Original subtitles

Timing and subtitles brought to you by 👩🏻‍🍳 Masters of Kimchi 🍴 @Viki.com

- Okay, it's ready. - Thank you.

- Are all the ingredients ready? - Yes, they're all here and ready.

- Do it quickly. - Yes, sir.

I bet touring eight countries kept you away from Seoul for a long time. (T/N: In Japanese)

I bet touring eight countries kept you away from Seoul for a long time. (T/N: In Korean)

It's been over twenty days.

Is that so? Any troubles with the food?

I suppose you've had a lot of trouble with the food.

Sure, I really do miss Korean food.

I see. I'm sure you do.

You didn't have to trouble yourself with all this.

I've specially prepared the food that may suit your taste. Please, try some.

I've specially ordered the food that you like, Mr. President. Try some.

Oh, I see. Let me then.

- How do you like it? - How does it taste?

Truly, absolutely delicious.

A traditional taste with a touch of something entirely new...

It's hard to find a taste like this even back home, in Korea.

- Is that so? - Is that so?

I'm amazed to discover this profound taste in our Bulgogi and Kimchi.

The food you tasted just now is grilled meat with Kimchi.

- A representative of Japanese cuisine. - It's Yakiniku and Kimchi. A representative of Japanese cuisine.

- I'm glad you like it. - I'm glad you like it.

Sir, may I ask who made this food?

They were all quite pleased.

Chef?

They were all very pleased.

Congratulations, Chef.

Hey, Woo Ju, you've grown so big!

Here's something good for you.

There.

Hey, hey, Sung Chan. Guess what.

My husband lost his appetite and isn't eating lately.

- Is he really? - Yeah.

What's good for losing appetite... Let's see.

The beefsteak plant should work.

Decoct this and have him drink a cup every morning.

The scent will help to secret gastric juice.

It'll increase his appetite and help him digest better.

- Thanks. Here. - Thank you.

How's your daughter doing with her SATs?

Well, she's got no energy lately.

She can't sleep and has a hard time getting up in the morning.

I got just the thing for her!

Jujubes from Boeun fit for the king's table!

- Here, try one. - Really?

The sweetness helps relieve tension.

It's a sure remedy for tension, stress, and lack of sleep.

Is there anything you don't know, Doctor?

Sung Chan, are you sure that you don't want to run a restaurant with me?

- If I do, the other ladies will get jealous. - He's right.

You and your excuses!

And I've got to keep traveling around the country and discover new stuff.

That way, I can look after the health of the folk here in Wonseo-dong. Who else besides me?

The government announced they'll hold

a Kimchi contest.

That a contest will be held to reaffirm the reputation of the country as the origin of Kimchi.

Great soundbites, alright.

What? What soundbites?

Nothing. Please continue.

Why are the dried persimmons from Sangju good for your body?

Look at it. This is a lump of vitamins.

It helps with hangovers, fatigue, and bronchus, too.

Never mind all that. Most important is...

It's awesome on men's sexual stamina.

It's the Viagra from Mother Nature.

Ah, excuse me.

Yes, Editor in Chief?

Hey, you troublemaker, did you see the news?

About the Kimchi contest?

Right. Anyway, where's Sung Chan?

Why are you asking me this?

Then who else would I ask when you're the reporter?

The plenty of sunshine we've had all year brought out the sweetness all the more.

- It's the best! - Of course.

- I'll take thirty bundles. - Sure.

- And a box of half-dried ones, too. - Half-dried ones?

- Mr. Kim! - Yes?

Why does he get so startled whenever I call him?

Get me a box of half-dried persimmons, too.

Yes, sir.

Is he new?

He's not from around here.

I'm not sure where he said he was from. He's been here for about a week.

He's a good man, for sure. Hey, God blessed me with good folks.

It was a true honor working with you.

If you ever need me, I'll come right over to Korea.

It was an honor for me, too.

I heard it's a beautiful place.

What you say makes no sense!

Over my dead body! No way!

Just a moment! Arnold?

Dongju Bank owns thirty-five percent.

Sejong Securities owns twenty-five percent.

And the remaining twenty percent is...

is owned by the Korean Federation of Community Credit?

What belongs to you, Granpa, is

this front gate and a couple of trees here.

Why you little!

Hey, hey, watch it! This is expensive!

Madam?

Talk some sense into him, Madam.

I'm afraid I can't help you if something bad happens.

Did I give you my card yet?

Yes, I have it. We'll call you.

Have a nice, good day!

- What a rotten punk! - I'm home!

Who was that? Are we not open today?

Hey, kid! You show up after six months, and that's all you have to say?

How have you been, Sir?

I'm home, Mother.

Right, it's good to see you again.

I would've come sooner. But with people raving about Sung Chan food, I couldn't...

Mother, you missed me, didn't you?

Jin Soo, is good to see you, too.

Hello!

I'm so hungry, ma'am.

Aigoo, Aigoo. You are two peas in a pod.

You never come without Sung Chan.

How about some of the Kimchi mixed noodles you like?

I dreamed about your noodles these days.

Alright. Go wash up while I make it.

Yes, Mother.

Your head!

Hold still!

Eat slowly, or you'll choke.

What on earth did you do with the noodles? I have never tasted anything this good!

