Lee Sang That Lee Sang (2013) - full transcript
Subtitles provided by MBC
[This is a fictional story about
real-life people with a creative twist.]
[Jongno ("Bell Street"), 1972]
Used a fancy mount since
it's for exhibition.
Thank you. I didn't expect
it to be ready in time.
No problem. I'll wrap it right up.
[Revitalizing Reform Vote In Progress]
Welcome.
Here you go.
Make sure to keep it
dry for a few days.
I will.
Have a nice day.
Need a mount?
No, I want to sell.
Pardon?
It's a portrait. You
sell portraits here?
Well, yes, but... Is it your work?
I don't have much
experience buying paintings.
Give it a look-over.
How much will it fetch?
Well.
Sir...! Is this...?
Are you sure? Master Gu's work?
Yes, I think it's
"Portrait of a Friend."
Poet Yi Sang, drawn by
Gu Bon-ung in the 1930s.
The very one!
The poet who died in his prime and
his friend, the celebrated artist.
If this is authentic,
then it's priceless.
It's not a fake. It
used to hang at Swallow.
Swallow Teahouse? Owned
by Yi Sang himself?
It used to hang
above the gramophone.
In company of writers Kim
Yu-jeong and Park Tae-won.
Were you also part of
that literary circle, sir?
They've either passed on
or defected to North Korea.
How did the portrait
come into your possession?
A soul without secrets...
...is as lacking and deprived
as one without wealth.
Or so Yi Sang used to say.
Life is mysterious and
the times are enigmatic.
As things were forty years ago.
I first met Yi Sang then,
when Seoul was Gyeongseong.
The capital city was like a disabled
man dressed in swanky clothes.
New department store downtown,
modern boys and girls at every corner.
All while the alleys
reeked of cow dung!
Korea was a Japanese
colony, yet life trudged on.
What other option was there?
Yi Sang was a microcosm
of the capital.
Our meeting was fate.
[Swallow Teahouse]
[Server boy wanted]
Lookin' for a job?
What was he like?
Coffee?
Coffee is such a hassle.
Requires boiling water.
How about this Calpis
drink for the same price?
Pardon?
Nice and refreshing.
And that's how it's done. Got it?
But...
Boy!
Lazy through and through.
The first little one is terrified. The
second little one is also terrified?
Well?
This is a poem?
Speechless, eh? I have 2,000
more masterpieces like it.
Two thousand more?
He was unbelievably abstruse.
Uncle, are you okay?
Where... your meds...
Stop fussing.
This is just proof that my
blood is a mix of minerals.
Come again?
Get to work.
He was a strange man,
as per his reputation.
Together we had a wondrous experience
of which the world knows not!
Yi Sang, Above and Beyond
Mr. Hiroshi!
It was buried in the ground.
Why would he go there?
Chosun Jongang
Ilbo, time to repent!
Repent! Repent!
This is trash, not poetry!
Trash! Trash!
Cancel publication
of "Crow's Eye View!"
Cancel! Cancel!
Ban the serial!
Ban! Ban!
Hey, Bon-ung!
Hello!
It's been too long.
I'm glad to see you.
Hope you've been well.
When did you get back?
It's been three years,
and I'm back for good.
Thanks for giving our
paper an exclusive.
Don't thank me, it
was Sang's request.
Ah, Sang...
Yes, well, I'm grateful to him.
What is the commotion about?
Protests every day since we
published Sang's "Crow's Eye View."
They don't acknowledge
it as poetry.
Some are threatening to bomb us if
we don't cancel the serialization.
My neck is dangling
by a thin thread here.
"Crow's Eye View" is
nothing but a pile of poop.
Trashy poets like Yi
are ruining our nation!
Let's burn them all!
How can he call this poetry?
Want to borrow my lighter?
Tryin' to light a fire, right?
Lighters are more convenient.
Made in the USA.
Here.
A roaring fire.
What's he...?
Fabulous! What shall we burn next?
How about
what's-his-name, Yi Sang?
Uncle Sang!
That's right, I wrote
the pile of poop.
Let's go. Why are
you making a scene?
Why, kid? Because I feel wretched.
I wrote something so complex,
their simple minds can't follow.
Talk about casting
pearls before swine.
Uncle!
Pearls before swine?
Is he talking about us?
How dare you!
But you are! And I'm here
to formally apologize.
Come, you're jealous that
the courtesans adore me.
Then let us switch your wife
with my courtesans for a few days.
After all, I shouldn't
be having all the fun.
What! You crazy...!
Careful, I've got tuberculosis.
Keep on shaking, and I might
spit blood on your face.
Strange, I coughed
up blood this morning.
Doesn't matter, I didn't expect
them to understand my poetry anyway.
Those fools don't even realize
they've fallen behind on the times.
That's why there's no
hope for MY country.
Even so, Sang...
Listen, Bon-ung!
Mischa Elman's violin.
Wait for it.
Here, right here! My favorite part!
He's on a whole other
level, wouldn't you say?
Now THAT'S the 20th century.
Just give up. "Life
is to be tolerated."
That's the halfwit's slogan.
Halfwit?
And that's being nice.
Gave up being a draftsman and
opened this pathetic teahouse.
Writes bizarre poetry and
listens to the gramophone all day.
Isn't that precisely
why you adore me?
And delusional, on
top of everything else.
Let the silly halfwit
live the way he wants.
Hear that? I'm a silly halfwit.
Says the petty writer! Such
drivel, dull expressions.
This is no time to be cheeky.
What if you lose the
hard-earned serialization?
What can I possibly do?
If such is my misfortune, I
will gladly bemoan my fate.
Don't believe in a silver lining!
That's cruel Fate toying
with your emotions!
Missus Geum-hong!
Come, stay the night.
May I?
Oh, you were in?
Here already? Isn't it a tad early?
You know Geum-hong, I'm sure.
It's been a while.
Hope you've been
swell, Mister Artist.
Who...?
Oh, my husband.
What?
Nice to meet you.
This is a bore.
Let's go to my house.
Wait a moment... this is...
When you come home, come quietly.
Or better yet, don't come at all.
I won't go home.
What is this nonsense!
Just end it already!
Why should I?
Sang!
Let the 19th century die
in peace, dear Yu-jeong.
Smile, this is nothing but
a funny little incident.
I've heard these stories
of his private life.
They're all you've
heard. An eccentric poet.
His scandal with Geum-hong.
What I've heard is
that he's a genius.
But I don't know why,
I'm just a layman.
I, too, don't know
why he is a genius.
I couldn't tell his
poetry from drivel.
A miserable youth full
of despair and cynicism.
