Original subtitles

THE VILLAGE BARBER

THE VILLAGE BARBER

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

THE THREE HAD BEEN WAITING FOR A CUSTOMER AFTER OPENING

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

- My gosh. - One second.

Oh, my. My gosh.

- 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...

THE TRIO WELCOMES THE LADIES

- Ma'am. - Hello.

THEIR NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR, MS. JEONG-JA

- What brings you... - Hello.

LOCAL RESIDENT, MS. OU YUN-OK

Ms. Jeong-ja.

Do you want your hair done, then?

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.

- 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.

Take a seat.

BO GUM SHOWS HER TO HER SEAT

I'll dye your hair first.

Can you trim it before dyeing it?

- Shall I trim it a bit? - Yes.

DYEING GRAY HAIR

SUDDEN ADDITION OF A TRIM

We have a lot of colors to choose from.

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

THE MOMENT A YEAR OF WAITING COMES TO LIFE!

WILL ALL HIS HARD WORK PAY OFF?

BO GUM PUTS HIS SCISSORS TO WORK FOR THE FIRST TIME

He started cutting.

What is it?

ALL EYES ARE ON HIM

It somehow feels strange to see you cutting hair.

IT'S THE FIRST TIME EITHER OF THEM

HAS SEEN BO GUM USE HIS SCISSORS

NERVOUS

IT'S NOT EASY TO CUT CURLY, PERMED HAIR

BUT HE CONTINUES TO TRY JUST AS HE PRACTICED

Sorry.

WHAT WAS THAT?

Sorry.

IMMEDIATELY SWITCHING TO A CLEAN COMB

Let me know what to do to make your job easier.

- Okay. - I'll sit straight or crooked

however you want me to sit.

- All right. - Good.

Thank you.

FEELING AWKWARD

WILL BO GUM SUCCESSFULLY FINISH HIS FIRST HAIRCUT?

HE CONTINUES TO CUT HER HAIR UNDER A LINGERING TENSION

How old is your granddaughter?

BIG STRIDES

QUICK FOOTSTEPS TOWARD THE SHOP

Welcome.

Welcome.

Hello. Welcome.

IS HE THE SECOND CUSTOMER?

- Welcome. - Hello.

Hello. Welcome to The Village Barber.

Please have a seat.

Sit over here.

It must've been a long trip from the south of the village.

You must've come to watch.

I came for a haircut.

- Do you want a cut? - Yes.

- Do you want a cut? - Yes.

Oh, my. Really?

Are you looking for a trim?

- Yes. - A little trim.

In that case...

STILL CUTTING

Sadly, sir, we only have one barber in the shop.

- For now... - When do you need to be out by?

Is there a particular time?

- Take your time. Let's hang here. - Or do you have time?

I'll take my time if the older ladies tell me to.

Take your time to work on him, but make me look pretty.

LAUGHING OUT LOUD

- I'll do my best, ma'am. - Thanks.

You're my first customer.

DOING HIS BEST

PUTTING IN EVEN MORE CARE FOR HIS VERY FIRST CUSTOMER

FOCUSED

I'M STILL HERE

FOR A MOMENT, HE HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT THE SECOND CUSTOMER

NOT A PAUSED FOOTAGE

GETS UP

HE GETS BORED OF SITTING DOWN AND GOES FOR A TOUR OF THE SHOP

A LOOK AT THE RECEPTION ROOM

ROAMING AROUND

I'm going to Seoul tomorrow.

SUDDENLY SHARES HIS BIG SCHEDULE

Yes, I'll finish up with her quickly.

Be quiet and let him take his time.

I'm sorry.

I heard you were giving haircuts.

- Yes, I'll do my best. - Good.

GOT SHOT DOWN RIGHT AWAY

CHECKS HIS NAILS

I'M STILL HERE

THEY ONLY HAVE ONE BARBER, AND HIS WAIT FEELS LONGER AND LONGER

GLANCES

PRESSING LIPS

BO GUM BEGAN TO FEEL ANXIOUS ABOUT THE SECOND CUSTOMER'S WAIT

I felt quite anxious. I wanted to get to him quickly

but I was in the middle of a haircut and dye.

CUTS WITHOUT HESITATION

STARING FAR AWAY

GLANCING

CHECKS ON HIM

HE GRADUALLY BEGINS TO MOVE FASTER

FEELING RUSHED

FLINCH

Ouch.

HE MADE A MISTAKE AND CUT HIMSELF WITH THE SCISSORS

BUT HE CONTINUES TO CUT AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED

SOON, HE BEGINS TO BLEED!

HUMMING

Please give me a moment. I need to mix the hair dye.

QUICKLY WASHING HIS HANDS

THE FIRST THING HE PICKS UP.

Two, three.

A LOT OF TISSUE PAPER?

Let's see. I don't see number three.

RUBBING

IN THE PRIVATE SPACE

Oh, no.

GLUM

HE HAD BEEN WIPING BLOOD FROM THE PREVIOUS WOUND

A MISTAKE HE MADE TRYING TO SPEED UP FOR THE WAITING CUSTOMER

BUT HE HID THE WOUND AS BEST AS HE COULD BECAUSE

It can make them feel anxious.

I couldn't do a perfect job starting with the first customer.

Well, I guess perfection is impossible.

HE HAS TO DYE MS. JEONG-JA'S HAIR

AND HIS SECOND CUSTOMER WAITS

I wanted to do a better job

but I didn't have enough time or any time to spare.

QUICKLY STOPPING BLOOD WITH TISSUE PAPERS

I was just upset.

HE HIDES HIS DISTRESS

AND COVERS THE WOUND WITH GLOVES

THEN, HE QUICKLY MIXES THE DYE FOR THE CUSTOMER

Aren't we taking too long?

WILL BO GUM OVERCOME THIS SITUATION?

Let me put this on you before I color your hair.

- Am I taking too long? Is it okay? - Don't worry.

I kept you waiting for too long, haven't I? I'm sorry.

- It's okay. - Is that okay?

THANK YOU

THE FIRST HAIR COLORING OF THE VILLAGE BARBER

THIS TIME, HE WON'T MAKE A MISTAKE!

ROLLING UP HIS ARMS

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

HE BEGINS TO APPLY THE HAIR DYE

STARTING WITH THE GRAYING ROOTS JUST AS HE LEARNED

DELICATE TOUCHES

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

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

HE MIGHT GET HAIR DYE ON HER EAR

THE EAR WHAT NOW?

The ear covers.

It's okay. You can smear it all over.

Just smear it on my hair.

I can't do that, ma'am.

I'm sorry about that.

Just make do with what you have.

WHAT ON EARTH IS HE LOOKING FOR?

Oh, you're putting that over my ears?

- Yes, I forgot to do this. - I see.

I didn't know what you were getting.

THE EAR COVERS ARE ON

HE HAS A CUT INSIDE HIS GLOVES

AND HIS MOUTH GETS DRIER AND DRIER AFTER A SERIES OF MISTAKES

SWEATING!

DRIP

IT MAKES HIM SWEAT TO ATTEND TO HIS FIRST REAL CUSTOMER

IS BO GUM DOING OKAY?

GETS UP

Should I wipe off the dye later? This one right here.

- You can wipe it off. - With Vaseline?

- Yes, gently. - Okay.

In the first cupboard you see in the back

you'll find a white bottle labeled "Remover" on the right.

- Should I use that? - Yes.

All right.

Thanks.

HEADING FOR THE REMOVER

IT'S NOT JUST SANG-YI WHO HAS HIS BACK

DONG-YEON LOOKS AROUND FOR ANYTHING HE CAN HELP WITH

GETS CLOSER

I'LL HOLD THIS FOR YOU

Thanks.

Let's share this together.

THE BROTHERS UNITE TO HELP BOSS PARK

Let me know if you need gloves.

I'm really nervous and covered in sweat.

I'm sweating like a pig.

COVERED IN SWEAT

Is your heart racing?

I wouldn't say it's racing, but...

- Are you nervous? - Yes.

MAXIMUM NERVOUSNESS

PROVIDING THE MOST DEVOTED CARE

- I think you need to get this part. - My husband and I fought a lot.

OH, NO!

- This part? - Here.

Yes, that's the part.

That's where my hair grays the fastest.

- It's important. - This part.

- Right here. - You'll keep seeing lots of roots.

You can smear it all over.

Slap it on.

- He'll apply it gently. - Go ahead and just slap it on there.

- She wants lots of coloring there. - Yes, that's it.

It doesn't mean anything bad.

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

- I'll use everything. - Okay.

Make it slip right into the graying parts.

Okay.

Just smear it all over.

Slap it on there.

You're done, right?

GETS EVERY CORNER JUST AS SHE WANTED

This part.

Let me get this part too.

BO GUM DOESN'T MISS A PART

I get lots of gray hair on that side.

- He's good at this. - Is he?

- I'm just nervous. - Don't be!

SHE'S NOT MAD IT'S HER TONE

But the fact that you trust me to let me do this...

I'm grateful for it.

THE FIRST COMPLIMENT FROM HIS FIRST CUSTOMER

BUT HE CONTINUES TO FOCUS WITHOUT RELAXING TOO MUCH

HOWEVER, THIS MAN STILL WAITS

Welcome to The Village Barber.

