All language subtitles for I Live in Cheongdamdong episode 9

So...

Does anyone remember this scene?

Two guys are fighting.

Those two guys and Ji-Eun.

One guy?

One guy out of two.

What's been going on with them?

You get out! Out! Out! Out!

At first, let's visit Hyun-Woo, unemployed and ended up living in the same house as Ji-Eun.

I work outside, I work inside...

And all day you strum away on your guitar.
(Ji-Eun is irritated by everything about Hyun-Woo right now.)

Who is there?

Oh, he was scared. He has a lot of fears.

Ji-Eun has found his weakness, hasn't she?

Hyun-Woo seems to be afraid of ghosts.

No, it's nothing.

Do you know why Uncle Sang-Hoon has that container there?

The woman who he loved used to live there.

But...

she hung herself in there.

I'm home.

You were here.

Aren't going to the container?

It's a bit cold.

Yes, it is a bit cold in there.

I'm going to my room.

I'm home.

A little while ago? What?

You... came home, didn't you?

That I came here?

What are you saying? I closed up the comic shop and just came in right now.

But you were here...

Maybe you had a dream?

I will pay you back for all the times you were rude to me.

Since I laid the firewood out,

I need to light the finishing fire.

I will scare the wits out of you.

Ji-Eun is preparing her finishing blow.

Perhaps she can kick out the unemployed guy at last, or so she thought.

Please help me.

Help me... Help me...

But

On my, Hyun-Woo's not there.

Aish, what is this?

And Ji-Eun was locked in.

What is this?

Oh no. My cell phone.

Mom!

Auntie! Uncle!

It's just the sound of the wind.

Here,

the woman who Sang-Hoon loved lived here.

But, she hung herself here.

You just can't hate her, that Ji-Eun.

She's cute.

Who? Where?

So you're not interested, huh?

So calling a woman "cute" is like calling a guy "nice."

If you like cute, might as well raise a puppy.

So Ji-Eun learns that Sang-Yeob thinks "cute" women are not attractive to him.
- You put your hair down.

Yes.

It's cute. Noona, I have another meeting here later today.

It's enough to make Ji-Eun angry.

It's you, isn't it, Ji-Eun?

But Sang-Yeob begins to realize the charms of cuteness.

That's so cute, huh?

Ji-Eun decides to become more sexy, and no longer cute.

What's with you, all of a sudden?

Huh?

When did you change?

I was wearing this in the morning.

What day of the week is it today?

My recipe notes are in the back of my car. Can you get it for me?

Why are you dressed so lightly in this cold?

Hurry, open the door, please.

Hurry and open it.

You are really cute.

It's that word again. Cute.

You must have a lot of women around. What's up?

These days, all the decent ladies are taken.

Rejected Ji-Eun. She gets very drunk that night.

How dare you say it like that, you punk!

This won't do.

He needs to be cursed out.

Look at this.

He won't answer my call?

If you won't answer, I have another way.

She ends up doing what she should not.

Can you see?

It's me. Do you know who this is?

It's the cute woman.

Hey, Lee Sang-Yeob!

How can you call me cute! I'm a woman!

And all the decent women around you are taken?

You dog...

Oh wait, you're in a meeting now, right?

But Sang-Yeob can't help but see her as cute, as always.

I wish you will meet

the cutest woman.

That he is becoming attracted to cuteness, does Sang-Yeob himself, or Ji-Eun realize it?

Let's look forward to Ji-Eun's love stories some more, and begin our first story for today.

How can I fall down there?

Maybe it's your head.

What?

They say if your head is big, you fall down easily.

Hello?

What's up?

Oh, you know...

I'm going to the comic book shop right now.

You're coming here?

Are you there, too? That's good, I'm almost there.

You're almost here?

Yes, okay.

$5 an hour.
- Absolutely okay.

There really is such a place here.

I told you so.

You came.

My friends who studied with me in the U.S.

