My Royal Nemesis (2026) s01e08 Episode Script
Screw This World
MY ROYAL NEMESIS
Why do you stare at it so intently?
Does a plum blossom flowering
in midsummer unsettle you so?
No, it is not that.
Flowers that bloom in season are no fun.
I want nothing less that a plum blossom
amid midwinter snow
if I am to see any charm in it.
Did you hear?
A marriage proposal was delivered
to Seonghyeon Pavilion this morning.
I guess the prince is getting married.
Dry this by the window.
Yes, Your Highness.
- It is raining.
- Leave it.
Do you like the rain?
Why? Do you dislike it?
What is there to like?
The mud gets everywhere,
my skirt gets soaked,
and the laundry piles up.
I doubt any court lady likes the rain.
Is that so?
Your Highness!
Please go back inside.
You will catch a cold at this rate.
Stay still.
Now feel it for yourself.
This cleansing chill.
Gosh.
A second cleanse might leave me bedridden.
A little rain will not kill you.
Then again,
it must be different for a woman.
Why are you just standing there?
Hurry up and run.
What do you think you're doing?
Protecting you. I gave you my word.
You sure this is protecting me?
Or are we just going down together?
It is fine
if we are together.
What
are you doing?
It really is shining.
Now that I am with you.
EPISODE 8
SCREW THIS WORLD
- Look. They're coming out.
- There they are!
- They're coming out!
- Over there!
Listen here!
I shall explain everything.
- That woman…
- Shin Seo-ri.
- Isn't she that model?
- That model.
That is right!
I am the one from the rumors.
I am Shin Seo-ri.
Are you insane?
Mr. Cha Se-gye here
is the chief of my agency.
First, I can say
Mr. Cha did not touch
a drop of alcohol that night.
I swear that on my life.
That night,
he just accompanied me
in a management capacity.
I would like to deeply apologize
for causing this misunderstanding.
Misunderstanding?
Are you denying the scandal?
Then why did you two go
to the beach alone at night?
We only returned to the set
in the dead of night…
For this beach stone.
- A beach stone?
- What is that?
A beach stone? Isn't that just a rock?
Under the guidance of Mr. Cha,
who was worried about the fine
we could have incurred
due to their removal,
we returned the stones
to their rightful place.
But I was severely intoxicated,
and I managed to forget this one.
I vow to return
this beach stone promptly as well.
And to clear the air,
I wish to now bring to light the good deed
Mr. Cha had wished to keep quiet.
Good deed? What good deed?
Mr. Cha Se-gye
will donate half of the profits
from this commercial shoot
to the conservation
of Tamna Island's natural heritage.
Nothing short of magnanimous.
I will?
Wow.
Yes.
As Biojei is a company
with eco-friendliness as its core slogan,
we plan to lead the way
on eco-friendly policy.
"Eco-friendly"?
That is also why we chose Jeju
and its pristine nature
as the backdrop
for the ad campaign
of our newly launched Dynaestie line.
Look at them perfectly in sync.
And there is one more important fact.
I already have a beloved.
- What?
- All of a sudden?
He possesses a face as fine as jade
and a character as noble as a crane.
Therefore, we ask that you all refrain
from engaging in speculation and rumors
regarding this matter.
Now, please excuse me.
Until next time.
- Ms. Shin!
- Wait, Ms. Shin!
Now then. A further detailed statement
will be delivered through our PR team.
POWER-TRIPPING CEO'S SUDDEN PIVOT?
CAN THIS DONATION SAVE HIM NOW?
…ACQUIRES ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY
IN QUESTIONABLE MOVE
UNKNOWN ACTRESS
DECLARES SHE HAS A LOVER
UNWANTED CONFESSION
SPARKS CONTROVERSY
Have you lost your damn mind?
Are you trying to blow yourself up?
Dimwits.
It appears the stratagem worked.
- What stratagem?
- The 35th Stratagem: The Chain Stratagem.
First, I used the Beauty Trap
to distract the enemy's gaze.
Then, the Self-Injury to reverse our odds.
I chained these stratagems together
to buy us time.
And now we seize
this opening to plot our reversal.
Stratagems, my ass.
And the donation?
Half the profits? Do you have
any idea how much that actually is?
Do I need to know?
The rich are always the ones
most obsessed with money.
Everyone's already watching
to see when I'll fail.
Whether I donate or not,
whether the agency tanks or not.
Now they're going
to scrutinize all of that too.
That is just your imagination.
You really think the whole world
revolves around you.
That is enough idle chatter.
Let us go get a bite to eat now.
I'm about to be robbed
of my hard-earned money.
You think I have an appetite?
You are eating just fine.
You can't enjoy anything
on an empty stomach.
So what now?
I would've just handled it all on my own.
Why did you have to butt in
and complicate everything?
Was I supposed to do nothing?
You were about to be
unjustly torn apart by a pack of wolves.
I came all this way to save you.
Save me?
I really thought
some grand declaration was coming.
I almost had a heart attack.
Were you expecting, "I am his woman"?
Were you terrified
I would publicly announce that?
Of course I was terrified.
Afraid you'd get dragged
through the mud with me.
It scared me.
I have a brain, you know.
I would not be so reckless.
I am done being "someone's woman."
I want no part of such a label.
Label?
Dan-sim of the Kang clan.
How did such a precious treasure
end up in your possession?
That is…
A personal possession.
This jade is so prized that it is offered
as imperial tribute even in Qing.
How dare you lie to me!
Hear me!
- Drag her out and flog her!
- Yes, ma'am.
Ma'am, may I have a moment?
You just need to say one thing.
If you do, I shall provide you
with a means to survive.
Declare that you lay
with the Grand Prince.
Your silence says it all.
You have already given him
your heart. Foolish girl.
Do you believe you are the only one
who has caught his eye?
This palace is rife
with lonely court ladies such as yourself.
Whispering honeyed words
is effortless for a man.
That cannot be true.
His Highness would not
It is clear
you have yet to come to your senses.
As long as the Grand Prince
remains out of his brother's favor,
he will not survive.
So make your choice.
Die as the Grand Prince's beloved,
or live as a witness to his treason.
A choice?
Was a mere court lady
ever afforded the right to choose?
Even if I stand at the crossroads
of life and death again,
I will never cower behind a man.
Are you making a proclamation now?
Must we be this solemn at a stew place?
I am just telling you where I stand.
So bear that in mind.
I will stand tall
on my own two feet in this life,
without fail.
Save the chatter and just support me.
I'm sometimes
overwhelmed by your sheer audacity.
How commendable you are, Shin Seo-ri.
I most certainly am.
Tenacity like mine would even reduce
the Jade Emperor to tears.
I'll take care of it all, so don't worry.
What exactly is he taking care of?
Grandfather.
Goodness.
What brings you here at this hour?
It seemed like
Se-gye was struggling a bit.
May I step in, Grandfather?
Take care.
Why did you pay for that?
I am a man with no history
of ever accepting a meal from a woman.
And it had to be you, of all people.
This doesn't count.
It's not a real date.
Did you expect me
to just continue freeloading?
Freeloaders go bald.
Someone's awfully scared of hair loss.
Women don't go bald.
That is not true.
Between endocrine disruptors
and micro plastics,
women are not immune to hair loss either.
You've been quite the scholar tonight.
Been hitting the books?
Fearing I had become a dopamine addict,
I traded Shorts for the newspaper.
That's music to my ears.
It seems your English has improved too.
That…
Still remains out of reach.
Speaking a different tongue
is harder than it looks.
You still have a long way to go.
English is a must if you want to be
a global superstar. What's your plan?
If you're so worried, teach me yourself.
I don't really have the time
to be a private tutor.
But what can I do?
What's the hourly rate?
You are going to charge me?
Of course. Who are you trying to swindle?
- Nothing in life is free.
- I am no swindler!
Get in.
Sir, we have a big problem.
CHIEF OF STAFF SON JAE-HAN
CHAIL'S CHA SE-GYE
MOCHANG'S MO TAE-HEE CONFIRM RELATIONSHIP
The relationship between the heirs
of Chail and Mochang
is drawing immense public attention.
Insiders say Cha Se-gye,
the head of a cosmetics startup,
and Mo Tae-hee,
the head of a jewelry brand,
have recently begun
seeing each other quietly
and are expected to tie the knot soon
Our chairman appears to be
in quite a hurry.
GRANDFATHER
Hey.
Why the long face?
Why? Is someone cursing you out?
Leaving malicious comments?
Should I reply for you?
Stop it. I thought you were
on a dopamine detox.
- I'm confiscating this.
- Give it back!
Late-night scrolling
will rot your brain, you know.
Hey.
Just forget it.
Let's turn off our phones
and focus on reality.
How about ramyeon for round two?
Ramyeon?
A man and a woman having ramyeon
at this late hour.
That can only mean…
I am full as it is.
Why would we eat ramyeon?
I'm suggesting it
because it's not just any ramyeon.
- I wonder if they're open 24 hours.
- "24 hours"?
You want to stay up all night…
Gosh.
OPEN 24 HOURS
24 HOURS, OPEN 24 HOURS
OPEN 24/7
I am not ready for this step yet!
Stop the car and give me my phone.
What? Why do you want your phone?
What do you mean, why?
It is mine, so return it!
Hold on.
Jeez! Watch your hands!
This is extortion!
Kidnapping or extortion.
Think whatever you want
Hand it over! My phone!
The ramyeon you mentioned…
Not just any ramyeon.
