Original subtitles

JE GEUN-U HAN YEONG-HUI

When I was in high school,

my mother drove into the ocean with my father in the car.

My mom made it out of the water,

but my poor father

is probably still wandering alone somewhere in the deep ocean.

The fingernails my crazy mom left me.

That's when I knew it wasn't an accident.

- Don't you think it was insurance fraud? - That's what I'm saying.

It was both suicide and murder,

but I said nothing.

I was still too young

to bear all of it.

How could I have ever lived a normal life?

A severe panic disorder.

From that day on, I couldn't go outside without my medication.

But even with it, I still wouldn't go outside.

A happy and peaceful confinement.

Maybe that's when people started

to see me as a rat hiding in a hole.

This is the Hangang River area

where a woman in her early thirties was found dead.

Authorities are identifying the woman,

but they were unable to find any leads, including family or acquaintances.

The entire area was temporarily closed off…

I

still can't go outside.

The world goes on just fine without me.

For the past three years,

while I've been trapped in this house,

the world has been just as lively as ever,

every single day.

Damn it.

It just won't fall apart.

While I'm stuck here, popping pills for my panic disorder.

YOUR ORDER IS PLACED! ARRIVING TOMORROW MORNING (SAT)

People go around calling me a genius writer.

A reclusive writer shrouded in mystery, known only by a pen name,

with neither a face nor a real name.

A mysterious new writer who burst onto the scene like a comet,

releasing one hit novel after another.

A comet?

At least comets can roam through space freely.

Fuck.

They know nothing.

Moon-jae!

Moon-jae!

Moon-jae!

Moon-jae!

Moon-jae!

Moon-jae!

The same nightmare every night.

The same panic attack every day.

Nothing ever changes.

Let's see

if anything has changed since yesterday.

Yakult.

The mailman. Saying hello.

I'm here at the scene in…

The same news.

Maybe the outside world

really is a simulation.

…where a woman was found dead yesterday.

This is usually a quiet neighborhood, but…

I'm so sick of it all.

…and investigators flooded the area,

tensions remained high for some time.

The victim was found with severe external injuries.

Police have secured CCTV footage of a suspect leaving the scene

and are working to identify and track the individual.

BARO BANK

BARO BANK CERTIFICATE

Huh?

FINGERPRINT NOT MATCHED

What the hell?

FINGERPRINT NOT MATCHED

TOO MANY FAILED ATTEMPTS ENTER YOUR PIN

What was that?

Is this a bug?

DONGBU POLICE STATION

You're here.

Where have you been?

The courthouse?

Is that still going on?

Hey. Get to work.

I'm working. Covering your part too.

Fuck, we're already short-handed as hell.

- Morning, sir. - Hey.

Sir.

You little punk.

Where have you been? The courthouse?

At least tell me where you're going before you disappear, punk!

A freaking cop, going in and out of domestic violence court?

It wasn't violence.

All I did was punch the wall once.

That's violence, punk. Against the wall.

Yeah, nice going.

Hey.

Just get to work.

You get to work.

Gonna work or what, punks?

Hey, you.

Looks like you got a tip.

A tip?

Yeah. Might be about the body found in the Hangang River.

But why you?

Is it someone you know?

Who sent it?

It's anonymous.

Then why ask if I knew them?

I was talking about the bastard in there.

Oh, someone's in here?

Huh? Jesus.

THE BODY FOUND IN THE HANGANG RIVER WAS NOT A SUICIDE

KIM YEONG-GEUN APT 704, BLDG 104, CENTUM HEIGHTS FORE

You know that guy?

No. Never seen him before.

There must be a reason this came to you.

Who mails stuff like this these days? They'd just post it online.

So who killed themselves in the Hangang River?

How would I know, punk?

Yeah, you find out. It was sent to you.

- Take care, sir. - Where are you going?

- Who is this? - Seriously!

How the hell would I find out? Seriously…

- Hey, kid. - Sir?

Run a background check.

Name, Kim Yeong-geun. ID number…

Find out.

Yes, sir.

TO SON SOO-HYUN

APT 704, BLDG 104 CENTUM HEIGHTS FORE

You call me over way too often just because I'm nearby.

You know, you sure use a lot of gas.

You got a cold or something?

How would I catch a cold?

I never go outside.

Unless you give it to me.

Hey.

What's that?

It's a bug.

A bug.

I saved my number in there.

You don't have anyone else to call anyway.

