Hyunah, snap out of it.
This is not right.
Professor!
You need to pull yourself together.
Please, don't.
Don't do what?
Professor.
Let's just forget about this today,
and go down together.
Please, Hyunah.
Let's go.
Hurry Professor, get moving!
Mom.
Mommy!
Soyoon.
Professor, what are you doing now?
Soyoon.
Mom.
Come quickly.
Professor, watch out!
Soyoon!