Original subtitles

Go to the start.

Ready.

The short-track national team selection is a mini Olympic Games.

Over 100 skaters from nationwide attend the first round selection,

which includes 500m, 1,000m, 1,500m, 3,000m.

After a total of 12 races,

just the top 20 pass the first round.

The same thing happens in the second round.

Only six are left after that.

Six out of one hundred.

Only six out of one hundred can smile.

Whatever happens, I must...

Cha Ga Eul. I will never lose to you.

I must win.

At what point did things start to go wrong?

Even that day, I didn't pray...

for the roe deer to rest in peace.

I prayed for good luck...

in return for the good deed that I did.

I desperately prayed to be saved from this ordeal.

I'm disgustingly selfish.

I guess...

this is my punishment.

(National Team Selection)

(Women's 1,500m Finals, 1st Place Jo Ji Young)

(Episode 2: History of Injuries)

Excuse me. Don't you need this?

(Episode 2)

Isn't this yours?

Yes, thank you.

I do need my walking stick.

Wishful thinking.

(Cha Moo Tae)

Hey, Moo Tae.

I saw it on TV.

Where are you now?

The emergency room.

Gosh, there's no need.

It's okay.

Had it hit just a little higher,

it could've cut the artery.

She needs about 12 stitches. But thankfully, that's it.

You're lucky, Ga Eul.

I'm lucky?

Of course, you are.

The Buddha saved your life.

Please stitch it up nicely, Doctor.

She has another game in two days.

Mom.

We'll record images of everything.

This here shows that it suffered an injury in the past.

Okay.

There's nothing serious.

Are you sure about that?

She's on the national team. She'll participate in the Olympics.

The MRI shows nothing abnormal.

But the shock could cause some muscle pain.

What?

Darn it!

Cha Ga Eul, this little...

Mom, that's not important now.

To a short-track speed skater, strong thighs are everything.

That's why she should get treated quickly...

Hey, Cha Ga Eul!

Sun A got hurt because you obstructed her path!

No, she did not obstruct her!

Oh Sun A cheated first. What she did is considered impeding!

Impeding? Are you a coach?

She deliberately blocked her!

Please, Coach. I haven't seen you in so long.

- Why... - I'm not her coach.

Who betrayed me first?

You, Cha Ga Eul. Are you trying to ruin everything for Sun A?

Why did you have to fall right in front of Sun A?

Don't you know she has to win an Olympic gold medal?

Shut it! I can't take this anymore.

Don't you see that she's covered in blood?

Hey! Stop, Moo Tae.

Let go. Stop, okay?

Don't be angry, Moo Tae.

He was like that when I fell too.

He's just trying to protect his player.

It looks like you'd just need about 4 to 5 stitches.

That won't affect your career at all.

Just take a week off.

Darn it.

Doctor, we should move her to an OR first.

Just do it here.

- I don't need anaesthetics. - You'll do it without anaesthesia?

What are you talking about? No way.

You should go under anaesthesia...

I have another game in two days.

I can't go under anaesthesia. It'll show up on the drug test.

I'm proud of you, my daughter.

Just grit your teeth and bear it.

Back in my day, that's how we all did it.

You can get through it.

Don't worry, Mom.

I'll be fine.

I know what it's like.

I was way more afraid of losing...

than cutting and stitching my flesh.

That feeling of despair and being defeated.

That hurt way more back then.

I remember feeling so bad.

I'd worry that I'd have to give up on the match the next day.

I couldn't think about anything else.

But you shouldn't leave her in that state for too long.

That will only worsen her yips.

(Yips: Being in a nervous state that causes one to under perform)

But aren't all athletes like that?

How come it's so hard for Ga Eul?

"Why am I the only one who's like this?"

"Everyone else seems to be handling it just fine."

"I'm so weak."

Such thoughts are what cause yips.

It's like a swamp.

You know, Ga Eul...

is strong.

I know she'll get through this.

Today...

I lost a counsellee.

What?

I thought she was staying strong, trying to work through her problems.

But I think I avoided her.

I certainly know...

how hurtful it can be.

When I start thinking about it,

it really pains me.

So for the sake of my own comfort,

I told myself that she was okay.

Now that you've heard that,

do I still qualify?

What?

Thanks, Gil.

Oh Yeon Ji, a pro basketball player,

was found dead in her home of an apparent suicide.