THEIR SECOND CUSTOMER VISITED 50 MINUTES AGO

AND NOW, HE LOOKS TIRED

STUDYING HIS FACE

WE KEPT HIM WAITING FOR TOO LONG

How much longer will it take?

- About half an hour now. - Half an hour?

- Just over 30 minutes. - So...

Should I get him ready?

Is it too soon? Can I put the gown on him?

- Yes, get him in a gown. - Okay.

Let us get started, sir.

May I have your jacket?

I'll grab your gown.

I'm sorry.

APOLOGIZING OVER AND OVER AGAIN

Let me tie this up.

PROVIDING EXCELLENT SERVICE WORTHY OF HIS WAIT

HE FINALLY PUTS THE GOWN ON AFTER A LONG WAIT

Please take a seat here.

We'll get to you in no time.

You look like a boss in that gown.

I am a boss.

Well, not a boss. I own a farm.

Do you grow peaches, too?

- Everyone here grows those. - Everyone here?

READY FOR HIS HAIRCUT

GLANCES

CHECKING

HIS MOVES SEEM ANXIOUS

Did I get everything?

MOVE FASTER

OH!

At the very bottom...

In the second drawer of the first cabinet

- you'll see some hair caps. - Okay.

- I think I know. - Okay.

I think they're black. You'll see some hair caps.

I NEED TO HURRY

Are these it? The hair wraps?

These?

Is this it?

That's it.

SANG-YI HELPS HIM FIND THE HAIR CAPS QUICKLY

STARING

I see Japanese characters on those.

- Sorry? - I see Japanese on it.

- Japanese... - Words.

I guess so.

All these clothes go all over the world now.

- You're right. - You know, our country

was liberated when I was nine.

- Really? - Really?

May I ask how old you are this year?

I told you. I'm 90.

OU YUN-OK, AGE 90

We were liberated in 1945

- and the Korean War began in 1950. - The War.

I've lived through two wars.

SHE LIVED THROUGH TWO WARS!

I was nine back then.

Ask her for her nickname.

What's your nickname?

I don't have one.

- Doctor Ou. - Doctor Ou?

LOVES THE JOKE

Stop it.

- We call her Doctor Ou. - You're Encyclopedia Ou.

LAUGHING

Doctor Ou. That's true.

HE'S FINALLY DONE WITH APPLYING THE HAIR DYE

Would you like to sit here or...

I'll go over there and chat.

Let me just remove the cutting cape.

HAIR COLORING, IN PROGRESS WAITING FOR HIS HAIRCUT

- She needs to wash at 11:10 a.m. - At 11:10 a.m.

- Okay. I'll do that at 11:10 a.m. - Yes, 11:10 a.m.

RUNNING INTO THE SHAMPOO ROOM?

EXHALE

HIDING AND PULLING HIMSELF TOGETHER

PEEKING AT THE WOUND

AND GROOMING HIS SWEATY LOOKS

STILL WAITING

I apologize for the wait.

I got it.

HE BEGINS WITH HIS SECOND CUSTOMER

What are you looking for, sir?

Should I make you look stylish and neat?

You have the scissors, so I'll leave you

- Am I on my own? - to do your thing.

Yes, sir.

Let me wet your hair.

BO GUM'S SPECIALTY, MEN'S HAIRCUT

FULL OF PASSION

GETS THE HAIR CLIPPERS READY

AND WIPES HIS HAND WITH A TISSUE PAPER?

HE'S STILL BLEEDING FROM THE CUT

PRESSING

CONCERNED

CAN HE CUT HIS HAIR DESPITE THE WOUND?

HE STARTS FROM THE BACK

STOPPING BLEEDING WITH A TISSUE PAPER

BUT THE BLOOD WON'T STOP EVEN AFTER SOME TIME

SERIOUS

It doesn't hurt, does it?

- No. - Is it okay?

THANKFULLY, THE CUSTOMER IS ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE

HIS OTHER HAND IS BUSY TRYING TO STOP THE BLEEDING

QUITE INCONVENIENT

I tried putting a tissue around it, but I couldn't stop the bleeding.

I looked around, but I couldn't find a bandage.

The blood.

The blood.

Do we have tape?

What do you need? Sticky tape?

What do you want to secure?

Can you get me one?

- Are you okay? - I'm fine.

- So I'll need one for that. - Okay.

Give me a second. It's...

Wait a second.

Just hold on.

Give me a second.

Wait a moment.

SLIP

- Careful. - I almost slipped.

- Don't rush it. - Walk slowly.

Hey, he cut his hand.

- Really? - He cut himself.

MOVING QUIETLY SO AS NOT TO ALARM THE CUSTOMERS

- Where's the wound? - His left hand.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

RESTLESS

DONG-YEON QUIETLY BLOCKS THE CUSTOMER'S VIEW

HE GETS THE BANDAGE AND OINTMENT READY

Find a good chance to put this on him.

Just that one.

Just put the bandage on me.

MAKE IT QUICK

OPERATION FIRST AID SUCCESS

Thanks.

AFTER TAPING HIMSELF UP, HE GOES BACK TO CUTTING

DONG-YEON CLOSELY ASSISTS THE WOUNDED BO GUM

HE REGAINS HIS FOCUS, THANKS TO THE FIRST AID

HIS MOVES SEEM MUCH SMOOTHER AFTER GETTING THE BANDAGE

BUT NOT HIS LEGS

Does this chair not move up?

It does.

Should I pull it up?

You have to make your life easier. It must be hard to bend over.

All right. I'm sorry.

No, I'm fine. I'm just sitting here.

It'll look like he's trying harder when he stoops down like this.

He's putting on an act.

It'll take a toll on you if you keep bending over.

And you'll feel more rushed when you try to move faster.

Relax and take your time.

Just relax.

I'll relax.

THE SECOND CUSTOMER ENCOURAGES BO GUM

Move one beat slower.

Take a breath as you move.

NOW, THE TOP OF THE HEAD

LONG HAIR

CHECKING THE SHAPE

SNIPPING

HE RELAXES AND GOES BACK TO CUTTING JUST AS HE SUGGESTED

CHECKING

CHECKING AGAIN

DRIP

THE MORE HE CUTS, THE SWEATIER AND MESSIER HE GETS

ARE YOU THAT NERVOUS, BO GUM?

Goodness, look how sweaty you are.

- Yes, he's that nervous. - Yes.

- You're nervous! - I am.

- I'm nervous. - That's why he's sweating.

He probably feels like

a doctor who's trying to save a patient from death.

SO MUCH PRESSURE!

Goodness, that's not good.

You shouldn't be like that.

It feels so different to cut the hair for the elderly

compared to my peers in the army.

When people work at restaurants

some people will refuse to go on when they cut their hand.

That happens.

HE MUST'VE SEEN MY WOUND

DURING THE FIRST AID OPERATION

GLANCES

HE MUST BE HURT

HE KEPT HIS HEAD DOWN AND PRETENDED NOT TO NOTICE

He used to run a jjamppong place.

- He did? - That and jjajangmyeon.

- The jjajangmyeon place. - We used to go there often.

A LIFE LESSON FROM THE EX-JJAMPPONG BUSINESS OWNER

I used to get mad at myself when I cut my finger while cooking.

But once that happens, you never forget the mistake.

That's how you gain more experience.

You become very cautious from then on.

AN HONEST PIECE OF ADVICE FROM EXPERIENCE

DOING HIS BEST

Look how pretty you are.

I've always been pretty.

Look at how handsome he was born.

He looks pretty from the back and from the front.

- Looking handsome. - What do you want to eat? My treat.

No, I'm not talking about you!

I mean the celebrities.

Wait, us?

I got delusional.

Good grief. Do you think you're that pretty?

- He does, though. He's handsome. - I'm pretty enough.

- My family thinks I'm pretty. - This is comedy.

What else is funnier than this?

She's a comic around here and an announcer.

He thought we complimented him.

Well, complimenting him is one thing

but he keeps standing up for himself, saying he knows he's pretty.

THE ONLY MAN WHO'S SERIOUS IN THE MIDST OF THIS FRIENDLY SKIT

FINISHING UP BY TRIMMING THE BUMPS

ROUND

LASTLY, CLIPPING NEATLY

SMOOTH

PERFECT ANGLES

You're so good at giving men's haircuts.

- Really? Thank you for saying that. - You're good.

I'm glad.

You need to cut my husband's hair, too.

Sure. Anytime.

HE FEELS ENCOURAGED AND DOES HIS BEST TO THE END

ALL DONE!

Look at the back. It's so round and neat.

THE ROUND AND PRETTY HAIR

Let me wash your hair.

Please come to the shampoo room.

THE FIRST USER OF THE SHAMPOO CHAIR AT THE VILLAGE BARBER

THE TEST BEFORE THEY OPENED

My head...

THE POSTURE SEEMS AWKWARD

Lie down. Yes.

ANOTHER TRY, BUT HUH?

My head is stuck in here.

Lift your head, please.

Yes, this is perfect.

- This is hard. - That's a lot of work.

HOW WILL HE HANDLE

THE MANUAL SHAMPOO CHAIR HE ISN'T USED TO?

EXTREMELY NERVOUS

Do you feel comfortable?

Does anything feel uncomfortable?

- Are you doing okay? - I'm fine.

HIS HEAD ISN'T STUCK

Let me cover your eyes.

