Made in Korea (2025) s01e03 Episode Script
Episode 3
1
[announcer]
It is time for the flag-lowering ceremony.
Please face the flag with respect.
[person] I bet you're wondering,
- "What is this, some kind of prank?"
- [cheerful music playing]
This is what they called
the flag-lowering ceremony.
Our dear Mr. President's own invention.
And that wasn't all.
After midnight, you couldn't even
be out on the streets.
It was to crack down on decadent trends
that threatened public morals
and order or whatever.
SEX INDUSTRY
Men were banned
from growing sideburns over their ears,
and women in miniskirts were punished
for indecent exposure.
Curfews.
No assemblies.
No protests.
No long hair and no miniskirts, either.
TO RESTORE SOCIAL DISCIPLINE
IMMEDIATE DEPORTATION
People were monitored, raided,
beaten, and killed.
KIM DAEJUNG RETURNED HOME
If they could go
after heavyweight opposition politicians,
imagine what they did to ordinary people.
We were basically treated
like cattle, like pigs.
But the very ones leading the crackdowns?
They lived above every ban.
That's right.
I'm talking about the country's
very first intelligence agency, the KCIA.
GLOBAL SPY RING EXPOSED
With immense power that
even eclipsed the Constitution,
the KCIA propped up
our dear Mr. President's long reign.
Just the name of it was enough
to strike fear.
REVOLUTIONARY UNIFICATION
PARTY SPY CASE
So many innocent people were dragged off,
and lost their lives.
Honestly though,
I never thought I'd be one of them.
This was the age of prohibition,
and my name says it all.
I'm Geumji, as in prohibition. Bae Geumji.
Madam, bar girl, escort, hostess.
Call me whatever you want.
What matters is that I was
damn good at what I did.
But still,
it's not a crime worth dying for, right?
[patrons cheering]
[helicopter whirring]
[theme music plays]
GIMPO AIRPORT, KOREA
[announcer] Passengers for boarding,
please proceed to Gate Three
of the International Terminal
after completing immigration.
[luggage thuds]
[grunts]
Seriously?
No one's here?
[scoffs] Wow.
This is unbelievable.
- [cooing]
- Let's go.
[grunts]
EPISODE 3:
THE AGE OF PROHIBITION
- [wooden temple drum beating grows faster]
- [Gukpyeong] All right, all right.
[sighs]
[bag unzipping]
[sighs]
[Suspenseful music playing]
[footsteps approaching]
[Suspenseful music continues]
[Gukpyeong] When we get there,
it won't just be Mr. Cheon waiting.
Bae Geumji will be there too.
Yes, sir. Understood.
They were nice enough
to send her off to the States.
She should've stayed put
and raised her kid quietly.
What good did she think
would come of this?
I hear she's a woman with no fear.
Yeah, I'll give her that.
Using her own damn kid like that.
[Kitae] Do you know, sir?
Who the father is.
There are a lot of rumors.
Hey.
Yes, sir.
Just keep your eyes on the road.
Unless you've got a death wish.
[Suspenseful music continues]
[music stops]
Have you met Mr. Cheon before?
No, this is my first time in person.
Born into the elite and
top of his class at the Military Academy.
He caught the President's eye
during the revolution,
and now, he throws around
more weight than ever.
[clicks tongue]
No.
- [Geumji] Cheon Seokjung…
- [intriguing music playing]
…Chief of the Presidential
Security Service.
Top of his class at the Military Academy,
adored by the President.
The President's power was
practically Cheon Seokjung's to wield,
and the KCIA was his loyal private army.
[Gemji] I mean, look.
I can't live in hiding forever anyway.
It's not like I'm not a criminal.
I've got to sort things out somehow,
and raise my boy Seongguk
to not come up short next to anyone.
[Seokjung] You really think
his father's going to sit back and watch?
What kind of father can't stand to see
his own son succeed?
[Seokjung] You know better than anyone
he's not a man to be trifled with.
And I'm not a woman
to be trifled with either.
Come on.
- It's not like I'm asking to be his wife.
- [sucks teeth]
[Gukpyeong] Hello, Mr. Cheon.
[laughs]
How have you been, sir?
[Seokjung] It's been a while, Mr. Hwang.
Why have you been so busy?
Oh, no. Not at all.
Just give me a call,
and I'll come running anytime, sir.
[laughing]
[Geumji] Ah… You wear a toupee, huh?
[Seokjung laughing]
[clears throat]
- [Seokjung] Let's take a walk.
- [Gukpyeong] Yes, sir.
[Geumji] That's when Baek Kitae
saw with his own eyes
[Sinister music playing]
- …what real, living power looked like.
Ah, I got it.
[Geumji] And then he decided
to live a life like that man's,
with wealth and power great enough
to bring the whole world to its knees.
Hello, darling.
[chuckles]
I'm going to the restroom.
Care to join me?
[laughing]
[Geumji] And that's how we met.
In the most romantic setting,
as you can see,
in the company of those
government idiots.
- [Geumji scoffs]
- [sprightly, moody music playing]
[investigator Kim] There's no need
to worry about wiretaps here, sir.
[Yejin] It's so loud in here.
[Geonyoung] Loud and perfect
for a secret investigation HQ.
All right, let's eat.
[Yejin] Yes, sir.
Let me say this again, just in case.
No one else can know
about this place but us.
- Okay?
- [Yejin] Yes, sir.
How's the search for Kang Daeil going?
Any progress?
[Yejin] Yes,
we're tracing him through his crew.
We should be able to pin him down soon.
We have to find him.
Yes, sir. Understood.
Apparently, Jo Manjae had his hands
in every racket and made a fortune.
Smuggling, for starters,
siphoning US army supplies,
real estate speculation…
Even the toilet paper
in government offices
has to pass through his hands.
He ate all that up by himself?
[Geonyoung] Mm-mmm… He couldn't have.
I mean, look. We can't even
have a meal without sharing.
You think he can hog the whole thing? How?
He's got backing.
Mr. Jang.
You think that's the KCIA, right?
The KCIA doing business with gangsters?
That's nothing new.
I'm not even surprised.
But why do you think they took Jo Manjae?
I bet he pulled something shady.
That must be why they hauled him in.
[Geonyoung] They chopped off the tail.
Cut him off like this.
[Yejin] What? You think they killed him?
[Geonyoung] Jo Manjae paid up
massive sums to the KCIA.
And that money went straight
into Director Hwang's safe.
Some of it probably went
further up the chain too.
You mean there's someone above Hwang?
- That's right.
- And who could it be?
- [Mysterious music playing]
- Well, I don't know that yet.
But the election's right
around the corner,
and plenty of places need funding.
I'm sure they'll restart his operations
by rounding up the rest of his gang.
[Yejin] To do that, they must've kept
either Jo Manjae or Kang Daeil alive.
And you think it's Kang Daeil, right?
We've got a shot
only if Kang Daeil's alive.
- [lighter clicking]
- [footsteps approaching]
[sighs]
[groans] My legs…
[sighs]
[chuckles]
[exhales deeply]
[exclaims]
[giggling]
- I haven't seen you around before.
- [exhales deeply]
I work under Director Hwang.
[sighs]
But there's no future
working under Hwang.
Maybe under Cheon,
that would be different.
If you're interested,
I can help you.
What do you mean?
[Geumji] Let's meet somewhere quiet later.
Just the two of us.
[Geumji giggling]
- [Geumji] Huh?
- [Gukpyeong] I had him under me for a bit
- in the army.
- [Geumji laughs]
He's pretty useful.
His eyes are practically dripping
with ambition.
[clicks tongue, inhales deeply]
Maybe it's from growing up with nothing.
- But he knows his place.
- [Geumji] I'm getting tipsy. Give me one.
[Seokjung] They make quite the pair.
Not a bad pick.
Thank you, sir.
[chuckles]
[Seokjung] Geumji. Bae Geumji…
I can't get a read
on how that woman's going to play this.
You want me to kill her?
I'm sorry, sir.
Don't do anything stupid.
Just have him stick close to her for now.
Keep an eye on her
so she can't pull anything.
Yes, sir.
