Original subtitles

3 YEARS LATER

You ingrate sons of bitches.

Don't you come back begging.

I'll find a star who'll make Rothy look like nothing.

Just wait and see, bastards! I'm going to show you!

I'm going to find a star.

[Groans]

Did you call for a driver?

Yeah, sure.

[Engine starts]

[♪ Intro - 'Bad Guy' by Billie Eilish]

♪ White shirt now red, my bloody nose ♪

♪ Sleepin', you're on your tippy toes ♪

♪ Creepin' around like no one knows ♪

♪ Think you're so criminal ♪

♪ Bruises on both my knees for you ♪

♪ Don't say thank you or please ♪

♪ I do what I want when I'm wanting to ♪

♪ My soul? So cynical ♪

[Car Horn Honks]

♪ So you're a tough guy ♪ Like it really rough guy ♪

♪ Just can't get enough guy ♪ ♪ Chest always so puffed guy ♪

♪ I'm that bad type ♪ ♪ Make your mama sad type ♪

♪ Make your girlfriend mad tight ♪ ♪ Might seduce your dad type ♪

♪ I'm the bad guy ♪

[Snores]

[Music continues]

[Door opens]

Just my freaking luck.

[Closes door]

[Knocks]

Hey, mister!

Wake up!

Make sure you wire my pay.

Don't even dream of bailing on me.

Okay?

Or I'm calling the police.

[Door opens]

[Closes door]

[Groans]

[Urinates]

[Guitar sounds]

[Zippers closes]

[Guitar music]

[Can crumples]

[Guitar music continues] [♪ Intro - 'Bad Guy' by Billie Eilish]

White shirt now red, my bloody nose

Sleepin', you're on your tippy toes

Creepin' around like no one knows

Think you're so criminal

Bruises on both my knees for you

Don't say thank you or please

I do what I want when I'm wanting to

My soul? So cynical

So you're a tough guy Like it really rough guy

Just can't get enough guy Chest always so puffed guy

I'm that bad type Make your mama sad type

Make your girlfriend mad tight Might seduce your dad type

I'm the bad guy

[Music continues]

CONTRACT

What's your name?

Ji-hoon.

Got a surname?

It's JI.

JI JI HOON

Oh. that's your full name.

JI HOON

You must know Rothy from the Golden Singers.

I was her producer.

So, do you want to put on a gig with me?

Sorry?

Someone just cancelled a gig,

you can take that spot.

What are you talking about?

Here, it's your contract.

I don't understand.

Just read and sign it.

Mr. KIM!

Min-su, where are you?

Are you in here? Anyone?

The bastard's been running the place

behind my back all along.

Making any money yet?

You've got to pay us back, first!

- I'll get going. - Hey.

Wait. Don't you want to make some money with me?

I don't need money.

I told you, I arranged Rothy to appear on the Golden Singers!

Who were those people?

Let's talk in the car, okay?

[Car starts]

- Put your seatbelt on.- You bastard! Stop the car!

Open the door!

Open the fucking door!

Open it!

Open the damn door!

- KIM Min-su! - Open the door, bastard!

Get out of the car!

Get the hell out of the car!

Mr. JEONG, I told you I'd pay you back!

Stop harassing me.

You're pimping me out with interest already!

Did you just call me a pimp?

- Hey, kid! Open the door! - Get out!

Open the door!

[Car screeches]

KIM Min-su, you motherfucker!

You fucking son of a bitch!

You can't be satisfied with singing inside a parking booth.

I'll make sure to put a spotlight on you.

I could put you on the Golden Singers show.

You could be on an actual stage!

Rothy?

ROTHY PRODUCED BY KIM MIN-SU

What's holding you back?

I can't figure you out.

There's nothing to worry.

You'll understand after a few gigs.

I can't sing in front of people.

What?

You can't sing in front of people?

That doesn't even make any sense!

The thing is,

I just can't.

Do you have a stage fright?

Do I need to throw a blanket over your head?

[Guitar music]

HANA RECYCLE

Get in.

[Music continues]

We should pick a song everyone knows.

SEOL-LIN-MUN

What's going on?

Let's check it out! It might be for a TV show!

[Plays electric guitar] [♪ Korean National Anthem]

[Conitues playing music]

[Continues playing music]

What happened?

Are you okay?

JI Hoon!

Did he just faint?

I've had enough of you!

Watch your mouth, bitch!

How dare you raise your voice!

Get off of me! Fuck off!

I'm going to smash him along with his guitar!

[Quiet music]

JI Hoon, stop right there!

[Rustles]

[No audio]

[Drags]

[Door opens]

Can you tell?

