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

Mom.

Dad.

Are you really here?

Are you really my parents?

Mom.

Don't you recognize me?

Dad.

I'm Ji-a, your daughter.

Right.

It's been over 20 years.

My daughter.

You're all grown up.

But you're still a crybaby.

Do you...

recognize my face?

What kind of a parent wouldn't recognize their own child's face?

Mom.

I'm sorry for making you wait so long.

Mommy is sorry.

I missed you.

I missed you so much.

You brothers have done a great job.

She'll finally sleep in peace after 20 long years.

If I said I'd do it, I do it.

And Mr. Lee's contract?

- It's gone. - You're so cool.

Go on.

The world is so unfair.

You're good-looking, and you're good at everything.

How dazzling.

Have you made up with Lee Yeon?

I wouldn't say we've made up. I just let him off.

But I don't like him.

Why not?

He's been bullying you for ages.

You won't live with him, will you?

Do you think I'm crazy?

Don't forget about me, just because you two made up.

What if I do?

I'll bite you.

Hey, I've raised you into an awful woman.

5 Years Ago

Darn it.

That's how you do it.

If someone bites you, you bite them back.

The world will be cruel to anyone who won't scream when they're bitten.

- Who asked you to save me? - You're right.

I never asked, but he took me in, fed me, made me get attached,

then when he got sick of me, he just threw me out.

I hate those kinds, too.

So when you're done, get out of my house.

What?

I told you not to follow me.

Swing it.

Again.

Right here, here,

and here are the vital spots. Remember those.

Again.

Again.

Again. Again.

Mr. Lee.

I stabbed his vital point in one try.

Well done.

Do you want some jokbal tonight?

No.

That dish is tainted with my awful history.

Instead of jokbal, how is bossam?

No, jokbal feels perfect for tonight.

Stop that!

Let's get half and half.

Half and half it is.

I'm looking for my missing mom

My goodness.

What's all this?

At first, I handed out flyers.

But no one would believe me.

That's why I decided to become a TV-show producer to find you myself.

And see? I found you.

Ji-a.

I'm so proud of you.

How are you feeling? Are you in any pain?

We're completely fine. Don't worry about us.

But let's go see a doctor, just in case.

This is the music box from that day.

That accident at Fox Hill...

feels just like yesterday.

Everything seems the same. I can't believe 20 years have passed.

Where have you been all this time?

I'm not sure.

It just feels like I woke up from a very long sleep.

- And you too, Dad? - Yes.

In that case,

what's this?

Didn't you write this?

"Ji-a, why won't you come and save us?"

There was one time when I woke up from my sleep.

A sharp-looking young man with fair skin showed up and said...

I can meet you if I write this down.

He must've helped us.

It wasn't him. It was Yeon.

Yeon saved you two.

The guy we just met?

Yes.

What's he like?

Someone who only cares about me.

He waited for me for a long time,

and he doesn't hesitate to risk his life for me.

Is he your boyfriend?

My daughter really is all grown up.

I'm so heartbroken.

When you get a boyfriend,

I wanted to be the first one to know and nag you a lot.

Do it! I really want to hear you nag.

There were so many things I wanted to do for you.

You can make up for everything you haven't done for me, starting now.

I will.

I'm proud of you, my baby.

You grew up into a strong woman and even became a TV producer.

Ji-a

A video call?

I thought my little puppy might be too scared to sleep alone.

What? Your puppy?

Let's do everything that couples do.

Give each other nicknames, get matching rings,

and get all lovey-dovey on the phone.

Lovey-dovey?

Stuff like this.

You're in a great mood.

Yes I am. So great, I could just fly.

But please don't fly away.

Your puppy will cry.

Thank you, Yeon,

for keeping your promise that you'll bring my parents back.

I wish all of your nights were like this.

I'll make sure it stays this way.

Ji-a, let's sleep!

I have to go.

Sleep well.

Sleep well. Dream about me.

Chapter 12 Catching Tails

That was close. Those crazy gumihos!

I was just about to call you.

I was 99% there, but those jerks tricked me in the end.

Yes, it's just a small mishap.

You lost the bladder cherries and the hostages.

