Original subtitles

MY ROYAL NEMESIS

Only a taste of something vile will straighten them out.

I will make them cry their eyes out.

Your Highness, I have brought your tonic.

I shall forgo it. I am fatigued.

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GREAT LEARNING

SEONGHYEON PAVILION

Do not move. Unless you have a life to spare.

-How in the world… -His accomplices must be nearby.

Conduct a thorough search.

Search everywhere!

Scour the area!

Who goes there?

And why would you just shoot an arrow at me for no reason?

And who are you?

What are you doing here?

Please spare my life.

So you admit you deserve to die.

Who sent you to spy on me?

No one sent me.

I came of my own accord.

A mere palace maid like you?

You prowled these palace grounds of your own accord?

How dare you lie to me!

It is the truth.

I just wanted to get back at my peers.

"Get back at them"?

Lift your head.

I deserve death… No, I mean, spare my life.

Please…

I will not kill you.

Lift your head.

Wait.

You are the palace maid who was undergoing initiation rites.

Thank you for your help back then.

Not being able to offer you my thanks has weighed on me ever since.

May I ask for your name, my lord?

That is not something I can easily tell you.

What is your name?

Yes, my name is…

Look out!

Are you all right?

Yes.

I am fine.

And you, my lord?

After them!

You should return to your quarters.

More blades lie in wait in the dark.

Please

be safe, my lord.

EPISODE 3 A WHOLE NEW REALITY

Here you are. I've been looking everywhere for you.

That face… He is no apparition.

What are you doing here?

Degenerate. I am going to need you to be my shield for a moment.

Hey.

What's wrong with you?

Listen, this is a bit…

There's been a misunderstanding.

I…

This isn't what I was asking for.

I was wondering where you rushed off to.

Secret date?

No, it's not like that.

Hey, woman, will you get off me…

What the hell is going on here?

I had something to tell you, but I see you're busy.

No, seriously, I don't know her like that.

You don't even know her and you're already so bold.

All right, fine.

Okay, I got you.

You have your hands full. I'll catch you later.

Think of your social standing.

Whatever the reason, try not to do that in public.

I told you it's not like that.

Is he gone?

Jeez.

Shin Seo-ri, have you lost your damn mind?

I was in a difficult situation, and you proved to be quite useful.

Farewell.

Where are you going?

You scoundrel! Let go of me this instant!

Come here.

You made a complete fool out of me.

What was that just now?

You made me look like a complete pervert.

What's your deal?

That is rich,

coming from a degenerate who pulls women into his arms in plain daylight.

That was different.

It was because you just ran into the street.

It did not happen just once.

You also grabbed me when I sensed that assassin.

I let it slide then, given how dire things were,

but you really should fix that nasty habit.

Pretty sure you were clinging to me for dear life just moments ago.

That was…

I had my reasons.

I get it. I'm sure with a face like mine,

resisting such an urge can't be easy.

You are spewing an impressive load of crap.

They went up here! The Possessed Royal Consort girl.

What a cursed day.

These wretched gnats keep turning up.

Damn it.

You're nothing but trouble. What now?

I will signal you before I faint. Carry me.

-Carry you? -What can they do to an unconscious woman?

Especially a poor, helpless woman like me.

Are you nuts? Why would I do that?

There they are!

They beat someone up and ran off!

Someone's collapsed here!

We have a sick person here!

Someone just fainted! Call for an ambulance!

Call for an ambulance now!

Why did she faint?

She and that man over there argued, and she went into shock.

What the…

I think she stopped breathing.

Move. Help me.

Help me! Hurry!

Yeah, okay.

Okay. Let me.

Move! Do you want a corpse on the stairs?

Get out of the way! All of you!

Shin Seo-ri, wake up.

Shin Seo-ri, stay with me.

Shin Seo-ri.

Hey.

Wake up. Come on. You need to wake up.

Degenerate!

You are surprisingly quick-witted.

Well done.

You think I played along for your approval?

I couldn't just get dragged down with you.

What does it matter? The end justifies the means.

But…

that man from before, what is he to you?

Who?

-Mun-do? -Is he your brother?

Let's just say we're worse than strangers.

Is that so?

Then you can tell me all about it on the way.

On the way where? Hey!

You wanted a contract, no?

I was separated from my companion, with no way back anyway.

This is perfect.

Do I look like your chauffeur?

-Get out now. -Don't be like that.

-Get out. -Why, you scoundrel.

I hear she left without so much as an apology?

Yeah, but you know what's weird?

I saw Cha Se-gye chase after her.

-Cha Se-gye did? -Yeah.

Do I look like a taxi service to you?

You can't just get in this car whenever you want.

Were you not the one begging me to sign a contract?

So arrogant.

Begging? Who was beg--

I'll just have Mr. Son deliver it to you.

