Our Unwritten Seoul (2025) s01e08 Episode Script

An Unconventional Whole

1
[theme song playing]
[in English]
You're driving alone at night ♪
You're driving alone at night ♪
Deep in the silence
But it doesn't mean you're lost ♪
And I'll tell you what ♪
We're on the train ♪
I promise I'll be where you are ♪
If any thought is against you ♪
With you, I am starting over ♪
We're learning to walk again ♪
[song concludes]
OUR UNWRITTEN SEOUL
[Ho-su in Korean]
Just like in the "Three Bears" song,
the world made it seem like
a family should consist of three.
-[water running, stops]
-[gentle music playing]
[Ho-su] But just like having two eyes
and two ears
You missed a spot.
[Ho-su]
two always felt more natural to me.
-My dad and I.
-[young Ho-su giggles]
Hi.
[Ho-su] But one day,
two became three.
-[indistinct chatter]
-Hey, guess what!
I just saw the old unmarried bat
in the hallway.
-Yeom Bun-hong!
-[student 1] Our fifth-grade teacher?
-Is she a parent?
-[Ho-su] We became another set of three.
-[student 2] But she's not married.
-Ho-su.
[Ho-su] But for some reason,
it just made me feel
like I had three eyes instead.
-[pensive music playing]
-[young Ho-su] Why is she going?
[Ho-su's father] Ho-su.
Why can't it be just us at Mom's memorial?
It's always been the two of us!
-Ho-su
-[knocking on door]
My gosh, I'm so sorry.
Something urgent came up at school,
so the two of you should go without me.
-Bun-hong.
-[Ho-su] Ironically, the day I insisted
that it be just the two of us
[tires squealing]
[pensive music continues]
-[ventilator hissing]
-[heart monitor beeping]
Ho-su.
Ho-su! [crying joyfully]
-Help! He's awake! Ho-su!
-[Ho-su] we actually did become
two again.
[young Ho-su] Bye.
See you tomorrow.
[sister 1] Stop humiliating the family.
You want to raise someone else's kid?
What are you going to tell people?
[sister 2] She's right! Don't just
decide this on your own, Bun-hong.
No one will blame you
if you decide not to raise him.
[sister 1] Listen to us. It's not easy
to raise a kid that isn't yours.
[Ho-su] No, it became just one.
[sister 1] You'll have to take care of him
his whole life.
-[Ho-su] One broken piece.
-[sister] Why take on that burden?
[pensive music continues]
[Ok-hui] Oh?
[truck door closes]
[Ok-hui] Excuse me.
You're Bun-hong, right?
Remember me?
I'm Kim Ok-hui from Sinsong Girls' High.
Oh my gosh! Ok-hui!
-[Ok-hui] My goodness.
-My gosh.
I was wondering who was moving in
next door. I can't believe it's you!
-My gosh! What a surprise.
-My goodness.
-[Ok-hui] Is he your son?
-Yes.
I didn't even hear you got married.
And now you've got a son this big?
Goodness, I forgot
to tell you I got married. [chuckles]
Nice to meet you. Your mom
and I went to the same high school.
-Gosh, he's so handsome.
-[Ho-su] That's when I started
trying my best not to become a burden.
Just like my ears,
which seemed fine on the outside.
Ho-su, why did you take out
your hearing aid?
Even if it doesn't work well,
you should use it.
I feel more comfortable
hearing with just one ear.
[Ho-su] As long as I pretended
that I was fine,
I'd seem whole on the outside.
EPISODE 8
AN UNCONVENTIONAL WHOLE
WAITING AREA
TICKET COUNTER
[music fades]
[Ho-su] I've liked you
for a long time.
More than you know.
Me too.
[tender music playing]
[both chuckle softly]
[Ho-su] You should go inside.
You must be cold.
What?
[music turns quirky]
Ah.
-Yes, okay.
-Okay.
[Mi-ji] Oh
See you.
See you.
[gate opens]
[music fades]
[Mi-ji] What are we now?
Since I said, "Me too,"
are we officially a couple now?
Or maybe we're not a couple yet.
-Sorry. Have you been waiting long?
-No, it's okay.
Why are you wet though? Is that sweat?
No, I just washed my face.
I was rushing,
so I didn't have time to wash.
I told you that you didn't need to come.
You had to wake up early because of me.
Of course I needed to come.
You're leaving.
Jeez.
You didn't have to come.
Will you be going to work instead
of Mi-rae again when you get to Seoul?
Yes, but it's all going to be over soon.
You must be tired.
You probably didn't get enough sleep.
What? I slept really well.
I passed out as soon as I hit the pillow.
[chuckles]
That's good.
I had a hard time falling asleep.
[intriguing quirky music playing]
Hey.
-Are we
-Yes?
Well
When are we seeing each other again?
I'm planning to return
as soon as my mom gets discharged.
I'll call you when I'm in Seoul.
Mm. Okay.
Hey
Yes?
-Have a
-Ah
-[Mi-ji] Huh?
-[Ho-su hesitates]
-All right.
-Have a safe trip.
Thanks.
-Go home now.
-Okay.
[Mi-ji] Bye, then.
[sighs] Did we seriously just shake hands?
That's so lame.
[music fades]
Yes, the amount is right.
I'll help you with the payment now.
You usually come right on time.
But this time, you were late,
so I was worried that
something had happened to you.
I was a little sick.
SEONHAM MENTAL NURSING HOME
Is there someone I can put down
as your emergency contact?
I need to have one on file
just in case something
like this happens again.
As I mentioned before,
I'm the only family he's got.
There's something called
an adult guardianship program.
What?
It's called an adult guardianship program.
You can designate a guardian
ahead of time, even if they're not family.
You should read it over
and give it some thought.
Thank you.
[employee] Take care, ma'am.
JOIN THE ADULT GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM!
-[Ho-su] Mom, I got you discharged.
-Okay.
Leave it. I told you
that I'd pack your things.
[chuckles] Okay.
I didn't want to waste
the valuable time I have with you packing.
Ok-hui, do you want to use
this humidifier?