Thanks to you, I don't have many cards left.

I can bring everything back. Please give me your trust.

That being said,

where are you now?

I'm on the street.

I can hear everything.

I can hear your troubled heart over the phone.

Come inside.

Then you'll find out...

if what's waiting for you is life...

or death.

I'm not going to die. Never. I did so much to keep myself alive.

I won't die. I won't.

I won't die.

Why am I here?

Welcome.

Serpent.

I like "Terry," rather than "Serpent,"

the name you first called me.

So it was you.

How did you get me here?

I didn't.

You called me.

- What? - This is your dream,

and it means we're connected.

Connected or not, I'm not doing this with you.

Our fates are linked.

Get lost. Get out of my dream!

Take a good look.

I'm you.

I have to catch the serpent,

but in a way that Ji-a won't get hurt.

In that case,

where should I begin?

It's me, Lee Yeon.

I'm also not glad to talk to you.

I called to see if you needed anything like the bladder cherries.

Never mind, then.

Is that so?

Then come and see me.

Fine.

Let's do this.

All I need is the bladder cherry.

Be it the serpent or Lee Yeon.

Who cares, anyway?

I came running to you

Ta-da.

What is this?

It's a new phone.

Someone sent it to me, thinking I won't have time to get one.

Sent it to you? Can cell phones be delivered?

They bring it over within an hour.

That's amazing.

Okay, then.

Press this to call me.

My Daughter

My Daughter My Mom

Don't pick up any calls that aren't from me.

And don't let anyone in, either.

Don't worry about us and go.

It'll take us a while to get used to the year 2020,

but your parents aren't kids.

Please depend on me. You can do that.

Ji-a.

Let's have a meal with that guy.

Who?

Yeon?

Fate? A connection?

He showed up in your dream and said that?

I don't think it was just a dream.

My face was covered in awful scales.

If something inside of me is calling him,

what should I do?

Why me?

I'll make sure I catch him.

Do you trust me?

I do.

Perhaps, are you free this evening?

Tonight?

My mom and dad want to meet...

my boyfriend.

That's me.

Could you look at this cat?

I was on my way out.

Is it hurt?

It's a stray cat. It must've been caught in a trap.

I'll pay for everything. Please take a look.

There aren't many young men like you.

I'll see it.

Right here.

Did it hurt? Did it?

It's okay. It's all right.

Luckily, the wound isn't that deep.

Really?

Little kitty, who did this to you?

What?

Who? Who did this?

Why?

Does the cat talk?

Where did you find this cat again?

At the trail out front.

He's the serpent.

So this is...

the serpent.

It's lotus-leaf short ribs.

It's a good day, so this is on me.

Thank you.

- Thank you. - Thanks.

Eat up.

- So what's the job? - Wait.

Tell us the payment first.

We don't come that cheap, you know.

I'll throw in an extra zero on the minimum wage.

$85.90?

What should we do first?

I need you to do what you TV-industry folk do best.

I need details on someone.

Who?

The serpent.

Look for fables, legends, folk tales, fairy tales,

and even comic books.

Bring me everything that's written on the serpent.

Why?

A weakness.

I'm going to find his weakness.

Why is your hand shaking so much?

A vet shouldn't be like that.

I'm sorry. Excuse me.

You'll die today if you touch that.

You know who I am, right?

Gu Sin-ju, Lee Yeon's right-hand man.

You can understand animals.

What do you want?

I'm playing "Catch the Tail" with Lee Yeon right now.

"Catch the Tail"?

That being said,

will you serve as a good hostage?

Just kill me.

If I must become Mr. Lee's weakness,

I'd rather die.

You're that type.

I'm not afraid.

Kill me.

It's a sort of hypnosis.

One day,

when the serpent in her calls,

you'll...

Were we killed by that serpent in our past lives?

- And he's our intern? - Yes.

Man, this is so wrong.

Why are all good-looking men in Korea either a gumiho or a serpent?

Sorry about that.

- Then you three can talk. - Where are you going?

I need to hand in the edited footage, then I'm going home.

I'm getting groceries with Dad.

Do you want a ride?

