Original subtitles

OUR MOVIE

ANY RESEMBLANCE TO ACTUAL PEOPLE, PLACES,

OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS IS COINCIDENTAL.

CHILD ACTORS WERE ALWAYS SUPERVISED

AND SAFELY FILMED UNDER GUIDELINES.

"THE LONELY PEOPLE" WAITING AREA

"THE LONELY PEOPLE" WAITING AREA

[person] Ms. Lee Daeum.

Is Ms. Lee Daeum here?

Lee Daeum?

Hey.

Isn't Lee Daeum the one Mr. Lee had his eye on?

[sighs] Exactly.

We even confirmed she was coming. What's up with her?

-I'll just move on. -Hmm.

Next up, Chae Seoyoung.

-[both] Yes? -You can head in.

Okay. [inhales sharply]

Just relax.

I took a look around,

and you're the only one fit for the lead.

[sighs, chuckles]

Okay. Good luck.

Hello.

[sniffling]

[crying]

HOSPITAL ADMISSION INFORMATION OCTOBER 3, 2019

[sobbing]

OCTOBER 3, 2019

EPISODE 3

DIRECTOR LEE JEHA

Yes, Mr. Lee!

Where do you live? I mean,

what's your hospital room number?

I'm out of the hospital now.

Didn't you say you had to stay at the hospital?

I switched to outpatient treatment. I'll explain later.

So where are you staying now? Give me your address.

Why?

So I can send you the script.

DIRECTOR LEE JEHA

[phone buzzes]

[♪ hopeful music plays]

Mr. Lee?

Yes. Why did you hang up?

What do you mean by that?

What would it mean when a director sends his script to an actress?

I'll see you later.

[stop button beeps]

Thank you!

[alarm beeping]

[beeping continues]

TIME FOR MEDS

[sighs]

-[groans] -Hello, Dr. Lee.

Okay, don't worry.

She can run all she wants, but she's still in the palm of our hands.

So you're really dead set on this, huh?

-What's this? Is it for me? -Mm-mmm.

Did you have a fight with your father?

Did something happen?

-She ran away. -[gasps] How could you?

She's in her teen rebellion phase in her 20s.

BONE HEALTH SUPPLEMENT

So these are bribes.

Not bribes. They're gifts.

Auntie.

[inhales sharply] Well, look at our Daeum acting completely out of the norm.

[exclaims] These look great.

Makes sense. You've been juggling the café and the house.

Can I take some too?

Don't you dare.

I've been bumping into things, getting sore all over lately,

so this is perfect.

It's important to stay proactive with this stuff.

Sure.

Mmm. So thoughtful.

You offered Seoyoung the role of Junghwa?

Everyone knows Chae Seoyoung should get the lead.

It's an old melodrama, so why not try some new casting?

New? Who?

-You mean Lee Daeum? -[typing]

Come on, this isn't Hollywood!

Weren't you the one swooning over how this was like La La Land?

But that film's lead, Emma Watson, was an A-list actress

that everyone in the world knew!

Here in Korea, only Chae Seoyoung is on the level of Emma Watson--

Not Watson, Stone. Emma Stone.

What?

…son.

Hey, stop nitpicking.

[clicks tongue] Why are you so stuck on Lee Daeum?

What is it about her?

She's got something. Something we don't.

Anyway, you promised to support me over soju and cold noodles.

You haven't forgotten already, right?

I'm off.

[sighs]

-[workers] Have a nice day. -Have a nice day.

Crazy bastard. Acting like he's making some art.

[Jungwoo] What about the female lead?

Word's been out for a while that Seoyoung's got the part.

You two costarring would be great for us.

As long as you both stay away from a scandal.

Great for who exactly?

No… [sighs] …that wouldn't be great for anyone.

[clicks tongue]

Should be coming any minute now.

-Hello. -Hello.

[worker] She's so pretty.

[exclaims] Seoyoung! What are you doing here?

Mr. Bu.

Jeha doesn't know you sent this script to me, does he?

[sighs] He doesn't.

It seems like Jeha doesn't want to cast me,

but you want to because of the investors.

How did you know?

[sighs]

How can an actress be in a project if the director doesn't want her?

[sighs]

It's funny, though. Why doesn't he want me?

[sighs] He's fixated on some rookie from the audition.

[clicks tongue, sighs]

A rookie?

Don't worry. You're Chae Seoyoung.

You just need to do it. I'll make it happen.

You haven't even told him about this. What can you do?

[sighs] Don't worry about how it looks.

Seoyoung,

just leave Jeha to me.

I think you got the order wrong.

I should speak to Jeha first.

We'll meet

and decide it for ourselves.

Goodness. You shouldn't trouble yourself.

-See you! -[worker 1] Take care.