[organ music plays]
[choir singing hymn]
[Gukpyeong] That woman's got a notebook.
A list of all the men she's slept with.
Which means the kid's father
has to be in there.
Now, what's the real issue?
Who the father is?
That's not the real issue.
Damn it. [Clicks tongue]
What matters isn't who the father is.
It's that
all those men whose names are
in that notebook are losing sleep,
wondering if the boy is theirs.
That's the real problem.
[clicks tongue, inhales deeply]
Can we trust that information?
[Gukpyeong] Of course.
The guy who gave it to me?
His name's in that notebook too.
- You'd better keep your head straight.
- [sighs]
She's the kind men fall for
at first sight.
You don't have to worry about me, sir.
Ashtray.
- Be careful, all right?
- [taps cigarette]
You wouldn't want your name
ending up in that notebook too.
[laughing]
[Intriguing music plays]
[Geumji sighs] I swear,
I don't get why everyone's dying
to sink their teeth into me.
Did Director Hwang ask you
to get the notebook?
What notebook?
You must be curious,
being the only one left in the dark.
I'm not interested.
Really?
Because I could tell you right now
who the father really is.
[blows]
But you're not interested, right?
[groans] Are you messing with me?
- [clicks tongue]
- Oh, no.
You thought I was
actually going to tell you?
[Geumji giggling]
You're adorable.
Anyway, I'm never going back
to the States,
so tell them to quit dreaming.
I'm staying right here.
Maybe even date a handsome guy like you.
Aren't you sick of men by now?
Depends on who the man is.
[inhales sharply]
Since we're here,
why don't we be straight with each other?
If you don't feel like talking
about dating, we can talk business.
Business?
I told you the other day, didn't I?
I could help you.
[Kitae] Help me with what?
And how exactly?
Hmm.
Look who's finally showing some interest.
[Unsettling music plays]
Being the President's right-hand man
or whatever…
Who cares about that crap?
What matters is
how you got there.
You know well
how Hwang managed to get as far as he did,
don't you?
Now, just think how much more
Cheon must've passed up above him.
An endless stream of cash.
That's the real source of their power.
So…
If you had your hands on that stream,
who's to say
you couldn't get to Cheon's level,
not just Hwang's?
Am I right?
Mr. Baek.
Tell me what you want.
I'll help you.
I heard you've got ties
to the Japanese yakuza.
Chairman Ikeda.
Have you ever met him?
[yakuza members, in Japanese] Boss!
[Geumji, in Korean] No.
But I did catch a glimpse
of his daughter once.
Ikeda Yuji.
Real name, Choi Yuji.
[Geumji] Yes, Choi Yuji.
How did you know she's Korean?
I've met her myself once.
[Elusive music plays]
[Geumji]
If only she weren't of Korean descent,
she might have even had a shot
at being his successor.
She's a Zainichi, but he still
took her in as his foster daughter.
I don't know how she won his favor,
but he clearly treasures her.
Anyway, I'm certain she's one
of the real powers in the Ikeda clan.
How on earth do you know all this?
[Geumji] So, what about Choi Yuji?
I think… [sighs] …I need to see her again.
Hmm…
[in English] Okay.
[in Korean] Call me, Mr. Baek.
[person 1] Guys, this is Lee Sunyeong.
She's a new member of Rose Club.
Say hello.
Hi, nice to meet you all.
I'm Lee Sunyeong.
I'm not very good with my hands though.
[chuckles]
Anyway, I'm excited to be here.
[person 2] Come on,
no one's good from the start.
- Welcome to the club.
- [Yejin] Thanks.
[person 2] Here, try knitting this first.
[person 1] Hi, Soyeong.
You got off work a bit late today.
[Soyeong] Yeah.
Oh, I see you guys have already started.
[person 2] Soyeong, did you get
what I asked for last time?
[Soyeong] Yeah,
I brought the information sheet.
It's a three-year term
with an annual interest rate of 17.4%…
Oh, my gosh. Thank you so much, Soyeong.
- [exclaims]
- [chuckles]
[sucks teeth] Are you from Seoul?
- Sorry?
- [sucks teeth]
You don't seem to have a Busan accent.
[person 1] That's because
Soyeong grew up in Japan.
Soyeong, say hello.
This is Lee Sunyeong.
She's a new member of the club.
Of course.
No wonder you've got
such great skin. [Gasps]
My goodness. How's your skin so smooth?
[chuckles] Oh, you're too kind.
Well, I was just born with it.
- [Yejin] You're so lucky.
- [all chuckling]
My uncle lives in Japan too. In Osaka.
[gasps] No way! I lived in Osaka too!
Oh, my goodness.
- What are the chances? [Chuckles]
- [all chuckle]
- Wow, you work at a bank?
- Oh, yeah.
[person 2] What do you do
for a living, Sunyeong?
Well…
My parents run…
What do you call that again?
They run a metal shop
[Soyeong murmurs]
…so I help out with my older brothers.
What about you, Soyeong?
Do you have an older brother?
Yeah.
[sighs] Well, I've never told you guys,
but my brother could give Shin Seongil
a run for his money.
My brother looks like Alain Delon!
[Yejin] Really? We have so much in common!
[person 2] Wow,
are they really that handsome?
- You should bring him here sometime.
- Oh, I can't do that. He's busy.
- [person 2] Bring him.
- I've got to see with my own eyes.
- He must be really handsome.
- [Soyeong] You bet.
[chuckling]
[Geonyoung] The Vietnam War, huh?
PERSONAL RECORD
NAME: BAEK KITAE
[Investigator Kim] Yes.
He was in the Special Warfare Command
but got dishonorably discharged there.
[clicks tongue] It seems like there was
some kind of incident.
Sir, I heard rumors
you got the Order of Military Merit,
but that's not true, right?
[clears throat]
[Geonyoung groans]
Well…
[sighs]
I mean, it was from the government,
so I couldn't exactly refuse.
- [clears throat]
- Seriously?
[Geonyoung]
There were three armed guerrillas.
- [Investigator Kim] Armed guerrillas?
- [laughs]
You going to tell me you've been shot too?
- Here.
- Huh?
- [Geonyoung] Here.
- Wait.
Are you actually telling me
this is from a gunshot?
- It went in here and…
- [Investigator Kim] Yeah?
- I'm not sure if you can see it. Here.
- [Investigator Kim] Whoa, what?
Wait a second.
So it went in here and came out here?
Wow, so it's true! [Exclaims]
You're incredible, Mr. Jang.
[Geonyoung] Well, they wouldn't have
given me the medal if I weren't.
- [chuckles]
- [cackling]
- [Yejin] Oh, my.
- [clears throat]
My goodness.
Oh, my…
Mr. Jang, you must work out all the time.
Yeah, well, I just do some push-ups.
Of course.
No wonder you look so good in your suits.
How many do you do?
A hundred? Yeah, about a hundred.
[Geonyoung clears throat]
So, how did it go?
Did you meet her?
[sighs]
[sighs] I'm so tired.
It's true they grew up in Osaka, Japan.
- [Investigator Kim] They're Zainichi?
- Yes.
They came back to Korea
after their parents passed.
Apparently, they had a tough time
settling down here.
Then Baek Kitae must've had
to play the parent.
[Yejin] He did
every kind of job imaginable
to support his younger siblings.
[Investigator Kim] And being Zainichi,
he went through a lot of discrimination.
So he became a career soldier?
There's actually another soldier
in the family.
Their younger brother, Baek Kihyun.
He graduated top of his class
from the Military Academy.
Now, he's serving up front
as a second lieutenant.
The older brother's in the KCIA,
and the younger one's from the Academy?
Well, talk about rising from nothing.
But it sounded like something happened
to the younger brother when he was a kid.
- What happened?
- [Yejin sucks teeth]
Well, Baek Soyeong didn't go into detail,
but she seemed really worried about him.
Okay.
So, are you meeting her again?
Yes, we hit it off and decided
to grab a meal together sometime.
[inhales sharply]
Also, Kang Daeil?
He's alive.
[Stirring music playing]
You've tracked him down?
Not exactly. But word is,
he's putting the gang back together.
