Typhoon Family (2025) s01e02 Episode Script
Asphalt Man
[theme song playing]
TYPHOON FAMILY
Aren't you glad we found a place
that's still open at this hour?
I agree.
Goodness, all of these
are in great condition.
Someone must love
ripe persimmons very much.
It's our CEO.
I want him to have some tomorrow.
That's why I have to pick out
the prettiest one.
[chuckles softly]
-This one's pretty, isn't it?
-Yes, it's pretty.
That one's pretty. Careful.
[Ma-jin sighs] What did our CEO
do so wrong to you people?
How could you not show up at all?
Sure, you were busy.
So, you sent artificial flowers
because you were busy?
Artificial flowers, good grief!
-[line disconnects]
-Hello? Hey, what on earth?
This punk just hung up.
[coins clattering]
Darn it.
Yes.
This is what happened.
Mr. Kang came to the office…
[voice breaking]
…and told us he was sorry.
He had no reason to be sorry.
[sobbing]
I… Sure.
I don't think I can talk now.
[slow melancholy song playing]
Why…
Why was he sorry?
[song continues]
Jin-young,
how was life for you?
I wanted to ask after we got a bit older.
Fare… Farewell.
Goodbye.
[song continues]
COLLEGE SCHOLASTIC ABILITY TEST, ID SLIP
OH MI-SEON
[exhales deeply]
[song continues]
[pager beeping]
[sighs]
[stomping on pager]
[breathing heavily]
[song fades out]
[light music playing on TV]
[newsreader on TV]
The northern part of Seoul Subway Line 2
is undergoing construction,
from Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu…
Are you reading the newspaper? [chuckles]
I'm leaving.
[Tae-poong] Dad always asked me
to polish his shoes as a wish.
[Jin-young] My gosh.
My shoes sparkle and shine as always.
Look. [chuckles]
[Tae-poong] He said his day goes well
when he wears the shoes his son polished.
-Have a great day, Daddy.
-Bye.
-[Jeong-mi] Have a great day.
-Bye!
[young Tae-poong] Bye, Daddy.
[Tae-poong]
That was why I made 100 wish coupons.
WISH COUPON
[Jin-young] Aren't these beautiful?
Ooh! [laughs]
[young Tae-poong] It's boring.
[Jin-young] What do you mean?
Do you see how these flowers are falling?
After that, it'll begin to bear
delicious apricots.
Oh, right.
Look, Tae-poong.
When people see flower petals falling,
they say the flowers are withering.
But that's not it.
The flowers are trying their best to win
and bear fruit.
[Tae-poong] I wanted my dad to see
that I found something I liked,
thanks to him.
That I too was doing my best
to make my flowers bloom and bear fruit.
But he did not give me that chance.
What was the last conversation
I had with him?
That was all I had on my mind
for three days straight.
[indistinct conversations]
-Please have some.
-Thank you.
-Hello.
-Hello.
Is this Typhoon Trading?
-Yes, sign here. The envelopes are…
-We're actually here
-for this money…
-Hey, wait!
-What do you think you're doing?
-Hey, let go of this!
-Tae-poong! Come out now!
-[man 1] Snatch it from him!
-Who are they?
-What's going on?
-You can't take this away!
-Stop this man!
-Get away from me!
-Don't lay a hand on it, you punk!
I'm going to teach you a lesson today.
[Nam-mo] Hey, Tae-poong!
Gosh, what's with them?
What's going on?
[man 2] Are you Mr. Kang's son?
I'm the CEO of a company
your father did business with.
He still has an unpaid balance.
Unpaid balance?
What's wrong?
Don't you know what it is?
He owes me money!
Everyone in the industry heard
Mr. Kang went under
because he failed to pay his dues.
What can I do?
I've got no choice but to take that.
Or you can pay me right now.
[Seon-taek] Sir, you can't do this here.
Hey, let's talk it out, okay?
And just leave that alone.
-Take it.
-Yes, sir.
-No!
-You can't take that!
-Get off me!
-Don't do this!
-My gosh! What is this?
-My goodness!
Nam-mo!
CONDOLENCE MONEY
-Let go of this!
-Let them take it.
No, this is just wrong.
They came to get their money,
so give them some and let them go.
Let them have it.
Should I really let this go?
He must've been that desperate.
He must be so desperate
that he has no time to say his goodbyes
to a business partner
who's lying cold right now.
And it's all
for a pitiful amount of money.
[CEO] What?
A pitiful amount of money? Hey, you punk.
Why do you think
your father went down? Hmm?
Why do you think he passed away?
-Take it!
-[man 3] Yes, sir.
-No, you can't!
-He told us to take it!
[Seon-taek] Get lost!
-[CEO] What's going on?
-[Mi-seon panting]
CONDOLENCE MONEY
I'm the bookkeeper at Typhoon Trading.
[CEO] Yes, I know. It's you.
Mr. Kang said you were quite clever.
There's no unpaid balance.
Our cycle is 70 days.
Okay, then. Take a look at this. Hmm?
Look. Huh?
It's past due.
Article 5, Paragraph 3
of our contract with you says,
"Payment shall be made on the later
of the invoice date or the postmark date."
-Precisely.
-The invoice is dated September 12th,
but because of Chuseok,
it's postmarked September 18th.
SEPTEMBER 18TH, 1997
What?
Oh, my. How do you remember these things?
This isn't our company's fund.
It belongs to Mr. Kang's family.
Do you realize taking this is theft?
[man 1] What now? Don't be cheeky.
You're just a girl who runs bank errands.
-[woman] Hey!
-[man 4] What's wrong with you?
[Bak-ho] Is that you, Mr. Choi?
-[CEO Choi] Hello.
-It's been a while.
[CEO Choi] Yes.
Sir.
You're still as vigorous as young people.
[CEO Choi mumbles]
[suspenseful music playing]
CONDOLENCE MONEY
[pen scratching]
[Bak-ho sighs]
-[EKG monitor beeping steadily]
-[thunder crashing]
Hey, Mr. Kang.
Open your eyes.
I need to see your eyes to know.
Where is it?
Tell me.
[thunder crashing]
Where is it?
[suspenseful music continues]
[dark music playing]
Did he accept it?
He said he'll think about it.
Now that he has accepted it,
his heart is bound to follow.
[sighs]
-Let's go.
-Yes.
[Tae-poong] Nam-mo.
-Nam-mo.
-Yes?
-Go inside and sleep.
-No, they might take this.
I need to keep this safe.
[theme song playing]
[newsreader on TV] Hello, everyone.
You're watching
the weekend night News Desk.
This past week has been
deeply disgraceful and humiliating.
The rise of the new economic model
made us think we've joined the ranks
of advanced nations,
but we fell into a heap of debt
and became a third-rate country overnight.
[sighs wearily]
[man on TV] In these trying times,
I believe the people should
fight against sadness and pain
-in place of the nation.
-[scoffs]
What a joke.
Sadness
isn't something you fight against.
It's something you let pass by.
Survival comes first, doesn't it?
[theme song continues]
SCALE OF SUPPORT: IMF RELIEF LOAN
LOANS FROM WORLD BANK AND OTHERS,
50 TO 70 BILLION DOLLARS
EPISODE 2
ASPHALT MAN
[song fading out]
Thanks to you,
we get to drive your dad's car home.
When he first bought this car,
we drove this all the way
to Cheongpyeong Lake
and had pork galbi together.
He called himself a big success
after getting this car.
He rarely smiled, but he did on that day.
[chuckles softly]
[sighs] Mom.
Don't you worry about a thing.
You know I'm an all-rounder, right?
[softly] Except for parking.
Of course I do.
I raised you into a man
who's good at everything.
-[tires screeching]
-[Jeong-mi] No.
Tae-poong, wait. Hold on.
No, you have to turn it the other way.
-[Tae-poong] Right now?
-Yes.
-Just…
-[Tae-poong] Okay.
-No, wait.
-Okay. I got it.
-Do it slowly.
-Okay.
Do it slowly.
-Be careful.
-Oh, my, hold on.
[brakes screech]
[both exclaiming]
-Okay. We're here now.
-It's okay.
-You can do this.
-I got it now.
-Do I go left now?
-Yes.
-Turn it to the left side.
-The left?
-The left.
-Wait.
No, not all the way.
No, stop steering. Stop!
[in English] Stop!
[Jeong-mi, in Korean] This is why
your dad should've bought you a car
a long time ago.
Why was that so hard for him?
He would never listen.
[both gasp]
Don't be alarmed. You're fine.
Why are you looking back? Careful.
Wait. You're about to crash!
-Stop!
-No!
-Stop the car! Stop.
-[brakes screech]
Did you crash into it?
I don't know.
[Tae-poong] Are you okay?
[Jeong-mi] Yes, I'm fine.
-What are you doing?
-[gasps] My gosh.
Where are you going at this hour?
Oh.
-A job interview.
-What job interview?
I thought you passed
all three interviews with Korea Airways?
Ah…
It's not that.
[chuckles dryly]
It's just so absurd.
My recruitment got canceled.
[voice breaking]
Something about the IMF crisis.
What? Canceled?
I shouldn't sit around,
so I'll just get a part-time job.
Oh. I can't believe it.
It's the first cancellation they've done,
and it happened to be me.
How ridiculous.
