Original subtitles

FOUR HANDS, TWO SONATAS

SLOVAKIA, 5 YEARS AGO

Brother Luca.

How are you feeling today?

I'm fine.

Thank you for your concern.

This here.

When I went into town,

I heard there was an Asian man like you, Brother,

who was performing.

So I brought this back with me,

thinking it might help you regain your memory.

Thank you.

Play freely like that day.

It's all your fault!

Kang Pi-o.

FOUR HANDS, TWO SONATAS

EPISODE 8

JAE-IN: I'M SORRY, PI-O. ARE YOU STILL UPSET?

No.

I'll call you later.

I know everyone keeps calling him a genius,

but isn't it a bit much

to bring in a 27-year-old rookie as a principal guest conductor?

But Maestro Kang wouldn't bring in just anyone.

I watched the Brno competition video, and he was really good.

He's good?

Good at what?

Was he good, or was the orchestra good?

Guess we'll find out soon enough.

Hey, Jang Seok-hwan.

Are you jealous that your classmate is the new conductor?

Why so touchy?

I'm not jealous.

I'll test him by coming in half a beat early at measure 11.

I can bet all of my fingers

that he won't even notice.

Nobody would catch that

unless it's Maestro Kang.

Hello, everyone.

As we announced, starting today,

our new principal guest conductor, Luca Domenico, will lead the rehearsals.

Let me now introduce you to him.

It's all yours.

Hello.

I'm Luca Domenico. I look forward to working with you.

We all know he's Choi Jeong-yo.

"Luca Domenico"? That's so lame.

Just to let you know,

if you have any complaints or suggestions, please tell me directly.

If you don't have the nerve,

don't say anything.

The only thing we should be debating in this rehearsal room is the music.

All right then.

Brahms' first movement, from the top.

One of the cellos is late on the attack at measure 11.

Principal cello?

I think I slipped up.

I'm really sorry.

I have to say,

the attack wasn't late. It was early.

I guess you're not so accurate after all.

-No, it was late. -No.

It was early.

You, the one speaking right now.

Do you realize what a bad habit you have?

Some musicians with this bad habit

drag out the first note of a phrase.

So even if the bow moves first, the sound comes out delayed.

That bad habit is why your sound is ever so slightly delayed.

The fact that you weren't even aware of this means

you clearly haven't been practicing enough.

And the other members are suffering the consequences.

A good instrument alone doesn't make good music.

Put in some effort.

Real effort.

First movement, from the top.

You're much more savvy than I expected.

I knew you had an amazing ear,

but how are you so good with an orchestra too?

Oh, right. There's a guest waiting for you.

For me?

Yes, for you.

Choi Jeong-yo.

Do you recognize me?

I used to teach you piano.

I'm Do Hyun-soo.

I'm sorry.

-I don't-- -Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Can I give you a hug?

Okay.

I'm sorry I didn't come sooner.

I knew you were busy adjusting to the new environment.

I didn't want to add to that, so I just waited.

After you went missing,

Ms. Yoon and I searched for you for a long time.

I never imagined you'd be at a monastery.

Why go to such lengths?

Because you were a student I cared about deeply.

And because I was the one who sent you there.

I felt terrible that I didn't stop you

when you first approached me about entering the competition.

You were doing fine on your own,

but I dragged you into this world.

I really regretted that.

But I'm so thankful

that you made it back.

I heard you told Ms. Yoon that you wanted to perform with Pi-o.

I watched some of his performance videos,

and I thought we'd have good chemistry.

You wouldn't have any memory of it.

Was it just a feeling, or did your instincts tell you that?

Back in high school,

you and Pi-o were partners with great musical chemistry.

I really hope

you can persuade Pi-o to return to the stage.

Pi-o had a pretty rough time after falling into a slump.

You're aware of this, right?

MESSAGE NEW NOTIFICATION

Can we meet up briefly?

Why don't you want to perform with me?

Are you still afraid of going on stage,

or are you uncomfortable performing with me?

To be exact, it's both.

You've probably heard from Jae-in,

but a while back…

I made a huge mistake while performing.

I haven't gotten over it yet.

I appreciate the offer,

but you should perform with someone else.

If that's the case, then I really don't get it.

