Original subtitles

[opening theme music playing]

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES

[upbeat feel-good music playing]

DAUGHTER OF YANG GWAN-SIK AND OH AE-SUN YANG GEUM-MYEONG! ACCEPTED TO SNU!

'88 SEOUL OLYMPICS CELEBRATION ADVANCED CITIZENS! ADVANCED STREETS!

[Gyeong-ja] Who cares if you're from the Olympics?

Haenyeo do more than Olympians every day!

[Geum-myeong] For the haenyeo,

their "Olympics" was simply making ends meet.

Please, everyone, calm down. If you'd just let us explain.

[Geum-myeong] And the Olympic events they competed in

were as grand as they were cruel.

Games without medals,

pensions,

or retirement.

[Gyeong-ja] What the hell are you ruining our business for?

Why? Go do your Olympics if that's what you want.

- Why do we have to sacrifice for it? - Oh God.

Who are you trying to punish here?

Who ever saw a conch protesting the Olympics?

Or a fish blocking the roads?

[frustrated scream] All right! Enough!

Seriously! I've had enough. We need to get through!

How many times do I have to tell you?

The Olympic torch will be passing right through here!

Americans are going to watch this on their TVs!

We can't let anyone see that.

All these disgusting intestines and the smell of fish guts here?

Are you stupid or what? Can you smell your TV?

We have orders from the government to clean up anything unsightly.

That's an order!

That's an order!

- [woman 6] Why you little… - Unsightly, eh?

Now I've heard it all. You're going to take away our livelihoods

just to serve some Americans thousands of miles away?

Does that make any kind of sense to you at all?

Is that the American way of doing business?

Trampling the poor by taking the food out of our mouths!

[man] I can't take this.

Oh, come on, you're no crusaders for justice.

You're just fish-sellers like I am.

I think we can all handle a little loss for the greater good.

Now stop messing things up!

I know what happened. They paid you off, didn't they?

[scoffs] What? 'Cause I don't have enough money yet, you think?

How much was it, huh?

How much did they pay you for our blood, sweat, and tears?

You call yourself "chief"?

Maybe you would have some manners if you had gone to school.

Explain it to us again!

The Olympic torch will pass through for a few minutes,

and just for that, you wanna take away our income?

What kind of law is that?

- Oh, please. What about it? - Go away!

What do you know about the law?

[woman 6] Oh Ae-sun!

Where's Ae-sun?

Go get our deputy chief. She finished high school.

Finished high school? [laughs]

- She didn't even graduate. - Well, she went at least.

[woman 5] Where is our deputy chief?

- She would know exactly what to say! - [woman 6] Ae-sun!

[Gyeong-ja] What are you shouting about Ae-sun for?

It's not like she can do anything.

I want you to explain how not selling our fish helps the nation.

God, can't you see this doesn't matter?

If North Korea decides to ruin our Olympics

and bursts the Mount Kumgang dam, all of Seoul will be flooded.

Even the 63 Building would be under the sea.

Don't you follow the news?

Don't you understand? It's for the greater good.

Compared to history, your little lives don't matter at all.

[Gyeong-ja] Yes, they do. Yes, they do.

- You bet your ass they matter. - Oh, it's hopeless.

[screaming]

Do you know how riots get started?

If you kick over a dog's bowl of food,

it's gonna start shitting all over the place!

- Is that what you want? - Let go.

Is that what you want?

Huh?

- Ae-sun! - No, no, no.

- That's not what I want. - Ae-sun!

Hey! She's right there. Right there. Here she is.

- [woman 6] Ae-sun, there you are. - She'll tell you.

Well?

Wait. Deputy.

Deputy.

[crowd murmuring]

[gasps, sighs]

She's not gonna start shitting here, is she?

Hey, get up.

There's an outcry with no sound

What's that?

Lashed by the season's bitter scourge

You're embarrassing yourself. Stop making a scene.

- If you get fed up with me and-- - Hey, someone get a forklift.

Then run me over!

Hey, this is a gangster. She's not a high school graduate.

The only gangsters here are the ones stealing people's livelihoods.

What? You can't be serious!

Bring it on!

Oh, now I'm really getting pissed off!

Bring it on!

Just tell them to pack it up! Come on!

I said, bring it on!

Do your worst!

[dog whining]

[disco music playing]

My goodness, what happened to the bookworm?

Well, I know what. I know what.

Life happened, that's what.

I don't believe it.

Damn it.

[Gyeong-ja] Hey, Bu Sang-gil.

You better compensate us for the day of lost sales!

OPPOSITION PARTIES FAIL TO AGREE ON SINGLE CANDIDACY

Politics is as fickle as the wind, isn't it?

The whole town is talking about how you could be the next village chief.

Please. I told you. I have no interest in politics.

That's what you types always say. Then, lo and behold, you end up running.

This election is between a government stooge

and real fighters like us.

[woman 5] If we let that treacherous idiot of a chief

win with all the money from the Olympic bureaucrats,

then all us haenyeo are screwed.

If he wants to get called "chief," he should be acting like one, right?

I hate how he calls you "deputy" all the time.

It's all, "Hey, deputy" this, "deputy" that! "Hey, deputy!"

- That's how he says it. - She can't stand being a number two.

If a dog like him can be the chief, then why not her?

Let's make a haenyeo's daughter village chief.

Will you cut it out? I have no interest in politics.

I told you that.

[woman 5] Oh?

So we should just ignore

what your husband wants?

[man 1] Wow, this is a first.

