When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) s01e11 Episode Script
My Love by My Side
1
[opening theme music playing]
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES
EMERGENCY ROOM
[middle-aged Ae-sun whimpers]
So, actually,
I lived in that room a few years ago.
There was always a draft because
the windows were so bent out of shape.
I suppose that's what saved her today.
Oh God. What if I hadn't made it?
What if I'd missed the flight?
I don't know why,
but I just knew I had to come.
You saved her life, ma'am, you did.
No. No.
Geum-myeong's the one who saved my life.
By staying alive, she saved my life.
She's much kinder than I am.
I really can't take this anymore.
I really can't.
You have to stay healthy
'cause Geum-myeong still needs you. Here.
[middle-aged Ae-sun] Oh my.
Uh, are you the landlord's son-in-law?
Well, uh
[pants]
That's
Park Geum-myeong's son, no?
[Chung-seob] Huh?
Park Geum-myeong's son?
Huh?
I mean, I never knew who his dad was.
[jaunty music playing]
[sighs] Gimme.
[Geum-myeong] What?
[Yeong-beom] You're freezing.
[Ae-sun] It's not like you are nobility.
Why won't you let me take care of you?
Hush now, okay?
Let's talk about this later.
We should get married now.
Let's just go and get it over with.
[Geum-myeong] Quiet! My mom's here.
[Yeong-beom sighs]
Tell them to go play house somewhere else.
Goodness, she's all grown up.
[nurse] Excuse me.
Have you filled this out yet?
Oh, right.
[Yeong-beom] If you didn't want it,
why did you take the ring?
With the ring,
it's a done deal. A done deal!
Don't go. Marry me. Here's a ring.
You take the ring, and it's a done deal.
[sighs]
How did she find a boy
just like her father?
[Yeong-beom] I told you to move.
- Enough, please.
- I told you to move out of there.
Have you ever been poisoned before?
The doctor said being nagged at
will give me more headaches.
But why did you have to be
poisoned in the first place?
Just marry me and move in with us.
I mean, we even have a water heater.
[Geum-myeong] You're proposing to me
with a water heater?
What happened to the diamond ring?
Jeez, I guess they have no shame,
talking on and on.
[Yeong-beom] I'm not asking
for anything unreasonable.
They don't fix street lights
in that neighborhood.
I hate that you have to climb
that hill by yourself.
I hate that you can see
your own breath in that room.
I hate that you can't sleep because
you have to sell late-night movie tickets.
I hate that you can't make phone calls
because of your landlord.
I hate it all.
Why do you have to put up with it?
No one else does.
Who wants to live like that?
Nobody!
- Don't you watch the news?
- [sighs]
It happens in the blink of an eye.
You can die in an instant.
What if you died from carbon monoxide
when you were alone? Huh?
What if something happens and you die?
Yeah, but I didn't die.
[Yeong-beom sobs]
- I couldn't take it!
- [Geum-myeong] Come on.
What's wrong?
I thought boys stopped crying
after basic training.
Seriously, you're an officer.
If you die, I'll die too.
That's all I could think in the taxi here.
Hey,
no matter what, life goes on.
So if I died, you'd move on?
I mean, eventually.
Yeah, I would.
Stop smiling.
Hmm?
[Geum-myeong chuckles]
Oh, you're too cute.
It's so annoying.
[sobs]
It wasn't that bad.
It was just a little gas.
Besides, you know I have tiny nostrils.
I couldn't inhale that much,
even if I wanted to.
[sniffles]
Geum-myeong,
please don't ever be alone.
Please?
I'm the one you're marrying.
It's not like you'd be marrying my mom.
I'll do whatever it takes
for my family to give us their blessing.
Ae-sun will live with me.
She won't be living with my grandmother.
I'll make sure
she won't lay a hand on her.
I'll make sure my mom
takes it easy on you.
She has her opinions, but you just
have to butter her up a little.
She doesn't like me.
I don't really like her either.
[gentle piano music playing]
Deep down, my mom is a nice person.
But if she is so nice,
why was she so rude at our family dinner?
- What did she say to you?
- Oh my God.
You scared me.
- Hello there, Mrs. Oh.
- That's how it is?
Your mother doesn't approve
of my daughter. That true?
No, Mom. That's not what we meant.
Why not? Why?
[Geum-myeong sighs]
[music playing on TV]
[woman 5] I can't believe my own eyes.
Are you really Sang-gil's daughter?
Mm-hmm.
Ooh. This is hilarious.
Why is it funny who her dad is?
I think he'd be proud, is all.
She's living out his dream.
Cut the bullcrap.
They don't need to hear it.
Many years ago,
your mother and your father
sat across from each other in those seats.
- Hey.
- This was a café. They met for coffee.
- Hey.
- [Gyeong-ja] They were on a blind date.
You two could've been siblings.
Watch it. Ae-sun is gonna kill you.
[Gyeong-ja] You're just like
Romeo and Juliet.
Mm. Bit uglier though.
[chuckles]
[kettle whistling]
[Geum-myeong]
Will their first great love last,
or will it only be
a heartbreaking memory of young love?
At the time, they were completely
caught up in their emotions
without holding back.
What does your mother not like
about my daughter? Tell me.
No, ma'am, I didn't mean
As her guardian,
we need you to sign this form.
- [Chung-seob] Me?
- [nurse] Of course, who else?
You are her guardian. Aren't you?
Oh, I'm not
But you brought her in. I saw you.
You ran here with her on your back.
Who is he?
[sighs]
[Yeong-beom] Why is he your guardian?
You know what? I don't like her son.
I'm talking about you.
Just tell me if they dated.
Give me a simple yes or no.
Are you just
making stuff up again or what?
Hey, if I tell you,
will you rat me out to your dad?
You can't fool me.
Remember when I was little,
you convinced me
you had a tiger at your house?
[Gyeong-ja] Okay, just forget it.
Good, drop it. There are some things
better off left in the past.
[Gyeong-ja] They never dated.
However, they almost got married.
[chuckles]
[jaunty music playing]
[music fades]
You think that's funny?
[laughter]
Ah. A little bit.
THREE AUNTIES'
FRESHLY PICKED BY HAENYEO
[gentle piano music playing]
[sighs]
What in God's name
is that thing on your head?
Are you about to plow a field?
Hey, Dad,
are you happy?
Ah, you can't really think
that makes you look good.
Just shave your head.
I'll pay you 50,000 won.
[razor whirring]
[rock music playing]
[music continues in headphones]
THIS IS NOT TRASH
THIS IS MY PRIDE I'VE THROWN AWAY FOR YOU
COME BACK TO ME, YEM
HYEON-SUK LOVES YOU FOEVER
26 MONTHS OR 26 YEARS
I PROMISE I WILL WAI
[sobs]
Do people still get beat up
in the military?
I never taught you how to handle that.
Why did you insist on coming
if you were gonna cry?
Jeez, seriously.
[Eun-myeong sighs]
[sobs] You should've gone to college.
I knew you should.
[radio] With the implementation
of the College Scholastic Ability Test
this year,
many students are experiencing
quite a lot of confusion.
While the Academic Ability Exam
was based on memorization,
this new test is geared
toward comprehensive reasoning
[middle-aged Ae-sun] They expect kids
to run before they can even walk.
If they keep changing the exams,
how can the slower kids go to college?
[sobs]
[Geum-myeong] He joined the army?
[woman] Last-minute decision.
He hasn't done his military service yet?
I know he looks old enough
to have fought in the war,
but our Picasso is only 28.
He said soju and popcorn are for the boss.
Everything else is up for grabs.
Popcorn for me?
How can he leave without saying goodbye?
Why didn't he tell us?
I can't eat all of this on my own.
It's too much.
We worked together for years.
Are you quitting too?
I guess you won't be seeing him again.
We might run into each other again.
No, you won't.
You won't see him again in this life.
Maybe the next.
The stars have to align for you
to meet someone once in a lifetime.
If you let them pass you by.
I'm afraid that's all she wrote.
[sighs]
Apparently, he carried me just like that.
NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN
NEVER LET THEM OUT OF YOUR SIGH
AND NEVER FALL IN LOVE
THE BODYGUARD
Seoul boys are heartless after all.
[intriguing music playing]
[Geum-myeong] That year,
everything about my life
seemed to be shifting.
[man on TV] And the grand prize winner
of the 1993 KBS Korean Music Awards is
[drum roll]
Kim Soo-hee for "Sad Love"!
[cheering]
[Geum-myeong]
Kim Soo-hee defeated Seo Taiji.
The winds of fall
overcame the passions of spring.
[man on TV] The year 1993, a year filled
with all kinds of ups and downs,
is finally coming to a close.
