Original subtitles

THE JOSEON LOVE STORY WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT, BY HONG SAM-NOM

The reason why I came here is...

Well, this is not about me.

My very close friend

is onto something very peculiar, and I am seriously worried.

What is that peculiar thing he does?

While walking around absent-mindedly, he runs into a wall.

He's never been a drinker, but he would drink

and get into a fist fight which he had never gotten into before.

And he gets upset

whenever someone mentions a certain lady, doesn't he?

That's right.

"You don't stand a chance.

She's out of your league."

He must have been upset when his friends discouraged him by saying such a thing.

How did you know?

I heard you are like a psychic when it comes to love issues.

You do live up to your fame.

My life is so miserable these days

because of...

that lady.

It's all right. I understand.

No man has been strangled to death because he confessed his love.

So why don't you...

muster up your courage?

Are you going for a walk, My Lady?

Are you all right?

Take care, My Lady.

She doesn't even look at you. She's Ms. Impregnable, indeed.

Ms. Impregnable?

That means it's very hard to make her open her heart.

What should I do then?

Just for ten days, don't do anything.

What if she forgets me for good?

There is no woman who wouldn't become curious

when the man who has always been around suddenly disappears.

On the tenth day...

My Lady, are you hurt?

What do you think you are doing?

Are you all right?

Yes, I am fine, My Lady.

Don't let it happen again.

No, I will continue to save you every time.

Even if a big tree falls on me,

even if people throw stones

or point fingers at you,

I will protect you every time.

Where on earth

have you been

for the last ten days?

MAN FROM HWASEONG AND WOMAN FROM GUNSAN

THE JOSEON LOVE STORY WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT

Are you awake, Your Highness?

Your Highness, my sincere apologies,

but the matter is too urgent that I cannot delay.

Go in.

Go inside. Come on.

-His Majesty is... -No need.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Premier Kim.

Last time, we had a lecture on Jin Nam-dang's

Disciplines for Virtuous Scholars.

Do you remember it?

When morning comes

and you wake up to a cock's crow,

wash yourself, brush your hair, and dress for the day.

Open your book

and learn from the sages

as if Confucius is with you,

and Yan Ying and Zengzi are there in the front and back.

And what does that mean?

A true scholar should wake up in the early morning,

dress properly, and meet the sages in the book

with a pious attitude.

That's right, Your Highness.

You should always keep Jin's teachings in mind

and try to live by them.

I will,

Master.

Watching the Crown Prince devoting himself to studies

makes me feel happy.

I can't believe this.

"In the book you just quoted,

-what does it say about an attire?" -"What does it say about an attire?"

"Perhaps..."

"Perhaps,

you will laugh at me for asking such a question."

Why?

Even that laughter is scripted.

LAUGH THREE TIMES

Is this some kind of joke? I can't believe this.

Bring it to me.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, please kill me.

Your Majesty, please kill me.

That idiot.

KIM HEON, CHIEF STATE COUNCILOR, THE QUEEN CONSORT'S FATHER

I just followed my master as I was taught.

But it seems like things have gotten worse than before.

I was just trying to...

You see.

You should be teaching your student.

You shouldn't be pretending to teach.

And yet you just pretend to teach.

My apologies, Your Highness.

My goodness.

I'm only joking around, Master.

You have done nothing wrong.

It's the wind that unexpectedly blew that is to blame.

Your Highness, what is that?

It's a paper that flies.

A flying paper!

Sam-nom!

Hey!

Good luck.

What's all the fuss about that little man?

He's a popular figure in Unjongga. Don't you know him?

He's so talented. He's bound to succeed.

He'd do anything for money.

That is Sam-nom!

RECRUITING EUNUCHS TEN SILVER COINS WILL BE REWARDED

With ten silver coins,

I'd still have a plenty of money even after paying off the debts.

Eunuch?

You know it’s time for your medicine. Get up.

Why did you just turn over?

I don't want it.

What medicine?

I’m so deep in debt. I can’t even buy food.

-Don't be like that, Father. Get up. -I said I don't want it!

Why can't you stop bothering me?

