Original subtitles

The Queen of Office

2007

Wait a minute.

If that bill passes,

will they give you a permanent position?

Huh?

What is it?

I guess so.

Mom's been a contract worker for over 10 years now.

Yup.

Yeah.

Apple, please.

Huh? Sure.

How can they do this?

How can they

suddenly fire you when you've worked here for over 10 years?

It's because of that Non-Regular Worker Protection Act.

They have to offer a permanent position to contract workers after two years.

I'm worried that we're putting you

and other regular employees into a tough position.

Why should one's employment classification matter?

In any case, we're all going on a full blown strike,

so this will be resolved soon.

Please don't worry, Ms. Jin.

Down with the Non-Reular Worker Protection Act!

Down with the Act! Down with the Act!

Daehan Bank must rehire the contract workers they fired!

Down with Daehan Bank! Down with Daehan Bank!

Step back!

What if we don't?

You step back.

Hey!

We'll die if we let them through!

Are you okay?

What? You're hurt? Where?

Mom, couldn't you just give it up?

Everyone says it's futile, even the news outlets.

Why are you being like this, mom?

Do you even know I have a job interview next week?

I have to go.

Nothing came out of the final round of negotiations.

In that case...

Any regular employee who doesn't leave by the end of the day will be fired.

Ms. Jin.

Look at you. You never listen, do you?

Kim Jeomsun, don't get scolded for having your hair down again.

You don't want to cry in the restroom, do you?

Do your work well.

Okay?

Ms. Jin.

I don't want to go.

I can't.

I'm not leaving without you.

You even hurt your leg.

I'm not leaving you alone.

This is a battle for the contract workers to fight.

You never should've gotten involved.

Then why don't you come with me, Ms. Jin?

My desk is here.

Where would I go?

Jeomsun.

May I have a word with you?

What are you doing?

It's okay, Jeomsun. They'll be taken into police custody tomorrow.

But what if something happens inside?

What if there's an accident?

This is too dangerous.

Would you rather get fired instead?

I didn't drag you out of here for no reason.

If I don't do this, you'll get fired, too.

That's not all. You'll never be able to get another job.

What do you think you're doing?

I have to go in. I have to help them.

Are you crazy? You're going where?

The door is locked. They'll all die if I don't help.

Ms. Jin!

Ms. Jin, where are you?

Jeomsun.

- Jeomsun. - Ms. Jin.

Oh, no.

Ms. Jin.

I'm sorry, Ms. Jin.

The company said nothing would happen. That's why...

I'm so sorry, Ms. Jin.

It's okay. It's okay, so don't cry.

Come here.

Ms. Jin!

Mom.

It's been 16 years since the Asian financial crisis.

Korea now has 8 million contract workers.

South Koreans' foremost dream is no longer national reunification.

It's getting a permanent position.

While everyone else yearns for a permanent position,

there is someone who has consciously opted to be a contract worker.

Ms. Kim is Korea's first ever contract worker by choice.

Ms. Kim never works for free.

She doesn't forge cumbersome interpersonal ties.

After her three month contract period, she always leaves Korea.

But no one knows how she's come to call herself "Ms. Kim"

and chosen to be a serial contract worker.

Mr. Gye,

the order for the corn plastic containers went through, right?

Yes. I checked as soon as I got to the office.

Good.

Our lunch box cafe opens on Thursday.

Yes. I'm relieved the cafe will open before my contract period expires.

Your contract period?

Juri,

I've talked to Mr. Hwang about extending your contract,

so there'll be good news soon.

Okay, sir.

What about you, dear Ms. Kim?

Naturally,

I will be leaving.

Mr. Gu, come here for a second.

Yes, sir.

It's about Ms. Kim.

The higher-ups want to re-sign with her and keep her here.

I see.

So I was thinking

of putting you in charge

of doing whatever it takes

to get her to extend her contract.

Understood?

Yes, sir.

Hey, Mingu.

Yes, Mr. Gu?

Go to Gyeongwu and...

Okay.

Measures to Get Ms. Kim to Stay

Good job.

Give Ms. Kim a new name.

Set up a customized blind date for Ms. Kim?

Provide Ms. Kim with a nameplate and a personalized chair?

