Original subtitles

[theme song playing]

TYPHOON FAMILY

[upbeat pop song playing]

TYPHOON TRADING

[mouthing]

[reporter] "The Four Asian Dragons."

The legend is being written as we speak here in Seoul, South Korea.

I'm here at Typhoon Trading, one of the small businesses in Ulchiro

playing a central role in the country's economic growth.

[song continues]

CEO KANG JIN-YOUNG TYPHOON TRADING

[reporter] The company has survived 26 long years

in the notoriously competitive import market.

The collaboration of roughly ten employees

and their hard work is what made this achievement possible.

One thing of note is that all employees agree

that they find happiness not in personal gain

but in the company's success

and securing a better life for their neighbors and fellow citizens.

We rarely chat during office hours to keep our focus on our daily tasks.

[typewriter clacking]

[typewriter dings]

MANAGER GO MA-JIN TYPHOON TRADING

[Ma-jin] I'd appreciate a raise, sure.

But our company's future can only be as bright as our nation's.

Moreover, only the company's future

can ensure my future.

So, I'm not hung up about my wage.

[telephone ringing]

ASSISTANT MANAGER BAE SONG-JUNG

[in English] Hello? This is Jung.

-Today's weather is… -[telephone rings]

Oh. Wait a minute.

[in Korean] Oh, no. It doesn't work that way.

[in English] What?

[in Korean] Well, I'm sorry.

-No, I wasn't talking to you. -[telephone ringing]

DIRECTOR KOO MYUNG-GWAN

Our business partner in Singapore has gifted us this orchid.

"Friendship between gromwell and orchid,"

-in other words, true friendship-- -[in English] Cut! [sighs]

[in Korean] Isn't it too lackluster? Ooh!

Excuse me.

Don't you find work challenging?

BOOKKEEPER OH MI-SEON

Were you talking to me?

Uh, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,

I work 11 hours in total daily.

But it's not challenging at all. It's part of my daily routine.

Uh, I find meaning in all my tasks, even the insignificant ones.

Oops, I'm sorry.

The national economy can have its ups and downs.

I think what matters is our unwavering resolve.

I want the whole country to stick together at all times.

These hard-working people are driving local small businesses to the world stage.

Thanks to their efforts,

the legend of the Four Asian Dragons

and the Miracle on the Hangang River will continue on.

[pop song continues]

[speaks indistinctly]

[imperceptible]

-[lively conversations] -[pop song continues]

Now, let us turn to our youths, the ones our future depends on.

Mooching off the wealth their parents worked hard to earn,

these young people indulge in pleasures and only seek one big score.

[indistinct conversations]

[man 1] Seriously, you little punk.

Excuse me. Do you have a minute?

[man 2] We've got hot babes tonight!

What do you think about the Orange Tribe?

As one of the citrus fruits, oranges are tangy and sweet.

I don't quite understand why it is used to refer to young people.

Do you consider yourselves a part of the Orange Tribe

or just a regular Generation X?

-Uh-- -You can't put labels on the youth.

-Will this be aired on TV? -Well…

Can I say a short piece?

-I love you, Mom. Love you, Eul-nyeo. -I love you, Jeong-mi.

-I love you, Mom. -Thank you, that will be all. Cut!

-Let's go, Korea! -Let's go!

-Will this really make the news? -Yes.

-Get over here, Yun-seong. -Mom, I love you…

[reporter] The youths' extravagant spending habits

are compromising our society.

[Nam-mo] Hang on.

What's with this shirt?

Is this the designer brand founded by the Arman family of Italy,

-Empario-- -Not Empario but Giorgia.

-This is Giorgia, people. -Take it off.

-Let me try it. -No way.

Come on, just this once.

-[dance music plays on speakers] -[DJ, in English] Go!

Let's go!

Everybody, join me. Come on!

Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

[crowd chanting] Jump!

[DJ] One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.

[in Korean] I'll pair you up, okay? Come along.

No thanks. I'm waiting for my friends.

They should be here by now.

Okay, miss. Come on. Please take a seat.

Let's go.

-All right. -[gasps]

Look, they're here!

-Where? -Over there.

They must've just gotten here.

[in English] Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump!

Oh…

[in Korean] Hold on.

[slow dramatic rock music playing]

[women cheering]

You're with DJ "Sexy Tiger" Seong-ho.

This is Julianie Dance Festival!

[crowd cheering]

[upbeat pop song playing on speakers]

I love it.

[DJ, in English] Okay!

[in Korean] I really loved it. All right.

-Now, last but not least… -[crowd cheering]

[DJ] Hold on.

I see familiar faces.

[loud cheering]

[DJ] At the moment, they're the hottest crew in Apgujeong.

Give it up…

-Whoo! -…for the Apgujeong Boys!

[upbeat pop song playing on speakers]

Let's go!

-[in English] Let's go! -[song continues]

-[song ends] -[crowd cheering]

[DJ] Okay!

[in Korean] All the liquor is yours.

You can have them all.

You get a 75-mL glass if you're alone.

If you're a pair, each of you gets a 37-mL shot!

-It's all yours! -Okay!

Now seems to be the best time for some slow dancing.

If you're craving company,

grab a partner.

Have a romantic time for 20 minutes.

[slow pop song playing on speakers]

[pager beeping]

BABE, I LOVE YOU TO DEATH

MY HEART BURNS FOR YOU

I LOVE YOU 24-7-365

[people laughing, conversing indistinctly]

[smacks lips, mutters indistinctly]

What's with all these messages…

Tae-poong!