Why can't I make it as good as this?

You really don't know?

It's all in the Kimchi.

You've got to use thinly sliced ripe Kimchi.

But you!

Your Kimchi is too bitter.

You mean it's too spicy. Kimchi can't be bitter like coffee.

Yum, it's so good.

Are you sick?

It's just some cold medicine.

When did you close down this place?

About two weeks ago already.

I'm sorry. I should have come and seen you more often.

It's okay.

I feel so bad about sending our loyal customers away.

Someone's at the door.

Is those fools again!

Eat this, all of you!

Here!

Jang Eun?

It's been ten years, but you haven't changed a bit, Mom.

Still graceful.

And still pretty.

I've changed a lot, haven't I?

You look the same, too.

Pretty as always.

No, I have changed a lot.

But I like it better now.

Those who wouldn't even let me hold a knife in the kitchen because I'm a girl

can't even look me in the eyes now.

That's how Koreans are.

Making up stupid traditions and customs as they wish.

But still, how could you not come even once in ten years?

What have you done, then, not helping Mom?

Well...

Now you can be in charge of Chunyang-gak and help out here.

Right? With your talents, you'll—

Mom is sick and is all because of Chunyang-gak.

So, forget this place and travel and stuff.

I'll take care of everything.

That's why I gave up everything and came back.

To be here with you, Mom.

Chunyang-gak or whatnot,

forget it now.

Well, how about some fruit? Okay?

Tell me about Sung Chan's birth mother, will you?

Why this all of a sudden?

He seems much closer to her than her real daughter.

Always so curious.

Oh, look at the time!

I don't know how they know I'm here. They all want to see me.

I'll be quite late today. I'll come back tomorrow.

Jang Eun.

Yes?

I read the letter you sent before you came.

But,

not Chunyang-gak.

What do you mean?

You're not trying to change this place,

you want to get rid of it.

All right.

Let's talk later.

I can't stand this place.

The thing that hurt me

wasn't only your infamous Gisaeng days. (T/N: trained courtesans)

Tell me.

How was I born?

You didn't have me out of love, did you?

Do you know how sick that made me feel? As worthless as a worm—

You'll see.

I'll tear this place down and start over!

You know, before you're a woman,

you should be a mother.

And I'm your only daughter.

Leaving so soon? You'll come again, right?

Seeing you reminds me of our cook-offs in the past.

I didn't stand a chance back then.

Yeah, I remember playing with you like that when we were little.

You and I didn't have any other friends.

Chan, don't try and stop me, too.

Even if the whole world does, you can't do that to me.

But Chunyang-gak is... our home.

It played a part in you becoming the chef you are today.

Do you think that is anything of this place still left in my cooking?

Maybe it's in you,

but not me.

I've got to remake all the tables new.

I'll start from there.

Don't worry. It'll all work out.

Look, she is really going to tear down the whole place

and build something like this.

The genius head chef of the Japanese Prime Minister's residence

is your sister. Who would've thought?

With me here today is...

Chef Bae Jang Eun. She rose to be the best in Japan, despite many prejudices.

Hello, pleased to meet you.

It must've been a hard decision to step down from the top.

Is there a special reason for entering this Kimchi contest?

As a Korean, I could no longer neglect our native food, which is an integral part of our life,

lagging in the flow of globalization and getting left behind.

Why don't you enter this Kimchi contest?

You can win a cash prize, and that's not all.

You'll become the sole distributor of Kimchi to the Korean restaurants that the government will build worldwide.

It'll be a golden opportunity to show Chunyang-gak Kimchi to the world.

And then paying off your debts will only be a matter of time, too.

I'm not really into cooking contests.

It makes me feel like I'm being judged as a criminal on my own cooking.

How do you feel about getting judged before other chefs when you're such a renowned one yourself?

Well, I rather tend to enjoy it.

It's like studying hard for a test and then waiting for the grade.

Then I guess you can relax and enjoy the upcoming contest.

Of course not.

I have to do my best to find ingredients and even make new recipes.

There are indeed many hidden masters in the world.

Then I guess the winner of that Kimchi contest is already set.

Not man enough to even try.

Close your eyes and put your hands up if you don't have a father.

I said, keep your eyes closed!

Bae Jang Eun, you don't have a dad?

Hey, didn't you know? She doesn't even know who her dad is.

How can you not know who your dad is?

♪ She's a Gisaeng's daughter ♪

♪ She really is ♪

Don't play with Jang Eun. She's someone with no roots.

♪ She doesn't even know who her dad is ♪

You may try to deceive my eyes.

But you can't fool my tongue.

I beg your pardon?

- Hello. - Hi.

It's a serious crime to lie about where the produce is from.

Lie? What if it's not?

We'll see. Hey, call someone and check.

I'm an expert. You don't get it, do you?

I can close this place.

Who the hell are you?

It's Korean alright.

- The cabbage is from Haenam. - That's right, Haenam.

Korean cabbages from Haenam are sweeter and bigger.

The cabbage may be from Haenam, but the seasoning is certainly Chinese.

You see, Chinese powdered pepper is redder than ours.

You can tell just by looking at it. It sure is Korean.

Besides, Chinese Kimchi has too many pepper seeds.