Team Sangeon Construction stated that Oh Yeon Ji,

the team's point guard, had been under a lot of stress...

because of her performance and malicious online comments.

Even if there is a problem, it gets buried...

when you're a high-performing athlete.

Of course, this can gravely affect...

young athletes' self-esteem and mental health.

(Korean Olympic Committee)

Come up with a plan...

before the reporters show up.

With all due respect, sir,

we should launch an investigation and visit her funeral first.

What was the mental health support team doing?

The pro teams aren't included in our program.

We were told to focus...

on the top one percent of the national team members,

especially those who would likely win medals.

But national team members are selected from the pro teams too.

There are over a thousand athletes at the national training center.

Only three staffers from the mental health support team are there.

- The system itself is... - Sorry to interrupt,

but what was the Human Rights Center doing?

Well, the Human Rights Center isn't some student council.

They only have three staff members too.

I hope she didn't submit a tip or something.

- No, she did not. - You're sure, right?

If it turns out that she did,

reporters will be all over it.

We receive the most tip-offs about the skating teams.

So what's the plan?

- We need to hire more... - We need to hire more...

Hire more employees?

- Yes, we should hire... - Yes, we should hire...

Would an additional mental coach solve anything though?

It should at least seem like we're trying.

We need something to show the press.

It's us the coach will work with,

so why is one being chosen by the Sports Human Rights Center?

That way,

the Korean Olympic Committee can say they're trying too.

Never have I seen things go by the book around here.

Gosh, I'm hungry.

Me too. What should we have?

I have a restaurant in mind.

The earliest upcoming event is skating, right?

Yes, the Winter Olympics will soon commence.

The national team is currently being selected.

Only select those that'll bring home medals.

Medals are how we bury scandals.

Yes, of course.

Sir, why don't we go for some raw fish?

That reminds me.

You'll be welcoming additional hires,

so keep everyone in check.

You should also attend the funeral on behalf of all of us.

Sure thing.

- What's in season these days? - Yellowtails are said to be huge.

Is that so?

(Korean Olympic Committee)

You're letting me juggle all the hot potatoes, is that it?

All they do is talk the talk.

And I'm sick of it.

What the...

You're the head of the Sports Human Rights Center.

You must've received Oh Yeon Ji's report.

- What report? - Her taking her own life.

It wasn't just due to hate comments or bad performance.

She was ostracised by her team...

and was forced to sit out on games.

Jegal,

on what grounds are you saying this?

She came to me for a consult before she passed away.

Is that so? Did she tell you that, then?

Yes, and she was thinking of retiring.

It's why I suggested that she go to the Sports Human Rights Center.

Her head coach forcing her to sit out on games...

It still falls under the coach's jurisdiction.

This isn't a field where the weak are coddled.

The pro scene, I mean.

What I'm saying is that...

her claims should've been investigated.

- There wasn't a report. - No?

That's right. There wasn't.

If no actions were taken...

despite there being a report...

What then?

What could you possibly do about it?

Jegal...

I mean, Gil.

You can't save everyone in this world.

Not you, or me, or anyone for that matter.

Days like this take a toll on me too.

I get fed up with the world as well.

- Yes, Mr. Gu. - Did you do what I ordered?

(Human Rights Violation Report, Person-in-charge: Gu Tae Man)

I'm shredding it as we speak.

Good night...

All he does is say what he needs.

Why you...

Did you really shed the report made by Oh Yeon Ji?

Of course. Would I have faked it?

And the hiring announcement?

I just posted it.

(Hiring Mental Health Counsellor for National Team)

No, I won't do it.

Just this once.

You're not yourself right now.

Are you saying I've gone crazy?

That's not what I'm saying.

If you were at your best,

would you have scored zero points during the selection?

I still have the 1,000m and 3,000m events.

I can bounce back from this.

Exactly. That's why I'm recommending this.

Athletes...

all experience a slump at one point.

Letting it take you down...

is how your life ends like mine and my dad's.

Bounce back from this, and you'll step up as an athlete.

You'll soar.

(Jegal Gil's Mental Counselling: For Those Who Seek Their Paths)

(Jegal Gil)

Come in.

You're here. Come on in.

Please have a seat.

What do we do first?

I need to get to practice. I have a race tomorrow.

We'll start with you giving up the race.

What?