It's okay.

I'll see you at home. Make yourself pretty.

We'll get going, too.

Sit down.

Now.

Why...?

What I'm about to say is more important.

I need some tips.

What's the best way to impress someone's parents?

- Over here, Mom. - Okay.

That's so pretty.

Is it seasoned well?

- Open up. - I'll clean that.

How is it?

I think you're doing this on purpose.

What if I undo one more?

Stop that, and get back in there.

This one? Do I look okay?

- This is it. - This one?

So parents like this style? Thanks, part-timers.

You're here.

- You're here. - Hello.

You met them yesterday.

Let me make a formal introduction. I am Lee Yeon.

It's a pleasure.

I asked you to come so we could eat together.

Then let's go in.

Wait, one second.

You know the drill, right?

"Thank you for having me."

"This is a small gift."

Red ginseng, traditional snacks, or cosmetics.

You mean I should flaunt my wealth.

Thank you very much for having me.

And a little something from me.

A lighter?

I don't smoke.

It's my favorite model, too.

Feel free to use it.

He's quite generous.

Let's go inside.

- Please come in. - All right.

Get in there.

It's been a while since I cooked with Ji-a.

I don't know if you'll like it.

To be honest, it doesn't suit my taste.

The bulgogi is a bit salty.

It's good. Everything tastes great.

You're such an honest man.

When her parents ask something, keep the answer honest and short.

Answer honestly.

How old are you?

You'd probably be shocked.

How old are you?

I may not look like it, but I'm a lot older than...

He's 36 in Korean age.

You've sort of lived abroad for a long time, right?

You studied abroad?

We also met when we were studying abroad.

Did you go to college abroad?

I didn't go to college.

Well, you don't have to go to college.

Not even high school.

I was never educated.

What do you do for a living?

Nothing, really.

You're quite the liberal fellow.

But I have a lot of money. You saw how I got you a car.

What can I get you?

Before I order,

isn't it a bit loud?

Pardon?

I'm so sleepy.

I want to sleep.

You must be the Snail Bride.

Why are you here?

I'm here to eat. Take my order.

I...

What would you like?

What does Lee Yeon usually get?

I'll have the same thing he usually does.

Sir, you're a college professor,

and you're a doctor, right?

She's a TV producer who graduated from the most-prestigious university in Korea.

Come to think about it, I have nothing to brag about.

But...

I really like her.

What do you like about Ji-a?

I've been through a lot in life.

Much more than you can imagine.

Life has been pretty tough.

But isn't it strange?

Eating a meal next to Ji-a...

makes me feel like I've become a part of this family.

And this is just insanely comforting.

I feel that way, too.

I lived a lonely and tough life in this house without you two,

then realized this after I met him.

Everyone lives under the shadow of someone they can rely on.

And I want to be someone like that, too.

You both grew up well.

It's a bit salty, but please enjoy. Okay?

Thank you.

You're a good cook.

What do you want from Mr. Lee?

He endured many years in loneliness,

and he's just about to be happy. So why?

There are many versions of the "Tail of the Snail Bride."

However,

every single version ends in a tragedy.

It's just like our story.

This is...

a story that'll only be finished after one of us dies.

Now listen to me.

You.

Look at her. Isn't she pretty?

When she was 100 days old.

She's so cute.

Her hands and feet are so tiny.

But this little kid was already short-tempered.

Who does she take after?

Not me.

The one who feels self-conscious is the culprit.

She got her personality and my looks.

Hey, see what I mean?

You can't share your daughter's photo like that.

I couldn't find a day you looked bad.

That's me.

Oh, my.

- Ta-da! Look. - What is this?

You can't show him this one, Dad.

What's wrong? It's cute.

You were cute. Don't worry.

Just look at the cute ones.

Darn it.

I want to kill him.

You're here.

I thought you only had Americanos. You're having a latte today?

It's to remember.

I won't see another day like this.

I never knew my bitter life could...

could be as smooth as this latte.

Were you that happy?

I daydreamed for a moment,

as I looked over your albums.

I imagined marrying you.

One day, we'll have a baby who looks just like us.

