Original subtitles

THIS SERIES IS INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY

BUT CHARACTERS AND EVENTS HAVE BEEN REIMAGINED FOR DRAMATIC PURPOSES

[dramatic music playing]

SURINAME BORDER

[birds squawking]

[man] Have you ever heard of Suriname?

My guess is you haven't.

It's a country in South America, just above Brazil,

with a population of about 500,000 people.

Half of the country is covered in jungle,

and over half the population is involved in the drug trade.

It's ethnically diverse and multilingual.

What's a Korean guy like me doing in a place like this?

What I'm about to tell you should answer that question.

You may find it hard to believe,

but everything I'm about to tell you is true and actually happened to me.

Some parts are so far-fetched you'll think I'm making it up.

And I wish I were.

But the only way you'll know for sure is to hold on tight and listen.

[theme music playing]

[man] In 1968, the year I was born,

my father signed up to fight in the Vietnam War.

For five long years, he fought to survive in the jungle.

He came home when the American troops withdrew, and the war finally ended.

DONGDUCHEON, KOREA

My father returned to us tired and limping,

but mostly in one piece.

The day after he arrived,

he was right back out the door looking for work.

And the only picture we had where you can clearly see his face,

my father was holding a huge gun.

I always wondered why he'd gone away to that far-off country,

and why he needed that gun,

but for some reason, I was too scared to ask.

It would take me 30 years to understand what drove my father to go.

When I got into middle school, a teacher suggested I try judo.

And I took him up on it.

Being on the judo team meant I didn't have to pay for school expenses or meals.

[indistinct shouting]

[trainer] Control the legs. Legs!

There you go.

[man] At 14, I started my training.

Kang Ingu!

[Ingu] And I lost my mother.

She was delivering yakult at the crack of dawn

in the middle of winter, and she collapsed.

It took three hours for anyone to find her.

[all crying]

My brother, my sister, and I all cried our hearts out,

but my father never shed a single tear.

He just kept pouring soju down his throat

between bite after bite of fermented skate.

It was his favorite meal.

One of the few things in life he ever enjoyed.

My father drove a cement truck to make ends meet.

For six years, he worked himself to the bone.

Twenty hours a day.

Until one night, all those hours caught up to him.

[car honking]

-[glass shatters] -[truck horn honks]

[gentle music playing]

At his funeral,

I finally understood why he'd never been able to cry for our mother.

Whatever sadness he felt and tears he had

were buried under the harsh realities of life and debt.

It was up to me to support the family.

During the day, I sold makgeolli to hikers on Mount Soyosan.

Hi. Hi. Here you are, sir.

[joyous music playing]

[Ingu] At night, I was a waiter in a karaoke bar.

[woman] Whoo! Whoo!

[waiter] Have a great night, sir.

[woman] I'm next!

[Ingu] It was hard work.

But thanks to those experiences,

I learned the life lessons they don't teach you in school.

Thank you, sir.

I wish you good health and a long life.

PLEASE DON'T PARK HERE

[upbeat music playing]

[Ingu sighs]

[exhales]

[Ingu] Since I was out working so much, the house was always a complete mess.

You were supposed to do the dishes. Christ.

[Ingu] I knew I couldn't do it all on my own,

so I started making calls to some of the girls who used to like me.

Hey, how are you? This is Ingu.

Uh, I want to run something by you.

Um…

Do you want to get married?

I swear I'm not drunk!

It took all my nerve to call you. I'm dead serious.

Money?

I mean, money's something that'll come along.

It's like our parents used to say, "Work hard and save for the future."

Sure.

I mean it.

If we get married and save money, eventually we might get a house.

What's with all these questions?

[inhales]

An apartment?

Hey, this isn't some sort of business proposal.

You know what? Forget I ever called. I can tell you're just in it for yourself.

[Ingu] Who knew so many girls would be surprised by a phone proposal?

But finally, one girl said "yes," packed her bag, and moved in.

[upbeat music continues]

[Ingu] Oh.

[Ingu] This time, I was the one who was surprised.

My wife definitely made our lives more stable.

And once my brother and sister graduated from high school, life eased up a bit.

Then we decided to have kids of our own. And my son and daughter were born.

But with two more mouths to feed,

just getting by wasn't going to cut it anymore.

So I learned to fix cars

and opened a garage right next to the US Army Base in Dongducheon.

-[Ingu] Hi, how are you? -Hi there.

-Good afternoon. -[Ingu] Hey.

[Ingu] Thanks to a contact through one of my judo buddies,

I made extra money delivering food to the army base.

