Original subtitles

THE VILLAGE BARBER

THE VILLAGE BARBER

BEYOND A MOUNTAIN THAT RISES LIKE A WALL

ACROSS THE ONLY BRIDGE STANDING

AND THROUGH A STRETCH OF HOMEY ALLEYWAYS

LIES A REMOTE RURAL VILLAGE WITHOUT A SINGLE SUPERMARKET IN SIGHT

THE VILLAGE BARBER CUTS AND BLOW-DRIES

- Thank you. - Here.

PARK BO GUM OWNER OF THE VILLAGE BARBER

BARBER PARK BO GUM

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO OPEN THE VILLAGE BARBER?

After obtaining my barber's license during my mandatory military service

I've always thought

it would be nice to do volunteer work with this.

I'd been working on myself, hoping to improve my skills

but word got out even before I knew it.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE

LICENSE TITLE: BARBER NAME: PARK BO GUM

I often had hairstylists do my hair

so I picked up a sense of what looked good

and at times, I'd even think, "I might look better this way."

So I started learning things here and there.

I could see myself becoming a hairstylist

if I no longer worked as an actor in the future.

I had hoped for a chance to start a new chapter in life through it.

And that anticipation

has become a reality faster than I thought, thanks to this show.

It must've been a year ago.

DECEMBER 2024

THE VILLAGE BARBER: CONFIRMED FOR ITS GRAND OPENING

FEBRUARY 2025

THE VILLAGE BARBER: THE FIRST MEETING

APRIL 2025

THE VILLAGE BARBER: THE SECOND MEETING

JUNE 2025

D-200 UNTIL THE GRAND OPENING

JUST AS WINTER BEGAN TO FADE AND HEAT BEGAN TO KICK IN

- How have you been, everyone? - Hello.

Hello.

Have you been well?

So the actual shoot begins today.

BO GUM AND THE CREW'S THIRD MEETING

THE TABLET HE ALWAYS BRINGS WITH HIM

We've had many discussions starting last winter, haven't we?

Basically, we're opening a barbershop.

The biggest thing that has been on my mind

is a location which is far from hair salons

to explain why I would choose a particular village.

This area does not have a hair salon or a barbershop

and they don't even get food deliveries.

There must be many other villages

- Many of them. - just like this one.

I also want that space

to remain that way after we settle there.

I'd love for it to remain like a set where people can come in

for a cut or a blow-dry, and even take photos.

I want to add a touch of magic to someone's life

so I hope this would become a series of such moments.

That's been my biggest concern.

I'm good at shaving off heads.

WHICH HAIRSTYLE DO YOU DO BEST?

A FORMER BARBER FOR HIS TROOP

I did that for my troop when I was in the Navy.

Also, I know I'm good at blow-drying and styling.

- Perms too. - Perms?

I've never done it.

You must get licensed as a hairdresser to do perms.

- I see. Is that so? - Yes.

You aren't allowed to do perms at a barbershop.

HE NEEDS ANOTHER LICENSE TO DO PERMS

LET'S STOP FOR A MOMENT

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A BARBER LICENSE?

SHAMPOO, BLOW-DRY, WOMEN AND MEN'S CUTS, DYEING

SHAVING, DEEP-CONDITIONING, AND MORE

HOWEVER, YOU MUST OBTAIN A HAIRDRESSER LICENSE TO DO PERMS

Are there three tests a month?

- Two. - Two.

WILL HE TRY TO GET LICENSED TO DO PERMS?

IT'S A TOUGH LICENSE TO OBTAIN WITH A PASS RATE OF 20 TO 30 PERCENT

ALSO, HIS SCHEDULE IS FILLED UP UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR

WILL HE OBTAIN THE LICENSE IN THIS SITUATION?

Well, if I'm going to do it

I want to be thoroughly prepared before I begin.

I'll have to hurry, though.

I'll pass. I know I'll do well.

I think you will.

You'll probably aim to get full marks.

I really want to.

IT'S TRUE

BO GUM IS SERIOUSLY STUDYING TO GET LICENSED JUST TO DO PERMS

DESPITE HIS BUSY SCHEDULE

AND SO, HE DOES NOT STOP PRACTICING

When you see a nice glow...

EVEN DURING HIS OVERSEAS SCHEDULE, HE STILL PRACTICES IN THE GREEN ROOM.

Hello.

HE HAD ONE DAY OFF IN A MONTH, AND HE SPENT IT PRACTICING

HE EVEN COMES IN AT DAWN TO PRACTICE AFTER A FULL DAY OF WORK

EVEN PARK BO GUM WORKS THIS HARD

Now, copy what I do. Hang this on your thumb.

Is it on your thumb? Now, turn your hand into a gun shape.

Then, put the two fingers into the rubber band.

GAUNT

After that, lift them back up.

- First, rubber band on the thumb. - On the thumb.

Then open to make two loops.

Did you get it?

Did you make two loops? No?

Put both fingers inside.

Both fingers in here.

And open. Okay.

Try doing that yourself.

SO HARD

Index finger first.

One finger at a time, and then open both fingers at the same time.

Yes.

- Try practicing by yourself. - Okay.

STEP 2: WRAPPING THE HAIR WITH PERM RODS

And...

Good job. Hold tightly to the tip of the hair.

Do not even let go of one strand.

Do you understand?

Now fold this part down.

Roll it slightly and let it loose.

Yes. Wait, roll it this way here.

A TOUGH DAY WITH THE ROD

No, don't let your hand go.

- Something like that. - This is so hard.

- What am I going to do? - The tip of the hair is too...

RAGE

This is so hard.

LOSING HIS MIND

- Down here at the bottom. - What am I going to do?

No, it's okay.

FROM THAT DAY FORWARD, THE CYCLE OF ENDLESS PRACTICE BEGAN

SPEED AND ACCURACY IS EVERYTHING WHEN WRAPPING THE ROD FOR THE TEST

HE SLOWLY BECAME AN EXPERT

Do not miss a strand. Roll it once, then use both hands.

HIS HANDS HAVE GROWN STEADY NOW

Do not let it go. One more roll. That's it.

THE RODS WERE CROOKED

SHOWING TOO MUCH PAPER

RODS ARE LINED UP NEATLY

NOT TOO MUCH PAPER SHOWING

I think I'm pretty good now.

AND AS HE CONTINUED TO GROW MORE AND MORE CONFIDENT

Maybe it was a first.

I haven't felt that way in such a long time.

I have no idea how I passed.

PASSED?

CONGRATULATIONS

HE PASSED THE WRITTEN TEST FOR THE HAIRDRESSER LICENSE!

There were a few questions I wasn't sure of

while a lot of them were familiar.

The last question went, "What is this haircut?"

It was tying up the hair like this and cutting off the upper portion.

But I'm so worried about the practical test.

NERVOUS ABOUT THE PRACTICAL TEST

The practical test.

HE HAS NO TIME TO BE ANXIOUS

HE'S NOW BUSY GETTING READY FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST

IT MAY BE A NEW CHALLENGE

LAYERED CUT: VISUALIZING THE HAIRSTYLE

Numbers one, two, three, four, and five.

Take a look at the supplies.

AND SO, HE CONTINUED TO PRACTICE ALL THROUGHOUT SUMMER

AND PRACTICED SOME MORE

JUST AS THE HEAT BEGAN TO DIE DOWN

SEPTEMBER 2025 D-95 UNTIL THE GRAND OPENING

A SMALL HAIR SALON AT THE CORNER OF A QUIET ALLEYWAY

PARK BO GUM THE OWNER OF THE VILLAGE BARBER

Hi, it's nice to meet you.

This is my first time filming something like this

so I don't know what to do.

But I look forward to working with you.

LAUGHING

So, this is a hair salon that people

- in the neighborhood use. - Yes.

Then, these prices feel

more familiar to the elderly, right?

JINGLE

OPENING

Is it an actual customer?

EYES OPEN WIDE

AT THAT MOMENT, A CUSTOMER WALKS INTO THE HAIR SALON

You can't go in.

- Why not? - I'm sorry.

- I'm sorry. - But I'm on the show.

Can I go in?

LAUGHING OUT LOUD

HE NEVER EXPECTED TO BE REJECTED AT THE DOOR

PEEKING

GLAD TO SEE HIM

- Hola. - Hola.

LEE SANG-YI BO GUM'S FAVORITE BIG BRO

Have you been well?

You look great.

- When did you arrive? - I just got here.

You know

I tried to open the door, but someone said, "You can't go in."

I said, "But I'm on the show," and they made me open the door again.

I guess they weren't told about how I'd dress.

He thought I was a regular customer.

- Hello. - Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you.

KWAK DONG-YEON BO GUM'S FAVORITE LITTLE BRO

- Finally. Hello, Kwak. - We finally meet.

- Kwak, take a seat. - I'm Kwak. Hi.

- It's a pleasure to meet you. - You're the real Kwak.

Yes, I'm Kwak.

- May I address you by name? - No need to be formal.

- I'm Lee Sang-yi. - Hello.

