Our Unwritten Seoul (2025) s01e10 Episode Script

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
[Ro-sa in Korean] I still find myself
thinking about that moment.
[boy] Shoot.
[soft melancholic music playing]
[pants]
Hyeon Sang-wol! I know you're here.
Come out now.
PRESENTS FROM AMERICA
[girl] Hey!
Sang-wol went to the rooftop a minute ago.
-[boy 2] Darn it.
-The rooftop?
Don't "hey" us.
[Ro-sa] The moment when you,
who devoured every book
and carried around a thick dictionary
[music turns uplifting]
[girl] They're gone.
[Ro-sa] chose to open
the pages of my book,
pages no one had bothered to read.
[uplifting music continues]
[girl] There. "Sang-wol."
Lucky you. Ro-sa isn't in here.
Look.
It's okay. From now on, I'll read for you.
"Sangwol."
-"A term for frost and the moon."
-[Ro-sa] The moment my foggy world
-"The cold moon on a frosty night."
-became clear because of your voice.
[uplifting music continues]
[grunts, exhales]
[sighs]
If you hadn't opened my book then, maybe
FAMOUS POET KIM RO-SA EXPOSED
I would never have waited
POEMS BY KIM RO-SA
for someone else to read me.
EPISODE 10
READING YOU
[music fades]
[Mi-ji] Are you sure you'll be okay?
Take a few more days off.
[Mi-rae] No, I'm good.
I have a lot to do.
[Mi-ji] Should I go instead?
I'll just say I got a haircut.
Wipe the sleep out of your eyes first.
I'm just worried.
Everyone will be gossiping again at work.
It's fine. My mind is clear now.
See you later.
[Mi-ji] You really don't want me
to come with you?
What if that jerk is holding a grudge
and is waiting for you?
He's probably too busy
to wait around for me.
[door lock beeps]
[door lock beeps, chimes]
Sexual harassment?
Why is she bringing up something
that's already been settled?
Ms. Yu was supposed to be transferred
to the Childal branch.
But the person who filed the report
can't be transferred.
She used the rule to her advantage.
Still, you were unfairly accused.
Why do you have to switch teams?
They're acting like you're guilty
when nothing's been settled.
It is what it is.
It's unfair, but rules are rules.
I'll be back
once the investigation is over.
I know you'll be short-staffed
while I'm away,
but hang in there.
But you just got back.
[door opens]
Here she comes.
[soft pensive music playing]
Did she just scoff?
Gosh. What the heck?
I heard you pressed charges
against Mr. Park.
Did something happen?
No. I just finally did the homework
I'd been putting off.
If you ever need help, please let me know.
[Mi-rae] It won't be right away,
but I plan to do the homework
you gave me too.
Why the change of heart?
Did my sister ask you to?
[chuckles softly] You know she's not
the type to ask for such a favor.
It was my decision.
So you're in this with me?
But I'll do it my way, at my own pace.
I don't want to lose a fight
I already lost once.
[door lock beeps]
Ta-da!
[music fades]
Here's a little thank-you
for making the trip to the police station.
And this is a bribe
for handling Mi-rae's lawsuit.
There's also a bagel.
[exhales]
Okay. Talk.
[quirky music playing]
You can't just recklessly jump
into a situation like that.
-You should've called me
-Hey.
I can beat you in a fight easily.
[scoffs] Maybe you can, but that guy
Beating him
would still be a problem. Listen.
You should settle things
with words or the law,
not with your fists.
What if you had really gotten hurt?
If they'd considered it assault,
you could've
I get it, mister. Just eat.
I won't do it again.
[sighs]
It's good, right?
[Mi-ji giggles]
What were you even doing there?
Were you on a stakeout or something?
-Not at all.
-[music fades]
Mom pushed me
to come to Seoul, so I did,
and that's what I ran into.
I think she had a hunch.
Maybe it was some
hidden maternal instinct.
So, you'll be staying in Seoul?
Yes, probably for a little while.
You said you felt
like you didn't belong here.
What changed your mind?
I don't know.
I still don't have anything to do here.
Maybe it's because of Mom.
-Your mom?
-Yes.
When I was living in Seoul
without telling Mom,
I felt so uneasy and anxious.
But when she told me to go,
I suddenly felt at peace,
as if I had gotten her permission
or something.
[chuckles] Funny, right?
Since when do I need Mom's permission?
Maybe you just wanted confirmation,
not permission.
That your mom's okay without you.
[tender music playing]
Why am I like this at 30?
Anyway, for the time being,
get used to seeing me around.
What if you wake me up crying again?
Hey. Aw
-Seriously?
-[groans]
I'm going to eat this.
Mm.
[Ok-hui] What do you mean
Mom's not doing well?
[caregiver]
It's not that she's sick or anything,
but she doesn't have much energy
and hasn't been eating.
So I was wondering when Mi-ji is coming.
Could she drop by, even just for a bit?
I think she'll eat something
if Mi-ji's here.
[scoffs]
That's not Mi-ji's responsibility.
If Mom's not eating,
you should get her to do it.
You know how stubborn she is.
I thought she might listen to Mi-ji.
Mi-ji won't be around for a while.
She's got something to do.
Okay.
Please take good care of her.
All right.
Your mom's not doing well?
Goodness gracious.
Why do you eavesdrop on people's calls?
You were talking loudly.
Where did Mi-ji go?
Seoul.
What? Why is she there?
Does she need to have a reason?
I told her to go and stay with Mi-rae.
Your mom's not doing well.
Ask her to come back for a few days.
Like you said, I'm her daughter,
and Mi-ji's just a granddaughter.
She deserves to live her own life.
[giggles softly]
What?
Moments like this remind me
of the true purpose of education.
