Moon River
Episode 11
Moonlight Fight
I know...
about you being thrown out of Lord Kim Jung Hwans's house
right after giving birth.
I think you have made a mistake.
I'm not that kind of person.
Before you could hold your child
even one time, you were thrown out.
I'm sure your only hope was that the child would grow up well in that household.
But, the reality was different from what you had hoped for.
What do you mean different?
The child, was abandoned immediately after his birth...
and left adrift on the frozen waters of Cheonggyecheon Creek.
Been abandoned? Then...?
No.
Fortunately he was rescued
and raised by a beggar.
That child's name... is Iljimae.
Iljimae.
Why should I believe you?
What proof do you have that Iljimae is my son?
Do you remember this poem?
~ Blossoms shiver in the cold wind. ~
~ Mother cries... because of separation. ~
How... how would you know that poem?
Iljimae had it with him.
Did... did that child really have that poem?
Yes.
I thought as one year passed I would forget.
Surely I'd be able to forget after two years.
But even to this day, I still can't.
At nights, the ache in my heart causes me to grasp and tear at my chest.
I never looked for him because I believed
he would be well taken care of in that household.
How did I, his mother
live her life, eating three meals every day,
and not even know about the wellbeing of her son?
Deputy Chief, Sir...
should I get some water for her?
Yes, let's try and calm her emotions.
I did not come here to make you cry.
I believed
there might be a way to find your son, so I came here with news
hoping to gladden your heart.
He went through the trouble
of traveling a long distance to find his parents.
But he's a child that wept like a wild animal,
after being rejected by his father.
Don't you want to see him?
Can you make it possible
for me to meet my son?
I will do that.
No matter what it takes,
I will make it possible for you to meet Iljimae.
And,
and...
when I bring Iljimae
to his mother,
I would like...
to be that child's father.
What do you mean by that?
Give me...
the chance to
take care of you and Iljimae.
I live on my own
with more than a sufficient salary.
There should no problems
in taking care of a family.
Are you taking pity on me?
No, it isn't anything like that.
This is... love.
We met once, twenty years ago. Yet you're saying this is love?
Although we met only the once,
there hasn't been a moment
that I haven't thought about you.
After seeing you that one time,
I would walk back and forth in front of the gibang*
*A house where female entertainers live.
in the hope of a glimpse
of you, even if from afar.
On days when I did not see you,
I would linger near the lit windows
for a chance of at least hearing your voice.
But...
you suddenly disappeared one day.
That was twenty years ago.
From that day onwards,
you never once...
left my mind.
Twenty years...
twenty years just like it was one day.
It's too late now.
What can be done now?
I've already been cast aside
and no longer wish to be deceived
by the hopes of a happiness that does not exist.
I'm not deceiving you.
Happiness is not
something which does not exist.
It's standing right before you.
Please leave.
I'll leave after you give me your answer.
I live alone
and get paid by the government.
I will not
let you suffer.
I've bought a house with
twelve rooms at Hanyang pavilion.
Please, give me your commitment.
Can you reunite me with my son?
Yes, I will.
Give me some time to think.
I'll write you a letter after I've decided,
and come find you at Podecheong.
Alright. But please know that
I have lived to the age of forty,
with feelings only for you.
That's the truth.
Let's go back.
At this time, some interesting matters arise in Hanyang.
It was recorded in the writings of his life,
Iljimae the avenger, with the speed of a ghost and in one breath, flies across roofs, climbs walls...
He takes action with purpose on corrupted officials and noblemen.
Yet people do not know the identity of this person.
Aigoo! Aigoo, what happened here?
Oh my, what should I do? Oh, my valuables!
Hey, what is going on? My valuables!
Where have my valuables gone?
My money, who took my money? What do I do, what do I do?
Th... that.. what is that?
He leaves a specific mark of his visit.
Iljimae's...
story is not progressing.
Are the chronicles of Iljimae to end here?
Seon Dal-nim, Master Seon Dal-nim!
This rascal...
Big new, big news!