[Geum-myeong] Fighting the wind
that rages in our hearts is a losing game.
So, have I changed a lot?
[romantic pop music playing]
The wind always blows in the fall.
[music fades]
[intriguing music playing]
But it also blows in the spring.
Oh jeez.
How does he expect me to sell this thing?
Whatever the season,
it blows and blows.
I'd like to think that.
I'd like to.
[Geum-myeong] Our hearts
never cease to be moved.
[Geum-myeong] "I, a poor man,
love the beautiful Natasha dearly."
"So tonight, the snow falls heavily."
Oh, so you saw that too. [sighs]
I guess you like that one especially.
Well, I just
So you're a sentimental one.
[Chung-seob] I suppose
in poetry, poverty can seem dignified.
There's nothing cool about
not having money,
but poetry gives it beauty.
Well,
you're a painter.
I couldn't paint to save my life.
You use that talent to make money.
Not everyone can do that.
So, Mr. Toto,
I'm afraid you're not so poor after all.
And if I may be so blunt,
your Natasha
isn't exactly beautiful either.
Don't let her make you feel small.
I mean,
I don't know if anything I'm saying
will help you get over her.
But your Natasha
is a bit of a donkey
without her makeup on.
Um
My mom was curious.
Were you planning
to take any grad-school exams?
She wants to give you books for it.
[feel-good music playing]
[distant siren wailing]
[Geum-myeong] If you keep saying,
"I feel sorry for myself, my life sucks,"
your life will suck.
If you don't think you're worth 100 won,
who's gonna think you're worth 1,000?
So instead of
pitying yourself all the time,
try to find the courage
to talk yourself up instead.
You kinda look like
Master Roshi right now.
[chuckles] Do you read Dragon Ball?
Look, just be glad you're not my family.
'Cause if you were my little brother
Pow.
I'd beat some sense into you.
[laughs]
So you do know how to laugh.
Wow. I didn't know I could.
[music fades]
So that's the tree?
The biggest Christmas tree in Korea.
Ah.
I got this place
because of the hilltop view.
If we go all the way up, we'll see
the biggest Christmas tree in Korea.
Wow.
I think we've seen each other in the most
embarrassing situations of our lives.
I think you're like
that Christmas tree over there.
Trees do their job by just standing still
no matter where they are.
Yeah, how so?
Oh, you know.
Wherever a Christmas tree is,
if it's in an apartment
or a lonely corner store,
it always shines bright, no matter what,
and takes your breath away.
I thought I should say that
on a day like today.
It's like you said,
I'm talking talking people up.
Hang on. Are you going away or something?
[pop ballad playing]
- [traffic noise]
- [car horns honking]
MY LOVE BY MY SIDE
MY LOVE BY MY SIDE
DAVICHI
[siren wailing]
[automated voice] Student passenger.
This stop is Neung-dong Intersection.
Neung-dong Intersection.
[pop music playing]
[bus driver] Ma'am,
this is Neung-dong Intersection.
This is your stop.
[indistinct chattering]
[Geum-myeong] There was a time
when everyone held their heads up.
A time when people
were open about their feelings.
KIM HYUN-SIK BEST HITS
A time when we looked at each other
instead of our cell phones.
[both laugh]
Like it?
I do.
When did you record this?
You said you like
Kim Hyun-sik more than me.
I was joking.
Tough day at work?
It must not be fun.
Nobody goes to work for fun.
Everyone needs a check.
Are you taking the bar for fun? [chuckles]
[Yeong-beom] Even so,
was this what you wanted to do?
Hmm? Was it your dream
to work in an office?
Mm
I just wanted to be free.
Always have.
Claiming independence as an individual
is actually
a pretty impressive accomplishment.
[Geum-myeong] But we never really
claimed independence.
College, graduation,
introducing our families.
Our parents were involved
in every aspect of our lives.
Okay, that's it. We're leaving.
They're almost here.
The traffic is really bad in Seoul.
They know we took a flight to get here,
don't they?
[sighs] He should've left
a little bit earlier.
How bad could the traffic be?
Geum-myeong,
why are you being so anxious, dear?
You always tell me to relax.
You know what? Forget it.
Don't be like that. Don't start.
We should call it off.
Oh, I'm sorry we're late.
We hit traffic just as
we were getting close.
[Geum-myeong] Oh, hello.
[chuckles nervously]
The traffic must've been awful.
I hope none of you got carsick
on the way here.
[middle-aged Ae-sun]
Geum-myeong was overly polite that day.
We're very late.
Oh, that's okay. It's all right.
[Geum-myeong] My mom told a woman
who never once apologized, "It's okay."
That was the dynamic in the room.
We've met before. I'm Park Geum-myeong.
[Geum-myeong] That day,
for the first time,
I saw how my dad hides his callouses
when he shakes your hand.
I'm Geum-myeong's father,
Yang Gwan-sik.
[Park Geum-myeong laughs]
Eventually, the parents let the kids
have their way.
I knew my wife would come around.
If he wants to get married,
let's get things moving.
Dating a girl for too long isn't
very polite on the man's part, is it?
Think of the time she loses.
Well, Yeong-beom is in no hurry.
- [Park Geum-myeong laughs] Listen.
- Uh, Father?
Thanks.
I've been thinking. When they're married,
they should really start
calling each other "honey."
It'd be a bit weird
to hear my son calling his wife
"Geum-myeong" all the time
since that's my name too. [laughs]
It would be much better
if she had a different name.
[Park Geum-myeong laughs]
Help yourselves.
[middle-aged Ae-sun] It's my fault.
I'm the one who taught her that.
She's only doing what she saw growing up.
Let's eat.
Let's eat.
Aren't you bringing out sungnyung?
[middle-aged Ae-sun] My precious child.
I should have shown her a better way.
[Park Geum-myeong]
Here, have some steamed fish.
[middle-aged Ae-sun] It broke my heart
to see that my daughter
had turned out exactly like me.
[Park Geum-myeong laughs]
Mmm.
[middle-aged Gwan-sik] We have a few dates
in mind for the wedding in Jeju.
Did you not tell them?
Why are you looking at him?
Uh, Mom, I thought I told you
I'm afraid
having two weddings is unacceptable.
We'd be a laughing stock.
I can't have my son being paraded
down there like a show monkey.
I understand
that the island has its own customs,
but Geum-myeong will be
a part of our family now, not yours.
I think her new family takes priority,
don't you?
So in any case,
we should choose one place.
Would you like to have it in Jeju?
We're willing to give up Seoul.
No, uh, we should have it in Seoul.
You'd be free from household chores
from now on. Congrats.
[scoffs] I doubt it.
Look at how she ladled your soup.
We have our work cut out for us, don't we?
I'm not sure she can handle managing
our household when she knows so little.
Well,
that might be a bit much.
She still has her job, after all.
Yes, it would.
Which is why she'll stop working.
Won't you?
Mother, can we talk about this some
I wasn't speaking to you, son.
Oh! I haven't tried the sungnyung.
I
Oh, sure.
I hope you know how to ladle
sungnyung at least.
Most eldest daughters
do housework quite well.
Geum-myeong is a bit different.
It's strange.
As long as she can make a decent stew.
[young Geum-myeong]
Peas. I want some peas, Mommy.
Peas. Peas. Let's have some peas.
[wistful music playing]
Huh?
[Geum-myeong] Mom never forgot the moment
Dad turned around for her that day.
His family always said
he was the first husband to turn around
and eat with the table behind him
in Dodong-ri history.
I want to eat at this table from now on.
[Gye-ok] Why?
[Geum-myeong] My Dad
was picking his own battles,
[Gye-ok] You insolent son.
[Geum-myeong] And he never left Mom alone
on the battlefield.
I wanna eat at this table with you, Mom.
[Gye-ok] Dogs are better. Dogs.
[Geum-myeong] As I was ladling sungnyung,
I realized that
Dad's choice to turn around that day
was nothing short of revolutionary.
I'll take over. I'm great at ladling.
No, stop it. Just sit down.
It's okay. Let me do it.
Here.
- You really don't have to.
- Please eat.
[sighs]
[Yeong-beom's mom] Geum-myeong,
you know nothing about housework
because your mother does it all for you,
doesn't she?
I couldn't bring myself to teach her.
She's too precious.
She's our darling girl.
That's why I chose not to teach her.
[scoffs]
[gentle piano music playing]
No, no. We'll be all right.
You should just give
your parents a ride instead.
We prefer the subway anyway. Just go.
I'll call a taxi for you, at least.
Oh, no, we couldn't.
Seoul has too many cars as it is.
The traffic will make us late.