EYE MASK ON

The water's warm.

LOOKING AROUND

Let me shampoo your hair.

HE BEGINS TO SHAMPOO

Let me massage your head.

Okay

Let me know if it hurts.

AND A NICE HEAD MASSAGE

Let me rinse your hair now.

UPRIGHT

You can relax your neck.

EVEN MORE UPRIGHT

You can relax, sir.

The elderly aren't familiar

- with this kind of service. - Right.

So honestly, it's uncomfortable.

Do you feel uncomfortable now?

Do you feel uncomfortable now?

I'm more used to going to the barbershop.

- Yes. - And there, we do it face down.

Yes, you put your face down.

You're right.

I'm fine with that because it feels more familiar.

- So this must be awkward. - It's odd.

I'm not used to it yet.

It's a bit awkward.

You'll get used to it soon enough.

Do you want to rise anywhere else?

Wait, I'm already drying his hair.

What?

Please sit up.

It must've been uncomfortable.

Wait, you're all wet.

I'm sorry.

You're all soaked.

I'm sorry. Let's get you to your chair.

Let's get you to your chair.

WHAT'S GOING ON?

Oh, no.

FLUSTERED

THIS SITUATION WAS CAUSED BY

A GAP BETWEEN THE CHAIR AND THE SHAMPOO BASIN

EVERY TIME HE LIFTED HIS HEAD

THE WATER LEAKED DOWN HIS NECK

IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THE TWO USED A MANUAL BASIN

WHICH ENDED UP LIKE A SOAK FEST

I'm sorry. Let's get you to your chair.

Let's get you to your chair.

EMBARRASSED CHUCKLE

Look how wet this is.

- The chair was supposed to pull up. - It's...

It's...

I'm sorry.

HE'LL SPARE THE WORDS

- I'm sorry, sir. - Look at the water.

His back was soaked.

Yes, I felt so bad about that.

I had no idea, though. It was fine when we tried it out.

Should I have pushed him down?

CAN'T BEAR TO LIFT HIS HEAD

That was a tough one.

I felt really bad, too.

He said he was fine, but I felt bad for the inconvenience.

We have to improve on that. I'm dead serious.

MUST IMPROVE ON THE MANUAL SHAMPOO CHAIR

- Oh, no. I'm sorry. - It's all right.

It'll dry soon.

SUCH A CHILL GUY

You'll get used to it soon enough after a few first tries.

But your back is so...

FEELS BAD

Can you dry his hair with me?

DONG-YEON JOINS WITH A HAIRDRYER IN CASE HE GETS COLD

AND HE BEGINS TO STYLE HIM

WITH SOME HAIR ESSENCE

SPIKING HIS BANGS UP

AND PUSHING THE SIDEBURNS DOWN

My goodness. You made him look so handsome.

My goodness.

HE FIRST VISITED WITH MESSY HAIR

AND ASKED HIM TO WORK HIS MAGIC

Your hair looks clean-cut and nice.

CLEAN-CUT

You look great.

Very handsome.

BO GUM'S MAGIC GAVE HIM STYLE

We should take a picture to remember this.

I'd love to. We should take a picture too.

Do you want to take a cool one

like young kids these days?

Whatever you want to do.

One, two, three.

Three.

PEACE

One, two, three.

It looks nice.

Thank you.

THE FIRST HAIRCUT BY THE VILLAGE BARBER

- Thank you for waiting. - Good work.

Do you like it, sir?

- It feels nice. - You look well-groomed, sir.

It's nice to see such a clean, well-done haircut.

Let me grab your jacket.

The service here is immaculate. I don't want to leave.

I'm glad.

That'll be 5,000 won for the haircut.

We accept both cash and cards.

Would you like to pay by card?

A HAIRCUT FOR JUST 5,000 WON?

THEY ASKED MS. JEONG-JA THE MARKET PRICE FOR SALONS IN MUJU

A haircut can cost 10,000 won.

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

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

ACTIVELY REFLECTING THE VILLAGER'S OPINION

Only 5,000 won? So 5,000 won for a haircut.

FINAL PRICES CONFIRMED FOR THE VILLAGE BARBER

Our haircut costs 5,000 won.

We accept both cash and cards.

Since you're

our very first customer today, we won't charge you.

- No. - No, really.

The first sale is important.

- Yes, the first sale is important. - Right.

- Then, let's go big. - The opening sale.

I'll charge you 50 million won.

- Yes, 50 million won. - We'll charge 50 million won.

Five thousand.

Enter.

There we go. Would you like a receipt?

- No. - No receipt.

Okay, here you go.

You're our first customer.

All right, thanks.

- Thank you for coming, sir. - Thank you.

- Thanks for the haircut. - Thank you, sir!

- Goodbye. - Thank you!

HE'S WASHING MS. JEONG-JA'S HAIR AT THE MOMENT

- Please - Thank you, sir!

- stop by again. - Thank you.

- Happy New Year. - Take care.

THE VILLAGE BARBER WHERE MAGIC COMES TO LIFE

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HAIRCUT?

It's great.

He was so attentive that it almost felt like too much.

Look at my hair.

SMILING EAR TO EAR

ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO IMPROVE?

Improvements? Well...

Maybe just a little.

I got a little wet.

We usually bend over to wash our hair

but this setup doesn't quite fit men.

Other than that, nothing.

I could feel how sincerely he cut my hair.

I could feel it.

Thank you so much.

I'm heading to the village hall to brag about it to the other ladies.

I'm very satisfied.

HEADING OFF TO BRAG

He cut my hair so well.

THEY DID IT WITH SINCERITY

THE MANUAL SHAMPOO STATION THAT GOT FEEDBACK SAYING IT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

MS. JEONG-JA FROM NEXT DOOR IS GETTING HER HAIR WASHED THERE

- Is that okay? - Should I lift my neck?

It's okay, ma'am. You can just lie still.

It's fine. Just relax.

JUST LIKE THE JJAMPPONG PLACE OWNER

TRYING NOT TO GET HER BACK WET TOO

CAUTIOUS

That feels refreshing.

Am I scrubbing too hard?

- No. - Okay.

REFRESHED

You're really thorough.

I'm trying to be.

I don't want any water getting in back here.

That's fine.

Would it be better if I adjusted my head like this?

No, ma'am. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable.

Okay.

I'm not tired at all.

I'm happier when you're happy.

I'm happier when you're happy.

- Oh, dear. - Comfort matters most.

Please tell me if anything feels uncomfortable.

You really talk so sweetly.

He's scrubbing off every last bit of old grime.

Come out now.

- I'll be done in a second. - Don't make her too pretty.

It's tiring.

Lying down like this is uncomfortable, isn't it?

- No. - No, not her.

- For the person doing it. - She means you.

- I'm not tired at all. - I'm just worried.

I have to rinse it cleanly.

- Oh, honestly. - That's clean enough.

You've scrubbed all the grime off.

Oh, this...

- The gentleman who just left. - Yes.

I didn't catch his name.

- His name? - Yes.

What was the jjamppong guy's name? I don't know.

The jjamppong place owner?

Call him Jjamppong.

- We call him Mr. Jjamppong. - Then, everyone knows.

We just call him Jjamppong.

NICKNAMES OVER REAL NAMES A SMALL-TOWN RULE

HE TAKES NOTES IN THE LEDGER

- Mr. Jjamppong. - Mr. Jjamppong.

MR. JJAMPPONG HAIRCUT RECOMMENDED DYEING HIS WHITE HAIR

SANG-YI FINALLY TAKES A BREATH AFTER UPDATING THE LEDGER

Lots of young ladies are coming.

Wait, what?

Lots of young ladies are coming.

SEEING PEOPLE REFLECTED IN THE GLASS

Wait, what?

SCRAMBLING

Wait, what?

- Oh, dear. There's a bunch of them. - Welcome!

Here come the pretty ladies.

- Hello. - Welcome.

- Hello. - Welcome to The Village Barber.

- We just came to watch. - Oh, anytime.

- Come on in. - We're here to have a look.

- Have a seat. - Hello.

- Goodness. - Hello.

The place looks so nice.

4 MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S SOCIETY

You did such a nice job.

- Hello. - Welcome.

Welcome.

IN AWE

LOUD AND LIVELY FROM THE MOMENT THEY WALK IN

HE JUST STARTS CLAPPING

Hello. Welcome.

- Welcome to our shop. - It's good to meet you.

IT'S THEIR FIRST TIME GREETING A BIG GROUP

- Hello, ma'am. - Hi.

- Hello. - Look at this place.

- Look at that. - Hi.

- It's so nice to see you here. - Right?

Who's that?

Who's that?

- Kim Jeong-ja? - Ms. Jeong-ja.

THEY ALSO KNOW EACH OTHER

- Are you here to get your hair done? - No, I just came

to watch her do her hair.

GROUP PANIC

- Welcome. - Look at this.

I was so flustered.

It felt like there were six guests.

I think there were six.

Honestly, I didn't know what to do.

It was hard.

- Ma'am, come sit over here. - This place is nice.

- Yesterday... - You can get the sunlight here.

- It's warm. - Make yourself at home.

You can play cards over there, too.

We saw how pretty it turned out, so we wanted to try it.

- You mean the nails? - Yes.

That lady did it and came to brag about it.

I do the nails.

Check this out.

Lee Sang-yi did makeup.

