Original subtitles

Genealogy

Producer: Park Chong-chan

Based on "Zokufu" by Kajiyama Toshiyuki Adaptation: Han Woon-sa

Planners: Hwang Gi-seong Lee Eun-bong

Cinematography: Lee Seok-gi Lighting: Jung Duk-gyu

Editing: Kim Hee-su Music: Jeong Min-seob Sound: Son In-ho

Effects: Son Hyo-shin Stills: Baek Young-ho Costumes: Lee Hae-yoon Make-up: Hong Dong-eun

Art Director: Kim Yoo-jin Property: Lee Wol-ho Research: Seok Joo-sun

Assistant Directors: Noh Se-han An Myeong-gi Camera: Ahn Tae-wan Lighting: Han Whee-chang

Film Development: Korea Technicolor Photo Studio Production Supervisor: Yang Hyung Production Manager: Lee Wan-ho

Joo Sun-tae

Hah Myung-joong

Han Hye-sook

Yoon Yang-ha, Kim Sin-jae Choi Nam-hyun

Lee Hyang, Dok Go-sung Kim Seok-hun, Joo Sang-ho

Yim Hae-fim, Park Kwang-jin Choi Jae-ho, Kim Gi-bum

Jeon Sook, Kim Jee-young Yim Yae-shim, Lee Jeong-ae

Chu Bong, Park Dal, Park Byung-ki Jee Bang-yeol, Kim Woong

Sponsors: Jeonju Agricultural High School Andong Ryu Clan Organization

Director: Im Kwon-taek

1930. The law of the jungle prevailed in the world.

The Japanese Military took control of the Chosun peninsula, invaded Manchuria,

and exerted its influence over China.

It used the Chosun peninsula as a bridge to the rest of the continent.

The Japanese Government-General of Chosun drove out most Koreans to the north,

and decided to turn those who refused to go Japanese.

The changssi-gaemyeong (name-change policy) fiercely swept over the nation.

Tani,

what have you been doing?

What's up with this 30%?

Director, the changssi-gaemyeong isn't something that can happen overnight...

Look at this.

Pocheon, Gapyeong, Yangju... Three places overseen by Wakuda.

And Yangpyeong and Gwangju... Two places overseen by Ninomiya.

They all have a success rate of 70%.

Why are you the only one falling behind?

It's probably because they are coercing them.

I want them to accept the prospectus and voluntarily change...

What?! You think waiting around will work?

I've told you over and over. Haven't you been listening?

I know you graduated from an arts school, but you should

still know your duties.

I apologize, sir.

Shall I go over them again with you? What is your position?

- Gyeonggi-do Provincial Government Office First Division. - And what are your duties?

To propagate and implement the changssi-gaemyeong.

Do you know that your orders come from the Honorable Regional Governor,

directly from the Honorable Governor General himself?

I am aware, sir.

Re-read this out loud.

Now as citizens of the Empire of Great Japan,

it is the earnest desire of the Chosun people to walk with their heads held high.

Japanese and Koreans who share the same ancestors and same physical features,

differ only in their last names.

Naturalization as a Japanese citizen required difficult procedures and qualifications,

but the Government-General has decided to concede to the wishes of Chosun

and has made a bold decision by declaring the changssi-gaemyeong.

With this, the great obstacle hindering our unification is removed

- and until now... - Enough.

This is the true significance of Governor-General Minami's decision.

Think about what you need to do to fulfill your duties.

Go to Suwon tomorrow and make them surrender.

A man named Sol Jin-young won't budge.

Break him down.

Aim for 80% in the next few months. Make them all change to Japanese surnames.

Hello? Yes, this is the First Division.

Yes, yes. Kimora-san is away on business right now.

- Ok-soon is engaged. - She must be so happy.

Why do you suppose they're here again?

- Huh? - What?

Are they here to round up the youth again?

- They're probably here for the rice quota. - Bastards.

They do whatever they want.

Jo, come out for a second.

Uh... how can I help you?

- Does a Sol Jin-young live here? - Yes, yes.

- Here is my card. - I see.

- Please, go in. - Yes, please come up this way.

Yes, please sit.

He will see you now.

My name is Tani, from the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Government First Division.

Please, sit comfortably over here.

Thank you.

Gyeonggi-do Provincial Government Office First Division. Tani Rokuro.

You've made quite a long journey.

What business brings you to my house?

- Yes. Well actually, - Are you here to do some painting?

Pardon me?

You are an artist, aren't you?

How did you know that?

The past couple of years, you painted Chosun folk life and displayed them at our art exhibits.

Yes, that's right.

I am always grateful to you. That there is someone out there

who deeply understands the distinct beauty

of Chosun's now disappearing folk life.

You are too kind.

This is my daughter.

My Japanese is not so good, so I've asked her to interpret.

I see.

- I'm pleased to meet you. - I as well.

This is Tani-san. You know, the artist.

Oh.

Please sit comfortably.

She is one of Instructor Hiyoshi's favorite students.

