Original subtitles

AJOONG HAS NOTICEABLY ADJUSTED WELL

Gosh, you're so calm and good. Seriously.

THANKS TO KYEONGRIM'S HELP

- No. - Really.

DAY-4 OF SALES ENDED SUCCESSFULLY

Good job.

AND THE LA BROTHERS ARE BACK

Good job, man.

- Stop it. - Nutritious and alkaline

THEY COME TOGETHER IN HARMONY

- Hello. - Hello.

JUST IN TIME, FROM ALL OVER THE PLACE

Chives were handpicked...

WITH BANCHAN MADE WITH LOVE

THEY ENJOY A FEAST

He's getting better at it.

THEIR HAPPINESS LASTS FOR JUST A MOMENT

- Anyway, you did great, Kyeongrim. - It was nothing.

IT'S ALREADY TIME TO SAY GOODBYE TO KYEONGRIM

- Blue Diamond - Bye!

FAREWELL TO KYEONGRIM, WHO BROUGHT THE GIFT OF ENERGY

Is today the day of the final reveal?

DAY 5 OF SALES: THE SIKHYE-MAKING D DAY

WITH A SPOONFUL OF CHEERS FROM THE BOSS DUO

You got this!

HE CALMLY PROCEEDS JUST AS HE PRACTICED FEAT. JUNGAH

AFTERWARDS, THE MASS PRODUCTION OF KIMBAP BEGINS

Today we have a reservation for 40 rolls of kimbap.

It's done. Let's go.

ALTHOUGH IT'S A BIG ORDER

We need to speed up a bit, right?

THEY'VE ALREADY GOT THE HANG OF IT!

Speed is everything.

- Here you go. - Thank you so much.

DAY 5 AT ASIAN MARKET IS GOING SMOOTHLY

THE MARKET IS CROWDED AS USUAL

- Two kimbaps? - Yeah.

Hello.

Hello. Okay.

Nice to meet you.

(SHE IS STILL SHY)

- Sister? - I try to...

- Oldest and my youngest. Yes. - Wow.

(ELDEST DAUGHTER) (YOUNGEST DAUGHTER)

You're very so cute.

Forty-nine.

A BOY SUDDENLY COMES TO ASK A FAVOR

- What do you need? - Oh, the punching machine.

- Punching machine? - Yeah.

- Punching machine? Okay. I got it. - Yeah.

Punching machine. Come on.

- Okay, Joseph. Go. - Follow me.

Okay.

- Thank you so much. - Let me see. Come on.

IT'S TIME TO TEST YOUR POWER, SON!

Come on. Follow me.

BUT…

- Okay. - Thank you.

Wait, you're gonna watch me?

- Yeah. - Yeah.

A STAMPEDE

- Oh… - Hey, hey!

What?

What's problem?

A SUDDEN CHANCE TO SHINE…

What's problem?

- Go. Go do it, Joseph. - It's okay.

Joseph, Joseph, you want me to go first? I'll go first for you.

IF YOU'RE FEELING SHY, WANT ME TO GO FIRST?

- Yeah, yeah. You go. - Okay, I'll go first.

- I'll go first. - Go, go, go.

- Go ahead. - Show them.

LIVE SOUND EFFECTS: DA-DA DA-DA DA-DA-DA~~!!

- Okay. - Angel's doing this?

- Okay. - Angel's doing this?

- Wow! - Oh!

- Wow! - Oh!

OMG…

(GIGGLING)

784 points!

IT'S A PRETTY HIGH SCORE! 784

- Hey, hey. - Okay, Joseph. Come on.

HE SUDDENLY DOESN'T WANT TO TRY ANYMORE

You said you'd go. Come on.

- Come on. - I'm literally fine.

I'm fine. I'm fine.

I'm literally fine.

FORCED TO PARTICIPATE

(DRAGGING)

- Everybody want. - Yeah, everybody want.

Okay.

YEAH, EVERYBODY EXCEPT ME

Joseph... Joseph sucks!

EVENTUALLY, THE YOUNGEST TAKES HIS PLACE

Joseph! Disappoint.

JOSEPH! I'M DISAPPOINTED!

ARGH!!!

Do it! Dude, he's watching!

Hey, owner chance.

- Free. Free. - Take it. Joseph, take it.

OWNER CHANCE: I'LL PAY FOR IT

Joseph, Joseph, Joseph!

Hey! Hey, come!

MR. CHA DOESN'T WANT JOSEPH TO BACK DOWN LIKE THIS

Joseph, Joseph.

AMIDST EVERYONE'S CHEERS…

WHAT WILL BE JOSEPH'S SCORE…?

CURIOUS

Joseph, did you get it?

Seven…

GLANCES

…five-six!

- Wh... What, what was yours? - Mine was, like, 786.

- It was 784. - It's fine, it's fine.

OLDER GIRL, 784 JOSEPH, 759

EVEN IF YOU LOST… YOU SHOULD SAY THANK YOU

Thank you!

- Thank you. Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Come again next time. I'll see you.

WHAT MATTERS MORE THAN WINNING IS AN INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

MEANWHILE, TWO ADORABLE CUSTOMERS

IN YELLOW DRESSES ARRIVE

- Hello. - Hello.

BOWS

- Yes. - Hello.

Wait a moment.

- It's fine. - Have a seat.

You can sit wherever you'd like.

- Where do you want to sit? - Over here.

Go sit with your sister.

Okay.

THE YOUNG CUSTOMERS WITH SHINING EYES LOOK FAMILIAR…

THEY'VE BEEN REGULARS AT THE MARKET

- High five! - Thank you.

THEY'VE BEEN FRIENDS WITH THE OWNER FOR A LONG TIME

Give me a hug.

- Thank you. - Bye.

- Goodbye. Take care. - Come again.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Hello. - Hello.

THEY ALSO GREETED MR. ZO YESTERDAY

How pretty.

- Seohyeon. - Seohyeon?

- And Min? - Yes.

THEY ARE SISTERS: SEOHYEON & MIN

TODAY, THE CUTE FAMILY IS HERE FOR LUNCH

When is Mr. Kim coming back?

Don't worry.

But when?

WHY IS MIN EARNEST TO SEE MR. KIM…?

When is Mr. Kim coming back?

LET'S ORDER FIRST

You like soup and rice, right?

Should we order soup and rice too?

- I really want some rice. But… - Yes. We'll have rice with soup.

…I want to eat crab.

- Min, do you want to try the crab? - Yes.

Look at this.

- Hello. - Hello.

- Hello. - Oh, hello.

You're so pretty. How do they speak Korean so well?

My mom over here can speak Korean.

Oh, wow.

PROUD

What would you like?

- Well, we'll have a daege ramyeon. - Okay.

- I heard there's dried pollack soup. - Yes.

Yes, that too. Do you also have omelet?

MR. ZO WAS LISTENING

Omelet?

Yes. We also have jjajang-ramyeon.

- I think omelet would be better. - Oh, if you'd prefer that…

TOUCHED

- And orange juice. - You also want orange juice?

AND TWO ORDERS OF ORANGE JUICE

SEOHYEON & MIN'S TABLE: ONE DAEGE RAMYEON

ONE DRIED POLLACK HANGOVER SOUP

ONE OMELET TWO CUPS OF ORANGE JUICE

TICKLE, TICKLE

- Pow! - Ouch!

Mom, tickle me.

You want me to tickle you?

Tickle, tickle!

WHILE THESE THREE HAVE A GOOD TIME

Hello.

KYUNGHO BRIEFLY TAKES CHARGE OF THE REGISTER

HIS HANDS SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN…

You're not trying to overcharge me?

Yeah, it's not for you.

I'm just kidding. I'm kidding.

(MOM, PLEASE…)

- Don't be embarrassed. It's okay. - Okay, thank you, thank you.

I'm kidding.

THANKFULLY, HE RESOLVES IT QUICKLY

- Oh, not that way. - It's okay, it's okay.

- Bappayo... Very busy, huh? - Yes, bappayo... Very busy.

It's busy and very difficult.

Oh, you don't have any customers honnae you.

- So, you're okay then. - Ah, thank you.

Nobody's mad, right? So that means you're not messing up, right?

Ah, thank you, thank you. You're very nice.

THE CUSTOMER'S REMARK MAKES HIM FEEL BETTER

- Thank you. - Thank you very much.

- Thank you. Have a nice day. - Goodbye.

MEANWHILE, AJOONG IS SQUEEZING ORANGE JUICE

Sit down, Min.

HERE COMES YOUR FRESH ORANGE JUICE

- Wow! Thank you. - Thank you.

- Let's try it. - Okay.

TAKES A SIP RIGHT AWAY

Okay, thank you.

- It's very refreshing. - Is it?

SHE DISCOVERS THE LAUNDROMAT OWNER

DRINKING ORANGE JUICE ACROSS THE STORE

But why don't other people get plastic cups?

How come they get glass ones instead?

I wonder why.

Is it because we're children?

- Hey, that's just... Nagging! - Stop it.

AJOONG IS SETTING THE TABLE

These are for the girls.

- Oh, wow. They're so cute. - Oh, my. You're right.

Who made the kimbap?

The kimbap? We make them. The uncles here.

And myself.

Wow. It was really delicious.

- Oh, really? Did you enjoy it? - Yes!

I ate four of them!

Wow! You must really like kimbap.

Yes.

But Mr. Kim has to come back.

I have to give this to him.

What... What is this?

Did you draw this yourself?

- Yes. - With the pen he gave us.

- Wow. - But Mr. Kim...

He's not coming back to us.

- That's not true. - I'll get the boss.

I made this with a pen.

Oh! Let me see. Wow!

I made this.

- Oh, wow. - I made it for this restaurant.

Wow!

Thank you.

Let's see now…

MR. CHA GETS TAPE AND A PEN FROM THE STAND

Thank you.

Your name, please. Your name.

You said earlier

that you're Seohyeon and Min?

- Yes! - Okay.

- "By Min." - Wow!

By... Okay.

AFTER WRITING DOWN "BY SEOHYEON & MIN"…

I'm going to put it up somewhere.

- Oh! - Wow!

Let's put it somewhere visible.

- Okay, Min. - Wow.

Okay? It's good?

I LIKE IT

THE BEST

Oh, good, good.

Okay, Min.

HE POSTS IT WHERE IT'S VISIBLE

AND SEOHYEON'S WARM LETTER TOO

Okay.

BELOW THE KOREAN FLAG

THANK YOU FOR BEING SO KIND TO US

BY SEOHYEON AND MIN

Thank you. Oh! It looks delicious.

- Min, are you eating kimchi? - But why aren't you taking a picture?

Oh, wait, I'll take it then.

LOOKS DELICIOUS

DRIED POLLACK HANGOVER SOUP IS SERVED

Careful, baby.

- It's too hot. - Thank you.

Rice.

- Wow, it's rice. - Let's share them, okay?

Okay.

- Mom. - Let me divide them for you.

To make it delicious...

- Mom. - Seohyeon...

It's good if you add this to the soup.

(THIS CHILD KNOWS HOW TO EAT)

DELICIOUS!

- It's good. - Is it good? Wow.

- Let me show you. - Okay.

It's good when you eat it with soup.