People do change.
[gasps] Even you can grow as a person.
[in playful voice] I'm so proud.
-[chuckles]
-Are you making fun of me?
But shouldn't you at least drop by?
When old folks stop eating,
that's serious.
You should get her to eat something.
You can't eat around someone you dislike.
Nothing goes down.
[Bun-hong] Who does she dislike? You?
Jeez.
Why would you think that?
You're her daughter.
You don't get it. [clicks tongue]
I can't believe this is happening
right after Mi-ji left.
Don't think like that.
What are you, a teenager?
You're too old now. Go see your mom.
Fine. Let me get back to my business.
You're acting like a kid.
[toiled flushes]
-[customer] How much is it?
-[Ro-sa] Oh.
-It's 24,000 won.
-Thanks for the meal.
-It's 24,000 won.
-All right.
Here you go.
[bell dings]
-Thanks. It was great.
-Excuse me.
I forgot my glasses today.
-[customer] Okay.
-Could you read something for me?
[customer] Sure!
You see the poetry book?
This article with the photo.
Let's see.
"Famous Poet Kim Ro-sa Exposed."
"The Talented Ms. Ripley
Who Stole Someone's Entire Life."
"Kim Ro-sa, a poet loved
for her warm lyricism,
is now suspected of being an imposter
living under the name of the late poet."
[ominous music playing]
"An acquaintance from
the late poet's orphanage
allegedly took possession
of her building, royalties, and assets"
It's nothing special. You can go.
Okay. Thank you.
-[music builds]
-[door closes]
[music fades]
FAMOUS POET KIM RO-SA EXPOSED
Is this true? You're not spreading
false information, are you?
-[dark intriguing music playing]
-It's a suspicion based on facts.
Didn't you ask me to do whatever it takes?
[Tae-gwan] But what do we gain
by stirring up this mess?
Making noise in the media
won't change the landowner's mind.
It doesn't look
like she'll change her mind,
so I'm trying to change the owner.
Pardon?
How can we
The late poet Kim Ro-sa left behind
more than just a name.
There's the restaurant, assets,
and her only son.
They should all go back
to the rightful owner.
Does the son want to sell the building?
His uncle does.
Kim Ro-sa's son is legally incompetent,
so even if he gets the inheritance,
he still needs his guardian's consent.
His uncle volunteered to be his guardian.
An investigative TV show
covering this issue is airing today,
so an official investigation
will begin soon.
Taking legal action
will probably be much faster
than trying to change her mind.
[music fades]
RESTROOM
[indistinct chatter]
What were you talking about?
There's a sign saying
they're hiring, so I asked.
But they want men
because the job requires heavy lifting.
Have you always wanted
to work in a restaurant?
Not at all. I just need to make money.
I have to do something while I'm here.
Then you don't need to rush to get a job.
There are more opportunities
in Seoul than in Duson-ri.
You've done all kinds of part-time jobs,
so you have a lot of options.
Do something you actually want to do.
Mm. Something I want to do?
[Ho-su] Is there anything
you're interested in, even just a little?
Mm.
Do you like being a lawyer?
[hesitates] I wouldn't say I like it
but I wanted to become one.
Why was that?
You did well in school.
You could've become anything.
[chuckles]
This feels like a law school interview.
At the interview,
I said, "to pursue social justice,"
but if I'm being honest
Uh
Because it's a good job?
Do I sound too shallow?
No, it is a good job.
But what if you suddenly couldn't work
as a lawyer anymore?
Like, you couldn't work in law at all.
What would you do?
Is there anything you're interested in,
even just a little?
[chuckles] Okay. I admit I asked
a tough question to answer.
No, don't get me wrong.
I'm just really curious.
I've never thought
about anything else since I quit running.
Then let's try to find out together.
I'll think about
what else I could do besides law.
[Mi-ji] Okay.
[suspenseful music playing]
[Mi-ji] I did plenty
of physical labor, though.
MURDERER STEALS
POET KIM RO-SA'S IDENTITY FOR MONEY
[suspenseful music continues]
[cell phone buzzing]
[music fades]
[buzzing continues]
Hello?
[woman] I'm Inspector Im Chae-rim
from the Seoul Western District
Prosecutors' Office. Is this Kim Ro-sa?
-[tense music playing]
-Yes, this is she.
[woman] I'm calling because
you didn't respond to our text.
We'd like you to come in for questioning
regarding a criminal allegation.
Would you be available sometime this week?
[hesitates]
A crime? What do you mean?
[woman] Numerous tips were received
after the news report.
We're investigating
allegations of identity theft
[cell phone closes]
POWER OFF
[cell phone buzzes, chimes]
[music concludes]
JOB POSTINGS
-[gasps]
-[Ho-su] Come on.
CAREER ROADMAP
Why are you looking at job postings again?
We agreed to just read today.
Look.
Teen Career Guide.
Finding Your Dream in Your Teens.
Career Coaching for Kids.
Just reading the titles makes me anxious.
Do you know what it feels like
to start ten years late?
Don't judge by the titles. Just read them.
I picked out the good ones
after reading them first.
What about you?
You said you were going to look
for careers outside of law,
so what's this?
"Why I Chose a Career in Law"? Seriously?
I couldn't answer your question last time.
Maybe that's why I'm hesitant
about joining A&A.
I figured I should really think about it
before I start officially.
Gosh.
You really live
a tiring, hardworking, but admirable life.
[chuckles]
[Mi-ji] I'll just
keep doing things my way.
Wow!
They pay 150,000 won
for a bioequivalence test? Amazing.
Why don't you try using an app?
Where did you even find these?
Analog has its own special charm.
Print ads feel more
desperate.
Like they really need me.
Digital ads need you just as much.