By the Han River, we'll eat my homemade gimbap,

then we'll end up fighting.

- But I'll end up losing. - Yes.

I imagined this immortal body...

turning old with gray hair.

Even then, you'll still be with me.

If I were a person...

How nice would it be, to be an ordinary person?

Did life get bitter again?

Should I soften it up again?

Sure.

What's this?

Look.

Matching rings.

- I've always wanted to do this. - Really?

I was going to buy them.

You gave me more than enough.

All I did was take from you.

Do you like them?

Why...?

Why did you...?

No.

It wasn't me.

I didn't do this.

What happened?

I did this.

I did that to Mr. Lee with my two hands.

Have I gone crazy?

Why would you do that?

I don't know. What was I thinking?

I really don't know.

Yu-ri.

Calm down and think.

On my way here after Mr. Lee called,

I bumped my shoulder with a guy in front of his house.

And he said...

Did he say, "I want to kill him"?

Then I don't remember...

Who was it?

The serpent.

The guy you ran into...

had to be the serpent.

He hypnotized you and took control over your mind.

It's not a coincidence.

He came to you with a plan.

Why would he come and find her?

He wanted to give a warning...

to me.

If I gain one, I'll lose another.

He used the only one...

Rang isn't wary of.

That's why...

a young and weak fox like you could catch him off-guard.

That coward. I'll kill him now.

You're no match for him.

Darn it!

So what'll happen now?

He'll live, right?

I stopped the bleeding, but his breathing is weak.

And his heart is barely beating.

And?

He's too weak right now,

so all we can do is watch.

Do something, please!

What about the cherries?

We have the bladder cherries.

It's for the granny at Samdocheon.

You can give it to her after we use a few!

Each and every one of them is a human life!

Do you want me to kill those people just to save him?

So what if they die?

I'll do it. It'll be fine if I do it.

Mr. Lee.

It's a matter of his life.

You aren't allowed to kill any humans.

But Lee Rang will never wake up unless you break the taboo.

What'll you choose to do this time, Lee Yeon?

Where is it?

Where did you put it?

At home.

Is that so? Let's go.

You can't.

What?

It kept bothering me.

Why is no one coming back to life...

except for Ji-a's parents?

It's like he wants me to use the cherries.

Could he be testing you?

If I violate the taboo and kill someone, I'll be dragged to hell.

I'll be gone for days, even a few weeks.

I'll be away from Ji-a.

He's after...

my absence.

I won't use the cherries.

I'll catch the serpent first.

I'll save my brother my own way.

Give it to me!

- Yu-ri. - Give me the bladder cherries!

No, stop!

Who is this?

Mr. Gumiho.

Do you want me to be your friend?

- No. - Why not?

Runny nose. I don't like guys with a runny nose.

The runny-nose kid?

Why are you here?

Do you also think I'm a pushover?

No. What do you mean, "a pushover"?

Then why do you get me flowers and buy me drinks?

Flowers and drinks mean...

nothing more than "sleep with me" for a widow who runs a restaurant!

That's a very sad sentence.

Personally,

I've always thought flowers and alcohol...

to be very grand and lavish.

I didn't know I could hurt your feelings deeply...

with those words, Ms. Bok.

I...

But why me?

You aren't a bad guy, Mr. Choi.

It has to be you. No one else.

In my eyes,

you don't look like a widow who runs a restaurant alone.

You don't seem like an ordinary person.

I really want to find out...

what you're hiding...

behind those charming eyes.

Yu-ri, get some sleep.

Can you ask him to hand over the cherries?

Won't he listen to you?

Let's trust him, and wait a little longer.

He'll find a way.

You jerk.

You cold-hearted jerk.

Think about whose fault this is.

Technically speaking, it's not because of Mr. Lee Yeon.

He warned Mr. Lee Rang many times...

that the serpent would cause trouble.

Whose side are you on?

Mr. Lee.

Mr. Lee...

Mr. Lee...

Yu-ri.

Yu-ri.

Is he sick?

Get out!

Su-o, come with me.

Is he a gumiho, too?

Says who?

He's that other man's brother.

That man is a gumiho.

It's a matter of his life.

