Who picked this author!
I did sir
Don't you have any taste?
This is no writer
He's full of adolescent shit!
But he's a highly awarded writer,
- who debuted through the literary... - Awards don't make a good writer!
You don't deserve to be an author without your own style!
I hate when writers lacking originality act as if they were great!
Anyway, have you read the works of Saul Bellows?
- No - That's what I call true style
We can do better than this
Stop being allured by fakes and acquire better taste!
Sir, you need to hand in last month's expense breakdown by today
Let's go to my place for a drink
I bought the whisky you like
Let's go
- Did you sleep well? - Yeah
The Saul Bellows book in the car...
It's the one the editor mentioned, right?
Is it good?
Yes, it is
What do you think of the editor?
He's the type that never lets go of what is his
You two...
seem close. But when you talk of him, you're quite detached
Sometimes...
I don't get you
Who me?
- When's the editor coming in? - I don't know
It's difficult to catch a glimpse of him these days
Why is he so busy?
Don't you know?
He's running management as well
They should give him a CEO title before working him like a dog
What's a CEO?
Chief... Executive... Officer
Is that out on permanent display?
I should place it at my desk
It would make me look smart and professional...
Which N. Korean exile author have you picked?
I've done some research, but haven't decided yet
Since we're all here, let's decide now
Why not?
Wonsang, join us
Why don't we highlight one author than showcasing several people?
That way we could give the article more depth
Who should we pick?
How about Park Taewon?
Despite his blindness and paralysis, he wrote "the Gaboh Farmer's War"
We could catch a glimpse of his dramatic life
He started the popular series, "A day in the life of Mr. Kubo"
Iater picked up by a pop author So he's already well known
Great! What do you think, Wonsang?
You've studied Korean Literature You should have someone in mind
I pick... Lee Taejoon
Why?
I just like his work
Among the N. Korean exile writers, I think he's the best
Including, "Before and After the War for Liberation"
But he was never reinstated after being ousted
- So I doubt we'll get any help - I agree
It could even damage any friendly ties with the North
Lee Taejoon...
I like the idea
An author should be recognized only by his work
His works are subtle, yet command force...
I think he will do. OK?
Then it's settled
So don't cater to the readers' tastes? That's your point, right?
Okay, but you're in for all the tough work, Mr. Han
You're always taking Wonsang's side
When flowers bloom and fall,
I painfully recall that day
Without exchanging any words, we stood there...
That guy's okay
He's good...
You're so impartial towards Wonsang...
Come on, the rich,
the famous and the successful tend to intimidate people
He's different I feel comfortable with him
He's shrewder than you may think
A petal...
Whose mobile is that?
Now those things can receive calls in the basement?
Hello, this is Lee Wonsang's mobile
I don't know this song
Hello?
You didn't have to come
- How are you feeling? - Better...
What's this?
The pharmacist told me to eat grains
What, water?
There's none
Help yourself to the oranges
Why won't you get married?
Because I'm sure I'm sterile
Really?
It's just a feeling
Don't take it seriously
Why did you breakup with your girlfriend?
She had met someone else
He was married
He eventually dumped her
She told me she really loved him though...
Do you still love her?
No
She left me because I was a terrible boyfriend
You always tend to think like that
Want me to sleep over?
Since you're sick
No
NATIONAL LIBRARY
For papers on South American Literature...
Read the location map over there
I have, but there's no section for int'l papers...
Of course! You need to look at the one on the 1st floor
You'll find the reading room for int'l papers
No?
Bitch...
Her job is politely repeating the same words everyday...
I'm sure she's too educated, and comes from a rich family
Stressed out from working on your dissertation and at the magazine?
The evaluation's coming up and I'm still way behind
I need to get high grades in order to study abroad
No need for cursing though
No big deal from where I come from
You'll be fine
There's two things I've loved since I was young
One is literature,
and the other, women
But now, after losing all hopes of becoming an author,
my one goal in life now is
romancing women
How come? You seem to be a good writer
I could be better than ordinary people,
but the crucial element for a good writer is suffering
A wounded soul...
I should have had some wounds to exploit,
but my life's been too normal
I'm in my forties
Guess I have to accept who I am
I give up
Wonsang, want to call our girlfriends?
I don't have any
No one from the past? You have been in love before, right?
What's her name? You must have saved her number?
There's nothing
I've erased them already
There must be a number you just can't forget?
Seeing your ex-girlfriend again...
is painful...
But it's a lot of fun. Opening up and all the pulling and pushing...
You want me to do it for you? Do you?
Do you really want to meet her?
Of course!
So you do have someone...
Hello?
It's me
Were you awake?
Give it to me. Here! I'll do it for you!
Why did you hang up like that?
When she picked up,
you just had to say something like, "I missed you"...
Last April, when we met at the Japan Forum,
our conversation on N. Korean Lit. had been brief, but left a strong...
