Original subtitles

Produced by Jungang Culture Film Company & Gwon Film Production

Drifting Island

From now

we will start the trial of Kang Hyeonhui

for the murder of Choi Youngcheol.

Name?

Kang Hyeonhui.

Your address?

Seoul, Seongbukgu Donamdong 346.

- Age? - 33 years old.

- And your job? - A coffee house owner.

Your educational background?

I'm a college graduate.

Tell us about your family background.

I have a mother and a daughter.

What happened to your husband?

He died during the Korean War.

Were you legally married to him?

We were both starving students.

We had to live together just

to save enough money to attend school.

Does that mean that you had your daughter out of wedlock?

Yes.

How did you get to know the victim, Choi Youngcheol?

He was a customer who came often to my coffee shop.

Was your relationship with the victim a complicated one,

say you had an affair with him or had financial problems with him?

No.

Tell us why you killed him.

I killed him because of his verbal insult against me.

In front of me, he made a verbal pact with a foreigner

to sell me to him.

I was a coffee shop owner with a daughter born out of wedlock

but I was certainly not a prostitute.

How can that be enough motive to kill someone?

I had no intention to kill him.

But I was not myself at that time.

I couldn't see anything.

The ground shook and it felt like the sky had fallen.

There was nothing but darkness.

I... I couldn't hear anything except for

the deafening sound of planes and the downpour

and the laughter of devils.

Based on the testimony of the plaintiff,

she pleads innocent by reason

You're crying again.

Please don't cry when I'm not here.

I won't.

I'll shed every drop of my tears tonight

so that I won't cry ever again.

This is my coffee shop.

I borrowed 700,000 won from my friend Sunjae

to open this coffee shop more than a year ago.

But there haven't been any changes to this shop, Madonna, since then.

In my life, too.

The flowers were so expensive. These here were 500 won.

- They're so pretty. - Put some water here.

They're so fresh, though. Where did you get them?

I went to Myeongdong for them.

- The poet is not here yet. - You're embarrass...

He must have gotten drunk again last night.

Drunk out of his mind,

he came by after you left.

And?

He kept screaming

where you were, and when he sat down in a chair,

he started snoring.

Why me?

With the help of Mrs. Park from the kitchen,

we helped him to a taxi.

It was terrible.

This brass vase is also from the previous owner,

but it's where it has always been.

I see the same customers day in and day out,

and they don't look that much different

from a year ago.

Hello.

Do you have a hangover?

- Want one more glass? - Please.

Oh.

Oh, hello.

- A coffee, please. - Yes.

Is Mr. Choi here yet, the one who works as an interpreter?

You mean Mr. Youngcheol Choi?

You look tired.

- Or is something bothering you? - No, not at all.

Is Mr. Lee here...?

- You mean Mr. Sanghyeon Lee? - Yes.

I haven't seen him in over a week...

I don't know. He hasn't been here.

Maybe he went on a trip...

I wouldn

I have no way of knowing.

- Hi. - How have you been?

We're going to pay for our coffee today. Just wanted you to know.

- You should pay for yesterday's, too. - Sure.

Hey, Mr. Baudelaire. You must be all fired up this morning.

Why don't you pipe down? He must be creating a masterpiece.

You shouldn't chatter when he's concentrating on writing.

- Leaving so soon? - Yes.

I'm a bit busy today.

Do you want me to give this to Mr. Lee?

A check.

Who are you looking for?

Have you seen Mr. Kim the publisher?

He just crossed the road. Ah, he's over there.

There.

Mr. Kim!

If you want us to stay friends, please don't do this again.

I didn't mean to...

I just wanted to be of assistance.

Thank you, but it's insulting to be pitied.

Good bye.

So stubborn...

What I mean is...

Everyone has his own song in his heart

- That's right. - That's what I mean by God!

They babble night and day!

I'm sure he read that somewhere!

Hey!

Do you think this is a marketplace?

- Bill, please. - Yes.

Please come again.

- Good bye. - Good bye.

Hello.

What a surprise!

- It's been a while. - How have you been?

He is a columnist for Dongyang newspaper, Sanghyeon Lee.

I think about being in love with him

although I believe love in this city is just a fantasy.

He has a respectable wife.

He is the head of his family like a tree that's

strongly rooted in the ground.

Have you been ill?

No, I just took some rest.

You don't look well.

I'm just a bit tired.

I have to work even at night after I close.

Are things getting that difficult?

But at night where do...?

- Did you think I'd go to a bar? - Then what do you do?

I have a side job like knitting.

- Excuse me. - But I have something to tell you.

- To the madam of Madonna? - No.

I want to talk to you, Hyeonhui.

Hello, Madam.

You're looking prettier than last night.

These flowers look pale compared to you.

Why don't you leave these flowers alone and see that person waiting for you?

What?

I'm sorry. This way!

- Been waiting long? - Yes, I've just been...

Madam, one cup of coffee, please.

- Coffee? - No, I just had one.

Madam! A cup of coffee.

I'll wait for you until 8 o'clock.

Lake

- What's wrong with him? - I don't know.

Sorry I made you wait.

Why don't we go and get something to eat?

What were you thinking about so hard?

You didn't even know that I was standing next to you.

I think I was thinking about work.

Is that you, Hyeonhui? It's been a while.

You look like you're doing well. What are you doing now?

- I own a coffee shop. - Hmm...

Is that right?

The rumor was that you had a restaurant.