I assumed that was
him in his entirety.
We're closed for the night.
Hiroshi?
How long has it been?
First time since you left
the Public Works Department.
Ah, I was transferred
to Department 2.
Chief Architect?
Took over my spot after I left, eh?
You haven't changed.
I have something to ask you.
You've always been quite
clever with riddles.
Even your poems seem
like brainteasers.
And?
I'm in charge of
enlarging Deoksu Palace.
At the behest of its private owner.
But...
[Gyeongseong Public Library]
[Hiroshi]
He's not home yet?
Hiroshi?
Huh?
Hiroshi? Are you inside?
The door was unlocked...
Hiroshi!
Hiroshi! Hiroshi!
Wake up! Hiroshi!
What's going on? What happened?
Mr. Hiroshi!
No! It wasn't me!
Help! Help!
Wait! Wait!
Hiroshi...
Come with me. I know the alleyways.
Well? They'll catch
you if you stay!
It wasn't... I didn't...
I know, you didn't kill him.
I also visited his house.
Let's go.
Huh? Uncle Sang?
Blood! Did you cough up blood?
It's fine, it isn't my blood.
Are you alright?
I'll settle down in a bit.
So...
Who are you? Why...?
Who are YOU?
Why did you visit Hiroshi?
What do you know about him?
Know? What do you mean?
Look here, YOU should
be the one explaining!
You found Hiroshi
first. Did you...?
No, I didn't!
Hiroshi was already
dead when I found him!
Uncle! What are you...?
I'm Izaki Hiroshi's lover.
Lover?
[Closed for Today]
What is it NOW?
Now it's your turn.
Who are you? Why'd
you go to see Hiroshi?
I'm Hiroshi's friend.
We worked at the Public
Works Department together.
A few days ago, he came to me
for help in solving a riddle.
A riddle?
That's right.
The mysterious riddle
found at Deoksu Palace?
You saw it?
I did. Why...?
Then you're in danger, too.
It wasn't just Hiroshi.
Everyone who has seen the
riddle has died mysteriously!
What?
Bon-ung!
Who...?
No need to worry. They
are my closest friends.
Couple of bums.
Oh, except that fellow.
Tell us what happened.
People have died? You're in danger?
This here.
This riddle is the
bringer of death.
What on earth is it?
"The imperial family's last
gold. Joseon's limitless dream.
Joseon's fluid eternal
day lies sleeping beneath
twelve pillars of the red sky and
prophecy of the blue snow scripture.
No longer seen, yet everlasting, you
will recognize the heartfelt memory."
What on earth?
Hold on! The imperial family?
The last gold?
Expectedly, as a gold mine enthusiast,
you catch on rather quickly!
The famous legend
among seekers of gold.
Gold bars supposedly hidden by
Emperor Go-jong of the Korean Empire.
Gold bars?
Yes, gold bars! The missing
gold of the Korean Empire!
Uncle Sang!
Go ahead, you know more than I do.
I'm sure you've all heard rumors.
Emperor Go-jong supposedly
possessed gold valued at millions.
The gold that involved
Royal Treasurer Yi Yong-ik?
The very same!
When Japanese annexation
grew inevitable,
the emperor had the
gold secretly moved,
intending to use it to
regain our independence.
The Japanese Government-General
caught on and gave chase.
Unfortunately the story ends there.
The Keeper of the Privy
Purse committed suicide.
And the location of the
gold was lost forever!
A clue was found at Deoksu Palace,
where Emperer Go-jong passed away?
Which means the gold
must really exist.
And these are the
instructions to find it!
Sang, did you figure
out the riddle?
Can you?
Let us search for the gold.
If people are being killed, it
must be the Government-General.
He's right, we can't let
them take away Joseon's gold!
Jeez, this is unbelievable.
You all believe in
this mysterious gold?
Then what of the other rumors
regarding the Korean Empire?
Did Empress Myeongseong survive
and escape to safety as well?
This is different!
We have a solid clue!
We have to determine
the truth of the matter!
Don't you agree?
Increase the security
around the house.
Yes, sir.
Master!
Did you check the police reports?
You'll be safe here.
You're in danger as
well. How about tea...?
I haven't introduced myself.
My name is Han Kyeong-hye.
I'm Yi Sang.
I am already aware of your name.
But I didn't know you
were Hiroshi's friend.
And I had no idea that
Hiroshi had a Korean lover.
Ours was a passing relationship.
Passing?
Since I am Korean...
Conservative, aren't you?
Pardon?
So you bid him farewell?
Since he is Japanese?
Please do not speak
lightly of the matter.
Korea is a Japanese colony.
It wouldn't be right.
Your attire reflects an intellectual
attending a technical school.
Probably hang out with other like
minds of the intellectual sort.
Debating your mission in life
and the fate of our nation.
Listen carefully, Miss.
Talking about it won't
change a darn thing.
In fact, it will only
further distort the truth.
I suspected as much
that you would think so.
I've read your work before.
Though full of cynicism and despair,
perhaps you harbored deep hope.
Or so I had wanted to believe.
This isn't the appropriate
time to discuss our beliefs.
Let's discuss the riddle.
Do you suspect its meaning?
Will you look for the gold?
Gold does create
fickleness of the heart.
Just lost your lover, and
it's gold you speak of.
The emperor of a ruined empire
hid gold for future independence.
What do you think I will do?
The owner of the palace
was murdered last night.
But the police have written off his
death and Hiroshi's as accidental.
The Government-General's
influence.
Yes, it's entirely possible.
Finally, a spark of something
interesting in my otherwise tedious life?
Wait, are you implying...?
Yes.
I want to get to the
bottom of this tomfoolery.
As you know, solving
riddles is my thing.
Speaking of which, I
have a favor to ask.
But why?
You're not one to be blinded
by the promise of gold.
You're right, I'm not
interested in the gold.
That's a fantasy created
to soothe the masses.
There are no such things as angels.
And paradise is but an empty dream.
Then why are you bothering?
Why? I wonder.
To prove that I am right? That
everything is just a pipedream?
A perverted desire, if you will.
You know that I can't rest
until I have proven myself right.
To prove that everything
is a pipedream?
You wish to dissuade me?
Not at all.
I won't stop you.
I know what kind of person you are.
That's why I drew your portrait.
Su-young!
The streets are bursting with officers.
It's because of the gold, isn't it?
We best hurry. Let's move along!
Red sky, twelve pillars, blue snow.
Sleeping beneath the
prophesy of the scripture.
These lines are the key.
The other lines don't matter.
Uncle Sang? Any ideas?
Yes, an inkling!