And so I learned to make nice with the American grass.

-How are you? -[soldier] Well, it's my man, Ingu.

You're looking particularly fit.

And healthy.

Because my garlic makes your blood clean.

[chuckles]

Well, that's bullshit.

But I'll admit, for the price, your garlic is pretty damn good.

So, buy my onions too.

I'll give you a very, very good price.

Come for karaoke, and we'll talk. Okay?

[upbeat music continues]

[inaudible]

[Ingu] At the karaoke bar, I kept moving my way up.

I eventually became manager.

And when I had enough money, I bought the place.

-Whoa! -Wow!

[Ingu] Finally, even though I had to take out a loan to secure it,

we got a home of our own.

4TH GRADE - KOREAN FINAL EXAMS KANG HYUNGJU 100/100

My son was smart and did well in school.

He motivated me to keep working.

-[daughter] Daddy! -Hey.

Can you take me to the karaoke with you soon?

I'm afraid not.

We've been over this before. It's for American soldiers only.

[Ingu] I hoped the rest of my life would be smooth sailing.

But I wasn't sure how much longer

I'd be able to keep up the exhausting pace.

[exhales]

[gentle music playing]

Sometimes the weight of it all was almost unbearable.

Why are you threatening her?

[woman chuckles]

[indistinct chatter]

[Ingu] I was living just like my mother and father had.

They never had a chance to take their kids out for a nice meal.

All they did was struggle to make ends meet

until they got worn out and died.

[exhales]

What's the point of living if you're barely surviving?

I didn't want my kids living their lives the way I did. I wanted better for them.

Something had to change.

JOB OPENINGS

So what do we got?

Ingu!

[Ingu] Look who's here.

My first stop back from my travels and that's all you can say?

You filthy bastard.

Didn't customs ask you what the hell you have all over your hair?

What are you using? Fish paste?

Ingu, what the hell would a punk mechanic know

about anything outside this shithole?

This, my friend, is all the rage in Shinjuku right now.

Here. Souvenirs for the wife and kids.

Eungsoo,

I'm keeping these for the shop.

I'm always running out of rags.

-Thanks. -Funny. You have no idea what's in there.

Good thing your wife has taste.

She'll take one look and wonder how she got so lucky.

Now make yourself useful and get these kinks out of my neck.

Sure.

-I'm always happy to help an old lady. -What?

-Here. Like this? -[grunts]

-Get out of Eungsoo's body, grandma! -Okay! Shit! Hey, man!

-[Ingu] Give me my strength back! -Stop!

-[Ingu] How does that feel? Better? -Ow!

Samhap for you. Let me know how you like it.

-Everything all right here, sir? -A bit more soup, please.

[Eungsoo] After ninth grade,

when my dad passed away and things got hard for us,

I couldn't afford school, so I quit.

You didn't quit.

They kicked you out. Before you flunked out.

And then, I went to work in the real world.

Ended up on boats working my ass off for the last 20 years,

and still hardly able to feed my family.

It's the same for you. Isn't it?

We come from the same place,

we both done shit jobs, right?

That's how the world works, Eungsoo.

We were born into it.

Listen to you. I recall when you had to quit judo.

You told me you would do something different,

or your life would be shit.

Huh?

Now that you've been working like an animal all these years,

what's changed?

I'm a homeowner with a family, dumbass.

Who you calling dumbass, huh? The interest on the loan is killing you.

The bank owns your home, not you.

You know, we're gonna work ourselves to death if things go on.

Just like our parents before us.

Dead. With nothing to show for it.

Why do I get the feeling you're buttering me up?

Whatever it is, spit it out.

[Eungsoo clears throat]

The skate you're chewing so loudly, it doesn't come from Korea.

It comes from Chile. Ninety percent of it. But it gets labeled as local.

They charge a fortune for this bullshit.

Even the ones form Chile are going for crazy prices these days.

I'm not following. Why you talking about skate?

[inhales]

Ingu…

If I told you I could harvest skate for free

and bring it back here to sell at local rates, what would you say?

Bull.

If it were that easy, there'd be someone doing it.

Nothing comes free. You know that.

Why would someone give you skate for free? It'd be like printing money.

I traveled to a place where they just toss the skate they catch.

They don't like it.

And only I know. It's my secret.

Does "Suriname" ring any bells?

Suriname? Never heard of it.

I was hoping you would say that.

See, in 20 years of sailing,

I set foot there for the first time this year.

Here. I'll show you. [inhales]

It's in South America north of Brazil. Tiny. With half a million people.

The fishing waters all along the coast are full of skate.