What you have left is the 1,000m event...

and the 3,000 events also known as the super final.

You need at least ten points to qualify for the finals...

and finish in the top eight.

You currently have zero points though.

Unless you skate perfectly in the 1,000m event,

you won't make it into the finals.

And that doesn't seem likely considering your leg.

There was a skater who won the Olympic gold...

even with a severe ankle injury.

- Is this the Olympics? - The national team selection...

is as good as one in Korea.

No one wins a gold medal though.

- Stop speaking informally... - I was on the national team too.

I'm way senior than you.

Weren't you forced off the team eternally?

That's right. Nicely said.

Well, winning the gold is important,

but this is only the national team selection event.

Rather than ruining your leg forever,

aim for the next event.

Frogs huddle up in order to jump further...

- Frogs, my foot. - Frogs...

Don't you look down on frogs.

Ms. Cha, frogs jump long distances.

Ms. Cha, wait.

Ms. Cha!

(Haneol Sport University)

Block her!

(Our 30 Years of History, Our Future of 100 Years)

What went through your mind at this point?

Nothing much.

I doubt this would've happened if your mind drew a blank.

You're skilled enough to win even without such drastic measures.

Watch it, Oh Sun A.

If she skates in earnest, you can never keep up.

I was stressed out enough, but Coach Oh...

Ms. Cha, wait for me. Must you walk so fast?

Where's your decency? Can't you see I'm crippled?

Ms. Cha!

Ms. Cha, can't you hear me?

It's my leg that's busted.

Instead of orthopaedics, you sent me to a mental clinic.

How insane must a doctor be to do that?

Why did you send me here?

(Aggressive defence mechanism, Extremely wary)

Take that. Fine, I'm insane!

I'm out of my mind.

There. Are you satisfied now?

(Anger management issues)

Take that.

I smell medical malpractice.

A needle got stuck while they were performing surgery on me.

Maybe I should go to the press.

I'll take this hospital down.

I'll make sure you never practice medicine again.

(Paranoia, Anxiety disorder)

It hurts too much, doctor.

It's as if my tendons are torn apart.

It would only hurt this badly if my bones were crushed.

I can't handle this, and what I need is medicine.

Please give me medicine.

(Conversion disorder)

Like I said,

psychogenic pain can't be treated with medication.

Tell me what you felt and thought at the moment of your accident...

I've been telling you that!

On and on and on!

Please don't avoid the situation like that.

- Sincerely... - How dare you!

Just get lost!

I'm right. It's that jerk.

Ms. Cha, can't you hear me?

Should I scrub your ears clean or something?

Ms. Cha!

Hey, you. Moo Tae's sister!

I don't need counselling.

Why can't you take no for an answer?

You're not mentally stable.

You can't feel the pain even though you got stitches,

and those who are worried are invisible to you.

Now you're saying you'll compete with that injury.

I can say for sure...

that you're not fit to make judgement calls.

- Just like someone I knew. - Just like someone I knew.

What the...

Who knew that staying alive would lead me back to you, Mr. Jegal?

The woman who knows how I was...

during my darkest times.

Darn it.

Coach Oh, please.

Since it came to this, why not back our Ji Young now?

Ji Young is a good skater,

but Sun A is still the ace.

- Goodbye. - Our Ji Young.

You saw her come in first even during the commotion.

Go on.

Show him you're better than Sun A.

Okay, Mom.

Coach. Mr. Oh.

So what?

You became a mental coach?

A mental coach?

I guess I realized something while healing my own self.

"I'm not the only one with a heart full of pain."

"We all suffer as a person."

"Oh, this is the blue ocean they speak of."

"Blue ocean?"

You can't even cure your own psychogenic disability...

and you're coaching other athletes' mentality?

- That's... - Ironic, yes.

But isn't that what life is like?

I'll try and become a wounded healer.

What are you doing here anyway, Dr. Park?

I quit psychiatry because of you know who.

Who?

Oh, your chief who had a nasty personality?

Cha Ga Eul.

Do you think I did it on purpose?

I never said that.

Your look says it loud and clear.

Let's not fight.

You started it,

and you want to be noble and not fight?

You're the one who got to me first.

Because you tried to take my place.

Oh Sun A.

I know why you're doing this.

You don't have to.

Impeding happens during a race,

and injuries are common.

It wasn't impeding.