My poetry is easier to
comprehend than this riddle.
We must figure it out soon.
The Japanese are on the move.
Boggling...
Did you solve the riddle?
We're analyzing it. The
results will be out soon.
The last emperor's gold.
You must hurry. And
no one must find out!
Yes, sir!
Ah-ha! Red and blue lines!
Red sky and blue snow!
Perhaps they're referring
to latitude and longitude.
Latitude and longitude?
Yes! The twelve pillars are...
Twelfth parallel north!
And if "scripture" is referring
to the Book of Changes,
Add together 8 trigrams,
64 hexagrams and 10 wings!
82nd meridian east!
Why so delighted, you great fools?
Not only is that not Joseon, but
it's in the middle of the ocean!
I already tried latitude
and longitude last night.
You did?
Why are these two lines
so hard to figure out?
This Go-jong fella wants
to have a go, is that it?
It'll be this riddle, not
tuberculosis, that is the end of me!
Hey!
Hey, Sang!
I spotted them on the way. We
got out in the nick of time!
Have they caught onto you?
But how...?
The lady, Uncle Sang!
The pretty lady from
yesterday. Where is she?
Lady Han!
I need you to find out something.
Hey, Bon-ung!
Do you have it?
Fortunately I know
someone in Administration.
You think she sold us out?
But wasn't she Hiroshi's lover?
Come on, Sang, let's stop here.
Forget the gold,
you'll lose your life!
Ah! Oh my goodness!
Kid! What's with you?
I'm sorry, but the
pigeons flew in my face...
What?
Ah, birds...
That's it! Birds!
What? Birds?
Perspective! Why
didn't I think of that?
A change in perspective.
What are you babbling
about? Did you figure it out?
My poem "Crow's Eye View!" Get it?
It's about our world as seen
from a bird's perspective.
Everything looks
different from above.
Only people place
importance on certain things.
Everything looks equal
in the eyes of a bird.
Making no sense!
What's this about birds and people?
Don't you get it?
Red sky, blue snow!
We were fooled into focusing
on the literal meanings!
When the riddle should
be read in its entirety!
See!
The Five Elements
construed as compass points.
North corresponds to
water. Its color is black.
South is fire, the color red.
West is metal, East is
earth and therefore green.
So what?
If each phrase is given
the same weight in meaning,
the gold is metal
and indicates West.
"Limitless dream" represents
zero, therefore 0 degrees West.
What flows eternally
is water, so North!
Joseon's day is 24
hours! 24 degrees North!
If you're right, then
red refers to South.
12 degrees South, and
blue is 82 degrees east!
If Deoksu Palace is
the starting point...
Sang...!
Uncle Sang!
Unbelievable! This Go-jong
king was a spectacular...
How do I say it? Trickster.
Almost... almost a
genius on my level!
Um, Sang!
If you're right, then
the location is...!
Chosun Siksan Bank?
Go-jong rented a safety box?
Don't be silly. This
was farmland back then.
No one could've predicted
it would become a bank.
Isn't this a lose cause?
How will we sneak inside?
Nope!
We can't walk away empty-handed
after all our hard work.
Safety inspection of the building?
Chief Architect of
Dept. 2, Izaki Hiroshi.
Safety inspections were omitted
in the second half of the year.
I wonder why.
But we didn't receive any notices.
My arrival IS the notice.
What's going on?
Sir, a safety inspection
by the Public Works Dept.
Inspection? I'd better confirm
with the Government-General.
Confirm?
Listen, aren't we screwed? This
is clearly a strong, new building.
Mr. Hiroshi?
Ah...
What a coincidence.
Yes, fancy meeting you here.
An acquaintance?
Yes, Mr. Hiroshi from Public Works.
He handled the renovations
of my vacation home.
Oh, is that so?
I can't seem to
reach the department.
Provide him with what he needs.
Yes, sir.
Come with me.
The coast is clear. I don't
think the officers caught on yet.
Darn it, I wanted to go inside.
Too bad you don't look
nothing like an intellectual.
I hope it works
out. We're so close.
The blueprints that you wanted.
Thank you.
Do you need anything else?
No, go about your business.
We'll take a look around.
Thank you.
I nearly had a heart attack.
Why did you drag me into this mess?
I know you're secretly
enjoying the thrill.
Not as much as you.
I didn't tag along
because of the gold.
I came to watch you.
What do you mean?
Bon-ung told me what you said.
You want to prove that
everything is a pipedream.
Do you truly mean it?
What you truly want
to see is a dead end?
What are you talking
about? Enough nonsense.
We don't have much time!
See here.
Blueprints show the structure
AND anything underground.
The gold will be buried
where the ground is weakest.
Something in the structure
will reflect that weakness.
Good, good, do you see anything?
Give me a sec.
Yes! There!
They doubled the construction
because of the weak ground!
Here, this is the exact spot!
Is it really buried here?
Excuse me while I take this call.
Hello? Yes, sir!
Sir, Governor-General!
So Chosun Siksan Bank. Hurry!
Sir!
Put your back into it.
We don't have time, hurry!
Weak ground? This is TOO solid.
Move, move! Stop, I'll do it!
How are you weaker than me?
I didn't know you had
the strength in you.
Shush, TB patient
here breaking his back.
While you jibber-jabber on.
Help me dig! Hurry!
Notify all the departments!
Yes, sir!
Escort the customers out, now!
Hurry, hurry!
What's going on?
Excuse me, but the Government-General
is making an inspection.
The Government-General?
That's right.
Halt!
Why? Did you find something?
Are we right? Is it the gold?
No way, this is...!
Have you dismissed the employees?
Yes, most have left. But...
An inspector is here
from Public Works.
Public Works?
The soil is wet. There's
running water underneath.
Water?
Darn it! The blueprint was
reflecting the water underground.
If there's running water,
the gold can't be here.
Then this isn't the place?
Darn the whole thing. I was wrong.
What the--?
What's going on?
Come on, Sang! We have to go!
We have to leave now!
Wait...
We can't just leave.
What?
I must find something. Let me...
Sang!
This is the location from the
riddle. I have no doubt about it.
If not the gold, there
must be another clue!
You've lost your mind, I'm sure
of it. We have to leave NOW!
What are you hiding?
Even if it be false...
Shouldn't there be
something here, at least?
No longer seen, yet everlasting.
To remember without
trying to forget...
An engraving?
Engraved stone!
"Dark Cave of Jeokseon Temple?"
What are you...?
Sang, we have to leave!
Now, you crazy fool!
Go on ahead. Take Su-young
and Yu-jeong to safety.
What about you?