Whether straight or flipped, it's Lee Sang-yi every time.

My nicknames are Tomato, Kayak, Rotator, Noon, and Race car.

Hey, Sang-yi.

I carry a bit of poetic touch.

- That's incredible. - Right?

I'm really glad that I get to do this with these two.

I'm so relieved.

What did you like about us?

First of all...

First off, Dong-yeon...

- is thoughtful. - I'm good at noticing these.

A COMBINATION OF KINDNESS AND THOUGHTFULNESS

And Dong-yeon is...

GENUINELY LOOKING AFTER HIM

- You look great with your hair up. - There's a long strand.

- Here's a mirror. - This is how they act.

These two are very considerate of others.

Anyway, we'll be running The Village Borber.

What a medieval way to call it.

"Barber."

- We're opening a hair salon. - Right.

I think The Village Barber is a great title.

Right?

Not only are we here as barbers in this rural village, but it sounds

- like "magic" and "curl in Korean. - Yes.

Not only are we offering a privilege to the village

but I also wanted to give a magical time to the people as well.

That was the meaning behind it?

- Did you come up with it? - Yes.

- You're seriously... - You like it?

- I love it. I just realized. - Really?

Our ultimate goal is to present them with a magical experience.

I wanted this time to be a present

- and a magical moment for everyone. - All the moments.

AND FROM HIS FINGERTIPS WILL COME

THOSE MAGICAL MOMENTS

Do you want to try this?

I think I did it right.

LEARNING WHAT IT MEANS TO SHARE

- Do you like sweet potatoes? - Sweet potatoes!

- It sounds great. - Both sweet potatoes and potatoes.

A MOMENT TO WARM EACH OTHER'S DAY

- I love you. - I love you.

And you'll be in charge of what?

- Probably hair. - Hair.

I actually got a barber's license when I was in the military.

- A barber? Isn't that about shaving? - Yes.

Shaving and...

- So, you could open a barbershop? - I could.

I wanted to take this chance to get a hairdresser's license.

- You wanted to. - I wanted to.

So, I'm preparing for that.

PULLING OUT

I've been learning.

- You're really... - "Nail Technician."

STUDYING FOR THE NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE

TRYING TO GRASP THE SITUATION

With your large

and rough hands?

The brush is too small.

You're actually studying for it?

Yes, I take classes for the practical and written exam.

But I thought I might forget the stuff for the written exam.

I've been using a different notebook.

I haven't done much studying yet.

OPENING

You did study a lot.

I only got through one page.

It's in a different notebook.

The written exam is so hard.

WHAT'S THE NATIONAL NAIL LICENSE EXAM SANG-YI IS PREPARING FOR?

1. MANICURE AND PEDICURE

2. GEL MANICURE

3. NAIL EXTENSIONS

4. NAIL TIP REMOVALS

AND OF COURSE, IT'S NOT AN EASY PROCESS

LAST SUMMMER

HE HAS BEEN PRACTICING WHENEVER HE HAD FREE TIME

This is hard.

THE FIRST TRY

MESSY EDGES

UNEVEN SURFACE

Gosh, this is hard. Gel polish is tough.

THE REASON WHY COLORING NAILS IS HARDER FOR HIM

You have huge hands.

HIS HAND IS 20.5CM

MALE HAND SIZE CHART VERY BIG: OVER 20CM

HIS HANDS ARE VERY BIG

So, the brush is too small for me.

It's driving me crazy!

A DAINTY BRUSH COMPARED TO HIS HUGE HANDS

IT'S NOT JUST THE BRUSH

EVEN THE SPONGE IS TOO TINY

AND THE SCISSORS TOO

BUT THERE'S ONE THING THAT KEEPS HIM MOTIVATED

Have you practiced a little?

On my mom.

- And my mom loved it. - Did she?

She's now 63 years old.

So it was the fact that her son was holding her hand.

It wasn't about my skills.

It felt like she loved the fact that we got to share

some warmth through this experience.

I realized it would be like this

- with the elderly when we shoot. - Yes, it'll be like that.

I had a feeling they would like this.

- I had to do it in a hurry. - It's okay.

I'm not sure if it's pretty enough.

It is.

- It is pretty. - It is pretty.

- Goodness. - It's a treat

to have people like you do this for us.

SANG-YI WILL SHARE LOTS OF WARMTH

- You've got this. - I've got this.

How does the exam start when you first arrive?

Is it the shampooing part?

- We begin by cleaning the cuticles. - I see.

THE OLDER BROS ARE DISCUSSING THE NATIONAL TESTS

But these days, not many hair salons have nail stations.

- Most are gone. - You're right.

Our line of work in nails...

"Our line of work"?

Are you switching industries?

I must do my best.

I feel good when my skills can be put to use.

When you planned this show with the crew and gave me a call

I wondered why you invited me.

What was your plan for me?

You're the funny one.

- Do you want me to be your henchman? - Like a parrot.

No way.

- You might be like the parrot. - No.

A parrot?

- But Dong-yeon really is... - Is that me?

It's not!

Is that actually a metaphor?

A METAPHOR FOR DONG-YEON

- What do you mean by that? - Don't say that.

- You play a huge role. - I just thought...

Dong-yeon could be the owner.

You don't need to mind me that much.

If I don't get a specific role, I can leave after today.

No.

- No, it's just... - What are you talking about?

- We desperately need you. - No.

Seeing them does make me feel better.

I mean it.

It's relaxing.

- We really need you. - That's true.

So anyway, when we go to hair salons, they always give us snacks.

- Right. - Such as tea.

- Seoul has lots of winter snacks. - That's a great idea.

so I thought we could share

I thought that I could prepare snacks to make it feel welcoming.

- I like the sound of that. - I'm for it.

DONG-YEON ALREADY HAD A PLAN

Hello.

Please excuse me.

The bun turns out nicely when the batter is full to the brim.

I understand.

HE CAME TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE WINTER SNACKS

FROM A FISH-SHAPED BUN EXPERT

The red bean paste

seems lighter than usual, so did you add something else to it?

I told you that I mixed in milk.

- Milk. - Yes, milk.

That's why these are delicious.

Do you use the usual batter?

- Are you trying to warm these up? - Yes.

If it doesn't get toasted, how many more minutes do I need?

PRYING FOR KNOW-HOWS TO MAKE DELICIOUS BUNS

They come off like this.

I'd make another batch here while that one cooks.

Does this look too thick?

- It's undercooked. - Undercooked?

No, leave these here.

THE TOP BATTER MUST REMAIN THIN!

CONTINUES TO PRACTICE MAKING THE BUNS

Why is that happening?

DONG-YEON WILL BE IN CHARGE OF THE BARBERSHOP'S SNACKS

- Dong-yeon. - Yes?

People are swarming in.

I've never had such delicious fish buns.

It's a first.

A fish-shaped bun.

How did you learn to make these?

May I have more, Uncle?

- Was it good? Okay. - Yes.

My business is thriving.

STAY TUNED FOR HIS BUNS!

- Where are we going? - Yes, where are we going?

I've been curious to find out.

It's a picture.

A PICTURE?

- Where is this? - It looks like...

In the mountains?

Where is this place?

It looks like a basin.

Just like Daegu.

- It's bowl-shaped. - Surrounded by mountains.

Daegu?

That's Muju in Jeollabuk-do.

- Muju. - Muju?

Muju?

- Why does it sound familiar? - It's pretty.

Is there a hair salon here?

- No. - Not at all?

Not at all. They must leave the village.

You need a car because it takes forever for a bus to come.

Also, it may be tougher for the elderly to drive.

We could cut their hair

give them perms, do their nails, and cook food.

I just want to revitalize that small village.

Twenty-four hours won't be enough.

I don't think you can do all that. Your eyes are already bloodshot.

You have bloodshot eyes.

But if I'm with you two, I can do anything.

Do you regret starting this barbershop?

DO YOU REGRET STARTING THIS HUGE PROJECT?

No, I don't regret it.

I want to do a good job.

I want to give them good haircuts.

You're the master barber.

Master Park.

Okay.

We're all captains.

- No. - Why not?

NOVEMBER 2025 D-50 UNTIL THE GRAND OPENING

RENOVATING AN OLD HOUSE THAT WAS ABANDONED FOR 5 YEARS

A SPACE THAT THAT WILL REMAIN FOR THE LOCAL VILLAGERS

COME RAIN

OR COME SNOW

THIS PLACE IS GETTING READY TO WELCOME CUSTOMERS

BO GUM CAME BY TO CHECK ON THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

Hello.

I came by

to check on the progress.

I'm hoping this place will become

a refresher, a recharger, and a reception room for everyone

and will continue to be used even after we leave.

That's why I'm here.

Is that the shampoo room?

There's a hose sticking out.

CHECKING THE AREA WHERE HE'LL RECEIVE CUSTOMERS

These must be the mirror stations.

So, there will be about two chairs here.

EXCITED

And this is

where people can sit around, eat together

and chat with one another.

I'm already getting excited.

