Original subtitles

1950 DECEMBER 23RD HEUNGNAM DOCK

-Hurry! -Quick!

-Slow down, son! -Father, hurry!

Son, leave everything. Just grab the important things.

Get moving!

Why are we rushing?

The airborne troops are coming. Miss the US military ship, we're dead.

-Let's hurry! -Come on out already!

-Come on! -Don't throw that away that's--

We must survive first!

Get Mother! Hurry up!

Yeong-hoon.

Are you cold?

I'm fine. I'm just worried about Yeong-hoon.

Don't worry about him.

He's Ja Geum-sun, your son. This is nothing for him.

Huh, what is that?

People are already on the ship.

-What if we miss it! -Hurry, let's go!

Why were we the last to know? We live the closest. Hurry!

-Hurry! -Let's go!

Let's go, Geum-sun.

Don't do this! We're one of you!

Please, open the gates!

Move out of the way!

Out, out!

The gates are open!

Stay close, Geum-sun.

If by any chance, we lose each other--

Don't talk like that. Don't you remember how we became a family?

You're right.

Let's go.

Cheol-jin! Cheol-jin!

Grandma!

Grandma!

Don't do it.

Geum-sun, keep going.

No!

Jong-mun!

Stop!

Jong-mun!

-Oh, no! -What are you doing?

Grandma!

Hang on tight!

Come on up! Hurry!

Cheol-jin!

Raise the anchor!

-Cheol-jin. -Here you are.

-Grandma. -Cheol-jin.

You got it!

Give me your hand. Your hand.

I got you! Cheol-jin.

Cheol-jin, my baby.

Thank you!

Jong-mun, get on!

Jong-mun!

Jong-mun!

Grab on!

Hang on tight!

-Hang tight! -Geum-sun! Geum-sun!

-Jong-mun! -Survive!

-You must survive! -No, don't!

You have to survive!

Don't!

No!

Jong-mun!

Are you okay?

Yeong-hoon!

Yeong-hoon!

Let's go, Cheol-jin.

NAKWON INN

-Excuse me, miss. -Yes?

-More makgeolli, please. -One minute.

Thank you.

Are you from the north?

How did you know?

You're looking far off into the sea.

How can I not know?

Goodbye.

Hurry, pack up. Don't you want to go home?

All right. Just one more drink.

EPISODE 1

THE NAKWON HOTEL

"I want to provide a refuge for those who lost their homeland."

Our founder Ja Geum-sun named our hotel 'Nakwon,'

hoping to provide a paradise for those

who meandered with the painful memories of war.

She never lost that hope and worked hard to make this a paradise for all.

With 15 branches nationwide, Nakwon Group's legacy will continue

as South Korea's most historical hotel chain.

As we continue to pursue the hopes of our founder.

Tomorrow, 'The Hotel Nakwon' will launch in the hopes to become a paradise

for those around the world.

Get Hoseong Gallery on the line.

This piece by Mr. Jo. It isn't the one from the exhibit, is it?

This course meal provides the smallest portions of food.

Customers these days are more environmentally aware.

As service providers, creating less food waste

is one of the ESG frameworks we need to practice.

It won't be easy, but please be mindful.

Good morning.

Whether it be luggages from taxis,

or luggages from luxury cars.

Whether it be a 2.8 million won carrier,

or a 28,000 won student backpack.

We treat them all the same.

Don't forget this, everyone.

Yes, ma'am.

Hey, sweetie.

Wow.

That was a hard punch.

I told you to stop that.

But it's so fun.

Strangers will think I'm the perfect boyfriend.

-And the people who know us? -Even better. I'll look pathetic.

Wow, so this is really our hotel?

My hotel.

Just thinking about it gives me chills.

Why are you really here?

Obviously, I'm here to congratulate you.

Then attend tomorrow's event.

I can't stand events.

Our brother will attend anyway.

Se-yeon.

I've been meaning to say this.

You are so awesome.

I mean it.

You made your dream hotel into reality.

Grandma needs to see this, too.

Even visits aren't allowed. They need her kept stable.

She can't come.

Yeong-hoon.

Yeong-hoon.

Yeong-hoon.

Yeong-hoon.

Yeong-hoon.

Yeong-hoon.

Yeong-hoon.