Are you swinging by?

Gosh, I got the rooms mixed up. Sorry.

-Have fun. -Wait, Tae-poong.

Scoot, guys. Come on.

-What is it? [grunting] -Tae-poong!

-I missed you so much! -Goodness, Yu-rim.

Are you in the next room? I'll join you.

-Just have fun here. -No way--

[people gasp]

[Hyun-jun] Typical of Kang Tae-poong.

You think you can just leave after ruining my party?

[drink pouring]

All right, I'll pay for the food you threw.

Let me give you a piece of advice.

Dance out on the floor, all right?

You're at a club, so go dancing. Don't be a bunch of sourpusses.

I'm off, then.

[Yu-rim screams]

[Yu-rim, in English] Are you crazy?

[Yu-rim gasps]

Let's be real. This evens things out.

I'll really get going now.

[Hyun-jun] Hey.

[scoffs]

Out of my way, damn it.

Who do you think you are?

You arrogant punk.

What was that?

Did you call me, sir?

[sighs] Jeez.

-Damn it. -[people gasp]

-You. -Yes, sir?

Hey.

-What are you doing? -Didn't I tell you I disliked the room?

Come on, look at me.

That's enough.

I practically pay your wage, remember?

You brat.

Give it a rest, okay?

You've done enough.

You can leave now.

Stop it already, you two.

You should get going. Don't stick around.

[women scream]

[grunts]

[exhales]

[groans softly]

-[Nam-mo] That might be the end of him. -[man] Who? Your pal?

No, your pal, you idiot.

Dang it.

[groans softly]

[electric guitar solo playing]

My Armani…

Not Empario,

but Giorgia.

[fast-paced rock music playing]

[scoffs]

-[bottles shatters] -[woman screams]

[women screaming]

Move aside!

-Let's scram. -Hey, you!

-Out of the way! -[rock music continues]

[people clamoring, screaming]

Beat it, you punks.

[Hyun-jun] Follow me, you jerk.

Hey, Nam-mo. Damn it!

[all screaming]

Oh, man.

Go on, come at me.

Get yourself over here, punk.

I dare you to try that kick from earlier.

-Should we go for it? Let's do it! -Yes!

[music ends]

SEODO TEST PREPARATION CENTER

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM

-[student 1] This way. -[student 2] Let's go.

[student 3] Anything's fine with me.

-Look. -Oh, my goodness.

[indistinct conversations]

COUNSELING OFFICE

[Mi-seon] Hello.

[woman] The World Geography course is full.

I don't need a chair. I can just stand at the back of the lecture hall.

Be that as it may, we'll get in trouble if we sign up more than 120 students.

Take the special course coming up in the next month.

[sighs]

Take the Earth Science course this month.

[softly] Okay.

Here.

The tuition fees have gone up. It's 40,000 won.

What? It's… 40,000 won?

Oh, no.

Just a second.

[coins jingling]

Do you perhaps take bus tokens?

[register dings]

EARTH SCIENCE OH MI-SEON, 5,000 WON TO BE COLLECTED

SOCIETY AND CULTURE, COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH, EARTH SCIENCE

GANGNAM POLICE STATION

[siren wailing]

-[woman 1] Why, you! -[woman 2] I can't stand this!

-Let go! -[officer] Cut it out already!

-[woman 1] Jeez. -[officer] What do you think you're doing?

-Wang Nam-mo. -Hey, it's Eul-nyeo.

"Eul-nyeo"? You dare call my name?

-What brought you here? -What do you think?

-[grunting, wincing] -Do you think I'm your peer?

I brought you into this world, punk.

Why did you lose your shirt, you scrawny brat?

-[Nam-mo] My chest! -Oh, no… [screams]

Oh, my gosh!

Are you okay, Tae-poong?

-Oh, you poor boy. -I'm fine.

-[Eul-nyeo] You, Tae-poong! -Yes?

Don't tell me you want to hit him too.

Of course. Let's not be particular. We're responsible for these boys together.

-I insist. -Please, he's just a little boy.

-No, he's a grown man. -Oh, no…

Okay, then. But no smacking in the face.

Please aim at the back of his head. He doesn't use his brain anyway.

-Mom, I injured my head. -Still, this will be better.

Guard your face. I had a nose like Won Bin's, but…

-[wincing] Oh, no. -[Tae-poong] Please, Ms. Kim!

-Unbelievable. -[Jeong-mi] Oh, dear.

Anyone can get a job these days. Why won't you even try?

[man] Hey, lady!

-Keep it down, will you? -You keep it down, you punk!

-How dare you butt in? -[officer 2] That's enough! Stop it!

-Knock it off! -[Jeong-mi] Come down.

Now, that's enough. Let's all calm down.

The assault may not be an issue since they all threw punches.

But the club is pressing charges for business disruption and property damage.

They give harsher punishment if more than two are involved.

-You'll have to settle. -[snickers]

-With that punk? -He started it.

[Jin-young] We're not settling.

He should be held accountable for his actions.

-But, honey. -[Jin-young] Let's go home now.

He's an adult. Let him fend for himself.

If you leave them be, they can get a record.

I'm afraid you're talking to the wrong person.

Please talk to him directly.

Of course.

You wouldn't mind what happens to your castaway son.

Shush, Tae-poong. Don't be like this, honey.

[Bak-ho] Fancy running into you here, Mr. Kang.

I don't know what to say.

[scoffs]

[Bak-ho] It couldn't be helped, right?

For what it's worth, I sorted things out.

