Original subtitles

This is it?

All that we've shared

can easily be washed away over a small misunderstanding?

Did our time together mean so little to you?

Listen carefully, Kim Yunsik.

I...

I don't want to go back to how things were.

The injured Red Writer

has climbed over the wall and entered Sungkyunkwan?

It's a good thing I stayed alive.

If the Red Writer is injured, he couldn't have gone far.

I'm fine.

Go.

I'll deal with this.

In the state you're in?

So that pathetic Red Writer turns out to be you.

It was better

when you were yelling at me.

I'm fine.

I'm used to this.

That's not something to brag about.

Jaesin!

Lee Seonjun?

Is he here to prepare for the test like us?

To receive the spirit of the virgin ghost?

How did he get wind of such top secret info?

Seeing that Lee Seonjun is here,

the info must be reliable.

That's right.

We're not from great families, nor are we smart.

There's only one thing we can count on.

What is it?

Luck.

- Luck. - Luck.

Let's go to the ritual room.

He must be in the ritual room.

He can't show the wound to a doctor.

But he needs to stop the bleeding.

- And the only place he can hide... - ls the ritual room.

Did you see?

The thing I saw...

No, no ...

You...

Don't worry. I brought a doctor.

Once we confirm he is the Red Writer,

contact the government troops.

Look, proctor.

Yeorim's fan?

Do you suppose Yeorim is the Red Writer?

No way. Gu Yongha doesn't have an athletic bone in his body.

Don't be ludicrous.

Perhaps it was all a show.

In the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms"...

Enough with your nonsense.

Proctor...

I didn't see the patient's face.

There was a wound on the left side of the upper abdomen.

What brings you here this late?

I thought I'd tell you

an amusing story.

Yeah?

I'm all ears.

The Red Writer suffered an injury

and is now hiding at Sungkyunkwan.

Really? My goodness.

Ow, my back.

But then I chanced upon a doctor trying to sneak off campus.

He said he treated a wounded man in the ritual room.

And we found your fan in the ritual room.

Why were you in the ritual room, Ladies' Man?

Wait a minute.

Do you suspect

that I may be the Red Writer?

I'll give you this.

You amused me for once.

Keep up the good work, okay?

I was tired of the fan.

I gave it to the helper kids.

It must've somehow made its way to the ritual room.

Hey.

Wrap up your game of hide-and-seek,

and how about calling it a night?

Your exceptional intelligence seems to be faltering.

You want to restore your honor as the proctor, right?

Don't let your greed get the better of you.

Let me give you a piece of advice, too.

Sure.

I'll let this one slide

for good time's sake.

But

don't you ever insult me again.

I don't give second chances.

And you're no exception, Gu Yongha.

The Red Writer definitely must be one of the room two fellows.

Where can they be?

If one of them is the Red Writer, he must be in a lot of pain.

Where can he be?

How about we go back to the ritual room, proctor?

No.

Wait.

The hide-and-seek is over.

Five points off for all of you.

Don't you know that lights out was a long time ago?

The Red Writer is said to be injured and hiding at Sungkyunkwan.

The Red Writer?

The Red Writer is an enemy of the state.

I don't suppose Sungkyunkwan would offer sanctuary to someone like that.

But Sungkyunkwan is an extraterritorial zone.

Even if the Red Writer...

If it's the Red Writer, we should look for him.

Where is he hiding?

Do you still suspect me?

Wait. That's...

How many times do I have to tell you?

I have nothing to do with the Red Writer.

Sungkyunkwan is an extraterritorial zone.

Without the king's order,

no can can search Sungkyunkwan students,

not even the faculty or staff of the school.

That's because Sungkyunkwan is a sacred shrine to Confucius.

And it's also because of Joseon's age-old tradition of defending

the pursuit of truth and the freedom of scholarship.

But the proctor has the authority to...

Discipline Sungkyunkwan students.

Unfortunately, that position is temporarily vacant

because you made a mistake.

Don't forget, Ha Insu.

From this moment forth,

you cannot exercise your authority on any student.

If you do,

we plan to convene the scholar's council and discharge you.

