Original subtitles

REPLY 1988

The year is 1988.

It was a time when it was chilly, but our hearts were fiery,

and we didn't have much, but people's hearts were warm.

Of course, if you were to compare it to how things are now,

it was clearly the Age of Analog,

not much different from the Paleolithic era.

Even so, we were living cutting edge 18 year-old lives.

For the first time in history, we wore the slip-on sneakers,

and lots of denim.

We listened to Shin Hae-cheol's songs on our Walkmans.

Guys were crazy about Jaime Sommers, Joey Wong,

Sophie Marceau, and Teacher Jimena.

And us girls were crazy about Pierce Brosnan,

Tom Cruise, Richard Gere,

and the New Kids on the Block.

However, putting gender aside,

there was a movie that the youth of our generation all loved.

And that was...

They said that my daughter is pretty.

She has my eyes.

I'll know for sure when I see her.

Can I talk to my baby?

SEPTEMBER, 1988 SSANGMUN, DOBONG, SEOUL

MBC BLUE DRAGON

FIRST PLACE

GO-GAME

SHRIMP SNACK

You didn't even name her yet.

Kit,

she wants you to name your baby.

Sorry.

This kid's name is Ryu Dong-ryong.

Even though he seems nerdy, he's this block's counselor.

You crazy bastard, can't you eat later?

This is Kim Jung-hwan, our upstairs neighbor.

I call him "Dog."

He's not exactly a human yet.

Taek, the one who owns this room, is a genius at playing Go-game.

But, what's the use here? He's a complete idiot here.

Go get me a rag.

Get me some leftover steamed cake from the kitchen. Oh, milk, too!

Get it yourself! He hasn't been home for a while.

This is Sun-woo.

He's the most normal of the kids on this block.

I couldn't hear what they said!

Why are you bitching at me?

I don't know! It's all your fault.

Well...

This is me.

I had such wavy bangs that you could probably surf through them,

with cropped-short hair.

And a shirt that isn't quite pink, but eye-popping fuchsia.

That was the best back then.

What's that baby's name?

We didn't hear, either!

It's Song Woo-yeon.

-How do you know that? -I read the subtitles.

Kim Jung-hwan! Dinnertime!

Kim Jung-hwan!

Eat!

Kim Jung-hwan!

I told you to come eat!

Sun-woo! Dinnertime!

Deok-sun! Come eat!

I'm leaving.

I'm leaving, too.

I'm leaving.

I should go.

Son.

Let's eat.

ROOM FOR MONTHLY RENT

WESTERN CIGARETTES AVAILABLE CLOSED FOR THE DAY

Ssangmun, Dobong, Seoul.

Bonghwangdang block.

I was born and raised on this block.

There was no internet or any smartphones back then.

Thinking about it now, how did we spend all that time?

Deok-sun, set the table.

Good, it came out well.

Looks yummy.

Deok-sun. This is Dad's.

Hey, you want to die?

My older sister, Sung Bo-ra.

She's a sophomore at Seoul University studying Math Education.

She has the most influence in our household

and is the craziest bitch on our block.

You did that on purpose, didn't you? Hey!

Sorry.

My younger brother, Sung No-eul.

Despite how old he looks, he's actually 17 years old.

Hey, where are you going? We're about to eat.

To meet Dad on his way home.

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

Hello?

You said you'd come home after dinner!

Okay. Hurry home. Bye.

Dad will be here soon, wait a bit.

Ah, really.

SSANGMUN GAS

This is the gas place, right?

Yes, we're at Bonghwangdang block. The house with the blue gate.

Yes. The house that has a dog.

Well, we'll get the usual, the 20 kilogram one. Okay.

Jung-hwan!

Go downstairs and ask for a bowl of rice.

And give them this.

Okay.

Ow!

Hey!

You're here, Jung-hwan?

-My mom asked me to bring you this. -Wow!

Did she make salad?

And Mom asks for one bowl of rice.

Oh, sure.

I heard your dad was coming home late, but I guess he's coming home early.

Here. There we go.

Oh, wait here.

I'll give you some radish kimchi. Give it to your mom.

She gave you this.

Wow, looks great!

Wait.

Ma'am! My mom wants you to have some curry.

My mom wants you to have this.

Ma'am! Have some of this!

Thank you!

Ma'am!

Let's eat.

Gas delivery!

SSANGMUN GAS

Why don't we just eat together?

Deok-sun!

-Dad! -Yeah.

-Hello. -Where are you off to?

-Home. -All right.

Goodbye.

My daughter!

You're all grown up now. What are you doing?

What's that? Is that pork? Did you buy a lot?

I bought a whole lot so our family could gorge ourselves to death!

Today's payday, after all!

Let's go, our youngest. You must be hungry.

Did someone come?

-Gas delivery. -Gas.

HANIL BANK

Bravo Cone Let's love each other

Let's meet each other Bravo Cone

Let's love each other

A date of fluttering hearts

What?

Oh, dear. How is ice cream 200 won?

But then again, the World Cone is 300 won.

A pack of cigarettes would be 300 won.

It's 600 won now. It's been a while since the price went up.

You little punk.

Do you smoke, bastard? Do you want to die?

-You bastard! -No, it's not mine.