[women gasping]
-You need to see this, Deputy Manager.
-Take a look.
How can they do this to us?
PERSONNEL TRANSFER NOTICE
-[woman] What do we do now?
-[man] My gosh.
Don't you think this is too much?
Pull yourself together, everyone.
Let us not panic.
But remember.
Don't sign the resignation blindly.
Are they allowed to do this?
-What are you doing?
-Hey!
-That's my desk!
-Wait!
-Drop it!
-Stop them.
-Let it go!
-You can't do this!
Drop the desk!
-[all clamoring]
-Let it go! Why are you taking this?
-Our lives are at stake!
-Stop it!
-[sighs heavily]
-[door opens]
[Nam-mo grunting] Hey.
[in English] Mr. Typhoon.
[in Korean] Why don't you ever cry?
If you don't cry when you need to,
you'll fall ill sooner or later.
No reason.
The tears won't come.
I'm not sure if I'm sad or angry.
I guess I haven't decided yet.
[Nam-mo sighs]
Hey, look at me.
Will you look at me?
[Tae-poong scoffs]
I can't tell what this punk is thinking.
You used to be transparent.
[sighs deeply]
I have to put on a suit
to go to an office, right?
No idea. I've never been to one.
What are you supposed to wear?
I should look as formal as possible.
[mid-tempo groovy music playing]
FOR SALE
FOR LEASE
ON SALE
EVERYTHING HALF OFF
TYPHOON TRADING
[sighs] They all resigned.
Don't you think this is too much?
Did they even find a job?
Everyone is getting fired these days.
Kids these days have zero commitment.
Kids born after 1970
all need to shave their heads
and get a mental reform.
I was born in 1968,
the Year of the Monkey.
There's no use in holding back
those who left.
Let's wrap up our deal
with Daebang Textile
and find enough money to pay out
our overdue salary.
Wait a second.
We got an order for 50,000 meters,
so how much is that worth?
Hey, how much was it per meter?
[Seon-taek sighs] Give me a moment.
[Song-jung] I'm in charge of logistics,
-so I don't know the unit price.
-[Ma-jin] Wait.
It was 112,400,000 won,
excluding the value-added tax.
[Seon-taek] Right.
It's a relief we paid Italy up front.
Think of the exchange rate.
Just the thought makes me shudder.
It was 907 won
when we signed the contract,
but I saw that
it was 1,080 won this morning!
[Myung-gwan] Mr. Kang made a few
advance payments out of his pocket.
He worked so freaking hard on it…
[sighs] …but now he's gone.
[Seon-taek] Do apartment units in his area
cost about 200 million won per 34 pyeong?
That's what we call a bubble.
It has already dropped by 20 million won.
Even the rich
can't live through the IMF crisis.
-[Seon-taek sighs wearily]
-Why don't we do this?
Let's all go down together, okay?
It'll feel awful if only the poor go down.
Isn't that Mr. Kang's
son?
[footsteps approaching]
[Ma-jin] Mr. Kang's son?
What's he wearing?
Look at how he's dressed.
[gasps] What's he wearing inside?
[mid-tempo hip-hop song playing]
He's dressed like Solid.
My gosh. [snaps fingers] Just like Solid.
-Pass him a cue stick or something.
-[laughter]
He's dressed like a pop star.
[Ma-jin] Is he here to treat us
after wrapping up the funeral?
Jeez, dummy.
It wasn't an occasion to celebrate.
[Tae-poong] Good morning.
What brings you here?
Uh, I came to get my father's stuff.
[melancholy music playing]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[sucks teeth]
We should tell him, right?
-Yes, of course.
-Yes.
Since he's already here,
let's tell him we'll be getting money
from Daebang Textile.
[Myung-gwan] Of course.
Mr. Kang was also behind on his paychecks,
and he even made a few payments himself.
[Ma-jin] Wait a second.
Let's think this through first,
then give him
whatever Mr. Kang's portion is.
I mean, what if Mr. Kang's son
uses his status as heir
to take away all company assets
and close down the business?
-Who'll take responsibility?
-He wouldn't.
He's not that smart.
Remember the huge fuss
when he went to college?
[Ma-jin] Oh, right.
TYPHOON TRADING
-[doors slam]
-[winces]
Knock everything down!
[Ma-jin gasping, exclaiming]
[CEO Choi]
Typhoon Trading must be doing great.
You're sitting here
with the heater on in this IMF crisis.
[all exclaiming]
[CEO Choi]
Not only couldn't I pay my employees here,
but they now have nothing to eat at home.
Hey, actually,
I served in the Marines,
so let's talk man-to-man.
You can't suddenly barge in here
without an appointment--
Suddenly?
-I barged in suddenly?
-My gosh!
-Suddenly?
-Hey, man!
-Why are you doing this?
-Oh, my gosh.
Hey.
Where's that smart girlie?
-Hey, you, bookkeeper.
-Me?
-Get over here.
-Wait!
CONTRAC
[CEO Choi] Look.
You must have nothing to say now.
Give me my money!
Hey, it's not like we have cash
piled up in our office!
Sure, of course not.
I'm not that ignorant.
Now, look.
This joint surety says
you'll pay me until a certain date.
JOINT SURETY
I need you to sign this.
Who's the CEO here?
Who's Mr. Kang's replacement?
-Who is it?
-[all screaming]
-What's wrong with you?
-I won't let this go!
I'll sign that joint surety.
You're his son.
What right do you have?
What do you do here?
I'm an employee.
An employee? Since when?
-Today.
-Fine.
Sign it.
[employees exclaim]
-[CEO Choi] I must find a collateral.
-You can't…
[CEO Choi]
This was the CEO's office, right?
[drawers opening]
This is the lease contract
for this office.
An office this size in Ulchiro
can serve as collateral.
Move aside.
Give that back. That was my father's.
I said I'd take responsibility.
Hey, Tae-poong.
Deals always come with conditions.
It'll be more bizarre if I left,
just trusting the words
of a mere employee.
When someone is nice to you for no reason,
stay suspicious and see
what they're hiding up their sleeve.
Got it?
Also, it's now
your responsibility
to retrieve this from me.
-[Seon-taek] You still can't…
-[CEO Choi] Let's go.
-Darn it.
-[clamoring]
-That hurts!
-Darn it!
-[man 1] So…
-[man 2] Man.
[Seon-taek] Anyway, what's he going to do?
Doesn't he know
how scary a joint surety is?
What if he doesn't know what it is?
[Myung-gwan] This is big trouble.
Can we handle the payout once we get
the money from Daebang Textile?
[Ma-jin] He looks like the type
who interferes without thinking.
-What are you doing?
-[whispers] Mi-seon.
Why are you going in?
He has to sign this.
If he's planning to work here,
I need his paperwork.
-[knock on door]
-[exhales]
CEO'S OFFICE
You know, she scares me the most.
That isn't nosiness or ambition.
What is that?
Devotion for the company.
Devotion for her company?
EMPLOYMENT RECORD CARD
-Uh, I'm the bookkeeper--
-Yes, and I'm Tae-poong.
Ah.
I'm Oh Mi-seon.
Ms. Oh Mi-seon.
Bookkeeper Oh Mi-seon.
-Ah. So, your name is Oh Mi-seon.
-Yes.
This is…
Please fill out
the employment record card.
NAME: KANG TAE-POONG
BIRTHDATE
[Tae-poong] Mmm…
So…
What else do I--
Qualifications.
Ah.
SON
It means certifications and licenses.
It was just for laughs.
TAE KWON DO DAN 3
-Is that enough?
-Yes, that should be enough.
Okay.
I look forward to working together,
Ms. Oh Mi-seon.
[door opens and closes]
[exclaims] Why is there so much?
Jeez.
Why won't this light up?
Mom.
[tense music playing]
Mom?
Mom.
My gosh! Come on!
-[Jeong-mi] Goodness!
-Gosh!
Oh, my gosh.
-[shudders] Why did you suddenly barge in?
-[breathing heavily]
What's all this, Mom?
[chuckles softly] It's December,
and it'll be Christmas soon.
What do you think?
It's the mink coat your dad got me.
-It looks great.
-[giggles]
Our electricity got cut off.
So naturally,
the boiler stopped working too.
You must be cold.
-Should I get you a jacket?
-What?
No, I'm fine.
[Tae-poong grunts]
Anyway,
are we that broke?
We are.
[chuckles]
I seem like such a fool
without your dad, don't I?
[shivering]
You really are a fool, Mom.
-The phone is unplugged.
-No, don't touch that!
[telephone ringing]
[Tae-poong] What?
It works without electricity?
-Hello?
-No!
[man on phone] You fucking assholes!
Are you enjoying your life
after stealing my money?
-Give me my--
-[ends call]
Goodness. What now?
Are you in shock?
Are you all right? Oh, no.
Yes, I'm fine. My friends and I
also swear at each other
and call each other punks.
[chuckles nervously]
-I'm fine. Yes.
-You are?
[Jeong-mi shivering]
It's cold right now.
Should we eat something?
No, I have to go back to the office
to grab some stuff.
Right. I see.
Why did Dad keep so much stuff?
That's what we call the stain of time.
He was an organized guy,
but he practically lived there
for the last 26 years.
A lot of things must've piled up.
The stain of time?
Those books and logs he loved so much.
