Original subtitles

ASIAN MARKET: ASIA FOODS

UNEXPECTED BUSINESS: IN CALIFORNIA

We have a special menu item today.

Kongguksu.

They're purely beans.

100% OF BEANS BROUGHT IN FROM LA

If it's not seasoned well, the locals will...

JUHWAN'S HEARTFELT KONGGUKSU IS COMPLETE

- Here's your kongguksu. - Thank you.

SPRINKLE SOME SALT

MARINA LOCALS REALLY ENJOY IT

- Oh, wow. - That's good.

The kongguksu is really good.

JUHWAN IS HAPPY

It's been about five hours. Shall we go take a look?

AND THE LONG-AWAITED SIKHYE

AMAZING REACTIONS

- Wow, what a nice color. - It's so delicious.

THANKS TO THE CO-WORKERS' RAVE REVIEWS

I'm nervous.

It's official!

We just started making sikhye.

How many? Two cups?

We'll have three, please.

Sikhye hasn't melted completely yet.

BUT SIKHYE NEEDS TO DEFROST…

WILL HE BE ABLE TO SELL SIKHYE WITHOUT ANY ISSUES…?

- How is it? How's the reaction? - What?

- We're in trouble. - Why?

It won't melt.

Did you put hot water in that?

I did.

But this isn't enough.

I need to get more hot water.

- I'll get it for you. - You have hot water?

MR. ZO HAS FAMILIARIZED HIMSELF WITH THE KITCHEN NOW

THE KITCHEN STOVE WILL HEAT IT UP QUICKLY…

- I'm coming! - Thank you.

HE QUICKLY SAVES KYUNGHO FROM HIS TROUBLES

Insung said he'd pour some hot water.

He'd have to keep bringing hot water over.

POURING!

GLUG, GLUG

Should we just not freeze it?

- No, we have to freeze it. - We do?

Or there's a cold storage. You can store it there.

- The big fridge? - Yeah.

That might be better.

- Right. - Let's do that.

THANKS TO HIS CO-WORKERS' HELP

Okay, okay.

But still.

The warm water melts it quickly.

15 MINUTES LATER

THE SIKHYE IS ALMOST DEFROSTED

JUST THEN, TWO CUSTOMERS ENTER

Excuse me, ma'am.

- Yes? - Do you know sikhye?

Do you know sikhye?

- Sikhye? - Yes.

Korean rice punch.

HE ATTEMPTS TO SELL TO THE LOCALS

This is sikhye.

Yeah, so…

Should I try?

- Yes. - Okay.

Taste.

THE CUSTOMER HAS A TASTE

Yes, very delicious.

Yes.

- That's good. - Good?

- Yes, very good. - Yeah. Okay.

- Two, four? - Two. There.

Two glasses? Okay.

HE SUCCESSFULLY MAKES A SALE TO THE LOCALS!

The flavor is rice?

- Rice. Yes, rice. - Yes. Yeah. It's very good.

- That's really good. - Thank you.

- It's very refreshing. - Yeah. Thank you very much.

- That's nice. - Yeah.

Okay.

- Check at the counter. Yes. - Counter?

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Please enjoy!

Thank you.

- Yeah. Let me try one. I wanna get one. - Yeah.

- For my daughter. - Really?

- She likes different stuff. - Good. Yeah.

IT BEING FROZEN WAS FRUSTRATING

For your daughter.

BUT NOW THAT IT HAS MELTED,

JUNGAH SIKHYE HAS SPREAD ITS WINGS

Thank you very much.

Byungeun, we might need to make this twice a day.

WHILE THEY'RE JOYFUL ABOUT THE SALES OF SIKHYE

What's the point of relaxing? I should just roll some more.

Why don't you sit?

- Me? I prefer standing. Yes. - You feel comfortable?

- It's easier to apply strength. - Is that so?

Everyone has their own style.

Byungeun, I think you can open a kimbap restaurant in Korea.

Me?

You look so relaxed as you're rolling.

I know, right?

Do you want to join me?

- You be the face of our shop. - Shall I, Byungeun?

- Can I have some sesame oil? - Sure.

That's right! Earlier...

- The sikhye. - Yes?

They said you should write "homemade."

- "Homemade?" - Yeah. I hear the locals

pay a higher price if you say it's homemade.

Oh, really?

Agent Ajoong, can you write "hoppang" on the menu later?

That's like an alliteration.

"Agent" and "Ajoong."

- What? - Agent Ajoong aborts.

Goodness.

KYUNGHO ABORTS AFTER SHARING A CORNY JOKE

FROM KIMBAP-MAKING TO INTERPRETING,

EVERYONE IS LOOKING FOR HER

SHE COMES TO WORK ON THE MENU AT MR. CHA'S REQUEST!

Hoppang.

SCRIBBLE, SCRIBBLE

NEW MENU ITEM: SIKHYE + HOPPANG COMBO

(WHERE SHOULD I PUT IT?)

GLANCES

JUHWAN CASUALLY COMES TO HELP OUT

THANK YOU

Okay.

A combo?

EVERYONE WORKS TOGETHER TO PRESENT A NEW MENU ITEM!

We need to get the hoppang ready now.

Ajoong, do you want to put them in?

AGENT AJOONG WILL PUT THE HOPPANG IN

SHE PUTS ON A PAIR OF GLOVES FIRST

Hey, we need to be organized about this. This one is kimchi.

- Kimchi and red beans... - Kimchi and red beans look the same.

IT'S HARD TO DISTINGUISH THE HOPPANGS AT FIRST GLANCE

The top two levels are red beans.

MR. CHA SEPARATES THEM BY RACK

The level below that is kimchi.

HOPPANGS MOVE IN ON EACH LEVEL

One kimchi, one pizza…

one red bean.

I'll take those, please.

One kimchi, one red bean, and one pizza.

YOU'RE TOP OF THE CLASS IN THE HOPPANG DEPARTMENT

Wow. This is great teamwork.

MEANWHILE, SIKHYE PROMO POSTERS ARE BEING PUT UP OUTSIDE

Proceed!

DIY: CUTTING OUT HEARTS USING SCISSORS

You're making hearts. You have skillful hands.

ARTISTIC MAN, JUHWAN, DECORATES WITH HEARTS

- That's a lot of effort. Yeah. - Right?

DRINK A GLASS OF JUNGAH SIKHYE!

Okay, a piece of Yum Jungah's heart.

- Great. - It looks good.

READY TO SHOWCASE YUM JUNGAH'S SWEET RECIPE IN THE US!

This is great! Amazing!

THANK YOU, KYUNGHO & JUHWAN

MEANWHILE, A FAMILIAR FACE HEADS TO THE MARKET

LOOKS AROUND

- Morning. - Hi.

Hi.

She's here!

- She's here. - She's here!

Welcome!

- Hi. Hello. - Welcome.

Thank you.

THIS PERSON MR. ZO IS WELCOMING…

Can you work here for one day?

- Part-timing? - We need a part-timer.

A RANDOM PART-TIMER?

- Okay. - Okay?

From 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

TODAY IS ACTUALLY SIKHYE RELEASE DAY

AND HOPPANG DEBUTING DAY!

AJOONG, USUALLY IN CHARGE OF INTERPRETING AT THE COUNTER…

IS IN CHARGE OF THE DINNER MENU, SO SHE WILL BE VERY BUSY…

- Boss, Shakira's here. - Shakira!

- Shakira. - Hello. Good morning.

- Thank you, Shakira. - No problem.

Yeah.

She's putting on an apron right away?

- We don't have a choice. - Okay.

ONCE YOU PUT THE APRON ON, YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY

We're counting on you, Shakira.

Yes. I'll do my best.

- I'm going to the storage real quick. - What?

- He's looking for some snacks. - Which one? I'll find it.

- It was popular back in the day. - Oh, that snack?

- I'll go. - Oh, you will?

It'll be hard for you to find.

THE BOSS GOES TO THE SECOND FLOOR STORAGE HIMSELF!

VOLUNTEERING TO HELP LOOKING LIKE A HUNGRY BOXER

Oh!

Right!

I'm positive I saw it here somewhere.

What's going on? Why is it so… Whoa.

Hold on. This is... Oh, man.

AH!

This is so annoying!

Why are there so many flavors?

How can you do this to me?

THE BETRAYAL OF AN OLD FRIEND

Oranda, bongbong snack, wangsora…

What's this?

Oh, okay, I got it.

This means the shape of the snack, not the flavor.

Ah, okay. Then it's not you.

It's you! You!

This is it. Wow.

HE ALMOST TOOK ALL THREE BOXES…

Wow, I almost took them all.

THANKS TO HIS KEEN EYE, HE RETURNS QUICKLY

I got the snack.

He got it!

Wow, I…

You found it.

For some reason, I was about to get upset.

THE CONFIDENT MR. CHA

I checked and there were four different kinds.

- Good job finding it. - Wow.

I'm glad we asked them to look.

OF COURSE THE BOSS DELIVERS

- It's on the front. - Okay.

MEANWHILE, A FAMILY ENTERS THE MARKET

Let's go that way.

- Hello. Hello. - Hello.

- Hi. - Hi!

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

SHAKIRA KNOWS THE CUSTOMERS

- We didn't know you work here. - Yeah.

Yeah. I'm part-time today.

We used to know her from...

You're so lit... You're so big now.

You were like a baby when I saw you.

I'M NOT A BABY ANYMORE

- We can sit freely. - The daege ramyeon…

- Yes, yes. - It's quite popular.

So, you have daege ramyeon and kongguksu?

- Yes, yes. - Then I'll try the kongguksu.

So that'll be three mild ramyeons and one kongguksu?

- Yes. - Okay.

Please make it delicious!

Of course.

TODAY'S CHEF JUHWAN AND BYUNGEUN

WHILE THEY BEGIN COOKING DELICIOUS FOOD

BANG!

- Wow, look at this. - Wow.

A CHEERFUL FAMILY ALSO ENTERS THE MARKET…

Hello!

AS EXPECTED, THEY KNOW EACH OTHER TOO

How have you been?

- Please sit. - Gosh.

THE TABLES ARE FULL

Hello.

Hello.

We are serving daege ramyeon and kongguksu today.

THE BOSS WILL BE SERVING TODAY

We also have hoppang.

Wow.

If you want hoppang, we also have sikhye.

MR. ZO STARTS TO PROMOTE THE NEW MENU ITEM

We came up with it yesterday, and we're selling it for the first time today.

- I wanna try them all. - Likewise.

- Can I try them all? One of each? - Of course.

- What flavors do you have? - Red beans, kimchi.

- Yes. - And one is…

- Pizza. - Pizza.

Then one kimchi, one pizza, and two red beans.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

AFTER THEY FINISH ORDERING…

I saw him. I saw him on TV.

Really? Which show?

Really? Which show?

Which one?

You were watching when I came in and I saw him.

Okay.

I came into your room and then that guy's face was there.

So that's when she saw you.

I'M THAT GUY!

HOPPANGS THAT AJOONG PUT IN…

ARE COMING OUT HOT!

Here are your hoppangs.

- This is red beans. - Yes.

Two red bean hoppangs. And these are kimchi and pizza.

- Thank you. - Enjoy.

- Thank you. - Try the red bean one.

TAKES A BITE OF RED BEAN HOPPANG FIRST

- This snack is good. - This one?

It's good.

THIS SNACK IS CALLED HOPPANG

MMM!

I want to try too.

Dad, try mine.

- Reminds me of Korea. - Indeed.

I heard you made kimbap for the church yesterday.

- Yes, that's right. - Yes.

She was at the church.

We had the kimbap.

- It was delicious. - Thank you.

Thank you. She said the kimbap was delicious.

THAT'S GREAT

Here's your sikhye.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

SIKHYE IS HERE!

- Try it. It's good. - It's very sweet.

KIDS TRY SIKHYE FOR THE FIRST TIME

- It's like sweet rice. - Try it.

NODS

SURPRISED

- That's good. - Is it okay?

It's not that sweet.

- It's not sweet, but good. - Yes.