You can give it to her after we use a few!

- Give it to me! - Yu-ri!

Give me the bladder cherries!

Darn it!

Which is the disinfectant?

This one.

Don't act so snobby.

That's not how you do it.

Hey, what do you know?

How do you know this?

My mom would be in pain after my stepdad beat her.

So I'd always do this and that for her.

Is that so?

Then you can stay here and do this and that.

If anything happens to him, you're dead.

Ma'am, where are you going?

Mr. Lee, I'll save you!

No.

No, Mr. Lee.

Mr. Lee!

Forgive me.

I should've stopped her.

And they all withered away once she stole them?

- Yes. - How is Rang?

He's not doing any better yet.

Keep an eye on the cherry thief.

She'll end up getting in trouble.

I'm sorry.

Should I take the remaining cherries to the lord of Samdocheon?

- No. - Then...

Not yet. I'm in the middle of a game of "Catch the Tail."

You've aged 12 years in just 2 days.

I have no idea...

where I can go to avoid him.

I'm as good as dead.

And you deserve it.

I'd kill you if I were him.

His right-hand man let him down.

Help me.

I'll do anything you say.

Please give me a cherry.

My cherries.

Don't you dare.

- Tell me what you want. - Help me catch the serpent.

The information will decide how many you get.

Anything. I'll tell you anything.

But how do I know I can trust you?

I've watched you all day when I disguised as Rang.

You're a born spy.

I understand why you can't trust me.

I'd feel the same way.

But...

it's not like I wanted to do that.

At this point?

I wanted to live.

I just wanted to live.

I'm holding onto my pathetic life with him,

but I'm only human.

I was once just an ordinary man.

I lost my family to him.

I wanted to get their revenge if I could.

If I ever get another chance,

I want to turn over a new leaf.

My goodness.

There, there.

Lift up your head.

Don't come crying to me with this.

How is this convincing?

It's covered in evening primrose from a graveyard.

How did you know?

People don't change that easily.

You're smarter than you look.

But this isn't going to kill me.

It's not loaded.

I just wanted to check.

Is the greatest mountain deity...

stupid enough to believe my crocodile tears?

I can't put my life in the hands of an idiot, can I?

Now we're talking.

The records of the serpent...

have a similar pattern to the famous legend...

of the Gimnyeong Snake Cave on Jeju.

They're from different regions and times,

but they all have a leery ending.

You're right.

A beautiful virgin is given as a sacrifice,

then a warrior comes and defeats the serpent after much suffering.

But it's never a happy ending.

The warrior of the Gimnyeong Snake Cave...

stabbed it to death with a sword.

But it says he was killed by the dead serpent.

He definitely killed the serpent, but it didn't die?

Maybe it's more than one.

Maybe there were two of them from the start.

You're going to attack him head-on?

What do you think?

If I end up liking your answer,

take the whole thing.

This is something only I know.

The shaman on that island said he never dies,

but only sleeps.

I already know that.

It's how you put him to sleep.

It's like waking him up.

Don't you remember? It's the well where he woke up.

You need to elaborate. Do I push him back in the well?

If there's water, anywhere is fine.

It's all about the materials.

The materials?

The flesh of the living. The blood of the sacrifice.

And the power of the one who's close to the Almighty.

My power as a mountain deity.

You were the last material we needed to wake him up.

Darn.

There are many records of people who fought against the serpent,

but I can't find the weapon they used.

I found one.

What is it?

Look.

There's a snake that lives underwater.

The protagonist fights the serpent who lives in a swamp...

by covering himself with horse blood.

I guess it doesn't like horse blood.

- Send that to him now. - Okay.

Ms. Kim.

Should I use emojis, or not?

Should I?

Serpents don't like horse blood.

You had nothing special.

All we need are those three ingredients and water.

The problem is that he won't sit on his hands,

and go down without a fight.

A Detailed Study of Korean Monsters: Serpent

I'll make him go down without a fight.

That being said...

What are you trying to do?

I need the flesh of the living.

Yes, sir.

Where's the bladder cherry?

We need to come and get it?

Okay, leave that to me.

Is that so?

Really?

All right.