I should eat it with this.

It's good. It's really good.

MUNCH

Thank you.

SEOHYEON TAKES A DELICIOUS BITE TOO

It looks delicious.

I can't resist.

It's good. It's really good.

IMPRESSED

Where's your daddy?

- Yes, he… - He doesn't want to be on TV.

Your dad doesn't want to be on TV?

I understand.

How come they're so fluent in Korean?

Mom, can you give me this?

You must've taught them a lot of Korean.

- Oh. - Right?

Thank you.

How can they be so good at Korean?

I've been speaking Korean to them since they were born.

- I see. - The first...

The very first Korean I learned was...

Mom, what's "word" in Korean?

- Daneo? - Daneo.

- Wow. - I learned "butterfly" first.

Butterfly?

I don't remember my first word.

It's "daddy."

- Your very first word was "daddy." - Daddy?

The very first word I learned was "daddy."

MR. CHA IS IMPRESSED BY HOW FAST THEY LEARN

Goodness.

But Daddy is at home right now.

Yes, I know.

Right now…

he's playing games.

Daddy is always playing games.

He plays games all the time?

Daddy is watching our dog and cat back at home.

My dad is a teacher at our school.

He teaches us at home.

THEIR DAD IS A TEACHER…?

They're being homeschooled.

- I see. - Their dad teaches them.

I see. No wonder.

I guess children can grow up like this when the parents raise them full-time.

HOMESCHOOLING IS NO EASY FEAT

Hello.

MEANWHILE, GENTLEMEN ENTER THE MARKET

THEY FIND AN EMPTY TABLE

- Where should I sit? - Anywhere you want.

Thank you.

Hello, hello.

- Party of three? - Yes.

- Three of those? - We have pollack and snow crab.

Pollack and daege?

- Dried pollack hangover soup for me. - Hangover soup.

- You? - Daege ramyeon.

- Same here. - Two daege ramyeons.

1 DRIED POLLACK HANGOVER SOUP 2 DAEGE RAMYEON

The owner of this market went on a vacation for the first time.

- Right. - Yes.

I've known him for over 20 years.

He's a deacon at the church my wife attends.

He's so busy he can't come on Sundays.

You're right. He's always open on Sundays.

- Yes. - He doesn't have a day off.

Wow.

Who ordered ramyeon?

- Daege. - One here and here.

- Another one coming right up. - Sure.

DRIED POLLACK HANGOVER SOUP IS SERVED AS WELL

READY TO DIG INTO SOME K-SOUP

WHICH THEY HAVEN'T HAD IN A WHILE…

It's not bad.

Are the three of you neighbors?

- Yes. - Or are you guys school friends?

- I see. - We're all friends.

I came here in 1974.

He came in 1975, and he came the latest, 1980.

We all have the same job.

- What is it? - He retired recently.

- We work at the post office. - I see.

How long have you worked? About 33 years?

- Thirty-three years. - Yes, 33 years.

What about you?

I've worked for 25 years plus four.

Turn that way.

COME TO THINK OF IT,

HE CAME BY OFTEN WEARING HIS UNIFORM…

HE'S A REGULAR AT OUR MARKET!

Next year is my 50th year.

ENJOYING OFF-DAY LUNCH WITH FRIENDS

I immigrated when I was 11.

MEANWHILE, MR. ZO

IS PREPARING A SPECIAL OMELET FOR THE SISTERS

HE TAKES SOMETHING OUT OF THE MICROWAVE

AFTER WHISKING THE EGGS

THEY'RE KOREAN DUMPLINGS?!

Oh, the filling?

Like that? That's a good idea.

HE TURNED POLLACK EGGS INTO MANDU FILLING FOR THE KIDS

CHEF ZO IS NOW MAKING THE OMELET

HE POURS THE OMELET MIX AND WHEN ONE SIDE IS COOKED

SUPER FOCUSED

HE POURS MORE MIX

CONTAINS MANDU FILLING!

ROLLS IT WITH CARE

A DELIGHTFUL OMELET TAILORED TO THE LITTLE CUSTOMERS

The only thing that tastes better than this is dad's food.

Look, we have something good.

THE OMELET…

- Wow. - Wow, thank you.

- Wow. - Wow.

…IS SERVED

- Yay! - Thank you!

- Looks so good! - It's hot, so make sure you blow on it.

Blow on it before you eat.

Is there ham in this?

I don't think there's ham in it. I'm not sure.

There's something in it.

AFTER TAKING A BITE…

This is as good as the omelet Mommy makes us.

I'm sure it's better than mine.

It's hot!

Blow on it first.

MIN'S TURN TO TASTE IT

I think there's something like ham.

MR. ZO VS. MOM WHO WILL WIN IN THIS OMELET WAR?

It's better than Mom's.

MOM KO

- Is it good? - Yes.

I'm glad.

Min says it's better than what I made her.

No, why did you tell him, Mom?

The kimbap was really good too.

The kimbap too?

- We had kimbap yesterday. - I see.

I'm going to add more salt.

IF THE SISTERS LIKE IT SO MUCH…

Careful not to touch this, okay?

Thank you.

Let's make kimbap!

- He's so kind to us. - He really is so kind.

PUTS RICE ON THE DRIED SEAWEED

ROLLS IT WITH HER SMALL HANDS

Kimbap.

The kimbap I want to eat

NOM NOM NOM

Egg! Yum, yum!

YUMMY

Have the kids been to Korea?

No, we're going next week.

- First time? - First time.

It's their first time taking the plane too.

First time getting on a plane?

- Yes! - Wow!

YOU MUST BE EXCITED!

We have a dog.

- Sukhee. - What's its name?

- Sukhee. - Sukhee?

She's two years old.

- We have a cat too. - You have a cat too?

That's our secret.

- My dad... - Are you allowed to say the secret?

- Of course! My dad... - Then it's not a secret.

- My dad... - Can you say the secret?

YOU'RE GOING TO SAY THE SECRET…?

My dad had a cat.

Oh, was it a secret that your dad had a cat?

(IT'S A SECRET, SO PRETEND YOU DON'T KNOW…)

I see.

Our…

OH, NO

Everything we're saying is going into the microphone.

Sukhee is cute.

Look at that.

- There's a camera up there! - Oh!

Yes, you're right.

I didn't know that, either.

Min found one for me.

Say hello.

Hello.

There, there, there!

There, there.

Got camera fever.

WHILE THE SISTERS ARE LOOKING FOR CAMERAS

Looks good. Not too busy today.

- Yeah. Yeah. - Yesterday was so busy.

How did you know?

Well, my friend said they opened up a restaurant.

So I wanted to visit, but when I drove up they said you're filming.

Yeah.

What are you filming for?

It's actually a variety show in Korea.

So, operating a Korean supermarket and a restaurant.

- Thank you for coming to Marina. - Is it just for TV then?

I'm Japanese, but I watch Korean dramas all the time.

- Oh, thank you. - Oh, yes.

We are Korean actors.

- Oh, you are the actors. - Yeah.

Everybody there is very famous actor in Korea.

- Is it okay if I go in there and look? - Yeah, sure.

I watch Korean dramas all the time.

- Oh. - I recognize you.

- Oh, really? - You were on some real ones.

- Yeah. Yeah. - When they do funny stuff. Yeah.

He's like Jim Carrey in Korea.

- He's like Jim Carrey in Korea? - Yes.

- I recognize him. - I like Jack Black.

Film a lot of... A lot of filming…

(NICE TO MEET YOU, LOL)

…yeah, a lot of movie and drama.

That guy too.

Yes!

Yes.

He's like Ryan Gosling.

KOREAN RYAN GOSLING

I've seen him in several of the Korean dramas, that guy over there.

Really?

- That guy over there? - But...

He's really famous. Leonardo DiCaprio in Korea.

- Oh, Leonardo DiCaprio? - Yes.

So now, he's serving people. This is kind of staged.

(HOW AMAZING)

And you're also very famous.

- Me? - You, yes.

- You're like the Angelina Jolie. - I'm... No.

I'm just, like Jessica Alba, you know?

- So you can call me Alba. - Alba?

YOU CAN JUST CALL ME ALBA

Boys Over Flowers. That's one of my favorites.

Flower?

Boys over Flowers. It's a Korean drama.

Yeah. I will check. Boys And Flower.

THE KOREAN TITLE OF BOYS OVER FLOWERS

WHICH JUHWAN STARRED IN IS?

- Yes! I got it! - Boys... Boys Over Flowers.

- It's a famous one. - Boys Over Flowers.

ANSWER: BOYS OVER FLOWERS

AN UNEXPECTEDLY PLEASANT EVENT

- Find on YouTube. - But see, I don't remember their names.

- Lim Juhwan. - Can you write it down for me?

That's okay. Leonardo DiCaprio, and then the other guy.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

You can put your name down, too.

- My name? - You're beautiful.

Put yours. So I can recognize it.

SHE SEARCHES THE OFFICIAL SPELLING

TO HELP WITH HER SEARCH

- Did you put your name down too? - Yes.

- Which one are you? - It's me.

- Oh, you're the "Kim." - Yep.

There are many Kims.

- Here you are. - But you're lovely.

Thank you.

AND THE BRIEF FAN MEET ENDS

MEANWHILE, ONE CUSTOMER SEEMS TO BE LOOKING

FOR SOMETHING IN THE MARKET

THEN, HE APPROACHES THE RESTAURANT…

Oh? Father!

Oh? Father!

- Is this your father? - What brings you here?

WHO ARE YOU?

Your son.

- Is that you, Son? - Yes.

- Is that you, Son? - Yes.

- He can't see well. - I see.

This must be those famous mackerels.

I don't think it is, sir.

- It's a different brand. - Yeah.

Shall I go check if we sell it?

Your mom said she was craving them.

- Oh, I see. - Have you had lunch?

He's Cha Taehyun.

- He's an actor. - An actor?

Who is this?

- He's a movie actor. - I'm Cha Taehyun.

- Cha... - Cha Taehyun.

- Cha Taehyun? - Yes.

- Do you know me? - Of course I do.

- Yes, that's me. - What was that show...

- 2 Days and 1 Night? - Yes, that's right.

I watched it a lot. You look young.

Really? Is it because I came here?

Ninety-one.

- Wow. - He's 91? Oh, wow.

He stood right up as soon as his father came.

I mean, it can't be helped.

When the father shows up, it's the same for everyone.

- It can't be helped. - He shot right up like, "Father!"

- Did you see? The look on his face? - Oh, I'm sweating.

He was like, "Oh, Father!" And he stood right up.

- I used to go fishing with him a lot. - Oh, you did?

- He doesn't recognize me now. - He can't.

- He doesn't? - No, he doesn't.

- The passage of time is... - Time flies, huh?

- It's a bittersweet feeling. - Yeah.

It's very bittersweet.

SOMETIMES, TIME FLIES TOO QUICKLY

HE'S LOOKING FOR THE MACKERELS HIS WIFE WANTS

These ones are from Japan.

From Norway.

It's not here.

We don't have what you want, sir.

I think this one is the best.

Let's just buy one then.

- It's three plus one. - Let's try them.

Bye-bye.