I'm getting discharged today, too.
Take it with you.
-[Bun-hong] Hmm.
-I have one too.
Ho-su said he'd get you discharged
with me. Why are you refusing?
You're not the only one with a kid.
My daughter's coming too.
We'll get going, then.
-Mom.
-What?
Ah. [chuckles]
[Ok-hui] Jeez.
Ho-su, are you sick?
No, I'm fine. Why?
You don't have a fever?
You always get really sick
when the seasons change.
You should see a doctor since you're here.
[scoffs] That was only when I was a kid.
I'm fine now.
-Still
-[woman] Ms. Bun-hong.
My goodness!
My gosh, Ms. Su-yeong.
It's been such a long time!
-You look ready to pop!
-[chuckles]
When did you say you were due?
-Next month.
-[Bun-hong] Gosh.
Are you her son?
Yes, hello.
You're just as handsome as she said.
She told me a lot about you.
My goodness,
I didn't talk about him that much.
[Bun-hong chuckles]
I hope I give birth to a son like you.
It's a little late,
but tell me your prenatal care tips.
What?
Goodness, there are no special tips.
Just relax. That's the best prenatal care.
What was the conception dream
for your son?
Many people around me
have had conception dreams for my baby,
and I'm struggling to decide
which to go with.
Mm. My son's conception dream was
a giant lotus flower blooming
in the middle of a big lake.
That's why they named me Ho-su,
meaning "lake."
[woman] My goodness,
even your conception dream is amazing.
[chuckles]
[Gyeong-min]
Let's talk more about that in person.
Text me the address.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Gyeong-min] Okay.
Sir, we're ready for the meeting.
[Gyeong-min] Okay.
-Let's all go to the meeting.
-[employee] Yes, sir.
[chairs rattling]
[suspenseful music continues]
[dial tone beeping]
[dial tone ringing]
[man] Kim Jin-gyu of Sihan Construction's
Business Development speaking.
[Mi-ji] Tae-i!
-[phone clatters]
-[music fades]
Hello.
They just started the meeting.
[Mi-ji] Already?
[door opens]
[door closes]
Did Mi-rae return to Seoul?
She left early this morning to go to work.
Gosh, I told her to go back yesterday.
She must be tired.
Why did you tell her that I got hurt
when she's so busy?
She's family, so she should know.
She doesn't have to!
Jeez. You don't know how to keep a secret.
I'm going to visit Seoul soon.
Seoul?
You went recently, though.
Mi-rae told me to visit her.
She did?
By the way,
-why did Ho-su come here?
-What?
I heard he came here to talk to you.
What did you two talk about?
What exactly happened
between you and Park Sang-yeong?
It was nothing important.
He just asked how I was doing.
He came all the way here
to ask how you're doing? That's silly.
Gosh, he must have a lot of time
on his hands.
He used to be so busy. Jeez.
Bun-hong acted like
it was the end of the world
when Ho-su quit his job.
But now that he has
more free time to see her,
she's even happier
than when he had a job. Go figure.
Mom, how would you feel
if Mi-rae did the same thing?
What do you mean?
What if she were to quit her job
like Ho-su and spend more time with you?
Hey! Don't say such ridiculous things.
He's a lawyer,
not just an ordinary office worker.
[sighs] Having one unemployed daughter
is more than enough.
Jeez.
[Ok-hui grumbles]
A favor?
I'm sorry to bother you when I told you
I didn't need your help before,
but I have no one else to ask.
[coughs]
I'm happy to help with whatever you need.
What's the favor, though?
If you tell me what you need,
then I'll have it ready.
It's a long story to tell over the phone.
It's not urgent, so let's talk in person.
Do you have time on Monday?
Mom, what are you doing?
I'm just cleaning the electric blanket
before I put it on the bed.
It's dusty
since I haven't used it in a while.
[Ho-su] I'll do it.
-[chuckles]
-You should've told me.
How did you get this out by yourself?
I thought maybe you weren't feeling well
because the house was chilly.
Wipe it for me, then.
What are you doing now?
Well
I'm going to make some baesuk.
It always made you feel better
when you had a cold.
Mom, you're the patient.
Why are you taking care of me?
Just don't make it.
It's very easy to make.
I just need to boil everything in a pot.
-Mom.
-Yes?
I'll just go back this weekend.
What?
Why so soon?
Since you came home,
you haven't been able to rest
because of me.
Okay, I see what you mean.
Oh. [chuckles]
I'll stop. I won't do anything.
You said that earlier too.
I think
you'll only be able to rest
comfortably without me here.
Uh
Then
let me pack up some food for you.
I was going to send it to Seoul,
but this is perfect! [chuckles]
Mom, I'm okay.
I can't just let you go back empty-handed
after everything I put you through.
People will gossip if I don't do anything.
-[chuckles]
-Do you
still feel uncomfortable?
[gentle music playing]
What?
I'm all grown up now.
You don't have to try as hard
as you did before.
Mom, from now on
just focus on taking care of yourself.
[music fades]
I guess you don't get many customers
in wheelchairs here.
I don't serve solo diners.
I just came to introduce myself.
I'm currently a consultant for KFMC
If you're not a customer, get out.
[Chung-gu] Hyeon Sang-wol.
[ominous music playing]
You know her, right?
Who are you?
I guess I've piqued your interest now.
My name is Lee Chung-gu. I'm a lawyer.
[music builds]
[music concludes]
[birds chirping]
HIGH-QUALITY STRAWBERRY MANUAL
[gasps] You scared me!
[gasps] "You scared me!"
What were you doing?
Here.
[Se-jin] "High-quality Strawberry Manual."
"Research on Breeding New Varieties."
"Future Cultivation Plan."
Are you from
the Rural Development Administration?
You'll be doing it alone from now on,
so I figured these could be useful.
If you were bringing gifts,
you should've told me.
Why leave them here secretly?
Are you my Secret Santa or something?
I thought it'd be awkward
to say goodbye again
after the handshake
and everything the other day.
[chuckles]
Why would it be awkward?
I circled the block a few times,
hoping to say goodbye again.