That's the selling point of Yum Jungah's sikhye.

- What is this? - It's pizza.

- It says "Jungah sikhye." - Jungah sikhye. Wow.

WHILE THE NEW MENU ITEM IS OFF TO A GOOD START

- You guys throw a congratulatory party? - Yes.

MR. CHA IS MAKING KIMBAP WHILE HAVING SMALL TALK

They attend classes that are live at an online school.

After they finish school, do they take college entrance exams like Korea?

- Like CSAT? - Yes, SAT.

But different schools require different things.

We do the same like normal people.

(HERE TO COLLECT KIMBAP)

Very good, very good.

SHAKIRA IS IN CHARGE OF THE COUNTER

Doesn't seem like we need this.

Have you done this before?

No. I worked part-time at a café.

The work's more complicated, no?

SHE HAS EXPERIENCE!

It was a drive-through. It was more chaotic.

That right? Drive-through.

So reliable.

HOW RELIABLE!

- Hi. - Hi. How are you?

- Good. How are you? - Good.

Do you think you can do it?

- G. - G?

(HE COACHES HER THOROUGHLY)

- There you go. Good. Yeah. - Okay.

THANKS TO HIM, SHAKIRA RINGS UP IN A FLASH

You're good. Great.

This is her first time. She's doing so well.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

LEARNS QUICKLY LIKE AN EXPERIENCED WORKER

You guys used to have jjajangmyeon.

- Jjajangmyeon? - Yeah. Is there a…

Jajjangmyeon? Jajjangmyeon, not here?

It's jjajang-ramyeon?

- Yeah, yeah, yeah. - Yes.

Here.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. This is the one.

THANK YOU

- Find it? - Yeah, yeah, yeah.

- This is the one I was looking for. - That one is good.

Yeah. It is really good.

So, I heard about the restaurant that just opened up.

Yes, it's new.

He's talking about the new restaurant.

Just week... It's just for this week.

Just this week. Yeah.

Just this week only, unfortunately.

I know.

HIS ENGLISH WAS ALMOST THERE

It'll ask you to insert, tap or swipe.

(LISTENING IN ON NATIVE ENGLISH)

- Do you need a copy of your receipt? - No, no. I'm good.

Awesome, you're all good. He doesn't need a receipt.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Thank you. Have a good day.

- Hi. - Hello.

- How are you? - Doing good. Doing good.

(DOES HE SPEAK KOREAN BY ANY CHANCE?)

- Annyeonghaseyo. - Hello.

Sorry, I'm not much of a Korean speaker. Not so far.

That's okay.

I don't speak English well, too.

That's all right.

Hey. You and I aren't so different after all, you know?

Please, slowly?

Like, you and I aren't so different after all.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

We both believe we're all the same, you know.

- We are here. Yeah. Yeah. - Exactly.

It's destiny.

Okay, 8.97. Thank you.

THE ROMANTIC GUY AT THE COUNTER

- Would you like a bag? - Yes, please.

Thank you so much.

- Thank you. - Thank you very much.

- Have a good one. - Have a good day.

- Thank you. Bye. - Bye.

Have a... Have a good one?

- Have a good one? - Have a good one. Have a good day.

- Good one. - Like one day.

- Have a good one. - Have a good one.

LEARNED A GREETING +1

- You can say, "Have a good day." - "Have a good day."

- Hi. How are you? - Fine. Thank you.

- Just these three? Okay. - Yes.

- Cash today? - Yeah.

Sure. Six dollars.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Thank you. Have a good one. - Thank you. Have a good day.

- Bye. - Goodbye.

How do you say "here you go" in English? When you give them the change.

KYUNGHO TRIES TO LEARN ENGLISH EXPRESSIONS

- Here you go. - Here you go.

"Here you go" means "here it is," right?

I see.

- The money you give them is "change." - "Change."

- "Here's your change." - "Here's your change." I see.

That's how you say it. "Here you go."

I should learn English expressions while I'm here.

- Hi. - Hi.

- $17.45. By card? - Yes.

Okay.

Let me finish with her first.

- She speaks Korean? - She's fluent.

She's working as a part-timer today because she's so good at Korean.

Are her parents Korean?

She learned Korean because she likes Korea so much.

Right? She learned Korean.

TALKING ABOUT ME?

- My grandmother is Korean. - Really?

- Your grandmother is Korean? - Yes.

EMBARRASSED

- I see. - No wonder.

My granddaughter is learning Korean right now.

Yes, since you're Korean.

- She says, "Grandma, Grandma." - "Grandma, Grandma"?

- Thank you. - Thank you.

I'm proud of you.

- Thank you. Goodbye. - Thank you.

- Hi. How are you? - I'm fine, thank you.

THE RAMYEON IS ALMOST DONE

Can I blend?

(LET'S SEE…)

- Okay. - Okay.

PERFECTLY TIMED TO SERVE KONGGUKSU AND RAMYEON TOGETHER

THIS IS WHY ALL DISHES ARE SERVED ALL AT ONCE

Who ordered ramyeon?

- Ramyeon? Here. - Yes.

Daege ramyeon looks really...

- Thank you for the food. - You're welcome.

TAKES A BITE OF STEAMY RAMYEON

THE TASTE MAKES HIM DO THE SHOULDER DANCE

(TAKES A BITE OF KONGGUKSU)

It's good. Do you want to try?

BEGINNING WITH THE FIRST BIT OF NOODLES…

It's good.

HER CHOPSTICKS KEEP MOVING NONSTOP

THIS TIME, SHE GOES IN FOR THE SOYBEAN SOUP

THE NUTTY TASTE IS DRAWING HER IN

KONGGUKSU IS ALMOST GONE

- The kongguksu is so good. - Yes.

- Right? - Yes.

I saw him blend the beans earlier.

It's rich.

- Is the kongguksu okay? - Yes.

- It's so tasty. - It's seasoned well.

For the first time, it's better than my mom's.

It tastes like kongguksu my grandma used to make.

- Really? - It tastes like home. It's so good.

Thank you.

THE TASTE OF HOME IN AMERICA

MEANWHILE, THE RAMYEON IS READY FOR THE NEXT TABLE

It's hot.

- All normal spice levels, right? - Yes.

Who ordered the ramyeon?

Here, here, and here.

Here.

Thank you.

- Wow. - Thank you.

So, what's your story?

Did you plan everything before coming to the US?

Well, it was unexpected for me too.

- Thank you. - It was unexpected?

Well, actually,

I lent some money to someone.

- So, you came to collect money? - No.

That man... That man gave me his store.

- Instead of the money? - Yes.

I see. Wow.

Until then, I was still in Korea with a normal office job.

- So I quit my job. - I see.

- And opened a pizza shop. - A pizza shop?

- Yes. - Wow.

So now, it's been 14 years.

- It's been 14 years? - Yes.

RUNNING HIS UNEXPECTED BUSINESS FOR 14 YEARS NOW

I'll leave you to eat.

- I really wanted some kongguksu. - Oh, great.

It's good.

SONG: "MAIN CHARACTER" BY INSOONI

Wow.

- The broth is really good. - What?

- The broth is super good. - It is?

Then order one more.

It's really good.

Here's your rice.

Thank you.

- Ma'am. - Yes?

Why are you so pretty?

- What's your name? - Kim Yunjin.

Yunjin? You're prettier.

Your earrings are so pretty. They must be macarons.

Yes.

- You're prettier. - You're so pretty. Oh, no.

Thank you.

Isn't this spicy?

- No. - It's not spicy?

Enjoy.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Can we get some hoppangs too?

Sure. What would you like?

We have red beans, pizza, and kimchi.

- Can we get two red bean hoppangs? - Yes.

STEAM RISING UP

Thank you for the food.

- Thank you for the food. - Dig in.

MMM!

HE SPLITS IT INTO HALF AFTER HAVING A TASTE

- Here, Dad. - Okay.

AND GIVES ONE HALF TO DAD

You can eat all of it, if you want.

THE ELDEST DOES THE SAME FOR MOM

I'm fine. You eat up.

So fluffy!

Did you like it, Nathan?

- Yes, he liked it. - Yeah.

Don't they appear in movies and stuff?

Everyone here is famous.

- Wasn't he in The Great Battle? - Mister.

Right, he starred in that movie.

We watched The Great Battle in the theaters here.

- Really? - We saw it at a movie theater in San Jose.

- I was in it, too. - Yes, I know.

So we're fans of both of you.

- I see. - Thank you.

WOW, THEY'RE RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME…

- The film was so great. - Thank you.

Yes.

I really didn't know.

- I only knew about Joseon. - As expected.

- That's right. - But not Goguryeo…

I didn't know.

"Powerful"? I didn't know we used to be so powerful.

Goguryeo was a very powerful kingdom.

- Plus, there was Silla. - Yes.

- Baekje. - Yes, Baekje.

When I saw the film, I was like, "Wow, but how?"

Yeah.

- It was really great. - Thank you.

Hard to express yourself in Korean, huh?

- Well, I was so touched. - But I can feel what he's trying to say.

Language makes up 30% of conversations.

I hear the rest is conveyed through nonverbal factors, such as feeling.

So I just think I should just be proud.

I'm proud to be Korean. The thought just came to mind.

The sheer fact that Korean films are shown alongside other films in the US market…

We're not even talking about Koreatown.

They're showing in movie theaters where not many Koreans frequent.

I honestly think that things are changing little by little.

The fact that Korean films are being shown here.

- It was unimaginable before. - That's right.

Many of our veteran actors came here in an attempt to surpass that threshold.

Only to fail yet again.

The younger actors are loved these days, all thanks to them.

- Everything accumulates. - Without that failure...

Well, nothing can be achieved instantly.

AT THAT VERY MOMENT,

A PARTY OF CUSTOMERS ENTER THE MARKET

Hello, sir.

HUH?

(HI, SHAKIRA?)

Hello, I'm part-timing here today.

- Are you here to eat? I see. - Yes.

They might have to bus the tables first, yes.

I can't believe we ran into you here.

Finally using your Korean skills, huh?

A PART-TIMER WHO KNOWS ALL THE NEIGHBORS

THESE CUSTOMERS ARE DONE JUST IN TIME

- Thank you. Bye. - Come again. Bye.

SO THEY BUS THE TABLES QUICKLY

Have a seat. Come on in, yes.

Goodness.

You're finally here. You finally came, wow.

Exactly, it's been…

- We appreciated the fried chicken. - Don't mention it.

I wanted to drop by for a drink.

- I'm here to buy some kimbap. - Kimbap?

THE FIRST CUSTOMER ON DAY 1

So, we're still quite slow.

- We're making them right now. - Really?

Fried chicken?

WHO ALSO OWNS A KOREAN CHICKEN PLACE

Try it.

- Oh, my. - Thank you, sir.

- The chicken's good. - Eat it while it's warm.

Compared to when I first saw you all...

Compared to your first day, your faces have grown gaunt.

Business is doing so well. Look at the state of them.

EMBARRASSED

So, how about kongguksu?

YOUR ORDER?

I'll have one kongguksu.

- What about you? - I want to try the daege ramyeon.

That's right. One kongguksu and one daege.

1 RAMYEON, 1 KONGGUKSU, 2 SIKHYE

SOUS-CHEF JUHWAN WILL MAKE THE KONGGUKSU

AND HEAD CHEF MR. ZO WILL MAKE THE RAMYEON

WE'LL COOK IT DELICIOUSLY FOR YOU

A lot of the locals here seem to run restaurants.

- We started not so long ago. - Really?

My wife was a math teacher in Korea.

She was a teacher in Daechi-dong.

She taught the high school seniors.

- A teacher in Daechi-dong? - Yes.

THE CREAM OF THE CROP OF TEACHERS…?

But because of me…

SHE CAME HERE BECAUSE OF ME…

So you came here pretty recently?

It's been a while for me.

- You came here when you were 20. - No, 21.

I had an office job in San Jose for 20 years.

I opened my business four years ago.

Or just over three years?

I guess that sounds about right.