-[worker 2] Goodbye. -[worker 3] Bye.

Of course,

you should go to him directly and decide if for yourselves, hmm?

That's how it should go.

[phone dialing]

Hey, do you want a scoop for an article?

[Daeum] Mr. Lee!

What's this?

What about it?

I've never been dumped before,

but this sure feels like being dumped for no reason.

It's like it says here. She's "in talks."

We're deciding if the role of Gyuwon

should go to Chae Seoyoung or you, a rookie.

Casts change all the time, even in the middle of filming.

And there are literally hundreds of reasons for that.

Hundreds? Really?

I'm saying…

The lead was originally

offered to Chae Seoyoung, but she passed.

Then you aced the audition and became next in line.

That's my side of the story, as the director.

The studio has its own take.

But why her, of all people?

"Of all people"?

I just really like her.

So that's what this is about.

In that case, I like you best for the role of Gyuwon.

[inhales sharply] Anyway, I'm not giving up this time.

"This time"?

Yes. [clears throat]

We should've signed an agreement or something first.

-Let's go. -Go where?

You said we should sign an agreement.

THE WIDOW A WOMAN JUDGE

Wow.

What would you like?

The worst thing on the menu.

Everything's pretty bad here,

so just pick anything.

KIWI BASIL PESTO, TANGERINE RAMYEON,

TANGERINE CURRY NOODLES, CUCUMBER RICE

What can I get you?

Yeah, the worst thing on the menu.

I was just kidding.

The best thing on the menu, please.

Okay, then give us the best-looking bad dish.

[sighs] Of course. Got it.

Is he a friend?

-Yes. -[exclaims]

I didn't know you had friends.

Wow, that's unexpected. Hmm.

-[sighs] -[pills rattle]

Don't people usually take meds after eating?

Yes, I have to take more meds after eating too.

Don't be so surprised. [chuckles]

You swallowed everything at once.

You're not good at swallowing pills, are you?

[chuckles]

I'm so proud of myself now.

There's something I'm better at than you.

Like you said, we do need an agreement.

All you've got are some clips of you doing monologues against a wall.

So why do you think I want to cast you?

For realism?

That's right. I'm casting someone with a terminal illness

to play a terminally ill character.

If the world hears about this,

people will call me unethical and exploitative

and I'll be completely ruined.

[♪ somber music plays]

I think you're overreacting a bit.

If you can't take this risk seriously, then there's no agreement.

No.

Who could be more serious than someone who's risking her life just to be here?

I'm also serious enough to risk getting my life

ruined for this.

First condition of this agreement:

no one on the outside can find out about your illness.

And for that, since I'm the only one who knows,

I need to know you inside and out, more than anyone else.

The second condition is…

you can't die until the film is finished.

Let's sign a confidentiality agreement for both our sakes.

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

I have a condition too.

Okay, go on.

I won't die.

So you'd better not ruin the movie.

[Sungho] Let's end today's meeting here.

[clears throat] Mr. Han.

Do you really think Love in White is worth investing in?

People think that the Youngjin Group only cares about turning a profit.

If we show them we're trying our best

to protect the ecosystem of our creative industries,

it sends a message that we're the ones who stay

when everyone backs out.

I do trust Mr. Bu, since he has the Midas touch.

No, that's not it.

This film's not about him.

It entirely depends on Lee Jeha.

It feels like he'll do anything

to make this movie.

But I'm the director.

Why do you think I'd ruin my own film?

This is a romance film.

How can its theme be "Love doesn't exist"?

Precisely. This isn't a romance film.

Love is the last thing this film needs.

But even when Hyunsang leaves Gyuwon behind to go back to Seoul,

that's all love.

Hyunsang must've wanted to prove something to Gyuwon.

[♪ melancholic music plays]

I'm sorry. It's an important shoot that I just couldn't postpone.

I'll be back soon.

-[coughing, sighs] -[door opens, closes]

Can you really call it "love" when the man leaves,

knowing the woman is going to die?

The man was selfish.

And the woman…

was hopelessly foolish.

[sighs] Here's your tangerine ramyeon.

Oh.

-Thank you! -Sure.

Tangerine ramyeon… [clears throat]

Hmm?

[chuckles]

[slurping]

Is it good?

Mmm.

Thank you.

[gulps, sighs]

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

[sighs] I know this is your script,

but I'll still give it my best too.

Just you wait.

I will put love into this film, no matter what.

You know this is only between the two of us, right?

Yes. Understood.

I can do it!

I won't let you down.

[phone buzzes]

CHAE SEOYOUNG: MR. LEE, WHERE ARE YOU? LET'S TALK.