THE FATHER PREPARES TO PAY FOR THE MACKERELS

Hello.

Oh, hello, sir.

Just one?

Are you buying just this?

He's a film actor, and so is she.

- Hello, sir. - It's $9.

I don't know the young ones.

Oh, thank you.

$9, Father.

- How much? - It's $9.

- Thank you, sir. - Did Mr. Tae Jinah not come?

Pardon?

- Tae Jinah... He didn't? - Oh, he didn't. No.

- I received his first album, you know. - I see.

Mr. Tae Jinah... No, he didn't come.

I'm sorry, sorry

- I'm sorry, sorry - A movie star is here?

- I'm sorry, sorry - Please come this way.

MR. CHA WILL SING FOR YOU IN HIS PLACE…!

- It's Seoku. - Who's this?

- Seoku. - Seoku.

Oh, Seoku?

Please sit down, sir.

- Here's Hantaek. - Hantaek.

Please sit here, sir.

It's me, Hantaek. It's been a while, sir.

- Hantaek? - Yes, have you been well?

- Please have a seat. - Okay.

- Have some freshly squeezed orange juice. - He's giving you orange juice.

- You can put your bag down. - Goodness.

HIS SON AND FRIENDS PREPARE HIM A SEAT

We'll finish up soon.

No, please take your time.

I heard you liked to fish.

You liked to fish?

I love to fish too.

Goodness. There's a huge catch at home right now.

- Is that so? - I see.

I caught two catfish that are this big.

Is that so?

They didn't fit in my basket this big.

Do you usually fish at the ocean over there?

- No, the reservoir. - A reservoir?

- That's why... - I see.

Can you see the float moving, sir?

He watches from up close.

Come to my place if you need anything.

- I'll give you everything. - Yes, sir.

- We have two new bags. - You should give it to your son.

HE'S A GENEROUS SOUL

Wait a minute.

Do you know Dongjin's phone number?

No, I don't. Why do you ask?

I hear Dongjin

opened a bulgogi restaurant.

Yes, in Monterey.

Wow. He knows the latest news.

- In Downtown Monterey. - Yes.

Do you want to go there?

Your mom heard about it and wanted to go there.

I'll get you his number through Yongjin.

He's a neighbor.

He's personally gonna go there for a meal?

- No, Mother is... - In little portions?

She's not in good health.

I've been taking care of her.

- For eight years now. - Goodness.

I'm 90 years of age now.

At times…

- I wonder if I've lived too long. - Oh, what nonsense, sir!

But you seem to be in good health, considering your age.

You seem healthy.

- Well, my body seems to be doing okay. - Indeed.

But my sight is down to 20 percent.

HIS POOR VISION IS BOTHERING HIM

- I can't even recognize my son. - That's why you went like...

Thought you'd go in for a peck at the surprise encounter.

Like, "Oh, Son."

AND YET, HE SEEMS…

He was getting so close that it got me so surprised.

…CHEERY AND IN GOOD HEALTH

My boy is a pious son.

Of course we know. You don't have to tell us.

So you were gonna give him a peck?

TO A 90-YEAR-OLD FATHER,

HE WILL ALWAYS BE HIS LOVING SON…

I'm full now.

I finished all the rice.

LIKE THESE TWO…

And the omelet.

…WHO WILL ALWAYS BE THEIR MOTHER'S DAUGHTERS

I heard these are tasty.

How about this? Do you like these flavors?

(THANK YOU!)

- Bye, Min. - Are you leaving?

Say bye to her.

- Bye, Min. - Goodbye.

Oh, goodbye.

Aren't you cold? It's so cold.

- Did you enjoy the meal? - It was so good.

Hurry up and get in the car.

- Please come again. - It's so windy.

THEIR PRETTY EXCITING LUNCH ENDS JUST LIKE THAT…!

Wow.

ANOTHER DAY FLIES BY!

We just need to make sikhye now.

Then we'll sleep soundly tonight.

- Right? If it works out. - Yes.

Isn't it time to open the lid now?

- No. - Is it not time yet?

- Five hours... - It was 8... No, it was 8:49 a.m.

We have 30 minutes left. Twenty-one to be exact.

EXPERT KYUNGHO'S TIMER IS NOT A MINUTE OFF

- Gee, you're on a timer? - Yes, I set the time.

Well, go get some rest.

I will allow you to "take a rest."

Go easy on yourself today.

You did everything, including yesterday's trip to LA.

EPISODE 13: THE TASTE OF KOREA

- Did it work? - Not yet... Kyungho is…

KYUNGHO BEGAN HIS SIKHYE-MAKING THIS MORNING

REMEMBER THIS…?

These aren't what I've been using,

so I don't know what it'll taste like.

USED ALL THE INGREDIENTS HE BROUGHT FROM LA

5 HOURS HAVE PASSED SINCE IT'S BEEN ON 'KEEP WARM'…

This is important.

The rice grains have to float.

- Is it a failure if it doesn't? Really? - Yes.

NO FLOATING RICE GRAINS… FAIL

Okay.

Oh, it's time.

- Shall we go take a look? - After all that spending, it better float.

HE NERVOUSLY APPROACHES …

- It's that one? - Yes.

It's been about five... Five hours and 20 minutes.

(PARCHED LIPS)

They better be floating.

LOL

ALL EYES ON YOU

- Wait, wait, wait. - The star of this menu is looking...

I EVEN BOUGHT THE RICE COOKER ALL THE WAY FROM LA

I WILL HAVE A BREAKDOWN IF THE RICE GRAINS DON'T FLOAT

PLEASE…

Oh, it's floating!

FLOATY RICE GRAINS~

- Oh, it's floating. - Yeah.

Just one or two is enough. This means it's well-fermented.

We only wanted one or two floaty grains... How many is all that?

- It's floating. - Nice color.

Care to say a word for Ms. Yum Jungah?

- He's crying again. - They're floating, ma'am. I did it.

- What if you really cried now? - They're floating.

Why would I cry?

This is a good thing.

(MR. ZO IS PROUD TOO)

- Now, we need to boil this. - Boil it?

He's like the lead character now because of the sikhye.

He's got us lined up now.

What are you on about suddenly? Stop making me feel pressured.

Du du dun…

SWEATING

Throw this out.

What's this, Kyungho?

It's leftover malt water.

- I'm gonna use this all up. - Ah.

Including this, I'll make 12 liters...

No, it's 12 liters excluding...

Including this...

- What? - Wait, I wrote it down.

What's the matter now?

(MURMURS)

Hey, sikhye master.

- Oh, it's nine liters of water. - That would've been trouble.

Twelve liters would've been off by three.

BEFORE HE STARTS BOILING,

HE POURS IT INTO A BIGGER CONTAINER

STARING INTENTLY…

Why all the stares?

Such pressure. So much.

LOOK HERE

- They look syrupy sweet. - Wow.

- They're kind of like... - Like honey.

HE MOVES IT TO THE KITCHEN TO BOIL IT

OOF

IT'S TIME TO DILUTE THE BASE LIQUID

I need to pour nine liters, one liter per container.

Is this a liter?

- That's a liter? - This is exactly 1,000 ml.

He'll pour one liter.

POURING THE FIRST LITER

I have to repeat this eight times.

Put some here too.

(TO MIX WITH STARCH)

- I'll mix it for you. - Okay.

Can you count for me? Like, "Eight times left."

Yes, eight times.

(PASSES HIM A LITER)

- Okay. - We have seven times left.

(SIX TIMES LEFT)

We have to put that in too.

- We put it in three times so far. - Okay.

HE PUTS THE MALT IN THE CLOTH TO BOIL TOGETHER

CAN YOU GUESS HOW MANY LITERS ARE LEFT…?

Five liters left.

Four liters left.

Three liters left.

HE DOESN'T TRUST HIMSELF

- Two liters left. - Give me what you have down there.

Okay, that's eight.

A TOTAL OF NINE LITERS

HE FOLLOWS THE RECIPE TO THE LAST LITER

Okay, now...

Let's boil it now.

- We're boiling it now? - Yes, for ten minutes.

Oh, boil it for ten minutes?

BOIL FOR 10 MINUTES TO BREAK DOWN THE MALT ENZYME,

WHICH STOPS THE GLYCATION PROCESS

(KIMBAP SMILE)

PRESS, PRESS

PRODUCTION FOR AFTERNOON SALES BEGINS

IT'S ANOTHER PEACEFUL DAY AT THE KIMBAP CORNER

- Is they any kimbap left? - Ah, so sorry.

CUSTOMERS ARE ASKING FOR KIMBAP

Today is sold out.

- Sold out for today? - Yes.

No worries.

PERFECT TIMING: KIMBAP DELIVERY

- Yeah, take some of those. - Surprise!

Surprise!

PROVES HIS QUICK WIT, LOL

- Three rolls are reserved for him. - Oh, okay.

No worries.

(I'M GLAD THERE'S KIMBAP)

- You're welcome. - Have a great day.

Thank you.

- Have a nice day. - You too.

Thank you.

Hello.

Ma'am, your eyebrows are so pretty.

Your eyelashes are so pretty.

- Oh, my eyelashes? - Yes.

I make them pretty, you know.

You're prettier.

I want to put them up like that too.

But it's not easy.

AJOONG CASUALLY KEEPS THE CONVERSATION FLOWING

Do you have pork cutlet here?

- Pork cutlet? - Yes.

- If it's not in the fridge... - Pork cutlet.

I don't think I saw any since I got here.

- Let me ask. - Okay.

DISAPPOINTED…

- I came to buy that though. - Oh, really?

- You should just make pork cutlet. - Oh.

- It's a lot of work. - Is it?

- Buy some pork tenderloin, and just... - Yes.

Coat it with bread crumbs and flour.

- That's it? - Yes, and just fry it.

- Really? - Season it with some pepper and salt.

I'll think about it.

- Thank you. - Thank you. Bye.

Bye.

We don't have enough snacks.

THE SHELVES ARE LOOKING EMPTY

HE MOVES SNACKS FROM THE CORNER TO WHERE THEY CAN BE SEEN

I'm going to get some stuff.

Okay.

Tomorrow,

when we get more products,

we should restock them.

We're running out.

Whoa, that startled me. What is that?

Oh, it was you, Jungah.

I was so startled.

Oh, that scared me.

When did... Who put that there?

WERE YOU SURPRISED?

Geez, what is this?

AFTER HE CALMS DOWN, HE GATHERS SOME SNACKS…

It's a big one.

MEANWHILE, JUHWAN PREPARES THE BEANS THAT CAME FROM LA

BLACK BEANS

HE TEARS THE BAG DOWN THE MIDDLE

THE OTHER HALF ARE SOYBEANS

WASHES THE BEANS WITH COLD WATER

TODAY'S SPECIAL MENU

KONGGUKSU IS BEING PREPARED

THE FIRST STEP IS TO SOAK THE BEANS

AND KYUNGHO CHECKS ON THE SIKHYE

HE TAKES A LADLE

AND HAS A TASTE

WHAT DOES THE BEVERAGE MASTER THINK…?

SATISFIED!

THE SIKHYE TASTES QUITE SATISFYING

All done.

- Wow, what a nice color. - Yes.

Let's put it in the fridge to cool.

