Original subtitles

I will no longer take personal calls from Club M.

From now on, use official and proper means--

Tell him.

Tell my son directly or broadcast it to the entire world.

From this moment forward, I will no longer be your puppet.

It's okay, we'll laugh about this someday.

Threats will no longer work on me.

I am no longer--

-Kiss! Kiss! -Kiss! Kiss!

-Kiss! Kiss! -Kiss! Kiss!

You wanted to see me?

I did.

His Majesty?

He's listening to the family elders.

He and Ms. Kim will stay in separate quarters until the wedding.

Can't have another surprise baby.

How is the investigation going?

Pardon?

Anmyeon Island.

Finding the spy.

I'll get back on it since the engagement is done.

Shi-gyeong.

The truth is...

It will be a quick investigation.

Around the time of the late king's passing, I, Eun Kyu-tae

communicated secretly with Club M and committed the following crimes.

I take on full responsibility and will receive any punishment.

March 27.

I received a rare LP record

valued at one million pounds.

In return, I told them where the late king was staying.

April 6,

I concluded the deaths

as accidental in order to cover my tracks.

And I cooperated with Club M,

so that the suspect could leave the country.

April 22,

I cancelled the ban on John Mayer's entry into the country.

A number of other personal calls were made.

Your Majesty.

Please do not forgive me.

I continued working in the Royal Office

under the pretext of serving the family.

Is this charity work necessary?

Moreover, it is abroad?

It's what your mother does,

so I should get into it too.

Geez, Mom should stay within the country.

Why go abroad?

When we were caught up in war, foreign volunteer groups helped us.

And since we're doing better now,

we should pay it forward and help the less fortunate.

Our people should come first. There are still many who are hungry.

You're right, your mother should just

volunteer in Democratic. I mean...

North Korea.

Since we're engaged now, they're your people too, right?

Have a safe trip.

Don't check it.

Just ignore it.

They sent it to my private e-mail, not my official one.

It means they're making a move.

They won't stop just because we ignore them.

We should know what we're getting into.

I can't let them catch us unaware.

If it's something strange, let me be the first to know.

TO KING LEE JAE-HA

ATTACHMENT

You must have stayed up all night after you received the message.

You probably went to the King and tried to resign, right?

But you didn't tell him the most important part, did you?

You know what the most important part is.

You took the bribe from us and leaked the information.

Are you resigning?

To atone for my sins.

Pardon?

Where is His Majesty?

CALL HISTORY

In the future, I'll contact you for many things.

I'll raise some proposals, so that your King doesn't cause trouble,

and to open a road of peace.

But for that to happen,

we need to settle a problem first, right?

Ministry of Justice? This is Eun Kyu-tae of the Royal Office.

I would like to cancel the ban placed on John Mayer.

What is going on?

Let me ask you one thing.

Did you ever lie to Hang Ah about what I said?

I did.

And the Jeju Forum banquet?

Did you change Jae-shin's entrance music?

By Club M's orders?

It's not true, is it?

You didn't do that, did you?

I changed it.

Anmyeon Island...

It could happen.

You didn't know it was Club M,

and there was a donation at stake.

But...

everything after that

is inexcusable.

How could you...

We're practically family.

My father chose you 30 years ago,

my brother trusted you,

and you were the one I depended on.

How could you do this?

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

I will resign

and accept my punishment.

Your resignation?

You're quitting again?

You deceived me with your talk about the country and the family's dignity.

And now that your secret's out, you want to run away?

I don't expect forgiveness. I will accept any punish--

Then, it's not a resignation. It's a dismissal and an arrest.

I will accept without question, only...

Your Majesty, be careful.

Right now, Club M is--

Why? Did they tell you something?

You must be extra cautious.

Everyone in the Royal Family should cancel all public plans--

How dare you give me advice?

Do you think I'll fall for your lies again?

You're a traitor.

High treason, offense against the state,

aiding and abetting the late king's murder. You traitor!

I will accept any and all punishment.

For aiding the enemy to preserve my honor.

For putting the late king in danger.

And for using your trust against you.

I will pay for them all.

Only...

Please don't tell

my son, Shi-gyeong.

He is too upright.

He never learned to bend.