You can ease your mind and go home.

Of course.

Let's go.

Don't gawk.

-Why, you… -[people clamoring]

-[woman] My gosh! -[Hyun-jun] Bring it on!

[officer 2] Go away!

[Eul-nyeo] That boy is trouble.

[Nam-mo] He should chop off that strand of hair.

[Eul-nyeo] Shut it.

-[Jeong-mi] Wait, honey. -[Eul-nyeo] Excuse me. What do we do now?

-Can we… -[officer 2] Do go after them!

[women] Can we leave?

Mr. Pyo!

A SAFE NATION, BELOVED GANGNAM POLICE

Uh… I just wanted to say

that the young punks will never come to their senses

if you settle the matter for them.

-Why don't we let them-- -We have enough unsavory issues, don't we?

Let's not turn this into one too.

I understand.

Just a minute. And…

as for the money I brought up the last time,

please don't worry about it too much.

You're like a cat toying with a mouse.

[laughs nervously] Oh, no. Of course not, Mr. Pyo.

I understand your position.

[Jin-young] Allow me.

Good night.

-[Eul-nyeo] Come along! -[Nam-mo] You stretch my ear.

[Eul-nyeo] I can assure you that it won't happen.

-You're unbelievable! -[Jeong-mi] Good night.

-I'm terribly sorry about my boy. -Do you have plans for tomorrow?

Why are you asking that? To meet up again after all this?

Stop right there, punk!

What are you looking for?

-No, stop it. Come on, Mom. -Be quiet.

-Stay home and look back on your actions. -You know I have someplace to go.

You're a piece of trash.

Come on, honey.

Any other half-wit would've led with an apology

after dragging their parents to the police station at this hour.

You have no manners, do you?

To think I considered an idiot like you my own son…

I'm ashamed of myself.

[Tae-poong sighs]

Are you done?

-What? -If you are, can I get 10,000 won?

It's gotten late and all.

[Jeong-mi gasps, sobs]

How could you, honey?

Are you okay, Tae-poong?

What was that for?

Oh, no. Tae-poong…

Tae-poong.

[slow melancholy pop song playing]

To Incheon Station, please.

Hurry, young man. The last train's coming in soon.

Thank you.

The last train is coming soon.

[guard] Please hurry.

It's the last train of the day.

[song continues]

[sighs]

[Tae-poong] Guys.

My dad slapped me today

for the first time ever.

He didn't even ask why I got into the fight.

[song fading out]

POPULAR SONGS OF 1997

[upbeat K-pop song playing on stereo]

Let's do this!

[song continues]

[tool scraping]

[song ends]

[strains]

[grunts]

[Tae-poong grunts]

[clears throat, sniffles]

I'm sorry.

[PA announcement] The train's now approaching.

Please take a step back for your safety.

[announcement on PA] To maintain order within the train…

I'm sorry. [clears throat]

[announcement on PA] Please report to the nearest stewardess or station staff.

Could I perhaps take it?

-Do you want to read it? -Yes.

Thank you.

[PA announcement, in English] This stop is Hannam-dong.

OCTOBER 23, 1997 ASIAN ECONOMIES STAGGERING

You may exit right.

DAEIL BUSINESS NEWSPAPER

[Tae-poong sighs]

[PA announcement] The doors are closing. Please take a step back.

[mid-tempo cheerful pop song playing]

[PA announcement] This stop is Seoul Station.

The doors are on your left.

GIORGIA OPENS BOUTIQUE IN HYEONGANG DEPARTMENT STORE

30% TO 50% DISCOUNT ON SHIRTS AND SUITS

-[announcer] Doors opening. -[mutters indistinctly]

The next train is coming.

[song continues]

EPISODE 1 THE SEASON OF TYPHOON

[song continues]

TYPHOON TRADING

NEVER WASTE RESOURCES

[reporter] Whether to declare Geoyeo Motors bankrupt

has been left undecided for two months after the forbearance agreement.

The verdict at long last to stabilize the company.

Earlier today, the authorities and major creditor banks

have agreed to extend the principal repayment term

and reduce the interest rate to the prime rate for Geoyeo Motors.

Geoyeo Motors now has a glimmer of hope for survival.

On the other hand, inspection into Asean Motors has revealed

that the company is unlikely to…

[music continues]

[song fades out]

Oh, dear.

[chuckles softly]

[sighs]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[Jin-young] Jeez.

You shouldn't have slapped him in the first place.

The regret kept you up all night.

If you're so worried about him,

you could get him a car or something--

[shouts] Don't be nonsensical!

Tae-poong is the only kid who doesn't own a car around here.

[loudly] Why does he get a car?

He's in that wretched state because you coddle him so much.

Calm down. Fine, it's all my fault.

Still, he's the only kid thoughtful enough to shine his father's shoes.

Did I ever ask him to do that?

-I'd rather he find a job! -Lower your voice.

[Jin-young] That kid…

[door opens]

Why would he say things that he doesn't even mean?

-[door closes] -He can be so hard to understand.

Excuse me. Hey, mister!

How careless.

Darn it.

Wake up, Tae-poong. Take the phone. It's for you.

-Get up. Do you know what time it is? -I'm up.

-You rascal. -I'm up.

-I woke up five minutes ago. -Look at all this mess.

-Out of the bed now. -Don't!

Why would you pull back the curtains?

-Hello? -[door closes]

Hey, Nam-mo.

Why aren't you in bed? Isn't it too early for a phone call?

All out of the blue?

Why?

[employees] Good morning.