And their cabbage is less crunchy and mushy tasting because of its water content.

Here, try it again.

Forget it.

We don't fool around with the food here.

See? You won't make anything when you spend as you do on every side dish.

Of course I will.

My loyal customers.

Hey there! Check the number.

Bae Sung Chan, the first son of Mrs. Lee of Chunyang-gak.

Quite a punctual guy you are.

Always here from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

With your likable face, I feel I might get through to you.

My name's just Sung Chan.

Don't take my words for threats. This is simply a business talk.

You see, elders are very difficult to talk to.

But precise people like us can talk. A reasonable dialogue, if you will.

I'm working day and night

to turn the neighborhood into a kick-ass place rolling in money.

Kick-ass?

Kick-ass, you like that?

Just kidding.

Anyway, I have many hopes for you. Call me.

Let's go.

It's laminated.

Have a nice day!

I'll take care of that man somehow. You work on Jang Eun, Mother.

It's okay. I have so much debt.

If it's time to let this place go,

I should do what she wants.

Are you closed today?

As Mother said, what a place this is.

Ah... well... the door was open.

Are you closed today?

I'm sorry, but we're closed at the moment.

Well,

my mother will be so disappointed.

We came here all the way from the States.

What do we do?

Everyone in the family came together after a long while for my father's memorial.

We have so many memories of this place.

Escort them in.

There aren't many side-dishes I can offer. Will that be okay?

Let's all eat up! Have some, Mother.

Eat slowly, or you'll choke.

It was well before you came here.

She said she always wanted to eat here once.

She came for her first son's birthday.

She ordered one meal and fed her three children with it.

I felt bad for her. So, not wanting to hurt her feelings,

I carefully laid out extra dishes for her.

She didn't forget that and came back.

They'd come by over ten years until they moved to the States,

but I can't keep their memories alive any longer.

That hurts me the most.

You sure you don't want any? Aren't you hungry?

I'm fine.

You sure never change.

I already can tell what you're about to say.

If this is about Chunyang-gak, then you can leave.

I don't want to fight even you.

Yeah, like you said,

my face may be an open book.

I'll do it. The Kimchi contest.

Are you out of your mind?

No, I'm perfectly fine.

You were always the one making bets, remember?

You said if I wanted something, I had to win the bet first.

Let's do that with Chunyang-gak, too.

The winner gets to decide what to do with it.

That's only fair.

Did Mom put you up to this?

Or is this your idea?

It's 100% my decision.

You only have reasons to get rid of Chunyang-gak.

But I realized there are way more people

with reasons to keep it.

And that's why.

I'm covering the Kimchi contest! That's mine. You got th—

Let's get started with the first Grand Korea Kimchi Contest!

Prior to the actual contest, we're at the Pop Festival.

What do you think the significance of this contest is?

An old Samarian saying goes like this: "Tell me what you eat.

Then I'll tell you who you are."

That shows how important food is in the process of shaping up a person.

I can't wait to see how the excellence of our food will be presented at the contest.

I like Kimchi pizza better than a Western pizza.

- Wow, are you making a Kimchi stew, sir? - Yes, I am.

It's all you need for any generation to have a great home-cooked meal.

Whoa, who brought this radish kimchi?

- We sneaked it out without Mom knowing. - That's right!

- Kimchi! - Kimchi!

♪ Though time goes by... ♪

Kimchi is so delicious!

Yes!

On the stage, as part of the Kimchi Contest...

Let's all give another big round of applause!

Yi Jung Boo, the Minister of Agriculture, will announce the contest's theme.

The first theme befitting to our national pride, Kimchi,

is one of the cultural expressions of being Korean.

It is the nation of the white-clad.

Independent of the conventional use of red peppers,

the history of Kimchi dates back to the Three Kingdom period.

Non-spicy Kimchi has a much longer history.

Its type and taste have also developed distinctively for each region.

By next week, each of you will create the very best kind

of Kimchi, and I so look forward to it!

You'll have to compete with something more special than plain white or water-based Kimchi.

I think that's the purpose of the theme.

Your helper is not bad.

You heard the theme, right?

If you aren't permitted to use red peppers for fermentation

and have to make Kimchi on the spot,

what determines the winning taste in the end?

You can never beat me.

That's the way it was and always will be.

But if you insist...

Fight till the end.

She's something all right.

Her and her boundless confidence.

Why won't she just tell us the answer?

She stops short of telling what the answer is.

She's so annoying.

That is ten-year-old bay salt. It's the best.

- It's nice. - Take it and quit bothering me.

But this isn't what I'm looking for either.

I told you.

I need the best salt that there is.

I need natural sea salt.

Check out on the Internet or in stores.

If I wanted something made in factories,

I wouldn't have gone through the trouble of looking for you.

I need natural sea salt made the traditional way.

I'll pay whatever you want.

- How mu— - Money?

Money can't buy you everything!

Anyway, I can't be of much help.

If you want, you make it yourself.

Then tell me how.

Hi, Sung Chan.

Hi, Sir.

What can I get you?

Nothing.

What's with him?

Aigoo.

Not again?

What on earth are you trying to make?

Tell me, and I'll help you.

It's because I can't use just any salt.

Try using the stuff I bought you.

I paid a lot for it.

