Original subtitles

Are you all right?

Beni?

Don't worry.

I'm fine.

Everything will be okay.

Yun Oh.

Yun Oh.

(Kobayashi Kanna)

Hello?

Good morning. Did you sleep well?

Yes.

I was pretty drunk last night, wasn't I?

Sorry.

It's fine. You don't need to apologize.

You don't sound too well.

Are you okay? I hope you're not coming down with something.

No, I'm fine.

I just woke up. That's probably why.

We're meeting those Japanese people who live in Korea...

at 1pm today. You remember, right?

It's not far from here,

so we can just meet in the lobby 30 minutes earlier.

Why so early?

Why? Is there something else you have to do?

I'm sorry,

but do you think we can cancel on them?

You want to cancel it? Why?

They're all great contacts who can help you promote your book.

I'm sorry. I want to get some rest today.

All right.

Take it easy today.

The book signing event tomorrow is more important anyway.

I'll let Mr. Lee know.

Thanks. Bye for now.

Bye.

Marry me.

Please...

come back to me now.

I'm sorry.

Forget it.

I'll stop.

I'm exhausted too.

Just knowing that you were going to Korea...

put me on edge.

I couldn't sleep at all for the past few days.

Sleep tight.

We met again like a miracle. What does this mean?

What is the meaning of this?

Is this a chance to start over?

Or...

is this a sign that we need...

closure?

(Bundang lake)

The last...

I really hope that's not what awaits us.

(The last... I really hope that's not what awaits us.)

(What Comes After Love)

(Min Jun)

(Are you up yet?)

Hong, how's your stomach?

I want to cook you a fresh batch of soybean sprout soup every day.

- Hi. - Good morning, sir.

How can I help you?

Well, could you call a taxi for me, please?

Sure. Do you want a driver who speaks Japanese?

Yes, thank you.

My goodness. Look at this mess.

Mom, do you want a bite?

No, I'm good.

You have to clean this all up before you leave the house, okay?

- Dad. - Yes.

Your breakfast is ready. I made it.

My goodness. What's gotten into you?

Thanks.

- It's good, isn't it? - What?

Should I open a bakery?

A bakery?

You said you wanted to open a studio.

Was it to make scented candles?

A leather craft studio.

Leather?

I don't care about scented candles or leather anymore.

You can't even eat those.

I think this is my calling.

I really love seeing people enjoy the baked goods I make.

- With that said, Dad... - My goodness.

Go and talk to your sister.

I'm a puppet ruler. Your sister is the one who calls the shots.

Hong.

Here, try this.

Oh, boy. Maybe later.

My gosh. I'm so hungover.

What? Did you have drinks with Min Jun?

Yes.

What? Why didn't you call me?

The three of you went out for drinks after the fitting?

What kind of wedding dress did you pick?

Hi, Mr. Lee.

Mr. Sasae did?

I see.

Well, all right. It's the weekend anyway.

We should let him rest up.

Yes. You should check in on him, just in case.

All right.

What was that? What's going on?

Oh, the visiting author from Japan isn't feeling too great...

and cancelled everything on his schedule for the day.

You mean, Sasae Hikari?

Hong, shouldn't you go and check in on him too?

Me? Why should I?

I'm sure Mr. Lee will take care of him.

Wait, Hong.

Can I borrow your guitar? You know, your old guitar.

My guitar? Why do you need it?

I want to use it as a prop when I take pictures...

of my baked goods for social media.

It's in the storage room.

I know that.

But you said I was never allowed to touch it.

So, he actually sent your stuff like you told him to.

Your boyfriend is really something.

Ex-boyfriend.

Right, your ex-boyfriend.

So, this means it really is over now, right?

Hey, come on. It's okay!

Just forget him.

By the way, where's my gift you brought from Japan?

- Is it in here? - Don't open it!

Why not?

Just because.

Don't open it.

It took me some time to realize...

that what I was trying to forget wasn't him.

It was myself when I was in love with him.