It's ramyeon by the Hangang River.
You should have it at least once
if you live in Seoul.
Guess I was wrong.
What's with the sudden disappointment?
Well?
What were you expecting?
Were you hoping to share
a different kind of ramyeon?
What absolute nonsense!
Dragging me to the Hangang River
for some damn ramyeon when I am exhausted?
Come on, it's nice and cool here.
Feel it for yourself.
Now feel it for yourself.
This cleansing chill.
What is this?
What's wrong?
You don't like it?
You like the ocean,
so I figured you'd like the river too.
Why are you looking at me like that?
Are you amazed by my face again?
Damn fool.
That is a bountiful load of crap.
Mr. Cha's DUI scandal has died down
following Shin Seo-ri's explanation
and the rumors of him
dating the Mochang heir.
As a result, the declining stock price
has reversed course
in after-hours trading.
He's quite lucky with women.
Two women swooped in
like knights in shining armor to save him.
Hold on.
What in the world…
The very embodiment of public deception.
What are you complaining about now?
She is not Nongae.
What could this besotted mermaid
possibly teach?
She threw everything away for a man.
She deserves no statue.
Stripped to the waist, no less.
Stripped?
Are you ever going to let go
of this method-acting business?
Do you think this is
some monument to feminine virtue?
It's not for that.
- It is not?
- No, it's not.
Then what is it for?
It's for making wishes.
They say if you rub its nose
and make a wish,
it comes true or something.
What utter nonsense.
Look. See how its nose is worn down.
It's really like that
from all the people rubbing it.
I will not fall for that!
You're treating me like some fool.
Give me a second.
Yes, Mr. Son.
Cha Se-gye has been a bit antsy.
I feel like he has something to tell me.
Any updates?
Given how quickly
the press release went out,
it appears it was prepared in advance.
Ms. Mo has said she wishes
to discuss it with you in person.
So Grandfather
and Mo Tae-hee teamed up?
But what a relief.
Instead of plummeting,
our shares shot to 80,000 won
thanks to this.
It went up that much?
Noted, for now.
How am I going to tell her this?
With that temper, I'll be in for a fight.
How dare you cheat on me?
Do you truly wish to lose your head?
Man, I'd be lucky if she just got mad.
To think you were cheating on me.
To think I am fated to be
some lowly concubine.
I really don't want to see her cry.
What? Are you crying?
I pray to you.
I pray to you, River God Habaek.
I thought you didn't believe it.
Keep it down!
Done praying? Come here.
No, I still have more to say.
Shin Seo-ri, I've been thinking.
Like you said,
we dodged a bullet more or less.
Well, there was
some unintended collateral damage,
but it seems we've mostly recovered.
Anyway,
you rushing over saved the day.
After nagging me this whole time,
now you say it?
Your explanation earlier
was pretty smooth.
You were super quick on your feet.
What did you say again?
A fine face and noble character?
Your "beloved."
Unbelievable.
Do you find me that great?
What are you saying?
So, are you going to allow me
to become your beloved?
Finally getting to the point?
Fine. Since we both know
how we really feel anyway,
why play hard to get?
It only eats you up inside.
I shall hereby
grant you my permission.
- You grant me permission?
- Yes, I do.
I will grant you the chance
to seize this opportunity,
so stop hesitating
like a sad little puppy in the rain.
"Seize this opportunity"?
Seize this…
"See each other?"
You want to see each other?
From what I have gathered,
"seeing each other"
is a kind of testing-the-waters period.
Let us fan this flicker.
Who knows? This flicker might one day
become an exquisite flourish.
At my age, with my credentials,
must I really go through a trial period?
So, do you not want to?
No, that's not what I'm saying.
Then again, in today's cutthroat world,
nobody would just hire someone full-time
without a trial period first.
Then I should tell you the truth too.
Can't keep secrets
from the woman I'm seeing.
Here it comes.
I must remain composed.
So…
I completely understand.
So you need not hold back any longer.
You understand?
Of course.
Just one look in your eyes,
and I know everything you want to say.
But still,
with a completely sober mind,
my heart is not quite ready yet.
Damn it. I guess I made it obvious.
I was going to tell you
when I thought you could handle it.
But since you understand, we're set.
You see, in the world I'm from,
even this is a sort of
business arrangement. That's all.
But just in case,
let me make this clear now.
I never asked for any of this.
I was just suddenly handed a fiancée.
I also have my grievances
What did you say?
What fiancée?
Damn it to hell.
CHA SE-GYE AND MO TAE-HEE
CONFIRM RELATIONSHIP
Rotten scoundrels…
Hey, what are you doing?
Is it not obvious? I'm planting seeds.
Not even seedlings?
They'll take forever to grow.
I am not trying to grow food.
Just suppressing my urge to kill.
If anyone crosses me right now,
heads will roll.
That is why I must find solace in nature.
You're not making any sense.
Hold on.
Those are nice photos.
They look really good together,
don't they?
Wow.
- They certainly do not!
- What the
Are you nuts?
They do look good together.
See for yourself.
Damn it.
Se-gye.
Grandfather, let's go to the study.
No, we can just talk here.
Tae-hee will be
part of our family soon anyway.
What's there to hide?
Se-gye, don't worry about the controversy.
Tae-hee, you should stop contacting
my grandfather behind my back.
It makes us both look bad.
Watch your mouth.
I guess I was too hasty.
I was worried you'd suffer
from false rumors,
so I rushed things.
What are you trying to do here?
I just moved up the timeline
for going public a bit.
I didn't discuss it with you
because I wanted to save you
from the other rumors quickly.
That was my oversight.
You seem to be suffering
from a serious misunderstanding.
A strategic marriage to whitewash
my half-breed chaebol image
doesn't interest me.
- I no longer need to do that.
- Why not?
Is it because of that woman,
Shin Seo-ri?
That's right.
She's the only thing
I care about right now.
So let's stop
with these sudden declarations of yours.
Then why did you show up
for the blind date?
It's rude to the woman
you're obsessed with
and to me.
I know.
You two haven't been together that long.
A relationship can heat up quickly
with the right spark,
but it can cool down just as fast.
I'll wait.
As long as it takes.
Seo-ri, you should be careful
around Mr. Cha.
No good comes from a spokesperson
appearing too close to the company CEO.
It's the perfect setup for weird gossip.
Are we in Joseon?
That is some archaic nonsense.
You need to trust me on this, kid.
A single scandal will sink
a nobody like you
straight to the bottom.
What was that? A nobody?
- Why you…
- Oh, come on.
And work on that damn temper of yours.
If you go full prima Donna
after landing one supporting role…
Anyway, getting tangled up
with a taken man
will leave your image beyond repair.
So just be mindful of your conduct.
Why are you so gloomy?
It doesn't suit you at all.
A female friend is no match
for a real girlfriend anyway.
Real girlfriend, my foot.
Can you not tell just by looking?
They are obviously just business partners.
Just business partners?
No wonder.
I couldn't see any chemistry between them.
Right?
There is nothing going on between them.
Wait a minute.
That would make it a "contract" romance.
That changes everything.
- They're seeing this through.
- Through to where?
Think about it.
What's the cardinal rule of K-romance?
Contract romance,
contract marriage, contract divorce.
Every contract between a man
and a woman eventually leads to love.
Therefore, even when their contract ends,
it's an unwritten rule
that they'll be bound forever.
Baek Gwang-nam.
Shall I bind your trap shut forever?
Sir.
Did Ms. Shin take it okay?
With that temper of hers,
I doubt she just accepted it.
She didn't even flinch.
She said she couldn't care less
about a loveless fiancée.
A fiancée.
A fiancée?
A fiancée.
A fiancée…
As if a loveless fiancée is some big deal.
I could not care less.
I'm completely unfazed.
This is a serious problem.
What is?
She can't be that beautiful
and also be so understanding, right?
Right?
Gosh.
Is he an idiot?
Is it a gift?
Yes, for my son.
He likes baseball.
Then,
how about this one?
It's cowhide,
so the leather is soft enough for kids.
No thanks. He won't be using it anyway.
She has arrived.
Please wrap this one up.
- Adult size.
- Sure.
I also thought long and hard
about how much I stand to gain
from this potential union.
Secure friendly shares to survive
the Chail Group power struggle to start.
Rehabilitate my tarnished image as CEO.
I realized the gains
were surprisingly substantial.
Your path to the throne.
I'm confident I could clear it for you.
That's the problem.
I'm not so confident.
I could give her up without regretting it.
In other words,
I've made my choice.
Says who?
It's been a while, Ms. Mo.
- It has. Here for a meeting?
- Yes.
- Have you been well?
- Oh right.
I saw the article.
When did things progress so far?
Truth be told,
I was surprised.
I told you.
I fell for Se-gye at first sight.
Must've been an impressive first meeting.
Yes, it was impressive.
He left quite an intense first impression.
CHA SE-GYE, CEO OF BIOJEI
GRANDSON OF CHAIL GROUP CHAIRMAN
Enough to make him unforgettable.
It sounds a bit childish,
but I wanted to leave one on him as well.
Oh my God!
Gosh. Oh no…
I'm so sorry.
Damn it.
Oh my, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?
That blind date is with me.
Give me a chance to apologize properly.
I thought that chance had finally come.
CHA SE-GYE
So you're just going
to continue ignoring my calls?
Too bad.
- This is just getting me more fired up.
- The number…
Yes, Mr. Park. Release the file.