-Good morning, everyone. -Good morning.

My morning's not going that well. I've lost my appetite.

Oh, dear fall.

It's the season for clear skies and Ms. Cha's weight gain.

-Are you suggesting I gained weight? -I do apologize.

Does this have bean filling?

Red beans don't agree with me because of my constitution.

-Where are you, Ms. Oh? -Yes?

I want some coffee, Ms. Oh. A two-two-three combo.

I'll take a two-two-four combo.

-[man] I'll have the same one, please. -Okay.

Aren't you going to say good morning, Song-jung?

I'd like to go by "Jung" from now on.

[laughs] How come? Did you join the Buddhist order?

I want a one-syllable name like Kang Min from the series, Star in My Heart.

You used to press your palms all the time like Cha In-pyo last year.

-What's the matter with you? -[man 2] Seriously…

-[Seon-taek] Shall I be Shin Ae-la? -[Song-jung] I don't think that will work.

FUTURE OF KOREA, MBS

[Nam-mo] Jeez, I'm about to lose my mind.

-You came. -Hey.

Are you getting married or what? This is way over the top.

-Do I look cool? -Not at all.

Dude, your face. Couldn't you have covered that up?

I'm wearing makeup to hide all my scars.

-Anyway, let's go. -Hey, hold on.

Tell me what this is about first.

I can't reach that punk, Yun-seong.

He wouldn't check his pager or answer the phone.

I was on the verge of losing it.

Could Yun-seong be ill or something?

I don't get why we can't reach him.

-So? -What do you mean?

You're filling in for him.

-What? -Just this one. It means so much to me.

I love the crocodile jacket.

-That'll be your character. -[man] Are you today's cast?

-No! -Yes, we are.

-Please get ready quickly. -[Tae-poong] No way!

-Not everyone's cut out for TV. -It only takes an hour.

You can't put this on me. I can't fill in for this.

-It'll only take 30 minutes. -The duration doesn't matter!

STUDIO I LOVE YOU

[male host] Watch out, Seattle. Seoul has plenty of sleepless singles too.

They're lonely. Here comes Man No. 1.

I'm not a beast, per se, but I'm looking for my beauty.

Sorry, I got a bit nervous.

MAN NO. 1 KIM CHU-SEOK, 27

I'm looking for a woman to enjoy a stroll under the golden ginkgo trees.

I'm Man No. 1, Kim Chu-seok,

-"chu" for fall and "seok" for evening. -[audience clapping]

Fall must be your season, Mr. Kim Chu-seok.

-All right. -Great.

But if you step on the ginkgo fruits, the foul stench won't leave you.

[laughter]

That's true.

-It's time to meet Man No. 2! -Man No. 2!

-[upbeat music playing on speakers] -[audience cheering]

[music stops]

♪ The moon she loves so much ♪

♪ It's going down ♪

♪ It's the downfall of the moon ♪

Even if the moon went down

and the Earth stopped spinning, I'd stay by my love.

I'm Man No. 2, Wang Nam-mo.

-Call me "Wang," as in king. -[audience cheering]

[male host] He seems to have multiple tricks up his sleeve.

Next up is Man No. 3!

-[upbeat music resumes] -[audience cheering]

[woman in audience] You're so fine!

OH MI-HO, KIM SE-NI, YOON MI-HWA

-[woman 2] How handsome! -[woman 3] We've got a hunk!

Uh, hello.

I'm Kang Tae-poong. Uh…

-I like flowers. -[woman 4] Oh, my gosh.

He's my buddy.

Oh, right. I'm Man No. 3.

[audience clapping]

KANG TAE-POONG, 26, JOBLESS HORTICULTURE MAJOR

I'm looking for my bride.

Now that I'm getting older…

-Look. -…my family's badgering me to get married.

Where?

[audience clapping, cheering]

Next is "Pour Your Heart Out," where the cast ask each other questions

to get to know each other better.

Please make the most of this time to show your personality

and express your interest without reserve.

-Excuse me. -[hosts] Yes?

I have a question for Woman No. 2, Ms. Kim Se-ni.

My family has eight ancestral rites a year.

I'd like to know your thoughts on families with multiple rites.

I believe that a family can only thrive when its members respect their ancestors.

But times have changed, and women also work.

This may sound a bit revolutionary,

but I'd propose cutting it to four times.

How would you react if the man refuses to compromise?

I'm confident I can convince him with my bubbly character.

Can we see a bit of your bubbly character?

"How unbelievable."

[laughter, applause]

Come to think of it, the ancestral rites are an outdated tradition.

I'll get rid of all of them.

If I may, I have a question for Man No. 3.

You said you liked flowers earlier.

Which flower is your favorite?

Cosmos is my favorite.

But it's so common.

Rather than calling it common,

I'd say it is resilient.

[Song-jung] Thank you.

[Seon-taek] Here.

[man] You didn't have to.

[Myung-gwan] Hang on.

What is this?

It's not our payday yet.

The Daebang Textile deal brought us remarkable revenue last month.

So, I've decided to give you a special bonus!

-Thank you for your great work! -[employees cheering]

My gosh, Mr. Kang!

Thank you!

[man] Goodness, Mr. Kang.

[Myung-gwan] What can I say?

-This is simply very good. -[laughter]

[telephone ringing]

My gut tells me it may be Daebang Textile again.

Could they be proceeding with that mass order they mentioned?

-[Jin-young] Ms. Oh. -Yes.

This is Typhoon Trading.

