Original subtitles

Lee Dong-wook

Jo Bo-ah

Kim Beom

Kim Jeong-nan Ahn Kil-kang

Hwang Hui Kim Yong-ji

Tale of the Nine-Tailed

It's hot.

Don't be a baby.

Your hand is too hot.

It's burning hot.

It's been a while, Lee Yeon.

I'm thirsty.

12 Hours Ago

Water.

Water.

I'm thirsty.

Water.

Water.

Death

Chapter 3 The Secret of the Dragon King

Man, he drowned himself to death,

like the fisherman he is.

He drowned to death?

In that toilet?

I fished him out myself.

Look at how his stomach is about to pop.

Man, I knew something was weird when he drank water all day long.

Captain, please call the police and shut this restroom down.

Life feels so futile.

He lived such a hard life to this day.

What do you mean?

When that fishing boat "Eunha" capsized,

he was on board, too.

Then he was there with Pyeong-hui's father?

Yes, there were four of them, including Mr. Seo.

Hello? Is this the police?

It must've been one special night.

- What's wrong? - He smells fishy.

- What's fishy? - This guy smells like rotten fish.

His body hasn't even decayed yet.

Darn it.

Hair?

But he has gray hair.

Smells like the sea, and...

there's a hint of that blanket from that house.

That house? You mean Pyeong-hui's house?

Death

Sailors of the Eunha Return

- Look at this. - What?

That guy is this guy right here.

There were a total of four fishermen on the capsized Eunha.

Three returned alive, and the last one...

Only the head.

Please let me see my dad.

Dad!

It seems he won't be the only one who'll end up dead.

Do you mean more might die?

Then we can't just stand here.

- Why not? - We have to stop this.

- No, thanks. - What?

Too much work. And it's not my job.

And I don't like their looks.

Come on!

I only deal with good-looking people.

The Second Survivor of the Eunha

Who's there?

Jin-sik, it's me.

Mr. Seo?

Is that you, Mr. Seo?

Jin-sik.

Jin-sik!

I'm hungry. I'm so hungry.

The Third Survivor of the Eunha

I'm hungry.

I'm hungry. So hungry.

Who's there?

- Who are you? - This isn't our first time.

Your house is a mess.

You were with that head that day.

Get out of my house. Get lost!

I only leave when I want to.

You scumbag.

Who do you think you are, pulling that junk?

Answer my questions politely.

If you don't, I'll break your fingers one by one.

What did you do on the boat?

A huge wave hit the side of the boat.

The weather forecast was way off.

Then why did only three return?

Seo got washed away in the waves.

- And we floated around the sea. - Then?

I don't remember anything after that.

It's the truth!

I was back on the land when I woke up!

Okay, your pinkie it is.

Wait.

You must've been afraid.

You spent 28 days out on the sea...

on that tiny lifeboat without food or water.

It was enough to wear anyone out.

The scorching August sun hit you hard,

leaving mild burns on the skin.

The boat rolled around, making you nauseated on an empty stomach.

One can only wait for so long to be rescued.

The wait was maddening.

- "Why me? Why?" - Shut up!

The fifth day was the toughest.

It hadn't rained over those five days.

I'm sure dehydration hit you first.

No. No.

Help us.

Get a grip! Are you trying to get yourself killed?

We're all going to die, anyway.

I don't want to die.

I don't want to die.

I'm thirsty.

Pyeong-hui must be worried sick.

Pyeong-hui...

I'm thirsty.

I'm hungry.

I'm hungry.

I'm hungry.

Doesn't it seem odd?

You didn't lose much weight for someone who starved for 28 days.

And you couldn't get delivery on the open sea without internet.

- What did you eat? - I didn't.

I didn't. I didn't do it.

I'm not...

going to die out here.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?

Don't do this.

I won't die here!

It wasn't me.

I'm hungry.

I'm starving to death.

Meat.

It's meat. Meat.

Meat.

Give me my meat.

Meat. My meat. Give me my meat!

Sir, get up.

Sir!

Hair.

He's dead.

Dad...

Dad...

Stop crying.

Your wish came true.

There's one more to go.

So...

what will you give me in return?

Who's messing with the book of the dead?

Honey! Hey, Honey.

Honey, what's wrong?

It happened again.

Warning

Goodness, there's an error.

Someone who isn't in the book died again!

Don't get so hysterical, Honey.

Hysterical?

No, I mean, stressed out.

I mispronounced it.

You're obviously stressed out because of your work.

What have you been up to?

Watching dramas, right?

No. I was watering the Uiryeongsu Tree.