[man 2] It looks like our captain is on the campaign trail.

[man 1] All right, you gave us snacks. Who should we vote for?

[man 2] We took the bribe, Captain. Talk to us.

Well,

I don't say this because she's my wife.

She has been a natural leader. She's been guiding us often.

I witnessed it myself.

[chuckles]

More than that, she's smart. In fact, I've never in my life met anyone smarter.

That's my honest opinion.

Sure, she was smart enough to make you captain.

Hey.

Let's be frank here.

Are you really okay with Ae-sun being the village chief?

Your wife would be the first female village chief Dodong-ri has ever had.

What happens to you?

I'm not sure if that's respectable for a man.

[middle-aged Gwan-sik] Sure, she'd be the first, but so would I.

If Ae-sun becomes the first female chief of the village,

then that would make me the first husband of the chief.

That's respectable.

I wouldn't even have to do anything at all.

Well, just slow down, huh?

You're making the rest of us men look bad.

Our captain's dreams sure sound different from ours.

[laughter]

Here, they just came out with this brand.

[feel-good music playing]

[young Ae-sun] All of it. I'm going to be the chief of the fishing village,

and then, I'll be president five times in a row.

[laughter]

When you grow up, what will you be?

What are you asking him for?

- [woman 5] Goodness. - [woman 6] Oh my.

[young Ae-sun] The First Gentleman.

The First Gentleman.

Well…

What is it, First Lady?

Those drinks,

there are actually real, fresh bananas in there.

This is the best quality, you guys.

[slurping]

I see you like it.

It's all right, but this banana milk is nothing.

That bigwig you're running against is giving away pork.

Who doesn't love pork?

[Sang-gil] Listen up. This isn't just any old pork.

This is Jeju black pork.

Oh yes.

From Jeju Island black pig.

Make sure everyone gets a double serving of this premium meat.

Premium? This is what we always serve.

Listen up, everybody. Don't think I have an ulterior motive.

Really, I'm not doing this for money or honor.

My only concern is, and always has been,

"How can I give the folks in our village something good?

How can I give folks something to enjoy?"

[woman 10] Can I have some water?

- [woman 11] Garlic, please. - Water, please.

Could you at least listen to me when I'm talking to you? Sheesh.

I don't know why you squeezed us all in here

just to feed us a morsel of pork.

Finish your plate, Grandma. Then you can order more.

You don't look like one of my supporters, but here you are.

She's right. You're barely feeding them.

You're frugal, I'll give you that. [scoffs]

So, think about it.

Oh Ae-sun has basically no history to speak of

whereas my family built this town and continues to serve!

I ordered soda an hour ago. When are you gonna serve that?

Not everyone is born a leader,

which is exactly why we should carefully examine

each candidate's past to check for any issues or family problems.

[woman 12] What family problems?

I heard Gwan-sik got an official commendation.

- Do you have any of those? - It's not a commendation, all right?

It's a plaque of appreciation.

I could get a dozen of those things, no problem.

[woman 12] But you don't have any.

Have you ever saved anyone from drowning?

Stop talking over me! Hush.

You should learn to listen when someone is talking to you.

All you ladies just want to butt in the first chance you get, aren't you?

What about you? Why don't you listen to me about that soda?

Now, as I was saying,

that family isn't exactly a shining example of behavior.

At 18, they stole high-end jewelry and ran off together.

- Their daughter was conceived like that. - She's at Seoul National University.

Well, the second child is a rotten egg!

I don't wanna speak ill of other people's kids, but him?

[funky disco music playing on radio]

- It's hard to say anything good. - Okay, then don't.

Bring my soda, instead.

I'm saying the apple never falls far from the tree.

When you start with parents like those, what do you expect to come out?

It's in their genes!

[funky disco music continues]

DODONG-RI FISHING CO-OP DEPUTY CHIEF MOTHER OF YANG EUN-MYEONG

DODONG-RI FISHING CO-OP CHIEF

[Eun-myeong] Did you come here from the hair salon?

[music fades]

[chuckles]

Take that off.

So how many other student officers are bringing their mothers to school today?

I can't believe they made you PE leader.

[laughs] Of all people.

It's just too funny.

[laughs]

Oh, goodness.

I'm sure the other mothers will have so many questions for me.

Like how your sister made it into Seoul University.

I'll be they'll wanna know what our secret was.

- [chuckles] - About that.

It's at 4:00, right? Let's go.

- Mom. - Ooh, I hope I'm not too early.

- Mom, wait. - Is this where all the mothers are?

There are no other mothers.

Why? I thought this was for all the student officers.

- It's actually just for us. - What?

Hello, sir. I can't tell you how--

No need to come in, ma'am.

- Follow me outside. - Huh?

To the parking lot?

[teacher grunts]

Apparently, I drive an Onata now!

And another teacher just discovered he's driving a Hyundai Pon!

The students believe if they get the initials to their dream colleges,

it will help with their odds of getting in.

Is that the way your sister did it?

And… and he's not just stealing these letters.

He's actually selling them off!

[quirky music playing]

Ma'am, I shouldn't have to tell you how serious this is.

Just look at the principal's car!

Have you ever heard of a Tellar GX?

I've been teaching for more than 20 years.

And in that time, no student has turned my car

into an Onata until Yang Eun-myeong!

I'm sorry, sir.

He only comes to school for his side hustles.

He's certainly good with his hands.

He's always scheming. Whether it's cutting a set of ten bus tickets into eleven

for a profit of 50 won

or playing the coin flipping game

and stealing the coin when no one's looking.

