By the Stream (2024)

[bunniefuu]

Jeonim!

You're here!

Jeonim!

Was it a long trip?

You came from Gangneung?

It was fine.

Wow, you're exactly the same.

Just look at you.

You're still a baby. Baby face.

What are you talking about?

You look like your mom,

since you're older.

- Really?

- Yeah.

How old are you now? Over 40?

- Over 40, sure.

- Oh my.

How have you been, Uncle?

Me? I'm running a

book-store. Doing nothing.

A bookstore in Gangneung?

Yeah, right next to the sea.

It's nice, pretty.

Come visit sometime.

Okay.

So this is the school?

But when you enter,

come with me or the students.

- Security is strict.

- Really?

In the past local residents

used to go in and exercise.

But a few years

ago they got strict.

Why's that?

Since it's just a few days,

walk in together with me.

Okay.

Sorry to ask you this so suddenly.

Not at all.

But who quit?

The student directing it suddenly quit.

So if it's a skit,

would 10 minutes be enough?

Sure. All you have to do is stage it.

It'll be awkward if we're the

only department that doesn't.

So I wrote something

up. Something simple.

Yow wrote something already?

I wrote for a couple

hours last night.

That's great.

What's that?

A sketchbook.

- And this here?

- A palette.

That's a palette?

Wow, that's small.

This is tiny!

Shall I buy you one?

I'll get you a nice one.

Hardly any colors here.

I got it as a gift.

It's so easy to carry.

Still it's too small.

Hardly any colors.

Not at all. It's convenient,

I like it.

Really?

A skit is a short play,

so the form must suit the length.

So yesterday,

after talking to your teacher,

I came up with up a skit

the four of you can perform.

This is what I wrote yesterday.

This script

has very little dialogue.

Plus the lines are quite short.

Meaning, even if you have just 10 days,

it'll be easy to memorize.

Nonetheless,

what I couldn't

put in the script

but which I really

anticipate from you

are the things you express

on stage through acting.

Gestures...

Moving your body,

the tone and

shifts in your voice,

what you do with your eyes...

These are what's important.

I want these things

to express even

more than the dialogue.

That's the kind of play I want.

Still,

none of us are theater students.

I may not have

fully understood you,

but I'm not sure we can do it.

There's only 10 days.

You're right.

Just 10 days.

But read it first,

then let's talk.

It's exactly 10 days.

But you're all here. If

you're going to make the effort,

why not do something

you can feel satisfied with?

Even in just 10 days.

Me as well.

You're right.

That's right.

Let's try this, anyway.

Maybe it'll work, or maybe not.

But if it works it'll be interesting,

I think.

Anyway, thank you.

Coming here for our sake.

- Thank you.

- Thanks.

Yes, thank you,

for saying thank you.

Actually, I'm not busy.

I do nothing, you know?

Is that really true?

Yeah, well...

I lead a peaceful, idle life.

Running a bookstore in Gangneung.

Honestly, no customers.

Anyway, it's good to meet you.

Nice to see young people.

- It's nice for us, too.

- Good.

I'll step out for a second.

Really?

See you soon.

Thanks.

- I talked too much, I'm thirsty.

- Nice job.

Still,

it's good they had classes to go to.

More time would be

better. Can't be helped...

They have to do

this between classes.

Right.

This is all so beautiful.

Everywhere you look,

it's pretty.

Isn't it so nice?

Yeah.

- What was it like?

- What?

The students are nice.

How can I put it?

Like abandoned kids.

That's what I felt.

Because of our situation...

Three kids quit,

and they can't do what they practiced.

They're discouraged.

Then why'd their director quit?

It's a bit of a sensitive topic.

While preparing the skit,

he dated three

students separately.

What do you mean?

Three from the group?

Yeah, of the seven,

he dated three of them.

I see, wow!

How did he pull that off?

I don't know.

I couldn't ask him. I

don't know the details.

Just 4 or 5 days ago.

Wow, so that's what happened.

Anyway,

how did you end

up teaching here?

I had no idea.

I don't know how

it happened either.

My life just took

a sudden swerve.

But I've been really lucky.

Ever since I came here.

I never expected it.

Really?

I was really lucky.

There's a professor

named Jeong Eunyeol.

She has a lot of

influence at this school.

I guess

she took a liking to me.

I have no connections but

I got a place at this school.

I never expected it.

It's hard.

Competition's fierce, sure.

Uncle, I called just in case,

but I assumed you'd say no.

I was so surprised that

you actually came here.

What's he doing here, I thought.

Hey, if you ask something,

of course I'll do it.

It's been 10 years. 10 years!

Besides, a long time ago,

I came to this school.

Ages ago. When I was a student.

Really?

My first year in university,

I came here

and directed, like now.

With Western Art majors.

A skit?

Wow.

And now 40 years later,

I'm doing the same thing.

Really? That's amazing.

Isn't it?

What did I know about theatre

as a university freshman?

I knew nothing, but one day a

friend asked me to fill in for him.

What could I do?

So that's how it happened.

It was really sudden.

You were a baby then.