If you have any common sense, sign it and send it back.

I'll drop you off at that subway stop. Please get out this time.

You might as well take me all the way.

So heartless.

Can I get a bowl of water?

Why are you looking for water here?

What is it?

What's wrong with you?

I get nauseous every time I ride in one of these iron palanquins.

I feel like I have a knot sitting in my gut.

Don't you dare.

This car isn't even a month old yet.

Don't you dare throw up.

How can a man be this petty?

Just drive slower.

Damn it.

Seriously?

Must you snap at me every time I speak?

You should see a doctor.

You desperately need some therapy.

Were you in my shoes, you would be on edge all the time as well.

Hello, sir. How much would you like?

-Fill it up. -You got it.

I get nauseous every time I ride in one of these iron palanquins.

I feel like I have a knot sitting in my gut.

As if she can win anybody over with those cheap crocodile tears.

DIGESTIVE AID

Have I lost my mind?

Why would I even buy that?

Excuse me.

If you're not buying that, could I…

I'm not buying it.

Who said I was buying it?

What a truly marvelous world.

This heavy iron palanquin moves all by itself.

And what purpose does this serve?

The Ten-Second Listener Pop Quiz!

Answer three questions right,

and win yourself a premium Hoengseong Beef set.

-Beef? -Here's the next question.

What do you call the small wooden chest

used to store grains like rice?

-A rice chest? -Correct!

General Choe Yeong said this.

"Treat blank like stone."

-Women? -Wrong.

Not women. The correct answer is "Treat gold like stone."

You were so close.

Unfortunately, you won't get the beef, but you will get a set of coffee vouchers.

Damn degenerate.

He said he was getting gas. Is he refining it himself?

PRESIDENT CHOI MUN-DO WINS KOREA BUSINESSMAN AWARD

How can two faces look so identical?

He cannot be inhabiting a look-alike's body like I am.

Since he's a Choi and not a Yi…

perhaps his mother is a Yi?

CHAIL E&C STOCK HITS NEW HIGH FOLLOWING SCANDAL

Let's just say we're worse than strangers.

So he is related to Degenerate.

They say cursed ties bind deeper than destined ones.

HOW THE LEADERS OF CHAIL GROUP COMPARE

My intuition is never wrong.

When it feels off, it is best to avoid it.

-Excuse me! Hey! -What is it?

Don't forget this. Your boyfriend left his card.

Here.

DIGESTIVE AID

I mean, I would provide this to anybody.

On humanitarian grounds, for a potential contracting party.

This falls well within the realm of possibility.

Where'd she go?

Is she off throwing up somewhere?

Excuse me, did you see where the woman who was just here went?

She rushed off not too long ago.

I gave the card to your girlfriend.

She took my card and ran?

Unbelievable. This woman…

Hey, Mr. Son. I found Shin Seo-ri.

But she just ran off with my card--

Sir, we have a huge problem.

How did this happen?

Kaiserman Capital, the company we brought in for the new brand launch,

is tied to Chail E&C, according to our legal team.

Today's updated regulatory filing from Chail E&C leads to one conclusion.

Kaiserman's majority shareholder and President Choi are one and the same.

What should we do now?

What else? We put out the urgent fires first.

Call an emergency board meeting now.

Oh dear. It looks like things have already been turned upside down.

He must've found out that Kaiserman, his savior, was actually a virus.

How will you proceed?

For now, we'll have to wait and see how Cha Se-gye responds.

We have no reason to rush.

No. However, there has been a minor development

in Mr. Cha's personal life.

A woman, you mean?

Of course you already knew.

She auditioned to be Dynaestie's spokesperson.

It seemed like they already knew each other.

What are you doing here?

He was with some woman earlier as well.

I went to give him a heads-up and found them together,

looking rather intimate.

"Audition"?

She's a celebrity?

From what I dug up, she's obscure at best.

Just an unknown actress. Nothing special.

A no-name actress and Cha Se-gye.

What an amusing pair.

Stop worrying. I'm doing great.

Okay, I'm hanging up now.

Hey, what was all that earlier?

You put me in a really awkward position.

As if you had it worse than me.

I followed you to make some money and nearly crossed into the afterlife.

That's enough chit-chat. Give me my pay.

Pay? You've got to be kidding…

You just ran off after making such a scene,

and you expect to be paid?

You should be grateful I'm not asking for damages.

So you got swindled?

What an idiot.

Get back inside!

-Got it! -What the…

What do you think you're doing?

I see you made sure to collect your share.

Not even a shred of loyalty to be found.

Survival comes first. Give it back!

All right. Fine.

Out of the goodness of my heart, I will just take half.

My heart is too soft for its own good.

DAEBAK BOARDING HOUSE

Unbelievable.

What a wicked woman.

Damn it.