My editor even brushes his teeth with bamboo salt.

It may be good for the body,

but it's not good to make Kimchi with.

Besides, the contest is full of top-notch chefs. I doubt they'll use salt from discount stores.

It's frustrating seeing you like this, though.

By now, Bae Jan Eun is probably out somewhere selling her soul for that perfect salt.

Aren't you worried?

If the best salt at a discount store isn't good enough, look around!

You've got to come up with a plan B.

Gwangju, the city of culture and the gateway to the world,

is rich with arts and tastes.

Here, let the real contest begin!

I can't help but wonder what ingredients other than chili powder are hiding in those jars.

Let's all dive into the wonderful world of Kimchi!

The chefs have only two hours.

Within two hours, they must make the best Kimchi out of their ingredients.

Each of the three rounds has a different theme and will last a week, right?

Yes, each taste, appearance, and creativity are scored out of a hundred.

Only ten will make it to the second round.

From there, only two will compete in the final.

There's only one hour left.

They're finally using salt.

When compared with the renowned Guérande salt from France,

our natural sea salt has almost the same amount of calcium,

while it has three times as much magnesium and iron.

Many of us know this fact, don't we?

Professor Oh Jang Seok, Cuisine Researcher Gong Yeon Deok,

Kim Man Su, Chief of Food, Agriculture, and Forestry and the others,

altogether five judges

will begin the judging as to who will go to the next round.

It's a type of cabbage used often in salads.

Making Kimchi with kohlrabi?

It certainly isn't traditional.

I understand that the purpose of this contest doesn't always insist on traditions.

No other country has progressed more in its culture of side dishes than us.

Perhaps that's why Kimchi, our representative food, is no longer a staple,

but as another side dish at best.

I thought Kimchi could be a great appetizer.

One that gives a pleasing first impression and taste, leading to the main course.

Kimchi can give out the feel and taste of western salads.

Therein lies its charm to be accepted by the world.

It tastes like cabbage.

Or does it taste like radish?

They look like sweet potatoes.

It tastes amazing.

I've never tasted anything like this before.

This deep, profound taste.

I've got to say, I'm amazed.

The salt... Is it Grey Salt?

It's natural sea salt.

As you're well aware, it's our traditional salt.

Natural sea salt?

I heard it's recently gone into mass production.

No.

This is not the salt made in factories. I made it myself

following the traditional way.

Tradition meets fusion. You're truly amazing, as I've heard.

Wow, like the successful woman that she is, she has a way with words.

We meet again here.

I see you made southern-style Kimchi the traditional way.

That's right.

Interesting.

When everyone else used salt, you turned to traditional soy sauce.

Very creative!

Creative, yes.

Yes.

The deep salty taste of Korean soy sauce

brings out optimally the crispy taste of the radish.

What do you think, Professor Oh?

I taste the richness of the sea in the pickled juice that aids digestion.

What do you think, Chief Kim?

Definitely Korean.

I mean the soy sauce.

Okay, the scores are going up on the board!

Contestant one, Jo Hee Don, total 225 points.

Kim Joo Young, 275 points. The final result is...

Sung Chan, first place, and Bae Jang Eun, second!

See, didn't I tell you Sung Chan would win?

If you can express that we're the nation of the morning calm with Kimchi,

any Kimchi will be fine.

We'll see you a week from now at a different location.

Let's dive into the wonderful world of Kimchi once again!

How dare... he stooped that low?

May I call you Big Bro now?

Let me tell you, Big Bro. The first time I saw you,

I knew it was you, for sure!

Well then,

are you finished with our block?

Of course not. You're the first.

As they say, well begun is half done.

Have a good time and have a nice day!

Let's go!

I can't believe you signed it. Are you really selling Chunyang-gak?

He should be quiet for at least twelve hours.

What? T-Twelve hours?

What in the world does he mean?

I'm following the contest closely on TV.

Well done.

I just got lucky. The real contest begins now with only the truly talented.

Really?

Jang Eun was great at cooking ever since she was young.

But Chan, you were better than her in many ways.

Really?

Yes.

But... in your cooking...

Come on! Let's go!

What about my cooking?

Go on. You're headed for the East Sea?

Yes. This genius chef wants to catch the sun coming up in the East!

Mother...

You'd better get going. Be careful.

I hope you get over your cold soon. See you later.

See you later!

He'll come to know on his own soon enough.

Don't worry too much.

Don't say, are you going to make Kimchi with king crabs?

Why not?

There are over two hundred different kinds of Kimchi and countless ingredients.

In the North, they use raw pork to make Kimchi.

Still, I never heard of using king crabs in Kimchi.

King crabs here! Freshly caught crabs here!

- Whoa, the crabs are so fresh. - Of course.

Take your pick.

Move! That's mine, yes?

Come on, granny.

What's with that Ahjumma?

Isn't he...

Persimmons! Right?

Ahjussi!

- From Sangju? - You're him, right?

That's the best place around here.

Why don't you come with us?

Please. Who knew we'd meet again like this? Come with us.

Never mind.

I've been away from my hometown for so long. Breathing in the air alone makes me full.

Oh! Don't forget to ask for Kimchi when you order.

Not just any Kimchi, but the Kimchi she makes for her son.

Go on.

Okay.