The ladies are coming over.

They must be curious.

When the wind blows from there, it slides into my place.

When the wind blows from there, it slides into my place.

Sorry?

Is that so? I'm sorry.

- What? - Do you use Styrofoam?

- Styrofoam? - Yes.

No, we aren't using Styrofoam.

Something tiny flew over? I'm sorry.

- Let us clean it for you. - Leave it.

I thought you were using it.

We're sorry.

Goodness, it's nice to have young men here.

- Hello. - Hello.

STROLLING AWAY

I think it's my first time coming by for a preliminary check

before I actually begin shooting.

I'll prepare everything thoroughly.

But first

I must do well on the written test.

DAY OF THE HAIRDRESSER LICENSE EXAM

BO GUM PRACTICED UNTIL DAWN THE DAY BEFORE

EXHAUSTED

GOING CRAZY

You need to start getting ready.

What time is it?

It's noon.

GASP!

LOSING HIS MIND AGAIN

PULLS HIMSELF TOGETHER AND CHECKS HIS SUPPLIES ONE LAST TIME

Do you have your ID?

Yes.

Bye.

I'll be back.

Okay.

I hope to return with a smile.

PLEASE

ENTERING THE TESTING ROOM NERVOUSLY

GENERAL HAIRDRESSER TEST WAITING ROOM

THE SNACK GUY PRACTICES MAKING FISH-SHAPED BUNS AT HOME

I have buried all these buns in the grave.

What about this batch?

This is the shampoo room.

D-10 UNTIL THE GRAND OPENING

This was shorter than I thought.

It was hurting my back, so is there a way to raise this?

HE CONTINUES TO PRACTICE ON ACTUAL PEOPLE

D-10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 UNTIL THE GRAND OPENING

THE END OF DECEMBER

LATE DECEMBER WHEN THE WIND BEGAN TO TURN COLD

THIS IS WHERE THE VILLAGE BARBER WILL OPEN

AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT DEOGYUSAN EMBRACING THE ENTIRE VILLAGE

WRAPPED AROUND THE VAST GEUMGANG RIVER

A TINY RURAL VILLAGE IN MUJU

WHERE 80 HOUSEHOLDS LIVE CLOSE TOGETHER

A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE STILL SHARE MEALS

AND THE WARMTH OF LIVING TOGETHER FILLS THE AIR

Hello.

HOWEVER, ONLY A SHOP THAT CLOSED LONG AGO REMAINS

THE VILLAGE IS LEFT WITH NOT EVEN A SINGLE STORE

OR A HAIR SALON

THE VILLAGERS MUST WAIT FOR A BUS THAT RUNS ONLY A FEW TIMES A DAY

AND TRAVEL A LONG WAY TO REACH A SMALL DOWNTOWN AREA

A QUIET AND TRANQUIL COUNTRY VILLAGE

THE FIRST TO ARRIVE AT THE VILLAGE ALONG WITH THE SNOW

It's snowing.

...IS BO GUM

THE SNOW BEGAN TO FALL MAGICALLY ON THE DAY OF CHRISTMAS EVE

The white snow falls here

The blue...

DON'T KNOW THE LYRICS

HE'S STILL EXCITED DESPITE NOT KNOWING THE LYRICS

HELLO

SPOTS A NEIGHBORHOOD DOG

Hi, there.

WHO ARE YOU?

HE CONTINUES TO WALK FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT

Oh, my.

HE CONTINUES TO WALK FILLED WITH EXCITEMENT

Oh, my.

HE FINALLY SEES

My gosh. It's lovely.

THE VILLAGE BARBER

THE VILLAGE BARBER, A PLACE WHERE THE THREE WILL OPERATE

THE PLACE WAS MAGICALLY TRANSFORMED

INTO A SPACE TO DO HAIR

THE VILLAGE BARBER WHERE MAGIC COMES TO LIFE

WHERE MAGIC COMES TO LIFE AT BO GUM'S FINGERTIPS

My gosh. It's lovely.

This is awesome.

A BIG SMILE

GASP

DOESN'T FORGET TO TAKE A PIC

Oh, wow.

FEELING GREAT

CHOKING

STARING

It's so pretty.

There's an arcade game machine.

LOOKING AROUND HERE AND THERE AFTER THE RENOVATION

It's so pretty.

The Village Barber!

"Where magic comes to life."

ENTERING THE VILLAGE BARBER FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

Wow. It's so pretty.

Oh, man.

I didn't know it would look this different.

AMAZED FOR THE NTH TIME

Gosh, it has everything.

Cutting cape.

ALSO JERKS THIS DRAWER OPEN

HE METICULOUSLY OPENS EVERY SINGLE DRAWER

What's here?

CHECKING OUT THE STYLING AREA

AMAZED

SIGH

It doesn't feel real yet.

I'm not sure if I'll do a good job at cutting the elderlies' hair.

I'm half-worried and half-excited.

BUT SO FAR, HE'S MORE WORRIED ABOUT THIS SEAT

It's that thing, right? Where you play janggu and sing.

THE SEAT WILL HELP HIM BEFRIEND THE VILLAGERS

I hope this pretty shop gets maintained like this.

SOLID WOOD MIRROR STATION MADE WITH RECYCLED WOOD FROM THIS HOME

It's so pretty.

THE WARMEST PLACE IN THE SHOP GOES TO

THE MAIN AREA CUTTING ROOM

RIGHT BEHIND THE CUTTING ROOM IS A SEATING AREA

A PLACE TO CHAT THE RECEPTION ROOM

IN AREA FOR ANYONE TO COME BY AND SIT TO TAKE A BREATHER

It even heats up.

IN THIS LITTLE VILLAGE

THE ONE AND ONLY BARBERSHOP IS ABOUT TO OPEN

UNPACKING THE BOXES OF EQUIPMENT HE HAD SENT BEFOREHAND

Oh, my.

RIGHT THEN, AN ELDERLY WOMAN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD PASSES BY

Hello.

We're opening tomorrow.

Not today?

No, not today.

I'll come tomorrow.

Thank you.

Please stay healthy throughout winter.

What an honor to meet you here.

Thank you.

- See you tomorrow. - You're as adorable as my grandson.

Thank you. Well, I'm as good as your grandson.

- I'll come by later. - Yes, ma'am.

Goodbye.

SOMEONE IS APPROACHING, AND EVERYONE KNOWS HIS ATTIRE TODAY

SO COLD

HOLDING TIGHTLY

Hey, there.

BO GUM'S BIG BRO, SANG-YI HAS COME TO WORK

Thank you for coming.

A BIG HUG

- Let's go. - This is lovely. What's going on?

- Right? - It's my first time seeing it.

Actually, it's also my first time seeing it.

The Village Barber.

- May I enter? - Yes, you may come in. Welcome.

- Welcome! - Man, this is awesome!

Isn't it really cute?

What's this area?

- Reception room. - I see.

We can chat here, and it may be a nice place to do nails.

And do nails.

Let me use this as the base.

Then, should I use this color to give a pop? Is that okay?

Are you ready, ma'am?

LOOK FORWARD TO SANG-YI'S NAIL SHOP

HUH?

Hold on.

"Barber license, PARK BO GUM."

BARBER LICENSE NAME: PARK BO GUM

PROUD

Then may I put up mine?

We're missing something right here, Sang-yi.

TA-DA

No way!

I'm a certified nail technician.

Congratulations. You worked hard.

- May I hang it up? - Of course.

SANG-YI'S NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE HANGS SIDE BY SIDE

This is so cool.

BO GUM'S BARBER LICENSE WHICH IS REASSURING BY ITSELF

AND SANG-YI'S NAIL TECHNICIAN LICENSE

BARBER LICENSE

This is making me feel weird.

- Right? I feel weird, too. - Actually

I feel more solemn now that's up.

- Exactly. - Yes.

The shampoo room is so nice.

- We should all practice it once. - Right?

Do I just sit on it?

Is the chair automatic?

TESTING THE SHAMPOO CHAIR

Does it lean back?

HE FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE

There's no support.

- Doesn't the chair feel strange? - It does.

My head...

- How do I use this? - I don't...

This is...

NO MATTER HOW HE LOOKS AT IT, IT ONLY GETS FLUSTERING

Try pressing my shoulders down.

- No, my shoulders. - Your shoulders?

Please lie back.

GENTLY SHOVING HIM IN

LAUGHING

But it's so rude to press their shoulders down.

Let's find a way.

- We should. - We'll find a way.

It's tricky.

COMING OFF

Come on.

Come on.

- It moves. - I see.

Have the customer sit down and lie back.

WHAT?

- This is dangerous. - My head's stuck.

Go like this and say, "Hold your head up."

Yes, this is perfect.

- This is tricky. - Right?

There's a proper order.

My head gets stuck this way.

It's too dangerous.

THIS ROOKIE BARBER HAS A LONG WAY TO GO

It looks like the person should take a nap.

- Okay. Good. - Confirmed.

- This is the kitchen. - Yes.

It's Chef Kwak's.

