Original subtitles

Jakbo.

Yes, Dae-man?

Isn't that Su-chang from the shipyard?

Yes.

He's trying to get himself killed!

Hey, Su-chang! Are you crazy?

Where did you get that uniform? Did you steal it?

I knew you weren't normal when you took a hammer to a warship, but...

Did he just hit me?

Jakbo.

Yes?

I'm right, right?

Yup.

Dae-man!

- Did you hear the news? - What news?

The high commander made that boy a commander!

Starting today, Su-chang is a commander!

Come again?

Su-chang was made a commander!

What?!

This is an outrage!

A commander's position is not a gift for you to hand out as you please!

Warships are the most important weapon on which we will fight our battles.

And I cannot be neglectful to a man that builds those weapons.

We don't intend to be neglectful, sir.

From the admiral to a seaman recruit, everyone is important here.

But not all of them can put on a blue uniform and command this navy.

Are you aware of what you are doing, sir?

There is order and discipline in the navy.

And there are stern laws that ruled this land for the last 200 years

since the founding of this country.

And you're trying to violate those laws!

Do you want to mimic the King so much?

He likes to shock us with outrageous promotions as well.

Rules and official procedures are there for a reason.

If you ignore them, order will crumble.

I will ignore them. I will ignore all of them!

Sir!

Do you think we can win?

The Japanese have hundreds of thousands of soldiers and thousand of warships.

They possess military power unimaginable in our minds.

How do you intend to fight them and win?

Or do you intend to stand around with your arms crossed and watch as they

turn this land into ashes?

We're facing a war.

We can't even dream about winning if we get stuck on rules and procedures!

Our only hope is our men.

Ultimately, war is fought by men not by weapons.

What I want are talented men.

Men that will devote everything they have for victory.

And if I find one thousand of such men. I will put them all one thousand of

them in blue uniforms!

I will ignore status and rank and place men in service based on their

talent and ability.

And from this moment forward, that will be the highest,

most strictly enforced law in this naval station.

Acts that undermine this law will be seen as acts that assist the enemy,

and I assure you there will be severe consequences!

You're so good!

You're so good!

Why are you hitting my bottom?

You're so good. I'm just so proud of you!

You should be the head cook.

They're all identical in size like they've been pressed with a mold!

Let me see your hands.

Are you hiding a special tool?

Stop kidding around! I'm not in the mood!

What's wrong with you? Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed?

Some men become commanders overnight, but look at me!

I'm stuck in the kitchen making rice balls!

I can't take this anymore!

You're here early! I'll go bring my tools and join you.

That's a fine color!

You look mighty dandy in that uniform. I guess clothes really do make a man!

Uncle Chang...!

Did you make and fix those ships all by yourself?

If they're going to put you in a commander's uniform,

shouldn't we be in commander's uniforms too?

Good luck, Commander! You're on your own!

I'm in no mood to work!

Let's get out of, here guys!

Why? Don't you like the uniform?

I don't think it suits me, sir.

But if my father were alive, I would've wanted him to see me in it.

My father was a much better shipwright than I'll ever be.

Shipwrights are lowborn, and his grief was never getting

the recognition he deserved...

But I think he would've told me to take off this uniform as well.

He would've yelled at me and said it doesn't suit me.

Turn around.

Now.

It fits you perfectly.

Your father would've been very proud of you.

He would've never told you to take off this uniform.

Sir...

I'm a father with sons as well. And I know all about father's pride.

I'm sure you know the importance of the ships you will have to build

and maintain.

I am counting on you.

I'm confident that you'll build stronger and more powerful ships

than ever before.

Do not be defeated and do not yield.

The only way to overcome their prejudice and intolerance is to

build the best warships and become the best ship builder in Chosun.

Then this country will remember you as a great hero.

High commander...

This is one Kang Bao from the Grand Creek.

He stole a sack of rice from the house of Du Joo-young of neighboring village.

So?

Pardon, sir?

So what's his punishment?

Twenty lashes and a fine would be a fitting punishment.

Then be it.

Yes, sir.

Next!

This is Choi Duk-soon, the wife of one Hwang Man-keun of Willowville.

What is her crime?

Well, if I should explain...

You slut!

Your husband is alive and well, and you bump bellies with another man?

How could you!

Don't just stand there! Get her husband out of here!

Let go of me! Let go!

Hang them, Magistrate! They both deserve to be hanged!