This is Oh Ji-Eun.

Hello.
- Hello, nice to meet...
- Please be quiet.

Huh?

[Episode 17: I Don't Like You]

Why call me out in this cold weather?

Why did you do that?

What?

Why do you act so prickly towards Sang-Yeob? Inferiority complex?

As a fellow man, you encountered another man who is so awesome, who you can never hope to beat.

It is too obvious that you will lose to him.

So you might as well just throw a fit. Is that it?

Are your comprehension skills low?

You must have been a bad student at school.

Was there a single thing wrong with anything I said back there?

Should people be loud in a comic book shop?

He brought guests...
- Whether it's 100 or just 1, can he be loud?

No, he should not.
- Then as the comic shop owner, can I say that to him? Or not?

Can I or not?

You can.

Hey!

Should I say more?

Should I?

Do you think I'm not saying anything because I don't know?

And I'm older than you. Call me Oppa.

I can hear you.

Please read one poem. I'll return very soon.

Yes.

Oh my!

Isn't this a comic book? Do you even read comics?

It was in the lounge, so I was just curious.

Of course. Would Madam Kim really read comic books?

When older people read comics, they look low-class.

Yes, it's for immature children.
- They are so tacky.

These people, really... ?

Comics are tacky?

Dad, when I return to Korea, you promised we'd go see a concert together.

Of course, we should. Before we go, let me take one more look at your face, my daughter.

Dad.

What were you thinking about? I called you a bunch of times.

Why?

Smell my toenails. They smell, right?

Wash your feet.
- They still smell.

Then trim them short so they don't collect dirt.

You're really a doctor. You can diagnose me by smell.

Geez!

Won't you guys sleep?

I can't sleep at night, it's weird..
- Me too. Do we have insomnia?

You can't sleep at night because you sleep in the day.

We'll be quiet, so sleep.

Oh really! Ugh!

I really wish I had my own room.

You said you're going to the Poetry Society. Why are you bringing comic books?

When Woo-Hyun was going to school,

he was so addicted to comic books that he would practically live at the local comic shop.

So you went to look for him, and you ended up addicted.

I know, I was curious why he was so into them, so I just read two pages, just to get a taste.

But after a while, Woo-Hyun cried that he wanted to go home.

But what does that have to do with the Poetry Society?

There are many elegant ladies there who look down on comic books.

I wanted to give them a taste.

Wow, really? Hyun-Woo did that?

I was so stressed out.

It's a good thing Sang-Yeob was a little drunk at the time. If not,

my back was even sweating.
- That is so cool. Hyun-Woo is a real man, huh?

He's not being cool, he's being a loser.

To be cool, he should just deal with it quietly.

A man should express his feelings. If he's too slick like Sang-Yeob, that's not always good.

He's not slick, he's gentle.

After all he did to you, you still call him gentle?

Omo, I have to go to the bank.

Have a safe trip.

Isn't the "gentle" man coming today?

Room for one for rent...

$800?

I can't afford that.

I guess I can't have my own room.

Hello.

You had nose surgery, right?

Everyone told me that my surgery looks so great. So I wanted to thank you.

This is a gift of thanks.

Gosh, thank you. What is it?

I work at a travel agency. It's a travel voucher for two to South-East Asia.

Could I exchange this to a trip to the U.S. ...?
- Huh?

Thank you.

I'll be going.

Yes, take care.

Hyung-nim and Sang-Hoon. You guys both have passports, right?

I was coming here, and some old lady was selling comic books in the street.

I was going to just give her money, but she insisted I take them with me.

I've heard of old ladies who sell gum, but never any who sell comic books.

I know, it was fascinating to me. Want to read one?

No, thanks. Put those away.

You should try riding the bus,

only then you know that cars are very nice. Isn't that so?

I wouldn't want to ride that bus, then.

Let's go and have some tea, why don't we?

I knew you all would do that.

