Original subtitles

It's so nice to see you, chicken!

By the way, Kang-chi,

why do you want to become human?

Because I want to go back to my family.

Family? What family?

Tae-seo, Cheong-jo,

and the people at the Century House.

I want to live there with them again, laugh with them again.

That's my dream.

What if they don't want you back?

What would you do?

Just like how you've changed now.

What if they've changed as well?

What if they don't see you as a family member anymore?

What would you do then?

Would you still want to become human?

What did you just say?

I said I changed my mind.

Bring Cheong-jo to me tonight.

She will lose her virginity tonight.

I'll be back here by sundown.

Please get her out, Kang-chi.

Please save Cheong-jo.

Tae-seo.

Please save Cheong-jo, Kang-chi.

Get up.

Please don't kneel in front of me.

Please!

Please go, Kang-chi.

-Tae-seo. -Before I really hurt you!

Take Cheong-jo and go anywhere, somewhere far away,

and live happily ever after.

As her brother, I give my blessing

to you two.

Please,

run away and live your lives somewhere far away.

Please.

That's not true, right?

Please tell me

that's not true.

Please tell me I heard it wrong.

Cheong-jo.

If not, I'm going to die.

I'm going to kill myself.

What do you think you're doing?

He made fun of me,

and I was his toy.

And now I have to spend a night with him?

Do you think I'll be able to live with a sane mind afterward?

I'd rather kill myself.

I'd rather die than live like that!

Get it together.

Do you think someone would bat an eye

if a lowly courtesan like you dies?

Don't be ridiculous.

In this world, people more miserable than you die every day.

There are tons of people everywhere who are far more unfortunate than you.

I'll say this again. Your death won't change a thing.

Don't seek a way out with a meaningless death.

Try to stay alive until the end. Do you understand?

You may go.

TRAINING CENTER

Instructor Dam.

Instructor Dam.

That will be it for today.

Are you going to go?

As Tae-seo wants,

are you going to take Cheong-jo and run away?

Even if I wanted to, Cheong-jo will say no.

Moreover, Cheong-jo doesn't know about what I really am.

I don't even know how to begin explaining it to her.

Even if I do,

I'm not sure how she'll take it.

Why do you worry about that?

For all you know, she might be okay with it.

She might say, "No matter what you are, I don't care about your appearance.

I don't care about the color of your eyes or the shape of your face.

You're still the same Choi Kang-chi on the inside.

I don't care. It's fine."

Do you think that's possible?

If she likes you with a sincere heart,

a woman might say that.

How would you know about a woman's heart?

Hey.

I'm a woman, too.

I mean,

you and Cheong-jo grew up in vastly different environments.

Cheong-jo grew like a flower in a greenhouse,

so she doesn't take to surprises so well.

Hey.

It doesn't matter whether you grew in a greenhouse or on a field.

All women in love feel the same way.

You have no idea.

What? About love?

You know what love is?

Of course.

How? Have you been in love with someone?

Who do you think I am? Of course...

I haven't. Not yet.

You don't need to love someone to know about it.

You can kind of figure out what it would be like--

How can you know the full extent of something just by guessing?

You've never stayed up all night

because you were so excited about your love.

You don't know what it's like

to forget about all your sorrows because you saw someone smile,

or to feel your heart break

because of someone's sigh.

If you haven't experienced that, don't talk about love.

Got it?

Fine. You know it all.

Good for you to have experienced all that.

Don't worry.

I won't leave without saying goodbye.

If I end up leaving with Cheong-jo,

if I make up my mind,

you'll be the first person to hear about it.

By the way, when will Young Master Dam grow up and date someone?

Hey, hands off.

What would you...

Watch it.

You're hitting me again. Look at you.

Yeo-ul!

Look at you.

Who do you think I am?

So?

I'm kidding.

What do you think about him?

Who?

Kang-chi?

I'm not sure.

The fact that you placed a bet on him

means that you like something about him.

What about you? Why don't you like him as much?

What's your story?

Twenty years ago,

I killed a man who turned out to be his father.

So are you afraid that he might do something

if he finds out?

Is that it?

Or is there something else I don't know about?

Yeo-ul! Look at you.

Hey!

-Take this. -Hey.

Master. You called for me.

Gon, I'll be away for a while.

I'll be back tomorrow,

so take care of the center until then.

Hey!

Cheong-jo. You have a guest.

My lady!

Gop-dan.

-My lady! -Gop-dan!

You must have had such a hard time.

How have you been?

Have you heard about my brother?

What about my mother? Is she well?

You haven't heard about her?

The lady has passed away.

But your brother is alive and well.

At least he wasn't arrested.

My lady!

You're from the Century House?

On whose orders?

Who else?

The new master's.

What's that?

The master sent it for Lady Cheong-jo.