STEAL MY HEART

[upbeat music playing on speakers]

♪ Black cat Nero, Nero, Nero ♪

♪ My cute friend is a black cat ♪

♪ Black cat Nero, Nero, Nero ♪

♪ The troublemaker blows hot and cold ♪

♪ La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪

Good luck!

All right!

[upbeat music playing on speakers]

-♪ During all our time together ♪ -♪ During all our time together ♪

-♪ I never got to tell you ♪ -♪ I never got to tell you ♪

♪ My feelings for you ♪

♪ Remains the same ♪

♪ From the moment we first met ♪

-♪ Until I breathe my last ♪ -♪ Until I breathe my last ♪

♪ Only you ♪

♪ Have a place in my heart ♪

-♪ For forever ♪ -[women squealing excitedly]

How charming.

[both vocalizing]

-[in Korean] ♪ For eternity ♪ -♪ For eternity ♪

[audience cheering]

-You're amazing! -Way to go!

-Your very own Meg Ryans are all here. -I loved it.

-Let's keep the great vibe going. -Sure.

Please welcome Woman No. 1.

She'll be singing Kim Hyun-jung's "Break up with Her."

WOMAN NO. 1: OH MI-HO, AGE 21 ASPIRING FLIGHT ATTENDANT

♪ I wished she lied out of love for you ♪

I don't think she's feeling well.

Is she crying?

♪ I trusted you until the end Like a fool ♪

♪ But even my last hope ♪

♪ Was shattered into pieces ♪

♪ Drunkenly, I sought you out ♪

♪ Only to see you embracing her ♪

♪ The tears are flowing from my eyes ♪

♪ Please pretend you never saw them ♪

Join her. Go on.

Get up there.

♪ It's not like much affection remains ♪

♪ But I want you to take it all away ♪

♪ A few days have passed I thought I was over you ♪

[in English] Okay.

[in Korean] You're amazing.

♪ Yet I want you to come back ♪

♪ And I hate myself for it ♪

She must've been dumped yesterday.

Abracadabra.

-Abracadabra. -All right. Thank you.

-That will be all. -Taekwon!

-Tae kwon do? -Applause, please.

Let's give him a big hand.

[all cheering]

-[Seon-taek] This is great. -[Ma-jin] Oh, my goodness.

Just how much is it in total?

[Ma-jin] I'm wondering the same thing!

These people go really big.

-We should get some eel for stamina. -[laughter]

[Ma-jin] Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Kang?

[Jin-young] I don't know.

To be honest,

I find it rather overwhelming.

Our Italian business partner demands an advance payment.

Acquiring this many goods for Daebang Textile

seems rather risky to me.

[Ma-jin] But still, Mr. Kang.

This can be a big break for us.

Let's face it. Daebang Textile is a big name.

[Seon-taek] You're right about it being risky.

But for the company to expand, we do need a huge deal like this one.

Hold on. How much is it worth?

Must you run the numbers?

It's at least worth two big ones.

[Seon-taek] The exchange rate is at 918 won.

Add the taxes and our margins… One, seven, five.

[gasps]

-Gosh, it's over a hundred million won. -[man] What?

-That is… -Goodness.

I mean, a hundred million won?

[Seon-taek] More than a hundred million.

[man] In that case…

[groans softly]

[knock on door]

[Jin-young] Come in.

-Mi-seon. -Yes, sir?

What do you think?

-Pardon? -About the deal with Daebang Textile.

I'd like to hear your take on it.

To be honest, I'd advise you against it.

You think so? Can you tell me why?

Daebang only offers us a favorable rate because of the disadvantageous conditions.

Our Italian partner only offers us the exclusive deals on advance payments.

Since that's the case, it is just as you've said.

In this case,

the leverage requires too big a sum.

Our profits practically match the interest we'd have to cover.

[breathes deeply]

Sir.

If you don't mind me asking,

what's your decision?

[line ringing]

[automated voice] The number you have dialed is out of service.

-Have you heard from Yun-seong? -Like I said, he's gone off the grid.

Are you sure you called his home?

-The number's out of service. -Maybe you dialed the wrong number.

No way. I've tried three times.

Why won't he even page us? What's he playing at?

Maybe he's gone on holiday with his family.

At any rate, if you hadn't been there, the show might have fallen through.

-Come on. -What can I get you?

-A parfait? -That is nowhere near enough.

-Are you serious? -What about pork?

Pork? Try beef, dude.

-Good job today. -Great work.

-♪ During all our time together ♪ -♪ During all our time together ♪

-♪ I never got to tell you ♪ -♪ I never got to tell you ♪

Hurry over!

♪ My feelings… ♪

[dog barking in distance]

Hi.

[Oh Beom] Mi-ho.

It's too late to go out.

[whispers] Be quiet. Just go play.

Keep this a secret.

-[Bun-i] Hey! -[gasps]

Take care, ma'am.

-I will. -[pager beeping]

-Oh Mi-ho. -[gasps]

You left for MBS bright and early. Where are you sneaking off to now?

I honestly have this important meeting.

Go back in.

Go on.

-Off you go. -[whines]

I'm home, Grandma.

Hey, I'm home. Let's get in.

[Mi-ho] Hello.

I'm Oh Mi-ho, Inho Technical College Class of 1998.

My dream is to be The Great Mother in the sky.

Like a caring mother, I'll tend to the passengers' every need.

But we don't have a mother.

No, you don't.

[Mi-ho clears throat]

[in English] Ladies and gentlemen.

Welcome to Seoul Flight for Gimpo International Airport.