- [sighs] - School isn't a business!

It's not a job. Only the teachers should be getting paid.

He probably makes more money at this school than I do.

I'm sorry, sir.

You cared so much for your daughter that you've completely neglected your son.

Do you even know what kind of students he's hanging out with?

[music ends]

[middle-aged Ae-sun] That's right, stay away from me.

I don't wanna hear a word.

[sighs]

"All the mothers will be there." Well, you got me.

What's with these little schemes anyway?

Why can't you just study like you're supposed to?

Why are you so obsessed with money?

You know, I was never embarrassed at school when your sister was here.

But now, I can't look your teacher in the eye!

Stop hitting the trees!

[sighs]

What's going on with you?

Where did we go wrong?

I said we'd be happy if you're even half like your sister.

Was that too much to ask?

Right, if I'm not like her, you can't be chief.

My bad genes are holding you back.

[sighs] No, that's-- Where did you hear that?

- [sighs] Bu Sang-gil, that jerk. - You don't have to lie.

You've always loved her more than me.

[exhales sharply]

[speaker feedback]

[national anthem playing on speakers]

[man 1] The son might be trouble, but her daughter is a scholar.

[Sang-gil] Education isn't everything, is it?

Can education change who her mother is?

Sure, she's at that fancy school…

[laughs]

…but she'll throw it all away for some boy first chance she gets.

CELEBRATING DIRECT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SYSTEM

♪ That my life would change forever… ♪

He's always coming to pick her up. Is that her boyfriend?

I guess he's well-off.

Even if he is, how can a college student drive that kind of car?

You know, something's up with her.

I saw it on TV. Lots of college girls are escorts.

They get paid to go on dates with older guys and pretend to like them.

Ju-gyeong, listen, you gotta watch your mouth.

♪ Real fantasy ♪

♪ Illusions are a common thing ♪

♪ I try to live in dreams ♪

♪ It seems as… ♪

[Ju-gyeong] He's gotta be from the US, right?

Look at him. How embarrassing. He's opening the door and everything.

Does he also slice pork cutlets for her at restaurants?

♪ A different kind of reality ♪

♪ I dream of loving in the night ♪

♪ And loving seems all right… ♪

[driver] Get in.

♪ Fantasy ♪

[Sang-gil] ♪ All you need is love ♪

♪ Ba-ba-da-ba-da ♪

♪ All you need is love ♪

♪ Ba-ba-da-ba-da ♪

Hmm.

You just have to remember who that girl's parents are,

and the future becomes clear.

I can see it already.

That whole family just has no… no concept of decency at all.

Don't you think?

Boop!

[woman 1] Fine, so you bought the tree, but you can't take credit for the rock.

You just wrote your name on public property.

When you get down to it,

Ae-sun doesn't even deserve to be deputy.

Who does she think she is? She knows nothing at all.

Hey, Captain. Are you actually running on anything or what?

What?

Because it seems like you're running just to trash-talk your opponent.

[laughter]

[chuckles] It's not talking trash.

It's just discussing morality.

The people have a right to know who their candidates are, don't they?

BADA SEAFOOD HOUSE

[Gyeong-ja] I can't believe that scumbag brought your kids into this.

- [woman 12] It's outrageous. - [Gyeong-ja] Sang-gil crossed the line.

You need to fight back.

[woman 1] If you keep talking like that, Ae-sun will have to respond.

She's been holding back because she's got some class.

- But if push comes to shove… - Oh yes. That's right.

…I imagine she'd have a thing or two to say about you.

I remember his father back during the occupation.

He couldn't wait to take on a Japanese name!

[laughter]

Funny. [chuckles]

But you're not gonna find any dirt on our side.

After all,

I make contributions to our government,

But Oh Ae-sun, well,

I'm pretty sure she's never given as much as a dime to charity.

[Gyeong-ja] Politics is a land of dog shit anyway.

If you have to roll in it, better to have black fur than white.

If you roll in crap, you get dirty all the same.

Black fur or not.

I'll win, but I won't change.

[laughs]

[woman 6] Oh, that's our Oh Ae-sun, just as proud as ever.

[Gyeong-ja] You're not giving out soap. You're not feeding them pork.

You're not even playing dirty.

Well, you might just lose. You might lose.

Ae-sun, it's only fair.

The villagers have a right to know exactly who Sang-gil is.

And he already crossed the line to attack you.

You may as well get him back too!

Hey, a caterpillar will get eaten if it stays in its cocoon too long.

If that caterpillar struggles and breaks out of its shell,

it flies away a butterfly.

You need to jump over the hurdle before you fight your way out, Ae-sun.

♪ Clock strikes upon the hour And the sun begins to fade ♪

♪ Still enough time to figure out ♪

♪ How to chase Ae-sun away ♪

♪ She's done all right up till now ♪

♪ But I'll win reelection anyhow ♪

♪ And when the night falls upon us ♪

♪ Bu Sang-gil calls ♪

♪ Da, da, da, da! ♪

♪ Oh, if you wanna vote for me ♪

♪ You can't find any dirt ♪

[woman 1] Stop it, jeez!

I'm not voting for someone who ruins my appetite!

- [laughter] - [Sang-gil scoffs]

Are those noodles coming?

[man 1] Mr. Gu, I think you'd sing better.

He's always on his wife's case, isn't he?

What's taking you so long to cook those noodles?

You're walking home tonight.

You're not allowed in my car, understand?