But this thing was working perfectly fine, wasn't it?

You watched porn?

Shut up.

Then why is it acting up all of a sudden?

I know. The fingerprint isn't working,

so I can't make payments or anything.

You got it for me a few months ago. Why does it keep acting up?

Hey, show me your fingers.

Maybe you wrote so much, your fingerprints wore off.

Having fun? Huh?

Hey.

If it's urgent, I can pay for it for you now.

Everything in the cart, right?

Yeah.

Oh, and the OTP is in there,

so just set up your fingerprint in the banking app.

Man, you really are a handful.

You got a better idea?

The accounts are all in your name, and all the money's with you.

Your money's safe, so don't worry.

Anything else?

That.

I'll call someone to take care of it.

Every day's been the same for me.

Why's all this happening today?

Oh man.

Who knows?

Maybe the phone and the glass were all part of the plan.

Isn't that the simulation theory? The story you wrote.

Hey, the protagonist was manipulated into believing that.

Did you actually read it?

I bought it, punk. Isn't that enough?

You expect me to actually read the whole thing too?

What about your meds?

- Do you have enough? - Yeah, I've still got some.

All right, then.

Thanks to you, I've gotta play a panic disorder patient.

I'm getting good at acting.

Was that all?

Yeah. You're leaving already?

Accountants don't just sit around all day.

There's our school reunion today too.

I'm busy as hell.

You guys still get together?

You're the only one not coming.

All the guys who made a bit of money show up.

Man, that shitty high school.

Reunion, my ass. Aren't you sick of it already?

And you aren't sick of being stuck here? It's been three years already.

I mean, besides me,

nobody else comes to see you.

Of course I'm sick of it.

You said you'd get me out of here. When?

Yeah, you will.

You'll feel better once you're somewhere with beaches, palm trees, and all that.

Just wait. I'll get you out of here soon.

Bye now.

- When are you coming back? - Call me if anything happens.

I'll come right away.

Hey.

BARO BANK CERTIFICATE FINGERPRINT NOT MATCHED

What the hell is wrong with this again?

Who is it?

Oh, yes. I'm with the police.

What brings you here?

Well, we've got a report. Mr. Kim Yeong-geun?

No.

- You're not? - No, I'm not.

Doesn't he live here?

No. No one by that name does.

Damn.

We've got a report, and…

Can I take a quick look around?

- Sure. Go ahead. - All right.

This won't take long.

Oh wow.

This place is huge.

Oh, a bird flew into it.

A bird?

There are still birds flying into these things, huh?

Strange.

That must've hurt.

Do you live alone?

Yes.

Wow, this is a really nice place.

If you've confirmed they're not here,

please leave now.

Sure, I was gonna leave anyway.

It said Kim Yeong-geun lives here.

Who's that person anyway?

No idea.

Who knows? He might be hiding here.

Fine, then. Look.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Are you done?

Please leave now.

Sure, sorry to bother you.

By the way,

what do you do?

Yeah, the tip was just a prank.

Kim Yeong-geun doesn't even live there.

What did he say again? Just some writer lives there.

Did you identify the deceased?

How am I supposed to? They're unidentified.

Who's that thug?

How the fuck should I know?

We don't even know where he lives.

Just with a photo?

- This punk. - Am I a fucking FBI agent?

I don't know, punk. Figure it out!

- Hang up. I'm going to the chief's office. - Hello? Damn it.

For fuck's sake. Seriously.

PARK SUN-YONG

But why me?

Who the hell sent it?

IS THIS THE RIGHT OTP?

SON SOO-HYUN

RISING STAR, FACELESS GENIUS WRITER KNOWN ONLY BY HIS PEN NAME

"INTERVIEW" AUTHOR SUSPENDS SERIALIZATION DUE TO PANIC DISORDER

2 YEARS AFTER VANISHING WITHOUT EXPLANATION

AN IRRESPONSIBLE ESCAPE?

NEW NOVEL "EVIL ALWAYS PREVAILS" SET FOR HOLLYWOOD ADAPTATION

I

You got yourself a great deal.

The kitchen's so big.

It's so pretty.

Right? Yes, the kitchen has to be nice.

Has everything here been fixed?

- It's so nice. - Yes.

- You'll remodel it, right? - Yes.

Who are you?

Who are you?

- What are you doing here? - What?

You should be out already.

What are you talking about? You can't just barge into someone's…

How did you get in?

- I got the passcode for the door. - From who?

The owner.