- Yes, Chef Kwak's area. - It'll be Dong-yeon's area.

There's a fly.

I have to catch it.

A FLY HUNT BEGINS OUT OF NOWHERE

It's behind you. I'll catch it with my hands.

No, let's just shoo it out.

- I caught it. - Seriously?

I'm serious.

- I caught it. - Seriously?

I'm serious.

- Are you serious? - Watch.

HE ACTUALLY CAUGHT IT

LAUGHING SO HARD OVER A SINGLE FLY

I caught a fly. There's another one!

It keeps coming back.

Probably because this is a magical place.

- Let's release it outside. - Yes.

- Sure. - It's also a living thing.

I caught it gently.

It could be our first customer.

Goodbye, fly.

SENDING OFF THEIR FIRST CUSTOMER RESPECTFULLY

Bye, fly.

GOODBYE, FLY

- Fly. - That's hilarious.

- Goodbye, fly. - "Fly."

- Bye, fly. - We really let it go.

- Where were we? - Goodness.

What were we talking about?

THE LAST SET OF FOOTSTEPS HEADING TOWARD THE VILLAGE BARBER

APPEARING WITH BOTH HANDS FULL

DONG-YEON THE YOUNGEST

GRINNING

We need to plan things out.

Manager Kwak is here.

Is Chef Kwak here?

Chef Kwak!

WELCOME, DONG-YEON

- Welcome. - Master PARK.

- Goodness. - What's all that?

Why are your hands so full?

I came with my hands full.

- Have you been well? - Oh, dear.

That's fine.

- Isn't it so pretty? - I'll carry it.

It's beautiful.

AMAZED

It's so pretty.

- Awesome, right? - It is.

It's awesome.

Isn't it beautiful?

- This is insane. - That's your area.

- My prison. - Yes.

Your prison?

The glass window is a nice touch.

- Right? It turned out so well. - A great touch.

What do you think? Is this enough for you to cook?

This is honestly too much for me.

- Really? - This quality is...

- It's beautiful. - It is.

CAN'T TAKE HIS EYES OFF

This may be a barbershop, but we'll have a lot of chores to do.

But why does a barbershop have a full-on kitchen?

THE KITCHEN IS STILL UNFAMILIAR

This is my first time here, but it doesn't feel unfamiliar.

JOSTLING TOGETHER WITH THE VILLAGERS

Everything feels so familiar.

It's as if I saw it yesterday. It's so nice.

That's good.

The water is running well.

The water runs so well! That's crazy.

I'm starting to feel

very passionate.

HIS COOKING PASSION IS SOARING

THANK YOU

These need to be portioned out. Give me a moment.

They look delicious.

HOMEMADE PRESERVES MADE BY DONG-YEON

JUMPING WITH GLEE

Thank you, everyone. I'm so happy.

CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE SHOP

Let's have our own opening ceremony.

What was it again?

"Gumdongyi"?

- Gumdongyi. - It was Gumdongyi.

- Gumdongyi. - It was Gumdongyi.

"Gum" from BO GUM, "dong" from Dong-yeon, "yi" from Sang-yi.

- Gumdongyi. - Gumdongyi.

THEIR OWN TEAM NAME

A CAKE BO GUM ORDERED AND BOUGHT FOR THE GRAND OPENING

One, two, start.

- Happy opening day - Happy opening day

- To our beloved Gumdongyi - To our beloved Gumdongyi

- Happy opening day - Happy opening day

A SIMPLE YET MEANINGFUL OPENING CEREMONY

To The Village Barber.

- Let's go! - Thanks, guys.

- It's snowing. - It is.

- What? - It's a white Christmas.

BIG, FLUFFY SNOW FALLS

AS IF TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING

Are they sprinkling it?

- No, it's coming down from the sky. - It's actual snow, right?

How can this be?

But the sun was out until just now.

It's truly magical.

- It's magical. - Magical.

- Has it begun? - It has.

THE VILLAGE BARBER WHERE MAGIC COMES TO LIFE

EVEN THE WEATHER FEELS MAGICAL

THE START OF THE VILLAGE BARBER

As we're making preparations

do you want to know how my hairdresser license exam went?

Perms were really hard.

- How was it? - I found it so hard.

I thought I'd be good at it

but perms were way harder than I expected.

And you have to do it within the time limit.

- Yes, that's what's nerve-racking. - Yes.

Bottom line, I failed.

Bottom line, I failed.

EYES WANDERING

I failed.

What's that look on your face?

WELL, SPEAK FOR YOURSELF

On the day of the test...

PRACTICAL EXAM DAY FOR THE HAIRDRESSER LICENSE

...it's basically a sprint toward perms.

So, perms are generally hard.

I asked my stylist for advice, and she said

"Avoid an unfinished job at all costs."

- So, you have to complete it. - Yes.

You fail immediately.

- Right there on the spot. - So, never leave it unfinished.

So, I was rolling like crazy

but everyone next to me was already done.

TERRIFYING

But I still had a whole section left.

I had one minute left, so I just rolled them.

You're supposed to roll using rods by color.

The proctor shouted, "Hands off," so I let go.

But you need at least 55 rods per head.

They counted and said

"It's 45."

- Ten. - You were lacking ten?

- You needed ten more? - I was short by ten.

Yes.

They yelled, "Hands off" and everyone turned their heads.

Everyone was staring at me.

HE CAN FINALLY LAUGH ABOUT IT

They probably knew who I was.

EMBARRASSED

But you rolled them.

You rolled everything else. You only missed five here.

I was the only one who didn't finish in time.

"Poor BO GUM. You have to let go."

- "Get your hands off, please." - I let go.

- You worked hard. - You worked hard.

- Thanks. - You worked hard.

- Great work. - Thank you for that.

I guess I wanted to hear that.

It doesn't change the fact that you're the boss.

But this isn't your only chance. Take it again.

You can always try again.

I was honestly disappointed.

THE REASON IT STILL STINGS

I thought I'd pass. I wanted to pass.

Well, yeah.

Although I can't do a rod perm

I'm confident I can do a blowout that looks like a heated perm

so I think that's still something to be grateful for.

A barber license means

I can do cuts, shaving, and dyeing.

I'll run The Village Barber in a fun way.

We talked about it, and now we're here.

Honestly, it still doesn't feel real.

I don't know how we're going to greet people

- Right. - and how we'll run this shop.

- I can't imagine what will happen. - Exactly.

I wonder how many people we'll meet.

They said there would be a lot of elders around here

but there could also be kids.

Should we call it a soft opening? What should we call it?

Let's call it a rehearsal.

- Something like a practice. - Yes.

Let's run a simulation from the beginning.

Let's say a customer came in.

- Welcome. - Welcome.

A CUSTOMER APPEARS

WHAT DO WE DO FIRST?

Should we say, "This is The Village Barber"?

Yes.

People usually say, "Hello, welcome to our shop."

- Welcome to The Village Barber. - Welcome to The Village Barber.

THEY ALL FREEZE

I'm here for a haircut.

- Oh, yes, please take a seat. - Okay.

- We should seat them, right? - Yes.

I'll take your coat.

- The coat. - We have to take their coat.

- The coat... - Hang the coat.

- Where do I hang it? - Here.

There's a hanger.

Hang their jacket.

Please lie down comfortably.

NOW IT'S TIME FOR A SHAMPOO

- Does it feel okay? - It feels nice.

Okay.

FIRST STEP OF SHAMPOO: COVER THE CUSTOMER'S EYES

Just a second.

What's this?

In case you feel nervous and uncomfortable...

A DUMMY HEAD TO RELIEVE TENSION

PATTING

- The water will touch your hair now. - I'll start.

MASTER PARK'S METICULOUS WASH

It feels good right now.

- That's great. - They told me to do this

so water doesn't get into their ears.

DONG-YEON LEARNS IT AS WELL IN CASE CUSTOMERS LINE UP

Three pumps?

THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SHAMPOO

This makes a lot of lather.

Once here, once here, once here, and once on the back.

Apparently, this shampoo is good for thinning hair.

- I see. - And it helps reduce hair loss.

THICK HAIR

SUPER SATISFIED

A FULL SCALP-CARE SERVICE PACKED WITH NOURISHMENT

Like this.

HIS SCALP ABSORBS THE NUTRIENTS

Apply it like this.

This conditioning mask is

supposed to add volume at the roots across your hair.

HE LAY DOWN TO LEARN SHAMPOO AND ENDED UP GETTING A FULL TREATMENT

Your pressure is strong.

HE ONLY NEEDS TO RINSE IT NOW

PLOTTING SOMETHING

SLEEPING PEACEFULLY WITHOUT A CLUE

DROWSY

TURNING ON COLD WATER

DONE

PUT IT ON HIS FACE

GETTING CLOSE

HE WAKES UP

LAUGHING

I'm wide awake now.

EXTRA COLD WATER

Wow, that's so cold.

Hey, you.

I'm awake now.

THE CUSTOMER GIVES IT FIVE STARS

I almost died.

