It has always been like that.
I always do everything I set my mind to.
EPISODE 2
I'll take one of these.
Wait! Just a minute!
Just a minute.
Don't go. Just five more minutes.
Wait here. I'll make you something delicious.
Something delicious?
Okay.
22 MISSED CALLS: MARAIS MS. KIM 7 TEXTS
JI-WON
Hello?
Hello.
Is this Ji-won's number?
Yes, it is. Who is this?
It's me, Yu-mi.
Yu-mi?
Yes, Yu-mi.
So, were you in America all this time?
Yes. I went to school there.
So? Are you back for good?
Yes, I'm back for good.
I came back,
but I'm not sure where to start.
I see. But I don't know either.
I didn't get into any of the places I wanted.
The place I'm at now is tiny.
But at least you became a reporter like you wanted.
Actually, I hated this company at first.
Oh, well. How I got here isn't important.
The issue is how I'll handle it in the future.
So, what kind of work do you want to do?
I have connections. I work for the alumni association.
No, no. I didn't call you to ask you for a favor.
Do you want to teach kids part-time?
People would welcome someone like you with open arms.
What kind of job is it?
I know someone who runs an art academy.
Her academy is big and famous.
Your degree is in the arts, right?
LEE YU-MI, MARCH 29, 1981
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
How I got here isn't important.
The issue is how I'll handle it in the future.
You must be going somewhere today.
I have an important meeting.
Anna,
your academic background is so strong.
Usually, people like you don't work for academies.
It hasn't been long
since I moved back to Korea from the US.
I feel like I should do something
but I'm not used to it yet and I'm still adjusting.
Yes, I heard from Ji-won.
I don't have much experience...
You got practical and theoretical. You even have a master's degree.
Your background is more than enough.
To be honest, the instructor's academic background is important.
I'd trust someone Ji-won introduced to me.
Not many people are so honest and sincere these days.
When can you start?
You kept the clothes clean.
Excuse me.
Do you think I could sell this? It's a watch.
Vincent and Co.?
What's wrong?
Did you buy it yourself?
No, I got it as a gift.
Actually
it was on the news 4 or 5 years ago for fraud.
Didn't you know?
It's made in China, but they added a screw in Switzerland
so they could say it was made there.
It's worth 100,000 won, but was sold for 8 or 10 million won.
If you got it recently, that person is really nasty.
I'm sure they knew about it.
SEOUL FAMILY COURT
"YU-MI" IS GRANTED THE PERMISSION TO CHANGE HER NAME TO "ANNA"
Are you the one who called earlier?
My younger sibling is planning to study abroad
so I'm researching.
Schools abroad are different. It's not about who's better...
But rather, if you're prepared to study.
Techniques have no value.
Your writing and your art must show emotions.
Even if you're applying for the same major,
they take into consideration...
They take into consideration that everyone takes different paths.
What's more important...
What's more important than working for a long time...
Is to find...
Is to find a new perspective on your own.
This is what the school wants.
What professors want is to hear the story behind your artwork.
I understand that
but I don't get how I can find a new perspective.
It's okay. Don't feel rushed.
My English mark hasn't improved in over a year.
Ga-eun got into CalArts after just six months of prep.
Did you want to beat her?
To be honest, she was lucky.
It's not that she's talented.
Na-rae.
When one feels unhappy
that's when they become more interested in others.
I used to be unhappy because of other people too.
Now, I just wait for my chance. I don't believe in luck anymore.
Don't mind other people.
Think only about yourself.
You got a very high score on your level test.
Did you ever take English lessons?
No, it's my first time taking an English course.
I took TOEIC test once before and got about 900.
That's a great score.
People who are used to studying catch up fast.
I'll prepare the application. Please wait a moment.
Yu-mi, it's your neighbor from Ttangjib Restaurant.
Hello. Did something happen?
It's nothing much, but you should pay a visit.
They're redeveloping the market area.
The tailor's will get compensation.
A redevelopment?
BAEKMA TAILOR'S
TTANGJIB RESTAURANT
Hello! I'm here.
Mom!
You're here.
Sorry I'm so late.
Not at all. Was there traffic?
No. Are you well?
Mom, I'm here.
Hong-ju, Yu-mi is here. Yu-mi.
She can't hear well these days. Her memory's fading too.
Mom. Mom.
Didn't you miss me?
It'll take her at least 30 minutes to recognize you.
She'll keep asking herself who you are for a while.
So they're turning this place into a train station?
Yes. You know how we used to have a way station?
They'll build a proper one here instead.
I got your papers from the union representative.
Did you think about what I suggested?
Yes.
I think it's best to take her to a nursing home like you said.
Yes, good call.
A moment's distraction can end up in big trouble.