Just take a taxi, Mom?
Take a taxi, I said.
Thanks for today. We'll see you.
Bye, Geum-myeong.
Bye.
Bye.
Goodbye, please get home safe.
Bye, Geum-myeong.
Take care. We'll call you.
I don't want you to worry about a thing.
There's nothing you can't handle.
I know that for sure.
Let's go. Come on.
Bye, Geum-myeong.
I'll call you when I'm home.
[Yeong-beom] Have a safe trip.
[sighs]
Mom's crying right now.
It's my fault, isn't it?
[Geum-myeong]
You're just like a little child.
You're innocent and sweet.
[music fades]
[Yeong-beom's mom]
My goodness, Geum-myeong.
It turns out you're something
of an indoor plant, aren't you?
- Mother.
- "Mother," what?
You keep interrupting
every time I open my mouth.
What, are you upset
you didn't take her side even more?
Could we please not do this right now?
Please?
[scoffs]
Your mother has some nerve
to speak to me that way.
Too precious for housework?
She only said that to get back at me.
I was against it in the first place.
- Mother, please!
- What?
You know, Mother,
you say I'm an indoor plant.
- That's exactly what I am.
- Hey!
It's true.
I grew up in the safety of a greenhouse
and cared for like
the most precious thing in the world.
So for my parents' sake
I'm asking if you could
please be gentle with me.
I don't like to see them cry.
- [tuts]
- [scoffs]
[breathes deeply]
[middle-aged Ae-sun] I didn't
send her to college just to ladle soup.
She's never had an issue speaking up
so why can't she stand up to his mother?
[sighs]
Why'd you do it?
You couldn't stand it, could you?
I wanted to show she has parents too.
Parents that support her!
[sighs] So you wanted to send a message.
You certainly held back.
I kinda expected you
to call it off right there.
I wanted to a thousand times over.
But I couldn't hurt our girl like that.
She loves this boy,
and she's more than good enough for him.
No doubt about it.
I'm gonna help her through this.
I'm going to handle all of it.
I'm going to make sure
that family can never say
her dowry wasn't good enough.
I won't let them crush her.
Do you hear me, Gwan-sik? I won't!
I know, honey. I know that.
[sniffles]
- [feel-good music playing]
- [panting]
I told you we should've taken a taxi.
His mom hates it when people are late.
She hates waiting.
[pants] I can't believe I'm doing this.
- Mom, hurry!
- What, is she your boss now?
Come on, we have to cross.
- I'm not going.
- Mom, come on.
I told you my feet hurt, didn't I?
I told you we should've taken a taxi,
didn't I?
Is she holding a stopwatch
to see when we arrive?
So what if we're late?
Seriously, they were an hour late
to our first dinner, weren't they?
Ugh, Mom.
What is wrong with you?!
Why do you care so much?
What do you owe her?
You always act like
you're the boss at home.
So what does it mean if you let
that family treat you like nothing?
That means me and your father
are less than nothing!
[sighs]
[woman] Oh, how gorgeous.
You look beautiful.
[laughs] Pink looks so good on you.
I could have sworn
you were in your thirties.
[gasps] There's no way I look 30. No way.
[both laugh]
Let's go with pink, then.
We had another shade of pink somewhere.
Hmm.
If you're not going to help me choose,
why did you come?
[Geum-myeong] Um
What?
- Don't you want flowers on it?
- [middle-aged Ae-sun] Do you think?
[woman] Okay, let's see
what florals we have in pink.
Oh, I dunno.
I don't wanna look too flashy.
What, do you have another daughter?
You'll be the mother of the bride
only once, so
do everything you want.
Well
I've always liked those cute ones
that have a bunch of tiny flowers in rows.
I remember Cheol-yong's mother
wore a hanbok like this
on his wedding day.
So you wanna be flashy, after all.
Of course we can add floral patterns.
People might mistake
your mother for the bride. [laughs]
Your mom is so young, isn't she? [laughs]
Let's go with the one before.
The dark brown.
But, ma'am, are you sure?
The pink is a much better color on her.
[chuckles]
Are you the one getting married?
Uh
I want this emerald color.
Oh, uh, Mother?
My mom really likes pink, so
Who wears pink these days?
You're not the only one inviting guests.
Thank goodness I'm here
getting you through this.
Thank goodness.
[gentle piano music playing]
[sighs]
I thought,
since you kept turning down our gift,
you might like this instead.
[chuckles nervously]
There's no need.
Oh, well, uh,
if you let us know
what you'd like to get as dowry, we could
It's all right. I appreciate the thought.
But, uh,
why only appreciate the thought?
Please. You can tell me what it is.
[chuckles]
I'd appreciate it
if you would at least take
Fine, then. I'll take it.
I know my Geum-myeong
may not be everything you'd hoped,
but she's thoughtful.
She has a big heart.
You'll see. Mm.
At least I hope so. [chuckles]
And you know,
I really do, uh, like your son.
And more than that,
my daughter really likes him.
It's very clear he cares for her.
Anyone can see that.
So I can't help liking him.
[both laugh]
- Can I be honest with you?
- Uh, yes?
The truth is, Ms. Oh,
I have these thoughts
that I can no longer keep to myself.
Hm.
Oh!
[panting]
Why are you so late?
- Things are awkward enough.
- Why are you out here?
I was worried you wouldn't find the place.
They're alone right now?
Yeah. Why? Is that a problem?
Jeez, your hair is crazy.
- Where is it? Which way?
- It's right over here.
- This way?
- Yes.
What's wrong?
There's no mother who will hold
their tongue for the sake of their child.
I think I'll regret it
for the rest of my life
if I go through with this
without saying anything.
I see.
I propose this.
Let's stop this wedding, Ms. Oh.
I've tried so hard to let go of my pride,
but you understand me as a mother.
You know what my son is.
He is everything I have.
He's my work of art.
I'm sorry for saying this,
but Geum-myeong doesn't check off
all the boxes for me.
Is that what you want for her?
To join a family that's not fond of her?
[sighs]
Convince Geum-myeong,
and I'll tell my son.
Let's find a way to stop this wedding.
I'm sure it's for the best.
Right?
[sighs]
I just don't get
what it is you don't like
about Geum-myeong.
[door slams]
[sighs]
[middle-aged Ae-sun scoffs]
You didn't say a thing the entire meal.
- Yeong-beom was losing his mind.
- So what if he was?
Do you really like him that much?
What?
I just don't know what
you like about that boy?
What, do you not like him?
- No, I don't like him.
- Why?
I just don't.
I mean, what's so special about him?
It's not like he's passed the bar exam.
He doesn't amount to anything so far,
so who cares?
Oh yeah? What about me, then?
How am I any better?
You couldn't say a thing to his mom
about your dress,
so you must think
I'm even more worthless than he is.
Not at all. I would never think that.
Okay, then why couldn't you
say anything to her?
Why are you bending over backwards
Because I want her to like my daughter!
I don't want her to be cold to you.
I don't think you're less than he is. No!
How could you even think I felt like that?
I've never heard such a load of crap.
[sighs]
Wait.
Did his mom say something to you?
[gentle acoustic guitar music playing]
I couldn't even send you to kindergarten
without worrying
if you'd get along with the other kids.
How can I lash out at that woman
when I know you're joining her family?
[sighs] Then lash out. Stop pretending!
It's your decision.
No one else's.
Just make the right choice for my sake.
Because if your dad and I
have to watch you get hurt by that woman,
we'll be devastated, Geum-myeong.
[Geum-myeong] At my house,
I was the bratty child.
At his house,
I would become the black sheep.
- Everything was my fault.
- Mother.
This is your doing.
I told you, it was my decision.
I can think for myself.
Geum-myeong, do you have a house?
Do you have assets?
No? Did you think luring Yeong-beom away
would get you all of that?
This is exactly why I'm moving out, Mom.
You're making it so hard.
I'm sure you nagged at him endlessly
until he agreed.
You think you have him
wrapped around your finger.
Mom, did you hear what I said?
Mother.
I never asked Yeong-beom
to move out of your house once.
Oh, I'm sure. God, you're sneaky.
[Geum-myeong] When I didn't react
to her attacks at all
Mom, go home.
Was it your mother?
she always crossed the line.
I was quite blunt with her
on how I felt about you.
Is she that determined
to make Yeong-beom her son-in-law?
- [Yeong-beom] Mother, go home. Please.
- Let go!
What do you mean, hmm?
What'd you say to her?
[scoffs] Did your mother not tell you?
My goodness. She really wants you
to join this family, doesn't she?
- Mother!
- What did you say to her?
I told her we should both
stop the wedding.
Can I not say what I think?