Oh, hold on. Like this.

- One, two, three. - Oh, yeah. Good.

I think we can do this for another hour.

Oh, wow. If we sell this...

People will say it's so good and it'll sell out right away.

Right?

Let's put it higher. One shelf up.

THEY STORE THE SIKHYE IN THE FRIDGE FOR NOW

Instead of that, can we use a nice-looking water jug?

I feel like people should be able to see what's in it.

THEY'RE ALSO CONSIDERING AESTHETICS

- The color of the sikhye is a bit dark. - Right.

So rather than a dark container...

- Yes, to look more visually refreshing. - You're right.

(THE COLOR OF THE SIKHYE IS DARK…?)

My days were dark

I missed you more and more

But now

I'm not sad anymore

We'll put everything in here and freeze it.

- Freeze it. - This will be used to serve customers.

The sound of bells at dawn

MAN OF THE ARTS

Unrequited love

MR. ZO PAYS A VISIT OUT OF CONCERN

Are you getting ready?

The kongguksu?

JUHWAN'S FIRST MENU, KONGGUKSU, IS BEING PREPARED…

It needs to soak for another hour.

BUT IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF WORK…

What's for dinner then?

- Kongguksu and... - Kongguksu and daege ramyeon.

So... We'll have spicy noodles and not-spicy noodles.

Break down.

KIMBAP PRODUCTION IN PROGRESS

WITH THE GENIUS OF A FEATURING ARTIST…

MEANWHILE, THE SIKHYE ANALYST…

…HAS A VISITOR

What's wrong?

HE BEGINS TO DISTRIBUTE THE BATCH

TO PUT IN THE FREEZER

I hope Jungah won't be embarrassed after watching this.

I might take out the rice grains for the next batch.

- Just one bottle. Yes. - Shall I try it? Okay, I got it.

HE BRINGS A STRAINER

TO CATCH THE GRAINS OF RICE

That's good.

AND MAKES SOME SIKHYE WITHOUT ANY RICE

Okay.

ALL THEY HAVE TO DO NOW IS FREEZE THE SIKHYE

THE DUO ARE BACK AT THE KIMBAP CORNER

Byungeun was rolling for a while earlier.

But he's gone. Where did he go?

- Did you taste it? - I did.

I did.

Did you freeze it because it tastes okay?

- Well, it should be a bit… - But still.

Before you freeze it, we should...

Okay, master.

Wait a minute, please.

Wait a minute? Okay.

WAIT, I'LL GIVE YOU SOME

All right. You want a taste, huh?

HE POURS WITH CONFIDENCE

HE EVEN PACKAGES IT LIKE A FINISHED PRODUCT

AND HEADS BACK CONFIDENTLY!

Hello, excuse me.

- So you want to taste it? - Yes.

- Did you put it here? - Here.

This is the one with rice.

This one has rice, and this one doesn't.

Then we should try it with the rice.

Okay.

Oh, it... It's not cold yet.

- That's why it's in the freezer… - I see. Okay, then.

Let me stir it up first.

HE STIRS UP THE RICE AND TAKES A SIP

(HE DRINKS THE SIKHYE WITH THE RICE~)

Insung, want to try it?

I'll drink it after Taehyun.

(HOW DOES IT TASTE?)

It tastes really good. Try it.

(INSUNG ALSO TAKES A SIP)

- Can we sell it? - It's good.

Is it okay?

It's good. It tastes the same, right?

- With or without rice, no? - Right. Yes.

Shouldn't we sell it with rice? What do we do with the rice then?

I can give it to them separately if they want it.

I can ask, "Do you want floating rice? Or no rice?"

They should understand, right? That the rice...

Hey, how will locals understand what "floating rice" means?

"Floating rice... In the rice floating."

- What is "floating rice"? - Floating rice.

- You think they won't want it with rice? - Right.

JUHWAN BRINGS OUT THE SOAKED BEANS

HE STARTS TO MAKE THE SPECIAL KONGGUKSU DISH

HE PORTIONS THE BEANS AND PUTS THEM INTO A POT

AND ADDS WATER TO BOIL

NOW, HE STARTS BOILING THE BEANS ON HIGH HEAT

TEN MINUTES LATER…

IT STARTS TO BUBBLE AND BOIL

REMOVE THE FOAM THOROUGHLY…

(ADD A LITTLE BIT OF SALT)

AND TURN OFF THE HEAT

COOL THE COOKED BEANS AND THAT'S IT

STORE THE BEANS IN THE FRIDGE

MEANWHILE, A MOTHER AND SON ARE AT THE MARKET

Thanks, Mom!

THE MOTHER IS LOOKING AROUND FOR SOMETHING

SHE DISCOVERS AN EXFOLIATING GLOVE!

I like chocolate and fried rice so much.

Goodbye.

- Hello. - Oh, hi.

Oh, hi.

(HOW CUTE)

Hello.

How old are you?

How old are you?

- Five. - Five?

- 14.96. - Wow.

My son is five.

- Oh, yeah? - Yeah, five old. Five.

- Thank you so much. - Thank you.

(RAISES HIS HANDS)

Are you okay?

Wow, you're very strong!

- What's your name? - What's your name?

- Roman. - Roman.

It's heavy.

It's so heavy.

Bye.

- Bye. - Bye, Roman.

Bye.

HE PICKS UP THE COOKED NOODLES

AND PUTS THEM INTO COLD WATER

COOLING THE NOODLES WITH ICE GIVES IT A GOOD TEXTURE

AJOONG WRITES THE SPECIAL MENU

KONGGUKSU

MEANWHILE, INSUNG, WHO FEELS SLIGHTLY BETTER NOW,

PREPARES FOR YET ANOTHER DAY OF DINNER SALES…

- Hello. - Hello.

- You're here again. - Kyungho.

Yes, you know my name.

- I missed you. - Oh, thank you.

Nice to meet you again.

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE FRIENDLY WITH HIM…?

Excuse me.

- Sure. - Thank you.

Do you speak Japanese?

- Yes, a little it seems. - I see.

He's Park Inbee's best friend.

What?

- Whoa! When? When? - It's true, it's true.

THE JAPANESE REGULARS FROM BEFORE…!

THE THREE OF THEM CAME TO THE MARKET TOGETHER AGAIN

Natto.

- Natto. - Oh, yeah.

- They must be Japanese. - Yes.

They speak Korean well.

- Good at Korean? - Yes.

- Thank you. - Yes, thank you.

Oh, hello.

- You're quick. - Yes.

YOU'VE GOTTEN FASTER~

I'm better than…

yesterday.

(VERY, VERY QUICK-QUICK, LOL)

- Hello. - Hello.

- Have a seat. - Thank you.

FIRST EVENING CUSTOMERS ENTER

You wanna sit down over there?

- It's a bit cold because of the wind. - Are you cold?

You sit on that side, away from the door.

THE CUSTOMER SPEAKS BOTH KOREAN AND ENGLISH

Thank you for speaking Korean so well.

Thank you for being good at Korean.

YOU'RE WELCOME

We have a special menu item today.

Do you know kongguksu? Kongguksu.

I know kongguksu.

I don't know if she...

- She might not know. - No.

- She never had it before. - She may not like it then.

So there's, like, bean noodles.

Or they've got snow crab spicy noodle ramyeon.

You like crab.

Can you eat spicy food?

- I don't know about the spicy, though. - You don't know?

You want me to order that one, and I'll order the other one,

and if you like the spicy one, you can have the spicy one?

Yeah.

One kongguksu.

- And daege ramyeon? - Yes, one daege ramyeon.

- Don't make the ramyeon too spicy. - Okay.

Rather than not spicy at all, just make it less spicy, right?

RAMYEON GOES ON THE BURNER

TAKES OUT THE BLENDER FOR KONGGUKSU

How are you so good at Korean?

- My mom is Korean. - Oh, your mom is?

Yes.

- My dad is American. - I see.

I lived in Korea for about ten years when I was young.

Where were you?

- Daegu. - Daegu? But you don't have an accent.

SHE HAS THE OLD-SCHOOL SEOUL PEOPLE ACCENT…

I lived in Daegu.

My dad worked at Camp Carroll in Waegwan.

- Camp Carroll? - Camp Carroll in Waegwan?

- He was in the army. - I see.

There's a military base there.

When did you come back to the US?

My dad was a soldier, so we were always...

- You moved a lot because of your dad? - Yes.

When I was young,

I lived in California and Virginia.

- Illinois. - Illinois.

I used to live there too.

- I heard of it. - Only heard of it.

- Yes, I've heard of Illinois. - Yes.

(FROM THE MOVIE PARASITE)

The state of Illinois.

I was born in Korea. In Chuncheon.

- Chuncheon? - Yes.

- Chuncheon. - I feel so much closer to you now.

ASPIRING CHATTERBOX SNEAKS IN

She said "Illinois" then "Chuncheon."

My mom still lives in Chuncheon.

- Really? - Yes.

What's your daughter's name?

Samantha.

- Samantha? - Samantha?

- Samantha is... - She has a Korean name.

- Sena. - Sena?

SAMANTHA KOREAN NAME: SENA

WHILE IT'S GOOD VIBES INSIDE,

THANKS TO THE CUSTOMER FLUENT IN KOREAN…

- Hello. - Hello.

A KIND-LOOKING GENTLEMAN AND A LADY COME IN

- Hello. - Hi.

What would you like?

What would you like?

HE SPEAKS IN KOREAN OUT OF HABIT…

Can I order... Take...

Can I order?

- Can I... - What would you like?

- You need help? - Yes.

We have ramyeon and…

How do I explain kongguksu?

They've got two options.

So kongguksu is kind of like...

It's like a bean-based noodle Korean dish.

It's not spicy and hot.

Daege ramyeon, right, which is the snow crab spicy noodle soup,

they can make it a little less spicy.

- Spicy's fine. Yeah. - Spicy's fine? Okay.

I wanna try.

- It's not as spicy as hot chickens, right? - No.

- Of course not. - Then, okay.

All right, so, it's not like fire chicken hot.

So you should be okay.

- One of each. - One of each?

TABLE 2: KONGGUKSU 1 DAEGE RAMYEON 1

- Yeah. - What's your name again?

- Me? - Yes, I'm sorry, but what was it again?

- Lee Bora. - Bora.

Bora, can you please work for us?

Oh, I'd love that.

I take it y'all are local here to Marina?

- Yeah. I live in Seaside. - Oh, okay.

- Right. - She lives in Carmel Valley.

So let me ask you this,

do you always come here for the kimbap rolls?

Because everybody always comes here for the kimbap rolls.

- I love the rolls. - Yeah.

Do you like them?

- Those were her... - They're a really good deal.

Yeah!

- For $2. - Yeah.

Where else are you gonna eat like that, right? Like…

But, yeah. Korean ramyeon's my favorite.

CUSTOMER'S FAVORITE KOREAN RAMYEON IS BEING PREPARED…

SAMANTHA'S RAMYEON IS PREPARED LESS SPICY

ADDING EGGS!