Right now.
You said marriage was the only way
to clean up a half-breed chaebol image.
I see you chose strategic marriage.
It's just business.
I'll end it after this wraps up.
Really? Why are you so blasé about it?
Could it be because of that woman?
What woman?
You're dating.
The one you said you care about.
How do I know?
I'm an expert in this field.
If I couldn't figure that out,
I'd have to quit.
Right.
Hey, since we're on the topic,
let me ask you something.
She has some strange quirks.
- As strange as you?
- Just listen.
She can get a bit too intense sometimes.
Always going on about life and death,
this lifetime, and whatnot.
Needlessly dramatic.
Like she's hung up
on some failed past life.
Should she see a doctor?
Well, that's great.
You can bond over healing
in therapy like a happy couple.
We're not a couple.
"Happy couple"?
Are you saying we're both insane?
Damn it.
I should charge double
for a compatibility reading.
Darn it.
Let's see here.
The dragon-in-waiting meets
a typhoon in a drought
and finally ascends.
The clouds part
and the sun rises.
Gosh!
The dragon-in-waiting ascended.
Does that mean I will achieve my goal?
If it ascends before becoming
a dragon, it's bound to fall.
But the clouds parted, and the sun rose.
A drought needs rain.
If the sun rose, you're ruined.
"DR." Doomed romance.
Damn it.
You do not know
what you are talking about.
Sounds like you are making it up.
No wonder you are stuck in this tent.
Can you even afford rent on this place?
I'd like to.
I was once the 18th direct disciple
of the Celestial Maiden of Mount Jiri.
I used to be hot stuff.
I just blew the price of an apartment
on training fees for absolutely nothing.
What? A whole apartment?
Yes.
Damn swindler…
Where is it?
You said Mount Jiri.
She came down a while ago.
These days, celestial maidens, generals,
and all the mystics reside in Gangnam now.
It has been a while.
- What brings you here?
- Well, I…
They say even a monk
cannot shave his own head.
The Celestial Maiden of Mount Jiri
should know why I am here
with just a glance, no?
How dare you!
So you want a compatibility reading.
I pray to you, great spirit. I pray.
Come now.
My word.
A cursed bond.
Mortal enemies.
So cosmically at odds,
they should never cross paths again.
And yet, there may just be
a way around it.
What? With a talisman?
How dare you try to swindle me as well!
How dare you!
Are you calling me a swindler?
Do you dare show
such irreverence in the presence
of the Celestial Maiden?
Do you?
Have you been going around
saying I swindled you?
Gosh. No, of course not.
How could I do that to my great master?
You said the training fees you paid
could buy a whole apartment.
Well, actually, if we take
inflation into consideration,
- it'd be a high-rise
- Yes, a high-rise!
I have never seen
such a swindler in my life.
Do as I say
while I still ask nicely. Full refund.
Full!
Hey!
Drag them out of here right now!
Oh boy.
Why, hello. Hey there.
I highly recommend
just holding back if you can.
Come on now.
Just try laying a single finger on me.
Why, I ought a!
What are you standing around for?
I told you to drag them out right now!
Yeah, bring it on.
I shall use your limbs
to fold you like a paper boat.
What sort of training did they do?
How does their martial prowess
surpass neighborhood thugs?
They almost snapped my ankle off.
You can't compare
undisciplined street thugs
to devotees who trek barefoot
through Mount Jiri like them.
Come on now.
I don't even know
why you suddenly offered
to get me a refund I never asked for.
Ridiculous.
Here, take one.
To recharge.
Wow, it's good.
I feel a surge of energy.
You feel reenergized? Gosh.
Brazen wretches.
I shall hone my martial prowess
and secure that refund for you.
I told you. I don't need no refund!
Unbelievable.
My goodness. Such a malevolent formation.
Maybe it really is a cursed bond.
Shin Seo-ri, what happened to your face?
Did you get into a fight?
There was no fight.
Just a one-sided beatdown.
What have you been up to?
- Hey, let me see that.
- Goodness.
- Jeez, your cheek is…
- Goodness me, that aches.
Did you actually go one-on-one?
What are we going to do…
I was wondering who had
the gall to seize
the dressing room.
Who knew it would be
just some random extras?
I should head to my next scene.
This is why
people need to know their place.
In this industry,
if you splash in waters too deep,
you could be drowning
in sewage in an instant.
As if someone like her
could ever seduce a chaebol.
"Seduce"?
What?
"Jilted Actress A."
Isn't that you?
WASHED-UP CHILD STAR'S PIPE DREAM
SEDUCTION OF ENGAGED CHAEBOL FIZZLES
WAS IT A CINDERELLA FANTASY?
Mr. Son, did you find out
who first leaked this to the tabloids?
Well, a reporter contact confirmed it was.
Mochang's External Relations Office.
Mochang?
I mean, sure,
I get that you want to marry rich.
Even so,
you still should've picked
a league within your reach.
Jilted…
Seriously? That's so cringe.
That's so tacky.
I was planning to lead a quiet life,
yet you keep flapping your gums
like you are untouchable.
What? "Flapping my gums"?
Listen, minx.
Even if I splash too hard and end up
drowning in sewage like you said,
I have nothing to lose.
But I believe your situation
is quite different.
Am I wrong?
Former Child Actor A.
Known as the Queen of the Night.
From her cosmetics ad
to her minor role in a historical drama,
industry insiders say a shady deal
is behind her comeback.
After failing to seduce a chaebol,
she now faces ruin.
They ought to be deep-fried alive.
How are they coming up with such lies?
But are you sure "Actress A"
is Shin Seo-ri?
Yeah, I'm sure.
I got the tip from the manager
of another actor at her agency.
I'm 100% sure.
Could that be Yoon Ji-hyo's manager?
Yeah, how'd you know?
- Mommy!
- Jesus!
The scum of the earth!
Sneaking around
like a little rat for a picture?
Are you nuts?
That is worth a fortune!
You had no problem stealing my face
without knowing its worth.
Steal?
We do this because the public
has a right to know
The right to know? Really?
Then I should expose
your mugs for all to see.
Shall I have you doxxed
until you cannot leave your house?
Why, you little…
Hand over the phone!
As I thought.
I have not lost my touch yet.
Is crossing lines your hobby?
You're basically asking for a fight.
Se-gye, you like
"give and take," don't you?
I believe our dating rumor saved
Biojei's stock from plummeting.
With that in mind,
I'd like to make a proposal.
So you gave,
and now you want to take?
Let's hear it.
Treat me properly as your fiancée.
How about making me your partner
for this weekend's launch party?
Our first official photo op
since the dating announcement.
A couple shot?
You want the partner spot
over the official brand ambassador.
Yes. At this point, even for Ms. Shin,
a public appearance together
would surely be too much for her.
I'd be satisfied with just this for now.
Not too hard, right?
I was worried about that too,
but you have suddenly provided
some clarity on the matter.
CHIEF OF STAFF SON JAE-HAN
Go ahead, Mr. Son.
Sir, we have a big problem.
It's regarding Ms. Shin.
What about Shin Seo-ri now?
She just
made a major score!
Self-proclaimed Celestial Maiden
and cult leader Choi was arrested
with her followers after a tip-off
from actress Shin Seo-ri.
Police arrested Ms. Choi on the 7th
on charges of repeatedly torturing
and assaulting followers
under the claim that they were
possessed by evil spirits.
Investigators also found she had embezzled
large sums from followers
as "training fees"
and evaded
roughly 1.5 billion won in taxes.
When the police raided the shrine,
they discovered her believers
were inhaling drugs during training,
sending further shock waves.
Shin visited the shrine
to research for her current role,
where she obtained evidence
of these activities
and requested an investigation.
Of course.
Gosh, you even drink water
with such pizzazz.
They were right.
Muddy waters are best overturned
by a much larger wave.
Hey, reporter lords.
Instead of tailing a small fry like me,
how about we negotiate?
This scoop will easily pay off
the cost of that camera.
- A scoop?
- A scoop?
Hey!
Drag them both out this instant!
Come on!
Oh boy.
Why, hello.
Just look at this lot.
Their eyes are all glazed over.
I knew it.
No amount of training barefoot
can match the martial prowess
of those street thugs.
Your Highness, how did you know
they were high on drugs?
During my court maid days,
I met a physician who ruined his life
after becoming addicted to poppies.
By poppies, you mean…
Opium.
- Opium…
- It was a precious medicine
used by the Royal Infirmary,
but some fell under its spell
and ruined their lives.
The glazed eyes of those addicts
looked exactly like theirs.
Gosh, Your Highness.
- Goodness.
- You're the best.
That is right. Yes indeed.
There's no one like you.
That is right.
Regarding this weekend,
it'd be best to make separate plans.
What?
But earlier, you said you would
I said I found clarity.
I never said I'd go with you.
You should always hear people out.
I was just looking to shield her
from unnecessary drama.
But after listening to you,
I'm even more certain
about going with her.
We did nothing wrong,
so there's no reason to hide.
A friendly couple shot with Shin Seo-ri.
You think one lousy article
is going to elevate that woman?
Watch your mouth.
I never intended to be
your partner in the first place.
Quit coming after my woman
with your petty little games.
That's what I came to say.
Let's make this our last meeting.
Go through my office
until the broken engagement is announced.
The actress who schooled a cult is
officially on her way to superstardom.
Officially stanning Shin Seo-ri now.
Hoping her next project is action.
Dumb luck served justice.
Two birds, one stone.
