01x01 - Episode 1

[bunniefuu]

[passionately arranged
"Danse Macabre" playing]

FOUR HANDS, TWO SONATAS

-[bell tolling]
-[lively music plays]

[reporter] Right now, we are here

at the Prague Harmonie
International Competition finals venue.

Tonight marks
the final round of the competition

and features the two finalists.

Given the outstanding performances
they both delivered in the semifinals,

our attention is focused
on tonight's event.

[chattering]

[high-pitched ringing]

[thunder rumbles]

Let go!

Out of my way!

[inhales deeply]

[applause]

[tense music plays]

[Rachmaninoff's
"Piano Concerto No. 2" playing]

[music continues]

Where are we going now?

Excuse me.

Stop, stop, stop!

I want to go to the to… the toilet!

What's wrong with you?

I said I want to go to the toilet!

Don't try anything.

Or I'll put a b*llet
right between your eyes.

What the hell, man?

Settle down.

Try not to get blood all over the car.

You think you're better than me,
trying to tell me what to do, is that it?

[screams, grunts]

[grunting]

[driver] Come here!

[music continues]

[Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 2,


FOUR HANDS, TWO SONATAS

[speaker] We will now present

a certificate of commendation
to Kang Pi-o…



…for his role in elevating the prestige
of Korea Arts High School.

Kang Pi-o, if you would,
please come up to the stage.

EPISODE 1

[student] Dude.
All this is kind of overkill.

You were better. [groans]

"This certificate
is hereby awarded to this student

for elevating the prestige of this school
by winning the Grand Prize

at the 27th Lake Erie
International Junior Competition."

CERTIFICATE OF AWARD
NAME: KANG PI-O

[scoffs]

DROP OUT - GET LOST b*stard
GO AWAY b*stard

Hey, Han-rim! Found him!

Ew.

Hey. Did you throw this in the trash?

[scoffs] You are an obnoxious little sh*t.

To think the entire school gathered
to put on a show for you

just 'cause you won first place
at the competition.

That's a pretty messed-up thing to do.

-[scoffs]
-Hey.

Are we all just extras to you?

Then again, winning a competition

must be a walk in the park
for Kang Seung-woon's grandson.

-[scoffs]
-[chuckles] You're laughing?

What's so funny?

Hold on. You really think
I'm the reason you didn't win?

If you're so bitter about not winning,

then you should go practice some more
instead of picking fights.

And stop blaming others.

-[scoffs]
-[scoffs] I swear…

Yeah, and you?

You're just trying
to prove yourself, right?

'Cause you got family issues
you need to work out?

[bullies laughing]

-[student] Hey!
-Crap.

What do you guys think you're doing?

[sighs] What does she want?

Hey. You picking a fight?

Leave him alone.

Hey. Chill the heck out, Jae-in.

And quit letting this c*ck D-bag use you.

[clicks tongue]

-Let's go.
-[bully] Hey, wait up.

Oh…

Hey! Hey, Kang Pi-o!

How many times do I have to tell you, huh?

Try to be a little humble.
It's not gonna k*ll you.

Everyone at school is already
insanely jealous of you.

Did you have to toss the certificate?

I mean, couldn't you have
at least thrown it away at home?

Why should I consider other people's
feelings in everything I do?

Wow.

Seriously, dude…

You a sociopath?

[scoffs]

Why don't you just get to the point then?

Me?

There wasn't one.

Really? All right, never mind.

-Uh, actually, I was thinking, um--
-Sorry.

You should find someone else.

You don't even know what I was gonna say.

Weren't you going to ask me
to be your accompanist?

Oh. How did you know?

Hey, Kang Pi-o!

Come on, just hear me out
for a second, okay?

Kang Pi-o.

You know I wouldn't ask you
if I had a choice.

But none of the others are any good.

There's absolutely no way
I can play with them.

[sighs] I don't have time.

Oh, come on,
it's not that much. Just three…

No. No, wait.

Two times, please.

Oh, come on, it'll barely take up
any of your time. Hmm?