When are you going to Seoul?
Are you leaving now?
Not right away, but soon.
If you're not leaving today,
do you want to meet up tonight?
Why at night?
Because the stars are visible at night.
[gentle music playing]
I found a great stargazing spot.
Do you want to go with me later?
[gentle music continues]
[Se-jin] Be careful.
[panting] Are we really
on our way to see stars?
I'm sensing some serious distrust.
We're almost there.
You've been saying that for a while now.
[Se-jin] You can do it!
[both panting]
[music fades]
[Mi-rae pants]
What is it?
Wow!
[chuckles softly]
[serene music playing]
Aren't you glad you came?
You almost left without seeing this.
[music fades]
So those same stars
are in the Seoul sky too, right?
The sky is the same here
as it is in Seoul.
[Se-jin] Some things
are better seen in the dark.
I wonder what
it would've been like in Seoul.
What do you mean?
I'm talking about us.
I think if we had run
into each other in Seoul,
that would've been interesting too.
You wouldn't have even noticed me.
Why not?
Even if we had met on our way
to or from work,
I would've just been
like one of those many stars.
Because I'm so ordinary.
Never mind.
You probably wouldn't have
even seen me because it's Seoul.
[Se-jin] Thank goodness we didn't.
If we had, you would've said I'm annoying
and refused to even talk to me.
You're only talking to me like this
because we're here.
Jeez
[gentle music playing]
Anyway,
have you given any thought
to your future plans?
Not yet.
[sighs] I decided to go to Seoul,
but I still haven't decided
what to do once I get there.
[Se-jin] It's hard.
Wouldn't it be nice if someone made
that decision for you?
Yes.
Is staying here an option, by any chance?
There's not much I can do here.
Regardless of whether I keep working
at the same place or move somewhere else,
I need to keep making money.
I have a lot of money.
Should I lend you some?
[scoffs] So
this is what you were like in Seoul?
I mean it when I say I want to help.
Instead of rushing to make a decision,
why don't you stay here
and see the strawberries grow with me
while you take time
to think about your next move?
I'll consider it as an option.
When are you going to Seoul?
I'll give you a ride.
[Mi-rae] In what?
The truck.
Can you even drive
on the highway with that?
-I don't think you can.
-[Se-jin chuckles]
I just sensed some serious distrust again.
[gentle music continues]
[coughs]
[music fades]
PHARMACY
[Mi-ji] Hey, Mr. Handsome!
Hey! Why did you turn around?
Do you think you're handsome?
Mi-ji
How did you know when I was arriving?
You said you were taking the first bus.
I calculated your arrival time.
It's so quiet here. I guess it's because
not many stores are open yet.
Doesn't it feel like we have
the place to ourselves? [chuckles]
Are we heading to a restaurant,
by the way?
What? I was just walking.
Why? Are you tired?
Do you want to sit down for a moment?
No, I wasn't asking because I'm tired.
Well, I'm tired.
Over there!
Let's go and sit there for a minute.
[gasps] Wow. We've walked pretty far.
If I'm not paying attention,
I can walk all the way to Gyeonggi-do.
From now on, you need to tell me
to stop when you're with me.
You can walk all you want.
It's not that I want to walk.
We walked a lot more than I realized
because I was with you.
[soft quirky music playing]
What?
It just feels surreal.
I can't believe
I'm here with you like this.
[Mi-ji] Should I ask
if we're a couple now?
No, maybe I shouldn't.
Am I supposed to just
go with the flow like this?
What is it?
You know
-Are we now
-[music builds]
-[music fades]
-Are we going to eat?
-Yes, we should.
-[quirky music playing]
You must be hungry.
What do you feel like eating?
Let's see what's open nearby.
I think we're near Seorae Village.
Should we go there since we're close by?
We can just go to any restaurant
that's open on our way.
Seorae Village?
Or
if we go this way,
there's the Hangang River.
Should we go there? Where should we go?
How about my place?
-What?
-[music concludes]
[door lock chimes]
[Ho-su] Come in.
Okay.
[door lock chimes]
BODY ACHE
FEVER REDUCER & PAIN RELIEVER
TYLENON
We just got here.
Why are you taking medication?
Are you sick?
It's just a supplement.
[Mi-ji] Oh
Have a seat.
Do you want to change
into something comfortable?
Why would I change right now
in someone else's place?
Isn't it a little too late to be shy now?
You've slept over before.
But that day
You already knew it was me back then?
How long have you known?
I thought it was you from the start.
But it didn't make any sense,
so I was confused.
I couldn't tell
if Mi-rae had changed or if I had.
I kept getting confused.
I knew for sure
the night you showed up drunk.
All the confusing and strange things
made sense the moment
I realized it had been you all along.
By the way, what's all that?
What did you bring?
[Ho-su] Just some of my old stuff.
I'm bringing things back little by little.
Why? They're just going to be a burden.
You should've just left them there.
It's my stuff. I should keep them here
instead of at my mom's place.
[chuckles]
Why does that matter? You're family.
Your mom would be hurt if she heard that.
I want
my mom to live freely now.
Without any burden.
[chuckles]
When did you grow up?
You used to cry your heart out
when your mom was gone for the day.
Don't you remember?
It was back in high school.
Your mom said
she wasn't coming home for the night,
and you bawled your eyes out.
[Bun-hong] Ho-su
has your fever gone down?
What's all this?
I thought I'd start holding
your dad's ancestral rite this year.
Are you doing this for me?
No.
I'm doing it because I want to.
Then why are there two of those?
One of them is for my mom.
Well
Their memorials are on the same day,
so I thought it'd be nice
to do them together.
Don't you want to?
Should we skip it?
Right [hesitates]
I should've realized this would upset you.
I'm sorry about this.
Mom
Do I make you uncomfortable?
Uncomfortable? Of course not, Ho-su.
Then why are you doing all this?
You don't have to pretend
we're family when nobody is around.
I was just doing it for you
If you care about me
then just ignore me.
[melancholic music playing]
[Ho-su] I don't know
if it was because of the fever
or my parents' ancestral tablets,
but that day, I couldn't stand being
such a burden for some reason.