Just see if you can stop.

Choi Moo Sung. 4 days and 3 nights, your own room.

Oh, thank you.

Why ask me to come to you? You should come to me.

I have a travel voucher for 3 days and 4 nights. I want you two to go.
- Thanks, Hyung.

Why call me Hyung?
- When you're nice to me, you're my Hyung.

I already reserved your plane seats, so pack up and go right now.

That fast? Wait, before I go, I have something to do.

What?

Noona, I'm going on a trip to South-East Asia.

Jealous, aren't you?

I'm done.

Hurry and pack, and get your passports.

It was good to have passports, huh?
- Thanks to you, I even get to go on a trip overseas. Thank you.

No, I should thank you.

For Madam Choi who talks about her first love a lot, a romance for young girls.

Please use this.

Thank you.

To Madam Son, who is so interested in

gossip about infidelity in other households,

a detective comic.

Please give me the check.

To Madam Park, who probably never

laughed out loud in her life, a silly gag comic.

This is easy.

Hold this for me.
- Okay.

Simple and ignorant Seung-Hyun.

She will love action comics.

Oh, there is so much room. Awesome.

You're going on a trip. What's that look on your faces?

We're not going.

Why not?

We only have $100 between us.

That's dismaying.

$100, why bring so much?

Cost of living in South-East Asia is ridiculously low.

With $100, you will be treated like royalty.

With that money, you could even buy a small house, with one room and a bathroom.

Believe it. Believe it.

I think I've heard that. I heard that for just $1, they will give you a huge pile of bananas.

I worried for nothing. Let's leave $50 behind.

There was a comic book in my bag.

A comic book?

Oh my, I was going to put it into my own bag, but it ended up in yours.

I have to finish reading whatever book I start.

Even if it's a comic book.

Do you have the next volume?

I've caught a big one.

Yes, I happen to have the next volume.

It's a secret.
- Of course it is.

Hyun-Woo.

Did you get home well? I should have taken you home, but I could not.

Oh, you met her yesterday?

Yes, I went to the comic book shop with the guys.

Ji-Eun happened to be there, too.

Do you remember that guy who works there? He has long hair and he's tall.

Oh yeah, I do remember him. But what about him?

Yesterday, his attitude was really...

When are you done for today? Let's go there together.

Why? Are you going to waste time on something useless again?

He's the one who is picking a fight with me.

That's pathetic. If you want to see him, you can go by yourself.

You don't even have to go there.

Hey, Comic Shop Guy.

I didn't know you liked stick shifts.

You guys are here?

You guys are here?!?

How do you two know each other?

Well, that...
- That is because I introduced them to each other.

Oh, is that so?

So Noona, you must have been to the comic shop. It's fun, right?

Just once, actually.

You only went that one time, but you two are so friendly already?

You even called him by name, Hyun-Woo.

Somehow I came to know his name...
- Somehow?

I have something cooking right now.

What stew? Here?

You're busy, aren't you?

I think you better go.

No, I'm fine.

That's great. Let's have a drink together today.

How about it?

He can't drink.
- How do you know that, Ji-Eun?

People who look like that can't drink.

You really can't drink?

What should I say?

Please. Just go with it.

Maybe he really can't drink?

What kind of man can't drink?

Let's go.

Yes, let's go.

Pollock fish were caught

and they defiantly open their mouths, that they cannot close...

Seeing her tear up,

Gilbert and Natasha must have parted because of their parents' opposition.

Over there,

Detective Conan

finally solved the mystery.

Here, there's a big, funny event surrounding the World Cup right now.

Here, the main character is in the midst of a fierce martial arts battle.

What do you think? Do you still think comics are tacky and uncouth? You're all addicted now.

When is your birth year?

1984.

So you're 29?

He's 2 years younger than us.
- Then let's get along as Hyung-Dongsaeng. (Older brother, younger brother)

I don't want to.

Is that so?