MEANWHILE, JUHWAN IS PREPARING THE NEW ITEM, KONGGUKSU

WELL-BOILED KOREAN GREEN KERNEL BLACK BEANS AND SOY BEANS

TWO SPOONS OF ROASTED SOYBEAN POWDER

AND ICE TO MAKE IT COOL AND REFRESHING

BLEND IT UNTIL IT BECOMES A THICK SLUSH!

PLACE THE COOKED NOODLES INTO THE BOWL

ADD AN AMPLE AMOUNT OF SOY BLEND

Cucumbers?

- Sure. - That's okay?

ADD SOME SLICED CUCUMBER AS GARNISH

- What? Is it done? - It's done.

A KOREAN SUMMER DELICACY, KONGGUKSU IS DONE…!

MR. ZO'S DAEGE RAMYEON IS DONE IN PERFECT TIMING

This is for Samantha.

- The little girl? - Yes.

- It's hot. - What?

HERE'S YOUR LESS-SPICY RAMYEON

Thank you.

TAKES A LOOK FIRST

- Here you are. - Oh, yes.

- Thank you. - Enjoy.

Salt.

Okay, why don't you try a little bit of the broth

and make sure that it's not too spicy for you.

All right?

It's like hot fudge spicy.

You like it? Yeah? Okay.

THE SPICE IS PERFECT!

You can put a little salt in there if you need to.

WHAT'S THE FIRST IMPRESSION OF JUHWAN'S SPECIAL DISH?

CURIOUSLY

LOOKING

More salt.

You wanna try?

This is pretty plain.

SHE'S FROM DAEGU INDEED, ADDS MORE SALT

Kongguksu doesn't have a dramatic taste, so the reaction is smaller.

- Right. - Yes.

This is cold noodles.

- Cold? - Yeah. They're cold.

Try it.

SPRINKLES SALT LIKE HER MOM

You said you wanted to try Korean food. This is as Korean as it gets.

It's very cold.

Yeah, I told you. It's a cold dish.

They serve it during the summer.

SENA TRIES KONGGUKSU FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

A POSITIVE NOD

- You like it? Yeah? - I do.

I don't like the texture but it tastes good so I'll eat it.

Okay.

Well, that's good. Thank you for trying.

Does that have shells?

How do I get the crab out?

HOW WILL KONGGUKSU DO FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS?

MEANWHILE, AT THE COUNTER

Where did the other man go?

- What? - The cashier from earlier.

- Kyungho? - Something wrong again?

Did he make a mistake?

I think he miscalculated.

- What did he do? - What did he do?

- Kyungho. - I told the owner earlier.

- Why? - A customer from earlier came.

I miscalculated?

Things weren't just adding up right.

I bought two chunks of meat.

- I'm sorry. - Way to show off earlier.

What? What went wrong?

- How could you do this, young man? - I'm sorry.

- What's wrong? - The total's 12 dollars short.

How did this happen?

- You must've missed one. - I'm sorry.

No, it's okay.

- I'm sorry. - It's fine.

You didn't have to come.

Whenever Mr. Kim miscalculates, I always come back.

Does he sometimes make mistakes too?

Yes, he forgets to calculate completely.

- Everyone makes mistakes. - Yeah.

MEANWHILE, IN THE KITCHEN

THE SECOND BOWL OF KONGGUKSU IS ALL READY

JUST NEED TO ADD CUCUMBER SLICES

SHAKY, SHAKY

We should have the cucumbers prepared in advance.

(I'LL TAKE CARE OF IT)

SLICING

FULL OF SLICED CUCUMBER IN A FLASH

MEANWHILE, TABLE 2 GETS THEIR DAEGE RAMYEON

Excellent.

THE KONGGUKSU IS SERVED AS WELL

- Oh, wow. - Wow.

Is your…

What on earth is that?

- That's what the salt is for. - What are the black speckles in there?

Black beans.

Okay. It's black beans. Yeah.

So they ran it through the blender.

I don't know if you saw earlier, they have a...

- They're purely beans. - Oh, okay.

FIRST, SHE TRIES THE CUCUMBERS…

THEN, TAKES A BIG BITE OF 'PURELY BEANS'

RAMYEON LOVER TAKES A BITE TOO!

Is that spicy?

Was it spicy? No, it's not.

But it tastes very tasty.

VERY TASTY

Everything is good?

I've only tried this. This is very, very good.

How is this?

It's good. It's different.

- Yes. - Different, different.

This looks different than any Korean food I've ever seen.

I've never seen anything... A dish that looks like that before.

- A traditional Korean noodle, yes. - Okay.

Ask them how they like the new dish.

We're talking about that.

Okay, okay.

I'm late to the party.

You can put some of the kimchi in the cold bean sprout soup

if you wanna, like, punch it up and jazz it up.

Sometimes folks will do that.

Nice tip.

THANK YOU FOR THE INFO~

And that's what the salt is for too.

MARINA CULTURE CLASSROOM SUMMER KONGGUKSU CLASS

That was kind of a lot of salt.

ADD SALT + KIMCHI TO YOUR LIKING

AN AMERICAN WHO EATS KONGGUKSU THE KOREAN WAY

I don't know how to call this dish.

USING SPOON TO EAT KONGGUKSU?

Would you like a fork?

Am I bad at chopsticks?

That's so funny because Japanese people always tell me I was really good at them.

But I think you're being more honest than them.

IRON CHOPSTICKS + KONGGUKSU IS DIFFICULT FOR KOREANS TOO

It's impossible to look good while eating this dish.

A BIT TRICKY TO EAT…

It has a lot of protein, yeah.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

- It's very nutritious for you, yeah. - Yeah, I know. It seems very nutritious.

What's this dish called again? The mung bean one.

Korean name is kongguksu.

- "Hongsu?" - Kongguksu.

- Kongguksu. - Yeah.

Noodles in cold bean soup.

- Noodles in cold bean soup. Okay. - Yeah.

All right.

HE TAKES A PICTURE OF THE KOREAN MENU BOARD OF CURIOSITIES…

It's nutty, right?

Yes. It is nutty and it's good.

And I can see, like, on a hot day in Korea, why that would be a lovely…

It's, in the Marina, never hot.

ALTHOUGH MARINA IS NEVER HOT…

IT'S A GREAT EXPERIENCE TO HAVE…

But yeah, no. It's different…

I'm glad you're here, Bora.

We launched a new menu item today: sikhye.

- Oh, sikhye? Wow. - Yes.

- That's why... That's right. - My grandma made it when I was young.

- Could you give it a taste? Try it out. - Oh, sure.

Do you guys want to try a traditional homemade Korean...

It's like a rice aperitif.

- I wanna try everything. - Okay.

- Okay. - Are you familiar with makgeolli?

- No, but I would like to try it. - Okay.

I saw it up there.

Well, so sikhye is kind of like that, right?

But it's... People make it at home and sit and ferment it.

It's something my grandma used to make when I was a kid.

Right? Because it's something that you can whip together easily at home.

- Thank you. - Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Could you tell her that I'll chill it when I start selling them.

SENA'S FIRST SIKHYE EVER

- Really? For real? - Oh, Sena likes it too!

Just base rice.

…base rice.

- You're right. It is like Korean horchata. - Oh, that's delicious.

- Really? - Yeah.

Like this to me is really spicy,

so to have my sweet with it is really nice.

If all works out, this might even sell well.

SMILING EAR TO EAR

Visually speaking, having these grains of rice in it…

Does it look unappetizing at all?

It's okay for us, but it's okay for Koreans.

They're asking and making sure that there's no visual turn off.

- Because, sometimes people... - No, no.

- No. No. - No?

They say it's okay.

In California, don't yuck someone else's yum.

Yum?

- This is something delicious to us, right? - Yes, right.

"It smells weird." It's about not saying things like that.

- Oh, I see. - Yeah.

- It's just good manners. - Yes.

- Manners maketh man. - Yes, people's manners.

IT'S THE MINDSET OF A MULTICULTURAL NATION

- I see. - Don't yuck someone…

Bora, you've had this before... Does it remind you of a familiar taste?

- Yes. - It's good?

My grandma always made it…

She'd make sikhye every summer.

We'll have to tell her.

We'll have to tell her so that way she can watch.

AFTER THE TASTING, THIS CUSTOMER STARTS TAKING SNAPS

Excuse me. You reporter?

He is.

A journalist?

- Journalist? - Re... Reporter?

- Yes. - Oh?

So it's the biggest newspaper in this county that we live in.

It's called the Monterey County Weekly.

And I thought it was really interesting.

So that's why I'm here and…

About our show… write.

Yeah, I'm gonna write...

I'm writing about this, what we're doing here.

- About this show? Yeah, great. - Yeah. Yes.

WHISPER-WHISPER

WHAT DID HE SAY THAT GOT HIM LAUGHING LIKE THAT?

Please.

MR. REPORTER~ PLEASE…

- What did he just say? - I got you. I got you.

"A HIT KOREAN REALITY TV SHOW TAKES OVER THE ASIAN MARKET"

"THE SPICY RAMEN WITH SNOW CRAB IS DELICIOUS"

"KONGGUKSU IS… DIFFERENT, THOUGH FUN TO TRY"

DAVID SCHMALZ, STAFF WRITER

Thank you for your help today.

Yes, thank you.

- It was nice meeting you. - Likewise.

Thank you.

My daughter never got to try much Korean food.

SHE WANTED HER DAUGHTER TO GET A CHANCE TO TRY SOME KOREAN FOOD

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Thank you.

Bye, Samantha.

THE LIVELY MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO LEAVE

A GROUP OF CUSTOMERS WHO SEEM LIKE FAMILY ENTERS

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello.

THEY HEAD STRAIGHT TO THE RESTAURANT

- Hello. - Hello.

We spoke on the phone.

On the phone?

The vegetables.

- You came! - Yes.

THE CALL THAT CAME IN ON THEIR FIRST DAY

Are you calling for the vegetable orders?

- I'm Park Youngwon. - Mr. Park.

Four carrots.

It says one scallion.

Or if it's okay with you, sir, you should drop by for a cup of coffee.

You came!

WELCOME, MR. PARK

Glad you came. Have a seat.

MR. PARK CAME HERE WITH HIS FAMILY,

INCLUDING THESE TWO FAMILIAR FACES

I've never had kongguksu before.

- Never tried kongguksu in my life. - Exactly.

- You've never had kongguksu? - Never.

When I was in Ulsan during the summer, your mom used to make them for me.

Then, I'd have them in a bowl this big.

Did he put in sugar or salt?

Dad prefers sugar.

Sometimes sugar, sometimes salt.

Sometimes, I add both of them in.

It tastes best with salt.

How does it taste best with salt?

- Yeah, how? - It gives it a clean flavor.

AJOONG CAREFULLY FILLS IN THEIR WATER CUPS

I'll give you some water.

- Nice to meet you. - Hello, sir.

- You have such a small and pretty face. - Oh, thank you.

- Here. - Thank you.

- Did you order yet? - Three ramyeon and two kongguksu.

Two kongguksu, three ramyeon.

CONFIRMED

AS SOON AS THE ORDER IS UP

THE SOUND OF SOYBEAN SOUP-MAKING FILLS THE SPACE

AND THE RAMYEON POTS ARE PLACED ON THE STOVE

I'LL PREPARE THEM FOR YOU ASAP~

(PEEKING)

Mr. Cha Taehyun has three kids.