SEOYOUNG IN TALKS FOR REMAKE OF DUYOUNG'S LOVE IN WHITE

Mr. Bu. So you're just going to keep dodging my calls, huh?

Ma'am, please try to stay calm.

Where is she right now?

I'm not sure. She won't answer my calls.

[sighs, inhales deeply]

Do you really think she'd pick up the phone right now?

Go find her!

Yes, ma'am!

The press got to it before we even got to meet.

[Jeha] Mr. Bu's good at spinning a narrative.

Did you read the script?

-I did. -Which role do you want to play?

So I'm not automatically the lead, am I?

Did you find someone better?

Yes, I did.

Does that mean

you've already made up your mind?

I have.

Why?

Are you interested?

Yes, I am.

I found someone perfect at the audition

and I've already decided.

I'll convince Mr. Bu however I can.

I meant a different kind of interest.

That main character was just too sad.

[sighs]

And you know how much I hate sad.

I'd rather play Junghwa.

She was totally me.

She's driven by desire,

she's honest, insufferable,

and self-absorbed.

I wonder if you wrote her with me in mind.

I did think you'd be a good fit.

[scoffs]

No need to correct the article, right?

I am in talks for the movie, after all.

Ms. Go might feel differently.

Of all the hurdles you'll have to clear, that's probably one of the easier ones.

I can handle her.

So?

Who's playing the lead?

Lee Daeum.

[sighs]

I guess I'm a little jealous.

She must have something I don't.

[inhales deeply] Yes, this is Noh Huitae from Npatch.

[Seoyoung] Mr. Noh, this is Chae Seoyoung.

Why, hello.

FROM LEAD TO SUPPORTING? CHAE SEOYOUNG SHIFTS GEARS

Everyone!

Get out there right now and find Seoyoung.

FROM LEAD TO SUPPORTING? CHAE SEOYOUNG SHIFTS GEARS

So that's how it played out. [sighs]

Seems like they got to meet safely.

That's how it is? You'd take a side role just to be in Lee Jeha's movie?

[chuckles] Absolutely ridiculous.

[phone dialing]

Hey, Jeha.

[inhales deeply] I think it's about time we talked.

I think if something clearly won't get resolved through talking,

it's better to skip it and save the time.

[smacks lips, sighs]

Fine. Then I'll skip all the "what do you think,"

"can we talk about this," and "maybe we reconsider" nonsense.

Just change the casting.

I can't do that.

Then can you explain why you can't?

Lee Daeum's acting.

You've seen it too. You know it's hard to deny.

You're better than anyone at spotting star power.

There's a bit of a spark, I'll give you that.

Then what's with the script?

You want to deface the original?

A romance film without love? What even is that?

Is love really so great?

It's the first thing people throw out if it gets in the way of survival.

Fine.

Love isn't everything.

But it should be in a movie at least.

Why would people pay that much

to watch a story that's exactly like their own lives?

What's the point if there's no hope or fantasy?

[Daeum] What if I die during filming? It'll go viral.

A terminal patient playing a terminal role?

Even I'd want to watch that.

People will come

if there's something to watch that can replace

hope and fantasy.

-[Daeum sighs] -[Gyoyeong] Going somewhere?

To practice.

Why? To practice what?

I got a script.

Do you even know

what it means when a director gives an actor a script?

[swallows, coughs] What does it mean?

It means

"I want to cast you for a role on this project."

-Did you really get cast in a movie? -[♪ hopeful music playing]

That's why I have to practice like crazy.

-I'm heading out. -[Gyoyeong] Hang on.

You practice here.

-I'll leave. -[Daeum] No.

I don't want to be a bother.

What's really a bother is you pushing yourself too hard out there.

[Daeum] Just hurry up, then.

I'm leaving without you if you don't!

-[Gyoyeong] Okay. -Heading somewhere?

-Yes, we won't take too long. -[phone chimes]

[Gyoyeong] Hang on, let me get my jacket!

DAEUM'S DAD: GYOYEONG, DO YOU KNOW WHERE DAEUM IS?

[Daeum] Gyo! You can just stand over there.

So? Do I look okay?

-[laughs] -[exclaims]

No, you look yellow.

Director Gyo, please go all the way up there.

-Does my jawline look nice? -[Gyoyeong exclaims]

-[Daeum] How do I look? -[Gyoyeong] Yes, great.

Don't drop your arms because you get tired.

Don't worry, focus on the emotion.

I believe in you.

Focus!

You didn't press "record"!

-[grunts] -[video camera beeps]

[Daeum] Okay, then.

"I'm also breaking apart

and coming together."

GYOYEONG: AT SEODAEMUN PARK.

JUST SAW FROM AFAR. LEAVING NOW.

[thuds]

Daeum.

Daeum!

Hurry and call an ambulance! Daeum!