Fortunately, it doesn't look like Ha Insu will bother us any more.

Thank you.

No. Thank you, Big Man.

But how did you know?

How did you know Crazy Horse was the Red Writer

and that he would get hurt?

He's

Gu Yongha.

He has tenacity. He has been following me around for ten years.

Say one more thing

and I will make sure your side splits open, literally.

I'll let this one slide.

I'm moved that you braved the pain and returned.

I'm so happy.

What's the matter with you?

Big Man.

About today...

No one can know about it.

He's currently a violent criminal with a reward on his head.

Even the king's looking for him.

Lee Seonjun is no exception.

- Plus, it's better if he doesn't know. - I get it.

We could've had him.

There will be another chance, proctor.

This isn't a good time.

Why?

Should I be scared of losing my position as proctor?

The Red Writer is in Sungkyunkwan?

You did your part.

You shouldn't show yourself

at the Peony Pleasure House until you're well.

Sir.

Please

keep your promise.

Before

it's too late...

I want to lead

a life of dignity.

Prime Minister...

You see...

we really did

have the Red Writer,

but these swordsmen

showed up out of the blue.

You mean the king's personal bodyguards?

How...

The king wants to protect the Red Writer.

But why?

You see, minister of war,

the king is looking for "Geumdeungjisa."

That letter

contains the late king's remorse over his son's death.

If "Geumdeungjisa" is found,

we, the Noron, will become enemies of the state.

But

"Geumdeungjisa" no longer exists.

You know that very well.

The Red Writer who speaks of "Geumdeungjisa"

is a Sungkyunkwan student.

The king sent Jeong Yakyong to Sungkyunkwan.

He is also visiting Sungkyunkwan more often than ever before.

Need I go on?

Prime minister.

What I'm afraid of is the next step.

What does the king plan to do

after ousting the Noron as traitors?

I thought it would take ten years to build the Hwaseong Fortress.

But you're telling me this contraption

will make it possible in three years?

Yes, Your Majesty.

You should stop smoking.

I'm worried about your health.

This makes for a better companion than you who refuse to take my orders.

Your Majesty...

isn't that opium poppy?

Your Majesty...

How long?

How long has it taken...

for your illness to get so bad

that you have to rely on this?

I've been discovered sooner than I had expected.

Why haven't you told me?

I told you.

I don't have much time left.

Do I need to wait any longer for those kids, Dr. Jeong?

But

can you promise me one thing?

When you see any flaws in those kids,

please

hold me accountable, Your Majesty.

A teacher wants to be protective of his students like a parent.

How can I deny you that?

I promise I will not take issue with any flaw I may find

in those kids.

I will return to the palace with them as soon as morning breaks.

Order them

to find "Geumdeungjisa"

Your Majesty.

You're not even a drinker.

You can stop now.

I get it.

I get that we can't go back

to how things were.

So

you don't need to look so angry every time you see me.

I will not ask anything of you.

We can just be roommates.

Have some. You'll feel better.

I have here the most delectable dried persimmons money can buy.

They're for Lee Seonjun's wedding,

but I managed to sneak some out.

His wedding date has been set.

What is it now?

What did you do to him?

One, two, three, four...

He's the 23rd.

He's the 23rd of your study partners who has parted ways with you

because of your nasty personality.

You need to learn how to embrace people's shortcomings.

Tell me.

How does the dainty scholar fall short that you're being mean to him?

He doesn't fall short.

It's

because my heart is overflowing.

Jaesin!

Are you okay?

Shouldn't you be in bed?

If you don't get proper rest...

Jaesin.

I told you. You should be in bed.

Are you out to tell the whole world

that the Red Writer is here?

See. There's something going on.

That's why Lee Seonjun was as pale as a ghost last night.

It's worse than seeing a ghost

to see your roommates, you know?

Big Man really is something else.

He goes both ways.

What?

What about Lee Seonjun?

Crazy Horse and Big Man are what?

Did you hear?

They say Crazy Horse and Big Man are more than just friends.

What? No way!

It's true. Lee Seonjun saw them going at it.