Provide Ms. Kim with a personal vehicle for commuting

Make Ms. Kim the spokesperson for Y.Jang Spicy Red Noodles

Hold an exhibit of Ms. Kim's licenses and certificates.

Give Ms. Kim quadruple her overtime pay rate for her calisthenics class

Are these the best ideas you could come up with?

A personal vehicle? A nameplate?

What? Erect a statue of Ms. Kim in the lobby?

Ms. Kim,

did you enjoy your lunch?

Yes, I did.

Here you go.

Please take this.

What is it?

It's a lifetime coupon for the place where you always have lunch.

That is to say, Y.Jang will cover your lunch expenses.

We'd like you to stay at Y.Jang

and enjoy your free lunch for a very long time.

- You would? - Yes.

Have you had lunch yet, dear Ms. Kim?

Mr. Ko, this is for you.

Why are you giving this to me?

I'd like you to stay at Y.Jang in my place and enjoy

a free lunch for a very long time.

But this was my idea.

Ms. Jeomsun, could you take a look at this?

What is it?

It's a floor plan for your private office.

Ms. Kim's private office?

There will be a separate desk here for you to remove staples,

and this area here is for your morning calisthenics.

Hasn't it been a hassle for you to print your overtime pay invoices?

Here, you will find a one touch invoice printer.

There will also be a shock resistant keyboard and an automated mop.

Is this actually feasible?

A surround sound system will precisely alert you at noon and 6:00pm.

When you re-sign with Y.Jang, all these things will be...

Mr. Gye.

No, right?

Sorry.

Say, Ms. Kim.

Your contract period will end in two days.

Yes, it will.

Ms. Kim,

don't leave like this.

Couldn't you stay with us?

You keep saying it's not true, but you and Juri

have become part of our family.

I want to keep working with you for a very long time.

Mr. Mu,

as I told you on my first day at Y.Jang,

I never extend my contract.

Why do you only stay at a company for three months at a time?

Is there a special reason?

98.

That's the number of companies I've worked at as a contract worker.

I once got fired in a day because they didn't like the way I spoke.

At another place, I was conned and never got my paycheck.

You've had experiences like that?

Among the numerous bosses I've had,

you're the first to tell me

I'm part of the office family.

But Mr. Mu,

I don't

want to have colleagues anymore.

That's why I never extend my contracts.

Mr. Mu,

you've been a good boss,

though you're rather meek.

Thank you.

Ms. Kim, aren't you going to say goodbye to Gyujik before you leave?

Do you think I want to feel this way?

But I can't help it.

I don't know why I'm like this.

But I can't help but think of you all the time.

I'm being sincere.

Be Good to Mama

Oh.

What now?

What's wrong, Mr. Mu?

I forgot to bring the voice recording file.

It's in my mp3 player.

I must have left it at the office.

The introduction to the cafe that we had a voice actor record?

Yes. What will we do?

I do have the script here.

Just record it again. What's the big deal?

You can do voice recording with phones nowadays.

Then should we do it?

I can go ahead and...

No!

Not you, Mr. Mu.

No, right?

My dialect is rather strong...

Then who...

Ms. Kim, do you have a voice acting license?

No, I don't,

but my campaign voice over work

did get three district officials elected.

Three district officials?

This is the script.

Thank you for your help.

Yes, Mr. Mu.

There's nothing but kimchi and bean sprouts in my lunch box again.

The fried egg my mom had put over the rice

has already been gobbled up by that big kid in my class.

There are sausages and pork cutlet in my friends' lunch boxes.

My lunch looks shabby in comparison.

I whine to my mother.

"I want sausages for lunch, too.

It's embarrassing to always have nothing but bean sprouts."

My mother explains to me with a serene smile.

"Eating bean sprouts will make you grow tall."

My mother tracked our family's spending down to every last penny.

Why didn't I know back then?

After my complaining,

my mother woke up even earlier than usual

to make me radish greens with soybean paste and spicy bulgogi.

I'd give anything to feel her warmth and love again.

This reminds me of my late mother.

Mr. Jang wrote this script.

I asked him to.

Mr. Jang?

I didn't know we'd sell out.

The response at the tasting was good, but I was still worried about it.

Same here.

Would you like to see the picture I took?

I didn't expect we'd get so many customers on our opening day.

Good job, everyone.

Juri, I just met with Mr. Hwang.