With the money you get
you'll be able to get yourself a fine rental place in Seoul.
Don't you agree?
You're right.
Come in.
Sorry, I didn't know you had a guest.
This is Professor Yoon So-young. Don't you know her?
She's your senior.
Sorry?
She's the instructor I told you about.
She probably doesn't know me
since she started school the same year I graduated.
I'm sorry I didn't recognize you.
There's no need to apologize. Sit down.
Please sit down.
I have a class.
Please have a nice chat.
It's my first time seeing her in person.
There were rumors about her among the Korean students.
Rumors?
She was quite famous.
Was it Pyeongchang-dong or Seongbuk-dong?
One rumor said she's rich in real estate.
I figured she's not from an ordinary family by her clothes.
She got admitted with donations, and paid her way out too.
She was famous for being a party girl.
That's why a lot of people from her year doesn't know her.
She doesn't come to the reunions in Korea either.
But she's so diligent at work.
She's really good.
That's amazing.
She has the money and education, so why is she here?
Hey, it's you.
You should take this for 90,000 won.
I'll give you a discount since you're a regular.
Do you have the Chanel tweed from this year?
-The thick plaids? -Yes.
We didn't get it in yet. We'll get them next week.
But we have the Dior skirt.
It's really pretty. Look.
Isn't it pretty?
It's perfect for you.
-I'll take it. -Okay.
-Ms. Lee! -Yes, Na-rae.
Ms. Lee, I got in!
I got into Yale!
I just got the email today.
Really?
I'll be your junior now!
Yes.
Great. Congratulations, Na-rae.
What do I do?
I'm so happy I can hardly breathe.
I'll visit the academy later with Mom.
Okay.
Yale?
This is the deal with essays.
More than writing your best
a nonchalant essay written by someone talented is more fun.
But if you try to add this and that to copy them
your writing will lose its direction.
You're trying too hard to be good
and it makes your writing distracting and ambiguous.
Ms. Lee, it's too hard.
You say it's boring when we try our best.
He's right.
Is it too hard?
It doesn't have to be fun.
What's important is to figure out what you want to say.
As for your essay, I only switched the order.
What do you think of it? The message is stronger now.
Yes.
Ms. Lee, can we go eat something after class?
Ms. Lee, please buy us pizza.
Pizza! Pizza!
I can't today. I have plans.
What plans?
Yes, where are you going?
You're early.
I just got here.
There's a drink I always get.
Do you want to try the same one?
-Yes. -Okay.
Were you surprised I called you all of a sudden to meet up?
Yes, a little.
Where should I begin?
Our school has something called Institute of Lifelong Education.
It's an institution for ordinary people.
Yes, I know. Institute of Lifelong Education.
We have a vacancy for an elective course.
It's not a difficult one.
I was suddenly reminded of you.
To be honest, I need more people on my side at the school.
Also, I'm not looking for someone too talented.
Your family's well-off, right?
Pardon?
You're far from being worldly.
You might know, but the position is highly sought after.
I mean it's not for free.
I see.
Aren't you teaching at an academy
because you don't have anyone to back you?
This one has the best view out of the units this size.
You still get a view of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The units higher than that building are too big.
This place is rarely leased. You're lucky.
Take your time to look around.
Why waste the degree you went to America to get?
Being a part of "us" creates a sense of belonging.
That social protection is useful.
We're from the same university after all.
Can I pay rent monthly instead?
Hey, that's good news.
The job at the academy was temporary anyway.
It's hard to become a lecturer even with most degrees.
I'm worried since it's my first time.
I know you'll do well. Don't make a fuss.
I'm being dispatched to Shanghai.
To China?
China is a hot spot for news these days.
That's why they send people like me who has no connections.
But they promised to make me a political correspondent after.
Hey. Was there ever anything
you wanted to do but couldn't?
Me?
I ask because Ms. Park... The academy director asked me.
Asked you what?
She asked me if you're that rich.
Actually, I've always been jealous of you.
You just left the country to study without worrying about money.
I envied that the most.
Come in, Yu-mi.
This is my room.
It changed, right?
Gosh, I'm so tired.
I really worked hard...
But, I'm still paying off Dad's debt
from when he was cheated five years ago.
There's no guarantee
I'll be compensated for the hard work that I do.
But if I slack off,
I'll definitely have to pay for it.
We're always lacking art students at our institution.
That's why I brought someone young and beautiful to join us.
Please work hard with a sense of duty.
If you don't, all of us will be in trouble next year.
Okay.
These days, older lecturers are definitely not as popular.
That's why you need to have a social position when you're old.
Professor, doctor, lawyer... You'll see why these titles are important
when you get older.
Dean.
When you lecture at our institution
you'll be called a professor. It's not bad.
I see.
Here.
Hello.