What are you doing?

How dare you touch someone else's belongings?

Oh, my! Even Wol-seon has never gotten this much.

Jades, rubies... How could he do this to you?

She'll be spending a night

with the man who killed her father. This is only fair.

Let's go.

My lady, what is she talking about?

You'll be spending a night with...

Oh, no.

What? The new master will do what with the lady?

That son of a...

So tell me!

Where is Kang-chi? Where is he?

I'll go and tell Kang-chi.

Make sure no one follows you, okay?

Of course.

What should we do with those rats?

Leave them.

Those rats don't even know what they're doing.

You should get the men in place around the House of Pleasure.

Tonight, Kang-chi will go there to die.

What did you say?

Her first night?

With whom?

Lady Cheong-jo and that bastard, Cho Gwan-ung.

It's tonight!

We don't have time.

The sun is about to set.

Wait, Kang-chi.

I have a bad feeling about this.

I think it might be a trap to catch you.

Why would you say that?

Are you saying I'm his spy or something?

Left or right, I'm Kang-chi's man, straight and true.

Cho Gwan-ung would use that, too.

Even if it's a trap, I must go.

-Kang-chi. -Cheong-jo is probably waiting for me.

I have to go.

Then I'll go with you.

If it's really a trap,

two people will be better than one.

-No. -No.

I appreciate the thought,

but this is none of your concern.

Your father is away at the moment.

You should be here.

Hear that? You should be here.

Don't make him get mad at you because of me.

You should stay here. Okay?

Listen to Kang-chi.

Are you best friends now?

Since when did you start agreeing with each other?

You can take care of the center, Gon.

-My lady! -Yeo-ul!

If it really is a trap,

it will be nearly impossible for you to get Cheong-jo and escape.

I don't care. That's my problem.

I'm more experienced than you, anyway.

I'll be useful, at the very least.

So I'm coming with you.

But, my lady--

I'm going with him. That's final!

By the way...

Aren't you going to tell Tae-seo?

For now, don't tell him.

It's better if he doesn't know.

Bring me information about the training center and the silver ingots.

If you don't fulfill this duty,

your little sister will pay for it.

What is it?

You look startled.

Your eyes are full of fear, pain, and delusions.

Don't let the delusions cloud your judgment, Tae-seo.

CENTURY HOUSE

Let's go.

Miss.

Douse the lanterns.

The House of Pleasure will have no guests tonight.

Tell the other girls as well.

Make sure none of the lights are lit.

Jang-soe.

Yes, madam.

Place a mat in the courtyard.

Did she say a mat?

I know.

HOUSE OF PLEASURE

What happened?

Why is it so quiet and dark here?

Care to explain this situation?

My apologies.

The House of Pleasure won't be taking customers tonight, sir.

I told you I'd be spending a night with her.

Are you disobeying me?

Twenty years ago, I disobeyed you

and lost two innocent lives.

Do you remember?

We may just be lowly courtesans,

but we have our own codes and principles.

It is my duty to manage this institution under these codes and principles.

So?

What are you trying to do here?

Rescind your request.

What?

If you don't,

I will not light this place.

If I don't rescind my request,

what will you do?

Then kill me.

If I can't even protect one of my girls,

how can I oversee the entire House of Pleasure?

I'd rather you kill me and take what you want.

You won't go a step further until you do.

You're willing to die for this?

By law,

a courtesan is the property of this state.

Should you kill me,

you will be responsible

for the cost.

Your life doesn't even cost a thing.

What would I even owe the state?

Then go ahead.

Madam Cheon.

Your stupidity is beyond this world.

Fine.

Have it your way.

Oh, no!

That's enough.

Thank you.

I'll never forget what you did for Cheong-jo.

I'll take it from here. Please take a step back.

Goodness, it's you again.

Don't you think we run into each other too often?

You must be in a hurry to die.

It's not good to covet something that doesn't belong to you.

You should be careful.

Cheong-jo isn't mine?

Then, is she yours?

You can't own a person.

You can't have someone's heart just by claiming it.

Seo.

Don't fight him.

Don't forget that your task is to save Lady Cheong-jo,

not to fight Cho Gwan-ung.

Understood?

How would I deal with them if I don't fight?

I have a plan.

A plan?

First, run to the market square.

What are you doing, Seo?

Get him!

Chase him!

Get him!

Get him!

Get him!

Don't worry. I'm Kang-chi's friend.

Get him!

Stop!

Stop!

Get him!

Over there!

No. Over there!

No. Over there!

Over there!

What should we do, sir?

Chase him.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Lock down all the gates, Jang-soe.

Yes, madam.

How is Cheong-jo?

She's in the room.

Oh, no. Where did she go?

Miss,

tell Jang-soe to find Cheong-jo first.