Then you attend classes at the girls' school with Instructor Hiyoshi?

- She has just graduated. - He was a senior at my arts school.

Oh, is that so?

- Was it you who did the Korean see-saw painting? - It was poorly done.

Is there something around here that you've come to paint?

No.

Today, I'm here because...

Well, as stated on my card, I'm here on government business.

I'm here to discuss the changssi-gaemyeong.

Please, have some tea.

I'm sure I don't have to go over the prospectus with you.

Naisen ittai: "Japan and Korea, one body." That's what we're trying to accomplish.

We've done well in other parts, but not here in Suwon, which I am responsible for.

I can't figure out why. Perhaps the people here don't fully understand.

Even in Europe, the Chinese are checking in at hotels

using Japanese names.

There are even rumors that they pretend to be Japanese.

Originally, Japan and Chosun used to be connected by the same land.

We share the same ancestors and facial features, but not the same last names.

Isn't that right?

That's why the changssi-gaemyeong

is being received enthusiastically all across Korea.

I can't change my last name,

but if I must, then I will consider changing my first name.

There's no significance in that.

But the Japanese have one-character surnames as well.

Tani-san, isn't your surname one character, "Gok"?

But you can't get a Japanese surname with just the character "Sol."

This is our family genealogy that has been passed down through the generations.

It is a pedigree that spans 700 years.

This is our family's bloodline, our history, our life.

To ask my generation to end the line is to ask the impossible.

My father, grandfather, even great-grandfather,

generation after generation, have been recorded there.

And you want me to end it?

I can do anything else.

More money, I'll pay. Larger rice quotas, I'll give.

I'm a person who donated 20,000 sacks of rice to the Japanese Korean Army.

I even have a certificate of commendation.

But, not my last name. I cannot change it.

I apologize for upsetting you, but it's my orders.

I'm here, only because it's my job.

The problem is that people here are refusing the changssi-gaemyeong

because they're conscious of you.

The higher-ups are regarding this as serious.

I never told those people to refuse the name-change policy.

Even if you didn't, isn't it still the same?

Oh, where did you say you heard that from?

How did you say the Japanese read the character, "Sol?"

- They read it as "Masaki." - Right, Masaki.

- Please read it like that. - Masaki?

- Yes, you can read it as Masaki. - Okay, Masaki.

Masaki...

- Wakuda. - Yes, sir.

Good job.

It's results like these that show the bosses we're doing our job.

Thank you, sir.

Now, if only Tani could keep up.

- He went to Suwon, correct? - Yes, sir.

He left, absolutely determined to eradicate the problem.

The problem is, he's so wishy-washy.

- First Division. - I'm not holding my breath.

Yes, I understand.

Since we're a small country town, there isn't much to offer.

I've come on unpleasant business. This is more than I deserve.

I am pleased with your words.

- Wife, pour him a drink. - Yes.

- Here you go. - Thank you.

Let us drink.

- Grandfather, we've returned from school. - Grandfather, we've returned from school.

- Oh. - Oh, is that you, Dong-woon?

- Welcome back. - Children, come in.

- My darlings. - You two, say hello to our guest.

- Hello. - Hello.

This is my grandson.

- He is very cute. - Thank you.

Their parents live in Seoul, and the children live here with us.

Okay, out you go.

- You can go. - Okay.

Oh, I feel so great.

Alcohol was meant to be drunk on a day like this.

- Tani-san, let's drink up. - Thank you.

- Here, try some bulgogi. - Thank you.

Do you eat kimchi?

- I like it very much. - Oh really?

Then does your wife make it for you?

Actually, I live at my older sister's.

- Then you're not married? - Times being what they are, I couldn't possibly dream of it.

Well, that's surprising.

I assumed you had a family.

Then your parents don't live in Seoul?

A long time ago. They were administrators for the Japanese Government-General.

Oh, is that so?

After attending junior high school in Seoul,

I returned to Japan with my parents.

I think I returned to Chosun because I missed it.

You've managed to avoid going into the military.

I'm Class B, so they haven't called me up yet.

But there's always conscription, right?

I avoided it, but got beat up at the work camps anyway.

In the end, my brother-in-law who works for the Government-General got me this job at

the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Office First Division.

There's not much for an arts scholar these days.

They even say I'm unpatriotic.

Oh, it's already six o'clock.

You've been so hospitable that I forgot the time.

- I should be going now. - It's already starting to get dark.

Stay. It'll be too dark if you walk all the way to Byeongjeom.

Stay, and leave in the morning.

Tani, are you not tired?

Why don't you go in and rest?

I was admiring your father's ode.

Father must be in a good mood.

I envy the people here.

There's no hatred, no war, nothing.

- Why must people go to war? - I don't know.

I pray that one day you can forget everything

and just focus on your painting.

There's only despair.

I can't even hope for that.

You're different from other Japanese.

Wherever I go, people consider me a useless person.

No, you have a great strength.

What strength? I'm just a scarecrow.