That's how I raised him.

This is not for my honor, but the shock he'll receive from it.

I will tell him myself soon.

So, please do not tell him

for the time being.

My father? Why?

It was a dismissal, not a resignation.

His Majesty fired him.

Are you insane? Why did you fire him?

You must've heard something negative.

Bribes and such are no big deal. He'd never take them for personal gain.

Everything he does is for us.

I'll explain later.

None of this later. Tell us now.

Time for your bath.

That's not important right now.

Did you hear anything? Do you know why?

He said he'd explain later, so we should...

Did you really dismiss him?

Yes.

Why?

Please do not tell him

for the time being.

New wines should go into new bottles.

You know how we butted heads on everything.

We wanted different things.

You used different methods, but for the same end.

-He's too old. -He's still going strong.

-He worked over 30 years... -Exactly.

He served three kings over 30 years.

-But how could you... -He's old.

An old fogey.

That makes him old-fashioned and outdated.

Where is the king that I know and serve?

Why? You feel like punching me?

Yes.

Take some time off.

You haven't had a time off, right? Now is the time.

-As for your father... -I will stay.

Get some rest.

You're hiding something from me.

Some secret about my father.

Look, Shi-gyeong!

I will stick by you until I find out what it is.

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

Did you read all this?

Mr. Eun must have had a really hard time.

Probably.

He's already sincerely repenting his actions.

Besides, it was Club M that spilled the beans.

Who's to say it isn't a trap?

So...

should I let him stay?

He worked with the enemy.

He used my trust to discipline and scold me into doing what Club M wanted.

Even after Jae-kang died and Jae-shin was paralyzed.

I'm human too.

I need time to deal with this.

Get some rest.

I can't.

I have five meetings tomorrow and tons of reading to do.

A storm is raging in your heart.

You won't be able to process the papers.

Why?

Are you scared?

Yes.

I'm scared of everyone.

Except you.

I don't trust

people anymore.

EUN KYU-TAE

I could start over because I had people

who believed in me.

But you have no one.

People are the most important thing you need in life.

-Is that right? -My weapons and my strength

-are my people. -So you threw him out?

The person who supports me even when I push him away.

And the person who loves me

even when I shoot her.

-Kim Bong-gu. -Proceed as planned.

Don't stop trying to crush me.

You'll only make me stronger.

Information about the country.

And this.

I'll give it to her.

Carry this bag when we land for the royal historian's photos.

It has been passed down among the queens.

Why? Don't you like it?

No, I'm just so happy.

But must I carry this while volunteering?

It seems contradictory, right?

Carrying such a luxurious bag for charity work.

But we have to look classy.

Especially when going abroad.

It's what the people want from the Royal Family.

We are the nation,

we are their pride.

It is our obligation to appear dignified.

That's why we have to work harder.

If we volunteer half-heartedly,

then we'd really be phonies.

You can do this sincerely, right?

What happened in the past week?

Dissociative amnesia.

That's my disease, right?

I looked it up in a psychology book.

It's not a disease. Just a few symptoms--

It's too painful for me to remember.

So, my brain erased the memory

like it never happened at all.

How do I retrieve that memory?

I understand how you feel,

but you've locked it away.

-You can't force-- -I'm really okay.

You know I am. I can face people again.

I even gave a speech.

It was a temporary spurt of courage caused by Eun Shi-gyeong.

You're not ready. You could have a panic attack.

It's too early, Your Highness.

Did you want to see me?

Is your father well?

Yes, I think he's at the villa.

Please don't hate Jae-ha.

I'm sure there's something--

I know.

There must be a good reason.

I'm receiving a lot of treatment.

Soon, my memories--

Don't you sing anymore?

I'm finally on my feet, but you're pushing me to run.

It's what you've always done.

Your memory is important, but so is getting your life back.

Fine.

I'll let this one slide.

It's like you're my personal trainer.

I'm almost too nice now.

Oh, I didn't mean right now.

What was that song?

The one I sang for you.

Start with the A note.

A?

It is A.

Hold on, next is...

What was the next part? I must be going senile already.

Like friends

That's how it starts.

What's next?

Like lovers at first

Ever since I let you

In my heart

My fluttering heart

Has taken you as my destiny

I believed

About my first love

You know the rest, don't you?