Don't be so stubborn.
I'll just
Oh
What is it?
This
seems to be about Ms. Ro-sa.
What?
POET KIM RO-SA
ACCUSED OF IDENTITY THEF
FILED A FALSE DEATH REPOR
TO SEIZE ASSETS?
[somber music playing]
[brother-in-law, distorted voice]
She had a baby and things were fine,
but then she suddenly disappeared.
My whole family
searched the entire country for her.
But when my brother finally found them
that woman killed him.
[host] After filing her own death report,
the ex-convict took the poet's name.
She put her friend's son
in a psychiatric hospital
and lived as Kim Ro-sa for over 30 years.
The poet's life savings, the royalties
from her best-selling poetry book,
and even the restaurant
she ran to make a living
The fake Kim Ro-sa took
everything the real one left behind.
Oh
-[host] A publisher who had met her
-[Mi-ji sighs]
thinking she was
the real Kim Ro-sa, said
[somber music continues]
Is this the place from the TV show?
-Must be. Why else would it be closed?
-Oh my.
-[gasps] I ate here a few times.
-[woman 1 gasps]
-[woman 2] Gosh. I've got chills!
-[woman 1] Really? Goodness.
-[woman 2] How could someone do that?
-[woman 1] I know.
[woman 2] Should a criminal like her
be allowed to run a restaurant?
[woman 1] Of course not.
[somber music continues]
[Mi-ji] Ms. Ro-sa.
Are you in there?
I don't think she's home.
What if she collapsed again
and she's on her own?
-Should we call the police?
-[Ho-su] No. Ms. Ro-sa!
If you're home, please open the door.
[fast knocking on door]
[Ho-su] Ma'am.
[Mi-ji] Ms. Ro-sa.
[Ro-sa] It's all over now.
[Ho-su] Ms. Ro-sa!
[music fades]
[page rustling]
This isn't just any case.
It's a sexual harassment case.
If you want, you can take paid leave
until the investigation is over.
Would you like to do that?
No.
Are you sure?
We've separated the other party from you,
but since it happened
within the same department,
things might still get uncomfortable.
If I go on leave now,
everyone will think
I'm running away from this.
I doubt that.
If you stay quiet and out of sight,
people don't believe you.
[tense music playing]
I'm already swamped,
and I still had to go
to the police station.
What for? The harassment case?
You'll all get called in.
The whole department is a mess
thanks to a nutjob.
[employee] What if
something actually happened?
What do you mean?
It's not just any accusation.
She pressed charges for sexual harassment.
Who would go that far just out of spite?
Didn't you hear what Mr. Park said?
She did it to avoid going to Childal.
That incident was already over.
She just withdrew the complaint.
Nothing was settled.
Something feels off.
[Gyeong-min] What's gotten into you?
[music fades]
Mi-rae!
Se-jin?
[sighs] I finally found you.
[Se-jin]
Did you just see that lane change?
I'm not great with stick shifts,
but I'm actually a good driver.
How did you get to Seoul?
I drove my truck.
I nearly died three times on the highway.
Then what about this car?
[Se-jin] Remember what you said last time?
That I wouldn't recognize you
if I saw you in Seoul.
That stuck with me,
so I waited around Gwanghwamun
for two days.
But I couldn't find you.
Everyone looked so similar,
with their outfits and hairstyles.
So I figured
it'd be faster for you to find me.
-That's why I brought this car.
-You could've just called.
Mi-ji would've given you my number.
You think I didn't think of that?
That's why I wore sunglasses,
out of embarrassment.
Don't you believe in chance encounters
that feel like fate?
You have no sense of romance.
Why did you want to see me?
[scoffs] Jeez.
You left me hanging
after saying you had something to tell me.
You even promised you'd let me know
before going to Seoul.
Sorry. I had some things to deal with.
Looks like we both have a lot to say.
Can you make time for me tomorrow?
-You can talk now.
-Come on. Just a day.
I came all this way, risking my life.
Let's just think of it
as a one-day workshop
and spend a day together, okay?
Will you show up in this car?
Will you meet me if I do?
-No. Only if you leave it behind.
-[in English] Okay.
[in Korean]
Then we'll spend the entire day together.
Wait, the entire day?
You want me to bring this car?
See you in the morning.
This car is not supposed to be a threat.
When did driving cars like this one
become a bad thing?
[gentle music playing]
[Mi-rae exhales]
What's so funny?
So this is your usual look.
Let's go. We don't have much time.
Hello.
Gosh, Se-jin! Long time no see.
This is my business partner.
[florist] Nice to meet you.
-Here, take this.
-No, I
Take it. It suits you.
[Se-jin] It's pretty.
-She got this to celebrate your opening.
-Oh, right.
Thank you.
[upbeat music playing]
[Se-jin] Mm! It's sweet.
This is my business partner.
Ah. Nice to meet you.
-[chef] Enjoy.
-[Mi-rae] Thank you.
It's so good.
Jeez, who comes to a brewery
and drinks Coke?
Enjoy, Mi-rae.
You seem to know
all the owners wherever we go.
-[music fades]
-It's not that I know the owners.
My friends became the owners.
-Oh
-[Se-jin] They were all office workers.
But now they're running
their own businesses.
Ah, looks like
things worked out for everyone.
Don't even get me started.
Every time we drank,
they'd cry about why nobody
stopped them from quitting their jobs.
Even that one was barely scraping by
until last year.
The chocolate shop owner's first shop
went under, so that is his second.
They're all amazing.
I wonder where they get the courage.
I know. Where does it come from?
[inhales deeply] I guess that's the thing.
They all started from the bottom,
so even if they hit rock bottom again,
they believe they can climb back up.
This really is a workshop.