[woman 1] Hey, Bu Sang-gil,

isn't it a bit ironic your last name means "deputy?"

Maybe you should just accept that no matter where you go,

you'll always be second fiddle.

[laughter]

- What? - [Sang-gil] Are you even voting for me?

Or did you just come here to make trouble or what?

Is this 'cause I didn't get you a soda?

Hey, if you do end up losing, here's some advice.

Why would I lose?

Do you have any idea how much I've spent on pork and noodles already, hmm?

Don't settle for anything less than deputy chief.

It's like when you're watching Jeopardy,

and someone gets out ahead only to finish last.

There's nothing more pathetic, is there?

Spare yourself and finish second at least.

- Hey! - "Hey"?

Did you just "hey" me?

Where the hell are those noodles?

[woman 1 gasps]

You can vote for Oh Ae-sun if you want.

[pensive music playing]

FROM BU SANG-GIL, CANDIDATE 1

But no matter how smart the Oh family is or how undeserving the Bu family may be,

there's no woman chief anywhere in Korea.

- [man 2] No, of course not. - [man 3] Wow. A box of cigarettes each?

[man 4] There's more? I wish every day was election day.

[laughter]

Who can stand in the way of a typhoon?

Democracy is just data.

That's how it goes.

I vote Bu Sang-gil!

- [man 5] I'll drink to that! Drink! - [man 6] Raise a glass.

Here, pour me some.

Yeah, that's it. [chuckles]

- Who's your chief? - [all] Mr. Bu!

- Who's your chief? - [all] Mr. Bu!

- Who is your chief? - [all] Mr. Bu!

Lucky you. I hope you're the chief till you die.

What can I say? Indecency seems to run in the Oh family.

Just have a look at my own daughters.

Hyeon-suk, which stands for "wise" and "enlightened,"

and Jeong-suk,

which stands for "silent."

Oh, he's a damn fool if there ever was one.

[snarls]

[exhales]

I have…

I have absolutely nothing in my past to be ashamed of, Mi-suk.

[Mi-suk] Life's a bitch, huh?

It's always so difficult to get anything done.

You can sell everything in the display case

and still wind up with nothing.

[pop music playing on radio]

There's hardly any money to be made from a real estate office on a tiny island.

I thought that helping out the Olympic Committee was my big break,

but those haenyeo are so stubborn.

You know what I'm like.

- Mm. - I'm a softie.

Mi-suk, I swear… I'll take care of it.

- I'm your guy. - [sighs]

I'm practically a shoo-in for reelection now.

Really?

You'd take care of everything just like that?

I wouldn't even have to pay a fee or anything, Bu Sang-gil?

30%.

What?

30/70 split.

Oh, all right.

After all, cooperation makes the world go round.

Mi-suk, I'm your guy.

Dodong-ri's own Bu Sang-gil.

Mi-suk.

Listen.

I may have money, but I don't have enough romance in my life.

I'm really quite a lonely guy.

You don't have to be shy.

- [music stops] - [Mi-suk sighs]

Oh, I'm not.

Come on.

You don't think I'm offering to help you for the money, do you?

Well, if it's not for the money, then what's it for?

Don't make that face.

[chuckles]

What face?

It's the Olympics, after all.

Walls are falling down all over the world,

even in the Soviet Union.

We could just break down the wall

in between us two.

[Mi-suk sighs]

[Mi-suk] Stop drinking. You'll ruin your liver.

Oh.

But the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

[laughs]

[jaunty music playing]

Perhaps this isn't just a piece of fish

but a trap for my stomach, and my heart has taken the bait.

Maybe.

Oh, thank you.

These abalones are helping my heart come out of its shell.

[laughs]

Shut up and eat your shrimp.

[Sang-gil laughs]

Your shrimp is really sending the blood rushing to my… "muscle."

- You're so dirty! - [both laugh]

Wait, wait, I'm talking about… It's my heart.

I mean my heart. The blood's rushing to my heart.

Oh my God, you're such a clown.

Oh! You're awful!

[both laugh]

Hey, listen.

I thought this was just dinner.

Why are you tormenting my lonely heart?

- [scoffs] - Huh?

[Mi-suk laughs]

- You're a naughty girl, aren't you? - That tickles. [laughs]

[Mi-suk gasps]

[middle-aged Ae-sun] Disgusting.

Is this how you think a village chief should act?

You need to jump over the hurdle before you fight your way out, Ae-sun.

[Sang-gil clears throat]

[Middle-aged Ae-sun] Oh my.

Wait, where are you going?

Damn it, what the hell did you come in here for?

Well, well, well, if it isn't "Mr. Snitch-for-the-government."

God, meongge guts are less gross than you.

[Sang-gil] Who the hell are you to judge me?

What I do in private is none of your goddamn business!

Well, we work here. Remember? Moron.

While you were telling that woman the quickest way to a man's heart,

she was cracking your wallet open like meongge.

[disgusted groan]

[Sang-gil] Why were you eavesdropping on us?

- Why? - I just realized…

You're only village chief

so you can massage the feet of another man's wife!

[grunts, sighs]

How dare you speak to me like that!

Whatever your reasons, you sure can't be chief anymore.

[grunts]

Why can't I be chief though? Tell me.

You're like a stray dog who goes around

sticking his nose into everyone's business.

Are you really surprised eventually people would get fed up with you?

Yeah, we wouldn't even feed rotten rice to a mutt like you, Sang-gil.

But you want us to make you chief? We have had it with your crap!

[Sang-gil] How dare you. Really?

You don't even… You don't even know!