Come with me.

Pardon?

I want you to follow me.

My brother's room has the best stereo.

Sing for me again. I want a recording of it.

Why would you let your talent go to waste?

Go on, sing.

If you're really good, I'll get you a record deal.

No, thank you.

Don't worry, I won't put you in a boyband.

How about doing a duet with me?

Please excuse me.

Eun Shi-gyeong.

Do you dislike me?

I confessed my feelings, and I'm trying so hard.

Aren't you being too cruel?

What you're feeling is curiosity.

Excuse me, I know my feelings best.

We're complete opposites.

You've stumbled on an interesting toy.

Like you always say,

I'm a boring person.

I may seem interesting now, but once you get to know me,

you'll get sick of me.

Shi-gyeong,

I'm not that impulsive.

Please don't toy with me.

I don't want to be your plaything for your frivolous fun.

That's not how it is, I mean it.

Let me ask you one thing.

Shi-gyeong, do you dislike me

because I'm a cripple?

No, definitely not.

There's nothing I can do about that.

One more question.

I sang that song

for you just once.

How can you remember it?

Are you a genius?

Because you sang it for me.

I'm sorry about the poor accommodations.

There was a sudden bomb threat at the hotel we originally booked.

Really? Things seemed peaceful here for the past year.

Yes, that's why we planned this trip.

But there are signs of a civil war.

We have to cancel tomorrow's plans and return home.

Forgive me.

Third floor...

I really wanted to see the kids.

This is Mahadara.

She suffered from malnutrition at age two.

She weighed just five kilograms.

Goodness.

There are kids like her in the countryside up north.

Did she survive?

We saved her with a therapeutic diet,

but her mother died from tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a terrifying disease.

It also claimed my mother's life.

My father got into some political trouble in the past.

The Party sent him to the countryside to be re-educated.

That's when my mother acquired tuberculosis.

A single shot of penicillin costs more than one kilogram of rice.

We couldn't afford it once.

But I was sent straightaway to Pyongyang.

I stayed in Pyongyang since then, so I never contracted tuberculosis.

And I received all my vaccinations--

What did your mother do?

She translated foreign fairy tales.

I don't remember exactly.

It was so long ago.

But she used to read them to me during bedtime.

Anne of Green Gables and Gulliver's Travels.

Jae-kang's wife, Hyeon-ju called me "Mother."

When we got closer,

we're more like mother and daughter.

You can call me "Mother."

"Madam" doesn't sound right.

Mother.

Work on it. "Mother" without the accent.

Who is it?

Mom and Hang Ah are both missing?

Yes, as well as the royal guards.

Call the prime minister and summon the ministers.

Quietly, so the press doesn't find out.

Did Bong-gu do this?

The security cameras captured the minority rebel forces.

We're presuming that they're after ransom money.

MY LOVE, HANG AH

COMRADE LEE JAE-HA

Thank you.

These men were confirmed by the security footage.

They've been identified as Somalis who work with Aideed--

So it's a kidnapping? For ransom?

That's the strange part. We've received no demands.

It's too quiet.

Why did those men die? They're the kidnappers.

A civil war just started in their country.

They might've been fighting over who gets to keep the hostages.

But no demands have been made.

Why did the fighting break out right when they got there?

Why hold our royal family hostage? We have no connections to Somalia.

Wasn't there one more person caught on tape?

Yes, but she was mostly in the dead zone.

The court secretary saw a strange woman.

With a tattoo on her neck. A strange tattoo of a barcode.

Bong-gu's minion that you detained.

Hers was a barcode too.

I checked with the court secretary.

I gave her several pictures,

and she picked Bon-bon straightaway.

So, it was really Club M?

We can't be absolutely sure because there are no witnesses.

But it's the most likely possibility.

So, do you want to continue fighting?

My weapons and my strength are my people.

Then, everything would break down.

Your engine...

Lee Jae-ha keeps calling, doesn't he?

Leave him be.

All we have to do is heat up the frying pan.

He'll laugh, cry, get mad and beg for mercy.

Let him go crazy in the heat until his own efforts kill him.

Oh, and treat our honored guests with polite respect.