Then, exactly how many years ago did you quit your job at Daechi-dong?

It's been about three years since I moved here.

How does that all add up?

- We met through an acquaintance. - Yes.

WIFE - 3 YEARS IN THE US HUSBAND - 30 YEARS IN THE US

- That's how… - So you got married only recently?

- Yes. - I see.

Wow. Aha!

- We know we aren't exactly young. - They think it's a remarriage.

WE'RE STILL IN OUR HONEYMOON PHASE

EVERYTHING MAKES SENSE NOW

So, you were working in Daechi-dong until recently, huh?

I mean, how did a teacher from Daechi-dong…

UNEXPECTED BOSS HERE

- Running a place is no easy feat. - I agree, yes.

- Mr. Yoon. - Yes?

Sikhye… I sold two glasses of sikhye.

I got you your customers.

- You gave it to... I got it. - No, I got you customers.

I TOOK THE ORDER, SO NOW YOU SERVE~

You were looking for the hand sanitizer earlier, right?

Thank you.

Do you have a Korean name, Shakira?

I like "Shakira." Why do you ask?

Well, she calls me "uncle," so…

You don't have one?

- It's Eunhye. - Eunhye? I like that.

Call me whenever, Eunhye!

Okay, yes.

(YES, UNCLE KYUNGHO~)

MEANWHILE, BYUNGEUN AND AJOONG ARE ROLLING KIMBAP

- You're really good at making them thin. - Well, it's a must.

Mr. Kim is all about making thin kimbap.

MARINA'S ORIGINAL SLIM KIMBAP

I try not to pack in too much rice.

Just lay them out sparse they'll clump up once you roll anyway.

That's mainly why I'm able to make thin kimbap.

It's the Southern Gyeonggi style.

Southern Gyeonggi.

BYUNGEUN WAS BORN IN SEOUL

(CHECKING ON AJOONG'S KIMBAP)

You're the plentiful style.

PLENTIFUL

Whoa.

It's a bit thick.

- You need it thinner? - Yes, that would be preferable.

KYUNGHO COMES IN TO GET SOME SIKHYE

If we roll like this together, we could make these for a year.

Don't you think?

Why did I ever come here?

Mr. Yoon, two cups!

- Okay! - Okay!

I also came here because work got busy.

Two cups and we're done.

SIKHYE IS ALMOST GONE

HE FILLS IN THE LAST TWO CUPS OF SIKHYE

I'll give the last one to Eunhye.

- Eunhye? - Yes, Shakira.

UNCLE KYUNGHO TAKES CARE OF EUNHYE, SHAKIRA

- Are we sold out? - Yes, all sold out.

(SIKHYE IS SOLD OUT)

- Wow, that's great. - Yes, wow.

MEANWHILE, THE ORDERS ARE ALSO ALMOST DONE

STEAMING

How are you so tall?

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Shall I give you two plates so you can share?

- Yes, please. - Yes, that'd be great.

HAVE SOME KIMCHI FIRST

Thank you.

ENJOY THE FOOD~

So this is the daege ramyeon.

This has real snow crabs in it.

Gotta try the broth.

It's refreshing.

I can taste the snow crab.

MMM

Eunhye, this is for you.

Thank you.

EUNHYE'S SIKHYE

This is the last cup for today.

- It's very popular. - I see.

- Goodness. - It sold out as soon as it came out.

- Thank you. - No problem. Enjoy.

- Did you make it yourself? - Yes, I did.

Mr. Zo came up with the idea.

- I see. - Yes.

- We followed Jungah's recipe and made it. - Thank you.

- Please enjoy it. - Thank you.

SWEET

I'm sold out.

(THUMBS UP)

- Sold out? - Okay, sold out.

Nice.

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR MORE SIKHYE

Isn't it good?

- How's the kongguksu? Good, huh? - Yes, the soup is rich.

- When you eat this, it... Exactly. - Feels detoxifying, huh?

I'm getting rid of all the alcohol I had yesterday.

HANGOVER CURED WITH KONGGUKSU

- Did you drink a bit last night? - Yes.

Who did you drink with?

(WITH ME)

You two?

Every day.

- I run a restaurant. - Right.

- So, I drink out of habit. - Out of habit.

While we provide meals for others, we end up feeling famished at night.

Me too.

It's called the "laborer's drink."

So having cold beer after work...

- Right. - He gets us.

It's like a weird craving.

You don't need to drink it.

IT'S COMMON AMONG RESTAURANT OWNERS

We just need something.

- Something refreshing. - Yes, refreshing.

Some drink to moisten my parched lips.

Your heart starts to race thinking about it.

Yes, right.

He's already talking our language.

Last year, I opened a Korean restaurant.

My wife had no idea.

She thought she just needed to work the counter.

- That's how we started. - That's why I did it. I didn't know.

HE JUST OPENED A RESTAURANT

I'm not a chef.

I get nervous every time I cook.

It's okay if I'm the one eating it, but if a customer isn't satisfied...

It upsets me.

- I'm like, "Is it okay to... Yes, very!" - It gets you very nervous.

And you know what?

I've never cooked for more than three people.

That's right.

I live alone.

- We never get to cook a large serving. - Never have I, ever.

- It's not like making food for yourself. - Yes, it's different.

THE OWNERS AGREE

This is a restaurant.

It's no joke.

When I hear that it's good, I get really excited.

- Don't you agree? - Yes.

When I hear that it's good, I feel ecstatic.

I had to ask a lot of the customers.

And check their faces.

When I see that it's good, I feel happy.

I can totally relate.

THEY GET TO EXPERIENCE A BRIEF MOMENT OF SADNESS

- Receipt? - Yes, please.

MEANWHILE, AJOONG IS WATCHING THE COUNTER.

- Here you go. Thank you. - Here you are.

What did they... They fixed the road?

HIS ENGLISH IS A LITTLE RUSTY…

- Yes. - For car... Car?

- I'll get that for you. - Thank you.

AJOONG CARRIES HIS STUFF AND HELPS HIM OUT

- Where is your car? - Over there.

Okay.

I have a leg deform.

Just give me. Give me. Just...

HE POINTS TO THE CAR

- I'm sorry. - No.

No worries.

Before owner... Store owner?

Yes, the owner is on a vacation to Grand Canyon. So…

- Real nice. Nice. Very pretty. - So... Yeah.

I come here every morning.

- Really? - Yeah.

PUTTING HIS STUFF IN THE TRUNK…

Thank you very much.

You're welcome.

What's your name?

- My name? - Yes.

- Yes. My name is Ajoong Kim. - Ajoong Kim?

- "AJ." Yeah, Ajoong. - "AJ?"

- Yes. - Thank you very much.

- You're so kind. - Thank you.

- Happy to help. - Yeah. Thank you very much.

- Thank you. - Okay. See you.

I'M GLAD I COULD HELP YOU

Yes. Have a nice day.

MR. ZO COMES OUT AFTER SERVING THE FOOD

MR. LAUNDROMAT

- We'll have kongguksu today, right? - Yes.

- Two bowls of kongguksu. - Just two.

- Okay. - Give me two.

Okay.

COMING OUT FOR SOME FRESH AIR

AND GETTING A KONGGUKSU DELIVERY ORDER IN RETURN

- Juhwan. - Yes?

Next door.

- Next door? - The dry cleaner.

I think he wants to eat kongguksu.

- Yes. - Let's make two and give them to him.

- Two? Okay. - Yes, two.

HE BOILS THE NOODLES AGAIN

HE PREPARES TWO BOWLS

Ajoong, these are for the laundromat.

Okay.

AJOONG TAKES CHARGE OF THE RESTAURANT'S FIRST DELIVERY

Sir, you have a delivery.

How cute.

So adorable.

A PUPPY GREETS AJOONG

He loves it. How adorable.

TOMTOM: 5 MONTHS OLD HE'S CUTE AND LIKES PEOPLE

He's so cute.

- You even offer delivery service. - Yes.

Goodbye. Please enjoy.

- It's our new dish. - Is it new?

Yes, it's very delicious.

- Thank you. - Please enjoy.

Thank you.

SHE RETURNS TO THE MARKET AFTER COMPLETING THE DELIVERY

THEY COULDN'T EAT AT THE RESTAURANT,

BUT WE HOPE THEY ENJOY THE FOOD

LUNCH SALES ARE OVER

- Is it this car? - Yes.

BYUNGEUN AND AJOONG ARE HEADED SOMEWHERE

THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF

THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY FOR AJOONG…!

What do we need to buy? Seafood.

Yeah, it's seafood.

- Cod and cuttlefish. - Cod meat.

Lobster tail.

And shrimp.

And some scallops. That should be enough.

A spicy dish both locals and Koreans can enjoy is tteokbokki.

As well as dakgangjeong and sweet and spicy fried chicken.

So that's how I'm planning to make the gangjeong.

THE NAME ITSELF SOUNDS PROMISING…

It's really good.

- Is it really? - Honestly, it'll make you speechless.

Did you write down everything you need to buy?

Yes.

There are about five kinds of seafood and some vegetables.

You wrote everything down?

HERE WITH THE SEAFOOD EXPERT JUST IN CASE

I didn't want to forget.

THE FIRST DESTINATION IS A SEAFOOD STORE

- The weather is really nice here. - It is.

- It's also windy, the wind speed... - Because of the ocean there.

I know.

The clouds travel really fast.

So in the evening or in the morning, the sea fog suddenly appears.

- That's right. - Yes. It covers this area.

AJOONG ADMIRES THE SCENERY

Even with the sea fog, it's nice.

If it's clear, it's also good.

It's been a while.

What's this all of a sudden?

- What's with the sudden comment? - It's true.

I can't believe we're here in the US. After 20 years.

(HE TAKES IT BACK TO HONGDAE ONCE AGAIN)

I had no idea.

How are the silver earrings I gave you?

Or did you sell them for cheap?

(OF COURSE NOT… LOL)

But you know,

I often talked about you with Insung.

That just shows how close I thought we were without realizing it.

You don't remember me, but I must've been in your head somewhere.

I guess so.

How interesting.

AS THEY REMEMEBER THEIR UNCANNY COINCIDENCE…

This must be it.

THEY APPROACH THE SEAFOOD STORE!

Is this it?

- Wow. - Wow.

- Wow, it's so big. - Wow.

This is on a pier, huh?

It's near the pier.

THE FISH MARKET IS LOCATED ON A PIER WITH A GREAT VIEW

It's so nice.

I just want to lay down a table, have a real beer, and relax.

THE BEACH NEXT TO THE PIER IS BEAUTIFUL

(BUT WE CAN'T RELAX!)

BECAUSE WE'RE HERE TO BUY SEAFOOD TODAY…

It's here.

IT'S HERE

- Let's go see the ocean. - The ocean?

Let's buy our stuff first.

We don't have time.

We're here.

THEY ARRIVE AT THE DESTINATION

AJOONG GETS OUT RIGHT AWAY

AND HEADS STRAIGHT AHEAD

Wait up!

(HURRY UP!)

What? It's a market.

Wow.

THERE'S SEAFOOD RIGHT AWAY

BUT IT LOOKS SMALLER THAN I THOUGHT

WILL THE INGREDIENTS THEY'RE LOOKING FOR BE HERE?

What should we get?

- Cod. - Cod.

It has to be white.

AJOONG ISN'T USED TO RED COD

- Excuse me. It's little red. - Yeah.

But we want white one.

(THAT'S ABOUT IT)

I think this is the color.

NO WHITE-FLESH COD!

- You're going to fry it anyway, right? - Yes.

Then this one too.

Yeah. Three pounds of cod.

Please. Yes.

And…

We need some prawn.

How much you need?

- This. - Yeah.

Around 20.

- Twenty? Okay, 20 of those. - Yes.

- Some scallop. - Okay.

How many... How much do you need?

- Scallops? - Around 15.

SHE QUICKLY BUYS EVERYTHING IN A FLASH

Where's some lobster tail?

Over here.

THE LOBSTER MEAT IS IN THE FREEZER

- Here it is. - Okay.