You don't have a clue what really happened.

All she said was that her feet were asleep, okay?

Yeah, right. While your poor wife is aching all over.

Some role model.

Dragging Ae-sun's family into the race.

So her son is a bit of a troublemaker.

Does that make her one too?

My son is smart in his own way.

So what? What now, Ae-sun?

What'll you do? Are you gonna tell on me?

Naturally, naturally, we will tell everyone and rat you out.

We'll tell everyone, and Ae-sun will be chief.

[woman 6] That's right.

Is that a fact?

Is that the way you wanna win?

People have a right

to know who we are.

I'm not talking trash. It's just discussing morality.

Everyone has the right to know their candidates, right?

That's what you said, isn't it?

- Oh, Ae-sun! - Oh.

[woman 6 laughs]

- You little… [laughs] - [confetti blasts]

- [crowd cheering] - [upbeat music playing]

You shouldn't have.

[woman 6] Oh my!

[chanting] Ae-sun! Oh Ae-sun! Oh Ae-sun! Oh Ae-sun!

[Geum-myeong] Ae-sun gave it her best shot once again.

Oh, look!

Wow, the school lent this to us?

They only use it for sports day once a year.

[woman 6] Wow.

[Geum-myeong] She hit the bull's-eye right in the middle.

- That day, Jeju Island… - [woman 1] Chief!

- …got its first-ever female village chief. - [woman 1] Hey, Chief.

Chief! Oh, hey!

Uh, yes?

- Look, the rice cake is here. - Oh, bring it out.

- Chief Oh, we're out of makgeolli. - [middle-aged Ae-sun] Oh, really?

[chuckles]

Chief Oh, any more blankets?

- Uh-huh! - [woman 2] Chief!

It's the school asking if you can return the banner by sports day, if that's okay?

[Geum-myeong] It pulled at her heartstrings.

[celebratory singing]

[Geum-myeong] Many years later, when Mom joined Lim Young-woong's fan club,

her username was Chief Oh.

[singing continues]

Hey, Chief Oh!

Come over here and have a taste of this! You have first dibs!

Okay.

Okay!

[singing continues]

- [Gyeong-ja] These are ready. - Okay.

[chuckles]

[Gye-ok] There she is!

THE 5TH AND 6TH FISHING CO-OP CHIEF BU SANG-GIL

[Gye-ok] Here, eat, eat, eat, eat. I made so much.

[woman 3] One more time!

You serving meat at this thing?

Or are you too goddamn cheap?

Goodness. What's the point of sitting here all angry?

Why would I miss my successor's inauguration ceremony?

She doesn't know anything about being chief.

She needs all the advice she can get.

[laughs] Well, if you weren't here, you'd seem a small man indeed.

For your information, I have resigned.

I stepped down on my own accord.

You know the 80-year-old grandpa who runs the convenience store?

He's never said more than two words to me before,

but the other day, he asked if I knew about Sang-gil and the foot massage.

Oh, come on. How many times do I have to say her feet were asleep?

[laughter]

I would have done the same for anyone.

[singing continues]

[laughter]

[Gye-ok] I'll be serving my daughter-in-law the rest of my life.

Everyone in the family is a bigwig politician now.

If Ae-sun is the chief, her husband's the consort,

and I'm sort of like the queen mother.

Jeez. So, yet again, she is completely lost in her delusions.

Isn't she something else? Ever since she met Gwan-sik,

things turned around for her.

I can't tell if you're showing off or not.

[scoffs] Showing off?

How's your daughter-in-law?

Still a gambler, no?

Gambler? [grunts]

Hurry! We're out of pajeon!

- Jeez. - The First Gentleman is super busy.

Don't call him First Gentleman.

Good lord, son, do you have to wear that apron?

- Hey, Ma? - [Gye-ok] What?

Can you make them a little bigger? Please?

- [Gyeong-ja laughs] - [Gye-ok] Why, that…

Now he's pissing me off.

[woman 9 chuckles] I think I understand. You're happy Ae-sun is the chief,

but you're also not.

What's so funny?

I've never seen you before. You know me?

Yes, Chief Oh is on it!

I'll be right there!

- [gasps] Oh my goodness! - Now what's wrong?

Like you never saw your mother-in-law at work?

Is this revenge? Your way of getting back at me?

Please, I'm not talking about that.

Sure.

Why are you making my opponent's wife make our jeon?

[melodic music playing]

It's unbelievable, but true!

Bu Sang-gil massaged her feet!

Don't listen to them. You know how an election can get.

Everyone shares all the negative stories they can think of,

even about your great-great-grandfather.

You should've told them that I went dancing back then.

No one ever found that out.

I'm very sorry.

I feel like I insulted you discussing your sensitive issues.

By the way, just between you and me,

we took care of the real estate lady on our end.

[woman 9] I don't care about her.

Gyeong-suk from the salon. Mi-suk from the real estate office.

Well, for such a tiny island,

there are so many women with such a bad taste in men.

However,

it's true that I'm the worst of them all.

Listen, why don't you go home?

People want to gossip. You know, that's all.

You think they're saying I have no self-respect?

No, I only meant that I feel awful seeing you make jeon for our party.

I want to, though, because it's my prerogative.

I have every right to be here.

Besides, I voted for you.

So, at the very least, I think I deserve a drink

that you pour me yourself.

- Yeong-ran, listen. - [music fades]

When you go home, no, until the day you die,

tell your husband you voted for him, hmm?

[Sang-gil] Hey, Yeong-ran, who did you vote for?