-D-Dad! -An ambulance!

-[Daeum's dad] I'm here. -I-I'm sorry.

-It's okay. -I-I'm really sorry.

Sorry about what? It's okay. We'll go to the hospital.

I'm just acting for the camera right now.

-What? -For the camera.

The character I play is sick.

[sighs]

Are you really all right?

What the heck were you thinking?

Dad…

I'm preparing for something.

-For what? -For a film shoot.

What's she saying?

Well, she actually passed an audition

and became the lead.

[panting, cheering]

I got the lead!

Aren't you proud of me? [exclaims]

Why are you indulging her, Gyoyeong? Huh?

[grunts]

You know she's sick.

Just go back inside.

Enough with the crazy talk. Go inside. It's cold.

-No! -Get a grip, Daeum!

-[panting] -[♪ melancholy music playing]

How can I get a grip?

I passed an audition.

Dad… aren't you proud?

I'm going to be in a movie.

[Daeum's dad] I'm not proud.

What can you even do in that condition?

Please, just stop! Please!

At this rate, you might not even make it through half the time you've got left.

Making movies? [breathing shakily]

Come to your senses.

Just stop.

[breathes shakily]

I'd rather live half my time like this than a full year in a hospital bed.

[grunts]

Dad… I'm sorry.

That was a bit harsh.

[breathes shakily]

I'm not sure how you expect me to react to this.

[inhales deeply]

It's like thinking outside the box.

Okay, and why should we do that?

-For the story, of course. -The story?

You said the story around the film is more important than the film itself.

Something that grabs people's interest.

[chuckles] All right, then let's hear it. What's the story here?

A rookie strong enough to knock a top star out of the lead.

That's going to be…

where we start.

And that start is knocking off Chae Seoyoung?

The media will take care of the framing.

You're more ambitious than I thought, Mr. Lee.

[sighs] But there are a lot of stakeholders in this investment deal.

A few headlines aren't enough for me

to convince those old guards.

I'll show you. With just one scene.

Let me show you what a desperate actor and a hungry director…

[inhales deeply]

…can pull off together.

[inhales deeply] If that story doesn't sell it,

pull the funding.

Hey, Director Lee!

Jeha.

What got into you today?

Call it desperation.

[sighs] Never seen that from you before. Sure, I'll take it.

I like it.

But this is a gamble, and you didn't run it by me.

If you spin Seoyoung that way, we could lose the Junghwa role too.

No, she'll do it.

If she cared about that stuff, she wouldn't have come to me.

I'm counting on you to handle Ms. Go.

So you make the mess, and I clean it up.

Let's say Seoyoung's in.

But what are you planning to do in that one scene?

You'd have to trust me on that

while you start assembling the crew. [grunts]

Ji Cheolmin has to take the camera.

So Wonyeong for editing.

Cheon Seeun for music.

Oh, and Choi Eunsu for art.

Wow, you're just listing the busiest people in the business.

One week. No later than that.

[sighs] This coming from the guy who always dragged his feet?

[chuckles] I can't tell what he's thinking at all.

Doing whatever he wants.

-[phone dialing] -Think I'm some miracle worker?

Well, I am.

Sorry I came unannounced. I was in a rush.

It's fine. There are a lot of eyes out there anyway.

As long as you're okay with this.

-So this is the scene for the test shoot. -[Jeha] Yes.

Where's this confidence coming from that the one scene is enough for the investors?

From the two leads, Lee Daeum and you.

When did you start trusting some rookie from an audition like that?

From the first time I met her.

You'll get it when you see her.

What if this doesn't work?

You don't have to worry about that.

A film that can't even convince its investors shouldn't be made at all.

What made you come back from hiding and start making this film?

Who is this actress who made you do that? Now you've got me curious.

Do you want to meet her with me?

No,

I don't want to.

I want to meet her without you.

Let the two of us meet first.

I want to do it right.

All right, then.

But don't tell Lee Daeum

that this test shoot decides the fate of this film.

Shouldn't she know?

No, it'll put too much pressure on her.

[sighs] Jeha is insisting that it has to be you, Cheolmin.

I swear, I almost teared up.

[inhales deeply] I'd love to work with a director like Mr. Lee.

I know how talented he is.

That's why it was sad to watch him disappear for years. [inhales deeply]

[grunts] But then, why?

[sighs]

Honestly? You can't call this Love in White.

More like Love in Black.

It just felt way too dark.

I have to head out first to do something for Mr. Lee.

Mr. Ji says he can't do it.

[Jeha sighs]

Okay, I'll call him myself.

I should at least meet him.

-[sighs] Mr. Lee. -Hmm?

Whether it's Love in White, Black, or Red,

don't let it get to you. Stay strong.