- Per fish? - How much can I give you?

How many?

- Five. - Five of those?

- Five. - Yeah.

There we go.

Right?

WE JUST NEED THE CUTTLEFISH…

What about this?

- This one's better. - This is good, but…

IT'S FROZEN CUTTLEFISH!

I don't think we have time to defrost this.

Will this thaw faster?

Yeah. Do you have fresh one? Or…

- Just frozen calamari is... - This is frozen.

It'll thaw if we soak it in water.

- I'll do it right away. - Okay.

- It's better than nothing. - That's it.

- Okay. - Okay.

- Is it done? - Yes.

ALL SEAFOOD PURCHASED!

- Thank you so much. - Thank you.

Okay. Thank you. Have a nice day.

Thank you! Bye.

Bye.

Let's go.

Ajoong, this is an EV, so there's a fridge in the trunk.

It's perfect for this.

THE SEAFOOD CAN BE FRESHLY STORED BECAUSE IT'S AN EV!

- Isn't it amazing? - Oh, my.

- Let's put it in here. - Except this one.

- Don't put this in the fridge. - Okay.

We have to thaw this.

Put this in the sun.

SQUID IS PUT TO DEFROST WHILE THE REST GOES IN THE FRIDGE

It's so cold.

Is this for camping and stuff?

You can use it for camping,

and it's great to store cool drinks in the summer.

It's so nice.

What else do we need to buy?

We need to buy bell peppers.

We can just go to a regular supermarket.

All right.

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE MARKET

Hello.

SONG: "SIKHYE" BY AMIN

KYUNGHO CHECKS THE SIKHYE RICE JUST LIKE YESTERDAY

Good.

THE RICE IS FLOATING

Good.

HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO

BECAUSE THE RICE HAS BEEN COOKED SO WELL

Good.

POURS THE SIKHYE INSIDE THE RICE COOKER INTO THE POT

HE COMES TO THE KITCHEN

AND PUTS THE SIKHYE ON THE STOVE

WISHING FOR TOMORROW TO BE AS SUCCESSFUL AS TODAY…

ADDS 1L OF WATER INTO THE POT

NINE TIMES!

HEATS IT RIGHT AWAY!

THE SIKHYE BOILS AFTER 10 MINUTES

It's boiling.

LET'S HOPE FOR ANOTHER SWEET SUCCESS TOMORROW

I want to go hang out.

MEANWHILE, THE GROCERY TEAM ARRIVES AT THE SUPERMARKET

The direction is on your…

GETS OUT OF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY!

Hurry! Hurry!

(SUDDENLY STARTS TO RUN?)

- Wait for me! - We don't have much time.

Why are you running?

Byungeun, the US is a big country.

It takes a lot of time traveling around.

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

It's hot.

(SHE IS ANXIOUS BECAUSE OF THE TIME CONSTRAINT)

What do we need?

- Bell pepper. - Bell peppers?

LOOKS FOR BELL PEPPERS FIRST

Here it is.

Bell peppers. I see green ones.

THANKFULLY, THEY ARE IN THE FRESH AISLE

Pretty ones.

SHE PICKS OUT THE PRETTY RED BELL PEPPERS

Right, milk. Soy milk.

- Soy milk? Who wanted it? - Hold on.

ANOTHER INGREDIENT, MILK

WALKS TOWARD THE EMPLOYEE

Excuse me, sir. Where's dairy section?

- Dairy section? If you go back this way. - Yes.

Go all the way back around and you'll find the milk.

- Thank you so much. - You're welcome.

(WALKS FAST AGAIN)

- Slow down. - Byungeun.

We don't have time.

Wait.

(RUNNING MODE ON!)

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

AJOONG IS BEING CHASED BY TIME

We're not shooting Running Man!

Gosh.

(I GUESS I'LL RUN TOO…)

THANKFULLY FOUND THE DAIRY SECTION!

- Why do you need soy milk? - To get rid of the fishy taste.

With this?

This is small enough, right?

Let's go and pay.

We should hurry back and get ready for dinner.

I'll help you with everything.

- Really? - Yes.

Head northeast.

(HURRY UP AND DRIVE)

Go, go.

SMILES SHYLY

What… What was that?

EMBARRASSED

Go, go.

(HURRY!)

WE HAVE NO TIME!

TIME TO QUICKLY RETURN TO THE MARKET!

- Anything going on these days? - What?

Do you want to get married?

Married?

To be honest, I wish I had that kind of luck.

- Luck? What kind? - Yes.

I feel like you need luck to get married.

- Really? Why is it luck? - Yes, yes.

- To meet your lifelong partner. - I see.

You have that kind of trust that you'll live forever with someone.

It's not easy to have affection and trust at the same time.

- Right. - Yes.

- It's the best-case scenario. - Yes.

Turn right. Then you will reach your destination.

THEY SOON APPROACH MARINA, WHILE CHATTERING AWAY

What should I do?

Should I go straight?

Do you want to go to Vegas?

AN UNEXPECTED AMBUSH

- Just go straight? - Then what?

FLUSTERED

I don't know.

You want to go somewhere, don't you?

Please turn right.

You want to go fishing?

- No. - No?

(HELP ME, MOM…)

Stop that!

Stop pushing that narrative.

- Go straight? - Straight back to the market!

- Let's go get a foot massage in Vegas. - Seriously.

(TURNS HER HEAD AWAY)

We have 0.3 miles left. What do you want to do?

We have to cook, Byungeun.

I WANT TO COOK…

Cooking is important.

(COOKING OVER BYUNGEUN)

Cooking over here

WHAT'S THIS SONG?

Cooking over here

(LITTLE DINO, DOOLY, CONSOLE ME…)

JUST LIKE THAT, THEY ARRIVE AT THE MARKET INSTEAD OF LAS VEGAS!

Okay, we're here.

- I'll get it. - Okay.

GETS OUT WITH THE INGREDIENTS IN HAND

I'll take it.

We need to thaw this more.

Wow.

KEPT FRESH FROM THE SUPERMARKET!

It's still so fresh and cool.

GROCERY SHOPPING DONE IN A FLASH!

EPISODE 14: LADIES TABLE

We have to do this.

AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE, COOKING MODE IS ON

PREPARES THE SHRIMP FIRST

Can you thaw it?

No, don't remove the head.

Is this enough or should I take out more?

I did it like this.

I took out the intestines.

THE FISHING KING CARRIES OUT AJOONG'S REQUESTS

MEANWHILE, MR. ZO IS IN THE KITCHEN

BEGINS TO PREPARE FOR DINNER SALES

ABOUT AN HOUR EARLIER THAN USUAL

MR. LAUNDROMAT BRINGS EMPTY BOWLS

Thank you for the meal.

- Thank you. - Thank you for the food.

Whose recipe is this?

It's Juhwan's.

- Lim Juhwan. - Yes.

- Earlier he blended... - Yes, he blended lots of things.

It's good, right?

- Thank you. - Thank you.

INSUNG PROUDLY BOASTS ABOUT JUHWAN'S COOKING SKILLS

MEANWHILE, JUHWAN THE KONGGUKSU MAKER

You're not making this for dinner, right?

- Right. - I'll remove this then.

Let's put that away.

I started early today.

- I know. - To hand the kitchen over.

MR. ZO APPROACHES THE KIMBAP CORNER

- I'm done. You can use the kitchen. - You are?

Just for you.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

You should've worn gloves.

Just for these. I need to use my nails for this.

The cuttlefish is all defrosted.

STARTS HIS AFTERNOON ROUTINE OF MAKING KIMBAP

THE INGREDIENT PREP IS STILL AN ONGOING PROCESS

You need to marinate the shrimp in soy milk as well.

All the seafood.

KEEP THE INGREDIENTS IN MILK TO REMOVE THE FISHY TASTES

Cuttlefish goes in here too?

There's a smell after it defrosts.

SNIFFS

Ajoong. You have an hour left.

"One hour left."

You need to keep track of time.

DON'T MAKE THE CUSTOMERS WAIT…

(MOVING ON TO THE NEXT STEP)

- Hi. - Hi.

- I came over and I was like, "I know her." - How are you?

- So, yeah. - She's so big.

Good. I haven't seen you guys in so long.

I know. I haven't been...

Do you still work at the nail salon?

I do. Yes.

I think I've seen your mom there. And your sister had a baby too, right?

Yeah. She's right there.

Oh, my gosh. Hi!

- She's walking. - Yeah.

I haven't been there for a really long time.

Mainly my mom and sister go.

Oh, okay.

- This is my cousin. - Hi.

- Hi, nice to meet you. - And her kids.

- Hi. - Hi.

They're so cute. Oh, my God.

(CAUGHT BY HER MOM)

I CAME TO SAY HELLO

Good job!

Thank you.

HER BYE-BYE CALLS FOR A HEART ATTACK

Here you go.

- Thanks so much. - Have a good one.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Thank you. - Bye. Thank you. Good to see you.

Hi. Thank you for waiting. How's it going?

I'll find it.

Find one from here.

From here to here.

- Okay. I got it. - Not this one, though.

Okay.

(GLANCES)

2.29.

- Two and? - 2.29.

- It's 2-2-9? Okay. - Yes.

(GETS THE PRICE TAG READY)

- How much is that one? - 2.19.

- So 2-1-9? - Yeah, this one's $2.19.

THEY'VE PRACTICALLY MASTERED ALL THE MAIN TASKS AT THE MARKET

THE REMAINS AFTER AN INTENSE RESTOCK…

ARE CLEANED UP IMMEDIATELY

Can you… Can you put these on here?

(LIKE THIS)

Okay, thank you.

WHOA

Like, so tell us the difference from this…

Almost similar.

Red ginseng.

MR. CHA NOTICES A DIFFERENCE

- Red ginseng. - Red ginseng?

Original ginseng.

- Oh, okay. - Korean name is "hongsam."

"Insam," okay.

- Your choice! Choice! - Thank you very much.

Yo.

WHILE MR. CHA IS BUSTLING ABOUT

MR. ZO GUARDS THE KITCHEN IN SILENCE

FOCUSED

- Hello? - Oh, yes?

Hello.

Could I have some napa cabbage kimchi?

(OF COURSE)

Yes.

Okay.

- Oh, thank you so much. - Thank you.

BACK TO MAKING KIMBAP…

- Is this the last one? - Yes.

I think we can stop here today.

- Okay. - Okay.

- I think we can stop now. - Yes, this is the last one.

THE KIMBAP THAT MR. ZO ROLLED WITH CARE

(GETS SCOOPED UP BY MR. CHA~)

Last batch.

(IT'S A 2-DOLLAR GIFT FROM THE BOSS DUO)

Okay, all done.

- Thank you. - Last batch of the day.

BEEP-

Oh, the hoppang must need water.

Emergency! Emergency!

Emergency!

HOPPANG MACHINE WATER REFILLED

(BEEPING STOPS)

WHILE THE BOSS DUO IS BUSY…

A BEAUTIFUL ROOKIE CHEF HAS DOMINATED THE KITCHEN

LET THE CHOPPING BEGIN

THE FIRST TO BE CUT ARE THE PEPPERS SHE'D BOUGHT

By any chance, do you know how to cut squash, Juhwan?

I do.

- Can you cut them in half for me? - Okay.

REINFORCEMENT INCOMING

SWISH

Cut them in half.

HE HALVES THE HARD SQUASH IN ONE GO

How should I cut them?

Put them like this.

- Slice them into half-moon shapes, okay. - Longer pieces, okay.

WHILE JUHWAN SLICES THE SQUASH

I'll heat this up first.

AJOONG HEATS UP THE SAUCE SHE MADE THIS MORNING

Where was the scale again?

(SEASONED FLOUR)

(STARCH POWDER)

SHE WEIGHS EVERYTHING PRECISELY TO MAKE THE PERFECT BATTER

Thirty minutes left.

HUMAN ALARM SAYS "30 MINUTES LEFT"

- Keep an eye on that so it doesn't burn. - Okay.