Yeong-hoon, Yeong-hoon.

-Yeong-hoon, Yeong-hoon. -Calm down.

-Jong-mun, Jong-mun. -You're okay.

So scary.

-Jong-mun. -Chairwoman.

-Jong-mun.

Chairwoman Ja.

It would be best for you to rest some more.

How long do I have?

Sorry?

You have about three months left.

Mr. Jeong, I'd like to go home.

-Let's go home. -Ma'am.

Jeong-suk, get ready.

Sir, shall we go?

Se-gyu.

You said you weren't coming. What's up?

Haven't you heard?

Ms. Park!

Ms. Park, something's happened.

-Today-- -Today what?

There will be an emergency board meeting.

Let us begin the emergency board meeting

to discuss the liquidation of Nakwon Hotel Group.

As you all know--

What did you say?

Mr. Kim.

How can you assemble a meeting without my approval?

Especially, about the hotel's liquidation?

We already sent a letter of notice. I guess you didn't check your mailbox.

Should we have sent an email instead?

Anyway, we notified you.

If you missed it, that's too bad.

You find this funny?

I'm this hotel's third largest shareholder,

and you discuss liquidations without me?

Does this make sense?

Yes, it does.

The group's largest shareholder Chairwoman Ja Geum-sun is very ill.

That brings us to our second largest shareholder

Mr. Park Se-jun.

Mr. Park is the one who pursued the liquidation deal

with the world-renowned Bilton Hotel Group.

Now do you understand?

After the initial assessments,

all necessary adjustments for the liquidation will be made.

What he is saying… is it true?

Well,

The Chairwoman, who is hospitalized due to her chronic illness

is considered incapable of any proper decision making--

The Chairwoman is here.

NAKWON HOTEL EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING

Chairwoman, how did you--

Ma'am, are you… how is your health?

Why? Are you disappointed because I'm not dead?

Oh, no. How could I possibly…

Well, I'm craving some coffee since it's been so long.

The hospital wouldn't let me drink coffee.

Seong-do, make me some coffee, will you?

Yes, ma'am. Right away.

Miss Yeo, get her some coffee.

-Yes, sir. -What are you doing?

I'm sorry?

I asked you to make coffee, not that girl.

Me?

For the first twenty years of your work here

you were in charge of my coffee, remember?

Don't act weird now.

Ma'am, many eyes are on us now.

I want to drink the your coffee.

Cream and sugar. You know what I like, right?

A two-two-one ratio.

Get me that.

I'll be right back.

If I may, I'd like to have my coffee with my family.

It's been over a month since I saw my grandchildren.

-Grandma. -I'm all right.

How have you been?

You look beautiful today.

Look at all these trinkets. Why don't you dress your age?

-Get it together. -Man, this again?

Park Se-gyu. Get over here.

Saying "Get over here," what does that ever do?

-I guess you're well enough to nag. -Se-gyu.

I see your high-pitched voice is the same.

Bam, here. Goodbye. I'm gone!

Oh, that child.

He looks like some goblin.

Tastes bland.

Ma'am?

Your coffee used to taste delicious.

It always tasted delicious too.

It was pretty amazing.

Maybe my taste buds have changed.

Or are you the one who's changed?

I'm sorry, ma'am.

Forgive me.

We must get going as we need to take care of some things.

I'm worried you'll ruin your health by straining yourself like this.

Please take care of her.

Sir.

I really didn't know.

She wasn't in the state to leave the hospital.

I don't understand.

If she takes back her position, the liquidation plans will have to stop.

-Let's keep it going. -Sir?

We just need to adjust our schedule.

My dream was to make a hotel anyone could see from afar

like a lighthouse by the horizon.

And you made that happen.

Thank you.

Let's talk details at home.

Today's a busy day for you. Go take care of business.

-You're not going to the hospital? -I'm not going back there.

Grandma, you can't do that.

Se-yeon.

Chairwoman, shall we get going?

Yes.

Are you okay?

Let's go.

CHAIRWOMAN JA GEUM-SUN ILL

NAKWON GROUP, SUCCESSION OR LIQUIDATION?

CHAIRWOMAN DEATH RUMORS

CHAIRMAN JA GEUM-SUN TERMINALLY ILL

UNDER THE QUEEN'S UMBRELLA

THE CHAEBOL SUCCESSION WAR BEGINS

In order for Nakwon to become a global brand,

I think we must proceed with this deal.