At the same school?

Yeah, it was here.

Amazing.

That Professor

Jeong I mentioned,

she wants to see me a second:

Would that be okay?

What?

She's a fan of yours.

A huge fan,

so would you mind saying a quick hello?

- She wants to see me?

- Yeah.

- She's the one who helped you.

- That's right.

Let's go. Why not?

She says she's my fan,

though I doubt it.

I think it's true.

Okay.

She's just upstairs.

Shall we go?

We can go now?'Okay.

How is your health?

Though you look fine.

Yes, I'm fine.

- Thank you.

- Sure.

It must've been hard on you,

not that I'd know.

Yes, I suppose so.

But how'd you endure it?

Such terrible people,

aren't they?

Yes, really terrible. It's true.

Attacking such a great artist

because he criticized them,

burying his career.

To even think of doing that...

It makes me furious.

Thank you.

Do you drink?

- Yes, I like to drink.

- I see.

You smoke too?

Well..

I tried to quit,

but it didn't work.

So now I just

smoke without stress.

But you really are amazing.

I'm just...

I can't believe

such a marvelous artist

exists in our country.

- Oh my...

- I don't believe it.

You're completely unique.

Not at all... Thank you.

You really were a fan of his.

I really was, and I still am.

I don't think you have

a bigger fan in all of Korea.

I've seen all the

works you've acted in.

Every one. And the

ones you directed too.

Really? Wow...

Thank you so much.

It's good to meet you.

I should buy her a drink,

shouldn't I?

That would be great!

That's exactly what I'd like.

But no, I'll buy.

I know a good place.

- Do you like eel, by any chance?

- I love eel, sure!

So you know a good restaurant?

Yes, I know a good one.

Then I'll buy you dinner today,

if that's okay.

Wow, lucky you!

What do you mean?

- You have to come too, of course!

- Okay, I will.

Should we go now?

It'll be less crowded at this time.

Okay, fine.

Let me finish just one

thing and then we'll go.

Just 5 minutes.

Okay.

- Take your time.

- Yes.

Did you make this yourself?

Yes.

Thank you.

You do exhibitions often?

Yes, when you're at school,

it's a requirement.

Is this a single work,

or are they separate?

They're separate works.

Yes.

They're nice.

Thank you.

- Sorry, take your time.

- Yes.

This side is cooked through now.

Okay.

- Thank you.

- Enjoy.

- I should be doing that.

- Not at all.

I like doing this.

Delicious.

With your jacket off,

you've got a great upper body.

- Me?

- You look so healthy.

No need to worry about you.

Not really.

I stopped doing pushups,

so I have more belly and less muscles.

Not at all, you look firm.

You look great.

- Really?

- Yes.

- Try this.

- Thank you.

Thank you.

This is great.

Look at that.

- I'll pour for you.

- Thank you.

I really respect you.

As an artist,

I respect you so much.

Yes, thank you.

- Jeonim said...

- Yes?

...that you helped

her a lot. Thank you.

Ms. Geum,

she really helps me a lot.

She's a true artist.

Completely different from me.

She has the soul of an artist.

From her first exhibition I thought,

wow...

She's going to be the real deal.

Many people in textiles

approach it as an art.

But Ms. Geum...

It's rare to find someone

with such true passion for art.

So I trust in her,

and do what I can for her.

Yes.

Later you should become

a tenured professor here.

Thank you, Professor!

Your name sounds

the same as 'tenure'!

That's right, 'Jeonim'!

She's a real treasure.

The students love her.

The students

really trust in you.

You're like the

department mother.

Really?

No, that's just because I

buy them food and drinks.

No,

you're always so warm and open with them.

They may not say so,

but they really lean on you, Professor.

I know that for sure.

Thanks.

That's just because I

buy them so much food.

Not at all.

- So nice.

- Yes.

- It's a beautiful fall day.

- It is.

- Shall we toast?

- Yes.

This is so nice.

Autumn is really setting in.

My first trip to Seoul in ages,

and to have such a nice time...

The sound of the

water... It's so nice.

Please eat your fill.

And drink your fill, too.

You've been through a lot.

Really, it was so unfair.

I'm still so upset by it.

Thank you.

You've been through a lot, Uncle.

Thank you.

Your kind words

really touch my heart.

Thank you.

I did go through a lot, didn't I?

Drink up.

- Cheers.

- Yes, thank you.

This is really delicious.

Yes, eat your fill!

- Delicious.

- It's good here.

This is such a treat.

Glad you like it.

Is that you guys?

Yes! Come over.

Come. Yes.

Were you working?

No.

We were just talking.

So you were drinking? Yes.

Did you drink too?

Yeah,

with Professor Jeong and my uncle.

I'm trying to sober up.

I see.

Are the others

okay since we left?

It's okay they'll do it.

We have no choice.

Can't be the only

department not to take part.

Your uncle is helping them?

- He's famous.

- Right.

It's a great help.

You three won't join, right?

No, I don't think so.

Sorry.

What for? Don't apologize.

Should I buy you something hot?

No, I'll go in soon.