Make sure Wol-seon and the other girls don't know about this.

Yes, madam.

Why did you run away?

Why?

Are you all right? Are you hurt?

I'm sorry. I'm not used to being in the woods.

Just a little further, and we'll meet up with Kang-chi.

Try to keep up.

Choi Kang-chi!

What happened?

It wasn't him.

The man we found wasn't him either.

He must have planned this with the people at the center.

Go back to the magistrate and tell Governor Jung what happened,

and tell them to arrest all the trainees that are involved in this.

Yes, sir.

TRAINING CENTER

Who are you waiting for?

Sir.

Yeo-ul isn't back yet, so I'm waiting for her.

Are you worried?

About Yeo-ul and Kang-chi.

If you're that concerned,

why don't you be more proactive with her?

I'm nothing...

but her shadow.

I could be concerned with her,

but that's not my choice.

Oh, youth.

By the way, I wonder

where Master Dam went.

I knew I would have a welcome visitor.

It was you, Dam Pyeong-jun.

Everyone will be here soon.

By the way, what is your name?

Don't you remember?

I'm Master Dam's daughter, Dam Yeo-ul.

We met at the Century House a long time ago.

Hi, I'm Yeo-ul.

You're here.

How is everyone? Is anyone hurt?

-No. -No.

As you said, we were simply running around.

Good work.

And where's Kang-chi? He's not here yet?

I'm here.

What took you so long? You're the slowest.

They lost you, right?

Of course.

You didn't fight them, did you?

No, I didn't.

Where's Cheong-jo?

Cheong-jo.

Are you okay?

Are you okay?

No. I'm not okay.

I'm not okay at all, Kang-chi.

It's okay.

You're with me now.

You'll be okay.

Kang-chi.

Cheong-jo.

-Cheong-jo. -Tae-seo.

My poor little sister.

You're not hurt? You're not ill?

Tae-seo, Mother is...

Mother is...

I know.

You don't have to say it.

What are we going to do now, Tae-seo?

Don't worry.

From now on,

I'll protect you.

What would you like to know?

Everything about Kang-chi.

Everything.

Is he really capable of being human?

Is it not dangerous for people

to be around him?

You're worried about your daughter.

But that's the nature of relationships.

Once it starts,

there's nothing we can do to stop it.

It's karma.

Help.

Choi Kang-chi. He is in danger.

This is all because of me.

What happened?

Why is Cheong-jo here?

Gon, I told you to take care of the center while I was away.

It was my decision, Father.

I heard Cho Gwan-ung was going to spend a night with her,

so I couldn't just--

So Kang-chi was out of control again

and you helped him?

-Father. -Madam Cheon had already promised

to protect Cheong-jo.

Did you think about the consequences at all?

This is all my fault, Master.

It was me who asked Kang-chi

to protect Cheong-jo.

This is my doing, so scold me instead.

What will you do now?

Cho Gwan-ung is already out to get us.

You've made the situation worse.

I'll leave.

I'll leave this place with Cheong-jo.

-Kang-chi. -It's for the better.

That way,

everyone is safe.

If Tae-seo allows it, I'll leave with Cheong-jo.

What are you saying?

The center had nothing to do with this.

So if you want to bring someone to the magistrate for an interrogation,

take me.

You must be confused.

The person I'm after is Kang-chi, not you.

So if you want to protect your sister and the center,

give me what I want first.

That's how deals work.

Tae-seo, what do you want me to do?

Is it really okay if I leave with Cheong-jo?

Yes. I'm counting on you, Kang-chi.

Sure.

TRAINING CENTER

I'm Dam Yeo-ul.

We met at the Century House a long time ago.

Hi, I'm Yeo-ul.

Could you pass this on for me?

Yeo-ul.

Yeo-ul!

Yeo-ul, give me a minute.

Forget it. I don't want to talk to you right now.

-Yeo-ul. -You said I'd be the first one to hear it!

How could you suddenly announce it

in front of everyone?

Master Dam is risking enough

to hide Tae-seo here.

He can't have Cheong-jo here as well.

So?

Where will you go? Do you have a place in mind?

I'm sure we'll find a place for us to hide.

You said you want to be human!

You're already here, but now you want to give up?

Dam.

Is this your idea of commitment?

Listen.

Let me go. I don't want to talk to a quitter like you.

Yeo-ul!

I'm sorry.

Dam Yeo-ul.

I'm sorry

for not telling you first.

And also

for not following through

with my decision before I'd even reached my goal.

And...

Thank you.

You were always by my side.

I was able to cope with my master's death

and come to an understanding

with the other side of myself

because of your help.

I'll never forget it.

I will never

be able to forget it.

Must you keep disappointing me?

You keep ruining my plans

because you can't catch one man?