He treats Wonsang like a servant
For someone who writes for a living, he should be writing his own letters
Shush, he'll hear you... He says he's busy
I would like to meet you during this N. Korean tour
So please confirm us of your schedule
Enter our schedule. Finish it off with a decent statement
And then take it to the Ministry of Unification
You sign the documents as well
Sir, haven't you forgotten something?
What?
Your photograph
Oh, I forgot... what should I do?
Then we'll have to exclude you from the tour
I'll bring it tomorrow. Tomorrow
Go get one now It'll only take 20 min
I can't. I'm busy. You know that
No. I need to submit all visa-related documents by today!
Oh, right
Hey, Wonsang. Could you fetch my photo from my place?
I'm sorry. I'll treat you to a nice meal
I really owe you
See you, sir
What do you think you were doing last night?
What was I doing?
What were you trying to prove? It's so childish!
The nerve you have!
Wonsang, what do you want from me?
You want me to tell him about us?
If you don't quit the magazine now, I'm going straight to the editor
You don't think I can, do you?
It's better than waiting until something happens
And what will happen?
It's not my problem, so do as you wish
Why do you buy so many books?
Look!
Don't you have anything better to do?
I need to finish this dissertation and submit it to my professor by tomorrow!
If this gets in too late,
I'll be disqualified for an evaluation That's why
I'm sorry if I've bothered you
- Hello? - Yeah, it's me
Could you come out?
Are you busy?
Is it a matter of life-and-death?
I'll pay your cab fare...
I called because I couldn't solve this problem on my own!
A new president will be appointed tomorrow
Excuse me, sir
Was there a man drinking by himself?
- Oh, the editor? - Right
He left
A young lady came for him, and they left together
Was the lady's hair this long and wavy?
I guess so. But all young ladies have the same hair
The caller you have reach is not...
Have you seen the owner of that Espero?
It's not me...
Shit, who's the son-of-a-bitch?
8704!
Have some consideration for others!
8704! Espero!
- Espero, 8704! - It's not my car...
8704!
Since you were destined to leave,
I tried so hard to have no regrets...
Did he really work at a bank?
I guess we'll be spending more time drinking late
That's nothing compared to any tactics he might pull as new boss!
Really? Then there's a chance we could be fired?
Shush. No one could feel worse than our editor
Thank you. Now, who's next?
A request! Let's hear Wonsang's 'A Petal'
When flowers bloom and fall,
I painfully recall that day
- Amuse me - How?
I love your 'Editor's notes to the readers' you always run
on the first page of the magazine
You're a true writer, you know
A petal
Now isn't a home meal better than eating out?
Diner food may taste better, but you can never trust what's in it
Dad, you want more soup?
What? Are you leaving?
Wait a bit longer We're almost done here
I'd rather leave
Come on. Wait for me We're almost done here
Give it to me
It'll be awkward if I leave now! We'll stay just a little bit longer
Give it to me
I don't want you taking a cab at this hour!
I hate it! We'll go together, okay?
Yeah, you take her home!
But aren't you a bit drunk?
I'll get my bag
Go...
Byungil...
What's the matter?
What's wrong with you?
Byungil, what is it?
No!
It's me!
Talk to me!
It's me, your sister!
It's me!
What's the matter?
Who is it?
Why are you here like this?
Wonsang!
Hey What's going on?
It's Byungil...
What about Byungil?
What if Byungil gets sick like dad?
How will I live?
Byungil was acting weird in front of dad's room
He doesn't recognize me
It's okay
Don't worry
Wonsang...
What if he has inherited dad's sickness?
Don't cry
That won't happen
All finished. Now don't you feel great?
Mom, where will auntie sleep?
With us. In dad's place
He's on a business trip, remember?
He's younger by five years
Is he that young?
You know what we did the first day we met?
We did a caesarian section on a dog
Whenever I see him,
I'm filled with compassion
That's why I try not to think of him
But I do, although he's currently in N. Korea
I never had such feelings in a long time
I'm pathetic, huh?
Goodbye
Wonsang, let's have some fish cakes
Come!
- Hello! - Welcome!
Don't serve pickled veggies with the pork entrails
But it'll get rid of the after taste!
It costs money, you know?
True businessmen aren't cheap!
You're giving everything away!
They seem to have a good life
Didn't you say you will run a book rental shop?
What if I'm due for child birth when we get married?
Are you pregnant?
I not sure yet. I have to see
Next week, we should go to the hospital
People will stare if I go there alone
You have to pretend to be my husband, okay?
May I speak with the vice-principal?
I am Lee Wonsang who applied for the after-school instructor position
I'm just checking if I'd been hired You said you would call
Yes, English
I see...
Then maybe next time...
Hello?
It's been a while, hasn't it?
Yes
What were you doing?
I was wiping the floor
I see
Come on out Let's go to work together
Is it your day off today?
From now on,
don't make any personal calls to me
What do you mean?
I don't want to see you anymore
Did I do something wrong?
It's not that
I won't bother you again
I'm hanging up
Excuse me
OBSTETRICIAN CLINIC
Excuse me, Can I speak to the editor?
