Original subtitles

Subtitles by MBC

Sire, you see that? Did you?

Now we're talking!

See that? How about these games, huh?

Champions are equal to 100 men.

Perhaps so.

We should hold games a few times a year.

Then we'll give the Mongols what for.

Mongols are barbarians. They're nothing against our warriors forged in the games.

But the Mongols are powerful and vast.

Their empire has swept East and West.

The Mongols are nothing! We've been on Kanghwa over 20 years now.

And those pansies haven't set one foot on our beaches.

True, but...

Yes, that's it! Sire, that's what I'm saying.

Commander!

Commander!

I'll fight in the games!

You'll be riding my horse.

He's quick and smart.

Thank you.

We have a different mallet for you, too.

Light and sturdy. It will ease your burden.

Viscount Kim Jun will be participating.

So I heard.

At his age, imagine...

He's in his mid-forties, still in his prime.

But I never expected he and Choe Yangbaek would compete.

Neither did I. Today will be something to see.

Very true.

You talked with the Overlord?

How did that go?

Never you mind. Let's watch the games.

Yes, that's it! Now we're talking.

Excellent!

What is this, Jade? My lord is entering the games?

What on earth made him do it?

Just so, my lady, I'm so worried I can barely breathe.

Oh, yeah! That's it right there.

This is great, I've always wanted to be in the games, and here I am.

You find out about the other team?

Yes, sir. Hoga and Uga, of course, and a new guy, Mulgon.

What you're watching is nothing.

They have experience. You watch yourself.

Just you wait, I'll show you.

Viscount, when do we mount up?

We're up next.

Still desperate for a fight, huh? Stay alert.

The other team is a joke.

Sir, now we'll see what Kim Jun is made of.

We'll see if he lives up to his reputation.

I already told you. Watch yourself.

Sir?

Kill him, kill him, kill them all!

Yes! That's it!

Well? Kill him!

I can't believe it. I can't...

My son Seungjok is still alive!

You're reading it yourself.

There's no question about it.

But what will you do?

Kangdo is far too dangerous for him.

True. What should I do with him?

He insists on coming here.

Fortunately, things are chaotic right now with the games and all.

You can use that to see him.

Shall I?

Pongeun Temple, he said?

Yes, Your Grace.

He has no sense.

Too naive for his own good.

Coming back to Kangdo?

Why? Seongjok, why?

What if that wolf catches him again?

- You. - Sir.

State your business.

I'm from Kimpo. A fish merchant.

- Pass. - Yes, sir.

Hold. State your business.

Sir, I'm from Sungchonbu. Running errands.

For which house?

Yes, sir. For the house of Dae Moksu.

Pass.

- Young Lord. - Let's go.

Lord, you should never have come.

Her Grace is very worried.

Why are they stopping people?

Today is the tournament.

With the Overlord and His Majesty present, security is tight.

We should go. This way.

Well done. You are truly men of Koryo.

You will be a credit to your country against the Mongols.

You have earned your reward.

Thank His Majesty.

Your Majesty!

Sire, next is Viscount Kim and the head of my personal guard.

What's that?

It's true. Kim Jun and Choe Yangbaek will lead their men in a match.

Viscount Kim Jun?

Yes, Sire.

But two comrades from the Corps?

Let the games begin!

Salute!

Fight well. You are champions of the arena.

Today you will show the world what men of Koryo are made of.

Today is the day heroes are born.

Begin!

Stay 20 paces from the ball.

Positions!

Positions!

There you are Yangbaek!

Come and get it Kim Jun!

They haven't changed. Just like old times.

Well said. If only they could be comrades again.

Sir!

Gupil!

Incredible. I've never seen anything like it.

Why not? Me, either. That's the Overlord's guard alright.

It's not all talk about Kim Jun.

Calling him the god of war is no lie.

Valor, skill and a great strategist.

Amazing.

- He's not old yet. - True, true.

You!

He looked like a wild boar. You're Wonbal?

I am. And you're Im Yon.

Simply amazing.

That's the Kim Jun I remember.

It's like a dance.

Yes, yes, the more I see, the more I'm amazed.

Now that's Kim Jun and Choe Yangbaek!

Remarkable. Truly remarkable.

It's like they can fly.

We've reached the end, I can feel it.

Why did Kim Jun bring that scum to the capital?

Kill Kim Kyongson? It will split this land apart.

Is he human? He did it with one hand.

Be grateful I let you live.

You!

See that, Sire?

Yes, that's it.

You!

