Lovely Rivals (2004) - full transcript

starring YEOM Jeong-a

LEE Se-young

and LEE Ji-hoon

LOVELY RIVALS

Second grade, class two,
Mrs. Jung Jong-sook.

Third grade, class one,
Mrs. Lee Young-mi.

Third grade, class two,
Mrs. Hwang Gyung-ae.

Fourth grade, class one,
Mr. Kim Joon-sung.

Fourth grade, class two,
Mr. Ban Dong-man.

Fifth grade, class one,
Mrs. Jang Soo-kyung.

Fifth grade, class two,
is Ms. Yeo Mi-oak,



but due to a sudden emergency,

Ms. Yeo Mi-oak will arrive
later...

This sucks.

What's that attitude of yours
to your new homeroom teacher?

You sighed, frowned,

and you even said, This sucks?

Are you all kidding me?
Are you kids?

Who groaned?

Were you right or wrong?

Wrong.

Don't think this is harsh
for your first day.

You have to behave first
for me to behave, got it?

Yes, ma'am.

Also,



just because I came late today
doesn't mean you can. Got it?

Yes, ma'am.

That's all you can say?

Kim Ka-eun. Lee Seung-eun.

Park Soh-ra. Kim Bo-mi.

Oh Eun-seok. Kim Jin-ho.

Kim Hwan-young. Min Cho-hee.

Kim Beum-su.

Hey, I heard you
transferred here last year.

You don't seem
to know our homeroom teacher.

You better watch out, got it?

If we suffer because of you,
you could die.

What?

Playing tough?

Hey, do I look dumb to you?

let go!

Let go!

Hey, Let go!

This is humiliating.

- Ms. Yeo.
- Yes, sir!

Busy, aren't you?
A moment ago,

you seemed to be
a bit rough on the kids.

- If you'd just...
- Sir!

Think I'd do that
to the first or second graders?

They're in fifth grade.

If I don't take control now,

they'll get their way the whole year.
You know that.

I do, but what if a parent protests.

Come on, sir.
No one will, so don't worry

Trust me, okay?

What is it?

You told me to see you
after I clean up.

- I did?
- Yes, ma'am.

Right, don't be late.
You can go.

Pardon?

I said go.
Don't you have after-school lessons?

- Is that all?
- Yup

Teaching Test Preparation Classes

Pink slip

Why all of a sudden?

You were working hard until now.

I'm sorry, sir.

Ms. Yang. Think it over.

We've only started school
for two days.

Ms. Yang. The test is
in November anyway.

You can prepare for the test
while you keep teaching.

I thought I could at first.

But I think it would be better
if I studied in Seoul.

This is so aggravating!

Why'd my perfectly running jeep
die at a traffic light?

Shouldn't it run 30 kilos more
with the empty light on?

No? Was it 20 kilos?

What? What's going on?

This is very bad.

Teachers are leaving for big cities
to take the appointment test.

I really don't get them.

And the number of teachers like us
in rural schools is falling.

So are the students.

I know they want to work
in good conditions, but...

I knew Ms. Yang would do that!

Actually,
I heard her fianc is in Seoul.

Kids are more important than a guy,
don't you think?

You all do what you think is right.

Do what that's right?

That's not what education
is all about.

- He's right.
- I guess so.

Let's just drink up!

Stop coming here and go home
after you get tutored.

Can't I wait for you?

Who knows when I'll be done.

Go straight home and call me, okay?

Go ahead.

What's great about my life?
You're better off than me.

Then you come down here
and teach instead.

I screwed up.
I should've gone with you.

No, there's no vision here.

It's all the same.
I'm bored as hell.

Yeah. Tutoring?

I signed up for weekend classes.

Hey, you think it's still easy?

Even if I give it my best,
I still don't know.

The weekend?
I got lessons only on Sunday.

Hey, I'll call you back
when I get home, okay?

- On your way from getting tutored?
- Yes, ma'am.

Are you taking late classes, too?

Well, I guess.

What are you learning?

I hate getting tutored,

I just want to go to school,
but my mom keeps...

It's here! Bye!

Mister!

Are you okay?

Are you okay?
Can you get up?

It could've been awful.

Are your knees okay?

What shall I do?

Let's go to the hospital first.

I'm okay! I'll just go.

This is our new art teacher.

Applause.

Nice to meet you.
I look forward to working with you all.

Say hello.

Hello.

Nice to meet you.

Welcome.

I'll call you later.

Ms. Yeo!

Our new teacher, Mr. Kwon.

Say hello.

Nice to meet you.
I look forward to working with you.

I waited too long.
Where've you been?

I thought I was going to die single.

I hate you.

