Original subtitles

(No. 1, Noh Se Hoon)

(I Am A Running Mate)

- Oh, really? - Did you get the instructions?

- Thank you. - Thank you.

(The 75th Youngjin High School Student Council Election)

Tell them the important notes.

- Yes. - Got it.

Make sure it's centered.

- Okay. - As for this...

- Cut it out. - Hurry up, will you?

Fold it twice like this.

Thank you.

Slot it in here.

(Polling Booth)

(No. 2, Yang Won Dae)

(I confess to having sexually harassed someone in the past.)

(Booze Party)

(I Am A Running Mate)

(Episode 1: Brilliance Finds a Way to Shine)

(D-33)

School is a microcosm of the harsh realities of the world.

- It's actually pretty easy. - I told you.

Everyone wears the same uniform,

but roles and cliques...

are clearly divided.

"You jerk, what's your problem? Did you just hit me?"

As soon as I said it, that fool was like...

"No, sorry."

The villains.

Who said they weren't available this weekend?

- I'm available. - And you?

- Of course, I should be there. - Me too.

- Okay, you? - The popular crowd.

- I can't. - It was you?

Hey, no. You have to come.

I already booked it.

- What I'm trying to say is... - The outsiders.

The science and engineering fields here are also facing a major crisis.

Especially in the field of pure science,

a new paradigm is needed regardless of academic achievements.

The quirky ones.

Five straight losses.

Hey, darn you!

He's such a weirdo. Darn it.

- I'm out. I'm done. - Hey!

- The crazy ones. - What are you doing?

Three and three? Who does that?

- What? - Then there's me, Noh Se Hoon.

I'm one of the top students in school.

I didn't belong to the popular crowd or the outsiders.

I didn't want to stand out much.

I just wanted to keep a low profile.

What's up?

What is it? Are you watching porn?

- However, - What?

- I was recently given a nickname. - Hey.

Se Hoon, let me see your pee-pee. Show me.

You're not hard yet.

Hey, I told you to stop.

What the... I don't like that look on your face, jerk.

I was just kidding, man.

We're friends. I can't even joke around?

You got hard in public.

- Mr. Hard-on. - Mr. Hard-on.

- Mr. Hard-on. - Mr. Hard-on, Noh Se Hoon.

- Mr. Hard-on! - Let me say this again.

- Mr. Hard-on! - That was an unfortunate accident.

- Mr. Hard-on! - Darn it.

Assemblyman Kim released a statement...

announcing his departure from the party.

For three weeks after the allegations were raised,

he took to social media and criticized the party...

for portraying him as a lawbreaker.

Condemning the behaviour...

of fostering division among the people,

he protested one last time...

Hey.

Are you a pervert?

- What's going on? - Sorry?

You!

Noh Se Hoon!

What's going on down here? Have you lost your mind?

- Hey, this is nuts. - What is this?

- Look at that. - No, it's not what you think.

Is he crazy?

- Did you see that? - Hey.

My dad's trunks that I hurriedly borrowed to wear in the morning.

That was the culprit.

And just like that,

without a chance to explain myself...

(Food Station, Self-service)

I went into self-reflection mode like those celebrities...

who have caused scandals.

Hey, Noh Se!

My, nice photo.

Park Ji Hun.

His MBTI type is ENFP, and he's a chicken addict.

Did your cheek hurt after the slap?

We went to kindergarten together.

Put that away, will you?

You see, here's what I don't understand.

Wearing underwear...

keeps everything comfortably in place.

So, if something like that happened,

it means...

your thing pushed through the underwear like this.

Stop, okay? I'm going to report you.

So, if that wasn't the case...

You didn't have any underwear on?

You crazy jerk.

You annoy me the most.

- Hey. - Are you all right?

Oh, no.

I'm sorry.

It's fine. Don't worry about it.

- Are you really okay? The sauce... - Let's go.

- Hey, he's that guy. - The hard-on guy?

Mr. Hard-on?

- Shouldn't you go to the restroom? - Let's hurry.

Hey!

- Come on. - Who's that guy?

That's enough.

Is he Ha Yu Gyeong's boyfriend?

I doubt it.

How do you know?

Rumour has it that she's dating someone in college.

For real?

Yes, for real.