Your contract has been extended.

Really?

- Yes. - Really?

Juri.

Juri, what a relief.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mu.

Then what about our dear Ms. Kim?

My contract term is now over.

Well then...

I will get going.

- Ms. Kim. - But...

Are you really just going to leave like this?

Why don't you at least stay for a farewell party?

Yes. How about a farewell party tonight, Ms. Kim?

Yes, Ms. Kim.

That's okay.

Nothing good comes of prolonged goodbyes.

Well then...

Oh.

Thank you

for everything.

Ms. Kim.

You've all worked hard.

My goodness.

She's consistently Ms. Kim to the very end.

Yeah.

Mr. Mu, may I go ahead and leave?

Ms. Kim.

Congratulations on the extension of your contract, Ms. Jeong.

Are you really just going to leave like this?

Couldn't you stay with me?

No.

Why must you always leave when the three month contract period is over?

Because I don't want to become cowardly.

If my contract is extended once, I'll hope for another extension.

If that happens,

I'll grow anxious about eventually being let go.

There will come a time when I'll have to be cowardly.

It doesn't matter if you're a contract worker or have a permanent position.

What's most important is

for you to just do your thing.

If the past three months

have given you the strength to do that,

that's all you need.

You've worked hard,

Ms. Jeong.

You, too,

Ms. Kim.

I can call you, right?

No. Don't.

I'll call you anyway.

Ms. Kim, I can call your Jeomsun now, right?

I'll continue with the morning calisthenics.

I'll miss you.

Dear Ms. Kim, if you're ever back in the neighborhood,

stop by that restaurant. It'll be my treat.

And thanks.

Ms. Kim, we'll raise our daughter to be a strong woman like you.

We'll send you pictures once she's born.

This is Shin Mingu.

I never got to tell you,

but you look amazing in your pantsuits.

Your makeup is amazing, too! Or maybe not.

But you have the most amazing skin.

We'll miss you, Ms. Kim.

We'll now take your place as the office disciplinarians.

We're the Ms. Kim Trio.

"This is my job."

Ms. Kim,

your coffee was the best. I miss it already.

Ms. Kim, thank you for all of your hard work.

And I'll keep my hair tied back when I'm in the office.

Ms. Kim, this is Juri.

Everyone here was upset about your going away,

so I suggested we make this video for you.

Although I don't know you'll even watch this.

In any case, thank you so much for everything.

Also,

we love you, Ms. Kim.

We love you.

Mr. Mu, you should say something as well.

Oh...

Ms. Kim,

thank you.

Take care.

Gyujik, Ms. Kim finished her contract term today.

Sir, I have to go to Seoul.

She seemed to have drunk a lot, so I only gave her water.

You're here, Ms. Kim.

I didn't know when I'd get to see you again, so here I am.

What is it, Ms. Geum?

Do you like Gyujik?

Why must I be

subjected to this

act of terrorism in my private space?

Answer me.

I'd really appreciate it.

You seem drunk. You should go.

I love him.

The reason I came to Y.Jang was to be with him.

But then you...

What did you do to win his heart?

Listen, Ms. Geum.

The most idiotic thing a woman can do

is work because of a man.

So take your idiotic drunken babbling to the privacy of your own home.

Yes, I am idiotic.

But you

are cowardly.

You don't even know who you like or don't like.

But how...

Gyujik, why haven't you told me about your mother all this time?

You were a riot policeman there.

You're so traumatized that you still can't take the subway.

I couldn't get myself to tell you.

Nobody knows,

since I blocked it from my memory.

That was the only way I could carry on living.

Jeonghan,

when my mom died, and then my dad followed suit,

do you have any idea how tough it was?

You don't know what it's like to live with no sense of belonging.

You don't know how scary that is.

I was so sick of my mom's contract worker life.

I vowed I wouldn't let my kids go through that.

I vowed to get a permanent position

and enjoy that safety and comfort all my life.

That's why I worked so hard to get into a large company.

But although Ms. Kim witnessed the same thing,

she ended up taking

a completely opposite path.

She acts all cool and tough, and does everything by herself...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry that I didn't know.

Gyujik.

I just hope that

you won't have any regrets.

Jang Gyujik Head of Marketing & Sales Team

She's gone.