Bo-ra made me buy them for her!

Are you crazy?

What are you saying? If you smoked, you should say it,

not throw me under the bus! I ought to kill you!

You look old enough to use grandpa's pipes!

-Do you smoke with pipes? -Okay, I smoked.

Either with pipes or cigarettes, it's me.

Nyah nyah, I smoked!

Anyway, this punk will die after we eat dinner.

What are you doing? If you're done with washing, come in!

Here you go.

Let's eat!

We only have this much left after giving it out to the neighbors.

-If you need more, just tell me. -How much was there at the beginning?

Hey. We're not goats, you know.

What's up with this pile of grass?

I was wondering where my paycheck had gone

and you spent it all on vegetables, huh?

Oh, please. If someone heard, they would think you earn quite a lot of money.

They think a bank clerk makes a lot of money. Who would know how I feel?

Give it here.

Hey. Let's eat first.

Look, the vegetables are growing bigger and bigger waiting for us.

Come on, give it here. Where is it? Here it is!

Wow, look how thick it is!

I wonder how much came in this month?

Three, seven, nine, two, one.

Four, three, seven, nine.

Hey.

Put a Pepero in your mouth And head for the hills

Pepero...

Dong-il!

Hooray!

It's not the full amount.

You're short 120,000 won!

Okay.

I bought some books.

You know Seok-jin, Young-cheol's son.

But that bastard co-signed on something and lost everything!

But then, in order to live, he kept on struggling here and there,

and he came to the bank selling bundles of books.

So I couldn't exactly ignore him, could I?

Is he the only one who went under? We did, too.

We went under because you co-signed wrongly for a promissory note.

Who is helping whom now?

My gosh, even so,

we have enough to get by.

We're barely managing to scrape by!

I couldn't even pay No-eul and Deok-sun's school fees yet.

And what about Bo-ra's tuition?

You're making me out to be the bad guy.

I can't even buy people a cup of coffee because I'm scrimping and saving

and here you are, the neighborhood do-gooder.

And I'm the bad guy.

My gosh, you.

You're always talking about money.

What do we have to worry about?

We have money and we have debt!

Are you seriously saying that?

I mean, I'm fine and you're healthy.

All three of our kids are healthy, too.

And, they're good at studying, too.

Deok-sun got 999th place in the whole school this time around.

And No-eul got 1000th place!

I gave birth to a bunch of idiots.

Total dunces!

But, okay.

But we have Bo-ra, our eldest! She's plenty smart!

She's a student at Seoul University, the best college in the country!

So what are you worried about? I'm not even worried this much.

Get me new glasses.

I said, get me new glasses.

Hey, it hasn't even been a year since we got you new ones.

My eyesight got worse. I can't study if I can't see anything.

It's my birthday next week, so buy me glasses.

I'm having my birthday separately.

I'm not sharing it with Bo-ra this time, okay?

I'd slap you with this lettuce.

Your birthdays are only three days apart! Why do we need to celebrate twice?

Also, it'll be hard on your mom, so, no!

You're going to buy them for me, right? Mom?

Those glasses are good ones. They were expensive.

I told you, I can't see! I can't see anything on the board!

I was clear! I'm not celebrating with her this year!

Hey!

Your older sister is talking.

My ass.

"My ass"?

-Get over here. -Ow! Mom, look at this child!

-"Child"? Are you crazy? -Mom!

-Say that again. What? -Ow! Mom!

Stop it, already! You're going to pull all her hair out!

Goddammit!

Can't we live quietly for just one day?

It's my only wish!

-Let go! -Goddammit!

Your father's here.

-Welcome home, Dad. -Welcome home, Dad.

Excuse, excuse me

Please, excuse me

Looking, looking really close

Is this the medium's place?

Let's eat.

-Okay. -Okay.

You have to go like, "Yes, yes, it is."

-I will clear your plate. -Hey, you!

Treat me well while I'm here! I'm the village scapegoat.

You made salad today!

Oh!

I found one person here named Scapegoat.

Wow, how interesting.

KIM JUNG-BONG, 24 YEARS OLD SIX-TIME COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM TAKER

INTERESTED IN EVERYTHING BUT STUDYING ORIGINAL OTAKU

But then, how did Deok-sun get chosen as a picket girl?

Do you take an exam for that?

She's not good in studies, so what happened?

She just got it somehow.

Yuck!

Sun-woo's mom made this, right? It's so hard to make curry taste bad.

How did you know?

It's...

obvious. Okay. I won't do it. Honey.

Is it not funny?

-I ate one spoonful. -You ate one spoonful?

It's good, right?

Here you go.

Son! It's good, right?

Mom.

What is it? Is it a rock?

Dad really didn't like these.

I know.

Hey. It looks like Deok-sun is having a really hard time lately.

She got so tan, and she doesn't look so good.

But even so, it's still admirable that she got picked.

She has to work hard. There are only three high schoolers among the picket girls.

Jin-ju.

She almost burned to death in Hyochang Stadium all summer.

But...

which country is she representing? I heard, but I forgot.

Even if I tell you, you'll forget again. I also heard it for the first time.

You're all done, Jin-ju? Wow.

You're not going to get out?

You want to die?

Are you that proud to be a part of the government's plan?