I'm the owner. What are you talking about?

I'm the realtor for this apartment. You're not the owner.

I sold this place three years ago. What are you talking about?

You've met the owner. The accountant.

This couple already bought the place in a quick sale.

He said the tenant didn't want visitors, so I had to show them another place.

Who are you, by the way?

Wait, hold on. I'm his friend.

- Are you the tenant? - No, I'm the owner.

I don't know what you're saying.

This place is under his name, but I'm the real owner.

This couple bought the place. They signed with the owner.

You have to move out today so they can remodel the place.

Wait.

Sir, what's this?

What's going on?

Oh, I'll handle this…

The number you have dialed is not in service.

Please check and try again.

- Honey, I told you to check properly. - What? Damn it.

You're occupying the place illegally.

The number you have dialed is not in service.

I told you to just wait!

I'm so sorry. Please wait a moment.

This crazy bastard. Seriously…

WRONG PATTERN

Huh?

Why's this… Damn it.

I CAN'T REGISTER MY FINGERPRINT

Just wait.

I'll get you out of here soon.

Hey!

The number you have dialed is not in service.

Please check and try again.

Who knows?

Maybe the phone and the glass were all part of the plan.

Son Soo-hyun, you bastard.

Huh? Where are you going?

Why are you here?

I'm his friend. I know he works here. Where is he right now?

Soo-hyun quit.

What do you mean?

He quit out of nowhere.

I think he said he was going abroad for a few years.

He seemed pretty rushed.

He didn't even finish the handover.

Accountants don't just sit around all day.

There's our school reunion today too.

I'm busy as hell.

They meet like every quarter. They're just meeting up to network.

You were such a loser back in the day.

It's not like you were smart or popular.

Oh man.

Now I'm basically wiping your ass.

None of the guys even remember you.

All they remember is your name.

I mean, your name is pretty unique.

Je Moon-jae.

Oh, remember that place?

You know, that place.

We said we'd go there for drinks after graduation.

Yeah, that's the place.

We always meet up there.

That place by the Hangang River. We said the view would be nice there.

The one we said would have a nice view.

THE HANGANG RIVER VIEW

Where is it?

Where the hell is it?!

Q2 SOONGNAM HIGH REUNION

SON SOO-HYUN

The number you have dialed is not in service.

Please check and…

DRUNK ON THE HANGANG RIVER VIEW

Don't you have a credit card? Or cash?

Hold on. Just a moment.

Come on. Take a better look.

Hey! Wait!

Hey, you! Stop right there!

Hey!

- Have you been well? - Yes, sir.

- Please take a seat. - Sure.

2025 SOONGAM HIGH SCHOOL 13TH ALUMNI REUNION

You need to keep it up.

That's dedication.

You need to take care of yourself now.

Huh?

Who are you? Sir?

Where's Soo-hyun? Son Soo-hyun?

Son Soo-hyun?

He's on a business trip abroad.

Cut the crap. He said he'd be here today.

Anyway, who…

You don't know me?

I'm Moon-jae. Je Moon-jae.

Don't you remember me?

- Is that really Je Moon-jae? - I don't think so.

You.

Aren't you Min-seok? The class president in our second year?

Right? It's you.

You always prayed before exams.

Where's Soo-hyun?

I mean, yeah, he's Min-seok, but…

I don't think you're Moon-jae.

Because I had a drink with Moon-jae last week.

He came to the last reunion too.

Didn't he?

What are you talking about?

I haven't left the house in three years.

What are you doing? Who are you?

I'm Moon-jae.

- No, you're not Moon-jae. - I'm Moon-jae. Je Moon-jae!

Something only a classmate would know… He's Kyeong-tae.

Forgot his last name. Top of the class.

That's Kwon Yong-hyeon. We used to play basketball.

Beside him, our math teacher. Gestapo!

All right. Calm down.

Is he really Mr. Je Moon-jae?

No.

I see Moon-jae all the time. He's not Moon-jae.

I was Moon-jae's homeroom teacher in his second year.

We even met at the last reunion.

Hey, who are you?

Why pretend to be Moon-jae?

Let's calm down.

Any proof of identity? Maybe an ID card?

I came out like this. I didn't bring anything.

- I was in a rush. - You've got your phone.

Everyone keeps their ID on their phone these days.

This phone is not under my name. I…

I'm not really in a position to have things in my name right now.

Like a house or a bank account…

Then who are you?

Goddamn it.