That's the Kim Jun I know.

My thoughts exactly...

Yangbaek.

You put up a good fight.

We won't have to wonder anymore.

Together, then?

Together.

Yangbaek!

We're both in top form. Not an easy match.

My thoughts exactly.

We have to see this through.

Yes. To the end.

How long can they keep this up?

Overlord, it's already been an hour.

An hour? That long?

They're too evenly matched. Neither will give any ground.

Not until one of them is hurt.

One will be hurt. To show who's the best.

It's in their nature to fight to the finish.

- Father! - Sir!

What's going on? Why did they stop?

Now that's Choe Yangbaek.

He won! He beat Kim Jun.

Yangbaek won. Kim Jun...

Yangbaek.

Choe Yangbaek! Choe Yangbaek!

Choe Yangbaek! Choe Yangbaek!

That's it Yangbaek. I lost.

Choe Yangbaek! Choe Yangbaek!

Choe Yangbaek! Choe Yangbaek!

The champion of champions.

The greatest warrior in Koryo, Choe Yangbaek.

Kim Jun, come forward.

Yes, Kim Jun, you fought bravely as well.

Yes, you both fought bravely.

With men like you, Koryo will live forever.

Truly a magnificent day.

Hear me!

Overlord!

You all saw there was little difference between the victor and vanquished.

But we have a champion.

Today we will feast with His Majesty and renew the bonds of comrades.

All hail our Emperor.

- Hail to the Emperor. - Hail to the Emperor.

- Hail to the Emperor. - Hail to the Emperor.

- Hail to the Emperor. - Hail to the Emperor.

My lord. Song Kilyu.

Welcome.

I don't know what to say.

The Overlord sent you.

Yes, sir.

I already said my goodbyes.

But it's good to see a familiar face at the end.

Forgive me.

I have my orders.

I regret that it has come to this.

Not at all.

Death comes to us all at some point.

If I die here, in battle, of old age...

I can only die once, either way.

Forgive me.

Koryo's hero against the Mongols...

It breaks my heart.

No. We all must follow orders in the end.

But I had hoped to die in battle.

A pity.

My lord.

Still...

I won't forget what Koryo did for me.

It allowed me to fight the barbarians, to defeat them.

Now I can repay Koryo with my life.

- Wouldn't you agree? - My lord.

Tell Viscount Kim this for me.

The future of Koryo rests on his shoulders.

He must restore it to greatness. It's up to him.

He can't shirk this task.

My lord!

My lord...

My lord.

Kim Kyongson of Kyongju.

History speaks of his chivalry, courtesy, wisdom and valor.

Early in his career he and Pak Seo held Kwiju against the Mongols for years.

Later he held Naju against the rebels with very few men, until he defeated them.

But he died at the capricious hand of Choe Hang...

an injustice lamented by all Koryo.

The first time I came to the palace, I suggested we have a drink.

I'm honored that that time has finally come.

Not at all. I'm grateful that you think so highly of the Imperial House.

Put your mind at ease and leave it all to the Guard Corps.

Koryo is a nation of warriors.

Of soldiers. Soldiers. Warriors.

My son Ui here will be a great warrior like Choe Yangbaek.

In his hands the Corps will make Koryo even stronger.

Ah, I see...

Viscount Choe.

Overlord.

Well done today. Koryo's greatest champion.

Kim Jun was too hurt to attend, but he fought bravely as well.

- You're Wonbal? - Yes, Overlord.

You were dismounted, but you fought well. Very impressive.

I want you in my personal guard.

Yes, Overlord.

Sire, don't worry about those silly Mongols.

Next time they come, we'll tweak their noses for them. Tweak, tweak!

Overlord, you've had a bit too much.

What? Too much? Are you saying I'm drunk?

Don't like the way I talk, do you?

Not at all. He speaks out of concern.

You're Yi Jangyong?

I remember, oh yes.

Now then, drink, everyone.

Sire, a drink.

Still sore?

How are your wounds?

I'm fine. I wasn't hurt.

I saw what Choe Yangbaek did. You're not hurt?

Father, why did you do it?

What?

Throw the match.

Throw it?

I was wondering that myself. He was clearly in a losing position.

There's no question you could have won.

Why did you do it? I'm curious, too.

I don't know what you're talking about.

I did my best, that's all.

Leave it at that.

If you won't talk, you won't.

It's a shame, though. Everyone had such high hopes.

Choe Yangbaek gained a lot of face today.

And with him the Corps, since he commands the personal guard.

Am I wrong?