Do you even know about the hidden agenda of our government?

Do you know how many residents were dispossessed because of the Olympics?

What are you talking about?

Get out!

Aren't you going out?

1988 SEOUL OLYMPICS D-8

I'm leaving.

Mom, I'm leaving!

-Your lunch! -Oh.

I need 1,000 won for class fee.

Class fee? For what?

Our homeroom teacher is getting married. We're buying her a wedding gift.

Really? So I guess she finally got together with that history teacher?

-Yeah. -Didn't they break up?

I heard that the drill teacher threw a fit about it.

Yeah, but she got pregnant.

Really?

Oh, my God, how embarrassing!

Your poor teacher!

So embarrassing!

-That also happened to you, Mom. -How much do you need?

One thousand won.

-Mom, please give me my class fee. -How much?

Thirty thousand won.

Mom, I want a fried egg.

Mom, me too.

I'm okay. I don't need one.

Here you go.

Eat up.

My Deok-sun likes black beans, right?

She loves them, just like me.

Eat up, my daughter.

I wish Deok-sun's school would also have uniforms.

It would be nice not to spend so much on clothes.

They'll change starting next year.

-You don't even go to school often. -I do go to school!

Hey. Are you only going to half of your classes again today?

-Because of the Olympic thing or whatever? -Yeah, until 2nd period only.

Will you be able to go to college at this rate?

She can't. How could a 999th placer go to college?

Hey!

"Hey"?

Hey, just eat already. My gosh.

You just need to work hard for one more week.

Wow, our daughter's face will be shown to the whole world.

Deok-sun, you've really made it.

Because I'm pretty.

Has she gone crazy?

Speaking of which, our daughter is so pretty. What a miracle.

When she was born, both of us cried so hard,

because she looked like half-chewed food!

I was bewildered, even though I gave birth to her.

I was wondering if I could shove her back in.

We almost did that.

They say that ugly babies turn out to be pretty when they're older.

It's no use being pretty when you're young.

Hey, Sung Deok-sun.

What's that on your lips?

That's mine.

No, it's not.

Yeah, it is.

-No, it's not. -Are you sure?

It's not.

If you touch my makeup, I'll kill you.

Got that?

I asked if you got that!

-Hey, Sung Deok-sun! -Fine.

SUNG BO-RA

Class president.

Attention.

Bow.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

Have a good dinner.

-Yes, ma'am! -Yes, ma'am!

Let's go to the snack bar!

Ugh, so gross.

The upperclassmen are waiting. Hurry up.

I'm taking some of your soup.

We're missing one person. We have to fill that spot.

If you don't come, we're dead.

Don't you see how the weather is out there?

Soccer in this weather? Do you want to die of heat stroke?

Romania.

Romania.

Your arm is slipping! Raise your arm! Yes! Like that.

Your arm can't fall! Raise it! Like that!

This arm is falling, too! Raise your arm!

Rwanda.

Where are you going? Walk in a straight line! Yes.

Straight! Walk straight!

Walk straight! Follow the line in the middle!

Madagascar.

Madagascar.

Madagascar.

Your expression!

Arm! Your expression!

A warm smile. Elegantly, okay?

Arm! Your expression.

Arm! Your expression!

Warm smile!

Arm! Expression!

Arm! Expression! Arm!

SSANGMUN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS 16

-Hurry up! -I don't want to.

Michol, you asshole, you scared me!

What do I do now?

-What happened? -I...

I was mugged. They took all the student fees.

-What? -What?

Darn it!

My gosh. So why did you take that route, you idiot?

I don't know. I must have been possessed.

They sell couple tea sets at the Dobong Store.

But I must have found a wrong entrance. When I turned around,

it was Brazil Tteok-bokki's back alley!

You got caught.

You basically served the money up on a platter.

Did you get all of it taken?

The entire class fund.

Not counting the five kids who didn't pay yet, 63,000 won.

What do we do? We have to buy it by tomorrow!

I don't have a penny!

Neither do I.

How much money did you get from your mom today?

Do you want to die?

Hey, Kim Jung-hwan!

Hurry up.

Okay!

Hey, get up.

Get up.

Hey, quick!

Hey.

Hey, Kim Jung-hwan!

Want to die, punk?

Yes, I'm coming!

Hey, let's go.

Thirty thousand won?

He told you that it was 30,000 won?

-Yeah. -It's only 1,000 won!

You should have asked him about it first! What if he's using it for bad things?

I'm sure he needs it for something.

Jin-ju is putting on makeup.

Who does she take after, dressing herself up like this?

She probably takes after you.

Would she take after Sun-woo's tacky dad?

But, what were they using it for?

I don't know. He didn't say.

Their homeroom teacher is marrying the history teacher!

Really? I guess she was single, then!

Yes, it's been a year since they've been dating.

She was so popular in school because she's so pretty.

They were dating in secret, but they got caught holding hands

by that kid, Michol.

-Who's Michol? -The secretary of their class.

He has dark skin and thick lips,

you know, like that character from the show, Dooly.

So they call him that.

My goodness, you sure know a lot.

Sun-woo tells me all of these things. There are no secrets between us.

You're just annoying him.

He comes and tells me without me even asking.