[middle-aged Gwan-sik]
She's as snobby as they come,
turning up her nose at you like that.
I think she's comparing herself
to you because you still look pretty.
It's obvious.
That's why she gets the emerald dress
while you get brown.
I'd be more than happy
to wear the ugliest hanbok in the world
a thousand times over
if it meant she'd treat
Geum-myeong a little better.
Who could hate Geum-myeong anyway?
All her teachers loved her,
and I'm sure she'll learn to like her.
You know, when she had
she had that horse-faced teacher
that made her bring him coal
for the furnace every day.
Eventually, he gave Geum-myeong
the Best Character Award.
I had to pay him 30,000 won
to bribe him.
I made sure our children always took a few
extra rolls of gimbap with them to school.
I would tell them to share
what they didn't eat with their teachers.
I thought it would protect our kids
from the pain of having
a class presidency stolen.
Now you hope her dowry
will do the same thing?
There's nothing more upsetting
than your child being bullied.
Why can't that woman see that?
Why does she have to be so cruel?
What do you mean?
Did that stuck-up lady say something?
No.
It's just
She's always so harsh to Geum-myeong.
Geum-myeong can handle herself.
She'll be all right.
No, I can tell she won't.
She'll be on edge
for the rest of her life.
I know how that feels.
Geum-myeong is different.
We always taught her to respect herself.
[sighs, sniffles]
I see you're dead set on driving
a wedge between me and my son.
You can't even hide your intentions.
Something else your mother
didn't teach you?
Mom, why are you doing this?
How far are you going to go?
I haven't said half of what I should!
It's only my good manners
that have held me back.
Your manners?
Oh, Mother, just stop it.
You never treated us kindly.
Not me or anyone in my family.
- I think I've had enough.
- What?
I've put up with you not because my family
is any less than yours is.
If I spoke up for myself,
you'd humiliate your son,
and my father's hands
aren't embarrassing either.
[scoffs]
I would what?!
[scoffs] Humiliate him?
Child, when I first met your father,
I thought he had the hands
of a day laborer!
- That's enough!
- My parents aren't embarrassing at all.
Nothing about my family embarrasses me.
This entire time,
I was way more embarrassed
of what I was putting up with
to join yours.
[scoffs]
Please, you think this wedding
could happen without me?
If I want to stop it, I will. Got it?
Got it?
Don't worry.
I'm calling it off.
[sighs]
If I stay with you,
my parents' hearts will break.
I can't do it.
[melancholy music playing]
You're breaking off the engagement?
[scoffs]
You? You?
Come on, Mom,
why can't you just stop it? Please!
Don't you tell me to stop!
Your life is my life!
You're my son! My pride and joy!
You are my whole life!
But his life is his own.
No matter how often you say it's yours,
Yeong-beom has to live it.
[middle-aged Ae-sun]
I just don't understand.
What is it you don't like
about my Geum-myeong?
This is marriage we're talking about.
No offense to her,
but marriage works best when the families
are a good fit for each other.
I never let my daughter go hungry
a day in her life.
I worked hard to make sure
she could do anything she wanted.
But you didn't ever really think she could
escape the shadow of her poverty.
That's impossible, isn't it?
How could a flower
that has lived in the shade
ever grow as tall as one in the sunlight?
Please excuse my bluntness
but now that I've spoken my mind,
I feel like a huge weight
has finally been lifted off my shoulders.
Have you considered
what will happen
now that you have confessed that?
I can tell you.
It'll break your son's heart, ma'am.
It will crush your son for sure.
[pop music playing]
[Geum-myeong] You've robbed your son
of his own life.
[on TV] Hi, my name is Pororo.
[friend 1] Hi, Pororo.
[baby whines]
[friend 2] Hi, guys.
[friend 3] Uh, Pororo, what are you doing?
[reporter] This morning,
Pope Francis arrived in Korea,
marking his first time ever
visiting the country.
Kim Seon-hee reports on the scene.
[Seon-hee] Pope Francis has arrived
in his private plane
at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam.
Of all the popes
[reporter 2] As extreme heat
overwhelms the nation,
we are seeing a steep increase
in the number of heat stroke patients.
According to the Korean Disease Control
and Prevention Agency, for two months
[door opens]
[door closes]
[music fades]
[Yeong-beom sighs]
You're still awake.
You've been drinking again.
Good night.
Please stop this.
Please.
Why is it so difficult with her?
It's not fair.
Why should I live this way?
[sniffles]
Go to bed.
After what I went through to raise you?
This is how your wife treats me.
[sobs]
You only ever feel sorry for yourself.
Don't you?
What do you have to complain about?
You were always too sensitive.
Everything I've ever done was for you.
I lived for your sake.
You know it's true.
If you'd married her,
you'd be even more unhappy now.
[sighs]
[sobs] How can you do this to me?
How can you humiliate me like this?
You are my whole life.
My whole life.
It's not your life. It's mine.
Or it was until I was stupid enough
to let you take it away.
I suppose you're happy, at least.
You're happy, aren't you?
See that?
You're the only one
who smiled at my wedding.
[sobbing]
[wistful music playing]
[Geum-myeong] As it turned out,
my first love
didn't have a fairy tale ending.
Geum-myeong.
Hey, wait.
Did your mom tell you she made my mom cry?
Well, she did.
Now we don't ever have to cry
because of her again.
[reporter 1] Hello, everyone.
This morning at 2:00 a.m.,
the North Korean leader
Kim Il-sung passed away.
[reporter 2] It is with the deepest regret
that we announce to the people
of the glorious
Democratic Republic of Korea
that our great leader,
Comrade Kim Il-sung,
passed away suddenly at 2:00 a.m.
on July 8th, 1994.
[reporter 3] How is it possible
that our great leader's heart of steel,
so impervious to external attacks
and filled with love for his people,
has truly stopped beating?
[reporter 1] After 34 hours
from the news of Kim Il-sung's death,
the Pyongyang Broadcast
[Geum-myeong] The day I broke off
our engagement
I cried like a North Korean spy.
[accordion music playing]
Geum-myeong.
[Geum-myeong] We dated for seven years.
It took us a year to break up.
Like I said, the only option you have now
is to be a good son.
You can't just be nice to everyone
and just hope it works out.
Everyone around you is miserable,
and you just stand there
acting nice. It's annoying!
Do you have to say it that way?
[Geum-myeong] We jabbed at each other.
We hurt each other.
But you've never lived with me.
We should at least try it out.
I already know how it feels
to be treated like dirt by your family.
You don't want me in your life anymore?
Can you mean that?
Sure! In fact, once you're out of my life,
I'll be happier than ever.
[sobs]
[sighs, moans]
[Geum-myeong sobs]
I never asked you to hug me.
[Geum-myeong] We yearned for each other
and poured out our hearts with no regrets.
[music fades]
[sighs]
It's cold.
You'll freeze.
[sniffles] It's past midnight. [chuckles]
I can still give you flowers,
right?
[sighs]
Why are you giving me flowers
on your birthday?
It's a birthday present for me. [chuckles]
[sighs]
Man, it's cold.
So cold.
Yeong-beom.
You have to stop.
I can't take it.
It's too draining.
Are we done, then?
You don't love me anymore?
Say something.
I do.
How could I not?
I do love you very much.
But I love myself as well.
I can't do this anymore.
- I can't stand being sad.
- I'll never see my mom again.
- Geum-myeong.
- Why would I want you to live like that?
How can I be happy
if your heart is aching?
[both sob]
I think if we became a family,
we would just end up resenting each other.
But I can't let you go.
What am I gonna do?
You'll be okay.
As I always say
life goes on for the living.
I am sorry.
I'm sorry I was so mean to you at the end.
No, I'm sorry.
I was so
So
[crying]
[Geum-myeong] Thank you.
Thank you for everything.
Thank you for everything, Yeong-beom.
They say you'll always remember
your first love.
I'm glad it's you.
[pop ballad playing]
Do we have to do this?
Is it really over?
[Geum-myeong] Come on.
I can't.
Hold me one last time?
[both crying]
[Geum-myeong] I'll miss your smell.
If anything happens,
you give me a call, okay?
You have no one in Seoul.
Promise me you'll call.
I will.
I promise.
So does this mean
Does this mean we'll never see each other?
How can we?
How can we not?
This is so unfair.
This is so unfair.
[Geum-myeong]
He was my first love, my family,
and my best friend in Seoul
when I didn't know a soul.
As I said my final goodbye
to the boy who was closest to me,
I felt like the Little Prince
leaving his rose behind
on his tiny planet.
"JUST GET READY AND GO,
RIDE THE MOMENT WITH ALL YOU HAVE."