This isn't the end.
There's more to uncover!
We have to leave now!
You'll get caught
if you stay with me!
Leave! Hurry, leave now!
You crazy...!
Go! Capture them!
Sir!
Over here!
Fire!
Get in. Now!
Sang!
Twice you saved me.
I should thank you.
But first, an explanation.
Why'd you come here?
Did you find it?
Did you find the
location in the riddle?
Actually, I don't see the
reason I have to tell you.
Forgive me, but I
must hear your answer.
Sang... Sang? Did he get out alive?
That halfwit! Idiot! Blockhead!
Shouldn't we be
out looking for him?
I have an idea where he went.
We need to contact Bon-ung.
Uncle!
You already knew part of
the story behind this riddle.
You waited for me to
figure out the rest?
What a fine act you put on.
Then again, all women are liars.
Is that the entire story?
We have a ways to go.
Spin me another tale.
Keep silent.
I'm leading you there.
It's the least you can do.
Put away the revolver.
Lady Han!
Forgive me for deceiving
you, but I had no choice.
I had to protect my
father's dying wish.
Your father?
Your father? Who...!
It's true.
The Keeper of the Privy Purse,
given a special royal mission.
He was my father.
But as known, he committed
suicide to protect the secret.
The imperial family's legacy
banished without a trace.
That is, until you
discovered the location.
I'm sorry. And eternally grateful.
But this legacy cannot
belong to one man.
It belongs to the imperial family!
Emperor Go-jong fought protect
it. It is the nation's future.
Our final hope.
Though it holds
little meaning for you.
Then the rumors are true?
Emperor Go-jong's gold
is really buried here?
Lady Han!
Darn it.
Lady Han!
Well? You said this
is our nation's future!
Are you going to let the
Japanese steal it away?
Let's go! Hurry!
I think this is the place. The
only cave near Jeokseon Temple.
Go on, Lady Han. I'll
buy you some time.
Uncle!
Hurry!
Don't lose them!
Capture them alive!
This is it, the cave
near Jeokseon Temple!
This is unbelievable. It was true.
The fantasy turned out to be real.
The emperor believed this gold
would one day free his people.
That was no fantasy, no illusion.
It is our future and our hope.
Hold on, let me see.
He wouldn't have left
it out in the open.
Somewhere to bury the gold.
At least a foot underground.
Let me see...
Darn, it makes no sense.
What's the matter?
This is granite.
And there are no
stone tools around.
Sir!
Is this the location?
Under these stones?
But this is granite.
It's impossible!
Where could he have hidden it? How?
What were the final lines?
The lines! Final
lines of the riddle!
No longer seen, yet everlasting?
You will recognize...
the heartfelt memory.
This direction! Hurry!
What on earth are you doing?
It's not buried. It's
somewhere else, I'm sure of it!
A ring?
What is this?
It belongs to her.
Empress Myeongseong!
I'm sure it is hers!
The emperor's gift. She
always kept it with her.
A ring?
No longer seen, yet everlasting.
You will recognize
the heartfelt memory.
This is the treasure?
This is it? The end?
We searched so desperately for
the imperial family's last gold.
The fallen emperor's weepy,
nostalgic keepsake for his dead wife?
Sir!
This trivial trinket
is our nation's future?
This little knick-knack?
No, it's not that simple, sir!
This is...!
What will you do?
The Government-General
feels pressured.
Embarrassed to have been
played like fools by a rumor.
They want to pretend
this never happened.
What a relief that
we're all safe and sound.
Thank our lucky stars that
we didn't find the gold.
I can't help feeling letdown.
I wanted to find the gold.
Me, too.
Bon-ung, what of the lady?
Visitation hour!
Glad to see you
don't look too drawn.
I'm glad to see
you're in fair health.
I'm a man after all. I
can handle much worse.
I had hoped to speak with
you. Thank you for visiting me.
I wanted to verify something.
Why did you never question me
when you suspected me all along?
You suspected me, didn't you?
You're right, I did.
You were sloppy from the start.
Hiroshi's lover, eh? But
he didn't fancy women.
He was a little TOO interested
in me, if you catch my drift.
What do you mean...?
There are diverse sexual
preferences in this world.
I see that I was right
about you from the start.
From the start?
Those who strive to be angels
despair at their absence.
Those who dream of paradise
grieve that life is a wasteland.
Like you do.
That's why you took up the crusade.
You were hoping to find hope,
not prove its nonexistence.
Enough, this is a waste of
time. Everything has ended.
No, sir, that isn't true.
You have not yet witnessed the end.
"No longer seen, yet everlasting.
You will recognize
the heartfelt memory."
One of your friends
mentioned it at the teahouse.
There are other rumors
besides the one about gold.
Do you remember?
Other rumors?
The empress survived
and escaped...?
You mean...!
Wait, you're not saying...!
Then it's true...?
She who is everlasting,
she must've known.
That the ring indicates a location.
And there the future of
our nation can be found.
Mr. Yi, I thought you should know.
How could this be?
Why... why me?
Why tell me this great
secret? Me of all people?
That is your portrait hanging
in the teahouse, is it not?
The artist knows exactly
what kind of person you are.
So I thought you deserved to know.
Your face reflects the duality of
pained despair and radiant hope.
Thank you for the generous price.
Guess Uncle Sang's name means something.
If this portrait is authentic,
your story must be as well.
As well as its ending.
Well, I can't say for sure.
Perhaps I made it up to give
the portrait sentimental value.
I can see that you
want to believe it.
Then believe. As Uncle Sang did.
You asked how the portrait
came into my possession?
Um, the newspaper called earlier.
They're canceling
the serialization.
Are they?
And I haven't seen Geum-hong.
She's not at home either.
Argh! Can't believe it
was all make-believe!
One bar of gold would've
fixed this teahouse right up.
Which means more customers,
which means stable pay for me.
You weren't doing it
out of nationalism?
I was going to keep
just one bar, that's all.
Worried about your pay?
Then you can have that.
The portrait? Why?
Why? It's going to be
worth a fortune someday.
Genius poet Yi Sang's
portrait painted by Gu Bon-ung.
Worth a fortune, eh?
Weren't you listening? The
newspaper and Geum-hong...
Su-young.
A soul without secrets...
How do I explain?
Is as lacking and deprived
as one without wealth.
Eh?
And I'm about to make
you a very rich man.
Forget it. Not more nonsense.
You'll regret it if
you don't hear this.
I said, forget it!
Su-young, take a look outside.
Isn't the world a wonderfully
cheery age of darkness?
I plan to enjoy my
duality while I can.
Despair and hope.