You'll sleep at the school?

I'll go to my studio

and see how I feel.

Are you more sober?

Feeling good?

I should sober up.

You should, too.

Come closer. It's warm.

- Me too.

- Me too.

It's nice.

Are you feeling okay now?

But actually...

I still feel hurt.

- I see.

- Yes.

Be at peace.

Be at peace.

Yes.

Why? Who is it?

It's that student director.

Really?

Looks like he wants to see me.

Could you wait for a minute?

Should I go with you?

No that's fine. Wait for me.

Okay.

- Hello.

- Hello.

What brings you here?

I have something to say.

To me?

Nobody answers my calls...

And I think it's better

to talk to you first.

You were waiting for me?

I went to your studio

but you weren't there.

So I waited here.

You went to my studio?

How do you know my studio?

When Jungsoo showed me

around the building, I saw then.

How did you get in here?

You didn't give

your entry pass back?

No. There are 8 visits left.

What?

You need to give it back.

You have it now? The entry pass?

Could you give it to me?

What? Well, I...

I'll return it to

the security office.

No, I'll take it.

Hand it over.

Yes,

I'll give it to you in just a bit.

But what do you have say to me?

Well...

Shall we sit?

Yes.

Aren't you uncomfortable

seeing them?

Isn't it uncomfortable?

I'm fine.

Since I didn't do

anything wrong.

I see.

I've thought it over.

I thought about

it for a few days.

What did you think about?

Can't you answer faster?

I need to go somewhere.

Yes, I...

What did I do that was so wrong?

However much I think about it,

it just seems unfair.

Sure, you think what you like.

Liking someone,

people liking each other...

Is that so wrong?

Because of that,

this official work was stopped.

Really, for these few days

I've felt so disgraced.

I can't help but feel wronged!

It was just something

you shouldn't do.

You made it impossible to

work with them, you yourself.

There's only a week left now.

And we practiced

for such a long time.

So shouldn't we at

least put it on the stage?

I'll patch things up

somehow and at least stage it.

And then quit. I think

that's best for everyone.

That's why I'm here now.

It's annoying,

and I'm really embarrassed.

This is hard for me now,

you know?

But if I don't see this through,

I'll just be more ashamed later.

I'll regret it even more.

Right, I understand your intention.

I want to wrap this up cleanly.

This is work.

Yes.

Are you worried about rumors,

by any chance?

No need to worry about that.

We agreed not to say anything.

What do you mean by that?

I understand your feelings.

But we've already

hired someone new.

And we've written a new script.

Since it's totally new,

you've nothing to worry about.

We'll never,

ever use that script.

Really? Someone new came?

Yes, a very qualified person.

A distinguished, truly outstanding

person has taken your place.

Really?

Yes, no need to worry.

So now,

you can just, please,

wrap things up.

If you never come back,

that's really the best thing, okay?

Yes.

On your way out,

return that entry pass.

But,

what did I do so wrong?

What did I do that was so wrong?

So all I've done here,

it's all for nothing?

A month and a half,

three times a week

I've been coming here.

Seriously,

what's the big deal?

What happened, for god's sake?

Why treat me like a beggar?

Stop this. Stop it, okay?

We have nothing more

say to each other now.

Get out, before I call security.

I'm calling security.

Security...

Security office.

I get it. I'll just go, okay?

Shall I take this bottle?

- Thank you.

- Okay, thank you.

No, I'll pour for you.

Thank you.

Nice wine, right?

Yes, delicious.

It looks really expensive.

Never mind. Drink your fill.

Thank you.

She's spending too much on us.

Not in the slightest.

I've nothing to

spend my money on.

Really?

I have no hobbies.

Just drinking,

and eating good food.

I see.

I've saved up a lot of money.

Over $1 million!

Wow, really?

- That's a lot.

- Yeah.

That's just what I've saved.

It's so much.

But I don't know how I

managed to save so much.

Well,

if you've nowhere to spend it...

Right.

Apart from treating students,

I don't spend it.

I don't buy many clothes,

or go traveling.

So I've nothing to spend it on.

So you don't travel?

I don't dislike traveling.

But after arriving,

I get lonely.

I'll be in front of some

amazing landscape,

and think,

What am I doing here all alone?

Then I just feel like drinking.

But there's no

one to drink with.

It's been a few years

since I've travelled anywhere.

Even if you go somewhere nice,

you need someone next to you.

Someone to share it with.

We all need someone.

But finding the right

person is so hard.

If heaven doesn't provide it.

- Yes.

- Right.

Hey, are you seeing anyone?

No.

I like things now, I'm happy.

Really? That's great.

Nobody?

Before, there was.

As long as you're happy.

I'm glad you're happy.

Yes.

I'm good now.

It's peaceful,

and clean.

You're still young!

You want a

peaceful life already?

For me,

I think that's most important.

Being at peace.

Living with other

people isn't easy.

Working is the most fun.

I can focus every day,

and it's consistently

interesting.

For me, work is so fun.

But weren't you doing

something totally different?

I went to engineering school in Yeoju,

crazy.