What exactly is the reason for so much commotion?
There has been an unusual thief appearing in the city.
We've just recently rid of all the thieves of Haedongcheong and Bongseoni.
What do you mean a thief?
This one is of a different league than those of Haedongcheong and Bongseoni.
Eh? How is he different?
First, unlike Haedongcheong and Bongseoni who acted as a group,
this is just one, only one person.
So you're saying it's not a group of thieves?
What?
So, it's not a band of thieves.
Right, right, right.
Also Haedongcheong and Bongseoni thieves
attacked helpless, innocent commoners.
But this thief only targets
people who are rich and are unethical.
Well, then, he's a righteous thief.
Lastly, the thief would leave
a blossom made of gold at the places where he's been.
A blossom made of gold?
Golden blossom
symbolizing the identity of the thief.
So do you know what this means?
That means the thief is...
Now you see?
Using golden blossoms as proof...
a branch of golden blossoms,
Geum Mae Ji? *
Geum = gold, Mae from Maehwa = apricot
That person's name must be Geum Mae Ji, right?
Ah! You drive me mad, you drive me mad.
Don't you see it's Iljimae? Iljimae!
A branch of blossom... Il-ji-mae!
Iljimae!
That means Iljimae has returned?
Yes, that's it.
We have to continue his medication but there's nothing we can do. What's to happen?
The medicine shop says we owe them so much already that they can't give us anymore.
What should we do?
Without money to buy medicine,
I can only sit helplessly and watch my son die.
Son, my son...
- Father, mother, why aren't you eating? - Just go ahead and eat.
Your father ate just a little ago. You kids go ahead and eat.
I didn't see you eat.
This stomach is so full, you can't see it?
I see the skin of your back touching your stomach.
- It's getting cold, eat up. - Here you go. Good.
And some water...
You know tomorrow is the anniversary of father's death?
I know, but we don't have any money to buy even one dried fish.
Are there any books left in the house?
That is the last. We sold them all on the last anniversary.
What is the use of reading any more books
when we can't even offer a memorial ceremony?
There's none coming out?
No.
How can you produce milk without eating?
Here, give me the baby. You must be tired. Get some rest.
Child,
since there isn't any milk coming out,
stop tormenting your mother,
and suckle on granny.
Is someone out there?
Who could there be?
Aigoo! You're even hallucinating now.
We can't have this. Here, lie down, lie down.
Aigoo, child.
What is that?
Mother.
How can this be here?
Aigoo! Thank you!
Daughter-in-law, we are saved now.
Wife, l...l..look here!
What is it?
Isn't this money? Oh heavens! Money! What is this money?
- Me, too. - Okay, okay.
Me, too.
And yesterday someone left money and
a golden blossom at Dol's house.
Looks like someone left this for us, knowing the situation we're in.
Who exactly is this kind hearted person?
Could it be Iljimae?
Iljimae?
Yes, the one that steals from the rich to help the poor.
Thank you. Thank you,
Iljimae.
Thank you.
Oh my goodness!
You're Iljimae, am I right?
Look here! Iljimae-nim! Iljimae-nim!
Iljimae steals from the rich people
and helps the poor.
That's great... great.
Hm? Cha Dol, you rascal...
why are you crying?
I cry because Iljimae is so great.
How can I not, in a moment such as this,
add words to the writings of him?
Il...
ji..
- mae. - What?
Iljimae places a small golden
blossom at the places where he visits?
Yes, Minister.
Where did that valuable gold come from?
Would it...
could it be made from the gold that was stolen from me?
Although we don't want to believe so, it's more than likely.
Then, that means... I will never get my gold back!
That damned Iljimae!
As deeply hidden as the inner room may be,
there is no place that can keep him out.
Of course, that person can disguise as the air.
There was a person that even saw him flying.
- Really? - Flying in the sky?
There's even more.
They say, he even has a pair of black wings under his arms.
And that's why they say that during the days
he sleeps hanging upside down just like the bats of Bae Han forest.