A coffee shop is like a restaurant.

See you later, then.

How do you know that general's wife?

- We're college friends. - Then did you also study English literature?

No, history.

How do you know her?

She is my wife's friend.

They also studied together.

Oh, really?

What is the night job you mentioned before?

- You know Mr. Kim who the publisher? - Yes.

He was a friend of my husband. When things were really difficult

because of the war, he gave me things like translation work to do.

You mean Hwangyu Kim?

He and I went into hiding together to avoid being drafted

during the Japanese occupation.

- You translated English literature? - Yes.

I must say you are very proud.

What do you mean?

You try to hide your good qualities.

It's not that I try to hide them.

There's no need to talk about one's educational background.

With your education, why do you...

You mean work as a lowly coffee shop madam?

But what's also important is living each day.

I don't mean lowly. It doesn't suit your personality.

The truth is I was fired several times from work before.

Fired? Why?

Because they thought I hadn't acted properly.

Acted properly?

- I have a child out of wedlock. - Ah.

Hwangyu told me about it once.

How do you know everything about me?

I've been wanting to get to know you better for a long time.

But only today do I feel like we've become closer to each other.

On the contrary, I feel like we've become farther away from each other.

I wonder why.

I can never be your friend.

Why?

If everything around you were to collide with everything around me,

what do you think would happen?

Would you cut and divide so clearly even if

it were about feelings of love?

Love is like a cloud.

Like an illusion that you create and then fall for.

Why don't you put your hands here?

- Why? - Just because...

Life has been difficult for you.

Taxi.

Good bye.

She broke one again.

You foolish girl.

Why is it that you break one day and night?

Stupid girl. Ghosts must be blind

not to have taken her away.

You just don't listen, do you?

What are you going to say to Sunjae?

She sent someone again yesterday.

I'll stop by to see her tonight.

She wants the principal this time.

When will I ever live in the world without being in debt?

Mommy, this is you and this is Granny.

This is wonderful.

- Mommy'll see you later. - You have to come back home early!

I will.

Even the ones with less schooling have an easy life.

Why is your life like this?

What's wrong with...

Did you sell much?

- I have to an errand to do. - Yes.

- I'll tend to the cash register. - Good.

I guess I should get going, too.

Why are you leaving so early? Stay a bit longer.

Good night!

- Did you have a good day? - Yes, thank you.

Are you going home?

Madam. Where do you live?

- In Donamdong. - Oh, really?

I moved to Donamdong a couple of days ago.

Why don't we go home together?

Why are you in such a hurry? Is someone waiting for you at home?

- I have an errand to run. - This stop is Hyehwadong.

- Bye. - Bye.

All right!

You're here.

I'm sorry I asked you come when you are so busy.

- I heard that you needed... Something urgent has come up.

I need the principal as well this time.

I can't tell you all the details but

my family is in such a state right now.

I can't unless I sell the shop.

I wouldn't ask you to do this unless it were really urgent.

Please come to Asaweon on the first of next month by 1 pm.

All our college friends'll be there. You can see Gyeyoung there.

Gyeyoung? Why?

You mean...

Paying interest is the same. It doesn't matter to whom, does it?

I know you two don't get along,

but you don't have anyone you can turn to, do you?

But still, borrowing from Gyeyoung is...

By the way,

I want to give you a word of advice as your friend.

What do you mean?

There is a rumor going round about you and Mr. Lee.

That's none of your business.

He is your friend's husband. I'm only saying this for your own good.

I'll see you at 1 pm on the first day.

Hello?

Is this the columnist's office? Can I speak to Mr. Lee Sanghyeon?

She has a beautiful voice.

This is Madonna Kang. Are you busy now?

Yes, a little bit..

What made you call this late?

I was just passing by and wanted to see you.

I'm sorry I called.

Hello, hello? Hello?

What happened?

You called me but then you hung up on me.

What a surprise! You are the first customer today.

Why did you hang up?

I didn't want to bother you at work.

You sound upset. I came running here right afterwards.

I didn't call you from here.

Hyeonhui.

- You know what? - What?

Minwu must be jealous.

When Mr. Lee came by late last night,

- Minwu happened to be here drunk. - And?

He kept saying Madonna's missing, Madonna's missing,

and he glared at Mr. Lee.

Right now I'm like an empty jar, or

like an empty field.

Dear heaven!

Please let a stronger gust of wind linger inside me for a while,

or a couple of 詮굑ttering butter詮굀es

or let me stay with a crucible that is half filled with water.

Do as you wish.

Even if we had met earlier and got married,

we wouldn't have been happy.

- Why? - Because we're selfish.

What if we were to marry in the future?

It would be the same. And it's impossible.

Why not?

There're too many things happening to us besides our love.

I just wish there weren't a young man who wanted to snatch my love away.

That man's glare last night was scary.

What if I ask you to marry me now?

I wouldn't.

But I want to love you.

Would you understand a marriage devoid of love?

I understand that your marriage...

It's getting late. Why don't we go home?

- Should I have dinner ready? - Where's my wife?

She went to Myeongdong with the lady next door.

- Did she have dinner? - No.

She said she'd eat out and said you should have dinner by yourself.

I don't want any.

- Look. - Aren't you Hyeonhui?

- How long has it been? - It's been a long time.

This is my first time seeing you since school.

- I know. - Have a seat.

- I heard that you have a child. - I do.