Sun's parents

both passed away when she was young,

so she didn't have anyone she could rely on.

But then she met a colleague who was like a mother to her.

What happened to your mother has scarred her permanently.

Since then,

she has refused to trust companies, other people,

or even herself.

She may look tough,

but she's led a lonely life, about as lonely as yours.

Because I don't want to become cowardly.

I'll grow anxious about eventually being let go.

There will come a time when I'll have to be cowardly.

It doesn't matter if you're a contract worker

or have a permanent position.

What's most important is

for you to just do your thing.

Pardon?

But why, Juri?

Why won't you re-sign?

I don't know, either.

I don't know what I'll do and how I'll manage

once I leave,

but I get the feeling Y.Jang may be too big a company for me.

Pardon?

You see,

I'm very grateful that the company's willing to extend my contract.

I also want to work with you, Mr. Gye, and Mr. Ko for a long time.

And you can do that.

Yes, but if I think of nothing except myself and my future,

I feel there may be other places that need me more.

Okay, Juri.

I understand.

It's a real shame, though.

We can't see each other anymore.

Yes, we will.

I'll keep seeing you.

Can't you be my friend, Mr. Mu?

Juri!

Gyeongwu, why did you come out?

I forgot to give you this.

You were my first love.

How long will you be gone this time?

I'm not sure.

I won't know until I get there.

Meet a lot of men.

Good luck with your one man.

I'm off.

How long will it take?

About an hour.

Okay.

Then I'll be back after I get a few things done.

Come back in an hour.

Oh, and don't step on that pipe.

I won't.

This is Ms. Kim's phone number.

I asked Juri for it.

Hey, Jang, I'm off to lunch.

Okay.

Enjoy your lunch.

Incheon Airport, please.

Yes.

I told you not to step on that.

It's fine. I've done it like this a million times.

Let me take that.

That was tough.

It's finally done.

Man, it's hot.

Darn it. What's wrong with this?

You're a technician, and you can't open a door?

Step aside.

With this door, you have to...

Hello?

Hello?

Is anyone out there?

Hello?

Help us!

This is the Y.Jang distribution center in Wonju.

Hey, Jang, I think we're going to die.

What are you saying?

We're not going to die.

No way.

No, I think this is it for us.

Honey, it's me.

I'm calling because I might not make it.

I can't talk a whole lot, so just listen, okay?

About the emergency fund you kept hidden in the closet...

It wasn't Suncheol. I was the one who took it.

He's talking a whole lot and then some.

And the diamond ring I got you when we got married...

It's not real.

I'm sorry, honey.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry that I have to go first.

And...

It wasn't your fault.

Breaking news.

There's a gas leak at the Y.Jang distribution center in Wonju.

A plant manager identified as Jang and a technician identified as Bae

are said to be locked inside the facility.

The fire department has dispatched an emergency rescue squad,

but they are said to be experiencing difficulties.

Who are you?

Who are you?

I'm Ms. Kim, a certified emergency rescue specialist.

What's she saying?

Raise the ladder!

What?

Right now!

We're going to die.

Please stop saying that.

There's a rope.

Huh? What did you say?

Someone's lowering a rope.

Help!

Kim?

How did you get in here, Kim?

Zip it. I can't hear you.

What about me? Where's mine?

You won't die.

Kim, you have to come with us. What are you going to do?

I said I couldn't hear you.

I'm going first.

Kim.

You lost weight.

Looks like you're doing just fine.

It wasn't your fault.

What happened to my mom wasn't your fault.

So don't go.

Come back.

Please...

Come back,

Ms. Kim.

Who wronged whom?

Did we ever even wrong each other?

We're all just light bulbs,

and all we do is light ourselves up,

so why do we only end up hurting one another?

But what's important is that

a Christmas tree cannot be lit up without light bulbs.

We're all shining light bulbs.

Six months later

"Be Good to Mama" lunch box cafe transforms lunch paradigm

2013 Y.Jang Person of the Year Award Ceremony

We were the first to make instant noodles to provide food for hungry Koreans 50 years ago.

We produce traditional condiments to enhance convenience.

We're here today to honor Y.Jang's person of the year.

I will now announce

Y.Jang's 2013 person of the year.

The winner is

Mr. Mu Jeonghan of Marketing & Sales. Congratulations.