You wanted me to see them.
[tapping on table]
Originally, I just wanted to show you
what it means to throw money around.
But your reaction to the car
wasn't great, so I switched gears.
[chuckles softly]
You said you had no one in Seoul
to give strawberries to.
I wanted you to meet some nice people.
[gentle music playing]
Now that you've met them,
put whatever you want on my tab.
[chuckles softly]
Cheers.
I think I'm getting drunk.
Did you spike this?
[music fades]
[caregiver] I tried, but she's not eating.
Please convince your mom to eat.
[Bun-hong] Oh dear.
[gasps] Look at you eating so well.
How about one more bite?
-Hey.
-[Bun-hong] Oh!
What are you doing?
You're here.
Ok-hui's here.
A FLAVOR KIDS LOVE
[Wol-sun] Ok-hui.
Are you still mad?
Am I someone who's always angry?
[whimpers]
Why did you butt in without telling me?
That was unnecessary.
Jeez.
You butted into my business first.
Is it only "unnecessary" when I do it?
I brought pine nut porridge.
Feed her later.
Old people are just like babies
when it comes to feeding them.
Try to get her to eat gently.
Maybe even smile while you're at it.
[sighs] I've never even done that
for my own kids. How can I
Well, I've never raised a baby.
If I can do it, why can't you?
She wasn't like this before.
Haven't you heard that everyone
turns into a child when they get old?
She's no exception.
Not my mom.
She didn't shed a tear
when she got kicked out by my dad.
Instead, she yelled at me
for not walking fast enough.
[breathes deeply]
I'd never seen that expression
on her face before.
But the thought of her hiding
that expression all this time
[voice trembling] makes me wonder
what I've been resenting all my life.
-[sighs heavily]
-[soft tender music playing]
You're lucky it's not too late.
I never got
much love from my mom either.
Those new clothes I got every season?
Jeez.
My mom thought
I wasn't as good as my sisters,
so she always dressed me well
to save herself the shame.
All my life, I'd been sidelined.
It wasn't until I met Ho-su's dad
that I knew what it was like to be loved.
[both chuckle]
Once I felt that, I finally understood.
Gosh.
You have to be loved
to know how to love.
Then, later on, this thought hit me.
"If
I had loved my mom first
would she have loved me back?"
[hand rubbing]
[Bun-hong] It's too late for me,
but not for you, Ok-hui.
Give her some love before it's too late.
Okay?
[Ok-hui sighs heavily]
[music fades]
POET KIM RO-SA
ACCUSED OF IDENTITY THEF
[sighs]
That's way too detailed.
Who on earth
[doorbell ringing]
Ho-su, come sit. Quick.
[Ho-su] What's going on?
Did you get in touch with Ms. Ro-sa?
First, promise me you won't get mad.
Why would I
Don't tell me you picked the lock.
[sighs] That's illegal
What is this?
SEOUL WESTERN DISTRIC
PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
The prosecutor's office?
Where did you
I went through the trash.
I swear, I was just trying to see
when she'd left the house.
Then I found this.
No, put it back.
And then what?
She threw it away
without even knowing what it was.
If it's important, we should let her know.
Even if she threw it away,
that's theft, a violation of privacy,
and illegal.
It's not the time
to worry about legal stuff.
Does the law know that she can't read?
Does the prosecutor's office know?
Only we know.
-She didn't ask us for help.
-[sighs]
We don't exactly know what's going on.
I'm not sure if we should jump in
Not everyone can ask for help.
Mi-rae didn't tell me about
her situation either until I found out.
[sighs] We have family,
but Ms. Ro-sa has no one.
She probably doesn't even know
how to ask for help.
Is it right to leave her alone
just because she didn't say anything?
I'm going to start breaking
that privacy law or whatever right now.
I'm reading it out loud to myself.
This has nothing to do with you.
If you don't want to hear it,
cover your ears.
"Regarding the criminal case
involving forgery of private documents,
among other charges,
you are requested to appear at Prosecutor
Ko Yeong-hak's office, Room 503."
"It is alleged that you used
another person's name for your own benefit
-for a considerable period"
-Wait.
What's the prosecutor's name?
Ko Yeong-hak.
PROSECUTOR KO YEONG-HAK'S OFFICE
-[scoffs]
-[dark intriguing music playing]
Sir, what brings you here?
Is Mr. Lee here right now?
[Secretary Hwang] Yes.
[Ho-su sighs]
[dark intriguing music continues]
[secretary] Sir, you can't go in.
[Chung-gu] It's fine.
Ho-su.
What brings you here?
Thinking about coming back?
Were you behind everything?
What exactly are you referring to?
You orchestrated
the news articles and TV coverage.
And isn't Prosecutor Ko Yeong-hak,
who's conducting the investigation,
your closest friend from law school?
[chuckles]
Are you saying I pulled strings?
Without any grounds,
that's a dangerous thing to say.
Do you really have to go this far?
Rosa Restaurant
is just one of the many cases you handle.
Why are you targeting someone
with no family or friends?
Why are you so angry?
Did I fabricate a crime?
Ms. Kim Ro-sa No.
Ms. Hyeon Sang-wol's wrongdoings
are only now coming to light.
Sir!
Again, this is the problem with you.
Do you think the law applies differently
to the poor or those without family?
Or are you blindly defending your client?
[inhales deeply]
Then you should've done the same
for Chairman Choi.
Do you
really think Chairman Choi
and Ms. Kim Ro-sa are comparable?
[Chung-gu] What makes them so different?
As lawyers, we should see them as equals.
By the way,
it's Ms. Hyeon Sang-wol, not Kim Ro-sa.
You should get your client's name right.