So for the first and last time,
I said I was fine being alone.
But the moment I was left alone
in that empty house,
I realized
I had never been truly alone before.
[telephone ringing]
[grunts]
Hello.
[Bun-hong] Hi.
It's me, Bun-hong.
-Are you Mi-ji or Mi-rae?
-I'm Mi-ji.
Mi-ji, I've just done something
very stupid!
I got on the wrong bus
and ended up very far from home.
[chuckles]
So I won't be able to get home today.
[door opens]
[young Mi-ji] Hey, Ho-su.
[door closes]
[melancholic music continues]
What are you doing over there?
Your mom called.
She said she got on the wrong bus,
so she can't come home today.
What?
She said she'll catch
the first bus back tomorrow.
She said to lock up before going to bed.
[young Ho-su sobbing]
-[young Mi-ji] Ho-su! Why are you crying?
-[young Ho-su sniffling]
[young Ho-su continues sobbing]
[young Mi-ji] Don't cry.
[young Ho-su sobbing]
[music fades]
[Mi-ji] Why did you cry that day?
I got so flustered
that I couldn't even ask you.
I thought my mom had abandoned me.
Hey, how could your mom abandon you?
Back then, I thought she did.
[gentle music playing]
I was sitting in the living room
with the table set for the ancestral rite,
and it felt so quiet.
In that silence,
all I could hear was my own breath.
I felt like I was alone in the universe.
Since that day,
I've been preparing little by little.
If my mom ever gets on the wrong bus again
and wants to go far away,
I don't want to be a burden to her.
In my own way, I'm just preparing myself
so I don't break down
if I end up alone again like that day.
You weren't alone that day.
I waited by your side
until you stopped crying.
You're right.
You had no idea what was going on,
but you cried with me.
Looking back now,
I think it was like that every time.
Whenever I started thinking
about why life was so quiet,
you would barge in, loud as ever.
What? "Loud as ever"?
If you don't like that,
maybe I should leave.
-[Ho-su] No. I like that you're loud.
-Gosh.
[tender music playing]
[heartbeat thumping]
-What? No?
-[Ho-su hesitates]
-Like this? No
-I think it's better to sit. Here
-Wait
-[alarm ringing]
-Oh, my alarm!
-Why is the alarm
Why is this
-going off now?
-[alarm stops]
Probably because it's the weekend.
It's better to sleep in.
Wait. No way.
Wow! Unbelievable.
-[music fades]
-You still have this?
[Mi-ji exhales]
You wrote in the guidebook
as if you were studying for a test.
You told me to check
where we should go together.
Hey, should we follow the guidebook?
Right now?
[gentle pop song playing]
[cell phone beeps]
There we go. Hold this.
[Ho-su] This?
[singing in Korean]
[mouthing] Wait for me.
[singing in Korean continues]
[singing in Korean continues]
[mouthing] There it is!
[singing in Korean continues]
[in English]
I don't wanna wait forever ♪
To tell you
What's being growing stronger ♪
I think I'm stealing a moment with you ♪
[singing in Korean]
[singing in Korean continues]
CLOSED TODAY DUE TO PERSONAL REASONS
SEOUL'S HIDDEN GEMS
MI-JI & HO-SU'S SEOUL TRIP
[song fades]
[in Korean]
Somehow, we ended up near your office.
Do you want to go somewhere else?
I'm sorry we ended up here.
No, I wanted to come here.
This guidebook is a complete joke.
Why don't the places
I wanted to visit exist anymore?
Well, the book is over ten years old.
I should've looked them up first.
I'm sorry for dragging you around.
Don't be sorry. I had fun.
Mm.
[Mi-ji] He's quiet. Is he tired?
Or maybe he's bored
of hanging around with me.
Or is he upset
because I kept dragging him around?
Should we just head home
after we finish eating this?
Why?
I feel like today's not our day.
People always end up getting hurt
or fighting on an unlucky day like this.
After this, let's go somewhere
that's definitely still there.
It's not like Namsan or Gyeongbokgung
Palace could have disappeared, right?
There's an art museum nearby too.
No, let's go another time.
Why? Is it because of me?
No, it's not because of you.
I'm just realizing
that ten years is a really long time.
Everything's changed so much.
I feel so behind.
Let's buy a new one.
-A new what?
-A guidebook.
I'll buy this year's edition
and study it again.
Let's go right now.
[Mi-ji] Okay.
[Ye-rin] Oh? Ho-su!
My gosh, Mr. Lee.
Oh? What brings you two here?
We have a trial tomorrow,
so we have to work this weekend.
[Ho-su] Oh.
Is this the crochet lady
you were talking about?
-Yes, she is
-[Secretary Hwang] My goodness!
Mr. Lee has told me so much about you.
Oh, hello.
Who is she again?
-We were classmates
-She's my girlfriend.
[Ye-rin] You're his girlfriend.
You were classmates?
So you went to our university?
No, we were high school classmates.
I see. Then
are you a lawyer?
Why are you asking that?
I work at a public corporation.
It's a finance management
corporation near here.
-[Ye-rin] I see.
-[Mi-ji] Yes.
[pensive music playing]
[exhales]
Oh! The travel section's here.
[chuckles]
What?
Why did you do that earlier?
Do what?
You pretended to be Mi-rae.
They don't even know you,
so why did you
I didn't want to put you
in an awkward position.
Why would I be in an awkward position?
Then what was I supposed to say?
You told them I was your girlfriend.
Was I supposed to say I'm unemployed?
I wouldn't have minded.
Well, they were obviously
your former coworkers.
I didn't want to embarrass you.
So you lied because of me?
That's not what I meant.
Let's head back.
What?
You were right.
Today doesn't seem to be our day.
[music fades]
[Se-jin] All right.
[breathes deeply]
TO MI-RAE
[breathes deeply]
[knocking on door]
Speak of the devil.
Oh! Director Yoon.
How have you been?
[door lock chimes]
[sighs heavily]
[melancholic music playing]
[exhales]
Why do things keep going sideways?