He's even looking for a chemist.
[Geonyoung] See? I told you,
Kang Daeil, that bastard, is alive.
Your instincts are spot-on, sir.
I'm telling you,
Kang Daeil is tied up with the KCIA.
[sighs]
[Investigator Kim] The KCIA can take down
anyone in their sights.
Mr. Jang, if you push too far
and things go sideways
[Geonyoung] I'll take the fall.
If anyone loses their job,
it's going to be me.
[slurps]
[sighs]
OSAKA, JAPAN
[yakuza, in Japanese]
You have guests from Korea.
[wind chimes tinkling]
Long time no see, Ms. Bae.
It's good to see you, Ms. Ikeda.
It's been a while, Mr. Matsuda.
[in Korean] Or should I call you
Mr. Baek Kitae now?
I'm Baek Kitae.
It's good to see you.
[Geumji sighs] You've got
a lovely little place here.
How's the chairman doing?
I heard he hasn't been well.
Is your son doing well?
[chuckles]
He's… just like his father.
[chuckles]
That's good.
When are you going back to America?
[Geumji] I'm not going back.
I've got some things to do in Korea.
And I've met someone I like.
[chuckles]
You haven't eaten, right?
[Geumji] Gosh, I'm starving.
I heard there's
a famous sushi place nearby.
I actually made a reservation there
when I heard you were coming.
[Geumji] Darling, you like sushi, right?
This is great.
[Yuji] Mr. Baek, you should have
a drink with me instead.
I have something to discuss in private.
My staff will escort you, Ms. Bae.
You've done your part.
Now, it's Mr. Baek's turn
to finish things.
I'm sure he didn't come all this way
just to have some sushi with me.
Am I right, Mr. Baek?
[Intriguing music plays]
[Yuji]
Does Ms. Bae know why we're meeting?
[Kitae] No.
She wouldn't have the faintest idea.
So you want to do business with me
in Jo Manjae's place?
A senior KCIA agent himself?
Is that a problem?
Does Director Hwang know?
[Kitae] Does he need to?
[sucks teeth]
By the way… [sighs] …how do you know him?
[Yuji] I used to work with him.
On what?
Just some business.
[Kitae] "Chairman of the Korea-Japan
Cultural Exchange Foundation."
"Director of the Korea-Japan
Development Council."
- [chuckles]
- [taps on table]
Since when do yakuza
do this kind of thing?
We do anything that makes money,
just like you.
Are you serious about doing this right?
If we're not doing it right,
then I'm not doing it at all.
If you don't hold up your end again,
I'll make sure you pay for it,
even for wasting my time.
That sounds like a threat.
It is a threat.
If you can't handle it, walk away.
[Kitae sighs]
[Kitae] Let me ask you one thing.
[in Japanese] Did you want to see me?
I wanted to see you.
[Geumji, in English] Mr. Baek!
[giggles]
[in Korean] Darling,
were you okay without me?
[Yuji] Did you enjoy shopping, Ms. Bae?
[Geumji] Yeah, I picked up a few briefs
for my dear Mr. Baek.
- [scoffs]
- [Geumji chuckles]
[lively music plays]
HAPPY BUSAN CITIZENS' DAY
[Geonyoung] Hello, Director Hwang.
Jang Geonyoung,
Special Investigations, Busan Office.
[Gukpyeong] Oh, right.
I heard you've been working hard
chasing after those junkies.
[Geonyoung] Me? Not at all.
You're the one
who must have it rough, sir.
With all the big names in Busan
in the palm of your hand,
I can only imagine
how much work that takes.
[laughing]
I don't know what you've heard exactly.
But narcotics cases?
You just end up
chasing the tail all night.
- You've got your share of headaches.
- That's why
I was hoping to ask you for some intel.
What kind of intel?
You know Jo Manjae well, right?
The Manjae Gang boss.
Well, I guess
I know about as much as you do.
But I was told
he disappeared. Isn't that right?
Yes, that's right.
He did disappear, without a trace.
But just when I started
investigating again,
a witness pops up saying they'd seen him
in the Philippines.
And the next thing I know,
the higher-ups shut it all down.
[inhales deeply]
So what exactly is it
that you want to know?
[Geonyoung]
Whether he's alive in the Philippines
or rotting somewhere, that can wait.
But who has taken over his operation
and is running
the drug trade here in Busan?
That's what I want to know.
That's news to me.
Someone's definitely taken it over.
I'm sure of it.
Rounding up the leftover goons,
and trying to bring in a new cook.
Ah…
By the way,
I don't see your guy here. Baek Kitae?
He's usually with you.
I guess the KCIA
must be swamped these days.
You're good at peeling these.
I can never get it right.
Is that so?
- Want me to peel one for you?
- Would you?
Sure.
Here.
You grab the legs
and peel it off like this.
There.
- For you, sir.
- Thanks.
- Go ahead.
- All right.
[Yejin] Mr. Jang!
How did it go?
Seeing how he played dumb,
it's clear the KCIA
took care of Jo Manjae.
So, does that mean
Director Hwang killed him off
and is pushing meth himself?
I don't think Director Hwang
knows much about the drugs.
Then who the hell is it?
[Geonyoung]
When are you meeting Baek Soyeong?
Do you think…
Baek Kitae is trying to push meth
behind Hwang's back?
I threw it out there,
so let's wait and see
if Baek Kitae is really running drugs.
[Soyeong] Have you lost your mind?
A KCIA agent dealing meth?
What are you thinking? Huh?
Are you trying to get us all killed?
I'm doing this so we can all survive.
[Soyeong sighs]
After Mom died,
how did the three of us make it to Busan?
- And what's our life been like?
- [sighs]
If we keep living like this,
nothing will be different in 10, 20 years.
We'll never get out
of this damn hillside slum.
Soyeong.
Don't you trust me?
Say I bring in just one kilo.
That costs 200,000 won.
Cook it and sell it, that's 5 million.
Ship it to Japan, 15 million.
Fif…
Fifteen million won?
Plus, I'm not doing this alone.
People above me…
[sighs]
We're all in on it.
[Soyeong] Above you? The KCIA?
How high up?
Way up.
[gasps]
[Kitae] Which means
there's no risk of getting caught.
[sighs] No.
[sighs] There will be addicts.
It'll wreck the country, right when
they're trying to build a new era.
[sighs] Kitae, no, I'd feel too guilty.
You don't have to worry about that.
We'll make it here,
but we'll ship it all out to Japan.
Japan?
[Kitae] Yeah. We'll be
bringing in foreign currency,
and we'll be the ones driving exports.
If the business goes well,
we'll be doing our part
in building the new era.
Our family won't be left behind.
We'll be at the forefront
if we get with the times.
That means we're serving the country.
It's patriotic work.
Patriotic?
Yes.
Don't tell Kihyun.
He doesn't need to know.
[Soyeong] Okay.
You just need to take care of the money
and keep an eye on Kang Daeil, all right?
[Soyeong] Mmm.
[Sprightly music plays]
[sighs]
[Kitae sighs]
[Daeil exhales sharply]
Yeah. Thank you, sir.
Our goal…
Is to make the best product
and take over the Japanese market.
What about Korea?
Focus on Japan for now.
Don't put anything out in Korea
without my approval.
[Daeil] Understood.
What about the chemist?
[Daeil] We've got someone
with sharp eyes and skilled hands.
He's made quite a name
for himself in this business.
It wasn't easy,
but I managed to bring him in.
The best of the best, as pure as possible.
That's how we win the Japanese over.
You know that, right?
Understood, sir.
And I'm bringing one more person on board.
Who is it?
The place has a nice view.
[Daeil] Right. Yeah, very nice.
[clears throat]
[exhales deeply]
Let's do this!
[Daeil shouting] Yeah, let's do this!
[lively music plays]
[Daeil] All right, the pigs are here.
[gang member 1] Okay, let's go.
[gang member 2] Come on, let's go.
Go on, get in there.
[Soyeong groans]
They stink bad, huh?
It's fine.
[Daeil] Here, this will help.
I'm Kang Daeil.
I've heard a lot about you.