Has the source claiming Kaiserman Capital is tied to Chail E&C been verified?

It's known to be an LP for Chail E&C,

but it's most likely a borrowed-name account.

And the person behind that account

is Choi Mun-do.

What was the conversion price the fund proposed?

It was 50,000 won.

It's holding support around 90,000 won,

but if it drops below 50,000 won,

they can refix the price or demand repayment.

So basically, if it drops below 50,000 won,

they'll scoop up everything?

And if Kaiserman converts the bonds to stocks--

Kaiserman becomes

Biojei's largest shareholder.

That is quite a solid sucker punch.

Hey.

If you wanted to invest, you should've just said so.

What is this?

Se-gye, calm down.

Since when was legally investing

in a promising startup considered problematic?

I felt sorry for you, obsessed with your self-made man act.

So I helped you out a bit.

Why are you so angry?

You can cut the act with me.

Your hypocrisy makes me sick.

So touchy.

Look, you…

That's why you'll never succeed.

You're a complete amateur with nothing but pedigree for credentials.

Are you talking about yourself?

I couldn't care less about your grand ambitions for Chail.

If you're thinking about messing around with the shares in my company,

you can just forget it.

You could end up losing everything you've built in an instant.

I see.

Is that a threat?

But will I even get the chance to?

Power trips and executive scandals at every turn.

You're bound to crumble without my help.

So know your place,

and just worry about your pathetic little company.

Just keep doing what you're doing.

Make sure you keep up your act too, so Grandfather never finds out.

He relies on you so much. Just imagine how disappointed he'd be.

Don't you think?

It was my mistake.

I should've been more thorough.

I never thought President Choi--

It's fine. Backstabbing has been his MO since day one.

In this world, you're either an ally or an enemy, nothing in between.

First and foremost, you need to watch out for hypocrites.

This is Mun-do.

He may be a distant cousin, but treat him as a brother.

To a seven-year-old kid, he seemed like a reliable ally.

Hi, Se-gye. It's nice to meet you.

A kind ally on my side in a suffocating world

full of adults.

Brother.

Want some?

Who said I was your brother?

What…

Se-gye!

My goodness, what happened?

Se-gye, I'm so sorry.

All I wanted was to get to know you better.

Uncle, it's okay. I'm not hurt badly.

Oh dear. Goodness me.

Where did you learn your manners?

I have no need for a foolish brat like you!

I learned the hard way that in this world,

the weak get trampled.

How should we proceed?

As it stands, we can't withdraw the funds right away.

Why pull them out? We need to milk this for all it's worth.

For now, let's get all hands on deck and move up the launch timeline.

What about the ad campaign?

Can we proceed with Ms. Shin?

I can't stand women who cry.

Pardon?

We obviously need to revisit that. Protecting our image comes first.

Sir, are you experiencing digestive issues?

Oh, that?

I was for a second earlier.

I'm beginning to think this car has poor ride quality.

Ms. Shin also asked me to slow down earlier.

She got super pale and said she felt terribly nauseous.

Why are you telling me this now?

I didn't think I needed to report that she was carsick.

That woman…

She probably hasn't even eaten yet.

This is to die for.

Hard work makes food taste like honey.

Why are you so dressed up this late?

Stop wasting time on lost causes and come have a bite.

I seasoned it just right.

Wow.

You enjoy all that, Unit 203.

I'm off to put a knife to good use today.

A knife? Is he on his way to carve some meat?

That disloyal jerk.

Hope you choke on your food.

I'm getting married.

Min-a, are you really going to make me the bad guy?

At least let me be the one to propose.

No. Not you.

BRIDE: MIN-A GROOM: GYEONG-SU

So that's what it was. You were cheating on me.

You've always been a little dense.

You used to say that was my charm.

I would've fixed it if you'd told me.

It's not like it's a disease. How could you fix it?

Nothing's impossible if you try hard enough.

Some things are. You're still jobless.

If effort were all it took, we wouldn't have ended up like this.

So your cheating was self-preservation?

I wouldn't waste coffee like that.

I'm not that kind of person.

Seven thousand won.

Seven thousand won? Hold on.

8 FOR 3,500 WON

Jeez.

When did these confections get so expensive?

Miss, are you short on cash?

We take cards too.

Cards?

That thing in your hand.

If that's not a card, what is it?

You mean this?

Paying in full, right?

CONFIRM TRANSACTION

Go on. Take it.

So I can pay with this instead of cash.

-Is that it? -Yes.

Then give me eight more bags, for a total of ten.

AMOUNT: 28,000 WON

What's this?

DOLI MANJOOS: 7,000 WON

DOLI MANJOOS: 28,000 WON

KONG KONG BEAD ICE CREAM: 4,000 WON

"Twisted doughnuts…"

"Yum Yum Tanghulu."