Hey!

I'm literally begging.
Can't you just, like, do it one time, huh?

[Pi-o stammers]

[sighs]

Look, our skill levels are too different.

If we played together, you'd probably
sound way worse than you actually are.

Is that something
that you really want to do?

Wow.

Do you even realize how harsh you sound?

But you're right.

Could you please use your skills
to cover for me just this one time?

[Pi-o sighs]

No. I won't.

Hey! Kang Pi-o!

[Schumann's "Piano Concerto
in A minor" playing]

Hello, genius, I'm talking to you!

Yeah.

This is totally the reason why

I can't lose you.

How do you pull off Schumann
so beautifully like that?

[scoffs, sighs]

[Jae-in] Kang Pi-o.

Forget the accompaniment.

You and me,

we should just get married.

Seriously.

I never want to stop hearing you play.

Would you just leave me alone?

No, I mean it. Let's get married.

SONGMIN HIGH SCHOOL

[chattering]

[basketball bouncing rhythmically]

[drum beating in time]

[tempo increases]

[accompanying instruments playing]

Where are you going?

-Whoa. Watch it.
-Hey!

Hey, Choi Jeong-yo, get up right now.

-Gather around, guys.
-[sighs]

[students muttering]

-[Jeong-yo sighs]
-[teacher] We've gotta talk.

Your music assessment's coming.

Do you all really not know
how to play an instrument?

-What assessment?
-Nah, we don't.

How many times do I have to tell you?

At least try and learn something,
even if it's just a triangle.

-[sighs]
-[groans] Man. Come on.

Look, if that's not gonna work…

A friend of mine called and said they need
people to fill seats for this concert.

If you go to this,
it'll count as your assessment, okay?

-How's that?
-Ah, too bad. I don't feel like going.

Why not? I'm trying real hard
to make this easy for you.

-Nobody watches this stuff.
-[scoffs]

You're making us super uncomfortable.

Um, why don't you just give up on us?

-Choi Jeong-yo!
-Here!

[chuckling]

[sighs]

I don't wanna go.

[clears throat]

Hello, Jo Rider!

[chuckling] Shi…

Man, you're freaking diligent.
You ever miss a day of school?

-You get into any trouble today?
-[scoffs]

Maybe I should do something
really bad and get expelled.

[laughs] Like you'd have the guts to.

-Hop on.
-Okay, let's go.

[exclaims]

Get cash fast!

DO YOU NEED QUICK CASH?

When it comes to a man…

he should never forget
the hard times he's gone through.

You boys.

When you make it big and are raking it in,

don't forget about me.

-Thank you, sir.
-Sure.

-Here.
-Thank you, sir!

-Punk. A little extra in there, okay?
-[chuckles]

-Here. Work hard.
-Thank you, sir.

-I could get used to making this money.
-You can all succeed.

Uh-huh, Jeong-yo.

Eat up, yeah?

You look a bit skinny.

That's right.

Tell your old man
to pay me back already, okay?

I'm so dead broke right now, you know?

I mean, we're all eating
jjajangmyeon every day. Okay?

[phone ringing]

Hello, this is Happy Loan.

-Oh. Oh, ma'am.
-I'm good.

-[manager] I mean, miss.
-Just take it, dumbass.

I'm giving it to you, okay? sh*t.

Now eat.

[gentle music plays]

[sighs]

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT ARCADE
TRADITIONAL MARKET

[exhales deeply]

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT ARCADE

-[lock clicks]
-[door opens]

[door closes]

[parent groans, sighs]

I told you not to keep bringing me
things like that!

If you keep doing it,

you just make it so hard
for me to hate you, kid.

Hey!

Do you feel sorry for me too?

Is that why you keep bringing me
this stupid stuff?

I feel sorry for you…

Sorry for myself.

[crying] I feel sorry for you…

and for myself too. [sobbing]

[sighs]

GRAND PRIZE
PIANO, CHOI JEONG-YO

DEMAND FOR PAYMENT
OF OVERDUE INTEREST

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT ARCADE

[exhales deeply, scats]

-Hello.
-Hello there.