If it ever gets tough, just let me know.
Tough? No way.
This is patriotic work after all.
[groans]
Patriotic?
That's nice. [Chuckles]
Man, smells real sweet.
Make sure they have plenty to eat!
[Unsettling music plays]
We've got the pigs here.
You want to get started?
Mr. Kang.
I have a question.
Why did you bring pigs here?
They cost money, don't they?
It stinks when you cook meth, you know.
[Soyeong] And?
You cover it with the smell of pig crap.
Ah…
[Daeil] Hey.
Hey.
[Soyeong] What?
DIRECTOR GENERAL HWANG GUKPYEONG
This month's take looks a little light.
[Kitae] Kang Daeil's still trying
to pull the gang back together, so…
[inhales deeply]
Fine. More importantly,
who did she meet in Osaka?
Bae Geumji.
No one in particular.
She just went shopping and sightseeing.
[Gukpyeong] Shopping, huh?
And I'm losing my mind over here.
Where's that tramp now?
[Kitae] She's staying with her family
to take care of her kid.
Lee's keeping an eye on her now.
I'll be taking over again tomorrow.
Right, I appreciate it.
Phone in every two hours.
[Kitae] Yes, sir.
[Gukpyeong] You can go.
[phone rings]
[assistant] Yes, sir.
Send Pyo in.
[assistant] Yes, sir. I will.
Mr. Pyo, he'll see you now.
- Did you find out?
- [Manager Pyo] Yes, sir.
Baek Kitae met with Ikeda Yuji in Osaka.
Choi Yuji?
Yes, sir.
Baek Kitae…
Met with Choi Yuji?
That little bastard.
I told him to shut down the meth business
[Sinister music plays]
…and now he's going all in on it?
It looks like he and Kang Daeil
have taken over the whole Manjae Gang.
[cackling]
I guess I've been raising
a tiger all along, huh?
If word gets out the KCIA's pushing meth,
it'll be a hell of a show, won't it?
Sir.
But the thing is,
I hear the profits are massive.
- Really?
- [Manager Pyo] Yes, sir.
[Gukpyeong] How much are we talking?
[Manager Pyo]
I'll get back to you with exact numbers.
- [sighs]
- [Kitae] What did you pray for?
[Geumji] The country's well-being
and world peace.
[chuckles]
I'm serious.
Don't you ever pray?
Does He ever answer your prayers?
Of course.
If you really want it
with all your heart, He does.
[Kitae] Ms. Bae,
what is it that you really want?
Does the notebook even exist?
What about you? What do you really want?
Money?
Power?
Love?
You want it all, don't you?
So no one can ever look down on you.
So do I.
Same as you.
[Tense music plays]
Fucking hell.
Bow properly, damn it!
[phone rings]
Hello?
Hey, where the hell are you?
Where's Bae Geumji?
She's attending church service.
[Gukpyeong] That bitch wants
to see the President today!
He'll be inspecting
Seoul National University in a bit,
and that crazy bitch is planning
to show up there!
Hey!
If you lose her, you and I are finished.
You get that, right?
You get that or not, you little shit?
[choir singing hymn]
Bae Geumji!
[choir stops singing]
[Geumji] Na Yongcheol,
Chief of Staff to the President.
Cheon Seokjung's sole rival
and his closest enemy.
You think you can just pop out a kid
and turn your life around?
[Geumji] Well,
I figured I'd give it a try.
See if it works.
There's only one kid.
How many fathers does he have?
You looking to milk everyone dry?
[Geumji] Hmm…
You and I
both know
who the father is.
[Geumji] What matters isn't the truth.
[sucks teeth] What matters is
what people believe, Mr. Na.
Either way, they all believe
what they want to believe.
And?
[Tense music playing]
You're just going to let them believe it?
[chuckles]
Why not? It doesn't hurt me.
There's no reason for me to run around
telling people the whole story, is there?
[sucks teeth] Well,
if it bothers you that much,
why don't you go ahead
and tell them yourself?
So the country can go to hell,
as long as you save your own skin?
All those men you're stirring up
are those working hard
to keep this country going.
[Geumji] Exactly.
Which is why I'm asking for your help.
I want to be able
to care about the country too.
[Yongcheol] You know,
you could really end up dead
if you keep this up.
Don't you know any of them could easily
get rid of someone like you?
Doesn't matter.
No matter what anyone says,
I'm not leaving.
So help me.
[scoffs]
Come on. After everything…
[sucks teeth]
I can ask you that much, can't I?
Hmm?
Truth is,
I've been thinking
of starting my own business.
I've always wanted to.
A courtesan house, bigger than Cheonungak.
How does that sound?
I've already got my eye
on the building and the land.
Hmm…
And I think I'd like a villa too.
Everyone else has one.
What do you think?
Mr. Na.
Don't take this lightly.
Because everything I said today?
I meant every word.
[Uneasy music plays]
You crazy bitch.
Are you threatening me right now?
[laughing]
[Gukpyeong] So, you're saying…
She went to see
Chief Na, not the President?
Yes, sir.
[Gukpyeong] That crazy bitch.
She's digging her own grave, isn't she?
What about Baek?
He's standing by in Seoul.
Goddamn idiot,
falling for some tramp like that.
Still, the woman's a real piece of work.
She just had to stir up the hornet's nest
and throw all the men upstairs into chaos.
I can't tell if she's naïve
or just plain stupid.
- Hey.
- Yes, sir?
Have you ever been in love?
[chuckles]
I'm not so sure.
[scoffs]
She's pulling all this shit
just because she wants to be loved.
Fucking bitch.
- [Mellow smoky jazz plays]
- [Geumji] That's right.
This was the night I last saw him.
It was the first time
he'd ever asked to meet,
so I wondered what it was about.
[Geumji] Darling.
Are you mad at me?
[Kitae] Go back.
Are you really going to do this?
You're ruining the mood.
Those guys can't do anything to me.
I've got my notebook.
Hand that over and get out of the country
if you want to stay alive.
[chuckles]
If I hand that over…
They'll kill me.
And they'll kill you if you don't.
[chuckling]
Why are you trying to scare me like this?
Enough games.
Hand over the notebook, now.
And if I don't?
You might not make it through the night.
My God.
How do you even make threats look so cool?
Do you practice in front of a mirror
or something?
[gasps, yelps]
Gosh, that hurt.
[Geumji sighs]
It never existed.
The notebook.
It never existed.
I'm telling you the truth
because I think you figured that out
a long time ago.
Stay with me tonight.
I don't want to be alone.
You said I might not make it
through the night.
If something happens to me,
you'll have to save me.
Why should I do that?
[Tense music plays]
You think I don't know?
About whatever deal
you've got going with Choi Yuji.
Did you think I wouldn't figure it out?
[chuckles]
You can't do this to me.
You…
Darling.
You like me, don't you?
[exhales shakily]
[in English] Mr. Baek.
[in Korean] Darling.
[sobs]
[sniffles]
[sobs]
[sobs]
[Geumji sighs]
[sighs]
[inhales deeply]
Hey, Seongguk's birthday is…
[Geumji's sibling] Next Saturday.
How about we take him to Changgyeongwon?
And show him the elephants.
[Geumji's sibling] Geumji,
we should stop this now.
Let's go back to the States
with Seongguk, all right?
I'll do whatever it takes
to raise him well.
Aren't you angry?
I am.
At this world.
[Geumji's sibling sighs]
[inhales deeply, sighs]
[deep engine growl approaching]
[Suspenseful music plays]
[person 1]
Hey. Get out of the car, punk.
[Geumji's sibling] Who the hell are you?
- [person 1] Get out of the car.
- Who the hell are you?
- [person 1] Come on.
- Let go! Let go of me!
- [person 2] Walk straight, you bastard!
- Who the hell are you?
- [person 1] Hey, get him in.
- Hey! Damn it.
- Get off me!
- [person 2] Get the hell in!
[breathing shakily]
[exhales deeply]
What's going on? You scared me.
[breathing shakily]
[breathing shakily]
[exhales shakily]
[Geumji] Can't you just let me go?
[sighs]
[gunshots]
I wanted to fall in love again.
