Just like an accident, everything suddenly started to happen.
The moment I realized the family I cherished for so long...
was about to be swept away by the circumstances.
My life, and everything that meant something to me,
was swept away along with it.
When other than the urge to kill myself,
I couldn't think or feel a thing,
just like a lie... he appeared to me.
And my life...
was shaking right and left, thanks to him.
The ruthless dog-eat-dog world of fund managers.
To survive in this world, I didn't hesitate a single time.
My status and family, so ruthlessly protected,
looked perfect to me.
At least before my wife left for Hokkaido.
And what's more, the girl who endured me for three years, decided to leave me.
I need to make this right.
Make sure everything returns to normal.
Just because I wanted to live a comfortable life,
free from the oppression of money and worries,
I kept meeting him.
But the moment I met his wife by chance,
all the guilt and questions I'd buried in my heart resurfaced,
hitting me like a bomb.
Right. We should break up.
So that I can start a new life.
I finally met someone who can cling to me.
But... he's already looking elsewhere.
To me...
the realization I was alive was more painful than death.
Lusting after a friend's riches, and all the nefarious things it created,
I hated myself to death.
But then one day,
I met a woman's anguish and desperation.
And because of that one woman,
I found the desire to live,
for the first time in my life.
Episode 9
Know why I ran away?
Back in Otaru, I mean.
I was thinking about death all night long.
So I ran away, because I wanted to live.
I suddenly felt the desire to live.
You know the saying,
that if you keep hoping, one day things will get better.
No matter how hard and painful life is, if you don't lose hope,
then, one day, your wishes will come true.
You believe that?
I don't.
That's just a lie.
That's just something that people say.
Every since my childhood, I realized it.
That if you give up hope, life becomes much more comfortable.
Yeah, sure.
I was a little angry as well.
The man who left such a beautiful wife at home and cheated on her,
I hated him to death.
That woman was my last hope.
I knew it was all futile, but I had hope in her.
Yes, I wanted to live a little uncomfortably.
And I wanted to feel that thing called "love" as well.
I wanted to show at least a bit of sincerity.
But that was all ruined.
Didn't that successful man use her for his own amusement?
But that wasn't important.
The person in front of me was more important.
That person, more than anyone, could cling to me.
You said the same. That you needed someone!
Even if it wasn't me, someone.
You parked your car at basement three.
This is the second.
Cake is better than coffee here.
I came back just to make things clear.
I know what you mean.
You don't need to say it.
When I said I had no regrets...
So...
What you're saying is, today's our last together.
Right?! It's that, uh?
You said you'd just keep it in your heart.
Keep all this to yourself. Right?
Whether that was a good thing or not,
I spent the night pondering over it.
Let's call it a coincidence.
I mean...
Two people meeting in an unfamiliar place.
Just like the movies, you know?
Two people finding themselves on an uninhabited island after a plane crash.
Listen to you.
You don't understand?
Desperate people will do anything.
They don't only ruin themselves, but can do that to others.
So?
Do you think you ruined me?
That's not what I meant.
I wanted to tell you. I don't think of that as an end, just the beginning.
Beginning of what?
I thought it was the end,
but I found out it was merely the beginning.
Let me ask you just one thing.
After that day, did anything change for you?
Anything at all.
I...
have no intention of thinking it wasn't something I did.
Nor will I ever consider it a mistake.
I told you, I didn't regret a thing.
No matter the reason you approached me,
I'm fine with that.
I won't forgive myself for being swept away by that,
but I can forgive you.
But this has to stop.
- Things can't continue this way. - Why do you keep drawing lines?
"Up to here it's this. Up to there it was just the past."
Do you really need to draw lines like that?
Can't you just follow what you're feeling now?
What feeling?
You're not that nice a person, now that I think about it.
Why wouldn't I be?
Just like then...
You still think you can manipulate me anyway you want.
Because I like you.
I had never heard that word before.
What could be the difference...
between two people staying together because they love each other,
and two doing that merely out of necessity?
Could that be really the same thing?
Then, how bitter would life possibly get?
Because I like you.
You can draw a line between saying "I like you," instead of "I love you."
Not with simple words, but one's eyes.
Just as long as someone is showing he likes me with sincerity in his eyes.
I love my kids.
More than anything in this world.
If I had to sacrifice my life to protect them,
I wouldn't show the slightest hint of hesitation, and just do it.
What does that have to do with this?
Kids need a family,
and I'm afraid breaking up that family...
is not something I can do, just to meet you.