Here you are.

I'm starving from following you around all day.

Then eat up. Here.

Ahjumma! Ahjumma, was your son a runner?

You sure are a girl from Seoul with the way you're catching on.

Right on the money.

He was an athlete good enough to represent our province, no less.

With my leg like this, I couldn't feed him well.

But still, when it came to running, he was like lightning.

He was all over the papers and sure was the talk of the town.

Look, this is all him!

Right, right here.

He was so tiny in elementary school,

but whenever he ran, he always came in first.

What? Do you think I'm lying?

It's the honest truth.

So handsome, ain't he?

Is he still a runner?

Well...

No.

Now he doesn't run anymore.

Instead, he's on the run.

My son would never do such a thing.

He was framed. Of course!

No matter what they say, I had him in my tummy for nine months.

If his mother doesn't know her own child, then who would?

I knew it! He gives me the chills.

What if he's a serial killer?

Don't go overboard.

He didn't seem like the type.

Listen to you. That's exactly what a serial killer's neighbors say on the news!

That he didn't seem like the type!

Stop!

Just go!

Come on! Drive!

I grew up here all the way till I was eighteen.

When I left, I did everything in the book. And I was getting on quite well.

But it's funny how you never know what's going to happen to you.

I drank, got in a scuffle, and pushed someone slightly.

Damn luck.

It was an accident, then.

Still, murder is murder.

But I suddenly began missing Mother like crazy.

Cops must have their radars on to catch me, for sure.

But now that I'm here,

it hurts like crazy.

How can I face her?

But still,

tell me how she's doing.

How's my mother?

She misses you a lot.

She bragged about you a lot, too.

Really?

That old lady, what good did I ever do?

I'm nothing but a scum.

Do you know what I am to her?

Damn bastard!

A bastard who cut off his mother's leg!

Shoo, shoo, go home.

I wanted to give up everything

and kill myself.

But just then...

like a crazy fool,

I had a craving for something.

What... was that?

My mother's home-cooked meal.

Then go.

Go and

eat the food she makes for you.

Not for your sake,

but for her sake.

Mother?

Mother?

Hey, hey, don't turn the lights on.

Mother!

Cops could be camped outside.

Mother!

Come on, kid.

Men don't cry.

- Mother! - Son!

Chan, are you okay?

Let's go back. This is crazy, I'm telling you!

Come on, Sung Chan!

Are you crazy? Going out without telling me?

Ahjumma?

Aigoo.

Is this the only boat that went out to the sea last night?

Didn't you hear the thunder? There was a storm.

Are you here to buy crabs?

Yes, but...

Aigoo, look at their colors. How pretty!

Mother?

Are you happy, Ahjumma?

Of course. You get married and have kids, and then you'll see.

There're two great joys in the world. One is water streaming into dry rice fields.

The other is food going in your kid's mouth.

Mother!

- Mother! - Ahjumma!

Mother! Mother!

She fell. Let me just help her up before I go!

Mother!

- Oh dear god! No! - Mother!

- No! No! - Mother!

No! Come back. No!

Oh no, my son!

Mother!

No! No! My son, my son...

My son...

Oh God.

My son...

I didn't even get to feed him.

What am I going to do?

Help!

Help!

- Sung Chan! - Help!

Sung Chan!

All must go, all must go. Take it all for $5!

If he wants to stoop that low,

I will, too.

Go on and tell me.

Then what?

His real mother,

since birth,

couldn't hear or talk.

But,

Sung Chan, apparently believing his mother abandoned him as he grew older,

turned his loneliness and longing for her into deep hatred.

Chan...

came with a jar of Kimchi.

It was the last Kimchi his mother made.

The kid

refused to eat that Kimchi and just looked at it for days.

The poor fool.

Chan's mother had no choice.

She thought she might end up killing Chan if she kept raising him.

Aigoo... with or without customers, I should keep the place clean.

She likes things sparkling clean.

Those damn jerks... it has been over twelve hours already.

They're dumber than I thought.

Hey, Jung!

Jung? What happened to "sir" in just twelve hours?

Amazing, aren't you something, huh?

You're not even legally married. And your children are registered at this address but don't live here.

No doubt this is a fraud, isn't it?

But I'm no fool, you know!

- No fool! - Right!

I'll have to negotiate with the real owner of the place.

- Ma'am! Ma'am? Where are you? - Hey, hey.

Sister! Sister!

Hey, you jerk! Do you—

Oh no...

Let the second round begin!

Well then, before we start the contest,

let's find out together what the secret weapon the ten masters have up their sleeve!

What will you make with these?

The theme is the land of the morning calm, so I thought of the sunrise at the East Sea.

So I prepared golden pollock, the best of the East Sea.

We all know the golden pollock of the East Sea is famous.

But isn't this just ordinary dried pollock?

This as an ingredient...?

Fresh off the sea, they look so fresh.

I have king crabs of the East Sea. Where the folks toil away long nights for the joy of welcoming mornings.

I prepared a North-Korean-style sweet rice drink with halibut as I dream of a unified Korea.

I prepared Kimchi soup with bean sprouts to help with hangovers.

I prepared ginseng Kimchi for an energetic morning.

I prepared seafood wrap with wild ginseng Kimchi for an even more energetic morning.