-Are you eating enough?
-Of course.

[song ends]

[applause]

[attendee] Whoo! It's been a while
since I've seen a performance like that.

That was incredible. [chuckles]

How the heck is Hyun-soo
still such a good player?

Most people run out of talent
by middle age

and just move their fingers mechanically
without feeling.

[inhales sharply] Yeah!

And Maestro Kang obviously loved
Hyun-soo's performance too.

I mean, if he doesn't like a show,

that man doesn't even
shake your hand before leaving.

If you ask me, a conductor shouldn't wear
his emotions on his sleeve like that.

-It only intimidates people.
-[scoffs]

Are you serious?

I suppose so.

Have you found an orchestra for Pi-o?

Oh, yeah. We have meetings
with Gyeongseong Philharmonic

and Seonghan Philharmonic early next week.

Don't you worry.

Oh, Pi-o won't have any trouble
finding an orchestra.

While I am happy that you're
getting on Hyun-soo's good side,

if you start neglecting my son
'cause of it, I'll terminate our contract.

Oh, come on, don't say that.
There's no way I could.

The entire company
is fully invested in him right now.

Hey, Jae-in told me you turned her down
when she asked for help.

-I'm sorry, ma'am.
-[chuckles]

Nah, it's all right.
It was the right call.

To be honest, I'd rather you spend
the time practicing than accompanying her.

It's more beneficial to us.

Plus, I'm scared your mom
will grab me by the hair. [chuckles]

[sighs]

[guest] …really enjoyable.
Honestly. [laughs]

[host] Performing with you today
made me realize

what an absolute honor it is
to share the stage with you.

Oh, not at all, sir.
[chuckles] Thank you. Really.

[chuckling]

Oh, you're here.

[sighs]

You're late.

Uh, Mr. Kang said that
he didn't want to part ways just yet, so…

I… enjoyed your performance.

Thanks so much. Mmm.

I heard Hyun-jeong made you an offer.

Yeah, I'll be staying in Korea
for the time being.

I guess you've eaten already.
Come in and have a drink with us.

No, thank you.

So you're Pi-o, right?

Uh…

I've heard a lot about you.

You won first place at Lake Erie?

Wow. [chuckles]

Well, as expected of your grandson.

It seems he inherited your musical talent.

Save your flattery for someone else.

There's no need to give
an untalented kid false hope.

Be selective with your compliments.

Speaking empty words
is even worse than saying nothing at all.

-Father.
-Go upstairs.

I don't want to ruin my good mood tonight.

[mother] Hyun-soo was right there!
How could you say something so horrible?

You can hate me all you want!

But did you have to talk like that
in front of Pi-o?

Just because you devoted
your life to your child,

doesn't mean you can expect
the same from me.

But you know he's your family too.
He's your grandson! And he's my son!

Don't get the wrong idea.

The only reason
I let you two stay under my roof

is because I take pity on the way
you struggle so much as a mother,

not because I acknowledge him
as my grandson.

Why can't you acknowledge him? Why?

You expect me to accept him as family
when I don't even know who his father is?

And above all,
he doesn't have what it takes.

It's pointless
to waste your time on that boy.

Focus on getting your life together!

[mother sobbing] Father!

[gate creaks]

Begin.

[Mozart's "Piano Sonata No. 10,


[door opens, closes]

[inhales sharply]

-[piano stops]
-[footsteps receding]

[sighs]

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women,

and blessed is
the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

[sobs]

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Holy Mary, Mother of God… [sobbing]

…pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

-[knocking]
-[Seung-woon] Come in.

I have something to tell you.

Grandfather, do you really think
that I don't have what it takes?

Could it be that you only want to believe
that because you hate me so much?

Ever since I was a kid,
I idolized you, Grandfather.

I practiced day and night because I wanted
to hear a single word of praise from you.

But no matter how many times
I won first place,

you never even bothered
to look at me once.