I’m not even your real father. It's not like we are related in some way.

What holds you back from leaving me?

For goodness sake!

You know I’ve got nowhere else to go!

If you’ve decided to raise me, you should take responsibility!

Well, I’m doing a terrible job! I’m just a burden to you.

You said you were going to save up and go find your birth mother.

How long are you going to live like this, pretending to be a man?

-This again... -Sam-nom, are you in there?

Coming!

Stop saying stuff like that. Just take your medicine and get better.

Ra-on...

I told you not to call me by that name.

My name is Sam-nom. Hong Sam-nom.

I'll be glad if you decide not to come back one day.

You know what I mean, right?

Well, I wouldn't be.

I should go.

Young Master, Sam-nom is here.

Welcome!

-Hey! -Oh, gosh.

What's that you're wearing?

I made it myself. What do you think?

It's great for camouflage when you're on a battlefield.

If I hide in the bush like this,

you won't be able to tell if I'm there.

You'll never know!

I see. Anyway, what did the letter say?

Let's see.

She’s worried if I’ve been developing a cough

because of all the flower pollen.

So, what's your reply?

What do you think I should say?

Well, you have to speak your mind first.

I only write down what you’re thinking.

I can’t come up with ideas myself.

You’re right, I suppose.

I’m going to leave this place with the wandering performers soon.

Are you just going to keep exchanging letters with her like this?

What else can I do?

Don't you want to meet her?

Do you not want to see her in person?

Of course I do...

"Eyes as bright as black pearls.

Nose as sharp as a crescent moon.

And the lips as red as a pomegranate"?

Who sent this?

Who is trying to deceive my little sister with these absurd lies?

I don’t know who it is!

I only pick up and bring the letter from the arranged place.

That’s all I know, Your Highness!

“I wish to see you before the spring ends.

I’ll be waiting under the same tree we met

at the foot of Mongmyeoksan..."

-Do you approve of this? -Certainly not!

So, what should you tell Princess Myeongeun?

Pardon, Your Highness?

I have to tell Her Highness that she can't go there.

That would make her want to go there.

I'll tell Her Highness that Your Highness is worried sick...

That would make her resent me.

Should I just tell Her Highness that he didn't reply?

I like that option. You may go now.

Thank you, Your Highness!

I finally figured out why everyone hates working at the Crown Prince's palace.

How can they take away three days' worth of payment?

It feels like shit as if they are pulling bean sprouts out of my asshole.

Stop saying "asshole"!

People are eating here.

And I'm having bean sprouts!

They did go a bit too far.

I don’t even eat smelly stuff like garlic

and chew on bitter cloves all the time,

so I won't have smelly breath.

I feel so bummed.

I should ask for someone determined and smart

among the new recruits.

We are so understaffed here.

There are too many things to be taken care of here.

-Eunuch Jang! -What?

-We're in trouble. Crown Prince is... -What now?

He changed out of his dragon robe and disappeared again!

Oh, Your Highness, please!

All right!

Your Majesty!

Go ask the Queen consort's father!

Your Majesty!

I said, go ask the Queen consort's father!

-Ouch! -Hey!

Oh, no. I came to look for some pretty ladies,

but instead, I groped a man's squishy part with my hands!

Gosh, yuck!

How dare you speak to me in that manner?

Who the hell are you?

Why you...

How dare you talk to me like that? Who the hell are you?

You little... I am...

You go first!

Oh, me? I came from the palace far, far away.

I took hundreds of steps to the left, and to the right,

and then to the left and right.

-From the huge Crap Prince's Palace... -Wait!

I think I know where that is.

I live there, too!

Father?

Crown Prince?

What the...

Shouldn't you be studying right now?

Why are you out here, chasing after some ladies?

Let me join you.

You rascals!

How dare you mock the Great King and...

the Crown Prince?

You should practice more on playing your instruments

instead of coming up with dumb jokes.

-Tie that loose rope, you idiot. -What was that all about?

What is he talking about? It's not loose.

Gosh.

Now you’re in trouble.

Hey, stop!

What are you doing?