[music fades]
[opening theme music playing]
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES
EMERGENCY ROOM
[middle-aged Ae-sun whimpers]
So, actually,
I lived in that room a few years ago.
There was always a draft because
the windows were so bent out of shape.
I suppose that's what saved her today.
Oh God. What if I hadn't made it?
What if I'd missed the flight?
I don't know why,
but I just knew I had to come.
You saved her life, ma'am, you did.
No. No.
Geum-myeong's the one who saved my life.
By staying alive, she saved my life.
She's much kinder than I am.
I really can't take this anymore.
I really can't.
You have to stay healthy
'cause Geum-myeong still needs you. Here.
[middle-aged Ae-sun] Oh my.
Uh, are you the landlord's son-in-law?
Well, uh
[pants]
That's
Park Geum-myeong's son, no?
[Chung-seob] Huh?
Park Geum-myeong's son?
Huh?
I mean, I never knew who his dad was.
[jaunty music playing]
[sighs] Gimme.
[Geum-myeong] What?
[Yeong-beom] You're freezing.
[Ae-sun] It's not like you are nobility.
Why won't you let me take care of you?
Hush now, okay?
Let's talk about this later.
We should get married now.
Let's just go and get it over with.
[Geum-myeong] Quiet! My mom's here.
[Yeong-beom sighs]
Tell them to go play house somewhere else.
Goodness, she's all grown up.
[nurse] Excuse me.
Have you filled this out yet?
Oh, right.
[Yeong-beom] If you didn't want it,
why did you take the ring?
With the ring,
it's a done deal. A done deal!
Don't go. Marry me. Here's a ring.
You take the ring, and it's a done deal.
[sighs]
How did she find a boy
just like her father?
[Yeong-beom] I told you to move.
- Enough, please.
- I told you to move out of there.
Have you ever been poisoned before?
The doctor said being nagged at
will give me more headaches.
But why did you have to be
poisoned in the first place?
Just marry me and move in with us.
I mean, we even have a water heater.
[Geum-myeong] You're proposing to me
with a water heater?
What happened to the diamond ring?
Jeez, I guess they have no shame,
talking on and on.
[Yeong-beom] I'm not asking
for anything unreasonable.
They don't fix street lights
in that neighborhood.
I hate that you have to climb
that hill by yourself.
I hate that you can see
your own breath in that room.
I hate that you can't sleep because
you have to sell late-night movie tickets.
I hate that you can't make phone calls
because of your landlord.
I hate it all.
Why do you have to put up with it?
No one else does.
Who wants to live like that?
Nobody!
- Don't you watch the news?
- [sighs]
It happens in the blink of an eye.
You can die in an instant.
What if you died from carbon monoxide
when you were alone? Huh?
What if something happens and you die?
Yeah, but I didn't die.
[Yeong-beom sobs]
- I couldn't take it!
- [Geum-myeong] Come on.
What's wrong?
I thought boys stopped crying
after basic training.
Seriously, you're an officer.
If you die, I'll die too.
That's all I could think in the taxi here.
Hey,
no matter what, life goes on.
So if I died, you'd move on?
I mean, eventually.
Yeah, I would.
Stop smiling.
Hmm?
[Geum-myeong chuckles]
Oh, you're too cute.
It's so annoying.
[sobs]
It wasn't that bad.
It was just a little gas.
Besides, you know I have tiny nostrils.
I couldn't inhale that much,
even if I wanted to.
[sniffles]
Geum-myeong,
please don't ever be alone.
Please?
I'm the one you're marrying.
It's not like you'd be marrying my mom.
I'll do whatever it takes
for my family to give us their blessing.
Ae-sun will live with me.
She won't be living with my grandmother.
I'll make sure
she won't lay a hand on her.
I'll make sure my mom
takes it easy on you.
She has her opinions, but you just
have to butter her up a little.
She doesn't like me.
I don't really like her either.
[gentle piano music playing]
Deep down, my mom is a nice person.
But if she is so nice,
why was she so rude at our family dinner?
- What did she say to you?
- Oh my God.
You scared me.
- Hello there, Mrs. Oh.
- That's how it is?
Your mother doesn't approve
of my daughter. That true?
No, Mom. That's not what we meant.
Why not? Why?
[Geum-myeong sighs]
[music playing on TV]
[woman 5] I can't believe my own eyes.
Are you really Sang-gil's daughter?
Mm-hmm.
Ooh. This is hilarious.
Why is it funny who her dad is?
I think he'd be proud, is all.
She's living out his dream.
Cut the bullcrap.
They don't need to hear it.
Many years ago,
your mother and your father
sat across from each other in those seats.
- Hey.
- This was a café. They met for coffee.
- Hey.
- [Gyeong-ja] They were on a blind date.
You two could've been siblings.
Watch it. Ae-sun is gonna kill you.
[Gyeong-ja] You're just like
Romeo and Juliet.
Mm. Bit uglier though.
[chuckles]
[kettle whistling]
[Geum-myeong]
Will their first great love last,
or will it only be
a heartbreaking memory of young love?
At the time, they were completely
caught up in their emotions
without holding back.
What does your mother not like
about my daughter? Tell me.
No, ma'am, I didn't mean
As her guardian,
we need you to sign this form.
- [Chung-seob] Me?
- [nurse] Of course, who else?
You are her guardian. Aren't you?
Oh, I'm not
But you brought her in. I saw you.
You ran here with her on your back.
Who is he?
[sighs]
[Yeong-beom] Why is he your guardian?
You know what? I don't like her son.
I'm talking about you.
Just tell me if they dated.
Give me a simple yes or no.
Are you just
making stuff up again or what?
Hey, if I tell you,
will you rat me out to your dad?
You can't fool me.
Remember when I was little,
you convinced me
you had a tiger at your house?
[Gyeong-ja] Okay, just forget it.
Good, drop it. There are some things
better off left in the past.
[Gyeong-ja] They never dated.
However, they almost got married.
[chuckles]
[jaunty music playing]
[music fades]
You think that's funny?
[laughter]
Ah. A little bit.
THREE AUNTIES'
FRESHLY PICKED BY HAENYEO
[gentle piano music playing]
[sighs]
What in God's name
is that thing on your head?
Are you about to plow a field?
Hey, Dad,
are you happy?
Ah, you can't really think
that makes you look good.
Just shave your head.
I'll pay you 50,000 won.
[razor whirring]
[rock music playing]
[music continues in headphones]
THIS IS NOT TRASH
THIS IS MY PRIDE I'VE THROWN AWAY FOR YOU
COME BACK TO ME, YEM
HYEON-SUK LOVES YOU FOEVER
26 MONTHS OR 26 YEARS
I PROMISE I WILL WAI
[sobs]
Do people still get beat up
in the military?
I never taught you how to handle that.
Why did you insist on coming
if you were gonna cry?
Jeez, seriously.
[Eun-myeong sighs]
[sobs] You should've gone to college.
I knew you should.
[radio] With the implementation
of the College Scholastic Ability Test
this year,
many students are experiencing
quite a lot of confusion.
While the Academic Ability Exam
was based on memorization,
this new test is geared
toward comprehensive reasoning
[middle-aged Ae-sun] They expect kids
to run before they can even walk.
If they keep changing the exams,
how can the slower kids go to college?
[sobs]
[Geum-myeong] He joined the army?
[woman] Last-minute decision.
He hasn't done his military service yet?
I know he looks old enough
to have fought in the war,
but our Picasso is only 28.
He said soju and popcorn are for the boss.
Everything else is up for grabs.
Popcorn for me?
How can he leave without saying goodbye?
Why didn't he tell us?
I can't eat all of this on my own.
It's too much.
We worked together for years.
Are you quitting too?
I guess you won't be seeing him again.
We might run into each other again.
No, you won't.
You won't see him again in this life.
Maybe the next.
The stars have to align for you
to meet someone once in a lifetime.
If you let them pass you by.
I'm afraid that's all she wrote.
[sighs]
Apparently, he carried me just like that.
NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN
NEVER LET THEM OUT OF YOUR SIGH
AND NEVER FALL IN LOVE
THE BODYGUARD
Seoul boys are heartless after all.
[intriguing music playing]
[Geum-myeong] That year,
everything about my life
seemed to be shifting.
[man on TV] And the grand prize winner
of the 1993 KBS Korean Music Awards is
[drum roll]
Kim Soo-hee for "Sad Love"!
[cheering]
[Geum-myeong]
Kim Soo-hee defeated Seo Taiji.
The winds of fall
overcame the passions of spring.
[man on TV] The year 1993, a year filled
with all kinds of ups and downs,
is finally coming to a close.