-[high-pitched ringing]
-[Ho-su groaning]
-[ringing fades]
-[Ho-su groans]
Are you okay? Ho-su.
[Ho-su breathing heavily]
If I'd known what kind of person you are,
I wouldn't have come today.
I don't think I'll be coming back.
[music concludes]
Ms. Ro-sa.
If you're home, please come out.
-Ms. Ro-sa!
-[cell phone buzzes]
Hey, Ho-su.
[Ho-su] KFMC was behind this.
They started the scandal
because of the restaurant.
What does the restaurant
have to do with it?
If the identity theft charges stand,
the ownership could change.
In place of her son,
who's in the nursing home,
they'll probably appoint a guardian
they've already set up.
A guardian?
[gasps]
I'll call you back soon.
[cell phone beeps]
[pensive music playing]
What do you mean I can't?
It's against our policy
to take that type of payments.
I mean I'm just trying to pay
for several months in advance.
Why is that a problem?
Are you really his family?
What?
Ever since that show aired,
we've been flooded with calls.
Someone claiming to be his family
showed up the other day.
It's putting us
in a really difficult position.
I have my reasons.
If you could just let me pay in advance
I'm telling you I can't.
No matter how much you insist, I can't.
Why not?
It's not like she's asking for money.
What's the reason for saying no?
She said she has her reasons.
Does she have to beg?
It's against our policy
[Mi-ji] What policy? Does it even exist?
If it does, show me.
[pensive music continues]
Why were you just standing there?
That's not like you.
What do you know about me?
[Mi-ji] About you?
You shout, you argue,
and you throw salt at people.
You're not the type
to just stand there and take it.
You haven't done anything wrong
Because that's who I really am.
Because I'm not Kim Ro-sa!
-[music fades]
-[sighs heavily]
You must've heard it too.
When an uneducated orphan kills someone
[chuckles softly]
this is what she gets.
[somber music playing]
That's just how it is.
Why should it be like that?
Who are they to punish you?
I've lied my whole life.
Then you should be punished for just that.
People shouldn't disrespect others
like that.
[sighs]
You can come clean about the lies.
It sucks, but you can set things right.
I'll help you.
[sighs]
No one helps others for no reason.
That's the one thing I've learned in life.
Maybe you still have more to learn.
You only just met me.
Ms. Ro-sa.
Don't give up.
You never know what might happen.
Okay?
[music turns uplifting]
[music fades]
[Mi-rae] Wow.
I've never been to an observatory before.
Me neither.
I thought we should wrap up the day
by looking at the stars.
I feel like we've been doing a lot
of stargazing ever since we first met.
What was it you wanted to talk about?
Something about "that option."
It doesn't matter anymore.
I heard you're going to the States.
I haven't decided yet.
How could you just disappear like that
without even hearing me out?
Why are you undecided?
I haven't heard the details,
but it seems like a good opportunity.
Because I haven't discussed it
with my business partner yet.
I'm not the type to juggle
two different things at once.
I wanted to look you in the eye,
talk things through,
and then decide.
[tender music playing]
So
[inhales deeply]
have you made up your mind?
I didn't realize it until you asked
but I guess I want to go.
You've made the right call.
Duson-ri isn't big enough
for someone like you.
You should go back to where you belong.
What about you?
You haven't said what you're going to do.
I'll finish what I need to do on my end
and then think about it.
I can't juggle two things at once either.
[chuckles]
When you're done
do you want to keep working with me?
[chuckles]
But you're going to the States.
Yes. In the States.
[music concludes]
[host] and even the restaurant
she ran to make a living.
The fake Kim Ro-sa took
everything the real one left behind.
Ma'am.
I need you to tell me
which parts of the story are true
and which aren't.
It's not like they made it all up.
Even in a single case,
there can be multiple perspectives.
But your side of the story
matters the most to me.
So feel free to talk.
Gosh.
[Ro-sa sighs]
I don't even know where to begin
I've never told anyone before.
And to you
it might sound bizarre.
[Ho-su] Um
We're not here to judge your life.
We're here to help.
But to do that, as your lawyer,
I need to know the whole story.
[breathes deeply]
[Mi-ji] Ma'am.
It's okay.
Take your time.
My real name
is Hyeon Sang-wol.
[soft wistful music playing]
Ro-sa and I were very different.
Ro-sa was the neighborhood genius,
whereas I couldn't read
even after finishing elementary school.
I'd learned the alphabet,
but for some reason,
I just couldn't do it.
So I only worked jobs
where I didn't have to read.
[man 1] It was written right there
on the envelope.
How could you not know
there was money inside?
-[Sang-wol] I faced unfair situations
-The foreman said
-but I did my best to hide it.
-you were the last one at the office!
[man 2] Where did you hide the money?
[Sang-wol] People forgave a thief
-Forget it.
-but not being able to read
[man 1] You put the money back.
-made you less than human.
-If you can't, call the police right now!
What do you think you're doing?
Who are you?
-Sang-wol, get up.
-[Sang-wol whimpering]
-Only Ro-sa knew everything
-Are you okay?
I'm sorry I came too late.
and never let go of my hand.
-[Ro-sa] Sorry.
-[music fades]
[Ro-sa] The autumn leaves
Have had their moment
-And now, everywhere I walk
-[photographer] Okay, smile.
The ground is soft
-[photographer] One, two. That's lovely.
-With freshly fallen leaves
-"Plum Blossoms in Winter."
-[gentle music playing]
-I'm only renting this house
-[Sang-wol] The book she read
The yard is filled with
-Six or seven kinds of trees
-[Sang-wol] The first poem she wrote
Persimmon, jujube
-Cherry, and grape for fruit
-[Sang-wol] Even the meaning of my name
-And lilac, rose
-[Sang-wol] Ro-sa read them all to me.
