Original subtitles

" PRISON PLAYBOOK "

GIRLFRIEND

GIRLFRIEND

The person you have called is unavailable...

Please pick up.

I can use my phone for three more days.

I want to hear your voice,

I want to tell you I'm sorry,

and I miss you.

Gosh.

She won't pick up, right?

Ji-ho is totally in her right mind.

She has great discernment, unlike you.

My gosh.

Why is he here?

He and Captain Yu fought again.

Jung-woo was seriously about to kill him,

so Officer Paeng brought him here.

Gosh.

He's obviously just hungry for affection.

He bothers people, is clingy,

and picks a fight all the time. He's clingy with you too, right?

That's right. I'm hungry for affection.

You're Brainy Smurf.

You're very witty.

How did you know I was hungry for affection?

My mom is only concerned about money.

Even when I came back from Japan after two years,

even when her mother passed away,

she never closed her business.

She prefers money

over her only son.

I've always been lonely.

Lots of rich kids are hungry for affection like you.

Hey.

I heard your family runs Master Yu's Spicy Braised Ribs.

Is that right?

I went there yesterday, and they built up another annex.

Did you go there yesterday? With whom?

No comment.

You're dating.

I don't know who that woman is, but she's with a player.

I feel bad for her.

You'll make brownies again.

This punk.

You have lice. Hey.

What? What now?

Look. See that?

-This is... -Yes, it's a louse. Here.

-Gosh, you punk. -Lice...

Gosh.

-Mullae-dong. -We can kill them.

YESTERDAY

I'm a freeloader. Why did you give us so much?

You're our only free-for-life customer, so you deserve a lot.

MASTER YU'S SPICY BRAISED RIBS

You came with your girlfriend.

I think it was about six or seven months ago.

He came alone,

and finished these spicy ribs in just 20 minutes.

My goodness.

I didn't think a thin guy...

Honey!

Leave our guests alone.

Go clean up that table.

I'm sorry. I was a bit too loud.

It's all right.

Enjoy. Let me know if you need more.

Enjoy.

The owner lady is so scary.

I must say, his son is bold.

His mom is frightening. How did he start doing drugs?

Their son did drugs?

Yes, he's in our prison. In Je-hyeok's cell.

Is he nice?

No one is nice in prison other than your brother.

I see.

He's a bit

weird.

I'm not sure what he's like.

Your mom is really scary.

How did you do drugs behind her back?

She doesn't care about me.

She won't know even if I disappear.

-You immature kid. -How can you say that?

I mean it.

This is why I hate rich kids.

They're never grateful or thankful.

Joon-ho, do you remember that rich kid when we were young?

His dad had a big business.

He was the first one who got a Gameboy in our class.

That was the first time I got jealous of that rich kid.

Yes, I remember that punk.

I had to pester my mom for over a year

to get it as my birthday present.

I pestered my mom for two or three years. I finally got it later.

Do you know what it's like to be a middle class?

I never got to have a gaming device

You don't even know.

I think we were the poorest family in Gangbuk.

All I remember from my childhood is

-that we moved a lot. -I'm going to work.

Mommy, I'm hungry.

I made ramyeon. You can eat that.

And the ramyeon my mom made for me

every single morning.

You smell. You're so gross.

My clothes were dirty, and I never bathed properly.

-I was an outcast since grade school. -Hey!

No, I turned others away from me.

I hated those punks too.

I ignored them because I hated them.

WOOI MIDDLE SCHOOL

My mom opened up a barbecue restaurant with her hard-earned money.

In my third year in middle school,

we were better off,

so she could afford to buy me cheap brand-name sneakers in every season.

However,

I was still an outcast.

Oh, of course, it was by choice.

I didn't need friends.

I didn't want to play soccer anyway.

And I didn't want to go to an internet cafe

with my friends.

I liked being alone.

We need one more person. Do you want to join?

Hey, come play with us.

Ji-won was the class president.

-Hey, pass! -Everyone loved Ji-won.

He has a great personality.

-Yes! -Yes!

I was always with Ji-won since that day.

-I adored Ji-won from the start. -Hey, get it!

-From the very beginning, -Pass!

I liked everything about Ji-won.

JUNG-SUN'S SNACK BAR

Are you two brothers? You two look the same.

We aren't.

We aren't brothers, ma'am.

Okay, fine. I get it. You aren't.

Okay.

We're friends.

Best friends.

You are?

He's my best friend.

We are, right?

Then we went to high school.

I transferred to Gangnam,

and Ji-won moved to the U.S. because of his dad's work.

But still.

Just once.

I wanted to share my feelings just once.

So I wrote an email.

A love letter.

JI-WON, I LIKE YOU, NOT JUST AS A FRIEND

YOU'RE MORE THAN A FRIEND TO ME

SEND

I mustered up my courage and sent an email.

TO: SONG JI-WON TITLE: JI-WON, IT'S ME, HAN-YANG

READ RECEIPT: NOT READ

RECALL EMAIL

Then I erased it right away.

I couldn't

bring myself to send it.

I ALWAYS WONDERED IF I SHOULD TELL YOU

BUT NOW, I SUDDENLY HAVE THE COURAGE

JI-WON, I LIKE YOU, NOT JUST AS A FRIEND

But we still kept in touch.