So just like that, I sealed everything...

related to him.

Here.

Thanks. I'll put it back as soon as I'm done taking some pictures.

Excuse me, sir.

Yes?

I've never been there before,

but this lake you mentioned...

I think it's pretty big.

I see.

I'd like to be dropped off at a spot where I can see the lake trail.

Sorry for being difficult.

Don't worry about it. It's my job to take you where you need to be.

Aren't you over-trimming them?

Have some mercy, Mom.

This has to be done if we want to see flowers again next year.

I bet you had no idea.

Do you think it's easy to care for living things?

I know it's hard.

Whether it's a plant or a child.

Goodness. Do you even know?

Hong, can you pull it toward you?

Sure.

- Hey, don't drag it. Lift it. - Oh, okay.

Good?

Yes, it's good. All right.

Oh, right. Have you guys decided on your wedding venue yet?

Min Jun said he'd do more research.

It's not like buying a home. Don't be so picky.

If there's a good venue, just go ahead and book it.

Min Jun is busy too.

Okay.

What's with that look on your face?

What?

Did you get into a fight with Min Jun?

No.

It's chilly. We should go inside.

What's gotten into you?

I used to hug you like this all the time when I was little.

That's true. Back when you always listened to me.

You were so adorable back then.

Now, I'm not?

No, I can't stand you.

That's why I'm hoping Min Jun takes you as soon as possible.

Are you that fond of Min Jun?

Yes, I am very fond of him.

I've known him since he was little.

He was such a good boy and still is.

It really isn't easy to meet a man like that.

I know that Min Jun is a great person too.

Hong.

Marriage isn't something you do with the love of your life.

You should marry a good person.

The kind of marriage Jungo and I used to talk about...

certainly wasn't the kind of marriage Mom described.

So to speak, it was...

I wouldn't really call it marriage.

It was me wanting to be with him forever.

It was like another name for wanting to stay in love forever.

(Ichiro Ramen)

Everyone is working so hard.

- Hey! There you are. - Hi!

- Hello. - Hi, Nozomi!

(To Choi Hong)

What is this?

A wedding invitation.

Oh, my gosh! Boss!

I don't believe this. You're lying, right?

This is a miracle!

After the tenth proposal,

Nozomi finally said yes!

All right, guys. First...

- Cheers! - Cheers!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

- This is good. - Nice.

- Stop it. - Tell us!

Never. Just forget it.

Hey, what's the matter? What is it?

Nothing. I was just...

What is it? Are you that sad that I'm getting married?

I'm sorry, but I can't reciprocate your feelings.

You should've told him sooner.

Then I could've run away from him.

Too bad.

No, it's not that.

You know, I...

I had no friends or family in Japan,

so I was always lonely.

But...

you're inviting me to your wedding,

and you treat me like your family, so...

Then...

how about we raise our glasses for Hong, who is now officially...

a member of the family?

- Yes. - Let's do it.

Cheers.

What?

Yes, Hong taught me.

It's what Koreans say when they clink glasses.

- Really? - Yes.

All right. Cheers!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

(To Choi Hong)

What is this?

A wedding invitation.

The manager is getting married, at last.

Seriously?

He wants you to be there too.

- Me too? - Yes.

And he wants to know if there's anything we can't eat.

Isn't that so considerate?

In Korea, we don't ask that kind of thing.

You'll come, won't you?

I'll think about it.

What for? Come with me.

Let's go.

Why can't you come? Because you have to work?

There's that too, but...

Don't worry.

I prepared the gift.

A gift?

I thought of something.

Look forward to it.

What are Japanese weddings like?

I've never been to one overseas.

I don't know.

It must be similar to a Korean one.

It's totally different from a Korean wedding.

It's completely different.

Right?

Jungo won't tell me in detail, and it's frustrating.

He doesn't want to put pressure on you.

Pressure? Why would I feel that?

Don't even ask.

I was so flustered when my cousin got married in Japan.