-And wisteria for flowers
-Next person!
Smile. One, two
Ah!
One more!
Are you two sisters or friends?
We're twins!
[photographer]
No wonder you look alike.
[giggles]
[photographer] All right, then.
-Isn't this fun?
-[photographer] One, two
[whooshing click]
[gentle music continues]
APRIL 12, 1974
RO-SA AND SANG-WOL
[Ro-sa grunts, mutters]
Hey!
-[Ro-sa] What?
-You should've called me.
-Goodness.
-My gosh.
Let's have some steamed buns.
[Sang-wol] We lived together
after we left the orphanage.
Mm! It's so good.
[Sang-wol] Those were good times.
[both chuckle]
[Sang-wol] When it was just the two of us,
-nothing felt wrong.
-Eat some more.
[music fades]
KIM RO-SA
Are you insane? Why are you burning this?
What's wrong?
She's burning the poem you wrote, Ro-sa.
I told her she could.
I already memorized it.
Let's go.
[mouths] I'm sorry.
[melancholic music playing]
[Sang-wol] I only realized that
once others started moving in with us.
-[man 1] Cheers!
-[man 2] Cheers.
-[man 1] Cheers!
-[man 3] We have so much to eat.
[men grunting contently]
Ro-sa, your poetry
lacks the current zeitgeist.
If you just want to write pretty lines,
-then write children's poems.
-[man 1] I agree.
[men laughing]
[Sang-wol] What felt natural to us
I guess so.
seemed flawed to the rest of the world.
That's why
I like Ro-sa's poems.
[man 1] Wait. What's going on here?
-[man 2] What do you think?
-What's between you two?
-Nothing's going on.
-[man 1] Hey
-[man 3] It's not nothing. Have a drink.
-[Sang-wol] No.
[man 3] I'm not letting it go
until you tell us!
[Sang-wol] I was the one who was flawed.
[melancholic music continues]
To me, Ro-sa was
[music fades]
[breathes deeply]
That night, I left the house.
Nothing would be flawed
once I was out of the picture.
Ro-sa begged me not to go,
but I couldn't even tell her why.
I just ran away.
-[Sang-wol] Thank you. Goodbye.
-[boss] Sang-wol! Take this to the table!
Just a moment!
Next customer, please come in.
-[vendor] Ice pops!
-[pensive music playing]
[Sang-wol]
I wandered wherever my feet took me
and ended up working at a restaurant.
-[boss] Sang-wol.
-Yes?
-I learned the recipe back then.
-Come here.
Two spoons.
-[Sang-wol] No one wanted chicken giblets.
-One spoon of soy sauce,
half a spoon of doenjang and gochujang.
-So I could always get my share.
-Good.
[boss chuckles]
[pensive music continues]
[Sang-wol] I couldn't help myself
so I called Ro-sa just once.
[woman over phone] Ro-sa?
She moved after getting married.
Haven't you heard?
[music turns melancholic]
[Sang-wol] I figured as much.
Ro-sa always
wanted a family.
-[music fades]
-[indistinct chatter]
[Sang-wol] Years passed.
I went to Seoul on an errand
-[woman 1] It's good, right?
-[woman 2] So good.
[Sang-wol] and ran into her by chance.
-Thanks. Come again.
-Thank you.
-I should take a look at this.
-Go ahead.
Can I get two steamed buns?
-[vendor] Two?
-Yes.
Let me get you the warmest ones.
[somber music playing]
Ro-sa?
Are you Ro-sa?
[Ro-sa hesitates]
Sang-wol.
Oh
How long has it been?
I heard you married Jong-su!
Now you have a child?
Let's go somewhere warm and catch up
[music turns sorrowful]
[Sang-wol] Ro-sa was being abused.
Even when she was pregnant.
[music fades]
She blamed herself
until the day she died,
thinking her child's condition
was her fault.
Did you report it?
Did you not go to the police?
[chuckles]
Back then,
if you ran to a station begging for help,
they'd tell you to listen to your husband
and send you home.
All of their friends took his side.
With no family to turn to,
Ro-sa endured it all alone
with no support.
I took her and the child and ran away.
Things were good for a while.
I'd come back from work,
and Ro-sa would be waiting with the baby.
But misery
isn't something you can
cut off that easily.
[sorrowful music playing]
[dog barking in distance]
-[baby crying]
-[Jong-su grunting loudly]
[Jong-su continues grunting]
-[heavy thuds]
-[Jong-su] Damn you.
-Shit.
-What are you doing?
-[music intensifies]
-[Sang-wol groans, pants]
[baby screaming]
-[Jong-su] Damn it!
-[groans]
I never liked you from the start.
[gurgles, gasps]
[heavy thud]
[music fades]
[baby] Mommy!
-[baby screaming]
-[breathes heavily]
[somber music playing]
-[baby coughing]
-[breathes shakily]
[baby crying]
[breathes shakily]
-[pants, sobs]
-[Sang-wol grunting]
-[heavy thud]
-[bones cracking]
[pants]
[Ro-sa sobbing]
Take Yeong-ho and leave.
What?
I killed Cha Jong-su.
[hesitates] What are you saying?
Sang-wol.
[whimpers, sobs]
Get a grip, Ro-sa.
You have to raise Yeong-ho.
[whimpers]
[Yeong-ho crying loudly]
[sobs]
-[music fades]
-[sighs shakily]
While I was in prison,
Ro-sa suffered even more.
People judged her for siding
with a woman who killed her husband.
Her in-laws cut ties with her.
She raised a child
with special needs on her own.
She even sold her poems
for next to nothing just to get by.
[melancholic music playing]
[Sang-wol] The real problem started
after I was released.