Once Ji-won came back to Korea,

we met again at the middle school reunion in my junior year of college.

Then Ji-won asked me out first.

Ji-won asked me out.

That's when we started dating.

Wait.

How did we end up here?

You went...

You went to a co-ed middle school.

Girls are good at soccer too.

Ji-won is

a guy.

Gosh.

I feel so much better after saying that.

I feel so relieved.

Let's call it even.

I turned a blind eye to how you two are best friends.

You two can do the same for me.

Please.

I figured you two were close friends,

but I didn't know you were friends since grade school.

That's why you two seemed at ease with one another.

Oh, right.

I never told you, did I?

We're childhood friends.

Oh, you already knew?

Thanks for not telling.

We can just eat ice cream quietly.

It's okay. I know you're surprised.

Gosh, you two are bad actors.

" PRISON PLAYBOOK "

RESTRICTED AREA

Gosh, Kim Je-hyeok really is something.

I thought he was joking.

I never imagined he would ask me to bring him back to the same cell.

He's an athlete.

He may look dull, but he's an adventurer.

It's actually a great idea.

Hey, it's easy for you to say, but it's not easy when it's done.

It's like that calm before the storm in that cell.

Goodness.

Purchased items are here!

Bye, then.

Stop it. Don't be like that.

-Hey, let's split the purchases. -Okay.

Don't you think people in our cell are too kind?

Why did we let that damn punk come back to our cell?

Okay.

Come around. I ordered green plum tea.

It's a hot day. Let's all have a cool drink.

Goodness.

Gosh.

Hey, get over here.

I got you one. You don't have a summer blanket.

Jung-woo, did you put in the order?

Yes, Je-hyeok.

Come quickly. You feel awkward, aren't you?

He seems kind of insecure.

You always frowned at us and acted all scary,

but you now have to get along,

so you feel awkward and embarrassed.

It's okay.

He used to think he was a big shot too.

Hey, get over here.

Don't be so intimidated. Come and have this with us.

-Come quickly! -Come!

-Do as you're told! -Come!

Listen to your elders.

-Come. -One, two. Good.

-Move faster. -Come on.

I'll shave off your head.

Now, let's see what we have.

-All right! -Yes!

Milk. It goes stale soon, so take one each.

Six packs of milk.

-I got a banana snack. -Hey.

-Happy? -You can sit at ease.

-Who got socks? -Me.

Min-cheol, let's drink plum tea later.

It takes a lot of work.

You told us to get around for plum tea.

Why can't we have it?

-Will they be okay? -Of course.

Am I the only one who sees

Minion's new boss?

Really? Just until yesterday, you were like...

-Then I'll take this. -Put that down.

That punk is trying to take one last one.

-What? -What?

Really? What's with you?

I got the warden's approval too.

Well, Minion will return to our cell,

and he'll help me with the training.

No.

Who knows what he'll do now?

I'm sure Je-hyeok has an idea.

That punk is known as a troublemaker,

so no prison will take him.

Even if they wanted to, it would take a while anyway.

I thought it'd be better if I just kept him by my side.

I just have to hold it back and brace myself.

That's why I did it.

But it's too dangerous to share the cell.

My gosh, you're so uptight.

Don't mind what he says. I'm with you.

I'm with you too.

This adage suddenly came to me.

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

What you said is right,

but did he agree to it?

I'm sure the jerks around him won't let him.

He looked torn,

so I said I'll clean it up.

Clean what? What will you clean up?

What do you think? Those vermin.

How did you get accepted to the Military Academy?

Did you donate money to repave their road?

Darn you.

-No! -Darn it.

Put the pot down, okay?

-Is that so? -Yes.

He's born to be the second-in-line,

so I'll become his boss.

-Watch it. -Darn you.

Please help me out.

-You're fine. -I'm not fine, you punk!

Yes!

Tell him to bring it back.

Okay.

What's going on?

Why is Minion over there?

Gosh.

Hey, look who this is.

It's Mr. Kim Je-hyeok.

But why do you walk around with that vermin?

Why?

Why...

Are you crazy, you bastard...

Darn it.

Hey.

Why did you go first? You were supposed to go after me.

I'm sorry.

I suddenly got excited.

Hey, return the tools right away.

The greenhouse ran out of gas, so the flowers are dying.

Yes, sir.

Gosh, you're all such a big nuisance. So annoying!

Why did I bring this?

The person you have called is unavailable. Please leave a message...

You have one day left. Director Na is counting every day.

Joon-ho.

Help me break out.

Sure.

Hey, Je-hyeok.

Hey.

Gosh.

All right.

Yes, you should just work out, okay?

Let's get Minion in shape. I'll get him.

No, I'm not going to work out.

The person you have called is...

...is unavailable.

-Come on! -Please leave a message...

JE-HYEOK

Let's go home.

I'll drop you off. Let's go.

I need to study some more.

Then me too.

You keep studying at this cafe.

I'll start coming here tomorrow.

I keep getting calls. I'd be a nuisance at the library.

How about a movie tomorrow? I got preview tickets.

Come with me.