In the end, both
belong entirely to me.
[This is a fictional story about
real-life people with a creative twist.]
[Jongno ("Bell Street"), 1972]
Used a fancy mount since
it's for exhibition.
Thank you. I didn't expect
it to be ready in time.
No problem. I'll wrap it right up.
[Revitalizing Reform Vote In Progress]
Welcome.
Here you go.
Make sure to keep it
dry for a few days.
I will.
Have a nice day.
Need a mount?
No, I want to sell.
Pardon?
It's a portrait. You
sell portraits here?
Well, yes, but... Is it your work?
I don't have much
experience buying paintings.
Give it a look-over.
How much will it fetch?
Well.
Sir...! Is this...?
Are you sure? Master Gu's work?
Yes, I think it's
"Portrait of a Friend."
Poet Yi Sang, drawn by
Gu Bon-ung in the 1930s.
The very one!
The poet who died in his prime and
his friend, the celebrated artist.
If this is authentic,
then it's priceless.
It's not a fake. It
used to hang at Swallow.
Swallow Teahouse? Owned
by Yi Sang himself?
It used to hang
above the gramophone.
In company of writers Kim
Yu-jeong and Park Tae-won.
Were you also part of
that literary circle, sir?
They've either passed on
or defected to North Korea.
How did the portrait
come into your possession?
A soul without secrets...
...is as lacking and deprived
as one without wealth.
Or so Yi Sang used to say.
Life is mysterious and
the times are enigmatic.
As things were forty years ago.
I first met Yi Sang then,
when Seoul was Gyeongseong.
The capital city was like a disabled
man dressed in swanky clothes.
New department store downtown,
modern boys and girls at every corner.
All while the alleys
reeked of cow dung!
Korea was a Japanese
colony, yet life trudged on.
What other option was there?
Yi Sang was a microcosm
of the capital.
Our meeting was fate.
[Swallow Teahouse]
[Server boy wanted]
Lookin' for a job?
What was he like?
Coffee?
Coffee is such a hassle.
Requires boiling water.
How about this Calpis
drink for the same price?
Pardon?
Nice and refreshing.
And that's how it's done. Got it?
But...
Boy!
Lazy through and through.
The first little one is terrified. The
second little one is also terrified?
Well?
This is a poem?
Speechless, eh? I have 2,000
more masterpieces like it.
Two thousand more?
He was unbelievably abstruse.
Uncle, are you okay?
Where... your meds...
Stop fussing.
This is just proof that my
blood is a mix of minerals.
Come again?
Get to work.
He was a strange man,
as per his reputation.
Together we had a wondrous experience
of which the world knows not!
Yi Sang, Above and Beyond
Mr. Hiroshi!
It was buried in the ground.
Why would he go there?
Chosun Jongang
Ilbo, time to repent!
Repent! Repent!
This is trash, not poetry!
Trash! Trash!
Cancel publication
of "Crow's Eye View!"
Cancel! Cancel!
Ban the serial!
Ban! Ban!
Hey, Bon-ung!
Hello!
It's been too long.
I'm glad to see you.
Hope you've been well.
When did you get back?
It's been three years,
and I'm back for good.
Thanks for giving our
paper an exclusive.
Don't thank me, it
was Sang's request.
Ah, Sang...
Yes, well, I'm grateful to him.
What is the commotion about?
Protests every day since we
published Sang's "Crow's Eye View."
They don't acknowledge
it as poetry.
Some are threatening to bomb us if
we don't cancel the serialization.
My neck is dangling
by a thin thread here.
"Crow's Eye View" is
nothing but a pile of poop.
Trashy poets like Yi
are ruining our nation!
Let's burn them all!
How can he call this poetry?
Want to borrow my lighter?
Tryin' to light a fire, right?
Lighters are more convenient.
Made in the USA.
Here.
A roaring fire.
What's he...?
Fabulous! What shall we burn next?
How about
what's-his-name, Yi Sang?
Uncle Sang!
That's right, I wrote
the pile of poop.
Let's go. Why are
you making a scene?
Why, kid? Because I feel wretched.
I wrote something so complex,
their simple minds can't follow.
Talk about casting
pearls before swine.
Uncle!
Pearls before swine?
Is he talking about us?
How dare you!
But you are! And I'm here
to formally apologize.
Come, you're jealous that
the courtesans adore me.
Then let us switch your wife
with my courtesans for a few days.
After all, I shouldn't
be having all the fun.
What! You crazy...!
Careful, I've got tuberculosis.
Keep on shaking, and I might
spit blood on your face.
Strange, I coughed
up blood this morning.
Doesn't matter, I didn't expect
them to understand my poetry anyway.
Those fools don't even realize
they've fallen behind on the times.
That's why there's no
hope for MY country.
Even so, Sang...
Listen, Bon-ung!
Mischa Elman's violin.
Wait for it.
Here, right here! My favorite part!
He's on a whole other
level, wouldn't you say?
Now THAT'S the 20th century.
Just give up. "Life
is to be tolerated."
That's the halfwit's slogan.
Halfwit?
And that's being nice.
Gave up being a draftsman and
opened this pathetic teahouse.
Writes bizarre poetry and
listens to the gramophone all day.
Isn't that precisely
why you adore me?
And delusional, on
top of everything else.
Let the silly halfwit
live the way he wants.
Hear that? I'm a silly halfwit.
Says the petty writer! Such
drivel, dull expressions.
This is no time to be cheeky.
What if you lose the
hard-earned serialization?
What can I possibly do?
If such is my misfortune, I
will gladly bemoan my fate.
Don't believe in a silver lining!
That's cruel Fate toying
with your emotions!
Missus Geum-hong!
Come, stay the night.
May I?
Oh, you were in?
Here already? Isn't it a tad early?
You know Geum-hong, I'm sure.
It's been a while.
Hope you've been
swell, Mister Artist.
Who...?
Oh, my husband.
What?
Nice to meet you.
This is a bore.
Let's go to my house.
Wait a moment... this is...
When you come home, come quietly.
Or better yet, don't come at all.
I won't go home.
What is this nonsense!
Just end it already!
Why should I?
Sang!
Let the 19th century die
in peace, dear Yu-jeong.
Smile, this is nothing but
a funny little incident.
I've heard these stories
of his private life.
They're all you've
heard. An eccentric poet.
His scandal with Geum-hong.
What I've heard is
that he's a genius.
But I don't know why,
I'm just a layman.
I, too, don't know
why he is a genius.
I couldn't tell his
poetry from drivel.
A miserable youth full
of despair and cynicism.
I assumed that was
him in his entirety.