[Geum-myeong] Fighting the wind
that rages in our hearts is a losing game.
So, have I changed a lot?
[romantic pop music playing]
The wind always blows in the fall.
[music fades]
[intriguing music playing]
But it also blows in the spring.
Oh jeez.
How does he expect me to sell this thing?
Whatever the season,
it blows and blows.
I'd like to think that.
I'd like to.
[Geum-myeong] Our hearts
never cease to be moved.
[Geum-myeong] "I, a poor man,
love the beautiful Natasha dearly."
"So tonight, the snow falls heavily."
Oh, so you saw that too. [sighs]
I guess you like that one especially.
Well, I just
So you're a sentimental one.
[Chung-seob] I suppose
in poetry, poverty can seem dignified.
There's nothing cool about
not having money,
but poetry gives it beauty.
Well,
you're a painter.
I couldn't paint to save my life.
You use that talent to make money.
Not everyone can do that.
So, Mr. Toto,
I'm afraid you're not so poor after all.
And if I may be so blunt,
your Natasha
isn't exactly beautiful either.
Don't let her make you feel small.
I mean,
I don't know if anything I'm saying
will help you get over her.
But your Natasha
is a bit of a donkey
without her makeup on.
Um
My mom was curious.
Were you planning
to take any grad-school exams?
She wants to give you books for it.
[feel-good music playing]
[distant siren wailing]
[Geum-myeong] If you keep saying,
"I feel sorry for myself, my life sucks,"
your life will suck.
If you don't think you're worth 100 won,
who's gonna think you're worth 1,000?
So instead of
pitying yourself all the time,
try to find the courage
to talk yourself up instead.
You kinda look like
Master Roshi right now.
[chuckles] Do you read Dragon Ball?
Look, just be glad you're not my family.
'Cause if you were my little brother
Pow.
I'd beat some sense into you.
[laughs]
So you do know how to laugh.
Wow. I didn't know I could.
[music fades]
So that's the tree?
The biggest Christmas tree in Korea.
Ah.
I got this place
because of the hilltop view.
If we go all the way up, we'll see
the biggest Christmas tree in Korea.
Wow.
I think we've seen each other in the most
embarrassing situations of our lives.
I think you're like
that Christmas tree over there.
Trees do their job by just standing still
no matter where they are.
Yeah, how so?
Oh, you know.
Wherever a Christmas tree is,
if it's in an apartment
or a lonely corner store,
it always shines bright, no matter what,
and takes your breath away.
I thought I should say that
on a day like today.
It's like you said,
I'm talking talking people up.
Hang on. Are you going away or something?
[pop ballad playing]
- [traffic noise]
- [car horns honking]
MY LOVE BY MY SIDE
MY LOVE BY MY SIDE
DAVICHI
[siren wailing]
[automated voice] Student passenger.
This stop is Neung-dong Intersection.
Neung-dong Intersection.
[pop music playing]
[bus driver] Ma'am,
this is Neung-dong Intersection.
This is your stop.
[indistinct chattering]
[Geum-myeong] There was a time
when everyone held their heads up.
A time when people
were open about their feelings.
KIM HYUN-SIK BEST HITS
A time when we looked at each other
instead of our cell phones.
[both laugh]
Like it?
I do.
When did you record this?
You said you like
Kim Hyun-sik more than me.
I was joking.
Tough day at work?
It must not be fun.
Nobody goes to work for fun.
Everyone needs a check.
Are you taking the bar for fun? [chuckles]
[Yeong-beom] Even so,
was this what you wanted to do?
Hmm? Was it your dream
to work in an office?
Mm
I just wanted to be free.
Always have.
Claiming independence as an individual
is actually
a pretty impressive accomplishment.
[Geum-myeong] But we never really
claimed independence.
College, graduation,
introducing our families.
Our parents were involved
in every aspect of our lives.
Okay, that's it. We're leaving.
They're almost here.
The traffic is really bad in Seoul.
They know we took a flight to get here,
don't they?
[sighs] He should've left
a little bit earlier.
How bad could the traffic be?
Geum-myeong,
why are you being so anxious, dear?
You always tell me to relax.
You know what? Forget it.
Don't be like that. Don't start.
We should call it off.
Oh, I'm sorry we're late.
We hit traffic just as
we were getting close.
[Geum-myeong] Oh, hello.
[chuckles nervously]
The traffic must've been awful.
I hope none of you got carsick
on the way here.
[middle-aged Ae-sun]
Geum-myeong was overly polite that day.
We're very late.
Oh, that's okay. It's all right.
[Geum-myeong] My mom told a woman
who never once apologized, "It's okay."
That was the dynamic in the room.
We've met before. I'm Park Geum-myeong.
[Geum-myeong] That day,
for the first time,
I saw how my dad hides his callouses
when he shakes your hand.
I'm Geum-myeong's father,
Yang Gwan-sik.
[Park Geum-myeong laughs]
Eventually, the parents let the kids
have their way.
I knew my wife would come around.
If he wants to get married,
let's get things moving.
Dating a girl for too long isn't
very polite on the man's part, is it?
Think of the time she loses.
Well, Yeong-beom is in no hurry.
- [Park Geum-myeong laughs] Listen.
- Uh, Father?
Thanks.
I've been thinking. When they're married,
they should really start
calling each other "honey."
It'd be a bit weird
to hear my son calling his wife
"Geum-myeong" all the time
since that's my name too. [laughs]
It would be much better
if she had a different name.
[Park Geum-myeong laughs]
Help yourselves.
[middle-aged Ae-sun] It's my fault.
I'm the one who taught her that.
She's only doing what she saw growing up.
Let's eat.
Let's eat.
Aren't you bringing out sungnyung?
[middle-aged Ae-sun] My precious child.
I should have shown her a better way.
[Park Geum-myeong]
Here, have some steamed fish.
[middle-aged Ae-sun] It broke my heart
to see that my daughter
had turned out exactly like me.
[Park Geum-myeong laughs]
Mmm.
[middle-aged Gwan-sik] We have a few dates
in mind for the wedding in Jeju.
Did you not tell them?
Why are you looking at him?
Uh, Mom, I thought I told you
I'm afraid
having two weddings is unacceptable.
We'd be a laughing stock.
I can't have my son being paraded
down there like a show monkey.
I understand
that the island has its own customs,
but Geum-myeong will be
a part of our family now, not yours.
I think her new family takes priority,
don't you?
So in any case,
we should choose one place.
Would you like to have it in Jeju?
We're willing to give up Seoul.
No, uh, we should have it in Seoul.
You'd be free from household chores
from now on. Congrats.
[scoffs] I doubt it.
Look at how she ladled your soup.
We have our work cut out for us, don't we?
I'm not sure she can handle managing
our household when she knows so little.
Well,
that might be a bit much.
She still has her job, after all.
Yes, it would.
Which is why she'll stop working.
Won't you?
Mother, can we talk about this some
I wasn't speaking to you, son.
Oh! I haven't tried the sungnyung.
I
Oh, sure.
I hope you know how to ladle
sungnyung at least.
Most eldest daughters
do housework quite well.
Geum-myeong is a bit different.
It's strange.
As long as she can make a decent stew.
[young Geum-myeong]
Peas. I want some peas, Mommy.
Peas. Peas. Let's have some peas.
[wistful music playing]
Huh?
[Geum-myeong] Mom never forgot the moment
Dad turned around for her that day.
His family always said
he was the first husband to turn around
and eat with the table behind him
in Dodong-ri history.
I want to eat at this table from now on.
[Gye-ok] Why?
[Geum-myeong] My Dad
was picking his own battles,
[Gye-ok] You insolent son.
[Geum-myeong] And he never left Mom alone
on the battlefield.
I wanna eat at this table with you, Mom.
[Gye-ok] Dogs are better. Dogs.
[Geum-myeong] As I was ladling sungnyung,
I realized that
Dad's choice to turn around that day
was nothing short of revolutionary.
I'll take over. I'm great at ladling.
No, stop it. Just sit down.
It's okay. Let me do it.
Here.
- You really don't have to.
- Please eat.
[sighs]
[Yeong-beom's mom] Geum-myeong,
you know nothing about housework
because your mother does it all for you,
doesn't she?
I couldn't bring myself to teach her.
She's too precious.
She's our darling girl.
That's why I chose not to teach her.
[scoffs]
[gentle piano music playing]
No, no. We'll be all right.
You should just give
your parents a ride instead.
We prefer the subway anyway. Just go.
I'll call a taxi for you, at least.
Oh, no, we couldn't.
Seoul has too many cars as it is.
The traffic will make us late.
Just take a taxi, Mom?