If that's just because
you hate me so much--

So what you're saying is…

Why would I belittle someone
as talented as you

because of my personal feelings, right?

Is that it?

Hmm.

[Rachmaninoff's
"Piano Sonata No. 2" playing]

What do you think you're doing?

Do you think I care to see you
show off your technique?

[Beethoven's
"Piano Sonata No. 23" playing]

That's the best you can do,

and you have the nerve to say
that you're treated unfairly?

Your amateur playing reeks of vanity
and has zero musical soul.

The people that I despise
above all else in this world

are those who think of themselves as great

just because they're able
to play challenging music.

Unfortunately…

you're one of them.

I've never thought of myself that way!

I only ever wanted your approval,
Grandfather!

How is that such a bad thing?

One more chance.

[breathing shakily]
Please give me one more chance.

If you still don't think
I'm good enough after that then…

then I will give up the piano for good.

I have absolutely no time
to spare for this.

What if I play the Noblesse Concert?

You dumb, arrogant brat.

Just because you won a few competitions

you think you could play
in something like that?

What if I could?

Will you come watch me play?

[scoffs] Fine.

If you think you can pull it off,
then you should try.

But if my opinion remains unchanged
after your performance,

then you had better be a man of your word.

[door closes]

[mother] What kind of nonsense is this?

Why would you suddenly
want to change instructors?

Don't you know how good it is
to be connected to Professor Seo?

I don't really care who he's connected to.

I need a real instructor,

one who can teach me properly.

Oh, how can that…

Connections are important.

In the end,
this industry is just a business.

Besides, of all people,
you want Hyun-soo, is that it?

No matter how talented he is,
he's still just a performer.

I told Grandfather

that I would show him what I can do
at the Noblesse Concert.

If he doesn't approve of me,
then I'm going to quit playing the piano.

How will Professor Seo

teach me what I need to know?

Wait. We haven't even talked about this.

Why? Pi-o, you…

Off to school?

[sighs]

Have a good day.

Hmm.

You know, Pi-o is a smart kid.

He knows exactly what he needs
and takes the steps to get it.

You're standing on the sidelines.
What does this matter to you?

[scoffs]

Why are you being so negative?

Let's be frank.

Everyone in the music world knows
Seo's reputation is overblown.

I think Pi-o made the right decision
for what he needs.

If Father had just supported him,

I would never have thought
of turning to Professor Seo.

How would you know how it feels
to be so powerless, Mother dearest?

[scoffs]

[Beethoven's
"Piano Sonata No. 23" playing]

Wow.

You're extremely talented, Pi-o.

I mean, I don't see
a single flaw to point out.

Why did you come here?
I don't think you need my help at all.

You can tell the truth.

Be honest.
You didn't like my playing, did you?

[chuckles]

No, quite the opposite.

Hmm. [inhales deeply]

Professor Seo has done a fine job.
Stick with him.

[sighs]

[Beethoven's
"Piano Sonata No. 23" playing]

What? What did he say?

[sighs]

[Hyun-soo] Professor Seo
has done a fine job. Stick with him.

[Seung-woon] That's the best you can do,

and you have the nerve to say
that you're treated unfairly?

Your amateur playing reeks of vanity
and has zero musical soul.

ARTS & MUSIC HALL

[Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 23" playing]

-[music ends]
-[applause]

[yawns] I'm so sleepy.

Man. I can't listen to this anymore.

-Let's bounce.
-Sure. Yeah.

[groans] Let's go
before Teach shows up. Come on.

[student] Okay.

-Let's go.
-Hurry, hurry.

[applause]

Come on, Jeong-yo. Let's go.

No, you guys go ahead.

[breathes deeply]

[Schumann's
"Piano Concerto in A minor" playing]

KANG PI-O [17 YEARS OLD]
KOREA ARTS HIGH SCHOOL

Kang Pi-o?

Hey. Do you have an extra handkerchief?

Thanks. So what's your name then?

Kang Pi-o.

KANG PI-O

-[fan 1] Look over here just once!
-[fan 2] Pi-o, we love you!