All of those are who he is.
Anyway, Mom, don't pick up those calls.
I'll pick them up now.
It's okay. I unplugged it.
Good job.
Let's put this on together.
It's too cold.
Oh, gosh.
You must be cold.
Do we have more candles?
No, these are all.
[gate opens]
[gate closes]
[dog barking in distance]
COLLEGE SCHOLASTIC ABILITY TES
Why is this so clean?
PAST EXAM QUESTIONS, LANGUAGE ARTS
[sighs]
-[gasps]
-What are you doing?
What is this?
Didn't you take the test?
Why not?!
I can't afford to study.
Hey, worry about yourself.
If they canceled
the recruitment this year,
they'll hire again next year.
[huffs]
I said I'd do anything
to pay for your tuition.
I'll support you
just like you supported me.
You aren't my mom or dad!
Why do you keep carrying all the burden?
I'll do whatever I can to pay you back!
Stop doing this.
-Get up, Mi-seon!
-Let go of me.
-No!
-Darn it!
[Mi-ho sobbing]
Of course you have to pay me back,
you silly human.
[continues sobbing]
What about your studies?
Everything I studied is still mine.
Everything is in my head.
I'm fine.
[sobbing] Mi-seon.
It's okay. Don't cry.
Don't cry. I'm fine.
[exhales wearily]
[sighs]
What is this mess?
Everything is a wreck at home and at work.
[sighs heavily]
[tape peeling]
[amusing suspenseful music playing]
Huh?
[in English] Okay.
[exasperated sigh]
[exclaims in frustration]
[exhales deeply]
[lock opens]
[in Korean] Look at that.
-Mister.
-Yes?
Mr. Typhoon!
-[laughs]
-Hey, I knew it was you.
-I got you first.
-Whatever.
[pop song playing faintly over speakers]
[Nam-mo exhales]
-A secret safe?
-Yes.
Hey.
What if there are gold bars inside?
That'd be so great.
Hey, I heard my dad's business
had an unpaid balance.
Do you know what that is?
Yes, something that's not paid.
Otherwise, it would be paid.
-It'd be nice if we could pay it back.
-What?
-I should tell people at work, right?
-Why?
The safe is there
because there's a secret.
If it's a secret,
I shouldn't see it either, right?
No matter what you find,
take it to your grave.
-Anyway, will you keep working there?
-No.
I'll return to the plant nursery
once everything wraps up.
But it was your dad's business.
Exactly. It wasn't mine.
Anyway, why are you drinking liquor
in that big glass?
My dear mother, Ms. Kim,
was placed on standby at work.
On standby?
She's sitting out in the hallway
all day in this cold.
[sighs, mutters indistinctly]
I told her to quit,
but she kept insisting on staying.
[grunts unhappily]
But I still have one more big hit waiting.
-What now?
-[chuckles smugly]
What is it?
What? Did you pass the preliminaries?
-Yes, I did!
-Really?
Once I pass the final audition,
then I'll debut and perform
here, there, and everywhere, kid.
Hey, man. Guys!
He's going to be a singer! Come here.
Nam-mo is going to be a singer!
-Look at you!
-Hey, stop it! You're ruining my hair!
[Hyun-jun] Those broke punks are too loud.
[billiard balls clacking]
My man, Tae-poong,
still won't shut up even after
his family went under. [chuckles]
-[Nam-mo] Let's just ignore him.
-[sighs heavily]
[Hyun-jun] Hey, sidekick.
You, sidekick.
Hey.
Aren't you sick and tired of him? [scoffs]
Oh…
That's not Yu-rim…
I get it. You got dumped again. [laughs]
That girl?
I have a lot to say about her.
Her dad signed a joint surety by mistake
and got locked up or something.
How pathetic is that?
You two can check in on her
since you're all broke now.
Hey, Tae-poong.
Let's go.
-[scoffs]
-[Nam-mo] Your mom will be worried.
Okay.
Good one.
Kids are like that these days.
They don't have a shred of compassion.
[calculator clacking, whirring]
[mid-tempo pop song playing]
MY COMPUTER
LIST OF SHIPPING COMPANIES IN INCHEON
[telephone ringing]
You've reached Typhoon Trading.
Go Ma-jin speaking.
Goodness!
I can't believe
you called me yourself, sir.
I passed that to the manager.
[Myung-gwan] It's 11:30 a.m.
Let's have our meeting before lunch.
-[song stops]
-[Seon-taek] About the fabric from Italy.
Yesterday,
I sent the belated statements
to Incheon Port.
Will it be delivered in two days
if it comes into port today?
Yes, we can make it
if it leaves Incheon right away.
[sighs] We'll be in big trouble
if this goes wrong.
You know, right?
We're going to go bankrupt.
[Ma-jin] Why do you say that?
Are you trying to jinx us?
Going bankrupt? Words have power!
[Myung-gwan] Ms. Cha.
-Knock on wood!
-Fine. Knocking.
Be careful with your words.
I'm just saying this is that important.
Once we get paid by Daebang Textile,
calculate Mr. Kang's portion
and hand it over.
[Seon-taek] Yes, we should do that.
Gosh. I went to Tae-poong's…
Yes?
Oh, my. He's a grown-up now. [laughs]
I mean, Mr. Kang,
I attended your first birthday party.
Do you remember, Mr. Koo?
You grabbed money back then.
-Isn't that right?
-[Myung-gwan] He did.
Ah! Yes, I see. Thank you.
[Seon-taek] My goodness.
[exhales slowly]
By the way…
what would you say are the most important
four digits for Typhoon Trading?
[suspenseful music playing]
[music stops]
-Let's get back to work.
-Right.
I'm starving.
[door closes]
Jeez.
They dodged the question.
A GREAT PLAN FOR 100 YEARS
What about lunch, Tae-poong?
We're getting chueotang.
I'll get a hamburger.
I don't really like chueotang.
[Seon-taek] You're having bread?
-Eat some rice.
-[Tae-poong] Enjoy your lunch.
He doesn't know
the basics of corporate life.
Excuse me.
Why did you want to know
the important numbers?
For training purposes.
Two, zero, seven, two.
What?
Did you notice
the calligraphy in the meeting room?
"A great plan for 100 years."
Mr. Kang had a dream
to make a business that'll last 100 years.
So, the 100th year would be the year 2072.
So it's 2, 0, 7, and 2.
-Ah…
-[chuckling] That's just my take.
-Enjoy your lunch.
-Thanks. Enjoy your lunch.
Do you like chueotang?
-No.
-Why would you go if you don't like it?
Have lunch with me.
We must move as a team at work
even if you don't like it.
It's a part of your job.
Going to lunch is a part of work?
[quirky music playing]
[error beeps]
[error beeps]
Wedding anniversary?
[error beeps]
Mom's birthday.
[error beeping]
A stethoscope?
What is this? Why did Nam-mo give me this?
[quirky music stops]
[in English] Okay.
Okay.
[in Korean] Please cut open.
Darn it! It won't even budge.
[exasperated sigh]
[Mi-seon] Mmm…
Two, zero, seven, two.
[Tae-poong] Two, zero, seven, two.
-[electronic chirp]
-[safe unlocks]
Did it just work?
SAVINGS ACCOUN
Cha Seon-taek.
Oh Mi-seon.
FOR MR. GU TO BUY ORCHIDS
Go Ma-jin.
Bae Song-jung.
KANG TAE-POONG
FOR HIS WISH
[gentle music playing]
KANG TAE-POONG
[Seon-taek] September.
October. November.
SALES TAX INVOICE
I don't see Tae-poong today.
[Myung-gwan] He's a temp anyway.
I guess he'd rather eat at home.
I'm jealous he gets to eat at home.
He finally wore himself down
after making that huge scene.
Well, kids these days are all like him.
Let's eat lunch. What should we eat?
-[Myung-gwan] How about chueotang?
-I'm so sick of it.
-Seolleongtang.
-Goodness!
-[Song-jung] How about pork cutlet?
-[Seon-taek] We have to eat rice.
Ms. Oh Mi-seon!
Let's have lunch together today.
Me?
[Tae-poong winces]
-Enjoy your lunch.
-It's still hot.
Ah!
You can talk to me.
You must have something to say to me.
Ah.
[Tae-poong clears throat]
It's kind of funny
to say something like this here,
but please help me.
You're the only one I can ask for help.
Well…
I want to learn how to do my job.
Uh…
I want to know what my duties are
and what I need to do right now.
Something like that.
Why all of a sudden?
I thought about it
and realized that
I probably wanted my father's approval.
However,
I'm finally getting the feel
of what my father,
mmm,
deemed as important.
And what is that?
Typhoon Trading.
Well…
That's why
I want to be a part of this company.
A true employee
of Typhoon Trading.
Uh, I have to stop by somewhere,
so you can go ahead.
-Sure. Thank you for lunch.
-Sure.
Oh, and…
Mr. Kang left a few last words.
[Jin-young] Mi-seon.
Yes? What is it?
Tae-poong…
will do a good job.
So, please…
Please look after him.
[Mi-seon] "He'll do a good job."
That's what he said.
He said you'd do a good job.
[laughing] Jeez.
My dad…
Why couldn't he have waited?
Thank you for hearing
his last words for me.
-Sure. See you later.
-Bye.
-Hello, are the business cards done?