College guys will go crazy for her too.

So, you need to...

figure out how to appear more charming.

Learn how to charm girls.

My gosh. Look at his pose.

He's doing that to be considerate.

Speaking of charm,

don't you think I have nice lips?

Hey, look.

What the... You scared me.

- Touch my lips. - Get lost. Are you crazy?

They look monstrous!

- You crazy punk. - Touch them.

No, go away!

(Youngjin High School)

(Music Room)

Twice a week,

the choir rehearses in the music room.

And it's the only time when my mind finds peace.

- There's a girl waiting for spring - There's a girl waiting for spring

- Thinking of spring and singing - Thinking of spring and singing

- Spring was waiting for her too - Spring was waiting for her too

- Spring answers by the girl's side - Spring answers by the girl's side

Yes.

I can't afford any more damage to my reputation.

Like Ji Hun said,

should I try to discover my own unique charm?

- The spring we've been waiting for - The spring we've been waiting for

But...

where do I begin?

Much better.

Let's wrap up here. Well done, guys.

- Thank you! - Thank you!

- Well done. - I did a good job, right?

Yes, well done.

Good job today.

- Thank you. - Bye.

Great work!

- Well done. - Bye.

- Hey, Se Hoon. - Yes?

Do you have a minute? I need to talk to you.

- Thank you. - Bye.

He suddenly wanted to have a meal with just me?

Did I do something wrong?

This is going to give me indigestion.

Se Hoon, is your cheek okay?

Oh, you know about it too?

Yes, Gyeong Tae showed me.

There are so many photos of you going around.

It's fine. I'm sure all guys will understand.

Here.

Don't worry about it.

Everyone will forget about it in no time.

I heard you were the student council president in elementary school.

- Is it true? - Yes.

Why didn't I know about it?

Sorry, I had no idea.

Don't worry about it. I was a kid back then.

Exactly. I guess you were popular back in elementary school.

A little, I guess.

So, what happened to you?

Sorry?

Do you want to give it a go again?

What do you mean?

The student council.

(Youngjin High School Student Council)

Me?

Yes.

Let's run in the election as a team.

Me as president, and you as vice president.

It'll be a great chance to recover your reputation too.

But why me, of all people?

Hey, if not you, then who?

We're both in the choir.

You served as student president in elementary school,

and you get good grades too.

And you can get hard easily, which is a sign of good health.

Gosh, no.

Se Hoon.

You think I wouldn't know?

You're always the first to arrive and clean before choir practice.

Yes.

See? I won't find anyone...

more diligent and trustworthy than you.

Come on.

You don't want to do it?

Do you not want to run in the election with me?

It's not that.

Can I do a good job?

I haven't done it in so long.

My gosh.

Hey, Noh Se Hoon.

You have no reason to be intimidated.

Just follow my lead.

I'm the vice president right now, you know.

Okay?

Then, sure.

So, you're in.

Yes, sure thing.

Nice.

Hey. Honestly, I don't care about the other kids.

I noticed your potential.

- Potential? - Yes.

Even if you're buried now, like an awl,

you're bound to pierce through and emerge.

"Brilliance always finds a way..."

"to shine."

Yes, exactly.

You know, those kids who call you Mr. Hard-on and stuff.

Just ignore them once you become vice president, okay?

Okay!

Oh, no.

Wait!

Thank you.

Being recognized by someone...

fills you with joy.

- It greets the girl - It greets the girl

Last night, I came up with a plan.

First, I'm going to get elected vice president...

and bring back discipline to the school.

Then I'll tell Ha Yu Gyeong how I feel.

Yes, it's perfect.

Hey, you pervert.

Hey, Mr. Hard-on.

Mr. Hard-on, you need to see this.

- Thinking of spring and singing - Thinking of spring and singing

You're not getting this back.

Give it back, you jerk.

- Give it back! - Hey.

Hey, enough chitchat, you two.

Sorry.

Stay after practice, both of you.

Goodness.

Hurry up. I want to finish this quickly and go home.

Hey.

Are you going to keep showing everyone that photo of me...

getting slapped?

Yes, of course.

Why, what are you going to do about it?

It's your fault for letting that photo be taken.

Just wait and see what happens, then.

Hey, loser. Why are you acting all serious? You're so annoying.