[Moody jazz plays]
[announcer]
It is time for the flag-lowering ceremony.
Please face the flag with respect.
[person] I bet you're wondering,
- "What is this, some kind of prank?"
- [cheerful music playing]
This is what they called
the flag-lowering ceremony.
Our dear Mr. President's own invention.
And that wasn't all.
After midnight, you couldn't even
be out on the streets.
It was to crack down on decadent trends
that threatened public morals
and order or whatever.
SEX INDUSTRY
Men were banned
from growing sideburns over their ears,
and women in miniskirts were punished
for indecent exposure.
Curfews.
No assemblies.
No protests.
No long hair and no miniskirts, either.
TO RESTORE SOCIAL DISCIPLINE
IMMEDIATE DEPORTATION
People were monitored, raided,
beaten, and killed.
KIM DAEJUNG RETURNED HOME
If they could go
after heavyweight opposition politicians,
imagine what they did to ordinary people.
We were basically treated
like cattle, like pigs.
But the very ones leading the crackdowns?
They lived above every ban.
That's right.
I'm talking about the country's
very first intelligence agency, the KCIA.
GLOBAL SPY RING EXPOSED
With immense power that
even eclipsed the Constitution,
the KCIA propped up
our dear Mr. President's long reign.
Just the name of it was enough
to strike fear.
REVOLUTIONARY UNIFICATION
PARTY SPY CASE
So many innocent people were dragged off,
and lost their lives.
Honestly though,
I never thought I'd be one of them.
This was the age of prohibition,
and my name says it all.
I'm Geumji, as in prohibition. Bae Geumji.
Madam, bar girl, escort, hostess.
Call me whatever you want.
What matters is that I was
damn good at what I did.
But still,
it's not a crime worth dying for, right?
[patrons cheering]
[helicopter whirring]
[theme music plays]
GIMPO AIRPORT, KOREA
[announcer] Passengers for boarding,
please proceed to Gate Three
of the International Terminal
after completing immigration.
[luggage thuds]
[grunts]
Seriously?
No one's here?
[scoffs] Wow.
This is unbelievable.
- [cooing]
- Let's go.
[grunts]
EPISODE 3:
THE AGE OF PROHIBITION
- [wooden temple drum beating grows faster]
- [Gukpyeong] All right, all right.
[sighs]
[bag unzipping]
[sighs]
[Suspenseful music playing]
[footsteps approaching]
[Suspenseful music continues]
[Gukpyeong] When we get there,
it won't just be Mr. Cheon waiting.
Bae Geumji will be there too.
Yes, sir. Understood.
They were nice enough
to send her off to the States.
She should've stayed put
and raised her kid quietly.
What good did she think
would come of this?
I hear she's a woman with no fear.
Yeah, I'll give her that.
Using her own damn kid like that.
[Kitae] Do you know, sir?
Who the father is.
There are a lot of rumors.
Hey.
Yes, sir.
Just keep your eyes on the road.
Unless you've got a death wish.
[Suspenseful music continues]
[music stops]
Have you met Mr. Cheon before?
No, this is my first time in person.
Born into the elite and
top of his class at the Military Academy.
He caught the President's eye
during the revolution,
and now, he throws around
more weight than ever.
[clicks tongue]
No.
- [Geumji] Cheon Seokjung…
- [intriguing music playing]
…Chief of the Presidential
Security Service.
Top of his class at the Military Academy,
adored by the President.
The President's power was
practically Cheon Seokjung's to wield,
and the KCIA was his loyal private army.
[Gemji] I mean, look.
I can't live in hiding forever anyway.
It's not like I'm not a criminal.
I've got to sort things out somehow,
and raise my boy Seongguk
to not come up short next to anyone.
[Seokjung] You really think
his father's going to sit back and watch?
What kind of father can't stand to see
his own son succeed?
[Seokjung] You know better than anyone
he's not a man to be trifled with.
And I'm not a woman
to be trifled with either.
Come on.
- It's not like I'm asking to be his wife.
- [sucks teeth]
[Gukpyeong] Hello, Mr. Cheon.
[laughs]
How have you been, sir?
[Seokjung] It's been a while, Mr. Hwang.
Why have you been so busy?
Oh, no. Not at all.
Just give me a call,
and I'll come running anytime, sir.
[laughing]
[Geumji] Ah… You wear a toupee, huh?
[Seokjung laughing]
[clears throat]
- [Seokjung] Let's take a walk.
- [Gukpyeong] Yes, sir.
[Geumji] That's when Baek Kitae
saw with his own eyes
[Sinister music playing]
- …what real, living power looked like.
Ah, I got it.
[Geumji] And then he decided
to live a life like that man's,
with wealth and power great enough
to bring the whole world to its knees.
Hello, darling.
[chuckles]
I'm going to the restroom.
Care to join me?
[laughing]
[Geumji] And that's how we met.
In the most romantic setting,
as you can see,
in the company of those
government idiots.
- [Geumji scoffs]
- [sprightly, moody music playing]
[investigator Kim] There's no need
to worry about wiretaps here, sir.
[Yejin] It's so loud in here.
[Geonyoung] Loud and perfect
for a secret investigation HQ.
All right, let's eat.
[Yejin] Yes, sir.
Let me say this again, just in case.
No one else can know
about this place but us.
- Okay?
- [Yejin] Yes, sir.
How's the search for Kang Daeil going?
Any progress?
[Yejin] Yes,
we're tracing him through his crew.
We should be able to pin him down soon.
We have to find him.
Yes, sir. Understood.
Apparently, Jo Manjae had his hands
in every racket and made a fortune.
Smuggling, for starters,
siphoning US army supplies,
real estate speculation…
Even the toilet paper
in government offices
has to pass through his hands.
He ate all that up by himself?
[Geonyoung] Mm-mmm… He couldn't have.
I mean, look. We can't even
have a meal without sharing.
You think he can hog the whole thing? How?
He's got backing.
Mr. Jang.
You think that's the KCIA, right?
The KCIA doing business with gangsters?
That's nothing new.
I'm not even surprised.
But why do you think they took Jo Manjae?
I bet he pulled something shady.
That must be why they hauled him in.
[Geonyoung] They chopped off the tail.
Cut him off like this.
[Yejin] What? You think they killed him?
[Geonyoung] Jo Manjae paid up
massive sums to the KCIA.
And that money went straight
into Director Hwang's safe.
Some of it probably went
further up the chain too.
You mean there's someone above Hwang?
- That's right.
- And who could it be?
- [Mysterious music playing]
- Well, I don't know that yet.
But the election's right
around the corner,
and plenty of places need funding.
I'm sure they'll restart his operations
by rounding up the rest of his gang.
[Yejin] To do that, they must've kept
either Jo Manjae or Kang Daeil alive.
And you think it's Kang Daeil, right?
We've got a shot
only if Kang Daeil's alive.
- [lighter clicking]
- [footsteps approaching]
[sighs]
[groans] My legs…
[sighs]
[chuckles]
[exhales deeply]
[exclaims]
[giggling]
- I haven't seen you around before.
- [exhales deeply]
I work under Director Hwang.
[sighs]
But there's no future
working under Hwang.
Maybe under Cheon,
that would be different.
If you're interested,
I can help you.
What do you mean?
[Geumji] Let's meet somewhere quiet later.
Just the two of us.
[Geumji giggling]
- [Geumji] Huh?
- [Gukpyeong] I had him under me for a bit
- in the army.
- [Geumji laughs]
He's pretty useful.
His eyes are practically dripping
with ambition.
[clicks tongue, inhales deeply]
Maybe it's from growing up with nothing.
- But he knows his place.
- [Geumji] I'm getting tipsy. Give me one.
[Seokjung] They make quite the pair.
Not a bad pick.
Thank you, sir.
[chuckles]
[Seokjung] Geumji. Bae Geumji…
I can't get a read
on how that woman's going to play this.
You want me to kill her?
I'm sorry, sir.
Don't do anything stupid.
Just have him stick close to her for now.
Keep an eye on her
so she can't pull anything.
Yes, sir.