Why can't you answer me?

You didn't vote for me.

Come on now. What are you picking on Mom for?

[Sang-gil] Hey, you little brat.

Don't you disrespect me. What do you know?

You don't know jack shit about anything.

[lips trill]

[Sang-gil moans]

Why? Why? Tell me why?

Why did the governor come today?

Why would the governor come to a village chief's inauguration?

He didn't come to mine!

The governor?

Gwan-sik got a plaque of honor.

That's why the governor attended.

[Sang-gil] For jumping into the water?

If I saw someone drowning, I would jump in a hundred times.

I'd get a hundred commendations!

Wow. I heard there was a reward, that they're getting a trip and stuff.

That's right.

The governor likes Gwan-sik.

He really does.

Of course he does.

[Sang-gil grunts]

Of course he does.

[Sang-gil] Why? Why?

Why does everyone here just love that little stupid punk? Why?

GOVERNOR HWANG IN-SU CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR INAUGURATION

- [indistinct chattering] - [music playing on speakers]

If your grandma were alive, she would've drowned her in red beans.

Come on, let's dance the night away!

[laughing]

My God. What's going on over here? Come on!

You ought to be ashamed of yourself! We're going home!

[singing, chattering]

Dad, you have to stop her. She's so drunk!

Goodness. She loves Busan, doesn't she?

She calls herself a bookworm.

You're no bookworm! Just a lousy dancer!

Do you see what she's doing with that pole?

Go throw those red beans at her.

[laughter]

Dad!

Leave her alone. Let her have her fun, kid.

[groans] I'm so glad I have a dog.

Oh, where is he?

Let's go, Duraengi.

Here, Duraengi. Here boy.

Let's go, honey.

That's a good boy.

[middle-aged Ae-sun giggling]

Hey, Dad.

- [sighs] - I can take her.

You happy?

Yeah.

I am.

I'm so happy.

[both laugh]

You're not a vice president, a deputy director, or a deputy chief.

You're chief, period.

You know, it's strange.

Even though I've finally lost the "deputy" from my title after 30 years,

the person I wanna tell the most isn't here.

[wistful music playing]

I wouldn't say I wanna go back to my childhood because it was horrible,

but if there were any way I could go back,

I think I would.

If only for the chance to hold my mother's hand one more time.

Do you know the reason why I became the vice president now?

It's so that I can be chief in the future.

[chuckles] It's like diving.

You start in the shallow water, then go deeper.

[laughs]

Little by little, I'll build experience and become chief one day.

There's no one on the island more powerful than a chief.

[giggles]

Even Auntie Gyeong-ja never forgets to pay her loans back.

Okay, one day, you'll be chief so I can be the chief's mother.

Will you make rice cake when it happens?

I'm going to make so much rice cake, it'll pile up as high as a mountain.

- You'd be happy? - Uh-huh. I'd be happy.

Very much so.

[both laugh]

Actually, I'm holding back.

I'm saving up all my happiness for when that day comes.

[both laughing]

[middle-aged Ae-sun] Go on, take as much as you want.

I want everyone to know how happy I am. I'm not holding back.

[laughs]

- [woman 6] Ooh! - [middle-aged Ae-sun] Go on.

- Double portions for everyone. - Oh, goodness, look.

Oh my.

With these nets, you supported me when my mom couldn't.

Now, she needs you to brag about me for her.

- [woman 6] Oh my. - Oh, goodness.

You must've had a lot of rice. Why did you make so much?

This is Gwang-rye's doing.

Thank you, Gwang-rye, for the rice!

[woman 6] Oh my.

Gwang-rye.

If you could only see your daughter now. Grown-up and the village chief.

[laughter]

Remember when she was ten years old?

I can still see her wearing her funeral dress.

Poor dear.

- I wondered if she'd make it. - [chuckles]

[woman 5] Who knew that not only would she make it, but she would thrive?

If Gwang-rye were with us, she'd drum and play

all around Mount Hallasan with us today.

You had to dig out the frozen ground with your tiny, little hand

and bury your heart in it.

Your harvesting season has come at last.

[laughter]

Gwang-rye's persimmon tree is growing well, isn't it?

Growing tall and strong.

[Geum-myeong] It was now fall, the season of harvest,

when all kinds of fruits were ripening on the vine.

[gentle piano music playing]

[barks, whines]

[Geum-myeong] Their harvest was beginning to overflow the basket.

But depending on where we were, the sun bathed us in a different light.

[giggles] Oh, look.

[driver] Why, uh…

- Huh? - Why are you still in the front seat?

Oh.

You know,

it's fun sometimes.

Thanks again.

She can't stand seeing me in here.

Oh, that mean girl you told me about?

Yeah.

[Ye-rim] Yeong-beom!

Yeong-beom!

[Ye-rim chuckles, exclaims]

Let me know if you would like anything else, okay?

You also don't know whose car that is?

Something's up with Yang Geum-myeong. Think about it.

Don't say stuff like that.

She may be poor, but she still has class.

[Ju-gyeong] And, Ye-rim, stop taking her side.

Geum-myeong is never nice to you. Why give her the benefit of the doubt?

It's how she shows displeasure.

In her own twisted way.

[girl 1] What do you mean?

[Ye-rim] My dad and I talked a bit about Geum-myeong the other day.

He said it's a big fish in a little pond situation.

She's used to being the best at everything back at home.

However, up here in Seoul, she's really not that special.

She must feel more inferior every day.

Dad says I should be the bigger person and let her be.