Lee Seonjun never lies.

Every night in the ritual room...

I can't even talk about it.

In a nutshell, Big Man and Crazy Horse are an item.

Lee Seonjun said so. Need we say more?

Is is true about Crazy Horse and Big Man?

It has to be if Lee Seonjun saw them.

They're roommates.

That's no way for scholars to be,

especially here at Sungkyunkwan where we honor Master Confucius.

This is nuts.

It wasn't just Lee Seonjun who saw them.

I should get going.

Wait up.

Homosexuality?

This cannot be happening.

Homosexuality has no place in this sacred institution,

especially when I am here as the director.

Nothing has been verified, director.

Just wait until those straitlaced Confucian scholars find out.

They'll be up in arms.

I could get fired.

How can you be so laid back?

The situation is beyond

our control now.

Who put these up?

How base.

- And they look like such gentlemen. - What a disgrace!

Homosexuality...

That's the Soron for you.

What about the Soron?

Do you want a piece of me?

Did I say something wrong?

- What did you say? - Hey, now.

Let's keep this civil.

Proctor.

Although Sungkyunkwan has hit rock bottom,

you should not resort to violence to settle your differences.

There are rules and processes for resolving problems.

Please withdraw the proctor's suspension.

- Please. - Please.

We decided to take the homosexuality scandal to the student council.

The student council?

We will determine Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik's guilt

and impose the appropriate disciplinary action

in order to restore the reputation of Sungkyunkwan.

Please give us authorization.

I, Ha Insu, the proctor, and other officers

call Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik to the student council

over the homosexuality scandal that has tarnished our school’s reputation.

The student council will investigate the case

and bring the truth to light.

If their guilt is proven,

they will be permanently removed from the school registry

so that we can safeguard Sungkyunkwan's honor.

Stop the proceedings.

It's just an absurd rumor.

Is Sungkyunkwan that pathetic a place?

Why are we going through all this over a silly rumor?

We are seeking the truth

because this is Sungkyunkwan.

I'll give you a chance to clear your name.

Why were you in the ritual room that night?

What happened there?

Tell me the truth...

and we won't have to take this to the student council.

It's very clear

there's something you can't tell us.

What could that be, Crazy Horse?

Are you faltering because it has to do with your intimate life?

How dare you.

If you have anything to say, come to the student council

and prove your innocence.

This isn't just about you. The honor of the Soron is at stake.

- Aye. - Aye.

Did you really see us at the ritual room that night?

I don't care to talk about it.

Do you really think

I'm a homosexual?

I'm a man.

How can a man love another man?

It's absurd. It makes no sense.

I see.

If you think it's so wrong

of one man to love another man...

then act accordingly from now on.

That way, no one will get the wrong impression

of you.

But I...

We can figure everything out at the student council meeting.

Lee Seonjun, you will serve as witness.

Not only are you Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik's roommate...

you saw the two together in the ritual room that night.

No one could make a better witness.

And no one can refuse an order made in the name of the student council.

And the proctor holds sway in the Student Council.

Not even the king can intervene.

I choose you, Lee Seonjun,

as the witness.

You will have Lee Seonjun testify as a witness?

It's perfect.

By making the upright and virtuous Lee Seonjun take the stand,

you will

make the student council appear fair and principled.

Am I right?

You're too smart to be my enemy.

We always seem to be on the same page.

Do you really believe that Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik

are engaged in an inappropriate relationship?

The two were

in an embrace in the ritual room that night.

It's one or the other.

One of them is the injured Red Writer,

or they are homosexuals.

Either way, I win.

Red Writer or homosexual...

I will get Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik to leave Sungkyunkwan,

and I will also get Lee Seonjun

to turn his back on his roommates.

Lee Seonjun?

He is as straight as an arrow,

and he is also the prime minister's only son.

Do you think

he will let his and his family's reputation

go down the gutter?

Wow!

You truly are exceptional.

You intend to get not only Crazy Horse and Big Man, but also Garang?

I have one more target.

If I can get the three...

you won't have anyone by your side, Yeorim.

Hey, Noron.