There was a ruling.

What?

Have you resorted to that now too?

Oh Sun A!

What's going on?

Listen up, Jegal Gil.

Whether it's about one's mental or skills,

the only instructor here...

is Oh Dal Sung and that's me.

Why is this your ice rink?

Does the chancellor know you're monopolizing the place?

This is something one would petition about.

Well, that's because...

too many coaches confuse the athletes.

Then what is Dr. Park doing here?

Me?

She's the national team's mental coach.

I'm also a mental coach who was on the national team.

I don't care for "was"...

Hey.

Shouldn't you be nursing your wound?

Didn't I say you should rest for a couple of months?

You did!

We're leaving.

Coach Jo.

Are you going to ignore an injured athlete?

Is that what I told you to do?

Get over here and take her, right now.

Mr. Oh.

Why? What?

Thank you.

What was that?

I think you're the one running away, not me.

I'm not running away. Talking gets me nowhere.

Do you know why it gets you nowhere?

(We support Team 2022!)

Because that's what you believe.

That's reality.

My field doesn't care for skaters with no connections or scores.

If that's reality, complain.

Wail and cling to people if that's what it takes...

to protect yourself.

You didn't cry when you got stitched up with no anaesthesia.

You don't get upset with your mom who takes that for granted.

You don't fight when a friend slaps you when you should slap her.

You think getting kicked out of practice is normal.

Why?

Because you allow it.

At first, it's your leg.

Then you'll have to sacrifice your ankle, back,

knee, shoulder, and hip joint.

If winning is the only way to gain respect.

Who put you in that perilous position?

Oh Sun A, is that the best you can do?

That's why Cha Ga Eul overtook you.

Jo Ji Young, are you out of it because you came first out of luck?

That is all you're capable of.

Take off your skates.

If that's it, you might as well quit!

Go home!

Mr. Oh.

I'm sorry, but Sun A's mind isn't in the right place.

- Irritating her by comparing... - Dr. Park.

Even if you're on Dr. Song's team,

keep this up and I'll have you banned.

Why are you still on the ice?

Look at this.

They're all on the inside while you're on the outside.

Overtaking on the outside is my specialty.

Are you not just avoiding fights?

Whether you go in or out...

is a strategic decision based on the situation.

Then what about this?

In this situation, is it advantageous to go in or out?

Look carefully. In or out?

- In. - You were on the inside.

Oh Sun A barged in because there was an opening.

Why did you back down?

I don't know.

What went through your mind then?

What are you thinking about?

Injuries are a part of an athlete's life.

You can get injured during an event, and you can cause them too.

Were you afraid you'd hurt Sun A like you did Ji Young?

Your brother said he thinks that's when your yips surfaced.

It happens to all athletes.

If you can't overcome that,

you should quit sports altogether.

Don't run away from it.

I have a competition tomorrow.

- I must train. - You'll bust open your wound.

Whether it busts open or not!

I won't do this.

I hate stuff like this.

You like to win, don't you?

If you want to compete tomorrow, beat me.

I will make you give up.

You try to make me give up, okay?

("I Chose Not To Try So Hard," "The Betrayal of Hard Work")

("The Betrayal of Hard Work")

There's not much in it.

The title sells the book.

Wait. He wrote about me?

"She seemed more like..."

"a fresh graduate than a psychiatrist."

"Smelling of shampoo..."

"she came to my room each morning..."

"and talked to me with a smile."

Mr. Jegal. Did you sleep well?

Could I have?

My leg feels like it's splitting in two.

Give me my meds.

Do you remember how you came in last night?

Help! This guy tried to kill himself!

He got dead drunk and downed lots of pills!

Take him over there.

Okay.

What did he take and how much?

Cold meds, laxatives, diarrhoea meds, painkillers.

I think he swallowed everything at home.

They're all empty.

Put him on this bed.

Gil.

Gil, don't die. You can't die.

Nurse Kim, check his vitals, put him on a drip...

You ate too much before trying to die.

- She was... - Let's change him.

A new doctor filled with a strong sense of duty,

and I was her first patient.

Darn it.

Do you feel very nauseous?

If you won't give me any pills,

send me home!

Am I crazy? Am I mad?

Why are you treating me like a nutcase?

What are these? Steel bars?

- Don't... - Let me out.

Let me out of here!

I want out of here!