What do you mean?

I mean,

avoiding a slump isn't going to solve anything.

You need to face it at some point.

Don't you agree?

Ignoring the problem won't solve anything.

You need to face it at some point.

Thanks for the advice,

but I'll handle my own business.

Look for someone else.

Jeez, Choi Jeong-yo.

You've always had a knack for surprises.

But you should've told me, you punk.

I almost had a heart attack when I saw the news.

I told you not to worry, but I guess you did.

How could I not worry?

You never showed your face, but you said you were alive.

I didn't know what to believe.

How's my father?

Oh jeez.

He's doing fine!

I do have to track him down whenever he sneaks out of the hospital

to drink himself silly.

When I see you wasting money on that dirtbag,

I swear you look like a pushover.

By the way,

when did you learn how to conduct?

Right.

You never had to learn anything.

You would've won that competition if you hadn't been abducted.

So why are you pretending to have amnesia anyway?

Either expose them and have them thrown in jail,

or just beat them up if you're still mad.

No?

Hey, want me to break a few of that bastard's fingers?

Or I could just make him disappear.

I'm good at that now.

What's the fun in that?

What?

Don't you know…

the wait is always worse than the beating?

You've got something up your sleeve, don't you?

Come on, spill it.

KANG JI-HYE

Don't even think about it!

I'm absolutely against Pi-o and Jeong-yo performing together.

Why on earth are you against it?

Pi-o is one thing, but why are you so against it?

We've been keeping this from you,

but word is out across the industry that Pi-o is in a slump.

Invitations are drying up,

and he's turning down the few he does get.

What if Pi-o ends up fading from the scene for good?

Taking a break won't hurt him.

There are lots of pianists who take a hiatus.

Hey.

Tell me the truth.

Are you against the idea

because you don't want him paired with Jeong-yo?

Or is there another reason?

Who said I didn't like him being paired with Jeong-yo?

I'm just afraid it'll make things worse when he's already stressed.

Besides,

why don't you trust Pi-o?

He'll get back on his feet if you give him some time.

Don't bother bringing up the concerto to Pi-o again.

He'll get over his slump soon enough.

Unbelievable.

Seriously?

Is she still bothered by Choi Jeong-yo?

Because of that rumor?

Something isn't right.

It's not right at all.

Could all this really be a coincidence?

Hello?

Hello.

This is Choi Jeong-yo. We met before.

Jeong-yo.

So why did you want to see me?

Did you want to talk in private?

No, it's not like that.

I feel like the Hankook Symphony got penalized because of me,

and it's been bothering me.

I'll prove my worth through performances, so could you please

reconsider the budget?

Goodness, you're so thoughtful.

Sure.

I'll have them review it again in detail.

Thank you.

By the way, about your memory loss…

What do you actually remember?

Is your memory loss limited to the time around the accident?

Or is your entire childhood a blank?

I don't remember anything before the accident.

Are you saying

you don't remember what happened at school with Pi-o,

or what happened at the competition?

You don't even remember your parents?

That's right.

Have you seen a doctor?

Is there any way to recover your memory?

They said it was unlikely.

So not at all?

Even with triggers?

By any chance,

do you know anything about my parents?

If you do, please tell me.

I'd really appreciate it.

When you were ten years old,

your mother passed away from a brain hemorrhage

at the venue where you were competing.

I'm the one who called an ambulance at the scene.

So you can imagine how much I care about you.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

In any case,

I wasn't abandoned

or unloved as a child.

To tell you the truth,

that's what I feared the most.

Can I ask you one more thing?

It's about the performance with your son.

Are you against it too?

No, I mean…

I'm not necessarily against it,

but what if forcing him only makes things worse?

But…

Why him?

Why perform with Pi-o,

knowing how important your debut performance is?

That's why I chose him.

Because it's the most important stage for me.

I watched videos of your son's performances.

They were amazing.

Taking the stage with a pianist like that

is what every conductor wishes for.

It's like finding a treasure that deserves to be seen.

I hear he's in a slump because he made a mistake in a recital.

If so, it's hard to overcome performance anxiety on a solo stage.

But in a concerto, someone could pull him through it.

I'd appreciate it if you could talk to your son again.

I'm confident

I can pull him out of his slump.