Take off! Put this on!

"Take off your clothes, and put on mine."

That's what Young Master is trying to say.

-He tends to stutter when he’s nervous. -Right.

Oh, I see.

But why do you need my clothes?

You should... go...

"You should go to Mongmyeoksan Mountain today on behalf of me."

That's it!

Oh, has she agreed to meet you there?

She is... so high...

"Since she is so high above my reach, we can never be together.

-So you should end it on behalf of me." -Yes.

What? End it?

Well, I did write the letters for you,

but I thought you meant every word!

Am I wrong?

Let's say I do go out there as you.

That means that I have to pretend to be a nobleman.

If I get exposed,

I'll be dead!

Sam-nom! Here... Money...

-"I'll pay you well!" -That's right.

Is that how you think of me?

I'll give you more!

-You can’t win people over with money! -Oh, okay.

-Should I put this on? -Yes, hurry.

I've been watching you from afar for a long time,

but this is my first time being so close to you.

I don't know what to do with my racing heart.

Even if I write you a hundred letters,

mere word won't be able to express how much I long for you.

"My eyes are fixated on you."

Wonderful voice.

Was it not supposed to be a petite girl?

Why does this man have the love letter?

We can never be together.

Please tell her to forgive me for falling in love with her

when I should not have.

I just thought it was a lady from a noble family,

but it was a man!

My gosh.

I'll give you more!

That was quite a letter.

Especially this part. Even I couldn't help...

but tear up a bit.

When you feel that way, just cry your eyes out.

-What? -It must have been very tough

for you to be in love with someone you can never be with.

It's okay.

I understand you.

Why did you ask to meet me?

You must have known that this is meaningless.

I know we cannot be together.

Even if I know that,

I cannot stop my heart from loving you.

I'm here for only one purpose.

I'm here to tell you

how deep...

my feelings for you are.

I get you. You must've missed me a lot.

Let's not waste time here.

Let's forget the world

and make a memory

we can keep forever.

Just the two of us.

Let's go.

Welcome.

-Gosh. -Darn it.

You idiot! Look what kind of mess you've made here!

Clean that up, you idiot.

This place serves the best gukbap.

The owner used to be a court lady at the royal kitchen.

You poor sons of bitches.

How much more kimchi are you going to eat, you fucking idiots?

Why are you laughing, you shitheads?

Don't you think you're being too rude to your customers?

Cut the crap, you idiot.

I need to earn money, too, you bastards.

Eat this, you idiots.

Why are you laughing at curse words?

-Is that a joke? -It's a question.

Gosh, you're boring.

How is that a curse?

She reminds us of our grandmothers,

and it's just her friendly gesture.

My grandmother never cursed like her.

-Is that right? -Yes.

Have you ever been hit by your grandpa for doing a poor job

-reading the Thousand-Character Classic? -Never.

I mastered that book at three. Why would I get it wrong?

Then have you ever been slapped for peeing while sleeping?

I have never done that.

Even if I have done that,

nobody would dare to touch me.

I guess I should start calling you "Silver Spoon."

What do you mean?

Well,

you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, wrapped in silk.

And then you were raised delicately

like a flower.

A flower?

I'm not like that.

It's all right.

Not every man is supposed to be reassuring like an old tree.

Some men are delicate

like flowers.

I said you're wrong.

All right. Let's just say put it that way.

You...

You brats.

Stop chatting and get the hell out if you're done.

How dare you look straight into my eyes?

You look familiar.

Your...

Try this.

What are you doing?

Kimchi goes the best with gukbap.

It's so good.

Follow me.

Where are you going?

I haven't finished this.

Wait.

You should've told me if you were not hungry.

You didn't even touch it. What a waste!

My gosh.

Come on.

You can't do this here.

Instead of ordering people to get you,

I came to catch you myself.

It was because I was hoping

that you would turn out to be a nice person.

But you don't even know who you wrote a love letter to.

And you are terrible at pretending to be a nobleman.

How should I kill you?

What?

What do you mean I am pretending?

I am a nobleman.

I meant what I said in the letters.

You did?