For three hours? For that one tree?

Honey, my laziness isn't the issue.

The book is a mess!

I'll rush over and get the region's death statistics again.

Give me just one second.

Oh, right.

It seems a disaster is about to break out.

Running these stories, I've seen my share of folk paintings,

but never as creepy as this one.

Why?

Something is missing in this painting.

Portrait of the Dragon King

You startled me.

How can you eat chips in this situation?

Why not? This is my favorite.

Two people died.

So what?

Got a more reasonable reaction than that?

How many do you think died over 50 years...

through 1592's Japanese Invasion and 1636's Manchu Invasion?

Over 3.5 million.

I've seen more funerals than all the funeral homes combined.

You've seen 3.5 million deaths.

At the least one of those deaths had to be profound to you.

Look at this.

We saw the same painting in that house, too.

It's a portrait of the dragon king, right?

It is, but looks nothing like him.

- You've seen him? - Back when I was a deity.

We took the same leadership seminar of a sort.

That's too glamorized. He's not that handsome.

But this is different from other portraits of the dragon king I've seen.

Look. This is the normal painting of the dragon king.

Do you see the difference?

Is this a spot-the-difference, or what?

There are no feet.

No feet?

Now that you mention it...

A dragon without feet. What do you reckon that is?

This is a snake, not a dragon.

A serpent.

You must be Master Lee Rang.

I've been expecting you.

Are you sure it's hidden here?

Yes. The fallen deity,

the king of all sinners,

Lord Lee Ryong.

No way. That just made me cringe.

Throwing all kinds of titles before his name...

won't turn him into a dragon.

He died a tragic death in a fight with Yeon...

with that human girl, right?

Before he went into that girl's body,

he entrusted a piece of his body with our family of shamans.

He's not the type to go all-in.

He's my exact opposite.

Anyway, are you all ready?

A woman born in the Year of the Sheep, a living sacrifice, and...

Leave Yeon to me.

Get evening primroses grown from the blood and flesh...

of the dead from a graveyard.

Allow me to ask one question.

Aren't you and Lee Yeon brothers by blood?

We are.

To be exact, brothers from another mother.

Once he's awakened,

Lee Yeon won't survive.

So?

How come you're helping your brother's enemy?

Just come.

- What is it? - Pack up and leave...

as soon as possible from this lousy island.

- What? - I have a bad feeling.

- What do you mean? - It's the perfect place...

to end up dead.

You said you aren't here to save people. So why am I an exception?

That's none of your business.

I'm not going home over reasons I'm oblivious to.

Go look for whoever you came to find.

I need to know why my parents were here.

Why do I help the enemy of my blood kin?

Yes, it's wise to not trust your partner completely.

No, that's not what I meant.

Have you seen him as a mountain deity?

I've only heard of him.

Tell me what you heard.

The most ruthless one among the four mountain deities...

who ruled the land.

No one dared to plunder his forest,

so Baekdu Mountain was bountiful.

He may be called a deity, but my brother is a guy...

who has zero consideration for others.

But you know,

he always gave me the bigger piece, even when we shared an apple.

I still remember the sweetness of that green apple.

Then why?

He used the same loving hands that split his apple with me...

to split my stomach open.

I was hurt even more deeply in my heart than this gigantic scar.

- So that's why you... - After all, I'm a fox.

I need to pay his kindness back.

I'll surely end up in hell...

with Yeon.

Ms. Nam, I came to the library, as you said.

So what am I looking for?

A dead body?

So dead bodies that were mutilated?

Set the keyword to Eohwa Island, and look up all related cases.

Call me if you find anything.

What are you looking for?

What the old ladies here said keeps troubling me.

Don't tell anyone we told you.

This wasn't the first time.

You know, finding just someone's head.

Granny.

Have you heard anything about that guy?

Who is that guy?

The serpent.

Didn't you put an end to that thing with your own hands?

I did.

- So why do you ask? - Nothing.

I was just worried.

I can't let that thing lurk around this world again...

where A-eum is reborn.

What a loving boyfriend.

- There's no way I wouldn't know if... - Okay, bye.

What a cheeky little brat.

Pyeong-hui.

You're back.

What are you reading?

What's wrong?

You're not Pyeong-hui.

Why are you here?

It's a great place to read.

Anyway,

you're all alone.

He's nearby.

No, he's not. I can smell him from miles away.

You're the one who killed those fishermen.

Don't blame the innocent. Got any evidence?

That book.

This one? I love the classics.

Moby Dick was inspired by a true story...

of a whaling boat that capsized in the 19th century.

