Original subtitles

I think I had a dream.

A long and strange dream.

"If we say

that we have no sin,

we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us.

But if we confess..."

Hello, sir.

"Our sins to Him,

He is faithful and just

to forgive us our sins

and to cleanse us from..."

Did you fix the TV?

"All wickedness."

The TV is broken?

Yes, I told you already.

- All right then, I'll fix it. - Good.

Did you hand out the flyers?

I'll hand them out soon. I haven't handed them out yet.

- Byeong-gu? - Yes.

If you just sit there like that,

how will we ever get new members?

I'm sorry.

Go hand out the flyers.

- "If we say..." - I want to start boxing again.

- Boxing? - Yes.

George Foreman was 45

when he became a World Champion.

How old are you?

I'm 29 years old.

I'm way younger.

So you're saying

that George Foreman was 45 and you're 29,

and that's why you can box?

Yes.

Wait, you haven't turned 29 yet.

Yes, I did turn 29.

- Did you turn 29 already? - Yes.

Man, you are old.

No, I'm not. George Foreman was 45 when he became world champion...

Fine! Start boxing.

- Really? - Go ahead. Box.

I can't box on my own. I need your help, Coach.

You know I can't help you.

Before anything else, go hand out the flyers.

Then let's start boxing again.

- Okay? - You'll help me, right?

How could I help you with my bad leg and all?

- But... - You sure?

All you have to do is instruct me, and I'll just train really hard.

- Okay, fine. - And book matches for me.

All right, I got it.

I'll help you out, okay?

Go hand out the flyers, then let's box.

- Thank you, sir. - Sure.

Now, get going.

Hey.

I'll hand out as many flyers as I can, and...

- Come here. - Yes?

Take the bag.

Right, the bag.

I'll hand out the flyers, then limber up at the gym.

Okay.

- Thank you, sir. - Sure.

- I'm always thankful. - Sure.

"If we say that we have not sinned..."

That's not right. What?

"We make Him a liar,

and His word is not in us."

Coach, check this out. Watch.

Hey!

My body still remembers.

It was 10 years ago, but my body remembers.

You won't have to train me hard.

Not in church, pal!

Can't see my hands, huh?

Lee Byeong-gu! Practice at the gym.

Go!

Damn.

What's gotten into that kid?

Acting all crazy.

"We have an advocate with the Father,

Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."

What?

- What is it? - Hello.

Come on. What now?

I told you to go hand out flyers.

I forgot!

Did you hand out flyers today?

Byeong-gu replies, "Not yet"

Then he says he'll do it now

So the Director thinks

The fool is a-fooling around with me

Byeong-gu takes the flyers swiftly

He grabs a huge bundle

- There he goes from this house to that - Hey, Byeong-gu.

It's hot outside. Take it easy.

Here, Byeong-gu.

- Are my boys doing well? - Yes.

- Get going. - Take care, sir.

Another day races past to no avail

Just how futile can life get?

Byeong-gu thinks

Another day goes past in vain

Byeong-gu takes the flyers swiftly

LOSE 10 KILOGRAMS IN 3 MONTHS FIREBIRD BOXING GYM

Hi, Gyo-hwan.

Your left hand tends to go down when you throw a right.

It should be up as a guard.

- I'm sure you know well, but... - Hey.

Mind your business and do the laundry.

It stinks so much, it's unusable.

You're right. It's because we're out of fabric softener.

I'll need to buy a new one.

- Whatever. - I'll buy it today.

Byeong-gu?

- Any new members? - Not yet.

It's that time of the month again,

time to pay the gas bill.

Byeong-gu? Why is the gas bill so high?

Coach?

- Coach! - What?

When's my match?

Oh, the match? Well...

I'll book one soon.

How long am I supposed to wait?

Come on, Gyo-hwan.

You know, you have to work your way up steadily in boxing...

But that's all you say.

- Where are you going? - To do roadwork.

Watch out for the cars. See you!

Some temper he's got.

- Coach? - What?

We're out of fabric softener.

Then don't use any. What's the problem?

But Gyo-hwan says the towels stink.

- He did? - Yes.

Then go get some. Here.

Right. Also, Coach,

I handed out all the flyers.

Can I start boxing now?

Okay, then let's start after you buy the fabric softener.

Okay?

But I handed out...

That fabric softener is more important than boxing, at least for now.

Go on, go get it first.

Give me a break, already.

- No, don't. - All right.

Let me go.

Seung-bo, don't hit it like that.

No!

If you hit it, it'll break more, and...

Seung-bo, my pants...

Han-bin?

Dear Lord.

KANG JI-YEON

It's Carnegie Hall, a dream stage for any musician around the world.

How do you feel?

There's still much for me to do

to be the best Korean folk singer.

Excuse me.

Hello.

Our flyer.

Yes, I came to join.

A new member?

Yes.

Wow!

Are these all film photos?

I'm not sure.

- It must hurt. - I'm sorry.

- Please fill this out. - Okay.

Thanks.

Wait, it doesn't work.

I'm sorry.

- Can I use this? - Yes. Does it work?

- Yes. - Great.

Can you really lose ten kilograms in three months?

Sure. When I had matches,

I used to lose ten kilograms in 2 to 3 weeks.

- Ten kilograms in 2 to 3 weeks? - Yes.

When do you want to start?

Now.

Okay, then we should limber up...