Take care.

[chuckles]

[Cheolmin] You still don't drink these days, right?

I don't.

-I know it's late, but is coffee okay? -Coffee's great.

[inhales sharply] Look, don't take it the wrong way.

You mean when you called it Love in Black? And that's why you passed on it?

[chuckles] What I mean is…

Could you take a look at this?

It ends with the camera on her back?

Yes, and it's shot handheld. You know, what you do best.

Right, I did think the ending for the terminally ill lead

should actually feel dynamic and alive.

Ah. I mean, it was just a thought.

[Jeha] Mr. Ji,

I really want to make this film

with you.

Ah, screw it. I'm in. [chuckles]

Okay, you've convinced me.

But I'm all tied up right after winter,

so my schedule's tight.

Well, I want to shoot this film quickly.

-Literally, very fast. -[inhales sharply]

Okay, but…

why do you need it to be so fast?

I don't have much time.

-Take care, then. -Good night.

[sighs]

[Daeum] I really want

to make this movie

with you.

It really does work.

[phone buzzing]

Hello?

-Are you Lee Daeum? -Hello, Ms. Chae.

I've seen you before.

The sandwich. That was you, right?

Do you remember me?

Wow, this is such a funny coincidence.

[gasps] Or is it destiny?

Should we head in?

I take it you didn't like anything from the list I sent you?

Mr. Lee's trying to avoid anywhere that feels too artificial.

[chuckles] You said this is for a test shoot, right?

Yes, it's a test,

but we'll carry it through to the main shoot.

I hope you don't mind the trouble.

Oh, it's no trouble. This is my job, after all. [chuckles]

You asked for a secluded rural house

with the sun falling beautifully from east to west

in the late afternoon.

I'll come back with more options.

Uh, also,

I want the space and lighting to be as naturally beautiful as possible

so it contrasts with the lead character's looming death.

That'll feel even more heartbreaking.

[footsteps approaching]

Thank you, Ms. Chae.

Can I ask why you brought me here?

-[chuckles] -Mmm.

Let's rehearse together here until production begins.

I'll be here whenever you want.

That's how I'll repay you for the sandwich.

Me? Rehearsing here? With you?

Is it too much for you?

-No, I absolutely love it! [chuckles] -[exclaims]

[chuckles] Make yourself at home.

-Should we do some scenes? -Yes!

-[phone buzzes] -Oh!

Hmm?

Actually,

could I get something to eat first?

Oh, of course.

I was so nervous at the thought of coming to meet you

that I couldn't eat anything.

I don't think my voice will come out right. [sighs]

[assistant muttering]

Ma'am, please. They're rehearsing.

[Ms. Go panting]

Hello.

You must be her.

This is the CEO of our agency.

Great to meet you, ma'am.

I heard a lot about you from Seoyoung. Make yourself comfortable.

Seoyoung.

-A minute? -As you can see, I'm busy.

Can I talk to you here, then? I'm fine with that.

[door opens]

[door closes]

What were you thinking when you brought her here?

Figured I'd get to know my costar

and get some practice in too.

It's a win-win, really. No harm to that.

Shut the hell up!

[wheezes]

You've got 11 lead roles and more just waiting to hear from you.

Oh you're driving me insane.

[inhales sharply] What,

you want her to act better?

Make her successful?

Worry about yourself.

But I am doing well.

Am I not?

Seriously…

Doesn't it sting your pride even a little to work with Lee Jeha again?

I'm so sick of this.

-What? -I'm just running lines with my costar.

If you pull this petty crap one more time and try to interfere…

Minhee,

how long do we have left?

Six months.

Yes, then I'm walking out of here with Minhee in six months.

[scoffs]

[chuckles]

I'm sorry, ma'am.

[wheezing]

[grunts]

[crying]

[♪ somber music plays]

Daeum?

Daeum!

-Are you okay? -[panting]

I'll call an ambulance.

[crying] P-People can't see…

People can't see me like this.

[wheezing]

-What-- -Hankuk National…

Hankuk National University Hospital, please.

Hankuk National University Hospital.

[Seoyoung] Daeum.

Are you okay, Daeum?

Oh, dear.

[staff panting]

Daeum!

-Please wait here. -[Seoyoung] Okay.

[Dr. Kim] Daeum!

[machine beeping]

[sighs]

DIRECTOR LEE JEHA

[beeping continues]

DIRECTOR LEE JEHA

You're here for Ms. Lee Daeum, right?

Well, I'm not her family.

I'm just here for today.

I see. [inhales sharply]

We've given her a sedative, but her condition isn't good.

She'll likely have to be admitted.

Admitted?

Does she need surgery or something?

Surgery isn't really an option right now.

Even admission is just my recommendation.