What happened on that boat?

They ate and got eaten,

just like what happened to Pyeong-hui's father.

You surprised me. I almost died just now.

Look at these guys.

There's one here, too.

What are you doing?

Only I get to ask questions.

What the heck are you doing?

I said only I get to ask questions.

If you don't give me a good answer, you'll never fish again.

What's this painting?

But if I'm the culprit, I have to have a motive.

What could it be? Bringing justice?

I wasn't completely sure just before, but I think I know now.

The deaths of those fishermen are a sort of fireworks.

Fireworks, you say.

You want to cover our eyes and ears...

by distracting us with a high-profile case.

- Why should I? - Probably...

to hide the real reason you came to this island.

Magnificent. You're pretty smart for a human woman.

Since you guessed correctly,

here's a reward.

You want information on your parents.

- Give it back! - Come on. You saw it in a dream.

How did you know?

Just ask me.

Who knows?

I might have the answer.

You can...

really find them for me?

Yes.

Do you want me to grant you...

that wish?

I asked you. What's this painting?

It's obviously the dragon king.

We gave him our respect, since he calms the storm,

and brings fish to fishermen.

So we'd hold a big ritual to pray for a big catch, too.

- You liar. - People say...

fishing isn't something people can control.

- I'll just cut it off. - No, I'm serious!

Where did you get this painting?

This lady in town bought them from a mainland market,

and gave them to us.

Feel free to ask anyone in town!

You'll forget everything you just saw.

- Ring me up. - When did you come in?

That'll be a dollar.

How many people came here from the TV station?

This pretty young man from out of town came asking...

for Pyeong-hui's place.

A young man?

Just give me one word.

Say yes.

I decline.

Why?

I heard a fox always repays someone's kindness.

In other words, a favor won't be for free.

Gosh, you're way too intense.

Don't be so uptight between us.

Then between us, I'll give you a word of advice.

Stop trying to make a move by exploiting others' misfortunes.

People call a jerk like you...

a total dirtbag.

You. I hate it when people are so crass.

If you ever call me that again, I'll kill you.

Why me? Why do you lurk around me...?

I'm not talking to you.

But I'll give you a piece of advice, too.

Don't trust Yeon too much.

What do you mean?

Once he finds what he wants, all hell will break loose.

He's gone.

And you're fine?

What did Rang say?

He offered to find my parents.

And?

I'm the type who never orders two half-flavors of fried chicken.

I only stick to one.

What?

I turned him down.

I made my bet on this fox.

I knew you were well-educated.

That's all?

Don't trust Yeon too much.

That's all.

I'm hungry.

Why don't you pack up and leave?

- What? - Your brother.

He's preparing some special event.

That's what I'm waiting for.

Gosh, come on.

Isn't she a new face here?

She's not native to Korea.

- Then? - She's probably from abroad.

Is it because she's from abroad? She's very stylish.

How much are those things?

Who made the reservation?

Ki Yu-ri. She's Director of Moze Department Store. My gosh.

She's obviously not a self-made woman.

She must've won the lottery.

There are only two types of foxes who reek of wealth and affluence.

She's either from a rich family like Mr. Lee,

or she broke the taboo and took a human's life.

Sitting here like this,

everything from this morning seems like a dream.

It'd be wonderful to live this boring and simple life.

Then move here.

Don't you miss nature?

Not really. There are no department stores,

and I can't give up on Americanos and mint chocolate ice cream.

What's with this fox?

Life is the same for everyone.

Old ladies here wearing comfy flowery pants...

doesn't mean their lives are all comfy and flowery.

Once you take a look, you'll see all kinds of adversities and tough times.

Is that the case for you?

I'm just curious what kind of pattern you've lived for all this time.

What about you?

What made you wait for your parents so long?

It's simple for me.

I just miss them. My mom and dad.

Me too.

I'm waiting for someone I miss.

Your first love?

A human? Or a fox?

Why did you leave her, if you had so many regrets?

You won't tell me, will you?

My darned first love happened to be a human girl, and she died.

So regrettably, I still haven't brushed away my regrets. Happy?

You said you're still waiting.

Are you waiting for someone who's dead?

She promised...

to be reborn.

Clean up mine, too.

That room is for staff only.

Goodness, my mistake.

I don't think it was a mistake.

I don't look like a petty thief, do I?

We should get acquainted, since we're the same kind.

I'm Yu-ri.

We aren't exactly the same kind.

Are you what, from Russia?

You have good eyes.

How did you get here?

- Were you...? - Yes, smuggled.