A man should have a bit of a temper.

Have a drink.

I can't drink.

Then why did you come?

So go ahead and drink.

Come on, he said that he can't.

It's okay. Who would collapse after just one drink?

He's right here.

I know someone who can't drink at all,

and even after just one drink, it's a total disaster. Really.

A disaster, you say?

Oh, you're such a bad boy. Hyun-Woo, you don't have to drink.

Why are you both taking his side?

Oh no, I'm not doing that.

It's strange. Ji-Eun and Noona,

you're paying too much attention to him.

Looks that way to me too. I sense a lot of emotions.

No, not at all. No way.

Is that true?

Or is it?

Why not just drink?

You drink well after all.

What do we do? What if he gets drunk and says something... ?

We have to separate Sang-Yeob and Hyun-Woo no matter what.

What do we do?
- How about if I get drunk and cause a scene?

Maybe? Or how about you and I fight and make everyone uncomfortable?

Let go of me!

Let go, you crazy bitch!

Huh? Where did they go?

Excuse me?

The men who were here, where did they go?

They paid their check and left.

Huh?
- Oh no, my goodness!

You haven't even packed yet? Why not?

You need to get to the airport. Hurry.

I hear you take your shoes off before you board the plane.

Do people take their shoes off before they board a bus? Hurry up.
- We haven't packed a lunch to eat in the plane.

They have lunch on the plane. It's free. Just go.

We better use the bathroom before we get on the plane. I bet they don't have one.

They have a bathroom, too. Hurry up.

We should say goodbye to Noona!
- I'll do it for you, don't worry.

Perhaps,

you dated a girl

who got dumped by me?

No.
- That's true, huh? Our preferences for women are obviously very different.

So why are you acting this way towards me?

If you're not going to answer, just drink. I won't ask anymore.

But you...

something is strange about you.

Are you really just a comic shop part-timer?

You're not going to answer me?

Should I ask another question?

You,

Are you just a comic shop part-timer?

You will not answer that question.

Okay.

Then I will ask another question.

Are you really just a comic shop part-timer?

Okay, fine, I lost.

You can hold your drink.

I think I've seen you somewhere that's not the comic shop.

On the street. With Ji-Eun. Beer.

That's right, isn't it?

Did you give a taste of comics to the elegant ladies?

Yes, they tasted it.

They said it was low-class and whatever, but now they're all begging me for the next volumes.

So you're bringing them more?

Unni, there were a lot of other customers who wanted to read the books you took.

We lost money.

I hadn't thought of that.

Then for each book, I should ask for $1.

They're $0.50, but you'll ask for that much?

It's easy to get into comics, but hard to quit them.

Those people, even if I said they were $10 a book, they would give it to me.

They are completely in my hands now. Muahaha.

Where did you learn that?

Black Mando, Volume 7.

Geez.

I'm wearing a Pas (medicinal plaster) because of you.

Why me?

If you said anything weird to him, I will kill you.

I said to call me Oppa.

Um...

Do you have the next one?

I do have it, but the old lady who sells them raised her prices.

So it will be a loss for me to just give it to you today.

How much is it?

I think you should give me $1.

If you don't have $1 bill, then never mind. There are many others who want it.

No, please give it to me.

Here.
- The book is inside.

Hye-Ja.

Is "Emergency Signal," Vol. 12 out?

It is, but it's become more expensive.

How much?

$1.
- $1?

I only have $50 bills.

Then get some change, and come see me.

Can I read it and give it to you later?

Do you take me for a fool?

Oh no, what to do? Then here. $50.

Take it.
- No, that wouldn't be ethical.

Just get some change, and I'll see you then.

Where would I get change around here?

Come on, look upon my situation kindly.

That's not my problem.

Hye-Ja, we're friends, aren't we?

"Emergency Signal..."

Hey you.

Yes?

Who dares to sell this here, without my permission?

Selling what?