I'll be lecturing on watching and reading classics this semester.
I'm Lee Anna.
I look forward to teaching you.
CALLIGRAPHER KIM JEONG-HUI
Calligrapher Kim Jeong-hui found it torturous
to look at works that were below his standards.
He had a foul mouth and always gave harsh criticism.
He found beautiful things very important.
When speaking ill of a work he disliked
he'd describe it as a failure
or that it smelled like dirt.
Actually, he was the first to use the word "failure" this way.
We might need to increase the class size next semester.
You're popular. Everyone knows now.
I'm sure that's not true.
I still have a long way to go compared to the other professors.
Ms. Lee, don't your parents push you to get married?
Oh. Well...
Maybe I could play matchmaker.
I'm not really ready...
He's a bit older
but I'm sure you won't regret it.
You heard of IT Solid, right?
It's on the news often. IT Solid.
Their stock price went up after receiving investment.
The CEO is someone I know from my hometown, Tongyeong.
He's looking for someone to marry.
CEO CHOI JI-HOON OF IT SOLID SUPPORTS NURTURING TALENTS
Hello.
Nice to meet you.
I heard a lot from Professor Kim.
I didn't know you were someone so famous before he told me.
No, no...
I guess the media is getting a bit interested in me these days.
I heard you studied art in America.
Yes.
When we constructed our company building
this lounge where you're sitting now
is where I put in a lot of effort.
If you look around, all the objects
were picked by me one by one through lots of legwork.
What do you think?
How is my taste?
Please evaluate it from a professional's point of view.
Gosh, I'm embarrassed.
I'm not sure.
You can't find your taste or get a discerning eye instantly.
But once you get it, it's hard to settle for less.
Why are the chairs here
all imitations?
How did you know that?
I know
a little about furniture.
Gosh.
If I may be frank with you
I'm not in a rush to get married.
Then should we meet up just three times?
I'll follow your decision after that.
I'm not sure.
-Ji-won. -Yes?
Do you know Choi Ji-hoon of IT Solid?
Of course. He's famous.
A self-made man with leadership.
He was on a few shows last year and his stock price went up.
Why do you ask?
Are you into stocks?
He's pretty outstanding
but some people who struck rich in IT can be dangerous.
I'd hold off on deciding.
He was poor in the past.
Rumor says he's conscious about his academic background.
What was it called? Institute of Lifelong Education?
He's taking the top level course or something.
Let's have a break with this.
-Is it okay? -It's delicious.
It's late. Why are you still up?
I woke up because of my dream.
Drink this and then go to bed.
Are you going somewhere again?
What do you mean?
You'll go to the US if I drink this.
No, I won't go.
I saw you in my dream earlier.
Dream? What dream?
I became a deer and I saw you from afar.
Yu-mi, why were you sad?
Was I sad?
Yes. You cried. You cried a lot.
Here.
I'm not going anywhere.
But Mom,
I'm getting married.
I have no regrets even if I die now.
My daughter is too meek
so I figured that's why she was delayed.
We had no idea she had someone.
We're thinking of holding a big wedding.
I learned a lot of things
as a councilman in Tongyeong.
How big were you thinking?
Please don't worry. We'll take care of everything.
I'm thankful that both of you are so considerate of me
but of course I should do something.
No, no.
Both of our families
would never shy away from spending money on the wedding.
Yes. We can just spend and hire people.
Gosh. We don't know what we should do in return.
I only have one thing I want.
Just a Benz gifted to me by my daughter-in-law.
It's not because I want to ride it.
The truth and the fact
that she bought it for me is important.
Of course.
My dear son
ate only ramyeon and sold his housing subscription account
to support me since he was 20.
He even saved our house from being put up for auction.
Isn't that...
illegal?
You must not know this since you were abroad for many years.
You can't earn enough money by following the law.
Did you wait long?
It's okay.
Once the wedding's over,
my husband and I will drop you at the airport.
In order for you to go through the gate,
you will need to fly somewhere like Japan at the least.
What? Japan?
And for the wedding,
I would like to ask both of you
to pay more attention to your clothes and hair.
Why? Are you not happy?
No.
When determining someone's financial standing,
I look at their hair and shoes.
In all seriousness,
I declare that the couple is now married.
The recessional of the newlyweds will now begin.
Groom and bride, march.
What an amazing wedding.
I know, right? They won't accept any gifts either.
How beautiful.
Both parents can go up.
Look at the camera.
One, two, three.
Just a minute.
I'm sorry.
Min-jae. Choi Min-jae. Come here. Come on over.
Min-jae, let's take it together.
Who is he?
He's my cousin's son. Choi Min-jae.
Hello, Min-jae.
Hyacinth.
It originates in the Balkan Peninsula and Turkey.