Sir, what should I do?

Do whatever you want!

You can punish her according to the law or hang her like her husband said!

Pardon, sir?

Hustle!

You'll never catch up to the barbarians at this pace!

The Six Camps is no longer the front.

And the front is where warriors belong.

Why am I here like a pathetic fool?

Here you go. Enjoy your food!

Rice cakes?

Yes, it's a special treat for our grand opening!

Good luck with the business, Innkeeper.

Thank you!

Wow, something smells good!

When did this place open up?

I can go for a drink right now. Why don't we stop in?

All right.

Welcome!

Would you like to go inside?

All right. Bring us a bowl of hot soup and a bottle of rice wine.

You got it!

One bowl of hot soup!

All right!

Rice cakes?

It's a grand opening cake. I hope you'll visit us often.

You're so nice. And you're pretty too.

Oh my, I'm blushing!

I haven't been complimented on my looks since my teen years.

I know you're just being nice, but you made my day.

Does that mean we're getting free drinks?

I can give you credit, but nothing's free.

Enjoy your evening!

Let's drink!

Is there room for one more?

Uncles, how long have we known each other?

Why do you ask out of the blue?

Just finish your drink and get out of here.

It was back when my father was making merchant ships, so it's

been over ten years.

I've known you since I was just a kid and this is

the third year we've been working together.

So?

When I was little, I really enjoyed watching you building boats with my father.

It was so exciting to watch boats floating down

the river and into the sea.

Your father certainly was a talented man.

And you inherited his talent.

Then why are you refusing to work with me?

Does it upset you that much to see me in this uniform?

The cobbler should stick to his last.

Your son Dong is thirteen now, right?

Isn't he going to inherit your trade and live his life as a shipwright

like all of us?

If any one wears this uniform again, I hope it's your son Dong.

And then your son Han-su.

I, I really want to do my best.

Have we ever been recognized for our talent or appreciated for what we do?

No we've only been treated like slaves.

This uniform, I didn't accept this uniform so I could slack off.

I accepted it to take responsibility and build better ships!

I want to build the best battleship in the entire world!

But I can't do it without you.

I came here... to ask you to please join me.

I just can't do it by myself.

Ships can't be built by one person, you know.

Good morning, supervisor!

Uncles...!

Uncles? You have to call us by our first names now!

Yes, call us your names!

What would you like us to do, sir?

It would be great if you could help put up the exterior planks.

Check all the panels for uniformity and warping.

Sure thing, sir.

And would you oversee the oar and rudder construction?

Make sure all the joints are tight and smooth especially on the oars.

You got it!

Let's get to work, fellows!

Your Highness, your humble servant Chung Chul bid you greetings.

Welcome, Advisor Chung.

How may I serve you, Your Highness?

Kwang-hae, have you read Advisor Chung's Ode to Beauty?

I know how much you like to read.

Advisor Chung.

Yes, Your Highness.

I thoroughly enjoyed your two Ode to Beauty.

Your grace is immeasurable.

Longing...

It is as hard to bear as the teasing scent of cherry blossom outside the

window and is earnest as the desire to be reborn a butterfly

just to find the love that is lost...

Your Highness...

I am certain His Majesty knows your deep admiration and loyalty.

Your Highness...

Advisor Chung.

Yes, Your Highness.

Would you give your heartfelt devotion to Kwang-hae as will?

Would you regard Prince Kwang-hae with the same longing and admiration

you had for His Majesty the King?

Your Highness!

I put my faith in you.

Sung-ryong, how old would you be?

I turned fifty this year!

Already?

But you look as healthy as a young man.

Perhaps it is because your heart is so pure.

Your grace is immeasurable.

I'm barely forty. But I feel like I'm in my sixties or seventies.

If I were a retainer, I would need the king's special commendation to

continue serving in court.

Your Majesty...!

That's how I feel.

I've been on the throne for twenty, no, twenty-four years.

Maybe it's time for me to rest. I feel so exhausted...

Your Majesty, I beg you to withdraw these words.

It is the truth. Who else am I to talk to if I can't open up to you?

I really want to put down my scepter and rest.

Your Majesty...

If I should take the back seat, who should I bequeath my throne?

Unfortunately, I don't have an heir from the queen.

I'd have to choose between the sons of the royal concubines...

How about Kwang-hae?

What do you think? Is Kwang-hae fit for the throne?

Your Majesty...