For starters, the monetary gift is a minimum of 300 dollars.

For real? That's a lot of money.

So they only invite family and those who are really close.

If you agree to attend,

you can't just wire the money and congratulate them from afar.

You must show up.

It's really rude not to.

I see...

Hey, you should take notes.

You must buy a special envelope. A pretty one.

- There's a special envelope? - Yes.

It's not like a Korean wedding at all.

You're right.

Hey. Did you book a hair salon?

A hair salon? What for?

The other guests will go all out.

They get their hair done...

and wear dazzling dresses and stuff.

Men wear full-on suits.

What will you wear?

Me?

What should I do with you?

You have nothing to wear.

Ji Hee told me...

Okay.

She said I should watch what I wear to a Japanese wedding.

That's true.

What kind of wedding do you like?

I'd like...

a small wedding.

Like in the movie "About Time."

Then it must rain during the ceremony.

You bet it should. And umbrellas should get flipped.

The highlight of that wedding was the sudden shower.

We should invite Ji Hee and my diner colleagues.

For the live music,

I'd like to hire your father's band.

I bet he'd gladly accept the offer.

But...

if I were to get married here,

I don't think my mom would come.

She still doesn't take your calls?

Don't worry. She'll come around one day.

It's so pretty.

Yun Oh?

- Welcome. - Hello.

Hello.

Could she try on that dress?

No, Yun Oh. It's fine.

She can.

A staff member will take your size before helping you out.

Will you come this way?

See you later.

Are you ready?

What for?

You know the first reaction is most important, right?

- I do. - Then look over there.

You look...

amazing.

I just love the groom's reaction.

The best one...

is one that comes from the bottom of your heart.

(Do Not Trespass)

- Hey. - Hi.

Here you go.

You saved my life. I'll be sure to keep it clean.

Do you have a job interview?

No. Hong got a sudden invite to an acquaintance's wedding.

Is Hong doing okay?

Yes, she's good.

I heard our senior Sato...

is urgently looking for a part-time worker.

Will you meet him if you're interested?

You'd been hoping to find work at a publishing company.

Senior Sato's company?

Yes, I'd like that.

Then drop by tomorrow. He seemed really rushed.

Do you have his number?

- Yes, thanks. I'll call. - Okay.

- See you. Thanks. - Bye.

(Seibunsha)

Where's that thing, Yoshino?

Up on the top right.

Hey, Aoki.

Thanks for giving me a chance.

Are you working on your novel?

No, not yet.

Out of everyone in your year,

I thought you were the most promising.

Thank you.

I guess I can put off the lecturing for now.

Can you start today?

Two people quit out of the blue.

- It's an emergency. - That's right, yes.

I must start today?

You don't want to?

No, it's not that, but...

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

Your seat's that way.

Congratulations.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

Congratulations.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

- Thank you. - Please take a seat.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

Thank you.

(Aoki Jungo)

(Choi Hong)

(Choi Hong)

Hong! Hello.

- Hello. - You made it.

Where's Jungo? He's not with you?

He had a sudden job interview. He'll come by when he's done.

Are you well-prepared for today's special stage?

I'm not well-prepared at all.

I've never sung at a wedding, and I'm dead nervous.

Don't worry.

If you do as well as the rehearsal yesterday, everyone will faint.

- That's right. - You'll be fine.

- I'm not fine. - You'll be fine.

- Just relax. - Yes.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you for attending the wedding...

of Nitta Ichiro and Kato Nozomi despite your busy schedules.

The bride and groom will join us now.

When they come into view,

please welcome them with a warm round of applause.

Will you please turn to look at the entrance at the back?

Here come the bride and groom!

You look awesome, boss!

You look way too tense!

This needs to be copy-edited by 7pm.

- Okay. - Thanks.

(3 missed calls: Beni)

It's time to reveal the special event...

we planned in secret for the new couple.

We were going to invite TWICE...

whom our boss loves just a bit more than his new wife...

What are you saying?