This right here.
- It's a pamphlet for winter safety.

We should be safer...
- Do you think I'm asking because I don't know?

Then... why?

Why is this a comic? If it's about safety, why not just use text? Why a comic, and why is it so cute and fun?

It makes it easy to understand, and fun to read, so...

That's gonna be a problem for me. I will not have you step on my turf. Either we benefit together

or take this with you and go.

You seem smart enough to know what I mean. What's wrong with you?

I will take this and go. Bye.

I'll pay for both.

I'll pay for my own.

Hey you.

Don't be like that.

We've even had drinks together.

Do you remember it?

I don't remember a thing.

Do you know the origin of the handshake?

It was a way for strangers to indicate that they carried no weapons.

It meant that one will not try to attack the other.

Then I can't shake hands with you.

What's with him, anyway?

The season in which the life struggles

I begin to appreciate the essence of my body.

What colors...

What multiple colors...

Oh no.

Everyone is a bit strange today.

Is something going on?
- What do you mean?

Nothing is going on.

Hye-Ja. Hye-Ja.

Are you

reading comic books?

Where did you get them?

She gave them to us!

Now that I've sent them away

I'm bored.

Maybe I should have gone with them.

I wonder what they're doing now?

I want steamed rice cakes.

I want chicken.

I want dumplings. I like them torn.

They're more yummy that way.

You like to eat what you look like.

Are steamed rice cakes pretty? They are wide and plain like you.

Oh, I want some noodles.

I would love tuna sushi and soju.

Everyone, have a glass of water and go to sleep.

[Episode 18: The Taste of Memories]

Oh, this doesn't feel cold.

Omo, it's not cold.

This one is fine.

Why is this turned off?

Oh, it's gone sour.

Who turned this off?

Who turned the kimchi fridge off?

Who would turn this off?

Oh, has it all become this way?

What do I do? It's all become like vinegar soup.

We can make dumplings out of it.

You turned it off, didn't you?

You turned off the kimchi fridge.

Why would I do that?

You complained that I wasn't making you any dumplings, so you turned it off.

Who would do this just to have some dumplings?

Am I that sort of guy, really?

Oh, you, really!
- It's really not me!

Enjoy.

Why won't you answer your phone?

When I work, I put the phone down, set it on vibrate.

Where did it go?

A table for three, please.

Where is it?

I left it at home.

Where are you going?

I am going to buy ingredients for dumplings. Go upstairs and dice all the kimchi.

Wring out the moisture and dice them all.

I said it wasn't me.

What is it?

Auntie, can you go to my room and see if I left my cell phone there?

I have to go, I have a commercial shoot.

Hurry, please.

I'm already running late.

What about Mom?

Your Mom left, too. I'll tell Woo-Hyun to find it and bring it to you.

You can't. Don't send Uncle!

If you send Uncle...

Isn't this yours, Manager?

You left it in the bathroom, you silly.

Auntie, I found it. I'll be hanging up.

Hey, who is "Gae Sae?"

Wow, you're good at that.

First time you're seeing me chop?

You've been wanting dumplings. Will you make them yourself?

Do you know how to make steamed rice cakes, too?

Go away. I'm holding a knife.

We're back.

Hello.

I came to borrow some comic books.

You're here.

What are you borrowing?

Hyun-Woo is upstairs?

He went out. He said he had an appointment.

Your mind was elsewhere.

Oh, could you tell?

Come up and visit before you leave.

Oh, can I?

Aigoo, you.

Is this child's play? You are worse than Woo-Hyun. Go bring the eggs.

You know I can't cook.

We're home.

Mother, I'm here.
- Oh, welcome.

Oh, hello.

Welcome.
- Are you making dumplings?

Why so many, in the middle of the night?

Somehow it happened this way.

Let's make them together.
- No, you'll ruin your clothes.

I'll just change. You have a skirt, right?

She's excited.