Order here!
- Yes. - And when the night comes,
he scours the streets looking for rich people's homes.
He takes all their valuables
and then distributes them to the poor.
Then why didn't he come to my house?
Whenever people gather, all they talk about is Iljimae.
His popularity rises by helping the poor.
I also want to gain some popularity.
Because of that I must steal more.
Are you listening to me?!
I am listening.
You've brought talented people on board, so put them to work!
Did you bring them to just eat and play?
My fists and legs are feeling bored. Bored!
I'll tell you again, in order to begin our work, we need money and additional men.
We need to establish a firm foundation for our new strategy.
You know well that we left empty handed
when we abandoned our hiding place.
Our men were all captured at Podecheong.
I heard that Bongseoni's main headquarters are at Pyongyang.
Let's go and meet with the leader.
That's not possible.
We've invested much effort at Hanyang.
We can't go back there empty handed.
Are you also not returning to your home
because pride prevents you from going back?
How is your situation the same as mine?
I can't stay any longer, it's driving me mad.
Where are you going?
I'm going to find out what's happening at Podecheong.
How did that fellow, Iljimae, become so great?
How could he change so much from that kid I brought back from Yodong?
Why is a young man carrying so much money?
It's the money from selling a cow.
I wanted to buy a beautiful present for my wife.
All women are happy to receive pretty gifts.
Yes, thank you.
Based on how he looks, he has too much money.
I should borrow it and use the money for my comeback.
Wow! The sky is so high!
Catch him! Thief! Thief!
Stop there! You! Stop!
You're dead, you scumbag!
Move out of the way.
Oh my goodness!
I can relax now.
Huh?
You! You bastard!
He's still chasing me? In this case...
the secret weapon.
I haven't walked sideways for so long, that even my pelvic bones hurt. He probably can't chase me now.
Huh?
He's still chasing me? Are all Joseon men this relentless?
You bastard! If I catch you, you're dead!
Stop chasing me.
Please stop chasing!
If you continue to chase me, I'll kill you!
Promise me that you'll stop chasing me. Promise?
Give me your word!
Stop right there!
Still chasing? After promising me not to and yet he's still does.
Joseon men don't keep their promises.
Bad man, hateful man, weird man!
I will chase you even to the ends of the earth.
Why so late? What have you been doing?
Don't ask. Because of this,
I've already sacrificed a year's amount of walking sideways.
Where did this come from? Did you steal it?
What do you mean steal?
I just put my skills into action.
I've been running all this time. Is this man also named Gu?
But this one is far more tenacious
than that Gu Ja Myeong.
I feel wilted like a pickled green onion.
And wash behind your neck, until it squeaks.
You are so irritating, young lady.
Didn't I tell you, that a beggar does not have to wash up?
Didn't you hear the crows just now?
Hrmph!
What has washing up have to do with crows?
The crows nearby are all gathering
to ask about their leader, Geol Chi.
How can Wol Hee allow the head of the crows to be her father-in-law?
Father-in-law?
This from one who hasn't even married?
Married?
Look, look.
Living together doesn't make you a husband and wife.
Only getting married makes you a husband and wife.
Iljimae, that fellow, is as the wind and the clouds.
You don't know when he will disappear.
In that case, it is the end for both of you. Isn't it?
What... wild plants again?
Ahjussi, instead of calling them plants, doesn't vegetables sound better?
Vegetables or plants, they're all just plants.
Men have to eat meat.
At least pay for your food if you're going to complain.
What are you saying?
How can you ask your father-in-law for money?
Father-in-law?
Does living together make you husband and wife?
We are not married.
I'm a beggar who has no money.
Iljimae, you give her some money.
How would I have any money?
Then what to do?
What? What to do?
You must work for it then.
From today onward,
you both must wash your own clothes and dishes, chop the firewood, and buy groceries.
Or else, not even a drop of soup broth. Do you understand?
I understand.
How about you, Iljimae?
I understand.
Then, start with these dishes.
3...
6...
9...
13.