YESTERDAY AT THE VILLAGE HALL

He put something on my hands, and they got all smooth.

SHE ADVERTISED HARD

Look at that. They set it up so prettily.

It's really warm.

- Right? - Yes, it's nice.

We can hang out here and play Go-Stop.

He's extremely handsome.

That's why we came to look.

These are the members.

You can play Go-Stop and...

Feel free to come by.

SANG-YI IS HANDLING 4 LADIES OF THE WOMEN'S SOCIETY

WHILE DONG-YEON HOVERS NEARBY

I'm the nail guy, and he's the hairdresser.

SMILING

He's the chef.

Then, do we also get something tasty to eat?

- I'll get you drinks. - Oh, drinks!

- Pick one. - Drinks.

They have buckwheat tea, pomegranate tea...

- We'll have the same thing. - Four.

- Iced? - Yes.

LEMON-GINGER ADE ORDER TAKEN

DRINKS

DONG-YEON MOVES BUSILY FOR THE FIRST ORDER

- Since you're here... - Yes.

What service did you want?

We do root dyes and full dyes. That's about it.

- Can we do a blow-dry? - A blow-dry?

And we can do haircuts.

Just a haircut for me, then.

- A blow-dry and a haircut? - Yes.

- A haircut, and make it look nicer. - Nicer, okay.

- No. - We just need the nail art.

- Just your nails, then? - Yes.

Make them look pretty.

BLOW-DRY, HAIRCUT, NAILS, NAILS

ORDERING 4 SERVICES AT ONCE

We have two hair clients here.

Haircuts?

Blow-dry! Make me look pretty.

Blow-dry?

- One blow-dry and? - A haircut.

HE TOOK THE ORDERS, BUT...

PAUSE

It's exhausting getting customers, huh?

I'm all over the place.

- You are, aren't you? - I'm totally out of it.

I'm getting nervous now that there are more customers.

- I know, right? - Yes.

But the thing is...

- The timing is... - I know, right? Hold on.

OPENING

HIS THROAT GETS DRY NOW THAT HE'S NERVOUS

BO GUM STARTS RUSHING WITH THE ORDERS PILING UP

You're making her look pretty.

HANDS MOVING FASTER

Do you want me to roll it a little more to make it curly?

Or... Some volume?

EVEN IF HE'S RUSHING, HE STILL NAILS WHAT THE CUSTOMERS WANT

ADDING VOLUME

BY THE WAY

THINKING

Anywhere else you want more? Here?

- In the front? - Yes.

Okay.

- I got it. - My hair's fallen out there.

You've got to cover it up a bit.

QUICKLY FILLING IT IN

Okay, good.

It's much better with that covered.

Don't make her too pretty.

She's pretty enough already.

- Great job, ma'am. - Oh, my.

- You really worked hard. - You did great.

You okay, ma'am?

HAIRCUT, ROOT TOUCH-UP

It turned out great.

- You look pretty. - It looks nice.

YOU LOOK NICE

She looks great.

- You look ten years younger. - The color came out well.

Hold on.

You've got to get yourself a husband.

No, my husband looks pretty.

GIGGLING

My husband is pretty.

- Hang on. - You should get yourself a husband.

- What am I going to do with that? - What?

What am I going to do with that? I already have my own.

- Use him for work. - I don't want to mess with him.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

HOW DO YOU LIKE THE COLOR?

I love it.

- It came out great. - It did.

He's very thorough.

No cons.

No pros. Only cons.

MY BAD

Honestly, like 90 points.

- That's a good score. - Right.

It's not quite like a real salon.

The blow-dry is a little...

THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY

He can shape it well and all

but he's still

- a bit clumsy at it. - He is.

His blow-drying skill isn't smooth yet.

He's just not used to it yet.

That's how I'll put it.

Ma'am, you'll get cold!

- Go on home. - Thumbs up.

GIVING HIM THUMBS-UP OUT OF NOWHERE

Go home. You can do the interview later.

- You should get inside. - Okay.

DONG-YEON FINALLY USES HIS HOMEMADE PRESERVES

A HIDDEN CARD HE'S BEEN PREPARING FOR TWO MONTHS

HE DOESN'T HOLD BACK

HE ADDS SPARKLING WATER SO THAT IT SUITS THE ELDERS' TASTES

MIXING FAST

THE WELCOME DRINK, LEMON-GINGER ADE, IS COMPLETE

QUICK DELIVERY

Oh, my.

Why, thank you.

Do I get one too?

It looks refreshing and pretty.

- Thank you. We'll enjoy it. - Enjoy.

It's delicious.

- You like it, ma'am? - Yes.

I made it and brought it from Seoul.

It's really good.

I made it myself.

Yes, it's very good.

FEELING PROUD

BO GUM IS READY FOR THE NEXT CUSTOMER

What did you want? A blow-dry?

- A blow-dry. - Start with the blow-dry?

THE ROOKIE BARBER IS STILL FRAZZLED

Just a blow-dry.

How would you like it styled?

Do you want me to bring out the perm or smooth it out?

Maybe smooth it a little?

- Smooth it out? Great. - Yes.

All right, let's smooth it out.

I can blow-dry hair better than anyone.

- Really? - No.

I'm actually proud of my blow-dry. I'm good at it.

HE'S BEEN SAYING IT NON-STOP

HOW GOOD IS HIS BLOWOUT?

I'll mist it with water first.

Okay.

LET'S FIND OUT HOW GOOD HE IS

- I'll mist it with water first. - Okay.

Do you usually part it like this?

Yes.

Would it look better if I switch your part?

SWISHING IT TO THE OTHER SIDE

If you switch it...

AWKWARD

Do you want to try switching it up

- since it's just a blow-dry? - Sure.

- Go ahead, then. - Okay.

If you don't like it, I'll switch it back.

Just make me look pretty.

Have you lived in Muju for a long time?

- I got married at 22 and moved here. - Okay.

And I'm 71 now.

What?

- You're lying. - I'm 71.

You don't look it at all.

Do you want food from her?

She looks her age.

But...

- You're saying you're over 70? - Yes.

THE BLOW-DRY OFFICIALLY BEGINS

- Tell me if it's too hot. - Okay.

BOOSTING VOLUME LEFT TO RIGHT

HE SWITCHES THE PARTS AND WORKS HARD ON IT

GLANCING

- Aren't you bored? - No, we're fine.

It's fun to watch.

CHECKING IN ON OTHER GUESTS WHO ARE WAITING

HE FINISHES BY LIFTING THE ROOTS CONFIDENTLY

ONE LAST THOROUGH TOUCH

You made it pretty.

You could get married again.

You could get married.

She already has a husband, so she can't.

You look great, though.

A FULLER, MORE ELEGANT LOOK

All done, ma'am.

BLOW-DRY

HAIRCUT

Ma'am, have a seat.

You can rest a bit if you're tired.

- No, I'm fine. - You're working nonstop.

Do you also want a blow-dry?

What did you want?

I'm worried you're worn out.

I'm fine.

- You sure you're fine? - We've got stamina to spare.

Exactly. That's what we've got.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT

Just trim the bottom a little.

You should take breaks. You must be exhausted.

It's okay. I'm having fun.

You're doing it nonstop.

I should start the nails now.

Who wants to be first?

- Do mine. - Okay.

- This way. - Oh, dear.

- Over there. - Make them pretty for me.

SANG-YI STARTS THE NAIL SERVICE

- We've got lots of colors. - Okay.

From what I've done so far

- the ladies tend to like a soft pink - Okay.

- or a peachy tone. - Right.

- Pink. - Pink?

FOCUS THIS IS THE REAL DEAL NOW

- It's hot over there. - It's the sun.

It's so hot. I got a phone call.

It's so hot. I got a phone call.

Hello? What?

- Hello? Wait, it wasn't ours? - What?

- Hello? Wait, it wasn't ours? - What?

It was her phone.

Why?

WHY? IT'S MY PHONE

HE GETS BACK TO THE NAIL SERVICE

FIRST, HE APPLIES A PEACH-COLORED POLISH

HE ADDS GLITTER FOR A LITTLE EXTRA SPARKLE

I'm going to cure it under the light now.

Tell me if it feels a little hot.

I'll turn it on from farther away.

You should endure it if it's a little hot.

What if I get burned?

They'll chip when we pick peaches, anyway.

Will they?

Peach season is a couple of months away, though.

They'll chip, even in two months.

- I wish time would slow down. - Right.

I wish I could live like this every day.

They're so shiny.

Yours look prettier than mine.

- Give me a moment. - Yours are prettier!

SPARKLY AND CLEAN

- Oh, thank you. - When we're done

- we do high-fives. - Thanks.

- All done. - Thank you.

I'm not sure if it's pretty.

- It is. - It is. How pretty.

Who's next?

- You must be tired. - No, I'm not.

- I'm not tired one bit. - My hands aren't in great shape.

No, I'll do them again for you.

- What style would you like? - Whatever you think looks best.

EACH OF THEM IS WORKING HARD AT THEIR OWN STATION

RUSTLING

Then, do we also get something tasty to eat?

MAKING FISH-SHAPED BUNS FOR THE GUESTS

SHALL WE BEGIN?

DONG-YEON'S FIRST FISH-SHAPED BUN MAKES ITS DEBUT

TECHNIQUES HE HAD LEARNED BEFORE OPENING

Hello. Excuse me.