To prepare for takeoff…

-[Bun-i, in Korean] What is she saying? -[Oh Beom snickers]

Dear?

Where did you find this Yankee Princess?

-Isn't she pretty? -[Mi-ho] Forget it. I'm not doing it.

My spot is as good as guaranteed.

No job is ever guaranteed.

Practice again.

You're like a drill sergeant, bossing me around for mock interviews.

EVEN WHEN I'M IN COLLEGE, I, OH MI-SEON…

What's this?

"Even when I'm in college, I vow not to go to any group dates."

-Give it back. -You won't?

I guess you'll get a scholarship, then!

-Give it back here! -Go on group dates, girl!

Consider your age!

-What's with this melodramatic manifesto? -Just give it back.

-Big sis, I'm hungry. -Did you have to hit me?

-Can I have some food? -I want some too.

Sure, I'll whip something up in no time. You must be hungry.

-Get up already. -[Mi-ho] Mi-seon mistreats me, Grandma.

[soulful music playing]

Oh, shoot.

It's freezing.

Oh, dear. Let's see.

[blowing]

[music fades out]

TYPHOON TRADING

-Here's the purchase agreement. -All right.

[sighs deeply]

[mid-tempo pop song playing]

-Mr. Bae. -Yes?

-Which port is it coming in? -Incheon.

[Seon-taek] And the number?

-Just a second. Let me check. -[Seon-taek] Okay.

[Song-jung] This is Manager Bae Song-jung with Typhoon Trading.

We have a bulk order coming in. When's the fastest it can be processed?

[song continues]

-Unbelievable. -[laughing]

[Yu-rim] Gosh, Tae-poong!

[Hyun-jun] Tae-poong.

I hear you were on Studio I Love You.

Jeez, what a way to disgrace all men.

-[friend] Did you really? -Is this true, Tae-poong?

Where are you going?

-There he goes again. Let's leave. -[Hyun-jun] Hey!

What's he driving anyway?

-Just walk. -Why did you do it?

Why did you go on that show?

Just because.

When I asked you out, you said you weren't interested in dating.

-I did. -[music stops]

[car door shuts]

Let me stop you right there.

Yu-rim.

I can't believe this.

Hey.

You asked that prick out?

Hyun-jun.

Can you just leave?

You said you'd drop me home, and we're here.

Tae-poong.

-I need to talk to you. -Hey, wait…

[shouts] Are you out of your mind?

-Why, you little… -[squeals]

[Hyun-jun] Get back in.

I've waited three hours for you.

Let's go.

-What's your deal? Let go. It hurts! -Come along.

Let go already!

Gosh.

[Tae-poong] She clearly said she's not interested.

-Shall I make the message clearer? -[scoffs]

[Tae-poong] Get home now, Yu-rim.

[Yu-rim] I won't. I need to talk to you.

[Tae-poong] I have nothing to say to you. Just hurry back--

[car honks]

[revving]

[Yu-rim screams]

[brakes screeching]

[Hyun-jun] Hey, Han Yu-rim. Hop back in already!

[engine revs]

[Yu-rim] What's wrong with him?

[Hyun-jun] Or I'll run you over.

Get away from Kang Tae-poong!

[Yu-rim] What do we do with him?

[engine revs]

[Nam-mo] Are there only three of you?

What a shame.

My party has four guys.

[in English] See you again.

[friend, in Korean] Hey.

You can use my City Phone.

Dude, what's the point of this lame thing?

It only works around a payphone.

Are you up for shivering by a booth on a freezing winter day?

-You'll end up stuttering. -I was just offering.

-Hey, you're back. -Hi.

Is Yu-rim going back to the States or what?

Beats me.

The exchange rate is keeping students abroad in Korea.

That's why Rodeo Street is so crowded.

Whenever she's around, Pyo Hyun-jun loses his mind

and messes with him.

-What has he done wrong? -Just go out with her.

She's been chasing after you since eighth grade.

Stop spewing nonsense, you idiot.

Enough of that.

Have you heard from Yun-seong?

Is he ill or something?

Maybe his piles worsened.

-Piles? -He had piles?

Yes, and it's nasty.

Guys.

I heard that Yun-seong skipped town in the dead of night.

-What? -He's working night shifts?

-Cut it out. -I'm saying he ran away.

His family went broke and just disappeared.

[friend] My mom's in a money pool with his mom.

What's with him?

Hey, you disloyal git.

Our friend is in trouble, and that's all you care about?

What a weirdo.

Where you going, Tae-poong?

Where are you off to?

OVERDUE NOTICE

Did they really leave?

URGENT OVERDUE NOTICE

NOTICE ON UPCOMING SEIZURE

[ringing doorbell]

Hey, you. Who are you?

Hey!

Hey, Yun-seong!

Yun-seong!

Hey, Hwang Yun-seong!

It's me, Tae-poong.

Wait a second.

Just a moment.

-[sentimental pop song playing] -[both panting]

I only came back to see my house one last time.

Can't you just let me go?

That's all you've got to say?

What happened to your face?

Let's go grab a bite.

You'll get in trouble if you're caught with me. Get going.

Trouble? What trouble?

I can take care of it.

Come on, now.

Tae-poong, don't trust people.

Trust put my family in this mess.

Turns out money comes before people.

Remember that, okay?

What on earth are you talking about?

Hey, you.

Take this, you idiot.

[coins jingle, clatter]

[patting pocket]

[dog barking]

-I'll get going. -Okay.

Hey, you.

Go to your mom, okay?

I'm not going to die.