I doubt she would agree to it.

Why's that?

Sorry, she asked me not to say more.

I think you should head home for today.

I can't leave her here like this.

You don't need to worry.

[exclaims] So even Mr. Ji decided to join in.

[exclaims]

[inhales sharply] And all the other crew too.

Can't believe we got all these people in one place.

It's not even the main shoot and they're still doing this.

It feels kind of like fate.

Well, our fate is riding on this shoot.

Mr. Bu is also a miracle worker.

From the look on his face lately, I could tell things have been intense.

-[chuckling] -That guy is always intense.

By the way, what kind of assistant director can't drive?

I'm good at everything else, though.

[Jeha inhales sharply] Let's just make sure the test shoot goes well.

If anything comes up, notify Chae Seoyoung's side.

I'll handle Lee Daeum's side.

I can handle her too, you know.

I prefer doing it myself.

Understood.

-Have a safe ride back! -[Jeha] Okay.

LEE DAEUM

[phone dials, buzzes]

DAEUM: I'M AT THE HOSPITAL

[voicemail] The person you are trying to reach is unable to take your call…

[sighs]

I figured you'd be here.

[sighs]

Is my dad okay?

Worry about yourself, you brat.

If you're out and about like today

and a seizure hits when no one's around,

you could really die.

I'm not kidding.

I mean…

I know.

Don't you think I know that? Geez.

But still,

if you're going to say something scary, at least smile while you say it.

Huh?

-Hang on. -What is it?

That's Mr. Lee.

Hold on.

[phone dialing]

[Daeum sighs]

Hello?

Mr. Lee. Over here.

Over here! Can't you see me up here?

No, don't turn around. Turn back, I'm right here.

-[♪ hopeful music playing] -Yep, the hospital.

The skybridge in front of you.

Can't you see me?

Right here!

Mr. Lee!

Someone's having a blast.

Okay!

[laughs]

[chuckles]

-Doc. -What?

I'm heading out.

[sighs] Do whatever you want.

Off I go, then!

Did you have a routine checkup?

Oh, yes. Routine checkup. [chuckles]

Hmm.

[exclaims] Grape juice! Just what I wanted.

I got two for the price of one on a "buy one, get one free" deal,

but I'll let you have it.

Look at you

trying to sound noble. [chuckles]

[inhales sharply] I need you to rehearse a scene for a test shoot.

[clears throat] Okay.

Normally, test shoots are just to make sure

the setup works before we do the real thing.

But you should think of it as the real thing.

You have to show everyone you're the right person for this movie.

I'll give it my all.

I can do it.

And this is a different issue, but…

The number of people we'll have to lie to

will grow by the dozens

or even hundreds.

I'll make sure to be careful.

I'm just going back and forth

between home and the rehearsal studio anyway.

Rehearsal studio?

Uh, at Ms. Chae's agency.

What for?

She's been really kind to let me use the space at her agency,

so we can rehearse before production begins.

All right. She's a good actress, so watch and learn.

Okay.

Just be careful

no one finds out you're sick.

[sighs]

You're here early.

Hello, Ms. Chae.

[stammers] So, about last time…

Oh, I'm not that curious to know.

-Pardon? -When you're ready.

I'll be here to listen when you're ready to tell me later.

Thank you for understanding.

Shall we begin?

Okay, Gyuwon slaps Junghwa.

And when I try to slap you back,

-you have to avoid it. -Uh-huh.

You see my hand in your peripheral vision? When it's almost at your face…

-Slap. -Just like that.

-We have to trust each other. -Ah.

Can't you just slap me, though?

-Then I'd feel so bad. [chuckles] -[chuckles]

Hey, you're here.

Oh! Are those new shoes?

They look nice and comfy.

Can you make me some breakfast?

Coming together.

Breaking apart.

Coming together. I want to come together. Ta-da.

Is he very busy in Seoul?

How is he, mentally and physically?

Is he very busy in Seoul?

How is he, mentally and physically?

This space is too big.

Is he very busy in Seoul?

Is he very busy in Seoul?

[both yawn]

Looks good.

[sighs] Thank you.

[chuckles]

DR. LEE JUNGHYO

[Daeum] Please, just stop! Please!

I'd rather live half my time like this than a full year in a hospital bed.

[sighs]

So, Seoyoung hasn't had any new ad offers

since that article about her in Love in White came out.

Okay.

-Looks like a rising star, no? -Should I schedule a meeting?

-No? -[inhales sharply]

Let's go back

to our roots for a change.

[Gyoyeong] So adorable. [chuckles]

LOVE - FUNERAL SERVICES

FUNERAL DIRECTOR, KIM JIHO

[Daeum] Hey, Gyo!

Let's go, your mom says it's time to eat.