Hang Ah, don't eat that. It might be poisoned.

We'd be dead already if they wanted.

Mother, eat some of this.

We need to eat and be strong.

That way, we can attempt an escape.

-Escape? -Shush!

Escape?

We have to try something.

The royal family must be in an uproar.

We have to do something.

But the people out there have guns.

We have to fight them off.

No, I can't do it.

Shouldn't we at least try?

That way, His Majesty--

I can't do it.

You're a military officer, but I'm too old.

Hello there, madams.

Is madams right? Or is it Your Royal Highnesses?

Is that right?

I know you just by seeing you,

but this is our first meeting.

Kim Bong-gu, am I right?

Kim Bong-gu.

He's...

How about a cup of tea?

No. Talk to me.

Mother. Mother!

I also think that Club M is behind this.

Club M has been contacting this country increasingly

in the last month.

I thought it was strange, but I ignored it.

I didn't know she was going there.

We should consider other possibilities as well.

It could be another terrorist organization.

-Even if it's Club M-- -I know.

But the administration is looking into other possibilities.

We should focus on Club M.

You haven't been able to reach Bong-gu?

Not yet.

They gave me the runaround and refused to put me through.

Make it happen, okay?

Offer him anything.

I could go to him myself. I could beg on my knees.

I'd do anything.

Your Majesty.

He has Hang Ah.

Hang Ah

and my mother.

You know my mother.

She won't last.

Mother.

May I call you mother?

You look a lot like my mother.

You detest me?

Of course. I would if I were you.

But Mother.

You'd pity me if you knew my story.

My father ditched me when I was just a kid.

And my mother abandoned me.

She worked at a bar.

She had to make a living.

She thought I'd be good enough

if she stuffed me in a military academy.

But it doesn't work that way.

Not without love.

You would understand. You do charity work.

Kids from poor home environments turn out wretched.

I was so innocent as a kid, yet I ended up this way.

I'm so tired. I want to end things here.

So Mother,

talk to Jae-ha for me.

To let everything go and renounce the throne.

Okay?

You're definitely different from other women.

So dignified.

My mother was so vulgar.

"Vulgar"?

How could you say that about your mother?

I was just, you know, comparing you two.

You're royalty, after all.

Poor home environment?

Yes, I saw plenty of that while volunteering.

Do you think all those kids end up as twisted as you are?

You're wrong. More of them end up sweet and good.

So, why are you blaming your parents for everything you did wrong?

I just wanted a little understanding.

I'm Jae-kang's mother.

The mother of the man you murdered.

It will not be enough even if you kneel and beg for forgiveness.

Yet you dare to kidnap me?

And try to use me as a bait to force my Jae-ha's hand?

Do you think you can push the royal family around?

Oh my gosh.

I was too nice to you.

Kill me. I'd rather die.

Go ahead.

Do you think my kids will bat an eyelid at your antics?

I will have my revenge on you.

For my Jae-kang. For Hyeon-ju.

For Jae-shin's legs. For Hang Ah's baby.

Even if it means burning in hell,

I will be the one who kills you.

You cursed scoundrel.

I'll ask your parents in hell. Did they celebrate when you were born?

You piece of trash. You wicked, wicked man.

I will...

MY SON

Please pick up the phone, Dad.

The Queen Dowager and Ms. Kim have vanished.

I'm doing everything I can to get through to Club M.

Give me more time.

It's already been a day.

The administration's secret task force is completely stumped.

It's the first time that kidnappers haven't made any demands.

Get me through to Club M, and I'll handle it!

Never mind, let's go.

We can go there ourselves.

No, Your Majesty. Diplomatic protocol--

Who cares about protocol, courtesy, or shame at this point!

This is exactly what they want.

For you to lose your head and wear yourself out.

Don't fall for their ploy, Your Majesty.

Ten minutes.

I'll give you ten minutes.

Get me through to Club M.

Yes.

Your Majesty, be careful.

Right now, Club M is--

RESTRICTED NUMBER

Hello?

Your Majesty?

I heard that Ms. Kim and the Queen Dowager

were kidnapped.

I'm in no position to say this to you.

But with all due respect, Your Majesty,

make use of the foreign diplomats.