No, let's just dive right in.

Kind of... Like this.

- The feet? - Yes, put your feet like this.

That's good.

Now, you have to jump.

Kind of jump back and forth.

- Do I just jump? - Yes.

- I'm so sorry. - It's okay.

- I'm sorry. Are you okay? - Yes, I'm fine.

Ah... it's...

It's not front and back, but side to side in boxing.

- I see. - I should've explained.

By the way, what should I call you?

Do I call you coach?

My name is Lee Byeong-gu, but you can call me whatever you...

Okay, coach!

Then what should I call you?

I'm Min-ji. Call me Min-ji.

Okay, Min-ji. Should we face this way and try again?

Sure.

So you don't jump this way, but this way.

Oh, this way.

Light steps, that's right.

That's it.

Light steps with heels up.

You're very good.

Next, from there, like this...

Yes, watch me, please.

Start from here.

One, two!

One, two!

Good. That's an excellent stance.

One, two.

- That's the one-two punch. - Okay.

- Try it again, Min-ji? - Yes, coach!

Byeong-gu is not a coach.

Right, he's not a coach.

Hey guys, did you finish

your three rounds of jump rope routines?

Don't act like an adult.

Right. Don't act like an adult.

Let's try it again, Min-ji.

- One more time. - Hey!

Aren't you two going to work out?

- Don't hit us! - Don't hit us!

I'll tell your dad!

- Whatever. - You always play that card.

- Go on. - But our dad is fat too.

Hello.

- You're Min-ji, right? - Yes.

- I'm the director here. - Hello.

I'd like to tell you a thing or two about boxing.

It is a little tough in the beginning, but later it'll be a piece of cake.

So you'll need to keep training for about six months

to start seeing some results. It's really important to do it steadily.

Right.

Also, it's better for your training

if you have boxing shoes and gloves too.

- That cost 50,000 won. - 50,000 won?

- Maybe later. - It's not important at all.

- Yes. - Training hard is more important. So...

Okay.

- Train hard. - Okay!

Byeong-gu?

How many months has she trained?

Three, sir.

We should've written six months on that flyer.

- Anyway, you help her out. - Yes, sir.

Also, I think you'll need to take extra good care of Gyo-hwan

until he gets his match booked.

He complains a lot these days. You know what I mean, right?

I bought the fabric softener.

Can I box now?

Ah, wait. I looked into things.

Okay.

- Where'd it go? - Really?

Here it is.

Take it.

This place. They say if you take classes here,

you'll get national certificates and stuff like that.

But Director, I want to box and fight in a match.

No, I think you should check this place out.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER FOR YOUR SECOND ROUND IN LIFE!

Hello?

Director Lim?

Byeong-gu!

Go on, help her out.

You have a lightweight, right?

What does that have to do with Gyo-hwan?

What?

You know how things are here. That was the past!

Coach? What do I do next?

Director Lim. Get me a match for Gyo-hwan.

Coach? What's after one-two?

Director Lim.

- Coach! - Director Lim!

- Coach! - Director Lim!

- Coach! - Director Lim!

- Coach! - Director Lim!

Coach!

Why not? Come on, don't listen to them.

Your punch-drunk syndrome is progressing faster than I expected.

You know, punch-drunk syndrome

is caused by brain damage, so symptoms vary among patients.

In your case, it's likely to proceed like Alzheimer's.

In the worst case, you may forget people around you

and even forget who you are.

Your memory will fade.

You used to box, right?

Mr. Lee Byeong-gu?

Yes, Pansori Boxing.

Pansori Boxing?

Yes, I used to train Pansori Boxing.

Sorry.

Ji-yeon, play that last bit again for me.

Any other rhythms?

Our traditional rhythms, from slowest to fastest,

are Jungmori, Jungjungmori, Gutgeori, Jajinmori and Hwimori.

Hwimori.

Are you okay?

Yes, I'm fine.

- Ji-yeon. - Yes?

I found my dream.

What is it?

I'm going to be the best in the world

with this Pansori Boxing that we created.

And I'll be the best in the world, too.

With our traditional sound, Pansori.

What's most Korean...

Is the most universal.

"I am bowed down and brought very low;

all day long I go about mourning."

"I am feeble and utterly crushed;

I groan in anguish of heart."

"My heart pounds, my strength fails me;

even the light has gone from my eyes."

"My friends

- and companions - What did you like the most?

- avoid me for my wounds, - Pork cutlets.

and my neighbors stay far away."

Coach!

What the hell are you doing?

Dear Lord...

Isn't it cold? Yikes, that must sting.

Does it hurt?

It hurts, doesn't it?

- I'm fine. It doesn't hurt a lot. - Here.

You are such a douchebag.

Bye. See you tomorrow.

What? Why is he so rude?

No, he's a good kid.

- Coach? - Yes?

I'm a good judge of character.

- I think you're too nice. - No, I'm not.

- Yes, you are. - Nope.

You're nice,

but a bit weird.

Let me see.

Why do you always shrink back?

It's not like you messed up, right?

What?

- Did you do something really bad? - Yes.

People do things that they're sorry for all the time.

Just don't make the same mistakes again.

Right.

- What's with your face? - What's wrong with it?

If you were my brother, I would've beat you up.

You're a violent person.

Why you little...

Oh, right. Coach, that picture over there.

Is that really you?