- The red beans - Yes.

seem lighter than what I'm used to.

Did you add something of your own?

I told you that I mixed in milk.

- Milk? - Milk.

FISH-SHAPED BUN TIP 1: MIX MILK INTO THE RED BEAN FILLING

HE MIXES MILK INTO THE FILLING JUST LIKE HE LEARNED

A GENEROUS SCOOP OF RED BEAN GOES IN

AND SWEET CUSTARD CREAM ON THE OTHER SIDE

The batter should be past the edge for it to come out better.

I see.

FISH-SHAPED BUN TIP 2: POUR THE BATTER BEYOND THE MOLD

THE TIMER GOES OFF

I have to wait before opening it.

- Okay. - Wait a little longer.

All right.

FISH-SHAPED BUN TIP 3: WHEN THE ALARM GOES OFF, WAIT BEFORE OPENING

I'll wait about 30 seconds.

THE FISH-SHAPED BUNS ARE DONE AFTER WAITING

It came out great.

IT LOOKS PERFECT ON THE OUTSIDE

HE QUICKLY PUTS THEM IN A BAG FOR THE GUESTS WHO ARE WAITING

TRIPPING

ACTING LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED

Two with custard filling and two with red bean filling.

- Thank you. - That was fast.

- That was fast. - How did you make them so fast?

DELIVERY COMPLETE RIGHT ON TIME

YUM

THE LONG-AWAITED FIRST TASTE TEST

It's hot.

NERVOUS

Gosh, it's so good.

- How did you learn to do this? - I know, right? He's...

He's multi-talented.

BO GUM IS QUICKLY CUTTING THE NEXT CUSTOMER'S HAIR

Thank you so much.

You made me look pretty.

He's applying it on the ends and over there.

Don't be jealous. He put some on you, too.

I'm not jealous.

- I'm just saying it's pretty. - He did the same for you.

Thank you.

- Thank you very much. - All done, ma'am.

I'll go with a subtle color this time.

It's pinkish.

This town is beautiful when the flowers bloom.

When the peach blossoms bloom.

That'd be nice. We can hang out and make memories together.

CUSTOMER SERVICE LEVEL: MAX

- Great job. - Oh, my. Come again. Just a second.

IT'S OVER

Here.

I'll give you your change.

No, leave it.

- No. - Leave it!

I HAVE TO GIVE HER 5,000 WON BACK

Keep the change.

- Keep it. - But we do flat prices.

We can't do that.

Keep it!

BICKERING

Give it to her when she leaves.

- Make sure to give it. - Keep it.

We have to give it to her.

That feels good.

I feel amazing.

- You have to take this with you. - What?

COMPLIMENTARY HAND LOTION

Hand lotion.

It's hand lotion.

- Ms. Jeong-ja! - Yes?

I put 5,000 won in there.

Why, you!

ANGRY

Oh, no, ma'am.

No, you can't do that.

- He's right. - He deserves a little more.

- No, 5,000 won is enough. - Just 5,000 won.

- Just keep it. - No, it's the same for everyone.

Bring us something tasty later.

Later, you can bring us...

- How about kimchi? - Kimchi works, too.

- Or you could fry us up a chicken. - Fried chicken?

Yes, anything, really.

BUT FRIED CHICKEN IS WORTH FOUR HAIRCUTS

How about steamed sweet potatoes?

- Sweet potatoes sound amazing. - Sweet potatoes or potatoes.

Okay.

You look so pretty.

See you later, ma'am.

- Take care. - Goodbye.

THE BOISTEROUS 4 MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S SOCIETY LEAVE

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

It's so pretty. I love it.

Look how pretty they are.

I haven't done this in decades.

The last time I got them was before my wedding.

It's the first time I've had my nails done ever since.

They were so kind and did such a good job.

SHE ALSO SHOWS IT OFF

It was my first time ever in my whole life.

My entire life.

Was there anything uncomfortable?

Not at all. I loved everything. They were so kind.

It was very nice.

CURRENT TIME 2:30 P.M.

IT'S WAY PAST LUNCHTIME

DAY 1 OF THE VILLAGE BARBER MORNING SALES TALLY

Welcome to The Village Barber.

It looks so nice!

HAIR: 4

NAIL ART: 3

SNACKS: 7 SERVINGS

TOTAL EARNINGS: 20,000 WON

AFTER A WHIRLWIND OF A MORNING

He's good.

- Let's take a break. - We need a strategy meeting

and a break. Man...

Are you okay?

EXCLAIMING

HIS EYES HAVE LOST FOCUS

Get some rest.

My back hurts so bad.

HIS EYES HAVE ALSO LOST FOCUS

WEARY

HE'S THE ONLY ONE WHO'S STILL GOING STRONG

First...

- Let's rest for a bit. - Yes, take a break.

BOSS PARK SWEEPS THE FLOOR WITHOUT A BREAK

HOW IS HE STILL LOOKING ENERGETIC?

CLEANING RESTLESSLY

Dong-yeon, thanks for backing us up the whole time.

Yes, I think I should keep going back and forth.

I don't know how many tools I dropped today.

- Is your hand okay? - Yes.

I was seriously startled.

He gave me this silent look, saying, "Sang-yi, do you have tape?"

"Or stickers?"

BO GUM'S CALL FOR HELP FELT DESPERATE

Once the guests started pouring in

I felt rushed.

- Same here. - In my case

I'm skipping steps right now just to work faster.

- Oh, really? - You shortened the process?

Yes, I cut a lot out.

- I should have done more. - When Mr. Jjamppong was waiting

I felt really bad.

There wasn't actually a moment we had to rush today.

Even just now, the ladies were happily chatting among themselves.

- It's just that... - Maybe

we were just rushing in our heads.

Yes, we were the only ones in a rush.

Exactly.

THEY WERE EXTRA ANXIOUS AS IT WAS THEIR FIRST DAY

CAN WE REALLY RUN THIS PLACE WELL?

WORRIED

SIGHING

I should start cooking.

I'm too hungry.

SCURRYING

FOOD?

IN A TRANCE

Can I eat the onions?

- No! - Fine.

- Eat them. - I'll eat the ones on the counter.

No, it's fine.

LAUGHING

I can eat the ones off the plate, right?

SLURPING

Man, it's really good.

I'm not scared of tigers.

HE SPOTS AN ONION

I love raw onions and raw garlic.

- Can I have one? - Sure.

- This is domestic. - Is it?

It's sweet like sugar.

GULP

What are you cooking?

Tofu with stir-fried kimchi.

DONG-YEON COOKS WITH THE KIMCHI THEY GOT FROM THEIR NEIGHBOR

It was tough.

BO GUM MOVES THE CUPS FOR DONG-YEON

Dong-yeon, you were really generous with the servings.

- I'll do the dishes. - Yes, thank you.

NATURALLY DIVIDING UP THE CHORES

Should I start the laundry? No?

I'd love it if you did.

- Better to get it done early, right? - Yes.

- Just the towels for now, please. - Just the towels?

Thanks.

Anyone else got laundry to do?

EVERYONE'S TOO BUSY WITH THEIR CHORES

No one.

EYES LOCKED IN

HE MOVES FASTER TO CATCH UP WITH THEIR LATE LUNCH

POURING STIR-FRIED KIMCHI

MIXING THEM TOGETHER

You cook so fast.

AMAZED

STEAM RISING

HE NEATLY PLATES THE SLICED TOFU

SPRINKLING BLACK SESAME SEEDS ON TOP

TOFU WITH STIR-FRIED KIMCHI AND PORK IS DONE

That's incredible.

THE HUNGER HITS AFTER THE STORM

HE COOKED A QUICK MEAL WHILE THERE ARE NO CUSTOMERS

This is awesome.

GRABBING

STRAIGHT INTO HIS MOUTH

- Did you eat a piece of dried laver? - No.

- I couldn't help it. - Did you take one?

- Out of habit? - One dried laver?

One dried laver.

I'll take another bite.

Tastes great.

THEIR FIRST MEAL

- Let's eat. - Okay.

EVEN A PIECE OF DRIED LAVER BRINGS JOY

This is impressive.

You don't think we'll get any customers, do you?

QUICK GLANCE

FORTUNATELY, IT'S STILL QUIET OUTSIDE

- Thank you for the food. - Great work, guys.

Thanks, Dong-yeon.

Enjoy your food.

Thanks for the tofu with kimchi.

HAPPY

It's really good.

- Really? I'm glad. - Yes.

HE TAKES A BIG BITE AFTER THE COMPLIMENT

- Is this dried laver from the lady? - Yes.

It's roasted perfectly.

My daughter-in-law

- bought some curly dried laver - Dried laver!

- so I roasted some. - Okay.

- I see. - I thought of you.

THE NEXT-DOOR LADY BROUGHT ROASTED DRIED LAVER FOR THE TRIO

A BIG BITE WRAPPED IN DRIED LAVER

It's seriously good.

YUM

TAKING BITES AT THE SAME TIME

DEVOURING

THEIR LATE LUNCH

NON-STOP CUSTOMERS ON THE FIRST DAY HAD THE TRIO STARVING

STARTLED

JUMPING AT EVERY LITTLE SOUND

FALSE ALARM

ALL IN MEERKAT MODE CHECKING FOR CUSTOMERS

It's not that spicy.