Hold it properly.

You two, you're still not done?

Hey!

No, not yet.

Se Hoon, we should talk about our campaign pledge.

Right.

Come on. Let's talk now.

You can finish up, Gyeong Tae.

Okay.

I'm off.

Darn you.

(Jung Yong Academy)

Hey, what's up? Where are you going?

Hey, Noh Se!

My, you're glowing.

So, you're teaming up with the choir captain to run in the election?

With Won Dae.

Has the word spread already?

Yes, it sure has.

That Mr. Hard-on is entering the election.

Shut it, loser.

Oh, my. The student council?

Are there perks for doing that?

I feel like it'll be a huge hassle.

I'm not in it for the perks.

Won Dae said...

it had to be me.

That's why I'm doing it.

Right, you do have the experience from elementary school.

That's right.

Hey.

Can you give me a position too?

You? No. You've engaged in too many corrupt activities.

Corrupt activities, my foot.

Hey, once I start talking,

you'll get impeached right away, jerk.

I have to be elected first before I can be impeached.

The election hasn't even happened yet.

Hey, it's a done deal.

Won Dae is very popular.

All the teachers like him too.

I heard the principal had a family gathering...

at his parents' restaurant recently.

That restaurant is famous.

Hey, how do you know these things?

Oh, come on. I'm in so many group chats.

Hey, congratulations.

But I don't want to go to a college in the middle of nowhere.

Oh, my.

Hey, Noh Se.

Maybe you'll get a girlfriend once you get elected.

Hey, will you date Ha Yu Gyeong, then?

Watch what you say, loser.

Don't go around starting scandals.

"Scandals?"

Look at you acting like a celebrity.

You're just the hard-on guy.

Darn you!

Mr. Hard-on is acting like a celebrity?

What?

Hello, Sang Hyeon.

Hi.

So, you're that famous Noh Se Hoon.

Kwak Sang Hyeon.

The most popular guy in my neighbourhood.

A walking style icon.

Do you go to an academy around here?

Yes, we go to Jung Yong Academy.

I see.

Even someone like him knows me.

It must be because of that photo.

Have you eaten yet?

Is this your dinner?

Is this enough food for you?

Do you like chicken?

- We have to... - Yes, we love it.

Let's go. I know a great fried chicken spot.

Chicken? Fried chicken?

All hot guys love chicken.

- Hello. - Hi.

Seeing how they're suddenly acting friendly with me,

I bet they heard about me running in the election.

He's so handsome and tall.

I can't be swayed by mere fried chicken.

Yes, especially free fried chicken. It's so dangerous.

The moment I take a bite,

I'll get asked for a favour I can't refuse.

Noh Se!

Hurry up, loser!

I am coming. Be quiet, okay?

Come on, loser.

My gosh. Where is he taking us?

Kyochon? BBQ?

BHC?

BHC's Prinkle is so good.

Or is it Gcova?

Their chicken tastes best with rice.

Or is it Nene?

Or Goobne? Chilli Pepper Crunch?

My gosh.

Do you know Korea has the most seasoned fried chicken?

Do you know who first created the yangnyeom chicken?

Back in 1980, Daegu resident Yoon Jong Gye...

Do you know...

the chicken skewers here are to die for?

Let's go inside and eat.

- Ma'am. - Yes, hello.

He likes chicken a great deal.

Yes. He's a chicken fanatic.

What is wrong with that punk?

He's an embarrassment.

But then, this isn't fried chicken.

A few chicken skewers are fine, right?

They're not for me. They're for him.

You have such a hearty appetite.

- Thank you. - Have some more.

- Hello, Sang Hyeon. - Hi.

- Hello. - Hi.

- Hey, Sang Hyeon. - Hey.

Who are they? We haven't met.

Well, he's...

my little bro?

They're my friends.

- Hello. - Hi.

- Hello. - Hi.

Ma'am, can we have three cans of Welch's?

- Yes, sure. - There's a new guy.

- Here. - Thank you.

I might have been a bit arrogant at first.

But this guy didn't mind that much.

Isn't this cute?

We spent over an hour...

- talking... - For real?

- about nonsense. - For real.

- My gosh. - We got along...

surprisingly well.

- Thank you. - Thanks.