ADDING SOME ICE TO GIVE THE DOUGH A CHEWY TEXTURE

STIR TO THE LEFT

AND STIR TO THE RIGHT

(CASUALLY TAKES THE MIX)

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

I need seafood.

SHE LEAVES IT TO THEM WHILE SHE GO GETS SEAFOOD

BYUNGEUN IS FILLETING THE FISH

How am I supposed to fillet it with all these bones?

THE FISH IS ALMOST PREPARED!

That's right. It's important to drain the fish.

- What? - It's key to get the moisture out.

- Of course. - Yes.

- Since they're gonna be fried. - Exactly.

PREPARE THE CLEAN FILLET OF FISH

PRESS TO DRAIN IT DRY

- They're gonna be fried, right? - Yes.

(DON'T FORGET THE LOBSTER)

TAKING THE SEAFOOD…

- All right. - Take this too.

…THAT HAS BEEN PREPPED

(MOVES EFFICIENTLY)

(COMES STRAIGHT BACK)

AND BEGINS TO DICE THEM IMMEDIATELY

INTO CHEWABLE BITE-SIZED PIECES

SHE IS CALMLY TAKING IT STEP BY STEP

You work here, right?

Yes, I'm the boss.

- Oh, are you? - Yes.

(SEEMS LIKE HE'S LOOKING FOR SOMETHING)

- The actor… - Me?

- Who? - Han Hyojoo?

Han Hyojoo? Go back home.

- She was the one here last week? - Yes, yes.

THIS CUSTOMER CAME BACK FOR THE ITEM HE COULDN'T BUY BEFORE

- Today is Kim… - I get it now.

- Today is Kim Ajoong. - Oh, Kim Ajoong.

Kim Ajoong... Hey, Ajoong!

- That's her? - This gentleman likes Korean snacks.

(I'M AJOONG)

INTRODUCING THE GENTLEMAN WHO LOVES K-SNACKS

Always, I always like them.

You speak Korean so well.

I know.

By the way, on TV... When will this air on TV?

Oh, let's see, on TV…

- It will be on TV in… October! - October!

October? Oh, that's far off.

Okay, good day.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

What's your name, Mr. K-biscuit?

I forgot to ask your name.

- Curtis. - Curtis? Oh, Curtis.

I should start calling him by his name: Curtis.

Oh, you're so fluent!

- I'm only a smidgen fluent. - Oh, is that so?

- Nice to meet you. - Yes, likewise.

- Goodbye. - Yes, goodbye, Curtis.

MR. K-BISCUIT'S REVISIT WAS CHEERFUL AS EVER

MEANWHILE AT THE KITCHEN, THEY'RE ALMOST READY

JUST COATING STARCH POWDER ONTO SEAFOOD

- This too thin? - No, you can go thinner.

- Oh, really? Oh, yeah? - It can be thinner.

We need to coat these with the batter anyway.

It's better if it's thinner, actually.

- Just a thin coat, huh? - That's right.

FRYING TIP: COATING STARCH POWDER

HELPS THE BATTER TO STICK BETTER AND PREVENTS IT FROM COMING OFF

Gee, it's coming out nicely.

It's a masterpiece, look.

You don't look tired today, Byungeun.

I'm more dynamic today.

- This early in the morning? - I'm cracking up.

- Let's get frying first. - Okay, let's do this.

NOW LET'S FRY!

- Thicker? - I think this looks good.

Shall we do this?

- You're frying it beforehand? - I'll first fry it.

When the order comes in, I'll re-fry, stir-fry, then serve.

SONG: "WHEN YOU GO TO NASUNG" BY DAESUNG

PLONK-PLONK

SHE PLONKS IN THE COATED SEAFOOD ONE BY ONE

WAITS UNTIL THEY ARE COOKED

(AND PULLS OUT WHATEVER FLOATS)

FIRST FRY, ALL DONE

- It looks tasty. - For sure.

(INCLUDING THE SHRIMP)

OOF

POURING OUT THE FRESHLY FRIED FRITTERS

(LOOKING TASTY ALREADY)

They're all fried.

- Good, good. - All done.

AJOONG CONDUCTS THE NERVE-RACKING TASTE TEST HERSELF

The fishy taste is gone.

- What? - We got rid of the fishy taste.

- It's gone? - Yes.

(GOOD JOB)

Are you ready? Yeah.

Yes, I can do!

INSUNG POLISHES AND SHINES AJOONG'S DEBUT COUNTER…

JUHWAN DOES THE HONOR OF REVEALING…

We're ready.

…THE NEW MENU ITEM

SEE YOU IN A BIT, SEAFOOD TTEOKGANGJEONG

Do you happen to have any seaweed rice?

- Ki... Kimbap is gone today. - No more?

We're all sold out.

I was here, like, two days ago and specifically asking for seaweed rice,

you guys didn't have it.

And you still don't have it.

Sorry.

You don't have it?

- No, we don't. - Ask him if he always comes at this time.

Yeah, everybody... There was a rush.

Okay.

- I always come around this time. - Really?

How many rolls do you usually look for?

- Four to five rolls. - Four to five?

I feel so sorry, though. Let me take one last look.

KYUNGHO GIVES IT ONE LAST TRY

- We can't make more kimbap, right? - We're done. It's all sold out.

This customer couldn't buy some when he came by two days ago at this hour.

He says he's hungry.

- He's disappointed to see them gone again. - If so…

Tell him to take a look around.

- Really? Okay. - I'll be quick.

Then, sir...

- If it's okay with you... - Yes.

- Can you give us four to five minutes? - Sure.

- We'll make it for you now. - Oh, okay.

- Please look around for a bit. - Sure.

KIMBAP FACTORY IS BACK ON

(I CAME TO HELP)

- That gentleman must've… - Yes.

He said he was on a fool's errand twice.

I see.

FOR SOME REASON, IT FEELS LIKE HIS FOOL'S ERRAND

WAS BECAUSE OF OUR LACK OF EXPERIENCE

BUT WE'LL SPEED THINGS UP SO THAT YOU CAN GO HOME WITH SOME

- How many? Three? - Four.

- Four? Should we give him four or five? - Let's give him five.

- Five... So I'll finish this one up. - Okay.

- You give them to him. - Okay.

Some customers seem to come around this hour, huh?

That's right.

HE PRESSES ON THE LAST KIMBAP WITH CARE

- Exactly five rolls. - Yes.

(TAKE THAT)

KYUNGHO TAKES THE WRAPPED ONES AND HEADS TO THE CUSTOMER

- Sir. - Oh, yes. Thank you.

We were rushing, so they might not be pristine.

- That's okay. - Yeah.

Ten dollars.

- There you go. Thank you. - Thanks very much. Appreciate it.

- Thank you. Goodbye. - Thank you.

Welcome. Hello.

CURRENT TIME: 06:00 P.M.

- We're open for business. - Okay.

CUSTOMERS ARRIVE AT THE START OF DINNER SALES

Hello.

- Hello. - Nice to meet you.

- Hello. - Hello.

Hello.

Hello.

WOW, IT'S KIM AJOONG!!!

- Ajoong prepared a special dish today. - I see.

Seafood… tteokgangjeong.

AJOONG'S SPECIAL MENU: SEAFOOD TTEOKGANGJEONG

Fried seafood.

FRIED SEAFOOD

Fried seafood.

(THE PERSON IN CHARGE IS NERVOUS)

Honestly, there are many kinds of fried seafood.

- But to make ours more special, it's deep. - Deep?

- Yes, deep. - Oh, deep-fried.

- Oh, deep-fried? - Yes. Deep.

I like deep-fried.

SHE'S MOVED BY HIS DEEP (?) SUPPORT

If we get two ramyeons and one seafood tteokgangjeong…

I'll get you plates so you can share.

- Okay. - Thank you.

Two daege ramyeons and one seafood tteokgangjeong.

Tteokgangjeong? Okay.

AJOONG CAREFULLY STARTS TO MAKE THE FIRST SEAFOOD TTEOKGANGJEONG

SHE ADDS SHRIMP, SCALLOPS, LOBSTER, CUTTLEFISH, AND COD

AND PUTS IT BACK IN DEEP INTO THE DEEP FRYER

MEANWHILE, SHE ADDS A SPOONFUL OF MINCED GARLIC TO THE PAN

- You making garlic oil? - Yes.

Wow.

You're a professional. You're a pro!

AS SHE WAITS FOR THE PAN TO HEAT UP

SHE QUICKLY TAKES THE SEAFOOD OUT

WHILE THE OIL IS BEING DRAINED

SHE PICKS A VARIETY OF RICE CAKES

AND VEGETABLES FOR THE TTEOKGANGJEONG

SHE DUMPS THEM IN THE GARLIC OIL RIGHT AWAY

AFTER STIR-FRYING THE VEGETABLES UNTIL THEY TURN GOLDEN BROWN

ADD THE DEEP-FRIED SEAFOOD

ADD ONE AND A HALF TABLESPOONS OF THE HOMEMADE SAUCE

AND STIR-FRY TO INFUSE THE FLAVOR OF THE SAUCE!

HERE'S HER PAN-FLIP MOVE

SHAKE IT

You're like a Chinese cuisine chef.

BEEP, BEEP

MEANWHILE, DAEGE RAMYEON IS READY

The ramyeon is all ready.

Oh, the ramyeon looked so good, even as I was making it.

I'm holding back because I want to eat it.

EXCITED

- Are we the first dinner customers? - Yes.

- This is so nice. - I know, right?

- Thank you for the food! - Enjoy.

I'll pour some broth for you.

Okay.

THEY PUT THEIR CONVERSATION ON HOLD

AND START TO EAT DAEGE RAMYEON

The noodles are really chewy.

How do you make noodles like this?

Bounce it in the air.

Like this?

AJOONG'S NEW MENU ITEM IS READY TOO

Wow, that looks delicious. Great work!

Done. It's all ready.

LASTLY, SHE SPRINKLES SOME SESAME SEEDS

It looks delicious.

Here you go. Miss Kim Ajoong's launched it today.

- Thank you. - Thank you for the food.

Please enjoy.

NERVOUS

I'm really curious about the seafood tteokgangjeong.

HOW WILL IT TASTE…?

Oh, it's very good.

- Oh, really? - The tteokgangjeong... Yes.

- Thank you. - We bought them at the beach.

It's so good.

THE FIRST REACTION TO AJOONG'S NEW DISH IS GREAT

Soyun will like this.

There are lobsters there, so look for them. And shrimps.

Let's look for lobster.

Let's look for lobster.

THEY OFFICIALLY BEGIN THEIR SEAFOOD TTEOKGANGJEONG MUKBANG

It's so delicious.

SHE TAKES A BITE OF THE DEEP-FRIED COD MEAT

It's really good. You need to promote this.

I think it'll be a hit.

- Hey, Ajoong. - Yes?

She thinks it'll be a hit.

Thank you.

This is exactly what locals would love. How did you know?

Right?

You can walk tall now.

I'M SO HAPPY

Is it a little spicy?

I can't be sure about the spice level, but it should be sweet like this.

- Sweet and spicy. - Like this.

- This is just our type. - Thank you.

IT'S PERFECT FOR LOCALS!

Congratulations.

A SUCCESSFUL DEBUT OF THE NEW MENU ITEM

Hello.

MEANWHILE, AT THE MARKET…

Hello.

My friend. Salsa?

- Salsa? - Oh, not the boss.

- I'm just employee. - But you have salsa?

The owner... The real owner is on the vacation.

- Yeah, and... - No, no. Salsa.

- The boss? - Salsa.

- Salsa. - I'm sorry.

HE SEES HIS HAND GESTURE AND UNDERSTANDS

"Sajang" in Korean is owner.

Sajang.

Say it. "Sajang," it means…

"Sajang," it means…

Yes, salsa is here in the first aisle.

- Oh, "owner"? - Hot sauce.

- Hot sauce? - Yeah, hot sauce.

HE SUDDENLY FEELS EMBARRASSED

Oh, yeah. Okay.

Hot sauce? Okay.

Here. It most spicy.