I'm the sole heir to my family.

What a load of crap.

[breathing heavily]

[song continues]

MAKGEOLLI, SUNDAE SOUP

[exhales]

[Jin-young exhales]

[exhales]

[Nam-mo grunting]

Hey, this is heavy.

Dang it.

I think I just hurt myself. Let's just go home, Tae-poong.

Hey.

You suggested quid pro quo.

Remember, Man No. 2?

They said agencies would reach out after the show aired.

But the only one who keeps calling is Man No. 1, Chu-seok or Chu-nam.

My dream is so hard to reach, buddy.

So this happens to be your dream.

Let me take a look.

Man, these are beautiful.

Right?

So, these are the roses you formed.

-Yes. -What's the variety called?

I'll give it my name and call it Kang Rose.

Or maybe not. How's K-Rose?

You and your family are hopeless at naming.

Wait, does it mean this is the first domestic rose variety?

Right.

At the moment, plant nurseries graft imported varieties to get roses.

But once my variety goes to market, we can have fully domestic roses

with better prices and better colors.

I see what you mean. Don't roses only come in red?

-Did you dye them or what? -[exasperated sigh]

Hey, isn't it about time you showed them to your father?

We're almost there.

I'll show him soon.

[Seon-taek] Let me see…

Here, Ms. Oh.

Thank you.

[exclaims in awe] You're precise like a machine.

I hear large corporations use a computer program for everything.

Was it Office? Axle?

How long do we have to stick to the old ways?

Be it called "Axle" or even "Brake," that costs the company precious money.

What's with him, anyway?

Why are you grinning ear to ear?

[Seon-taek] He's getting a new car with this month's pay later today.

Are you getting an Atoz?

BORN TO RACE, LAMOS!

-A Lamos. -[Seon-taek] My goodness.

Get a car from Ajin Motors. They offer a massive discount. Just look.

You can get La Bella at four million when it's six million.

Just look. Go on.

It won't make a difference to them if I get it or not.

The company's on the brink of collapse.

No one could've guessed a big company like Hanju would go under.

Oh, dear. It's all unsettling.

I'm getting heebie-jeebies.

[Seon-taek sighs heavily]

[door opens]

[Seon-taek] Oh! Mr. Kang.

-He's here, everyone. -[Ma-jin] Hey, Mr. Kang.

[employee] You're back.

-Thanks for your hard work. -[employee] Sir.

-Thank you. -Oh, hey.

[Seon-taek] Welcome back.

[exhales]

-Everyone. -[Ma-jin] Yes?

I have an announcement for everyone in Typhoon Trading.

I just came back

from a meeting with the bank.

The promissory note we received from Gisong Chemical…

[chuckles]

…was defaulted.

I'm afraid you will have to wait for your wages this month.

Well,

for quite a while, actually.

[Ma-jin] Gi… Gisong…

But Gisong Chemical has been around for ages.

As for all my resources,

I threw in every last penny

into the advance payment for our Italian counterpart.

My financial situation is tight at the moment.

Oh, by the way,

when is our cargo for Daebang Textile reaching the port?

Oh, right. The bad weather is keeping the ship in the Suez Canal.

[Ma-jin] This deal did seem rather risky.

I got that hunch, you see.

Did I tell you I'm going through the Three Years of Calamity?

[Seon-taek] Come on, now.

Companies without a paycheck delay are so hard to find these days.

Isn't that right? This is a first for us.

That's right. My Three Years of Calamity is almost over.

We'll be fine.

Sweet are the fruits of adversity.

Let's see how it goes.

Thank you.

At any rate…

I will…

do my best…

to prevent…

withholding your wages for long.

I promise to do my utmost.

I apologize.

-Oh, no. -Goodness.

It's fine.

-It's all right. -[Seon-taek sighs] Really?

-No. -[Myung-gwan] Get back to work.

Let's hang in there.

-[man 1] Good morning. -[man 2] All right.

-[employees conversing indistinctly] -[pensive music playing]

[briefcase clatters]

[Seon-taek gasps]

-What was that? -[man] What's up?

[employees gasping, clamoring]

-Mr. Kang! -What's going on?

-What happened? -Can you hear us?

-Oh, my. -Hey, call an ambulance!

HANAM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

[siren wailing]

[pensive music continues]

[Mi-seon yelps]

Sorry.

I'm sorry.

[sniffling]

Mom.

[sobbing] Tae-poong.

I'm here.

I can't believe this has happened to your dad.

How is he?

They're running some tests on him.

I don't know.

I don't know what to do.

-He'll be all right. -[weeping]

Mmm-hmm. Yes, I'm sure of it.

He's going to be fine.

APPLICATION OF TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

[door opens]

[Mi-ho] It's so cold.

[shuddering] It's freezing.

-How many briquettes do we have left? -Six, I think.

It's so cold…

[softly] Six?

WORKERS' LONG-TERM SECURITIES SAVINGS ACCOUNT

NAME: OH MI-SEON

Why would you take that out?

You startled me.

Just wait.

They say I'm as good as hired since I made it to the third screening.

[sighs] That's good news.

Hold on. Why is this here?

-Did you wear my skirt today? -Yes, for a bit.

"For a bit"? Oh, please!

Don't make me laugh.

It's hardly "for a bit"

when you leave at 6:00 a.m. and get home 12 hours later!

The garment is all stretched out!

As if.

I won't ever wear it again. There, happy?

-It's not a big deal. -That's what you always say.

Take it and buy me a new one.

Get me the exact same skirt, fatty!