You start shooting tomorrow. Are you nervous?

Actually, I'm so nervous I'm freaking out.

I'm worried if I'll have an episode again.

[sighs] Here.

Shoulders up.

Stand tall.

You go crush this. Forget everything else and focus on acting.

The one thing you want to do.

[in English] Ready.

-Action. -Come on.

[exclaims]

-[in Korean] We can do anything. -Then what should we do now?

-Go and eat dinner! -Turn around.

-[in English] Let's go. -Let's go.

[in Korean] Wow, it looks like a completely different place.

-For the full shot… -Incredible.

…I was thinking something like this.

[Jeha] I like it, but a little wider in the first cut.

-I got it. -Okay.

Thank you, Mr. Lee.

You did a great job, sir.

-This must be an important test shoot. -[chuckles]

I've never had a test this tough in my life.

Our fate depends on this.

This has to go well for you to keep working too.

[both chuckling]

Hey! Daeum.

-Hello. -Daeum, you're here.

[Minhee] Hello, Mr. Lee.

This has to go well

since this movie's fate rides on it.

Tell me if it's too much pressure.

Yeah, it is.

-Hmm. -[chuckles]

I heard you're letting Daeum use your rehearsal studio.

Yeah.

I had to repay her for something.

What's that?

Just something.

Why? What's with all the questions?

Use the production studio's space from now on, where I can also be.

Why?

You don't like me being alone with Daeum?

Why would you think that?

Well, I mean…

Okay, then. If that's what you'd prefer.

[crying] P-People can't see…

People can't see me like this.

Just one more thing, Director Lee.

You know…

Yes? Tell me.

Uh…

Maybe later.

It's nothing.

Let's head in.

Don't be nervous.

Just like we practiced.

Okay, Ms. Chae.

[chuckles] Break a leg.

Break a leg. [chuckles]

I'll see you later.

[♪ soft music plays]

CAN I MAKE MOVIES AGAIN?

CAN I ACT AGAIN?

CAN WE MAKE THIS MOVIE TOGETHER?

-[sound operator, in English] Speed! -Test shoot, take one.

[Cheolmin] Rolling.

Ready.

Action!

[panting]

[panting continues]

Cut! Okay. [in Korean] That's good.

-[all chattering] -She's good.

That's a cut. Great job.

-I got the camera. -[sighs]

Mr. Ji, how was it?

[sighs] It was great.

[chuckles]

[gasps]

Let's go check the playback.

Oh… Am I allowed to see it too?

Of course. We all did it together.

[Daeum panting on monitor]

Let's just send it in now.

[exclaims] When they see this,

they're not gonna talk about pulling investment

just because of a rookie actor.

Enough with the side comments and go home.

I'll bring a cut with proper editing,

not just a rough cut.

-Maybe some color grading too. -Okay.

Great work, everyone.

[all] Great work!

Okay.

-[crew member 1] Good job. -[crew member 2] Well done.

-Good work, sir. -[Seungwon] You did well today.

[footsteps approaching]

[Daeum] Mr. Lee.

You're still here. What is it?

Is there a chance…

this movie might not happen because of me?

No. If the movie doesn't happen,

that's because…

of both you and me.

Sorry?

What investor would trust a director who's been out of the game for five years?

That flashy test shoot we just did

is a test for both Lee Daeum and Lee Jeha.

[breathing shakily] I'm sorry. I should've done better.

What happened to the cocky Lee Daeum who said she could do it?

Don't worry about it and go home.

Just trust me.

[editor] You found her at an audition?

Yes. What do you think?

It's fascinating

how new talents like this

pop up out of nowhere every year.

She really makes Seoyoung shine too.

They really are great talents.

[Cheolmin] Did I dial down the red too much?

Ah, it's just Daeum's skin that's very pale.

She actually does look sick.

And with the way she performs, it's hard not to believe it.

[inhales sharply] Where on earth did you find a rookie like that?

[person 1] Stop!

Are you crazy?

Let me go!

Who are you to tell me what to do?

I…

have every right to destroy myself!

KIM JINYEO, MOVIE ACTOR

DO YOU KNOW JINYEO, THE LEGEND OF 90S KOREAN CINEMA?

KIM JINYEO'S PROFILE

FROM EXTRA TO THE CENTER OF CHUNGMURO,

HOW SHE BECAME "THE FACE OF A GENERATION"

[Seoyoung] Is he very busy in Seoul?

Spare me the pity party. I'm done watching this.

You know where Hyunsang is, don't you?

Aren't you dying soon?

Honestly, that's low.

Even for you.

[breathes shakily]

[panting]

[sighs]

Just one scene.

This one scene explains everything.

Lee Daeum?

Mm-hmm. Where did you manage to find an actress like that?