-Ah!
-For Typhoon Trading?
-Yes, thank you.
ASSOCIATE, KANG TAE-POONG
It looks great. Thank you.
[grunts softly]
[sighs] What do you mean,
I'll do a good job?
"Do a good job"?
[scoffs softly]
[sighs wearily]
KANG TAE-POONG
SAVINGS ACCOUN
KANG TAE-POONG
MY DEAR SON
TO TAE-POONG
I AM ROOTING
FOR YOUR DREAM
YOU ARE
MY MOST BELOVED PERSON
MY DEAR SON
TO TAE-POONG
I AM ROOTING
FOR YOUR DREAM
[Jin-young] To Tae-poong, my dear son.
SENDER'S NAME: TO TAE-POONG
I am rooting for your dream.
You are always
my most beloved person.
However, I wanted to let you know
that the things you face and earn are
the only things you can truly call yours.
-It's 300,000 won.
-Okay.
Remember.
People are more important than results.
[breath trembling]
We are more fragrant than flowers
and more valuable than money.
This is my wish.
My son, always be happy and…
[slow sentimental song playing]
KANG TAE-POONG
FOR HIS WISH
SAVINGS ACCOUN
Dad…
[Jin-young] Tae-poong…
will do a good job.
Dad…
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I miss you.
I miss you.
[weeping]
[continues weeping]
Dad…
[song ends]
TYPHOON TRADING
DECEMBER EVENTS AND PLANS
DECEMBER 1ST, 1997
-That should do.
-I'll send it over, then.
-The sales slip, please.
-[blowing] Sure.
TAX INVOICE
-[Ma-jin] Check the departure time.
-Sure.
-I talked to Mr. Baek.
-Here.
All right.
Tell them that we'll leave soon.
-[door opens]
-[Tae-poong] I'm sorry I'm late.
[gasps]
My goodness. What happened to him?
[Ma-jin] What's going on?
-[slow dramatic rock music playing]
-[Seon-taek] Who's that?
[gasps] He's unrecognizable.
-[man] That wasn't his style.
-[Seon-taek] Oh, my.
My goodness.
-Is he going for an interview?
-[music ends]
[Myung-gwan] What a great beauty.
You're a good-looking man.
[chuckles] Don't people say that to women?
He often uses expressions he isn't
sure of. [chuckles]
Are you leaving for a delivery
to Daebang Textile?
Yes, right.
Yes, I am.
May I come along?
Why do you two have to come here with me?
I should come as the rookie.
The fax is broken, so I couldn't send
the detailed statement,
and we have to get paid quickly.
A day of delay won't put us in trouble.
-You're so inflexible.
-It's better not to be late.
[Ma-jin chuckles]
Whoa!
Keep going.
-Hello.
-Hello.
Whoa! Please be careful.
-It's luxury fabric, so don't scratch it.
-Okay.
Yes, okay.
-You can load them.
-[speaking indistinctly]
[man] A bit higher. Okay.
[Ma-jin] Have you been well?
[both mumbling indistinctly]
What is this? You don't have to do this.
What is that?
Cigarettes? I'm not sure.
We should be glad
if we have any job at all.
The country has gone down.
Tell me about it.
How long will it take today?
The roads aren't crowded
these days, right?
-Who are they?
-Them?
-[Tae-poong] Hello.
-He's Mr. Kang's son.
You don't have to mind him.
There's no way he'll last long.
Mr. Go Ma-jin.
Who are you to judge that, huh?
[scoffs]
[exclaiming]
-[driver] Hey.
-Mr. Kim!
Come here.
-Me?
-Come here.
Yes, sir.
Come here.
Hey,
I like the look in your eyes.
But you know, this is a rough job.
-It'll be tough.
-Ah.
But consider yourself dead
and hang in there.
Then you'll live to see tomorrow
after a tough day today.
Yes, sir.
-I understand, sir.
-Good.
All right. Let's get going!
Don't let the gas run dry. Let's go!
[Tae-poong] Off you go!
Drive safely!
Whoo!
This way, please.
Please drive safely!
Goodbye!
Oh, my.
Did he leave without us?
We should get going too.
To 1-15 Nam-ri, Nongong-eup, Dalseong-gun.
Do you always memorize addresses?
[energetic rock music playing]
Any music you like?
Hey, turn right 200 meters ahead.
-Exit at three o'clock.
-Where?
This way. Yes.
-At your three o'clock.
-Now?
Yes, right now. This way.
-Wait.
-Turn right.
This is it.
[tires screech]
[Tae-poong] Okay.
[music continues]
[Mi-seon] Wait.
Hey. Watch it.
Take it slow.
-Slowly!
-Oh, no, it's fine.
Should I look?
-No, wait. Goodness.
-We're here. Stop.
-We're here. That was perfect.
-[music ends]
-Did you park it straight?
-Yes.
It's so perfect.
Please step out.
My heart is racing.
I guess we got here first.
You were so good with the map.
-Goodness. Hello.
-[both] Hello.
You must be from Typhoon Trading.
Yes.
Where's the fabric?
We got here first.
Is that so?
Well, it's a chilly day.
-Come in for a cup of tea.
-Sure.
-[Mi-seon] Okay.
-Let's go.
Wasn't the drive quite long?
-It really was.
-I see.
But there was no traffic,
-so we came quickly.
-She's like a map.
[polite laughter]
I brought the detailed statement.
-I see.
-May I fax it over with the receipt?
Of course. Our office
is right over there, so go ahead.
Okay.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
Where's the fax machine?
-Over here.
-Right.
This way, please.
I hear Daebang Textile has a long history.
Ah, I started here when I was 23,
so it's been over 30 years. [chuckles]
[Tae-poong] I see.
-And has it always been here?
-Yes, that's right.
The factory over there
was built 15 years ago.
Oh, right. Let me run over
to grab the seal and the receipt.
-Okay.
-Yes, sure.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Tae-poong] You really are a fool, Mom.
-The phone is unplugged.
-No! Don't touch that!
REUSABLE BIG ENVELOPES
REUSABLE MEDIUM ENVELOPES
[Tae-poong] The stain of time?
[Jeong-mi]
Those books and logs he loved so much.
He was an organized guy,
but he practically lived there
for the last 26 years.
A lot of things must've piled up.
Ms. Oh, something seems odd.
What is?
Things are too quiet and clean.
It's nice.
That's not what I mean.
It's the stain of time.
I don't see that.
It can't be this neat
if they were around for 30 years.
There are no sent faxes,
and there's nothing
in the trash cans, either.
And the fax that broke down
isn't ours, but theirs.
Look at the plug over there.
It's pulled out.
[gasps] You're right.
It means they cannot accept calls.
Or there must be something
that they want to hide,
like ledgers.
[Tae-poong shudders]
Isn't it a bit cold in here?
I know it's winter,
but it must be uncomfortable to work
in such thick winter jackets.
[music intensifies]
-Don't send the fax.
-What?
What do you mean?
Do not stamp the seal, okay?
Please trust me this once. Please? Okay?
Where are you going? Hey.
[thrilling music playing]
[brakes screeching]
What's going on?
You can't go. Turn around!
Hey! Move aside!
We cannot
deliver these to Daebang Textile!
[honking]
Move!
-What's with that man?
-[music ends]
What's with him?
What the heck, Mr. Kang? Huh?
One moment, sir.
-Daebang…
-What?
-No.
-What?
What's that?
We shouldn't deliver those to Daebang.
Why do you say so?
-Do they not want it?
-No, not that.
It's not that.
Something is off.
-Is that so?
-Yes.
-What the heck is this nonsense?
-[mutters indistinctly]
Do you think
you can joke around at work, huh?
Hey!
What's going on?
Are we going or not?
One second, sir.
I'm so sorry.
We'll go.
Do you know how much this is worth?
[coughs]
Jeez, you must be drunk.
Have you gone crazy? Move it!
-Just move it.
-Wait.
No, we can't go.
If we deliver those, we'll end up…
Yes, unpaid balance. We won't get paid.
-Stop jinxing this and just get lost!
-No.
-[Ma-jin] Just get lost!
-Please!
We won't get paid!
[Ma-jin] I told you to get lost!
Good grief!
No.
-We cannot go.
-Huh?
We just can't.
I get it now.
You are a total nutjob.
-[exhales]
-[Ma-jin] Just drive over him, sir.
He'll get scared and move.
-Really?
-Yes.
Should I just drive over him?
Young man.
Try to stay if you can.
[engine starts]
[gear engages]
[dramatic music playing]
[engine revving]
[breathing heavily]
I'm not scared.
I'm not scared at all.
-[music fades out]
-[exhales]
[theme song playing]
How pretty.
Dad…
ASPHALT MAN
[song continues]
TYPHOON FAMILY
[Ma-jin] I don't know which company
you'll end up in,
but they'll be tortured.
-Excuse me.
-My gosh!
I suppose you don't use this often?
It's rather run-down.
[Mi-seon] Why don't we return it?
Even after 30% fees,
we still end up with a profit.
[man] Are you interested?
-You feel fine, don't you?
-Yes.
Oh, man.
Mr. Kang!
[Tae-poong] I knew this would happen.
This contract is ridiculous.
[Mi-seon]
I think we're really going under.
[Tae-poong] It's not over yet.