Ow!

-That was deafening. How is she so loud? -Seriously…

This is the last time I put up with you.

Whatever. See if I care.

[EKG monitor beeping steadily]

[pensive music playing]

[breathes deeply]

-[girl 1] Hurry. -[girl 2] Come on.

1998 COLLEGE SCHOLASTIC ABILITY TEST ORIENTATION DAY

SEOUL OFFICE OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 21, EXAM CENTER 25

COLLEGE SCHOLASTIC ABILITY TEST, ID SLIP OH MI-SEON

[music continues]

[exhales]

[loud rattling]

[Oh Beom] Grandma.

What's all this noise?

It sounds like it's going to rain soon.

But it's not raining yet.

We'll probably get a downpour.

-Dear child, let's go to sleep. -Okay.

What are you doing?

I'm going to pay my boss a visit.

You sure are devoted.

Why bother when he can't pay you your wage?

Watch it, you ungrateful brat.

Don't you know he covered your tuition for the first semester?

[scoffs] It would've been nothing for that rich guy.

A briquette burns for 12 hours regardless of how wealthy you are.

His family would have an oil boiler.

It's cold. Don't stay out late.

Don't you wander about because your job interview's over.

-Stay at home. -[mutters indistinctly]

Stay put, okay?

[door opens and closes]

[doctor] At least his condition is stable, but I can't be sure

if it's a good sign or not.

You should get some rest.

Make sure to eat too.

-Is he going to be okay? -He's okay for now,

but we'll need to monitor him.

Thank you.

[door opens and closes]

[pager buzzes]

[automated voice] You have one message.

[friend] Hey, Tae-poong. I'm at Julianie.

Things are really bad.

Hyun-jun dragged Yun-seong over here.

Nam-mo and Jeong-gwan are all here, but Hyun-jun and his gang outnumber us.

Yu-rim got dragged into his room along with our boys.

The door's locked, and they won't let me in.

-[Yu-rim screams over phone] -That bastard…

[line disconnects]

[hangs up receiver]

[Tae-poong] I'm Kang Jin-young's guardian.

This is my number. Please page this number if anything happens. I'll be back soon.

-Please page me. -[nurse] Okay.

Hold on. You can't come in.

-I won't take long. -No, you must stay here.

Hey, don't!

Mi-seon.

Mr. Kang!

[breathing shakily]

Yes?

Tae-poong…

Tae-poong!

It's a big mess.

Our guys are getting pummeled. What took you so long?

Hey, Yu-rim's badly drunk too.

[all cheering]

Hey, it's Tae-poong.

-Your acting skills improved, huh? -[friend] Did I do okay?

My bad, Tae-poong.

Hyun-jun kept asking me to help him out just this once.

Are you good, Yu-rim?

[Hyun-jun] Give up your cool-guy act, you idiot.

You can't even afford the liquor.

The whole act's lost on you now.

Guys.

Today's the day Tae-poong became broke.

It's truly a happy occasion,

so I called him over so we could say our goodbyes together.

Bottoms up!

-Bottoms up! -All right!

[sighs]

What are you doing here, Tae-poong?

Why won't you check your pager?

Get to the hospital, quick!

[tense dramatic music playing]

Taxi!

Taxi!

Over here.

[cars honking]

[music grows pensive]

You can keep the change.

[tense dramatic music resumes]

[thunder crashing]

[grunts]

SHOCKING COLLAPSE OF SOUTH KOREA

FINANCIAL MARKET IN DISARRAY

[thunder crashing]

[thunder rumbling]

NEUROLOGY - FUNERAL HOME

[music fades out]

NEUROLOGY

[thunder crashing]

[sobbing]

Where were you?

How could you leave him alone while he was slipping away?

Where were you all this time?

Where were you to show up so late?

[weeping] Where were you?

Oh, no…

FUNERAL HOME

NEUROLOGY KANG JIN-YOUNG, MALE, 52

[somber music playing]

[newsreader on TV] Dear viewers, the government has decided

to request a bailout from the IMF at last.

Korea, once hailed for its economic success,

is now forced to acknowledge a de facto national default,

and must turn to the IMF to seek recovery.

This is truly devastating.

At 10:00 p.m. tonight, Deputy Prime Minister Lim Chang-yuel

will be officially announcing the government's decision.

Jung Gyeong-su reporting.

[reporter] Lim Chang-yuel, the Deputy Prime Minister

and Minister of Finance and Economy,

attended President Kim Young-sam's banquet at the Blue House tonight

along with the three presidential nominees from the major parties.

The Managing Director of the IMF has been in Korea since the 20th,

and during this event… [continues indistinctly]

-[dramatic music playing] -[thunder crashing]

[somber music playing]

[distorted thunderclap]

[somber music continues]

THE SEASON OF TYPHOON

[upbeat rock song playing]

TYPHOON FAMILY

[Tae-poong] Don't you worry about a thing.

You know I'm an all-rounder, right?

[Ma-jin] I mean, what if Mr. Kang's son uses his status as heir

-to take away all company assets? -Look at that.

[Seon-taek sighs] We'll be in big trouble if this goes wrong.

What if there are gold bars inside?

[Tae-poong] What would you say are the most important four digits

for Typhoon Trading?

Just for laughs.

[Ma-jin] Jeez, you must be drunk.

Get going.

[Tae-poong] I can't do that.

Off you go!

Ms. Oh Mi-seon! Let's have lunch together today.

I want to be a part of this company.

A true employee of Typhoon Trading.

[rock song continues]