They catch them with the fish they want.

They don't like it because it's ugly and smells so bad, so they just toss it.

I asked this guy, the chief of the fishing village.

I asked if he'd let me have the skate.

He said yes. For a few cents each.

Do you know what we'd get if we sold it here?

Is this for real?

Do you have to taste test to see if it's chocolate or shit?

Come to Suriname with me and find out.

[Eungsoo] You gonna give it to me? Okay. I'll take one for free then.

What for? It's just a crazy idea Eungsoo had.

If it were in the United States, maybe, but Suriname?

I never even heard of it until today.

That's why it works. Listen.

South America and Asia are on opposite sides of the world.

Plenty of information falls between the cracks.

Even nowadays.

That's why we got lucky with this. Come on. This is our chance.

I know Eungsoo is a good guy…

but how can you trust someone with such lousy taste?

I don't trust his taste any more than you do,

but he knows fishing.

I looked into it just to be sure and he's on to something.

It's actually true. Really.

The Surinamese people eat a lot of fish, but not skate.

I got this from Yongtaek at the fish market today.

Take a look.

Have a seat. Come on.

Chilean skate usually goes for 30,000 won a piece at wholesale. See?

But since there's been a lack of supply, it's going to skyrocket.

If we bring in the skate that we get for a few cents

and sell it at market here,

it'll change our lives.

[sighs]

It's too much.

You would be halfway around the world, and the business would be gone.

Ingu, family needs to be together.

You need to come home and have dinner with us.

This plan isn't for you.

We need to thank God for the life we have, honey.

You know I'm thankful for it, Hyejin.

I want to show more thanks by being successful.

If we can get this going, 10 billion won will be pocket change.

Money isn't everything, dear.

I'd rather be poor than have our kids be without a dad.

[sighs]

How long can we live like this, though?

What do you mean by that?

[Ingu sighs]

[whimsical music playing]

[door opens, shuts]

One for you, one for you, one for you, one for you.

Two hundred thousand.

All right. Must be a weak hand.

Seven hundred thousand.

[man] Oh, look at you.

Raising the stakes to try and get a big win.

You think you can price us out?

Or are you trying to make your yearly sales in one shot?

Whatever it is, the ante has just gone up due to inflation.

The tax man cometh.

-Ready? -Come on.

I don't like your system, Ingu.

You don't bet anything, and you still get a huge cut.

You take money for the house and the dealer.

You're the only one who ends up winning here.

Hey, if you factor in rent and employee salaries,

I barely cover expenses. You believe this guy?

Just saying you were so quick to jump on our cash is all.

We all know small change can add up to a fortune eventually.

Next thing you know, you'll say I hurt your feelings.

Shit.

[sucks teeth, inhales] I call.

[man 1] Too rich for me.

Let's see if I'm helping you make your sales quota.

Show me. Come on. Pair of aces, isn't it?

A pair of aces wouldn't put this smile on my face.

Ah!

Very, very sorry.

Broadway straight.

-[man 2 sighs] Damn. -[man 3] Whoa!

Wow, you made it all the way to Broadway.

That's tough to beat.

Hold on. The queen has something to say.

-[chuckles] -What is that?

I heard you had a slow day. So I know this hurts.

I really thought you had him there.

Now you know why you got lucky enough to beat a Broadway straight?

-Because you paid your taxes, sir. -[man 3] Mm-hmm.

Model citizens always get rewarded.

I guess your taxes brought me luck. For the tip jar. [chuckles]

[Ingu] I promise to use it wisely. Thank you, sir.

-[man 1] Could I get some? -Sure. When you win.

Sorry to interrupt. We have a DEFCON three, sir.

Huh.

Deal the cards, would you? I'll be right back. Dammit.

[Ingu sighs]

Excuse me.

[woman shrieks]

Okay.

Would you go wait outside, ladies?

Where the fuck do you think you're going?

-Hey. Go get her. -[man] Huh?

Here! Get back here!

-Come here, come here, come here! -Okay. I think we can let her go.

Wait outside, please.

Sir.

Let the ladies go freshen up. We'll just have a seat.

Wow. You tough guys really went at it. What a mess.

Now, I'm sure the ladies feel bad about all this.

My apologies on their behalf.

I'll make it up to you. All right?

I'm sure we can agree that it's not good to get angry after spending so much.

You'll get ulcers.

Here's what I'll do. Tonight this bottle's on the house.

And the ladies time will only be charged at half price.

The evening didn't go as you expected.

So with all of that put together,

1.2 million is fine.

You gotta be kidding. Huh?