The only connection we had...

was that we went to the same school.

- Before I knew it, - The broth is amazing.

- I was hot guy Kwak Sang Hyeon's... - It's good.

"little bro."

(Open, fishcake, sundae, chicken skewers)

(Cards not accepted, KwakKwaki, Kkang Jae Won only)

- You're leaving? - Yes. Bye.

- See you. - Sure.

Have a nice evening.

- Take care. - See you again soon.

- Did you enjoy that? - Yes.

Yes, I enjoyed that.

Oh, right. Jung Yong Academy.

If you want to take another class, talk to Chief No.

Drop my name and you'll get a seat in the popular classes.

Okay, Sang Hyeon.

And you, Ji Hun.

Don't vape in the neighbourhood.

Especially not near the academy.

- Okay. - Mr. Sin said...

he put a team together to crack down on vapers.

Okay.

Okay, then. I'm off. See you around.

- Thanks for the food. - Sure.

He's no style icon.

How could he buy us chicken skewers?

Didn't you eat a bit too much...

to complain about it now?

"My little bro?"

He tried too hard to befriend you.

- Do you think we're okay? - With what?

Isn't there a law on how much you can spend to treat others?

What are you on about, moron?

Don't be stupid.

You've eaten enough.

Good luck with the presentations.

That's it for today.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Can you lend me yours?

Don't you dare.

- What's up with him? - What was that?

- Is that him? - Yes.

I don't have to broadcast...

I need to take a dump too.

What's going on?

Why did you come up here?

I needed to go to the toilet.

Hey. Who's he?

It's nothing.

He's a nobody.

"A nobody?"

Hey, you. Go somewhere else.

Don't loaf about here.

Choi Jong Su.

To be honest,

in elementary school, he was the nobody who was shorter than me.

(Choi Jong Su)

Now even punks like him look down on me?

This won't do.

We need a pledge that will take care of...

bullies like them.

Wait.

I warned you so many times.

That was humiliating in front of the boys.

Okay. We'll be more careful.

Don't just be more careful.

Don't smoke at school.

Hey.

Don't stand there like you're a bunch of thugs.

Sorry.

What the heck is this?

Se Hoon.

What are you doing there?

Hello, Sang Hyeon.

Why are you over here?

I had business.

I get it.

(Noh Se Hoon)

The toilets here are on the quiet side.

What's your next class?

It's math.

Oh, with Ms. Jeong An?

Yes.

Who's that punk?

Oh, right.

You'll run for office with Yang Won Dae?

- Yes. - Gosh.

You're ambitious like that?

No, I'm not ambitious.

We're both in the school choir,

and so we decided to...

get together...

to represent our school.

He'll represent our school?

Who, Yang Won Dae?

What?

Never mind.

Let's walk.

Just because I'd become a candidate,

my pool of connections expanded.

Because Won Dae chose me,

the sun began to shine...

on my lagging school life.

That's why they say...

brilliance finds a way to shine.

(2023 2nd Term Midterm Report Card, Noh Se Hoon)

What's your grade?

You broadcast to the school that the midterm was easy-peasy.

Who broadcast to the school?

What now?

You'll have even less time to study if you become vice president.

You're screwed.

You'll have to resit the CSAT.

Hey. Why would I have to resit the CSAT?

Don't jinx me, you piece of crap.

What's the matter with you?

Why did you get so upset about a joke?

You think you're all that because you got good grades?

Hey.

You'll punch me if you become vice president.

Guys. What's the matter?

I can't stand Mr. Hard-on.

You're dead annoying.

What's his problem?

I don't know.

He annoyed the heck out of me.

That's impressive.

Your grades dropped and now you're 12th in our year?

Not 12th in your class?

My mom would murder me...

if I were 12th in my class.

Come on.

How about...

I help you out a bit?

What?

- Ta-da. - What's this?

Your grades went up?

Of course not.

(Report Card)

This column here. I changed all the numbers.

This is...

You forged your report card.

It's not forgery.

It's an insurance of sorts.

We're still in our first year.

We can do better next time.

Shoot. It does look pretty real.

What do you say? Do you want one too?

No.

It must be good to be you.

You get to slack off and enjoy life...

and forge your report card.

No, it's not like that at all.

My heart is always heavy.