You're doing a far better job than Wol Hee.
But ahjussi, do you really think I should marry Wol Hee?
Of course. Maybe it's okay for you to have things the way it is,
but what does Wol Hee need?
Wol Hee acts like this because she feels insecure.
Wol Hee has only you. But if after we live like this,
and you just take off one day, what would she do?
Even I worry about you suddenly picking up and leaving,
how much more must she fear you disappearing?
If you're finished with the dishes, we need to go to the marketplace.
Just throw in another small one.
You are buying so little and yet you still want...
- Give it to me, just give it. - Enjoy it.
Oh! What is that?
It was so hard to finish the last time, why did you take on more?
What am I supposed to do, with two unemployed men...
if I don't earn money, who will?
Finished buying the groceries?
We didn't miss anything. We bought everything on the list.
- What is that? - Mackerel, of course.
This fellow, Iljimae, loves Mackerel, right?
Not really.
What? Then you're saying you won't eat any of this?
Of course I'll eat it.
Look at this fool.
Fine, I'll let it go this time. Let's go home.
You leave me speechless.
Unscrupulous men have seized control
over hardworking, yet barely surviving,
citizens by enticing them with easily obtainable personal loans.
Among them, a man named Shim Chan Kyu
who used highly accessible money but at hidden, high interest rates,
to seize the properties of the people.
- Sir! Please...! - Look here!
- Please Sir! - Please, oh please!
- Let go. See here. - Sir, please.
What is this?
Master, this is all I have.
If you will just give me a few more days, I promise to have what I owe.
How much does this person have to repay?
It is 300 nyang.
I...I only borrowed 30 nyang,
how could it be 300 nyang?
You deadbeat!
Be it 30 or 300 nyang, did you not sign the contract?
Yes, but at that time...
I don't want to hear it!
Since you can't abide by the terms of the contract,
relinquish your shop.
Please, not that! Please.
If I lose the shop, how will I feed my family?
Please, not that. I beg you.
Get out of my sight.
Master, you can't do this.
Men...
It seems this man needs to be taught a lesson.
- Sir please. - Yes, Sir.
Is this persimmon imported from Nam Man?
This is really delicious. Delicious.
Oh, my leg, leg.
Seriously.
The lady with Iljimae
clearly said it was some gentleman.
Boy, do you think there's only one or two gentlemen in Namchong?
How will we find him?
Dol, Dol, Cha Dol, think carefully, and try hard and remember.
Gentleman from where?
I'm not sure.
You're driving me mad.
Huh!
- Ah! - Ah!
Do you remember something?
No.
Ah, it was...
somewhere around here.
You go out everyday when night falls.
How could I live with a man
who wanders every night?
I need to hurry and become a widow so I may find a husband that's steadfast as a boulder.
Widow?
Wol Hee.
Let's set a date and get married.
Why? Don't you want to?
Who said I didn't want to?
I just need some time to think.
You are really useless.
What a shame.
I thought I had met a person who was to become very meaningful in my life,
and I wanted to see him again but it doesn't seem to be happening too easily.
Let's follow and see.
No matter what, you must not make any sounds with your feet.
Don't you worry.
Ah, the...
About then, those that had money but were unethical
were all attention and alert with precautions against Iljimae.
He's sure gathered quite a sum.
~ Loan Contracts ~
I thought there was some noise.
Did I dream it?
Oh, that's cold.
What is this?
Isn't this gold?
What would this be doing here?
Who... are you?
I... am myself.
I am Iljimae.
Il... Il..Iljimae!
My arm, my arm. I'm dying, I'm dying. Oh, my arm.
What is this?
The contracts you had for people who borrow money from you.
No, no! You can't tear those up!
Then shall I burn them?
No, no, please don't do that. Don't do that. What do I do? What do I do? Aigoo, aigoo.
My property. Aigoo, this...
Aigoo, aigoo. Oh, my head.
Do not practice usury again.
If ever you do it again...
I will break your neck.
I understand. I understand.
I will take it to heart.