You want me to shut this place down for good?

I'll pay nothing.

You're the one who's gonna pay me!

What are you gonna do about fucking up my evening?

[sighs] Seriously?

Gentleman,

are you really going to do this?

I hate calling the cops at this hour. I really do.

Listen.

I'll take whatever you have on you, okay?

Whatever cash you have right now, I'll take it, and we'll call it even.

[chuckles]

Ah, shit. [sucks teeth]

All I have…

[sighs] …is this.

POLICE OFFICER CHOI CHEOLYONG

[chuckling]

You have a license to be running this joint?

Any of those ladies of yours minors?

Come on. Why do you always have to be so nice, huh?

Hey.

Until you opened your big mouth, we were just gonna let it slide.

Asshole.

I don't care if you have a license or not.

As long as I'm at city hall, you're closed for business.

[both men chuckling]

I should've known better.

I hope we can all try and forget the whole thing.

I think this will cover your taxi ride home.

Gentleman.

-[men chuckling] -Ah, shit.

Hey, you fucker!

Come here.

You think you can just--

-Keep your hands off me! -Huh?

What? Come on!

You want a piece of me, asshole? Huh?

You think this is all about money, huh?

Do you?

You need to learn some respect, you piece of shit!

[grunts]

-[man 2] What the fuck? -[man 1 groans]

[man 2] Come on, man. Get up.

Crazy bastard! You're done!

Hey, get up. Are you okay?

Asshole!

[upbeat music playing]

JOHAN ADOLF PENGEL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SURINAME

Hey, buddy!

-Welcome to Suriname! [chuckles] -Ah!

[seagulls squawking]

[Eungsoo] They gained independence from the Netherlands over 30 years ago.

There aren't a lot of people.

There's always some kind of labor shortage.

That's why they let so many immigrants in.

Technically, the official language here is Dutch,

but almost everyone speaks English.

There's also Chinese, Spanish, a few other languages. It's very diverse.

Wow, Eungsoo. Memorize much?

-How long did that take you? -[chuckles]

I was busy scouting while you took your sweet time getting here.

Show some respect.

Hey.

You know during the Korean War Suriname fought with the allied forces?

Why would they have been involved in the war?

Eungsoo, are you done playing tour guide now? Huh?

You need to stop wasting time on trivia, and focus on the reason we're here.

Stick to what you know. Shipping and fish.

I have everything taken care of with the chief,

so don't worry about the business.

I liquidated everything I had. Sold all my businesses

to do this thing with a guy who flunked out of school.

Do you even own a calculator?

I might've left school early, but I have a head for numbers.

I know for a fact I was better at math than you.

Are you drunk?

-Math was my strong suit. -[chuckles]

I distinctly remember you being dead last in the rankings.

-[Eungsoo sighs] -Seven times eight?

Oh, come on, Ingu.

You don't know your times tables. Admit it.

The jet lag is really getting to you, isn't it?

Eungsoo, if you can't do the basics, how do I trust your numbers?

I'll add later. I have to keep my eyes on the road.

First of all, it's multiplication.

And second, it should be automatic. Come on.

Driving's tricky here.

I can only focus on one thing at a time. Do you mind?

You should be paying attention too, huh?

I don't believe you.

You don't know what seven times eight is. [chuckles]

[door hinge creaks]

Look.

I got us one ton at a dollar per kilo.

I told you. I been busy.

Yeah. I take it back. You have been busy, haven't you?

Excellent work, partner.

You got this for a dollar a kilo?

Oh no. Why are you opening that?

[sighs] It still smells like shit even when it's frozen. [sniffs]

You want to know what I smell? A ton of cash.

Mmm.

[rhythmic drums playing]

[Hyejin] It's safe there, right, honey?

-Are you eating well? What about church? -Huh?

No worries on the safety at all.

And the food is amazing. I think every country is represented.

It's like an international food festival. I wish you could see it.

You didn't answer me about church. You're going, aren't you?

I've been trying to go since I got here. It's just the roads get washed out a lot.

Between the jungle and the weather, sometimes it's impossible to get there.

I agreed to let you go if you promised to go to church, remember?

There's actually a Korean church where you are.

I want you to send a picture from there this Sunday, so I know you made it, okay?

All right. I'll try to make it.

I'll send you a picture. Promise.

I really have to let you go, or the phone bill's gonna be outrageous.

Bye.

Your wife nagging you?

Is she busting your balls?

She wants a picture of me at church.

Ah, sucker! [chuckles]

You told her you'd go and she's holding you to it. [chuckles]

You say your prayers every night?