You know that Club M was behind this.

To them, Kim Bong-gu

is a major financial backer.

But even the US and China

will probably frown upon his rash actions.

Use them to pressure Kim Bong-gu.

He may seem larger than life,

but Club M is just a corporate group.

He can't beat an entire nation.

The US and China are probably already pressuring him.

And if we pressure him as well,

I'm sure he won't be able to rest easy.

Stay calm and cool-headed, Your Majesty.

Call together the foreign diplomats.

Jae-ha has gotten smarter.

I guess I'll meet him.

He should come here if he's so desperate.

Will you be all right on your own?

Why, hello, Your Highness.

You've been asking to see me?

You'll have to forgive me.

I was a little too busy.

What do you want?

Return them safely and I will--

What do you mean?

I know that money is not your objective.

The monarchy's entire budget

can't match a year's budget of a Club M subsidiary.

Wait, Your Highness, please explain what you meant by that.

This is so out of the blue.

Need money? Want a loan?

You took--

You're holding onto Hang Ah and my mother.

Did they disappear?

How did that happen? My goodness.

Shall we lend a hand in the search?

Shall I

postpone the wedding?

It's set for three months later, but I can postpone it.

I'll postpone it.

North Korea might throw a fit,

but Hang Ah will understand.

Just keep them alive, and I will--

I'm starting to understand.

You think I have them.

But it's really not me.

It's understandable you'd think that.

With my rap sheet and all.

All right, consider me guilty then.

If that will set your mind at ease.

-Kim Bong-gu. -However...

If I were the one holding them, do you think I'd settle

for you calling off your marriage?

If I were holding them hostage...

Remember, I'm speaking hypothetically.

Hypothetically, understand?

I probably went through a lot of trouble to get them.

So what? So I can split the king from his puppy love?

Too much risk for too little gain.

Then, what do you want?

I wonder, what would be good?

Your resignation?

Let it all go and step down from the throne.

Well?

Hold on.

Is there a problem in succession then?

Lee Jae-shin is no good either.

You have a second uncle.

He's a bit senile, but he can still stamp the royal seal.

I know, it's worrisome.

The administration will try to take over.

But we know you're not cut out for politics.

It's dirty business, you know?

So put it all behind you. Be cool.

And live happily with your family on a picture-perfect Pacific Island.

Take Kim Hang Ah with you and live in peace.

I'll pay for everything, okay?

What choice do you have?

Your loved ones are at stake.

You're about to lose your reason for living.

Who cares about the country and justice?

Am I right?

Oh my, look at the time.

If you'll excuse me, I'm a bit busy.

May I ask what you two talked about?

How are you here?

This is a dream, isn't it?

Why are you so sad?

Don't skip any meals.

And exercise regularly.

What's wrong? What is it?

Sorrow is but momentary.

Someday, it will fade away.

Hang Ah.

Mom.

No, Mom.

Hang Ah.

Mom.

Hang Ah.

Mom.

Hang Ah!

Your Majesty, are you okay?

-The Queen Dowager... -She's fine.

Your Majesty, you can't resign.

This is his trap.

You know that he's trying to unnerve you.

He has royalty as hostages.

Even Bong-gu wouldn't dare to harm them--

And if he does?

He's like a football.

He killed my brother and held me hostage up north.

No one predicted any of that.

Even so, Your Majesty--

My mother and Hang Ah.

What if he really kills them?

I'm not as strong as you think.

I've been holding on out of pride.

By the skin of my teeth.

But this...

I can't do it anymore.

They could die.

My mother and Hang Ah.

Why should I hold on?

I didn't even want to be king.

With my mother and Hang Ah's lives at stake,

why should I try to protect my crown?

I'm sorry, but it's time.

I want to live easy.

I will persuade him

to resign.

I will talk to him in person.

It will be more effective

if we're face-to-face, right?

The decision has already been made.

Let's choose the easy life.

I think Shi-gyeong found out about you.

So you told me to be vigilant.

This is your father's true face.

This is your job. Please find her.

It'll be an all-out war. We could end up massacred.

What is it? What's going on?

Jae-ha doesn't know it yet? Keep it a secret.

Hang Ah!

Subtitle translation by Youngju Kim