We're closed for the night.
Hiroshi?
How long has it been?
First time since you left
the Public Works Department.
Ah, I was transferred
to Department 2.
Chief Architect?
Took over my spot after I left, eh?
You haven't changed.
I have something to ask you.
You've always been quite
clever with riddles.
Even your poems seem
like brainteasers.
And?
I'm in charge of
enlarging Deoksu Palace.
At the behest of its private owner.
But...
[Gyeongseong Public Library]
[Hiroshi]
He's not home yet?
Hiroshi?
Huh?
Hiroshi? Are you inside?
The door was unlocked...
Hiroshi!
Hiroshi! Hiroshi!
Wake up! Hiroshi!
What's going on? What happened?
Mr. Hiroshi!
No! It wasn't me!
Help! Help!
Wait! Wait!
Hiroshi...
Come with me. I know the alleyways.
Well? They'll catch
you if you stay!
It wasn't... I didn't...
I know, you didn't kill him.
I also visited his house.
Let's go.
Huh? Uncle Sang?
Blood! Did you cough up blood?
It's fine, it isn't my blood.
Are you alright?
I'll settle down in a bit.
So...
Who are you? Why...?
Who are YOU?
Why did you visit Hiroshi?
What do you know about him?
Know? What do you mean?
Look here, YOU should
be the one explaining!
You found Hiroshi
first. Did you...?
No, I didn't!
Hiroshi was already
dead when I found him!
Uncle! What are you...?
I'm Izaki Hiroshi's lover.
Lover?
[Closed for Today]
What is it NOW?
Now it's your turn.
Who are you? Why'd
you go to see Hiroshi?
I'm Hiroshi's friend.
We worked at the Public
Works Department together.
A few days ago, he came to me
for help in solving a riddle.
A riddle?
That's right.
The mysterious riddle
found at Deoksu Palace?
You saw it?
I did. Why...?
Then you're in danger, too.
It wasn't just Hiroshi.
Everyone who has seen the
riddle has died mysteriously!
What?
Bon-ung!
Who...?
No need to worry. They
are my closest friends.
Couple of bums.
Oh, except that fellow.
Tell us what happened.
People have died? You're in danger?
This here.
This riddle is the
bringer of death.
What on earth is it?
"The imperial family's last
gold. Joseon's limitless dream.
Joseon's fluid eternal
day lies sleeping beneath
twelve pillars of the red sky and
prophecy of the blue snow scripture.
No longer seen, yet everlasting, you
will recognize the heartfelt memory."
What on earth?
Hold on! The imperial family?
The last gold?
Expectedly, as a gold mine enthusiast,
you catch on rather quickly!
The famous legend
among seekers of gold.
Gold bars supposedly hidden by
Emperor Go-jong of the Korean Empire.
Gold bars?
Yes, gold bars! The missing
gold of the Korean Empire!
Uncle Sang!
Go ahead, you know more than I do.
I'm sure you've all heard rumors.
Emperor Go-jong supposedly
possessed gold valued at millions.
The gold that involved
Royal Treasurer Yi Yong-ik?
The very same!
When Japanese annexation
grew inevitable,
the emperor had the
gold secretly moved,
intending to use it to
regain our independence.
The Japanese Government-General
caught on and gave chase.
Unfortunately the story ends there.
The Keeper of the Privy
Purse committed suicide.
And the location of the
gold was lost forever!
A clue was found at Deoksu Palace,
where Emperer Go-jong passed away?
Which means the gold
must really exist.
And these are the
instructions to find it!
Sang, did you figure
out the riddle?
Can you?
Let us search for the gold.
If people are being killed, it
must be the Government-General.
He's right, we can't let
them take away Joseon's gold!
Jeez, this is unbelievable.
You all believe in
this mysterious gold?
Then what of the other rumors
regarding the Korean Empire?
Did Empress Myeongseong survive
and escape to safety as well?
This is different!
We have a solid clue!
We have to determine
the truth of the matter!
Don't you agree?
Increase the security
around the house.
Yes, sir.
Master!
Did you check the police reports?
You'll be safe here.
You're in danger as
well. How about tea...?
I haven't introduced myself.
My name is Han Kyeong-hye.
I'm Yi Sang.
I am already aware of your name.
But I didn't know you
were Hiroshi's friend.
And I had no idea that
Hiroshi had a Korean lover.
Ours was a passing relationship.
Passing?
Since I am Korean...
Conservative, aren't you?
Pardon?
So you bid him farewell?
Since he is Japanese?
Please do not speak
lightly of the matter.
Korea is a Japanese colony.
It wouldn't be right.
Your attire reflects an intellectual
attending a technical school.
Probably hang out with other like
minds of the intellectual sort.
Debating your mission in life
and the fate of our nation.
Listen carefully, Miss.
Talking about it won't
change a darn thing.
In fact, it will only
further distort the truth.
I suspected as much
that you would think so.
I've read your work before.
Though full of cynicism and despair,
perhaps you harbored deep hope.
Or so I had wanted to believe.
This isn't the appropriate
time to discuss our beliefs.
Let's discuss the riddle.
Do you suspect its meaning?
Will you look for the gold?
Gold does create
fickleness of the heart.
Just lost your lover, and
it's gold you speak of.
The emperor of a ruined empire
hid gold for future independence.
What do you think I will do?
The owner of the palace
was murdered last night.
But the police have written off his
death and Hiroshi's as accidental.
The Government-General's
influence.
Yes, it's entirely possible.
Finally, a spark of something
interesting in my otherwise tedious life?
Wait, are you implying...?
Yes.
I want to get to the
bottom of this tomfoolery.
As you know, solving
riddles is my thing.
Speaking of which, I
have a favor to ask.
But why?
You're not one to be blinded
by the promise of gold.
You're right, I'm not
interested in the gold.
That's a fantasy created
to soothe the masses.
There are no such things as angels.
And paradise is but an empty dream.
Then why are you bothering?
Why? I wonder.
To prove that I am right? That
everything is just a pipedream?
A perverted desire, if you will.
You know that I can't rest
until I have proven myself right.
To prove that everything
is a pipedream?
You wish to dissuade me?
Not at all.
I won't stop you.
I know what kind of person you are.
That's why I drew your portrait.
Su-young!
The streets are bursting with officers.
It's because of the gold, isn't it?
We best hurry. Let's move along!
Red sky, twelve pillars, blue snow.
Sleeping beneath the
prophesy of the scripture.
These lines are the key.
The other lines don't matter.
Uncle Sang? Any ideas?
Yes, an inkling!
My poetry is easier to
comprehend than this riddle.