That reaction tells me I was right.

What?

That's enough joking for now.

Let me introduce Ichiro Ramen's...

very own K-pop star, Choi Hong.

Give her a round of applause.

Ichiro and Nozomi. Congratulations on your big day.

Even if I don't sing too well, please be kind and understanding.

How long will I love you?

As long as stars are above you

And longer, if I can

How long will I need you?

As long as the seasons need to

Follow their plan

How long will I be with you?

As long as the sea is bound to

You startled me

- Were you taking photos? - Yes.

How long will I want you?

Yun Oh!

And longer by far

How long will I hold you?

As long as your father told you

As long as you can

How long will I give to you?

As long as I live through you

However long you say

How long will I love you?

As long as stars are above you

And longer, if I may

Beni.

Are you angry?

The publishing house I interviewed at...

asked me to start right away.

I see.

Today of all days?

It was a place I'd always wanted to work at.

I had no choice.

What's this?

Your thank-you gift.

I'm tired. I'm going to bed first.

This isn't right.

What?

I mean,

I didn't even send them any money.

It's impolite to accept a gift from them.

You care about manners that much, and you miss the event on the day?

That's not what happened.

You said you'd try to come on time.

I said I'd try. I didn't say I could definitely be there.

You should've said from the start that you didn't want to go.

- What? - If that were the case,

you shouldn't have said anything.

Beni.

Don't follow me.

It didn't take me long to realize...

that no love stays the same.

Here you go, Min Jun.

Here's a forehand.

Keep your eye on the ball and move slowly. Yes.

Here's a backhand!

Are you okay?

Du Yeol.

Let's wrap it up today. Do more,

and I'll throw up.

You must be looking for a matrimonial home.

Not yet. Hong's quite busy.

How's Hong these days?

Why do you ask?

Well, I remember my wife...

becoming very cranky before our wedding.

She told me a while later that...

getting married suddenly made everything scary.

Your wife is the bravest woman on earth.

But for her to get scared?

I know, right?

It made me anxious until the day before our wedding.

Anyway, don't put your guard down...

until you enter the wedding hall.

Hong. You didn't forget our plans for tomorrow, did you?

Get a good sleep. I'll see you tomorrow.

(Okay.)

Beongae.

You know it too, right?

That I suck at remembering things.

But why can't I forget the memories...

with Jungo?

What do you think, Beongae?

What are you doing?

It's cold. Stop acting silly outside.

Whatever. What is it?

Here.

What's this?

It was inside your guitar case.

You must have a lot on your mind,

so I wasn't sure about giving it to you.

But I couldn't ignore it.

Forget it.

Aren't you going to read it?

Really?

Already? Got it.

We'll get there a bit earlier.

Okay.

It's a success!

There's already a line from the door to the side of the street.

Seriously?

But there are four hours until the book signing.

- This is great. - I know.

Oh, right.

Ms. Choi.

Today is Mr. Sasae's birthday.

Is that so?

What should we prepare as his gift?

Sorry?

Why are you asking me that?

Mr. Lee told me you studied abroad in Japan.

Mr. Yoon. How are studying abroad and the birthday gift related?

I'll think of something myself.

Come inside.

Gosh, I'm full.

From now on, my favourite dish is bulgogi.

I enjoyed today's meal more because it was on you, Beni.

Dad. You ate three portions alone.

And Beni treated you with her hard-earned money.

Come on. This much won't hurt.

She's right. And I couldn't stop. It was just too good.

Father. I'll treat you again on your next birthday.

Really?

I'm in total bliss.

Thank you, Beni.

I should be the one thanking you.

You were the reason Jungo and I could meet.

Is this lady your grandmother, Yun Oh?

Yes.

Jungo's grandmother raised Jungo when he was little.

His mom left us.

(Jungo's 11th birthday)

This cake is unusual.

Don't kids normally eat...

birthday cakes with fruits or cartoon characters on them?