(Convulsions, 9am, August 11)

When being alive itself was shameful,

and I wished I could rather end it all,

if I look back now, by my side,

that woman was always there.

"That woman?"

My gosh, I'm a doctor. What does he take me for?

I was reprimanded because of you. Whenever I think about that...

Listen. To me, you were neither a man nor a patient.

You were just a nuisance. Nothing but a nuisance.

Darn you.

Yes, we're almost there. Who's there?

What is there to prepare? We'll just do what we normally do.

Just what we usually do.

Okay.

You and my brother are close, right?

Yes, very.

What? I'm not scared.

No. I meant, we're very close.

Hey, where are we going?

We're almost there.

Follow me!

(No Medal Club)

(Bonesetter's Clinic)

Gosh, I told them to keep the lights on.

Hi, I'm here!

I told you to keep the lights on. Why did you turn it all off?

What is this spooky place?

Where is he?

I'm leaving.

Hi, son.

Father, I told you to keep the lights on.

This is my father.

Oh, no. It's so tense.

This is not good.

Father, don't touch her right thigh.

She got 12 stitches yesterday.

Let's see.

It shouldn't be like this.

Will there be any adverse effects?

Of course not.

If there were, he wouldn't be alive now.

I'm like his guinea pig.

When I ended up like this,

my father travelled across the country to learn the skills.

Except for me, everyone else said it was effective.

You may not believe me, but a number of pro athletes come here.

Although he's unlicensed.

What's the point of fixing everyone else's problems...

when I can't help my own son?

I'm so angry at myself...

that I can't even die.

Goodness. Centipedes, snakes, scorpions. You name it.

He eats anything and everything that's supposed to boost stamina.

Anyway, how do you and Gil know each other?

Pardon me? What...

Oh, don't mind him.

Where are we going? It'd better not be another weird place.

You have trust issues...

and a victim mentality. Oh, dear.

I won't budge until you tell me where we're going.

Goodness. It's right here.

Just walk up a few steps, and you'll find out. How impatient.

Come on.

Oh, boy.

(No Medal Club)

(Not enjoying the moment is a sin.)

(Right here, right now)

What is this place?

A place only a select few can come.

Hey, Gil!

Hey.

- Oh! - What the...

Hey! I missed you.

Soo Ji, let's see how much weight you've gained.

- What? What's wrong? - Ouch, my shoulder.

Hey, I told you to be careful.

Gosh, what a nuisance.

What? Have you never seen someone with a dislocated shoulder?

Hey, don't be mean. Stop.

All right, guys. Gather around.

Say hi.

This is Cha Ga Eul, your junior.

I'm Yeo Sang Gu, a wrestler.

I'm not a gangster.

I got tattoos to cover up my surgery scars...

and other scars too.

But I can't hide this.

I'm a shooter. People call me Pistol Park.

Roar.

Don't always assume that everyone has two eyes.

At a glance, I can tell that she's judgemental and prejudiced.

Soo Ji, stop.

I'm a gymnast.

I suffer from habitual shoulder dislocation and anorexia.

Hi, I'm a swimmer.

Oh, this isn't atopic dermatitis...

or housewives' eczema.

It's chronic eczema.

Okay, all right. That's enough. Go back to what you were doing.

Do your things.

You must be confused right now.

I'm Gil's taekwondo teacher,

and I saved his life. My name is Oh Bok Tae.

Wait, I haven't properly introduced myself...

They were all on the national team back in their prime.

Although they never won any medals.

We tend to double our sales on rainy days.

Why? Because your body aches all over.

They're sick of taking pills.

Now, they'd rather drink. Take a seat.

When they drink together, they can comfort each other.

They lift each other's spirits.

- Gil is here. - Okay.

- Does he want what he usually gets? - Yes.

But he brought a girl.

She's probably someone like you.

Here.

Now, I understand why you brought me here.

"This is your future." Is that it?

I regret not hitting the brakes in the past.

If I did,

I wouldn't have to rely on just one leg now.

It looks like you've decided to make peace with it.

That spiel about "psychogenic disability" is a lie, right?

No, it's different. Conversion disorder is what I have.

Have you heard of PTSD, right?

After a serious accident or injury,

you could experience continuous pain for no apparent reason.

For athletes, it causes them to under perform.

That's how the yips manifest too.

So you're convinced that I'm having the yips.