What are you doing? Why would I watch a movie with you?

I turned you down miserably. Did you forget already?

Can't you watch a movie with a friend?

We used to do that.

That was before you asked me out.

I'm not doing it anymore.

I don't mind studying together, but can you sit there?

I thought you broke up with your boyfriend.

You broke up with Kim Je-hyeok.

Yes, I did.

-And? -And what?

Even if I broke up with Je-hyeok, I still won't date you. Wake up.

Just go over there.

Fine.

JE-HYEOK

-Wait for me. -Don't follow me. I'll get you.

Have you played baseball? Do you know what a catcher is?

I played until middle school.

Well, not as a catcher.

I can do it. I'm good at everything physical.

He's a cyborg.

Hey, he's a genius athlete.

Je-hyeok, stop.

Je-hyeok, stop!

Hey! Stop!

Darn it!

Don't kick it. Don't kick...

No, he's fine. He's just not in his right mind.

Turn around for a second.

-Hey, you punk. -No, wait.

-Enough, you punk. -Stop it.

You're a stalker, punk.

-I'm not a stalker. -Stay still, okay?

-One second. -Enough calls for a day.

My gosh.

Je-hyeok, stop. Stop that. Give it to me.

-What's with you? -Enough, you punk.

-Wait. -You stalker.

-You punk. -What's with you?

Just one call. One call.

-Don't do it. -Stop it. Wait.

One more time.

Don't let Minion see it! Be quiet!

-You punk. -I called.

-Don't do it. -Just once. One second.

No! Don't do it!

You punk.

-Take this. -Gosh!

You don't have to do this. Just do your thing.

Just do what you have to do. It's fine.

If you're free,

massage Min-cheol's shoulders.

He lived his entire life obeying orders from his bosses.

It's hard for him to make his own choices.

At least for him, anyway.

Look at Han-yang.

He only does as he likes.

Look at him. Look at that punk.

He's getting ready to be beaten up by Captain Yu again.

Sadly, you missed.

I warned you many times not to touch my stuff.

I can't take it anymore.

I'm going to kill you today, you punk.

Who wants spicy noodles?

Spicy noodles saved your life.

Gosh, that druggie.

My gosh.

What did you do with the noodles?

This is just amazing and incredible.

It tastes exactly like the original. It's better than the ones in the army.

How did you make it?

It's a piece of cake.

First off, soak the noodles in lemon-lime soda for 30 minutes.

Then the noodles become very sweet.

But the most important thing is the sauce.

Ramyeon powder, flakes, plum tea, and three spoons of lemon-lime soda.

The cherry on top is sesame oil, a third of a spoon.

This is the old tradition in Mullae-dong, which is the secret sauce by KAIST.

You're unbelievably skillful.

He made those hangers.

If you need anything, you should ask him.

He's a rogue by birth,

but he's very skillful.

He can make anything.

It has been a while, Yu Han-yang.

How dare you play Dopey?

You're only acting like you're high.

Come here. You punk, come out.

Come out. Come now.

Fine, I'll go. You're dead, punk.

-Please calm down. -You.

Je-hyeok, stay out.

He stays that way because you take his side. Move.

Oh, I don't think I understand you.

You come here. Were you jealous of my lisp too?

I'll give you one.

-Calm down. -Min-cheol, hold him.

His arm... Don't hold me, hold him.

Kang Cheol-du, you have letters.

Letters or whatever, I'll cut off their...

Give me your tongue, you jerk. Let go of me.

It's from Cheongju.

Six letters.

Wait, mine.

What's with him?

You got a cell pal again.

-Right. -Good luck.

Exactly. Thanks. Thanks a lot.

TO KANG CHEOL-DU

What are all those?

Cell pals.

It's like a group pen pal between a cell and another cell.

When did that rogue sign up for that?

All right! Six letters.

Who wants a cell pal?

-Where are those from? -It's obvious.

Cheongju Women's Prison.

It's between their Wing Two, Upper Floor, Cell Six and us.

We got six letters, and no one is in?

Only for six people.

Gosh, that garbage. Human garbage.

Gosh, I know that already.

Jung-woo, are you in?

Je-hyeok, join us.

I have a girlfriend.

Is that so? Really? Okay.

Min-cheol, don't you get lonely?

Join us.

You can enjoy it alone.

Dopey, are you in?

I'm dating too.

Forget it. I get it. I'll write back to everyone.

I'll do it.

You're in?

He's Rogue Two. Rogue Number Two.

Okay, come here. Come over. Choose one.

Choose one, okay?

One second.

Can I choose one first?

I'll take this one.

Hello, 50,000 inmates.

This is Lee Min-ju, your host of Borami Radio, the Correction News.

Summer is coming to an end.

I'm reminded of many things in August.

There are summer vacations, leaves, trips,

typhoons, monsoon season, and the sea.

But above all, I like the word "summer vacation" the most.

Do you feel sad because you can't take a break?

Don't be so sad.

A vacation doesn't mean you have to go somewhere.

This is the last song.

I hope you all feel like you're on a vacation

with this song.

"Pearly Shells."

ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS

Je-hyeok, do you not know how to read?

You've been reading that one book for months.

It's my girlfriend's favorite book.