Have you ever flown nine hours stuck between Makarov pistols?

I wanted to shoot the smuggler's face as soon as the plane landed.

You've been through a lot.

That's why...

hearing you judge me whether I'm the self-made type or not...

breaks my heart, doesn't it?

Well, what I'm trying to say is,

I had to confirm your identity.

You wanted to know the secret behind my success?

- Yes. - It's nothing special.

I treat people sweetly...

and brutally.

Thank you.

I can't believe you let her take that.

I'm done for.

I can't understand what animals say without that necklace.

You always showed off as a master vet or whatever. Serves you right.

What? That thief was fatally charming?

You're pathetic, you know?

You're blinded by a woman.

But...

you also ruined your life because you were blinded by a woman.

What did you say?

So what should I do?

What else? You have her identity. Get it back.

I can't. She has a gun.

Where's your pride as a fox? Who cares about a gun?

You know I was traumatized...

after losing my tail when a hunter shot me.

So please come back, already.

Stop whining and get it.

Why did he break that branch?

It must've hurt.

Eat well and grow big.

The wind is blowing northwest.

Something is coming.

Hey, Jae-hwan.

There really were other similar cases? Who were the victims?

All four were unidentifiable women.

When was it?

The first case is from the year 1954, August 13.

"The year 1954"?

It's right after the Korean War ended.

Something unclean came to the island during a typhoon.

Keep going.

August 25th, 1961.

September 6, 1979.

And September 7, 1987.

The cycle is pretty far apart,

but isn't this serial murder?

- The day of the week. - From the top,

Friday, Friday,

Thursday, and Monday.

It's not the day of the week.

A date between August and September.

Wait.

One second.

Lunar Calendar: July 15, 1961

And 1979.

Lunar Calendar: July 15, 1979

And 1987.

Lunar Calendar: July 15, 1987

The lunar calendar.

These are all July 15 on the lunar calendar.

If I'm correct, these dates are the same.

What?

And that's today on the lunar calendar.

Ms. Nam, you have to leave that nasty island now!

What the heck happened on this island?

Excuse me.

You were on the boat with Pyeong-hui's dad.

Two of the survivors passed away.

Your life is in danger!

Hey!

Please hear me out!

Just a moment!

Why are you running away?

Get lost, you ghost!

Don't kill him!

I'm not hurt that badly.

- What's this? - A traditional remedy.

It's hot.

Don't be a baby.

Your hand is too hot.

It's burning hot.

Wait, I...

What is this?

It's been a while, Lee Yeon.

Who are you?

It's me.

The thing you've been waiting for.

What?

But you know what?

Why...

did you kill me?

Who are you?

That's why you should've let me go.

I asked who you are.

Our cursed relationship should've ended.

Only if you didn't hold back that boat...

crossing the Samdocheon River.

No.

She'll be born with a mark only I can discern.

You don't have that.

You really are completely clueless, Lee Yeon.

It's hot.

What did you do to me? That was burning hot.

The scar is gone.

Who are you?

What do you think?

Answer me.

- What's with you? - Who are you?!

It's me, Ji-a. I'm Ji-a.

You don't remember?

You just...

Aren't we a bit too old to play catch?

There's too much drama for us to do that.

That was supposed to be a hit by pitch.

Wait, the picture.

Get away from here.

Wait, are you two dating?

Hurry.

Hurry and go!

Move.

I don't want to. Play with me.

This is domestic violence, you know.

Delinquents need to be spanked,

but I didn't, and raised this fox into a mutt.

And who kicked that mutt out?

Stop treating me like a stray dog.

My brother, I'll give you a muzzle for this year's Christmas.

Where's my phone?

Who are you?

I've never seen you.

I'm from a TV station in Seoul.

Do you live here?

Yes.

How do I get back to the village?

Climb over that hill. That's the shortcut.

Thank you.

By any chance,

how long have you been living here?

Very long.

Much longer than anything you can imagine.

In that case,

have you ever seen them before?

They took this photo here long ago.

Wasn't this woman pregnant?

You're right. Do you remember them?

Did you ever talk with them?

Why were they here?

Drink before it gets cold.

Sure.

She said her baby was in the breech position,

or had the umbilical around its neck.

Anyway, she came to the snake cave,

and prayed to the dragon king for safe delivery.

The dragon king?

He's amazingly powerful.

Our island was the only one unaffected through Typhoon Sarah.

We used to have huge rituals for him.

Like rituals for bountiful fishing?

You know your stuff, for a young woman.

When is the ritual?