CHIEF OF STAFF SON JAE-HAN

Yes, sir. How may I help you?

Mr. Son, didn't I tell you to suspend my card?

It's been so hectic. I completely forgot.

My apologies. I'll handle it tomorrow.

Don't I pay you that industry-leading salary to cover

for the rare slip-ups I make about once a year?

Forget it. I'll go get it myself.

Sir, you can report a lost credit card over the phone 24/7.

No, that woman.

Send me Shin Seo-ri's address.

Wait.

Hey!

How deep could the conversation be

for him to not even hear that?

Let's end it here.

I'm going to head out.

Min-a, wait.

Can you hold out your hands?

Why?

What the… What was that?

Imagining you meeting his parents with the bag I bought you

made my blood suddenly boil.

Wait, just a second.

I get that you're angry.

I never wanted to be labeled as an opportunist anyway.

It's actually better this way.

Since this will probably be our last meeting,

let's end this properly.

My word. Just look at them.

Are you sure this is her address?

Who knew my neighborhood had such slums?

Yes. Same town, different world.

The place with the peeling paint. That's it.

It's even more pathetic than I expected.

Thanks.

Even after 300 years,

affairs of the heart still end in squalor.

Should I pretend I just found this on the street?

That's quite an outdated line.

What are you doing here?

How did you know where I live?

Do not tell me you were tailing me.

As if I'd even need to tail you to find your address.

Mr. Son drove you home before.

Oh, right. He did do that.

I hear you insisted he escort me home because you were worried.

Worried? Me?

No need to be coy about it.

Even a degenerate like you is still human.

Decency has not entirely left you.

Glad to know it is not for personal reasons.

As if I could ever have such feelings for you.

A woman who still splurges on designer bags despite her situation.

What about my situation?

Are you here this late just to pick a fight?

It appears that contract or whatever has you all worked up.

I cannot simply bind myself to just any arrangement, can I?

I must go over it with a fine-tooth comb.

I shall decide after carefully weighing the upside and downside.

You're a TNT. You can't really afford to be picky.

"TNT"?

And what is that?

No money, no credentials, no sense.

The no-name actor with no real work.

For a "Triple Non-Threat" actor like you, this is like winning the lottery.

Did you just come here to rub all my shortcomings in my face?

Just hand over my card.

-What card? -The ca--

The card.

Wait.

This magical item? This goblin's club belonged to you?

How does one acquire such a fine thing?

You need to be creditworthy.

Is that so?

When it comes to credibility, I am second to none.

At just the mere mention of my name,

even wealthy landowners put up their fields as collateral.

Come sunrise, I must make a dozen or so for myself.

Here.

Are you looking to run a credit card scheme now?

Knock yourself out.

Are you really living off stuff like that for your meals?

Are you that strapped for cash?

If I say no, he will probably have me repay every bit of it.

Yes. I am beyond strapped.

I can barely afford to eat. So what?

Is it really that bad?

That's why you should try to make an honest living.

Put that perfectly good body to use.

Where is that savory aroma coming from?

YEONJEONG GALBI

Jesus.

What's with that look?

What are you expecting?

Do you think I'm nuts?

Since I'm paying, you cook.

Look at you expecting royal treatment.

You picked up the tongs so naturally. I thought grilling meat was your hobby.

They are ready. Help yourself.

People might think you're the one picking up the tab here.

Even a stray dog has its own name.

It's Shin Seo-ri, not "you."

I'm Cha Se-gye, not "Degenerate."

Right. Cha Se-gye.

Now that we are introduced, enough with the formalities. Eat.

The meat is so tender. It is quite palatable.

You should be calling me Mr. Cha Se-gye or sir.

So sensitive about titles. You must be obsessed with rank.

I hear they call people like you "boomers."

You're one to talk with that bossy tone.

That piece is about to burn. Flip it.

I must have been destined to eat this beef today.

Destiny? Over something so trivial.

In your iron palanquin today, I heard an interesting quiz.

The prize was a beef set, but sadly, I did not win it.

However, the beef I lost made its way back to me.

How could this not be destiny?

If the beef was destiny, was I inescapable fate?

What was that?

I mean, think about it.

How many times have we run into each other by chance?

And it's not like I'll ever be compensated for doing this charitable act.

Compensation?

Come to think of it,

had I not had the misfortune of running into you today,

I could have used the wages I was due to buy myself

not just one serving, but a whole crate of beef.

By that logic, this is a reward bestowed upon me by the heavens.

Wow, what miraculous logic.

Shin Seo-ri, your selective morals are mind-blowing.

What is mind-blowing?

You know about boomers, but not selective morals?

"Romance when it's me, adultery when it's anyone else."

I get the adultery part.

But what is "romance"?

I get it.

Can't understand any English? Is that your gimmick?