So the Nakwon Hotel liquidation is really happening?

I can't say for sure until anything is concrete.

Since Chairwoman Ja Geum-sun founded Nakwon Group

we are proud to have kept our name

as the Koreas' largest hotel chain.

That fact won't change.

Then what about the liquidation deal?

We won't be liquidating ever.

What? Liquidation?

Answer me, at least.

We won't be looking into that ever. Is that good enough for you?

Then what will you be looking into?

You?

Mr. Kim

Bilton will need to speed up the paperwork process.

If unnecessary rumors spread,

it would be disadvantageous to both selling and buying parties.

Yes, as quickly as possible.

CHAIRWOMAN JA TERMINALLY ILL

LIQUIDATION OR SUCCESSION IN THE WORKS?

OLD BOY

I think I might be lucky enough to get ten today.

Coffee delivery orders, please.

Four cups of coffee!

Over here.

THE NATIONAL GARDEN

A STAGE OF FRIENDSHIP

A STAGE OF FRIENDSHIP

Another busy day.

A STAGE OF FRIENDSHIP

How very handsome.

What's with the shakiness?

Maybe you're working too much?

FRIENDSHIP THEATER GROUP

Yes, that feels good.

It's because bike riding isn't exercise but labor.

FRIENDSHIP THEATER GROUP

If you bike ride until your legs give out

you might get prostate issues, no?

Wow, you're so weak.

Hey, my prostate is fine.

WE ARE ONE BLOOD, ONE PEOPLE, ONE HEART

-Over there, over there. -Where, where?

2002, THE 4TH DISPERSED FAMILY REUNION

-Mom! -Mother!

WE ARE ONE BLOOD, ONE PEOPLE, ONE HEART

Oh, Father.

-My son! -Father!

FAMILY REUNION: RI YEONG-HOON, RI MOON-SEONG, JA GEUM-SUN

Mother.

Are you…

It's Yeong-hoon.

You're Yeong-hoon?

Yeong-hoon.

I'm sorry I didn't recognize you.

It's been a long time.

Don't cry.

Hi there.

This is Moon-seong.

This feels like a dream.

How did it come to this?

I can die happy now.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR REUNION

WE ARE ONE BLOOD, ONE PEOPLE, ONE HEART

There.

Does Moon-seong look like Father so much?

That's right.

I first met your father when he was about this age.

Father was six years younger than you,

so you must have quite a clear memory.

You're the spitting image of your father's face

when he became older.

I'm not as handsome as Father.

Mother, you look exactly like how Father described you.

I'm sure I don't look exactly the same. I'm a grandmother now.

No, really.

Your eyes, your mouth.

Father told me about you every day, so I knew it was you immediately.

I see.

Father missed you so much.

Our neighbors constantly told him he should remarry,

but he never budged.

I see.

That sounds like your father.

But I couldn't do the same.

Upon reunification, go and apologize to Father at his grave.

I'm sure he'll accept your apology.

Yes. Of course.

When we reunify, let's build a house near Father's grave--

If reunification happens, you'll never have to worry about a thing.

Moon-seong, you'll be able to do anything,

learn anything, and buy anything you want.

There are so many things in Seoul that you would love.

Mother, you won't be returning to your hometown then?

Well, things are better in South Korea to raise children--

No thank you.

I see. I've made a mistake.

It's not a mistake, is it?

Because you married another man,

and had children and grandchildren with him.

It's a good thing Father passed early.

Yeong-hoon.

Father uttered your name until his last breath.

Not a day went by that I didn't think of him.

Not only do you look alike, but you have his personality, too.

How is it that you look so much like your grandfather?

Yeong-hoon.

The man I married in South Korea

died young after we had our son.

But our son and his wife

have already passed away.

The only reason I withstood such a punishing life

was because of my grandchildren who lost their parents.

You…

Your father…

I've never forgotten for a single day.

I don't need that.

You have to take it.

I'm so old that cancer cells are growing old with me.

They aren't as strong.

I'm fine without the medicine.

How about a visit to the hospital?

I could live another year if I get hospitalized.

I could live three months if I live here freely.