That's right.

Engineering school.

Because my grades were bad.

What a waste of time.

Was about to do something

completely useless.

Tell him about that,

if he hasn't heard.

About what?

Your mystical experience.

Mystical experience?

What was it?

I don't know if it was

a mystical experience.

Uncle, you know...

I bled from my

eyes for three days.

From both eyes. When

I was at that school.

What do you mean?

Bleeding from your eyes?

Seriously, for three days

blood was pouring from her eyes.

- Yes.

- Really?

- Yes.

- Blood? From your eyes?

Why was that?

I don't know. The

doctors didn't know either.

Did it hurt? So what happened?

On the third night,

I was lying in bed with a

bandage around my eyes.

Then suddenly,

I could see a blue sky.

With the bandage on?

And she saw that

blue sky so clearly.

Really, it was so blue.

It was the prettiest

shade of blue.

With a few clouds, too.

But it didn't feel at all

strange to me in any way.

So I waited.

Because it might just be an illusion,

I waited.

But it didn't disappear.

The sky remained there.

That's really true?

- It's true, do you think I'd lie?

- No, no. I didn't mean that.

So in the morning I got up...

I had slept.

And it felt like the

bleeding had stopped.

So I carefully

unwrapped the bandage.

And then...

The blood had really stopped.

So I ran to the school

and quit right then.

That morning,

I did all the formalities to drop out.

From that day, I stopped going.

She said she considered

joining a nunnery.

Really?

Maybe it happened because

you were forcing yourself to do

something you hate, all alone?

I don't know. But

it all worked out well.

It was a kind of revelation,

do you think?

That's great.

Because,

any experience that

gives you certainty is good.

It's precious.

I think it's good.

After that,

everything's worked out so well for me.

I've been so,

so lucky in everything.

And whatever happens,

I'm not scared.

I'm not scared of anything.

I might have doubted it.

That's possible, right?

But I never doubted.

Because I saw it for myself.

- For real.

- Right.

I had no doubt.

Right...

So things were hard for you.

I just thought

of you as a child.

Yes, I kept thinking I should

go to a mental hospital.

I'm relieved. Yes.

But everything's gotten

better. It's all completely new.

Everything.

And you, Professor...

You've really helped me so much.

Never changing,

consistently,

over such a long time,

you've helped me

so much. I'm thankful.

- Thank you, too.

- Not at all.

I love having you here.

You've brought an energy

that wasn't there before.

You're really like a mother to us,

me and the students.

You're so kind and generous.

I'm just...

You look after everyone.

Uncle, I'm so lucky to have met her.

All I've done is treat you

to food and some drinks.

No, no.

Thank you.

This way.

I got this place since

it's close to school.

It's convenient.

You bought it?

No, I'm renting it.

Go on in.

- Excuse us.

- Yes.

Sit on the sofa,

make yourself comfortable.

Something cold to drink?

Yes, anything's fine.

How about wine?

- That's great.

- Just a minute.

Wow!

- This is my own recipe.

- Thank you.

Not sure how it will taste.

- Thank you.

- I'm nervous.

Thank you. Sure.

After drinking,

I crave this kind of food.

Just a bit.

Next time I'll make

my best recipe.

No, I asked for this

because I really wanted it.

- Thanks.

- Thank you.

It's good.

Really? I'll have to try.

Delicious.

It's really delicious.

It tastes so simple,

not too sweet. So good.

This is the way my mom made it.

It's so good.

Is it really okay?

It's really good.

How can I explain it?

Tteokbokki in its purest form?

Rice cake, fish cake,

green onion, pepper paste, that's it.

So delicious.

- I'm relieved.

- I like this kind of taste.

No, I'll do it.

It's so good.

I'm so happy to see

you enjoying it.

I'm so happy.

So this is a duplex.

Yes.

There are three rooms upstairs,

but I just use downstairs.

Too hard to clean.

- You've got three rooms?

- Yes, three.

But why'd you get

a place like this?

It's just a rental anyway,

and it's close to school.

The veranda's really nice.

It's night now so you can't see,

but the mountain view is so pretty.

- If you look to the right...

- Oh, here?

Wow, so much space.

Yes.

Here it is.

The view's like a foreign

country. It's so nice.

Professor!

Professor!

Professor!

- Sorry, just watching the moon.

- Don't mind me.

I'll be going now.

Please look after Uncle for me.

He's sobered up now,

so I'll call a taxi for him later.

That would be great.

- I'll be going then.

- Okay.

Sorry. What for?

- Going to the school again?

- Yes.

I figured. Okay, be safe.

- Your uncle will go soon.

- Thank you.

Don't work too hard!

Yes.

Goodbye.

You were here?

The students went to get

a floor table from their room.

We'll meet in 10

minutes at the theater.

Wanted to look around.

You need a floor table?

Yeah, seems like that'll work better.

- It'll be cute.

- I agree.

- Is the theater open?

- They said so. We can go in.

But when they sit at the table,

the classroom's floor will be cold.

Is there a good place where

they can sit down and practice?

- Where they can sit on the floor?