How can you put all that on a scale and weigh it by importance?
200 grams for your kids.
300 grams for the family.
500 grams in total.
My life, 400 grams.
So, take off 400 from 500 grams...
You're really a bad person.
So, you're saying why does a woman who cheated on her husband...
mention the kids now?
Isn't that what you implied? Why can't you answer me?
You know that already.
That what you said is not the truth.
Let's pretend we didn't meet in Otaru.
Pretend this is the first time we meet.
Things would have turned out the same, at least for me.
You can say you're not sure about that.
I just know I like you that much.
Look at me.
I said, look at me!
If two people like each other, there's no need to attach any strings.
You can't express those feelings with words.
You feel the same, right?
Was it something that wouldn't have happened, if it weren't for Otaru?
You weren't just so angry about your husband cheating on you,
that even the kids didn't come to mind.
What were you looking for, on the excuse of wanting to die?
And now?
Did you get everything you wanted?
You've forgiven your husband, and because the kids are more important,
you'll just keep living like that?
You know that's not it.
You still need and desire someone.
You won't be able to go back to the past.
How can you, while knowing what went wrong?!
I'll wait for you.
Just give me a signal.
And I'll come running to you.
Something inside me is building, blooming.
Just like a tickling sensation.
Just like sea water smelling of fish.
At the same time nauseating and strangely intimate, I can smell it clearly.
Nostalgia for the life I lost, the one I lived forgetting.
Lee Jun Soo
Kang Seong Gu
Someone is waiting outside your door.
I kept asking him, but he wouldn't answer.
I even told him you're not home these days,
but he just stood there waiting for you.
Judging from his appearance, he sort of looks like a detective.
This is getting fishy.
It would be wiser to just avoid headaches, you know?
Here. Have some.
Things might get lengthy here.
Ajumma! Can you bring me some side dishes?
Anything I know about Seong Gu, Chairman Kang already told you.
When did you last meet Seong Gu?
Ahh! Didn't you say you went to Japan together last Christmas,
then after parting there you haven't seen him since?
Yes.
This is kind of illegal, but I looked around.
Seong Gu has been using his credit card here and there lately.
He used it in March, even April.
That's because he's alive.
This was spent in Italy.
This one was in France.
Then, he went back to Japan and used it in Tokyo.
He even went to Hokkaido last February.
So that means Seong Gu is alive for sure. Right?
Yes.
Then why isn't he calling you? You're good friends.
You looked around for Seong Gu for months, after Chairman Kang asked you.
So how can you ask me that?
If you got paid by Chairman Kang, you need to find him yourself.
Isn't that what you were paid for?
No need to get fussy.
I'm just getting tired of this, so I asked.
This is not the first time.
Going away for months without a call, that's his specialty.
Seong Gu's.
Does Seong Gu know as well?
What?
That this girl called Su Jeong died.
He probably doesn't.
He must know what his father is trying to block with bribes.
He probably could guess it.
I investigated, but there was no evidence.
No evidence she fell from Seong Gu's car and ended that way.
No witnesses either.
That's what you think, because he said that.
Who?
Are you saying Seong Gu really said that?
That she died because of a driving accident?
Are you a detective?
Nah... no.
You must know that I lived off Seong Gu.
What I'm saying...
Aren't you trying to trick me with those questions?
Trick you with what? Seong Gu didn't even die.
Isn't it? We're talking about someone who's alive and well.
You're just exaggerating.
Stop investigating behind my back.
I have enough problems already.
Looking back will only bring more grief to the surface.
I just have one last question.
Seong Gu really didn't call?
He didn't.
There's no need to hide.
That girl's family has agreed to a settlement,
and even the police is treating it as a simple accident.
You think Seong Gu went into hiding because of that?
Seong Gu is not that kind of person.
Let's suppose Su Jeong did die because of that.
Seong Gu wouldn't be concerned at all anyway.
So why is he hiding?
There's no reason to do so.
You need to ask Seong Gu that.
If he ever calls me, I'll let you know.
Wait. My card...
Stop the car!!
Stop!!
- Are you the one who called? - Yes.
Then tell me what you saw.
I was coming from there on my bike.
No one was driving?
Yes.
Here is your ticket and passport.
And I exchanged three million yen at the bank.
When everything is done here, I'll follow you.
So just stay at the hotel for now.
Will leaving be all right?
The police are still investigating.
They haven't found anything that would excuse a departure ban.