Wow, she's wearing luxury from head-to-toe, but nothing looks luxe on her.

Hey.

When will we finish making all those dumplings?

He should be home before we finish, right?

Hyun-Woo?
- He is your Oppa.

How dare you call him by name?

My goodness.

When will we finish all this?

We have this much more in the fridge, too. We'll have to do this again tomorrow.

Then I better come back tomorrow, too.

Looks like we're going to eat nothing but dumplings every day.

They'll be gone soon enough. We'll fry them or boil them. We have so many mouths to feed anyway.

Wow, you're good at making them.

I'm a chef, you know.

Jung Min, how did you become a chef?

I just love food.

Dr. Choi said your cooking skills are amazing, Mother.

What are you good at?

If a housewife answers that question quickly, that woman is not a good cook.

If you're good at cooking one thing, that's useless. You need to be good at everything.

But you must have something special you're good at.

How about food that you like?
- If someone else cooks for me, that's always good.

Housewives always say that.

Jung Min, what do you like? A chef usually has something special they love to eat.

I have tasted a lot of different foods.

Oh, Donkatsu (fried and breaded pork) with curry rice.

Donkatsu and curry rice?

When I was a college freshman, so... about 1992?

There was a sunbae that I had a crush on. But he had a girlfriend.

So it was my humble wish to just share a meal with him.

And when I helped with him a report, he offered to treat me to Donkatsu and curry rice.

He really loved Donkatsu and curry rice.

That was when I first tasted that dish.

Here it is, enjoy.

This is really your first time tasting this?

Yes.

You mean, you've never tasted this, which is so delicious?

I'm happy that I can introduce something so tasty to you.

I heard this on the radio. In this world, there's about 30,000 different dishes.

But among them, do you know how many dishes people taste before they die?

Let's see. Maybe about 5,000?

On average, 500. If they make an effort, they may taste about 1,000.

What a small number, huh?

Yes, that is too bad.

So you shouldn't stick to one dish, try to taste many others.

But I would be happy if I just had nothing but Donkatsu and curry rice for the rest of my life.

His words sounded so lonely to me.

This was a man who would only love one woman.

He would never look at another woman.

When he was going to study abroad, we had a goodbye dinner for him.

Seeing him sitting with his girlfriend by his side filled me with so much anger.

You're like Donkatsu and curry rice, you punk.

You Donkatsu and curry rice guy!

There are 30,000 dishes in the world, you punk!

You should taste other dishes...

There's pickled pork's feet! There's bacon!

Let me go!

No one had any idea what I was saying.

They just thought that my parents owned a pig's feet shop.

After that,

I would go to that restaurant once in a while and eat Donkatsu and curry rice alone.

It tastes good, but somehow it tasted like loneliness.

It was like that.

They said food is eaten not for the taste but for the memories.

I think that is true.

Why is it so cold? Oh, four of us working together, we've done a lot.

Maybe because we have a professional chef here.

Ji-Eun is quick at making them.

Of course, she's my daughter.

Ji-Eun, what food do you think about the most?

I don't really have a special memory.

But I do like noodles the best.

You really do love noodles.

But when I meet a guy, I don't say I like noodles, and I don't eat them.

I think I was a freshman in college?

I ate noodles every day, and I felt like people thought I was cheap.

Because noodles are usually cheap, I think.

So when I meet a guy, I don't tell them that I like noodles.

When you date, you should only order the expensive stuff. That won't last forever.

But you know, if a noodle restaurant has a fancy interior, I'm uncomfortable.

I feel like noodles should be eaten in a casual atmosphere, a little run-down, even.

You're a peasant at heart. You're not meant for a life of luxury.

What?

We're finished.

Hyun-Woo.

Is he usually this late coming home?

I know, it's pretty late, huh?

I'll be going for now.

Bring some home with you.

I'll bring them home tomorrow. I'll be here anyway.

I'm going.
- Take care, be safe.