[organ music plays]
[choir singing hymn]
[Gukpyeong] That woman's got a notebook.
A list of all the men she's slept with.
Which means the kid's father
has to be in there.
Now, what's the real issue?
Who the father is?
That's not the real issue.
Damn it. [Clicks tongue]
What matters isn't who the father is.
It's that
all those men whose names are
in that notebook are losing sleep,
wondering if the boy is theirs.
That's the real problem.
[clicks tongue, inhales deeply]
Can we trust that information?
[Gukpyeong] Of course.
The guy who gave it to me?
His name's in that notebook too.
- You'd better keep your head straight.
- [sighs]
She's the kind men fall for
at first sight.
You don't have to worry about me, sir.
Ashtray.
- Be careful, all right?
- [taps cigarette]
You wouldn't want your name
ending up in that notebook too.
[laughing]
[Intriguing music plays]
[Geumji sighs] I swear,
I don't get why everyone's dying
to sink their teeth into me.
Did Director Hwang ask you
to get the notebook?
What notebook?
You must be curious,
being the only one left in the dark.
I'm not interested.
Really?
Because I could tell you right now
who the father really is.
[blows]
But you're not interested, right?
[groans] Are you messing with me?
- [clicks tongue]
- Oh, no.
You thought I was
actually going to tell you?
[Geumji giggling]
You're adorable.
Anyway, I'm never going back
to the States,
so tell them to quit dreaming.
I'm staying right here.
Maybe even date a handsome guy like you.
Aren't you sick of men by now?
Depends on who the man is.
[inhales sharply]
Since we're here,
why don't we be straight with each other?
If you don't feel like talking
about dating, we can talk business.
Business?
I told you the other day, didn't I?
I could help you.
[Kitae] Help me with what?
And how exactly?
Hmm.
Look who's finally showing some interest.
[Unsettling music plays]
Being the President's right-hand man
or whatever…
Who cares about that crap?
What matters is
how you got there.
You know well
how Hwang managed to get as far as he did,
don't you?
Now, just think how much more
Cheon must've passed up above him.
An endless stream of cash.
That's the real source of their power.
So…
If you had your hands on that stream,
who's to say
you couldn't get to Cheon's level,
not just Hwang's?
Am I right?
Mr. Baek.
Tell me what you want.
I'll help you.
I heard you've got ties
to the Japanese yakuza.
Chairman Ikeda.
Have you ever met him?
[yakuza members, in Japanese] Boss!
[Geumji, in Korean] No.
But I did catch a glimpse
of his daughter once.
Ikeda Yuji.
Real name, Choi Yuji.
[Geumji] Yes, Choi Yuji.
How did you know she's Korean?
I've met her myself once.
[Elusive music plays]
[Geumji]
If only she weren't of Korean descent,
she might have even had a shot
at being his successor.
She's a Zainichi, but he still
took her in as his foster daughter.
I don't know how she won his favor,
but he clearly treasures her.
Anyway, I'm certain she's one
of the real powers in the Ikeda clan.
How on earth do you know all this?
[Geumji] So, what about Choi Yuji?
I think… [sighs] …I need to see her again.
Hmm…
[in English] Okay.
[in Korean] Call me, Mr. Baek.
[person 1] Guys, this is Lee Sunyeong.
She's a new member of Rose Club.
Say hello.
Hi, nice to meet you all.
I'm Lee Sunyeong.
I'm not very good with my hands though.
[chuckles]
Anyway, I'm excited to be here.
[person 2] Come on,
no one's good from the start.
- Welcome to the club.
- [Yejin] Thanks.
[person 2] Here, try knitting this first.
[person 1] Hi, Soyeong.
You got off work a bit late today.
[Soyeong] Yeah.
Oh, I see you guys have already started.
[person 2] Soyeong, did you get
what I asked for last time?
[Soyeong] Yeah,
I brought the information sheet.
It's a three-year term
with an annual interest rate of 17.4%…
Oh, my gosh. Thank you so much, Soyeong.
- [exclaims]
- [chuckles]
[sucks teeth] Are you from Seoul?
- Sorry?
- [sucks teeth]
You don't seem to have a Busan accent.
[person 1] That's because
Soyeong grew up in Japan.
Soyeong, say hello.
This is Lee Sunyeong.
She's a new member of the club.
Of course.
No wonder you've got
such great skin. [Gasps]
My goodness. How's your skin so smooth?
[chuckles] Oh, you're too kind.
Well, I was just born with it.
- [Yejin] You're so lucky.
- [all chuckling]
My uncle lives in Japan too. In Osaka.
[gasps] No way! I lived in Osaka too!
Oh, my goodness.
- What are the chances? [Chuckles]
- [all chuckle]
- Wow, you work at a bank?
- Oh, yeah.
[person 2] What do you do
for a living, Sunyeong?
Well…
My parents run…
What do you call that again?
They run a metal shop
[Soyeong murmurs]
…so I help out with my older brothers.
What about you, Soyeong?
Do you have an older brother?
Yeah.
[sighs] Well, I've never told you guys,
but my brother could give Shin Seongil
a run for his money.
My brother looks like Alain Delon!
[Yejin] Really? We have so much in common!
[person 2] Wow,
are they really that handsome?
- You should bring him here sometime.
- Oh, I can't do that. He's busy.
- [person 2] Bring him.
- I've got to see with my own eyes.
- He must be really handsome.
- [Soyeong] You bet.
[chuckling]
[Geonyoung] The Vietnam War, huh?
PERSONAL RECORD
NAME: BAEK KITAE
[Investigator Kim] Yes.
He was in the Special Warfare Command
but got dishonorably discharged there.
[clicks tongue] It seems like there was
some kind of incident.
Sir, I heard rumors
you got the Order of Military Merit,
but that's not true, right?
[clears throat]
[Geonyoung groans]
Well…
[sighs]
I mean, it was from the government,
so I couldn't exactly refuse.
- [clears throat]
- Seriously?
[Geonyoung]
There were three armed guerrillas.
- [Investigator Kim] Armed guerrillas?
- [laughs]
You going to tell me you've been shot too?
- Here.
- Huh?
- [Geonyoung] Here.
- Wait.
Are you actually telling me
this is from a gunshot?
- It went in here and…
- [Investigator Kim] Yeah?
- I'm not sure if you can see it. Here.
- [Investigator Kim] Whoa, what?
Wait a second.
So it went in here and came out here?
Wow, so it's true! [Exclaims]
You're incredible, Mr. Jang.
[Geonyoung] Well, they wouldn't have
given me the medal if I weren't.
- [chuckles]
- [cackling]
- [Yejin] Oh, my.
- [clears throat]
My goodness.
Oh, my…
Mr. Jang, you must work out all the time.
Yeah, well, I just do some push-ups.
Of course.
No wonder you look so good in your suits.
How many do you do?
A hundred? Yeah, about a hundred.
[Geonyoung clears throat]
So, how did it go?
Did you meet her?
[sighs]
[sighs] I'm so tired.
It's true they grew up in Osaka, Japan.
- [Investigator Kim] They're Zainichi?
- Yes.
They came back to Korea
after their parents passed.
Apparently, they had a tough time
settling down here.
Then Baek Kitae must've had
to play the parent.
[Yejin] He did
every kind of job imaginable
to support his younger siblings.
[Investigator Kim] And being Zainichi,
he went through a lot of discrimination.
So he became a career soldier?
There's actually another soldier
in the family.
Their younger brother, Baek Kihyun.
He graduated top of his class
from the Military Academy.
Now, he's serving up front
as a second lieutenant.
The older brother's in the KCIA,
and the younger one's from the Academy?
Well, talk about rising from nothing.
But it sounded like something happened
to the younger brother when he was a kid.
- What happened?
- [Yejin sucks teeth]
Well, Baek Soyeong didn't go into detail,
but she seemed really worried about him.
Okay.
So, are you meeting her again?
Yes, we hit it off and decided
to grab a meal together sometime.
[inhales sharply]
Also, Kang Daeil?
He's alive.
[Stirring music playing]
You've tracked him down?
Not exactly. But word is,
he's putting the gang back together.
He's even looking for a chemist.