Ro-sa's occasional publishing work
didn't bring in enough to support us.
I had to work,
but word got out that I was a murderer.
No one would hire me.
Ro-sa.
Oh.
[Sang-wol] That's when Ro-sa suggested it.
[Ro-sa] Sang-wol,
let's go to Seoul.
Somewhere no one knows us,
where we can start over.
So, that was when you started
using her name?
[music fades]
Whenever I needed a name for anything,
I used Ro-sa's.
Because I had a criminal record.
Getting a family register,
or opening a bank account
For anything that needed a name,
we used hers.
[inhales deeply]
After a few years of scraping by,
we finally managed to save enough
to buy a two-story house
that that was listed at a low price.
TITLE DEED
GRANTEE: KIM RO-SA
We'll run a restaurant on the first floor
and live on the second.
It's just down the stairs,
so we can take Yeong-ho
back and forth easily.
[chuckles softly]
What will you name the restaurant?
Kim Ro-sa.
[chuckles] Come on.
It should sound like a real restaurant.
Then Rosa Restaurant?
[chuckles] Rosa Restaurant?
[Sang-wol] Why does life
always take something away
-[Ro-sa] Do you like it?
-whenever it gives you something?
Look at this.
[somber music playing]
Ro-sa, are you okay?
-She had cancer.
-Why is no one coming here to help her?
[sobs]
-By the time she saw a doctor
-Hang in there.
it was already too late to do anything.
[groans]
[door closes]
[Sang-wol] You're not well.
Where did you go all alone?
[somber music continues]
I admitted Yeong-ho.
What? Did you really leave him
at that place?
You can't run the restaurant
and look after him by yourself.
Why would I be by myself?
Stop talking about dying
and get treatment.
This is a death report form.
-[hesitates] Ro-sa.
-[Ro-sa] Listen to me.
When I die
report my death as Hyeon Sang-wol's,
and you live as Kim Ro-sa.
Are you crazy?
How could I live under your name?
How could I live as you?
Then what about Yeong-ho?
Besides me, the only family he has
is Cha Jong-su's family.
And you know they don't care about
what happens to him.
[sorrowful music playing]
When I die,
they'll take him for the money
and abandon him without a second thought.
So please
live as me.
I'm begging you.
[breathes shakily]
[sorrowful music continues]
[music fades]
TITLE DEED
GRANTEE: KIM RO-SA
[Sang-wol]
These are the things Ro-sa left behind.
I don't know what's written on them,
but I thought they might help.
PROOF OF ADMISSION: CHA YEONG-HO
SEVERE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
PUBLISHING RIGHTS AGREEMENTS
GIFT DEED
[Ro-sa] If you're reading this letter,
it means Sang-wol has finally
found someone to confide in,
or she's desperate enough
to hand this over.
[wistful music playing]
[Ro-sa] I sincerely hope
that you're someone with a kind heart.
Life is like poetry.
From a distance,
it looks like an indecipherable code,
but if you look closely
with a heart willing to understand,
only then will you see the meaning within.
I spent my whole life trying to define
Sang-wol and me with a single word.
But each word felt
either too grand or too small.
I never found the right one.
Still, you can define
who Hyeon Sang-wol is
in just three syllables.
[Ro-sa] What will you name the restaurant?
Kim Ro-sa.
[Ro-sa] Kim Ro-sa.
With that foolishly kind heart of hers,
she took all the bad
so I could have only the good.
All her kindness is held
within the three syllables of my name.
I held onto everything for a while
because the world is harsh and cold.
But everything in my name
truly belongs to Sang-wol.
Now I hope
that she can finally let go of the lies
and reclaim what's hers.
NOTARIZED WILL
TESTATOR: KIM RO-SA
TESTATOR: KIM RO-SA
NOTARY: ATTORNEY AN HYEON-MIN
Please,
look upon this lonely yet kind soul
as you would read a poem.
-[music fades]
-[knocking on door]
[Ho-su] Ms. Sang-wol!
It's me, Ho-su!
Please open the door just for a second.
-[Sang-wol] Okay.
-[Ho-su sighs]
[pants]
I came to read it for you.
-What?
-I'll read it for you.
This will fix everything.
What?
-[chuckles]
-[daring music playing]
We have one strategy.
We'll admit to the identity theft charges.
Right away? We're not fighting it?
There's no need. We have this.
This is the will Kim Ro-sa wrote
before she died.
It's notarized and legally binding.
We admit that she's been living
under Ms. Kim Ro-sa's name,
but since all the assets
were already gifted to her,
it's hard to say she profited
from the identity theft.
According to the publisher,
she pretended to be the poet
until recently.
Wasn't that to take advantage
of royalties and other earnings?
All income earned as a poet
was donated in full
to the deceased's alma mater, HNU,
with Ms. Hyeon contributing
her own funds as well.
Those are also included in the gift deed.
CERTIFICATE OF DONATION
KIM RO-SA
DONATION RECEIPT - DONOR: KIM RO-SA
RECIPIENT: HANKUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
-[cell phone buzzing]
-[daring music continues]
We just met your friend
and admitted to the charges.
[music fades]
I was wondering how that would go.
Thanks for calling.
Things won't go as you want them to.
I called to tell you that.
[cell phone beeps]
[theme song playing]
Hi, please have one.
Hello.
Hi, thank you for your hard work.
Hello. Thanks for everything.
-What brings you here?
-Hi, please have one.
You know the Kim Ro-sa Scholarship
here at HNU
that's been around for 20 years?
Hello.
You received the Kim Ro-sa Scholarship
in college, right?
[singing in Korean]
That would be great. Thank you.
DONATION STATEMEN
The claim that they were a happy family
comes only from the brother-in-law.