She said she read it over ten times,

so I wanted to try reading it.

I see.

You shouldn't have taken her for granted.

After I came in here,

I began to regret everything.

"I should've treated my love better."

"Why did I do drugs and break up with my love?"

"Seriously. I'm in prison?"

My life's so messed up.

That guy

must love it in prison.

Goodness.

He's excited.

When will you grow up?

I'm over 50 now. If I was going to grow up, I would have.

And if you grow up at heart, you die.

Are you showing off as an ex-convict?

Of course.

If you're a man,

you need this experience at least once.

It's like a medal.

Goodness, you're so brazen. So brazen, aren't you?

How many charges did you say you had?

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight,

nine, ten, boom.

Ten previous charges...

How long have you been here?

What do you think? Unbelievably long.

He's an old version of Son of Justice.

Son of Justice is still more mature than Mullae-dong.

Is it because he isn't married?

He was married. Six times.

It's because he has no kid.

No matter how bad you are, if you have a kid,

you'll try to live like a decent human.

I do have a kid.

I have a son. He's probably

about 21 or 22 by now.

Don't you feel ashamed to face him?

What about you and your parents?

You shouldn't talk about my family.

You started it first.

Is that so?

If your son is that old, why won't he visit?

We've been out of touch for a while.

This kid still needs to grow up and be a better human.

How can he never visit his dad in prison?

He's a useless scum.

Don't you miss him?

Not even a little bit.

You have to live together to be family. We're basically strangers.

Also,

that punk loathes me. He only likes his mom.

He thinks I'm a poop.

You are a poop.

Watch you mouth.

Also, a true single man in this cell is Min-cheol, right?

My gosh, you rogue.

How can you bring Big Uncle Min-cheol into this?

I've been married too.

What?

How?

That's a crime.

I see. That's why.

That's why you beat up Han-yang, right?

My attorney is great. Should I hook you up?

Hey, don't add to this.

Stop talking nonsense. Let's go to sleep.

The sun is almost up.

Okay, good.

You mean the moon.

You're lying, aren't you?

You've never dated anyone,

so you made up a lie, right?

Right!

It's like phantom pregnancy.

-Right? Phantom pregnancy. -Damn you.

You always do things that deserve a beating.

I'm going to kill you today.

I'll destroy you into pieces.

-Min-cheol, calm down. -Why?

Is that a phantom pregnancy?

Don't be so ashamed of phantom pregnancy.

-Calm down. -Stop it.

Hold yourself back.

He's always like this.

-Goodness. -Kim.

-Come on. -Hold yourself back.

He's just high right now, so...

-Kim. -Don't do that, Min-cheol.

My goodness. That's enough. Stop it.

-Kim Je-hyeok, workout. -No, Min-cheol.

Hold yourself back.

-One second, Joon-ho. -Come on.

What will you do from now on, Dopey?

-Put me down. -What will you do?

Director Na is waiting.

He'll only go home after he sees you turn that in.

One second.

GIRLFRIEND

JI-HO, CALL ME...

GIRLFRIEND

-Why? -Ji-ho.

Ji-ho.

What?

Go.

Hey, Ji-ho.

It's okay. She can make a call instead.

Try to understand her.

She's coming.

Oh, yes!

Gosh.

Je-hyeok, what did you say in your last text message?

What?

I mean, what did you say to her

to make her call you when she never once called

or texted you to this day?

What?

Well, you know.

I said I'm sorry

and that I miss her.

What else can I say to her?

Ji-ho, call me.

I have no time.

If you don't call me right now,

I'll break my right hand with a hammer.

Please pick up.

I can use my phone for three more days.

I want to hear your voice,

I want to tell you I'm sorry,

and I miss you.

I miss you, Ji-ho.

I want to hear your voice.

Please pick up, Ji-ho.

I'm sorry for everything.

I'm pathetic, right?

So please pick up.

Please.

Gosh.

Gosh.

FALL OF 2017

Is it going well, you two?

Yes.

How old is she?

-My pal is 33. -Mine is 25.

We're the same age.

That makes no sense. Do you want to die?

They're the same age too.

Yes, that makes no sense.

Hey.

For us, it makes no sense that we're the same age.

I'm not saying we are the same age.

I'm just assuming this to point out his fallacy.

Judging by your face,

it makes no sense that you're 25 years old.

Show me your ID.

Ask Officer Paeng.

Age is just a number.

My girlfriend will be released next week.

She'll come and see me.

She'll wear her hair up and put rose perfume on.

Are visits allowed?

Visits were banned because of the flu.

Gosh.

That's why he's in a slump.

They lifted the ban.

You can have visitors from today.

-Really? -Of course.

There's a huge wait, so they'll allow them in order.

Gosh.

My gosh.

Right.

Well...

My girlfriend says she'll be released next week too.

Really? Congrats.

She'll come and see me.

Yes, of course. You're her boyfriend.

With her hair up and some rose perfume.

I'm a gold digger.

Can you show me your letter?

The handwritings are different.

They're not the same.

How old is she again?

She's 33.

She's 25.

My mom always uses this word.

I WILL WEAR MY GROOVIEST OUTFIT AND...

She also says "groovy."