- Yeah.

I know a place. Where?

There's a bookstore near

the school called Singo.

They have a platform on the rooftop,

that'll be good.

Really?

Is the platform wide?

It's big. Enough to lie down on.

I like to sleep there.

Will they rent it to us?

Can we use it today?

We'll have to ask.

The couple who own it

are nice. I know them well.

Let's go ask.

Okay.

That's great.

Then we'll go there when

the students finish practicing.

Sounds good.

- Want to come to the theater?

- Sure.

- I'll just put this away.

- Just bring it.

No,

I'll leave this and come right back.

- You're going in there?

- Yes.

I keep meaning to see your studio,

but I haven't made it there.

- Will you come?

- Yeah.

Your works are there?

Yes, one of them. A big one.

I have an exhibition soon,

so I brought it from home.

What should we do?

I'll go there after practice.

Sure, my class lasts until 6:00,

and I'll be there afterward.

Okay, see you then.

Can't believe I haven't

seen your work yet.

- You've been busy.

- Hardly busy. Just drinking.

By any chance,

did you sleep there yesterday?

No,

why would I? I slept in my motel.

Did the two of you

sleep together?

What are you talking about?

We didn't do that.

Really?

Yeah!

I mean it.

I'll leave this and

come right back.

Now pick up the table

and come forward.

Yes.

49TH SUYOO SKIT FESTIVAL

A bit more.

To the front.

All the way up here.

- To the mark here.

- Okay.

Put it down.

Now sit down.

How should we sit?

Just sit. Let's

see how it looks.

Then Jumi, to the back.

- Here?

- No.

Upstage, so you can see here.

What should I do?

Sit first, and then I'll fix it.

Yes.

Sit close together.

Is this okay?

- Try out your actions.

- Yes.

Yes.

Yeah,

that's good. It looks interesting.

What's wrong?

People won't see

my face if I sit like this.

They don't have to. You and

Miwon will be moving around.

They'll see your face,

don't worry. Take your positions.

Jumi, since you're tall...

Can you stretch

your head up high?

That'll be fun. Lifting

your head and turning it?

Now as everyone

else is focused on this,

try it.

Now,

stretch up! Extend your back.

- Don't laugh, be serious.

- Yes.

Head up and looking around.

Looking around.

That's fun, it is.

It's good.

- This is great, isn't it?

- It is great.

We come here often.

Really? I like it here.

What about the table?

There's another one here.

That? We'll switch them later.

Wow.

We should make the most of this.

- You have no classes?

- Right.

Great, then let's practice

at least until sunset.

- Yes.

- Es.

Should I buy you something?

No.

There's a coffee

machine downstairs.

I'll get something

if I need it Thanks.

- The owners are nice, right?

- They are.

Wow, this is perfect.

- Sorry, I have a class...

- Do you?

- Go on, don't be late.

- Yes.

Thank you.

Wait.

Can I smoke here?

Since it's just us.

Sure,

just be careful about the ashes.

They agreed not to send

anyone up for a few hours.

- So use a paper cup...

- Okay, don't worry.

- I'll go then.

- Thanks. Bye.

- Work hard everyone.

- Bye, Teacher!

- Professor!

- You same, Professor?

Hey, are you playing

around instead of practicing?

Wow, this is heavy.

How long does this process take?

I can do 10 cm in about an hour.

10 cm in an hour?

From an hour to

an hour and a half.

How many hours

per day do you work?

Sometimes 5 hours,

sometimes a bit more.

5 hours. That's 50 cm a day...

You said this piece is 2m,

so in 4 days you can

finish one artwork?

But I can't do 5

hours every single day,

so it takes me a

week to 10 days.

What do you like

best about this?

What satisfaction do you get?

First I come up

with the pattern,

then I have to use

my body to complete it.

You're right.

Being able to complete

the whole structure myself,

that's satisfying.

Are your patterns inspired by

concrete objects and real things,

or do you make

them up your mind?

It feels right that they

should come from real objects.

At the end of the process

the pattern may look simple,

but it'll be quite different from

something made up in my mind.

Having a real object in mind

helps me when I'm making it.

I don't lose my way.

But if I make up a

pattern in my mind,

I keep having doubts.

Should I do it this

way? Or that way?

You're right.

What's the name of this piece?

This is called Flowing Water, Han.

Flowing Water, Han...

Flowing Water...

What's Han?

From the Han River.

Oh, the Han River!

The one I'm doing now is

Jungrang. Flowing Water, Jungrang.

I'm going backwards.

Upstream from the Han River?

Yes, I got the pattern from

the Apgujeong side of Han River,

then I went in to

Jungrang Stream.

And the one I'm sketching

now will be called Suyoo.

So Flowing Water,

Han. Flowing Water, Jungrang.

Flowing Water, Suyoo.

Yes. Like that?

Yes,

I'm going backwards up the streams.

I see it now.

I like how the color

changes from here to here.

Teacher?

Hello.

- Your students?

- Yes.

What is it?

- We're not sure where Jisoo went.

- Jisoo?

She didn't come back.