-[fan 3] So talented!
-[fan 1] Take a picture with us!

Ooh, they know how impressive you are.
[clicks tongue]

[fans clamoring]

[Jae-in] Why are you in such a bad mood?

Mr. Kang Pi-o, the perfectionist.

Come on, what is it this time?

The cadenza was a complete mess.

CADENZA: A VIRTUOSIC, IMPROVISED SOLO
NEAR THE END OF A CONCERTO MOVEMENT

It wasn't like I practiced it.

Well, I've realized recently

that trying to be too flashy
during the cadenza

can be a bit tacky.

When you played it low-key,

I think it was good for the orchestra.

It's not always right for the pianist
to just do their own thing.

[chuckles]

[fans clamoring]

-[Jae-in] Hello, ma'am.
-[Pi-o's mother] Get in, kids.

Uh, I left my sheet music
in the green room.

Go get it.

[Jae-in] Huh?

I'll go with you.


INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION

You missed school to come here too, right?

What will your teacher say?

Well, my future husband,
your military exemption is on the line.

School can wait.

Let go.

[groans]

[Schumann's "Piano Concerto in A minor,
Cadenza Part" playing]

[gasps]

Who's playing?

They're really good.

-[phone buzzing]
-Huh?

Damn it.

Hey. Hey, Kang Pi-o.

Just… Go. See who it is.

Hello, ma'am.

Oh, I have a cold. [coughing]

KANG PI-O

[inhales sharply] What are you doing?

How can you look
at someone else's sheet music?

Oh. Sorry.

Uh, I didn't mean to look at it.

[breathes shakily]

Hey.

So, do you remember me?

Who the hell are you?

[sighs] Never mind.

[chuckles] Sorry.

By the way,
your cadenza sounded a bit dry.

Was that intentional?

[sighs] It's just… [scoffs]

That's… just the impression I got.

[breathes shakily]
Well, you're entitled to your opinion.

But if you know so much,

why don't you get up on stage
and show us what you got?

[footsteps running]

[gasping] Was that you
on the piano just now?

Whoa. Awesome.

Hey… [stammers] …you play really well.

What's your school?

Seonye? Deokmyeong?

Huh? Hey, hold up!

Wait!

Huh?

"Songmin"?

That's not an arts school.

Wow.

That makes it even more insane.

Hold on. Um, can you give me
your social or your phone number?

Uh, well… You see,

-I play the viola, and uh--
-[sighs] Just leave me alone. Geez.

Hey!

[footsteps running]

[passionately arranged "Danse Macabre"
piano performance playing]

[sighs]

[Jeong-yo] By the way,
your cadenza sounded a bit dry.

Was that intentional?

[breathing deeply]

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STREET

[Schubert's "Arpeggione Sonata" playing]

[sighs]

Hey, you gonna play?

Sorry, ma'am, uh…

Instead of playing it
without any emotion, uh…

could you just put
a little more heart into it?

I mean, it's like every note
just sounds kind of flat, you know?

What are you saying?

You're criticizing me?

Yeah, I know. I-I know I totally suck.

That's why if you don't play well,
we're gonna be… [sighs]

…so screwed.

[sighs] If you're so dissatisfied,
go find another accompanist.

-[sighs]
-Uh. N-No. Wait, ma'am.

That's not what I meant. Uh, Ma'am?

Wait, ma'am!

-[door opens, closes]
-[sighs]

SONGMIN HIGH SCHOOL

[laughing, chattering]

Whoa, she's pretty cute.

-[students murmuring]
-[gasps]

What the…

-Ooh!
-Shut up.

Who are you?

Come on.

Don't you remember me?

The music hall? We met the other day.

The hell...

Listen, I totally fell in love
with the way you play.

And I'm looking for
an accompanist right now.

Could you please accompany me?

Get lost.

Wait, what? You haven't heard me out.

So, uh, I'll pay you a shitload of money.

[sighs] I said get lost.

Oh. Okay, how about this then?

Look, my mother

runs a classical artist management agency.