This was used back in the 80s.

How old is this old lady?

One person wrote both.

She used her left hand and her right hand.

Oh, no.

Give up.

-No way. -No way.

You should give up.

I can't give up.

I'm in love with Ms. Hwang. I'm already deep in love.

Oh my, a lunatic.

You give up, you punk.

I can't give up.

I can't believe this. My gosh.

Yu Jung-woo, Yu Han-yang.

Visitors.

-Are you two brothers? -Are you crazy?

No.

Darn you. You better do your job right.

Hey. Go see your visitor.

Gosh.

I'm sorry. He's quite sick.

This is a present.

White tulips mean "forgiveness."

I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

Do I have a visitor?

Yes, well... There are lots of people waiting.

Give it some time.

Yes, I understand.

Is it your girlfriend?

Yes.

My gosh.

Why did you take her for granted?

Tell me about it. I regret it a lot.

She's too good for me.

I think I can do anything

only if I can see her again.

Even breaking out?

She'll hate it if I did that.

Goodness.

There's someone who makes you this helpless.

Right?

I also had

someone who was on my mind

around the clock.

Someone I cared about.

And?

Someone I loved.

What?

You weren't lying?

What do you take me for?

I was quite a catch when I was young.

WINTER OF 1995

I brought it for you last night,

but you were asleep.

Why didn't you wake me up?

I just let you sleep.

Do you like it?

Yes, I like it.

Well, I picked it up--

On the street?

Why do you always find stuff on the street?

I'd like to see that street.

Is that so?

You're so lame.

Oh, right.

Hey.

I found this on the street too.

Take it. You'll break my arm.

Put it on me.

You can put it on me.

Come on.

Here.

I'm leaving. I might be late tonight.

Min-cheol.

I got you a present too.

Min-cheol.

I got you sneakers.

I have lots of sneakers.

The soles are coming apart and rain seeps in.

Just thank me

and start wearing these while the offer still stands.

Were they pricey?

They're knockoffs.

Then I'll wear them.

-Goodness. -Hey, Min-cheol.

I have something to say.

What is it?

Never mind, I'll tell you tonight.

You should go.

That was silly.

-Goodness. -Hey, Min-cheol.

I have to tell you this.

What is it? Hey, we'll be here all day.

Okay.

I love you.

That was so unnecessary.

I'm leaving.

Lock the door now.

Okay. Have a great day.

All right.

You'll be released soon.

Your tough days are over now.

Mom isn't here like always.

Today is Saturday. She's busy with the business.

I thought she'd visit at least once.

We just opened another annex, so we're even busier now.

Please understand.

I do.

Money comes before her son.

She didn't want to pay the bail so she sent her son to prison.

I understand.

It was all for your sake.

It's why you weren't bailed out.

That's just an excuse, Dad.

It's not an excuse.

She wanted you to learn your lesson.

She reported you for your sake too.

Mom reported me?

Did she report me?

How could she do that?

How... How could she

do that?

She's my mom.

Isn't she?

I just

filed your retrial request.

I see.

You've done well.

You held out, my brother.

I didn't do much. You did all the work.

Thanks, Jung-min.

Don't bother. You don't have to say that.

I'm sorry I didn't do this

-much faster. -Don't say that.

If it wasn't for you,

I wouldn't be in this world now.

Stop talking nonsense or I'll kill you.

I'm sorry.

All I did was file the request.

It might take months

before the result is out.

-I know. -Don't grow weary.

Let's hold out well like this.

You should go back to teaching.

Hasn't it been a while?

We don't know how long this will take.

I'm all right now.

I can hold out well.

So return to teaching.

You can let Attorney Kang handle most things.

Okay, I'll manage.

You'll get fired, you know.

I won't.

Why would I get fired?

I'm a big shot professor.

Yes, so return to teaching.

-Okay. -Do you mean it?

You'll go back, right?

Okay, Jung-min?

Then return to work right away.

Okay?

Promise me.

Promise.

Okay, fine.

Okay, don't worry about it.

I'll apply to return tomorrow.

I can finally sleep in real peace.

I can stretch out and sleep comfortably.

WESTERN PRISON

What are you mumbling on and on about?

You make a long prayer.

If I were God, I'd pretend like I can't hear all your noise.

I have letters.

What?

Darn it.

You haven't decided yet?

What's with this woman? This isn't an audition program.

Why?

How does he know about audition programs?

She's going to visit us today.

She'll choose one then.

She'll visit the one she wants to date.

She's a player. She knows how to play.

She definitely has both of you on a scale.

Darn it.

I'm taking a shower.

It's a fight, you punk. A fight.

Let's see who'll win.

Hey, Errand Boy! Errand Boy, come here!

Hey! Can you get me cologne? Find a guy who has cologne!

That's hot.

Gosh.

I'm speechless.

You love women and gambling this much.

How were you stuck up in Mullae-dong?

It's a wonder.

It was hard. It was very hard.

That wasn't the life I dreamed of.

What did you dream of?

The life I dreamed of was like this.

Let me confirm your order.

The appetizer will be foie gras salad.

The main dish will be tenderloin steak with truffle sauce.

And you both wanted your dishes medium-rare.