It's been 30 minutes.

Where did she go?

The three of us came outside,

when suddenly Junwon appeared.

- Junwon?

- Yes.

He wanted to talk to Jisoo,

so she went with him.

She's still not back

after 30 minutes.

She's not answering her phone,

and it's late...

- We're worried.

- In that case,

we should look for her.

We shouldn't leave the

two of them alone at night.

Let's hurry.

What will you do,

Uncle? I need to go out.

I'll come too. Let's go.

- Will you?

- Sure.

There they are!

Really?

Where?

Where? There.

You see them?

By the parking lot.

They moved! You don't see?

- Where?

- They're right there.

You really don't see?

- I see them.

- Do you?

- Right, there they are!

- Sure.

Jisoo!

Hello.

- So you were here? - Yes.

- What brings you, Teacher?

They were worried

because you disappeared.

Really?

No need to worry.

You must've had

a lot to talk about.

It turned out that way.

I'll be going, then.

I'll wait for your

call in two days.

Goodbye.

Can we talk? What?

My name is Chu Sieon.

Do you know me?

Yes, I do.

I really love your acting.

You're an actor I'd love

to work with someday.

I see, that's nice. Anyway,

thank you.

Can we talk for a bit?

I recalled something, and I

thought it'd be good to talk about it.

Where?

Well, how about there?

All right.

I'll be going, then.

- Be sure to call me.

- Yes.

You agreed to call him?

He suggested something.

I said I'd call about that.

- What did he suggest?

- Really?

What did he ask?

He wants to marry me.

He's going abroad

to study next January.

He wants us to get married.

He proposed?

He's really something.

What did you say?

I said I'd think about it.

I asked for two days.

He asked me so seriously.

Serious how?

I don't know.

It just felt that way.

You think he's a serious person?

He said, if one's true heart

cannot move another's, what can?

Can a true heart treat

three people that way?

Ridiculous.

Marriage, all of a sudden?

He said it's true he

acted frivolously with us,

but it's also true his

feelings for me were real.

I was the last one.

Think about it,

how could a sincere person act that way.

There's no way!

I know.

But as I listened,

some of what he said felt like the truth.

I just said I'd think about

it. What can you do?

You're laughing?

No, I'm not laughing.

I'm just tired.

So you liked him after all.

Liking someone isn't a sin, right?

If the words we always

use all disappeared,

I could like him.

Is it cooked through?

Doesn't look like it.

It's done.

Thanks for the meal.

Thank you.

Go ahead, eat.

You eat too, it's done.

It's not done.

I can't eat them uncooked.

They're cooked.

What do you mean?

Spam is good with pepper paste,

you didn't bring any?

You want pepper paste?

- I'll bring it.

- No, I'll go.

- Thanks.

- No problem.

Is it cooked yet?

Is it cooked?

Not yet.

How many cup noodles left?

About two boxes?

Plus four packages.

They're almost gone.

You covered the

water in the bathtub?

Sure I did. Of course.

- You two as well?

- Sure.

You remember,

Mom. You always leave it uncovered.

Thank you.

Let's conserve the pepper paste, too.

Okay.

- I'll eat now, too.

- Yeah, eat up.

Auntie, it is that hot?

Yeah it's hot. Spicy.

What do you mean?

It's not hot at all.

It's spicy.

How many gas canisters left?

I don't know, 10?

No, there are more.

Much more.

Really? We should count them.

Should be around 20.

This is so tasty.

However often we eat this...

It's because we're hungry.

- You never get bored of ramyun.

- It's so delicious.

Right.

We should be thankful

to be eating like this.

How do you think

Dad and my brother are?

I feel bad for them.

I feel so sorry for them.

Eat, let's eat.

Yes.

Are you okay?

Sure!

Are you all okay?

We're fine.

It's fine.

- Right.

- Don't worry about it.

Anyways, you did well.

What'd she say?

Professor Jeong needs to

talk to the university president.

She said to go there first.

She'll join us later.

- Let's go then.

- Yes.

Shall we go? Let's

have some good food.

Yes!

Shall we toast again?

Sounds good!

- Nice work, everyone! Cheers!

- Thank you!

- Thanks for everything!

- Nice work.

Are you okay?

Me?

Well, it's nice to be done.

You worked hard, too.

No, you did everything.

No, it was fun.

But why did the president

call Professor Jeong?

I couldn't ask before.

The president wasn't happy

about the skit, it seems.

Someone told

him it was your skit,

so now he has to look into it,

I don't know.

Will this cause any

problems for Professor Jeong?

No no, not at all.

He's just needlessly curious.

About you.

Me? Why?

What about me?

He just wanted to talk to her.

Professor Jeong didn't

seem particularly worried.

Don't worry about it.

And maybe because he heard

those people booing at the end, too.

Why do people boo like

that? What did they see?

- Is that really worth booing?

- Exactly!

No, it's a great work.

Ignore them. There's

always someone like that.

This wasn't what I imagined.

What upset them?

I really don't get it.

Just ignore them.

We still liked it.

- Really?

- That's right.