- Do you have noodles? - Noodles?

This noodle.

Yeah. This line.

(LET'S SEE…)

Okay, here.

- Got a spicy one right here. - Okay.

- I got this one before. - Yeah.

It's very spicy.

- It's a spicy flavor. - You like spicy?

- Really good flavor. - Wow. Really?

This is most spicy.

- That one's more spicy? Okay. - Yeah.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

OKAY, LET'S DO IT!

He loves spicy food.

HE'S SERIOUS ABOUT HIS SPICE

I want to tell him he's a sang namja.

Do you know that word?

Like a cool and strong man.

- He said you're like a strong man. - Yeah.

- Thank you so much. I appreciate it. - Yeah.

I don't see it in myself, but other people see it in me.

That's usually how it works.

I understand. People who look like us are always misunderstood.

- Me too. Actor in Korea. Yeah, yeah. - Oh?

- Thank you so much. - Thank you.

- All right. - Yeah.

Do I smile for the camera?

Oh, yeah.

THEN ALLOW ME TO POSE, LOL

Have a good one. What's your name?

- My name is Gabrio. - Gabri... Gabrio?

- Yes. - Yes. Bye, Gabrio.

A FUNNY ENCOUNTER WITH "GABRIO" WHO WAS LOOKING FOR "SAJANG"

A CHARMING COUPLE WALKS INTO THE MARKET

THEY HEAD TO THE RESTAURANT

Have a seat, please.

HE MUST TAKE THEIR ORDER NOW…

Do you speak Korean?

- No. - No?

Okay, okay. Okay!

Okay, $13.17.

SHAKIRA IS BUSY AT THE COUNTER

AND AJOONG IS BUSY WITH HER NEW MENU ITEM…

Help me out here, A.J.

How are you all doing this evening?

- Very well, and you? - Good.

Today's menu is gonna be basically a spicy seafood,

and then there's like a deep-fried seafood dish that they have as well.

So over here we're gonna go with one of the spicy ramyeon dishes

and then we're gonna go with the seafood dish for you.

- Sounds good? - Yeah, sounds great.

One seafood and one daege ramyeon?

- Yes. - Okay. Thank you, A.J.

(HMM…)

- Nice restaurant, huh? - Yeah.

See, they connected the grocery store with the restaurant.

Yeah. Because it went up really quick.

So it must have been an amazing architect.

- Hi. - Hi.

How are you?

- I love your hair. It's so cute. - Thank you.

Thank you.

That is such a cute hairdo.

You know I'm old. I'm much…

I had no business wearing my hair like that,

but it's so cute.

Hey, live it up, live it up.

- It's a trend, you know? - Yeah.

So are you folks from around here?

- Yes we are. - Yeah?

He was the mayor here.

He was the mayor here.

- Really? Oh, that's so cool. - Yeah.

- For two terms. - So cool. That's awesome.

Have you heard of hobbang by any chance?

In Korea, we eat it in the winter.

Could you ask if they would like to have some as an appetizer?

Would you like to try a Korean steamed bread?

- It has sweet red bean on the inside. - Oh, absolutely.

- Absolutely. - Usually it's something that…

Okay, so we have kimchi, red beans, and pizza.

- I want red bean. - Red bean?

- Yes. - I'll try the kimchi ramyeon.

Kimchi can be a bit spicy.

- I like spicy. - Okay.

One kimchi, one red bean.

- Yes. - Got it.

AJOONG PULLS OUT THE HOPPANG CAREFULLY

HERE'S YOUR HOPPANG

WARM AND STEAMY

I guess we'll serve it like this.

HE PROVIDES THE LOCALS WITH A KNIFE AND FORK TOO!

- All right, thank you. - Thank you.

Enjoy.

This is so good.

FORKS & KNIVES - X

THIS CUSTOMER IS HOLDING THEM IN HER HANDS

AND ENJOYING THEM PROPERLY

So good. It's so good.

Very good.

It's like there's a…

A TASTE OF HOPPANG GIVES YOU THE RHYTHM!

PLEASED

In Korea, in winter,

you buy one and split it in half and share it with one another.

Tell them it's food that melts your heart on a cold day.

Mac and cheese…

Like stew, casserole.

Yeah, we do. Ah, stew.

- It does. - Yeah, it's a comfort food.

- We have food like that here too. - Yeah.

MEANWHILE, IN THE KITCHEN,

AJOONG'S NEW MENU ITEM IS COOKING AWAY

SHAKEY-SHAKEY LIKE A PRO

CAREFULLY PLATE IT ONTO A DISH

THE SWEET AND SPICY SEAFOOD TTEOKGANGJEONG IS FINISHED

THIS TIME, AJOONG SERVES THEM UP HERSELF

Oh, you'll be serving it yourself?

This is deep-fried seafood and...

Is it spicy?

Yeah, it's a little spicy.

But not that spicy. Sweet and spicy.

- Yes. Try it. - Thank you.

HOW WILL IT TASTE TO A NON-KOREAN'S PALATE…?

MR. ZO IS FEELING NERVOUS TOO

Try it.

Oh, my God.

It's too spicy for me.

Is it?

- Try this. Try that. - I can't. It's okay.

- The onion? - Yeah.

This is pretty good.

Do you like... Is it good? Is it too spicy?

- It's too spicy for me but that's okay. - Too spicy?

Good for me.

- I can eat the roll, the roll is fine. - Are you sure?

- It's good for me. - I'm good.

EATING

AND EATING

THE EX-MAYOR HAS FALLEN DEEPLY

FOR THE SEAFOOD TTEOKGANGJEONG

I think it's good.

THE TASTY MEAL HAS BEEN HAD

SO PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO PRESS "LIKE"!

(THANK YOU)

LET ME TAKE ANOTHER YUMMY BITE

Good?

Excuse me.

Here's your spicy crab ramyeon.

Oh, yeah. Absolutely.

Spicy, spicy.

TAKES A MOUTHFUL OF DAEGE RAMYEON

SATISFIED

THE WIFE MUSTERS HER COURAGE AND GOES IN FOR A BITE

That's too spicy, I can't eat it.

RAMYEON'S TOO SPICY TOO

SHE TRIES TO CLEANSE HER PALATE WITH FIZZY DRINK

MR. ZO HAD BEEN OBSERVING THEM FOR A WHILE

Then…

I'll try to find a better drink than soda.

Because usually the fizziness from the soda is just gonna make it linger.

But he's gonna go find something.

I didn't even know that.

- I'm no fun. - What?

I said, I'm no fun.

- Why? - Because I can't eat spicy food.

It is what it is.

I'm sorry that I can't eat spicy.

I'm happy because there's more for me to eat.

You're funny.

MARINA'S OWN LOVERBOY

MR. ZO RETURNS WITH TWO GLASSES OF SIKHYE

THAT WAS FOR TOMORROW'S SALES

Try this.

What is that?

It's a Korean rice punch.

IT'S A PASS FOR THIS SWEET LOVERBOY

That is good.

Did it help?

- Yeah? - It's good.

RELIEVED

Does that help your mouth stop burning?

MR. ZO'S RECOMMENDED DRINK IS PRETTY SATISFYING

Might take that with me.

- He used to be the mayor of Marina. - Really?

He was.

PLEASURE TO MEET YOUu

After stepping down as mayor, what does he do now?

I'm an architect and I build restaurants for a living.

That's awesome.

- Fifty restaurants around here, so… - Fifty?

So he used to be an architect before he became the mayor?

Yeah, that's right.

I was an architect and then I became the mayor,

and then I retired from politics and became the architect again.

- Wow. - Instead of talking about his mayor…

- Yeah. - …race car driver.

Well I drove race cars.

- Really? - She's a race car driver.

Wow.

She's a champion.

A CHAMPION DRIVER, AT THAT

- Really? - Really?

- Not anymore. I don't race anymore. - Yes, she does.

She drives her car just like a race car.

- She races every day. - But I don't drive on the track anymore.

Wow.

Don't worry about it.

We'll take care of everything.

All you have to do is pay. No worries at all.

Just leave it, and we'll take care of everything.

Thank you for the food.

Please tell the person in charge of the new menu item that she did well.

- Give her our compliments. - There she is.

You did a great job. Thank you for the food.

- Keep up the good work. - Thank you.

- All set? Thank you. - Yes.

- Thank you. It was very good. - Thank you so much.

Nice meeting you. Thank you.

Have a good night.

They must love each other so much.

- How cool. They're so cool. - Right.

THE MARRIED COUPLE LEAVE

LOOKING ALL COZY HAND IN HAND

THANK YOU FOR THE MEAL

NOT LONG AFTER

PEEK

NEW CUSTOMERS SCOOP AROUND THE RESTAURANT

AND HEAD TOWARDS THE MARKET

THEY LOOK LIKE ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY

- Hi. - Hello.

- And how many? Five. - Five.

I'll bring a chair on this side.

So then we'll do three and two.

Hi. Hello.

- How are you doing? - Good.

- Are these your kids? - Yes.

Yeah?

A FAMILY OF CARBON COPIES OF EACH OTHER

THEY TAKE A LOOK AT THE MENU FIRST

What do you recommend?

Well, they're both spicy. I'll let you know.

And if you like ramyeon, the crab ramyeon is good.

And then this is like deep-fried seafood and it's mixed with a spicy sauce.

And then they've got, like, some rice cake in there and some vegetables.

- Is that okay? It has crab legs in it. - Yeah. Okay.

Okay. So should I do three ramyeon?

And then one of the seafood to share?

AJOONG CHECKS THE ORDER

Time to first... second fry?

SEAFOOD GOES IN FOR THE SECOND FRY RIGHT AWAY

WHILE THE FOOD IS COOKING

LOOKS AROUND

This place is so cool. This place is so cool.

Yeah. Especially... Look, this dolphin.

And it smells really good.

It smells like ramyeon mixed with shrimp.

THE SONS KEEP LOOKING AROUND

AS THEY SEEM TO LIKE WHAT THEY'RE SEEING

THE PARENTS ALSO LOOK AROUND

AS THEY SEEM TO LIKE WHAT THEY'RE SEEING TOO

FASCINATED

AS THEY CONTINUE TO LOOK AROUND THE MARKET

THE SECOND FRY OF THE SEAFOOD IS DONE

Wow, that's plentiful.

SHE STIR-FRIES IT IN THE SAUCE RIGHT AWAY

Ajoong, what was that?

Ajoong, what was that?

- It's a performance. - What?

- What was that? - A performance.

- Oh, my. - This?

- Wow! - Looking comfortable.

King, king, king of deserted lands A-ra-show, bang, bang, bang

EITHER WAY, SHE SHOWS OFF HER IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

THE TTEOKGANGJEONG IS DONE

Here you go.

This actually looks...

This actually looks so much better than the pupusas.

IT LOOKS QUITE APPETIZING

DAD TAKES A BITE FIRST

I'll bring you some napkins.

(NOD OF APPROVAL)

(TRY IT!)

MOM ALSO TAKES A BITE

So good, huh?

YUM!

OH…!

NODS

- Thank you. - How is it?

- Very good. - Good.

Not too spicy?

- No. - No.

IT LOOKS A BIT SPICY FOR THE YOUNGEST…

NOM, NOM, NOM

IT'S SPICY BUT DELICIOUS

It's way better than the pupusas.

Like one pupusa... It's way better.

IT LOOKS LIKE THE OLDER BROTHER IS ENJOYING IT TOO…

Kimchi... I think kimchi is only spicy.

Brandon.

Here's your fork back.

It's really good.

It's good.

I'm gonna want these again.

THEY'VE EMPTIED THE SEAFOOD TTEOKGANGJEONG

BEFORE THE RAMYEON EVEN CAME OUT

- Give me one more? - One more?

THEY PLACE ANOTHER ORDER RIGHT AWAY

One more seafood tteokgangjeong, please.

- One more? - Yes.

- Okay, one more. - What?

It's so delicious that everyone wants some more.

How can there be two orders from the same table?

My goodness. I just can't help it.

Perhaps because the assistant is good.