Forget it.

You really won't go?

Sang Hyeon did us a favour.

No. I won't go.

(Jung Yong Academy)

(Jung Yong Academy)

I can take Kevin's class...

that sells out in ten seconds?

Sang Hyeon's so awesome.

He has some connections.

Okay.

The class was full,

but Sang Hyeon sent you.

Don't tell anyone else at school.

- Do you get my drift? - Yes.

I will...

pay for the class with this.

You'll pay?

Well, we do need to leave a record.

Thanks.

Give this to your parents.

The textbook's free of charge.

- What? - It's fine.

You're Sang Hyeon's little bro.

Hurry on. The class starts soon.

- Thank you. - Sure.

Hi, Jeong Hui. Come in.

Who the heck is this Four Eyes?

Hi, guys.

- Hello. - Hello.

You and I met today,

and it's the beginning of change. It's what?

- The beginning of change. - The beginning of change.

Good.

Shall we see if you're ready?

Do you want a chance to change the world?

Yes.

You're ready. Your engine is warmed up.

Let's see.

You.

Do you want a chance to change the world?

Of course. Living 17 years until now,

I think it's unfair...

and totally a lonely life to be on top all by myself.

So I think changing the whole system...

of this country will be the answer.

To do this, I've always been on top in school.

- Okay. - And one day,

I will be the leader of this country...

and change everything.

Oh, my gosh. You came prepared.

That's a nice answer.

Did you all get that?

- No. - No.

That's impressive.

- That class blew. - It did.

- What about a snack? - Tteokbokki?

Shall we get tteokbokki?

Hey!

You!

That witch.

She walked into us on purpose.

Yoon Jeong Hui that frog.

- She didn't even apologize. - No.

Did that hurt?

(Apartment 505)

You broadcast to everyone that the midterm was easy-peasy.

Who broadcast to everyone?

Yes.

We all make mistakes in life.

Do better next time.

Okay.

It's an energy drink.

Drink a pouch whenever you feel tired.

(Mencius' Mother Club)

"Mencius' Mother Club?"

Yes. I joined the club today.

The head of the Parents' Association called.

Why did they call all of a sudden?

Well...

It's nothing special.

But...

This kid called Kwak Sang Hyeon.

How is he compared to Won Dae whose parents sell pork trotters?

- What? - The PA head told me...

Sang Hyeon's running to be school president too.

What are you saying?

Is Kwak Sang Hyeon the son of the head of the PA?

If you're going to enter,

it would be better to run with someone who has a better chance.

Would the PA head's son...

be a better partner than a restaurant owner's son?

So what?

You want me to betray Won Dae...

after we talked everything out?

I'm not telling you to betray him.

I'm just asking.

There's still time.

It doesn't hurt to be cautious.

(Mencius' Mother Club)

(Seongeun Study Room)

Mom doesn't know...

how much Won Dae wanted me.

And how loyal a guy I am.

It looks like the real thing.

Hey, Noh Se.

What are you doing out here?

I came out to cool my head.

Shouldn't you use it first?

I used it a great deal today.

- Park Ji Hun. - Yes?

Okay.

Be sure not to talk. Got it?

Okay. Don't worry.

- See you. - Bye.

You forge report cards for kids from other schools?

I told you not to do...

Hello.

I'm right outside.

Okay.

Where are you going?

Somewhere.

Park Ji Hun.

You need to quit forging documents.

And quit vaping too!

I will. Don't worry.

He nags too much.

- There. - Nice one.

I read through the pledges you sent.

Your experience in elementary school helped.

You had some great ideas.

What was that thing?

The student-regulated disciplinary committee?

Is that something like a jury trial?

Yes. It's similar.

It's not because you got called...

"Mr. Hard-on," is it?

It's not that at all.

Let's think about it.

Do you know who we should take on as the female vice president?

I think...

Ha Yu Gyeong would be a good match.

Someone from our choir...

Yes. That's what I think too.

I'll talk to her, then.

Let's register as candidates after first period tomorrow.

We must be the first.

Okay.

(Music Room)

(Ha Yu Gyeong)

Se Hoon.

Will you do it with me?

Do what?

Let's run for VP together.

I wanted to be your partner from the start.

Yes. I'd like that.

I wish that happened.