Take a taxi, I said.
Thanks for today. We'll see you.
Bye, Geum-myeong.
Bye.
Bye.
Goodbye, please get home safe.
Bye, Geum-myeong.
Take care. We'll call you.
I don't want you to worry about a thing.
There's nothing you can't handle.
I know that for sure.
Let's go. Come on.
Bye, Geum-myeong.
I'll call you when I'm home.
[Yeong-beom] Have a safe trip.
[sighs]
Mom's crying right now.
It's my fault, isn't it?
[Geum-myeong]
You're just like a little child.
You're innocent and sweet.
[music fades]
[Yeong-beom's mom]
My goodness, Geum-myeong.
It turns out you're something
of an indoor plant, aren't you?
- Mother.
- "Mother," what?
You keep interrupting
every time I open my mouth.
What, are you upset
you didn't take her side even more?
Could we please not do this right now?
Please?
[scoffs]
Your mother has some nerve
to speak to me that way.
Too precious for housework?
She only said that to get back at me.
I was against it in the first place.
- Mother, please!
- What?
You know, Mother,
you say I'm an indoor plant.
- That's exactly what I am.
- Hey!
It's true.
I grew up in the safety of a greenhouse
and cared for like
the most precious thing in the world.
So for my parents' sake
I'm asking if you could
please be gentle with me.
I don't like to see them cry.
- [tuts]
- [scoffs]
[breathes deeply]
[middle-aged Ae-sun] I didn't
send her to college just to ladle soup.
She's never had an issue speaking up
so why can't she stand up to his mother?
[sighs]
Why'd you do it?
You couldn't stand it, could you?
I wanted to show she has parents too.
Parents that support her!
[sighs] So you wanted to send a message.
You certainly held back.
I kinda expected you
to call it off right there.
I wanted to a thousand times over.
But I couldn't hurt our girl like that.
She loves this boy,
and she's more than good enough for him.
No doubt about it.
I'm gonna help her through this.
I'm going to handle all of it.
I'm going to make sure
that family can never say
her dowry wasn't good enough.
I won't let them crush her.
Do you hear me, Gwan-sik? I won't!
I know, honey. I know that.
[sniffles]
- [feel-good music playing]
- [panting]
I told you we should've taken a taxi.
His mom hates it when people are late.
She hates waiting.
[pants] I can't believe I'm doing this.
- Mom, hurry!
- What, is she your boss now?
Come on, we have to cross.
- I'm not going.
- Mom, come on.
I told you my feet hurt, didn't I?
I told you we should've taken a taxi,
didn't I?
Is she holding a stopwatch
to see when we arrive?
So what if we're late?
Seriously, they were an hour late
to our first dinner, weren't they?
Ugh, Mom.
What is wrong with you?!
Why do you care so much?
What do you owe her?
You always act like
you're the boss at home.
So what does it mean if you let
that family treat you like nothing?
That means me and your father
are less than nothing!
[sighs]
[woman] Oh, how gorgeous.
You look beautiful.
[laughs] Pink looks so good on you.
I could have sworn
you were in your thirties.
[gasps] There's no way I look 30. No way.
[both laugh]
Let's go with pink, then.
We had another shade of pink somewhere.
Hmm.
If you're not going to help me choose,
why did you come?
[Geum-myeong] Um
What?
- Don't you want flowers on it?
- [middle-aged Ae-sun] Do you think?
[woman] Okay, let's see
what florals we have in pink.
Oh, I dunno.
I don't wanna look too flashy.
What, do you have another daughter?
You'll be the mother of the bride
only once, so
do everything you want.
Well
I've always liked those cute ones
that have a bunch of tiny flowers in rows.
I remember Cheol-yong's mother
wore a hanbok like this
on his wedding day.
So you wanna be flashy, after all.
Of course we can add floral patterns.
People might mistake
your mother for the bride. [laughs]
Your mom is so young, isn't she? [laughs]
Let's go with the one before.
The dark brown.
But, ma'am, are you sure?
The pink is a much better color on her.
[chuckles]
Are you the one getting married?
Uh
I want this emerald color.
Oh, uh, Mother?
My mom really likes pink, so
Who wears pink these days?
You're not the only one inviting guests.
Thank goodness I'm here
getting you through this.
Thank goodness.
[gentle piano music playing]
[sighs]
I thought,
since you kept turning down our gift,
you might like this instead.
[chuckles nervously]
There's no need.
Oh, well, uh,
if you let us know
what you'd like to get as dowry, we could
It's all right. I appreciate the thought.
But, uh,
why only appreciate the thought?
Please. You can tell me what it is.
[chuckles]
I'd appreciate it
if you would at least take
Fine, then. I'll take it.
I know my Geum-myeong
may not be everything you'd hoped,
but she's thoughtful.
She has a big heart.
You'll see. Mm.
At least I hope so. [chuckles]
And you know,
I really do, uh, like your son.
And more than that,
my daughter really likes him.
It's very clear he cares for her.
Anyone can see that.
So I can't help liking him.
[both laugh]
- Can I be honest with you?
- Uh, yes?
The truth is, Ms. Oh,
I have these thoughts
that I can no longer keep to myself.
Hm.
Oh!
[panting]
Why are you so late?
- Things are awkward enough.
- Why are you out here?
I was worried you wouldn't find the place.
They're alone right now?
Yeah. Why? Is that a problem?
Jeez, your hair is crazy.
- Where is it? Which way?
- It's right over here.
- This way?
- Yes.
What's wrong?
There's no mother who will hold
their tongue for the sake of their child.
I think I'll regret it
for the rest of my life
if I go through with this
without saying anything.
I see.
I propose this.
Let's stop this wedding, Ms. Oh.
I've tried so hard to let go of my pride,
but you understand me as a mother.
You know what my son is.
He is everything I have.
He's my work of art.
I'm sorry for saying this,
but Geum-myeong doesn't check off
all the boxes for me.
Is that what you want for her?
To join a family that's not fond of her?
[sighs]
Convince Geum-myeong,
and I'll tell my son.
Let's find a way to stop this wedding.
I'm sure it's for the best.
Right?
[sighs]
I just don't get
what it is you don't like
about Geum-myeong.
[door slams]
[sighs]
[middle-aged Ae-sun scoffs]
You didn't say a thing the entire meal.
- Yeong-beom was losing his mind.
- So what if he was?
Do you really like him that much?
What?
I just don't know what
you like about that boy?
What, do you not like him?
- No, I don't like him.
- Why?
I just don't.
I mean, what's so special about him?
It's not like he's passed the bar exam.
He doesn't amount to anything so far,
so who cares?
Oh yeah? What about me, then?
How am I any better?
You couldn't say a thing to his mom
about your dress,
so you must think
I'm even more worthless than he is.
Not at all. I would never think that.
Okay, then why couldn't you
say anything to her?
Why are you bending over backwards
Because I want her to like my daughter!
I don't want her to be cold to you.
I don't think you're less than he is. No!
How could you even think I felt like that?
I've never heard such a load of crap.
[sighs]
Wait.
Did his mom say something to you?
[gentle acoustic guitar music playing]
I couldn't even send you to kindergarten
without worrying
if you'd get along with the other kids.
How can I lash out at that woman
when I know you're joining her family?
[sighs] Then lash out. Stop pretending!
It's your decision.
No one else's.
Just make the right choice for my sake.
Because if your dad and I
have to watch you get hurt by that woman,
we'll be devastated, Geum-myeong.
[Geum-myeong] At my house,
I was the bratty child.
At his house,
I would become the black sheep.
- Everything was my fault.
- Mother.
This is your doing.
I told you, it was my decision.
I can think for myself.
Geum-myeong, do you have a house?
Do you have assets?
No? Did you think luring Yeong-beom away
would get you all of that?
This is exactly why I'm moving out, Mom.
You're making it so hard.
I'm sure you nagged at him endlessly
until he agreed.
You think you have him
wrapped around your finger.
Mom, did you hear what I said?
Mother.
I never asked Yeong-beom
to move out of your house once.
Oh, I'm sure. God, you're sneaky.
[Geum-myeong] When I didn't react
to her attacks at all
Mom, go home.
Was it your mother?
she always crossed the line.
I was quite blunt with her
on how I felt about you.
Is she that determined
to make Yeong-beom her son-in-law?
- [Yeong-beom] Mother, go home. Please.
- Let go!
What do you mean, hmm?
What'd you say to her?
[scoffs] Did your mother not tell you?
My goodness. She really wants you
to join this family, doesn't she?
- Mother!
- What did you say to her?
I told her we should both
stop the wedding.
Can I not say what I think?