Nice to meet you.
I look forward to working with you.

Yes, nice to meet you.

How about another round
of applause for Mr. Kwon.

Everyone, get ready for class.

Mr. Kwon

Don't be too nervous.

- Your first class is at 2:30, right?
- Yes.

They're a bit rowdy.

- Really?
- Yes.

Next time...

Tell me when my class is next.
I'll talk to the students beforehand.

Okay, thanks. Bye

Good luck.

Mr. Kwon.

Did you know that my room
is your first class?

Of course.

Just wanted to tell you
not to be intimidated by them.

Okay, thanks.

One for the money, two for the show,
three to get ready, go, go, go.

Oh goodness.

Please go ahead.

- You'll have to go first.
- Oh, right.

Louder!

Louder!

So who does the greeting call?

Attention!

Bow to the teacher.

Hello!

Nice to meet you all.

I will be your new art teacher.
My name's Kwon Sang-choon.

It's an awful name, isn't it?

Yes

But you can't make fun of it, okay?

Yes

Since I'm nervous
about my first class,

you have to be nice to me, okay?

Yes.

Now, shall I get to know
my first students?

Mr. Kwon!

Do you have a girlfriend?

Girlfriend?

Not before, but I think I do now.

- Who?
- Who is it?

That very person

is all of you.

Now, let's begin roll call.

I was just like Mr. Kwon.
when I was young.

You all object?

Let me tell you about the time
when I first taught.

You saw that bridge, right?
We didn't have one.

We crossed back and forth on a boat,

and all this was mountain area.

Mr. Kwon, you're a great young man.

- That's right.
- Great indeed.

You came all the way here
on your own to teach.

We have to think highly of this.

Young teachers these days
are dying to go to the big cities.

We have to admire
a person like Mr. Kwon.

That's how education survives.

Don't you all think so?

Let's not lose our courage.
Everyone, let's toast.

To Mr. Kwon, our new teacher.

To Mr. Kwon!

Thank you.

Stop!

The wave. Bottoms up.

The wave! The wave!

The wave! The wave!

- Sir, the wave!
- The wave!

Bottoms up!

He's inside right now.

He's so cute.
You have to see him.

I gotta go.

Running away?

- Are you running away?
- Pardon?

You look like you're running away.

I'm on my way to the bathroom.

You can't run away for real.

Then his face got bright red,

and he peed all over his pants.

So then I throw a joke at him.

Be careful.
Our country has a shortage of water.

Stop saying the same story
over and over again!

Come on, mom.

Then he smiled
and said I ought to be a comedian.

Stop it!

What lunatic would say such a thing
after he pisses on his pants?

I'm telling you he did!

Just go to sleep
and stop reeking of alcohol!

Mom, when will you be home?

I understand.

My girlfriend is...

Oh my god!

Ms. Yeo...

You scared me!
What are you doing here?

Here?
I left something in the art room.

You did?

Then you better find it.

So this is the new art room.

Two came out of the machine.

Why isn't the bird poop coming off?

You're here early!

Oh, hi! How are you...

Take the picture.

Be quiet

Hey, Mi-nam.

Are you hurt anywhere?

- Are your knees okay?
- Yes, sir.

Do you know how scared I was then?

I don't know.

Yes, you do.

I'm supposed to take you to a hospital
or else it's a hit-and-run.

Since you're not hurt anywhere,
I'm relieved.

But who knows?
I could be in pain later.

Well, if you feel any pain at all
tell me right away.

Then give me
your cell phone number.

Sure.

My cell number is...

This is my cell number.

- Go on.
- Yes, sir.

Hey, Mi-nam.

What were you two talking about?
You got his number, didn't you?

Yup.

You're pretty tough.
So what's his number?

Ask him yourself.

What is it?

My sixth grade friends.

Hey, she looks pretty well off.

She looks rich as hell.

I'll cut it short.
You have the art teacher's number, right?

Spit it out. What is it?

016-766-6648.

Got it?

766 what?

6648.

Done?

Hey, what's so tough about her?
She's nothing.

See 'ya.

He gave flowers and presents.

Here you all are.

- Hello!
- Hello!

Mr. Kwon, have a seat over here.

Move over.

- Have a seat here.
- It's okay. Please sit.

- Did you get home okay yesterday?
- Yes, I did.

Did you have a bad hangover?

- No, I'm okay.
- That's a relief.

Since everyone said it was too bad
we all didn't go for another round,

I'll treat you all
to dinner and karaoke.

- Wonderful!
- Oh, Mr. Kwon!

Mr. Kwon, shall we go alone?

Watch out!

Ms. Yeo!
You're coming, right?

No, I'm not going.