- You run a coffee shop, I heard. - Would you like to come by?

Is it a place a lady can go to?

Is Mr. Sanghyeon Lee one of your regular customers?

He comes often because his newspaper is nearby.

Really?

Here.

This here is Mr. Lee's wife.

Gyeyoung.

You get the lease for the shop and give me the money, okay?

- Is it okay if I give this directly to Sunjae? - Whatever.

I don't think I have to be here.

- I have to get going. - Why? They'll serve food soon.

I can't be away from the shop too long.

But we haven't seen you for so long.

Keep your eyes on him, Sujeong. Don't let her steal him.

Hyeonhui, don't be too upset.

I'm okay.

Should I really steal him from her?

Can he be stolen and given to someone else?

Our love is in my heart and in his heart.

It's something no one can touch. It belongs only to us.

Madam, is something wrong?

You shouldn't overwork yourself.

Life will be lived regardless.

I don't think it's possible.

It's because you're not skilled in the ways of living.

If I become skilled at it, my heart will pay the price.

I see. Sanghyeon, I'll see you later.

Right.

Sanghyeon is, for sure, her husband.

They have a garden and a living room in their house.

All those things belong to them.

Madam! Madam!

What are you thinking about so hard?

You look more beautiful today!

Don't think about anything.

Before I can think about loneliness, I must make a living.

I have to pay for electricity and water bills, taxes, interest,

and pay my employees, not to mention my poor family...

See you at the Lake. At 8 o'clock.

- Ms. Yu? - Yes?

Mr. Kim paid for the coffee so go and return this money to Mr. Lee.

You can give it back to him when he comes tomorrow.

No, return it to him now!

- Gwanghui, play a recorder. - Yes.

Something really nice...

Hurry.

OK! That also makes me feel great!

Ms. Yu, coffee!

Do you have to go somewhere?

No.

Please let a gust of wind linger inside me for a while,

or a couple of fluttering butterflies

Madonna... Madonna...

Goddamn!

Why are you leaving so soon? Why don't you stay longer?

- Have some of this. - Thanks.

I'll be right back.

My soul must still be kneeling and crying in front of him

for his love.

Oh, is this where you live?

What were you thinking about so hard?

Are you worried about something?

You must be feeling lonely.

Why don't we go somewhere and talk?

If you don't want to go to a coffee shop, we can go to my house.

There is only my housemaid at home.

And it is nearby.

You are alone. I'm a widower, too.

Wouldn't it be nice if we were to enjoy each other?

We shouldn't lose out on what life has to offer.

Please go ahead and enjoy your life by yourself.

She's so stuck-up. Everything has a price tag.

You're no different!

I couldn't wait any longer so I took a cab here.

Please don't say anything.

Just listen to what I have to say.

Tomorrow is Sunday.

Let's go somewhere outside the city.

Don't say no.

I'll wait for you at the station. At 9 o'clock.

Why are you in such a hurry on a Sunday even before breakfast?

Where are you going?

I have a special editorial to write.

You worked last Sunday and today, too?

You don't have any days off, do you?

I've been busy these days.

It's fine if you're busy.

But you've come home every night only when the curfew siren goes off.

Is that also because you've been busy?

When did you become so interested in my life?

It's natural that I should be since we live together.

I wanted to go watch a movie with you today

but I guess not.

Sunjae!

- Are you going out so early? - Yes.

- What happened this morning? - What happens every day.

We should also go out.

If you know a nice place, why don't you plan the day?

Let's go and get our hair done, and have lunch,

and then go and watch a movie.

Is that all?

If you know a better place, you can take me there.

Anyhow, let's go out.

- Mommy, come this way. - Why?

Just come and take a look.

Mommy, this one likes to eat.

- It swims up if I put my finger in here. - Really?

It's so ticklish. It keeps nibbling at my finger...

- Mommy has to go out. - Mommy, you look so pretty today.

Look! I see me in your eyes!

Mommy's going out on a date and leaving you here.

We need chacoal briquets and rice, too.

If we can't live like others, I wish at least we were not in debt.

There're people living in shanties.

Do you think their lives are

worse than ours?

I won't let the three of us starve so will you stop it please?

Wouldn't you like to go somewhere that's farther away?

I would. Somewhere very, very far away.

I'm at a loss in front of this happiness right now.

Even if something terrible were to happen next,

isn't this happiness at this moment glorious?

Even if this is a dream...

A middle school friend of mine

has a big fish farm on an island near Yeosu.

Hwangyu has been there with me when we

went into hiding to avoid being drafted.

When I was there, I thought about how I would

like to live my life there if I had

someone I loved.

You had a dream like that, too?

I still can't forget that dream of mine.

It was a beautiful dream.

Like a fairy tale.

These days I have this desire to make our fairy tale come true.

We are too old to become

the characters in a fairy tale.

A prince and a princess.

Aren't you cold?

I'll see you off at the fourth street.

- A movie must have just ended. - I guess so.

- Look! - What?

Is that you, Mr. Lee?

- Aren't you going this way? - You should go with us.

We're on our way home after watching a movie.

Why don't you go ahead without me.

Really? Goodbye, then.

What? What's wrong with you?

What's wrong with you?

Hyeonhui! Come and help me!

Don't worry too much. She's much better now.

No matter what, she needs to be strong.

- When will she be up and about? - You should watch over her for one more week.

- Bye. - Thank you so much.

Thank goodness you are alive.