It's on Baekjung day.

Baekjung day?

Found dead on an island

August 25, September 6, September 7

That's July 15 on the lunar calendar.

And you must've overseen the rituals.

On this island, only this house had...

the five-colored flag out in the yard.

Five colors represents life, death, disease, wealth, and ancestors

It means there's a shaman here.

I make my living with these things.

And ma'am,

this pregnant lady is a doctor.

She would've seen a doctor instead of going to a snake cave.

Take a seat.

I'll take my time and tell you.

You can talk to the police.

You won't be able to leave, anyway.

That tea? I didn't have any.

I don't eat anything from a stranger.

What's wrong with me?

It wasn't the tea,

but the incense.

You're laughing?

I think I stalled you enough.

Don't you get it?

Why did that woman come to this island, of all places?

- What? - She'll be sacrificed.

You don't have much time.

By the way, she won't pick up her phone.

What's going on?

Her smell is completely gone.

The sun will set soon.

Just a while. Hold out just a bit longer.

Your mother came to this island,

just as you did yourself.

Since getting pregnant with you,

she had the same dream every day.

You lured your mother here...

from her womb.

I'm a former mountain deity and the lord over all nature.

Lift this darkness and take me to that woman!

I haven't done it in so long. It doesn't work at all.

Let's go.

It's no use.

You were the one...

who did that to the women found dead on this island.

They were all precious sacrifices.

Forget that.

Hey, lady. That's just plain murder.

Become a sacrifice.

You're a very special girl.

I've been waiting a long time for you.

Die. You must die.

You have to die.

Die. You must die.

You have to die.

Halt!

Yeon.

Don't lay a finger on her. Or I'll rip off your limbs.

This has nothing to do with the old lord over the mountains.

Continue on your way.

You're only a living corpse.

Who gave you such a long life that you don't deserve?

I asked who your master is.

You can't stop me, anyway.

I'm surrounded by evening primrose.

Die!

Die.

Darn it. You!

Return to dust.

This punk.

What's wrong, Honey?

Yeon just killed a human.

Can you walk?

Yes. Just lend me an arm.

What was that woman?

A human.

Just a human being who was desperate to live longer.

Man, I wanted to punch her in the face.

Big talk for someone who almost died just now.

But I didn't.

Mr. Lee!

I get that it was an emergency, but what about the consequences?

Shut up. Hang up if you'll nag.

I'll take the punishment.

This is why you shouldn't get involved with human women.

She knows something about A-eum's past life.

What? Ms. Nam does?

I don't know who she is, but I'll keep an eye on her.

Your love story is well-known in this field.

I'm sure your brother was scheming things.

Our closing sale for fruit begins now!

Only for today! It's on sale only today!

- Don't miss your chance! - Where are you? At a market?

Limited Quantity: Peaches for $2.15

I was a bit depressed before,

and this is my little paradise.

Did you take my credit card?

Hello? Mr. Lee? I can't hear...

Hello? Mr. Lee?

Are these organic?

You're drinking?

I'm only human, so I can't sleep without a drink on a day like this.

Have a drink.

I didn't want to sound like a boomer, so I kept quiet all this time,

but you keep talking down to me. How old do you think I am?

Once you're over 60, everyone just calls you "Grandpa."

Keep speaking casually.

Why do you keep saving me?

You didn't even blink as you witnessed 3.5 million die.

So why?

Do I have something...

you're looking for?

Heaps of things are bothering me, but I'll skip those for today.

I'll just say this.

Thank you, Yeon.

My 9-year-old self and my 30-year-old self...

both survived, thanks to you.

You know,

I'm not much of a fighter,

and can't control the weather,

but one day, I'll protect you.

I'll protect you.

Hey.

Can you turn this one soju bottle into a whole case or something?

- Like the five loaves and two fishes? - Yes.

I'm not Jesus. Just drink what you have.

Cheers.

Leaving on the first boat?

You're limping.

Did you give up a leg to avenge your dad?

How did you know?

You were lucky with your life intact,

but don't ever curse anyone again.

It'll come back to haunt you.

They're gone.

- What? - Everyone is gone.

What are you saying?

It's like the entire village...

vanished into thin air,

and there isn't a soul around.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed

The Gate of Demons. It's where unclean spirits come and go.

How dare you?! What were you thinking?

Why do you hate your brother so much?

If you wish to live, you'd better not fall asleep tonight.

What do you want from me?

Your girl will fail to die a natural death in this life, too.

Hell of the Mountain of Knives. Then I can leave here by today.

Or you may never get to leave.