At this point, she's destined for success.
How dare they!
"Dumb luck"?
More like, "sharp instinct."
Who are you?
President Choi Mun-do sent me.
He's waiting. Please come with me.
Ms. Shin Seo-ri.
I guess you're more understanding
than you let on.
Enough to let.
Cha Se-gye get engaged to another woman?
What are you scheming?
And what is that photo about?
As I've said before,
I'm giving you an opportunity here.
A chance to save yourself
and your family.
Break up Se-gye and Mochang.
By whatever means necessary.
A single photo of you two
leaving a hotel should do it.
Are you telling me
to manufacture a sordid scandal?
Is that it?
You have nothing to lose from this.
But Cha Se-gye
must have lost his mind.
To save you,
he went ahead with an engagement
that wasn't even planned.
Thanks to that,
my position has become unstable.
You have two weeks.
Destruction deadline.
As long as the Grand Prince
remains out of His favor,
he will not survive.
So make your choice.
Die as the Grand Prince's beloved,
or live as a witness to his treason.
What brings you here…
Dan-sim of the Kang clan.
I knew you would turn out
to be quite useful.
To get close to my brother this quickly…
I have not.
How could someone like me
That is the proof.
You likely took it
not knowing what it was.
This was a gift from our older brother,
the late Crown Prince,
to his youngest brother.
The late Crown Prince…
Yes.
A keepsake from my poor brother
who burned to death.
And he gifted that keepsake to you?
What do you think that means?
That must mean
you are somewhat special to him.
Would you not agree?
Even I would find it grievous
to have my younger brother's neck snapped
in the flower of his youth.
So how about this?
His honor will be tarnished,
but his life will remain intact.
Compared to plotting high treason…
Harassing a court lady
is a much lighter offense, no?
What does that…
You have until early tomorrow afternoon.
Of course I was terrified.
Afraid you'd get dragged
through the mud with me.
It scared me.
You like the ocean,
so I figured you'd like the river too.
Feel it for yourself.
Now feel it for yourself.
This cleansing chill.
Why are you home so late,
Champion of Justice?
Cha Se-gye, it appears
I am fated to curse the men around me.
Wherever I settle,
desolation follows.
What brings you here unannounced?
We're seeing each other.
Surprises are allowed.
How's my surprise visit?
Is your heart fluttering?
You fool.
Damn.
They say love makes you a fool.
I never knew what that meant,
but now I finally get it.
Pull yourself together, Cha Se-gye.
Neither of us
has the time to get giddy
over playing house.
No.
I'm going to.
That's exactly what I'll do.
My whole life was black or white,
ally or enemy.
It was like living in a war zone.
But you…
You're my first real ally.
Someone I could never
weigh the pros and cons of.
You're the only one.
- The only one?
- Yeah.
You're the only one, Shin Seo-ri.
So…
When it's just us,
we can be a little immature.
Screw this damn world,
and let your heart flutter with me.
Let me be your only one too.
THE WOMEN'S KINGDOM SEASON 2
EPISODE 7
I clearly said once my illness
shows signs of recovery,
I would pay my respects to the Queen.
How dare you act so impertinently
as if I were some criminal?
It is the Queen's order.
Please understand.
Did you convey the state
of my illness correctly?
You thought you could look down on me.
Do you still see me as nothing more
than some lowly court lady
who waits on you?
Tell the Queen!
That I will pay my respects
once my condition improves.
She's the real final boss.
That's a solid wrist snap.
I knew she'd do that.
She has the face of a man-eater.
A nine-tailed fox.
Has this old hag lost her mind?
Who you calling a nine-tailed fox?
Her eyes are slanted upwards.
She totally looks like a fox.
Shut your mouth.
It takes one to know one.
You want me to rip your eyes out?
- Try it.
- Come here, you.
- Crazy?
- Why you
Try it! Go on!
That's enough talk. Come here now.
- Stop it.
- Here I come!
Come on. I'm waiting.
- Please stop.
- Oh shush.
SONGJIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Hey, why the long face again?
Something bothering you again?
Why did you not speak up earlier?
That I am your grandkid.
You saw that?
By chance, are you embarrassed by me?
Because it is embarrassing.
Embarrassing?
Of course it is.
An old ghost like me acting up…
What good would that do you?
So stop coming down here
and just focus on your work.
Strike while the iron is hot.
If I want to see you,
I can just watch you on TV.
Right?
Seo-ri.
You just focus on worrying
about your own future.
Turn a deaf ear to the nonsense,
and just keep moving forward.
Can I really do that?
Will it be okay
if I do that?
You…
More than deserve to be happy.
Oh, my baby.
Red was definitely the right choice.
So pretty.
Truly beautiful.
I'll do it tomorrow.
- What is the matter?
- In that well…
In the well…
My goodness!
You are hereby placed under arrest.
What harassment?
That is completely absurd.
How could Father believe
such a sordid rumor?
Dan-sim of the Kang clan?
If you wish to save that girl,
submit peacefully.
Geum-ok was my colleague.
A few days ago,
I realized she was with child.
Last night,
I asked again who fathered the child.
She named Grand Prince Cheongheon
before doing this…
While on night watch,
I saw that girl sneaking
into Grand Prince Cheongheon's quarters
with my own two eyes.
Proof of your scandal
runs so deep it spills over.
Do you still refuse to admit your crimes?
Is she safe?
It all hangs
on what comes out of your mouth.
How will you proceed?
If you will make me a binding promise…
I shall do as Your Highness wishes.
You wish to strike a deal?
It appears you have yet to grasp
the gravity of the situation.
Bring her in.
I…
Wish to tell the truth.
Shortly after
I was assigned to his quarters…
His Highness
tried to force himself on me as well.
This is the evidence.
You…
Evidence?
Why, this is…
My brother, the Crown Prince,
gifted this to him.
How is this in your possession?
His Highness told me to keep it
as a token of affection.
I was beyond shocked and bewildered…
That I begged him to rescind it.
Enough.
But he insisted so heavily…
That is enough.
It is true.
I engaged in illicit relations
with the court ladies.
Therefore,
I ask you to spare this court lady
and punish me as you see fit.
Even if I stand at the crossroads
of life and death again,
I will never cower behind a man.
I…
Wish to tell the truth.
I am truly glad to be alive.
What, are you back from the dead?
I am so happy to be alive.
What is your name?
Of course, my name is…
You told me
to bring everything, so I did,
but what is all this?
Designers are begging me
to wear their clothes. How could I refuse?
Champion of Justice…
Wait. Does this look better?
Why are you changing again?
I have snagged
every last bit of luxury today.
I am the main character today.
Ms. Shin, you should leave now.
Says who?
I am the main character today.
You appear to be an uninvited guest.
Looks like you had some fun
with that flash of good press,
but that's as far as you'll go.
I am far more suited to stand by his side
than someone whose reputation
can be made or broken
by a single tabloid rumor, no?
It was you.
You are the instigator of my scandal.
That's right.
You were starting
to get on my nerves, you see.
So I'd like for you to get lost now.
Get lost? What am I, a puppy?
Listen closely.
I live for today.
I have to strike while the iron is hot
and push forward.
So spare me the rest of your drivel,
and quietly get lost yourself.
Sounds like you're not afraid of anything.
Then how about this?
"The unfilial granddaughter who abandoned
her only flesh and blood,
her grandmother with dementia."
Or this one might work too.
"The parasitic grandmother
who bled her actress granddaughter dry."
"Debt scandal."
Do you
have a death wish?
Finally hit a nerve, did I?
I guess you cherish your family?
Then go take care
of your sick grandmother.
Stop forgetting your place,
trying to steal another woman's man.
Who says he is your man?
From what I hear,
you have been conspiring
from the shadows.
Let me give you some advice.
If you want to win a man's heart,
you should stop acting
like an anxious dog, whining at the door.
You would scare away any man like that.
What?
Why, you crazy bitch.
Se-gye.
You…
Shin Seo-ri, we need to talk.
Did you summon her?
I would have prepared myself
if I had known earlier.
She barged in so suddenly.
I almost grabbed her by the hair.
If we were caught on camera,
we would be in quite a bind.
I almost got canceled.
What is it?
Why are you staring?
Well, too bad if you are disappointed.
You cannot take back seeing each other.
You know my temper well enough.
There is no point in regretting it now.
Who are you?
You…
What do you mean, who?
Are you still half-asleep?
You cannot come dressed like this.
You should change first
Dan-sim.
Kang.
Dan-sim.
What did you just…
Dan-sim of the Kang clan.
Who are you?
How…
Who are you really?
Why do you stare at it so intently?
Does a plum blossom flowering
in midsummer unsettle you so?
Yes, it is quite an unsettling sight.
I gaze upon the flower
blooming out of season
because it is unsettling
and pitiable.
MY ROYAL NEMESIS
- Shin Seo-ri.
- Gosh!
Grandfather, I need
to introduce you to someone.
Nice to meet you, Grandpapa!
The Women's Kingdom?
"Consummation"?
Your Majesty!
This is bull…
- What was it replaced with?
- The Sericulture Rite scene.
Thanks to you, I totally stole that scene.
Sickeningly sweet.
How could they lose a patient?
She must be kept
from making any outside contact.
A woman keeps appearing in my dreams.
It seemed like that man
felt a deep yearning
for that woman named Kang Dan-sim.
What if it were not a dream?
If I were that woman, Kang Dan-sim,
what would you do?