We must figure it out soon.
The Japanese are on the move.
Boggling...
Did you solve the riddle?
We're analyzing it. The
results will be out soon.
The last emperor's gold.
You must hurry. And
no one must find out!
Yes, sir!
Ah-ha! Red and blue lines!
Red sky and blue snow!
Perhaps they're referring
to latitude and longitude.
Latitude and longitude?
Yes! The twelve pillars are...
Twelfth parallel north!
And if "scripture" is referring
to the Book of Changes,
Add together 8 trigrams,
64 hexagrams and 10 wings!
82nd meridian east!
Why so delighted, you great fools?
Not only is that not Joseon, but
it's in the middle of the ocean!
I already tried latitude
and longitude last night.
You did?
Why are these two lines
so hard to figure out?
This Go-jong fella wants
to have a go, is that it?
It'll be this riddle, not
tuberculosis, that is the end of me!
Hey!
Hey, Sang!
I spotted them on the way. We
got out in the nick of time!
Have they caught onto you?
But how...?
The lady, Uncle Sang!
The pretty lady from
yesterday. Where is she?
Lady Han!
I need you to find out something.
Hey, Bon-ung!
Do you have it?
Fortunately I know
someone in Administration.
You think she sold us out?
But wasn't she Hiroshi's lover?
Come on, Sang, let's stop here.
Forget the gold,
you'll lose your life!
Ah! Oh my goodness!
Kid! What's with you?
I'm sorry, but the
pigeons flew in my face...
What?
Ah, birds...
That's it! Birds!
What? Birds?
Perspective! Why
didn't I think of that?
A change in perspective.
What are you babbling
about? Did you figure it out?
My poem "Crow's Eye View!" Get it?
It's about our world as seen
from a bird's perspective.
Everything looks
different from above.
Only people place
importance on certain things.
Everything looks equal
in the eyes of a bird.
Making no sense!
What's this about birds and people?
Don't you get it?
Red sky, blue snow!
We were fooled into focusing
on the literal meanings!
When the riddle should
be read in its entirety!
See!
The Five Elements
construed as compass points.
North corresponds to
water. Its color is black.
South is fire, the color red.
West is metal, East is
earth and therefore green.
So what?
If each phrase is given
the same weight in meaning,
the gold is metal
and indicates West.
"Limitless dream" represents
zero, therefore 0 degrees West.
What flows eternally
is water, so North!
Joseon's day is 24
hours! 24 degrees North!
If you're right, then
red refers to South.
12 degrees South, and
blue is 82 degrees east!
If Deoksu Palace is
the starting point...
Sang...!
Uncle Sang!
Unbelievable! This Go-jong
king was a spectacular...
How do I say it? Trickster.
Almost... almost a
genius on my level!
Um, Sang!
If you're right, then
the location is...!
Chosun Siksan Bank?
Go-jong rented a safety box?
Don't be silly. This
was farmland back then.
No one could've predicted
it would become a bank.
Isn't this a lose cause?
How will we sneak inside?
Nope!
We can't walk away empty-handed
after all our hard work.
Safety inspection of the building?
Chief Architect of
Dept. 2, Izaki Hiroshi.
Safety inspections were omitted
in the second half of the year.
I wonder why.
But we didn't receive any notices.
My arrival IS the notice.
What's going on?
Sir, a safety inspection
by the Public Works Dept.
Inspection? I'd better confirm
with the Government-General.
Confirm?
Listen, aren't we screwed? This
is clearly a strong, new building.
Mr. Hiroshi?
Ah...
What a coincidence.
Yes, fancy meeting you here.
An acquaintance?
Yes, Mr. Hiroshi from Public Works.
He handled the renovations
of my vacation home.
Oh, is that so?
I can't seem to
reach the department.
Provide him with what he needs.
Yes, sir.
Come with me.
The coast is clear. I don't
think the officers caught on yet.
Darn it, I wanted to go inside.
Too bad you don't look
nothing like an intellectual.
I hope it works
out. We're so close.
The blueprints that you wanted.
Thank you.
Do you need anything else?
No, go about your business.
We'll take a look around.
Thank you.
I nearly had a heart attack.
Why did you drag me into this mess?
I know you're secretly
enjoying the thrill.
Not as much as you.
I didn't tag along
because of the gold.
I came to watch you.
What do you mean?
Bon-ung told me what you said.
You want to prove that
everything is a pipedream.
Do you truly mean it?
What you truly want
to see is a dead end?
What are you talking
about? Enough nonsense.
We don't have much time!
See here.
Blueprints show the structure
AND anything underground.
The gold will be buried
where the ground is weakest.
Something in the structure
will reflect that weakness.
Good, good, do you see anything?
Give me a sec.
Yes! There!
They doubled the construction
because of the weak ground!
Here, this is the exact spot!
Is it really buried here?
Excuse me while I take this call.
Hello? Yes, sir!
Sir, Governor-General!
So Chosun Siksan Bank. Hurry!
Sir!
Put your back into it.
We don't have time, hurry!
Weak ground? This is TOO solid.
Move, move! Stop, I'll do it!
How are you weaker than me?
I didn't know you had
the strength in you.
Shush, TB patient
here breaking his back.
While you jibber-jabber on.
Help me dig! Hurry!
Notify all the departments!
Yes, sir!
Escort the customers out, now!
Hurry, hurry!
What's going on?
Excuse me, but the Government-General
is making an inspection.
The Government-General?
That's right.
Halt!
Why? Did you find something?
Are we right? Is it the gold?
No way, this is...!
Have you dismissed the employees?
Yes, most have left. But...
An inspector is here
from Public Works.
Public Works?
The soil is wet. There's
running water underneath.
Water?
Darn it! The blueprint was
reflecting the water underground.
If there's running water,
the gold can't be here.
Then this isn't the place?
Darn the whole thing. I was wrong.
What the--?
What's going on?
Come on, Sang! We have to go!
We have to leave now!
Wait...
We can't just leave.
What?
I must find something. Let me...
Sang!
This is the location from the
riddle. I have no doubt about it.
If not the gold, there
must be another clue!
You've lost your mind, I'm sure
of it. We have to leave NOW!
What are you hiding?
Even if it be false...
Shouldn't there be
something here, at least?
No longer seen, yet everlasting.
To remember without
trying to forget...
An engraving?
Engraved stone!
"Dark Cave of Jeokseon Temple?"
What are you...?
Sang, we have to leave!
Now, you crazy fool!
Go on ahead. Take Su-young
and Yu-jeong to safety.
What about you?
This isn't the end.
There's more to uncover!