- Yes, that's me. - Really?

Yes.

- You look dapper. - "Dapper"?

Yes.

You look really hot.

- Thanks. I heard that a lot before. - Really?

Because I have big eyes, - Yes.

people used to say

that I look like Tony Leung...

Forget it.

You look better with short hair.

I think so too.

Why grow your hair and cover your big eyes?

I don't know.

You're dapper with short hair.

It feels weird.

I don't remember when I started growing it.

I'm sorry, Min-ji.

I'm so forgetful these days.

Alzheimer's runs in my family.

My grandfather suffered from it

throughout his later years, too.

One thing I remember,

it was at my grandmother's funeral.

Grandpa kept saying "This place scares me,

I want to go home."

And he was looking for Grandma.

Right there, in the corridor of the funeral hall,

right in front of me.

These days, I don't know why but I keep thinking about

how he was looking for her, out of nowhere.

Byeong-gu.

I know.

You'll become a World Champion with Pansori Boxing.

Because...

Hey, Lee Byeong-gu!

NIGHT CLUB

- Director is looking for you. - Tell him not to.

Let's apologize to him and start over.

Let's start boxing again.

- Let it go already, Ji-yeon. It's over. - Please!

Just leave. Go grab yourself some snacks and leave.

Go back to boxing.

I won't.

Please. Let's go.

It's over.

- No, it's not. - It is and you know it.

Stop being so stubborn!

- Come on. - Quit it!

Hit me again.

Just hit me and leave.

Come on, please.

Get a fucking room, bitches.

Come on, that wasn't necessary.

What's up, bitch?

Byeong-gu.

Hey, Lee Byeong-gu!

- He's drunk, I apologize. - Sir, please.

- Come at me, bitch! - I'll fuck you up!

- Stop it already. - Come on.

Yukchae.

Jajinmori.

Hwimori.

Don't you forget.

Ever.

These are the most representative rhythms of Korea.

Byeong-gu.

You'll become a World Champion with Pansori Boxing.

Because...

what's most Korean is the most universal.

Remember our promise back then?

Stand straight.

Ready?

The lower body is always the problem.

Most losses come from weak lower bodies.

Oh, thank you.

Wait, sir.

This has gotten too old.

I recommend that you buy another one.

Just fix it, please.

Sir, getting a new one would cost much less

than buying new parts and having someone assemble them.

Still, please, just fix it.

It'll cost less to buy a new one.

Fix it, please.

Well...

Whatever you want, then.

Yes, like that, but lower.

You have to loosen your grip.

You can't just practice gripping hard all the time.

Snap punches. Try it like this.

It won't even turn.

- Sir? - Yes?

- Would you punch me? - What?

Punch me, please.

Sir? I don't understand...

I'm a boxer. If you punch, I'll duck.

Still, how could I punch my customer?

I'm sorry. Please punch me.

Okay, sir. I'll get this fixed in ten minutes...

Sorry. Please punch me.

You're taking this too far, sir...

Sorry. Please punch me, I beg you.

Motherfucker, are you messing with me

because I'm your fucking TV guy?

Who the fuck are you?

You fucking nutjob. What are you, crazy?

Come here!

Crazy motherfucker.

I'll fuck you up.

Come here!

Let me go, I'll fuck him up!

Coach!

If it's broken, we can just fix it.

Why would you throw it out?

What are you doing?

Sometimes, I get this tingly feeling

inside my body.

If I slap it like this,

it helps blood circulation, and I feel better quicker.

- You have to hit hard. - Hard?

Bear the pain.

Doesn't it sound like janggu?

- Janggu? - Yes.

An old friend of mine used to play the janggu,

and I used to train Pansori Boxing.

- What? Pansori Boxing? - Wow.

Pansori Boxing.

I used to play janggu in elementary school.

Really?

- Coach. - Yes?

What kind of girl do you like?

Someone who looks good in a hanbok dress.

- A hanbok dress? - Yes.

I'm a bit conservative, so I like white traditional dresses.

I'm wearing a white shirt!

- It doesn't count. - Why?

Both top and bottom must be white.

I'm a stickler for rules and principles.

- Really? - Yes.

I should've worn white pants.

No, it's okay.

How about you?

Me? I like kind guys.

Me? I like kind guys.

What?

Well, then I guess it's not me.

Why?

I'm a bad boy.

No way!

- It's true. - No.

Well, Min-ji. If you meet a kind guy,

what would you like to do with him?

I'd like to...

Coach? Let's go that way.

But the gym is this way.

I know. Let's go.

- Why? - Come on.

I bet you've never been here.

Sorry.

I told you I'm a principle freak.

- Coach? - Yes?

Did you really do Pansori Boxing?

- Yes. - Wow.

I'm curious about Pansori Boxing. Can't you start doing it again?

But the director won't allow me.

What?

Why do you need permission to do that?

We only live once. We should do what we want.

Or you'll regret it before you die, like "Oh, why didn't I do it back then?"

Right?

Show me what Pansori Boxing is.

Come on.

Let's do it together.

Coach, let me ask you something.

Does anyone else do Pansori Boxing besides you?

No? Not even one?

Wow! That's cool!

That's why I haven't seen it before, because you never showed me.

I didn't even know what Pansori Boxing was.

I saw that.

What was that?

What is it?

Come on, what is it?

Nice.

Good.

Again.