Which wine would you like to order?

Let's see.

Sateau Souverain Sauvignon Blanc.

Sorry?

For wine, Chateau Souverain Sauvignon Blanc.

I don't need to taste it.

Yes, sir. I understand.

Then for your dessert, would you like strawberry chiffon

or cinnamon chocolate cake?

Strawberry siffon cake.

Sorry?

Straw...

Strawberry cake.

Oh, yes. Thank you.

My gosh.

I didn't know which one you'd like, so I prepared both.

My gosh, honey. What are these?

What do you think? Those are luxury goods.

Oh my, honey...

The black one is Chanel. The white one is Gucci... No.

The white one is Chanel, and the black one is Gucci.

Honey.

I love you.

Shakespeare said,

"Love is merely a madness."

Tonight,

I want to go mad for you.

So I want to say,

"Here's looking at you, kid."

You have one stupid wish. So stupid.

Ward Two, Upper floor, Cell Six.

Let's see.

Let's see who has visitors.

Mr. Kim.

No.

Again, you don't have visitors. I'm sorry.

I see.

Goodness, I'm sorry.

All right.

It's okay.

You can call her later.

We can make calls tonight.

Okay.

We have one visit here.

Why are you staring at it? That's not a study guide.

Can't you find our names on it? Are you blind?

No, never mind. Officer Paeng, I'm so sorry.

It was a joke.

I'm a bit sensitive right now. I'm sorry.

-Kang Cheol-du, a visitor. -Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

Yes!

You punk. You bald punk.

Stay in the cell. I'm leaving.

Gosh, I'll be back, okay?

I'll take care of you all if things go well. No worries.

I've never seen this name before. Who is this?

-Go and never come back. -Okay, sure. Fine.

What brings you here? You didn't even call.

It has been a while.

Is everything okay? Is Gun-woo doing okay too?

You should've asked sooner.

You had an affair with a rich lady and abandoned us.

But why are you here?

Gun-woo is very sick.

Your only son

is very sick and might die soon.

What are you saying?

Tell me what it is.

He has hepatic failure.

It's getting worse.

He needs a liver transplant.

I'm not the right blood type,

and we're on the waiting list for a donor, but we're too far down.

Gun-woo might die at this rate.

What did you do?

What did you do while he got sick?

I was busy making a living.

After my gambling husband left to live however he wanted,

I was busy raising him all alone!

I was busy making a living! What now?

I was desperately trying to make a living! Okay?

So what now? What do I do?

What do I do? What do I have to do?

Gun-woo would rather die than receive your liver.

He refuses to get your help.

But still,

we can't leave him to die like this.

At least get your blood tested.

WESTERN PRISON

Goodness.

ON A FAST

KANG CHEOL-DU, MALE, 49

Liver CT scan, sonogram, MRI scan,

vascular shape, and function all look great.

His biopsy result will be here soon too.

He can do the surgery tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much.

His surgery had to be rushed.

I'm glad he could do this quickly thanks to his father.

It's a miracle.

But still, Doctor.

Please do not

mention this to Gun-woo.

He doesn't know.

I understand what you mean.

I already told my staff as well.

Don't worry about it.

Thank you.

What is happening?

You really never know what life holds.

Even the prison came to a decision quickly.

I thought it might take a while.

Did you ask the warden?

No.

I was going to.

He must be on a stay of sentencing to get the surgery.

I'll ask the warden for a favor.

Can you think of a way

we can use petitions or the media just in case?

We've already decided.

The warden requested a stay of sentencing,

and Western District Prosecutors' Office will reply tomorrow.

That quickly?

An article will be released tomorrow.

"A miraculous organ transplant by an inmate."

"Western Prison and Western District Prosecutors' Office

join hands together to do good in prison."

Goodness.

I mean, in times like these, those two work in harmony.

They both have nothing to lose.

Gosh.

What a relief.

Je-hyeok.

Well.

Ji-ho called me today.

Ji-ho came down

with the flu.

She was very ill.

She got hospitalized.

That's why she couldn't come.

She said you don't have to worry.

She's sick and hospitalized.

But she kept talking about you!

She doesn't want you to worry.

She was worried that you'd be worried!

She said you don't have to worry!

You should bow down every three steps the next time you meet her.

Let's go.

Gosh.

He's getting surgery this afternoon.

Goodness.

That's great news. I'm relieved.

Then will Mullae-dong meet his son?

But he doesn't know that his dad is the donor.

No, after the operation.

He'll see him at least once after the operation.

He'll recover there for a week or two.

That's after the operation.

After it goes well,

he can consider it then.

Mr. Kang Cheol-du.

KANG CHEOL-DU, MALE, 49

ON A FAST

Kang Gun-woo will be going to the operating room now.

You'll be sent to the operating room in about an hour.

We finished analyzing your vessels

and the surgery plan is all set.

So don't worry about anything

and consider this a good sleep.

Then I'll see you again in the recovery room.

-Let's go. -Thank you.

Thank you.

You should go see Gun-woo.

The men will take him.

He's in the ICU, so I only see him during visiting hours.

I saw him just now.

Is that doctor a good surgeon?

If anything happens to him, I'll...

I'll teach him a lesson.