Good job, everyone!

Now the moment has arrived.

With the ten chefs present here

to create the greatest Kimchi ever,

we begin the second battle of Kimchi!

The chefs look like gladiators in ancient Rome in this round hall.

They must really be feeling the tension since they can see each other.

Indeed, how they overcome the tension will be the key to winning.

There're two great joys in the world.

One is water streaming into dry rice fields.

The other is food going in your kid's mouth.

- No! No! - Mother! Mother!

She fell. Let me just help her up before I go!

- Let's go! - Mother!

- Oh dear god! No! - Mother!

No! My son! No!

Mother!

Mom! Mom! Don't go!

Mom! Don't leave me!

Mom!

I had my doubts when I saw your ingredients earlier.

What do you call this again?

It's just called...

Golden Pollock Kimchi.

- Golden Pollock Kimchi? - I see.

Kimchi meets golden pollock.

I see. Is this, too, in line with... the theme of the contest?

Of course.

While maintaining the unique identity of our traditional food,

I think moderate change is desirable to suit the palate of the world.

That way, the world will experience the beauty and taste of Korea without hesitance.

Our own Kimchi

is put into pickled onions and yellow cucumbers.

I made something that also looks familiar to foreigners.

The moist pollock and Kimchi complement each other well.

Getting this kind of taste out of dried pollock

is absolutely magical.

It's low in fat and high in protein. Great for dieting, too.

It can be a great breakfast even without rice!

Don't you think?

Yes, yes, I do. Delicious.

It's yummy.

Kimchi with king crabs, I presume.

Usually, crabs are cut into pieces and mixed with the seasonings.

But you followed the traditional style of using a crab's innard for Kimchi stuffing.

Beautiful. This is the only word that comes to mind.

Our Kimchi looks like a work of art.

Then, shall we?

Excuse me.

Well, this is...

not bad, but...

How shall I put this?

A bitter taste lingers at the end.

I also think that bitterness is somewhat troubling.

Was there a mistake in mixing the spices by chance?

The crab meat is all squashed and tastes rather flat and stale.

His resentment toward his mom grew rooted deep in him.

Everything he makes ends up tasting bitter.

Let's thank our ten finalists. They brought out the true greatness of Kimchi for the last two hours.

Well done indeed, everyone.

Let's see our finalists' running totals to determine who the winner is.

Ready? Here they are!

Contestant one, Chef Kim Joo Young, 528.

Contestant four, Chef Kim Jin Wook, 535.

Chef Seol Joo Mi, 527.

Chef Bae Jang Eun, 575!

The two great finalists are

Chef Bae Jang Eun and Chef Sung Chan!

Let's find out the theme of the final round to determine the grand finalist.

The world's attention is on Kimchi, a food of wellness

that garners all the rave of health-conscientious food.

At a time like this, what's Kimchi supposed to mean if it wants to relate to the world?

I hope our two finalists have the answer.

Here! The theme for the final round is this!

At the final round, a week from now,

we hope to see the best Kimchi you can make and

moreover, a kind of Kimchi that the entire world can relate to!

Congratulations. You made it to the final.

No need for sarcasm.

It's over now.

What is?

You really don't know?

It's no use trying to win anyway.

Stupid.

Are you scared?

It's not because I'm scared.

I'm not as good. That's all.

That's not it.

Sung Chan, it wasn't that you weren't good, but you got scared.

Not of Bae Jang Eun, but of your birth mom!

You let it all rot.

Both the king crabs

and your mom's Kimchi.

So you know? What a relief.

I don't care how hard it was for my mom.

If she had truly cared for me, she should've kept me.

Isn't that what parents do?

How could I not know!

She's been fighting it for over a year

till cancer spread throughout her body.

I believed her when she said she was taking cold medicine.

If you hadn't gotten in the way, things wouldn't be this bad.

Chunyang-gak was always between Mom and me.

All I wanted was to remove that barrier.

That was

the only way I could reconnect with Mom.

Stop making ridiculous excuses.

Chunyang-gak or not, Mother wanted to love you.

But you pushed her away.

Shut up! You know nothing!

I wanted to show her why I felt and I had to do what I did.

But if she dies like this,

it's all because you got in the way.

It's all your fault!

Though you're blaming me now,

the truth is you're blaming yourself.

Am I wrong?

I...

am supposed to be a chef.

But truthfully,

I haven't got a clue what Mom's taste is like.

I want to know what that's like.

I'm dying to know, but I can't!

Just be honest.

You only wanted to beat me.

That's all there is to it.

You're too proud to lose.

You're dying to know what Mom's taste is like?

Don't make me laugh.

How can you say that when you know well what you threw away?

Watch what you say.

Why do you think I threw that out?

What about you?

What have you done in the last ten years?

Shut up!

Fine.

Now that the cat is out of the bag,

I'll crush you till the end.

Did you have a dream?

I saw Sung Chan's mom.

But I couldn't face her.

Let's go.

Where are we going all of a sudden?

If I told you,

would you quit selling stuff out of your van?

It was your mother's request.

She wanted me to find something for you.

What's that?

Come on, kiddo. You talk too much.

You cook with your mouth. No wonder the way your food tastes!

Come on, let's get going, will you?