I told you she was a pain to deal with.
Why did she even ride my car?
No matter how hard I hit on her, she would always refuse.
Be careful.
Until I'm there, never call.
Even if someone calls you, don't take it.
Jun Soo.
Was I really the one driving?
Hey!
You should have stopped me!
How can you let me drive when I'm piss drunk?
Ehhh...
You really don't remember?
It's a blank.
Other than me playing cat and mouse with her at the club.
You know the vault's code at the officetel*, right? (*apartment)
When you come, bring all that money with you.
We need to hide at least a good year.
The Chairman will take care of it.
One year?!
Don't even talk about my father.
Even hearing a single word about that man is revolting.
It's better that way. Tell him to have fun with that young slut.
I'm counting on you.
Take care of things and follow me there.
Since you're there, plant our flags around a bit.
Su Jeong!
Su Jeong's diary was found, before she died.
Your name is all over it.
What I'm saying...
The one Su Jeong liked wasn't Seong Gu.
It was you.
So, what?
That would mean...
Seong Gu brought Su Jeong to the villa against her wishes,
and on the way there an accident happened.
Do you know this?
The crocodile, and the crocodile bird.
The crocodile bird, no matter how hungry,
can only wait until the crocodile leaves his mouth open.
So, you're the crocodile bird?
I always thought about this.
Me, thrusting my head into the crocodile's mouth.
As I'm biting into the dregs it left between its teeth,
the crocodile yawns, opening its mouth wide.
But then, suddenly...
what if it closes its mouth?
No matter how long you keep asking, you won't find anything from me.
If you want to know the truth,
go to Africa, or the Amazons.
Find those crocodiles.
He has no reason to use that credit card.
Someone who killed a person, and ran away after the accident.
Look who's here!
Ajumma!!
How have you been?
- You've grown a lot! - Yes.
You're all grown up.
- Ajumma! - Oh... kids.
Here's Bok Sun. She's pretty, uh?
Not really pretty, just cute.
She's pretty, Ajumma! Look how pretty she is!
- Right?! - Ohh... right. You're so pretty!
Hug her once.
I don't like dogs.
She won't bite you. Just try.
I don't want to! Take it away.
- Na Ri, stop. - Just once!
Take it off!
You two, stop!
- Let's go, Bok Sun. - Let's go. Let's play in our room.
Quite cute.
The puppy?
Your kids.
I live for them.
What's with the huge luggage?
Looking at that, it doesn't seem like this is a brief vacation?
Don't even start.
Aoki-san will drive me crazy.
He can't even put food on the table, now he even beats me?!
Didn't Aoki-san work at that successful advertising firm?
He quit that long ago.
Why? Made a mistake?
Let's talk about that later. It's pathetic.
It's a big house.
Dong Won is really a catch.
Go back after a few days. Where would you find someone like him?
And you?
I, what?
Just because he cheated on you, you ran all the way to Hokkaido.
Cheated on me?!
When did I ever say that?
It's obvious, come on.
What could you possibly run away for, living like this?
Hye Jin. Let me stay here just a month.
No way!
Who helped you meet him?
That day in Shinjuku, who cooked up things so Dong Won wouldn't go home?
One month, no way. Maybe a couple of days.
I still haven't finished that coffee!
Dong Won will sleep at the office for a few days.
You can stay here until then.
Afraid your husband will eat me up?
I was just talking. Don't see too much into that.
I just said that, you know?
You've become a little rude, Seong Suk.
It's just because you don't know how things are.
Aoki-san really changed.
It's not the kind and timid Aoki-san of old.
He's turned into some kind of ignorant monster.
You have plenty of places to stay at in Seoul. So just stay here a few days.
Ahh... really. And I saved you when you were falling.
Wow! It's Daddy!
Wow! Daddy!!
Are you so happy that Daddy came home?
Yeah. Mommy only wants us to study. She doesn't play with us.
That's right.
Okay. I'll take a shower, and then we can play.
Wow!
You two! Mommy is coming up there!
- Yes, we will study! - We're studying.
Why didn't you call that you'd be home?
I slept and ate at work, so I suddenly got all sullen.
I'll take a shower here and go back.
Oh my! Who is this?!
You haven't changed a bit, Seong Suk!
How are you?
When did you get here?
Been a few days.
I'm disappointed! You should have come here right away!
It's been ten years since I was last in Seoul.
Already ten years?! Since the last time we saw each other?