Lord, let your words reign in our daily thoughts and lives.

[Eungsoo chuckles]

[fisherman 1 in Dutch] More ice. More!

You missed a few!

I want to see more!

I want a box that's already full.

[in English] Are you the owner of this factory?

Good afternoon, sir.

I'm the CEO. Nice to meet you.

You want to run business here?

You're going to need my help.

So many thieves and criminals in this city.

He might be one of them.

You're with the army? Okay, good!

The Suriname Allied Forces.

-[chuckles nervously] -[chuckles]

[commander exhales]

We're starting our business, so money's tight now.

When our fish sells in Korea, we'll have money.

Then, we'll pay you.

You understand? Very simple.

[exhales]

Then pay us 2,000 a month.

Got it?

Bad idea. I don't think so.

On a good month,

if things go as planned and we can sell our quota,

we'll give you 2,500 dollars.

[chuckles]

But, if it's a bad month,

if, for some reason, the crap hits the fan,

you get 1,000 dollars.

Anyway, we can talk about standards for good and bad months another time.

Got it?

[exhales]

This tastes really good.

It's a new flavor.

[smacks lips]

Is it… Is it Colombian?

No, that's Korea's traditional coffee.

Really?

It's… It's bitter, and sweet too.

Yeah, like a woman.

[chuckling]

I think we're gonna get along just fine.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[tropical music playing]

Yeah. A little to the left.

Okay, okay. That's it. That's it, right? Right there.

Since you enjoy our coffee, these are for you.

No one's going to bother you now.

I promise.

-Thank you, sir. -Hey!

[crinkles]

Dollars make sense.

We're good pals now.

Thank you.

[commander chuckles]

[car engine turns over]

Ugh. Let's go.

[Eungsoo] Hey, Ingu, that was something else.

That karaoke bar really taught you something. [chuckles]

Hey, now that you negotiated protection with the commander of the army,

no one's gonna try messing with us, right?

Are you that naive? You should know better than that.

Come on. Of all the people in the world, you should never trust government workers.

They just sit around waiting for bribes. You know.

Well, at least you didn't pull your judo moves on this guy

and almost get sent to jail again.

-They taught you a good lesson. [chuckles] -[mobile vibrating]

Hold on.

Yes, Mr. Shin. How are you, sir? You got the shipment of skate?

Yes.

Sorry?

Five hundred more kilos by next week?

[whispers] Nah. Can't do it.

I don't think we can get it to you by next week.

Demand is through the roof right now.

Really?

All right. I'll see what I can do.

I'll confirm soon. There's a shipping schedule to consider.

If you can wait til the 23rd, then I'm certain we can do it.

Yeah. Excellent, Mr. Shin. Yeah, I will. Yeah.

I told you to say no.

We can't make deals that big on the fly. I hardly get any sleep as it is.

Shin is offering us 8,000 more for each kilo we can get him

by the 23rd, you lazy ass!

I guess I'll sleep when I'm dead, you crazy son of a bitch.

[both chuckle]

Hey, get to work, guys. Come on!

Get that truck loaded up! Let's go!

Come on! What is this? Let's go!

No work, no money.

[upbeat music playing]

[all cheering]

How's your new school, son?

[boy] It's a bit harder for me right now

because I have to catch up to the other kids.

That'll pay off for you. What's my saying about effort?

Don't take the easy road. Take the right road no matter…

-[Hyungju] How long you travel. -[Ingu] That's right.

The fact that your classes are hard now, only means that things will get easier.

Trust your dad on this.

-[upbeat music continues] -[all cheering]

[woman screams]

Hyungju, I'll call you back later, okay? Have Mom check your homework.

-[music halts] -[indistinct chatter]

[Ingu] Hey, you okay?

-[Eungsoo] He did it. -Who?

Oh!

-[scoffs] Come on. -[Eungsoo groans]

[Ingu] Yes?

You're the guy who's shipping out Suriname skate fish, huh?

So, you have to pay me.

[scoffs]

What? Who are you?

I made a deal with the soldiers.

[chuckles]

I am a businessman, and I own the Suriname Sea.

It's… it's all mine.

I want 5,000 dollars a month for those fish you're taking.

Got it?

Is this another shakedown?

He's just a local thief. Let's get out of here.

-[Eungsoo] Okay. -Hey!

Where the fuck are you going? The boss is talking to you.

-[thug grunts] -[man] Oh shit!

[gun cocks]

Okay, okay. What do you want?

I told you.

You have to pay.

[grunts]

[Ingu groans]

[thug 2 in Chinese] Step on him! Die!