Have you seen him?

I'm talking about Big Man.

You take Dr. Yu's class together.

Where the hell is he? I'm worried sick.

Is that how you worry for someone?

You put him in so much trouble.

You made him the target of ridicule and hatred.

Is that your way of worrying for someone?

If you really care about him, this should never have happened.

Mind your own business.

- I'll deal with our problem. - You need to do better.

I don't want to worry any more.

I asked you what happened in the ritual room that night.

If the student council finds you guilty,

even his majesty cannot overrule the decision.

If you tell me the truth, I may find a way to help you.

It will be too late once the proceeding commences.

So tell me the truth.

Homosexuality

is an unforgivable sin for students who uphold Neo-Confucianism.

The name Kim Yunsik will be deleted permanently from the registry.

You won't be able to take the High Exam.

Is that okay with you?

We...

didn't do anything wrong.

That's all

I can tell you right now.

So you're going to let Ha Insu have his way?

You're overreacting. What's the big deal?

If you confess now that you're the Red Writer,

you will be put to death for murder, arson, and theft.

How will you carry on your brother's quest?

If something goes wrong tomorrow at the student council,

I will kill you myself.

With your soft little hands?

I'm still contemplating

what the best option is.

Is protecting Big Man...

your priority?

I have to do this.

I will talk to the proctor and keep you

from testifying as a witness.

Do you know what a scandal can do to you?

If you get entangled in the wrong way,

you'll go down, too.

And we're talking about homosexuality.

It can finish you.

Not even his majesty can intervene

in student council proceedings.

Well...

This is my problem.

I won't break any rules.

Then let's do this.

You make it very clear

you are nothing like your roommates.

Don't sympathize with them or defend them.

Even the slightest mistake will get you entangled.

For the nobility,

homosexuality is akin to a death sentence.

Don't forget that.

Hey, Big Man. Don't you have better things to do?

And at Sungkyunkwan of all places.

You dirty louse.

- Disgusting. - Get out of Sungkyunkwan.

What did you like so much about it?

Dirty louse.

Dirty louse.

What the...

What's up with him?

I don't know if I should thank you or apologize.

Will you help me at the student council meeting tomorrow?

Crazy Horse and I

are not...

In any case, we're innocent.

Then tell me.

What really happened

in the ritual room that night?

Well,

that...

This is for Crazy Horse's sake.

So can't you just trust me and help us?

Crazy Horse will get...

Do you have any idea how serious this is?

If something goes wrong...

you can spend the rest of your life in the gutter.

And

yet...

you still put Crazy Horse before you.

I can see why you may not believe me.

You're a righteous person, so you may not understand.

But

please just believe me and help us out this once.

How much more

do I have to do?

What more do I have to go through for you?

Why should I do something so stupid and pathetic?

Why should I do something that is so not me?

I have no choice.

You're the only one

I can turn to.

What's up with Lee Seonjun?

And did you see how shameless Big Man was?

Are you happy now?

Go on and spread this rumor.

Sungkyunkwan's Crazy Horse actually has his heart

set on you.

Don't mess with Kim Yunsik again,

because I can't tell you

what my fists will do then.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

This is on me, fellows.

Let loose and enjoy.

All right.

And at the student council meeting tomorrow,

testify that Big Man and Crazy Horse are not like that.

What's going on here?

I'm Gu Yongha. I can guarantee it.

Bottoms up, everyone. Enjoy the drink. Go on.

Do you think it's our fault that things have gotten so out of hand?

But other people saw them, too.

And they saw even more than we did.

- Yeah? - Come on now.

Let's just drink ourselves to oblivion.

- Let me pour you all a drink. - Okay.

Very good.

And at the student council meeting tomorrow,

vote nay.

Wait a minute.

Is this why you're treating us?

Well, I mean...

Yes.

It's all useless, Yeorim.

Come on now.

Just by the fact that we're convening,

the decision is already set in stone.

Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik will go down.

The proceeding is tomorrow, and the voting hasn't even begun.

No one would dare go against the proctor

unless they want to go down, too.

- What are you looking at? - Watch it, fellows.

Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik

will be permanently removed from the registry.

You should be buying them drinks,

Yeorim.

They'll need it.

Let's drink.

Is it true?

Are you and the proctor becoming brothers-in-law?

You must be busy with wedding preparations.

I will be back by curfew.

I see what you're doing.

You don't want to talk to anyone,

so you have this book open

to ward off unwanted company.

I'm reading it because it's fun.

Telling blatant lies can become a habit.

I know of something that's 20 times more fun than reading.

20 times more fun?

Telling blatant lies can become a habit, Jaesin.

It's 100 times more fun.

Why are you going to such extremes?

Red Writer...

it's dangerous,

and if you get caught, you could get killed.

For what?

What is it for that you're risking your life?

For what?

I haven't really thought about it.

But I can't bear the frustration.

I can't live if I don't do something.

To live.

I'm doing it for my life.

Do you know...

something?

Kim Yunsik.

You can hear Sungkyunkwan breathe from here.

That's something some fool used to tell me.

He also told me...

that the door to Sungkyunkwan leads not to the king

but to Banchon, the poorest and most neglected village in Joseon.

He was right.

It's true.

I think it's because of him.

Someone needs to remember

that he came and went.

I think that's why...

Who was he?

My

older brother.

- Kim Yunsik. - Yes?

There is a way

not to sully the name "Kim Yunsik."

And

I'm sorry.

I wanted to tell you this before today came to an end.

Well, I'll be damned.

I, Ha Yugu,

and the prime minister will now be family.

The thing is, my son,

life has taught me that

bowing down in front of someone is the hardest thing to do.

I'm now on equal footing as your family,

but I didn't get here by chance.

You have but one flaw.

You're too upright.

Now that you're my son, let me give you some advice.

What good can come out of going against the world?

Keep this is mind.

This is a top secret

that will help you succeed in life.

It's my wedding gift to you.

It's a dream come true.

This is where I first saw you.

These days,

I feel like the main character in a storybook.

It would be best if we wed before it got cold, right?

No. It would be better around the time the first snow falls.

But you must prefer the spring, when flowers blossom, right?

That's what I would like, too.

I'm sorry.

Why does the groom-to-be have such a long face?

You know how difficult dealing with in-laws can get.

You're all grown up.

I know

the minister of war does not meet your standards.

I'm sorry, father.

He's awfully greedy and does whatever it takes to satisfy his greed.

He may seem cowardly and base to you at times.

But why?

But he will do anything for you.

That's not bad for a father-in-law.

I am thinking of leaving Sungkyunkwan

after the wedding, father.

I have much to learn

before I'm ready to enter the government.

I won't question

your decision.

All rise.

Be seated.

Today's proceeding will determine the truth

behind Kim Yunsik and Mun Jaesin's homosexuality scandal.

Gender distinction is fundamental to Confucianism.

Sungkyunkwan upholds the dictates of decorum and righteousness.

Homosexuality is inexcusable.

All the students have decided

to defend the school's reputation

and punish your immorality by removing you from the school registry

and taking away your right to ever take the High Exam.

- Aye! - Aye!

I ask Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik...

Did you engage in inappropriate activities in the ritual room?

No.

We were...

Please trust us, proctor.

If not,

tell us what happened

in the ritual room that night.

We were...

We were just...

We have no choice, but to call on the witness.

Lee Seonjun,

did you see Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik in the ritual room?

Those two are homosexuals,

are they not?

I'm

the homosexual.

What did you just say?

I said,

I'm the homosexual.

With the authority vested in me,

I command that Mun Jaesin and Kim Yunsik remove their shirts.

Will it do if I were to derobe alone?

Have you seen Lee Seonjun?

So it's true. Lee Seonjun left Sungkyunkwan.

Go! Let's not see each other again.

So are you happy, Garang?

Are you happy?

I like you,

Kim Yunsik.

Isn't that the dainty scholar gentleman?

There's a reason why he can't take his shirt off.

Kim Yunsik.

As hard as I try,

I can't help looking for you.

Run from me, Kim Yunsik.