It's all right. Feel free to speak your mind.

I just want to know what you think.

Your Majesty, how could this lowly man dare form an opinion on this matter?

High officials sing praises of Kwang-hae.

They think he would make a better king than his father. Haven't you heard?

Your Majesty...

Why, Mother? Why did you make such a request to Advisor Chung?

I did what I should do.

Mother...

I may be a woman ignorant about the events of the world behind the high

palace walls, but judging from the frequent visits of the Japanese envoys

and talks of war and in the court, I do know that there is great

public tension and anxiety.

Mother...

Since the days of our founding fathers, the royal house revived

public trust in times of uncertainty by installing an heir apparent.

Hence this is the time that the heir apparent must be installed.

Mother...

I believe you are best fit for the throne.

And I intend to advise your father to install you as the Heir Apparent.

Mother!

Unfortunately, the royal court has been divided west and east for decades,

so there will be disputes over this matter.

In bringing you forward, I do not have to worry about men like Yu Sung-ryong.

If he knows your character and talent, he will not object.

But Advisor Chung Chul is different.

If he is ignored, you could get hurt.

Mother, I am not born of legitimate line of decent.

The chance of me having a child at this age is next to nil.

And...

And your older brother Yim-hae is unfit for the throne.

I am not doing this because I love you more than the others.

All of the other princes my children as well

as it is the law of the royal house.

Of course, Mother.

Mothers love all of their children equally.

Remember, I am not bringing you forward because you are

my favorite son.

I came to that conclusion because you are best fit for the throne.

You always play the komungo. Most courtesans prefer kayakum.

I don't care for the feminine sound.

Feminine sound?

Why? Do you wish you were born a man?

Do you think that you can shake up the world and change it if you were a man?

My lord...

Haven't you seen enough men running amok and destroying this world?

The great cause is just talk. The only thing they want is power.

But for what, I wonder?

If they're not shaking in fear of losing it, they're busting their

brain about increasing it.

Men throw away friendship like old shoes for power,

and if there's power between a father and son, father sometimes bear

hostile intent for the son.

That is the world of men.

What is it, my lord? What has you so fraught with despair?

I just can't get them to see eye to eye.

It's hard enough to control your own allies,

but if you can't control your political opponent, you can't

do anything in the government.

The issue of royal succession has come to the surface.

Since the Purge of 1589, His Majesty is extremely sensitive.

If this issue rubs him the wrong way, there is no telling what

dreadful tragedy we might have.

And if that happens, Prince Kwang-hae will get hurt.

I want to stop that from happening, but there's nothing I can do...

There's nothing I can do...

Then... shall I see what I can do?

Welcome, girls.

Sister Chung-hyang...

Chun.

Yes, my lady.

See them to their rooms and make sure they have everything they need.

Yes, my lady. This way.

You're awake, Master.

You said you were leaving the capital city to write poetry and pursue a

spiritual life among the literati.

Yes, I did.

Who was it that gave away her life savings to the governor of Seoul

to leave the Court Entertainment Hall because she doesn't want to

be around slobbering men?

Me, Master.

And now you're assembling your junior courtesans to open a fancy kibang.

That's my intent.

Song-kang Chung Chul... Is he your first guest?

He is a shifty character. Are you aware?

I'm sending an invitation to Minister Yoon Du-su as well.

This is getting more and more interesting.

You wanted to get out of the mud and now you're crawling into a cesspool.

Who knows? Perhaps if I work hard enough to clean up the filth,

fish will be able to live in the water again.

It's not an easy world.

If you turn away because you don't want to bother and look away because

it's filthy, the world will soon become more than just not easy.

It will become uninhabitable covered with fifth.

Conceited wench. What are you? A patriot?

Do you think you can be a hero?

Who is to say that heroism is for scholars and warriors alone?

A courtesan's heroism is heroism as well.

A courtesan's heroism?

What do I do with this wench?

I can't let her live, but I don't feel right about killing her either.

I'm Yim Chun-su.

Money is more important to me than blood tears or friendship.

What's going on here?

They caught a Japanese spy. They're going to execute him right here among

all the Japanese to teach them a lesson.

But that's... that's Kimura!

What is he doing here?

Wait a minute, then where is Hong?

What could've happened to Hong?

No! That miserable bastard!

I can't turn you over to the authorities looking like that.

Take off those wet clothes and put these on.