Then again, it'd be weird if a Joseon woman knew what "romance" was.

You're really committed to your method acting.

So dedicated to your craft.

I tried to keep my distance since he is from the same family,

but I was blinded by the beef and lost my senses for a moment.

Unbelievable.

Your mukbang skills are on another level.

It's like you ate an entire cow.

Do not exaggerate. How could I eat a whole cow?

You finished the first round with ribeye, chuck flap, sirloin, and specialty cuts.

Then you capped it all off with large and small intestine for dessert.

It was better than I expected.

Who knew offal that even peasants would not touch could be this savory?

I have experienced a whole new world.

I guess your stomach's feeling better now.

It has been fine the whole time.

You were worried about me again.

Worried? As if.

I have never once worried about anyone but myself.

My head's about to explode from my own problems.

This skirt has a generous waistband. I quite like it.

What a truly ridiculous woman.

Mun-do.

I hear you went to Sejong today?

Yes, Uncle.

They said I had to accept it in person.

Why hide it? If anything, you should be bragging about it.

I heard from Attorney Choi that our company's stock hit

an all-time high today, thanks to you.

You did well.

I didn't really do anything.

I'm just following the path that you paved for me.

If only Se-gye were half the man you are,

I would've retired early

and just spent my days fishing like this.

Come on now.

Se-gye's startup is doing well, and he seems a bit more at ease now.

That kid is crazy about money. He'll never be "at ease."

He must be in a better headspace if he's going on dates and stuff.

Se-gye is seeing a girl?

But he has impossibly high standards.

What's she like?

I don't know much, Uncle.

I just caught a glimpse of them when I stopped by the TV station.

What? Did you say TV station?

Then is she a news anchor?

I shall give the contract careful consideration.

You even bribed me with Korean beef. What choice do I have?

That wasn't a bribe.

The beef was an act of charity.

Like the change I give to the Salvation Army once a year.

Nothing more.

Sure. Why not?

Do not worry. I shall give it favorable consideration.

Since you want me so badly.

I will not be heartless and just turn you away after beef.

Hold on, but nothing has been confirmed just yet.

Forget it.

Sell that designer bag so you can at least eat for the time being.

Stop eating junk food for every meal.

Contrary to that icy exterior,

he is a worrier at heart.

Cha Se-gye.

DIGESTIVE AID

Damn it.

That woman could easily eat a whole cow by herself.

She'll be fine.

You were worried about me again.

Why the hell would I worry about that reckless woman?

As if.

Anyone can see

This must be love

You'd think

We'd probably get tired of each other After spending the whole day together

HOUR OF LOVE

LOVE FREQUENCY

I knew I would fall in love

On the day that we first met

What's with this radio?

Turn left ahead.

Use the far-left lane.

Jesus!

LOVE…

What the…

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

What was that?

You are off route. You are off route.

DAEBAK BOARDING HOUSE

After bragging about carving all that meat,

you have the face of a man unceremoniously cast aside.

Just don't mess with me today.

Wait. That bag…

I found it out front.

Is it yours?

When it comes to love, there's no yours or mine.

Forget it. You can keep it or toss it. I don't care.

As if affection between men and women were anything special.

What a sorry excuse for a man.

And you stole my side dishes again!

What do you know about love?

Do you have any idea what it feels like to love someone so much

that giving all you have still tears you apart inside?

Damn it.

It is like you are begging to be torn from limb to limb.

How dare you subject me to your misdirected rage!

-Min-a… -Affairs of the heart are nothing special.

He's acting like some sad puppy in the rain.

Min-a…

What do you know about love?

Then again, it'd be weird if a Joseon woman knew what "romance" was.

They all treat me like some fool who does not understand.

A LOVE STORY BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOMAN, OR THE AFFAIR ITSELF

As if that were anything to write home about.

Your Highness, this court lady has been newly appointed to your quarters.

Offer your greetings.

I offer you my greetings, Your Highness.

Lift your head.

I despise having to repeat myself.

Now.

My lord, how…

You lack basic discernment.

This is why you get caught in initiation rituals.

Given your assignment to my quarters,

it appears you have also fallen out of favor with your superiors.

That is not the case.

My calligraphy is decent, and I am skilled in classical Chinese.

That was why I was assigned to these quarters.

This is why I say you lack basic discernment.

Have you not heard the rumors about me?

Rumors?

"The Ghost Prince with the damaged eye."

"The blood-drinking Goblin Prince."

That is what they whisper about me.

What do you think?

Are you scared now?

With all due respect,

I am not scared in the slightest.

You are not?

You saved me.

I am not

so ignorant as to fear my savior.

How audacious.

Speaking so freely in the palace

is asking for an early death.

If you wish to live a long life,

you should first learn to keep your mouth shut.

I will take that to heart.

Good.