What are you doing?
Please stop it.

Hey, Mi-nam.

Do you know who
those girls were yesterday?

They beat up the middle schoolers.

- So?
- You gave me the wrong number!

I did?
Then I guess it wasn't right.

- I'm gonna rat on you to them.
- Go right ahead.

Hello.

Hey, Mi-nam!
I'll get back to you later!

Let's go.

You have to study hard.

- Tell me the number.
- No. I can't tell you.

Look at us.

What's going on?

You call yourself
the head of the class?

What's going on?

Can't you hear me?
What's going on?

They kept asking me
for the art teacher's number.

I told them I didn't know, but they...

Why are they asking you
for his number?

He's staying over at my house.

- At your house?
- Yes, ma'am.

It's hot.

Help yourself to plenty of food.

Anyway, Mr. Kwon must eat separately.

He usually eats with us,
but he must be late today.

Oh, I see.

What is it?

I have something to tell you.

What?

Can we talk somewhere else?

I'm busy,
so let's just talk here.

- Actually, I have a dilemma.
- A dilemma? What dilemma?

Well, the girls in sixth grader keep...

Why don't we talk later
when I have a lot of time.

Okay, go on now.

Gyung-soo!

Come here, you.

- Gyung-soo! Studying hard?
- Yes, ma'am.

I heard you won an award
at the invention contest last year.

- Wonderful. What did you invent?
- A transforming...

Wait, not now.
But tell me later for sure.

Gyung-soo,
you had such a great house.

Hi, Mi-nam.

Come in.

- What's up?
- Nothing.

- Who is it?
- It's Seung-eun.

I was drawing each one of you.

- Would you like to see yours?
- Yes.

Okay.

How is it?

Good.

I must've done a bad drawing.
You really don't like it?

Not at all.

Wow, Mi-nam, you're really pretty.

- Do you like it?
- Yeah.

- Well, I had such a great model.
- You can say that again.

But doesn't the hairstyle
look like a mushroom?

No, it was just a joke.

Mi-nam, you drew wonderfully!
You did a great job, Mi-nam.

Mr. Kwon.
What do you do for dinner?

Eat dinner, of course.

I thought you only ate lunch.

It's not funny?

It's funny.

I thought you'd laugh.

And this is a transforming pencil case.

There's times when pencil cases
are filled with stuff,

so if you open this
and take this out,

- Twice as more goes in?
- Yes.

Also, I invented this
in second grade.

It's a remote to find the remote.

When you can't find the remote,
if you press this button,

It makes a beep sound?

Also, this is a glove that's used...

Don't you have a girlfriend?

I said all of you were.

Not that. A real girlfriend.

Not yet.

Let's eat.

It's not slicing well.

No? Give it here.
I'll slice it for you.

Guys usually slice the girl's steak
on a date, don't they?

Well, maybe or maybe not.

Wow, it's great here.

- It's pretty, huh?
- Yes, it is.

Mi-nam, let's go home now.

Why? Do you feel strange?

What's there to feel strange about?
It's just late, so let's go home.

I'm okay.

It rains in torrents.

I have to watch TV news at 9 pm.

Mr. Kwon.

Have you ever kissed before?

Is it true about
what they say about kisses?

About what?

That it's like eating raw octopus.

Who says that?

That's what I heard.
When you kiss, it's very gooey.

Mr. Kwon.

Let's listen to some music.

Shall we?

You can't do this.

I'm your teacher,
for goodness sakes.

But I know you love me, too.

This isn't just
a teacher-student relationship,

we're simply a man and woman in love.

Okay. I won't hide
my feelings any more.

Teacher.

- I love you!
- So do I!

I love you!

Call me honey from now on.

TV dramas are taking it too far.
It's a big problem.

Hey, this stuff isn't real.

This happens only on TV.
That stuff is nonsense.

It makes me mad.

It's boring.

How could they end it like that?

- Gyung-soo, go to your room.
- Yeah, go to your room.

Ms. Yeo, here's some money.

We should've given it
to you earlier.

But my wife
is really slow on things.

Here you go.

Ms. Yeo, how could you just leave?

I'm very sorry!
I've been a big burden!

- Take an umbrella, at least!
- I'm so sorry.

You don't need to see me out!

- Hold on!
- Good night!

Teacher's Test Preparation Book

What are you doing
in your wet clothes?

I'm studying.

Look how pitiful you look.

- Something happened, hasn't it?
- Just get to the point.

Come to the elderly home on Sunday.

- Why?
- Accompany someone on the piano.

- I'm teaching a song to...
- No, I have to get tutored.

You call yourself a real teacher?

You have a good job but you want
to give it up for another school?