Men! Men! Iljimae has appeared!
Quick, find Seo Gyun Gwan! Call for Seo!
It's Iljimae. It's Iljimae. Quick. Call for Seo.
You men, where is Seo?!
Where? Where is he? Where?
Why are you so slow? Men...
There he is, Iljimae is right there! Catch him, quickly.
What are you guys still standing there for?
Catch him before he slips by and goes out the gate!
- Quick, quick. Hurry, go. Hurry, go. - Yes, Sir.
Which way? Hurry, hurry!
After Iljimae!
Why hasn't Seo arrived?
Seo, I'll leave everything in your hands.
Yes, Sir.
Did you see anyone leave?
What? No, we've been standing guard the entire time.
Then where did he go?
The window is open!
Make way!
The sound came from over there. Hurry, hurry.
Okay.
Shhh.
Moon knife.
Moon knife?
What's happening with Iljimae? Why isn't he attacking?
The Moon knife is really long so there's not sufficient space.
Then how? There isn't anyway to defeat the Moon knife?
Let's wait and see.
Oh, Iljimae is running away. Is it because he can't defeat him?
I don't think that's it.
Look, that man's gotten a lot slower, right?
Yes, it looks like he is using more energy for his movements.
All weapons have weaknesses.
The weakness of the Moon knife is that it is heavy.
It would be tiring to use it in a long battle.
Where a flower with no name bloomed,
where the birdcage was that he left
a heavenly smile, slowly forming
brings me back to this place once again.
This world that follows the wind and the clouds,
the scenery that changes with each passerby.
The blade my hand cries in my stead
won't you leave me be at last.
Where shall I be.
Where shall I go.
Like my tears that have fallen on the snow
that will be soaked up eventually.
Woman, don't be so cold hearted
because didn't we met amidst smiles.
Where shall I be.
So then it wasn't that Iljimae was running away before.
Right. After the enemy expends all his energy, he takes that opportunity to attack.
That indeed is our Iljimae.
Where, where?
...but they weren't going to sit around and wait for death.
So, in order to capture Iljimae,
Shim Chan Kyu called for Seo who was well trained.
Then, they fought?
And who won?
The opponent is a skillful user of the Moon knife.
Remember what I said earlier?
The sword is the extension of one's hand.
The Moon knife is the same.
A Moon knife is also the extension of the user's hand.
So, if a person with a long arm fights
a person with a short arm, who will win?
The person with the long arms, of course.
- Aish. - Sorry.
Yes, you are right.
A Moon knife is twice the length of a sword,
and Iljimae's sword is just so short.
Against it, the Moon knife is more than three or four times the length.
Anyway, you have to say that
his arms are longer by this much.
No matter what sword is used,
if it doesn't make contact, there is no effect.
Take Bulgasari, who had a strong build and great strength, but was a little slow.
But this Seo, who has practiced martial arts...
What happened?
Iljimae, this time around...
Iljimae is at a disadvantage this time around?
No, I've talked so much, my throat is very dry.
Dry throat? There's some rice wine left here. Would you like some?
What is the gentleman saying?
I'm still underage. I cannot drink rice wine.
Then, would you like some rice punch?
Rice punch? Oh, that will be fine.
Hurry, bring it to him quickly.
Cha Dol, continue speaking after you drink.
I'm dying of curiosity.
What happened after that?
Tell us now. The curiosity is killing me.
So, I shouted.
'Iljimae,
all weapons have a weakness'.
Does anyone here know
the weakness of a Moon knife?
It is its heavy weight.
Because the Moon knife is so heavy,
one cannot use it so freely.
It takes some time for it to return to position after a swing.
In the time it takes for the Moon knife to swing around
and return to its spot,
Iljimae drove in with his head
and defeat was decided at that moment.
Shim Chan Kyu becomes the dog that chased the chicken.
So that means Iljimae won?
Yes, that is correct.
It is the great Iljimae, indeed.
Welcome.
Isn't this color pretty? I have other...
I have only one of those.