We have to leave now!
You'll get caught
if you stay with me!
Leave! Hurry, leave now!
You crazy...!
Go! Capture them!
Sir!
Over here!
Fire!
Get in. Now!
Sang!
Twice you saved me.
I should thank you.
But first, an explanation.
Why'd you come here?
Did you find it?
Did you find the
location in the riddle?
Actually, I don't see the
reason I have to tell you.
Forgive me, but I
must hear your answer.
Sang... Sang? Did he get out alive?
That halfwit! Idiot! Blockhead!
Shouldn't we be
out looking for him?
I have an idea where he went.
We need to contact Bon-ung.
Uncle!
You already knew part of
the story behind this riddle.
You waited for me to
figure out the rest?
What a fine act you put on.
Then again, all women are liars.
Is that the entire story?
We have a ways to go.
Spin me another tale.
Keep silent.
I'm leading you there.
It's the least you can do.
Put away the revolver.
Lady Han!
Forgive me for deceiving
you, but I had no choice.
I had to protect my
father's dying wish.
Your father?
Your father? Who...!
It's true.
The Keeper of the Privy Purse,
given a special royal mission.
He was my father.
But as known, he committed
suicide to protect the secret.
The imperial family's legacy
banished without a trace.
That is, until you
discovered the location.
I'm sorry. And eternally grateful.
But this legacy cannot
belong to one man.
It belongs to the imperial family!
Emperor Go-jong fought protect
it. It is the nation's future.
Our final hope.
Though it holds
little meaning for you.
Then the rumors are true?
Emperor Go-jong's gold
is really buried here?
Lady Han!
Darn it.
Lady Han!
Well? You said this
is our nation's future!
Are you going to let the
Japanese steal it away?
Let's go! Hurry!
I think this is the place. The
only cave near Jeokseon Temple.
Go on, Lady Han. I'll
buy you some time.
Uncle!
Hurry!
Don't lose them!
Capture them alive!
This is it, the cave
near Jeokseon Temple!
This is unbelievable. It was true.
The fantasy turned out to be real.
The emperor believed this gold
would one day free his people.
That was no fantasy, no illusion.
It is our future and our hope.
Hold on, let me see.
He wouldn't have left
it out in the open.
Somewhere to bury the gold.
At least a foot underground.
Let me see...
Darn, it makes no sense.
What's the matter?
This is granite.
And there are no
stone tools around.
Sir!
Is this the location?
Under these stones?
But this is granite.
It's impossible!
Where could he have hidden it? How?
What were the final lines?
The lines! Final
lines of the riddle!
No longer seen, yet everlasting?
You will recognize...
the heartfelt memory.
This direction! Hurry!
What on earth are you doing?
It's not buried. It's
somewhere else, I'm sure of it!
A ring?
What is this?
It belongs to her.
Empress Myeongseong!
I'm sure it is hers!
The emperor's gift. She
always kept it with her.
A ring?
No longer seen, yet everlasting.
You will recognize
the heartfelt memory.
This is the treasure?
This is it? The end?
We searched so desperately for
the imperial family's last gold.
The fallen emperor's weepy,
nostalgic keepsake for his dead wife?
Sir!
This trivial trinket
is our nation's future?
This little knick-knack?
No, it's not that simple, sir!
This is...!
What will you do?
The Government-General
feels pressured.
Embarrassed to have been
played like fools by a rumor.
They want to pretend
this never happened.
What a relief that
we're all safe and sound.
Thank our lucky stars that
we didn't find the gold.
I can't help feeling letdown.
I wanted to find the gold.
Me, too.
Bon-ung, what of the lady?
Visitation hour!
Glad to see you
don't look too drawn.
I'm glad to see
you're in fair health.
I'm a man after all. I
can handle much worse.
I had hoped to speak with
you. Thank you for visiting me.
I wanted to verify something.
Why did you never question me
when you suspected me all along?
You suspected me, didn't you?
You're right, I did.
You were sloppy from the start.
Hiroshi's lover, eh? But
he didn't fancy women.
He was a little TOO interested
in me, if you catch my drift.
What do you mean...?
There are diverse sexual
preferences in this world.
I see that I was right
about you from the start.
From the start?
Those who strive to be angels
despair at their absence.
Those who dream of paradise
grieve that life is a wasteland.
Like you do.
That's why you took up the crusade.
You were hoping to find hope,
not prove its nonexistence.
Enough, this is a waste of
time. Everything has ended.
No, sir, that isn't true.
You have not yet witnessed the end.
"No longer seen, yet everlasting.
You will recognize
the heartfelt memory."
One of your friends
mentioned it at the teahouse.
There are other rumors
besides the one about gold.
Do you remember?
Other rumors?
The empress survived
and escaped...?
You mean...!
Wait, you're not saying...!
Then it's true...?
She who is everlasting,
she must've known.
That the ring indicates a location.
And there the future of
our nation can be found.
Mr. Yi, I thought you should know.
How could this be?
Why... why me?
Why tell me this great
secret? Me of all people?
That is your portrait hanging
in the teahouse, is it not?
The artist knows exactly
what kind of person you are.
So I thought you deserved to know.
Your face reflects the duality of
pained despair and radiant hope.
Thank you for the generous price.
Guess Uncle Sang's name means something.
If this portrait is authentic,
your story must be as well.
As well as its ending.
Well, I can't say for sure.
Perhaps I made it up to give
the portrait sentimental value.
I can see that you
want to believe it.
Then believe. As Uncle Sang did.
You asked how the portrait
came into my possession?
Um, the newspaper called earlier.
They're canceling
the serialization.
Are they?
And I haven't seen Geum-hong.
She's not at home either.
Argh! Can't believe it
was all make-believe!
One bar of gold would've
fixed this teahouse right up.
Which means more customers,
which means stable pay for me.
You weren't doing it
out of nationalism?
I was going to keep
just one bar, that's all.
Worried about your pay?
Then you can have that.
The portrait? Why?
Why? It's going to be
worth a fortune someday.
Genius poet Yi Sang's
portrait painted by Gu Bon-ung.
Worth a fortune, eh?
Weren't you listening? The
newspaper and Geum-hong...
Su-young.
A soul without secrets...
How do I explain?
Is as lacking and deprived
as one without wealth.
Eh?
And I'm about to make
you a very rich man.
Forget it. Not more nonsense.
You'll regret it if
you don't hear this.
I said, forget it!
Su-young, take a look outside.
Isn't the world a wonderfully
cheery age of darkness?
I plan to enjoy my
duality while I can.
Despair and hope.
In the end, both
belong entirely to me.