(IN HER BEST MOOD)

This is the last customer. You can give them lots.

BEGINS TO SECOND FRY THE GLORIOUS REORDER

THE KITCHEN IS SMOOTH SAILING EVEN WITH A REORDER COMING IN

- They're Korean melons. - Korean melons?

MEANWHILE, IN THE MARKET

WE HAVE A FAMILIAR CUSTOMER…

THE CUSTOMER WHO WAS IN THE AIR FORCE

AND THE YOUNGEST OF HER 3 LITTLE KIDS, SUA

Mommy, Korean melons.

LIFTS HER UP

- Hold it tightly. - Okay.

Bigger one.

LIFTS HER UP AGAIN

A bigger one.

GROCERY SHOPPING WHILE BUILDING HER MUSCLES LIKE A SOLDIER

Two.

Mom, since there's a camera, can you buy me snacks?

AFTER USING THE CAMERA AS AN EXCUSE (?) TO GET SNACKS

- Are you all done? - Yes.

Please give me a second.

LIFTS HER UP AGAIN

This was here already.

He's a really famous person.

Give him a high five.

One, two, three!

Yes! Good job.

Sua, how old are you?

- Four. - Four?

- My birthday passed. - So now you're four?

That's amazing.

My second child is the same age as Sua.

You're quite strong.

I have two more kids who are older than she is.

- She's the lightest. - I see.

Thank you.

Bye, Sua.

Wait, it's gone. Where did it go?

- Looking for something? - The hobbang machine is gone.

It's inside. But do you…

Are you selling hoppang?

Hoppang? I think we are.

- Please wait a moment. - Okay.

AS SOON AS KYUNGHO LEAVES TO PLACE AN ORDER

SHE JUMPS

SUDDENLY EXCITED

SHE'S VERY ENERGETIC WHEN SHE'S AROUND HER MOM

SHE KEEPS JUMPING UP AND DOWN

TO EXPRESS HOW EXCITED SHE IS ABOUT EATING HOPPANG

SUDDENLY CALM…

AS SOON AS TAEHYUN COMES OUT WITH HOPPANG,

SHE BECOMES SHY AGAIN…

It's not really... It's not that hot.

- Check it. - Do you want some?

Temperature seems fine.

(HER MOM CHECKS IF IT'S HOT)

TAKES A BITE

You can hear it, right?

Is it just right?

Is it good?

SHY SUA LEAVES THE MARKET

MEANWHILE, THE FAMILY TABLE'S RAMYEON IS SERVED

- Okay. - Thank you.

SERVES IT RIGHT AWAY

Ramyeon, Camilo.

I want the crab.

- Could I get the first crab leg? - Yeah.

I got... I got you.

(THAT'S HOT)

That's hot.

You can't blame them. They just made it.

- Yeah. - Thank you so much.

- Okay? - Okay.

MOM HELPS THEM OUT RIGHT AWAY

PORTIONS OFF SOME NOODLES FOR HIM

Tiny bowl for me!

(SUPER EXCITED)

(SMACKING HIS LIPS)

(WRAPS IT AROUND THE FORK)

- Do you want some water? - Yes.

SLURPS A FORK FULL OF NOODLES

NEUTRALIZES THE SPICINESS WITH ORANGE JUICE

Brandon… Bro, we just got here.

We just got to this place and I already love it.

HE ENJOYS THE BROTH

AND NEUTRALIZES THE SPICINESS WITH ORANGE JUICE AGAIN

Honestly, can we just get this instead of the hamburger place's?

I'm probably gonna make a social media profile for them.

This is actually so much better than the hamburger place's.

I'm so scared this is gonna, like, fly out.

THEY GIVE GREAT COMPLIMENTS

THE YOUNGEST'S NEXT MOVE IS…

SNOW CRABS THAT HE CALLED DIBS ON

CUTS THE LEG IN HALF WITH SCISSORS

PICKS UP THE PINCER

SHOWCASES AN ADVANCED SKILL

HE REALLY KNOWS HOW TO EAT PROPERLY

MOM AND DAD ALSO HAVE RAMYEON

Very, very, very good.

They're eating well.

Where are they from?

Where are you... Where are you from?

Are you from Mexico?

- El Salvador. - El Salvador?

- El Salvador? - El Salvador.

- Have they been… - Yeah? Yeah.

- Have they been… - Yeah? Yeah.

ARE THEY REGULARS HERE?

Is he the owner of this joint?

- Is he the owner of this joint? - Are you the owner?

- Yeah. - Yes.

Wow!

THE RESTAURANT BOSSES MEET UNEXPECTEDLY

Taehyun.

He's the actual owner of this restaurant.

My goodness.

Wow.

- This place? - Yes, of this place.

Who is? For real?

- Are they the owners of this restaurant? - Yes.

LET US INTRODUCE THEM AGAIN…

Wow.

LOCATED NEXT TO ASIAN MARKET,

THEY'RE THE REAL OWNERS OF THE CURRENT RESTAURANT

THE NAME OF THE RESTAURANT SHOWS WHERE THEY ARE FROM

THE TRACES OF THE REAL OWNERS

CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN THE KITCHEN

THEY SURPRISED THEM BY VISITING (?) AT THEIR OWN RESTAURANT

Please tell them that we thank them for letting us use this place.

He said thank you. They really...

- Thank you so much. - They really appreciate the space.

Thank you, thank you.

Thank you so much for the dishwasher.

The dishwasher!

He said the dishwasher... Really, thank you for the dishwasher.

Thank you, thank you!

- It's the best. - Thank you.

The best!

THEIR ADDED ORDER, SEAFOOD TTEOKGANGJEONG, IS READY

ALL DISHES HAVE BEEN SERVED

TAEHYUN COMES TO THE TABLE AS WELL

- Okay? - I'm okay.

Very nice decoration.

Did we change a lot of things in here?

Did it change a lot in here?

- Ah, no. They stay. - Leave it? It can stay?

- That's ours, though. - … with the other.

- I know the... - The line? No.

He must like this, though. He likes it.

Okay, okay, okay

- Thank you. - Okay.

So are you on vacation right now?

They had school.

MY KIDS HAD TO GO TO SCHOOL

Only that guy went to El Salvador.

- Oh, you did? - Yeah.

Before. Only him.

They went to El Salvador.

What was the weather like?

- Really hot. - He said it was really hot.

El Salvador is more south from Mexico, right?

- Yeah. - Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador.

- Oh, Guatemala. - So it's like, central...

Central America. Yeah.

I'd love to try the food that's originally served here.

- They want to come here and try your food. - Me too.

- He's curious. - Makes you curious too, huh?

- Oh, yeah? - He's curious, yeah.

- 'Cause you do... It's pupusería, right? - Pupusería.

What's that? Pupusería?

The flour is made from corn.

And inside is the meat.

You also add stir-fried veggies.

It's way better than the pupusas.

THE FOOD THAT THE YOUNGEST MENTIONED EARLIER

How long have you been running this restaurant?

- Seven years. - Seven years?

Wow, seven years?

Wasn't it hard when you first came here?

To get a restaurant up and running.

You are not originally from here,

so was there anything that was tough or difficult for you?

IT'S NOT EASY TO OPEN A STORE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY

Oh, yeah. Very hard.

That's what I'm saying.

I mean the first thing, it's pretty hard to find a place.

The permits and to get the money for starters, you know?

There was no credit, no nothing.

So you had to get the money, right?

He said it was hard to find a place and to even get a license.

Right.

SETTLING DOWN IN A NEW COUNTRY IS HARD FOR ANYONE

I think your husband is the diligent type.

LAUGHING

It's not true?

No, he's not?

SIMPLY CONTINUES TO LAUGH…

- Okay. - To get married. Yeah.

To get married was hard?

AS THE CONVERSATION GOES ON IN A GOOD MOOD…

A COUPLE COMES NEAR THE RESTAURANT

Hello.

TAEHYUN SEEMS TO KNOW THEM WELL…

Hold on.

- Again, KISS. - Yes.

Hey.

You always wear this!

He has five of these.

You must be a huge fan.

He has five of these same shirts.

JUDGING BY HIS REACTION, THEY MUST COME OFTEN

- Hello. - Hello.

Yes, hello.

THE CUSTOMER TAKES OUT A MYSTERIOUS PIECE OF PAPER…

No, no, no.

Yes, yes, yes.

Wow.

Wait, is this the list of the cast?

Wait, I didn't ring that up yet.

Oh, here.

This is the list of the cast.

How get you this?

- I made... I made it. - He made it.

Really?

YOU MADE IT?

- We come every day. - Every day.

- Just searching? Wow. - Searching, yes.

LOOKING CLOSELY AT THE PAPER…

DATE, PHOTO, NAME, CONVERSATIONS HAD, FILMOGRAPHY

MARKET VISITS RECORDED AND ORGANIZED BY DATE AND PEOPLE

INCLUDING THEIR IMPRESSIONS OF THEM

Hello. Nice to meet you.

- Welcome. - Big fan.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you very much.

Oh, a kiss.

Kiss.

Oh, the scary KISS?

Wearing KISS again?

Yes.

- KISS? - Yes.

KISS.

Famous ramyeon in Korea.

DETAILED ACCOUNTS OF THEIR VISITS

Okay.

- Thank you very much. - Yeah, we... I know...

Thank you. Thank you so much.

THANKFUL

- What's your name, sir? - Frank.

- Frank. - Frank? Frank.

- Thank you very much, Frank. - My wife, Kaori.

- Kaori. - Kaori? Kaori-san.

Thank you so much, really.

- See you tomorrow. - See you tomorrow. Yes.

Anyway... Anytime!

THE RECORD-OBSESSED COUPLE LEAVES

Right. We're closing at 8:00 p.m.

It's already 8:00 p.m.? Oh, my.

- Thank you. Yep. - Your name? Your name?

- Camilo. - Camilo?

- Camilo. - Camilo.

- Yeah. - Very cute.

- Thank you. - Should I not say "cute" to a guy?

Adorable.

Is that inappropriate too? Adorable?

Don't do that.

He don't want somebody stop when it started.

- Oh, really? - Yeah.

Is he shy?

Camilo!

- Outside, punching machine. - Yes.

- Yes. - You try this?

Okay? Come here.

POST-MEAL PUNCHING ARCADE IS A MUST

Come on, Camilo.

Okay.

IT'S CAMILO'S TURN FIRST

So, what do I do?

High score.

- Okay? 9-3-6. - Be careful!

- Be careful. - Your hand.

Be careful.

PUNCH

Wow!

AND THE SCORE IS…?

CAMILO GETS 663 POINTS

Six... 6-6-3.

Brandon? Okay, Brandon.

UP NEXT IS BRANDON

PRETTY STRONG AS AN OLDER BROTHER SHOULD BE…!

- Whoa. - You okay?

THOUGH IT'S NOT THE HIGHEST SCORE…

SATISFIED

- Sister? - Marlene?

WANNA GIVE IT A TRY, SISTER?

SLOWLY APPROACHES

Okay!

- Show your power! - Okay.

- Okay. - Wow!

- Okay. - Wow!

(SIS…?)

HEH…

WHAT DID THE SISTER GET…?

- Oh? - Wow!

A WHOPPING 804 POINTS

Unbelievable.

SISTER'S POWER CONFIRMED…

Sister win. Thank you.

- Bye-bye. - Bye-bye.

- Camilo! Camilo, see you. - Thank you.

Brandon, see you.

HOPING TO MEET AGAIN…

- Bye-bye. - Okay, bye-bye.

…THEY EXCHANGE FAREWELLS

- God bless with you a lot. - Thank you so much.

Have a good night.

ALONG WITH THE FRIENDLY GOODBYES

DAY 6 OF SALES ENDS TOO

AFTER CLOSING UP, IT'S TIME TO START CLEANING

MR. CHA JOINS IN TO CLEAN UP THE RESTAURANT

AND AJOONG TAKES CARE OF THE KIMBAP CORNER

- Good job. - You did great today.

- You're the best. - It was nothing.