It's Glastonbury. The world's biggest rock festival.

You've been there?

Would you like to go, too?

Don't you want to be a singer?

You just have to trust me.

Well? Are you in?

What a pretty boy.

Thank you.

I hope you like the food.

Her MV reached a millions views

on Youtube in just two days!

Is that Notsy, or what was her name?

How's she doing?

It's Rothy! And she's got nothing to do with me.

[Utensils clank]

INSTALLMENT DEBT OVERDUE

Is everything okay with your nightclub?

Your scary looking friends came by the other day.

Quit it, mom.

I got it under control. Stop nagging me when I eat.

I lost my appetite.

[Door closes]

Well, he finished all his food.

Did my son put you on a diet?

Dig in when he's not around.

My son's been working hard to promote his singers.

But they turned their backs on him.

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Please.

Take good care of my son.

Of course.

It's been a long time since he brought home a guest.

Forgive my ramblings.

Thank you for the food.

[Firecrackers pop]

[Popping continues]

We'll tour the provinces.

Ten gigs in total, including nightclubs and street busking.

I can't give up just yet.

It could be a huge success or a failure.

But we'll part ways with no regrets.

Have a drink.

I can't drink.

[Quiet guitar music]

This is the Honam Jeilmun Gate.

[Music continues]

Jeonju is known for bean sprout soup.

The poached egg is a delicacy.

[Music continues]

[Thud]

There's a little problem.

He's got to wear a cardboard box.

No, he's pretty as a peach!

He plays the guitar like he was born with it.

Fine, I get it. Okay, 150 dollars it is.

100 dollars? Fine, I'll take it.

A fire? No, I haven't heard.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Hello? Are you there?

Yes.

Hello? You bastard.

There are ten nightclubs in Jeonju.

Many closed down since the business is slow.

But in the old days,

making it here meant a direct ticket to Seoul.

Hear me? A direct ticket.

I managed to find you a gig tonight.

Please show all you got.

You won't even answer me.

Tis' the real rock-and-roll!

I'm the real rock-and-roller!

Just look at my face!

Tis' the real rock-and-roll!

I'm the real, I'm the real!

Rock-and-roller!

[Audiences cheer]

[Claps]

Thank you!

Bravo!

It's your turn. Take the stage.

Have a drink on me!

[♪ Intro - 'Without You' by Harry Nilsson]

No I can't forget this evening

Or your face as you were leaving

But I guess that's just the way the story goes

You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows

Yes it shows

No I can't forget tomorrow

When I think of all my sorrow

When I had you there but then I let you go

And now it's only fair that I should let you know

What you should know

I can't live if living is without you

I can't live I can't give anymore

[Screams]

Shove it up your nose!

Enough of this gloomy shit.

What's this? A music box?

Hey, karaoke dude!

Play something for us.

Okay?

Four, eight, seven, six!

It's Barefooted Youth!

Okay! Let's go!

Wait, we forgot to feed it money.

There you go, start playing!

You happy now?

- Excuse me. - Min-su. Let me.

Let me take care of it.

Wait.

[Plays electric guitar]

Don't sweat knocking on no more fortunetellers

Just wait and see, everything will work out your way

Don't be afraid to be a fool just trust and follow me

What you see isn't everything I am

My time will come, sooner than later

I have a long way to go

For I'm a barefooted youth

But I won't stop just yet

Here I go!

Just stay beside me and watch me go on

Someday, I'll give you the whole wide world

Enough!

Crap.

You really need to watch your temper.

Anyways, he's quite a gem.

He's not a freaking human karaoke.

Karaoke or not, he plays great music.

Music is all about delighting

and impressing people.

And that's exactly what he did,

the customers were pleased.

I say 1,500 bucks a month

if he plays four weekdays a week.

Sounds good?

Consider it an advance.

Treat yourselves to a warm meal.

Hey, bro.

Come on, we're leaving!

I'll see you tomorrow.

Let's go!

We have six gigs left.

We'll split in half, as per our contract.

Where are we going next?

Just follow me.

And we have eight gigs left. Playing karaoke doesn't count.

[Quiet piano music]

Cover the front!

Alright, get in.

It's raining...

...cats and dogs

Is that a song?

I wrote it. I'm going to register it with the Copyright Association.

It washes away everything

Don't you like the lyrics?

It's raining...

...cats and dogs

It's raining cats and dogs

It washes away everything

You can sing without the box.

I wasn't singing.

Yes, you just sang.

It's raining cats and dogs

It washes away everything

It's raining cats and dogs

It washes away everything It erases everything away

Let me introduce you

to a very special friend of mine.

Please greet him with a big applause on three!