Byeong-gu flinches and punches Scared of Director Park

Step and a flinch, one-two and a flinch Director Park comes over

The scared old Byeong-gu saw him coming So he pretends he didn't box

Byeong-gu flinches and punches Scared of Director Park

Step and a flinch, one-two and a flinch Director Park comes over

The scared old Byeong-gu saw him coming So he pretends he didn't box

Byeong-gu, you fool!

He twists and twitches, flinches again Steps up a little and punches slightly

Peeks a look and jumps a step Peeks a look at the coach again

Where did Director Park go?

Director Park's a-coming at him Byeong-gu sees him coming at him

Scared old Byeong-gu says He was just cleaning up

Heart pumping, Byeong-gu makes sure Director Park isn't watching

Byeong-gu's heart is jumping Where did the director go?

He's busy looking here and there Looking for the director

See how busy he is

Good heavens, is he boxing?

Coach?

Look over there. Poor puppy!

Hey!

It's okay, little doggy.

It's okay now, don't mind them.

You're safe now. Hold on.

That's right. Wait.

TOWN REDEVELOPMENT

I think he really likes you.

- Foreman. - What?

George Foreman is his name. I'm going to raise him.

- Really? - Yes.

- Wait. Doesn't he look a bit fat? - Really?

- Then we'll make him exercise. Foreman! - Foreman, come!

Grandma?

Stop doing this.

I told you I can just buy food here. You don't have to bring lunch for me.

Then who'll eat that?

Gyo-hwan!

Gyo-hwan!

- Hello. - Hello, ma'am.

- Please take care of Gyo-hwan. - Yes, of course.

- He's a good kid at heart. - Yes, I know, ma'am.

I used to worry about him growing up,

but I think I could leave in peace now.

- Please don't say that, ma'am. - Stop saying that.

Let's go to a big hospital.

I'm fine.

- It costs a lot to get treated. - I have money, Grandma!

Don't worry about that stuff and go get an x-ray,

listen to what the doctor has to say and stuff, okay?

It's okay.

- Come on. - I don't need big hospitals.

Ma'am?

Yes?

You see, Gyo-hwan - Yes.

is training really hard to box well.

So you must stay healthy.

How else will you watch him actually fighting in a match,

and see him win that match

with your own two eyes?

You're right.

So I think Gyo-hwan is right.

I think it'd be good to go to a big hospital,

and get yourself examined, just once.

I think it would be nice.

Okay, then.

I'll think about it.

Thank you.

Gyo-hwan! Get back to work!

Coming!

See you, Gyo-hwan.

- Hey, Byeong-gu! - Yes?

The fabric softener smells nice.

Is it the new one?

Yes.

Good job.

Thanks.

So, right.

I guess I'll see you at the gym?

Sure, okay.

- Go on. - Okay.

- I'll get going. - Bye.

- Bye. - Right.

- He got his arm. He's pulling hard! - That's an armbar.

- Yes, it's a good hold! - Right in there.

He got him right.

That's incredible. What is that?

That's an armbar. It hurts really bad.

Kids play that at school. It's fun!

- Really? - Yup.

Aren't you going to practice?

Why are you even watching that?

Men hugging each other. How embarrassing.

Boxing isn't on TV anymore.

This is way stronger than boxing and way more fun.

Don't turn it off!

Turn it back on. It was fun!

Hey. Come here.

Why?

What do you mean, why? Come here.

All right, what you just saw on TV.

Try and do that to me now, okay? Come on.

Try it.

Don't hit me!

You said it's stronger. Bring it on.

That's not fair. Let go of me.

Wait, time out.

- Come on. Do you really think - You said you were a boxer!

you could hold me down with this?

- You're cheating. Time out. - There's no time out!

- Why you little... - Hit him back!

Of course there is time out.

Gosh.

You never change, do you?

Jang Seung-eop?

Hello.

Are you a new member?

New member, my ass.

No cheating!

Executive Director, Korea Boxing Federation.

So, does stealing boxers from other gyms make you an executive director?

As if.

Why do you have to be so aggressive?

That's not why I came. Flip it over.

Redevelopment Committee?

So?

Who boxes these days?

Hey.

I'll make sure you get a good price.

Sell this place to me.

No will do. Go.

Why waste this prime property?

Who's wasting it?

There's a gym here, and people are exercising. See?

Why do you still have him around?

That's why they say you're third-class.

Hey.

Who says I'm third-class?

Say third-class one more time.

I'm not interested.

Get lost.

Fine.

I was just trying to help you.

Don't come back here!

Hey.

Times have changed, man.

Think it over. Stop being so stubborn.

Byeong-gu, kick him out.

Really? Kick him where?

Unbelievable.

Get up and go print new flyers!

Yes, the color seems nice. But...

But what? If it's nice, let's just print it out.

But...

Why? It's nice.

- Spit it out already. - Okay, I got it.

I think it'll be nicer with George Foreman's story in it.

- George Foreman? - Yes.

We could write something like "You can box at age 45 too", in red.

Big bold letters, so it looks intense.

Okay. Hold on.

And then...

That's it.

- Like that? - Yes.

How about his picture there?

- You're amazing, Min-ji. - Why?

How you designed that just now.

I think you're really talented.

Really?

I enjoy... You know.

Designs, photographs, and stuff like that.

So you like photos.

Do you like taking pictures too?

Yes.