- Where's Huna? - Yeon's playing with her now.

- Did anyone come to see me? - No, no one.

Someone's here to see you.

- You're up. - I have to go to the market.

Mr. Kim sent these.

Is everything okay?

- How about our customers? - They're good.

Everyone is worried that you haven't been at the shop.

I wanted to nurse you but we were short-handed at the shop.

You would have needed more money for the hospital and medicine

But if the business doesn't do well...

Gwanghui, thank you.

Mr. Kim seems quiet, but he is very sympathetic.

- How about Minwu? - He comes every night.

I've become afraid of myself.

Keeping chastity isn't so important, is it?

- Why do you ask? - Because I want to feel reassured.

If you just want me to reassure you,

then just think that it's not important.

If my heart and body are together, but

his heart isn't in it,

what should I do?

Gwanghui.

Chastity isn't so important, but it should always be together with love.

If you don't regret your love, you won't regret being intimate with him.

I don't know what to do.

Gwanghui, everyone is lonely.

We become lonelier as we love more.

Please stand up. We have to close.

Here!

Madonna, Madonna's sick. Madonna's sick

Why do you say that day and night?

- Here, stand up please! - I have no where to go.

Why are you doing this? Please stand up.

My heart's like an empty jar, or

like an empty field.

Oh, dear heaven.

Gwanghui.

Poor Gwanghui.

Gwanghui! Gwanghui!

They must have slept together.

Dear heaven!

Please let a stronger gust of wind linger inside me for a while,

or a couple of fluttering butterflies

Water.

Water!

Water.

Here's water.

Madonna.

Madonna.

Madonna.

Madonna.

Why don't you come up?

You kept saying you were okay...

I'm okay.

I guess being feverish with love would make one sick in bed.

What do you mean?

I didn't mean it out of jealousy.

I just happened to see you at Ttukseom

when I went fishing here.

As I learned to forget the one who passed away,

I think I should also forget the one who is alive.

He'll marry you even if that means divorcing his wife.

He won't be able to get away from his life now.

And I am the same.

But when he returns from America,

he'll finalize his divorce.

- Sanghyeon... is going to America? - You didn't know?

He's been invited by the State Department to learn more about their media.

He'll leave by the end of this month.

Chansu was my friend. Sanghyeon is also my friend.

And so are you. Even a million years later,

it seems I would only be a spectator as always.

Please take care of yourself.

Why don't you have a cup of...

I'll see you at the shop in a couple of days.

Thank you.

What was there to talk about for so long?

Who was he?

You know this is unheard of.

A man coming to our house. Watch what you're doing.

Men are all thieves.

You'll not marry anyone,

not until I'm dead and buried

Mommy, where are you going?

- You said you were sick. - I'm okay.

Is this Mr. Lee? Yes, this is.

It's nothing. I'm much better now.

I went by your window so many times.

But all I could do was smoke cigarettes under your window.

You came by? You did!

I was going to go after your taxi that night

but I went to a bar in Myeongdong instead.

Hello! Can you hear me?

I got drunk and

I don't know how many hours I wandered around the streets.

What? I feel like I'm going to go crazy.

I can't even tell if I loved someone.

Hyeonhui.

I also feel sad that I can't picture your face right now.

It feels like many years have passed.

If we stay apart from each other like this,

we'll really forget each other's face.

Hyeonhui!

I'll be right there. I have things to tell you.

What do you mean I can't?

Don't come. You shouldn't come.

You should return to your family.

No, we have to see each other.

Soon I have to go someplace really far away.

Where are you now? Hyeonhui! Hyeonhui!

Hello! Can you hear me?

That's right.

He has to return to his family.

To his family. But why do I...

Hyeonhui!

Come with me.

I don't know how long I thought about it

but the sky, the mountain, and the lights, everything was so far away.

Don't say anything. Don't.

The road seemed infinitely wide.

But I couldn't move.

I just wanted to die.

But I endured. Thinking if I did, I would be able to live.

- I'd live a long, long time. - Hyeonhui.

My heart has always been next to you.

I always held you like this.

No. I couldn't grab onto anything.

I'm going to grab onto your love no matter what.

Why can't you do the same?

Never, even if I die.

Even if the world were to collapse, I wouldn't.

- Because of your pride? - Because I feel inadequate...

No, because I love you. I don't want to remain

in your heart as someone detestable.

It's all the same.

I'm going to America for six months.

- When I return... - I heard about it from Mr. Kim.

As soon I heard it, I went to call you.

After I return, let's get married.

In the end, no one can have everything.

When the time comes, we'll have to say goodbye.

Why are you saying this?

Let's get married and go to that island.

There we will build our own kingdom.

It's just a dream. A fairy tale.

I'll never exchange this moment, even for eternity.

But this moment will soon vanish like bubbles.

I went back to being Madonna again.

Sanghyeon will leave in two weeks.

With the passing of each hour, my heart is filled

with nothing but anxiety, worry, and emptiness

like water in a jar

that keeps shrinking.

Madam.

You've became more beautiful since your illness.

Mr. Kim! How about treating me?

- I have a great deal. - A deal?

Ah, coffee.

I know a foreigner in the AS foundation.

You can have the rights to the paper distribution if all goes well.

- Wouldn't that be difficult? - Not to worry.

Everything's under control. But, in return you...?

But I heard that they won't give away the rights to an individual.

Like I said, there's nothing to worry about.