That's what "class" is.

[girl 1] Okay.

But why would she act that way with you?

Her GPA is higher than yours.

By 0.2. Just by 0.2 points.

- She's taller. - By two centimeters.

Also,

have you memorized everything about her?

- [Ye-rim] What do you mean? - Doesn't matter.

No, tell me. "Doesn't matter" what?

I just meant

Geum-myeong was chosen to study in Japan first.

If she hadn't passed it up, you wouldn't have gotten the opportunity. Because of--

If it were up to me, I'd have chosen her as well.

My family can afford to send me abroad.

It's only natural they would choose someone from a less fortunate background.

[girl 1] Ye-rim.

Geum-myeong's family is just fine.

- Her father is a captain. - Of a fishing boat!

Why are you defending her?

- [sighs] - That's what class is about.

[Ye-rim] I'm not hungry.

She dumped you, didn't she?

What is that foreign car? What is it? Tell me!

You are just dying to know, aren't you?

PRIVATE TUTORING BAN SPARKS ODDITIES TUTORING EVEN TAKING PLACE IN MOVING CARS!

[sighs]

23RD TYPHOON "PHYLLIS" CAUTIONS IN FISHING TOWNS

[driver] How are the waters today?

[Geum-myeong] No matter how bad the water might be,

my dad sails to sea.

And it makes me nervous.

- Bye. - See you later.

Be safe.

- [groans] Let's roll. - No.

- What? - What did I say about being polite?

Shut the fuck up.

Whoa! Don't say "shut the fuck." It's "Jesus Christ."

Ugh!

You can't even spell "Wednesday." Where did you learn to swear?

Jesus!

[Geum-myeong] Jenny, do you know how to spell "Wednesday"? Write it out.

- Write it out. - [groans]

Oh, goodness gracious.

Why were you named "Jenny" anyway?

Is it to make people think you're American or something?

If you were anyone else, I'd have you fired.

I'd have you worse than fired.

Fire me, go ahead.

Why haven't you fired me already?

I heard none of your tutors last more than a month.

Yeah, I can't wait.

Feet down!

[frustrated shrill]

[pop music playing on radio]

[Jenny hums]

Hey, Jenny.

You didn't memorize the vocab, did you?

You just come to my house to eat, don't you?

Your housekeeper is good. She can make food from anywhere.

This is from Busan. Glass noodles.

[sighs] She just used our money to impress people.

You're such a brat. That lady will quit, too, because of you.

That lady has been here the longest. Mom likes her, I guess.

You know, it seems like people don't stay at your house for a very long time.

Why?

Why?

[sighs]

Also,

I still don't understand why I've never met your mother or father.

[Jenny] So what? It's better that way.

I'd like to see their faces at least once.

Well, my mom's seen you. That should be enough.

What? She saw me? Where?

Where was this?

You stapled a picture to your résumé.

Just hang around until your time's up. I know you don't wanna be here anyway.

You're here for the money.

Well, aren't you a genius, Jenny.

And yes, I want to be paid.

Ms. Yang, can't you fix your bangs

or change where you part your hair at least?

You don't look like you're from Seoul.

Fix them?

Why are you so worried about my hairstyle?

I mean, it's not like you and I look that much alike.

What?

But I am the sexier one.

Sexy? Sexy?

- [plate clatters] - Here.

That's a new vocab word. Spell it.

Come on, that's easy. S-E--

Enough. [tuts]

- S-E! - I said, enough!

That's all you're interested in, huh?

[grunts] Little brat, you.

[Geum-myeong sighs]

[sighs]

Just take what you're owed. Don't take more than that.

Your mother is getting to me.

I'm tempted more every single time, you know.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Yeah, what?

Just grab a handful. Take double for teaching that brat.

[Jenny] What?

Mom's coming. She wants to see you.

- What? Right now? - [housekeeper] Just go.

Go now, girl.

[pop music playing on TV]

[chuckles]

Yes, Ms. Yang, that's real white porcelain.

[Geum-myeong] I see.

[Jenny's mom] I have everything now.

I have blue porcelain, and I have white as well.

Everything. Everything except a good education.

W… Wow.

[Jenny's mom] I have such deep regret for my lack of education.

I was hoping to be able to live through my daughter,

but she has my intellect, unfortunately.

[laughs]

We'll raise her grades little by little. Don't worry. [chuckles]

Sadly, there's no time for that now.

Life doesn't wait for anyone. We all know that.

Ah…

Uh, then, does that mean I'm fired?

Jenny is very wealthy, but she isn't that clever,

while you are very smart and not much else.

So let's try work this out together.

I'll set things up and take care of everything.

You just follow my lead and directions.

It took us two years to find a tutor that looked like our daughter.

Her college exams are very soon.

You should take the exams for her.

That's what I'm demanding of you, Ms. Yang.

[pensive music playing]

Uh…

[gasps] Uh…

STUDENT ID OH JENNY

TEST IDENTIFICATION SLIP OH JENNY

[Jenny's mom] If she gets into a top-three university,

I'll buy you a 1,300-square-foot apartment

and a 1,000-square-foot one for other colleges.

NOTICE LIST OF APPROVED APPLICANTS FOR DORMS

[middle-aged Gwan-sik] If her name isn't here, she can't live in the dorms?

[Yeong-beom] No.

[sighs] Then a boarding house.

How much is the rent there?

[Yeong-beom] A lot.

It'll be expensive.

[sighs]

What?

Is he trying to fight?