Hey, Dr. Nobody.

Drinking so early in the day?

It's my only friend, you know.

Well, how's Sun Geum?

Same as always.

Is this the fella?

I remember you as a boy.

Then you're...

It was twenty years ago,

but I remember it so well as though yesterday.

How can I forget?

Remember?

They found her collapsed on the floor of the salt storehouse.

Inside her body was full of salt.

The artery in her brain ruptured.

She was already brain dead.

There was nothing I could do for her.

Then finally

a miracle like that happened throughout the night.

From the medical standpoint,

no one could explain what happened.

As if she wasn't ready to die like that.

Like she had a desperate reason to live.

The miracle continued till the next day.

It would've been easier on her to let go, but she fought to hang on.

But...

I was truly mistified.

Your mother

was someone who couldn't hear.

Mom?

In all my life

I've never seen anyone like your mother,

who waited for her child as desperately as she did.

Help!

Help!

Sung Chan!

Come on, Sung Chan's Mom!

Hey, Sung Chan!

Are you all right?

Wake up!

Mom!

No, Mom!

Mom!

All the mothers in the world are

like salt, I think.

Though it's the beginning and the end of all foods,

it lets itself melt and just does what it's supposed to, without ever complaining.

I know now.

When I told you that I would compete in the contest,

why didn't you stop me?

Now, it looks like each of us

has a thing to do.

- This is so tasty. - Thanks.

I really didn't think you would come.

Thank you.

I'll accept your invitation anytime.

Have you decided on the menu for the final round?

About that,

what did you think of those dishes?

I've never felt it was my place

to judge your cooking.

Oh, dear.

You do know why I invited you here, don't you?

Please, tell me.

All your dishes were exquisite.

Each dish was so perfect

that I wouldn't dare

to assess them.

However...

However?

It was my first time

seeing you so nervous.

You are right.

I...

haven't found the answer yet.

No, I think

you already have.

Look at them.

They look pleased.

You might find your answer there.

What do you see

in those people?

No doubt your Kimchi dishes will please everyone around the world,

but I must say that the soul of the food,

or some important essence

is still missing.

My apologies. An inferior cook like myself shouldn't...

No, thank you for your honesty.

How petty. Going off alone.

Let's see how he does without me.

This is as good as I thought.

You'll grow old and senile some day.

Do whatever you want till you die alone, you hardhead.

This is not a crime.

It isn't!

Quiet! Come on!

You two, just find the seal.

Once we put that seal on the papers—

Wait!

Aren't you going to tell me what you're making?

I told you already, "Mom's taste".

So typical of you. Talking your way out of everything.

You can win, right?

Yes, of course.

Chef Bae Jang Eun,

what kind of Kimchi do you think can have world appeal?

A taste that moves the heart.

That's not only the essence of all things,

but also it's the sincerity of a chef who wants to make the best dishes.

Any dish that has such sincerity,

I believe, can get through to anyone anywhere in the world.

The Kimchi I'm about to make

may not appeal to the whole global populace.

What I'm thinking of is

Mom's taste.

The number of all the tastes in the world is

as same as that of mothers in the world.

If the heart of all the mothers is the same,

this taste just might resonate with people all over the world.

Great, thank you.

Apparently, the last round is a dual between "Taste That Moves the Heart"

and "Mom's Taste".

Here, on the stage,

you see the best ingredients flown in from around the country.

In addition, where our two chefs stand,

we see the secret ingredients each chef brought with them.

Though the ingredients are the same,

depending on how they are mixed, they can create hundreds of different tastes.

That's the world of Kimchi.

Now, our two finalists will have two hours.

I hope you'll make the best Kimchi that communicates with people around the world!

Chef Sung Chan has held fast to the traditional Korean ways till now.

On the other hand, Chef Bae Jang Eun insists on new fusion methods for the world.

How will tradition clash with fusion this time?

We can't help but wonder what the result of the two chefs' artistic creativity is going to be.

Who do you think will win?

I'm not sure.

In the past, folks were mindful of choosing

a sacred day to make Kimchi.

They even cleaned their bodies and stayed away from any impurities in preparation.

I suppose then the one who took a bath will...

Right on.

Winning is in mind control.

In the olden days, mothers-in-laws had to be careful not to cross their daughters-in-law on the day of making Kimchi.

If you get angry or displeased,

the level of salt in your body can get messed up.

That can distort your taste buds.

Making Kimchi is a work of great sensitivity.

Chef Sung Chan is using a stone bowl.

That's how you preserve and even intensify the original texture of ingredients.

It's a very traditional method.

On the other hand, Chef Bae Jang Eun is cooking each ingredient separately.

She wants to maintain the unique attributes of each ingredient and lock in its flavor.

I see her determination in that regard.

Camera one, close up to Chef Jang Eun's hands.

I'm getting hungry here.

Can I eat some of that when the contest is over?

The right way to eat Kimchi is you rip a big piece into long strands with your hands

and wrap a big spoonful of rice with it!

Then you munch it down. You can't get better than that.

- You won't need any side dis— - Come on, be quiet!

Camera two, stay on. Camera one, zoom in on Sung Chan.

What the— They're doing the same thing!

Hey, bro, they aren't cheating, are they?

Their Kimchis look the same!