I know it's common courtesy to leave the room while a grown woman is

changing her clothes, but who knows what you'll try to do?

A little embarrassment is better than freezing to death, right?

Chun-su! You miserable bastard! You're worse than a pig!

What the heck!

Let me take a look at you, Hong!

Are you all right? You're not hurt, are you?

We treated her like a princess, so don't worry.

Are you nuts? Are you insane? Why are you doing this?

What did Hong ever do?

This wench is a spy. She's a Japanese spy!

What? Is this true? He is telling the truth, Hong?

No, it can't be!

She's a Japanese spy named Akai! The Hong we used to know is a fake!

So lead the way. We're turning her in.

No! Since when were you such a patriot?

Aren't you the one who betrayed this country first?

Selling your friend to the Japanese, selling weapons to the barbarians...

What makes you think you're any better than Hong?

Be quiet. Shut your mouth!

Untie her! Let her go!

I can't do that.

Oh yeah? Fine, do whatever you please!

You turn her over to the authorities and I'll kill you!

Mujik, I knew that your loud mouth would get you into trouble someday.

What are you saying?

Guys, we better tie up this loudmouth too.

He'll get all of us in trouble if we let him run around with that tongue.

Chun-su, what did you just say?

How could you? You're going to hurt me, too?

What are you waiting for?

You miserable bastard! You can't do this to me!

Chun-su! Chun-su!

These are sketches of Ming and Japanese warships.

I thought we should look at them if we're going to build new ships from

ground up.

They're quite different from our flat-roof ships.

They're both "V" bottom ships with hulls that come to a point at

the bottom.

"V" bottom boats...

I would imagine they are faster than the flat bottom ships since pointy

bottom would reduce the water resistance.

Our ships need to be just as fast if we're going to fight the Japanese ships.

What's even more important is the artillery.

Fast or slow, if the enemy gets within boarding range, the battle is over.

We're better off fighting on land than engaging in hand-to-hand combat

on-board. Bombardment is the only way to attack and sink the enemy vessel.

I think we need at least twenty guns on each ship.

And if we fire guns from our ships we must consider the recoil as well.

Can our ships endure the impact?

Artillery attacks have been carried out on Great Fighter Ships,

predecessor of flat-roof model, without great difficulty.

Then I guess our problem is the weight of the load.

I've never had an opportunity to install guns on flat-roof ships,

and I'm afraid I haven't a clue as to how much heavy they are.

Then I guess we better find out.

Sir, should we weigh one?

I suppose we should... But I don't know where to start.

There are so many problems...

How many of these can we actually use?

Did you hear my orders?

I have a great idea!

A brand new kind of ship that's never been built before!

Don't start that again. What time is the training tomorrow?

The training?

I said the training is at 03:00 hours! Did you hear me or didn't you?

What time is the training tomorrow?

03:00 hours, sir.

Stop mumbling and speak clearly! Again, what time is the training?

How are you going to command the troops if you can't even speak clearly?

It's at 03:00 hours, sir

Alert the troops at put them to work promptly at 03:00!

Yes, sir.

Dismissed!

Hello, Lieutenant!

What are you fellows doings?

Well, as you can see...

Carry on.

Are you just going to leave? Surely you came here for a reason.

Well, I thought I had something to tell you, but I for got.

Sir!

Carry on. I'll come back if I remember.

We must be able to extend and retract the cannons with ease.

Calculate the height and the width again.

Yes, sir.

Sir!

Over there!

Who is that man?

Perhaps he is attempting a suicide!

Get that man out of the water at once!

Hey! What do you think you're doing?

Are you trying to get yourself killed?

What's the matter with you? Are you crazy?

Lieutenant! What are you doing in this freezing water?

Are you trying to get yourself killed?

If I sink I'll die, but if I float, I'll live.

Huh?

Why? Why did you jump into the water?

I didn't jump in, sir. I slowly walked in.

What?

Rocks sink and boats float.

Fish can swim in the water but boats can't.

Men can sink but we can float too.

Soldier you're before the high commander!

Imagine if we can build a ship that's like fish or human...

a ship that can sink and float as well.

Then we can hide in the water until the enemy ships approach

and ambush them! Wouldn't that be something, sir?

That's interesting. It's a plausible idea.

Isn't it?

I knew it! I knew someone would agree with me!

There's no reason why a ship can't do what men and fish can do!

What is your name, soldier?

I'm Lt. Na Dae-yong, sir...