Give me another chance. I have a plan.

-Enough. -Sir.

Ma Bong-chul is here to see you.

Let him in.

It's been a while, sir.

You know more about Kang-chi

than anyone in Yeosu?

Yes, sir.

I was the one that handed him to you last time.

I'm ordering you to do that once more.

This time, I don't want you to just find him.

I want him gone.

I will make sure to reward you generously.

You can count on me, sir.

I will find him and bury him in the mountain.

Thank you for everything.

I wish you all the best.

Please send Commander Yi my apologies

for not saying goodbye to him,

and tell him that I'll never forget what he's done for me.

Yes, I understand.

The lady is training right now.

She doesn't want to be disturbed.

You'll have to hurry in order to make it to Neunggok Pass by nightfall.

Yes, sir.

Well, goodbye.

Let's go.

Okay.

TRAINING CENTER

I wanted to say goodbye for the last time.

Farewell,

Dam Yeo-ul.

TRAINING CENTER

He's really gone.

I hope you won't regret this, Master Dam.

Please excuse me.

I want to separate their paths

even if this is what it takes.

KANG-CHI LEFT THE TRAINING CENTER

Why did he make such a foolish decision?

Is anyone there?

Prepare a horse.

I'm going to the center.

Yes, sir.

They're headed to Neunggok Pass?

Yes, sir.

Get to the pass before they do and capture them.

You heard him.

Hurry up and get going.

-Yes, sir. -Yes, sir.

Good work. You've been a great help.

As promised, I gave you Kang-chi,

so spare my sister.

Go with them and kill him yourself.

Do that and your sister will be spared.

Take off his bracelet first.

Don't forget.

I'll see you there.

Your sister was sold as a courtesan.

Even if it won't be the master,

she will be used and dirtied by countless men anyway.

Even if she runs away with him,

there isn't much that she can do.

If she's ever caught,

she'll be beheaded.

So choose wisely.

Will you let your sister live a miserable life

or will you hand over Choi Kang-chi?

Standby at the edge of the pass,

and make sure Park Tae-seo and Ma Bong-chul act accordingly.

Then kill them all on your way back.

Yes, sir.

TRAINING CENTER

Where are you going?

My lady.

I must have been out of my mind.

I can't just let him go like this.

I should have said goodbye.

It's Neunggok Pass, right?

Do you think I can catch them by nightfall if I go after them now?

What are you going to do?

He has someone else now.

I don't want to do anything. Just...

I just want to say goodbye.

Bid him farewell

and wish him the best.

I just want to say that to him.

Thank you.

You know what?

You haven't said a word

since we left the center.

Oh, really?

Well,

I just have a lot of things in my head regarding the future.

Perhaps,

I am a burden to you?

What are you talking about? A burden?

You're the person I need to protect.

I don't know. I just feel like you've changed.

It feels as if you've become a different person.

You feel distant.

Why do you worry about that?

For all you know, she might be okay with it.

She might say, "No matter what you are, I don't care about your appearance.

You're still the same Choi Kang-chi on the inside."

Cheong-jo,

I have to tell you something.

What is it?

Before I say anything, know this.

I'll do anything for you.

I would even risk my life

to protect you. You know that, right?

What do you want to say?

I found out

who my real parents are.

Your real parents?

Your biological parents?

Yes.

Actually, my biological father...

My father is--

What a sight.

Look who it is.

Isn't this Choi Kang-chi?

Ma Bong-chul, what are you doing here?

What do you think?

I'm here to catch you under the command of Master Cho Gwan-ung.

Gosh, I've been busy

catching all the runaway slaves

and prisoners recently.

Get him!

Kang-chi!

Kang-chi!

-Cheong-jo! -Kang-chi!

Cheong-jo!

Tae-seo.

Tae-seo.

I'm here to kill you, Kang-chi.

Tae-seo.

What if they don't want you back?

What would you do?

Just like how you've changed now.

What if they've changed as well?

What if they don't see you as a family member anymore?

What would you do then?

No way.

Tae-seo and Cheong-jo would never betray me.

Kang-chi.

Humans are not as strong

as you think they are.

Because they are weak,

they can sometimes be cruel.

Tae-seo.

Why...

Cheong-jo is my only living family member.

I have no choice

but to save her.

What?

Forgive me,

Kang-chi.

No, Tae-seo.

Don't!

Tae-seo.

No! Please!

No!

Get away from me! Don't come near me.

Abandon everything you can in order to live.

If you become mine,

I will become your ally.

What are your intentions in looking after him?

We need to prepare a full-scale war against Cho Gwan-ung.

Why are you being so nice to me?

I want to do anything for you.

That's how I feel right now.

I've come to meet Yeo-ul.

Let me

meet Yeo-ul.

Subtitle translation by Jin-young Song