You look different now.

So you like pictures.

- Professional photographers... - Coach, your shoelaces are undone.

Really?

- I'll tie them for you. - No, Min-ji. I'll...

What are you doing?

Is your neck okay?

- I'm fine. - I'm sorry.

Wait.

It's Gyo-hwan.

What is this?

"You can box at age 45 too!"

FIREBIRD BOXING GYM

Hey, you.

Stop eating so much.

Hello?

Director Lim?

Gyo-hwan is a lightweight.

Really?

What are you eating?

What is this?

Tell me. What are these pills for?

Vitamin... They're vitamin pills.

- Vitamins? Are you sure? - Yes.

Look at you, hogging all the good stuff.

What, you don't want to share?

- That's not... - Okay, so you don't want it.

- That's not it, sir. - You don't want to share, is that it?

Can't stand sharing with me, can you?

This is good for your health, right?

Right,

Gyo-hwan got a match, you know?

Did he now?

But I can't find him anywhere.

I saw him earlier.

- See you next time. - All right.

Jang Seung-eop!

Hey.

Hello, Director.

He's selling his store and moving to Seoul.

That's right.

I was going to stop by with the boys.

See you then.

- I'll see you out from here. - Okay.

Hey. Where'd you take Gyo-hwan?

What?

I said, where did you take him?

Why do you always yell at me?

He's got a match to go to. Where is he?

I didn't steal him from you.

He came to me himself,

saying third-class coaches make third-class boxers.

Hey.

Why didn't you tell him?

About what?

About Byeong-gu's screw-up.

Hey.

That was ages ago.

Gyo-hwan was pissed off

that nobody ever told him.

You should've been honest with him.

You did him wrong, man.

- Min-ji? - Yes?

What's this?

Well...

You said you like taking pictures.

We used it at the gym years ago.

- Can I use this? - Yes, it's yours.

Thank you!

It's so pretty.

There's a film roll in here.

- Is our picture taken? - Yes.

But I'll print it to be sure.

When you do that,

- when you get it printed out... - Yes, what about it?

- Can I have one too? - Of course.

Gyo-hwan!

Min-ji, I'll see you later.

I'll get it printed.

- Take care! - Bye.

That brat.

Gyo-hwan.

You have a match.

It's your first match, so I'll help you.

For what it's worth,

I used to be a pro boxer, so...

Gyo-hwan?

Gyo-hwan!

Gyo-hwan, I mean it. You do have a match.

Did you fail a doping test and got expelled?

Don't you act dumb with me.

You gave the gym bad rap with your doping

and that's why I couldn't get a match.

Was it fun fucking me over without me knowing, you motherfucker?

How will you make up for the games I missed?

- I'm sorry, Gyo-hwan. - Tell me.

I didn't mean to keep it from you...

How will you repay me?

I'm so sorry, Gyo-hwan.

You son of a bitch.

My grandmother...

She asked me when my match was.

Until the end, she asked me...

The end?

Grandma wanted so bad to come watch me fight.

Gyo-hwan...

You motherfucker.

So how are you going to make up for this?

Grandma really wanted to watch me box, you fucking son of a bitch.

What are you going to do about it now?

Shit!

Did Byeong-gu submit this himself?

You know.

He can't make a comeback. He failed a doping test.

If you ask, I'll help you.

Sell me the gym.

Don't you say that again.

I'm not selling.

Fine, then.

Do whatever you want.

BOXING LICENSE APPLICATION LEE BYEONG-GU

Come up.

Jab!

Ready?

Jab!

Hey!

Aren't you going to box?

You applied for a comeback.

Then you're a boxer now.

So box.

Box, I said!

Box, box!

Box, box, I said. Box, you idiot!

Stop it, director!

You stubborn little prick.

Are you okay, coach?

How could you do that to him, Director?

This is none of your business.

Still, you went too far.

No, I did not.

Why are you doing this?

I tried...

I tried to make a good boxer out of him.

But he's hopeless.

Hey.

Lee Byeong-gu!

This is your reality,

and this gym is my reality.

Jab!

One-two!

One-two, double!

One-two, uppercut!

One-two, hook!

Duck!

You dumbass, your side is wide open!

How many times did I tell you?

I'm sorry.

Side, I said. Side!

Concentrate!

Do you think the title match is a joke?

One slip and you're out, it's a jungle out there!

You'll end up as a third-class!

No second chances!

Tell him about your knee.

You can't box in your condition.

Hey.

I'm the one who'll get crippled, if ever.

So stop with your...

bitching.

KOREAN BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Mr. Lee Byeong-gu.

Lee Byeong-gu!

What are you, crazy?

Get it treated and try again.

But director...

Remember what you said to me?

"One slip and you're out, it's a jungle out there"?

I'm sorry, but I don't want to end my career as a third-class boxer.

- So you insist on going? - Yes.

- Really? - Yes.

Then step on me when you go.

Director.

Go on, step on me!

Go on!

Yes, sir.

Lee Byeong-gu!

Byeong-gu!

I'm sorry, sir.

Are you okay?

He tested positive to a banned drug.

I was injured.

It hurt so much that I got a shot of painkiller before the game.

I never meant for this to happen.

I'm... I'm really shocked.

I mean... I'm really flustered.

Well... I didn't mean to...

I mean, my intentions were...

I just...

Take your sunglasses off. You're at church now.