It was good to see you.

Let's do this again sometime.

Thank you.

Have a good night.

You too.

Pi-o, it's me.

Can I come in?

Yes.

What were you doing?

What do you need?

Guess what?

I met Jeong-yo today.

What for?

He wanted me to persuade you

to do the concerto with him.

He told me

he was blown away by your performance videos.

He was worried about losing a good musician.

Isn't that sweet?

Of course,

I know you have mixed feelings about him.

But the way I see it,

it seems like a good opportunity.

A concerto is less stressful than a solo recital,

and you and Jeong-yo had great chemistry when you played together.

What are you trying to say?

I won't force you if you're really against it.

I'm only asking you to keep an open mind.

I've officially retired to the backseat,

so the decision is yours.

MARTIN VOGEL

How long will it take?

It'll take some time. Please be patient.

Pi-o. You know about Hye-jeong's piano trio performance, right?

Want to go see it?

Hey.

You're here.

Hye-jeong invited Jeong-yo too.

Thank you, Pi-o.

I'm glad you came.

Not at all.

I just felt like catching a performance.

Yeah, right.

You wouldn't normally show up

to a performance with Yoon Han-rim in it.

You came for my sake, right?

Jeong-yo.

Yes?

How was the performance?

Did you like it?

-It was good. -Yeah.

All three of them played well. Good chemistry too.

All three of them are our former classmates.

We were in the same grade and music class.

By the way,

who was the man playing the piano?

He was quite good.

What was good about his playing?

The way I saw it, he was overdoing it.

Really?

Jeong-yo!

Hey, Jeong-yo!

Gosh, man.

Do you know how worried we all were

when you suddenly went missing?

Oh, I heard you don't remember high school.

I guess that means you don't remember how we fought at school then.

I fought you?

You did.

But back then, our adrenaline was in overdrive.

We just couldn't control ourselves.

It's fine. Fighting is how kids bond, right?

I heard you joined the Hankook Symphony as a principal guest conductor.

I start early next month.

Who are you doing the concerto with?

I haven't decided yet.

Then how about me?

I belong on a much bigger stage than a room like this.

Let me be honest with you.

I was really moved watching you conduct.

I think we could make good music together.

So how about we perform together?

I'll think about it.

Okay, thanks.

Jeong-yo, let's discuss the soloist

-together a little more-- -Hey, Hong Jae-in.

Are you trying to undermine me?

Are you?

If the pianist and conductor agree on it, then that's it.

You're coming to the after-party, right?

-Of course. -We're going.

It's at Luce Beers in Hadam-dong. See you there, okay?

Jeong-yo!

I reserved a spot at Luce Beers for the after-party.

Don't go home yet.

Let's have a drink and talk about the concerto.

-Sure. -Good.

See you soon.

You guys have to come, okay?

-We'll join. -See you there.

You're really considering performing with him?

I know it's not my place to say this,

but he's no good.

He's too superficial, and so is his music.

You can't have a partner like that for your debut performance.

I think you should reconsider it.

You think so?

Then save me from performing with someone like him,

and do it with me.

I sincerely want to perform with you.

I watched your videos,

and I loved what I saw.

I'm also asking you

because it's in my best interest to perform with you.

What do you mean?

The Hankook Symphony is notorious for not being welcoming to newcomers.

I'm an unexpected outside hire,

so I need to prove myself across the board.

If you perform with me, it would be a huge help.

I get what you're saying, but I already told you.

I'm still in a slump and--

But you have to face it at some point.

Mr. Kang.

I'm really confident about this.

I sincerely want to perform with you.

If you perform with me, it would be a huge help.

But you have to face it at some point.

KANG PI-O

Let's perform together.

So you got what you wanted,

even though I told you it's a big risk.

I don't think it's a risk.

I believe Mr. Kang here is the ideal partner

to make my debut a success.

What about the program?

For part two, you're doing Brahms' first symphony

that won you the conducting competition.

What about part one?

Have you two discussed what to play?

Not yet, sir.

What do you want to play?

Have you thought about it?

I was considering Ravel.

Then the program loses focus.

Why don't you do Mozart's 20th piano concerto instead?