My grandmother especially liked Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc...

is a cake that resembles the snow-covered Alps.

"The Alps?" You mean the mountain?

Yes.

My grandmother's dream was to climb up the Alps.

But due to her legs that were weak since childhood,

watching documentaries about climbing mountains became her hobby.

That was why she always bought Mont Blanc.

- Jungo. - What?

This one.

It's 52 dollars?

(Mont Blanc Size 5, 52 dollars)

Beni.

I'm really full from the bulgogi earlier.

I don't have room for a cake. Let's eat it next time.

Excuse me. Can we just buy a piece?

I'm afraid...

we don't sell Mont Blanc in pieces.

The shape breaks down when cut through.

Is that so?

Then shall we buy a different dessert?

Beni. I'm stuffed.

I'm full.

- "I'm full?" - Yes.

- Really? - Yes.

Let's come here next time.

I was going to treat you for the whole day.

Sorry. We'll come again another day.

We'll be waiting.

Today was really fun.

I'm glad I got to hear your stories.

- My stories? - Yes.

You rarely express yourself with words.

Is that so?

What's this? You know that too, don't you?

Of course, you can't express everything with words.

But there are things I won't know unless you verbalize.

That's true.

But I'm simply...

bad at using words.

Even without words,

my sincerity...

will naturally be conveyed.

But...

I still want you to tell me.

Even if I know how you feel,

there are things I want to hear in person.

Like what?

Something like, "I love you."

That's hard.

What?

Instead, I'll definitely write...

a novel about my feelings toward you one day.

For real?

Yes. I promise.

I want to read it as soon as possible.

"One star of memories."

"Another star of love."

"Another star of loneliness."

"Another star of admiration."

- "Another star of poetry." - "Another star of poetry."

When did you memorize it?

Whenever you recited it,

I came to like this part for some reason.

"Another star of poetry."

Did you know?

What?

We're all a part of a star.

When a star exploded, Earth was created,

and we were born.

Even if our race and nationality are different,

we're fragments...

of the same star in the end.

That's interesting.

Right?

Yes.

We...

have become Inokashira's star.

"Inokashira's star?"

That's right.

On your next birthday, I'll buy you...

a Mont Blanc in your grandmother's stead.

Thank you.

We only talked about the bright future.

The problems we avoided facing,

the uncertainty of it...

or the trickery,

eventually piled up like snow and hit the two of us.

But at the height of our happiness,

we were unaware of reality's horror.

Back then, we were nothing...

but Gemini shining brightly...

without a flaw.

("What Comes After Love")

(Sasae Hikari Book Concert)

Now then, let's read a question from the live stream.

The next question is from the live stream.

"Having the same experience as the female character,"

"I related to her while reading your novel."

"But with love alone, overcoming the differences..."

"in culture and nationality..."

"was not easy."

"Do you still think love can overcome them, Mr. Sasae?"

(2024 Sasae Hikari Book Concert)

This is amazing.

I'm really glad.

Honestly,

I didn't write this novel with the intent to tell...

a grand story.

Honestly, this novel wasn't written to tell a grand story.

I wrote this novel...

simply because of my regret toward one person...

and the memories I couldn't forget.

My true feelings were written down.

It was...

with the faint hope that...

if that person read my book,

they would understand my foolishness...

and immaturity back then.

I see.

Because your genuine feelings were in the novel,

many readers were able to relate to it.

It's a shame, but we must wrap up...

the book concert here due to the time limit.

Let us move on to the book signing.

It'll take place in that corner in five minutes.

Thank you.

(2024 Sasae Hikari Book Concert)

("What Comes After Love" Book Signing)

(Cards)

(Cards)

("What Comes After Love")

Thank you.

Thank you.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Hi. - Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Sasae.

Your book really touched my heart.

Thank you.

Your Japanese is really good.

Really?

I'm studying Japanese,

thanks to this novel.

Thank you.

Thank you.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Sir.

Choi Hong.

You know her, right?

Yes.

Yes, I know her.