He's out for lunch
He'll be back soon May I ask who you are?
Then, I'll go to you It won't take long
Getting in?
I have to go to the printers Correction errors
Okay
- See you later - See you
Hello?
Naekyung?
I need to speak to you
It's been a while
Wonsang's dead meat!
Who is she?
And I'm caught in the middle...
Who is she?
Wonsang's ex-girlfriend
- Then why is she seeing the editor? - I don't know...
Same goes for you Don't like him too much, okay?
He's the world's greatest womanizer
Can I help you? Excuse me!
- Do you know who she is? - No
Can I see Wonsang?
He's out on business You should have called
You're a good friend of his, right?
Could you call him for me?
He won't answer my calls
I can't help you if he's doing it on purpose
He'll give me hell...
You'll survive, but in my case, it's a matter of life-and-death
Please help me
This must be Wonsang's day for special visitors
Hello?
It's me...
Wait...
What should I say? He'll hang up if I tell him the truth...
Wonsang, listen to me!
Don't hang up
Let's meet
We need to talk
I have nothing more to say
I can't marry you
Tell me the truth
Is it because of my father's illness?
How many times do I have to tell you that's not it!
Then why, what can't you?
Tell me...
How can I make it up to you?
Then... you'll have to pay me
10 million Won
No, 100 million, a billion, no more than that!
Come in
Are you alone?
Yeah, my father-in-law's been hospitalized
He has a bad heart condition
- Care for a drink? - No
What's up? Is there a problem?
What if...
I get married?
With whom?
My landlord's daughter
Didn't you break up with your girlfriend a few months ago?
Have you gotten over that?
Is she well-balanced and wise?
No, not really
It's just that she needs me
Do you love her?
- I don't think so - Then, forget about it
Perhaps in the future, but not now
Should we have a drink?
You make things seem so clear...
Not bad
- Did you compose it yourself? - Yeah
So, what're you planning to do?
Listening to you,
everything seems so simple
I know a bit about that girl
I don't think you should rush things Just date her
What kind of woman do you like?
A woman who's high-strung
Yeah, she can be like that
Did Naekyung...
come to see you?
This cheap whiskey grows on you
But it's not so bad
Since I was young,
I've never been told what to do
You're the first one to do so
I have a girlfriend, you know
You're not the only person with one!
Your wife?
Isn't a girlfriend just another woman to you?
No, it's different
But you love your wife
I could be good to both, my wife and my girlfriend
It's better than being incompetent as a husband and with women
Everything's so simple for you
Hello?
Check this and contact everyone necessary
I'll be busy making funeral arrangements
- Sure. I'll be back when I'm done - Okay, thanks
- It must've been a shock - Thank you for your thoughts
Why so sudden...?
He had a heart condition
I give my condolences
- Stay for a while - Of course
See you later
Keep up the good work
Could you sign the visitor's book?
Your wife seems quite frail
A Ringer's shot, and some rest will help
I'm a total mess myself
I should've just listened to him
I had no idea he would go so soon He was such a nice man
Thanks
I'm quitting the magazine
I want to start my own...
I've settled everything with my father
Want to work with me?
You can stay here if you want There're enough rooms
When I've had settled,
we can talk about work
You know...
I feel at peace when I'm with you
Why don't you just move next door?
We could have a drink whenever we're bored
Wouldn't that be great?
I've come to see the room!
The one on the roof!
I'M LEAVING THE RENT MONEY
I'LL BE BACK FOR MY STUFF LATER
TAKE CARE, WONSANG
Be honest... if you think it's just my imagination
By any chance...
Was it the editor your ex-girlfriend was in love with?
Move out of the editor's place
I don't have a place to stay
Then go study abroad Stop drifting like this
I haven't graduated yet
I've got no money...
I have nothing
Then just forgive him
Forgive and forget!
This is not like you!
Are you avoiding me because of the editor?
- When you avoid... - You're in love with him
So you've decided to be the big man and step back?
I can't compete with him
Compete?
This has happened before
This has happened before?
So, everything you've said or behaved towards me
was because of the editor?
I don't think I can make you happy
This is who I am
So long
Your name's Meerim, right?
What grade are you in?
Wonsang come on out!
I hope we can be friends
Junghye has prepared a feast Let's have a drink!
- The taste, I can't guarantee - Hey...
Looks good
This is my favorite, steamed tofu
Thanks to you, I must be having this in 200 years
200 years? That's not fair!
I'm not kidding
Here you go...
Written and directed by Park Chanok
Producers Peter Kim, Shin Changgil
Executive Producer Shim Jaemyung
Cinematography Park Yongsoo
Art Director: Eo Kyeongjun Music: Jung Hunyoung
Editor: Kwon Kisuk Recorder: Lee Kyuseok
Asst. Director: Jung Dongyup Production Manager: Kim Gyungil
World Sales : E Pictures
Translated by Hanna Lee