- Does he look it, though? - Not at all.

- He looks more like an older brother. - Oh, my.

OLDER BRO NEXT DOOR VIBES…

…basically just got off work…

Compared to when we saw him on Thursday, he looks much more relaxed.

He looks much more at ease.

When we came here on Thursday, he was totally out of sorts.

PAST DAYS OF SUFFERANCE CAUSED BY THE PRICE TAGS…

Sorry, you don't happen to know how much these cost, do you?

I don't know this price.

MR. CHA WAS MENTALLY (?) LOSING IT…

Ask, ask him.

We are working, everyday working.

3 DAYS SINCE THEN

- No holiday. No weekend. - Asian-style.

HE CAN INITIATE SMALL TALK NOW

MR. CHA HAS REGAINED…

Bye-bye.

…HIS HAPPY FACE

- Hi. Hi. - Hi.

BUSINESS HAS SLOWED DOWN

AND HE BEGINS TO CALL SOMEONE

Hello, I'm calling from Asian Market.

So many products have sold out.

HE'S CALLING THE VENDORS

We need to stock up on a couple of things now.

Such as raw makgeolli.

By any chance, you provide stock for the Korean snacks too?

Oh, really?

The snack section is looking pretty empty. I thought you could help us with that.

- Okay, sir. - Yes, thank you.

- Yes, good day. - Thank you.

Goodness… Okay.

AFTER THE ORDER, MR. CHA IS FEELING BETTER NOW

- Hello. - Oh, hello.

- We talked on the phone... - Vegetables.

- Vegetables. - First day.

- Are you JP? - No, not JP.

- I'm Mr. Park. - Mr. Park!

- I'm Mr. Park. - Mr. Park!

Mr. Park, of course.

FORTUNATELY, MR. CHA RECALLS WHO HE IS

Yes, Mr. Park.

Wait, Mr. Park for the veggies... Let's see now.

What are we out of?

ALL HE CAN THINK ABOUT IS INVENTORY

Right? You're right. It can't be helped.

Do you eat cucumbers? For the kongguksu?

You can give me plenty of them.

It tastes better to have its texture.

HERE COMES KONGGUKSU WITH PLENTY OF CUCUMBERS

OUR AMBITIOUS NEW MENU ITEM IS SERVED!

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- You don't get to eat kongguksu here, huh? - No.

- It's not a popular dish. - Exactly.

- Do you make it for them sometimes? - Yes.

- You make them? - Yes.

- She's a chef. - Oh, I see.

We run our own places.

Chef, chef, chef!

Korean, Japanese, Japanese cuisines.

- You do for real? - Yes.

She works at a Chinese place.

What? She's a chef too?

- No, no. - She does the food serving.

Wow, that's amazing.

THE WHOLE FAMILY'S IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

MR. ZO'S DAEGE RAMYEON IS READY TO BE SERVED

Here's your ramyeon. Careful, it's hot.

It's hot.

THEY FIRST TASTE THE SIGNATURE DAEGE RAMYEON DISH

- Is the ramyeon good? - Yes, it's good.

- Wow, it's good. - Okay.

IT CAPTIVATES THE JAPANESE RESTAURANT CHEF TOO

Tastes much better with the rice.

- It's not even salty. - No, it's not.

SHE BLOWS ON THEM AND TAKES A BITE!

MR. ZO'S DAEGE RAMYEON IS ALWAYS HIGHLY SATISFYING

MOVING ON TO THE NEW MENU, IT'S KONGGUKSU TIME

THE KONGGUKSU IS DISAPPEARING FAST

The kongguksu's all right.

- The noodles are good too. - Yes.

- The kongguksu is really good. - For sure.

It tastes clean. It's good.

LET ME TRY THEM TOO!

The kongguksu is good!

- How is the kongguksu? - It's good.

- It's good, yes. - It's good?

What kind of beans are these, honey?

Green kernel black beans mixed with black beans.

That's right. You can tell right away, huh?

She cooks for a living.

Oh, really?

She makes Korean food.

What kind of Korean dish do the non-Korean folks here like best?

- Sundubu. - Very healthy.

They do seem to love sundubu.

These menu items are so hard to find in the US.

MEANWHILE, KYUNGHO IS CALLING SOMEONE

Hello?

It's me, Jungah. Can you talk right now?

I finally got to use your recipe…

SIKHYE TEACHER AND ACTRESS YUM JUNGAH

…and I got others to do a tasting first.

It seems to perfectly fit their taste.

- Oh, I'm so glad. - Yeah.

So, we named it "Jungah sikhye," to honor you and your recipe.

- We even made a sticker for it. - Oh, my.

It's very…

- Kyungho, I'm with Hyesoo right now. - Oh, okay!

- She says she can hear everything. - Oh, hello, Hyesoo.

Good luck, Kyungho! I can hear everything.

- Oh, thank you. - Jungah's sikhye is good.

Thank you, Hyesoo.

Insung is working hard in the kitchen making ramyeon right now.

- Oh, really? - Yes.

- It's Hyesoo. I... It... - Hello, Hyesoo. This is Insung.

I love you, Insung.

I love you too!

Don't you dare lie!

I mean it, Hyesoo.

How are you feeling?

I feel much better now. Don't worry about me.

- Oh, dear. I'll put Jungah back on. - Really?

- Okay, sure. - Hello?

I tasted your recipe today.

- Oh, yeah? - The feedback isn't so bad.

- Really? - Yes.

- All right. Good luck! - Okay, Jungah.

- Okay! - Thank you.

Okay, bye!

- Thank you, Jungah. - Okay. Good luck!

We'll succeed before we go back.

You can do it!

- I got this! Thank you, Jungah. - You can do it!

- Okay. - Bye.

The green onions here are this big.

It's different from Korea. The ones here are used to make broth.

They range in size, and some are this big.

- There's no… middle-sized one. - There's no middle!

The sunlight is strong here, so it grows that big.

Even if you plant the same seeds in Korea,

- it's different. - I see.

Because of the difference in soil and light.

That's why California is a blessed land.

Because agriculture thrives no matter what.

- I see. - But the sunlight is too strong.

WITH EXCEPTIONAL SUNLIGHT AND SOIL

CALIFORNIA HAS THE MOST

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE COUNTRY

AND AT MR. PARK'S FARM

THERE ARE AROUND 15 VARIETIES OF CHILIES,

GREEN ONIONS, EGGPLANTS, ETC.

THEY GROW A LOT OF VEGETABLES COMMONLY USED IN KOREAN CUISINE

AND SUPPLY THEM TO MANY KOREAN MARKETS

- I'll see you on Thursday. - Yes, on Thursday.

Please make a lot of good memories.

Thank you.

Goodness. Thank you.

TODAY'S LAST CUSTOMERS LEAVE WITH WARM WORDS

Thank you.

- Gosh, what a long day. - Great work!

DAY 5 OF SALES IS FINISHED

- Good job. - Great work.

Wow, today…

Ajoong made a big contribution.

I want to make a big contribution, Mr. Cha.

- I hope I can be of help. I feel so bad. - Goodness.

What are you talking about?

THE PART-TIMER FEELS A GREAT SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

THEY EACH RETURN TO THEIR OWN SPOTS TO WRAP UP THE DAY

- I'm going to start closing. - All right.

WHILE MR. CHA IS CLOSING OUT THE REGISTER

THE RESTAURANT STARTS CLEANING UP

WHILE EVERYONE IS BUSY CLEANING…

It says to put the whole bag in.

Don't open it when putting it in the microwave. One minute.

HE PUTS SOMETHING IN THE MICROWAVE…

A KOREAN SNACK TO TAKE HIS MIND OFF A LONG DAY

CHEESE HOPPANG, KIMCHI HOPPANG

It looks delicious.

- Hot. It's hot. - What is it?

- Is that cheese hoppang? - Yeah.

Wow, look at this.

What's that?

- Wow. - Can I try some?

Let's try it.

IT TASTES BEST WHEN YOU SHARE!

- Goodness. - Have some, Ajoong.

- It looks delicious. - Wow.

There's so much cheese.

- Wow, look at this. - Wow.

GIVE IT A TWIRL AND EAT

THE TASTE OF CHEESE FILLS YOUR MOUTH

It's savory and light. How delicious.

- Try it. - It's delicious.

I know, right?

This and some sikhye... It's like a kid's meal.

It's good.

HE LOVES IT!

NEXT IS KIMCHI HOPPANG!

HE BLOWS ON IT AND FINISHES IT IN ONE BITE!

How is it?

- It's good. - Is it good?

- The filling is just right. - It's full and the filling is perfect.

SATISFIED

Juhwan, try this.

It's kimchi hoppang.

THE EMPLOYEES SHARE WITH EACH OTHER

This one's better. Let's put it on the menu.

- It's spicy. - It's good.

We should write that this one is spicy.

But fans will love this one.

This will go well with sikhye.

Wow, it's good.

- The journalist earlier... - Yes?

He said it's the best after eating spicy food.

A GOOD COMBO FOR THE LOCALS TOO

I think we'll do well tomorrow.

- I think the kids will love this. - Exactly.

Shall we have some kongguksu for dinner?

- Sure. I'll boil the noodles then. - Yeah, okay.

JUHWAN IS GETTING READY TO MAKE KONGGUKSU

AND THE MARKET IS QUIET AFTER HOURS

BUT SOME PEOPLE ENTER THE MARKET

Hello.

- Oh, my. Hello. - Hello. We're here.

- Yes? - We came because you're closed.

- Do you remember me? - Yes, yes.

- I came here to eat. - Oh, right.

Welcome.

THEY CAME TO EAT A FEW DAYS AGO

Is this a meeting? Or…

I'm a doctor of Korean Medicine,

- and they're all my patients. - Is that so?

- I brought some snacks. - My goodness.

Are these for us?

- Here's some sashimi. - Oh, my.

- My goodness. - You shouldn't have.

I think you'll like it.

Wow!

- Is it sashimi? - Sashimi?

What is all this?

The owner made these for you.

- Thank you so much. - Please enjoy.

- Thank you for the food. - Thank you, ma'am.

- Thank you. - Of course.

Thank you.

I'm even more nervous now that I'm up close.

I'm not nervous.

THANKS TO THESE CUSTOMERS WHO GIFTED THEM THEIR DINNER…

- Let's hurry up and eat. - If you leave it…

TODAY'S DINNER IS EVEN MORE PLENTIFUL

Wow, look at this.

IT'S A FEAST

- What is this? - Let's have a taste. Wow.

- Thank you for the food, ma'am. - Thank you.

Thank you so much, ma'am.

SURPRISED

THEY CHOOSE WHAT THEY'D LIKE TO EAT FOR TODAY'S DINNER

Have some.

- Hey, did you try it? No? - It... It's gone.

- It's gone. - Go find it then.

- Where did it go? - It's already gone?

I'M SURE THERE WAS SASHIMI BUT IT'S GONE NOW

You know how to make jokes now.

SHE HAS ADJUSTED PERFECTLY IN JUST TWO DAYS

Try the shrimp sashimi.

Wow, I didn't think we'd be having shrimp sashimi in the US.