Then why teach there?

- Because I have reasons.
- Like what?

- Because of that new art teacher?
- Come on!

It's not that.

If you're going to transfer,
then why are you liking him?

Don't you feel bad to the students?

I get your point.
I get it, so please go.

- You don't give a hoot.
- I got it, so go!

Go! Go! Go!

- What now?
- Change your clothes!

Blue! Blue! Growing tall

While looking at the blue sky

You're all so lucky to be little.

Guess who?

Who?

Take a guess.

Okay. It's Mi-nam.

What are you doing?

I'm drawing a sketch.

Hey, it's our Odong Island.

Mi-nam, can you sit down
next to me while I draw?

I'm fine right here.

Okay then.

What shampoo do you use?

- Why?
- Just that it smells good.

- How is it teaching so far?
- It's fun.

- And no troublemakers?
- None.

Come on, there's always one.

Well, there is this
one special case.

I was right.

Wait a minute.
Who is it? Someone in my class?

Well, I don't know
if I'm the only one who felt this.

You know Mi-nam, right?

Oh no, not her again.
What did she do?

The other students are like kids,

but the way Mi-nam thinks or acts
is very adult-like.

So she's acting
like a woman to you.

It's nothing serious.

Well, yesterday I let her
draw me like she asked,

but then she wanted me to pay for it.
After we took a drive,

she even asked me
if I've ever kissed before.

I didn't know
whether to say yes or no.

And once, she suddenly hugs me
from behind, and...

It felt a bit awkward.

What should I do about this?

So how was it?

How was what?

Never mind.

Let's go see the sea again.
How about Saturday?

What are you doing?

You sent it
to the art teacher, huh?

What's it to you
who I send it to?

Yeah?

Hey everybody!
Mi-nam and the art teacher are dating!

Really?

- Yeah, they went on a date, and...
- Stop it!

Stop it?

Stop what? Stop what?

She's dating the art teacher

Reenact exactly how you fought.

What?

Do it exactly the same.

Haven't you seen
reenactments on TV?

That's how I'll know.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

Now!

What's it to you who I send it to?

It's your turn.

Hey. Hey.

Mi-nam and the art teacher...

What?

Do it right!

Ready and action.

Nah, nah, boo, boo.

Mi-nam and the art teacher
are dating.

Stop it.

Stop what? Stop what?

Continue?

Hey, kill her.

All of you clean
the windows for a week!

What?

You've had it hard because of us,
haven't you?

Yeah, it's been hard as hell.

- Ms. Yeo.
- Yes.

What do you think about the girls
liking the art teacher?

I guess they can.

Ms. Yeo.

I've also started to like someone.

Who?

- Me?
- Yes.

I've liked you from the beginning.

But I knew for sure
when you rejected the envelope.

I felt it right then
that I could trust you.

Forever.

Okay Gyung-soo,
I'll see you tomorrow.

Can you drive me home?

Mi-nam and Mr. Kwon
ate dinner at a nice restaurant.

And they even went on a drive.

I feel that I could do
the same with you.

Do what with me?

Have you lost your mind?
Get out!

Yes, Gyung-soo.

I understand what you're feeling.

Since everyone
has gone through this once.

You see, you're only going
through puberty.

Wow, I can't believe
you've hit puberty already.

You have to be careful
at this stage.

If you're not, you could screw
yourself over. Understand?

You'Il do well.
You will, right Gyung-soo?

Yes, but can't I sit in the front?

- No.
- Okay.

Teacher and student affairs

Teacher and student
of 12 years age difference weds!

Mr. Kwon, how the hell
are you presenting yourself?

Pardon?

The kids fight over you all the time!

Mi-nam asks you to date her!

Does all this make sense?

That's why I talked to you.
I'm going crazy, too.

There's no other way!

For the kids to get it straight,
just marry me.

No! Don't listen to her.

Wait seven years.
I can marry you then.

Oh my goodness,
what are you saying?

Hey, you expect him to wait
seven long years for you?

Instead of a hag like you,

it's better to wait
for a budding chic like me!

Stop!

Fine, I'll decide right now.

Of course, you decide.
Who will it be?

Mi-nam.

Why?

Just look at her.
In a few years, she'll be...

But you don't cut it.

See?

You're a real sleeping beauty,
screaming and crying in your sleep.

Did you lose
the Miss Korea pageant?

You kept crying
about your body and breasts.

Move out of the way.

Wake up!

Fine. Let's have a heart-to-heart talk,
woman to woman.

Forget that I'm your teacher.

Talk about what?

You like someone, don't you?
That's why you're acting up, right?

I think you're worse than I am.

What? Me?

Yes.