Why don't you meet him when I bring him here tomorrow?

I don't think that's necessary.

Why don't you see if you can make it happen?

If you get the rights to the distribution,

you'll become the king of publishers, won't you?

- Are you the madam here? - Where are you from?

Excuse me.

If it's okay with you, I would appreciate it if you could

come to the Sky Lounge at the Bando Hotel by 5 o'clock today.

Why don't you have a seat?

Would you like a beer?

If not, Coca-cola?

My husband is an innocent person.

So I understand the nature of your love affair.

Please drink some.

You might think it sounds strange since

no woman would say she understands it and mean it.

But I want to talk as honestly as possible.

We were husband and wife only in the beginning of our marriage.

But I still love him.

If I didn't, I wouldn't have wanted to see you.

That also means that I don't feel miserable about it.

We were a loveless couple from the beginning.

But we didn't hate each other or fight constantly.

I had a torrid affair before I married him so I just thought

that it was his turn to have one.

I won't cry or babble on about this.

And I won't get divorce, not only for my sake

but also for my husband's sake.

I also hope that you won't.

Then what are you going to do from now on?

I don't know.

But I do think I can't continue this way.

I've been waiting for something to push me in that direction.

There isn't much to this life. You should try to live it undramatically, no?

I almost let the world get to me because of our passionate affair.

Your passionate affair? How dare you!

- "Oh, how are you, Mrs. Lee?" - How are you?

I heard that you frequent Madonna coffee shop.

Oh, you're here, too, Madam.

What brought such world-class beauties to this place?

- Excuse me. - Why don't you stay a little longer?

How do you think? "They are all beautiful, ah?"

Ma'am, take a look over there.

The second floor is going be to a coffee shop and the third floor a billiard room.

They're going to spend ten million won to build that coffee shop.

Wouldn't that put you in a pickle?

Let them.

I think it would be best to sell the place if you have a buyer.

Can I go with you?

Why? Do you have something you want to talk to me about?

Can I sleep over at your place just for tonight?

- Won't they wait for you at home? - I live alone.

- It's okay, isn't it? - Yes.

See you later.

Would it be right for me to die or to live?

That's for you to decide.

You talk as if you're beyond it all

- when you're full of worries. - Yes.

You're right. But there's no one to help you.

But can you help me please?

I don't know what to do.

You're asking me this because

you still have hope and regrets in this world.

What is the reason for you to die?

I'm... pregnant.

What?

Get rid of it. And live your life.

Gwanghui didn't show for a week.

I just thought that she must be nursing the hurt

to her body and heart.

Sanghyeon didn't come to the shop, saying

he was busy getting ready to leave for America

but we met every night

and wandered the streets until late.

And one day...

- Madam, coffee! - Yes.

You brought it yourself?

- Didn't an American come looking for me? - No.

Let me put this carnation...

You know the one you saw at the Bando Hotel.

A foreigner did not come to the shop.

He's a strange fellow. We said we'd meet here.

- Hello. - What happened?

How are you?

You don't approve of the way I look, do you?

No, I don't.

I thought so. So I decided to quit.

I decided on a career change.

Is this your way of getting back at him?

No, I'm not trying to get back at anyone.

It's fun to live this way.

Are you going to put yourself through that pain and shame again?

I don't have the luxury of thinking like that.

Do you think our bodies are something that important?

I'm going to get going now.

Ma'am!

- Mr. Lee's leaving for America. - What?

Here.

He said he'll wait for you there.

After tonight Sanghyeon'll leave for America.

Let's drink.

Be strong and wait for me.

And please sell that coffee shop as soon as possible.

Can you please light my cigarette?

I should either become a fallen woman or get married.

Is that what you have to say to me now?

Will you cry if I die?

Stop talking like a fool and try to love yourself more.

- Let's go. - No, let's stay a little longer.

The whole night won't be enough, but you should go home.

You have to leave tomorrow.

Should I see you home?

Will you see me oft at the airport tomorrow? 2 o'clock tomorrow.

- I will. Of course, I will. - You're crying again.

Please don't cry when I'm not here.

Hyeonhui.

I'll shed every drop of my tears tonight

so that I won't cry ever again.

Huna, what do you want to become when you grow up?

- A famous painter. - Really?

Be good. Mommy'll be back soon.

- Mommy, you have to come home early. - I will.

They said they wanted the interest today.

I'm on my way there now.

- You know where she lives? - I'll call and ask.

She's at it again. There goes one more broken dish!

What should I do about that fool!

Sujeong, where are you coming from?

I went to see my mother.

Mr. Lee,

I don't feel well so I don't think I will see you off at the airport today.

You don't have to, really...

Sujeong, where are you coming from?

That Wench Hyeonhui will show up at the airport, won't she?

Let her.

Should I let her have it when she comes here with the interest?

Hi. I don't feel well today.

Hello? What happened?

What?

So?

What?

And?

What?

Yes.

Of course.

Right, right.

What?

The reserve?

I can't believe it.

What?

Yes, but that's not going to happen.

Yes.

Yes?

You fucking assholes! We were in it together!

Yes.

I'll see it till the end.

I can't take this sitting down, can I?

- Have a seat. - No, I have to go.

Oh, you must be sad that Mr. Lee's leaving today.

Let's not talk about things like that.

I'm saying this for your own good.

Why don't you start looking for another partner?

You seem to have more interest in this than me.

Why shouldn't I when we are

college friends and also neighbors?