- It's perfect. - It's delish.

- Delish? - I mean, delicious.

FALSE ALARM

EVEN WHILE EATING

HE CHECKS OUTSIDE FOR CUSTOMERS

DONG-YEON IS NEXT TO HIM

ALSO WATCHING CLOSELY FOR CUSTOMERS

HE HOLDS THE BOWL

AND SPEEDS UP EATING

GLANCING

Why are you eating so fast today?

I feel rushed for some reason.

- Right. - Like we need to clean up fast.

It feels like we have to be on standby all the time.

- True. - It's in the back of my mind.

WELL, IT'S THEIR FIRST TIME EATING INSIDE A BARBERSHOP

RUNNING A BARBERSHOP ISN'T EASY

You guys really cleaned it up. I thought there'd be leftovers.

THEY FINISH THEIR FIRST MEAL BEFORE THEY GET CUSTOMERS

That was a good meal.

COMPLETELY EMPTY BOWLS

WEARING GLOVES

BO GUM, go do your thing.

Can I digest?

Go take a lap outside.

- By doing the dishes. - I'll handle this.

Then, okay.

You didn't even ask a second time.

LAUGHING

I'm counting on you.

- You... - It's not that.

I'll write the business hours.

- From 9 o'clock. - From 9 o'clock.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HURRYING BEFORE CUSTOMERS ARRIVE

- Kids are walking by. - Really?

Hi!

- Hello. - Where are you headed?

Just taking a lap around the neighborhood.

What did you say?

- I live here. Nearby. - You live here?

You came to see us?

CHILDREN THIS YOUNG LIVE HERE?

What are you looking at?

WHO ARE THESE YOUNG CHILDREN?

WHETHER IT RAINS OR SNOWS

THEY RIDE AROUND THE VILLAGE TOGETHER

MUJU'S YOUNG RESIDENTS

Do you need help parking?

No, I can manage.

You can manage? Can you?

NO VALET NEEDED

You can park over there.

FEISTY

PERFECT ALIGNMENT

You're great at parking.

You're amazingly good.

- I ride all the time. - Come on in.

FEELING PROUD

You probably don't know that tune.

- We know it. - You know it?

- We do. - Yes.

- You know that melody? - Yes.

It's cold, so sit here for a bit.

- Okay. - I'll show you around.

- This is where we cut hair. - Okay.

That's where we wash people's hair.

- Okay. - Yes.

- Over there is storage. - Storage.

- This is the kitchen. - The kitchen.

- The restroom. - The restroom.

- That's the playground. - You're so cute.

- You can play here and have fun. - Okay.

WELCOME TO THE PLAYGROUND

- What's your name? - Kwon Seon-hui.

- Seon-hui. And yours? - Kim Da-in.

- Da-in. Seon-hui. - Yes.

Do you want a blueberry ade?

I like everything.

I like everything. Anything is fine.

- Da-in? - Da-in and Seon-hui.

- Da-in and Seon-hui. - Yes.

How old are you?

- We're 11 years old. - You're 11?

- We're in fourth grade. - They're fourth-graders.

You're big girls.

That's why they're so good at parking.

MASTERFUL PARKING BY THE BIG GIRLS

That's not easy at all.

- Do you want to try this? - It's really tasty.

- What is it? - It's really good.

- It's cheese. - Cheese?

Take one and dip it in the middle.

THEY EACH TAKE ONE

TAKING A BITE OF CHEF KWAK'S SNACK

- Is it good? - Yes.

This uncle will make fish-shaped buns.

Do you want to watch him do it?

- No, it's cold outside. - Okay.

You can make them outside while we watch from inside.

- We can see you from here. - I see.

- You'll watch from indoors? - It's warmer here.

That's a great idea.

We're counting on you, Dong-yeon.

That was hilarious.

You're watching from inside.

You're so cute.

Do you know who we are?

- Have you seen us on TV? - Yes.

- You saw us? - I don't have a TV at home.

Really? Da-in...

SLAP

LAUGHING AT UNCLE SANG-YI'S ANTICS

- PARK BO GUM. - And him?

WHO IS THIS UNCLE?

It's okay. It's understandable.

LEANING CLOSER

- When said straight... - Lee Sang-yi.

- When flipped backwards... - Lee Sang-yi.

My name is Lee Sang-yi.

I see.

LAUGHING OUT LOUD

Uncle BO GUM over there.

He's a barber who cuts hair.

- I see. - And me.

TRYING HARD

I'm a nail technician.

APPEALING TO THEM WITH HIS LICENSE

LOOK AT THIS

STARING INTENTLY

Is that you in that photo?

LOST FOR WORDS

Sorry.

Sorry.

It's just a different hairdo.

You have a different hairstyle.

- It's me. - Sorry.

Da-in, it's me.

JUST LOOKING AT SANG-YI'S FACE MAKES THEM BURST INTO LAUGHTER

GIGGLING

THEY'RE ADORABLE

Stay as long as you want. We were taking a break, too.

- We... - Shall we play a game?

We have board games.

TAKE A LOOK

Look what we have in here.

REVEALING THE GAME STASH

Hey, that looks fun.

We have this. Do you know this?

This is crazy fun.

We'll end up screaming and jumping.

- What's this? A crocodile. - The crocodile?

- I get bit often. - You get bit often?

Da-in gets bitten all the time.

I never get bitten, but Da-in does all the time.

- Halli Galli. - We have Halli Galli, too.

- That's Halli Galli. - You're in big trouble.

GIGGLING

What's a popcorn game?

I don't know it. Let's skip it.

THE KIDS ARE INVESTED

You're too good at this.

- The other game. - That's the older version.

KNOCKING

The buns are ready? Gosh, the sun is too bright.

I'll wear my sunglasses, too. The sun's right in my eye.

Two buns filled with custard cream.

DELIVERING THE BUNS HE MADE ALONE

Uncle Dong-yeon made with custard cream.

The sun is too bright.

FORGET THE FISH-SHAPED BUNS, SANG-YI'S SUNGLASSES MAKE THEM LAUGH

- It's really... - Come on.

You laugh even at the sight of sunglasses.

HE MAKES THEM LAUGH WITH JUST A PAIR OF SHADES

OUTSIDE THE RECEPTION ROOM FILLED WITH CHEERFUL LAUGHTER

STANDS THE LONESOME BUN STALL

FLAPPING

HE WAS THE CENTER OF ATTENTION WITH THE ELDERLY LADIES

BUT THE CHILDREN FORGOT ABOUT HIM COMPLETELY

They're having fun.

CHEF KWAK'S JOURNAL FOR DAY 1

CHILDREN DON'T CARE MUCH FOR FISH-SHAPED BUNS

CHEWING NOISILY

It's tasty.

A SAD STENCH STRONGER THAN THE FISH-SHAPED BUNS

Who won?

- Sang-yi. - I won.

You're good at this.

What are the four 500-won coins for?

Oh, hand me those.

I can't exactly call this magic, but I'll show you something fun.

MAGIC?

Watch carefully.

Okay, what do you see here?

- Two 500-won coins. - How many coins are there

- on each hand? - One.

One each, right? Now watch.

MAKING A HUGE FUSS

TA-DA

0 COINS, 2 COINS

- Did you see that? - Yes.

TRIES TO MAKE THEM APPLAUD

That's crazy. You're amazing.

You're so amazing.

He's really good at making cellphones disappear, too.

- I eat pretty much anything. - I see.

I eat fish-shaped buns as well as lots of things.

Watch carefully.

The thing is

I eat everything including cellphones.

Do you really?

Shall I eat a cellphone for you?

- How do you eat a cellphone? - Oh, yours is huge.

No. It's the case that's bulky.

- The case is big, right? - It's the case.

- It's actually quite light. - It's really light.

It's pretty big.

WILL THE PHONE-EATING TRICK ENTERTAIN THE CHILDREN?

- Let's see. - Now watch.

I will eat this cellphone.

I'll eat the cellphone.

INTRIGUED

Shall I eat it from here, here, here, or from here?

Eat it from top down.

I'll eat it from the top down.

Watch carefully. I'll eat it now.

GOBBLING IT UP

There. Look.

Where is it? Where did it go?

WAS HE ABLE TO TRICK THE YOUNG AUDIENCE?

SCANNING SUSPICIOUSLY

On the floor?

- It's on the floor? - It's not on the floor.

IT'S NOT ON THE FLOOR

- In your apron. - It's not here.

In your apron.

WINCING

I didn't eat it.

THEY SAW THROUGH HIS TRICK

It's in your apron.

ROLLING AROUND

- There's nothing in my apron. Look. - It must be...

That's my phone!

That's my phone.

HE MANAGED TO ENTERTAIN THEM AS PLANNED

- My phone. - What's this? It hurts bad.

- It's a box of tissues. - It hurts.

LAUGHING

I can spin a tray, too.

- Shall we play Uno? - Uno?

- Uno. - Uno? Hey, it's that thing.

It's a board game.

This Uno is really small.

SOMEONE WALKS UP TO THE BARBERSHOP

0 PEOPLE HAVE NOTICED

This Uno is really small.

THE DOOR OPENS

- Hello. Welcome. - Oh.

A SUDDEN APPEARANCE AT A RELAXING TIME

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello. Welcome to The Village Barber.