This isn't the SATs!

You've got to eat before you do anything else, yes?

Yes, Sir!

Hey, hey, I can't see the TV, fool.

Fantastic!

What kind of wine is this?

What the heck is in this wine?

Damn, really.

This can't be!

It can't be!

This tastes like...

Mom!

We've waited for a long time for this moment.

Now, to crown the first champion of the first Grand Korea Kimchi Contest,

the judges will begin their deliberation.

No way, both of you...

Chef Bae Jang Eun?

You didn't go with fusion this time.

Instead, you made a very traditional cabbage Kimchi.

I thought about it, long and hard,

and I realized this was the taste that moved my heart.

But... both of you...

made what it looks like an ordinary cabbage Kimchi.

Will this plain, ordinary-looking cabbage Kimchi

be the best kind that resonates with the world?

We'd like to hear from both of you before we taste them.

I beg to differ with you.

In fact, I got to try many new Kimchis I didn't know about the whole time,

but I thought something was missing.

Why?

Korean cabbage Kimchi is a staple in our daily diet.

But then, no one in the contest made it.

I mean, was the purpose of this contest

finding a new style of Kimchi?

You see, you see, at the last round,

I ate a Kimchi that was loaded with salt.

Any idea how much water I had to gulp down all night?

It's absurd to think we can give the world a Kimchi we aren't even familiar with!

It doesn't make any sense.

Fine. Just because they made the same style of Kimchi,

we can't disqualify them.

In the end, we'll have to let the taste decide the winner.

Wait for a second, please.

Well, what's this?

Isn't this against the contest rules?

It's the same Kimchi I made with the same ingredients.

I just had it fermented in a low-temperature freezer for a period of time.

- As you well know, Kimchi's true taste comes from fermentation. - That's true.

Well, what should we do?

But there are the contest rules we must follow.

I also prepared fermented Kimchi.

Then we can judge the two Kimchis in the same condition.

There, go for it. Why hesitate?

There.

With a lot of spices and brine,

it could've easily gone salty and spicey.

But with the paste of sweet rice added,

it actually tastes rich and smooth.

Yes, but I taste something else.

It's certainly different from the ordinary southern style of Kimchi.

It's well fermented.

Here we have "Mom's Taste".

It looks the same as "Taste that moves the heart" but...

Well, the thing about Mom's taste is that it easily moves the heart.

Then shall we try and see how different it tastes?

Sure.

Wait, am I tasting this right?

All I can say is the two Kimchis taste exactly the same.

This one is just as well-fermented as the other.

You're right. This one is as tasty as the other.

- Excuse me, Chief Kim? - Yes?

Please be more precise with your words.

How is saying, "Something tastes the same as the other"

is different from, "something is as tasty as the other"?

Wait, I think these two Kimchis taste somewhat different. That's odd.

Hold on. When I eat that one and then this, I'm not all that sure.

But when I eat this and then that over there,

I feel like I'm onto something.

I'll be right back. Stay right here.

That's strange.

This can't be.

I'm quite certain my Kimchi

was born out of my head.

In truth, the Kimchi I made

has the taste of the Kimchi that the mother who raised me made.

She insisted on using only the best of the best ingredients in the country for her Kimchi.

Korean cabbage, salt, garlic, salted shrimp...

She saw to it herself that nothing was missing.

Where are you going with this?

When it comes to red peppers,

she not only used sun-dried peppers,

but also heat-dried ones that others didn't deem as good.

That's because sun-dried peppers give a spiciness that stings,

but they have less sweetness than heat-dried peppers that have more nutrients.

Stop.

The Kimchi she made with such ingredients of supreme quality

produced a taste that went beyond sweetness, saltiness, bitterness, sourness, and spiciness.

It was that fermented taste of her Kimchi and with it,

that Mother wanted to

teach you the ultimate sense of taste.

In the best way she knew how.

But...

You know that's not all, right?

I don't want to hear it! Stop!

Mother also put in her Kimchi

cinnamon.

Do you know why?

Other people rarely use it.

But Mother always used cinnamon.

Since you were little,

Mother said you had a chronic low body temperature,

and she knew cinnamon was good for you.

That's why she made her Kimchi the way she did. All for you.

That's the Chunyang-gak Kimchi.

That Kimchi was Mother's heart for you.

Look at him. He's good!

- Can you get me a tray? - Yes, Mom.

I was such a horrible daughter to you, Mom.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry, Mom.

- Come on, you look pretty already. - Wait!

Let's see how well you do after you drop everything in my lap.

There.

Well, well, it was only yesterday you insisted on taking over Chunyang-gak.

I'm free to be on the road, thanks to you holding down the fort.

But if it makes you feel any better, you can buy my produce.

For cheap, right?

Eat my heart, too, why don't ya?

We thank the gods for their love and blessings.

We thank the gods for helping us open Chunyang-gak again.

For prosperity and good fortune in the coming days,

we dedicate all of our hearts to you.

Just a moment!

Brother! Brother!

Those cheapskates.

When I asked for a discount, they said they wouldn't deliver.

This is really a big gift, right?

It's quite heavy!

Excuse me. That's alright.

Nice!

And money.

Good-looking pig.

For my bus fare.

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

What a character.

So small.

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