The poet was a victim
of serious domestic violence,
even while she was pregnant.
Those people refused
to look after her son,
using his disability as an excuse.
I don't understand why
they've waited until now to step up.
It seems like they're after the deceased's
inheritance and other benefits.
IF YOU BADMOUTHED HYEON SANG-WOL,
REFLECT ON YOURSELF
[singing in Korean continues]
-Hello. Here it is.
-[Mi-ji] Thank you.
[woman] Good luck!
[singing in Korean continues]
[indistinct whispering]
[song concludes]
[Ho-su] Are you okay?
Should we go in a little later?
No.
We can't be late.
Today will probably be
the last day of questioning.
No matter how things turn out,
we'll handle it together, just like now.
Don't worry too much.
[door opens]
Hey, Ho-su!
PROSECUTION SERVICE
Wait, take this!
Here.
I told you that you didn't have to come.
What are these?
[panting] They're petitions.
[soft uplifting music playing]
[Mi-ji] It's from students who received
the Kim Ro-sa Scholarship.
They wrote them after hearing about you.
[Mi-ji exhales]
I'll read them all to you later.
So good luck, and do your best in there.
[Mi-ji panting]
So that's how it went.
All right. I'll tell her.
What did they say?
Suspended indictment.
[music fades]
-It's a good thing.
-[gasps] Ms. Sang-wol!
You've made it through.
I had a good feeling about today.
I had this dream last night,
and as soon as I woke up,
I looked up the interpretation.
It said it was a lucky dream!
But I didn't want to jinx it,
so I couldn't even tell you,
and I kept it
All right. Calm down.
I'll get you some water.
-No, I
-Let me.
-I'll get it.
-[Mi-ji] I
[gasps] This is amazing.
Listen. Here's what I dreamed last night.
I was fighting a tiger.
Bare hands. No weapons.
But the tiger didn't use its teeth either,
and stood up out of the blue,
took a boxing stance,
and threw the first punch at me.
I took the punch. And guess what?
[Sang-wol]
On the day you closed my book and left
-[Mi-ji speaking indistinctly]
-Ro-sa, you said to me
[soft melancholic music playing]
[Sang-wol] Don't leave me behind.
How can I live without you?
[music turns uplifting]
[slowly] You'll meet
[breathes softly]
good people.
There's no one else.
[voice trembling] You're all I have.
[Sang-wol sobs]
[Ro-sa] You'll meet them.
It might take a while, but one day,
you'll meet people who will read you
for who you are.
-[sobs]
-[Ro-sa breathing softly]
-[sighs softly]
-[Sang-wol sobs, sniffles]
[whimpers]
[uplifting music continues]
[Mi-ji]
It specifically said I'd win a lawsuit.
It's a suspended indictment, not a win.
Whatever. You should go and buy a cake.
Let's have a party.
[Ro-sa] It might take a while
[Mi-ji] Sweet potato cake, maybe?
-but one day
-[Ho-su] Let's ask her.
you'll meet people
who will read you for who you are.
[breathes deeply]
[Mi-ji] Everyone loves
sweet potato cake in Duson-ri.
-[Ho-su] Let's see who wins.
-[Mi-ji] Fine.
-Ms. Sang-wol.
-Ms. Sang-wol.
[Ho-su] Do you prefer sweet potato
or strawberry?
For cake.
-Strawberry.
-[Ho-su] I told you!
[soft uplifting music continues]
-[music concludes]
-[cell phone buzzing]
RING
Hello.
-[door chime clinking]
-[wind whistling softly]
[sound slowly fades]
[Ho-su] Hello?
[silence]
Hello? Hello?
[silence continues]
[silence continues]
-[door rattling]
-[wind whistling softly]
Why aren't you coming in?
[door chime clinking]
-[sound slowly fades]
-[soft music playing]
[inaudible] Is something wrong?
[soft music continues]
[wind whistling softly]
I need to take this call real quick.
[melancholic pop song playing]
[in English] Would you still know this ♪
Would you ever come? ♪
[singing in Korean]
[singing in Korean continues]
[in English] Would you still hear me? ♪
The voices in my heart ♪
[singing in Korean]
[singing in Korean continues]
YU MI-RAE - YU MI-JI
[nurse in Korean]
I'm calling from the hospital.
Are you Ms. Kang Wol-sun's daughter?
We're from the Fair Trade Commission.
We're investigating the Sihan Construction
case, so please cooperate.
[Se-jin] More importantly,
you're here now.
That must mean you're ready
to respond to my offer.
I want to see things through
to the very end here.
[Mi-ji] You're sick again, aren't you?
Let me see if you have a fever.
[Ho-su] I'm just a bit tired.
Let's meet up tomorrow.
What should I do now?
You mean there's nothing I can do
until things get worse?
[song fades]
Here's what I dreamed last night.
I was fighting a tiger.
Bare hands. No weapons.
But the tiger didn't use its teeth either,
and stood up out of the blue,
took a boxing stance,
and threw the first punch at me.
I took the punch.
And guess what? It was soft.
And it didn't hurt. Total kitty punch.
So I grabbed it by the scruff,
slammed it down, and beat it up.
[Ho-su] So you hit an animal?
[Mi-ji] Yes.
Uh But it was a really mean tiger.
Like the uncle from The Lion King.
-[Ho-su] Right. The lion, I mean, tiger.
-[dreamy upbeat music playing]
[Ho-su] So it was a lucky dream?
That's the thing.
I looked it up,
and it's not just any lucky dream.
It specifically said I'd win a lawsuit.
[Ho-su]
You shouldn't get ahead of yourself.
It's a suspended indictment, not a win.
Whatever. You should go and buy a cake.
Let's have a party.
[music fades]
Subtitle translation by Soya Back