Please, take pity on my father.

Please, don't harass him.

I beg you. It's too painful to watch.

Spread the word that Sol Jin-young has done the changssi-gaemyeong

and changed his name to Masaki Eichi.

Yes, of course.

Tell all the villagers who hesitated to follow his lead.

How do you spell "Masaki?"

If you read the "Sol" character in Japanese, it reads as "Masaki."

Oh, I didn't know you could read it like that.

It's the same as reading the single character "Gok" as "Ta-ni."

I see.

Now that the head of the Sol clan has changed his name, the others won't be a problem.

I'll spread the news right away.

- Make it speedy. - Of course.

We have to get 80% before the end of the year.

Yes, I understand.

Have a safe trip back.

What just happened here?

What type of changssi is this?

I was humiliated in front of the governor.

- Is Tani not back yet? - No, sir.

Just my luck to be stuck with him.

The director is looking for you. He's really mad.

- Tani. - Yes, sir.

- What are your thoughts on this? - On what, sir?

The Sol Jin-young case.

Since he was so cooperative,

I estimate about 80% of the villagers will follow suit.

What type of changssi is this?

I reported that he changed his name to Masaki Eichi.

That's not a changssi!

Stop being so stupid.

Sir, the Sol clan has

a pedigree that goes back 700 years.

To Chosun, the extended family is like a religion to them.

They thought the changssi-gaemyeong would plunge their pedigree into darkness,

and I barely convinced them it wouldn't...

So you changed "Sol" into "Sol?"

We can't just disregard his reasons for being persistent,

and it does read as "Masaki" in Japanese. I thought it had a sort of charm.

What? Try saying that in front of the governor general.

Whose side are you on? Japan's or Korea's?

- Hello. - Oh, dear in-law.

I hope you have been well.

- To what do we owe this pleasure? - Yes.

Yes, welcome.

- Please, sit comfortably. - Thank you.

We were on our way back from offering the October rites

to our ancestors, and came to see if your family was well.

- I see. - Yes

We ask for your goodwill in all things.

I always envied those who had a doctor in the family,

but now I have a son-in who is a doctor at Severance Hospital.

He's only still just an intern.

I'm not too picky about food. I can eat almost anything.

I am good at drinking as well. I sing "Garden Balsam" when I'm drunk.

I'll try to sing cheerful songs once we start a family.

Sol Jin-young is here.

- Tell him to come in. - Yes, sir.

Tell the director of the First Division to come to my office.

Well now.

- Hello. - Yes, hello.

- Please, sit. - Thank you.

- Honorable sir, you called for me? - Yes, come in and say hello.

This is Mr. Sol Jin-young from Suwon.

- Pleased to meet you. - Likewise.

- This is the director of the First Division. - I see.

Thank you for all your efforts during this time of emergency.

You've set such a good example.

The Honorable Governor General is aware of all your efforts.

He wanted me to thank you personally and show our gratitude.

That is very gracious of him.

- Director, please sit. - Yes, sir.

- Would you like a cigarette? - Thank you.

By the way, what is the implementation rate of the changssi-gaemyeong in Suwon?

Well, that's... it is going well.

Thank you.

If people like you support us, then how can it not go well?

What surname did Mr. Sol do his changssi to?

- About that... - What do you mean?

Well, he's decided to keep the "Sol" character and read it as "Masaki."

Oh, that's quite clever. Masaki.

But, Mr. Sol,

the "Sol" character is such a difficult one.

How many people, do you think, know to read it as "Masaki"?

Director, did you know?

No, not until I heard that you could read it like that.

Mr. Sol, please reconsider.

Only since the governor general has a particular interest in you.

If I wasn't the head of our clan, then I would have already done so.

But I can't be the one to end our pedigree.

I've told the others to do the changssi-gaemyeong.

- I'm sure many have already. - Mr. Sol

you'll change it eventually.

Japanese and Koreans were meant to be one body.

Respected elder, the head office is coming down on us hard.

This is killing us. Please, help us out.

I wouldn't be saying this to you if I weren't absolutely desperate.

- There's no way out of it. - Commander, you can go now.

Tani, come here.

We've just received word from the Suwon district office.

It seems that Sol Jin-young is still refusing the changssi-gaemyeong.

He's being a real pain.

Go immediately and force him to choose another surname.

But he's received a commendation from the Japanese Korean Army.

Surely there are exceptions.

What are you saying? That's only when they've been granted by the governor general.

Do you think it applies to just anyone?

I understand that Crown Prince Lee didn't do the changssi-gaemyeong.

Are you deliberately trying to ruin us all?

Crown Prince Lee is the imperial family. Do you want to be charged with lese majesty?

Leave immediately for Suwon. Stay there until the changssi-gaemyeong is done.

Don't even think of coming back until you've got it.

Come back. I'm not finished yet.

- Okay, proceed as planned. - Yes, sir.

This is from the Shi-heung town office which you are in charge of.

Read the name.

- How do you read this? - You can't read it?