They seemed to

misread it as political.

Or maybe it was a gender issue,

since it's a women's university.

Sure. That could be it.

Another drink?

- Yes.

- Good.

You're a good drinker.

Cheers!

Cheers!

What? Professor Jeong

says I should go there too.

- What should I do?

- They want you?

The president

wants to talk to me.

I was the one who invited you,

so he wants to hear it from me.

Are you okay?

Sure. I'll be right back.

How annoying!

Sure, we'll wait here.

Explain it well and come back.

Explain it well.

Yes, don't worry.

- I'm sorry, at a time like this.

- Why are you sorry?

Look after yourself.

You're most important.

Don't say anything,

just nod at what he says.

- Okay?

- It's nothing.

- Cheers!

- Cheers!

- I'll be back!

- See you later!

You know why I came here?

- I don't know.

- No.

My first year in university

I came here and did a skit.

At this school?

Really? You did?

With Western Art majors,

at the same festival.

But the reception

then wasn't good either.

I guess my ability hasn't

improved since then.

You did?

Yes, I did.

That's why I'm here.

Since I was here then.

40 years ago.

40 years ago..

And I met my

first love here then.

Really?

She wasn't acting in the skit,

she was from the same major.

As we practiced,

she kept stopping in to watch.

Did she?

So I started dating her, but...

I wasn't good to her.

I did something very wrong.

Something happened,

nothing at all,

but I couldn't get over it.

I hurt her.

She was really hurt.

Is that so? Yes.

That was long ago.

You're right.

It was long ago.

But I remember it.

And it did happen.

In my memory, it's still there.

I still feel it the same.

Tonight, too.

We should've done better today.

Sorry.

No, what do you mean?

No way.

I wrote that too quickly.

I should have thought

carefully when I was writing it.

No, I caused so much trouble.

For all of you,

for your teacher...

- For Professor Jeong...

- No, they'll be fine.

Yes, really.

I suppose so.

Hey, what kind of person

do you want to become?

I mean, "I want to become

someone like this."

Tell me. Can you tell me?

What? Okay, in that case...

In poetry.

How about saying it

through improvised poetry?

"I want to be this

kind of person."

Say that in a poem.

You can do it. Just try.

What, you don't want to?

No, we'll do it.

Okay? We'll give it a try.

Who'll be first?

Just start, it's improvised.

I'm not very good, but I'll try.

Okay, Sunho! Great.

The person I want to be,

who I most want to be

is a person not at all like me.

A person who can

give myself up to others.

Completely, comfortably.

And so that person can

also fully embrace me.

I want to be that kind of person,

someday.

And if only I can,

this time I have, my life,

that I'll only live once,

I want to live it honestly.

From now on, at least.

Yes.

It's good.

Thank you.

Who else?

Who? It's okay.

The person I want to be...

I'm not sure yet.

But I will keep searching.

Until a path

that I'm really sure of

opens up before me,

I'll keep searching.

Actually, nothing else matters.

Until I find that path

that really convinces me,

I'll keep going...

Sorry.

I didn't mean to

bring down the mood.

I'll keep going,

ceaselessly moving forward.

Thank you.

That's nice.

Okay, next.

I want to be a person

who loves truly.

With things I really love

together with a

person I truly love

in any way possible,

I want to live a

day in true love.

With nothing fake,

a day filled only with true love.

I want to have a day like that.

Even if it's just one day.

For me, that's enough.

I think it's perfect!

Me too.

I'll go.

I'm a freak.

Maybe I was born that way.

I don't blame my parents.

They did nothing wrong.

I'm just a freak.

Even so,

I won't stab anyone.

Won't stab them in the back.

Won't stab them

in the gut either.

However often they

treat me that way,

I'm a human being too.

I won't forget that.

In that way, I can live my life

with some pride.

I'll light the smallest

lamp in the corner,

and protect it until I die.

To not forget that

I am human too.

Thank you.

Being with all of you...

Thank you so much.

Thank you, really.

- Thank you!

- Thank you!

Hello, Professor.

- Hi, can you talk?

- Yes, sure.

- What are you doing?

- I'm not doing anything.

- I'm at Singo Bookstore.

- Really?

Do you have

anything to do today?

No, nothing special.

That's good.

Then can I ask a

favor for a few hours?

What is it?

I'm here with Mr. Chu,

your uncle.

I said I'd drive him back

to Kangwon Province.

But then I drank too much.

I see.

So I wondered if you could

drive the two of us to Kangwon.

We could eat raw fish there

if you don't have classes today.

You want me to drive?

It only takes two hours,

and you like driving, right?

I do, but...

So my uncle is still here.

I thought he went back.

He's still here.

But he needs to go back today.

Tomorrow he's meeting some

people he knows at the bookstore.

So I drive over and

come back with you tonight?

I have a class tomorrow.

Right,

even if it's late we could drive back.

Let's eat something nice there.

- Seafood porridge is nice, right?

- Yes, seafood porridge is good.

Sorry to ask you this.

I wasn't sure if

I should ask you,

but your uncle wants to see

you once more before going.