Ready? On one, two, three!

[Audiences clap]

I present you my tip box!

It's awkward to talk about money.

No need to feel pressured, thank you!

If you don't have cash, I accept credit cards, too!

Hey we're alright

Exactly now we can let it be

[Continues singing]

This is where you'll sing today.

Where are you going? Keep watching.

- Watch him.- You know what to do.

Let's go someplace else.

Geumnam-ro is the place to be in Gwangju.

I don't like it.

He already got a thing going.

Let's just join the ride.

Not here.

Wait.

Like it or not, you're singing here.

Or find your way home on your own.

Let's call it a day, everybody.

And this is it!

You okay in there?

Cheers.

We're about to play a new song.

Everybody, come on!

Everybody, come on!

Gather around!

Alright, Mr. Box, you got something. Sounds good.

[Plays guitar] [♪ Intro - 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams]

Woohoo! Okay

It might seem crazy what I am 'bout to say

Sunshine she's here you can take a break

Well I should probably warn you I'll be just fine

No offence to you

Don't waste your time Here's why

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you know what happiness is to you

Because I'm happy

Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do

Clap your hands, everyone!

Yeah, don't stop everybody. And Mr. Box, join me!

Keep clapping!

Good, very good.

[Inaudible]

♪ Because I'm happy ♪

♪ Because I'm happy ♪

Stop being awkward and just rock and roll.

Rock on, Mr. Box! Give him a big hand!

♪ Because I'm happy ♪

Surprise! Surprise!

Champion.

Thank you.

I enjoyed it.

- You're good. - Thank you.

Everything's a blur.

But you remember how you felt.

Well.

Your feeling is what matters.

How did you do it?

Do what?

- What did you tell him? - I gave him some money.

Money?

Yeah, money.

What kind of money?

The money you made by playing karaoke.

You spent that?

A true producer knows when to spend wisely.

Is that how you went bankrupt?

It was well spent to teach you a lesson.

I didn't ask for it.

He seemed like a professional.

How much did you give him?

All of it. 500 dollars.

Then what about us?

We have the tip box.

What's for dinner?

When in Gwangju...

[Electric guitar music]

...You must try meat pancake.

[Music continues]

It's raining cats and dogs

It washes away everything

[Music continues]

[Soft jazz music]

[Music continues]

Summertime and the livin' is easy

Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high

Oh, your daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'

So hush, little baby, don't you cry

[Music continues]

What brought you here?

It must be something important.

I'm looking for a stage to help him get acquainted.

Thought he could give this place a try.

But there's a little problem.

He has to sing in a box.

In a box?

He's got a stage fright.

Oh, dear. Is he ugly?

Come closer.

Excuse me, let me feel your face.

Closer.

He's cute. Not as cute as me, though.

I'm kidding.

Then...

You can't see the audience, just like me.

Come back tomorrow.

Bring him during the day when there's no customers.

I'd like to hear him sing.

You can't see the audience, just like me.

What do you feel about the audience?

They scare me.

How about when you're singing alone?

I'm happy, I enjoy it.

Then imagine you're sharing your feelings with others.

You make me smile with my heart

Your looks are laughable

Unphotographable

Yet you're my favorite work of art

Is your figure less than Greek?

Is your mouth a little weak?

When you open it to speak

Are you smart?

But don't change your hair for me

Not if you care for me

Stay, little Valentine, stay

Each day is Valentines day

You have a great bass voice.

Are you still inside the box?

Yes.

Min-su, will you help him get out of the box?

JI Hoon, can you singWhat a wonderful world?

Yes.

Do you need a score?

No.

Join me from the second verse. Are you ready?

I can't sing in front of people.

Try closing your eyes, just like me.

When you close your eyes, there's nothing but music.

A world of unfathomable depth and size

will unfold in front of you.

Min-su, please turn off the lights.

[Soft piano music]

I see trees of green Red roses too

I see them bloom For me and you

And I think to myself What a wonderful world

I see skies of blue And clouds of white

The bright blessed day The dark sacred night

And I think to myself What a wonderful...

[♪ Orchestra version of 'What a wonderful world]

The colors of the rainbow So pretty in the sky

Are also on the faces Of people going by

I see friends shaking hands Saying how do you do

They're really saying I love you

[Hums]

I see trees of green Red roses too

I see them bloom For me and you

And I think to myself What a wonderful world

- Cheers! - Cheers! Thank you.

I can see the sound of wind blowing from beyond the horizon.

I remember being a child.

I loved seeing the sound of the ocean

through the seashell father gave me.

I wish I could see sounds like you do.

JI Hoon, try closing your eyes.