Do you read it as Hirokawa Hitoshi?

- And what does that mean? - Do names have meanings?

- Doesn't it remind you of anything? - I'm not sure.

Are all arts scholars as empty-headed as you?

Can't you see that this isn't an ordinary changssi-gaemyeong?

They've taken the name of the emperor and used it to mock him.

Hiro Hito.

They've insulted him by putting the "Ill" between the "jj" and "j ",

like frown lines in the middle of the emperor's name.

This is without a doubt an act of lese majesty.

- They couldn't have done it on purpose. - Tani, what is it with you?

Everything is "they couldn't have" or "but perhaps."

That's the type of jargon the liberalists use.

- Go over to the military police right now. - Where? To the military police?

They should be interrogating the guy right now.

They need somebody to go down and testify against him.

The director is in a meeting with the governor general, so I've been sent in his stead.

We had absolutely no idea.

We will ensure that nothing like this happens again.

- Apologize politely and come back. - I have to apologize?

They're really furious, so be careful how you word things.

As soon as you're done there, go to Suwon immediately.

Stop wasting time, and get me some results.

What are you doing? Then apologize.

Yes.

You still won't confess? Who made you do it?

I said I'd let you go if you told me who ordered you.

Who ordered you to insult the emperor, huh?

You won't answer me?

- Um... - You won't, huh? You won't answer me?

- Excuse me. - Huh? What?

- I've come from the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Office First Division. - Where is the director?

He had a meeting with the governor general, so he sent me instead.

Where are the fools who let this disrespectful scumbag

get away with something like this?

- My deepest apologies, sir. - This is Private Dakashi.

Try to get it out of him.

There's definitely malicious forces behind him.

Yes.

I understand.

Yes.

Hello?

Hello there?

Why did you do something like this? What's the use in it?

Say that you are sorry and leave this place.

- You've come. - Yes.

- Is he very ill? - I think he has the flu.

Welcome.

You're busy. You didn't have to come all this way.

Are you feeling very ill?

- He's taking Chinese herbal medicine. - I'll be fine.

Don't worry. I'll be better before the wedding.

Please, lie down. May I take a look?

- Can you get my bag? - Of course.

Tani, hello.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Please, come in. - After you.

- Welcome. - Father, Tani-san is here.

- Are you ill? - Yes, he has the flu.

Please, don't get up.

I was recently called to the government office.

I thought about stopping by but didn't, because it wasn't good news.

Who were you there to meet?

- The regional governor. - May I ask why?

He told me to consider a new changssi.

That's actually why I'm here today.

The director refuses to be reasoned with.

He won't accept it, even though it can be read as "Masaki."

I will not force you to do it.

I'm just afraid that something horrible might happen if you persist.

They are authorized to do whatever they deem appropriate.

A while back, a professor from the Imperial University of Gyeongseong came,

and after seeing our genealogy,

told us to keep it safe, that it was a valuable document.

What would you have me do?

Ask that university professor to talk to your director or governor

on my behalf?

That's one possibility, but my director's nature...

He places more importance on Governor General Minami's orders

than on a genealogy or 700 years of history.

Even today, he told me not to return until I had made you reconsider.

Well, maybe if they made it into a law.

No, even if they did, I couldn't.

- Even if they threaten to kill me. - Father.

- Anything but this! - Please don't work yourself up.

Oh my, why are you being like this?

- I can't! I can't!! - Please, Husband.

Tani-san,

I don't know how the Japanese regard their ancestors,

but for Koreans, when people die, they don't leave this earth,

but live amongst us.

That's why we often visit our family burial plots.

We bow to the ancestral shrines without fail every day,

and we offer the seasonal food to our ancestors first before consuming it ourselves.

When leaving on a journey, we bow goodbye to the ancestral shrine.

The living and the deceased exist together.

When we die, we meet our ancestors again.

With what honor am I to face them?

Tani-san,

next time don't come on business, but come just as a friend.

Because I like you, Tani-san.

Tani.

Wow, you've drawn so much. Are the paints okay?

They're wonderful.

From over there it looked like you were thinking and not painting.

- I was daydreaming. - Daydreaming about what?

If I could live in a village like this.

- Oh. - What it would be like.

- Is that what you want? - It is.

What is there to see in this desolate rural village?

- I don't know if I should tell you. - I want to know.

Well first, there are the pastoral brooks, fields and mountains.

And?

I really like your father.

Listening to him speak, it's as if I can truly see

what is evil and what is good.

Tani, please help us.

It's even more painful to watch now while he is sick.

I regret that there's nothing more that I can do.

We know the position you're in.

That's why Father is tormented even more.

Shall I tell you another reason?

The reason I like this village is also because you're here.

- The kids are here from Seoul. - Are they?

Even if they work in Seoul, people who haven't done the changssi-gaemyeong are facing difficulty.

So?

Father, it's not that I don't understand your position.

But please reconsider, to help us protect our assets and status.

- So what are you saying? - Please, Father, don't get upset.