No one can take this.
[song continues]
TYPHOON FAMILY
Aren't you glad we found a place
that's still open at this hour?
I agree.
Goodness, all of these
are in great condition.
Someone must love
ripe persimmons very much.
It's our CEO.
I want him to have some tomorrow.
That's why I have to pick out
the prettiest one.
[chuckles softly]
-This one's pretty, isn't it?
-Yes, it's pretty.
That one's pretty. Careful.
[Ma-jin sighs] What did our CEO
do so wrong to you people?
How could you not show up at all?
Sure, you were busy.
So, you sent artificial flowers
because you were busy?
Artificial flowers, good grief!
-[line disconnects]
-Hello? Hey, what on earth?
This punk just hung up.
[coins clattering]
Darn it.
Yes.
This is what happened.
Mr. Kang came to the office…
[voice breaking]
…and told us he was sorry.
He had no reason to be sorry.
[sobbing]
I… Sure.
I don't think I can talk now.
[slow melancholy song playing]
Why…
Why was he sorry?
[song continues]
Jin-young,
how was life for you?
I wanted to ask after we got a bit older.
Fare… Farewell.
Goodbye.
[song continues]
COLLEGE SCHOLASTIC ABILITY TEST, ID SLIP
OH MI-SEON
[exhales deeply]
[song continues]
[pager beeping]
[sighs]
[stomping on pager]
[breathing heavily]
[song fades out]
[light music playing on TV]
[newsreader on TV]
The northern part of Seoul Subway Line 2
is undergoing construction,
from Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu…
Are you reading the newspaper? [chuckles]
I'm leaving.
[Tae-poong] Dad always asked me
to polish his shoes as a wish.
[Jin-young] My gosh.
My shoes sparkle and shine as always.
Look. [chuckles]
[Tae-poong] He said his day goes well
when he wears the shoes his son polished.
-Have a great day, Daddy.
-Bye.
-[Jeong-mi] Have a great day.
-Bye!
[young Tae-poong] Bye, Daddy.
[Tae-poong]
That was why I made 100 wish coupons.
WISH COUPON
[Jin-young] Aren't these beautiful?
Ooh! [laughs]
[young Tae-poong] It's boring.
[Jin-young] What do you mean?
Do you see how these flowers are falling?
After that, it'll begin to bear
delicious apricots.
Oh, right.
Look, Tae-poong.
When people see flower petals falling,
they say the flowers are withering.
But that's not it.
The flowers are trying their best to win
and bear fruit.
[Tae-poong] I wanted my dad to see
that I found something I liked,
thanks to him.
That I too was doing my best
to make my flowers bloom and bear fruit.
But he did not give me that chance.
What was the last conversation
I had with him?
That was all I had on my mind
for three days straight.
[indistinct conversations]
-Please have some.
-Thank you.
-Hello.
-Hello.
Is this Typhoon Trading?
-Yes, sign here. The envelopes are…
-We're actually here
-for this money…
-Hey, wait!
-What do you think you're doing?
-Hey, let go of this!
-Tae-poong! Come out now!
-[man 1] Snatch it from him!
-Who are they?
-What's going on?
-You can't take this away!
-Stop this man!
-Get away from me!
-Don't lay a hand on it, you punk!
I'm going to teach you a lesson today.
[Nam-mo] Hey, Tae-poong!
Gosh, what's with them?
What's going on?
[man 2] Are you Mr. Kang's son?
I'm the CEO of a company
your father did business with.
He still has an unpaid balance.
Unpaid balance?
What's wrong?
Don't you know what it is?
He owes me money!
Everyone in the industry heard
Mr. Kang went under
because he failed to pay his dues.
What can I do?
I've got no choice but to take that.
Or you can pay me right now.
[Seon-taek] Sir, you can't do this here.
Hey, let's talk it out, okay?
And just leave that alone.
-Take it.
-Yes, sir.
-No!
-You can't take that!
-Get off me!
-Don't do this!
-My gosh! What is this?
-My goodness!
Nam-mo!
CONDOLENCE MONEY
-Let go of this!
-Let them take it.
No, this is just wrong.
They came to get their money,
so give them some and let them go.
Let them have it.
Should I really let this go?
He must've been that desperate.
He must be so desperate
that he has no time to say his goodbyes
to a business partner
who's lying cold right now.
And it's all
for a pitiful amount of money.
[CEO] What?
A pitiful amount of money? Hey, you punk.
Why do you think
your father went down? Hmm?
Why do you think he passed away?
-Take it!
-[man 3] Yes, sir.
-No, you can't!
-He told us to take it!
[Seon-taek] Get lost!
-[CEO] What's going on?
-[Mi-seon panting]
CONDOLENCE MONEY
I'm the bookkeeper at Typhoon Trading.
[CEO] Yes, I know. It's you.
Mr. Kang said you were quite clever.
There's no unpaid balance.
Our cycle is 70 days.
Okay, then. Take a look at this. Hmm?
Look. Huh?
It's past due.
Article 5, Paragraph 3
of our contract with you says,
"Payment shall be made on the later
of the invoice date or the postmark date."
-Precisely.
-The invoice is dated September 12th,
but because of Chuseok,
it's postmarked September 18th.
SEPTEMBER 18TH, 1997
What?
Oh, my. How do you remember these things?
This isn't our company's fund.
It belongs to Mr. Kang's family.
Do you realize taking this is theft?
[man 1] What now? Don't be cheeky.
You're just a girl who runs bank errands.
-[woman] Hey!
-[man 4] What's wrong with you?
[Bak-ho] Is that you, Mr. Choi?
-[CEO Choi] Hello.
-It's been a while.
[CEO Choi] Yes.
Sir.
You're still as vigorous as young people.
[CEO Choi mumbles]
[suspenseful music playing]
CONDOLENCE MONEY
[pen scratching]
[Bak-ho sighs]
-[EKG monitor beeping steadily]
-[thunder crashing]
Hey, Mr. Kang.
Open your eyes.
I need to see your eyes to know.
Where is it?
Tell me.
[thunder crashing]
Where is it?
[suspenseful music continues]
[dark music playing]
Did he accept it?
He said he'll think about it.
Now that he has accepted it,
his heart is bound to follow.
[sighs]
-Let's go.
-Yes.
[Tae-poong] Nam-mo.
-Nam-mo.
-Yes?
-Go inside and sleep.
-No, they might take this.
I need to keep this safe.
[theme song playing]
[newsreader on TV] Hello, everyone.
You're watching
the weekend night News Desk.
This past week has been
deeply disgraceful and humiliating.
The rise of the new economic model
made us think we've joined the ranks
of advanced nations,
but we fell into a heap of debt
and became a third-rate country overnight.
[sighs wearily]
[man on TV] In these trying times,
I believe the people should
fight against sadness and pain
-in place of the nation.
-[scoffs]
What a joke.
Sadness
isn't something you fight against.
It's something you let pass by.
Survival comes first, doesn't it?
[theme song continues]
SCALE OF SUPPORT: IMF RELIEF LOAN
LOANS FROM WORLD BANK AND OTHERS,
50 TO 70 BILLION DOLLARS
EPISODE 2
ASPHALT MAN
[song fading out]
Thanks to you,
we get to drive your dad's car home.
When he first bought this car,
we drove this all the way
to Cheongpyeong Lake
and had pork galbi together.
He called himself a big success
after getting this car.
He rarely smiled, but he did on that day.
[chuckles softly]
[sighs] Mom.
Don't you worry about a thing.
You know I'm an all-rounder, right?
[softly] Except for parking.
Of course I do.
I raised you into a man
who's good at everything.
-[tires screeching]
-[Jeong-mi] No.
Tae-poong, wait. Hold on.
No, you have to turn it the other way.
-[Tae-poong] Right now?
-Yes.
-Just…
-[Tae-poong] Okay.
-No, wait.
-Okay. I got it.
-Do it slowly.
-Okay.
Do it slowly.
-Be careful.
-Oh, my, hold on.
[brakes screech]
[both exclaiming]
-Okay. We're here now.
-It's okay.
-You can do this.
-I got it now.
-Do I go left now?
-Yes.
-Turn it to the left side.
-The left?
-The left.
-Wait.
No, not all the way.
No, stop steering. Stop!
[in English] Stop!
[Jeong-mi, in Korean] This is why
your dad should've bought you a car
a long time ago.
Why was that so hard for him?
He would never listen.
[both gasp]
Don't be alarmed. You're fine.
Why are you looking back? Careful.
Wait. You're about to crash!
-Stop!
-No!
-Stop the car! Stop.
-[brakes screech]
Did you crash into it?
I don't know.
[Tae-poong] Are you okay?
[Jeong-mi] Yes, I'm fine.
-What are you doing?
-[gasps] My gosh.
Where are you going at this hour?
Oh.
-A job interview.
-What job interview?
I thought you passed
all three interviews with Korea Airways?
Ah…
It's not that.
[chuckles dryly]
It's just so absurd.
My recruitment got canceled.
[voice breaking]
Something about the IMF crisis.
What? Canceled?
I shouldn't sit around,
so I'll just get a part-time job.
Oh. I can't believe it.
It's the first cancellation they've done,
and it happened to be me.
How ridiculous.
[women gasping]
-You need to see this, Deputy Manager.
-Take a look.