Subtitle translation by Justin S. Kim
Why do you stare at it so intently?
Does a plum blossom flowering
in midsummer unsettle you so?
No, it is not that.
Flowers that bloom in season are no fun.
I want nothing less that a plum blossom
amid midwinter snow
if I am to see any charm in it.
Did you hear?
A marriage proposal was delivered
to Seonghyeon Pavilion this morning.
I guess the prince is getting married.
Dry this by the window.
Yes, Your Highness.
- It is raining.
- Leave it.
Do you like the rain?
Why? Do you dislike it?
What is there to like?
The mud gets everywhere,
my skirt gets soaked,
and the laundry piles up.
I doubt any court lady likes the rain.
Is that so?
Your Highness!
Please go back inside.
You will catch a cold at this rate.
Stay still.
Now feel it for yourself.
This cleansing chill.
Gosh.
A second cleanse might leave me bedridden.
A little rain will not kill you.
Then again,
it must be different for a woman.
Why are you just standing there?
Hurry up and run.
What do you think you're doing?
Protecting you. I gave you my word.
You sure this is protecting me?
Or are we just going down together?
It is fine
if we are together.
What
are you doing?
It really is shining.
Now that I am with you.
EPISODE 8
SCREW THIS WORLD
- Look. They're coming out.
- There they are!
- They're coming out!
- Over there!
Listen here!
I shall explain everything.
- That woman…
- Shin Seo-ri.
- Isn't she that model?
- That model.
That is right!
I am the one from the rumors.
I am Shin Seo-ri.
Are you insane?
Mr. Cha Se-gye here
is the chief of my agency.
First, I can say
Mr. Cha did not touch
a drop of alcohol that night.
I swear that on my life.
That night,
he just accompanied me
in a management capacity.
I would like to deeply apologize
for causing this misunderstanding.
Misunderstanding?
Are you denying the scandal?
Then why did you two go
to the beach alone at night?
We only returned to the set
in the dead of night…
For this beach stone.
- A beach stone?
- What is that?
A beach stone? Isn't that just a rock?
Under the guidance of Mr. Cha,
who was worried about the fine
we could have incurred
due to their removal,
we returned the stones
to their rightful place.
But I was severely intoxicated,
and I managed to forget this one.
I vow to return
this beach stone promptly as well.
And to clear the air,
I wish to now bring to light the good deed
Mr. Cha had wished to keep quiet.
Good deed? What good deed?
Mr. Cha Se-gye
will donate half of the profits
from this commercial shoot
to the conservation
of Tamna Island's natural heritage.
Nothing short of magnanimous.
I will?
Wow.
Yes.
As Biojei is a company
with eco-friendliness as its core slogan,
we plan to lead the way
on eco-friendly policy.
"Eco-friendly"?
That is also why we chose Jeju
and its pristine nature
as the backdrop
for the ad campaign
of our newly launched Dynaestie line.
Look at them perfectly in sync.
And there is one more important fact.
I already have a beloved.
- What?
- All of a sudden?
He possesses a face as fine as jade
and a character as noble as a crane.
Therefore, we ask that you all refrain
from engaging in speculation and rumors
regarding this matter.
Now, please excuse me.
Until next time.
- Ms. Shin!
- Wait, Ms. Shin!
Now then. A further detailed statement
will be delivered through our PR team.
POWER-TRIPPING CEO'S SUDDEN PIVOT?
CAN THIS DONATION SAVE HIM NOW?
…ACQUIRES ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY
IN QUESTIONABLE MOVE
UNKNOWN ACTRESS
DECLARES SHE HAS A LOVER
UNWANTED CONFESSION
SPARKS CONTROVERSY
Have you lost your damn mind?
Are you trying to blow yourself up?
Dimwits.
It appears the stratagem worked.
- What stratagem?
- The 35th Stratagem: The Chain Stratagem.
First, I used the Beauty Trap
to distract the enemy's gaze.
Then, the Self-Injury to reverse our odds.
I chained these stratagems together
to buy us time.
And now we seize
this opening to plot our reversal.
Stratagems, my ass.
And the donation?
Half the profits? Do you have
any idea how much that actually is?
Do I need to know?
The rich are always the ones
most obsessed with money.
Everyone's already watching
to see when I'll fail.
Whether I donate or not,
whether the agency tanks or not.
Now they're going
to scrutinize all of that too.
That is just your imagination.
You really think the whole world
revolves around you.
That is enough idle chatter.
Let us go get a bite to eat now.
I'm about to be robbed
of my hard-earned money.
You think I have an appetite?
You are eating just fine.
You can't enjoy anything
on an empty stomach.
So what now?
I would've just handled it all on my own.
Why did you have to butt in
and complicate everything?
Was I supposed to do nothing?
You were about to be
unjustly torn apart by a pack of wolves.
I came all this way to save you.
Save me?
I really thought
some grand declaration was coming.
I almost had a heart attack.
Were you expecting, "I am his woman"?
Were you terrified
I would publicly announce that?
Of course I was terrified.
Afraid you'd get dragged
through the mud with me.
It scared me.
I have a brain, you know.
I would not be so reckless.
I am done being "someone's woman."
I want no part of such a label.
Label?
Dan-sim of the Kang clan.
How did such a precious treasure
end up in your possession?
That is…
A personal possession.
This jade is so prized that it is offered
as imperial tribute even in Qing.
How dare you lie to me!
Hear me!
- Drag her out and flog her!
- Yes, ma'am.
Ma'am, may I have a moment?
You just need to say one thing.
If you do, I shall provide you
with a means to survive.
Declare that you lay
with the Grand Prince.
Your silence says it all.
You have already given him
your heart. Foolish girl.
Do you believe you are the only one
who has caught his eye?
This palace is rife
with lonely court ladies such as yourself.
Whispering honeyed words
is effortless for a man.
That cannot be true.
His Highness would not
It is clear
you have yet to come to your senses.
As long as the Grand Prince
remains out of his brother's favor,
he will not survive.
So make your choice.
Die as the Grand Prince's beloved,
or live as a witness to his treason.
A choice?
Was a mere court lady
ever afforded the right to choose?
Even if I stand at the crossroads
of life and death again,
I will never cower behind a man.
Are you making a proclamation now?
Must we be this solemn at a stew place?
I am just telling you where I stand.
So bear that in mind.
I will stand tall
on my own two feet in this life,
without fail.
Save the chatter and just support me.
I'm sometimes
overwhelmed by your sheer audacity.
How commendable you are, Shin Seo-ri.
I most certainly am.
Tenacity like mine would even reduce
the Jade Emperor to tears.
I'll take care of it all, so don't worry.
What exactly is he taking care of?
Grandfather.
Goodness.
What brings you here at this hour?
It seemed like
Se-gye was struggling a bit.
May I step in, Grandfather?
Take care.
Why did you pay for that?
I am a man with no history
of ever accepting a meal from a woman.
And it had to be you, of all people.
This doesn't count.
It's not a real date.
Did you expect me
to just continue freeloading?
Freeloaders go bald.
Someone's awfully scared of hair loss.
Women don't go bald.
That is not true.
Between endocrine disruptors
and micro plastics,
women are not immune to hair loss either.
You've been quite the scholar tonight.
Been hitting the books?
Fearing I had become a dopamine addict,
I traded Shorts for the newspaper.
That's music to my ears.
It seems your English has improved too.
That…
Still remains out of reach.
Speaking a different tongue
is harder than it looks.
You still have a long way to go.
English is a must if you want to be
a global superstar. What's your plan?
If you're so worried, teach me yourself.
I don't really have the time
to be a private tutor.
But what can I do?
What's the hourly rate?
You are going to charge me?
Of course. Who are you trying to swindle?
- Nothing in life is free.
- I am no swindler!
Get in.
Sir, we have a big problem.
CHIEF OF STAFF SON JAE-HAN
CHAIL'S CHA SE-GYE
MOCHANG'S MO TAE-HEE CONFIRM RELATIONSHIP
The relationship between the heirs
of Chail and Mochang
is drawing immense public attention.
Insiders say Cha Se-gye,
the head of a cosmetics startup,
and Mo Tae-hee,
the head of a jewelry brand,
have recently begun
seeing each other quietly
and are expected to tie the knot soon
Our chairman appears to be
in quite a hurry.
GRANDFATHER
Hey.
Why the long face?
Why? Is someone cursing you out?
Leaving malicious comments?
Should I reply for you?
Stop it. I thought you were
on a dopamine detox.
- I'm confiscating this.
- Give it back!
Late-night scrolling
will rot your brain, you know.
Hey.
Just forget it.
Let's turn off our phones
and focus on reality.
How about ramyeon for round two?
Ramyeon?
A man and a woman having ramyeon
at this late hour.
That can only mean…
I am full as it is.
Why would we eat ramyeon?
I'm suggesting it
because it's not just any ramyeon.
- I wonder if they're open 24 hours.
- "24 hours"?
You want to stay up all night…
Gosh.
OPEN 24 HOURS
24 HOURS, OPEN 24 HOURS
OPEN 24/7
I am not ready for this step yet!
Stop the car and give me my phone.
What? Why do you want your phone?
What do you mean, why?
It is mine, so return it!
Hold on.
Jeez! Watch your hands!
This is extortion!
Kidnapping or extortion.
Think whatever you want
Hand it over! My phone!
The ramyeon you mentioned…
Not just any ramyeon.
It's ramyeon by the Hangang River.
You should have it at least once
if you live in Seoul.