Goodbye.
- Yes.

You've been asking for dumplings, I hear.

I only brought you the torn ones. I know you like them best.

Has something happened? What's with your expression?

Are you ashamed of me?
- What?

You didn't want me to bring

your cell phone to your work.

Oh, it's not like that.

You know that guy who was here the other day? He was at the restaurant.

I didn't want him to find out that you're my uncle, then he will know that this is where I live.

That is why.

That's fine, whatever. Your mom is ashamed of me, too.

It's really not like that.

It's all right. I look like a torn dumpling. What can I do about it?

It's fine.

I'm home.

Jung Min just left.

Did you see her?

I didn't.
- You should come home earlier.

[Plastic Surgery]
[Plastic Surgery]

Oh.

I've been wanting steamed rice cakes.

The Director said to throw it away.

Why?

Is it rotten?
- No.

It's a gift from downstairs, because they just opened their new clinic.

But that director behaved like a jerk to our director.

He said that if they have too many new patients, they will send some to us.

And he had the gall to send up some rice cakes as a gift, so Director is super pissed.

But it's still food. Just say you threw it away.

Manager Lee.

Yes?
- What happened here?

What is it?
- Last month and this month

why are all the patients assigned to me?

That's because

Dr. Choi's patients...
- Sunbae.

Have you eaten something?
- No. I didn't.

Please finish eating.

I didn't eat anything...

Where is the key for the food storage room?

Isn't it over there?
- No, it's not.

Oh, right.

I locked it when we left work, and then brought it home.

Come on.

We're about to open, how can you leave that at home?

What to do? I've gone crazy.

Where is it?

The black bag I carried yesterday. Look in there.

What black bag? They're all black.

There's a square metal ornament on it.

Oh, yeah, this one.
- Look inside.
- I don't see it.

Look carefully. Open the zippers in the inside pockets.

I found it.

You did?
- Yes, it has a black fob on it.

Yes, that is the one.

Please give it to Mom and ask her to bring it to the restaurant.

Your mom isn't home.

What about Auntie?
- She's not here, either.

Should I send a messenger service?

Who has time for that?

Please just bring it to me. Hurry.

Can I do that?

Yes, please hurry.

Where do I go?

Hey, have you seen my suit?

You even own a suit?

Excuse me.

Will you be here long?

Where are you?
- Almost there.

Hurry. The guests are almost here.

I'm here, I said.

I'm inside.

["Critique of Pure Reason" by Immanuel Kant]

Then I will see you on the day of the surgery.

Please come this way.

Be well.
- Yes.

The sorrow of working for my hoobae (junior in school).

The sadness of having no money.

My stomach that has been cowed.

It wasn't even the whole rice cake,

I got indigestion from eating the crumbs of the cake.

I want to cry.

I wish I can have a good cry.

Making loud sobbing sounds.

It was in 5th grade.

The teacher took a few of the students

and treated us for a meal

at a nearby restaurant.

Enjoy your food, kids.

Yes.

It tasted like honey.

I picked out and ate all the torn dumplings.

I was already so grateful that I was being treated to something so delicious.

I felt it was shameless to eat a perfectly-made dumpling.

So eating the torn ones

for my teacher who considered me worthy to sit with him

and for my friends, I felt like it was good manners.

And then my teacher said,

"Doesn't he look like a torn dumpling himself?"

I had no identity at that time.

But that one comment from my teacher made me the funny guy in class.

Torn dumplings.

I liked hearing that.

That was how I came to love torn dumplings.

I felt like it was... loving myself.

I'm here again, Mother.

Mother, what food do you remember the most?

I don't have anything like that.

But you must have had something you really enjoyed eating.

What could that be?

I like water.

Water?

Just...

yes. I think water is the most delicious. Sometimes when you don't have an appetite, a sip of water can get it back.

They say that you don't appreciate meat until you taste it.

You starved too much, that's why.