How can they do this to us?
PERSONNEL TRANSFER NOTICE
-[woman] What do we do now?
-[man] My gosh.
Don't you think this is too much?
Pull yourself together, everyone.
Let us not panic.
But remember.
Don't sign the resignation blindly.
Are they allowed to do this?
-What are you doing?
-Hey!
-That's my desk!
-Wait!
-Drop it!
-Stop them.
-Let it go!
-You can't do this!
Drop the desk!
-[all clamoring]
-Let it go! Why are you taking this?
-Our lives are at stake!
-Stop it!
-[sighs heavily]
-[door opens]
[Nam-mo grunting] Hey.
[in English] Mr. Typhoon.
[in Korean] Why don't you ever cry?
If you don't cry when you need to,
you'll fall ill sooner or later.
No reason.
The tears won't come.
I'm not sure if I'm sad or angry.
I guess I haven't decided yet.
[Nam-mo sighs]
Hey, look at me.
Will you look at me?
[Tae-poong scoffs]
I can't tell what this punk is thinking.
You used to be transparent.
[sighs deeply]
I have to put on a suit
to go to an office, right?
No idea. I've never been to one.
What are you supposed to wear?
I should look as formal as possible.
[mid-tempo groovy music playing]
FOR SALE
FOR LEASE
ON SALE
EVERYTHING HALF OFF
TYPHOON TRADING
[sighs] They all resigned.
Don't you think this is too much?
Did they even find a job?
Everyone is getting fired these days.
Kids these days have zero commitment.
Kids born after 1970
all need to shave their heads
and get a mental reform.
I was born in 1968,
the Year of the Monkey.
There's no use in holding back
those who left.
Let's wrap up our deal
with Daebang Textile
and find enough money to pay out
our overdue salary.
Wait a second.
We got an order for 50,000 meters,
so how much is that worth?
Hey, how much was it per meter?
[Seon-taek sighs] Give me a moment.
[Song-jung] I'm in charge of logistics,
-so I don't know the unit price.
-[Ma-jin] Wait.
It was 112,400,000 won,
excluding the value-added tax.
[Seon-taek] Right.
It's a relief we paid Italy up front.
Think of the exchange rate.
Just the thought makes me shudder.
It was 907 won
when we signed the contract,
but I saw that
it was 1,080 won this morning!
[Myung-gwan] Mr. Kang made a few
advance payments out of his pocket.
He worked so freaking hard on it…
[sighs] …but now he's gone.
[Seon-taek] Do apartment units in his area
cost about 200 million won per 34 pyeong?
That's what we call a bubble.
It has already dropped by 20 million won.
Even the rich
can't live through the IMF crisis.
-[Seon-taek sighs wearily]
-Why don't we do this?
Let's all go down together, okay?
It'll feel awful if only the poor go down.
Isn't that Mr. Kang's
son?
[footsteps approaching]
[Ma-jin] Mr. Kang's son?
What's he wearing?
Look at how he's dressed.
[gasps] What's he wearing inside?
[mid-tempo hip-hop song playing]
He's dressed like Solid.
My gosh. [snaps fingers] Just like Solid.
-Pass him a cue stick or something.
-[laughter]
He's dressed like a pop star.
[Ma-jin] Is he here to treat us
after wrapping up the funeral?
Jeez, dummy.
It wasn't an occasion to celebrate.
[Tae-poong] Good morning.
What brings you here?
Uh, I came to get my father's stuff.
[melancholy music playing]
[sighs]
[sighs]
[sucks teeth]
We should tell him, right?
-Yes, of course.
-Yes.
Since he's already here,
let's tell him we'll be getting money
from Daebang Textile.
[Myung-gwan] Of course.
Mr. Kang was also behind on his paychecks,
and he even made a few payments himself.
[Ma-jin] Wait a second.
Let's think this through first,
then give him
whatever Mr. Kang's portion is.
I mean, what if Mr. Kang's son
uses his status as heir
to take away all company assets
and close down the business?
-Who'll take responsibility?
-He wouldn't.
He's not that smart.
Remember the huge fuss
when he went to college?
[Ma-jin] Oh, right.
TYPHOON TRADING
-[doors slam]
-[winces]
Knock everything down!
[Ma-jin gasping, exclaiming]
[CEO Choi]
Typhoon Trading must be doing great.
You're sitting here
with the heater on in this IMF crisis.
[all exclaiming]
[CEO Choi]
Not only couldn't I pay my employees here,
but they now have nothing to eat at home.
Hey, actually,
I served in the Marines,
so let's talk man-to-man.
You can't suddenly barge in here
without an appointment--
Suddenly?
-I barged in suddenly?
-My gosh!
-Suddenly?
-Hey, man!
-Why are you doing this?
-Oh, my gosh.
Hey.
Where's that smart girlie?
-Hey, you, bookkeeper.
-Me?
-Get over here.
-Wait!
CONTRAC
[CEO Choi] Look.
You must have nothing to say now.
Give me my money!
Hey, it's not like we have cash
piled up in our office!
Sure, of course not.
I'm not that ignorant.
Now, look.
This joint surety says
you'll pay me until a certain date.
JOINT SURETY
I need you to sign this.
Who's the CEO here?
Who's Mr. Kang's replacement?
-Who is it?
-[all screaming]
-What's wrong with you?
-I won't let this go!
I'll sign that joint surety.
You're his son.
What right do you have?
What do you do here?
I'm an employee.
An employee? Since when?
-Today.
-Fine.
Sign it.
[employees exclaim]
-[CEO Choi] I must find a collateral.
-You can't…
[CEO Choi]
This was the CEO's office, right?
[drawers opening]
This is the lease contract
for this office.
An office this size in Ulchiro
can serve as collateral.
Move aside.
Give that back. That was my father's.
I said I'd take responsibility.
Hey, Tae-poong.
Deals always come with conditions.
It'll be more bizarre if I left,
just trusting the words
of a mere employee.
When someone is nice to you for no reason,
stay suspicious and see
what they're hiding up their sleeve.
Got it?
Also, it's now
your responsibility
to retrieve this from me.
-[Seon-taek] You still can't…
-[CEO Choi] Let's go.
-Darn it.
-[clamoring]
-That hurts!
-Darn it!
-[man 1] So…
-[man 2] Man.
[Seon-taek] Anyway, what's he going to do?
Doesn't he know
how scary a joint surety is?
What if he doesn't know what it is?
[Myung-gwan] This is big trouble.
Can we handle the payout once we get
the money from Daebang Textile?
[Ma-jin] He looks like the type
who interferes without thinking.
-What are you doing?
-[whispers] Mi-seon.
Why are you going in?
He has to sign this.
If he's planning to work here,
I need his paperwork.
-[knock on door]
-[exhales]
CEO'S OFFICE
You know, she scares me the most.
That isn't nosiness or ambition.
What is that?
Devotion for the company.
Devotion for her company?
EMPLOYMENT RECORD CARD
-Uh, I'm the bookkeeper--
-Yes, and I'm Tae-poong.
Ah.
I'm Oh Mi-seon.
Ms. Oh Mi-seon.
Bookkeeper Oh Mi-seon.
-Ah. So, your name is Oh Mi-seon.
-Yes.
This is…
Please fill out
the employment record card.
NAME: KANG TAE-POONG
BIRTHDATE
[Tae-poong] Mmm…
So…
What else do I--
Qualifications.
Ah.
SON
It means certifications and licenses.
It was just for laughs.
TAE KWON DO DAN 3
-Is that enough?
-Yes, that should be enough.
Okay.
I look forward to working together,
Ms. Oh Mi-seon.
[door opens and closes]
[exclaims] Why is there so much?
Jeez.
Why won't this light up?
Mom.
[tense music playing]
Mom?
Mom.
My gosh! Come on!
-[Jeong-mi] Goodness!
-Gosh!
Oh, my gosh.
-[shudders] Why did you suddenly barge in?
-[breathing heavily]
What's all this, Mom?
[chuckles softly] It's December,
and it'll be Christmas soon.
What do you think?
It's the mink coat your dad got me.
-It looks great.
-[giggles]
Our electricity got cut off.
So naturally,
the boiler stopped working too.
You must be cold.
-Should I get you a jacket?
-What?
No, I'm fine.
[Tae-poong grunts]
Anyway,
are we that broke?
We are.
[chuckles]
I seem like such a fool
without your dad, don't I?
[shivering]
You really are a fool, Mom.
-The phone is unplugged.
-No, don't touch that!
[telephone ringing]
[Tae-poong] What?
It works without electricity?
-Hello?
-No!
[man on phone] You fucking assholes!
Are you enjoying your life
after stealing my money?
-Give me my--
-[ends call]
Goodness. What now?
Are you in shock?
Are you all right? Oh, no.
Yes, I'm fine. My friends and I
also swear at each other
and call each other punks.
[chuckles nervously]
-I'm fine. Yes.
-You are?
[Jeong-mi shivering]
It's cold right now.
Should we eat something?
No, I have to go back to the office
to grab some stuff.
Right. I see.
Why did Dad keep so much stuff?
That's what we call the stain of time.
He was an organized guy,
but he practically lived there
for the last 26 years.
A lot of things must've piled up.
The stain of time?
Those books and logs he loved so much.
All of those are who he is.