- Leave! - Husband.

Father, please calm down.

You came all the way down here to tell me this?

Get out! Right now!

Is there a particular reason why you continuously paint

Korea's folk customs?

I don't know how to describe it, the beauty of Chosun, that is.

Chosun's customs, being gradually destroyed.

I want to capture the essence of their sorrowful beauty.

Do you think that our customs are being destroyed?

- Yes, it's such a shame. - Whose fault do you think that is?

Japan, by taking over the peninsula, has played a role.

But even so, it seems like the Chosun people aren't doing much

to try and preserve that beauty themselves.

The Chosun people are too busy just trying to stay alive.

We are forced down and oppressed, we can't even breath.

I'm sorry.

Excuse me, Miss. Is that person Japanese?

- He is. Why do you ask? - Ah, finally.

A wire came for a Mr. Tani-san.

A wire came?

I've been looking everywhere for you.

Return immediately?

There is a Japanese proverb, "Fall into line if the line is long."

Do you think the changssi will Japanize the Sol clan?

That won't happen.

What if something disastrous happens to your family?

What do you mean, disastrous?

Will you have a choice if they put you in jail?

They're the type who will stop at nothing.

It's suffocating. I can't even sleep at night.

Father isn't one to bend his will.

It's not like those greedy scumbags can't be bribed.

How? Please tell me. I'll do anything.

Money?

If it's money, then I'll tell Father to pay.

- It's already too late for that. - Then what can we do?

It's up to fate now.

Next time, I'll bring my drawing supplies and just paint all day.

You should go back now.

I'll figure out something to tell the director.

You call that being pro-Japanese? You're off the case! I said off!

Did you guys share stories while eating and sleeping together?

I hear everything from where I sit.

He has thoughts of independence. I know it.

- I'm sure he doesn't. - Again with your "I'm sure it's not." Go do your work.

Where Sol Jin-young is concerned, you're now a third party.

Remove yourself from the case. No, you're already off it!

Tani-san, you know it's all been scripted.

What do you mean scripted?

Grandfather, when are we getting Japanese names?

The teacher separated the kids who don't have Japanese names yet

and said they won't teach us until we do.

Husband, let's go in now.

There's a limit to how long I can stop it.

I've come only this far, and I'm already out of breath.

In order to save the genealogy,

everybody, except the head house, will have to get a Japanese surname.

Stand up. Honestly, let's go.

Nephew, is it true what you said?

For the head house to keep the Sol name and the rest of us to change?

- There is no other way. - What do you mean no other way?

You donated 20,000 sacks of rice to the Imperial Army,

but did we, as Sol descendents, get even a single sack?

- There's nothing I can say. - Uncle, this is unfair.

Brother, decide whether the family will live or die as one.

What's the use in holding on to such a miserable life?

No way. How can the head house tell just us to change our surnames?

Where do they get off running things like this?

The head house has to stay strong for all of us to survive.

Let's all go in!

- Go in and get some answers. - Please, why are you being like this?

Please, just calm down.

See? Are we wrong? Please, say something.

- You are right. - We are, of course we are.

We will go and tell the others.

Tell them you said we are right, so to forget the changssi-gaemyeong.

You must give us a definite answer.

Tell them that I agreed.

- Thank you, uncle. - Thank you.

- Okay, let's go. - Let's leave.

Is Sol Jin-young really such a thick-headed person?

It seems he is particularly stubborn.

We were all set, and then it came crashing down again.

- Ask him to come see me again. - Yes, sir.

Sir, please reconsider.

Even if you change your surname, you can still record your genealogy.

Sir.

Sir!

The governor is very worried about you.

The Honorable Governor has arrived.

He's here.

Oh, I hope you had a safe journey coming all the way here.

Hello. How are you?

- Please, sit down. - Thank you.

- Oh, are you ill? - Yes.

- This cough won't go away. - Oh dear.

Then you should have rested and not exerted yourself.

May I ask why you have called me here?

You've done so many patriotic things for the empire.

I just wanted to express my gratitude once again.

It's not because of the changssi-gaemyeong?

No, not at all. That's just a minor detail.

Our family's pedigree has continued for 700 years.

- We cannot end the genealogy. - Wow, 700 years?

That's quite a history. I give you my respect.

If it were anything else, I'd agree.

- Anything but this. - Oh, that.

It's nothing to worry about.

Why don't we go for lunch and talk things through?

- Director. - Yes, sir.

- Escort Mr. Sol. - Yes, sir.

Welcome. Please come in.

Please.

Thank you for coming all this way. My gratitude to you.

Cheers.

People like you determine the fate of the Chosun people.

If you set the example, who will not follow?

Please, eat.

The governor general is counting on you.

I will hold you up as my elder.

Governor, I'll say it again.

Everything else, I will do.

But as the head of the Sol clan I cannot change my surname.

- Are you Kaneda Hokuman? - Yes.

Sit. On your knees.

I said down on your knees!

Where the hell do you think this is? Huh?