You accompany me,
I'll get you an audition.

From what I can tell, you're genius-level.

Are you just going to let
your talent go to waste like this?

The hell are you talking about?
Keep that "genius" crap to yourself.

You're being totally weird. I'm out.

A million won!

[intriguing music plays]

[scoffs] I don't believe it.

Did you think I'd pay you peanuts?

[groans] Of course you didn't.

Normally, I pay 100,000 won per session.

But since you're special, right?

Two hundred thou.

So, if you do five sessions
with me, that's a…

million. Wow.

That sounds like a pretty sweet gig,
am I right?

Oh, you're a c*ck little sh*t.

So…

what's wrong with my teaching?

What's the matter with it?

You think I don't give a damn
about musicality,

and I'm just running
a college prep factory?

Just tell me, kid. Who is it?

You want to switch professors,
but you feel too guilty to leave,

so you're just looking for an excuse,
is that it?

No, it's not like that.

Like hell it isn't.
Don't give me bullshit like that, huh?

Don't give me bullshit like that.

[sighs]

I always felt like something wasn't right,
but you…

you always just told me
to copy your playing style.

So that's what I did, didn't I?

Now all you've done is make me
a carbon copy of you.

What?

I'm done here.

Get out.

Don't show your face to me again.

You… I'll do whatever it takes

to make sure you never get
a foothold in this industry.

Get out.

Get out!

-[bike bell rings]
-[students chattering]

[Jae-in] Hey, Choi Jeong-yo!

Let's go.

You practiced, right?

That one. Play it.

Pay me first.

Wow. So it's like that?

Here.

Half up front. The rest when we're done.

Will that work?

Let's play.

[Schubert's "Arpeggione Sonata" playing]

[music continues in distance]

-Well, then have a safe trip back.
-Thanks.

And I hope you'll consider

-my offer.
-[chuckles]

An evaluator like you
could really serve the school.

-Well, I'll consider it.
-[chuckles]

I wonder what talent we'll get this year.

Last year,
we had a fair share of violinists.

What is it?

[Schubert's "Arpeggione Sonata" continues]

-[knocking]
-[music stops]

Who are you?

What school do you go to?

Oh, he's from another school.

I just brought him here
to be my accompanist.

I see.

-[Jae-in stammers]
-[grunts]

[director] Wait.

-[Hyun-soo] Hey, stop!
-[footsteps running]

Hey! Wait! Wait!

-[grunts]
-Hey! Let go, man!

-I just came here to do a quick job!
-Hold on.

Pay me first. I'm owed a hundred grand.

[chuckles, clears throat]

-Here.
-[notes crinkle]

Play what you were playing earlier.

[Schubert's "Arpeggione Sonata" playing]

Now try modulating it.

Okay. Let's try a variation.

[music ends]

-[intriguing music plays]
-[sighs]

What's your name, young man?

Choi Jeong-yo.

Tell me, Jeong-yo,

where do you take your piano lessons?

-I don't take any.
-What?

I just play piano at home
when I'm bored, is all.

[chuckles]

How about

you learn to play properly
and enroll here?

[scoffs] Oh.

So that's what this was all about.

Sorry to break it to you,
but I'm not brainless.

What's that supposed to mean?

You're just looking for another student
to milk for money.

-Well, I don't have any.
-[chuckles]

I'm out.

[sighs] Actually, no.

We're willing to provide full support,
even a place in the dorms, if you need it.

We have a scholarship program
for gifted students.

You wouldn't have to worry
about tuition or practice fees.

All you'd have to do is play.

And then what'll I do?

How will I make a living
playing the piano?

It's easy for people like you. [scoffs]

You guys have money.
You can afford to be artists, but for me…

[sighs]

I'd starve to death if I did that.

Have a good one.

Wait a minute.

Call me if you ever change your mind.

[sighs] Nah.

From what I've seen,

I don't think you'll need to worry
about starving.

Call me when you're ready. All right?

Hmm?

Yeah.

Goodbye.

[sighs]

Whoa.