What is your name?

Of course, my name is…

Shin Seo-ri.

Hey…

you know how people cry in their sleep?

How would a psychiatrist interpret that?

It's usually one of two things.

Either some bastard who stiffed you on money showed up in your dreams,

-or your first love did. -"First love"?

-You've lost your damn mind! -Why?

Did you dream about a woman you know?

Anything else? Did she say she was your first love from a past life?

You call yourself a doctor and talk about past lives?

In psychiatry, dreams aren't something you can ignore.

Your subconscious knows you best.

And? So what?

When you dream something out of the ordinary,

isn't that life telling you to change?

It's telling you to try jumping off

that grinding hamster wheel you call your life.

Hey, suddenly jumping off a moving object can get you killed.

That would be a major accident.

Then again, a meticulous planner like you would never go off track.

That is, unless, you've fallen in love.

Our Se-gye has a woman in his life?

A woman?

As in a woman he is seeing?

Yes, exactly. A girlfriend, a lover.

As far as I'm aware, Mr. Cha has neither a boyfriend nor a girlfriend.

In fact, it'd be safe to say

that he has not a single soul in his orbit.

No, I was told he definitely has a woman.

Like a news anchor at a TV station.

A news anchor?

Or maybe a producer?

A producer…

There's no one.

Mun-do isn't one to talk nonsense.

President Choi Mun-do saw her?

Mr. Cha's female acquaintance… I mean, his girlfriend?

I doubt it's true, but I will look into it.

This is not half bad.

I used to enjoy eomandu quite often.

The tops are burning.

Seriously, why'd you follow me to my part-time job?

Stop eating and serve the customers.

Don't you see the manager? He won't stop staring at us.

Fine, I hear you. As if I have even eaten that much.

You there!

Come try some dumplings.

Yes, delicious dumplings! Come have a taste.

They're pan-fried to a perfect golden brown.

Please come and try one.

If you overcook them, the filling dries out.

It cannot be helped.

Cook a new batch. These are too dry to be served.

He's coming! He's here!

You two, hold on a second.

I've been watching you.

Are you aware

that half of those sample dumplings went into your mouth?

That I cannot say.

I was not exactly keeping count.

You're here to work, not eat.

You can go over there and work some overtime to make up for this.

If you want to get paid, that is.

My stomach just happens to be full, so I shall.

Wait…

Sir, were you able to retrieve your card without issue?

Card? What card?

-Well, you know… -You could've just canceled it.

But you went all that way to find it in the middle of the night.

Because it's my favorite card.

Why?

Oh, I was just curious.

I see. So it was your favorite card.

-Mr. Son. -Sir.

Do we have time to stand around chit-chatting?

I always tell you. Time is gold.

Time is gold, but at night, of all times…

No way. It can't be true.

Mr. Cha has such impeccable taste.

Unless he's lost his mind.

Hello.

These scoundrels.

There is clearly a cunning minx inside of her.

Absolutely insufferable, beyond all measure.

-Are you a Yoon Ji-hyo fan too? -A fan?

You were staring so hard. I thought you were a fan.

Glaring at her like this makes me a fan?

Silently rooting for them makes you a fan.

You wish them well, worry about them, and send them gifts.

Celebrities make a living thanks to their fans' love.

Root for someone? I am barely staying afloat as it is.

You must be aware that Biojei has staked everything

on launching our Dynaestie herbal cosmetics line,

and just how crucial brand image is for the company.

Let's have one final in-depth meeting to bring all our opinions together.

The marketing team strongly favors a new face.

Since it's a new brand,

we've determined that a fresh image is crucial.

You mean Shin Seo-ri?

Absolutely not.

We must not forget the convertible bond risk.

We must do all we can

to ensure this launch is a success.

I believe going with Yoon Ji-hyo is the safer choice.

I mean, was Yoon Ji-hyo an A-list star from the start?

In the entertainment world, one commercial can make you an overnight sensation.

Who's to say that can't happen for Shin Seo-ri?

It has to be Yoon Ji-hyo.

New wine deserves a new bottle. It has to be Shin Seo-ri.

This is not the time to take unnecessary risks.

Let's just go with Yoon Ji-hyo.

-Shin Seo-ri. -Yoon Ji-hyo.

-Shin Seo-ri. -Yoon Ji-hyo.

Shin Seo-ri is the way to go.

Sir, the results of the anonymous internal company vote

just came in on the intranet.

Please take a look.

Your Majesty.

-Your Majesty, how could you do this? -My goodness.

You wench!

How dare you seduce His Majesty?

You are not a courtesan. That is no way for a queen to act.

-So undignified. -When you were just a stray,

-I took you in. -Even I could do better.

And this is how you repay me?

You wench!

When you were just a stray, I took you in. And this is how you repay me?