I'd like to see him too.

Then we'll take your car?

Yes, of course.

All right then.

Sorry, I couldn't help but drink.

You need drinks when eating eel.

You're having eel?

We're at that eel

restaurant that you like.

Anyway.

You should eat some

too. You love eel.

All right then.

Can I join you in an hour?

I have something to do.

Sure, take two hours

if you want.

- Thanks so much.

- Yes, see you soon.

Thanks.

Hello.

I saw Chu Sieon the other day.

He was walking around

drunk near school.

Really?

But in person, he's good-looking.

More than on TV.

Yeah? He's not on TV these days.

Right.

I always thought he

looked a bit comic.

But he's quite good-looking.

But it's true he doesn't

look very Korean.

He's pretty good-looking.

It's cloudy today.

Yes.

I wish the sun were out,

the blue sky.

That would be nice.

Do we look strange together?

Why? What's strange?

I mean, the two of us.

That we're together?

No,

I just came to drive the two of you.

Thanks, really.

Uncle,

you worked so hard for the students.

No, no. I had fun.

You look so much

like your mother.

There you go again! What?

Right, I said that already.

But honestly,

you aren't very similar.

Right, I can feel the difference.

You're completely

different from her.

Every person is different.

Does your mom still drink a lot?

Yes, a bottle or two each day,

I guess.

Soju?

No, makgeolli.

I don't talk to your mom?

- No.

- You don't, right?

Years ago,

in front of all the

family members,

you know what she said to me?

What did she say?

She asked me,

"Are you a commie?"

That's what she said. A commie.

- A commie?

- Really?

She said that?

How can she say

that to her brother?

I was too dumbfounded

to even respond.

She spoke as loud as she could,

for everyone to hear,

"Are you a commie?"

What's that about?

I see.

It was so careless of her.

It was.

So I thought then,

I can't deal with her.

Better not to see her anymore,

I decided.

She's too emotional.

Too self-centered.

Her narcissism is so extreme.

To think such a thing...

Every time she saw me,

that thought was in her head.

Stop it! She's still my mother.

Right.

Yes, you're right.

Anyway...

She said that.

But today especially

you two look good together.

You look like a married couple.

Yeah? Really?

Thank you.

It's nothing.

That's great if we do.

I'll be right back.

Uncle. Yes?

I think all sorts of thoughts, okay?

Sometimes really

terrible thoughts.

So I don't have anything

bad to say about others.

And this is unrelated... Yeah?

But when you said

you hadn't slept together,

that was a lie, right?

No.

Nothing had happened

between us then.

I'm serious. It's true.

On the day of the party,

after the skit,

on that day we got closer.

- So you slept together then?

- Yeah.

Anyway...

I don't know what

you may think of us,

but as I get older,

I need someone comfortable.

Not like in the past.

Comfortable with her.

She's a comfortable person.

She never upsets me in any way.

It's only been a few days,

but I can feel it.

- She treats people well.

- Yeah.

So,

will you get divorced or something?

I am divorced.

You got divorced? When?

Last year.

Oh, I didn't know.

After 10 years of separation,

the court recognized it.

She agreed to it too,

in the end.

It's been so long

since I've seen you...

Anyway, what I want to say is,

I hope you and me

can stay in touch.

I've always liked you.

I haven't called

because of your mom,

but let's keep in touch.

All right.

Let's do that.

Just show up anytime,

at my bookstore.

When you come today,

if you like it there,

come visit often.

It's sort of like a retreat.

It'll be cloudy there today.

Uncle, is it okay if I drink this?

You want to? Sure.

I ate so much eel,

I'm craving beer.

That tastes good.

Yeah,

the first glass of beer is always great.

Tastes so good.

You drank beer?

Yes, just a sip.

I had so much eel.

But it wasn't much. I'll stop.

Sure, one glass is all gone

after an hour and a half.

Yes.

- You really like it, don't you?

- It's great. I can't help it.

It's too hard to stop myself.

Go ahead, drink.

Uncle, do you have a cigarette?

Yeah.

You smoke? I didn't know.

So you smoke. Hold on.

- Here.

- Thank you.

She only smokes occasionally.

But where can I smoke here?

If you go down,

there's a place.

Down the stairs?

They made it so that

customers can go down there.

I see.

That brook leads to the school,

to Suyoo Stream.

Really?

Is that so?

That's amazing.

- Is that so?

- I'll go down and look.

I'll come too.

Me too! I'm coming.

- Will you?

- Yes.

Thank you.

Just a minute.

Yeah.

- Careful, it's slippery!

- Okay.

She's supposed to drive,

how can she drink?

It was just one glass.

When you drive someone important

you don't drink at all.

Thank you.

Why couldn't

she control herself?

You couldn't, either.

Right.

But I'm allowed to

on a day like today.

Right, it's a special day.

That's right.

Jeonim!

Jeonim!

Where did she go?

Jeonim!

Jeonim!

Were you looking for me?

Yeah. What are you doing?

Is something there?

Anything to see?

No, there's nothing.

Really?

Nothing at all, really.