Die!

[Ingu and Eungsoo grunting]

[thug 2] Step on him!

[all grunting]

Stay still!

[Ingu and Eungsoo grunting]

[Ingu] Ah!

[Ingu exhales]

[Ingu groans]

[in English] Bring me 5,000 dollars a month.

If you don't,

I'll fucking kill you.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

You're a businessman? I'm a businessman too.

Let's make deal. Huh?

If we give you 5,000 this month,

we're broke. Busted.

Then, we can't pay you next month, and so on. That's bad business.

Bad for you and for me.

So…

What I propose is better.

Give us a discount to get started.

Deal?

[Ingu grunts]

No discount!

Pay, or die.

[groans]

[Ingu grunts]

[Eungsoo] That's gotta hurt.

No offense, but he's a much better negotiator than you are.

Hey, you don't know fuck all about negotiating.

-[Eungsoo sighs] -You never give up. No matter what.

[exhales]

[mobile vibrates]

[Eungsoo sighs]

IT MUST BE HARD OUT THERE FOR YOU. THAT'S WHAT CHURCHES ARE FOR, RIGHT?

I'LL BE WAITING FOR THE PICTURES.

[sighs]

[Eungsoo] Ah shit.

[piano music playing]

[all singing in Korean] ♪ There is a refuge here ♪

♪ So all those who are in need ♪

♪ Are welcome to come ♪

♪ The land may change ♪

♪ And the waters may rise ♪

♪ To top even the highest mountains ♪

♪ But I am not afraid ♪

♪ May it ring out from this room… ♪

Let's get this over with.

Hold on a second. Can you see the bruises?

Mm-hmm.

She'll be worried sick if she sees those.

Let's do something like this instead.

[camera shutter clicks]

-Let's see. -How's this?

It's too close. We need to get more people in it.

-I'll bow. -I'll go a little wider.

Try it again. Here.

[camera shutter clicks]

You look super pious in this one.

Yeah. Good. Thanks.

Ah.

Mmm.

As it was written in the good book of Timothy,

for we brought nothing into this world,

and we can take nothing out of it.

[in Spanish] "We take nothing when we depart it."

[in English] But if we have food in our mouths and clothes on our backs,

we will be content with that.

[all] Amen.

The Lord has said, that money is the root of all evil,

and that those who covet it

will have pierced themselves with many sorrows.

-They will have a glimpse of hell. -Let's get out of here.

[all] Amen.

Today, we have amongst our gathering

two of our brethren who have traveled far to be here.

There. Near the doors.

[translator in Spanish] "We have our brothers

who have come all the way here to follow the words of Jesus."

[in English] We welcome you to our church and invite you to introduce yourselves.

It's tradition. Please give them a round of applause.

[translator in Spanish] "Let's give them a round of applause!"

[all applauding]

Uh, hallelujah.

Uh…

Hello, sisters and brothers. I'm Kang Ingu from Dongducheon.

I run a seafood export. Thank you for the warm welcome.

[all applauding]

We sell skate fish.

It's high in protein and excellent for detox and digestion.

For you, brothers and sisters, we offer discounts.

You can have all the skate you want at our cost.

Please feel free to pop down to our warehouse. Okay?

[all applauding]

Beautiful. Thank you for those very thoughtful words.

And why don't we respond to them with a warm hallelujah? Hallelujah!

[all] Hallelujah!

[all applauding]

[knocks on door]

[pastor] Come in.

[pastor exhales]

So you take the local skate we fish here, and sell it at market in Korea? [chuckles]

That's a good use of our resources. Brilliant.

[chuckles]

I have to say, I don't like to discuss business here

in the house of God

Mm-mm.

No, no, no. Don't be shy. God loves fish.

One of my favorite proverbs is this,

"A man diligent in his work will stand before kings."

"He will not stand before mean men."

If you are sincere in your work, God will bless your endeavor.

[Ingu] Hmm.

-We try to make our Lord proud. -[chuckles]

I feel there's something I must ask you, though.

Are you troubled?

Is there hardship facing your business?

Your faces are…

Oh, it's nothing.

Just the usual bumps and bruises from being new on the scene.

It should all work itself out soon.

Ah, I see.

If you don't mind my asking, brother,

who's involved in this bumping and bruising, huh?

Maybe we should tell him.

Might not be good to get him involved.

[chuckles] We have a deal to buy local skate, you see?

And some Chinese guy beat us up

and said we owe him because he owns the sea.

We already had a deal for protection with the commander,

and now he says that only covers the land.

Everyone wants a piece of our business.