How dare you hold your head high and threaten me?

Guards, drag this wench away at once!

How dare you hold your head high and threaten me?

Hear me!

Drag that wench away and crush her legs this instant!

Oh my goodness. She's so good.

You're way better than that Yoon Ji-hyo.

Yes, absolutely.

And you have such a pretty face. You could be a celebrity.

Do not just stand there!

Drag that wench away at once and give her a good thrashing!

SHIN SEO-RI: 52% YOON JI-HYO: 48%

It's a close one.

Even so,

there can only be one winner. That's the principle of majority rule.

What?

I mean, the staff has spoken.

My hands are tied.

A democratic CEO like myself

can't just make a unilateral decision.

Democracy is dead.

Then it's decided. It'll be Shin Seo-ri.

Get the contract ready and send it over.

Yes, sir.

SHIN SEO-RI

But why was I abandoned?

No matter how hard I think, I can't figure it out.

What did I do wrong? No matter how hard I think…

-Don't think like that. -What do you know?

Then why am I alone?

Why am I the only one who's alone?

They told me to wait.

They said if I waited here…

SONAGI

…they'd be right back.

They told me to wait here.

What is wrong with me?

That child…

I remember her!

She was so good at acting.

You don't see her anymore.

I know. A real child prodigy.

She had her moment, then just disappeared.

I saw her on an episode of Screening Humanity.

No parents. It was just her and her grandma.

What was her name again?

Shin…

-My goodness. -Seo-ri.

Shin Seo-ri.

-That's it. Shin Seo-ri. -Right! Shin Seo-ri.

-It's her again. -Wait a second.

You're that young actress from before.

You should really try being a celebrity.

-My goodness. -Your acting was great.

-She's so pretty, isn't she? -So pretty.

Hey, Unit 203.

What are you doing here?

Why look at TVs when you don't even have a home?

They told me I should be a celebrity.

Do they mean being on that TV?

Well, yeah. Why do you ask?

It is just fascinating.

To make people cry and laugh in an instant.

The power to linger in one's memory for so long, without even having met…

I find that fascinating.

As if that's anything to marvel at.

Let's go get paid.

The contract's a no-go?

Doran Entertainment.

Ms. Shin Seo-ri is still under contract with them.

It's contract renewal season right now.

Normally, the star renews or moves on before the campaign begins.

-Okay. -It seems the agency verbally informed her

that they would not renew.

But after hearing about the ad, they're denying that ever happened.

They had no intention of renewing,

but if this ad deal goes through, they may have to reassess,

so they put a hold on canceling it.

A small-time agency is putting us on hold?

Set up a meeting.

I want to see this CEO for myself.

So what are you going to do?

Of all people,

I have to lose to a nobody like Shin Seo-ri?

That would be mortifying. How could I ever show my face again?

Just wait.

Even if her contract's almost up,

as long as we don't cooperate, Shin Seo-ri can't sign anything.

You know how unforgiving the entertainment industry can be.

I know.

But what if some clueless agency takes the bait?

An ad campaign isn't a winning lotto ticket.

Who would sign a washed-up child actor turned throwaway extra?

But since they reached out,

I'll at least go and hear them out.

Then I'll go with you. I need to hear for myself

why they want to take on such a risk.

SONAGI

SLEEP IS FOR THE DEAD

YOU WILL BECOME A STAR

Do you wish for me to carry on your dream?

As payment for inhabiting your body,

you want me to fulfill your dream on your behalf?

Is that why you stir my heart like this?

Why do I keep…

You're that young actress from before.

You should really try being a celebrity.

I need that.

And in turn, you.

Desperately, even.

SPOKESPERSON CONTRACT: SHIN SEO-RI

APPROVAL PENDING

I shall give the contract careful consideration.

You even bribed me with Korean beef. What choice do I have?

Whatever. I'm sure she's used to being rejected anyway.

Why should I worry?

Me, worry?

Why would I worry about a woman like that?

What the hell am I thinking right now?

Listen, is a man named Cha Se-gye there?

Shin Seo-ri?

You recognized my voice so quickly.

You must have been waiting for my call.

Yes.

This is the news you have been dying to hear.

I call bearing glad tidings.

Glad tidings?

In recognition of your commendable sincerity,

I have decided to grant you that contract.

No, wait a minute.

Look, a contract isn't as simple as you think.

Let us keep it simple.

No need to overthink it.

We shall just follow our gut.

No, just let me finish talking.

-Look, it's just that-- -Actually…

I thought it would be best to talk in person,

so I am on my way.

Where are you right now?

I am right outside.

I will be there soon. Wait for me, Cha Se-gye.

No, wait…

I fought so hard for this chance at life.

I cannot waste it being a doormat.

Since the master of this body urges me so,

I shall now try

forging my own destiny.

Hello, who are you here to see?