Wait a second. Did Director Yoon
just offer you a scholarship? [gasping]

Wow. No way, no way!

See, dummy?

I told you. You're definitely a genius.

[gasps] I knew it.
I, like, literally called it, didn't I?

So what are you gonna do?
You'll transfer, right?

No.

What? Are you crazy?

[scoffs] You might not know this,
but everyone's dying to get in here.

Dude, get a grip
and seriously think about it, okay?

Chances like this are rare, you know?

I said no.

Huh?

Well, why not? Give me a good reason.

I don't know. I just don't want to.

Why do you care? They paying you?

[sighs]

[Hyun-soo sighs]
Who the heck was that kid?

He's a bit rough around the edges,

but you can't deny it,
he's got a real gift. [sighs]

Wow. I don't think I've heard
anyone play quite like that.

Tell me something.

What made you suggest
that he transfer here?

Hmm.

Around seven years ago,

I was judging a competition
and heard this kid play.

And for some reason,
his performance just stuck with me.

Ever since then,
I've regretted letting him slip away.

That kid, you know what his name was?

It was Choi Jeong-yo.

[laughs]

Mm-hmm.

Hey, bro, help me pick one of these.

-Nah, I can't decide.
-[Jo] Whoa, hold on.

[friend] Dude, look. I'm trying to pick

between the white ones
or the ones with a red stripe.

I mean, the whites are cool, right?

KOREA ARTS HIGH SCHOOL
DIRECTOR YOON SEON-JU

[Seon-ju] How about you learn
to play properly and enroll here?

[thunder rumbling]

[door closes]

[sighs]

Huh?

[doorbell chiming]

Is that you, Dad?

[door opens]

[tense music plays]

Right. Search the place. Is he here?

-No, he's not.
-[groans] Damn it.

Kid, where did your dad go?

I don't know.

Don't know? You sure?

-[boss] Huh?
-Sucks for you.

Oh. [clicks tongue] Sorry. Let me see.

Hold on. Okay, calm down.
I'll be gentle. Let me see.

[chuckles] Yeah, this'll do.
We can use this.

Kid. Call your daddy.

Get him to come here. Okay?

That's it.

[groaning] Give me a cigarette.

[Jo] Kim's on his way over
to your place right now, man.

You need to bail.

Hey, use that phone.

-[grunting]
-Boss!

[grunts]

Shi…

-Hey, hey, hey. Whoa!
-[grunts]

[panting]

-Shi…
-[thug] Stop, kid!

Whoa!

[grunts]

Stop him.

sh*t.

Oh, man, I'm out of shape. [groans]

-Hey, you!
-What're you doing? Huh?

-Hey, Jesus! No, don't do it!
-Damn it!

[boss] Come on, get him!

-Hurry! Huh?
-[thug] Come on!

[groaning]

[sighs]

[Schubert's "Arpeggione Sonata"
piano variation playing]

[song ends]

[sighs]

Why are you here, Pi-o?

[Pi-o shivering]

Drink this and dry off before you go.

You don't wanna get sick.

Sir, please.

Can you just give me a straight answer?

What's wrong with me?

Not knowing what's wrong
is driving me insane.

Everyone just tells me I'm good.

But I know that I'm not.

I don't know if they're just dumb
or they can't really tell.

But you know, Mr. Do.

Don't you?

I do.

I think there's a problem
with your musicality.

I think what's wrong with your playing

is it lacks your own voice.

Right now, your brilliant technique

is cleverly masking the flaws
hiding behind it.

But if you listen closely, you'll hear it.

You'll hear that
your music is not genuine.

Your technical skill
is some of the best I have seen,

but having perfect technique isn't enough.

You need to make the emotions
beyond the sheet music your own.

Your pain, your joy, your despair.

Your emotions must hit the audience
right in the heart.

[sighs]

Otherwise,
you'll never be a true musician.

[pensive music plays]

I-I'd like a room, please.

We don't rent to minors.

W-Why not?

P-Please, ma'am, I have money.

Just for the night.