Mi-nam.

Think I'm stupid?

You think you can marry him
in seven years, don't you?

What?

So the budding chic
thinks she's got what it takes, huh?

What are you talking about?

Why? Got you on the spot?

Feel like I've figured you out
inside and out?

You're no match to me.

Because we grown-ups live in this
profound world you kids can't imagine.

We've already been to your world.
Got it?

I don't get it.

You don't?

Lately, many girls have been imitating
adults, so I will conduct an examination.

This morning, the Education Ministry
put out this special order.

Now. Whoever's wearing a bra
give yourself up.

Everyone get up.

Close your eyes.

Go.

Go.

That's fat, so go.

Go.

To the front!

Where did you all get them?

All the girls wore push-up bras.

They were either
their older sisters' or mothers'.

Even their grandmother's.

- I was blown away.
- Even Mi-nam?

Of course.
She even put socks in hers.

Now, I see.
So they were socks.

Yeah, so next time ignore her,
otherwise she'll get worse.

I didn't know about this.
Thank you so much.

Just words won't do.
Dinner at least would be...

Sure, what do you like to eat?

Well, we've already had sushi.
Maybe steak or perhaps...

What is it?

- Ms. Yeo.
- What?

- It shows too much.
- What does?

Your push-up bra.

Hey! They were already big!

They really are big.

It must really show.

Okay.

Pass.

Pass.

Good.

I still see a lot of stains.

Where?

Here. Here. Here.

I don't see them.

Odong island looks blurry.
Clean it again.

What is it?

You have to inspect the window.

It's okay, so just go.

- You have to see it yourself.
- I said it's okay, so just go.

Let's go.

Arabian Nightclub

Hey, Gyung-soo.

Hi. What is it?

Our homeroom teacher
told us to come here.

- Why?
- Because I got something for you.

Here.

It's to help you study. Bye.

It's the art teacher!

They're so lucky
to go into places like that.

What's so lucky about it?
It's all evil.

Hey.

Oh my, I'm sorry.

I just thought it was appropriate.

While we're here,
do you really want to go up?

- But I can't dance.
- I can't dance either.

How about we just check it out?

Okay, sure.

Have a good night.
Come again.

It's Mi-nam.

If we don't come out in a minute,
she'll spread rumors on the website.

What?

That we went into a motel together.

Stupid.

Dummy can't even do that.

Watch carefully.

You need to know the basics.

Move!

See?

Oh no!

One guy and one girl!

What a lovely scenery
I love it

How'd you find a scene like this?

It's familiar to everybody
You've never been here before?

I had no one to come here with

Are you crazy to say coming here alone?

Surprised that you don't have
any lover so far

Are you a celibate?

A celibate? You're kidding me...
It's uh...

You don't know How much I like...

- Which style do you prefer?
- I don't care about styles

The important thing is how much I love him
whether he earns much money or not

President of a company or an employee

a teacher or not

I think so...

teacher

possibly

Have you ever kissed anyone?

Oh, no. How can I...

You know how old I am

A few days ago,
Minam asked me the same question

Embarrassing?

Some coffee?

- Yes
- Yes

Terrible..
The rice smells damm garlicky

get out of the car
It's windy and refreshing out here

What made you become a teacher?

It's beause I like children very much

That's all. No more special reasons

There wasn't any special teacher for me

So, I considered why

all of them only teaches all the time...
There was not any special stuffs

Time goes by and by
And we met another same teachers...

It's too pitiful
to both of students and teachers

We shouldn't do that
I can't understand why

- It's alright when we are doing good
- You know we're doing good

King of Inventions.

Even if my friends
call me Edison, I'm still not the king.

- At many contests...
- Gyung-soo!

Try it again.
You need rhythm.

My friends call me...

Gyung-soo must be nervous.
Watch how I say it.

Even if, stop, my friends, stop,
call me Edison, stop, okay?

My friends, even if...

It's okay.
All you need is practice.

Go home and practice a lot,
and do a good job tomorrow.

- Yes, ma'am.
- Good.

We still have some time left.

Shall we keep having class
or shall I tell you a fun story?

Fine, let's have class.

I wanted to show you all some fun,
but oh well. Open your books.

So you don't want
to hear my fun story, huh?

No, please tell us.

I'm not a boring person, you know.

This could also be a sad story.

During college,
I went on my first date,

and this guy fell in love
with me at first sight.

I didn't like him so much,
but he chased me for five years.

Everyday, he'd give me flowers,
gifts, letters...

- Ms. Yeo!
- Yes?

Let's just have class.

Hey, Mi-nam!

I put up my hair for the first time.
Is it pretty?

Mi-nam, we made a decision.