This must be a good restaurant.

We're getting to eat sashimi here.

The kongguksu was good today.

- It was good. - It's delicious.

- Would you like some kongguksu? - Yes.

Just a little bit before you get too full.

LET'S HAVE SOME KONGGUKSU WHILE WE'RE AT IT

(SHAKE IT WELL)

POUR THE FINELY GROUND BEAN SOUP

FINISH IT BY TOPPING IT OFF WITH SOME REFRESHING CUCUMBER!

DINNER ROUND TWO BEGINS

Here you go.

- Wh... Who will... - I'll eat it.

SLURPING

IT'S THEIR FIRST TIME TRYING JUHWAN'S KONGGUKSU

- Is it seasoned right? - I remember the lyrics.

There's salt, right?

- Yes, do you want some? - Shall I add more?

Do you have sugar too?

Yes, sugar. It's in there.

The customer who came here earlier…

He said he tried it with some salt first, and added sugar after.

Shall I try it too?

- Will it be too salty? - No, that's fine.

It's fine.

SHE STARTS BY ADDING SOME SALT

I think you should add this much.

- Don't hesitate to add a lot. - He's right.

One person asked what the black speckles were.

AJOONG TASTES HOW SALTY IT IS

- Do you want more? - No.

- Should I add sugar? Yes. - Sugar?

One spoonful?

They add a bunch of sugar in kongguksu in Jeonju, right?

When I went out of the city in Korea, they added a whole spoonful of sugar.

Some places eat like that.

- I prefer salt. - Me too.

Me too.

AND AJOONG…

It's so good with sugar.

- Really? - Yes.

SINCE THEN, AJOONG KEPT GOING…

This is really good.

(HER SPOON WON'T STOP)

It's nutty.

You said you'd try it out, but you finished a bowl.

Are you always like this?

- I mean… - Always like this?

You've been like this since yesterday.

- She seasoned it and everything. - I knew it when you didn't recognize me.

This much?

Is this good?

- More than a spoonful and a half. Yes. - One and a half?

THE KITCHEN TEAM TRIES AJOONG'S RECIPE

This one has less salt.

THEY TRY THE SUGARY KONGGUKSU

HOW DOES IT TASTE?

This is what sugar tastes like.

So this is what sugar tastes like.

And this taste has its own unique charm to it.

This is why people add sugar.

Adding salt makes it taste like a proper meal and feels very nutritious.

Adding sugar makes it taste like a snack.

Yes, that's exactly right.

And it sort of hypes you up.

- Really? - Yes. Just try the broth.

The sugary taste fills your mouth at the end.

KYUNGHO TRIES THE BROTH

- I like it. - Right?

It's my first time adding sugar.

I'm so happy that my eyes are going like this.

He's going to sing again.

LOADING…

ALMOND SONG AGAIN

That's enough.

- Okay. - Anyway, good work today.

Tomorrow, we'll have a new main menu item.

It'll be a big day.

We have to make sikhye a success.

There's a lot on your shoulders, Mr. Yoon.

Okay. Good job.

Good job.

GREAT WORK TODAY

Let's go to bed early today.

I'll see you tomorrow.

GOING TO BED AFTER A LONG DAY

Bye, Ajoong.

- Good night. - Bye.

- Get some rest. - See you tomorrow.

- Bye. - Bye. I'll be clocking out.

- Bye. - Bye.

DAY 5 OF SALES ENDS, AND THEY WAIT FOR A NEW TOMORROW

A BRIGHT MORNING OF DAY 6 IN MARINA

Good morning, Marina.

Today,

the sky is beautiful.

The sky is beautiful.

It's beautiful.

WAVING AT THE SAME TIME

Who is it?

- I think it's one of the residents. - One of the residents.

- We greet each other often. - Right.

We just greet the neighbors now.

- We've adjusted now. - Yes.

We even greet each other in cars in the US.

We're proper locals now.

DRIVING THROUGH THE USUAL ROUTE

THEY ARRIVE AT THE MARKET

Thank you.

Let me stretch a bit before I go in.

One, two, three, four.

One, two.

SUDDEN EXERCISE

Are you excited to sell sikhye?

No, I just want to conserve my time as much as I can when making sikhye.

That's what's on my mind.

EMPLOYEES START THEIR DAY AS USUAL

CHECKS SIKHYE THEY CHOSE TO FREEZE

Let's see… Oh, my. It's rock hard.

AFTER TAKING OUT THE ROCK-HARD (?) SIKHYE

LEAVES IT IN ROOM TEMPERATURE TO DEFROST THEM

WHAT'S NEXT?

I need to boil water.

SHALL I PREPARE A NEW BATCH OF SIKHYE?

AT THAT MOMENT, MR. ZO APPROACHES KYUNGHO

- Do you need help? - Yeah.

Boil some water for me.

- Three liters? - Yes, three liters.

I'll prepare the rice in the meantime.

MR. ZO BEGINS TO PREPARE BOILING WATER

KYUNGHO WASHES THE RICE FOR SIKHYE

I guess you don't put too much rice into sikhye.

No, you add more water than rice.

SIKHYE RICE PREPARATIONS COMPLETE IN A FLASH

I'm going...

I'm going a bit faster than yesterday thanks to experience.

POURS CARROTS

BYUNGEUN PREPARES KIMBAP CARROTS FASTER THAN YESTERDAY TOO

Please do it with care.

It's Jungah's name.

APPLYING LABELS ON THE SIKHYE CUPS

KIMBAP RICE IS READY AS WELL

MORNING KIMBAP TEAM MEMBERS ARE EACH DOING THEIR ROLES WELL

20 MINUTES BEFORE OPENING

Hello.

- Hello. - Hello.

A CUSTOMER COMES IN BEFORE THEY'RE OPEN FOR SALES?

HE GOES STRAIGHT WITHOUT HESITATION

What are you looking for?

- I'm here for delivery. - Oh, hello.

Yes, hello.

I called yesterday.

Oh, yes.

Thank you.

- I got here urgently. - Oh, my.

Thank you so much.

DELIVERY ORDERS ARRIVED EARLY IN THE MORNING

ITEMS: KOREAN DRINKS & SNACKS

HE LOOKS EXPERIENCED AT MAKING THE DELIVERIES

THE ITEMS ARE UNLOADED AT THEIR OWN LOCATIONS

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- I'll see you Thursday. - I'm even more...

Goodbye. Thank you.

SENDS OFF THE DELIVERY MAN

WHO FILLED THE MARKET WITH KOREAN ITEMS

Thank goodness.

We were out of stock

You're just in time

WITH ITEMS COMING IN WITH GREAT TIMING, HE HUMS

AND RESTOCKS THE EMPTY SNACK STANDS

MEANWHILE, AT THE KIMBAP CORNER

Is Kyungho listening to music?

- Wow, that guy. - How cool.

- He enjoys this. - Wow.

- You can't beat someone who has fun. - You're right.

DANCING TO THE BEAT

SIKHYE IS ALMOST DONE WHILE HE WAS HAVING FUN

Be careful.

Is this the place?

- Yes, it is, ma'am. - You guys keep up the good work.

Did you catch a cold?

Hey, Taehyun.

How have you been?

(WHAT'S THE NOISE?)

I heard you've been working hard.

Aren't you going to say hello?

I saw you yesterday.

(HAVING FUN)

Where should I put this up?

PUT IT WHERE SIKHYE IS THE MOST VISIBLE

(KYUNGHO, DID YOU MAKE THE SIKHYE WELL?)

We're opening now.

TODAY'S FIRST CUSTOMER ENTERS

- Hello. - Hi.

Do you have kimbap right now?

- We are making. - Oh, okay.

- How many? - Can I get three?

- Three? - Yeah, three.

Wait ten minutes?

- Ten minutes? - Yeah.

Okay, it's fine, yeah. I can wait.

The kimbap looks great.

THE TWO KIMBAP MAKERS WILL MAKE YOU SOME SOON

DOING THEIR BEST TO ROLL KIMBAP TODAY AS USUAL

(KYUNGHO IS IN CHARGE OF WRAPPING)

Did you order kimbap?

WHO ORDERED KIMBAP?

- Thank you. Bye-bye. - Thank you.

SELLS KIMBAP EVEN BEFORE TEN MINUTES PASSED BY

THE PART-TIMER IS ALLOWED TO CLOCK IN AROUND OPENING HOURS

Hello, sir.

- Hey, you're here! - Did you sleep well?

WEARS AN APRON AS SOON AS SHE ARRIVES

Hey, good morning.

- Did you sleep well? Yes. - Did you sleep well?

HEADS TO THE KITCHEN AFTER A SHORT MORNING GREETING

PREPARES RICE CAKES EARLY IN THE MORNING…?

Do you have to prepare now?

I just need to have the rice cakes soaked.

You need to soak it?

Yes.

AJOONG IS ALREADY BUSY PREPARING FOR THE NEW MENU ITEM

MEANWHILE, AT THE COUNTER

We... We make

Korean traditional drink

made from rice.

- Rice. Right. - Name is sikhye.

You know sikhye?

- No, I've never tried that one. - No?

- Okay, can you try? - Yeah.

WE'LL SHOW YOU IF YOU DON'T KNOW

- This... - Hello.

NERVOUS

Sikhye.

What do you call it in Korea?

- Sikhye. - Yeah?

- Sikhye. - Sikhye. Sikhye. Yeah, sikhye.

How many? Two cups?

Two glass?

First sale.

BEFORE HE KNOWS IT, THE SIKHYE SALE BEGINS

This is nerve-racking.

MR. CHA IS ALSO NERVOUS

HE OPENS IT WITH A RACING HEART

HOLD ON I THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG…

ICE CRACKING

FROZEN LIKE A ROCK

DIDN'T THINK ABOUT THE DEFROSTING STEP

Was it too early?

DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO

MR. CHA TRIES TO BUY SOME TIME

She is a famous actress in Korea.

- What's her name? - What?

- What's her name? - Jungah. Yum Jungah.

- What... - What movie?

WHILE MR. CHA BUYS TIME

(OPENS THE THIRD ONE)

FINDS SIKHYE THAT IS DEFROSTED

(WHEW…)

(IT'S READY NOW!!)

- And pay at the counter, please. - Thank you.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Enjoy.

FIRST SALE IS SUCCESSFUL

Sikhye hasn't melted completely yet.

I need to break it with something.

- Let me try... No? - Oh, no, no.

- It's beautiful. - Yeah, well.

- Good. Yeah. - It's good?

Cheers.

Yummy.

- Yeah, that's it. - Sikhye, sikhye. First time.

- This is fresh. - Yeah, okay. Good, good.

- Great. - Let me take this one.

- See you. - Good? Tastes good?

- Very good. Yummy, yummy. - Yeah.

- It's the first time. - Thank you. Bye.

CUSTOMERS KEEP GIVING COMPLIMENTS AS THEY'RE LEAVING

Mr. Yoon, they love it!

That's a relief.

By the way, if Americans like sikhye, I think it'll sell well.

I knew it would sell well.

- You did? When you first tasted it? - Yeah.

I knew it.

The moment I had Jungah's sikhye, I knew I had to sell it.