[Geonyoung] See? I told you,
Kang Daeil, that bastard, is alive.
Your instincts are spot-on, sir.
I'm telling you,
Kang Daeil is tied up with the KCIA.
[sighs]
[Investigator Kim] The KCIA can take down
anyone in their sights.
Mr. Jang, if you push too far
and things go sideways
[Geonyoung] I'll take the fall.
If anyone loses their job,
it's going to be me.
[slurps]
[sighs]
OSAKA, JAPAN
[yakuza, in Japanese]
You have guests from Korea.
[wind chimes tinkling]
Long time no see, Ms. Bae.
It's good to see you, Ms. Ikeda.
It's been a while, Mr. Matsuda.
[in Korean] Or should I call you
Mr. Baek Kitae now?
I'm Baek Kitae.
It's good to see you.
[Geumji sighs] You've got
a lovely little place here.
How's the chairman doing?
I heard he hasn't been well.
Is your son doing well?
[chuckles]
He's… just like his father.
[chuckles]
That's good.
When are you going back to America?
[Geumji] I'm not going back.
I've got some things to do in Korea.
And I've met someone I like.
[chuckles]
You haven't eaten, right?
[Geumji] Gosh, I'm starving.
I heard there's
a famous sushi place nearby.
I actually made a reservation there
when I heard you were coming.
[Geumji] Darling, you like sushi, right?
This is great.
[Yuji] Mr. Baek, you should have
a drink with me instead.
I have something to discuss in private.
My staff will escort you, Ms. Bae.
You've done your part.
Now, it's Mr. Baek's turn
to finish things.
I'm sure he didn't come all this way
just to have some sushi with me.
Am I right, Mr. Baek?
[Intriguing music plays]
[Yuji]
Does Ms. Bae know why we're meeting?
[Kitae] No.
She wouldn't have the faintest idea.
So you want to do business with me
in Jo Manjae's place?
A senior KCIA agent himself?
Is that a problem?
Does Director Hwang know?
[Kitae] Does he need to?
[sucks teeth]
By the way… [sighs] …how do you know him?
[Yuji] I used to work with him.
On what?
Just some business.
[Kitae] "Chairman of the Korea-Japan
Cultural Exchange Foundation."
"Director of the Korea-Japan
Development Council."
- [chuckles]
- [taps on table]
Since when do yakuza
do this kind of thing?
We do anything that makes money,
just like you.
Are you serious about doing this right?
If we're not doing it right,
then I'm not doing it at all.
If you don't hold up your end again,
I'll make sure you pay for it,
even for wasting my time.
That sounds like a threat.
It is a threat.
If you can't handle it, walk away.
[Kitae sighs]
[Kitae] Let me ask you one thing.
[in Japanese] Did you want to see me?
I wanted to see you.
[Geumji, in English] Mr. Baek!
[giggles]
[in Korean] Darling,
were you okay without me?
[Yuji] Did you enjoy shopping, Ms. Bae?
[Geumji] Yeah, I picked up a few briefs
for my dear Mr. Baek.
- [scoffs]
- [Geumji chuckles]
[lively music plays]
HAPPY BUSAN CITIZENS' DAY
[Geonyoung] Hello, Director Hwang.
Jang Geonyoung,
Special Investigations, Busan Office.
[Gukpyeong] Oh, right.
I heard you've been working hard
chasing after those junkies.
[Geonyoung] Me? Not at all.
You're the one
who must have it rough, sir.
With all the big names in Busan
in the palm of your hand,
I can only imagine
how much work that takes.
[laughing]
I don't know what you've heard exactly.
But narcotics cases?
You just end up
chasing the tail all night.
- You've got your share of headaches.
- That's why
I was hoping to ask you for some intel.
What kind of intel?
You know Jo Manjae well, right?
The Manjae Gang boss.
Well, I guess
I know about as much as you do.
But I was told
he disappeared. Isn't that right?
Yes, that's right.
He did disappear, without a trace.
But just when I started
investigating again,
a witness pops up saying they'd seen him
in the Philippines.
And the next thing I know,
the higher-ups shut it all down.
[inhales deeply]
So what exactly is it
that you want to know?
[Geonyoung]
Whether he's alive in the Philippines
or rotting somewhere, that can wait.
But who has taken over his operation
and is running
the drug trade here in Busan?
That's what I want to know.
That's news to me.
Someone's definitely taken it over.
I'm sure of it.
Rounding up the leftover goons,
and trying to bring in a new cook.
Ah…
By the way,
I don't see your guy here. Baek Kitae?
He's usually with you.
I guess the KCIA
must be swamped these days.
You're good at peeling these.
I can never get it right.
Is that so?
- Want me to peel one for you?
- Would you?
Sure.
Here.
You grab the legs
and peel it off like this.
There.
- For you, sir.
- Thanks.
- Go ahead.
- All right.
[Yejin] Mr. Jang!
How did it go?
Seeing how he played dumb,
it's clear the KCIA
took care of Jo Manjae.
So, does that mean
Director Hwang killed him off
and is pushing meth himself?
I don't think Director Hwang
knows much about the drugs.
Then who the hell is it?
[Geonyoung]
When are you meeting Baek Soyeong?
Do you think…
Baek Kitae is trying to push meth
behind Hwang's back?
I threw it out there,
so let's wait and see
if Baek Kitae is really running drugs.
[Soyeong] Have you lost your mind?
A KCIA agent dealing meth?
What are you thinking? Huh?
Are you trying to get us all killed?
I'm doing this so we can all survive.
[Soyeong sighs]
After Mom died,
how did the three of us make it to Busan?
- And what's our life been like?
- [sighs]
If we keep living like this,
nothing will be different in 10, 20 years.
We'll never get out
of this damn hillside slum.
Soyeong.
Don't you trust me?
Say I bring in just one kilo.
That costs 200,000 won.
Cook it and sell it, that's 5 million.
Ship it to Japan, 15 million.
Fif…
Fifteen million won?
Plus, I'm not doing this alone.
People above me…
[sighs]
We're all in on it.
[Soyeong] Above you? The KCIA?
How high up?
Way up.
[gasps]
[Kitae] Which means
there's no risk of getting caught.
[sighs] No.
[sighs] There will be addicts.
It'll wreck the country, right when
they're trying to build a new era.
[sighs] Kitae, no, I'd feel too guilty.
You don't have to worry about that.
We'll make it here,
but we'll ship it all out to Japan.
Japan?
[Kitae] Yeah. We'll be
bringing in foreign currency,
and we'll be the ones driving exports.
If the business goes well,
we'll be doing our part
in building the new era.
Our family won't be left behind.
We'll be at the forefront
if we get with the times.
That means we're serving the country.
It's patriotic work.
Patriotic?
Yes.
Don't tell Kihyun.
He doesn't need to know.
[Soyeong] Okay.
You just need to take care of the money
and keep an eye on Kang Daeil, all right?
[Soyeong] Mmm.
[Sprightly music plays]
[sighs]
[Kitae sighs]
[Daeil exhales sharply]
Yeah. Thank you, sir.
Our goal…
Is to make the best product
and take over the Japanese market.
What about Korea?
Focus on Japan for now.
Don't put anything out in Korea
without my approval.
[Daeil] Understood.
What about the chemist?
[Daeil] We've got someone
with sharp eyes and skilled hands.
He's made quite a name
for himself in this business.
It wasn't easy,
but I managed to bring him in.
The best of the best, as pure as possible.
That's how we win the Japanese over.
You know that, right?
Understood, sir.
And I'm bringing one more person on board.
Who is it?
The place has a nice view.
[Daeil] Right. Yeah, very nice.
[clears throat]
[exhales deeply]
Let's do this!
[Daeil shouting] Yeah, let's do this!
[lively music plays]
[Daeil] All right, the pigs are here.
[gang member 1] Okay, let's go.
[gang member 2] Come on, let's go.
Go on, get in there.
[Soyeong groans]
They stink bad, huh?
It's fine.
[Daeil] Here, this will help.
I'm Kang Daeil.
I've heard a lot about you.
If it ever gets tough, just let me know.
Tough? No way.