- On what?
- To become your friends.

After seeing what you did to
the teacher, we were all blown away.

- Ms. Yeo.
- Yes?

Let's just have class.

home telephone number

Hello?

Oh, how are you?

Mi-nam, you're not taking a picture?

I'm leaving.

- Wait for us!
- Wait for us!

Mom!

Mom, you're off today?

Where have you been?

- Come on, mom.
- You!

How have you been behaving at school
for your teacher to be so worried?

- I did nothing wrong.
- You did nothing wrong?

You've been misbehaving in class,
and talked back to the teacher?

Is that how I raised you?

And who have you been with lately
to come this late?

Didn't I tell you to come
straight home after your tutoring?

- I hate being in an empty house.
- What?

I hate being home alone.

But you shove me away from your work
when I want to stay!

I can't bring my friends
to this crappy house!

And I hate you
working at a tent bar!

And why do you
trust my teacher over me?

She doesn't like me!
That's why she said that!

Hey...

Expressing myself through 'poetry'

- Gyung-soo, would you like to start?
- Yes, ma'am.

The King of Inventions.

Even if my friends
call me by Edison,

I'm still not
the King of Inventions.

Although I've won many prizes,

I'm still not
the King of Inventions.

What I really want to invent
is the very machine

that will make you

love me.

A round of applause!

Yes, our Gyung-soo expressed
his feelings well.

But what could be his one error?

Min Cho-hee?

He expressed his feelings
too directly

Cho Ah-young?

I agree with her opinion.

Yes, both of you are correct.

A poem is different from a prose,
so through

similes, metaphors,
illustrations, and symbols

we express our minds with short
and rhythmical writing.

- Understand everyone?
- Yes, ma'am!

- Next...
- Ms. Yeo!

I want to present my poem.

- Since we don't have time...
- Ms. Yeo!

I also want
to present my poem, ma'am.

Then why don't you go ahead.
Quickly.

Title, Old Single Female.

Your heart is like
a summer's weather forecast.

No one knows
when it'll rain or shine.

You make everyone nervous around you,
yes, the Old Single Female.

You're like a solitary speck in the sky.

Afraid of spending a long night alone.
Yes, the Old Single Female.

Old Single Female!

Be born as a day-fly
in your next life.

Since you'll only last a day.

The older you get
the harder marriage is.

Yes, you are our homeroom teacher.

What the hell is this?

In front of all the school inspectors!
Are you playing around? What is this?

I'm sorry, sir.

How weak did you look to the kids
for them to take advantage of you?

That girl Mi-nam.
She looks down on teachers.

If you can't even control one kid,
then quit!

This is an outrage.
You said you'd take control.

What did you control?
Goodness, gracious.

Um...

Please stop the punishment.

Go to your desk.

- I know this is because of me.
- I said go.

- Punish me instead.
- That's enough! Go!

Why are you punishing them?

- I said go!
- Punish me instead!

- Watch your damn mouth.
- Go back to your desk.

You're not worth teaching.

How dare you do that to me?

Is that how
your parents raised you?

Aren't you embarrassed
for your parents?

Assembly Hall for Elders

What's gotten into you
to come to the market with me?

Mom. Should I quit teaching?

Why?

Just because.

I don't think it suits me,
and I lack the skills to teach.

- How much?
- 7,000 won.

Give me one.

Here you go.

Being a teacher isn't hard.

Anyone who becomes a role model
for others is a teacher.

It's hot.

Let's eat.

It would've been better
if your dad hadn't passed away early.

Mom, how could you always say
the same thing at dad's ritual?

Remember when you liked
your elementary school teacher?

- Me?
- Yeah.

You said you were gonna marry him,
so you entered the writing contest.

I don't remember.

You were in the first grade.

Your homeroom teacher married
the teacher in the class next door,

and you had a fit for a few days
and didn't go to school.

No, I didn't.

Do you know
what I was feeling then?

I think since he was as good
to you like your father,

perhaps you had reacted that way.

Please move a little closer.

Here we go. One, two...

Ms. Yeo.
Come to my office.

All of you be careful.
And take precautions.

Turn it on.

What the hell is going on?

Cell phones are a big problem.

- What? Cell phones?
- I'll take precautions.

Why did you do it?

Just for fun.

What? Fun?
You call that fun, you brat?

Do you know what happened
because of what you did?

- Go back to your seat.
- What?

I'll take care of it.

Go back to your seat.

- You!
- Go back.

So what will you take care of?

Think this is simply
your problem only?

If this gets out of hand,
our teachers will...

- The principal is here, too.
- Good.

How could you hit
a student in the classroom?