Is it because I'm a puzzle piece
that doesn't fit?
[coughs]
[groans]
No matter how much I pretend to be normal,
I'm still broken. Will I ever be able
to form a pair with someone else?
Today really isn't my day.
[melancholic music continues]
One, two, three.
There we go.
He took more of his things.
Bun-hong.
[door opens]
[music fades]
Come with us. You even got flowers.
I know there's no urgent business
You two should go alone.
I think that'll be best.
We can't just go without you.
We're a family.
Why not?
One day, I'll be the one ditching you
to hang out with just Ho-su.
[both chuckle]
I guess this is why everyone
was so against this marriage.
I even promised
that you would never feel lonely again,
but Ho-su won't listen to me these days.
Honey, I told you
that I was the oddball in my family.
Feeling alone within a family
is lonelier than
being alone anywhere else.
It makes you feel sad and small.
What I'm most worried about
is that our Ho-su will feel that way too.
Let's not make Ho-su feel lonely.
[soft pensive music playing]
[Ho-su's father] I'll be back soon.
[sister 1]
It's not like he's even healthy.
You'll have to take care of him
his whole life.
Why take on that burden?
Since when did you two worry about me?
What?
You two
Our family
When did you ever care about me?
[sister 2 scoffs]
[Bun-hong] You're just embarrassed.
You said you were embarrassed
to call me family
because I didn't have a decent job
and got married late to a man with a kid.
[scoffs] Hey!
We said those things for your sake!
[scoffs]
For my sake?
You should go now.
[sister 2] Bun-hong.
If you decide to raise him,
then you're no longer family.
Choose. Him or us?
Don't you know?
I chose a long time ago.
[sister 2 scoffs]
Are you really going to cut ties with us
for that brat who's not even yours?
What did you say?
"That brat"?
"That brat"?
Who are you to call him that?
He's my son.
You have no right to call my son that!
Your mom and I went
to the same high school.
-Nice to meet you.
-[chuckles]
[soft pensive music continues]
-It's so good to see you. Gosh!
-Yes, it is.
He's a bit quiet.
Yes.
[music fades]
He takes after me.
He's always been a little shy.
I wish he had taken after his late dad
in that regard. [chuckles]
But he's just like me. [chuckles]
[Ho-su] Why are you doing all this?
You don't have to pretend
we're family when nobody is around.
[hesitates] I
I was just doing it for you
If you care about me
then just ignore me.
[cell phone buzzing]
An-na, it's been ages!
What do you mean?
Who's in critical condition?
[An-na] Your sisters didn't tell you
that your mother is sick?
[sighs] I know they cut ties with you,
but how could they not tell you?
-[dial tone ringing]
-[somber music playing]
[doorbell chimes]
[doorbell chimes]
Hey, it's me! Where's Mom?
Which hospital is she in?
I'll go there right now.
[sister] Don't come. Mom is fine now.
Where is she?
You should've told me
that Mom was in critical condition.
You're not even family. Why do you care?
What?
[sister] How dare you call me
after cutting ties with us and leaving?
This is a family matter,
so we'll handle it.
-Mind your own business.
-[cell phone beeps]
Wait. [breathes shakily]
Hey! [sobs]
[somber music continues]
One ticket for Duson Terminal, please.
There are no tickets for that destination.
The last bus just left.
What?
[music fades]
[sighs]
[dial tone ringing]
[sighs]
[dial tone continues ringing]
[dial tone clicks]
Hi.
It's me, Bun-hong.
Are you Mi-ji or Mi-rae?
Ah, Mi-ji.
[exhales]
[soft pensive music playing]
[chuckles] I
I've just done something very stupid!
I got on the wrong bus
and ended up very far from home.
[chuckles]
So I won't be able to get home today.
Please tell Ho-su that tomorrow morning
I'll get the first bus back home.
So could you tell him to lock up
before going to bed?
Ah. [laughs]
The truth is,
I had a small fight with Ho-su today.
Don't tell him that I told you.
Yes, thank you.
[cell phone beeps]
[soft pensive music continues]
[music fades]
[groans]
[intriguing quirky music playing]
-We were classmates
-She's my girlfriend.
So you lied because of me?
That's not what I meant.
Let's head back.
Jeez! Am I a compulsive liar or something?
Why did I lie about that?
[breathes deeply]
This must be a new record.
How could I disappoint him as soon
as he introduced me as his girlfriend?
-[music fades]
-[whimpers]
Why is nothing working out today?
-[cell phone buzzing]
-[gasps]
MR. PARK SANG-YEONG
Hmm?
MR. PARK SANG-YEONG
-[exhales]
-[buzzing continues]
Why is he suddenly calling me?
MI-RAE! I LOVE YOU!
[Mi-ji] Why did that jerk
call out of the blue?
Is he really returning soon?
I need to back out of
this new HQ project before he does.
CONFIDENTIAL
How do I do that
without getting in trouble?
[sighs]
[clears throat]
Excuse me, sir.
[Sang-yeong] Hello.
[employee 1] Mr. Park!
Hey, you're back!
[employee 2] Sang-yeong!
-[employee 3] Oh my.
-[employee 4] Oh my gosh!
-[overlapping chatter]
-[employee 2] You're back already?
-Welcome back.
-[Sang-yeong] How have you been?
-[Gyeong-min] You look great.
-[Sang-yeong] Oh, come on. I'm still
[Myeong-min] You look good.
-[employee 2] How have you been?
-[Mi-ji] That guy is Park Sang-yeong?
-[Gyeong-min] How have you been?
-[employee 4] How was it?
[dramatic sorrowful music playing]
[inaudible]
[laughs]
-[Gyeong-min] How have you been?
-Well, I
How have you been?
[dramatic sorrowful music continues]
[Mi-rae] If you were to meet
someone who looks just like Dad,
how do you think you'd feel?
Dad? That's a random question.
[music calms]
[Mi-ji] Well
I think I'd be surprised,
and then I'd feel happy.
I would want to talk to him
and spend time with him.
Even if he's not our dad
and he just looks like him?