Which would you choose, Mr. Jung?

I'd like to see you healthy

and live a long life.

I'm 92 years old.

It'd be an understatement to say that I lived a long life.

What's nine more months at this point in my life?

If only living a little longer meant

that I could see that boy's face again.

NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA FAMILY REUNION

Stay healthy. Until we meet again.

Can't you just come with us?

Moon-seong,

let's promise to meet here again next year, okay?

Let's make a promise, like this.

Grandma, we'll meet again.

My name is Ri Moon-seong. Don't forget me.

I never forgot him. I kept that part of the promise.

But we couldn't keep the promise to meet again.

That child wrapped his little pinky

tightly around mine.

I can't…

forget that feeling.

Twenty years is a long time.

Do you think that child's grasp

would feel the same now?

Since you put it that way. It's interesting.

I remember the first day I met you.

I remember so clearly.

If I think of you how you were back then,

I couldn't have imagined that you would become the man you are now.

Wouldn't you agree?

The son of the man who helped a stranger's child

at the price of himself being left behind.

I guess he would be about 30 years old now.

A young man.

Mr. Ri Moon-seong.

The Chairwoman won't be returning to this hospital after today.

MIRAE HOSPITAL

Will she really be all right?

All she did was look out the window except when she had chemo.

It was as though time had stopped.

She could either spend a year like that.

Or she could move forward for three months.

Her decision isn't surprising.

Did she just tell me her last wish?

-Are you going out now? It's a holiday. -I have a meeting.

Here, drink this. I didn't make it.

Your aunt made it for you.

-Se-jun. -Se-yeon.

Let's talk.

You've given up on the liquidations, right?

-No. -Se-jun.

AirD&D stocks are higher than Bilton's. You know that.

-What? -Hotels lose value the second it opens.

That's why I sought to liquidate the moment it opened.

Does our family, this hotel, the time we spent here,

the staff's hard word at the hotels.

Does it mean nothing to you?

If we can make more money by selling. Then we should sell.

You think there's a price on everything, but you're wrong about that.

The staff will be compensated. Plus, they'll remain employed.

That's not the issue.

Then, what's the issue? Why do you do business?

If I thought only about making and spending money

why do you think I started off as a restaurant waitress?

Don't you get it?

Nakwon is not a business to me.

-That's your problem. -What?

You don't treat this like a business. You love this hotel.

You stake your life on a business.

That's your problem.

Why is that a problem?

Fine, do what you love.

I'll run my business.

Keep what you want to keep. Let's see how you manage.

Going somewhere?

I need to meet someone.

To meet someone?

What did Se-jun say?

How's Grandma?

She's fine. Don't worry.

How long…

How long does she have?

Let's not worry about that.

Just think about how you're going to spend your time with her.

-Keep the change. -Oh, thank you.

Sang-cheol, it was really hard to put that together.

Traveling the seas isn't in the stars for me.

I'm not Columbus. I'm certainly not Ghengis Khan.

I traveled everywhere from the Manchu fields to China's seashores.

I'm going to need a little more than what we agreed on.

You have no idea what I went through.

The travel expense alone was astronomical.

Finish that before you say more.

NORTH KOREA AHEAD BORDER CROSSING STRICTLY PROHIBITED

JILIN PROVINCE, CHINA

Hey, hey.

Sang-cheol, you heard of the Bukhan Mountain mules?

Mules?

Drugs.

That's what Bukhan Mountain is known for.

These men go back and forth from China and North Korea, carrying packs of drugs.

This particular one has nothing to lose.

I think he carried over 100 kgs all alone.

He's a notorious smuggler.

There's more.

Jobs that call for violence, kidnapping, murder.

He'll do anything to make money.

Really?

There's information because there is evidence.

Based on this information, I can guarantee one thing.

This man is garbage… the worst kind at that.

How long do I have?

You have about three months… left.

I could live another year if I get hospitalized.

I could live three months if I live here freely.

This man, Ri Moon-seong.

I can guarantee one thing.

This man is garbage… the worst kind at that.

If only living a little longer meant that I could see that boy's face again.

Chairwoman.

It's quite chilly today.

Shall we go inside?

I'm just waiting for my final day.

If the day is cold, it's cold. If it's warm, it's warm.

Feeling the temperature outside as it is

is another one of life's pleasures.