We were poor. Could we ever eat anything when we wanted to?

If we had food at all, we were grateful.

Sometimes we just had water and nothing else.

But Woo-Hyun and I,

we never starved.

But Unni probably skipped a lot of meals, so she could give us the food.

You always drank water instead. That is why.

Oh, it's not like I starved that much.

But to us three siblings, I think kimbap (rice rolled in seaweed) is probably the most memorable.

Kimbap?

How can a poor household make kimbap on picnic days at school?

To make a decent kimbap, at minimum, you need

seaweed, radish, eggs, sausage, and spinach.

You need at least those 5 ingredients.

All we had was plain rice with rinsed kimchi

and whatever we had leftover.

So when we opened our lunch boxes together,

all my friends had such pretty kimbap.

My lunch box was pathetic in comparison.

Then I would come home and complain about it to Unni.

I was so young and immature.

But I think I was in 3rd grade...

I opened my lunch box, prepared to be embarrassed again.

But it was so beautiful.

But another kid in my class had the same kimbap that I had.

Back then, there weren't any households that put beef into their kimbap.

But mine and hers were exactly the same.

Even the sprinkle of sesame seeds were the same.

Then I knew.

Unni got kimbap from her house.

Ahjumma, I will do all your laundry for today.

In exchange, can you fill this lunch box with kimbap?

The taste of that kimbap that day,

I won't forget it even after I die.

It was so crazy delicious.

And it was so crazy yucky at the same time.

After that day,

I get indigestion whenever I eat kimbap.

I get sick.

You're saying all sorts of things.

Once I began to earn money, when it was picnic day for Woo-Hyun,

I would go shopping to buy beef, clam meat, ham, carrots...

I would buy as many as 12 items, and ask Unni to make the fanciest kimbap.

I always had the prettiest kimbap in my class on my picnic days.

That's your mom's big regret.

Because she couldn't do it for us.

Let's finish making dumplings. We're not making them with our mouths.

We can only talk about these things, anyway, because we can now afford to eat.

Hyun-Woo...

is he avoiding me?

Why would he do that?

He's not here whenever I come.

Who cares?

Who knows what he does when he leaves?

He says he's meeting friends, but he doesn't even have any money.

Oh, proxy driver.

He must have gone to work as a proxy driver.

Where?
- If you knew, are you going to look for him?

I'm overreacting, right?
- You should go home.

If you have any left, put it in the freezer and steam it later.

Don't worry. I will finish this up tonight. I'll enjoy it.

Be well, thank you.
- Come visit again soon.
- I'll see her out.

Oh hello, you're home late.

I'll be going. See you next time.

I'm home.
- We have dumplings. Have some.

I don't feel good. Maybe later.
- Why?

I think I have indigestion.

Take care.
- All right.

You're leaving?

Oh, where have you been so late?

Hurry and have some dumplings upstairs.

I already ate. Donkatsu and curry rice.

Oh?

It's cold, go inside.

Yes. Goodbye.

Sorry, I didn't see you.

I'm so sorry.

Does it hurt a lot?

Hey.

Are you crying?

What am I supposed to do when you cry about it?

What's wrong?

I accidentally stepped on his hand just slightly.

Did you break a bone?

Hey. Oh...

What did you eat that made you sick?

Crumbs.

What?

Just a little bit of crumbs from a steamed rice cake.

If you were going to be sick, you might as well have eaten a good meal.

All right.

Don't be scared.

Here we go.

(Pricking your finger and drawing a drop of blood is a folk remedy for indigestion)

Have a glass of water.

And sleep on an empty stomach.

You don't want to get sick again.

Water is the most delicious.

In exchange, can you fill this lunch box with kimbap?

Kimbap used to make me so sad.
[Kimbap $1.50]

But it has become the cheapest food in Korea.

Well, it's a good thing.

Now there is no kid who's going to be sad on picnic days.

So that's good.