You two are so melodramatic.

That's enough poetry for the day.

Here's to JI Hoon's future!

Cheers!

Cheers!

Good evening, everyone. My name is Nana.

I have a special guest tonight.

He's a very talented young musician.

Please give him a round of applause.

What a Wonderful World.

I see trees of green Red roses too

I see them bloom For me and you

And I think to myself What a wonderful world

[Continues playing the piano]

[Breathes shakily]

[Faint ringing]

[Chair drags]

What's wrong?

[Ringing noise becomes louder]

[Loud clatter]

[Cries]

[Continues crying]

[Screams]

[Continues crying]

[Shower running]

[Door closes]

[Quiet piano music]

[Music continues]

I'm sorry, it's all my fault.

No, I was too arrogant.

I'm sorry, Min-su.

He seems like a good kid.

Don't push him too hard, just be there for him.

You don't overcome your wound.

You embrace it like a friend.

It won't be easy,

but I hope you'd watch over him until the very end.

I'll get going. Take care.

[Door opens]

[Breathes heavily]

[Soft music]

[Door opens]

Now you're hiding under a blanket? Get up, already.

We're all the way in Yeosu.

You've got to try the local kimchi.

Do you want some picked crab?

I need to tell you something.

I can't sing in front of people.

I saw you whimpering at the pier.

Your contract isn't up yet. Just sit down and eat.

You've been starving yourself since last night.

[Slurps]

[Drops the liquor bottle]

I thought you couldn't drink.

[Soft music]

[Snores]

[Bright music]

One fine day, warm breeze reminds me of you

Perhaps you blew it to me I smell you in the breeze

It smells so sweet

It's been a long time since I felt this way

I might take a stroll with a cup of coffee

I'm listening to my old favorites

It sounds so good

- Let me call you back.- I think of you

Excuse me! Sir?

- Wait. Can I help you?- I miss you

Please, we won't cause any trouble.

I beg you,

- let it slide just once.- I wonder where you are now

My uncle works here in Gyeongju, too.

My favorite spring season passes by

Keyboard guy won't answer! Oh, there's my saxophone player.

We'll play over there.

You were always with me

Who are you with in this springtime?

Seasons have gone by

Yet I still miss you

[Music continues]

I wonder where you are now

You never liked being all alone

You were always with me

Who are you with in this springtime?

[Quiet guitar music]

Everyday at your side

I'd like to wake up to the sunshine

Everyday at your side

I'd like to open my eyes

Everyday at your side

I'd like being all alone with you

Everyday at your side

I'd like to talk to you

I'd like to share with you

The streets damp with rain

The sky glowing with sunset

I'd like to share that with you

Everyday at your side

I'd sink into the night

Everyday at your side

I'd fall asleep

[Hums]

[Continues humming]

[Audiences clap]

I love the night view from Hamwollu.

How did I do?

Every couple who were here tonight

would never break up thanks to you.

Thank you.

[Playful music]

[Music continues]

[Eating noises]

[Laughs]

[Music continues]

Mom, my debt's been taken care of!

It's just an empty threat.

Come on, stop crying.

No, that's not what I'm saying.

Mom, I'll take care of it.

Don't worry, I'll talk to them.

Quit it already, it's been 25 minutes!

Is something wrong?

Yes.

Thanks.

What do we do now?

Whatever, we'll find a way.

What about the box?

I owe you this much.

I owe you my mother's life.

Min-su was a huge success. He's just down on his luck.

How's your new business?

I barely manage and do what I can.

That's how life goes, you know.

Anyhow, you haven't changed a bit.

Are you messing with me?

Wait, pull over!

GANJEOLGOT COUNTRY FESTIVAL

What a great performance! Thank you, Mr. KIM from Ulsan!

Please give him a big hand!

Now, let me introduce a very special participant.

Our next participant is

a mysterious Box Man from Seoul.

He'll be singing the latest hit.

Chicken has never been more popular since this song was released.

It's titled, Chicken Dinner Tonight!

Let's greet him with

a loud applause!

The Box Man will singChicken Dinner Tonight!

CHICKEN DINNER TONIGHT

Drink up! Bottoms up!

Chicken dinner tonight!

Shout 'til you reach the sky!

I'm getting wasted tonight!

Raise your glasses high!

Chicken dinner tonight!

Getting wasted tonight!

Drink up! Bottoms up!

Chicken dinner tonight!

Shout 'til you reach the sky!

I'm getting wasted tonight!

Raise your glasses high!

Chicken dinner tonight!

Getting wasted tonight!

Please give him a big hand!

Chicken dinner tonight!

Cheers!

Hey.