Sorry.

HAPPY

We have to decide business hours, prices...

Here, the sun sets at 5:20 p.m.

Should we close around four?

Is that too early?

Since tomorrow's our first day

- Maybe five? - let's try staying open until five.

- When do we open? - Then, we adjust it after.

The elders here probably wake up early, right?

Don't you think they start their day early?

How about 8 a.m.? Too early?

- Nine or ten. - Ten?

That's exactly seven hours of work, right?

FLUSTERED

Shouldn't we work like eight hours a day?

- Then, 9:30 a.m.? - Should we do 10 to 6? Or 9:30?

Nine?

From 9 to 5.

- Nine to nine? I mean, 9 to 5? - Yes.

- Price. - Price.

THE MOST IMPORTANT: PRICES

When you think about it

I'm not exactly a skilled, experienced barber.

I'm only a rookie barber.

Let's do 5,000 won per service.

Haircuts will cost 5,000 won.

- Dyes are 5,000 won. - Still 5,000 won.

Is that too expensive?

- No, I think it's reasonable. - Yes.

- It's fine, right? - I like it.

I won't charge them for the nails.

- Free service. - Yes, it's free.

We're starting as a barbershop

so let's do it with the heart of learning.

They say there's no hair salon in this village at all.

- They don't have any. - Really?

So, it's hard to compare prices.

How about 6,000 won?

VAT included?

- Including VAT? - Then, it's only 5,500 won.

It is.

You're good with numbers.

LAUGHING

SO

HOW SHOULD WE SET THE PRICE?

Boss, there's a customer.

Boss, there's a customer.

- Is someone here? - What is it?

SOMEONE APPROACHES THE SHOP WITHOUT HESITATION

COULD IT BE A CUSTOMER?

EMERGENCY

IT'S A CUSTOMER

A CUSTOMER WALKS IN WHILE THEY'RE STILL GETTING READY

- Hello. - Hello.

- Hello. - Hello, ma'am.

- Hello. - Hello.

BIG TROUBLE THEY'RE NOT EVEN READY YET!

Hi, you've been remodeling this house for a while.

- Oh, you live next door. - Yes, it was so noisy.

Sorry for the trouble, ma'am.

- Hello. - Come on in.

- Come in. - We're not open yet, but...

It was so noisy, but I'm glad it's finished now.

- Yes. - I heard you could do my hair.

SHE WAS GOING TO TELL HIM OFF, BUT...

Goodness.

Everyone is dying to see you.

- Our shop... - Long ago

I think I saw you once when you played Go.

You had a match with a little kid, right?

- What was it? - On a TV show?

- Yes, on a TV show. - Yes, you're right.

You're all handsome.

Feel free to take a seat.

- But we're not properly open yet. - Right.

- We're setting things up. - A soft opening.

- It's a soft opening. - Have you been inside before?

Am I the first one to come in?

- You're our first customer. - You're our first.

- Welcome. - I live right here.

- Right next door? - Yes.

May I ask your name?

Kim Jeong-ja.

Mrs. Kim Jeong-ja.

- How should I... - Sister.

Sister?

- How should I... - Sister.

Sister?

- Miss Jeong-ja. - All right.

SHE LIVES RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE BARBERSHOP

SHE WAS DRAWN IN BY THE NOISY SOUNDS

DID THEY OPEN TODAY?

GOING TO TAKE A LOOK

OUR UNOFFICIAL FIRST CUSTOMER, KIM JEONG-JA

- Customer. - Take a seat.

Please.

FIDGETING

- Do you want your hair done now? - No.

- My granddaughter - Yes.

is coming to meet me.

She's getting married in February.

- She's coming with the groom-to-be. - Really?

So, it'd be nice if you could make me pretty.

MAKE ME PRETTY

- That would be great. - Yes.

- All right. On Saturday. - When? Saturday?

- Saturday. - You can visit on Saturday, then.

- I'll blow-dry and style your hair. - Sure.

- We can also dye your hair. - Okay, that sounds nice.

It's all grey now.

- Is it? - We can dye it for you.

- Your hair... - We put

- a pellet boiler. - We can help you.

I flung the door open and burned all my hair.

Oh, no.

It all got burnt up.

- Oh, no. It's damaged. - Yes.

He'll take good care of you.

- I'll do my best. - Oh, dear.

HOW IS HE SO SWEET WHEN HE TALKS

Is it true that there isn't a barbershop or a salon

- in this town? - None.

Then, where do you go to get your hair done?

To Muju.

- Aren't we in Muju? - Isn't this Muju?

To Muju-eup.

Oh, Muju-eup. Which district are we in?

This is Apseom Village, Naedo-ri.

- Naedo-ri near the Geumgang River. - Yes. Geumgang River.

A SMALL VILLAGE WITH NO SALON OR BARBERSHOP

THEY MUST WAIT FOR A BUS THAT COMES EVERY 140 MINUTES

THE HASSLE OF GOING DOWNTOWN

THE VILLAGERS MAY HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A PLACE LIKE THIS

But you'll charge money for hair, right?

- That's right. - How much do you charge?

How much is a haircut at salons in Muju?

In Muju-gun

a haircut can cost 10,000 won.

- They're all different. - Yes.

Then, how much would make you feel like it's worth the money?

It'd be nice to pay only 5,000 won.

ALMOST EXACTLY WHAT THE THREE WERE THINKING

- So 5,000 won. - Only 5,000 won.

- Around that. - Thanks for asking.

Would you like a small gift?

- From us. - What gift?

It's incredible.

- Please remember us. - Of course.

- It's a towel. - I see.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT US

ACTING CUTE FOR PROMOTION

- We paint your nails, too. - Right, make them pretty.

What's your favorite color?

Something simple.

- Something simple. - Not too red.

If an old lady is all flashy, it's kind of...

- No. - Make it subtle.

- You're still so young. - I'm young.

- You bet. - You bet.

You're still young, miss.

PLAYFUL FLATTERY

Oh, dear.

You're praising me so much that I almost feel sorry.

Make yourself at home.

- Thanks. - Miss Jeong-ja.

Thank you for calling me by my name.

It felt...

It felt strange. It made me emotional.

At some point

she was probably called someone's mom or someone's grandma.

I'm glad I called her by her name. "Miss Jeong-ja" was a good call.

CALLING HER NAME MAKES THEM FEEL CLOSER

Do you have any food?

We should, but we were going to eat ramyeon later.

POOR KIDS

Would you like some ramyeon?

I don't eat ramyeon.

- You can't ask for a bite later. - I won't.

I don't eat ramyeon.

Ma'am, can we have some of your kimchi?

- Kimchi? - Yes.

Sure. I'll bring you a head.

I'LL BRING A WHOLE HEAD

- Thank you. - My kimchi doesn't taste that good.

Come on. I can finish a whole bowl of rice with kimchi alone.

Should I bring it now?

I'll come with you.

- I'll go and get kimchi. - Okay.

- Let's go. - Yes.

- We can do it when you're back. - Okay.

- Where's your jacket? - That's fine.

Okay.

- It's right next door. - It is.

My house is a mess.

- How long have you lived here? - Ever since I married in.

- Really? - Yes.

Do you remember? The first time I came here, you said

"Styrofoam is flying around over there."

- Did I? - Yes.

- Oh, boy. - Should I wait here?

- No, come in. - Is that okay?

- Yes. - Excuse me.

The house is a mess.

- Still... - That's how country houses are.

Excuse me.

FIRST ENCOUNTER BUT FEELS FAMILIAR

It's cozy.

It's a cozy home.

- When people come to my house, - Yes.

they say it smells warm.

- It does. - Yes.

- Should I put it here? - Sure.

THE COZY FEELING OF VISITING GRANDMA'S HOUSE

I washed the comforter.

GRUNTING

ENTERING THE MYSTERIOUS KIMCHI ZONE

Where is she? Where did you go to get kimchi?

Oh, you have a kimchi fridge.

- That looks delicious. - The house is so small

so there's nowhere to put it.

I used lots of salted seafood and salted shrimp.

GETTING MISS JEONG-JA'S KIMCHI

That looks delicious.

THE CONTAINER IS FULL, BUT SHE ADDS ONE MORE

One more.

- Thank you. - Yes.

It looks so tasty.

- You'll have to taste it first. - It already looks good.

- You're really good with elders. - No, I'm trying.

You looked

super experienced.

- It was effort. - That's impressive.

SANG-YI LOOKED EXPERIENCED, BUT IT TOOK EFFORT

- Right. - Are you making fish-shaped buns?

Yes, fish-shaped buns.

When was the last time you had one?

I've never tried it.

- Not once? - Yes.

- You've never had fish-shaped buns? - No.

No one ever gave me one.

- No, I meant in your life. - No.

I ate a lot in Muju.

- I meant here. - Right?

You really startled me.

I thought you had never tried it.

They're just fish-shaped buns.

She gave us like three heads of kimchi.

It looks good.

SLURPING

- Thank you for the kimchi, ma'am. - Thank you!