[middle-aged Gwan-sik]
She's as snobby as they come,
turning up her nose at you like that.
I think she's comparing herself
to you because you still look pretty.
It's obvious.
That's why she gets the emerald dress
while you get brown.
I'd be more than happy
to wear the ugliest hanbok in the world
a thousand times over
if it meant she'd treat
Geum-myeong a little better.
Who could hate Geum-myeong anyway?
All her teachers loved her,
and I'm sure she'll learn to like her.
You know, when she had
she had that horse-faced teacher
that made her bring him coal
for the furnace every day.
Eventually, he gave Geum-myeong
the Best Character Award.
I had to pay him 30,000 won
to bribe him.
I made sure our children always took a few
extra rolls of gimbap with them to school.
I would tell them to share
what they didn't eat with their teachers.
I thought it would protect our kids
from the pain of having
a class presidency stolen.
Now you hope her dowry
will do the same thing?
There's nothing more upsetting
than your child being bullied.
Why can't that woman see that?
Why does she have to be so cruel?
What do you mean?
Did that stuck-up lady say something?
No.
It's just
She's always so harsh to Geum-myeong.
Geum-myeong can handle herself.
She'll be all right.
No, I can tell she won't.
She'll be on edge
for the rest of her life.
I know how that feels.
Geum-myeong is different.
We always taught her to respect herself.
[sighs, sniffles]
I see you're dead set on driving
a wedge between me and my son.
You can't even hide your intentions.
Something else your mother
didn't teach you?
Mom, why are you doing this?
How far are you going to go?
I haven't said half of what I should!
It's only my good manners
that have held me back.
Your manners?
Oh, Mother, just stop it.
You never treated us kindly.
Not me or anyone in my family.
- I think I've had enough.
- What?
I've put up with you not because my family
is any less than yours is.
If I spoke up for myself,
you'd humiliate your son,
and my father's hands
aren't embarrassing either.
[scoffs]
I would what?!
[scoffs] Humiliate him?
Child, when I first met your father,
I thought he had the hands
of a day laborer!
- That's enough!
- My parents aren't embarrassing at all.
Nothing about my family embarrasses me.
This entire time,
I was way more embarrassed
of what I was putting up with
to join yours.
[scoffs]
Please, you think this wedding
could happen without me?
If I want to stop it, I will. Got it?
Got it?
Don't worry.
I'm calling it off.
[sighs]
If I stay with you,
my parents' hearts will break.
I can't do it.
[melancholy music playing]
You're breaking off the engagement?
[scoffs]
You? You?
Come on, Mom,
why can't you just stop it? Please!
Don't you tell me to stop!
Your life is my life!
You're my son! My pride and joy!
You are my whole life!
But his life is his own.
No matter how often you say it's yours,
Yeong-beom has to live it.
[middle-aged Ae-sun]
I just don't understand.
What is it you don't like
about my Geum-myeong?
This is marriage we're talking about.
No offense to her,
but marriage works best when the families
are a good fit for each other.
I never let my daughter go hungry
a day in her life.
I worked hard to make sure
she could do anything she wanted.
But you didn't ever really think she could
escape the shadow of her poverty.
That's impossible, isn't it?
How could a flower
that has lived in the shade
ever grow as tall as one in the sunlight?
Please excuse my bluntness
but now that I've spoken my mind,
I feel like a huge weight
has finally been lifted off my shoulders.
Have you considered
what will happen
now that you have confessed that?
I can tell you.
It'll break your son's heart, ma'am.
It will crush your son for sure.
[pop music playing]
[Geum-myeong] You've robbed your son
of his own life.
[on TV] Hi, my name is Pororo.
[friend 1] Hi, Pororo.
[baby whines]
[friend 2] Hi, guys.
[friend 3] Uh, Pororo, what are you doing?
[reporter] This morning,
Pope Francis arrived in Korea,
marking his first time ever
visiting the country.
Kim Seon-hee reports on the scene.
[Seon-hee] Pope Francis has arrived
in his private plane
at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam.
Of all the popes
[reporter 2] As extreme heat
overwhelms the nation,
we are seeing a steep increase
in the number of heat stroke patients.
According to the Korean Disease Control
and Prevention Agency, for two months
[door opens]
[door closes]
[music fades]
[Yeong-beom sighs]
You're still awake.
You've been drinking again.
Good night.
Please stop this.
Please.
Why is it so difficult with her?
It's not fair.
Why should I live this way?
[sniffles]
Go to bed.
After what I went through to raise you?
This is how your wife treats me.
[sobs]
You only ever feel sorry for yourself.
Don't you?
What do you have to complain about?
You were always too sensitive.
Everything I've ever done was for you.
I lived for your sake.
You know it's true.
If you'd married her,
you'd be even more unhappy now.
[sighs]
[sobs] How can you do this to me?
How can you humiliate me like this?
You are my whole life.
My whole life.
It's not your life. It's mine.
Or it was until I was stupid enough
to let you take it away.
I suppose you're happy, at least.
You're happy, aren't you?
See that?
You're the only one
who smiled at my wedding.
[sobbing]
[wistful music playing]
[Geum-myeong] As it turned out,
my first love
didn't have a fairy tale ending.
Geum-myeong.
Hey, wait.
Did your mom tell you she made my mom cry?
Well, she did.
Now we don't ever have to cry
because of her again.
[reporter 1] Hello, everyone.
This morning at 2:00 a.m.,
the North Korean leader
Kim Il-sung passed away.
[reporter 2] It is with the deepest regret
that we announce to the people
of the glorious
Democratic Republic of Korea
that our great leader,
Comrade Kim Il-sung,
passed away suddenly at 2:00 a.m.
on July 8th, 1994.
[reporter 3] How is it possible
that our great leader's heart of steel,
so impervious to external attacks
and filled with love for his people,
has truly stopped beating?
[reporter 1] After 34 hours
from the news of Kim Il-sung's death,
the Pyongyang Broadcast
[Geum-myeong] The day I broke off
our engagement
I cried like a North Korean spy.
[accordion music playing]
Geum-myeong.
[Geum-myeong] We dated for seven years.
It took us a year to break up.
Like I said, the only option you have now
is to be a good son.
You can't just be nice to everyone
and just hope it works out.
Everyone around you is miserable,
and you just stand there
acting nice. It's annoying!
Do you have to say it that way?
[Geum-myeong] We jabbed at each other.
We hurt each other.
But you've never lived with me.
We should at least try it out.
I already know how it feels
to be treated like dirt by your family.
You don't want me in your life anymore?
Can you mean that?
Sure! In fact, once you're out of my life,
I'll be happier than ever.
[sobs]
[sighs, moans]
[Geum-myeong sobs]
I never asked you to hug me.
[Geum-myeong] We yearned for each other
and poured out our hearts with no regrets.
[music fades]
[sighs]
It's cold.
You'll freeze.
[sniffles] It's past midnight. [chuckles]
I can still give you flowers,
right?
[sighs]
Why are you giving me flowers
on your birthday?
It's a birthday present for me. [chuckles]
[sighs]
Man, it's cold.
So cold.
Yeong-beom.
You have to stop.
I can't take it.
It's too draining.
Are we done, then?
You don't love me anymore?
Say something.
I do.
How could I not?
I do love you very much.
But I love myself as well.
I can't do this anymore.
- I can't stand being sad.
- I'll never see my mom again.
- Geum-myeong.
- Why would I want you to live like that?
How can I be happy
if your heart is aching?
[both sob]
I think if we became a family,
we would just end up resenting each other.
But I can't let you go.
What am I gonna do?
You'll be okay.
As I always say
life goes on for the living.
I am sorry.
I'm sorry I was so mean to you at the end.
No, I'm sorry.
I was so
So
[crying]
[Geum-myeong] Thank you.
Thank you for everything.
Thank you for everything, Yeong-beom.
They say you'll always remember
your first love.
I'm glad it's you.
[pop ballad playing]
Do we have to do this?
Is it really over?
[Geum-myeong] Come on.
I can't.
Hold me one last time?
[both crying]
[Geum-myeong] I'll miss your smell.
If anything happens,
you give me a call, okay?
You have no one in Seoul.
Promise me you'll call.
I will.
I promise.
So does this mean
Does this mean we'll never see each other?
How can we?
How can we not?
This is so unfair.
This is so unfair.
[Geum-myeong]
He was my first love, my family,
and my best friend in Seoul
when I didn't know a soul.
As I said my final goodbye
to the boy who was closest to me,
I felt like the Little Prince
leaving his rose behind
on his tiny planet.
"JUST GET READY AND GO,
RIDE THE MOMENT WITH ALL YOU HAVE."
[music fades]