If it started after Ji Young's accident,

there's a chance that you've developed PTSD.

Can you tell me how you felt at the time of the accident?

Nothing, really.

When you suppress your emotions, they get stored in your muscles.

Then your muscles tense up, so you can't help but under perform.

What kinds of emotions did you suppress?

- I am here to treat you. - No one asked you to treat me.

Your brother did.

We rarely get patients who come here of their own accord.

"Patient?" Do I have a mental illness or something?

She's trying to defend herself by being aggressive.

What are you writing?

I used to be like you.

You remind me of myself ten years ago.

- I don't believe that. - Then cooperate, will you?

It's not just because of that accident.

Then what else?

I don't know either.

Why I ended up in this mess...

and at what point things started to go wrong.

(History of Injuries)

Lower!

I joined the skating team when I was nine.

The first thing I learned was how to fall safely.

I fell, over and over again.

Do it again. Again!

Don't be such a crybaby. Get up!

I was told the training would help me overcome the fear of injury.

Even after the real skating training began, I kept falling.

Bruises and scrapes were just a part of my life.

Even a sprain or a fracture was no big deal either.

The older girls on the team were like that too.

When I was in 11th grade, Sun A and I fell together,

and I broke my pelvis.

Once, Ji Young's skate blade hit my front teeth, so they fell out.

And my toenails were always such a nuisance.

They fell off a bunch of times, and new ones grew out.

The day I won a gold medal in the World Championship,

I took a shower and saw that my body was covered in bruises.

That was the very first time I felt so sorry for myself.

You've been through a lot to come this far, Ga Eul.

It's what all athletes experience.

What athlete doesn't work hard?

Oh, I know one. Someone who has decided not to work hard.

You've done very well so far.

I'm proud of you.

Anyway,

injuries were a part of my life.

It was the same with Ji Young's.

That's the life of an athlete.

"That's how it is. It's the same for everyone."

"It's not just your injuries that hurt, so stop fussing."

If you think about it,

those sayings are quite abusive.

You worked hard to get here,

so stop badgering yourself.

Why not take a break for once in your life?

In order to get back on your feet...

Not this again.

You can't compete with that leg.

Even if you make it this time around,

you might ruin your leg forever.

All athletes on the national team have heard that once or twice.

None of them gave up though.

Hey.

(No Medal Club)

Ko Young To.

The name rings a bell, right? He's a former skater.

His opponent's blade cut the inside of his leg.

It severed his vein and artery.

He didn't get operated on in time. Due to necrosis,

he lost...

Are you saying the same will happen to me?

Is that a threat?

You scare people rather than treat them?

I apologize if you thought I was trying to scare you.

What good does your apology do...

when I have to compete tomorrow?

You made me waver...

and scared me...

Do you think I'm not scared?

Of course I am. I'm terrified!

What do you want me to do about it?

(No Medal Club)

There you go.

That's how you do it.

Let it out. Don't suppress your emotions.

Let it all out and face your issues.

Face your fear.

If you take a step back,

your opponents will take two steps forward.

No matter the situation,

you must protect yourself first.

And right now,

giving up on this event...

is how you protect yourself.

You quack.

I don't think she'll give up.

Right?

Would you have...

if you were taken back to your critical moment?

Are you asking the current me or the former me?

The former you.

Let's head back inside.

What about this?

(Beef Rib Barbecue)

Didn't we order earlier?

Lady, we ordered an extra bottle of soju.

- Here. You may now enjoy. - Right.

- A bottle of soju, please. - Coming!

- My gosh. - What the...

- I'm so sorry. - Are you kidding me?

Just a second. I'll bring your soju.

- Can you clean this up? - Can we have the bill?

My gosh!

- Are you all right? - Seriously.

I'm sorry about that.

- Hurry with the soju! - Of course.

Coming.

My bag.

I can't believe I left my things there.

Darn it.

I cried that night...

not because I felt bad for my mom.

It was because...

I could also see my future through her.

I deserve it.

I know for sure...

I'm being punished.

And right now,

giving up on this event...

is how you protect yourself.

Okay, wish me luck.

In 2, 3.

Go!

Do it.

I can't believe you did that!

That's just mean.

- Hey. - Come on.

- Don't. - I'll do that again.

Unbelievable.

If you're that worried, bring it to her.

It's fine. I guess it was for the best.