This is patriotic work after all.
[groans]
Patriotic?
That's nice. [Chuckles]
Man, smells real sweet.
Make sure they have plenty to eat!
[Unsettling music plays]
We've got the pigs here.
You want to get started?
Mr. Kang.
I have a question.
Why did you bring pigs here?
They cost money, don't they?
It stinks when you cook meth, you know.
[Soyeong] And?
You cover it with the smell of pig crap.
Ah…
[Daeil] Hey.
Hey.
[Soyeong] What?
DIRECTOR GENERAL HWANG GUKPYEONG
This month's take looks a little light.
[Kitae] Kang Daeil's still trying
to pull the gang back together, so…
[inhales deeply]
Fine. More importantly,
who did she meet in Osaka?
Bae Geumji.
No one in particular.
She just went shopping and sightseeing.
[Gukpyeong] Shopping, huh?
And I'm losing my mind over here.
Where's that tramp now?
[Kitae] She's staying with her family
to take care of her kid.
Lee's keeping an eye on her now.
I'll be taking over again tomorrow.
Right, I appreciate it.
Phone in every two hours.
[Kitae] Yes, sir.
[Gukpyeong] You can go.
[phone rings]
[assistant] Yes, sir.
Send Pyo in.
[assistant] Yes, sir. I will.
Mr. Pyo, he'll see you now.
- Did you find out?
- [Manager Pyo] Yes, sir.
Baek Kitae met with Ikeda Yuji in Osaka.
Choi Yuji?
Yes, sir.
Baek Kitae…
Met with Choi Yuji?
That little bastard.
I told him to shut down the meth business
[Sinister music plays]
…and now he's going all in on it?
It looks like he and Kang Daeil
have taken over the whole Manjae Gang.
[cackling]
I guess I've been raising
a tiger all along, huh?
If word gets out the KCIA's pushing meth,
it'll be a hell of a show, won't it?
Sir.
But the thing is,
I hear the profits are massive.
- Really?
- [Manager Pyo] Yes, sir.
[Gukpyeong] How much are we talking?
[Manager Pyo]
I'll get back to you with exact numbers.
- [sighs]
- [Kitae] What did you pray for?
[Geumji] The country's well-being
and world peace.
[chuckles]
I'm serious.
Don't you ever pray?
Does He ever answer your prayers?
Of course.
If you really want it
with all your heart, He does.
[Kitae] Ms. Bae,
what is it that you really want?
Does the notebook even exist?
What about you? What do you really want?
Money?
Power?
Love?
You want it all, don't you?
So no one can ever look down on you.
So do I.
Same as you.
[Tense music plays]
Fucking hell.
Bow properly, damn it!
[phone rings]
Hello?
Hey, where the hell are you?
Where's Bae Geumji?
She's attending church service.
[Gukpyeong] That bitch wants
to see the President today!
He'll be inspecting
Seoul National University in a bit,
and that crazy bitch is planning
to show up there!
Hey!
If you lose her, you and I are finished.
You get that, right?
You get that or not, you little shit?
[choir singing hymn]
Bae Geumji!
[choir stops singing]
[Geumji] Na Yongcheol,
Chief of Staff to the President.
Cheon Seokjung's sole rival
and his closest enemy.
You think you can just pop out a kid
and turn your life around?
[Geumji] Well,
I figured I'd give it a try.
See if it works.
There's only one kid.
How many fathers does he have?
You looking to milk everyone dry?
[Geumji] Hmm…
You and I
both know
who the father is.
[Geumji] What matters isn't the truth.
[sucks teeth] What matters is
what people believe, Mr. Na.
Either way, they all believe
what they want to believe.
And?
[Tense music playing]
You're just going to let them believe it?
[chuckles]
Why not? It doesn't hurt me.
There's no reason for me to run around
telling people the whole story, is there?
[sucks teeth] Well,
if it bothers you that much,
why don't you go ahead
and tell them yourself?
So the country can go to hell,
as long as you save your own skin?
All those men you're stirring up
are those working hard
to keep this country going.
[Geumji] Exactly.
Which is why I'm asking for your help.
I want to be able
to care about the country too.
[Yongcheol] You know,
you could really end up dead
if you keep this up.
Don't you know any of them could easily
get rid of someone like you?
Doesn't matter.
No matter what anyone says,
I'm not leaving.
So help me.
[scoffs]
Come on. After everything…
[sucks teeth]
I can ask you that much, can't I?
Hmm?
Truth is,
I've been thinking
of starting my own business.
I've always wanted to.
A courtesan house, bigger than Cheonungak.
How does that sound?
I've already got my eye
on the building and the land.
Hmm…
And I think I'd like a villa too.
Everyone else has one.
What do you think?
Mr. Na.
Don't take this lightly.
Because everything I said today?
I meant every word.
[Uneasy music plays]
You crazy bitch.
Are you threatening me right now?
[laughing]
[Gukpyeong] So, you're saying…
She went to see
Chief Na, not the President?
Yes, sir.
[Gukpyeong] That crazy bitch.
She's digging her own grave, isn't she?
What about Baek?
He's standing by in Seoul.
Goddamn idiot,
falling for some tramp like that.
Still, the woman's a real piece of work.
She just had to stir up the hornet's nest
and throw all the men upstairs into chaos.
I can't tell if she's naïve
or just plain stupid.
- Hey.
- Yes, sir?
Have you ever been in love?
[chuckles]
I'm not so sure.
[scoffs]
She's pulling all this shit
just because she wants to be loved.
Fucking bitch.
- [Mellow smoky jazz plays]
- [Geumji] That's right.
This was the night I last saw him.
It was the first time
he'd ever asked to meet,
so I wondered what it was about.
[Geumji] Darling.
Are you mad at me?
[Kitae] Go back.
Are you really going to do this?
You're ruining the mood.
Those guys can't do anything to me.
I've got my notebook.
Hand that over and get out of the country
if you want to stay alive.
[chuckles]
If I hand that over…
They'll kill me.
And they'll kill you if you don't.
[chuckling]
Why are you trying to scare me like this?
Enough games.
Hand over the notebook, now.
And if I don't?
You might not make it through the night.
My God.
How do you even make threats look so cool?
Do you practice in front of a mirror
or something?
[gasps, yelps]
Gosh, that hurt.
[Geumji sighs]
It never existed.
The notebook.
It never existed.
I'm telling you the truth
because I think you figured that out
a long time ago.
Stay with me tonight.
I don't want to be alone.
You said I might not make it
through the night.
If something happens to me,
you'll have to save me.
Why should I do that?
[Tense music plays]
You think I don't know?
About whatever deal
you've got going with Choi Yuji.
Did you think I wouldn't figure it out?
[chuckles]
You can't do this to me.
You…
Darling.
You like me, don't you?
[exhales shakily]
[in English] Mr. Baek.
[in Korean] Darling.
[sobs]
[sniffles]
[sobs]
[sobs]
[Geumji sighs]
[sighs]
[inhales deeply]
Hey, Seongguk's birthday is…
[Geumji's sibling] Next Saturday.
How about we take him to Changgyeongwon?
And show him the elephants.
[Geumji's sibling] Geumji,
we should stop this now.
Let's go back to the States
with Seongguk, all right?
I'll do whatever it takes
to raise him well.
Aren't you angry?
I am.
At this world.
[Geumji's sibling sighs]
[inhales deeply, sighs]
[deep engine growl approaching]
[Suspenseful music plays]
[person 1]
Hey. Get out of the car, punk.
[Geumji's sibling] Who the hell are you?
- [person 1] Get out of the car.
- Who the hell are you?
- [person 1] Come on.
- Let go! Let go of me!
- [person 2] Walk straight, you bastard!
- Who the hell are you?
- [person 1] Hey, get him in.
- Hey! Damn it.
- Get off me!
- [person 2] Get the hell in!
[breathing shakily]
[exhales deeply]
What's going on? You scared me.
[breathing shakily]
[breathing shakily]
[exhales shakily]
[Geumji] Can't you just let me go?
[sighs]
[gunshots]
I wanted to fall in love again.
[Moody jazz plays]