I have come seeking this man.

I was told to call him CEO.

The CEO?

It's you! I guess you passed that audition?

He claimed he was in dire need of me and wished to forge a contract.

Wow, that's great.

A hundred people a day come through here.

The fact that I remember your face must mean

you've made a strong impression on them as well.

Speaking of, I believe

I benefited from the good fortune you wished upon me.

So I shall see to it that you are greatly rewarded.

Rewards and punishments must always be clear and just

to boost the morale of one's subjects.

You really sound like someone from a historical drama.

Well then, best of luck to you once more.

Much obliged, as always.

Shin Seo-ri?

Shin Seo-ri.

Did you really think

you could sign such a major contract without my consent?

What reason would I have not to?

That dismissive tone again.

As for the termination notice,

that was merely verbal.

Your contract is still valid.

Pulling tricks behind the agency's back without our consent?

Didn't you know that's all illegal?

I am not in a position to leisurely worry about taking the proper channels,

so I had no other choice.

Are you giving me riddles right now?

Yes.

I suppose it is this wench's turn to step in now.

Watch your mouth. Don't you know

a single scandal can ruin you?

Especially with a contract on the line.

You're not a complete nobody. Shouldn't you be more careful?

Judging by the way you behave, I would not say that is wholly true.

I shall take your advice to heart.

If you are done talking, I should be on my way.

I have a prior engagement.

Where do you think you're going?

What the…

This old fox is surprisingly strong.

Let go of my hand before I snap your arm clean in two.

What? "Snap it in two"?

You should be grateful that I took you in

when you were starving and wasting away.

So you do not wish to be snapped in two?

In that case…

-Stop it! -Oh my God!

What in the world?

How could you…

Damn it.

Well, look at you.

I have come to pay my respects.

You wench!

THE WOMEN'S KINGDOM EPISODE 14

THE WOMEN'S KINGDOM EPISODE 36

Damn it.

Oh my, is no one around…

Gosh, what is wrong with them?

Oh man, this is insane.

Yeah. These royal court dramas are all about the slapping.

Has a woman come looking for me?

Experience makes all the difference.

Are you tired already?

Then again, you tried your best with those flimsy wrists of yours.

Everyone mistakes me for some delicate flower,

but do you have any idea how I got to where I am?

Girls like you who don't know their place?

I walked all over them.

Looks like this wench has not been slapped enough.

Still running that mouth like that.

"Wench"?

-Why you-- -That's enough from both of you.

Oh my goodness. Ji-hyo!

Hey, pull yourself together.

Come on, get up.

Here. Sit here.

Is this any way to behave in someone else's office?

What are you going to do about this?

Our Ji-hyo has a shoot tomorrow. What are you going to do about her face?

Did you not hear me say that's enough?

I'm someone who despises repeating himself.

Who are you to tell me to stop?

-Who am I? -Yeah.

Who are you to butt in when you don't know what's going on?

She is right. This is my issue to handle.

Stay out of it, Cha Se-gye.

"Cha Se-gye"?

As in the CEO of Biojei?

Allow me to formally introduce myself.

Let me tell you who I am.

"Biojei Entertainment"?

I'm from Shin Seo-ri's new agency.

Cha Se-gye, the CEO of Biojei Entertainment.

What? Hold on.

Then I have a right to step in.

Don't I?

What is with that arrogant smile?

I look forward to working with you,

Ms. Shin Seo-ri.

For an enemy general to extend his hand during wartime

means he does not want to fight.

Then is this a peace offering?

Don't leave me hanging.

You have to seal the deal.

"Seal the deal"?

We seal it with a handshake, like a stamp on your palm.

Like this.

Deal…

sealed.

This handsome lunatic keeps smiling at me.

It is giving me the chills.

Your Highness, the court maid you asked about

has safely entered Grand Prince Cheongheon's quarters.

Yes, it appears so.

Well done.

But may I ask why you brought her here?

She has no backing and is not one of your people.

She will become a useful snare

for my younger brother one day.

So watch her closely.

Yes, Your Highness.

A no-name actress and Cha Se-gye.

What an amusing pair.

Putting them together could be quite something.

Shin Seo-ri.

Let's make that woman the variable.

That Shin Seo-ri is such a pain.

MY ROYAL NEMESIS

Ms. Shin, you come this way. Here. Towards me.

Of course. He must be my fan.

No. Of course not.

I intend to give this handwritten letter to my fan as a reverse tribute.

This woman is in love with me.

Before we enter into this contract, let's set one ground rule first.

From now on, let's be sure to keep

our professional and personal lives separate.

You came because you were worried and missed me, right?

The contractee owes a duty of care to the contractor.

She misunderstood after I took pity on her and helped her out a few times.

You pity me?

Subtitle translation by Justin S. Kim