That house that you just saw is their house.

You don't know how close and peaceful

they have been.

It's natural for men to be curious about other women.

I see. You don't need to explain anymore.

I also have my pride, you know.

I thought about telling you of my decision in a letter from America.

- But that seemed cowardly. - You thought it was cowardly?

You're so full of yourself.

Then, did you think you'd have a mistress?

Sujeong.

Just because he had an affair, did you think he'd get a divorce for you?

You're out of your mind.

Sujeong thinks differently now, but when Mr. Lee comes back from America,

it's a sure thing that he'll come back changed.

Crazy bitch.

What's wrong with you?

You look pale.

- Get me a cold glass of water. - Yes.

Mr. Smith Really Want that girl?

She is beautiful

She has mysterious and paintive eyes

Loneliness makes you feel so

Mr. Smith

Money and power conquer any girl

- She too? - Sure

Oh, I see

But she seems educated

She will prove to be an ignorant

less than secondary schooling

Oh, That so

But perhaps she hates foreigner

Nevermind

She likes a foreigner more than a Korean

Because foreigners treat girls with deep kindness

Then, would you introduce me?

Of course

If you favor of me that I asked for the other day

Oh, You mean the news print come through AS foundation Association?

- Yeah - I see

Mr. Smith Frankly speaking, She's my girl

It all depends on you, you can have her But think!

It means money to get such a woman Just a headache

Oh, If she is your girl, I give up

Don't be so modest!

She belongs to a special class easy to catch

ready to caught, and forget all, that'all

Since she has a child from an illicit relationship and

works as a coffee shop madam who must serve many customers,

she should have been able to dismiss such sexual harassment.

Even though it was the insulting statements that were the cause of this murder

and it was done on the spur of the moment,

the fact that the accused shows no repentance for

taking a precious life should be seen as criminal

as the murder itself.

Therefore, the prosecutor asks for five years of imprisonment

according to Criminal Code 250, section one.

What? Five years?

I would like to point out the unlawfulness of connecting

the occupation and the private life of the accused to this case

and thereby deciding the character of the accused.

Upon hearing the insufferable insult,

the accused suffered temporary mental derangement

and as a result, she ended up causing the physical injury

which was caused by the circumstances leading to that day.

I believe there is no need to bring up the accused's past

or her job.

Every human being has a right to protect his or her own dignity

and to a woman, chastity is as important as her own life.

Although the victim did not act upon his words,

he trampled on the accused's sense of dignity and chastity with

his verbal harassment and although she is no prostitute, he made

a verbal sale of her for his own benefit. The violence on the part of

the accused, then, can be understood as self-defense

that comes from one's instinct for self-preservation.

Dear God, please do not give me any hope.

Giving me hope'll be nothing but interminable pain.

Instead, please help me forget him.

Please help me hate him and erase

all the memories of the time we spent together.

Hyeonhui.

- Step aside. - Oh no.

Don't worry and just go home.

With the money from selling the shop, please pay off the debt

and with what's left over, move to a different house.

Please do this for Huna.

Hyeonhui.

Don't worry about anything.

Being demanded a five year sentence, but there's a possibility

that you might be sentenced stay of execution.

This letter came from Sanghyeon a couple of days ago.

One more thing. About Gwanghui.

I went to that bar but she's left that place.

I'll look for her some more but...

- Thank you for everything. - Let's go.

Hyeonhui.

You came to see the spectacle.

Go ahead. Take a look at how wretched I am.

My precious! What about my precious child?

Hyeonhui! Hyeonhui!

This little one had fun fucking but strangled

her newborn baby.

That one with the disheveled hair was an opium addict.

The lady over there was the queen of contraband smugglers

a cheat, and also had her hand in illegal trading of dollars.

The pretty one there

got locked up for trying to kill a man.

And me,

I was jilted.

The big-nosed American soldiers followed me around, drooling

but here I am, looking pathetic.

But in this room, I am the queen.

I've been convicted three times, you see.

But unlike you, I didn't kill anyone.

I was sentenced of three years of imprisonment and

became a resident inside these red brick walls.

Mr. Kim said he'd appeal but

I refused.

It was because I wanted to escape even just a little bit

from the guilt that was pressing down on my heart.

Number 147! You have a visitor.

I won't see him.

It's not Hwangyu Kim this time. It's Sanghyeon Lee.

Are you refusing again?

I won't see him.

He said he came back from America yesterday and has to see you.

I won't see him... I won't see anyone!

You're so stubborn.

Why won't you see him?

Even here, you've got to have money. With money, it can be a paradise.

Stupid!

Myeongja, I'll see you later.

- Close up soon. - Yes. See you tomorrow.

After the trial, I went to see her several times but

she became angry and said I shouldn't visit her

if I was going to talk about you.

If I hadn't left that day, this tragedy wouldn't have happened.

What's the point of saying that now? Three years'll pass by soon.

I just hope she can stay healthy there.

When I finalize the divorce with my wife tomorrow,

I'm going to wrap things up and leave for the island.

You mean the place where Sejong has a fish farm?

Yes.

I'll be there until Hyeonhui is released.

Is that running away from reality?

If you're doing this for sentimental reasons, you shouldn't.

And what are you going to do after her release?

If she doesn't say no, I want to marry her.

I see.

Does Sejong still have that fish farm?

He does.

- Mr. Kim, you know about Gwanghui? - What?