Shall I bring you to your senses?

Tell me the truth, you swine.

Now then, with whom and how did you help the independence movement?

- I didn't do anything. - You want to play this game?

I'm not lying. I didn't

I haven't done anything. I am a medical student.

You think you can pull a fast one over on us?

Do you think the military police are fools?

I can't say I did something that I didn't do.

I've never done anything.

Well, then, I'll make you open your mouth.

Shut your trap.

I said shut it, you swine!

Tani, over here.

I didn't recognize you in your Western suit.

What brings you here?

Please, help me.

Did something happen?

- What is it? - My fiancé was taken by the military police.

You had a fiancé?

- I didn't know how to tell you. - Why was he taken?

They... say he's a political offender.

He isn't. I swear he isn't.

Hold it up a little higher.

- Hello, sir. How are you? - Huh?

Is there a Kaneda Hokuman being held here?

Why? Did the director send you? You, get him a chair.

Tell him everything is going according to plan.

- According to plan? - Yes.

Hold it higher.

Tomorrow, I think we'll make him squirm in front of his fiancé.

It's so simple.

Chosun people have to see blood in order to listen.

Give him even a little nosebleed,

and she'll be begging her father to save him

Then her father won't have any other choice.

Sol Jin-young will be here with her tomorrow.

Kaneda Hokuman's father is probably over there right now.

I told him we'd let his son go if he brought somebody to vouch for him.

You wait and see. Watch me work my magic.

You're good-looking. Must be popular with the ladies.

Switchboard. Get me team leader Yamada.

Yeah, it's me. Meet me outside tonight.

What? You're busy?

Oh, finally.

The director has been waiting.

- Has he been waiting long? - Yes.

I'm sorry I'm late.

- Please, sit over here. - Thank you.

- What kept you so long? - Yes.

- I was busy with that thing. - How did it go?

Like I said, according to plan. Tani dropped by today.

What? Tani did?

I gave him a sneak peak at our master plan,

and he couldn't hide his admiration.

Fool! He can't know of our plan.

Huh?

Sit him down.

- Why are you standing? Sit. - Oh, right.

Yoshida.

- Bring in some tea. - Yes, sir.

- Are you Hokuman's father-in-law to be? - I am.

Who did you appeal to, to turn things around?

Pardon?

I was just starting to have fun, and then the upper ranks pulled the brakes.

- You sure you didn't pull some strings? - No, I didn't.

I don't have anything like that.

Fine. You don't have to tell me.

If he does something while in your custody,

we will hold you responsible.

Of course.

Sign here.

Huh? What character is this?

- You read it "Masaki." - Huh?

You didn't do the changssi-gaemyeong?

They say you can read it as "Masaki."

Sorry, but this won't work. Not with this name.

- But... - Then what should we do?

It's less than a week until the wedding.

Please, show a little mercy.

That's why we said we'd let him go.

But what are we to do if you're caught on a formality like this?

- What can we do about it now? - Don't you feel bad for your daughter?

Such a happy occasion for her. Why not celebrate it with the changssi-gaemyeong?

Ah, I have the form right here. Why don't you fill it out now?

- Give me one more day. - Don't you feel bad for her?

How can you be so calm and leave your son-in-law in here?

- Where are you... Mr. Sol! - Father!

Excuse me, I'm looking for Tani-san.

He took a day off. Said he wasn't feeling well.

- Is he at home? - He should be.

- But where are you from? - I'm from Suwon. Thank you.

I see Tani had a plaything in Suwon.

- Welcome to our home. - Thank you for having us.

- Please, come in. - Thank you.

I didn't know things would get so out of hand.

Can you get me a meeting with the governor general?

I'd like to explain my situation to him.

The governor general is in Tokyo for business at the moment.

- Away on business? - You've missed your timing.

I see there's nothing I can do.

- Ok-soon. - Yes, Father.

You'll have to decide.

Choose between your father and your fiancé.

I'll follow whatever you decide.

Because of your stubbornness, my son is suffering.

Are you going to stand by and just watch?

Seeing Ok-soon's actions, it seems like she doesn't care

whether she marries my son or not,

so I'll stop here.

But,

are you really going to turn a blind eye as my only son is pushed into a corner?

Does it not matter if he's killed or not? Huh?

My father only hesitates because he is our clan's head.

Do you think we did the changssi-gaemyeong because we don't know that?

Stop with your sorry excuses and give me back my son.

You think the Sol clan is the only one that is proud?

Give me back my son! Give him back!

Let me be perfectly clear. I will not do the changssi-gaemyeong.

What? What did you just say?

- Let's go. - Oh, what are we going to do?

My poor son...

You met the wrong father-in-law. There's not going to be any wedding.

Shall I release you?

What will you do if I let you go?

Wouldn't signing up as a volunteer soldier be good?

It completely clear your name, don't you think?

How about it? You're overwhelmed I see. Good, let me sign you up.

Is there a problem?

Hey, Tani.

- The second phase is starting. - What second phase?