Yes, sir.

Hey.

You need to put some ice on it.

I didn't have any ice.

Yes, sir.

- Byeong-gu? - Yes.

What will you do if the gym closes down?

Why would the gym close down?

I'm just saying.

Well, what about you, sir?

I'll study theology.

But your age...

I'm 49.

You're closer to 50, sir.

- Byeong-gu. - Yes.

Back then, I knew all about it.

About your bad knee.

I should've stopped you no matter what.

Man...

It's all my fault. I'm sorry.

It's because I'm third-class.

Anyway,

it's all my fault.

No.

Please don't feel sorry for me, sir.

It's all my fault, from top to bottom.

- Byeong-gu. - Yes?

Times have changed.

I think our prime time is over.

I'll get going, sir.

Besides, Director?

Why do you talk like it's all over?

Our prime time may be over, but it doesn't mean that we are.

Byeong-gu.

Byeong-gu!

- Lee Byeong-gu! - Yes?

Still here?

I was leaving, but...

Stop handing out flyers.

Then what?

FIREBIRD BOXING GYM

- Foreman! - Look who's here.

Foreman!

How've you been, Foreman?

Such a cutie!

- Coach. - Yes?

- Are you okay? - Yes, I'm fine.

And I started boxing again.

What?

Director Park gave me permission.

I'm boxing again.

- Really? - Yes.

Watch this.

Foreman? Roll over!

Did you eat five raw eggs?

Byeong-gu replies, “I just can't"

Then he says he can't stand the taste

Just tap it. Tap.

So the Director thinks - Weaving.

- The fool is a-fooling around with me - Weave out of its way, like this.

- Byeong-gu goes to train boxing swiftly - Weave out of its way.

Director Park teaches Byeong-gu boxing

One-two! One-two!

Hey.

Get back here. Try again.

It is well known That all things yield to the years

But it does feel cruel

How time passes by so inevitably

Byeong-gu!

Byeong-gu thinks to himself

My body can't move like a flash anymore

Byeong-gu goes to train boxing swiftly

What are you doing, coach?

Are you bandaging yourself right now?

This is how you do it.

Did they turn out okay?

It was an old film. Take a look.

Okay.

Why is this one so cheap?

FILM ROLLS 50% SALE

I'm selling off everything.

We close next month.

Folks these days don't take film pictures.

Right...

Jab!

One-two!

Jab!

One-two!

Min-ji?

Do that outside.

What are you doing?

Focus!

Jab!

Min-ji's drum echoes in the gym

Byeong-gu gets excited and dances along

Byeong-gu shakes buttocks to Min-ji's beat As he throws a one-two punch

Director Park is flustered So he cannot help but laugh

Look at Byeong-gu shaking his shoulders Listen to Min-ji's hype rhythm

Look at Byeong-gu's steps Director Park can't help but play along

Min-ji's beat makes Byeong-gu dance And gives him strength to train harder

Byeong-gu fights and endures His boxing improves day by day

Director Park is surprised And it gives him strength and joy

Look at him go

Look at Director Park's shoulders bounce

Byeong-gu punches the punch ball And it goes a-rattle rattle

He crouches low to catch A chicken set free in the ring

Chasing it round and round He finally corners it

Then he grabs its head and dances in joy

The chicken goes bawk bawk Today's menu is fried chicken

Min-ji and Foreman race on the beach The dog runs fast on its short legs

Byeong-gu runs on legs of steel

Plowing swiftly through the sandy beach

It seems Byeong-gu is not his old self

Now, look at him jump ropes

He skips so fast, sweating from his face Min-ji watches in awe

Min-ji's hair tosses in the stormy wind Caused by Byeong-gu's jump ropes

No matter how Director Park squints He can't beat Byeong-gu's wind

Who will dare stop this team? Min-ji, Foreman, Director park,

And the one and only Lee Byeong-gu Here they come, so be prepared

Together, nothing scares them

- Vitamin D. - Vitamin D?

I'm taking it in.

By the way, Coach, you look a lot brighter

ever since you started boxing again.

- Really? - Yes.

Before, you always said, "I'm so sorry, Min-ji."

- I did? - Yes.

It's all thanks to you, Min-ji.

It must be nice to have something you want to do.

I don't know what I'll do after I graduate.

Maybe I should just go take civil service exams or something.

You like taking pictures, Min-ji. How about a professional photographer?

No way! I can't do that.

- Why not? - It makes no sense.

Yes, it does.

Wait a minute, Min-ji.

Remember what you told me?

"We only live once. We should do what we want."

Don't regret it before you die.

Right?

Yes.

Then become a photographer. I love boxing, so I'm boxing.

It's all thanks to your help.

This time, I'll help you, Min-ji.

Let's do it together.

Ji-yeon...

What?

- Min-ji! - Ji-yeon?

What? Ji-yeon?

I didn't mean that.

So, Ji-yeon.

Let me explain. Suddenly...

- It was Ji-yeon. - No.

No what? Forget it.

- But... - Don't follow me!

- Min-ji, it's not like that. - I said don't follow me!

- Min-ji! - Get away from me!

Can't you do something?

Sorry. He failed a doping test.

Come on.

At the time, he...

Byeong-gu thought it was a painkiller. That's why he took it.

We can't do anything. The federation must reinstate him.

I heard Jang Seung-eop works for them.