Anyway, Mom, don't pick up those calls.
I'll pick them up now.
It's okay. I unplugged it.
Good job.
Let's put this on together.
It's too cold.
Oh, gosh.
You must be cold.
Do we have more candles?
No, these are all.
[gate opens]
[gate closes]
[dog barking in distance]
COLLEGE SCHOLASTIC ABILITY TES
Why is this so clean?
PAST EXAM QUESTIONS, LANGUAGE ARTS
[sighs]
-[gasps]
-What are you doing?
What is this?
Didn't you take the test?
Why not?!
I can't afford to study.
Hey, worry about yourself.
If they canceled
the recruitment this year,
they'll hire again next year.
[huffs]
I said I'd do anything
to pay for your tuition.
I'll support you
just like you supported me.
You aren't my mom or dad!
Why do you keep carrying all the burden?
I'll do whatever I can to pay you back!
Stop doing this.
-Get up, Mi-seon!
-Let go of me.
-No!
-Darn it!
[Mi-ho sobbing]
Of course you have to pay me back,
you silly human.
[continues sobbing]
What about your studies?
Everything I studied is still mine.
Everything is in my head.
I'm fine.
[sobbing] Mi-seon.
It's okay. Don't cry.
Don't cry. I'm fine.
[exhales wearily]
[sighs]
What is this mess?
Everything is a wreck at home and at work.
[sighs heavily]
[tape peeling]
[amusing suspenseful music playing]
Huh?
[in English] Okay.
[exasperated sigh]
[exclaims in frustration]
[exhales deeply]
[lock opens]
[in Korean] Look at that.
-Mister.
-Yes?
Mr. Typhoon!
-[laughs]
-Hey, I knew it was you.
-I got you first.
-Whatever.
[pop song playing faintly over speakers]
[Nam-mo exhales]
-A secret safe?
-Yes.
Hey.
What if there are gold bars inside?
That'd be so great.
Hey, I heard my dad's business
had an unpaid balance.
Do you know what that is?
Yes, something that's not paid.
Otherwise, it would be paid.
-It'd be nice if we could pay it back.
-What?
-I should tell people at work, right?
-Why?
The safe is there
because there's a secret.
If it's a secret,
I shouldn't see it either, right?
No matter what you find,
take it to your grave.
-Anyway, will you keep working there?
-No.
I'll return to the plant nursery
once everything wraps up.
But it was your dad's business.
Exactly. It wasn't mine.
Anyway, why are you drinking liquor
in that big glass?
My dear mother, Ms. Kim,
was placed on standby at work.
On standby?
She's sitting out in the hallway
all day in this cold.
[sighs, mutters indistinctly]
I told her to quit,
but she kept insisting on staying.
[grunts unhappily]
But I still have one more big hit waiting.
-What now?
-[chuckles smugly]
What is it?
What? Did you pass the preliminaries?
-Yes, I did!
-Really?
Once I pass the final audition,
then I'll debut and perform
here, there, and everywhere, kid.
Hey, man. Guys!
He's going to be a singer! Come here.
Nam-mo is going to be a singer!
-Look at you!
-Hey, stop it! You're ruining my hair!
[Hyun-jun] Those broke punks are too loud.
[billiard balls clacking]
My man, Tae-poong,
still won't shut up even after
his family went under. [chuckles]
-[Nam-mo] Let's just ignore him.
-[sighs heavily]
[Hyun-jun] Hey, sidekick.
You, sidekick.
Hey.
Aren't you sick and tired of him? [scoffs]
Oh…
That's not Yu-rim…
I get it. You got dumped again. [laughs]
That girl?
I have a lot to say about her.
Her dad signed a joint surety by mistake
and got locked up or something.
How pathetic is that?
You two can check in on her
since you're all broke now.
Hey, Tae-poong.
Let's go.
-[scoffs]
-[Nam-mo] Your mom will be worried.
Okay.
Good one.
Kids are like that these days.
They don't have a shred of compassion.
[calculator clacking, whirring]
[mid-tempo pop song playing]
MY COMPUTER
LIST OF SHIPPING COMPANIES IN INCHEON
[telephone ringing]
You've reached Typhoon Trading.
Go Ma-jin speaking.
Goodness!
I can't believe
you called me yourself, sir.
I passed that to the manager.
[Myung-gwan] It's 11:30 a.m.
Let's have our meeting before lunch.
-[song stops]
-[Seon-taek] About the fabric from Italy.
Yesterday,
I sent the belated statements
to Incheon Port.
Will it be delivered in two days
if it comes into port today?
Yes, we can make it
if it leaves Incheon right away.
[sighs] We'll be in big trouble
if this goes wrong.
You know, right?
We're going to go bankrupt.
[Ma-jin] Why do you say that?
Are you trying to jinx us?
Going bankrupt? Words have power!
[Myung-gwan] Ms. Cha.
-Knock on wood!
-Fine. Knocking.
Be careful with your words.
I'm just saying this is that important.
Once we get paid by Daebang Textile,
calculate Mr. Kang's portion
and hand it over.
[Seon-taek] Yes, we should do that.
Gosh. I went to Tae-poong's…
Yes?
Oh, my. He's a grown-up now. [laughs]
I mean, Mr. Kang,
I attended your first birthday party.
Do you remember, Mr. Koo?
You grabbed money back then.
-Isn't that right?
-[Myung-gwan] He did.
Ah! Yes, I see. Thank you.
[Seon-taek] My goodness.
[exhales slowly]
By the way…
what would you say are the most important
four digits for Typhoon Trading?
[suspenseful music playing]
[music stops]
-Let's get back to work.
-Right.
I'm starving.
[door closes]
Jeez.
They dodged the question.
A GREAT PLAN FOR 100 YEARS
What about lunch, Tae-poong?
We're getting chueotang.
I'll get a hamburger.
I don't really like chueotang.
[Seon-taek] You're having bread?
-Eat some rice.
-[Tae-poong] Enjoy your lunch.
He doesn't know
the basics of corporate life.
Excuse me.
Why did you want to know
the important numbers?
For training purposes.
Two, zero, seven, two.
What?
Did you notice
the calligraphy in the meeting room?
"A great plan for 100 years."
Mr. Kang had a dream
to make a business that'll last 100 years.
So, the 100th year would be the year 2072.
So it's 2, 0, 7, and 2.
-Ah…
-[chuckling] That's just my take.
-Enjoy your lunch.
-Thanks. Enjoy your lunch.
Do you like chueotang?
-No.
-Why would you go if you don't like it?
Have lunch with me.
We must move as a team at work
even if you don't like it.
It's a part of your job.
Going to lunch is a part of work?
[quirky music playing]
[error beeps]
[error beeps]
Wedding anniversary?
[error beeps]
Mom's birthday.
[error beeping]
A stethoscope?
What is this? Why did Nam-mo give me this?
[quirky music stops]
[in English] Okay.
Okay.
[in Korean] Please cut open.
Darn it! It won't even budge.
[exasperated sigh]
[Mi-seon] Mmm…
Two, zero, seven, two.
[Tae-poong] Two, zero, seven, two.
-[electronic chirp]
-[safe unlocks]
Did it just work?
SAVINGS ACCOUN
Cha Seon-taek.
Oh Mi-seon.
FOR MR. GU TO BUY ORCHIDS
Go Ma-jin.
Bae Song-jung.
KANG TAE-POONG
FOR HIS WISH
[gentle music playing]
KANG TAE-POONG
[Seon-taek] September.
October. November.
SALES TAX INVOICE
I don't see Tae-poong today.
[Myung-gwan] He's a temp anyway.
I guess he'd rather eat at home.
I'm jealous he gets to eat at home.
He finally wore himself down
after making that huge scene.
Well, kids these days are all like him.
Let's eat lunch. What should we eat?
-[Myung-gwan] How about chueotang?
-I'm so sick of it.
-Seolleongtang.
-Goodness!
-[Song-jung] How about pork cutlet?
-[Seon-taek] We have to eat rice.
Ms. Oh Mi-seon!
Let's have lunch together today.
Me?
[Tae-poong winces]
-Enjoy your lunch.
-It's still hot.
Ah!
You can talk to me.
You must have something to say to me.
Ah.
[Tae-poong clears throat]
It's kind of funny
to say something like this here,
but please help me.
You're the only one I can ask for help.
Well…
I want to learn how to do my job.
Uh…
I want to know what my duties are
and what I need to do right now.
Something like that.
Why all of a sudden?
I thought about it
and realized that
I probably wanted my father's approval.
However,
I'm finally getting the feel
of what my father,
mmm,
deemed as important.
And what is that?
Typhoon Trading.
Well…
That's why
I want to be a part of this company.
A true employee
of Typhoon Trading.
Uh, I have to stop by somewhere,
so you can go ahead.
-Sure. Thank you for lunch.
-Sure.
Oh, and…
Mr. Kang left a few last words.
[Jin-young] Mi-seon.
Yes? What is it?
Tae-poong…
will do a good job.
So, please…
Please look after him.
[Mi-seon] "He'll do a good job."
That's what he said.
He said you'd do a good job.
[laughing] Jeez.
My dad…
Why couldn't he have waited?
Thank you for hearing
his last words for me.
-Sure. See you later.
-Bye.
-Hello, are the business cards done?
-Ah!