A WHITE-HAIRED ELDERLY LADY

Can I keep my shoes on?

- Yes. - I keep them on?

Please take a seat.

- Hello. - I was seated all this while.

SHE SITS RIGHT DOWN

Are you here for a haircut or just to hang out?

I'd like to look pretty.

My son and daughter are visiting this evening for my birthday.

I want to look nice.

Should I style it for you or give you a haircut?

- Just make it look nice. - Do you want it dyed?

Make it pretty.

- "Pretty"? - Leave the hair as is.

I don't need it dyed.

- You don't need it cut? - No, leave it.

I had my hair done a month ago.

It's not yet time to get it redone.

- You don't need a cut? - No.

Just make this look nicer.

- Just style your hair? Okay. - Make it look pretty.

GETTING BUSY

Please give me your coat.

- What? - Give me your coat.

We don't want to get anything on it.

Shall I make you some hot tea?

I won't have anything. I just had coffee on the way here.

- Oh, really? - Did you think I wouldn't have?

- You don't want anything, then? - I don't need anything.

It's my hands and feet, you know.

My circulation's bad. It's so cold.

Oh, my.

- We'll make you look nice. - Good.

We'll show you your seat, ma'am.

CUSTOMER'S ORDER: A PRETTY BIRTHDAY LOOK

HOLDING HER HAND TIGHT

A BIRTHDAY BLOW-DRY

You want something quick?

START WITH WETTING HER HAIR

- I'll spray some water. - Yes, go ahead.

BO GUM EXPLAINS EVERY STEP SO AS NOT TO STARTLE HER

My hair is thin and floppy now that I'm old.

No, you have thick hair.

My hair is quite thick. It doesn't fall out much.

It looks so healthy.

Your hair is pretty thick.

- Yes. - I was born in 1936.

SHE'S THE OLDEST LADY IN THE VILLAGE

That's my social security number.

I can still recite the whole thing.

HOW ADORABLE

I can add, subtract, and even multiply numbers in my head.

You're very healthy and well.

- I go to school. I'm in Grade Four. - I see.

I'm the oldest, but I keep up and don't fall behind.

MY GOSH

The problem is

I find math easier than spelling.

Spelling is hard when there are double consonants at the end.

Once I finish fourth grade, I just have two more years to go.

I wonder if the new semester will ever come.

SHE'S THE SAME YEAR AS SEON-HUI AND DA-IN

- Is it fun, ma'am? - It's fun.

We write, hand in homework, and do things.

- Do you really? - Yes.

The others don't want to study.

I might be old

but I want to finish my studies.

It's fun. We have homework and exams.

Good for you.

SHE ENJOYS LIFE REGARDLESS OF AGE

I was planning to go to the sauna today.

I go into town once a week to bathe.

Oh, gosh, ma'am. Shall I trim your nails?

SHE HIDES THEM IN EMBARRASSMENT

I can cut them myself.

This crooked one is harder to cut, isn't it?

- These nails... - This one?

- Back when I cut firewood. - Right?

- I sliced this much off. - Oh, no.

- The nail grew back even uglier. - Oh, dear.

I cut off this much of the nail, but the new growth was worse.

- On her hands... - This case...

needs a lot of hand cream.

I'll give you a nice hand massage. It will feel really good.

I scrape my hands clean

- but old age doesn't help. - Do that here.

- Even if you make it smooth. - Okay.

I have nail fungus, so my nails are ugly.

With hands like these

I farmed on my own for 17 years.

- My gosh. - Back in 2001...

What do you grow?

Chili peppers

- perilla seeds, sesame seeds. - Over here?

There's a road that passes by the village chief's house.

It takes you straight to the water.

I farmed alone for 17 years

and in the mornings, I would sell some produce.

While growing chili peppers?

Then I went to the field, and then in the evenings

I would go out to catch fish.

In order to do that, I rushed home for dinner at 8 p.m.

- Then you went back out? - To catch fish at night

with a flashlight.

That's how hard I worked.

I was small, but I worked hard.

Your hands are made of gold.

My hands look like they're half-grown.

- I worked hard for 17 years. - Golden hands.

- I see that. - I farmed until I was 83.

It's been seven years since I retired.

You deserve to take it slow now.

- I felt too exhausted. - Right.

Ma'am. Your perm is so nice and firm.

- It's upsetting to straighten it. - It's best left alone.

- Use a curling iron. - Okay.

- I think she means an actual iron. - Spruce it up.

- Clean it up for me. - Show her forehead.

- Make it clean and neat. - Keep the curls?

Okay, I'll give it a go.

Your fingernails... I don't think I should cut this.

Leave it. I'll cut them.

- I have nothing to do. - How about painting them?

- Don't paint them. - Have a go.

Even if you paint them, one day...

- I have ugly hands. - Why would you say that?

With these hands, you have no idea...

For 17 years, on my own...

You raised your children with these hands.

Oh, gosh...

I have nail polish at home in nude and other colors.

But it keeps coming off and I'm old.

I'm a hunched old hag and I'm always using my hands.

Sometimes I paint just these two

and I dye them with garden balsam, too.

SNORTS INCREDULOUSLY

The never-ending chatter.

The ears that don't listen.

EVEN MASTER WELCOMER SANG-YI STRUGGLED WITH HER CHARM

Oh? How about I paint just two nails, then?

I'll use colored polish on just two

and I'll use clear polish on the rest.

There's a thing called nail strengthener.

It's a nutritional supplement. Shall I use just that instead?

HE SUGGESTS THEY PAINT TWO FINGERS PER HAND

We have peach-colored polish and many others.

These two nails.

LOOKING INTENTLY

- Just two, then? - Two fingers? How many?

- What do you think? - My nails have grown.

Then I'll trim them just a little

and paint just two nails and clean up the rest.

You'll get hurt if you move your hand so I'll cut just a bit off the end.

I'll cut them.

Would you prefer that?

I'll cut them.

I'LL CUT MY OWN NAILS

I'll cut them for you.

I was going to do it for you for free.

No, not at all.

We'll sweep up later

- so cut them freely. - Okay.

These just need a little trim.

I have nothing else to do.

I watch things from all over. TV shows from around the world.

I'm always watching TV.

- You should watch the news. - I watch lots of news!

I know all about how the world works.

The other countries, too.

I watch shows about all the other countries.

I sit at home and watch them all.

These days, you need to think and play globally.

It's a bit iffy, though.

What's a bit iffy?

I could go out

somewhere crowded, but there's nothing special.

At home, I can see the world work, and it's nice and comfy.

- I'm not bored at all. - Good.

Granny.

What color shall we go with?

Red? Do you want something red?

What color do you want?

Do you like red or blue?

We have peach and many others, too.

What color do you like?

SHOWING INTEREST

Or do you want something sparkly?

Where is it? How about something sparkly like this?

Is this too much?

I might as well go with a strong color.

A strong color? What's that?

- What's a strong color? - This one.

Blue? I'll paint two fingernails blue.

Blue.

I might as well pick a pretty, bright color.

- A strong color. - It should be visible.

- It should be colorful. - Yes. To stand out.

I would rather choose a color that shines bright.

MOVING CAREFULLY

A FOCUSED POUT

Now that I'm old, I keep noticing pretty things.

CHUCKLING

Pretty things are pretty.

- That's why my clothes... - Yes.

I dress more colorfully now that I'm older.

Because you're so beautiful

colors that are more vivid...

Brighter colors must suit you better.

- That's why. - I don't know.

I'm not pretty to look at, but I had quite a following.

I got chased.

I got chased.

What? You got...

I got chased by a lot of men. I was popular.

- Oh, they chased you. - Yes.

- You would've been popular. - I wasn't interested

but the men must've thought I looked pretty.

A lot of them followed me around.

I see why they would have.

I didn't care for that at all, though.

You could give me all the men in the land

but I'd trust in only one man, and no other would do for me.

I challenged anyone to it.

I said I wasn't interested.

- I see. - I was

not special at all, but men liked me.

HE CURLS WHILE SHE DESCRIBES HER BRIGHT PAST

This is the color you chose. The blue.

I thought of choosing red, but I have bright red polish at home.

And a nude color.

HE CAREFULLY COLORS HER NAILS WITH HER CHOICE OF BLUE

What did you buy today to cook with?

Enough to make japchae and many things.

That sounds delicious.

Some jjigae ingredients, too.

I bought a lot of things today that I didn't want to buy in advance.

You can bring us any leftovers.

Okay.

You know

I bought dried radish greens and pollack

and things to put in the japchae and spinach and mushrooms.

I even bought water parsley, too.

Making Japchae is a lot of work.

- It has a lot of ingredients. - Right.

Crab meat, fishcake, minced pork, and more.

- It contains a lot of ingredients. - My gosh.

Spinach and water parsley.

I made multiple trips.

I'm old, but I make kimchi for all my kids.

I made gochujang and cheonggukjang, too.

I packed some green onion kimchi I made to send them.

- I made some on my own. - Oh, my.

BO GUM TRANSFORMED HER THICK, CURLY HAIR

Look at this, Granny.

This is clear. It's a nail strengthener.

It keeps your nails nourished.

That's good to put on your nails.

Oh, leave it.

- I should skip it? - My nails look dead.

I'm worried what others will say.

What would they say?