I thought you wouldn't recognize me.
How could I not?
I've gotten old.
Ehh... You're still the same. Your body as well.
I'll prepare the tub for you.
Nahh... I'll take a shower and just go.
You've had a long trip. Rest here a few days.
I planned to rest a few months...
Sure, sure. There's an empty room here.
Really?
She's always bored, it's even better.
You'll be uncomfortable.
What are you talking about?
One month is fine, two months as well. Even a year.
Thank you, Dong Won!
Just close an eye for one month.
Did you wait for long?
I was thinking of leaving just now.
How can you do that?
On a special day like today.
Special day?
Ohh... You managed to find it!
Yes. We were lucky enough to find the last bottle.
Well done. Thank you.
What is this, with only one bottle left?
Romanee-Conti, 1991.
It's expensive, that one?
It's something you can't put a price on.
Wait.
How much does that cost?
If it's worth more than 100,000 won, don't open it.
You really don't know what today is?
My birthday?
Is that it?
Happy birthday.
You're right.
Wow. What's with all this luxury?!
What is this room for?
It's Dong Won's study and office.
It looks like one of those espionage rooms in 007 movies.
When it's night here, it's day in the US.
If you want to follow market fluctuations, you need to spend the night here.
Oh, it looks so great.
Hey.
Your husband...
becoming a fund manager and handling tens of millions at a time. Feels real now.
He said not tens, but hundreds of millions.
So what's the problem?
Did you screw up in Hokkaido?
Of course not.
You hit the jackpot.
If I knew it would be this, I'd have hit on him first.
Hey. I'm just talking!
What are you doing? Put out the candles.
Happy birthday.
What?
This is pathetic.
What is? Why?
Thinking about being that old.
You're still young to worry about your age.
You're thinking all those years just passed by?
It's creepy.
Me being already twenty...
So...
I bought you this.
Open it.
What is it?
A ring?
Earrings?
Is this a cubic?
The diamonds Da Ae loves.
Wow! It's huge!
How many karats is this?
Put them on.
Again, worrying about that.
How do they look?
They say diamonds need to meet the right person to really shine.
Really beautiful.
Me, or the earrings?
Both.
Wait a moment.
Where are you going?
I didn't bring a mirror with me, so I'll go take a look.
Oh... yeah. I'll be a little late.
Prepare everything, and wait for me.
We just need to struggle a few more days.
Why?
You don't like them?
There's something special about those earrings.
I'm sorry.
They're pretty and I'd love to have them. But...
The meaning behind those earrings...
How should I put it?
Making you independent?
I mean, individually...
It's hard to explain with one word.
Ahh... right.
I'm giving you a "new deal."
First.
From now on, no matter what happens, I won't come to your house.
Even with your private life...
I will never interfere.
And... just in case...
you fall for someone,
I'll step back without saying a word.
And, more.
What I mean...
You can just meet me only when you wish.
Then, there's nothing burdensome about it.
If you don't want to, there's no need to meet.
- If you don't want to... - You know me.
What kind of person I am.
If I desire something, I can't help but buy it.
Even just buying dinner feels like a waste.
If I see pretty clothes on a hotelier passing by,
my purse starts trembling with desire.
If women my age go around with prettier bags than me,
I feel the need to buy an even better one,
even if that gets me in trouble financially.
I'm that kind of woman.
I wouldn't be able to fix that, even if I wanted.
So you need to help me.
If you put these earrings in front of me and say something,
what do you think I would do?
Da Ae.
There're plenty of women like me.
Why are you so obsessed with me?
A man like you...
could find a prettier, kinder and sillier woman than me any time.
But there's no one like you out there.
No matter where you look,
there's no one like you.
Someone kind like me, or silly?
Or, pretty?
All of that.
I'm not joking.
I thought about it.
The way you talk to me.
Would I feel good about that?
I've never been treated like this before.
I'm angry that I'm being calm about all this.
You don't know how many times I wanted to get this over with.
I thought about why I can't just let you go.
In many ways.
You know?
I'm the type to avoid doing things I don't understand.
Anything that's not clear, I hate it.
But I can't find a reason.
Only when it comes to you.
Then, you must really like me.
Isn't that all because of it?
Yeah.
Fine. If you say so.
Let's have another round somewhere else.
Happy birthday!
- We're leaving. - See you tomorrow.
I envy you.
He's not answering.
He must be drinking somewhere.
He's been spending all day choosing a gift.
The Director has this, right?