Our kids shouldn't get hit
in a school like this!

- Let's go to another school!
- Please, no.

- Do you know what times these are?
- It's not what you think!

Please quiet down!

She got hit
because she deserved it.

It's not as serious
as you all think it is.

- How can we trust that?
- Yeah!

You kids tell us.
Is the principal right?

- Tell us.
- Did she deserve to get hit or not?

See?

The kids must not be
in a situation to talk.

Let's have them
take a vote instead.

Yeah, a vote.
Great idea! A vote!

Wait, please try to understand.

What are you doing?
Please stop this.

Deserved to get hit: 24
Didn't deserve to get hit: 1

If any kids deserved it,
then they must get hit, right?

Of course! Of course!
Kids lately have it too easy.

Yeah, when we went to school,
we got pulverized.

Yeah, they need
to get hit to mature.

How about a refreshing
cold drink in my office?

- Yeah, we can't disturb the class
- Let's go.

Pink slip

Ms. Yeo!
What are you doing?

Everything has been solved.

It's not because of that, sir.

I was planning on quitting.

What?

To be honest, I was studying
for the teacher's test.

But now it's not because of that.

I just think I'm not worth
being a teacher any more.

Ms. Yeo.

How many teachers in this country
do you think they're worth

being a teacher?

I know very well you've had
a hard time with Mi-nam.

For now, I'll let you off temporarily,
so think it over.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry to make you come
all the way here.

Not at all

Having to work this kind of job
gives me no time to raise her.

But I thought she was okay this time
since there was no trouble.

It's all my fault.
I'm so sorry.

No, it's all my fault.

Mi-nam wasn't
such a bad girl before.

But after her father passed away
two years ago, she changed.

Her father passed away?

Yes.

His life revolved around her.

He did everything for her
and raised her like a princess.

Anyway, I'm so sorry.

You don't need to see me out.
Good-bye.

Mi-nam.

You're going
to school tomorrow, right?

I came to apologize.

I'm really sorry.

To tell you the truth,

I've liked the art teacher
the day I first saw him.

But I must've gotten jealous
seeing you get close to him.

I'm pretty foolish, huh?

Think I acted that way
because of him?

You've ignored me
ever since the first day.

That day I waited an hour for you
in the classroom.

But do you even know
what you said?

In order to get close to you,

I came late to school
on the first day.

You even brushed me off
at the bus stop.

Also, I wanted to talk to you
about being picked on,

but you talked
to Gyung-soo instead.

My mom always comes home iate,

so I wanted to be your friend,

but you didn't care about me,
and only the art teacher.

Mi-nam.

I quit the school.

I didn't do it because of you.

I had planned on it.

So go to school and do your best.

From what I heard earlier,
your mother worried about you a lot.

Be better to your mom.

And approach your friends first.

I'm sorry I couldn't be good to you.

I really am.

In the hills,
the trees are growing

In the fields,
the grain is growing

On the branches,
the fruits are growing

They are growing well in the rain.

Today I'll talk
about color changes.

Everything is growing in our land

Why aren't you all singing?

How long do we have to listen
to the principal's song?

Until the next teacher comes.
But who knows when.

Ms. Yeo was good at singing
at least.

You're right.

Wanna come over to my house?

Hey, she's poor as hell.

Let's eat.

- You're surprised, huh?
- Yeah, a little.

I didn't lie
because I was embarrassed.

But you know how
the kids are stuck up.

That's why.

I'm really sorry.

Hey, it's okay. It happens.

- This is really delicious, huh?
- Yeah, it is.

- Got any rice?
- Yeah, I do.

No, it's okay.
I'll eat it later.

This is good.

Help yourself to plenty.

Teacher's Day

Kids, come buy some flowers!

The teacher's kindness
is like the heavens

The more we look up to them,
it only gets higher

To be honest and sincere
is what the teacher taught us

The teacher's love
is like our parent's love

Oh, thank you,
my teacher's love

Oh, I will repay
my teacher's kindness

To Kyung-ah...

To Gyung-soo...

To Mi-nam...

The homeroom teacher
is watching over you.

Hello, nice to meet you all.

I couldn't sleep at all last night.

I was so excited
about meeting all of you today.

The reason why is that you all
are my first students.

Now, shall we begin roll?

One, Lee Doo-man.

Two, Kim Mi-hee.

Three, Kang Seong-hun.

Four, Jang Jin-oak.

Five, Park Sung-hye.

Six, Wei Jin-sun.

Seven, seven, Hyun Jung-hoon.

Eight, Kim Young-ah.

Nine, Kim In-chul.

- Go inside.
- Do you have to go?

Mom, stop it.
I already explained everything.