- I'm too old for this. - Don't mind that.

They might say I'm a crazy old woman.

I told them I was studying.

They say I'm too old to learn. What good would it be after I die?

I said I was ignorant and would learn even if I knew everything.

Good for you.

- This polish. - Yes.

I was going to give you a full manicure

- but that is transparent. - Yes.

This is a different kind.

This is a better one that lasts much longer.

It lasts longer, but...

LOOKING CAREFULLY

Your blue nail polish.

It lasts a long time, so if you want to take it off

it won't come off with acetone. I'll give you this for that.

If you put this on your nails

and push it with a cotton pad, it'll slide off.

I'll leave it for as long as it lasts.

Just in case you want to get rid of it.

Isn't it pretty?

Isn't it pretty?

It's really pretty. It came out nicely.

THE CLIENT IS 200-PERCENT SATISFIED WITH HER BLUE NAILS

I don't care what others say.

I want to wear red lipstick, but I'm afraid they'll talk.

Why care what others think?

They say bad things about me

- and what I do at my age. - Not at all. Ignore them.

Don't you heed them.

What do you think?

- Her old style... - Her parting's hidden.

- Her original look was nicer. - No, this is cool.

This is the cool, popular look that shows your forehead.

Dong-yeon said she looked like Meryl Streep.

BEFORE

AFTER

Foreign, Hollywood stars have this hairdo.

- Why would an old woman... - Oh, come on.

Since you came, we changed your look to a cooler look.

A cooler look?

Let her try on your sunglasses.

- Granny. - Ma'am.

- Let's pose with your hair - Dong-yeon, let's take a photo.

and nail polish.

I'll put sunglasses on you so you look extra cool.

THE RECEPTION ROOM ERUPTS AT THE NEWS

Did you say sunglasses?

EXCLAIMING IN AWE

You look great.

I have sunglasses at home, too.

I have a swimsuit as well.

MUJU'S NUMBER 1 WHITE-HAIRED HIPSTER

- You look great. - Do I?

- You look great. - You look amazing.

- She does, doesn't she? - Yes.

- The sunglasses suit you well. - Yes, seriously.

She looks so good in them.

- Get in there. - Get in.

- I feel good that I look even nicer. - Make sure you're visible.

Do you see the phone in the mirror?

We must say "cheese." Count to three for us.

One, two, three.

WE HOPE SHE ENJOYS MANY MORE PRETTY THINGS

The merged V sign looks cool.

I like the look of keeping the fingers together.

I WANT MY HAIR DONE, TOO

You look totally amazing.

Do you want to keep it tied or...

HE HAS NEVER DONE A YOUNG GIRL'S HAIR

I want to untie it and have it curled with an iron.

Shall I do that for you? You first, Seon-hui?

Hang on.

Do I sit here like this?

How would you like your hair done?

Like Jang Won-young of IVE.

Like Jang Won-young of IVE.

Jang Won-young of IVE.

Jang Won-young's style?

- Jang Won-young's style. - What's her hair like?

I'll do my best.

CAN HE DO AN IDOL SINGER'S STYLE?

The IVE girls...

I'll try and make you look like IVE.

Uncle is...

HE SECTIONS HER HAIR AND STARTS AT THE BACK

- Does it hurt? - No.

FOCUSED

I don't think she can see.

This is a popular hairstyle these days, too.

SO CUTE

Seon-hui, your hair...

SHE PARTS HER HAIR WITH A POKER FACE

Hang on, Seon-hui.

TRYING NOT TO LAUGH

I'm still trying to...

IT'S HIS FIRST TIME WITH LONG HAIR

You see, I... Hang on.

My mind went blank. Wait.

It tickles, doesn't it? Sorry.

IT TICKLES

It tickles, doesn't it? Sorry.

Sorry.

This isn't the final look.

HE SAID HE WAS GOOD WITH BLOW-DRIES

CAN HE PULL OFF AN IDOL SINGER LOOK?

SHOULD I JUST SKIP MY TURN?

- He stepped down now. - You can wear your coat now.

- I should wear it. - Yes.

It's cold outside.

I need this to walk all the way home.

IT'S TIME TO GO HOME

How much is the blow-dry?

Is it 7,000 won?

Take just 5,000 won.

- I'll give you new bills. - Initially

we should charge you 7,000 won, but we'll only take 5,000.

- My son. - Yes.

He gives me new bills straight from the bank.

Oh, gosh.

- My son. - Yes.

He gives me new bills straight from the bank.

Oh, gosh.

Three, four, five.

What is your name, madam?

- My name? - Yes.

- Ra Ok-ja. - Ra Ok-ja.

Spelled R-A.

I used to spell it N-A.

- It was N-A? - My ID card says R-A.

THEY ALMOST MISSED HER NAME

MS. RA OK-JA BLOW-DRY & BLUE POLISH

- Thank you, ma'am. - Get home safely.

Watch your step.

- Come by later on. - Later? Where do you live?

- It's Ra Ok-ja. - This way or that way?

- Over here. - Here?

From the pavilion, you go straight ahead

and turn a corner over there.

My name is Ra Ok-ja.

- Is it in big letters? - It's written outside.

By the gate?

- Not again. - She's coming back?

They're chatting again.

Get back safely.

Lots of people don't know their address.

- It's confusing. - The old folks.

They don't know their social security number.

- Yes. - I can recite mine.

- You won't get dementia. - No.

I'm old, but I'm not at all behind.

I don't know my son's, though.

I might as well walk you home.

- You do that. - Gosh...

My home is way inside.

It's not by a road.

- I have to walk by this house. - Right.

Do you need anything done?

These here.

- These? - Yes.

I want to spread them, but they're over here.

All these need to be moved?

These are too much for me to move alone.

So leave it. Don't do it today.

I need someone's help.

Not all of them, then.

- Where to? All the way there? - No, right here.

- Oh, here? - I want them moved here.

That's it.

Is it okay? They're frozen.

Why not wait until it's warmer?

So come back when it's warmer.

- Okay. - Come back another time.

SANG-YI IS OUTSIDE WITHOUT A COAT

- It's cold, so quickly... - This is my gochujang.

- This. - You made it yourself?

For my grandson and for my daughter.

I'm giving them away to my daughters-in-law and daughter.

It's cold. Get inside.

Okay.

These green onions need to be thrown out.

All of them?

I bought and cleaned them earlier.

I'll throw it out.

If you ever come by, you need to go over there.

- There's a lot to do. - Can you go inside?

I'd like you to do that, please.

I'll set a date to come back to do this.

Look at the water. It's frozen.

Look. Young radishes.

That's how cold it is, so go inside.

Gosh. It's so darn cold.

I heard it's going to rain tomorrow.

- Starting tomorrow? - It'll rain for three days.

That's my flowerbed, but I can't do anything with those there.

- Rest up, ma'am. - You, too. Take a break.

- I bought this for my daughter. - Yes.

- You can give them all today. - When she comes.

- I'll get back to work now. - Okay.

- Get some rest. - See you later.

THE NICE YOUNG MAN CAN LEAVE AT LAST

It's so cold.

20 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING WITH NO COAT

I'm freezing.

I'm so cold.

SANG-YI HEADS TO THE BARBERSHOP

GLANCING

He's not back yet.

He must be walking her back.

12 MINUTES TO CLOSING

- It's so cold. - He's back.

It's so cold.

It's freezing cold.

- It's really cold. - Good job.

Hey, look at your hair.

Jang Won-young from IVE.

DOING HIS BEST TO ENTERTAIN THEIR LAST CLIENT

5 MINUTES UNTIL THEIR LONG FIRST DAY ENDS

Play REBEL HEART.

One, two, three, four.

Here we go!

SO HAPPY TO GET OFF WORK

Never be, never be, never be me

WILL THE FIRST DAY END WELL?

GRINNING WIDE

You can dance!

Never be, never be, never be me

3 MINUTES TO CLOSING

Someone's coming.

What do I do? The time is...

- Is it 5 p.m.? - It's almost 5 p.m.

MAKING A U-TURN

IS HE NOT A CUSTOMER?

What do we do? We have 10 minutes left.

Right. We should say we can't help him today.

We're done for the day.

WALKING UP

- Hello. - Hello.

- Fireflies... What's going on? - Hello.

Welcome. Hello, sir.

WELCOMING HIM WITH A SMILE

Can I get my hair cut and colored?

- What time is it? - It's 5 p.m.

WHISPERING, ASKING FOR THE TIME

WHAT'S THE MATTER?

Oh, then today...

WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS AT THE VILLAGE BARBER TODAY?

Anyone there?

A-yun, why am I the only one going up?

- Me! - Me!

CHAOS

DANCING AND GROOVING

ALL THE KIDS ARE HERE

GIGGLING

I think I'm done.

Are you sure?

I haven't even started trimming it yet.

A CRYING FEST

A CRYING FEST?

Look!

OFFERING THE KIDS SNACKS

AND HAIRSTYLING

AND NOW, BABYSITTING TOO

Look in the mirror. Who's that?

UNCONTROLLABLE YAWNING

THE HARDEST DAY EVER!

THE VILLAGE BARBERS STRUGGLE WITH CHILDCARE

THE VILLAGE BARBER

THE VILLAGE BARBER

Subtitles by Eunsook Youn, Hoyoung Yun, and Jennifer Lim