Perhaps.

Yangbaek's face is the Corps' face.

The Corps is the heart of our military.

And you are its head.

Enough. I lost.

Yangbaek did well. He's Koryo's greatest champion.

I'd rather work in administration than be a soldier.

Yeah well, a fight's, a fight, all the same.

What about Song Kilyu? Is he back from Paengnyong?

Not yet. He should be on his way.

The Overlord isn't right in the head.

Enough.

Everyone is pointing at you Father, you know that?

This can't go on, it can't.

I said enough.

He must be insane to order the death of Kim Kyongson. What did he do?

The people and the court won't have it.

He's no Overlord. He's a maniac.

Enough.

Not another word.

Im Yon.

Hit me as much as you like.

But, Choe Yangbaek will have to be dealt with.

It's a mistake to allow a maniac to be the face of the Guard Corps.

I've upset you, Father.

Please excuse me.

You won, sir. Why are you drinking so much?

Silence.

What is it?

Kim Jun insulted me.

How do you mean?

Kim Jun... he can't...

He can't do this to me. It's an insult.

He should have struck me. He's a warrior.

I lost. He had an opening.

But Kim Jun...

He didn't strike.

But you're the champion.

I lost control. I left him an opening.

He could have attacked but he didn't.

He knew if he didn't, I would.

It doesn't count. We'll have to fight again.

This isn't victory.

- Wonbal. - Yes, Viscount.

Deliver this message to Kim Jun at dawn.

I must see him immediately.

Yes, sir.

Viscount.

What is it?

Sir. I'm assigned to the docks.

This fisherman has something to report.

What?

It appears Oh Seungjok didn't drown after all.

Come again?

He says he saw him.

They used his boat to drown him.

He saw his face quite clearly.

He says Oh Seungjok is back on the island.

You're sure?

Need you ask?

I saw his face when he was sentenced to death.

And I saw him at the docks again today.

He was hiding his face.

Head Lady, my boy is at Pongeun Temple?

Yes, he was taken there in secret.

My boy... my boy is back.

What should I do?

As hard as it was to escape, he should have just written to me.

Why come back? Why?

The Venerable is at Pongeun, isn't he?

The Venerable retired after the Tripitaka dedication.

Abbot Jisim is in charge now.

Jisim?

Yes, Your Grace.

They are very devout. They can be relied upon.

Then I've got to go see my son.

And find a safe place to hide him.

Of course.

But if you go there tonight, it will look suspicious.

You're still being watched.

Then I'll go at dawn.

There's nothing suspicious about going to worship.

My Seungjok...

My poor boy, my poor boy...

Ui, Listen to your father.

The games are perfect for finding warriors.

Men the Guard Corps can use.

Yes, Father.

You're my successor.

You're a bastard child too, but what of it? Like father like son.

It just means you have to be that much tougher, work that much harder.

Understand?

Yes, Father.

Overlord, Her Grace to see you.

What brings you here, 'Darling'?

Well, it has been a while.

At least you're still alive.

Tomorrow is my mother's birthday.

I ask permission to visit her.

Visit? Visit?

Do what you like. Everyone knows we're not really a couple.

You might as well stay there.

Better than the back room, right?

Off you go. I'll find myself a new wife.

Off you go. And don't come back.

Well? I said don't come back.

What's that? Oh Seungjok is alive?

Yes, sir.

What is he, a ghost? He survived the sea?

It's true. I've sent men to track him down.

How did this happen?

What were his executioners doing anyway?

We're interrogating all the men from that night.

Beat it out of them. They must have let him get away, right?

It bears looking into, sir.

Arrest them all, no exceptions.

And Oh Seungjok, too.

Yes, sir.

Report to the viscount.

You're a real piece of work.

So are you.

If my mallet hadn't broken you'd be crow feed.

Sure, blame the carpenter.

Is Viscount Kim in?

You can tell me. What do you want?

Viscount Choe wants a word.

This afternoon at the Plum Blossom House.

If he's not too busy, that is.

I'll tell him.

Just watch it. You never know what will happen.

One or the other has to die.

The same goes for you.

See you.

I swear...

Wasn't that Wanbal?

Yes, Father. Viscount Choe wants to see you this afternoon.

Yangbaek?

Seungjok, what's going on?

My poor boy.

Why did you come back? Why? Little fool...

Mother, Mother...

I had to see you one last time.

This has been so hard on you.

Hard on me?

I worry for you.

You should have just written, not come here.

I'll leave right away.

I came to pay my last respects.