A customer came by and said

he saw her at a very strange place near Dongdaemun Market.

- Near Dongdaemun Market? - Yes.

- When? - A couple of days ago.

He said she seemed crazy.

Poor Gwanghui.

If Mrs. Kang were to find out about this, she'd be so worried.

She was a good girl.

Hyeonhui still asked me to find out her whereabouts.

Only now

can I understand why Hyeonhui slapped her.

Human beings are nothing but puppets who

cry and laugh at the plays that they themselves write.

- Should we go? - Yes.

- Please come again. - We will.

Do you know a woman named Gwanghui? She's a little short

- No, dunno. - No.

- Do you know a woman named Gwanghui? - What does she look like?

She used to work at a coffee shop.

I started working here yesterday so I have no idea.

- I see. - Do you mean that crazy one at Sunja's house?

Right, they said she did become a little strange.

Come this way.

Are you her boyfriend? How do you know the crazy one?

What the fuck! It's like she is deaf!

She won't leave when I tell her to, and she won't die.

What does she have against me?

She can't even do one customer in a day.

You, stupid bitch! Look at this bed.

It stinks in here...

- Ma'am! - What?

A customer wants to see her.

Why don't you bring him in?

Welcome.

Wait.

Bitch, try to look alive here! Try!

Don't chase away this customer, you hear!

Just look at your hair. Just look!

Come here.

What should I do about the bed? It stinks.

- Ma'am! - All right.

Welcome. You're back because you couldn't forget her.

Go ahead.

She said she has a stomachache from dinner so...

This is my first time here but is she... Gwanghui?

Then, are you from the town office?

No.

Gwanghui! Aren't you Ms. Yun?

Gwanghui!

She's her, I tell you! She's really docile.

Don't you believe it's me?

How did you end up at a place like this?

I've been looking for you.

Why are you looking at me like that? Tell me what happened.

Gwanghui!

- Are you going to enjoy yourself here? - Gwanghui!

Then are you going to spend the night?

Gwanghui! What... What are you doing!

I came looking for you!

There she goes again, fucking crazy!

- Give me a cigarette, please. - Here.

Right now I feel like an empty jar

or like an empty field.

Gwanghui!

She's at it again, jabbering like a fucking nut!

That's what you call a poem.

She learned it from her first no-good lover.

A snake!

There!

Here!

- A snake! - Gwanghui!

Gwanghui, don't worry about anything.

I'll get you to the hospital tomorrow.

Even now Hyeonhui is very worried about you.

That's a lie.

A lie.

How many times do you have to read that?

Let her read that like the Sutra for three years!

You fucking startled me, bitch!

Sanghyeon, my dearest love. But what good does it do to think about him.

The beautiful days of the past and the whispers of love are

nothing but thorns to prick this heart of mine now that

I've become sick and fallen into this hell, this cesspool.

- So what does she have? - The obvious.

What else can you get from a place like this?

She has TB.

She should move to a dispensary, or she won't survive.

Why don't those visitors come anymore?

Why should they come when she refuses to see them?

What's the point of being so stubborn?

She should move to a dispensary or asked for a medical release.

If not, she will leave this place as a ghost.

Be quiet!

What are you so chatty about?

Huna, Huna, Mommy's here. Mommy's here!

- Huna must be her girl. - The one out of wedlock.

Nobody came. Nobody came.

Did she dream about the messenger of death coming?

The poor thing.

We should tell her family.

Let's give her these to keep her warm.

What a surprise!

I heard that you were on the island. When did you get here?

I just came from the place. Have you been well?

Yes.

Over here!

- You just got here? - Yes.

- I got your letter the day before yesterday. - I see.

- So how did it go? - It went well.

They say the process is quite difficult.

She'll be released for medical reasons tomorrow. What do you plan to do?

Thank you.

I'll talk to her and her family but I want to take her to the island.

Although it's a wonderful place, it doesn't have

- an adequate medical facility. - I'll ask the doctors.

Right. So, how is the life on the island?

I invested in the fish market, so I help out there during the day.

I started a night school at an elementary school there.

You wouldn't believe it, but lam the school principal.

- That must keep you busy. - It does.

I think I should join you with the investment.

Mr. Lee.

- Do you know that Gwanghui died? - What? Gwanghui?

- She was placed in a mental asylum. - And?

She didn't even last a month there before she killed herself.

- Killed herself? - Yes, the poor thing.

She held onto this even when she was dying.

- This is a poem. - Yes.

These were her last words.

She recited this poem even with her dying breath.

Get on the train.

From now on, forget about everything and just take care of yourself.

- And don't worry about anything here. - Yes.

- I'm so indebted to you, Mr. Kim. - Don't mention it.

Come back if you want to. And write to us often.

When are you going to come back this time, Mommy?

I'll get better soon and come back to see you, Huna.

I won't cry even when I miss you.

I won't cry, either.

Be a good girl and listen to your grandmother.

I told her you won't come if she cries, and she's been so good.

Mommy, is the place farther away than the countryside where you went before?

No, it's closer.

- You should get on board. - Goodbye.

- I'll write as soon as I get there. - Get on board, hurry!

Mommy! Come back soon! Mommy!

- Mommy! - Huna, goodbye!

Mommy, come back soon!

Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!

Let's go down to the cabin. The wind doesn't do you any good.

I like it. It feels so fresh.

- You're like a little girl. - This feels like a dream.

Are you happy?