You could ask him for help.

No way.

He's not still juicing, is he?

REDEVELOPMENT ZONE

Min-ji?

- Why aren't you coming to the gym? - My membership is over.

- Just come. You don't have to pay. - No, thank you.

Take it.

It was my gift for you.

I don't need it.

And good luck with Ji-yeon.

- Min-ji, wait... - Don't you follow me.

You're Mr. Lee Byeong-gu's guardian?

Why'd you come so late?

He has punch-drunk syndrome from brain damage.

It's progressing like Alzheimer's.

It's worse than I thought.

You should prepare for the worst.

BOXING LICENSE APPLICATION LEE BYEONG-GU

Min-ji?

Min-ji?

Coach?

What are you doing here?

I'm sorry.

I have something to tell you.

"Dear Min-ji.

To be frank, my old friend appeared in front of my eyes.

I was so shocked that I called out her name.

It was because I was shocked. I'm so sorry.

She's named...

I mean, her name is Ji-yeon.

Actually, I was banned from boxing from a failed doping test.

She encouraged me not to give up.

But I did something wrong and can't see her anymore.

I'm a really bad person.

I just wanted to be honest with you, Min-ji.

And I wanted to tell you everything.

I'm very sorry if I upset you that day.

Min-ji, please don't be mad."

Isn't the letter meant for me?

Yes, it is.

Coach?

Yes?

To tell you the truth,

I'm a bad judge of character.

So I always dated bad guys.

But I think you're a really good guy.

No, Min-ji. I'm not good.

No, I mean it. You're a good guy!

No, I'm not.

I...

I like you, coach.

What about you?

Me too...

What's that?

Me too.

Me too, what?

I think I really like you too, Min-ji.

You think?

I think, no, I mean...

I mean... I really...

like you.

It's late, Coach. You should go.

It's late. Go home.

Right. I'm sorry, Min-ji. Good night.

Bye.

Wait! Min-ji!

Your camera.

Director?

Why are you still here?

Where were you?

I went for a walk.

You have a match.

- But I thought I was banned... - It's all taken care of.

Happy?

The coming Rookie Championships

will be a stage for your comeback, kid.

Wait!

I'm sorry, sir.

Thank you, sir!

You have to do really good, okay?

Yes, sir.

You can go ahead and try

- your Pansori Boxing too. - What?

- Do everything you want to. - Yes, sir.

Try everything.

Don't bother.

- Take care, sir! - Bye.

KOREA BOXING FEDERATION

Here you go.

Is it done, then?

Yes, you're registered as a contestant.

Thank you.

- Min-ji? - What are you doing?

You scared me!

You're registered now?

Yes.

You're a professional boxer again?

Yes, I can fight in the match.

- Congratulations! - Thank you.

I'm actually sad this place will be torn down.

You sure Byeong-gu can really box?

Yes, he can. How many times do I have to tell you?

Don't yell at me.

How far along is she?

What?

It looks like she'll give birth soon.

She's pregnant?

Byeong-gu?

Hello, ma'am!

- It's been a while. - Yes.

What's up?

I came...

Right, I came to see Ji-yeon.

I'm sorry for coming suddenly.

I lost touch with Ji-yeon for a while.

But I started boxing again.

I really wanted to tell Ji-yeon that.

Byeong-gu.

What are you talking about?

Ji-yeon left us a long time ago.

Where did she go?

I'm sorry.

I don't think I can be the best in the world.

I feel bad

for not being able to see it.

I really wanted to see

our Pansori Boxing on the ring.

Don't talk like you're dying.

KANG JI-YEON (1989-2011)

Byeong-gu.

Want to hear a funny story?

There once lived a man and a woman.

They loved each other.

But the woman married

another man.

And the man married

another woman.

Isn't it funny?

Where did you go?

Byeong-gu.

Byeong-gu?

Byeong-gu!

Byeong-gu! Wake up!

Byeong-gu!

- Is Mr. Lee Byeong-gu's guardian present? - Yes.

- Please come in. - Thanks.

Doctor?

Isn't there anything we can do?

As I said, the brain is already damaged.

It's beyond the reach of modern medicine.

But he's still young.

Please spend more time with him when you can, sir.

Coach.

Yes?

Foreman...

What about Foreman?

Foreman...

Foreman is dead.

VET CLINIC

Didn't you know she was pregnant?

She must've gotten weak from living on the streets.

She had six puppies in total,

but three died at birth.

I'm afraid these three won't make it either.

Without the mother present, they tend to die soon.

- Director? - Yes?

Where's coach Byeong-gu?

He went to bury Foreman.

Don't worry, Director Park.

Coach will be fine.

- Min-ji. - Yes?

Byeong-gu has punch-drunk syndrome.

- Punch-drunk syndrome? - Yes.

It's pretty bad. The hospital can't treat it.

And they say doesn't have much time left.

What does that mean?

Then shouldn't you stop him from boxing?

But that's what he wants.

Let's help him with this match.

How can he box if he's sick?

We should stop him.

FIREBIRD

Coach?

Let's give up the match for now

and get you treated.

Director Park told me everything.

Don't fight in the match.

Min-ji.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier.

But I'm still going on that match.

How can you be so selfish?

What about Director Park and me?

I'm sorry.

But remember what you said?

You told me to do what I want if I don't want to regret it later on.

Good.

All right, good job. Now give me a one-two.