A flower that's planted in the fall.
-It has a scaly bulb... -What did you say?
That's enough.
-Here we go. -Look at the man.
Please stand up straight.
Okay.
One, two, three.
My goodness.
Professor Lee. The picture came out beautifully.
Please pack it back up and put it in that room.
Why? Won't you hang it up?
It's not stylish to hang up this kind of stuff at home.
I'm going out.
Okay.
See you later.
The door's opening.
The door's closing.
Hey.
Why didn't you come and see me earlier?
You're making me feel distant.
Come on, don't be like that. This is why I can't visit you.
I stopped him because I didn't want to bother you.
It's no bother at all.
The dean, your husband, and I are all part of the family.
The Tongyeong family.
Yes, that's true.
Tongyeong is in Gyeongsang Province, right?
I was born in Tongyeong
but I was raised in Jangseong, Jeolla Province.
I see.
Please excuse me.
It's an important call, so I'll take it real quick.
-All right. -Just a minute.
Hello.
Yes.
New Haven...
What was the name of that famous pizza shop?
Are you talking about Frank Pepe?
Yes, Frank Pepe.
There was a park beside it too.
Yes, it's in front of Wooster Square.
I went there 20 years ago
but I still can't forget that pizza place.
Yes. Memories made by food can be strong.
I already heard about you.
You're the one keeping the institution in business.
You're too kind. It's not true.
Someone so talented shouldn't be there.
Thank you, brother.
I told you he has an eye for people.
Hey. Tell the dean to come in.
Okay.
-Right. What about you? -Yes.
What happened to the nomination?
It's not easy.
I'm a newcomer with no connections
so it's hard.
Yes. That party is a bit difficult.
They can't accept changes.
They're condescending old people.
Hello.
I'm your professor for Asian Art History this semester.
I'm Lee Anna.
It's my first time teaching an undergraduate course
so I'm really nervous.
I look forward to the semester.
Now, she's an alumna who is here for the first time.
It's Lee Anna.
The legendary Lee Anna?
Why did she suddenly show up?
Not many people will have good things to say.
Don't be like that.
It'd be good to know each other.
Are you close with her?
Yes, we have known each other for some time.
She's beautiful like the rumor says.
Right?
You can't study with that face. You have to party.
I heard a lot about you from Professor Yoon.
-Why didn't you come before? -Right.
This is tuna belly from Spain.
Okay.
My husband?
He's too busy so I hardly see him.
I don't know much, but it must not be going well.
Sure.
There are so many variables when it comes to politics.
It's a tiring job.
I think he's a bit obsessed.
I know.
Your husband has a strong desire to get recognized.
But this is the thing with people.
If they have a lot of money
they want to become famous.
People around him encourage him, then he gets pumped up.
But once he gets there, the reaction is lukewarm.
It's always like this.
It's hard.
To be honest,
I don't want him to be in politics.
I don't want my personal life to become public.
Of course not. It's uncomfortable.
He'll give up soon, right?
Your dessert is Kyoto matcha ice cream.
Wow.
640,000 WON
Wow. It's 300,000 won a meal.
I feel bad since it's so expensive.
Come on. You'll make me upset if you say that.
Hey.
What's the best thing about being rich?
Be honest.
Not having to ask people for favors.
Right.
That's true.
I agree
because I always have to ask everyone for favors.
Every single day.
Today was like that too.
It's delicious.
We've expanded the scope.
It brings me much joy to be able to give opportunities
to students with disabilities now.
I will always support your dreams and hopes
and I will continue to be with you in the future.
Congratulations on your scholarship.
SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION CEREMONY
That was a congratulatory message from our sponsor, IT Solid.
-Next up... -Sir.
Our sign language interpreter misunderstood the time.
They're on their way now, but...
Why didn't you prepare properly?
What about the kid's mom?
She left for a moment, and she won't pick up her phone.
Should we switch the order?
Yes. We can move this to later instead.
Excuse me.
Do you need someone to interpret sign language?
Yes. She's deaf-mute. Can you do sign language?
This way.
There was a miscommunication. You must be startled.
I think we can go ahead.
Next is a valedictory speech from scholar Lee Jin-young.
It's okay.
Even if you make a mistake, I'll be the only one who notices.
Watch this.
You're all stupid for not knowing sign language.
"I am Lee Jin-young, and I was selected
to receive the scholarship as a gifted art student."
"I can't hear or talk but when I'm drawing,
I can communicate with everything in the world."
"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity
to follow my dreams."
Democratic Republican Party's Choi Ji-hoon is gaining attention.
His internal rating has been low
but the public finds him favorable and is extremely popular.
We suspect the competition will be fierce.
The door's opening.
It's here.
The door's closing
Wait.
Is that you, Yu-mi?