[reporter on TV] The eyes of the world are upon us

as a historical presidential election unfolds today, on December 16th.

It has been 16 years since our citizens

have been able to directly vote for the president.

The atmosphere is solemn.

They say the dorm selection is by lottery, but I think there are backdoor deals.

We all know supposedly "clean" organizations can be shady.

Right?

…president of their choice.

So… who are you voting for?

…government has declared today a temporary…

I think we need to call the military police.

[man] Excuse me?

[middle-aged Gwan-sik] Why is there a soldier outside the girls' dorm?

The guys' dorms are nearby.

Usually, when there's a break, they come in and out.

So who'd you vote for?

…had given their all to ask for each of their votes.

You think they will be able to arrest that guy?

[blows]

[sniffles]

[Yeong-beom] One.

One, two, three.

[camera shutter clicks]

Oh!

Sir, good to meet you again.

Remember me, sir? We met at the admission ceremony.

I'm Park Yeong-beom, and your daughter and I,

we are friends.

[laughing uncomfortably]

[whimsical music playing]

I recall on that day, I actually took a few pictures of you guys.

You were saying how you took a plane to see Geum-myeong,

then you took a bus.

Yeah.

What kind of friend?

- Sir? - I asked you a question.

- Yeah? - You're a friend of my daughter.

Well, so tell me, what kind of friend are you, boy?

TEST IDENTIFICATION SLIP OH JENNY

Oh my God.

Oh. [gasping]

I'm sorry, ma'am.

This seems kind of risky.

Tutoring is already illegal.

In fact, every time I come here, I get nervous.

Takes nerve to earn any money in this world, dear.

You can't win if you risk nothing at all.

If I get caught, I'd be expelled.

That's why you're getting an apartment,

to compensate you for the risk of expulsion.

Hold on, this exam is serious.

You really think I can be Jenny?

[Jenny's mom] Whoever the proctor is, I'll have greased their palm.

I will arrange everything for you nicely

so you won't have a reason to be worried at all.

[sighs]

Doesn't everyone make their money by doing what they're good at?

I will assist you by doing what I'm good at.

Isn't it right and honorable to make a living using your talents?

Just turn a blind eye this once and take the apartment.

[exhale sharply]

There's just one thing--

No, dear.

I don't wanna hear it.

Before you speak, think carefully about what you stand to lose.

You're running out of scholarship money, and you have to leave the dorms.

Forget about studying abroad.

How… do you know all that?

As I said, think carefully.

Think of your parents who worked so hard to get you to where you are, Ms. Yang.

You're a fish trying to get out of her pond,

but that pond is getting dry. Hmm?

Follow me.

Hey. Go to your room.

[pensive music playing]

[security guard] Young lady!

Hey, young lady!

Hey, young lady!

Oh my.

Did you just leave unit 908?

Yes? What's this about?

You ran so fast,

I wasn't able to catch up.

What? Why would I run?

You stole something from that family?

Huh?

Come. Just give it here. Don't make any more trouble.

[scoffs]

Um, is that what she said?

[Jenny's mom] I don't need an answer from you right now.

Just take these with you.

Look at it as many times as you need, then tell me your decision, okay?

Nobody wants to be stuck in a small pond, do they?

It's just too sad to contemplate.

Imagine, instead, how you'd be able

to give your mother and father the whole world.

That poor father of yours. Always riding his boat.

He'll have to ride in that boat for the rest of his life.

[sighs]

I remember my father.

He trusted his eldest son to pass the bar,

and he was stuck tending his cows until the day he died.

When I think of my parents and how they're struggling,

there's nothing to think about here.

What's better than earning an apartment doing what I'm good at?

Yes, that's what I wanna hear.

I remember what my mom and dad taught me.

What?

I was taught it was better to fail a class than cheat my way in.

I was taught not to take money I found but to report it instead.

I know my parents wouldn't want me to live as a fraud or a scammer.

Huh? What exactly are you trying to say to me?

Just

that if I take the test and Jenny gets accepted somehow,

then a girl like me won't, and

I can't stand the idea of taking it from her.

If she found out about it,

she would die of heartbreak.

Yang Geum-myeong, listen to me.

It's one thing to stand for your principles

when you have the proper means,

but to do it when you have nothing is simply recklessness.

I'd say sending a girl who can't even spell

to an elite school would be reckless.

- [scoffs] - Would you?

[scoffs]

I think you

should let Jenny find out what she's really good at.

Isn't that the right and honorable thing to do for Jenny?

Yeah, I'd rather be a singer.

[jaunty music playing]

I am leaving now.

[exclaims] All you little fish are exactly the same.

You have nothing to your name,

so all you have to live for is preserving your pathetic sense of pride!

[Geum-myeong sighs]

Jenny was always a pain in the ass.

I think I deserve a raise after all this.

You know I'm not a thief.

Oh yes, I know. I'm just keeping out of that bully's way.

All the cash in the world can't buy my integrity.

The ring?

What?

You know, the diamond ring.

[pensive music playing]

[Geum-myeong] My parents always hoped…

[banging on door]

…that away from their arms, my life would be rosy, easy, and carefree.

Open up!

Ma'am, open up!

Hey, Jenny! Open the door, come on!

I didn't steal anything!

[grunts]

Hey! You know I'm not a thief! Open up!

[Geum-myeong] But the truth is, the world away from their arms

was a jungle.

[melodic pop music playing]

"IN THE HOPE THAT OUR ECHOES WILL FLOW AND FLOW, UNTIL THEY REACH YOU."

[music fades]