You both share a darkness-to-light narrative arc,

so if you do Mozart's 20th piano concerto and Brahms' 1st symphony,

it'll keep the program cohesive.

Mr. Kang.

Pi-o has never played Mozart's 20th piano concerto,

and it's not an easy piece--

So what?

What kind of professional just plays it safe all the time?

If you think it's too much, we can go with a familiar piece--

No.

I can do it.

I'll do it.

Are you sure about this?

-If you think it's too much-- -What makes you say that?

I said I could do it.

What on earth made you agree to this?

I went along with it because he was so adamant,

but if this ruins Jeong-yo's debut performance--

Where do you think Choi Jeong-yo's appeal comes from?

It comes from his nerve to throw himself into the impossible

and the fierce drive to actually pull it off.

And if he fails?

We'll deal with that later.

It's almost the orchestra's 80th anniversary.

We need a conductor who can take over as my successor.

So let's think of this…

as a chance to test Jeong-yo's abilities.

Excuse me.

I reserved a practice room.

Room Three is ready for you.

Thank you.

Hey.

You won't believe who came to practice.

It's Kang Pi-o.

This is crazy.

Guess what Kang Pi-o is playing.

Hanon number one.

SERIOUSLY? IS HE A KID OR SOMETHING?

What brings you here?

Jeong-yo.

I'm sorry,

but I need your help.

I tried to get over it, but it's not easy.

I managed to memorize the piece,

but I'm still afraid to perform in front of people.

But I have no idea

how to get over this.

I don't care if I crash and burn,

but not at your expense.

If you don't think I can do this…

find someone else.

If you have a minute,

let's go somewhere.

I came across him playing on my way to the subway.

He comes at this time on the weekends.

Isn't it nice?

To play here like this…

Why do you think people listen to music?

It's to find a little comfort when life is hard.

Do you think the people listening right now

are judging that violinist?

No.

They're just finding comfort.

But what you need to pay attention to

is the violinist's expression.

Do you think he's afraid of being judged by his audience?

No.

Not at all.

That violinist

is just happily lost in his own music.

Because he's the one

finding the most comfort in it.

Did something happen recently that's been troubling you?

I think you took an emotional blow and hit a slump.

Your first audience is you, not anyone else.

Before you can comfort others,

you need to heal and comfort yourself first.

Play some music for yourself that comforts you.

Tell me the truth.

Who is his father?

Send him to the bastard right now!

How many times do I have to tell you?

He has no father.

Pi-o is

a gift sent to me from God.

You've finally lost your mind.

Are you insane?

Have you completely lost it?

I think you took an emotional blow and hit a slump.

Have you ever played music and found comfort in it?

Your first audience is you, not anyone else.

Before you can comfort others,

you need to heal and comfort yourself first.

2026 GRAND PRIZE OF LUCENA, KOREA

Hello, sir.

Hello.

-How have you been? -Hello.

It's been so long.

It doesn't feel like it.

ROW 11, SEAT 5

-I take it business is booming? -Jeong-yo.

You're here too.

Oh, hello.

Ms. Yoon, you should've told me

you were coming with Jeong-yo.

Since you wouldn't give us the grant,

I had to bring the star of the show and do the legwork myself.

As much as I hate to drag him along.

You're giving Jeong-yo the wrong idea.

I've been working so hard for the Hankook Symphony lately.

Ms. Yoon?

Goodness, Director.

What did you tell him?

The way Pi-o plays sounds completely different.

He's been extremely focused on practicing,

and his playing sounds completely different.

I can tell he enjoys playing.

What on earth did you do?

It's all thanks to his own hard work.

Distinguished guests

and today's award recipients.

I'm honored to give a speech at such a meaningful event.

"Lucena" means

"a shining companion to the arts."

Art is a flower that blooms from the depths of the human soul,

-but for it to survive in society, -Excuse me.

it needs someone's care and attention.

He's been extremely focused on practicing,

and his playing sounds completely different.

I can tell he enjoys playing.

What on earth did you do?

…even after the competition.

Okay.

Promise you won't sulk if I win first place.

Let's still have fun when we hang out.

But I'm going to win first place.

Don't get sulky yourself.

PERFORMERS' WAITING ROOM

It's obvious that I'll win first place.

Jeez.