Go to the deputy director's desk.

If they just changed their surname, all this would end.

Are they stupid or something?

That's what I used to think, but it's not that simple.

Draft Proposal for Conscription of Sol Ok-soon and 70 others - First Division.

- Hello. - Please, have a seat.

Is something wrong? You sent me a wire.

Find a job. If you don't, it could be dangerous.

- What's going on? - It's uncommon,

but they're conscripting females for forced labor at the arms factory in Incheon.

If you're on that list, you're doomed.

They couldn't single you out

so they're conscripting all the daughters from the surrounding farms.

If you want to escape them, you'll have to find a good enough job.

Just do what I tell you.

I now regret not forcing your father.

My fiancé was taken to the training camp for volunteer soldiers.

He what?

He suffered a mental breakdown and is now ruined.

- Then... what about the wedding? - His parents called it off.

Well, whatever the case, your getting a job is more important right now.

Shall I help you find a job? No, I'll find a job for you.

Wait here.

Army Ordinance Department

Yes, I understand.

If it's the daughter of Sol Jin-young who donated 20,000 sacks of rice,

then of course I'll hire her.

Good.

She can start tomorrow. I have a job that just came in.

Thank you. Thank you, sir.

Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you.

It's all set. It's an office job at the military factory.

Let's go.

- I will buy dinner. - Okay.

What do you like to eat?

Hurry up. Come here.

We need to replace the grave caretaker, immediately.

Some rascals up to no good scratched up Elder Eunam's tombstone,

and the caretaker didn't even know.

Since Jang was conscripted, his wife has been struggling alone to take care of the house,

and she must not have noticed.

- That's no excuse. - Oh, by the way, something awful is happening.

They're taking all the village girls around this area,

and dragging them to the Incheon arms factory.

I know. The world is coming to an end.

It would seem that Tani-san saved Ok-soon's life.

He is a blessing.

- Grandfather. - Grandfather.

Why don't we have our Japanese names yet?

- What are you talking about? - Teacher said don't come to school.

Goodness, the things they'll say even to young children.

Grandfather, give us Japanese names too, please?

All the other kids have them, but why don't we?

- I'm not going to school starting tomorrow. - Oh, you silly children.

Their teacher scolds them everyday,

and their classmates are apparently making fun of them too.

Both of you, come here.

- No! - No.

If that's what really want, then okay.

- Really, Grandfather? - Really, Grandfather?

When?

We'll do it tomorrow.

- Yay, how exciting. - Yay, how exciting.

- Mother. - Mother.

- He'll give us Japanese names. - Be quiet. Let's go.

Why would you say such a thing?

What are you going to do if they believe you?

I'm reminded of the words of Yanagi Muneyoshi.

"No persons heart will not be saddened,

upon reading the dark, tragic,

and at times even terror-filled history of Chosun's past.

So from Korea's beauty, people speak of forlornness,

and to this forlornness, they add beauty.

The fate of the Chosun people, who were pursued and oppressed,

had to seek out a world of solace from their desolation and longing.

The beauty of Chosun is not a form or a color, but is the curves of its lines.

Hidden within these lines is all the unspeakable animosity,

sorrow, and longing of their nation.

What in this world can match Chosun's sorrow-filled beauty?

If you can't see the history hidden in these lines, then you can't enter the hearts of the Chosun people.

Chosun may look weak on the outside, but from its art we see

it is a strong nation within."

Yanagi Muneyoshi wrote these words,

but I wonder what his thought would be about Chosun's suffering, of a nation

that has been forced to destroy its own surnames.

- Elder Sol, hello. - Hello.

- Hello. - Hello.

Please. What brings you here?

- I'm here to do the changssi-gaemyeong. - What?

- Give me the forms, I'll sign them. - Oh, of course.

- Nishihara-san. - Yes, sir?

- Bring me the changssi-gaemyeong form. - Yes, sir.

Please, let's go into my office.

- I don't know how to read it. - Yes, it reads "Kusahara."

- Kusahara? - Yes, sir.

Your whole family is switching, but not you, sir?

I haven't thought that far about it yet.

I'll change it in time. Please take care of things.

- I'm off. - Yes, sir.

- Take care, sir. - Goodbye, sir.

Hello, Elder. Are you coming back from somewhere?

Where are you guys going?

- We've been conscripted, sir. - Sit down, sit,

- Sit. - Good day, sir.

Next.

What brings you here?

- Is my nephew here? - Yes, he's inside.

I was planning on visiting you.

- Why? - We're low on provisions.

- Take what you need. - Okay, thank you.

Thank you for coming to visit.

- Take care on your way back. - I will.

What brings you here?

I'm on my way back from the town office and thought I'd drop by.

- I see. Please, come in. - No, no.

- I've seen you, so I should go. - Okay then.

What brings you by? Are you feeling better?

I felt too stifled to stay at home.

What brings you all the way here?

- You've returned so late. - I was enjoying the fresh air.

- You're just getting back? - Yes.