Okay, make sure you eat properly.

Call me often
and be careful driving.

I'm no kid, mom.
Don't worry, okay?

Bye, mom. I'll call you.

Hey, Kyung-ah.

Come here.

What are you looking at?

Think you're tough now?

My words don't mean anything?

Oh, this sucks.

Is it a love letter?

It's from my teacher.

Teacher? What teacher?
You don't have one, so get a life.

Come outside. Right now!

What do you want?

What? What?

Say it again.

Say it again?

This is why the teacher quit on you.

Scram.

Get up.

Let go of me!

Teacher, we miss you.

I can't stand the principal's song.
Kyung-ah

Since you're not here,
picking up Mr. Kwon is boring.

Come back for a real showdown.

Mi-nam

Who's the crazy bastard?

- Get out of the car.
- Yes, sir.

- Officer Yoon.
- Yes, sir.

Handle things quickly,
and get her number just in case.

Sir?

We don't know what can happen,
so go get her number, hurry.

Yes, sir.

Ma'am, you've just committed
a traffic accident.

Your driver's license please.

Yes, I'm so sorry.

Aren't you Ms. Yeo Mi-oak
from Songrim Elementary School?

Pardon? Yes, I am.

- Don't you recognize me?
- Pardon?

It's me, Jae-won!
Yoo Jae-won!

I was your first student
when you started teaching.

Oh, Jae-won.

I'm sorry, but I had always planned
to come visit you and didn't.

You're still at the school, right?

But, where are you going at this hour?

- I have something to tend to.
- Oh, right.

Anyway, it's so good to see you.

Oh yeah, I forgot.
Here.

Please, just go.

- But still...
- It's okay.

But you're my teacher.

Please drive safely!

How'd it go? Good?

Well, it was someone from high up.

- High up?
- Yes, sir.

- Government official?
- No, higher.

- The president?
- No, higher.

Are you pulling my leg?
You're getting better.

- Phone number.
- Sir?

Phone number.

- Where'd you jot it down?
- Sir?

- Give it here.
- What are you doing?

You can't have her for yourself.

Goodness, look at you all.

You're all a mess.

Had a blast while I was gone, huh?

Time to be on your toes.
The good old days are over, got it?

- Got it?
- Yes, sir.

Stop looking, and open your books!
We have to do some catching up.

- Ms. Yeo!
- Yes?

You're the only one
who hasn't heard it yet.

Heard what?

The teacher's kindness

Gyung-soo, that's okay.
I'll act like I heard it.

The more we look up to them,
it only gets higher

To be honest and sincere
is what the teacher taught us

The teacher's love
is like our parent's love

It's the highest love on earth.

Mother's love is endless.

I told you not to sing.

Open your books!

Get it right.
Making fun of me?

Playing me for a fool
cuz I'm not married?

Oh, thank you
for my teacher's love

Oh, I will repay
my teacher's kindness

- Then when?
- When I was in high school.

You're lying!
Not in high school.

It would've been better
if we had taught sex education.

I teach the girls
and you teach the boys. What?

- Aren't you being too obvious?
- About what?

About liking Mr. Kwon.

Hey! Who said I liked Mr. Kwon?

Then you don't like him?
Are you sure?

Mr. Kwon, listen carefully.

I've liked Mr. Kwon
the day I first saw him.

But I must've gotten jealous
seeing you get close to him.

Let me listen to her!

And then she said,
I'm pretty foolish, huh?

Why don't you just go on
and marry him?

It's you who wants to.

Are you kidding?
Think about the age difference.

- Age difference, my butt.
- Sang-choon!

Dummy doesn't recognize me.

- It's me!
- Bong-doo!

How could you forget my face?

- How've you been?
- Good.

Hey, try to keep in touch.

Do I have to come
all the way here?

I know.
I should've called you before.

Anyway, what brings you here?

I said I came to see you.

But who is...

We work together here.

- Is that so?
- This is Ms. Yeo, and she's...

We went to the same college.

Nice to meet you.
I'm Kim Bong-doo.

Hi, I'm Yeo Mi-oak.

Didn't you say you were
teaching in Kangwon Province?

I moved.

- Where to?
- An island.

- What grade?
- Fifth grade.

Me, too!

- Have you eaten?
- Yeah, yeah.

It's hard teaching, isn't it?
Kids are no piece of cake.

- How about tea?
- I'm fine.

Mom!

Let's go home!

- It's hard being a teacher, huh?
- No, it's okay.

Let's go eat.

- I thought you ate already.
- I guess I can eat again.

Go play over there!

- Come here!
- Is she a girl's mom?

You're dead when I catch you!

directed by
JANG Kyu-sung