PROUD

Anyway, the first customers liked it.

I knew people would like it.

MR. CHA IS STOCKING UP THE SHELVES

- Where should I put it? Okay. - By the kimchi corner.

- Hold on. Hold on, Juhwan. - These are for the big fridge, right?

THE NEXT ITEM TO REFILL IS KIMCHI

THEY FIRST STOCK UP ON THE KIMCHI JAR SECTION

Okay.

THE REMAINING KIMCHI

IS TO BE PLACED INSIDE THE BANCHAN FRIDGE

- What is it, kimchi? - Yes.

Kimchi is for sale now.

THE KIMCHI IS STACKED ONE BY ONE

THIS TIME, AJOONG VISITS THE KIMBAP CORNER

WITH SOMETHING IN HER HAND

- What are you doing, Ajoong? - Oh, this?

I'm putting up the sikhye menu.

- You finished writing it up? - Yes.

JUNGAH SIKHYE HOMEMADE $4.99

How do I promote these in English?

The order...

"Order here and pay at the counter." How do I say that?

Then... "Would you like a cup?" How do you say that?

- "Would you like a cup?" - Yes.

Do you want a glass of… sikhye?

- "Do you want a glass of sikhye?" Okay. - Yes.

AJOONG & KYUNGHO'S ENGLISH LESSON CONTINUES

- Do you want a sikhye? - That works.

Do you want a sikhye?

MEANWHILE, AT THE RESTAURANT,

MR. ZO ROLLS UP HIS SLEEVES FIRST THING

AND OFFICIALLY STARTS PREPPING FOR THE LUNCH SALES

FIRST, HE WASHES THE SNOW CRABS FOR THE RAMYEON

THEN, CHOPS UP THE SCALLIONS

(INGREDIENTS PREP DONE)

MEANWHILE, KYUNGHO SEEMS TO BE WORRIED

THAT THE SIKHYE IS FROZEN

What are you gonna do, Mr. Yoon?

How will you melt it?

As of now…

- But it's not like I can… boil it. - That's right.

Just leave it to defrost for today.

I think that will take too long.

I'll try putting hot water below it.

I HOPE IT MELTS BEFORE THE CUSTOMERS START COMING

I HAVE FAITH IN YOU, KYUNGHO…!

- Juhwan. - Yes, do you need help?

- Let's go next door... For some peppers. - Next door?

- Peppers? - Yes.

- I saw them selling them... Yes. - You wanna buy them in advance?

- Just that. - All right.

GOING OVER TO THE NEIGHBORING MARKET TO BUY AN INGREDIENT

- Hello. - Hi.

SHE EXAMINES AND CHOOSES THEM CAREFULLY

How much do you need?

What?

JUHWAN COMES TO HELP AJOONG

Two of each?

SHE MUST NOT LIKE WHAT SHE'S SEEING

- Let's just get the green ones. - Okay.

Let's search for the red ones later, at the grocery store.

- Thank you. Have a good day. - Thank you so much.

- Have a good day. - You too.

THEY PURCHASE GREEN PEPPERS FIRST

WASHES THE PEPPERS SQUEAKY CLEAN

LOOKING AROUND

What do you want?

Where is the knife and cutting board?

This one's for the vegetables.

- Vegetables? - I'm just telling you it's here.

How about you wear gloves, if it's not too uncomfortable?

- Oh, okay. - So you don't hurt yourself.

Juhwan sure is sweet.

JUHWAN TAKES GOOD CARE OF AJOONG EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

SHE CHOPS UP THE PEPPERS THAT SHE JUST BOUGHT

AND SEPARATES THEM INTO SMALL PORTIONS

Is there plastic wrap here, Juhwan?

Right in front of you.

(WHERE…?)

THIS TIME…

Why, what is it?

BYUNGEUN COMES OVER CASUALLY

AND TAKES IT OUT FOR HER

- You know how to use it? - Yes.

SHE SEES THE FLIMSY PLASTIC WRAP

It doesn't stick well, huh?

IF WE'RE TALKING SWEET…

That's not a problem.

…WE CAN'T POSSIBLY LEAVE MR. ZO OUT

Do you perhaps have a scale, Insung?

HE BRINGS OUT WHATEVER SHE NEEDS

Come here, Ajoong.

- This is good. - It is.

SEEMINGLY CARELESS BUT SWEET, MR. ZO OFFERS A SNACK

This is business.

- Excuse me... - Hello.

- Have you seen red beans? - Red beans?

- Yes, red beans in cans. - Red beans?

I don't see them.

MR. CHA GOES ON A SEARCH FOR RED BEANS WITH A CUSTOMER

Something like this?

BUT HE FINDS IT AT ONCE WITHOUT EVER GETTING LOST

Where are the popcorns you use for brewing tea?

Popcorns for tea?

Ma'am, are you talking about drinking tea?

No, I mean, what's that called... Just popcorns!

- What's that called… - Tea?

It's for boiled water... I don't know the word.

- This is all the teas we have. - No, I mean…

- You put it... - It's not ground up or anything.

- Not ground up? - Yes, we put it in boiled water.

It's whole kernels of them... I bought it from here!

Wow, I'm curious what it is.

- Here's barley tea... Oh, there it is! - Things like this?

Yes, that's it.

No, no, right there, next to... Yeah, right there.

- Is this popcorn? - Isn't it? Corns?

Oh, "corns"!

- They're popcorns, no? - Are we talking about the same thing here?

I don't know. I've forgotten a lot now.

TURNS OUT, SHE WAS LOOKING FOR "CORN"!

- Forgive me. - "Popcorns," ma'am?

I don't know Korean well. I came to the States in 1960.

HER KOREAN IS RUSTY

- Popcorn is something else. - It's the same thing! Corns!

So, you were talking about corns, huh?

- This is what you want? - Yes.

- Okay, thank you. - Yes.

You're a good salesman, though.

Goodness, popcorns…

The popcorns.

"POPCORNS" LINGERS…

I know Mr. Kim well. Did he go somewhere?

- He's on vacation. - Oh, I see.

Do you want to try some sikhye, ma'am?

- I haven't had it in a long time. - Right? We made it yesterday.

You sell it?

- How do you... - Yes, starting today.

- Who made it? - I did, ma'am.

- W... We did. - You must try it.

Ma'am, we made sikhye.

It's not on the menu yet, but if you go over there...

Try some sikhye.

I'm sure it's been a while, so please have some sikhye.

THEY LEAVE THE COUNTER MID-CALCULATIONS

We got the rice grains all floaty. Please have a taste.

You can pay here, but I'll...

- Look over here. - You're a great salesman.

Do you know Yum Jungah? She's a Korean actress.

You know her, right?

- Yum Jungah? - Yes, Yum Jungah.

Ms. Yum Jungah taught us the recipe.

- This guy learned it. - She looks like you.

We look alike? Maybe she's my sister?

Yes, this is the sikhye.

We made it yesterday and froze it up.

But it's frozen solid.

- Can we taste a little bit? - Well…

- Just a bit. - Can I taste a little bit?

What do you do here, young man?

Me? I just work over there. At the counter.

Someone told me Cha Taehyun was here, so I asked who he was.

- They just giggled... Well, I don't know. - That would be me.

- I don't know. - That would be me.

- Really? No way. - Yes, Cha Taehyun.

- I'm Cha Taehyun. - It's true.

- No! - It's me.

Is this real?

- Sorry, I didn't know. - No, don't be!

At least you knew my name.

Please have a taste.

MEANWHILE, THE TASTER IS OUT

- Can I... - No, she said she'll have a taste first.

- Are you really Cha Taehyun? - Yeah.

Does it taste familiar?

THESE CUSTOMERS HAVE A SIP TOO

(WILL IT BE TO THEIR LIKING…?)

- Is it good enough? - It's good.

- It's not too sweet. - Right?

- Buy a cup. It's good. - Thank you for this.

- It's so good. - How is it? Is it okay?

- You want one? - Yes, please.

Oh, don't mention it.

IT'S A RATHER SUCCESSFUL SECOND SALE

We'll have three, please.

- Three? Okay. - Yes, take your time.

HE SHAKES IT TO DEFROST THE SIKHYE

I really respect... Even I don't know how to make it.

We just started making sikhye.

- It's good. - Do you like sikhye?

- Very, very good. - Can you deal with this many orders?

I mean, this... It isn't completely defrosted yet.

- Then... - They'll have to wait.

Can you make one more?

- Yes, if she orders... - She did, so hurry up.

Come on, Mr. Yoon!

I managed to attract customers all the way here.

- He's skilled all right. - Goodness, Mr. Yoon.

Goodness, this is fun.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION 100%

THANKFULLY, HE MANAGES TO PREPARE 4 CUPS

Here, I'll give yours first.

- This is for sale, right? - Yes, you can pay up front.

Oh... Oh, my!

- This is for sale, right? - Yes, you can pay up front.

SLIPS

Oh... Oh, my!

SPILLS ALL OVER~

- What's wrong? - I just spilled one.

- Oh, be careful. - Oh, my.

- Just give me two then. - No, no, I will…

But they need to defrost a bit.

Hold... Oh! Hold, please.

HE POURS TO ITS VERY LAST DROP

We're still new to this.

- We don't have cupholders for... Yeah? - That's fine.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

HE PUSHES THROUGH AND MANAGES TO SELL 4 CUPS

This is bad.

THE SIKHYE IS GAINING GOOD REVIEWS,

BUT WILL THIS CONTINUE…?

Do you know sikhye?

Yes, very delicious.

THE CUSTOMERS CONTINUE TO COMPLIMENT

- For your daughter. - Thanks.

AND THE SIKHYE SALES CONTINUE IN FLYING COLORS

- They got sold out so quickly. - Oh, thank you.

I should make batches twice a day.

- Welcome. - Hello.

MEANWHILE, THE BOSS DUO'S ONE-DAY PART-TIMER ARRIVES

- I'm counting on you, Shakira. - Yes, I'll do my best.

- Good to see you again. - Good to see you too!

THE PERFECT INSIDER!

- Only three per one party... - It's only three per person.

THE PERFECT COMMUNICATOR!

It's going smooth with Shakira.

AND THE PERFECT JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES!

Shakira got this solved so quickly.

THANKS TO HER, AJOONG GETS TO FOCUS ON THE NEW MENU ITEM

- Did you write down everything you need? - Yes.

Wait up!

Scallops? Around 15?

I don't think we'll have much time to cook.

RUNNING AROUND, HERE AND THERE

AND BULLDOZES HER WAY TOWARDS THE NEW LAUNCH

- Hey, slow down. - We don't have time.

- Do I cut off the tail? - The tail…

THANKS TO HER SOUS-CHEF

This would've been impossible if I did it alone.

Gee, it's coming out nicely.

THE NEW MENU IS SLOWLY COMING TOGETHER

Ajoong prepared a new menu item. Please give it a try.

ORDERS COME IN FROM THE GET-GO

- Miss Kim Ajoong's launched it today. - Really?

SHOWCASING, THE NEW MENU ITEM!

WILL IT APPEAL TO THE TASTE BUDS OF THE LOCALS TOO…?

Translated by Jisu Park, Tiffany Hwang, Jea Heon Chung