Mr. Mu led the successful "Be Good to Mama" lunch box project,

developing affordable and nutritious lunch box foods.

He made significant contributions to elevating Y.Jang's brand image

as a business that practices sharing.

President Jang Bogo will present the award.

Mr. Mu, please tell us your thoughts on winning the award.

I never thought I would win something like this.

I joined Y.Jang

with just one dream.

Making food that makes people happy.

The truth is, I wasn't going to accept this award,

as there are people who deserve it more than I do.

"Be Good to Mama" lunch box cafe

started with an idea that an entry level contract worker came up with.

And whenever the project ran into a roadblock,

another contract worker applied

her superhuman abilities to make the idea come to life.

If it hadn't been for Ms. Jeong Juri and Ms. Kim,

the success of "Be Good to Mama" would not have been possible.

But those two people aren't here today.

I don't deserve this, as I'm only receiving it

because I was their supervisor.

That numskull...

Be that as it may,

I will

accept the award on behalf of those two contract workers

and all the non-contract workers

who worked so hard on the project.

Yet another six months later

Grenada, Spain

Sun, you got a letter.

A letter? For me?

To Ms. Kim

Ms. Kim, it's me, Juri.

I trust you've been well.

I went to a Y.Jang get together a few days ago.

Everyone wanted to know how you were doing.

Mr. Mu is now the head of the Marketing & Sales Team.

He's still nice and meek.

Ms. Geum,

are you almost done with the Ongjayeom Q1/Q2 sales report?

Of course.

Thank you.

And he's still single as always.

What did you have for lunch?

Mr. Gu's the new head of the Support Team,

and Mr. Gye now outranks Mr. Shin as a newly promoted assistant manager.

Good morning.

Could you double check the Q1/Q2 inventory list, pal?

Hey, Mr. Shin.

What's up with that casual tone of yours?

Did you say "pal" to Mr. Gye?

No, sir. I was just talking to myself,

Mr. Gu.

Right?

I thought you'd forgotten your place because Mr. Gye is younger.

You may not be on our team,

but Mr. Gye does outrank you.

Bonghui got an unlimited term contract

and now works in the General Affairs Department.

As for her daughter, she unfortunately takes after Mr. Gu.

Jirang opened a small nail shop

near Y.Jang with a college friend.

You must do a lot of typing at work.

Your contract is about to expire.

As for Dara...

We want to re-sign with you.

Thank you.

No. Thank you.

Her contract was extended,

so she's still working in the Marketing & Sales Department.

Bitna is known as the strictest assistant manager

among entry level female employees.

Ms. Geum,

here's the analysis of the Hot Red Noodle proposal.

Okay.

Where are the graphs?

Make sure you include them.

And one more thing.

Tie your hair back into a neat ponytail.

But I never tie my hair.

I don't like how hair ties leave a dent in it.

Tie your hair back before I chop it all off.

Oh,

and I didn't hear much about Mr. Hwang.

Oh!

Our team's proposal made the cut again?

But I think he's doing well as always.

Thank you.

Pardon?

An Juri, the contract worker on the Support Team?

Mr. Ko retired and

because the owner of the 15th "Be Good to Mama" lunch box cafe.

Why is this letter so long?

As for me,

I made my debut as a children's book author.

By Jeong Juri

Excuse me.

Do you know how many of this book have been sold?

10 copies.

Just today?

No, this month.

Oh...

I'm still paying off my student loan,

but it's nice not to worry about being late to work every morning.

Last but not least, Mr. Jang Gyujik

hasn't been able to come back to the main office yet.

Sir,

you have to make this your first stop.

Whatever. I'll do as I please.

I'm heading straight to Daejeon, so just be aware of that.

I'm heading out, Curly.

But, sir!

You're as stubborn as a mule.

- Mr. Jang. - Yes?

Here's the itemized breakdown of the cargo.

Right.

Hey, aren't we interviewing someone for a contract position?

Yes. She's waiting in the annex.

Not there. This way.

Oh, yeah?

Please tell us why you applied for the position.

Then tell us about your work experience.

Did I speak too quietly?

No, I thought you spoke loud enough.

I asked you about your past work experience.

Who brewed the coffee?

From now on,

I will brew the coffee.

Thank you for watching "The Queen of Office"