You two were unbelievable!

Believe it or not, I think this kid

could be a great country singer.

You could be a dancer, too.

- You know what? Forget it. - I had so much fun.

Anyways, let's drink up.

Hey.

Here's to the Box Man!

- Cheers! - Cheers!

[Plays 'Clementine' with harmonica]

What's up with the depressing tune?

Is everything okay?

At least for this month.

My life is so pathetic.

My parents were in debts all their lives, too.

Your debt, it's your box.

Huh?

Yeah, maybe.

There're so many boxes everywhere.

A box here, a box there. It's a world full of boxes.

Will we ever get away?

It must be tough to sing in the box,

but don't you also feel snug in it?

Very.

Same here.

I hate debts but I just can't get rid of them.

Debts made me look good. Debts made me what I am.

I can't even tell who I am without my debt now.

Remember what Nana told me?

When I closed my eyes, I saw a much bigger world.

Maybe I was afraid to leave the box.

Maybe that's why I ran away.

I think I'll try again. Outside the box.

Okay.

Outside the box.

Where are we going now?

Somewhere special.

[Soft guitar music]

[Seagulls chirp]

Hyun-sik.

Min-su!

Hey.

[Music continues]

Hop on.

[Bright music]

[Rythmic guitar sounds]

[Flamenco music continues]

What is this place?

Interesting, huh? Gypsy music is the one true kind.

No taboo, no boundaries. Only freedom.

[Music ends dramatically]

[People clapping]

Look who's here!

Yo!

Min-su, here you are.

How have you been?

It's been a long time.

This place feels awesome.

Do you want to give it a try?

What should I do?

Just join them and enjoy.

Can I?

There's nothing to be afraid here.

Min-su!

Come check this out.

Think about it, okay?

[Plays latin style music]

Have you decided yet?

I'm still thinking.

What's the problem? Just play whatever you want.

Like what?

Nothing. Go your own way now.

Sorry?

Your contract is up. We did all ten gigs.

What are you talking about?

Look.

It's over.

What's wrong?

Don't you get it?

We're done here.

Is this how you ended things with Rothy?

Watch your mouth.

You dumped her.

Enough.

Just keep your precious box.

Tell me the truth.

You're scared.

Why'd you drag me all the way here

if you were going to bail on me?

Whatever, you'll be fine on your own.

So long.

[Swallows]

[Bottles clink]

[Distant chatters]

[Plays the guitar]

[Continues playing]

[Other instruments start playing along]

[Music continues]

[Faint ringing]

[Lound thud] [People scream]

[Loud clanks]

[Cries]

[Breathes shakily]

When I closed my eyes, I saw a much bigger world.

Maybe I was afraid to leave the box.

Maybe that's why I ran away.

[Screams]

[Starts playing the guitar]

[Continues playing]

[People cheering and clapping]

What is it?

Did you do that on purpose?

Was it a test?

And you passed.

Think I can sing now?

Have you been to Busan?

No.

Play me the D chord.

[Plays the chord]

On my way to Busan

[Soft music]

[Screams]

[Music continues]

A present from Nana.

'Cause you're a sky

'Cause you're a sky full of stars

I'm gonna give you my heart

'Cause you're a sky

'Cause you're a sky full of stars

'Cause you light up the path

I don't care, go on and tear me apart

I don't care if you do, ooh

'Cause you're a sky

'Cause you're a sky full of stars

I want to die in your arms, yeah

'Cause you get lighter

the more it gets dark

I'm gonna give you my heart

I don't care, go on and tear me apart

I don't care if you do, oh

Cause in a sky, 'cause in sky full of stars

I think I see you

I think I see you

'Cause you're a sky

'Cause you're a sky full of stars

[Quiet music]

[Footsteps]

What's your name?

JI Hoon.

What are you going to sing today?

It's called Break Your Box.

Did you write it?

With my friend.

Well, let me hear it.

[Deep breathing]

How long has it been

Maybe I got used to it

Like my old clothes

It's pitch dark around me

I open my eyes to nothing

I take yet another step

I know it won't be easy

But I reach for the faint light

Until I reach the sky

With my wings wide open

Break your box, break away

Break the pressure, burn it away

It's pitch dark around me

I find myself all alone

Like a dog chained to a post

I can't get away, it's all the same

No matter I do, it's all the same

Now I'm going to get away

Now I'm going to run away

For as long as my breath lasts

I open my eyes slowly

I take yet another step

Further and higher

With my wings wide open

Break your box, break away

Break the pressure, burn it away

Break your box, break away

Break the pressure, burn it away, break

Hey.

That was awesome.

Let's keep it up until the concert.