Jang across the village is being conscripted.

They say to some coal mine in Japan. They're a crying mess over there.

I saw them taking a lot of them by the truckload today.

You be careful too. You don't know when they might take you.

- Even if I'm careful, what can I do. - I guess you're right.

Have a good night.

(In Japanese) The evening glow starts to fade away, and then the night is dark.

From a temple, in the mountains, the sound of a bell rings.

It's late, and you have to get up early for school tomorrow.

- Should we stop? - Yes, let's get to bed.

- Kusahara-san? - Yes.

Me too, Grandfather.

- Kusahara-san? - Yes.

Come and give Grandpa a goodnight kiss.

- Yes. - Yes.

- I want to go now, Grandfather. - Me too, Grandfather.

You must study hard and become a great person, okay?

I will.

- Goodnight Father. - Goodnight.

- You don't regret it? What you did today? - It's late, you should rest.

- I'll lay out the bedding for you. - Leave it, I'll do it.

- Why are you trying to send me out? - I have some writing to do.

- Wife. - Yes?

You went through a lot being married to me, huh?

Why would you suddenly say something like that?

My heart is turning weak with age.

- Go to bed now. - I will.

We will, of course we will. Why fret that we said we'll live 500 years?

The bloom of my youth naturally fades. Where will the remaining half of my life go?

May 29, 1941.

Forced to do the changssi-gaemyeong, the Sol pedigree comes to an end.

Shamed by his failure as the clan head, Sol Jin-young ends his life along with the genealogy.

Why fret that we said we'll live 500 years? Though the moon shines in the bleak wind.

My yearning heart is today as yesterday. We will, of course we will.

Why fret that we said we'll live 500 years? A world of resentment, a cruel existence.

I cry that my heart stays while my body goes. We will, of course we will.

Why fret that we said we'll live 500 years?

- Hey, Wakuda. - Yes?

You'll have to go on a business trip with Nomura of the Education Bureau in my stead.

I've arranged everything with Nomura.

- Why can't you make it? - Tani,

That fellow who gave you trouble.

You know, the one from Suwon.

- Are you talking about Sol Jin-young? - Yes, that's him.

I've just been informed that he finally did the changssi-gaemyeong.

The changssi?

It's right there. Kusahara Chowon.

With the governor and me on the case, he didn't stand a chance.

That's impossible. Sol Jin-young is dead.

- What? Dead? - Yes, dead.

- I received this wire. - Well, what's your problem?

Why do you care so much about the death of a pathetic antipatriot?

- Director! Take back what you just said. - What?

Sol Jin-young was a greater man than any Japanese.

Or at least he was better than any of us here.

By "us," you're not talking about me as well, right??

If a person who voluntarily offered 20,000 sacks of rice to the army

isn't a patriot, then who is?

The changssi-gaemyeong? Do we treat people as nonhumans if they don't comply?

- Are you finished? - Tani, are you crazy?

Antipatriot refers to the type of people who are government directors

but go to bars every night and fraternize with the barmaids!

You little shit! Who do you think you are?

- I should smack you! - Let go of me!

Director! If you have something to say, say it!

Tani, stop! What's with you?

- You really want to continue insulting me? - You call yourself human?

- Well, look at you. - I quit. Effective immediately.

Do it. Or else you're fired.

But just let me say this before I do.

Do you know who killed Sol Jin-young?

It was you!

You're a treacherous leech who sucks people dry.

You! Little shit!

Yes, hello? Yes! Yes! I'll be right there.

You scumbag.

You have no right coming here!

- Please, what are you doing? - Drag him out!

- Please, stop. - Drag him out now!

You fool!

That scum killed your master, you fool!

- And you treat him like royalty?! - Please, don't be like this.

The filthy scum.

Drag him out immediately, you fool!

- Please, calm down. - You won't drag him out?

I'll do it myself.

Why are you standing here staring? You have no business being here.

Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no.

Your father was truly a great man.

He left a letter for you.

"By letting the Sol clan's long genealogy come to an end with my generation,

I have disgraced my ancestors for which there is no excuse.

After much thought, I've decided to take my own life,

kneel in front of my ancestors, and beg for forgiveness.

In bidding farewell to this world, I am greatly indebted to you.

My last wish is that if you believe our genealogy to be valuable,

deliver it to one of the professors at the Imperial University of Gyeongseong

so that it may be a reference for future generations."

My deepest apologies, sir. Your death was my fault.

I'm sorry for making you come all the way here.

The melody is mesmerizing.

But to my ears, it's condemning me for my fault in his death.

- What will you do now? - I don't know.

I don't know either. About anything. Nobody knows.

It is a pitch-black night. When will the new day dawn.

3 months later, Tani received his draft notice.

The Greater East Asia War had broken out.

Tani refused a farewell from his friends,

and got on the train by himself.

He was alone but not lonely.

Time moved on, Japan was defeated, and the Chosun people recovered their native surnames.

Would Sol Jin-young know this, from beyond the grave?

The End