What?

Dream on.

Jeong-yo.

What are you doing here?

I got lost on my way back from the restroom.

Then I saw this piano

and came in for a bit.

This place…

feels familiar, right?

Nothing has changed much since then.

So…

Do you remember anything?

No.

Why?

No reason.

Shall we head back?

Pi-o.

How have you been?

You're still the same.

Han-rim and I were shocked when we heard about the concerto.

What do you mean?

You know.

I'm talking about

that nasty rumor about you being involved in Jeong-yo's abduction.

So when we heard you two were doing a concerto,

we were taken aback.

Who came up with that bullshit?

You're scaring me.

If you weren't, so be it.

I don't see why someone so refined

would resort to such vulgar language.

Let's have

a great rehearsal today.

Good luck.

Is that Kang Pi-o?

Kang Pi-o is really playing?

-Isn't he in a slump? -What happened to his slump?

This is the worst.

I just don't get it.

I don't care if it's Kang Pi-o.

Why choose a soloist who's in a slump?

I just don't get it.

-Me neither. -Did he buy his way in?

Hello.

-Hello. -Hello.

Cellos, you're slightly ahead.

Please match the end of the piano phrase.

Yes, sir.

What does he expect? The piano is all over the place.

Pianist Kang Pi-o.

At the end of the phrase, keep the next downbeat solid.

Understood.

Again.

Starting with the piano solo.

I'm not saying he's bad,

but isn't his playing a bit shaky?

It's different every time he plays.

Maybe he's not entirely out of his slump.

Perhaps he's still in transition.

Why do we have to carry him through that though?

Man, I don't get it.

Both Choi Jeong-yo and Kang Pi-o

were arrogant nuisances back in school, and they haven't changed a bit.

What are you doing here?

Rehearsal ended a while ago.

Hey.

Why did you ask me to perform with you?

Everyone there

is waiting for me to fall on my face.

If I find it this hard to trust myself…

what made you…

trust me to do this?

I'm not sure.

But those people might be acting that way because of me, not you.

So it looks like we've only got each other to trust.

When I was at the monastery…

I had severe social anxiety.

I couldn't meet people, but I wanted to play music badly.

So…

I just played with my imaginary orchestra.

We talked and had debates.

But you know what?

That proved to be a conductor's greatest weapon.

Because a conductor

has to have everything worked out before facing the orchestra.

If your fear threatens to take over,

imagine performances in your head.

Then at some point,

your fear will fade far into the distance.

And I know it'll be hard…

but try to put your complete trust in me.

Because I control the orchestra.

Would you like to hear my imaginary music?

And if possible…

it'd be nice if you played the piano.

Violin.

Pianissimo.

Cellos and basses.

Oboes and flutes, espressivo.

Timpani, forte!

Piano.

Con dolore.

Oh, hello.

Thank you for your support for today's performance.

I hope you'll write a nice article about it.

Gosh, don't mention it.

Yes, please keep in touch.

My goodness.

I had to fight back tears at the end.

I can't believe you two made me so emotional.

Thank you both for supporting me all the way.

Not at all.

I was really nervous too,

but you shocked me with your amazing performance.

Hey, why don't you guys perform something amazing

at the 80th anniversary festival too?

Let's turn you two into a brand. What do you think?

Well…

Gosh, I can barely talk with all these calls coming in.

Give me a second.

Hi, thanks for calling.

Mr. Kang.

Yes?

Now that our performance has wrapped up,

I wanted to tell you something.

By any chance…

I found out who ordered Choi Jeong-yo's abduction.

What is it?

Is something wrong?

No.

Just a minute.

I FOUND OUT WHO ORDERED CHOI JEONG-YO'S ABDUCTION.

FOUR HANDS, TWO SONATAS

Why did you do it, Mom?

We'll confess to Jeong-yo and ask for his forgiveness.

No, I won't go!

If the truth comes out,

both of our lives will be over.

You don't look well.

Are you hiding something from me?

I didn't have the courage to tell you the truth before.

What if he's up to something?

I'm terrified he's getting in your way on purpose.

He's hiding something.

I'm here to ask for your forgiveness.

Nine years ago at the Harmonie International Competition…

Subtitle translation by: Jenny Kim