I'd know that in my head,
but I think I'd still be drawn to him.
What about you?
How do you think you'd feel?
I would hope that he's a good person,
like our dad.
[music intensifies]
[breathes heavily]
[sobs]
MI-JI
[sobs]
[music concludes]
[caregiver] One, two, three. My goodness.
[chuckles] I used to fold
your thermals like that, you know.
Grandma, I'm going back to Seoul now.
Will you come back soon?
Or are you going to stay in Seoul?
I don't know.
Why don't you know?
You're the one making the decision.
Grandma
If I decide
to stay here like I am right now,
would it be too pathetic?
If I say no,
won't it be pathetic?
You're right. I just feel pathetic.
[gentle music playing]
I feel like I keep making
the same mistake.
Mistake?
[Mi-rae] I shouldn't be relying on someone
just because I'm having
a tough time right now.
I already went through this before.
But I keep wanting to trust that person.
I feel so pathetic.
I feel
very pathetic too.
I can't even use the restroom by myself.
Grandma, you can't help that, though.
You can't help how you feel either.
Don't call yourself pathetic.
[gentle music continues]
[music fades]
[lively chatter]
[door slides open]
Ma'am, I'm here.
Can we get more water here?
[Ho-su] Okay.
[Chung-gu]
Hyeon Sang-wol. You know her, right?
Why are you bringing up
a dead person's name out of the blue?
I heard you two were like family
up until she died.
You're even talking to me
just because I mentioned her name.
Sell your restaurant to KFMC.
Then you'll never have to see me
or hear the name Hyeon Sang-wol again.
I already declined
through my legal representative.
Did Ho-su tell you
that everything was settled?
[dark intriguing music playing]
Do you two know each other?
[Chung-gu] He didn't tell you?
He was my favorite junior colleague.
[Ho-su] Enjoy your meal.
Ma'am, you said you had a favor to ask.
Should I come back later if you're busy?
You don't have to. I figured it out.
Pardon?
What was it about?
[Ro-sa]
You don't need to worry about that.
You can go now.
[music fades]
Ms. Yu.
I'm sorry if I startled you.
You seemed uncomfortable inside
because of the other people.
Why
Can I talk to you in private at lunch?
It won't take long.
[exhales]
So what did you want to talk about?
I heard earlier that you were in charge
of the new HQ project.
Is it true?
Yes, so what?
I was actually in charge of that project.
So before I officially
start working again,
I thought it'd be better
if we sorted things out first.
To be honest, I was a bit surprised
when I heard you volunteered for it.
Are you saying that I can't work on it
because it was your project?
No, Ms. Yu. That's not what I meant.
You already know this,
but everyone steers clear of that project.
People feel uncomfortable because
it's a task force led by the director.
And if things don't go well,
there's a chance that someone
on the very bottom would be blamed.
Just like Su-yeon.
That's why I decided to volunteer for it,
so when I heard you took over,
I was surprised.
I didn't mean it like that.
Don't get the wrong idea.
So how did you want to sort things out?
I think
it's best if one of us
stops working on the project.
It'll give people less reason to gossip.
You want me to step down?
If I back out right now,
the company will find a way
to use that against me.
I can back out.
-Pardon?
-[Sang-yeong] I heard that
you worked very hard on it
while I was away.
It sounds like you made
a lot of progress too.
If you're willing to take the risk
and see this through
then I'll back out.
But if you're not backing out
because you're worried
about the repercussions,
then I can take care of that for you.
Either way, I'll make sure
you're not put in a difficult position.
Do whatever you want to do.
Why would you go that far for me?
You mentioned before
that I look a lot like your late father.
You said you still miss him sometimes
because he was such a good person.
That's probably why you trusted me
so much and relied on me.
But I feel like I didn't live up
to your expectations.
I feel bad about that.
I'll back out.
But in exchange, please make sure
that I don't get penalized in any way.
Oh, okay. I will.
I have something to give you.
It's not much, but
It's a bookmark.
Mi-rae helped me pick it out yesterday.
I don't know if you'll like it.
It's what Mi-rae liked.
What are you talking about? When did I
I'm sorry.
That must've sounded confusing.
I was talking about my Mi-rae.
My daughter.
[soft pensive music playing]
Gosh, Mi-rae has grown so much
in a short period of time.
I've heard that other kids
always ask for their moms,
but she's such a Daddy's girl.
She's always asking for me
when she's playing or sleeping.
Mi-ji.
[tender music playing]
[Mi-ji's father]
Knock, knock. Can I come in?
[young Mi-ji sobs]
[MI-ji's father] Goodness.
Mi-ji.
Why are you pouting?
Do you want to give me a kiss?
Gosh, you're not even looking at me.
I guess I should just
go see Mi-rae at the hospital again.
[music fades]
[cries]
Okay. I'm sorry.
Gosh, I'm sorry. I was just kidding.
Goodness.
What made you so upset and sad, Mi-ji?
You and Mom only like Mi-rae.
I wish I was sick too.
-[sniffles]
-[soft tender music playing]
You're jealous of Mi-rae?
Mi-ji.
Can I tell you a secret?
Mi-rae said she envies you
more than anyone else in the world.
Why?
Because you can hold your breath
underwater for more than a minute.
Plus, you can drink whole milk.
You can even do a handstand too.
Mi-rae cried
and said that she wants to be like you.
[whimpers]
Sweetie, give me your hand.
Mi-rae collected
all the sky blue ones for you.
She wouldn't give me a single one.
[sniffles]
Mi-ji.
Even when I'm not with you,
you and Mi-rae
are still both my favorites, okay?
[soft tender music continues]
[cell phone buzzes]
MI-RAE
[music fades]
[Mi-ji] Hello.
What are you doing?
Are you getting ready to come back?
Yes. Why?
Has something happened at the office?
No, I'm just calling.
I was just curious
if you were wrapping things up.
Have you decided what to do?
No, I haven't fully decided yet,
but I have an idea.
What is it?
I'll tell you later.
It's too early to tell you.
[Mi-ji]
Then who would you talk to about it?
Is it something you would have
spoken to Dad about?