Lead the way.

I need to see which family you are from.

Go.

Go where?

Go.

She was so close to being respected as a virtuous woman.

Damn it. How dare he run away with someone else's wife?

What are you doing?

Go get them.

Go get them right now!

Be careful.

Why did they come all the way here?

How dare you behave in this rude manner?

It's the sun that is rude.

It's so strong and hot

that it might damage the beautiful face.

It deeply worries me.

But who are you to worry about me?

"Worry about me"?

I see. The beautiful face...

I was talking about mine.

-You have a trust issue. -Hurry.

Here comes the poop water!

It stinks!

Take it easy.

If you don't bring me the interest within three days,

I won't be pouring poop water over you.

I'll burn you in a fire. Do you understand?

Hey, I need to take a piss.

Are you going to watch?

You can join me.

My back hurts.

What was that?

Are you hurt?

Why did you push me?

That's...

Snake!

Do you have to lose your head...

Snake.

Bend down.

Bend down. I will go up and help you out.

You have to help me out first.

-Then I will... -I said, bend down.

-I will go... -Bend down!

Let's just stay here together.

I'm sure someone will pass by.

Someone will.

I can't believe this!

Bend down. Right now.

Bend down!

Gosh, I told you that we should wait.

You have to stand like this for me to hold you up.

Can you reach it?

What?

No.

How about now?

Just a little more.

When I get out,

I will make you wish that you had stayed behind

in this pit.

What? What did you say?

Nothing.

Can you reach it?

I can't reach it.

Push me up a little more.

Come on.

Stretch your arm a little more.

Come on and use more strength.

How about now?

I'm...

I'm out.

Hey.

Go find something you can use to pull me up.

What are you thinking?

Silver Spoon, I’ll send help your way soon.

-I'm truly sorry! -No.

I'll send someone to help you within an hour.

Wait, if you get me out...

I’ll let you leave, no strings attached.

Get me out of here.

I heard everything, you know.

You said you are going to make me suffer.

That was just a joke. Hey!

You! Do you even know who...

You think you can get away with this?

If I ever see you again, I'll do whatever you ask me to do.

Should you want me to be your dog, I shall!

I am really, truly sorry!

-Sorry! -Hey!

No, wait. Hey!

-Hey! Come back! -See you never!

You little...

You little bastard!

Come back!

What did these people do?

That servant ran off with his master’s daughter-in-law.

What? Was she not his master's daughter?

Was she the daughter-in-law?

Then,

what did this guy do?

The servant paid this guy money

so that he can win over the daughter-in-law's heart.

He's so terrible.

Hey, it's not like...

Well...

He probably just helped them realize their feelings for each other.

Excuse me.

What are you doing?

These two already ran off.

But this guy...

What will happen to him if he gets caught?

The master is probably going to kill him before he even gets arrested.

This is just something I've heard, but...

I heard that this lady... I mean, this madam

was treated really badly.

When she thought she was all alone, suffering from pain,

this man was the only one who looked after her.

Well, that’s what I’ve heard.

How do you know so well?

Hey, wait.

Let me see your face.

This is ridiculous.

Come on. Show your face!

You're not coming?

Aren't you old enough to take care of yourself?

You look like a mess, covered in dust.

The ones responsible for the riot regarding rice problems

have all been beheaded.

But we also cannot just ignore

the price fixing problem in the market.

So I think it would be best to execute the merchant, Kim Jae-seok

and the store owner, Ha Yeon-su.

Do what you think is right.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Wait.

Didn't you say some people were already beheaded?

I was never informed.

I gave the orders.

I believe we share the same thoughts, Your Majesty.

Premier Kim,

before thinking about

a better solution for the people

so that they would never have to steal

because of hunger,

do you really believe that I'd want to kill them off?

You are so weak-minded.

If you give the starved riot something,

they’re going to demand more and more.

And before you know it,

they are going come for you to get more out of you.

There is no guarantee of your safety.

Remember what happened ten years ago?

You still have trouble falling asleep, don’t you?

I only want the best for you. Your Majesty.

Leave everything to me

and focus on your health.