I don't know if it'll taste any good.

When was the last time you painted your nails?

In winter, when I'm taking a break

because it doesn't come off easily.

In the summer, I go out to the field.

- You have to work. - I'm always picking flowers.

The peach blossoms bloom fully.

This is a peach orchard area.

- Peaches. - The peaches get this big.

There are so many.

- I guess the soil is good here. - It's unbelievably tough.

I don't think I can do it anymore. My son has to come and help.

- When does it end? Which season? - Around October or November.

It ends in October.

- So it's been a month or two. - Yes.

THEN

Then, you can get a manicure.

- Well, my hands are not decent. - They'll be like a princess's hands.

Just as a sample, we'll do a simple manicure today.

- Okay. - You're my first customer ever.

- Yes. Oh, my. - Miss Jeong-ja, you're my first.

- Since you came today, - Yes?

please spread the word around.

- Spread it a lot? - A lot.

I WILL WIN HER OVER WITH NAILS

That's a lot.

- Oh, my. - There's a ton.

I'll go brag at the village hall after this.

Go and show them off.

- Tell me if it hurts. - Okay.

Sometimes

if you mess up

it can end up bleed.

- Don't make me bleed. - But I'll make sure it never bleeds.

I can't cook if it bleeds.

When did you move to Muju?

- Me? - Yes.

I got married at 22.

- You married in? - Yes.

My husband got married at 20.

- He's younger than me. - Oh, my.

We've got a legend in the shop.

A LEGEND AHEAD OF HER TIME

Legend or not, I'm just a farmer.

BACK TO THE MAIN JOB HIS FIRST MANICURE APPLICATION

TREMBLING

It's my first time doing it on a real customer.

- I'm honestly a bit nervous. - It's okay.

There's nothing to be nervous about. Have confidence and do it.

- Okay, sis. - It's fine if it's ugly

and it's fine if it's pretty.

My hands are all dark and puffy.

No matter what you put on, they don't look fancy.

Not at all.

I will make you shine with your nails.

SHY

That's a beautiful color.

- She picked it herself. - It's like cherry blossoms.

What if my husband doesn't recognize me because they're so pretty?

Don't make me too pretty.

It's going to get wild.

MEANWHILE IN THE KITCHEN

JJAMPPONG RAMYEON IS BOILING

- BO GUM. - Yes?

It looks like it's done.

That looks scrumptious.

WITH THE KIMCHI THEY GOT FROM MISS JEONG-JA

You said you hadn't eaten, right?

- I ate. - She ate.

THE THREE BROTHERS HAVE BEEN STARVING FOR NEARLY 15 HOURS

AN EYE-OPENING BURST OF FLAVOR

It's insanely good.

- Do you like it? - Yes.

WHEN IS SANG-YI COMING?

- Hurry and go eat. - Let me finish this.

- Just your pinky. - No, eat first.

I'll go home and come back while you eat.

Go and eat. You must be hungry.

Go on. Leave that.

Don't touch it.

- We'll let them dry, then. - Sure.

I was actually starving.

Let me wash my hands first.

Isn't that aged kimchi? That's amazing.

- It's not aged kimchi. - It's not?

GLANCING

- Please rest, miss. - Okay.

WORRIED SHE MIGHT GET BORED

Should we play some music?

You're bored, aren't you? How are you doing?

I'm doing fine.

- Would you like a cup of tea? - No, just go and eat.

PLEASE GO AND EAT

- The cabbage is so good. - Cabbage?

THE REALITY OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

BLINKING

GLANCING AROUND

I THINK I MIGHT BE LONELY

The kimchi is too good.

Ma'am, your kimchi is so good.

- Do you like it? - I love it.

I don't know if it's any good.

GLANCING

THEY SLURP THE SOUP IN ONE GO

THEN HURRY BACK

Then

when will your husband come home after having noodles?

HE TAKES HIS SEAT NATURALLY

He'll come whenever he pleases.

You don't eat dinner together when he's back?

Sang-yi has become best friends with her.

SOMEONE ELSE IS APPROACHING THE BARBERSHOP

Hello.

- Hello. - Hi.

Here comes the village chief!

- Oh, he's the village chief. - Yes.

The chief of our village.

- Hello. - Nice to meet you.

- Hello. - Hi.

- You're the first one. - Hello.

- It's a pleasure. - The village chief.

- Nice to meet you. - I'm Lee Sang-yi.

When the crew was remodeling the place

I came by a few times, and it looked like it was done.

- Oh, this place? - Yes.

- It's nice and warm here. - Oh, right.

- Hello. - Nice to meet you.

ANOTHER HANDSHAKE

The place is

so pretty and cool, like you young folks.

It really is. The boiler works great, too.

I think the residents will love it.

That's a relief.

This house

is going to be famous now.

- It'll be famous. - Ma'am

you came before me.

- She's our first customer. - I'm their first customer.

- She lives next door. - She is

the comedian and announcer in this village.

I told you not to say things like that.

Also...

SMACKING HIS LIPS

...she's the first one, right?

- Your first customer? - Our very first.

ASKING THE SAME QUESTION AGAIN

Really?

HE RAN OUT OF QUESTIONS

AHEM

- Have you eaten? - Yes.

I'm the chief of this village.

LOOKS LIKE HE HAS SOMETHING HE WANTS TO SAY

You've set things up so nicely

so I've been waiting for you to call me.

I thought you could use my help, so I came by on purpose.

Then, after we finish up tomorrow

since we don't really know the neighborhood

we want to greet each household.

- Could you introduce us? - Of course.

- But they have that broadcast. - The announcement system.

- Oh, right. - In the countryside...

Without being awkward or too much.

What's that sound?

THE VILLAGE BROADCAST THEY HEARD EARLIER

Broadcasting isn't that hard.

You can do it with a phone.

- Really? - On your phone?

We do it with a phone.

- Right here? - Really?

- You can do it right here? Really? - Yes.

Please make an announcement.

Our village chief can start things off.

And then...

You need to keep quiet when I'm broadcasting

or your voice will be on air.

- Will it? - Yes.

HANDS TREMBLING VILLAGE BROADCASTING

Preparing to broadcast.

Please wait for a moment.

It's working.

AMAZED

May I have your attention, please?

Some young men from Seoul

opened The Village Barber business that offers haircuts.

Business hours begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning

and close at 5 p.m.

COMMUNITY CENTER FOR ELDERLY WOMEN

MEANWHILE, AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER FOR THE ELDERLY

Really? I should drop by.

AT THE VILLAGE HALL AS WELL

IT MUST BE THAT PLACE OVER THERE

Do come by and spend time at your leisure.

Do come by and spend time at your leisure.

Also, offer them lots of support.

Thank you.

That's how you...

That's how you...

RED ALERT A BROADCAST MISHAP

HUSH

Then you turn it off.

- That's so fascinating. - That was fascinating.

- I loved that. - Thank you.

- Thank you, sir. - Oh, dear. It fell off.

- Thank you. - Merry Christmas.

- Get home safely. - Thank you, sir.

- You're all so cool. - Thank you.

Goodbye.

SHOULD I NOT HAVE DONE A THUMBS-UP?

So...

I had no idea you were the local comedian.

Me? I am not. Why did he say that?

- Ma'am, we figured out your secret. - It's nothing like that at all.

THE MANICURE IS ALMOST DONE

It's nice and pretty.

It's pretty.

Let me have a final look to make sure everything's well done.

It's pretty.

Your peach-picking hands look like peaches.

- You're right. - They turned into peachy hands.

How about a high-five to finish up?

A high-five.

They look so pretty.

They're so pretty.

They look so nice now that my nails are painted.

YOU LOOK GOOD, TOO

Come and get them done whenever you want.

I'll go to the village hall to show them off.

- Thank you very much. - Not at all.

It feels weird to see off a customer.

It feels like I actually served her for real.

- We had only served one customer. - Yes.

But it feels like we went through a storm.

We must've been tense without realizing it.

- It must've weighed on us. - I guess so.

THE THREE BROTHERS SURVIVED THEIR OWN BATTLES

- Shall we dress up and go out? - Let's.

Let's go. I brought five of each.

Let's get going.

WE HAVE A BARBERSHOP NOW

How are you, sir?

We opened a barbershop next door, where we give haircuts.

- How are you, sir? - Hello, sir.

We opened a barbershop behind you

- and we came to say hi. - Did you?

- Hello. - Hello.

- We opened a barbershop. - Yes.

- Do you give doggy cuts? - Dog grooming is pretty hard.

I can trim the nails, though.

If you're free...

Ma'am.

- Hello. - Hello.

Ma'am.

We met earlier, didn't we?

We have a gift for you.

- Okay, thank you. - Thank you.

THEY COULD ALMOST MEMORIZE THE AREA

- By the way, - Yes.

what if the people we met today...

- All show up tomorrow? - Yes.

You think so?

I'm starting to get scared of cutting their hair.

- You're afraid? - What if they don't like it?

FEELING EXTRA TENSE AFTER MEETING THE LOCALS

- No way. - They'll like it.