Mr. Kang, let me take one more quick exam.

FULL

Let's go there. We must hurry.

Okay. The elevator is full, so we'll take the operating elevator.

Hello.

KANG CHEOL-DU, MALE, 49

KANG GUN-WOO, MALE, 19, HEPATIC FAILURE

It's you, Dad.

Dad, it's you, right?

No.

You have the wrong person.

I'm sorry.

-Goodbye. -Goodbye.

Gun-woo.

Gun-woo.

Gun-woo...

It's Dad.

OPEN SOCIETY RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS

Goodness.

He was fine until just now.

Is he faking it?

He puked three times today.

And he hasn't slept for a week.

He must have insomnia.

He can take sleeping pills.

He refuses to take any medicine.

If he takes any kind of drug,

he thinks he'll relapse.

Where's your coffee?

I don't drink sweet coffee.

Gosh, you're picky for a guy who's locked up.

Dong-ho, stop cleaning and come out for coffee.

It's hot.

Thank you.

Mullae-dong was sent to a general ward today.

He can eat porridge and exercise.

Gosh.

Korea has excellent operating skills these days.

He's healthy. Everything looks great.

-What a relief. -Okay.

What a relief. I'm glad.

When will he be released?

Probably in about a week or two, I guess.

It was a big operation.

And one bad news too.

Once again, visits are put on halt.

Two gangs got into a fight out on the field,

so a few were hospitalized.

So visits and leaves are all banned for a while, okay?

Gosh.

Thank you.

Hey, you know, I...

May I

see Gun-woo just once?

I just want to see him.

Goodness.

My gosh.

Goodness.

I'll kill you.

Fine.

Jung-woo.

Thanks for doing the dishes. I'll do it tomorrow.

It's okay.

Anyway, it's chilly at night these days.

Yes.

Gosh.

I guess

time does pass.

It's already fall.

Goodness.

I'm sorry visits aren't allowed.

This happens from time to time.

Je-hyeok, are you crying?

I'm about to cry.

I see.

Gosh.

Jung-woo, you too.

You haven't seen your brother for a while now.

I have never seen

two brothers get along so well like you and your brother do.

Right. Aren't brothers usually indifferent to each other?

Brothers usually don't talk a lot either, right?

We were like that too.

What?

We were like that too.

Both my brother and I aren't the nice and friendly type.

He's 12 years older than me, so we were never too close.

We probably shared less than ten words in a year.

OCTOBER, 2010

Gosh, seaweed soup? Why?

Is it Mom's birthday?

No, my birthday.

Really?

Happy birthday.

Gosh, Jung-woo is already 26.

Time flies.

I'm 23.

Yes, 23.

SPRING OF 2011

Jung-woo, stay healthy.

Don't get sick.

Take care of yourself, and call us often.

Goodness, my boy. The days are still cold.

It's okay, Dad. It's just for four weeks.

Don't worry.

Why are you here?

Oh, I just had

some spare time.

Okay.

Good luck.

Okay.

He was a really curt brother.

The day my case broke out,

he turned in a leave of absence.

And from that day until now, he has been working on my case.

He didn't have a life of his own. He worked on my case around the clock.

Goodness, you must be grateful.

I never imagined he would take things that far.

After the incident,

I despised the entire world.

I wanted to kill everyone

including myself.

I was so upset and angry

that it drove me insane.

I was out of my mind.

Yes.

You were quite out of it.

Aren't you asleep?

I am.

But then...

But then, when I came to myself,

I was filing for a retrial.

All I did was get angry

and annoyed in here.

Thanks to my brother,

I came this far.

Before this,

I never thought I would say

"Thank you"

or "I love you" to him.

I now do it every time I see him.

I do it automatically.

After I came in here,

I wrote a letter to my sister

for the first time in my life.

But still, sisters are cute.

My sister and I

have the same exact personality.

My sister and I were as indifferent as you two were.

But after that incident,

I also said lots of cheesy stuff to my sister.

But that really happens.

It just comes out.

I'm jealous.

I'm an only child, so I have no brothers or sisters.

And my mom sent her son to prison

because she didn't want to pay my bail.

I'm jealous of everyone.

I thought your lover reported you.

It was my mom.

My mom is an amazing person.

She's cold-blooded.

She's a strong woman.

MASTER YU'S SPICY BRAISED RIBS

I must've been crazy.

I'm the wicked one.

I went crazy for money and couldn't raise him properly.

I...

I deserved to be punished.

My son...

My son... It must be so tough for him.

Why does my son have to be in prison?

What will I do with my poor son?

My poor son...

Hey, you know, I...

May I

see Gun-woo just once?

I just want to see him.

Yes, actually,

I asked him.

Really? When will he come?

He doesn't want to meet you.

He knows it's you.

He knew that you were the donor.

Yes, so he should come and see me.

But he'll never see you.

He despises that his father

is an ex-convict.

He wouldn't mind if his dad

picked up junk off the street to make a living.

But not a dad in prison.

He thinks it's terrifying and scary.

I even gave him my liver.

I even gave him my liver, so why does he hate his dad?

That punk...

He shouldn't be like that.

Right.

Gosh.

You fool.