What are you doing this morning?

He's grinning like a content puppy.

What's up, Mr. Hard-on?

Why are you on a high today?

It's your birthday.

- Is it? - It's your birthday?

It's not.

- It's his birthday. - A hazing?

- A hazing? - A hazing.

- Come here and celebrate. - Happy birthday to you

- Stop it. - Happy birthday to you

- Don't! - Happy birthday dear...

No.

It's not my birthday.

- What? - It's not?

I was hoping to get an early workout.

- It's someone's birthday? - Shoot.

- Like this. - You, come here.

- Why me? - Come here!

- Let's get him! - No!

- You're it instead. - You're it.

A student-regulated disciplinary committee.

So we can discipline...

punks like them ourselves.

My gosh. That was close.

Goodness.

Darn it.

Noh Se. I won't ask for much.

Can you give us an extra 30 minutes in the morning?

What right do I have to do that?

A school vice president should have that much power.

The kids will love it.

Do you think so?

Should I make that a pledge?

Isn't it a good idea?

What a joke.

Don't pick on him this early.

All this VP talk. Isn't it stupid?

You act like you're a VP of a worldwide company.

He's all prickly because of you.

Why?

He ran all the errands and did all the odd jobs...

as Won Dae's right-hand man.

But Won Dae chose you to be his VP,

and he's ticked off.

What?

You ended up running for office?

Yes. I'm thinking about it.

Are you?

He asked me too.

That Yang Won Dae guy.

- What? - Don't be stupid.

Why would he ask you?

Noh Se Hoon?

How about a chat?

- See you. - Later.

It's true.

He asked me to run with him.

Why would he ask you?

Why do you think?

The candidates' grades...

must reach a certain average, and he needed a grade boost.

The problem was that I wasn't interested...

in a position that would put me in a sidecar.

What are you on about?

It's the truth.

You know I head the Election Commission, right?

Yes. I heard.

I spoke with the presidential candidate yesterday.

He spoke really highly about you.

"Most guys with good grades are busy bragging,"

"but he's humble and what not."

"He's younger, but he sometimes feels older."

He said stuff like that.

He also said that's why he regretted losing you.

What?

Aren't you talking about Won Dae?

Do you know the difference between "need" and "want?"

"Need" is what you require,

and "want" is what you desire.

That's right.

"Need" is a necessity and "want" is a personal preference.

I see.

A necessity is something like water.

A preference is something like liquor.

Lack of water kills you, but not lack of alcohol.

Yes.

You weren't his prime candidate, were you?

Sorry? What do you mean?

Oh, you didn't know?

I guess Won Dae didn't tell you.

He'd come to me early on to discuss...

his VP candidates.

He wanted to know the freshmen's grades.

I shouldn't have given him that info,

but the student council...

must consist of smart kids...

and look good too.

I see.

So I gave him...

a list of the freshmen ranked by midterm grade.

It looked like he couldn't get anyone...

at the top of the list to join him.

I came 12th in my year in the midterm exam.

That means...

To Won Dae,

you were probably...

tenth or more on his list of candidates.

Hey.

If not you, then who?

We're both in the choir.

You served as student president in elementary school,

and you get good grades too.

I won't find anyone...

more diligent and trustworthy than you.

Grades? Recognition among peers?

I don't judge people with that.

Hidden potential. Sincerity.

That's what I care about.

Actually, yesterday,

I spoke with second-year student Kwak Sang Hyeon.

He spoke so highly of you...

and said he was disappointed he lost out on you.

He seems to need a VP like you.

So, Se Hoon.

Let me ask you something.

Do you want to be someone's preferential goods,

or do you want to be someone's necessity?

- Hello. - Hello.

Where's Se Hoon?

Se Hoon?

Mr. Sin asked to talk to him.

He lied.

The choir sticking together...

and me having potential was all an effing lie he told me.

He talked as if he needed me,

but I was...

nothing but his 12th option.

It's fine.

I'm on the phone.

(Choir Captain Yang Won Dae)

Then the whole thing burned up.

Left and right, left and right.

Won Dae.

You're right.

Brilliance always finds...

a way to shine.

And thank you...

for helping me realize I'm not just your 12th option...

but someone actually brilliant.

(I Am A Running Mate)