- I'll get this off you. - Yes, it's uncomfortable.

It's uncomfortable. Untie it for her.

- Okay. - Thank you.

Since Ajoong's launch ended successfully today…

- Are we going out? - You did well.

TODAY WE'RE EATING OUT FOR AJOONG'S SAKE~

- Okay! - Okay, let's go!

Quick, let's go.

LOCKING THE DOORS CAREFULLY

All right!

Please lead the way, Shakira.

HEADING TO THE HOTTEST LOCAL PLACE THAT SHAKIRA KNOWS

It's this way.

Aren't you cold?

- No, it's breezy. - Oh, yeah?

Gee, it's my first time walking after closing up.

Yeah, this is nice.

A sea fog is coming.

- From the sea. - Living up to its name.

- The sea is right up front. - Yeah.

The sea fog's an indicator that the sea is near.

- It's misting a bit. - Yes, just a bit.

THE SEA FOG THICKENS WHEN THE SUN SETS

THANKS TO THAT, MARINA BECOMES MORE MYSTICAL AND BEAUTIFUL

WHILE LEISURELY STROLLING AROUND THE VICINITY

- Goodness. - We're here.

- What? - This place looks so professional.

Oh, whoa!

It's like some brewery.

THIS BAR IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD MAKES ITS OWN BEER

- Take your pick. - They have house wine.

I don't mind at all. You order.

Same here...

Maybe fried chicken?

Oh, they have chicken: "Chicken strips."

What is this? Chicken quesadilla?

- You know tortillas, right? Tortilla. - Tortilla, yes.

With some cheese in it.

- Oh, that sounds good too. - Yeah, okay.

Go order with her. You seem to be craving chicken and such...

I'll go with Ajoong, then.

I only said I wanted chicken... All three of us can go.

- Well, he keeps talking fried chicken. - Sorry for having a loud mouth.

Yeah, so hurry up.

Six 1066.

- Okay. - One Monterey Bay Wheat.

- And one iced tea, please. - Okay.

- Good. - Okay, good.

So nice, huh?

THEY FINALLY MAKE THEIR ENTRANCE

What are those up there?

It fits the vibe.

- It's got that vibe. - People signed those up there?

PERSONAL CUPS OF REGULARS ON DISPLAY

AND THAT'S WHY EACH CUP HAS A NAME WRITTEN ON IT

I'm glad today went well. It's Ajoong's last day and all.

Thank goodness we can justify this outing.

- Yes. - It's thanks to Shakira, too.

- You did great today, Shakira. - Indeed.

No worries. I had fun, yes.

THE BEER ARRIVES AS SOON AS THEY'RE SEATED

- Thank you. - Some great mugs here.

Wow, this mug is pretty.

I love this mug.

IT'S NOT FOR PERSONAL USE, BUT THE BEER COMES IN A CUTE MUG

Cheers, let's cheers.

- Cheers. - Cheers.

- Oh, goodness. - Good work, everyone!

- Good work. - Thank you for today, Shakira.

- This is it. - It's good.

Wow, it's good.

- Next week… - Thank you.

FOOD IS SERVED NOT LONG AFTERWARDS

I must have a buffalo wing before I leave the States.

BUFFALO WINGS, A FOOD STAPLE IN THE US (?)

- What could this be? - Potatoes.

Oh, I see... What's that then?

- I think it's... - Mozzarella stick.

THE ONCE-EMPTY TABLE IS NOW FILLED WITH FOOD

- They're gonna keep coming now, huh? - Yes.

Wow, it's nice to eat out.

C'MON, LET'S EAT

Whoa, this sauce. Wow.

MMM~

AJOONG WHO HAD A HARD DAY ALSO TAKES ONE YUMMY BITE

JUHWAN THE FOODIE GULPS DOWN SOME BEER FIRST

AND PICKS UP CHICKEN RIGHT AFTER

This is America indeed.

- Why? - Everything's fried.

THEY WERE TOO BUSY EATING TO NOTICE

THEIR FULL TABLE OF FRIED GOODS

Right? After we finish up here,

we're gonna have some cup noodles back at the market.

THIS MEAL CALLS FOR SOME SPICY SOUP…

What is this, Kyungho?

I sent you to order, and all you get us are fried dishes?

I said, "Salad or fries."

- They only had fries? - I went with fries.

Wow.

- I thought no one would eat salad. - What in the…

I've never had a meal like this. Seriously, wow.

Well, everything tastes good fried.

THAT IS TRUE

This is like, Experience, Life Out in the Field.

- Well, good work today. - Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

We don't know much, but we considered the state of the economy here.

Thank you.

- I'll use it well. - Use it for a good cause.

When we get paid, we go...

Then, we take a peek inside.

Take a small peek. See if it looks about right.

Let's observe the look on her face.

See if it's sufficient enough, so nobody gets in trouble with the police.

No need to count them, though!

- She's being thorough. - Put that away now.

Let's just say it's a handwritten letter.

But you really were a huge help.

- Truly, yes. - Absolutely.

You really seem like a gentle and good person.

17.45... Card?

THOUGH THE PART-TIME OFFER CAME OUT OF THE BLUE

I'll put this in the middle.

…see you too!

SHE FILLED THE MARKET WITH HER BRIGHT ENERGY

- Thank you. - I'm proud of you.

- Thank you. Come again. - Thank you.

Wow, it's going smooth with Shakira here.

THANK YOU, SHAKIRA

You going to school tomorrow, Shakira?

It's the nail salon tomorrow.

- A nail salon? - Yes.

A part-time job?

- It's a part-time job? - Yes.

No wonder your nails are so pretty.

SHAKIRA'S NAILS SURE WERE WELL-MANICURED

Well, you're a woman of many talents!

THE NIGHT HAS DEEPENED WHILE THEY CHATTED AWAY ENJOYABLY

Thanks to Ajoong here, the sales went great today.

Did it?

He's right.

Did the gangjeong sell out?

One table ordered twice.

- I sold around five. - Around five?

YOU DID WELL

You did wonderfully, Ajoong.

- Thank you. - Don't mention it.

How was it? Was it enjoyable?

Was it very tough?

I kept having moments of regrets...

That's one thing, but…

I had a good time.

That's good to hear.

I think I made good memories here, yes.

- I thought she was a customer! - Oh, my! Ajoong is here!

SHE'D COME WHEN THEY WERE SHORT ON MANPOWER

- Hello. - Ajoong...

Wow.

AJOONG WORKED EVERY CORNER IN THE MARKET FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS

- Good job. - It has a lot of protein.

- Yeah. - It's very nutritious for you.

- Yeah, no. It seems very nutritious. - Yeah.

AND WENT OUT WITH A BANG WITH HER NEW MENU ITEM

You're like a Chinese cuisine chef.

He's like Jim Carrey in Korea.

THE BOSS DUO WERE FELT RELIEVED THANKS TO AJOONG'S SUPPORT

- You're good, Ajoong. - Here you are.

Thank you.

- She's good, right? She's doing well. - Thank you so much.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

- Glad we sold everything she prepped. - Exactly.

You did everything, right?

NODS

- You all truly helped me so much. - Hey, hey.

Including Juhwan.

It wasn't an easy dish to do.

You can toot your horn with things like these.

Byungeun was…

He used to do everything with me.

I didn't think much of it when he disappeared.

But he'd showed up in a trench coat.

HIS COAT WAS FLUTTERING IN THE WIND

WHEN HE WAS GOING TO THE GROCERIES WITH AJOONG…

I guess Byungeun is still not back?

- I think he'll arrive at 5:00 p.m. - Really?

KYUNGHO HAD WAITED FOR BYUNGEUN'S RETURN

To be honest, that's when my anger level went like...

BYUNGEUN'S TRENCH COAT WAS THE TRIGGER

I told you he got angry.

I MUST'VE HURT YOU, KID

When I asked her what happened,

she said he asked her to go to Vegas with him.

So, we got on the highway.

We were a mile or half a mile away, so I brought it up...

Indeed, I asked her.

About what?

"We're a mile away, Ajoong. Should we go straight?"

"Shall we go to Las Vegas?"

It's almost like that line, "Do you wanna die or eat?"

- "Do you wanna die or live with me?" - Yes, that's it!

I should've borrowed Juhwan's bandana!

I should've…

IT WOULD'VE BEEN PERFECT IF HE WORE THE BANDANA TOO

Like this...

"Do you want to die or do you want to eat with me?"

BYUNGEUN DREAMT OF A LOVE ESCAPADE (?)

Then, she was like… "We need to go work, Byungeun."

That brought tears to my eyes!

I pulled down on the turn right blinker, all macho like this.

You know about Las Vegas, right?

CURIOUS

There are many chapels in Vegas, where you can get married on the spot!

…on the spot!

- You see it in movies. - Right!

- In Leaving Las Vegas. - Correct, but the thing is…

I wanted to go for it.

IN CHARACTER UNTIL THE END

The past is not important, Byungeun.

- Really? - Yes, yeah.

FORGET HONGDAE HAPPENED

I'll never forget these three days I spent here in the US.

Okay, cheers. Thank you for the hard work.

A SHORT FILM, HONGDAE GODDESS AND SILVER EARRINGS

I'm sorry for leaving early.

Why are you sorry? We had so much fun, you know.

Don't be.

What time is your flight tomorrow?

You're leaving tomorrow, okay?

Of course you can't go now. It's already pitch black out.

- Can you help me out in the morning? - Leave after doing that.

Don't mind them.

STAY ONE MORE DAY…?

Don't mind them.

(NOT THIS AGAIN)

- We'll call her up... - Don't.

THOUGH WE'D LOVE TO HAVE HER STAY…

WE EXPRESS OUR THANKS TO AJOONG

AND SHAKIRA WHO STAYED AND HELPED OUT

Good job, everyone.

- Go home and rest up! - You did beautifully, Ajoong.

Let's smile when we're back in Seoul.

- Please don't injure yourselves. - Sure thing.

SHE LEFT HER COLLEAGUES AND MARINA'S LOCALS

WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE THREE DAYS

IT'S A GOOD MORNING (?)…

I'm so tired.

…ACCOMPANIED BY WAILING

I'm so, so tired.

JUST WHEN FATIGUE LEVELS HITS ITS LIMITS

- She's here! - Peekaboo.

Bosses, part-timer at your service!

BBOVELY IS HERE~

- Oh, my. Why is it so huge? - It's super huge.

What even is this?

THE SHOCK LASTS FOR A SECOND

- One… - There.

- She's a good kimbap maker. - I knew it with one look.

EXCELLENT AT KIMBAP!

AS EXPECTED OF A VETERAN, SHE TAKES OVER THE KITCHEN…

Here you go.

…AND THE COUNTER

- I don't want to. - Come on…

BUT WHAT PUSHES HER OVER THE EDGE…

It's two dollars each?

…IS THE BOMBARDMENT OF ENGLISH SPEAKING

I'm sorry!

I want to cry.

BUT HERE'S THE BOSS DUO'S PLAN

Don't worry about speaking English today.

JOY TO THE WORLD! THE PART-TIMER IS COME (AGAIN)

- Oh, whoa! - Nice to meet you.

- Hello. - Here she comes. Queen Inbee!

WORLD STAR, QUEEN INBEE'S HERE

Hello.

I think they just opened this part, yeah.

SHE PASSES THE ENGLISH LISTENING TEST WITH FLYING COLORS

- It's a beautiful city. - Yeah, thank you.

Call me whenever.

IF I'M WITH INBEE UNNI…

Five minute… maybe?

ENGLISH IS "IT'S OKAY!"

- I'm sorry, I just have no change. - It's okay.

Let's do this!

SO THE TEAM SPRUCES UP TOO

What a manly man.

WORK EFFICIENCY IS UP SPEED IS UP

NEW DAYS WITH NEW PART-TIMERS

What's wrong?

It'll be back to normal.

- Ah, it'll be... it'll be back... - It'll be back to normal.

- Bye-bye. - So cute!

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK

Translated by Jisu Park, Tiffany Hwang, Jea Heon Chung