Oh, little fool... my sweet little fool...

My boy, my little boy...

My boy...

Mother!

My boy.

Right, Seungjok.

Abbot, what should we do?

We have to go. There's no time.

Come with me.

I know some devout followers. We'll ask them for help.

We have to hurry, Your Grace.

The abbot is right. Please.

Right, you have to go, quick.

Mother, when will I see you again?

Don't worry about me.

Hurry. You have to live, you must.

Take care of yourself.

Now go. Hurry.

- No, you can't. - Halt.

Buddha help us.

Who have we here? General Oh Seungjok?

Mother.

- You men, arrest the traitor. - Sir.

No, you can't, let go. Seungjok.

- Mother, Mother. - Wait.

- Mother! Mother, help me. - Seungjok!

Abbot, you know what happens to those who harbor traitors.

We'll let it go today.

Move out.

- Seungjok! - Wait.

No... Seungjok!

Let him go.

You wanted to see me?

I won't waste time.

I had hoped to have a drink, but something has come up.

It must be urgent, to take the time to see me.

It is, and it's bad.

What is?

You'll see. But more than that...

Look, Kim Jun.

We're comrades.

Of course.

A warrior values his pride over his own life.

Why did you insult me?

I couldn't sleep last night.

You've made my life a living hell.

What are you saying?

You won. I lost.

You insult me.

You should have struck when you had the chance.

But you didn't.

Why?

You're wrong.

Kim Jun!

What is this? What's on your mind?

Just tell me.

Did you feel pity? Amusement?

That I wasn't a worthy opponent? Me?

Yangbaek.

How old are we now?

We're too old to worry who wins or loses.

When Koryo wins, we win.

If I had fought to the death, if I beat you...

it would have ruined the Overlord's personal guards.

You command the personal guard within the Corps.

What does that even mean?

Don't you see that you and I must live for Koryo to survive?

What are the games?

A means to find the best men to fend off the Mongol jackals.

You want to beat me so badly?

I want to defeat the Mongols.

I'll gladly bow before you 10 times, no, 100 times.

Just to be comrades once again.

What is a country? Loyalty? Patriotism?

Who are we fighting for?

For you? For me? For the Overlord?

No. We live for our Lord. Our Lord lives for Koryo.

So loyalty to Koryo, is loyalty to the Overlord.

I'm talking about the arena.

The games are the pride of Koryo's warriors.

What is a warrior's duty?

I was using the games to show you that.

Wake up, Yangbaek.

You have much to do.

I'm begging you. Think about where your true loyalties lie.

Please, Yangbaek.

You and I disagree.

All I know is loyalty.

I don't know about the nation. The Overlord is Koryo.

Let's go another round. Warrior to warrior.

Man to man.

That's what I know.

Understand, Kim Jun?

Halt.

I'll ask you again.

Did you or didn't you save Oh Seungjok?

I don't know anything. We tossed him in the sea.

Yes, and how does a man weighed down with stones manage to survive?

Spit it out. Did you help him?

I don't know anything.

Now listen, do I have to tear you limb from limb to get the truth?

Seungjok...

Seungjok.

Am I right? Did they save you?

No.

You're a tight-lipped bunch.

Enough. Get it out of them.

- Again. - Sir.

Overlord!

Halt, halt.

Seungjok.

You know I can't spare your mother.

What? Don't you touch her.

Don't you hurt her!

- Men! - Sir.

She was your father's bride.

True, true... but what is she to me?

- Men. - Sir.

Bring pretty boy's mommy here.

A whole slew of traitors.

Move.

No. Not my mother. No, no!

- Take a look at this. - Yes, Father.

Sir, sir! Trouble!

Oh Seungjok has been arrested.

What? Oh Seungjok?

Choe Yangbaek's men caught him with his mother at Pongeun Temple.

They what?

So that's what Yangbaek meant. That's what came up.

So, Oh Seungjok is alive?

Sir!

Report.

The men are on the move. They arrested Her Grace.

What? Who? Who gave the order?

Your Grace, we're to escort you on the Overlord's orders.

Come forth. We have our orders.

Come forth!

Your Grace, what do we do now?

It's all over.

For Seongjok... and for me.

What else is there to fear?

Come forth!

Does a child order his mother around?

Go ask your Overlord what kind of fool gives his own mother orders?

How dare you? Come forth.

You there!

Who are you to speak to Her Grace that way?

Show her respect. Bow your head.

You hit me?

What if I did?

I said bow your head. Now!

Subtitles by MBC