Uh, we shouldn't bother you with our stories. Let's go.

Yeah.

Did this Chinese guy you mentioned happen to have long hair?

And did he look like he might think personal hygiene's a thing of the past?

Uh-huh. Do you know something about him?

[pastor sighs]

Yes.

Chen Zhen is head of a Chinese gang.

The type of man who has no respect for human values.

The spawn of the devil who kills for money.

Lord…

is this too all part of your great plan?

Seeing as our Lord has sent two brothers here from my homeland,

and allowed you to share your burden with his servant,

I humbly understand God asked me to join you in your journey.

[chuckles] It will test our spirit, but God's will will prevail.

Pastor, if you can fix this,

I'll be glad to make a significant donation.

Brother Kang,

money is of no concern to me in this instance.

I hear the call of God bringing those in need to my door.

[keypad clicking]

[Ingu sighs]

Yes, this is Pastor Jeon.

Get me the preacher.

I need to make a visit to Chinatown.

[sighs]

CHINATOWN, PARAMARIBO

[rhythmic drums beating]

-[horns honking] -[clamoring]

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct chatter in Chinese]

[woman in Chinese] Welcome.

[Jeon] Hmm.

[chuckles]

[inhales]

[groans, clicks teeth]

[in English] Idolatry is frowned upon in my church highly,

but it's lunchtime.

Preacher, can you feed our guests?

With pleasure.

[in Chinese] Lay out some hot pots and baijiu on each of the tables.

Yes, sir.

[Jeon clears throat]

[in English] Brother Kang.

-Thank you. -[Jeon] Brother Park.

[Eungsoo] Here.

[Jeon chuckles]

[Chen] Who's making all this noise in my territory?

Fucking fish man.

This asshole?

You brought the pastor here?

Hey, Pastor.

Why are you in my restaurant?

Come, Preacher.

I want to be understood by this idol worshiper.

I understand, Pastor. I'll make sure he gets the message.

[Jeon clears throat]

Suriname's waters belong to God.

All the skate in these waters belong to God.

Brothers Kang and Park here,

were chosen by the grace of God

to come to our bountiful land to harvest skate.

You do understand they're here for God.

If you interfere with these men and their mission,

your actions will be judged by God just as the Amalekites were.

With the wrath of sharp spears and swords.

If you don't leave these guys alone,

you will be cut into tiny pieces.

[Chen scoffs]

[in Chinese] Byun Kitae.

[in English] You tell him.

We should all stick to the territories we agreed to stick to.

If you run around with your Jesus talk and try to do whatever you want…

[sniffles]

This is what my God commands, you low-class heathen.

[Jeon exhales]

Chen Zhen?

Today is the Sabbath. I'll have you know it is God's den.

Let's solve this peacefully for everyone's sake.

Particularly our brother's sake.

Does that sound good to you?

What do you say?

[chuckles]

Your God has come to my restaurant on the Sabbath

to argue about a bunch of fish?

That's ridiculous.

See, my idols never take a day off.

Fucking hell!

[exhales]

[chuckles]

I'm gonna let you save face today, Pastor.

If your God needs fish that bad,

then I'll let 'em have it.

God's will be done, sir.

We got what we wanted.

For now.

The skate is all yours.

Since you came all the way to my turf,

I'll treat you to our finest wine.

Drink in good health.

[Chen exhales]

[in Chinese] Get the hot pots out.

[Jeon inhales]

[Eungsoo in English] The pastor's well-connected.

Last Christmas, he donated tons of money

to build farms and factories around here. No joke.

He's friends with all the politicians and leaders in the country.

He knows everything that goes on here in Suriname.

I heard his nickname's "The Governor."

I also heard other Koreans saying that

he could be the next president if he wanted.

-What kind of bullshit is that? -What?

Running a country isn't a joke.

Would you ever consider electing someone from China or Mexico to be our president?

Huh?

Suriname is one giant melting pot.

The prime minister a few years back actually was Chinese.

-Are you serious? -Mm-hmm.

You know this for a fact?

Why would I make shit up while we're enjoying our beer and profits?

Everyone in Koreatown said the same thing.

[exhales] Okay.

So that means the pastor is a big fish in Suriname.

-We have to stay on the man's good side. -Mmm.

You know the last batch of skate we got?

We take the nicest ones from the whole lot and deliver it right to his door.

And the ginseng liquor you got from your wife last week.

We send that over with the skate.

Not the liquor. I'll need that to boost my energy.

My wife wants to try for a second kid soon.

You can't afford the one you've got.

Diapers, baby food, the school tuition. How will you pay for that? Huh?