Guess I was wrong.
What's with the sudden disappointment?
Well?
What were you expecting?
Were you hoping to share
a different kind of ramyeon?
What absolute nonsense!
Dragging me to the Hangang River
for some damn ramyeon when I am exhausted?
Come on, it's nice and cool here.
Feel it for yourself.
Now feel it for yourself.
This cleansing chill.
What is this?
What's wrong?
You don't like it?
You like the ocean,
so I figured you'd like the river too.
Why are you looking at me like that?
Are you amazed by my face again?
Damn fool.
That is a bountiful load of crap.
Mr. Cha's DUI scandal has died down
following Shin Seo-ri's explanation
and the rumors of him
dating the Mochang heir.
As a result, the declining stock price
has reversed course
in after-hours trading.
He's quite lucky with women.
Two women swooped in
like knights in shining armor to save him.
Hold on.
What in the world…
The very embodiment of public deception.
What are you complaining about now?
She is not Nongae.
What could this besotted mermaid
possibly teach?
She threw everything away for a man.
She deserves no statue.
Stripped to the waist, no less.
Stripped?
Are you ever going to let go
of this method-acting business?
Do you think this is
some monument to feminine virtue?
It's not for that.
- It is not?
- No, it's not.
Then what is it for?
It's for making wishes.
They say if you rub its nose
and make a wish,
it comes true or something.
What utter nonsense.
Look. See how its nose is worn down.
It's really like that
from all the people rubbing it.
I will not fall for that!
You're treating me like some fool.
Give me a second.
Yes, Mr. Son.
Cha Se-gye has been a bit antsy.
I feel like he has something to tell me.
Any updates?
Given how quickly
the press release went out,
it appears it was prepared in advance.
Ms. Mo has said she wishes
to discuss it with you in person.
So Grandfather
and Mo Tae-hee teamed up?
But what a relief.
Instead of plummeting,
our shares shot to 80,000 won
thanks to this.
It went up that much?
Noted, for now.
How am I going to tell her this?
With that temper, I'll be in for a fight.
How dare you cheat on me?
Do you truly wish to lose your head?
Man, I'd be lucky if she just got mad.
To think you were cheating on me.
To think I am fated to be
some lowly concubine.
I really don't want to see her cry.
What? Are you crying?
I pray to you.
I pray to you, River God Habaek.
I thought you didn't believe it.
Keep it down!
Done praying? Come here.
No, I still have more to say.
Shin Seo-ri, I've been thinking.
Like you said,
we dodged a bullet more or less.
Well, there was
some unintended collateral damage,
but it seems we've mostly recovered.
Anyway,
you rushing over saved the day.
After nagging me this whole time,
now you say it?
Your explanation earlier
was pretty smooth.
You were super quick on your feet.
What did you say again?
A fine face and noble character?
Your "beloved."
Unbelievable.
Do you find me that great?
What are you saying?
So, are you going to allow me
to become your beloved?
Finally getting to the point?
Fine. Since we both know
how we really feel anyway,
why play hard to get?
It only eats you up inside.
I shall hereby
grant you my permission.
- You grant me permission?
- Yes, I do.
I will grant you the chance
to seize this opportunity,
so stop hesitating
like a sad little puppy in the rain.
"Seize this opportunity"?
Seize this…
"See each other?"
You want to see each other?
From what I have gathered,
"seeing each other"
is a kind of testing-the-waters period.
Let us fan this flicker.
Who knows? This flicker might one day
become an exquisite flourish.
At my age, with my credentials,
must I really go through a trial period?
So, do you not want to?
No, that's not what I'm saying.
Then again, in today's cutthroat world,
nobody would just hire someone full-time
without a trial period first.
Then I should tell you the truth too.
Can't keep secrets
from the woman I'm seeing.
Here it comes.
I must remain composed.
So…
I completely understand.
So you need not hold back any longer.
You understand?
Of course.
Just one look in your eyes,
and I know everything you want to say.
But still,
with a completely sober mind,
my heart is not quite ready yet.
Damn it. I guess I made it obvious.
I was going to tell you
when I thought you could handle it.
But since you understand, we're set.
You see, in the world I'm from,
even this is a sort of
business arrangement. That's all.
But just in case,
let me make this clear now.
I never asked for any of this.
I was just suddenly handed a fiancée.
I also have my grievances
What did you say?
What fiancée?
Damn it to hell.
CHA SE-GYE AND MO TAE-HEE
CONFIRM RELATIONSHIP
Rotten scoundrels…
Hey, what are you doing?
Is it not obvious? I'm planting seeds.
Not even seedlings?
They'll take forever to grow.
I am not trying to grow food.
Just suppressing my urge to kill.
If anyone crosses me right now,
heads will roll.
That is why I must find solace in nature.
You're not making any sense.
Hold on.
Those are nice photos.
They look really good together,
don't they?
Wow.
- They certainly do not!
- What the
Are you nuts?
They do look good together.
See for yourself.
Damn it.
Se-gye.
Grandfather, let's go to the study.
No, we can just talk here.
Tae-hee will be
part of our family soon anyway.
What's there to hide?
Se-gye, don't worry about the controversy.
Tae-hee, you should stop contacting
my grandfather behind my back.
It makes us both look bad.
Watch your mouth.
I guess I was too hasty.
I was worried you'd suffer
from false rumors,
so I rushed things.
What are you trying to do here?
I just moved up the timeline
for going public a bit.
I didn't discuss it with you
because I wanted to save you
from the other rumors quickly.
That was my oversight.
You seem to be suffering
from a serious misunderstanding.
A strategic marriage to whitewash
my half-breed chaebol image
doesn't interest me.
- I no longer need to do that.
- Why not?
Is it because of that woman,
Shin Seo-ri?
That's right.
She's the only thing
I care about right now.
So let's stop
with these sudden declarations of yours.
Then why did you show up
for the blind date?
It's rude to the woman
you're obsessed with
and to me.
I know.
You two haven't been together that long.
A relationship can heat up quickly
with the right spark,
but it can cool down just as fast.
I'll wait.
As long as it takes.
Seo-ri, you should be careful
around Mr. Cha.
No good comes from a spokesperson
appearing too close to the company CEO.
It's the perfect setup for weird gossip.
Are we in Joseon?
That is some archaic nonsense.
You need to trust me on this, kid.
A single scandal will sink
a nobody like you
straight to the bottom.
What was that? A nobody?
- Why you…
- Oh, come on.
And work on that damn temper of yours.
If you go full prima Donna
after landing one supporting role…
Anyway, getting tangled up
with a taken man
will leave your image beyond repair.
So just be mindful of your conduct.
Why are you so gloomy?
It doesn't suit you at all.
A female friend is no match
for a real girlfriend anyway.
Real girlfriend, my foot.
Can you not tell just by looking?
They are obviously just business partners.
Just business partners?
No wonder.
I couldn't see any chemistry between them.
Right?
There is nothing going on between them.
Wait a minute.
That would make it a "contract" romance.
That changes everything.
- They're seeing this through.
- Through to where?
Think about it.
What's the cardinal rule of K-romance?
Contract romance,
contract marriage, contract divorce.
Every contract between a man
and a woman eventually leads to love.
Therefore, even when their contract ends,
it's an unwritten rule
that they'll be bound forever.
Baek Gwang-nam.
Shall I bind your trap shut forever?
Sir.
Did Ms. Shin take it okay?
With that temper of hers,
I doubt she just accepted it.
She didn't even flinch.
She said she couldn't care less
about a loveless fiancée.
A fiancée.
A fiancée?
A fiancée.
A fiancée…
As if a loveless fiancée is some big deal.
I could not care less.
I'm completely unfazed.
This is a serious problem.
What is?
She can't be that beautiful
and also be so understanding, right?
Right?
Gosh.
Is he an idiot?
Is it a gift?
Yes, for my son.
He likes baseball.
Then,
how about this one?
It's cowhide,
so the leather is soft enough for kids.
No thanks. He won't be using it anyway.
She has arrived.
Please wrap this one up.
- Adult size.
- Sure.
I also thought long and hard
about how much I stand to gain
from this potential union.
Secure friendly shares to survive
the Chail Group power struggle to start.
Rehabilitate my tarnished image as CEO.
I realized the gains
were surprisingly substantial.
Your path to the throne.
I'm confident I could clear it for you.
That's the problem.
I'm not so confident.
I could give her up without regretting it.
In other words,
I've made my choice.
Says who?
It's been a while, Ms. Mo.
- It has. Here for a meeting?
- Yes.
- Have you been well?
- Oh right.
I saw the article.
When did things progress so far?
Truth be told,
I was surprised.
I told you.
I fell for Se-gye at first sight.
Must've been an impressive first meeting.
Yes, it was impressive.
He left quite an intense first impression.
CHA SE-GYE, CEO OF BIOJEI
GRANDSON OF CHAIL GROUP CHAIRMAN
Enough to make him unforgettable.
It sounds a bit childish,
but I wanted to leave one on him as well.
Oh my God!
Gosh. Oh no…
I'm so sorry.
Damn it.
Oh my, I'm so sorry. Are you okay?
That blind date is with me.
Give me a chance to apologize properly.
I thought that chance had finally come.
CHA SE-GYE
So you're just going
to continue ignoring my calls?
Too bad.
- This is just getting me more fired up.
- The number…
Yes, Mr. Park. Release the file.
Right now.
You said marriage was the only way
to clean up a half-breed chaebol image.