Oh Sun A is most likely to win the gold, sir.

Didn't she suffer an injury after taking a tumble?

She was thoroughly checked out by a doctor,

and there was no damage done.

I must ask.

What's your take on Jo Ji Young?

The winner of the 1,500m event.

Goodness.

I hope you'll think fondly of her.

Gosh.

Cheers.

To me,

she's as good as Oh Sun A.

I see. Ji Young's a fine skater,

but she's emotionally fragile.

Because of that, I don't see her winning international events.

- Emotionally fragile? - Yes.

Is that so?

It's just that the election is right around the corner.

We need skaters on the team who can bring home medals for sure.

We'll select them according to their record.

The one with the highest points.

She's the one we support.

(National Team Selection 2nd Round: 1,000m and the super final)

Coach.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

Where's Cha Ga Eul?

She's not here yet.

It's safe to assume that she's dropping out of the race.

Of course. It's a coach's job to protect their athletes, right?

Who's next in line, then?

Park Ji Soo. She's not so bad.

It'll be a good experience for her.

Park Ji Soo and Kim Moo Young...

That relentless putz.

This is exactly why she can't have a future in skating.

Skaters like her...

always cause trouble even after making the national team.

Coach Jo, be a team player, will you?

Got it, sir.

You're pushing yourself. It'll be best to drop out.

My contract expires this year.

If I don't win a medal,

would you consider renewing it?

You're putting your athletic career on the line.

If I don't make the national team,

no one will want to sign me.

It'll be over for me then anyway.

Ga Eul, you are currently at zero points.

Your only option is to come in second...

in the 1,000m event.

Three from Haneol Sport University...

will be in the finals no matter what.

Is that the plan?

I could force you to drop out...

for reasons regarding your health.

Don't you dare.

If you do, I'll take action.

I'll expose the so-called strategies...

and bring down everyone with me.

How's that possible? I was told I'd be the ace.

Who told you that?

My mom...

I'm the one with the most points.

- I have the skills... - The skills?

You only have skills when I, the coach, see them.

Jo Ji Young?

That's right.

I'm not saying this because she's one of mine,

but Oh Sun A has what it takes to make it in international events.

What does he know anyway when he was never an athlete?

I'll leave it to your judgement, Coach Oh.

However, I can't ignore the fact that he's tight with the union head.

He won't be in that position forever.

It's fine.

A lot of people aren't fond of committee heads...

who used to be pencil-pushers.

Right. Well, my faith will lie with you, Mr. Gu.

Drink up.

Sun A,

- you know you lack points, right? - Yes.

You must finish 1st in the 1,000m event...

to safely make it to the Olympics.

Got it, coach.

If you can't keep Cha Ga Eul in check again, you're out.

If you can't beat her, slip and take her out.

Okay.

You lead then drop to second.

Coach.

How dare you look at me like that?

Jo Ji Young.

Don't get too greedy.

Do you understand?

Yes.

- That's him. - He's here.

Thank you for honouring us with your presence, Assemblyman.

I should attend an important event that decides our national team.

Thank you.

Speak with the reporters then join us.

Any comments, sir?

Well...

You speak a lot about the limits of elite sports.

Welcome, Madam Hong.

In private, I'm just Seung Min's mom.

You're so humble.

This is Professor Gu Tae Man from Haneol Sport University.

I know who you are. You're an Olympic gold medallist.

Hello. I'm Seung Min's mom.

My son does taekwondo too.

Nice to meet you, ma'am.

Sportsmen should be at the center, not entrepreneurs.

And I believe our sports culture should grow to include...

more civilians and just make things more fun.

Don't bother coming today. Your mother too.

We can't do that.

If you left your sister to me, I'd like you to do as I say.

What are you doing here today?

Why? Am I not allowed to watch?

You can watch, but I can't have you enter the rink.

What do you take me for?

Why would I enter the rink?

I wonder why I get that feeling.

Just watch the match, then leave quietly.

It's the women's 1,000m race of the national team selection.

Go to the start.

Ready.

If you take a step back, they take two steps in.

No matter the situation, you must protect yourself first.

Oh Sun A. You must win the 1,000m if you're to enter the Olympics.

Mom's always behind you, Ji Young.

Don't worry about anything and stay in the front.

Right in front.

Keep Cha Ga Eul in check.