Ready, go. One-two!

One-two. Good.

KOREA BOXING FEDERATION ROOKIE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Weight, 68 kilograms. Pass!

That's the doping kid, right?

How shameless of him...

Hold your head high!

61.15 kg. Pass.

LEE BYUNG-GU VS. NAM GYO-HWAN

Ready?

Pose for us, please? Great.

Ready? One, two, three!

Keep those guards up or I'll throw in the towel.

Yes, sir.

- Director. - Yes?

Sorry to burden you to the end.

- I'll prove it. - What?

That you're not third-class.

KBF Rookie Championships.

No headbutting, no open glove moves.

No below the belt.

If I say black, stop.

If I say box, fight.

Positions!

Box!

Let's go!

Nice!

That's it!

- Focus! - Three!

- Breathe, it's okay. - Four!

Five, six,

seven,

eight.

Box!

That's it!

Get in there.

Good. Get close to him.

Hey!

Get close!

- Good! - Byeong-gu!

Get in there.

All right, one-two! Corner him.

Get out!

Get him.

Back out a little, that's it.

Uppercut!

Stop!

You didn't stop right away.

One warning.

- Are you okay? - Yes.

Why aren't you doing it?

What?

Go ahead and try it.

Yes, sir.

Keep your distance.

Slowly. Concentrate.

Slowly!

Use your jabs!

That's it!

- What's he doing? - What the...

- What's that? Dancing? - What a weirdo.

Are you dancing?

Gyo-hwan, put those hands up. Don't mind him!

Get in there!

Good!

What the hell is that?

Nice!

Good!

Concentrate!

Focus, don't rush it.

Guard up and attack!

Hold your guard up!

All right.

Get yourself out of there.

Good!

Shit.

Three!

Four!

Five!

Six!

Seven!

Eight!

Are you sure your head is okay?

Did you see Min-ji?

- You should be focusing on the game. - Okay.

Take it slow, you're doing great. You almost got him now.

Got it? Stay focused.

You're almost there, don't let him go.

Byeong-gu?

Let's call it a day.

I'm fine.

No, you're not, kid. Let's quit.

I can do it.

Box!

What are you, crazy?

You can go ahead

and try your Pansori Boxing too.

Stop being so stubborn!

I feel bad

for not being able to see it.

I'll think about it.

What are you going to do about it now?

How can you be so selfish?

What about Director Park and me?

Min-ji.

I know this match

won't mean a damn thing.

I know everything will be gone or forgotten.

I know

that I'll soon be forgotten too.

But there's something

I want to show the people by my side.

Be it just once or one last time,

I want them to show them something on the ring.

Coach!

Wake up!

Show me what Pansori Boxing is.

Come on.

Let's do it together.

Fists that fly like lightning Byeong-gu's Lightning Fist

Beats that roll like thunder Min-ji's Thundering Beats

Fists that fly like lightning Byeong-gu's Lightning Fist

Beats that roll like thunder Min-ji's Thundering Beats

Fists that fly like lightning Byeong-gu's Lightning Fist

Beats that roll like thunder Min-ji's Thundering Beats

This kid Byeong-gu snaps right to it

And gets stronger to Min-ji's beat

He moves side to side Swinging his buttocks

Dancing to the rhythm He'll throw his Lightning Fists

Fists that fly like lightning Byeong-gu's Lightning Fist

Beats that roll like thunder Min-ji's Thundering Beats

This kid Byeong-gu snaps right to it

And gets stronger to Min-ji's beat

He moves side to side Swinging his buttocks

Dancing to the rhythm He'll throw his Lightning Fists

Fists that fly like lightning Byeong-gu's Lightning Fist

Beats that roll like thunder Min-ji's Thundering Beats

Echoing throughout the gym Is not the sound of Min-ji's janggu drum

But Byeong-gu's fists That fly like lightning

Fists that fly like lightning Byeong-gu's Lightning Fist

Beats that roll like thunder Min-ji's Thundering Beats

Fists that fly like lightning Byeong-gu's Lightning Fist

Beats that roll like thunder Min-ji's Thundering Beats

Fists that fly like lightning Byeong-gu's Lightning Fist

Beats that roll like thunder Min-ji's Thundering Beats

Byeong-gu!

I'm a bad boy.

No way.

- It's true. - No.

Well, Min-ji. If you meet a kind guy,

what would you like to do with him?

I'd like to...

Go for a walk.

- A walk? - Yes.

I want to hold hands and walk on the beach.

So holding hands and walking.

- Coach! - Byeong-gu!

Coach! What are we going to do?

Coach. Coach!

Min-ji.

- Min-ji? - Yes?

I think I had a dream.

A long and strange dream.

In it,

you were there.

Director Park was there too.

And so was Foreman.

And I was

goofing around, saying that I'll do this Pansori Boxing thing,

or something like that.

Coach...

Oh, right. Min-ji,

I also heard this very funny story.

What?

It's about...

There once was a man and a woman.

They loved each other.

They loved...

I'm sorry, Min-ji.

I can't remember.

It's okay, coach.

I'm so forgetful these days.

So there was a man and a woman...

I remember, Min-ji!

There was a man and a woman...

THE WORLD'S VERY FIRST PANSORI BOXER LEE BYUNG-GU

There once

lived a man

and a woman.

They...

lived together happily

to the end

of their lives.