I see you chose strategic marriage.
It's just business.
I'll end it after this wraps up.
Really? Why are you so blasé about it?
Could it be because of that woman?
What woman?
You're dating.
The one you said you care about.
How do I know?
I'm an expert in this field.
If I couldn't figure that out,
I'd have to quit.
Right.
Hey, since we're on the topic,
let me ask you something.
She has some strange quirks.
- As strange as you?
- Just listen.
She can get a bit too intense sometimes.
Always going on about life and death,
this lifetime, and whatnot.
Needlessly dramatic.
Like she's hung up
on some failed past life.
Should she see a doctor?
Well, that's great.
You can bond over healing
in therapy like a happy couple.
We're not a couple.
"Happy couple"?
Are you saying we're both insane?
Damn it.
I should charge double
for a compatibility reading.
Darn it.
Let's see here.
The dragon-in-waiting meets
a typhoon in a drought
and finally ascends.
The clouds part
and the sun rises.
Gosh!
The dragon-in-waiting ascended.
Does that mean I will achieve my goal?
If it ascends before becoming
a dragon, it's bound to fall.
But the clouds parted, and the sun rose.
A drought needs rain.
If the sun rose, you're ruined.
"DR." Doomed romance.
Damn it.
You do not know
what you are talking about.
Sounds like you are making it up.
No wonder you are stuck in this tent.
Can you even afford rent on this place?
I'd like to.
I was once the 18th direct disciple
of the Celestial Maiden of Mount Jiri.
I used to be hot stuff.
I just blew the price of an apartment
on training fees for absolutely nothing.
What? A whole apartment?
Yes.
Damn swindler…
Where is it?
You said Mount Jiri.
She came down a while ago.
These days, celestial maidens, generals,
and all the mystics reside in Gangnam now.
It has been a while.
- What brings you here?
- Well, I…
They say even a monk
cannot shave his own head.
The Celestial Maiden of Mount Jiri
should know why I am here
with just a glance, no?
How dare you!
So you want a compatibility reading.
I pray to you, great spirit. I pray.
Come now.
My word.
A cursed bond.
Mortal enemies.
So cosmically at odds,
they should never cross paths again.
And yet, there may just be
a way around it.
What? With a talisman?
How dare you try to swindle me as well!
How dare you!
Are you calling me a swindler?
Do you dare show
such irreverence in the presence
of the Celestial Maiden?
Do you?
Have you been going around
saying I swindled you?
Gosh. No, of course not.
How could I do that to my great master?
You said the training fees you paid
could buy a whole apartment.
Well, actually, if we take
inflation into consideration,
- it'd be a high-rise
- Yes, a high-rise!
I have never seen
such a swindler in my life.
Do as I say
while I still ask nicely. Full refund.
Full!
Hey!
Drag them out of here right now!
Oh boy.
Why, hello. Hey there.
I highly recommend
just holding back if you can.
Come on now.
Just try laying a single finger on me.
Why, I ought a!
What are you standing around for?
I told you to drag them out right now!
Yeah, bring it on.
I shall use your limbs
to fold you like a paper boat.
What sort of training did they do?
How does their martial prowess
surpass neighborhood thugs?
They almost snapped my ankle off.
You can't compare
undisciplined street thugs
to devotees who trek barefoot
through Mount Jiri like them.
Come on now.
I don't even know
why you suddenly offered
to get me a refund I never asked for.
Ridiculous.
Here, take one.
To recharge.
Wow, it's good.
I feel a surge of energy.
You feel reenergized? Gosh.
Brazen wretches.
I shall hone my martial prowess
and secure that refund for you.
I told you. I don't need no refund!
Unbelievable.
My goodness. Such a malevolent formation.
Maybe it really is a cursed bond.
Shin Seo-ri, what happened to your face?
Did you get into a fight?
There was no fight.
Just a one-sided beatdown.
What have you been up to?
- Hey, let me see that.
- Goodness.
- Jeez, your cheek is…
- Goodness me, that aches.
Did you actually go one-on-one?
What are we going to do…
I was wondering who had
the gall to seize
the dressing room.
Who knew it would be
just some random extras?
I should head to my next scene.
This is why
people need to know their place.
In this industry,
if you splash in waters too deep,
you could be drowning
in sewage in an instant.
As if someone like her
could ever seduce a chaebol.
"Seduce"?
What?
"Jilted Actress A."
Isn't that you?
WASHED-UP CHILD STAR'S PIPE DREAM
SEDUCTION OF ENGAGED CHAEBOL FIZZLES
WAS IT A CINDERELLA FANTASY?
Mr. Son, did you find out
who first leaked this to the tabloids?
Well, a reporter contact confirmed it was.
Mochang's External Relations Office.
Mochang?
I mean, sure,
I get that you want to marry rich.
Even so,
you still should've picked
a league within your reach.
Jilted…
Seriously? That's so cringe.
That's so tacky.
I was planning to lead a quiet life,
yet you keep flapping your gums
like you are untouchable.
What? "Flapping my gums"?
Listen, minx.
Even if I splash too hard and end up
drowning in sewage like you said,
I have nothing to lose.
But I believe your situation
is quite different.
Am I wrong?
Former Child Actor A.
Known as the Queen of the Night.
From her cosmetics ad
to her minor role in a historical drama,
industry insiders say a shady deal
is behind her comeback.
After failing to seduce a chaebol,
she now faces ruin.
They ought to be deep-fried alive.
How are they coming up with such lies?
But are you sure "Actress A"
is Shin Seo-ri?
Yeah, I'm sure.
I got the tip from the manager
of another actor at her agency.
I'm 100% sure.
Could that be Yoon Ji-hyo's manager?
Yeah, how'd you know?
- Mommy!
- Jesus!
The scum of the earth!
Sneaking around
like a little rat for a picture?
Are you nuts?
That is worth a fortune!
You had no problem stealing my face
without knowing its worth.
Steal?
We do this because the public
has a right to know
The right to know? Really?
Then I should expose
your mugs for all to see.
Shall I have you doxxed
until you cannot leave your house?
Why, you little…
Hand over the phone!
As I thought.
I have not lost my touch yet.
Is crossing lines your hobby?
You're basically asking for a fight.
Se-gye, you like
"give and take," don't you?
I believe our dating rumor saved
Biojei's stock from plummeting.
With that in mind,
I'd like to make a proposal.
So you gave,
and now you want to take?
Let's hear it.
Treat me properly as your fiancée.
How about making me your partner
for this weekend's launch party?
Our first official photo op
since the dating announcement.
A couple shot?
You want the partner spot
over the official brand ambassador.
Yes. At this point, even for Ms. Shin,
a public appearance together
would surely be too much for her.
I'd be satisfied with just this for now.
Not too hard, right?
I was worried about that too,
but you have suddenly provided
some clarity on the matter.
CHIEF OF STAFF SON JAE-HAN
Go ahead, Mr. Son.
Sir, we have a big problem.
It's regarding Ms. Shin.
What about Shin Seo-ri now?
She just
made a major score!
Self-proclaimed Celestial Maiden
and cult leader Choi was arrested
with her followers after a tip-off
from actress Shin Seo-ri.
Police arrested Ms. Choi on the 7th
on charges of repeatedly torturing
and assaulting followers
under the claim that they were
possessed by evil spirits.
Investigators also found she had embezzled
large sums from followers
as "training fees"
and evaded
roughly 1.5 billion won in taxes.
When the police raided the shrine,
they discovered her believers
were inhaling drugs during training,
sending further shock waves.
Shin visited the shrine
to research for her current role,
where she obtained evidence
of these activities
and requested an investigation.
Of course.
Gosh, you even drink water
with such pizzazz.
They were right.
Muddy waters are best overturned
by a much larger wave.
Hey, reporter lords.
Instead of tailing a small fry like me,
how about we negotiate?
This scoop will easily pay off
the cost of that camera.
- A scoop?
- A scoop?
Hey!
Drag them both out this instant!
Come on!
Oh boy.
Why, hello.
Just look at this lot.
Their eyes are all glazed over.
I knew it.
No amount of training barefoot
can match the martial prowess
of those street thugs.
Your Highness, how did you know
they were high on drugs?
During my court maid days,
I met a physician who ruined his life
after becoming addicted to poppies.
By poppies, you mean…
Opium.
- Opium…
- It was a precious medicine
used by the Royal Infirmary,
but some fell under its spell
and ruined their lives.
The glazed eyes of those addicts
looked exactly like theirs.
Gosh, Your Highness.
- Goodness.
- You're the best.
That is right. Yes indeed.
There's no one like you.
That is right.
Regarding this weekend,
it'd be best to make separate plans.
What?
But earlier, you said you would
I said I found clarity.
I never said I'd go with you.
You should always hear people out.
I was just looking to shield her
from unnecessary drama.
But after listening to you,
I'm even more certain
about going with her.
We did nothing wrong,
so there's no reason to hide.
A friendly couple shot with Shin Seo-ri.
You think one lousy article
is going to elevate that woman?
Watch your mouth.
I never intended to be
your partner in the first place.
Quit coming after my woman
with your petty little games.
That's what I came to say.
Let's make this our last meeting.
Go through my office
until the broken engagement is announced.
The actress who schooled a cult is
officially on her way to superstardom.
Officially stanning Shin Seo-ri now.
Hoping her next project is action.
Dumb luck served justice.
Two birds, one stone.
At this point, she's destined for success.
How dare they!