THEY HEAD HOME UNDER ENDURING THE PRESSURE

- This is it. - It's a really nice house.

Wow, what is this?

The front window is huge.

THEY HAD PROMOTED THE BUSINESS IN THE EXTREME COLD

It's toasty warm.

What a nice place.

We're home.

Let's relax.

Don't you feel hungry?

FORGET COOKING, DINNER IS BIBIMMYEON AND FRIED RICE

THE TRIO USED TO TALK ENDLESSLY

NOW THEY EAT IN SILENCE DEEP IN THOUGHT

We start for real tomorrow.

Will we do well tomorrow?

- I'm worried it'll be crowded. - Me too.

THEY FEEL WEIGHED DOWN

I feel nervous.

I feel tense, too.

Is it because there are various hairstyles for women?

Well...

Do you find it easier to cut a woman's hair?

It's easier to cut a man's hair

but recently, I'd focused on learning how to cut women's hair.

I'm more used to handling

- longer hair. - I guess.

EVERYTHING HE HAD ONLY IMAGINED

IS BECOMING A REALITY

HE TRIES

TO CALM HIS THOUGHTS BY WASHING THE DISHES

DONG-YEON THE PHOTOGRAPHER DROPS BY

POSING

BO GUM AS AN IDEAL HUSBAND

A BRIEF LAUGH THANKS TO DONG-YEON

- Me as a husband? - Yes.

A HUSBAND THAT EXISTS ONLY IN OUR WILDEST DREAMS

DID YOU CALL ME, HONEY?

A PHOTO OF SANG-YI AS A HUSBAND

NOW THIS IS A REALISTIC HUSBAND

HE'D BEEN ON EDGE WELCOMING CUSTOMERS ALL DAY AND HE FELL ASLEEP

GIGGLING

A TYPICAL BREADWINNER IN ACTION

EYES SNAPPING OPEN

COUGHING

DAD'S AWAKE

OOPS

I fell asleep.

- Yes, did you sleep well? - Yes, I was exhausted.

I'm sure you were.

I think cutting hair tomorrow will take quite a while

since it's my first customer.

Our first business day will go well.

Let's do our best.

OUR FIRST DAY WILL GO WELL!

LATE AT NIGHT WHEN EVERYONE IS IN BED

INSTEAD OF SLEEPING, BO GUM COMES OUTSIDE

WHAT COULD BE THE MATTER AT THIS HOUR?

HE SAUNTERS OFF ON HIS OWN

IT'S WAY AFTER MIDNIGHT

HIS WALK PICKS UP SPEED

BOUNCING

HE BRAVED THE COLD TO GET HERE

WHY IS HE AT THE EMPTY BARBERSHOP?

SNIPPING SOUNDS

BO GUM ASKED A CREW MEMBER FOR HELP TO PRACTICE ONE LAST TIME

THE SOUND OF SCISSORS FILLS THE DARK BARBERSHOP

The thing is...

This barbershop operates under my name.

I came up with the awesome name, The Village Barber

that has my name on it.

I wonder

if I'm prepared well enough as the name suggests.

I'm looking back at my own self.

FEELING THE WEIGHT OF RESPONSIBILITY

Will I be able to pull this off?

TO AVOID DISAPPOINTING ANYONE

HE PRACTICES CONTINUOUSLY

I must provide

the service the customer wants exactly.

That's what makes my heart race.

I hope that

I can give the locals a magical time.

THE SLEEPLESS NIGHT PASSES

IT'S D-DAY AT LAST

SMOKE RISING FROM EVERY CHIMNEY

THE VILLAGE IS COATED IN AN ICY FROST

CURRENT TIME: 7:30 A.M.

SOMEONE'S ALARM GOES OFF

ANOTHER ALARM GOES OFF

A THIRD ALARM GOES OFF

THE HOUSE IS QUIET DESPITE THE ALARMS

SANG-YI IS UP

Man.

WHY IS IT MORNING ALREADY?

PLOPS DOWN

PUFFY FACE

Did I overwork myself yesterday?

HERE'S SOMEONE WHO WORKED HARDER

- What's that? - Hey.

- What? - Are we both awake?

STARTLED

The floor is hot.

- Wasn't it too hot last night? - No, it wasn't too hot.

I think I chose the wrong room.

- You got the long room? - "Long..."

The "wrong" room.

GIGGLING

It got so hot that I slept in my underwear.

You must've felt really hot.

That room got so hot like a midsummer day.

THE EXTREME HEAT SOFTENED THEM UP

Your hair...

It's a fistful.

- Gosh. - You're like a Dragon Ball figure.

What time did you get back last night?

Did you get back late?

Last night, I did one haircut.

Then a blow dry and a dye.

AMAZING

It's cold today, right?

It's minus 10 degrees Celsius.

Feel it.

SURPRISED

FREEZING COLD

Let's not go outside today.

Let's stay inside the barbershop.

Good morning, everyone.

YOUNGSTER DONG-YEON'S READY, TOO

I turned off all the lights.

Watch your head.

THE THREE HEAD TO WORK TOGETHER

Let's go do business.

A NERVOUS BUT EXCITING FIRST DAY OF WORK

A COFFEE POT TO SERVE THE CUSTOMERS

SLIPPERS TO WEAR INDOORS

The morning air makes me

- feel like I'm in Switzerland. - Switzerland?

- I don't know. I've never been. - Me neither.

- Hello and welcome. - Hello.

THEY ARRIVE 1 HOUR BEFORE OPENING AT 8 A.M.

- Shall we do a group cheer? - Yes, let's do that.

- This is really... - It's for real now.

Let's do well without anyone getting hurt.

Don't get hurt and let there be no bloodshed.

- One, two, three, let's go. - Let's go.

First of all...

- Let's open for business. - The light.

- The spinning light. - Get it spinning.

I'm nervous.

Hold on.

Let's remember this moment.

This moment right now?

This hour. This moment in time.

- One, two, three. - Turn it on.

It's on.

It's spinning.

The blood vessels and bandages have started to spin.

Thanks, Dong-yeon.

GETTING READY TO OPEN!

PUTTING ON APRONS NEATLY

FOLDING GAUZE CLOTHS FOR MANICURES

SANG-YI PUTS THE TOOLS IN THE STERILIZER

What time is it?

It's 8:55 a.m.

- Oh, my gosh. - Hey, it's almost time.

- Let's go. Let's get ready. - We've got five minutes left.

- Five minutes to go. - What do I do?

What do I have to do?

Make the welcome drinks?

You serve the welcome drinks.

We'll greet the customers.

Should we stand over here?

STAND RIGHT HERE?

We're three minutes away. Where's my tea?

It's over here.

Does your body and mind need calming?

HE NEEDS TO PREPARE HIMSELF BEFORE THE OPENING

All my equipment is ready.

JUST 3 MINUTES TO OPENING!

I'm nervous that someone might come.

It's nine o'clock.

- It's 9? - Yes.

SILENCE

NO ONE TO THE LEFT

AN EMPTY STREET TO THE RIGHT

LOOKING DEJECTED FROM BEHIND

There's no one in the street.

- Is it too early in the morning? - Is it too early?

I guess they'll come after breakfast, right?

Yes, you're right.

When we opened at 9 a.m.

I thought we'd be swamped by a massive crowd.

I thought that at 9 sharp...

- The customers... - There's none.

NO ONE WAITED FOR US TO OPEN

Did you think or hope some customers would line up before you opened?

No. I didn't expect or hope for that at all.

THE LOOK OF A MAN WHO HAD NO EXPECTATIONS

For someone who had no expectations, BO GUM keeps gazing out the window.

EVEN AS HE PUTS THINGS AWAY

HE LOOKS OUTSIDE

EVEN AS HE CLEANS UP, HE LOOKS OUTSIDE

I hear a motorbike.

A MOTORBIKE GOING BY

NOT A CUSTOMER

My imagination

was far from reality.

I thought

- as soon as we opened, - Me too.

people would flock to the door and ask, "Is this The Village Barber?"

"I'm here to get my hair done."

They'd say, "I've been waiting for hours."

BOSS PARK GRINS FROM EAR TO EAR

BUT IN REALITY

0 PEOPLE WAITING IN LINE

Are they not coming out because it's too cold?

- That could be it. - It's minus 10 degrees.

IS IT USUALLY LIKE THIS?

KEEPS GLANCING

- I can't stop looking over there. - Me too.

I hope someone comes soon.

EARNESTLY HOPING FOR SOMEONE TO COME

I WISH TO CLING TO ANYONE

Should we do another broadcast?

WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

THEY'RE ALL TOO BUSY TO NOTICE

Hey, a grandma is coming.

- What? - A grandma's coming.

She's here? Hang on.

IN A RUSH

A BIG RUSH

- She's walking on by. - She is?

JUST PASSING BY

She walked on by?

Good morning, ma'am.

- Hello. - Hello, where are you off to?

Oh, you're visiting Ms. Kim Jeong-ja.