-For Typhoon Trading?
-Yes, thank you.
ASSOCIATE, KANG TAE-POONG
It looks great. Thank you.
[grunts softly]
[sighs] What do you mean,
I'll do a good job?
"Do a good job"?
[scoffs softly]
[sighs wearily]
KANG TAE-POONG
SAVINGS ACCOUN
KANG TAE-POONG
MY DEAR SON
TO TAE-POONG
I AM ROOTING
FOR YOUR DREAM
YOU ARE
MY MOST BELOVED PERSON
MY DEAR SON
TO TAE-POONG
I AM ROOTING
FOR YOUR DREAM
[Jin-young] To Tae-poong, my dear son.
SENDER'S NAME: TO TAE-POONG
I am rooting for your dream.
You are always
my most beloved person.
However, I wanted to let you know
that the things you face and earn are
the only things you can truly call yours.
-It's 300,000 won.
-Okay.
Remember.
People are more important than results.
[breath trembling]
We are more fragrant than flowers
and more valuable than money.
This is my wish.
My son, always be happy and…
[slow sentimental song playing]
KANG TAE-POONG
FOR HIS WISH
SAVINGS ACCOUN
Dad…
[Jin-young] Tae-poong…
will do a good job.
Dad…
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I miss you.
I miss you.
[weeping]
[continues weeping]
Dad…
[song ends]
TYPHOON TRADING
DECEMBER EVENTS AND PLANS
DECEMBER 1ST, 1997
-That should do.
-I'll send it over, then.
-The sales slip, please.
-[blowing] Sure.
TAX INVOICE
-[Ma-jin] Check the departure time.
-Sure.
-I talked to Mr. Baek.
-Here.
All right.
Tell them that we'll leave soon.
-[door opens]
-[Tae-poong] I'm sorry I'm late.
[gasps]
My goodness. What happened to him?
[Ma-jin] What's going on?
-[slow dramatic rock music playing]
-[Seon-taek] Who's that?
[gasps] He's unrecognizable.
-[man] That wasn't his style.
-[Seon-taek] Oh, my.
My goodness.
-Is he going for an interview?
-[music ends]
[Myung-gwan] What a great beauty.
You're a good-looking man.
[chuckles] Don't people say that to women?
He often uses expressions he isn't
sure of. [chuckles]
Are you leaving for a delivery
to Daebang Textile?
Yes, right.
Yes, I am.
May I come along?
Why do you two have to come here with me?
I should come as the rookie.
The fax is broken, so I couldn't send
the detailed statement,
and we have to get paid quickly.
A day of delay won't put us in trouble.
-You're so inflexible.
-It's better not to be late.
[Ma-jin chuckles]
Whoa!
Keep going.
-Hello.
-Hello.
Whoa! Please be careful.
-It's luxury fabric, so don't scratch it.
-Okay.
Yes, okay.
-You can load them.
-[speaking indistinctly]
[man] A bit higher. Okay.
[Ma-jin] Have you been well?
[both mumbling indistinctly]
What is this? You don't have to do this.
What is that?
Cigarettes? I'm not sure.
We should be glad
if we have any job at all.
The country has gone down.
Tell me about it.
How long will it take today?
The roads aren't crowded
these days, right?
-Who are they?
-Them?
-[Tae-poong] Hello.
-He's Mr. Kang's son.
You don't have to mind him.
There's no way he'll last long.
Mr. Go Ma-jin.
Who are you to judge that, huh?
[scoffs]
[exclaiming]
-[driver] Hey.
-Mr. Kim!
Come here.
-Me?
-Come here.
Yes, sir.
Come here.
Hey,
I like the look in your eyes.
But you know, this is a rough job.
-It'll be tough.
-Ah.
But consider yourself dead
and hang in there.
Then you'll live to see tomorrow
after a tough day today.
Yes, sir.
-I understand, sir.
-Good.
All right. Let's get going!
Don't let the gas run dry. Let's go!
[Tae-poong] Off you go!
Drive safely!
Whoo!
This way, please.
Please drive safely!
Goodbye!
Oh, my.
Did he leave without us?
We should get going too.
To 1-15 Nam-ri, Nongong-eup, Dalseong-gun.
Do you always memorize addresses?
[energetic rock music playing]
Any music you like?
Hey, turn right 200 meters ahead.
-Exit at three o'clock.
-Where?
This way. Yes.
-At your three o'clock.
-Now?
Yes, right now. This way.
-Wait.
-Turn right.
This is it.
[tires screech]
[Tae-poong] Okay.
[music continues]
[Mi-seon] Wait.
Hey. Watch it.
Take it slow.
-Slowly!
-Oh, no, it's fine.
Should I look?
-No, wait. Goodness.
-We're here. Stop.
-We're here. That was perfect.
-[music ends]
-Did you park it straight?
-Yes.
It's so perfect.
Please step out.
My heart is racing.
I guess we got here first.
You were so good with the map.
-Goodness. Hello.
-[both] Hello.
You must be from Typhoon Trading.
Yes.
Where's the fabric?
We got here first.
Is that so?
Well, it's a chilly day.
-Come in for a cup of tea.
-Sure.
-[Mi-seon] Okay.
-Let's go.
Wasn't the drive quite long?
-It really was.
-I see.
But there was no traffic,
-so we came quickly.
-She's like a map.
[polite laughter]
I brought the detailed statement.
-I see.
-May I fax it over with the receipt?
Of course. Our office
is right over there, so go ahead.
Okay.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
Where's the fax machine?
-Over here.
-Right.
This way, please.
I hear Daebang Textile has a long history.
Ah, I started here when I was 23,
so it's been over 30 years. [chuckles]
[Tae-poong] I see.
-And has it always been here?
-Yes, that's right.
The factory over there
was built 15 years ago.
Oh, right. Let me run over
to grab the seal and the receipt.
-Okay.
-Yes, sure.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Tae-poong] You really are a fool, Mom.
-The phone is unplugged.
-No! Don't touch that!
REUSABLE BIG ENVELOPES
REUSABLE MEDIUM ENVELOPES
[Tae-poong] The stain of time?
[Jeong-mi]
Those books and logs he loved so much.
He was an organized guy,
but he practically lived there
for the last 26 years.
A lot of things must've piled up.
Ms. Oh, something seems odd.
What is?
Things are too quiet and clean.
It's nice.
That's not what I mean.
It's the stain of time.
I don't see that.
It can't be this neat
if they were around for 30 years.
There are no sent faxes,
and there's nothing
in the trash cans, either.
And the fax that broke down
isn't ours, but theirs.
Look at the plug over there.
It's pulled out.
[gasps] You're right.
It means they cannot accept calls.
Or there must be something
that they want to hide,
like ledgers.
[Tae-poong shudders]
Isn't it a bit cold in here?
I know it's winter,
but it must be uncomfortable to work
in such thick winter jackets.
[music intensifies]
-Don't send the fax.
-What?
What do you mean?
Do not stamp the seal, okay?
Please trust me this once. Please? Okay?
Where are you going? Hey.
[thrilling music playing]
[brakes screeching]
What's going on?
You can't go. Turn around!
Hey! Move aside!
We cannot
deliver these to Daebang Textile!
[honking]
Move!
-What's with that man?
-[music ends]
What's with him?
What the heck, Mr. Kang? Huh?
One moment, sir.
-Daebang…
-What?
-No.
-What?
What's that?
We shouldn't deliver those to Daebang.
Why do you say so?
-Do they not want it?
-No, not that.
It's not that.
Something is off.
-Is that so?
-Yes.
-What the heck is this nonsense?
-[mutters indistinctly]
Do you think
you can joke around at work, huh?
Hey!
What's going on?
Are we going or not?
One second, sir.
I'm so sorry.
We'll go.
Do you know how much this is worth?
[coughs]
Jeez, you must be drunk.
Have you gone crazy? Move it!
-Just move it.
-Wait.
No, we can't go.
If we deliver those, we'll end up…
Yes, unpaid balance. We won't get paid.
-Stop jinxing this and just get lost!
-No.
-[Ma-jin] Just get lost!
-Please!
We won't get paid!
[Ma-jin] I told you to get lost!
Good grief!
No.
-We cannot go.
-Huh?
We just can't.
I get it now.
You are a total nutjob.
-[exhales]
-[Ma-jin] Just drive over him, sir.
He'll get scared and move.
-Really?
-Yes.
Should I just drive over him?
Young man.
Try to stay if you can.
[engine starts]
[gear engages]
[dramatic music playing]
[engine revving]
[breathing heavily]
I'm not scared.
I'm not scared at all.
-[music fades out]
-[exhales]
[theme song playing]
How pretty.
Dad…
ASPHALT MAN
[song continues]
TYPHOON FAMILY
[Ma-jin] I don't know which company
you'll end up in,
but they'll be tortured.
-Excuse me.
-My gosh!
I suppose you don't use this often?
It's rather run-down.
[Mi-seon] Why don't we return it?
Even after 30% fees,
we still end up with a profit.
[man] Are you interested?
-You feel fine, don't you?
-Yes.
Oh, man.
Mr. Kang!
[Tae-poong] I knew this would happen.
This contract is ridiculous.
[Mi-seon]
I think we're really going under.
[Tae-poong] It's not over yet.
No one can take this.
[song continues]