This is more than enough to convince our old guards.

But, you know,

the actress who played Gyuwon in the original.

She's been retired for a while, right?

Yes. What about her?

Just curious what she's been up to lately.

What kind of lives

do these female leads live after the movie ends?

Makes you wonder, no? [laughs]

You got the DP who wasn't available,

cast a top actress in a supporting role,

pulled out a superstar rookie,

and even convinced the investors.

You were right when you said I wouldn't regret this.

You should head back. I have somewhere to be.

Sure, you pulled an all-nighter.

Seungwon.

What is it?

Thanks.

Well, now…

[phone dialing]

Where are you? Are you free right now?

[Daeum] I'm on my way to the hospital to get the results from my checkup.

I'll head to the hospital. Let's talk for a second.

Uh…

So, here's the thing…

Mr. Lee,

is there something wrong?

You're going to be

this movie's lead for real.

What?

We got the investment.

Thanks to that one scene you did.

You accomplished it yourself.

Thank you.

[chuckles, stammers]

Are you serious?

[exclaiming]

I can't believe it!

[grunts]

[chuckles]

That was the Hollywood way

of saying thank you.

Great job.

[chuckles]

Uh…

Also…

I didn't see a set location

for the scene where Gyuwon gives up on life

but ends up finding hope.

That's because I couldn't find one for it.

Can I make a recommendation?

-No. Just use that time to rehearse. -Mmm.

Rehearsal is rehearsal. Recommendation is recommendation.

Follow me.

[in English] Follow, follow me!

Mr. Lee!

Follow, follow me!

[vocalizing]

[in Korean] Ta-da!

This is the place.

Well, it'd be perfect for a hospital promo video.

[chuckles] Not here.

Down there.

[clears throat]

Um…

[people chattering]

[Daeum] When you're in the hospital long enough,

there are days that feel unbearable.

Whenever that happened, I'd stand right here and look outside.

[sighs] I thought about how this is just a glass window,

but life could be so different beyond it.

If Gyuwon were to stand here and look out like this,

she'd actually want to live.

Just a few days ago,

I was going around making funeral plans for myself.

But then suddenly, I found myself way outside over there.

This film

has that kind of power, at least for me.

While Gyuwon is looking down at the world like this in the movie,

she spots someone outside.

Someone who's on that side of the world

walks by, happens to look up,

and smiles at Gyuwon.

Do you know what would happen to her then?

What would happen?

She'd fall apart

because she wants to live so badly.

But death just keeps chasing her.

And she'd go, "Okay, fine. If this is my fate, I get it."

"But let me just live a little first!"

Then try to outrun death with everything she's got.

Even if it only buys her a second.

[♪ soft music playing]

I quite like this spot.

[chuckles]

Really?

In that case,

shouldn't I get paid for scouting the best location?

Calm down. You have to book it, or it doesn't count.

What? Of course I was going to book it for you too!

This is my turf, you know.

Booking this spot would be a piece of cake.

No problem at all.

Good morning, Daeum! [chuckles]

Remember me?

Uh, hello.

I've been waiting for you.

-Sorry? -I know you're here for a meeting,

but how about a cup of tea with me first?

It's been a while since my agency brought on a new face.

There's no one who feels genuine these days.

I don't sign just anybody, you know.

[stammers]

I'm not planning to sign with an agency, ma'am.

Why not?

You don't like us?

-[chuckles] -You didn't even hear the offer.

[stammers] Any offer doesn't matter, actually.

This movie is enough for me, that's all.

I honestly have no goals after this.

You land a role that everybody wants,

and you have no goal?

You know,

that's very insulting to actors who are desperate for a chance.

I'm sorry.

Let's just say it's personal reasons.

No need to apologize to me.

Did the director tell you not to sign anything?

No, he's not the type to do that.

Around here, there's no "type" who'd do or not do anything.

That's just how this industry is.

Director Lee is…

Well…

You can trust him as a director,

but don't trust him too much as a person.

I'm going to trust him more than anyone.

Looks like it's time for my meeting.

I have to run.

I'm sorry.

[sighs]

[♪ somber music playing]

[Jeha] This is a secret, but I'm making this film because I don't really know.

[Daeum] Don't know what?

What it's like to love someone.

[Daeum] What is Seoyoung to you?

She's a great actress who taught me something I didn't know very well.

-[Daeum's dad] Are you happy now? -[Daeum] So happy I could die.

[Daeum's dad] You listen to me. I'm not letting you end up like that.

[Daeum] Dad…

I'm dying.

[Jeha] Why are you asking if Daeum is sick?

[Seoyoung] You really care about Daeum, huh?

[Jeha] I just need her.

That's all.

Translated by Yenny Kang