Go.

[thunder rumbles]

[sorrowful music plays]

DIRECTOR YOON SEON-JU

[line ringing]

[Seon-ju] Hello?

Hi. This is Choi Jeong-yo.

I was wondering if I could, um…

stay at the dorms for a few days?

[coughing]

Look, given your situation,
why don't you transfer to our school?

This isn't out of pity or charity,
so don't get the wrong idea.

Honestly, recruiting smart,
talented students to the school

looks really good for my record.

And you fit the bill perfectly.

[sighs]

[phone beeps]

[automated voice]
The phone is turned off. After the beep,

you will be connected to voicemail,
and call charges will apply.

DAD

[phone beeps]

[sobbing]

CHOI JEONG-YO

[sighs]

[door opens]

[students chattering]

-[banging table]
-[teacher] Listen up.

We have a new transfer student in class.

Make sure to take good care of him.

Introduce yourself.

-Class.
-[student] Hello, ma'am.

-[student 2] Hello!
-[student 3] Oh.

[sighs] I haven't seen you before.

[students] He's a transfer student.

What's your name?

Choi Jeong-yo, ma'am.

-[students chattering]
-What's your major?

Piano.

-Hey, hey, hey. Same major as you.
-Oh. Think he's any good?

Oh, really?

Come on up here.

-[student 1] She's gonna make him play.
-[student 2] I know, right?

-[murmuring]
-Ooh…

Play something.

Well? Go on then.

[student 3] Oh, he's gonna play. Cool.

[breathes deeply]

[tense music plays]

Uh…

May I do it another time?

-[chuckles]
-He chickened out.

[Han-rim] Oh, come on. [scoffs]

[sighs] Sit down.

I'm sorry.

Okay, then let's start… [sighs]
…from page 139 of the textbook today.

"Choi Jeong-yo."

How much?

[scoffs]

How much did you donate to get in here?

Pianos?

How many? Two? Three?

Why aren't you talking?

-Oh--
-Hey.

You keep this sh*t up,
and you'll regret it, okay?

Eek, I'm so scared. [chuckling]

as*h*le.

Wow. Did they pick you up
off the street? Huh?

Hey, it's 'cause
of low-class kids like him

that our school's reputation
is going down the drain.

I mean, this one doesn't have
the musical talent to be here.

Not to mention his background.

[Pi-o] Move.

Hmm?

What you say?

Can you move? I need my book.

So make me.

[teacher] Hey, hey, hey!

What's going on?

You little punks.

-Get back in your seats.
-This ain't over.

[Han-rim] Tool.

Thanks for earlier.

For what?

You stopped those guys for me.

I wasn't stopping them.
I just wanted to get my book.

Oh, so that's where you sign up
to use the practice room?

Where can I go buy snacks?

You're not in the dorms, right?

Why do arts schools gotta be
so damn complicated?

There are so many weird classes,
don't you think?

All right, enough.

You don't?

I'm not really big
on making friends with anyone.

You're on your own. Figure it out.

[phone alarm chiming]

[groans]

PRACTICE ROOM RESERVATIONS

[sighs]

[passionately arranged
"Danse Macabre" playing]

Hey. Do you have an extra handkerchief?

[presenter] And the grand prize goes to
Choi Jeong-yo! Congrats.

[mother] Are you out of your mind?

[gasps] Second place?
That's not good enough!

[music ends]

["Through the moon" playing]

FOUR HANDS, TWO SONATAS

Do you seriously not remember me?

Actually, there's something
I haven't told you.

Go study abroad.

Do you really think I'd run off
to go study overseas?

How about you do a four-hand piece?

You know Choi Jeong-yo, right?

Let's see.
Can't you afford to buy real sheet music?

No, don't! Damn it!

[Pi-o] Why does it have to be with him?

[Hyun-soo] Have you ever heard him play?

I hate jerks who approach music
with an attitude like yours.

[grunting]

[Seon-ju] I'm afraid Jeong-yo
will have to be held responsible.

So, I'll have to expel him.