Be careful. Bye.

What did he say?

He says he can catch the serpent!

He found out something by deceiving the serpent's stooge.

I'll go and confiscate the bladder cherries.

No.

What do you mean?

Should I leave it?

No, I meant Yeon.

He won't be able to catch the serpent.

What are you talking about?

Since it's Yeon.

It's impossible, because this is the Yeon we know so well.

Just think. What's your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is...

being abandoned.

My mom abandoned me,

and so did you.

I'll never abandon you.

I promise I'll save you.

I'll catch...

the serpent.

Jae-hwan! Ms. Kim!

Can't you hear me?

It's no use.

They're under my hypnosis.

Don't lay a finger on them.

I'm going to kill you!

Will you go out with me?

Then I might let them live.

What?

Wear the outfit I picked out.

Hello?

Hey!

Ji-a.

I found these boxes for you on our doorstep.

What should I do?

I got Ms. Kim and Jae-hwan in trouble.

Should I call the police?

They'll be fine. I'll find them.

I've already asked Sin-ju to follow their smells.

You don't have to see him today.

No.

I'll go.

I'll meet him.

Let's catch him today.

It looks good on you.

The dress, the necklace, all of it.

Put down "playing with dolls" as a hobby on your résumé, instead of "reading."

I love the look on your face when you talk like that.

Let's eat.

I missed you.

People don't even bother dogs when they eat.

I hope you'd be nicer to me.

They'll jump down on my word.

Why me?

You might be the one to help me find the thing...

I truly desire.

Something you truly desire?

Something only I don't have.

Perhaps...

something I lost from birth.

Once upon a time,

the ninth son was born into a royal family in Silla.

The baby never even let out a cry,

but the mother wailed.

The baby's limbs were dented like a degenerated snake.

It was a monster...

without any eyes, ears, or even a voice.

What happened to the kid?

His father, a nobleman, wanted to get rid of that awful monster himself,

but the midwife stopped him,

saying he might be cursed.

Thanks to her, the child was kept in a fine chest.

Other than the midwife who fed him,

his parents or siblings never came to see him.

Children who don't cry are forgotten.

You were human.

You weren't a monster.

You were a human, too.

He was thrown into a cave of plague victims.

Then...

he was eaten.

Is this horse blood?

Yes.

Over time, the cave became a graveyard for plague victims,

and a white snake crawled out.

People called it a serpent and considered it ominous.

Well, it's a boring story.

I know the answer.

I know what you truly desire.

The human heart.

Can you find it for me?

What if I say no?

I'll kill you.

I'll kill Lee Yeon.

I'll kill everyone dear to you,

and then you.

After that, an epidemic will break out,

so no one will dare to be happy.

Searching for Urban Legends

The night air is so nice, isn't it?

Sure.

Are you waiting for someone?

No.

But...

I don't think I got an answer yet.

Your heart.

I'm sorry, but I'm out of credit.

I used up every penny of my heart,

and gave it all to Yeon.

What does he mean to you?

Tell me.

How dare you touch her?

I'll cut your hands off.

It's none of your business.

We're on a date right now.

Go on a date with me, starting now.

I don't like it when people break promises.

I want to fly.

I got you!

It seems they didn't fly.

A serpent shouldn't be on land, but on water.

This is horse blood.

I spent a lot of money trying to find your weakness.

This is my blood.

Our date is over.

He's not it, Yeon.

It's not him.

What is this?

What went wrong?

You found the wrong tail.

What?

The serpent you're looking for isn't me.

Then...

It's hot.

What's wrong?

I'm burning up.

Are you hurt?

It's so hot.

It's okay. You're going to be okay. Please.

Do you feel better now?

Look at me.

It's been a while, Lee Yeon.

This woman is mine.

Get out of her body!

Tale of the Nine-Tailed

I might not have much time...

to stay as myself.

Take my life and save Mr. Lee Rang.

I'm going to put an end to this tiresome fight once and for all.

A sword that slays sin. It'll only slay the serpent's spirit.

You must live on when this fight ends.

- No. - Move.

You tampered with the book?

I won't let anyone take Ji-a.

Come at me.