When you recover, let's bring your mother and Huna and live together.

I told you so! Let's go down to the cabin.

If not, I'll bring your medication, so wait here, all right?

You wrote in the letter,

that we are lonely islands that are drifting away.

The tie between people is like the distance between the islands.

You and I are like the closest islands that are floating away.

You're right.

We won't drift farther away from each other, will we?

And we can't be closer to each other than we are now.

There are an elementary school, the fishermen's union,

flat cottages that look like crab shells

and a beautiful lighthouse at the east end of this island.

It's been a month since we got to this island.

We even have our own little nest.

My sickness gets better one day and worse the next.

But every day for me is filled with infinite happiness

as if I'm finding out for the first time what happiness really is.

The mailman will come today.

We might get a letter from your mother.

I had a nightmare last night. I hope Huna's not ill.

You have a nightmare because you think too much.

I was thinking about bringing them here this weekend.

Really? I want to go with you.

No. I can go myself.

- Mr. Lee! Ready to join us? - Yes.

- Is the tide in already? - Yes.

Let's go.

Are you going to pull in the net over by the lighthouse?

Would you like to come and watch?

- It's okay for me to go, no? - Don't overexert yourself.

Honey! Hurry, and let's go back.

As free citizens of this liberated country of democracy,

we should think for ourselves and act with our hands

and legs, and truly repent the mistakes of our past...

The doctor from Yeosu's here. You should go now.

Yes. Wait.

Let's stop here.

I have to go horn, but do continue.

Huna. Huna.

Thank you for coming.

Honey, please stay with me. Honey!

Please bring Huna here. I'm dying to see her.

Why don't you bring her? And wait.

- She's very sick. - What?

She's been coughing up so much blood.

Go to Seoul and you have to bring this.

What is it?

It's for the plasma, a blood injection. You can't get it here.

Huna, you poor thing. You had to stay away from Mommy.

Sejong, I'm going to get going now. Please get me some strong sailors.

Not on a night like tonight!

- The sea's turned upside down! - Let's go and see.

- I have to get this for her. - Leave tomorrow when the sea's calmer.

I don't have time.

If I leave now, I should be able to catch the first train from Yeosu tomorrow morning.

Mother!

Please bring Huna here next to me.

Hurry!

- Take care of yourself. - Don't worry.

With this wind, I'll be back by the time you finish your cigarette.

- Please take of her for me. - Yes.

- I'll be back in two days at the latest. - Don't worry about anything.

- Grandma. - What?

- Please, tell Mommy that I didn't cry. - Of course, I will.

- You shouldn't cry when you see her, either. - I won't.

Huna.

Sing, sing, sing... Huna.

What happened to the ship? It's so late.

The poor thing.

There is no doctor or enough food on this island.

You're right. People from the mainland will not let their daughters

marry to our boys on the island.

Sanghyeon, please stay. Please, don't go.

We can't be farther away or closer.

Sanghyeon.

Mrs. Lee! Wake up! The ship's here!

Stay with us. The ship is passing the island in front of us.

Please.

Your mother and your Huna'll be here soon.

Doctor, please!

I cannot keep on using heart stimulants.

Still... Mrs. Lee!

Stay with us. They'll be here soon. Your mother and Huna.

- My mother and my Huna? - Yes.

- My poor Huna, my poor Huna. Please, don't get up.

But my poor mother and my Huna are coming to see me.

- I should go and see them. - No, just stay here.

The ship's here!

The ship? Please, help... help me up...

Mommy! Mommy!

- Mommy, it's me! - Hyeonhui.

Doctor, here's the medication.

- Doctor! - Doctor!

I'll use it since you brought it but...

What?

Mommy! It's me, Mommy! Mommy.

- Mommy! - Hyeonhui!

Mommy, Mommy! Mommy, talk to me.

Please, Mommy.

I didn't cry when I missed you but you're crying now.

Sanghyeon.

Please, take me to a place that's farther away from here.

Sanghyeon.

- Hyeonhui! - Mommy!

Mommy! Don't cry...

- Mommy, say something! - She's passed away.

Mommy.

- Mommy, it's me, Mommy! - What should we do?

No, Mommy! Mommy!

Producer: Seong Dong-ho

Planning: Jang Il

Original Novel: Park Kyeong-li

Screenplay: Choi Geum-dong

Director of Photography: Lee Seong-chun

Director of Lighting Koh Hae-jin

Art director: Park Seok-in

Music: Jeong Su

Recording: Sohn In-ho

Effects: Lee Sang-man

Editor: Lee Weon-do

Cast

Moon Jeong-suk Kim Jin-gyu

Choi Mu-ryong, Eom Aeng-ran, Park Am

Hwang Jeong-sun, Heo Jang-gang, Do Geum-bong

Kim Dong-won, Lee Bin-hwa, Nam Chun-yeok

Moon Hye-ran, Seong So-min Ok Kyeong-hee, Seo Weol-young, Koh Seon-ae

Jang Min-ho, Han Mi-na Han Eun-jin, Jeong Ae-ran, Lee Kyeong-ja

Nam Mi-ri, Kim Suk-il, Kim Hyeon-ju Child played by Jeon Young-seon

Special appearance by William Vaness

Poem by Seo Jeong-ju

Music Music Composed by Choi Geum-dong Lyrics by Park Si-chun

Sung by Pak Seol-hee Recorded by Midopa Record

Director Gwon Young-sun

The End.