"Dumb luck"?
More like, "sharp instinct."
Who are you?
President Choi Mun-do sent me.
He's waiting. Please come with me.
Ms. Shin Seo-ri.
I guess you're more understanding
than you let on.
Enough to let.
Cha Se-gye get engaged to another woman?
What are you scheming?
And what is that photo about?
As I've said before,
I'm giving you an opportunity here.
A chance to save yourself
and your family.
Break up Se-gye and Mochang.
By whatever means necessary.
A single photo of you two
leaving a hotel should do it.
Are you telling me
to manufacture a sordid scandal?
Is that it?
You have nothing to lose from this.
But Cha Se-gye
must have lost his mind.
To save you,
he went ahead with an engagement
that wasn't even planned.
Thanks to that,
my position has become unstable.
You have two weeks.
Destruction deadline.
As long as the Grand Prince
remains out of His favor,
he will not survive.
So make your choice.
Die as the Grand Prince's beloved,
or live as a witness to his treason.
What brings you here…
Dan-sim of the Kang clan.
I knew you would turn out
to be quite useful.
To get close to my brother this quickly…
I have not.
How could someone like me
That is the proof.
You likely took it
not knowing what it was.
This was a gift from our older brother,
the late Crown Prince,
to his youngest brother.
The late Crown Prince…
Yes.
A keepsake from my poor brother
who burned to death.
And he gifted that keepsake to you?
What do you think that means?
That must mean
you are somewhat special to him.
Would you not agree?
Even I would find it grievous
to have my younger brother's neck snapped
in the flower of his youth.
So how about this?
His honor will be tarnished,
but his life will remain intact.
Compared to plotting high treason…
Harassing a court lady
is a much lighter offense, no?
What does that…
You have until early tomorrow afternoon.
Of course I was terrified.
Afraid you'd get dragged
through the mud with me.
It scared me.
You like the ocean,
so I figured you'd like the river too.
Feel it for yourself.
Now feel it for yourself.
This cleansing chill.
Why are you home so late,
Champion of Justice?
Cha Se-gye, it appears
I am fated to curse the men around me.
Wherever I settle,
desolation follows.
What brings you here unannounced?
We're seeing each other.
Surprises are allowed.
How's my surprise visit?
Is your heart fluttering?
You fool.
Damn.
They say love makes you a fool.
I never knew what that meant,
but now I finally get it.
Pull yourself together, Cha Se-gye.
Neither of us
has the time to get giddy
over playing house.
No.
I'm going to.
That's exactly what I'll do.
My whole life was black or white,
ally or enemy.
It was like living in a war zone.
But you…
You're my first real ally.
Someone I could never
weigh the pros and cons of.
You're the only one.
- The only one?
- Yeah.
You're the only one, Shin Seo-ri.
So…
When it's just us,
we can be a little immature.
Screw this damn world,
and let your heart flutter with me.
Let me be your only one too.
THE WOMEN'S KINGDOM SEASON 2
EPISODE 7
I clearly said once my illness
shows signs of recovery,
I would pay my respects to the Queen.
How dare you act so impertinently
as if I were some criminal?
It is the Queen's order.
Please understand.
Did you convey the state
of my illness correctly?
You thought you could look down on me.
Do you still see me as nothing more
than some lowly court lady
who waits on you?
Tell the Queen!
That I will pay my respects
once my condition improves.
She's the real final boss.
That's a solid wrist snap.
I knew she'd do that.
She has the face of a man-eater.
A nine-tailed fox.
Has this old hag lost her mind?
Who you calling a nine-tailed fox?
Her eyes are slanted upwards.
She totally looks like a fox.
Shut your mouth.
It takes one to know one.
You want me to rip your eyes out?
- Try it.
- Come here, you.
- Crazy?
- Why you
Try it! Go on!
That's enough talk. Come here now.
- Stop it.
- Here I come!
Come on. I'm waiting.
- Please stop.
- Oh shush.
SONGJIN GENERAL HOSPITAL
Hey, why the long face again?
Something bothering you again?
Why did you not speak up earlier?
That I am your grandkid.
You saw that?
By chance, are you embarrassed by me?
Because it is embarrassing.
Embarrassing?
Of course it is.
An old ghost like me acting up…
What good would that do you?
So stop coming down here
and just focus on your work.
Strike while the iron is hot.
If I want to see you,
I can just watch you on TV.
Right?
Seo-ri.
You just focus on worrying
about your own future.
Turn a deaf ear to the nonsense,
and just keep moving forward.
Can I really do that?
Will it be okay
if I do that?
You…
More than deserve to be happy.
Oh, my baby.
Red was definitely the right choice.
So pretty.
Truly beautiful.
I'll do it tomorrow.
- What is the matter?
- In that well…
In the well…
My goodness!
You are hereby placed under arrest.
What harassment?
That is completely absurd.
How could Father believe
such a sordid rumor?
Dan-sim of the Kang clan?
If you wish to save that girl,
submit peacefully.
Geum-ok was my colleague.
A few days ago,
I realized she was with child.
Last night,
I asked again who fathered the child.
She named Grand Prince Cheongheon
before doing this…
While on night watch,
I saw that girl sneaking
into Grand Prince Cheongheon's quarters
with my own two eyes.
Proof of your scandal
runs so deep it spills over.
Do you still refuse to admit your crimes?
Is she safe?
It all hangs
on what comes out of your mouth.
How will you proceed?
If you will make me a binding promise…
I shall do as Your Highness wishes.
You wish to strike a deal?
It appears you have yet to grasp
the gravity of the situation.
Bring her in.
I…
Wish to tell the truth.
Shortly after
I was assigned to his quarters…
His Highness
tried to force himself on me as well.
This is the evidence.
You…
Evidence?
Why, this is…
My brother, the Crown Prince,
gifted this to him.
How is this in your possession?
His Highness told me to keep it
as a token of affection.
I was beyond shocked and bewildered…
That I begged him to rescind it.
Enough.
But he insisted so heavily…
That is enough.
It is true.
I engaged in illicit relations
with the court ladies.
Therefore,
I ask you to spare this court lady
and punish me as you see fit.
Even if I stand at the crossroads
of life and death again,
I will never cower behind a man.
I…
Wish to tell the truth.
I am truly glad to be alive.
What, are you back from the dead?
I am so happy to be alive.
What is your name?
Of course, my name is…
You told me
to bring everything, so I did,
but what is all this?
Designers are begging me
to wear their clothes. How could I refuse?
Champion of Justice…
Wait. Does this look better?
Why are you changing again?
I have snagged
every last bit of luxury today.
I am the main character today.
Ms. Shin, you should leave now.
Says who?
I am the main character today.
You appear to be an uninvited guest.
Looks like you had some fun
with that flash of good press,
but that's as far as you'll go.
I am far more suited to stand by his side
than someone whose reputation
can be made or broken
by a single tabloid rumor, no?
It was you.
You are the instigator of my scandal.
That's right.
You were starting
to get on my nerves, you see.
So I'd like for you to get lost now.
Get lost? What am I, a puppy?
Listen closely.
I live for today.
I have to strike while the iron is hot
and push forward.
So spare me the rest of your drivel,
and quietly get lost yourself.
Sounds like you're not afraid of anything.
Then how about this?
"The unfilial granddaughter who abandoned
her only flesh and blood,
her grandmother with dementia."
Or this one might work too.
"The parasitic grandmother
who bled her actress granddaughter dry."
"Debt scandal."
Do you
have a death wish?
Finally hit a nerve, did I?
I guess you cherish your family?
Then go take care
of your sick grandmother.
Stop forgetting your place,
trying to steal another woman's man.
Who says he is your man?
From what I hear,
you have been conspiring
from the shadows.
Let me give you some advice.
If you want to win a man's heart,
you should stop acting
like an anxious dog, whining at the door.
You would scare away any man like that.
What?
Why, you crazy bitch.
Se-gye.
You…
Shin Seo-ri, we need to talk.
Did you summon her?
I would have prepared myself
if I had known earlier.
She barged in so suddenly.
I almost grabbed her by the hair.
If we were caught on camera,
we would be in quite a bind.
I almost got canceled.
What is it?
Why are you staring?
Well, too bad if you are disappointed.
You cannot take back seeing each other.
You know my temper well enough.
There is no point in regretting it now.
Who are you?
You…
What do you mean, who?
Are you still half-asleep?
You cannot come dressed like this.
You should change first
Dan-sim.
Kang.
Dan-sim.
What did you just…
Dan-sim of the Kang clan.
Who are you?
How…
Who are you really?
Why do you stare at it so intently?
Does a plum blossom flowering
in midsummer unsettle you so?
Yes, it is quite an unsettling sight.
I gaze upon the flower
blooming out of season
because it is unsettling
and pitiable.
MY ROYAL NEMESIS
- Shin Seo-ri.
- Gosh!
Grandfather, I need
to introduce you to someone.
Nice to meet you, Grandpapa!
The Women's Kingdom?
"Consummation"?
Your Majesty!
This is bull…
- What was it replaced with?
- The Sericulture Rite scene.
Thanks to you, I totally stole that scene.
Sickeningly sweet.
How could they lose a patient?
She must be kept
from making any outside contact.
A woman keeps appearing in my dreams.
It seemed like that man
felt a deep yearning
for that woman named Kang Dan-sim.
What if it were not a dream?
If I were that woman, Kang Dan-sim,
what would you do?
Subtitle translation by Justin S. Kim