It must be for his wife!
- Seok Hwan. - Yes.
- Go buy some beer. - Yes. How many bottles?
Hey. Why are you so thick?
Can't you guess the mood?
Yes!
But then, if the Director comes back?
You, too? He's not coming.
Think I've worked under him just the last few days?
We can even make a mess tonight.
- Free day! - Free day?!
Ahhh... Shit... How much did I give you?!
Are you kidding me?
Stop, you can't act like this!
Ohh!! Nice!
Hey!
You fuc...
Are you okay?
Thank you, sir!
Ahh, sit down!
You really!
Will you be silent?!
After what you've done, you still have the guts to make noise?
You! This is mob violence!
Know what kind of crime that is?
Uh?
Young and employed people at that.
What's more, all three of you. What on earth were you thinking?
Ohh... you're injured.
You should go to the hospital.
What will you do?
Will you press charges against them for mob violence?
No.
They just had too many drinks and things turned out this way.
You mean you'll just settle?
Yes.
You, people!
Show your gratitude to him.
Now!
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Thank you very much!
Are you okay?
I saw some blood earlier.
The earrings?
These?!
You lost them?
Ta Da!
Who am I?
Thought we'd get into a fight, so I took care of these first.
Let's go somewhere else.
I can just tell Myeong Ja to go sleep at the store.
Or her house.
I just don't want to show this to strangers.
Think she wouldn't know?
Let's just act like we broke up.
So you'll be able to have a fresh start anytime you want.
Fresh start?
So that's why?
That's...
because I'll feel a little less sorry.
So we're starting from scratch?
That's okay.
What's with all this dust?!
Look there!
What's with those long hair down here?
Ohh! This damned dust!
Ajumma, ajumma!
What are you doing?
Ajumma! Can't you do this later?
What?
I said you can do this later.
This?
I can't even clean now!
Seoul is nice.
Leaving everything to a housemaid and not moving a finger.
But are all the housemaids in Seoul this way?
Can people live with them if they act that way?
Can't you just move a bit when I'm cleaning?
I would have done everything quicker if it weren't for you.
Ajumma!
Here's another quarrel coming.
Ajumma!
Ahh... I need to clean the second floor!
Because of that lady, I couldn't do a thing all morning!
Scary!
Just ignore it. It's hard to find people nowadays.
I'll go change.
Hye Jin.
What's wrong with you? We're best friends.
If you want to stay here, will you dress properly?
What should I wear at home, then?
Want me to wear a hanbok or something?
Da Ae?
Yesterday Da Ae spent the...
She got back late, and is probably sleeping now.
Is anything wrong, Jun Soo?
Da Ae will probably come really late.
- Have a nice day, Director. - Oh. I'll leave things to you.
It's me.
Oh. I'll have to go on a business trip for a couple of days.
- Should I pack some clothes? - I can just do with what I'm wearing.
At least socks and...
I can just buy them there and throw them away.
I'll see you.
Hye Jin!
Can I come in? I have something to tell you.
Hye Jin?
Hye Jin!
Open the door!
Hye Jin!
Open the door!
I really, really can't take this anymore!
Look at what you've done!
Ohhh... really.
I'll pay for the dry-cleaning, so stop bugging me!
Ahh... really.
When the new models arrive, I'll give you a call.
Thank you. Good bye.
How are you?
Are you going somewhere?
Yeah, just a while.
All the new stuff is coming in today. How can I do it by myself?
Get the money from here, and pay them.
I'll go.
Wait, Da Ae.
When did you come?
You slept there? What's with your hair?
What's wrong?
Did I wake you up?
I'll go to the bank.
That's a scary look.
Didn't I tell you to live decently?
Live a decent life.
- What the hell are you? - Da Ae!
What are you to interfere with my life?
What are you?!
What's a "decent" life?
Do you know that? What should I do to live "decently?"
If I really divorce, what will you do?
Of course, that's your business.
So, why didn't you tell me? Even if you knew we were still meeting.
You were waiting for me to tell you first, is that it?
I wasn't waiting for that. I was waiting for you to break up with her.
I asked you, what should I call you?
Nuna (older sister)?
Or Mother?
If you're doing that because of Jun Soo, that's easy.
Just make things clear, and live with him.
If Jun Soo told me he loved me, I would have walked over fire.
Surrender.
Surrender, and tell them it was an accident.
You won't survive a day.
If I asked you to divorce, what would you do?
You want to do that? Let's do it, then.