Su Ryeon, what are you doing here?
I'll be just a moment.
Take a seat.
But, why are you dressed like a woman?
I'm not dressing like a woman, I am a woman.
Oh... right. Sometimes I forget.
You are papering the walls?
I'm not sure when Baek Mae will come, I have to tidy up before my holiday is over.
I'm afraid there may be an old bachelor odor so I'm renovating the interior as well as the exterior.
You haven't received an answer from her yet?
No, but I know I would go out of my mind
if I sat and did nothing.
So, what brings you here?
A letter from Songdo.
Letter?
The person from Songdo who came
to sell ginseng* wanted me to pass it on to you.
*herb used for medicinal reasons
Why didn't you mention it earlier?
The letter, where is the letter?
It's just like a dream,
the child that was taken away reappears in my life.
After you left, my mind danced daily back and forth on what I should do.
As delayed as it may be, I've made up my mind to put my son's and my future in your hands.
I'm just worried that Iljimae might blame me and refuse to see me.
But if Iljimae is willing,
I would like to throw away the broken pieces
between the mother and son and start anew.
What is written in the letter?
Baek Mae... has accepted my heart.
You are here also?
I have many guests today.
So Jeong Tae, what bring's you here?
To tell you something you might be interested in.
Something that I'd be interested in?
Are you being kicked out of the Podecheong?
This is not the time for jokes.
What is the matter? So serious...
You asked me to find Iljimae right?
Yes. Have you found him?
Currently, stories are circulating fervently about a thief.
This thief takes action only against the rich,
and distributes the money to the poor.
Is that so?
The people who had their valuables stolen did not report it.
Thus, we did not hear of it before this.
Why wouldn't they report it?
Possibly because the money was obtained in a corrupt way.
And it is understandable for those who received the help,
to not report the matter.
Yes. But the shocking thing is,
that thief is said to be... Iljimae.
The thief is... Iljimae?
Don't you just put on the line?
You have to tug it out like this. I'll do it.
Really...
Really, you have to tug out all of these.
Aren't you going to ask me what I've decided about getting married?
Who suggested it first...
What have you decided?
I've thought about it,
and even though I'm getting the shorter end of the stick, I've decided to accept you.
I said I'll marry you.
What? That's it?
Thank you.
What's wrong?
I said thank you.
There isn't anything else you want to say?
Why?
Nothing else?
What are you doing?
Isn't there anything else?
- This girl... - Is that all?
Aigoo! Catching these lice,
there's no end to it, there's no end.
Fortunately for you creatures,
I am a monk that respects all life
and won't kill you,
you creatures, you creatures, you creatures.
Oh, this time a giant louse has shown up.
A giant louse.
You said you want to get married?
Yes, Master.
Since this marriage has other reasons behind it,
when a man and a woman want to get married,
it must be because they have each other in their hearts.
Then, has Wol Hee
entered your heart?
Have you forgotten about Dal?
You say Dal?
Yes. Why, can't you answer?
I wish to protect Wol Hee.
I didn't have the capabilities to protect Dal.
But Wol Hee...
Has Wol Hee really entered your heart, kid?
Master.
Then, is Wol Hee...
Dal's substitute?
Master, it isn't like that.
Then what?
The person in your heart,
is it Wol Hee or Dal?
Let me ask,
who the person is inside?
The person inside,
are you Dal or Wol Hee?
Master, what does it say?
It's your heart,
why are you asking me?
Return of Iljimae ~ Volume 12 Mysterious Man
Dal, Dal.
Let me present to you, my daughter.
I just want your daughter.
You dirty low life!
They're as dirty as rags.
Go!
I'm a person who came to help Iljimae.
We stayed in the mountains together.
Continued accomplishments of Iljimae!
The place that I'm dreaming of
is the place where my love is.
When I look into his face full of affection
I will smile to my heart's content.
My love, the one I love
don't let me go.
My love, the one I love
whisper into my ears.
Loving me the most
and laying everything down.
My love, the one I love.