All my life I watched my loved ones go before me

My time has finally come.

Chairwoman.

When was the North and South Korea family reunion?

That was 20 years ago.

My infant son whom I left behind in the north

was a grown man.

We were all smiles as I said my goodbyes with his son on the train platform.

We thought we'd see each other again.

But…

at the next family reunion,

my son wasn't there.

Father!

Instead, there was a notice about his death.

Father!

The son I bore here in the south

said he'd be back before he stepped out.

But he never returned.

I sat here, watching my family go before me.

Just waiting for them to return home.

Now, I sit here…

waiting for my turn.

But your family lives on.

Se-yeon is here.

So are her brothers.

Remember, Chairwoman.

Yes, that's right.

That's right.

Yes, that's right.

Who made you?

You're beautiful.

Hey, Hyo-jin.

Se-yeon.

Look here. Ready?

One, two, three. Cheese.

Se-yeon, I've been to countless hotels all over the world.

I've been to more than you.

-You're right. -So, speaking from my expertise,

this hotel is in the top 1% of the world.

Your father built it so well.

No, the architecture reveals its owner's philosophy.

This hotel has Park Se-yeon written all over it.

Mine? It's probably Chairwoman Ja's philosophy.

You and your grandmother? Same difference.

It's true.

The architecture, the service, the staff, the food,

the bedding, and even the silverware. Only one thing matters.

-Nakwon. -That's right.

That's why I can't sell this place.

I was able to complete my mission because of those comrades.

Thank you.

Is today your last?

If fate allows it, you and I will meet again.

You're right.

Reunification.

When we reunite.

Go Jeong-tae, Go Jeong-tae. You're surrounded. Quietly surrender.

We will shoot If you don't surrender.

I repeat. Go Jeong-tae. You are surrounded.

How dare you betray me!

No, it wasn't me.

I didn't report you.

Who else is here besides you, huh?

Was it you?

You said he was from the north.

Your democracy will fall by the hands of the north.

Stop!

Let me go!

Jeong-tae.

You sons of bitches!

I hope there's no such thing as the DMZ in the afterlife.

When we meet in the heavens,

let's have a drink together.

Jae-heon.

Jae-heon.

You're so awesome!

So awesome!

THEATER SUNFLOWER

Hey, man.

Hey.

So, about the promo.

We have such a small audience.

What good is it if the actors perform well?

You're the leader of this group.

Promotion is your job, which means you have to promote the play.

Some audience members still came. Who cares about the numbers?

Damn it!

When I…

when you said you were writing

about a North Korean soldier who survived a shipwreck,

I should have known then.

People would watch Hyun Bin for that, not us.

Trends change very quickly.

I practiced the North Korean accent, so I can play this role for a few months.

I'm so proud of myself. So, so proud of myself.

Fine. I'll try.

-Jae-heon, I loved the play. -Hi, there you are.

-So glad you came. Thank you. -Jae-heon.

Oh, an autograph, autograph.

-Heart. -Thank you.

Wait, how about a picture?

-Want a picture? -Where's your cell phone?

Hey, come closer.

-Here we go. -Cheese.

One, two, three.

-Jae-heon. -Yeah?

Someone's looking for you.

-Me? -Yeah.

-Who? -Don't know. Never seen the man.

A STAGE OF FRIENDSHIP

Hello.

He… hello.

I loved your performance.

Oh, thanks.

Your North Korean accent was excellent. It was an impressive performance.

Thank you.

Sir, you shouldn't sit there.

-Yeah, it's-- -I see. I apologize.

-It's a cast members only seat. -Is that so?

I haven't seen too many plays.

But to put up a life's story on this small stage.

I think it's amazing.

Yeah.

My job isn't anything amazing.

Actually, it is pretty amazing.

Excuse me, but which studio are you from?

Thank you.

Do you want to be in a play with me?

What?

On a big, great stage,

where you can change a life.

CURTAIN CALL

A grandchild who suddenly appeared?

Who is this Ri Moon-Seong?

Let's see the selected scene first.

-You're not taking the test? -After this piece.

I said it to be close to you.

Why am I so afraid?

A new young master is coming.

You know nothing.

100 million won a month isn't cheap.

-Is this a scam? -Should I ditch theater?