The pastor can guarantee our success here, Eungsoo.

We need the liquor.

Wow, you shit.

[sighs] I'm trying to cement things and you bulk.

Hey, I didn't say for sure I wouldn't do it.

You didn't say for sure you would either.

Just enjoy your precious ginseng liquor and pop out as many kids as you want.

Go on, but you're gonna kill the business, man.

Get your panties out of your ass.

I was just telling you why my wife sent it.

And I always heard that church workers aren't allowed to drink alcohol.

You don't remember him enjoying the rice wine?

It's monks who aren't allowed to enjoy anything.

Pastors are good to go. Get your stuff straight.

[Eungsoo sighs]

What's it gonna take for you to do it? Come on!

Hey, ginseng liquor is soul food for most Koreans.

Everyone knows it's a good gift. Hand it over.

I'll give it to him 'cause you're my pal.

-The math? -Fifty-six.

Holy shit. You actually know it. Good! You've been studying.

I always knew it.

Eight times seven then?

Sixty-four.

-Dumbass. -[both chuckle]

[telephone ringing]

[Ingu groans]

[telephone continues ringing]

[sighs]

[telephone continues ringing]

-Hello? -[man] Kang?

Is that you, Kang?

Captain Kim from the Dolphin!

Yes, how are you? Are you in Korea already?

-Korea my ass! -[Eungsoo groans]

I had to swing by Aruba to pick up another container.

My ship got hit with an inspection.

They found cocaine in your merchandise, Kang!

Did you say cocaine? With the skate?

Yeah, five days ago. I just got released.

You put that shit on my ship, asshole?

No, Captain. I don't smuggle drugs.

I would never do that.

When did this happen?

I'm trying to understand how cocaine got in with our fish.

If you can start from the beginning, I'm--

No, no, no. You've done enough.

I'm only calling to let you know your shipment stayed in Aruba.

-You're on your own! -[line ends]

Hello? Captain?

Did… did I hear you right?

They found cocaine in our skate?

[sighs]

Yeah, and it's in Aruba.

Aruba is under Dutch jurisdiction. Am I right?

No way! How did cocaine get mixed up with our fish?

Let's find out.

Where are you going?

Eungsoo, we gotta move. You go down to the office right away.

-Someone has to know something about this. -Now?

Of course now. We have to get ahead.

-[Eungsoo] Okay. -Get down there.

You're not coming along?

I think big trouble's coming our way.

I'll get a hold of the pastor and see if he can sort this out.

Right. Good idea.

Speaking of the pastor, did you send the skate and liquor like I asked?

Oh, sort of. I sent really fresh skate.

The ginseng liquor could use a little more aging,

so I didn't send it yet.

Stupid idiot. I already promised we'd send it over.

All right, I got it. I'll send it. Relax.

Now quit yelling and let me get out of here.

Let's stay in touch.

I'll call you. Huh? Bye.

[door opens, shuts]

[keypad clicking]

PASTOR JEON YOHAN

[line ringing]

[Jeon] Good evening, Brother Kang.

Sorry to call so late, pastor. It's important.

It's never too late for God. Is something wrong, brother?

Things have taken a bad turn.

I didn't really know who else to call.

Eungsoo and I have run into more trouble.

[Jeon] Goodness. How did all this happen?

You're right to call, brother.

Don't go anywhere for now.

I'll try to make a few phone calls.

I appreciate your help, Pastor. I was panicking for a minute.

Oh, and I haven't forgotten the liquor I promised.

You'll get it. Soon.

All right.

[line ends]

[sighs]

[line ringing]

[operator in Dutch] The person you want to reach is outside of our service area.

Please leave a voice message.

[recorder beeps]

[in English] Hey, Eungsoo. What'd you find out?

And why the hell aren't you answering?

[line ends]

-[sirens wailing] -[tires screech]

[dramatic music playing]

[car doors open, shut]

[banging on door]

[banging on door]

May I help you?

Are you Mr. Kang Ingu from South Korea?

No, I'm Chinese.

Mr. Kang just went downtown. He's not here.

Take your hat off.

KANG INGU

[cop 1] Go, go!

Stop right there!

Stop!

[cop 2 in Dutch] Freeze!

[in English] Stop!

[cop grunts]

-[Ingu grunts] -[cop yells]

[siren wailing]

[cop 3 in Dutch] Freeze! Freeze!

-[cop in English] Freeze! -[Ingu grunts]

[cop in Dutch] Stop! Hands up!

[in English] Turn around!

[dramatic music playing]

[music ends]