What?
I met Park Sang-yeong.
[soft melancholic music playing]
Mi-ji
I don't know what he told you, but
[Mi-ji] Mi-rae.
I don't care about what he says
or what the rumor says.
What I want to know
is your side of the story, Mi-rae.
Even if you can't tell anyone else,
you can be honest with me.
So why aren't you telling me? Why?
[Mi-rae] Because no one believes me.
No matter how much I insisted
that it isn't true, no one believed me.
But if you don't believe me either,
then I really
But I know. [breathes shakily]
No one else in the world
may understand you,
but I know it's because of Dad.
[sighs] I told myself I'd spit
in the face of that darn Park Sang-yeong
if I ever met him.
But when I finally saw him
I started tearing up.
[sobs]
I knew he wasn't our dad,
but I couldn't even talk right,
like an idiot.
You must've felt the same way, Mi-rae.
So why didn't you tell me, you idiot?
Because I felt like a fool.
I feel so stupid for letting
someone like him remind me of Dad
and for wanting him to be a good person.
You're so
What is wrong with us?
We couldn't even tell each other
that we missed Dad,
so we ended up [sobs]
[continues sobbing]
[Mi-ji continues sobbing]
[music fades]
[Ho-su] Mi-ji. Yesterday, I
[sighs]
Are you free tomorrow?
I'm sorry.
[footsteps approaching]
Your cellphone
is practically attached to you
now that you're in a relationship.
No, I
So, why did you want to see me so late?
You said you were helping someone
last time. Are you done with that?
If you are,
then you should go for an interview.
You know A&A, right?
It's not one of the top three firms,
but it's a decent one.
Gosh, it's not just decent.
It's a great place.
[Secretary Hwang] Hmm.
But
Mr. Lee has probably
already spoken to them about me
[Secretary Hwang] Mr. Lee.
He's not the only one
with connections, you know?
I have them too.
The lawyer I worked for
as a newbie is a partner there.
I've already told them about you,
so you should go for an interview.
Did you also tell them
how I ended up quitting?
Gosh, I recommended you,
so they won't even care about that!
[Gyeong-min] Let's go eat.
SENIOR SPECIALIST YU MI-RAE
-[gentle music playing]
-[Mi-rae] I'm ready now.
So I'll take care of the rest myself
when I'm back.
Don't worry.
Why aren't you eating lunch?
I'm just organizing my desk.
You looked like you were having
a hard time yesterday.
Will you be okay handling
the new HQ project with Mr. Park back?
I backed out of that.
-Pardon?
-Even without Mr. Park,
I would've dropped the project anyway.
Why, though?
You worked so hard on it.
I don't know how much longer
I'll keep working here,
so I don't see the point
in working so hard.
Starting next week,
I'm going to live a little differently.
So don't be surprised
if I act like someone else.
I mean, I'm totally fine.
Mm.
Thank you for being so nice to me, Tae-i.
From now on
please be even nicer to me.
[paper rustling]
[cell phone buzzes]
[music fades]
HO-SU
[Ho-su] Do you have time after work today?
You look awful. My gosh.
Step aside.
[door closes]
What is it? What do you want?
I came to help you wash your greasy hair.
Got a problem?
Gosh, that's okay.
I can go to a hair salon.
Like hell you will.
As if you'd go to a hair salon
looking like that.
Come on. Hurry up.
What's the point of having a great son?
You don't have anyone
to help you wash your hair.
Why did Ho-su go back so soon
when he doesn't even work now?
I told him to hurry up and go back.
I didn't want him
to see me looking like a mess.
Jeez, you're not dating him.
[chuckles]
[Ok-hui] Why are you shy
around your own son?
Sometimes, when I look at you two,
I feel like I'm watching
an educational show instead of a family.
You're always so polite
and proper to each other.
Even actors don't act like that.
Ah [grunts]
What I'm saying is
Ho-su isn't like other kids his age.
He's so calm and collected.
Was Ho-su's dad that quiet?
[Bun-hong] No, Ho-su's mom was.
[chuckles] Jeez.
Quiet? The chaotic Yeom Bun-hong?
He's not like you at all.
You're being ridiculous.
Not me.
Ho-su's biological mom.
[Bun-hong chuckles]
Hey.
What are you talking about?
I'm not Ho-su's mom.
Ho-su's dad remarried.
-[soft tender music playing]
-[Bun-hong chuckles] I knew it.
I knew you were sharp.
I tried acting like a mom,
but I never knew how to.
No matter how hard I tried,
I was just a poor imitation.
We probably never even seemed
like a real family.
My gosh.
Hey.
You don't have to give birth to be a mom.
You just give them your DNA.
There are so many people
who don't deserve to be parents.
Giving birth doesn't
automatically make you a mom.
Take me, for example.
I gave birth to two kids,
but I can't even tell them apart.
[giggles]
I saw how you raised your son.
An "imitation"?
You think you can raise a kid
the way you did by imitating other moms?
Bun-hong.
You raised Ho-su all by yourself.
If you two aren't a real family,
then who in the world is?
What are you doing? Bend over.
[Bun-hong]
Make sure you rinse it properly.
It all got into my eyes.
[Ok-hui] I'm doing a pretty good job,
so stop complaining.
[Bun-hong]
I should just go take a shower instead.
[music fades]
I'm ready, so talk.
Ready for what?
I'm ready to listen to whatever
you have to say, so go ahead.
Mm
Should I just go first?
[exhales]
I lied because I was embarrassed.
What?
Before, I said I lied because
I didn't want you to be embarrassed.
But honestly, I lied
because I'm the one who was embarrassed.
[sighs] I was flustered because no one's
ever asked what my job was before.
Everyone in Duson-ri knows
that I'm unemployed.
And I pretended to be Mi-rae in Seoul.
If you'd said I was just a friend,
I might not have lied.
But as your girlfriend,
I couldn't bring myself
to say I'm unemployed.
[sighs heavily]
I'm sorry I'm like this.
There are so many things
I have never done,
so there's a lot that I don't know.
I didn't even know
we were a couple until then.