Why didn't you live a better life?

Why didn't you?

Why didn't you live a better life?

You're getting punished.

You abandoned your kid

and your wife to live as you like!

This is your punishment!

Goodness, thank you.

Thank God. Thank you!

What are you doing?

What are you doing right now?

I'll just see him once. I want to ask him.

Where is he? Which ward?

He doesn't want to see you. What's with you?

I mean, his dad...

His dad even gave him a liver.

Why does he hate me?

Stop lying. That makes no sense.

-He won't see you. -Let go.

-He won't. Stop it! -Let go!

Let go! Let go of me!

Where is he? Which ward? Tell me now.

-I'm sorry. -Excuse me, which ward is

Kang Gun-woo in? Let go of me. One second. Let go!

Let go of me! Let go.

Let go of me! I... One second. I...

I want to go see my own son right now.

Why won't you let me?

Hey, Kang Gun-woo!

I really...

WESTERN PRISON

TEN DAYS LATER

Okay, time to clean up.

Jung-woo, wash the rag.

Is he coming today?

Mullae-dong is coming back?

He gets discharged today.

Gosh.

Visits are allowed from tomorrow. And get ready for work.

Where's Officer Paeng?

And Officer Song?

They went out of the city for training.

They return in ten days.

I see.

Okay.

Go live well.

You need to put these on.

Tell Gun-woo...

that I love him a lot.

Okay.

You must be disappointed for not seeing him.

No, it's okay.

We met in my dream last night.

He was in your dream?

In my dream,

Gun-woo and I...

We went somewhere nice and had good food.

Like what? Steak?

We went to a very expensive restaurant

and had a very expensive steak.

Dad, I'm hungry.

Where's Mom?

Isn't she around?

She went to work.

Hey, just get something from the fridge.

I have to sleep. Don't wake me.

Gosh.

All right, let's eat. Eat up.

Looks good, right?

This is Dad's special ramyeon.

I even put in three boiled eggs.

Really?

What's with that? Is it broken?

It's been like that for a while.

I asked Mom for a new one, but she flatly refused.

Okay.

Hey, Dad. That's awesome.

Well, it's a piece of cake. It's too easy for me.

I turned in my dream at school today, but I'll change it tomorrow.

-To what? -I want to be someone like you.

Someone like me? What would that be?

A scientist.

Dad, you're a scientist.

Yes, of course. I'm a famous scientist in Mullae-dong.

If I set my mind to it,

I can make Taekwon V, Gundam, Grendizer, and just about everything.

-Hello? -What are you doing?

Come quickly, you punk.

The gambling house is open.

Okay, I get it. I'll be there. I'll come right now.

I'll be back.

Gun-woo.

For dinner,

you should order jjajangmyeon, okay?

Are you ready? Let's go.

Excuse me, Officer.

May I leave the hospital

and put them in the van?

My son is in the same ward,

so I thought he might see me. I'm sorry.

Rules are rules.

Right.

Kang Cheol-du, you'll be sent to Southern Prison as of today.

It's a new prison with great facilities.

You'll go to the medical ward there.

So you can stop cleaning and get ready for work.

We have no time.

You can't transfer him so suddenly.

He has his things here.

-It's so sudden... -All of you.

What are you talking about?

You all came in after committing crimes.

You're all criminals.

Why should we report every single detail to all of you?

And regulations say we aren't to tell.

If you want such rights, you shouldn't have committed crimes.

This isn't a frat house.

Wake up, everyone.

You're in prison.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

WESTERN PRISON

MAXIMUM CAPACITY: 6 CURRENT CAPACITY: 5

Min-cheol.

I have great news.

You've been chosen as a candidate for the parole review!

-Wow. -Hey.

We'll send the list to the Ministry of Justice soon.

Really?

Of course. Don't worry. You'll definitely pass.

You're a model prisoner, you have perfect score, and officers love you.

There's no reason to drop you.

Goodness.

You've done well.

How long has it been?

It's been over 22 years, right?

He said something harsh, so he's hurt.

What did he say?

Even if everyone else thinks I'm a player, you shouldn't think of me like that.

Those two are the worst.

They mooch right away when they smell money.

What?

I know that punk.

The officers are there too. He'll be fine.

-You know what this is. -Stay still.

Hey. It's what you love.

No one likes a druggie.

Two. One.

Damn it.

Do you hate me too?

Hang in there! You can't lose your mind right now!

He looks so happy.

He was demanded to death, then sentenced to life.

A decade ago, it was reduced to 25 years.

Min-cheol, a word, please.

An interview?

This is his 22nd year.

You're making me scared.

Are you stupid?

No one? None?

There is one.

That's very peculiar.

There's one more.

-Very peculiar. -Goodness.

Give me a little more time.

Then I'll spill one more.

What's with Je-hyeok's pitch?

It's everywhere.

It's all over the place.

A psychologist named Freud said

the unconscious mind rules over human behavior.

No.

He's just a psycho.

All right, attention.

Inmates from Daegu Prison are here for a visit.

You'll be released soon.

You're almost there, Je-hyeok.

Yes, his troubles are over.

Nothing worse will happen.

Translated by Eunsook Youn

Modify by Blue-Bird™