He's 100 times better than Jung-hwan, who comes home and says nothing.

-You must be so bored. How can you live? -He says all the stuff he needs to.

Don't worry about my son, but your daughter.

She's going to end up killing that horse.

Giddy up!

You don't know how much that horse can handle.

Even that horse is so full of energy...

Mi-ran, even though he's younger than you, you should feed him some good food.

That way, he'll have some energy in the bedroom.

She bought 30 eels yesterday.

Every month, she tries eel, loaches, and Samgyetang to boost his energy.

She has spent a fortune already!

Really?

Why don't you feed Bo-ra's dad such good stuff?

He doesn't look like he's doing so well lately.

He doesn't look the same age as Jung-hwan's dad.

He looks ten years older.

I don't have that kind of money.

More like you don't have a room for couple business.

What if he eats eel? He can't release it.

I feel bad for your husband, too.

Il-hwa, today's the perfect chance.

Your kids won't be back home until after 11 p.m., right?

And Bo-ra isn't home today, right?

Why don't you try making a little sibling for No-eul?

You little... Stop that!

Stop that.

Get over here!

Dong-il, you're here?

He's coming.

Why are you so early today?

Obviously, he came home early to make a little sibling for No-eul.

-I didn't even heat the soup yet. -No, you have to heat your bodies first.

Stop it!

Dong-il,

don't worry about anything and do everything you want today!

We'll be guarding the front door for you!

You two can keep carrying on even if someone barges in!

Have an Olympic mindset to the task. Go!

Jesus.

I feel like those women just expend all their sexual energy through their mouths.

Oh my, those people.

You know they're like this all the time. Come on.

I can't even come home from work because I'm scared of those women.

I wish they would just die one of these days.

Speaking of which, go wash up.

Your husband is a bit late today.

He always comes home at 7 p.m. on the dot, doesn't he?

I'm sure he's holding someone hostage to his terrible jokes again somewhere.

BONGHWANGDANG GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY

GUARANTEED SALES FIRST-BIRTHDAY RING

Oh, here he comes. You're a bit late today.

Yes. I went to see Moo-sung on the way here.

Aren't you cold?

Why are your shoulders bare?

Oh, dear.

Are you afraid that someone will steal your wife away?

Don't worry.

Nobody else but you would consider her pretty.

It's fine if she's only pretty in my eyes.

Honey.

Stop it, really!

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

Stop it.

1988 SEOUL OLYMPICS D-7

Have a good weekend.

Don't slip off somewhere because it's Saturday

and show your parents your report cards.

-Yes, ma'am. -No way!

Class rep!

Attention.

Bow.

-Congratulations on your marriage! -Congratulations on your marriage!

Thank you.

I'm a bit short. You have money, right?

One, two, three, four, five.

I have exactly 500 won. Let's go.

Where are you going?

Dobong Shopping Center to buy something.

Let's go together.

It's okay. You guys go. I promised to play with Jin-ju.

He never hangs out with us.

-Hey, I have to go to the bathroom. -Go ahead, then.

-Let's go together. -Come to the third floor. I'll be there.

Gosh.

DOBONG SHOPPING CENTER

BRAZIL TTEOK-BOKKI

There are two of them there. We have two, too.

It's worth a shot.

If he takes care of one of them, I can take care of the other one.

And we can definitely win.

Which one first?

The one on the right? Or on the left?

No. I've given them too much time. Right now.

I have to hit them now.

Jung-hwan. They want you to come, too.

I want to cry, too.

I want to cry, too.

What's troubling you?

Your husband earns a lot of money

and your sons stay out of trouble.

Out of all of us, I'm the most jealous of you.

What's the use of feeding him eel?

It all just turns to shit.

It just costs more to clean the toilet.

Why? You two didn't go to Hong Kong after feeding him eel?

Hong Kong, my ass.

We didn't even go to Jeju Island.

If he had a conscience, shouldn't he go outside the country at least?

He doesn't have a conscience.

When we're apart, you'll see

Perhaps, you'll see

When we're apart, you'll see

Perhaps, you'll see

Hello.

He has no conscience.

It's because we wanted to eat tteok-bokki but have no money.

If I become a notable figure, I'll pay you back for sure.

Is this everything?

If I search and find more, it's ten hits per ten won.

Go.

Hey, wait.

What size are your feet?

Two hundred sixty.

Hey, Cavallo.

You can keep yours.

-Are you going to go meet Dad? -Yeah.

It's time for my son to come home, too.

Hello!

-Oh, hello! -Oh, hi!

Hey, Jin-ju!

How are you doing?

-Are we having bean sprout soup today? -Yeah.

What about Jung-hwan? He didn't come with you?

He went somewhere with Dong-ryong. He'll be home soon.

-You got report cards today, right? -You guys had an exam?

Yes. Last week.

You didn't know, did you?

Yes, he told me.

You said your grades dropped a bit, right? Is it because of math?

Yeah, a bit.

So you didn't get first place this time? Who did, then?

-This time, it was-- -Hey, what's this?

-Did you fight with someone? -No. I wouldn't do that.

Who did that to you?

I told you, that's not it. I just got scratched a bit.

-I'll go home first. -Okay.

Where did you get this?

It's fine!