If things go wrong, fall down.

If you can't beat her, slip and take her out.

The skaters are ready.

They're off.

Jo Ji Young leads the group as they leave the starting line.

Yes. Behind her are Oh Sun A, Mo A Reum,

Kim Moo Young, and then Cha Ga Eul.

Cha Ga Eul entered today...

despite sustaining an injury.

(No Medal Club)

I came for my skates.

He maintained all the blades...

of all the skates of all the national team skaters.

"The legendary sharpener."

Do you prefer the inner or outer course?

The outer course is my specialty.

They'll try to keep you in, then.

I'll go in, then.

Not too tight, but not too loose.

Don't be too nervous or too relaxed.

That state is called "immersion."

The most comfortable state of tension.

Going in will increase the risk of collision.

Are you willing to risk getting injured?

No. I'm afraid of injuries now. I don't want to get hurt.

That's it. Don't suppress your fears. Admit them.

And forge ahead anyway.

The path is for you to find.

She's coming through.

Cha Ga Eul is speeding up.

She overtook Kim Moo Young by coming through the left side.

She chose the inner course.

She never misses an opportunity.

Just as we're talking about it, Cha Ga Eul's doing it again.

Just like that, she overtook Mo A Reum too.

This is Cha Ga Eul's specialty.

She's clever enough to utilize both the inner and outer course.

She's doing so well, despite her injury,

and I'm very impressed with what I saw so far.

Cha Ga Eul is now in third place.

- She's right behind Oh Sun A. - Come on.

Jo Ji Young is still in the lead.

Oh Sun A is looking for the opportunity to speed up.

Jo Ji Young has been in the lead, absorbing all the wind resistance.

She will be tired.

That's what she's looking out for.

But Jo Ji Young refuses to give in.

- Get out of the way! - It's between her and Oh Sun A.

No. I will get greedy.

Why should I always be second when I'm better?

Oh, dear.

Oh Sun A and Jo Ji Young...

collided and they're both out of the race.

This is what I said they should be wary of.

- Darn it! - Cha Ga Eul...

seized the opportunity and overtook via the inner course.

We have a new leader and it's Cha Ga Eul.

When Oh Sun A and Jo Ji Young fell,

they took Kim Moo Young with them.

That's such a pity.

Fortunately, though, Mo A Reum escaped disaster.

Cha Ga Eul and Mo A Reum are...

giving it their all as they race to the end.

Mo A Reum is right behind Cha Ga Eul.

Cha Ga Eul has a thigh injury.

She looks exhausted,

- but she should not give up. - That's right.

Mo A Reum speeds up toward the end.

It's very close but Mo A Reum comes in first,

ending the race.

Cha Ga Eul came in second,

only because she never gave up despite her injury.

She made it to the super final.

Her only opportunity...

You won, Cha Ga Eul.

I lost.

There was a time when winning was everything.

When I believed the world only loved the winners,

and losers were never respected.

Whether I won or lost, I was always unhappy.

Perhaps my heart made up an excuse...

to avoid being unhappy.

(National Team Selection 2nd Round)

Well done.

She's a tough one.

Are you all right?

You're bleeding.

I'm fine.

I get lucky when I bleed.

Come with me.

I'm not on your team anymore.

Are you not? Then you shouldn't enter at all.

I train the national team.

If you don't want to train with me, don't try to join the national team!

Wake up. Do you think you can push me aside?

Do you?

How many times did I tell you?

Are you offended?

If you are, go home!

Get up.

You punk.

The doctor was right.

I could walk or run whenever I wanted, if I wanted.

I could do it all.

(Short-track National Team Selection 2nd Round)

I could even do...

a flying kick.

My safety pin...

came loose.

(Mental Coach Jegal)

(Special thanks to Kim Chan Hwee, An Sang Mi, and Jung Yong Geom.)

You know what Cha Ga Eul's specialty is.

Overtaking on the outside in the end.

You'll never win no matter how hard you try.

If you give your all and still can't do it...

Then what? Give up?

Why didn't you tell me that your coach hit you?

Who do you think you are?

I can put up with everything else,

but not hitting kids. You know that, right?

Why did Jo Ji Young decide to drop out?

- She did it of her own accord. - I did not.

"I can still skate."

You need to show them so that you can get your contract renewed.

I can't skate anymore.

My legs hurt so much.