I came to meet my friend. Why are you taking me?

I said we'll talk at the station. Watch your foot.

That…

That's…

Wait a second.

Sit properly.

We'll talk there.

Last night, a man believed to be homeless was found dead in a vacant lot in Seoul…

Once we confirm your identity, you can go. Just wait.

The man had no identification on him, so his identity has not…

People are so out of it these days.

Shouldn't he be drug tested?

…and living conditions worsen,

safety concerns are growing for vulnerable people on the streets.

Nothing comes up. The ID number doesn't exist either.

What?

A man was found lying motionless…

There's no match for his fingerprints.

He must be an illegal immigrant or a ghost.

Come on. That can't be.

His fingerprints aren't in the system?

- Nothing comes up. - Huh?

…believed to be in his fifties.

When he was discovered,

he was lightly dressed and had no identification on him.

- What the hell? - Where did he go?

- Oh man. - Damn it.

Come on, why are you asking me that?

I mean, I didn't do that. So why is it like that, then?

Like I said, it says it was re-registered two months ago.

The ID number and the fingerprints.

Who changed it without my permission?

- Mr. Je Moon-jae did! - I'm Je Moon-jae. Seriously!

What's going on?

We've got a difficult one here.

How can I just take your word for it? You have nothing to prove it.

You can't re-register unless you're the person yourself.

I told you already.

I'm Je Moon-jae.

And I never re-registered.

I don't know about that.

It only says it was re-registered two months ago

due to a personal data breach

by Mr. Je Moon-jae himself.

In that case,

could my friend have changed it?

I already told you. Only the person themselves can do it.

I never did that.

Isn't there a photo there or something?

It should be… Let me see.

What are you doing?

Sir!

- Sir, calm down. - Hold on.

- Calm down, sir! - I'm Je Moon-jae!

I'm Je Moon-jae!

Shouldn't we catch him?

How can I just take your word for it? You have nothing to prove it.

What the…

I'm sorry.

I left

my meds at home.

What are you doing here?

Huh?

Why are you back?

Did you leave something behind?

What do you mean?

You took your stuff and said goodbye earlier.

You also replaced that window in a flash.

It's a floor-to-ceiling window. Replacing it takes days.

I did this?

Yes.

Did you happen to see anything on the ground down there?

Like a dead bird or something.

A bird?

I don't think so.

The security office is right below, so I would've seen it.

Other unclaimed remains don't get any attention.

The police, the media… She's one famous lady.

She was on the news too.

An unidentified body found in the Hangang River.

Autopsy's done. No signs of foul play.

- So why are the cops involved again? - We received a tip.

Better not look. She drowned.

She was perfectly fine, and suddenly she's unidentified?

Is that even possible?

Three bodies like that in here alone.

Unclaimed or unidentified.

There are a lot more nationwide.

No fingerprint match. She could be a foreigner.

AUTOPSY ROOM RESTRICTED AREA

Hello?

Where?

Who from Violent Crimes?

Han-su from Criminal Investigations said you're after Kim Yeong-geun.

I'm busting my ass looking for him.

But there's nothing.

No fucking criminal record or anything.

That's right. Because he's never been caught.

He was known for being ruthless,

mixed up in illegal gambling, loan sharking, and all that.

He made bank off illegal gambling sites a few years back.

Thugs know how to sniff out money.

But they call him Noja. You know, Laozi.

Like Confucius and Mencius.

- Noja? - He hasn't been around lately.

We're after him too.

What did the tip say?

Something about him and the woman found dead in the Hangang River.

But I can't investigate without a lead.

A woman?

As far as I know, he only dealt with gang stuff.

They said he's basically their version of Internal Affairs.

Yeong-geun.

Yeong-geun!

How could you do this to me?

He tosses money into the grave when he buries troublemakers in the gang.

That's another reason they call him "Noja."

You know, as in the money they send the dead off with.

Everyone scattered after the gang fell apart,

but he's still scary.

Be careful when you go after him.

What a load of shit. He's just a thug.

ACCOUNTANT SON SOO-HYUN

Sir! You can't park here!

You need to move…

Isn't that a baseball bat?

Noja?

You fucking bastard.

Damn it.

You probably need some time to settle in.

The doctor said take one if you feel suffocated or anxious.

You've gotta toughen up mentally.

You'll have to hide here for a while.

Will we…

be okay?

We'll be fine. Just trust me.

Who am I?

You wanna know?

Subtitle translation by: Sung In Jang