It's nothing! Stop bothering him over nothing.

What if he's hanging out with bad kids?

Is Sun-woo the kind of kid to do so? I might wonder if it was my kid.

-He probably fought with a friend. -What if he got hit by some bad kids?

Hey, stop it! It's just a band-aid on his chin.

If it were a big deal, he would have come and told you about it.

Stop worrying.

Here's your son now.

Hello.

Hey there! Dong-ryong, you seem so bright lately!

You're back, my son?

Daughter is better.

Even if she ends up in 999th place, daughter is better.

Why isn't Deok-sun coming?

Do they keep her late even on Saturdays?

No. She usually comes early on Saturdays.

My husband's not coming, my son who went to get him isn't coming.

My daughter isn't coming. Where did they all go?

Hey. Hurry up and eat.

Your mom's probably waiting. Why are you eating so slowly?

DOOLY SUPERMARKET CHAIN

-Is it that good? -Yeah.

So this is why you always came to meet him.

Did you eat World Cone every day? I want one, too!

Your sister and your mom have to have some, too.

How could just the three of us eat it?

-I'm so hungry. Let's go home already. -The ladies are in front of the house.

Just have that ice cream for dinner then.

Sit down and eat it in peace.

I told you, go see the doctor! It won't cost you that much.

I do have money!

I'll go next week.

But, anyway, son.

You're really not going to tell me?

How did this happen?

Tell me already!

Oh, it's really nothing, Mom.

Don't worry. I'm going to Jung-hwan's for a bit.

Gosh.

Are you a ghost or something?

What? Is it your first time seeing someone with a hanbok?

You sure do all sorts of things.

Our outfits were switched to these instead.

It looks better, right?

Just don't do anything. That would be best.

Oh, my!

What's that?

What's this?

-Did they change your outfits? -Yeah. Isn't it pretty?

Not at all.

Oh, my!

Really.

If you were any closer, I would have socked you.

What are you doing at night?

Madagascar, my ass.

THE 24TH SEOUL OLYMPICS

THE WORLD TO SEOUL SEOUL TO THE WORLD

PERFECT READINESS FOR THE OLYMPICS

-Wow! -Wow!

Hello!

-You're back! -Hi!

Hi, Jin-ju.

Mom, do your legs hurt?

Yeah. They hurt so bad.

Son!

Honey!

-Alright. -Alright.

-Cheers! -Cheers!

Hello!

-Oh, you're home? -Hey!

You're back, Sun-woo?

She must be so happy her brother is here.

She's happy.

-I'll be heading in now. -Okay.

Bye!

Hey!

-You're back? -Hi.

Mom, I'm practicing at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium starting today.

Totally awesome, right? It's so huge here! The tiger here is humongous, too!

Mi-ran, it's probably nothing, right?

I'm telling you, it's nothing!

He's at an age where he has his own thoughts and secrets.

When will you cut the apron strings?

This should be enough, right?

I think three families will have more than enough.

Sun-woo's dad is probably going to gorge himself with this!

I guess he really likes dumplings.

Dumplings are second place. Something else is first place.

Rice wine.

He used to have a bottle a day!

But that wasn't too expensive, so it was okay.

-Mi-ran. -Yes?

Can I borrow 30,000 won? I'll pay you back next month.

Sure.

Oh, my. It's almost Sun-woo's birthday. Isn't it the same day as Deok-sun's?

Did you guys do it on the same day?

What are you saying?

Oh, my. Jin-ju will hear.

When did you do it? I did it on the last day of December,

while picking pears.

Jin-ju will hear. Stop it.

-Are you going to get Sun-woo's gift? -Yes.

What should I buy for him?

I know, right? What should we buy for our grown sons?

You can buy your son another pair of sneakers.

You didn't know.

Did you, right? My goodness.

Jung-hwan got his sneakers stolen!

Oh, my God. When? By whom?

Who do you think? Thugs, of course.

Oh, my. He could have been in big danger.

-He wasn't hurt anywhere? -He wasn't hurt,

but he got his money and sneakers taken from him.

It's been a while since it happened. I heard it from Sun-woo.

I guess Jung-hwan didn't want you to worry, so he didn't tell you.

If he didn't get hurt, it's fine.

Oh, dear. Speak of the devil.

Hello.

Yeah, Jung-hwan. It must be tough studying hard.

Go inside and rest.

There's nothing to eat.

Your dad said he would buy fried chicken.

Two of them.

Yes.

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

There's no fried chicken in there.

Who would have such a stupid name?

My younger brother. That's not what I'm looking for.

"Two of them".

I'm looking for someone named that.

Who is it?

Jung-hwan.

Yes?

What is it?

Nothing's up these days, right?

Dad's here.

Oh, President Ra!

You have to say, "Oh, President Kim!" back.

We could divorce.

Oh!

President Sung!

Oh, President Kim!

-How great it is to see you! -How great it is to see you!

I've only got you, Deok-sun!

Is that chicken?

Drumsticks are only for you. Don't you share with anyone. Okay?

With four days left, people grow more curious

about who will be the final torch bearer.

The International Olympic Committee has declared

that they will not be announcing it until the day of.

It's probably Heo-jae, right?

Whatever.

Why do we care who it is?