- Did you have breakfast? - We will now.

- Did you eat? - I will now.

- Okay. - Come see us later.

Okay.

- My heart raced a bit. - I guess

- she had somewhere to go. - Yes. Breakfast...

I guess they get together to have breakfast.

- Come and sit down. - Me too.

SANG-YI SUDDENLY SUMMONS BO GUM

- I'll color just one little finger. - Okay.

I'll become a fancy barbershop owner.

GLANCING

THE TWO GLANCE OUT THE WINDOW LIKE MEERKATS

Your nails are so well-kept.

- It's the one with iron particles. - Do you see the iron powder?

Hang on. After putting it on...

THE IRON PARTICLES FOLLOW THE MAGNET

- It's pretty with a gradient look. - Right?

NOW TO HARDEN THE GEL WITH A LAMP

NO CUSTOMERS YET?

- It's hot. - Was it hot?

STARTLED

- It's hot. - Be careful.

It happens.

But using this lamp on the elderly...

I don't think I should use gel on them.

This usually gets hot.

- It's a chemical effect. - It was crazy hot.

- Is it okay now? - Yes.

It was a good experience. I'm glad we got to practice.

It could've been a disaster.

- That was a disaster averted. - Wait, watch out.

It was crazy hot.

- There are these colors. - Hey.

Purple would look pretty.

Yes, let's try purple.

- It won't be hot this time. - Okay.

Look at the sample colors here.

- I see. - There are more over there.

I think purple would be pretty.

Is this what you did on my finger? Hey, it's pretty.

GOT DISTRACTED

Why is it so cold today?

- This won't be hot. - Hey, someone's here.

- Hey, someone's here. Look! - Oh, my.

BO GUM.

- Someone's coming. - Oh, my.

- Welcome. - Ma'am.

- Hey, someone's here. Look! - Oh, my.

SOMEONE'S COMING

- Why is it so cold today? - It's really cold.

IS IT THE FIRST CUSTOMER THEY WERE WAITING FOR?

EXCLAIMING

- Ma'am. - Hello.

- Welcome. - What brings you...

- Ma'am. - Hello.

THE NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR WHO VISITED YESTERDAY

- Welcome. - What brings you...

- They came in together. - Miss Jeong-ja.

My daughter-in-law bought some curly dried laver.

I cooked it on an open flame.

- I see. - I thought of you.

- I hope you enjoy it. - Thank you.

- It's coated in perilla oil. - Oh, dear.

- I had nothing else to bring. - That's fine.

- The fact that you're here... - You gave us kimchi...

You gave us kimchi, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

- That's right. - Seriously...

You're the first customers since our official opening.

- Oh, is that so? - Thank you for coming.

- Thank you. - Thanks for having us.

- Will you make us a cup of coffee? - Would you like some coffee?

- That sweet kind. - The instant coffee mix.

- The sweet kind. - Yes.

- The one in the easy-rip packet. - The packaged kind.

- Sweet coffee. I'll make it hot. - Yes, with extra water.

SNAPPING THE END OFF A PACKET

CIRCULAR MOTION

TREATING IT LIKE IT'S DRIP COFFEE

What's your name, madam?

- It's Ou Yun-ok. Why do you ask? - Ou.

- Ms. Yun-ok. - Ou Yun-ok.

- Do you need to get your hair done? - Leave it.

Leave it.

DIDN'T YOU COME TO GET YOUR HAIR DONE?

I'm busy.

I came to watch because she wanted her hair done.

You look beautiful today.

- You're even wearing lipstick. - Of course.

WHISPERING

THE CAMERA'S FILMING US

She'll be on TV.

SHE'S ADORABLE

STIRRING

- Here you go. - Oh, thank you.

- I'll enjoy it. - Please do.

Thanks a lot. It smells lovely.

Gosh, that tastes nice.

- You made a lovely cup. - Thank you.

It tastes best when someone else makes it.

- We opened at 9 a.m. today. - I see.

We worried we weren't going to have any customers.

Why say that? You'll have customers.

They'll slowly start to come by to hang out.

- Wouldn't they? - What?

I don't know where Mi-yeong's family went.

Where'd she go? To Seoul, maybe.

No, she'd tell me if she was going to Seoul, but she didn't.

To Seoul, maybe.

No, she'd tell me if she was going to Seoul, but she didn't.

- Who do you mean? - She didn't mention Seoul.

One of our neighbors.

- One of our neighbors. - Another friend?

She didn't go to Seoul.

PURE, UNFILTERED BANTER AT ITS FINEST

My San-suk's daughter is getting married in February.

She'll bring her fiancé around.

- You must look pretty. - They're coming to see me.

Do you want your hair done, then?

- It would be nice to look nice. - Of course.

What hairstyle would you like, Ms. Jeong-ja?

- Shall I color your hair? - Yes.

- Some color. - The roots over here.

- You don't have to color much. - Okay.

Make her look good.

BO GUM'S FIRST JOB IS DYEING GRAY HAIR

HE GETS A ROBE

Wear this on top.

Take a seat.

BO GUM SHOWS HER TO HER SEAT

I painted your nails yesterday.

You're our number one and best customer.

- You're a VIP. - That's right.

- Ms. Jeong-ja. - Yes. I'll dye your hair first.

Can you trim it before dyeing it?

- Shall I trim it a bit? - Yes.

COLORING GRAYING HAIRS

SUDDEN ADDITION OF A TRIM

- When will we see you again? - We'll visit often.

BO GUM PUTS ON HIS TOOL BELT TO TRIM HER HAIR

IT'S TIME TO GIVE HIS FIRST HAIRCUT

- The peach flowers are pretty. - You're my first customer.

- Because I'll be dyeing your hair, - Yes.

- I won't wash your hair for now. - Okay.

When my granddaughter visits with her fiancé

I want to give the impression

that his future mother-in-law's mom has a nice haircut.

Okay. I'll try to make you look nice.

THE COMB AND SCISSORS ARE OUT

I won't cut off too much.

- Shall I give you a trim? - Yes, do that.

GULP

GULP

IT'S A FIRST FOR BOTH THE ROOKIE BARBER AND HIS CUSTOMER

It was my first day.

I felt nervous and pressured.

It weighed on me.

HE PRACTICED A LONG TIME FOR THIS MOMENT

To do what the customer wants.

I'll remember what I learned and make them look the best I can.

I hope they reciprocate my touch.

This is making me feel weird.

I feel more solemn now that's up.

Right? I feel weird, too.

Once I make a cut, there's no going back.

What if they don't like it?

Will we do well tomorrow?

I'm worried.

Let's do well without anyone getting hurt.

Don't get hurt and let there be no bloodshed.

- One, two, three, let's go. - Let's go.

BO GUM PUTS HIS SCISSORS TO WORK FOR THE FIRST TIME

He started cutting.

What is it?

It somehow feels strange to see you cutting hair.

IT'S THE FIRST TIME EITHER OF THEM

HAVE SEEN BO GUM USE HIS SCISSORS

DESPITE ALL HIS PRACTICE, PERMED HAIR IS HARD TO CUT STRAIGHT

BO GUM DROPS HIS COMB OUT OF NERVOUSNESS

Sorry.

PRETENDING NOT TO NOTICE

Sorry.

IMMEDIATELY SWITCHING TO A CLEAN COMB

FOCUSED

WINCING

OOPS

BO GUM NIPPED HIS FINGER BY MISTAKE

SHE HASN'T NOTICED THE INJURY

BLOOD IS SEEPING OUT ALREADY!

Oh, dear.

Excuse me.

DASHING OFF

IS BO GUM FACING A CRISIS ON DAY 1?

- Welcome. - This is The Village Barber.

- Shall I trim it a bit? - Yes.

He cut his finger.

Wait a second...

Just hold on.

I came for a haircut.

THE WAIT HERE IS PRETTY LONG

I'm sorry.

- I'll start from this point. - Okay.

Oh, my. She doesn't have any ear covers on.

EXCUSE ME?

- Oh, my. The ear covers... - Oh, dear.

You can smear it all over.

JUST SMEAR THE HAIR DYE ON

Go ahead and just slap it on there.

- Right, so it doesn't go to waste. - That's right.

DYEING THE FOREHEAD AS A BONUS

- Oh, my gosh. - Oh, dear.

He's all soaked.

A SOAK FEST IN THE SHAMPOO ROOM

Oh, my.

- We're here to have a look. - Oh, my.

What a hectic day.

- A nail art? - Yes.

Who's next?

Two with custard filling and two with red bean filling.

Gosh, it's so good.

What a pity. He must be exhausted.

How would you like your hair done?

Like Jang Won-young of IVE.

This is a popular hairstyle these days, too.

She doesn't look too happy.

- You're just nervous. That's all. - Right, I'm just nervous.

WILL THE VILLAGE BARBER SURVIVE THEIR FIRST DAY?

THE VILLAGE BARBER

THE VILLAGE BARBER

Subtitles by Eunsook Youn, Hoyoung Yun, and Jennifer Lim