We weren't a couple?
How would I know?
I've never dated anyone before.
We were hanging out like it was a date,
but since you were so quiet,
I assumed you were bored.
It seemed like you were in a bad mood.
I felt like you saw me as one
of those restaurants that had shut down.
I was sick that day.
You were sick?
From straining yourself that day?
I wasn't feeling great
even before I left for Seoul.
I had a fever, and my body ached.
Did you catch a cold that night
when you were waiting for me?
Why didn't you tell me?
I didn't want to be a burden.
What?
I got sick just because
I was outside for a while.
I couldn't even wander around with you
like you wanted.
When we were choosing a destination,
you first had to check
if there were any hills or stairs.
In the future, there will be more days
when I'm a burden to you.
So at least for our first date
I just wanted to be a normal boyfriend.
[tender pop song playing]
[sighs]
I criticized you for lying
when I couldn't even bring myself
to tell you that I wasn't feeling well.
I'm sorry.
[singing in Korean]
I'm sorry too.
[Mi-ji exhales]
It's a little late, but I look forward
to spending time with you.
[singing in Korean continues]
[singing in Korean continues]
[chuckles softly]
[groans]
[singing in Korean continues]
[singing in Korean continues]
[singing in Korean continues]
[Ho-su] Maybe what I really wanted
wasn't to become a perfect person or pair,
but rather one complete whole.
Broken pieces that embrace each other
and make up for each other's shortcomings
somehow become one unconventional whole.
[song concludes]
Hey, there.
What did you want to talk about?
I'm nervous.
I've been thinking
about that option you mentioned before.
-[cell phone buzzing]
-Hold on. Let me take this call.
I'll be right back. Warm up by the heater.
Hello? Yes.
TO: MI-RAE
FROM: SECRET SANTA
Well, look who it is! Yu Candy is here!
[Mi-rae] Ah.
Where did Se-jin go?
He went to take a quick phone call.
I see.
Are you planning to take over this place?
-Pardon?
-[Myeong-gap] You're not?
I heard Se-jin is looking
for someone to take over after him.
-Someone to take over?
-He didn't tell you?
He said he doesn't think he'll be able
to finish this year's farming.
So he's looking for someone to take over.
[grumbles] Why did he make such a fuss
about those new varieties
when he wasn't even going
to see things through?
-He's so fickle. [chuckles]
-[pensive music playing]
Why can't he see things through?
I don't know.
I didn't get all the details.
I think he's going to the States
to start working again or something.
Excuse me.
[Myeong-gap] You're leaving?
[music fades]
I should've taken you home.
Oh, that would be silly.
Why would you take me home again
when I already walked you home?
We would be going back and forth.
I'm almost home now.
I'll shower and call you again after.
Okay.
[Mi-ji muttering]
[gasps] You scared me.
Tae-i?
What brings you here?
We need to talk.
What do you want
to talk about at this hour?
And how did you know where I live?
It's something I couldn't talk about
at work or over the phone.
Why would you talk about
something like that with me?
Uh, I don't know what it's about,
but it's too late right now.
Let's talk tomorrow during the day.
I'm Kim Su-yeon's younger brother.
[dark intriguing music playing]
[Mi-ji] Pardon?
My older sister is Kim Su-yeon,
the Senior Specialist
who left the company.
[dark intriguing music continues]
[Gyeong-min] What?
Mi-rae agreed to back out that easily?
[Sang-yeong] To be honest,
it wasn't an easy decision for her.
But when I begged her,
she fortunately agreed.
Good work, Mr. Park.
This wasn't the original plan,
but somehow things went sideways.
[Gyeong-min clears throat]
You heard that
the contractor has been decided, right?
Yes, I heard
Sihan Construction was selected.
The project has gotten even bigger
than I thought.
-We can't afford to have any issues.
-Yes, sir.
[sighs] We should've gotten rid
of any potential risks
before finalizing the contractor.
If you're talking about Ms. Yu
[chuckles] I don't think
you need to worry, given her personality.
[Gyeong-min] You have no idea, do you?
She's been acting strange
ever since you went abroad.
Don't you think so, sir?
-She does seem different from usual.
-[Gyeong-min] Gosh.
We need to transfer Mi-rae
to the Childal Branch
before she causes trouble.
I don't know what's gotten into her.
She used to just stare at the wall,
but now she's a different person.
Maybe there are two people
that look like one.
What do you mean?
I heard that Ms. Yu has a twin.
An identical twin.
A twin?
[music concludes]
[tense music playing]
Ms. Yu, can we talk?
[Gyeong-min] Ms. Yu.
You're not busy right now, are you?
Come with me.
SECURITY OFFICE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROOM
What is it?
[scoffs] It's nothing. I'm just amazed.
RESTRICTED AREA
[Mi-ji] Why are we
at the data processing room?
The director said there's something
he needs to check in the call recordings.
Hello, sir.
I'm sorry to bother you
so early in the morning.
[music fades]
What are you waiting for? Scan it.
Pardon?
DATA PROCESSING ROOM
Scan your fingerprint.
[suspenseful music playing]
Why are you asking me to do it
when you can do it?
[Gyeong-min] Ah.
My finger's like this, so I can't.
Hurry up and scan it.
[Tae-gwan] What?
Did you hurt finger too?
Or
is there another reason why you can't?
[music intensifies]
[suspenseful music continues]
YU MI-JI
[employee]
If this is true, it'll be chaos.
[Gyeong-min] Did you upload that post
to the anonymous forum?
-[Mi-rae] About what?
-Reporting the company.
[Mi-rae] Why do I have to fight?
[Se-jin] You said you needed
to tell me something.
Why can't I reach you?
Did something happen?
[Ro-sa] Have you heard
of an adult guardianship?
I'll give you a bit of money
for the trouble, so think about it.
[Ho-su] If you're going back
because you got nowhere to stay,
then sleep here.
May I take a look?
Your old hairstyle was pretty too.
It looked pretty even when it was shorter.
You look pretty.
-[singing in Korean]
-[mellow pop song playing]
Subtitle translation by Jane Jung
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