Do you not even read the newspaper?

Heo-jae has already been appointed as the athletes' representative.

Oh, really?

In my opinion,

there's only one person who can do it.

Im Choon-ae.

-What? -No way.

We'll just see if I'm right or wrong.

Don't eat the wings. You'll fly away and cheat on me.

My Deok-sun. Eat up.

-Okay. -Here you go.

What about you, Mom?

I don't really like chicken. You guys eat up.

As someone who will be the holding the placard...

Oh, it's the Soviet Union girl.

I feel pride and a great sense of responsibility.

I would like it if this year's Olympic games improves international relations.

How come you didn't get interviewed?

They aired East Germany's yesterday.

Are you crazy? Why would she do it?

-Only pretty girls do it. -What?

Then I'm sure our Deok-sun will do it, too.

There are only three high schoolers, after all.

Why wouldn't our great Deok-sun do it?

I'm doing it, too.

I'm getting interviewed tomorrow.

Are you serious?

Crazy bitch. You're lying.

It's true!

Bo-ra. How can you call your younger sister that?

This crazy bitch is lying.

-You, really. I ought to take your mouth. -Why do you always do that to me?

-It's because you're the weird one. -"You"?

Are you crazy? "You"?

Ow! Mom!

Am I your friend? What? Mom?

What's Mom gonna do?

You must really be crazy. Stop it!

-Ah, really! -Oh, my god!

1988 SEOUL OLYMPICS D-3

Deok-sun, they want you now.

Really?

Don't be nervous.

You just have to answer our questions clearly.

Yes, I understand.

We'd like to ask you to introduce yourself first.

Hello.

I'm Sung Deok-sun, who has been chosen to be

the picket girl for Madagascar at this year's Olympics

and I am a second year in high school at Ssangmun Girls' High School.

Yes.

I heard that you're the youngest among all the other picket girls.

You didn't have a hard time?

It wasn't difficult at all.

The older picket girls took care of me as if I were their real younger sister,

so I've never once thought that things were difficult.

Still, if you must pick the most difficult part?

I believe that it is an honor to be participating in a nationwide effort.

Even if I had difficult moments,

I was able to overcome it quickly with commitment and determination.

You have a lot of pride in your position as picket girl.

So you must be that much more disappointed.

When did you find out that Madagascar won't attend this year?

Well...

Madagascar announced yesterday that they wouldn't participate.

As their country's picket girl, you must be quite disappointed.

How do you feel?

Well...

I think you must still be quite shocked to hear about that.

I understand, didn't you suffer for half a year

under the sweltering heat for this?

Ms. Sung Deok-sun?

Yes.

It's quite a shame.

It's regretful,

but please give a final word to all the citizens of Korea.

Even though I cannot participate in this year's Olympics,

I will pray and cheer harder than anyone else

that the 1988 Seoul Olympics will be successful.

The world to Seoul, Seoul to the world.

Cheers!

With only three days left,

Madagascar announced that they would not be attending.

Because Seoul refused to co-host the Olympics with North Korea,

it is thought that Madagascar is boycotting these Games for that reason.

Mario Vázquez Raña,

the President of the Olympic Committees

told the media that Madagascar's decision was political

and that it was certainly the result of a request from North Korea.

Sun-woo! Buy me some oil, please!

Sun-woo! Oil, please!

Sun-woo.

He's not here.

He put on his jacket and went outside.

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT

JUNIOR AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Oh, Deok-sun!

Why are you home so late?

We're so hungry.

One, two, three!

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday, dear Bo-ra

Happy birthday to you

-My daughter! -Blow out the candles!

-Let's dig in! -Wait.

Wait just a moment.

We'll just take three of these out, and...

Wait a bit.

-Hurry. -Wait a bit.

-Okay, it's done. -That one on the end.

Okay.

Okay.

This time, our second daughter's birthday party!

One, two, three!

-Happy birthday-- -Goddammit!

I told you, didn't I?

I didn't want to do it with her!

Why don't you ever listen to me?

I told you, Mom and Dad, that I didn't want to do it with her!

We'll do it separately starting from next year.

You said that last year and the year before that!

Why do you always only do this to me? Am I a joke to you?

Am I a person you can treat however you want to?

How come you never make me a fried egg?

I love fried eggs.

You just give me black beans all the time.

I hate black beans!

Also,

why do you only buy No-eul World Cone?

And the chicken!

Mr. Kim gave it to me to eat and you gave the drumsticks to Bo-ra and No-eul

and just left me with the wings!

I know how to eat drumsticks, too!

Deok-sun.

Why is it that I'm the only one who's Deok-sun?

Why did you only give me a terrible name?

She is named Bo-ra and he's No-eul,

so why is it that my name is the only crappy one? Why?

The reporters competed to cover the event.

With only three days left, North Korea, Cuba, Albania...

What's with her?

Ethiopia and Madagascar will no longer be attending due to political reasons.

However, the 1988 Seoul Olympics will have

162 of the 167 of the IOC member nations in attendance...

This day wasn't that special of a day.

The misery of being the second daughter was always like this.

Just like all the middle children in the world,

because an elder sister was the oldest and a younger sibling was the youngest,

I always had to yield to them.

Even so, I thought that my mom and dad were aware of how much I'd sacrificed.

But that wasn't the case.

In some ways,

one's own family is the most oblivious.

Mom. What are you doing in here?

Mom. Did something happen?

What's this?

Do you smoke?

What?

You smoke, don't you?

No. What are you saying?

When did you start smoking? Tell me the truth.

No, Mom! That's not mine!

You...

What have you been doing lately?

-You're causing trouble, aren't you? -I'm telling you, it's not mine.

Do you know...

how I raised you?

Do you really want to see me die?

You hang out with bad kids and smoke.

Why are you acting this way lately?

When did I ever?

Why are you acting this way? I told you, it's not mine!

Then what's this on your face?

What happened?

Did you fight with someone? Did you get hit?

You're really not going to tell me?

Are you acting this way because your Dad's not around?

Do you not care about your mom at all?

Mom!

Mom, this...

It happened while I tried to shave.

I cut myself while I was trying to shave.

Oh, Mom.

Why is my mom acting this way?

Really, Mom.

Mom.

Mom.

Mom, I'm fine.

My friends said that they all cut themselves the first time.

It's not because of Dad.

Mom. Why are you acting this way? You're making my heart hurt.

-My child. -Mom, I'm sorry.

Mom, I'm sorry.

Mom. I'm sorry I yelled, Mom.

Mom.

Mom, I'm sorry.

RICE WINE

Jin-ju, be careful.

I went all the way to the rice mill to get this.

Jin-ju, come here.

Let's greet Dad.

SEPTEMBER 17, 1988 THE 24TH 1988 SEOUL OLYMPICS D-DAY

It's a historical moment.

It is finally the beginning of the 24th official Olympic games in Seoul.

The beautiful symbol of the Olympics is turning into

the Seoul Olympic Games' emblem.

Their bright and beautiful colors...

Dad.

There's not even a single mouse in the street.

-Did it start? -Why are you drinking in the daytime?

Come on, what better day to get drunk than today?

My second eldest daughter gets to participate in the Olympics.

What about Bo-ra?

Bo-ra! Come out! It's starting!

I'm not watching it!

If you don't see, it's your loss, crazy girl.

-Wow, the athletes are entering! -Oh, yeah.

1988 OLYMPICS DEOK-SUN ENTRY FOOTAGE

Okay. I'll record it from now on. Honey.

Didn't Deok-sun get dropped?

I heard that Magadastar or whatever isn't participating.

She must have gone and thrown a fit.

Isn't it awesome, Mom?

Really? Wow. How awesome.

So she got to take the place of someone who got fired?

Wow, Deok-sun is so lucky.

She has great luck.

No. Deok-sun practiced hard.

That's why they took care of her.

I heard that she was never late.

Yeah.

If she studied with that heart, she'd be ranked number one for sure.

Hey, so which country is she representing now?

Son, so which country is Deok-sun representing now?

You'll see.

They're doing it in alphabetical order and her country starts with U.

It's already the Soviet Union?

-What? -Huh?

She should be on soon.

This is the Soviet Union. There are 518 athletes on their team.

Not long ago...

Bo-ra! Hurry and come out! She's coming on soon!

I told you, I'm not watching!

Now we open the door...

...that's what they mentioned.

Jordan.

The athletes from Jordan are now entering.

Even though it's located in the Middle East...

-She's next, Dad. -What?

It's after Jordan.

It's after Jordan...

There she is!

-There she is! -Oh, my god!

-Oh, my God! -There she is!

Sung Deok-sun! My older sister!

My older sister! Sung Deok-sun!

-Oh, my god! -Wow, there she is!

Wow, she's really there!

-She looks so pretty! -This is so weird!

-Yeah! -There she is!

There you are, President Sung! Nice to see you!

All together now!

Yeah!

Yeah!

Uganda! Uganda--

Dad, what's their capital city?

Do you know the capital of Uganda? Farming and cattle herding.

Yeah! That's Deok-sun.

No, that's nothing.

Of course! Are you kidding me? Her face is shown all over the world.

Seven to one. She beat that.

She was so ugly when she was little so I wondered if she'd ever get married.

But she's blossomed! Prettier than her older sister.

The torch bearer is entering.

Sohn Kee-chung is carrying the torch.

The torch is passed to Im Choon-ae.

The former star athlete Sohn Kee-chung and the current star Im Choon-ae...

Oh, Im Choon-ae. I knew it.

Everyone's heart is ablaze like fireworks...

Where did Im Choon-ae get a medal, again?

It was in 1986 during the 10th Asian Games.

She won the 800 meter, 1500 meter, and 3000 meter races.

She was the first one who conquered three titles

in track and field during the Asian Games.

Also known as Ramen Girl.

Since she had no rice at home, she only ate ramen,

and became famous overnight. However, it was revealed

that she ate herbal medicine as well.

This happened two years ago.

Jung-bong. Call me when they're doing soccer.

Okay.

What are you doing?

I'm studying.

Okay.

Why?

Nothing.

Jung-hwan.

Yes?

You don't have anything to tell me?

No.

I heard you took an exam.

Oh, yes. We did.

Did you do well?

Yes.

Oh, I got ranked number one.

Then why didn't you tell me?

It's not like that counts that much.

I want to know everything, though.

Please tell me these things, too.

Do you know how jealous I am of Sun-woo's mom?

Sun-woo tells her everything.

Even if it's not everything,

you think about it and pick a few things

to tell me about.

It's because...

I'm embarrassed when I'm with the ladies.

Okay?

Answer me.

I understand.

Study hard.

Mom.

Yeah?

Um...

can you get me a new pair of sneakers?

I lost them.

Son!

Do you want to go together to buy sneakers today?

No, it's okay. Just give me the money.

Okay.

Hey. Jung-hwan plays soccer every day, but he does well in his studies, too.

It's because he only plays soccer.

-He doesn't smoke, either. -Of course. He's different than he seems.

I thought that those cigarettes were Jung-hwan's, if not yours.

No, Mom. Jung-hwan doesn't smoke.

Really?

Then whose were they?

Yeah. Whose were they?

But why did they need the student fee?

I don't know. He didn't say.

Who is it? There's no one to visit.

Who is it?

Oh, Uncle Tae-soo! What brings you here?

Sun-woo, let's go to the public baths.

-Hurry. -What?

Hey.

Get every nook and cranny, okay?

Money, Sun-young.

I took a bath yesterday.

I pooped yesterday.

If I pooped yesterday, do I not poop today, kid?

Stop talking about crap all the time and get married already.

Oh, it hurts.

Take good care of him. Wash every nook and cranny of his.

And teach him how to do this.

Okay.

But Sun-young, you packed a razor, right?

Go on, now.

Let's go take a bath with Uncle.

Why are you dragging him by his ear?

I'm coming!

DOOLY SUPERMARKET CHAIN

How does it look, Dad?

Where did you get those?

I got it from a Ugandan athlete. Doesn't it look cool?

This is a fan from a Korean athlete,

and a hat from a Equatoguinean athlete.

And this is an umbrella from a Dutch athlete. And...

What?

What is that?

A pitiful pigeon. I'm going to bury it.

There's also a burnt one.

I picked it up from the Flame Platform.

Okay, I get it. Put it away.

Okay.

Oh, my.

My Deok-sun is so kind. You're like an angel.

Deok-sun.

I have something I want to give you, too.

What?

Just wait.

Hello.

Ta-da!

Happy birthday, my Deok-sun.

Look at that! Eighteen candles already?

When did my daughter grow up so much?

Dad and Mom are...

sorry.

It's because we didn't know.

When your sister was born, we were worried about how to teach her.

When you were born, we were worried about how to raise you.

And when No-eul was born,

we were worried about how to shape him into a good person.

Dads don't automatically become dads

the moment they're born.

It was my first time being a dad.

So...

that's why, my daughter, please cut us some slack.

My daughter grew up

to be so pretty.

When did you become such a pretty young lady?

You were even on TV.

Looking so pretty, with makeup on.

Anyway, when my Deok-sun gets married,

how will I live? I'll be so miserable.

I'm not getting married, though.

You shouldn't say that.

Here. Let's light the candles and sing a birthday song.

Okay? Here.

Wow, how pretty.

Okay.

Deok-sun.

Happy birthday.

Okay, blow them out.

Have some, Dad.

No. I don't like creamy things.

-Eat up. -Okay.

In some ways, one's family is the most oblivious.

But what's so important about knowing?

In the end, what helps you overcome obstacles isn't brains,

but someone

who'll take your hand and won't let you go.

In the end, that's family.

My daughter is so pretty. She has my eyes.

Even for heroes, even if it's an even greater hero,

the people they go back to in the end is family.

The scars we receive from the outside world,

the scars we receive from life experiences...

Why is my name Deok-sun?

Even the scars that we receive from family. The people who'll embrace you

and be on your side until the end.

In the end, it is family.

And...

No, despite that,

history repeats itself.

Ow, my head.

Oh, my head.

My head.

Oh, no. Is it the gas?

Honey, get up.

Get up. Hey, No-eul!

Hey! Wake up! Carbon monoxide!

Hey! No-eul!

You punk, come to your senses!

Oh, my. Hey!

Hold on to her. She's acting strange now.

Bo-ra?

-Are you okay? -Bo-ra, you okay?

My head.

My head hurts.

Darn it!

Darn it!

NOVEMBER, 2015

Oh.

What was your question, again?

Oh, when did we first meet?

I'm sorry.

When I was young, I inhaled way too much carbon monoxide.

It's been a couple decades since we've met.

We grew up on the same block,

but I didn't know that I'd end up marrying him.

I think I went crazy for a second or something.

I was out of my mind.

Honestly, I inhaled the most carbon monoxide in Ssangmun.

It was constant. I probably inhaled it for 20 years straight.

I think something happened to my head for a bit because of that.

My husband got lucky.

Where else would he have found such a pretty wife?

Mom! Deok-sun has a crush on someone!

Stop it!

-This is new. How does it look? -I'm late. Piss off.

We're going to eat tteok-bokki!

Don't you think Deok-sun seems a bit cuter lately?

Yeah, a little.

Yeah.

My first love depends on this.

Take it off, bastard. Take it off.

You're such a frustrating bastard.

Subtitle Translation by Yoona Moon