Any more questions?

No.

Did you really think you could fake it?

Are you talking about the mole?

Well, since you figured everything out, I’m not going to lie to you anymore.

Thanks for helping me earlier.

I helped you because I didn't think you did something evil.

But...

You just got away with it one time.

People are going to recognize you. It'll be tough for you.

Take care.

Right. Hey!

I forgot to mention that the couple looked very happy together.

You're quite fast.

My gosh.

Let go of me!

Hold him still!

Yes, it's done!

What the hell are you doing?

Sam-nom, even if I’m selling you off,

never ever forget this.

This place is much better than the other one. I guarantee you that.

What do you mean by that? Where?

EUNUCH TRAINING INSTITUTE CASTRATION FACILITY

Let go of me!

Open up! Please!

Excuse me.

-Where am I? -You're in Eunuch Training Institute!

What is this place for?

Others call it, the eunuch making factory.

You make what?

Eunuch.

What?

Eunuch.

No. I'll never become one!

Open up!

Please, open this door.

Eom-gong.

What? Eom-gong?

Hi, Eom-gong.

No, Lord Eom-gong?

Right! Master Eom-gong!

Please spare me!

Go away! Don't come any closer!

I'm not going to do anything to you now.

Don’t waste your energy now.

You need preparation. You can't eat or drink water for three days.

You're a pretty boy.

Food, water... None of those matters.

I just... I don't have those!

You don't have what?

Has the letter arrived today?

No, Your Highness.

There was nothing under the tile.

It’s far past the date we promised.

Why is he not writing me back?

Your Highness...

How can he be so cruel?

Young Master...

Damn it.

Stop crying. There’s no turning back.

The contract has already been signed. It’s a done deal.

You either have to live as a eunuch, or die.

Still...

I am very fortunate.

What?

I hear that you are very skilled

and no one can beat you in this.

Me?

I sure am skilled.

Others can barely save about three to four guys out of ten,

but as for me,

I can guarantee that I can save five out of ten.

That is amazing.

That's not all.

-Ten years ago... -Ten years ago?

But this is a secret.

I was able to make a clean cut like a sword master

even when I was wasted.

Like a sword master?

Is that true?

How could you do that with alcohol in your system?

Because this hand here remembers it all.

Oh, this hand here.

However,

I haven't met a single man who hasn't bragging about his glory days.

Hey!

That's how it goes. When people grow old like you,

they make mistakes...

Don't you dare underestimate me, Eom-gong, who has the hand of God.

Oh, you're a real man.

Of course, I'm a real man. What do you think I am, a girl?

-Drink one more glass like a real man. -Bring it. You think I can't handle that?

Now that I'm done with the drinks,

time for work.

Actually...

These goddamn drinking habits.

I tampered with the blade drunk again. Damn it!

Sam-nom!

You're alive. You are!

Sir.

What in the world...

You remember what happened last night, right?

You were so sure of yourself.

Don't you remember?

What are you talking about? Of course I do.

I remember. I did, you know...

Anyway,

how are you feeling?

You had skills like those of a sword master.

I did, didn't I?

I want to sleep.

Sure, take a rest. Go ahead.

Yes, go on.

Rest.

Come on.

Even if you wait any longer, Sam-nom will not come.

-Let's go. -Sure. I'm not waiting for anybody.

Let's go.

Hong Ra-on.

-Take that off right now. -No.

Can I wear this just for today?

No, just until sunset. Please?

Mom.

You are not a girl.

You're a boy.

Don't you get it?

Do I have to say that again? Or do I have to slap you again?

Take that off right now.

Ra-on.

I'll be glad if you decide not to come back one day.

You know what I mean, right?

He must have been so happy thinking that I ran away.

Are you happy now?

Take it away!

Come on, Your Highness.

I'm dying here, worried about you.

I'll take my revenge.

I'll take hold of him

and shred him.

Could it be possible that he's ill?

Your Highness.

What are you doing here, Yeong?

Am I not allowed to come here?

Look at you. You look so terrible.

What is this?

I'll tell you once you eat this.

It's a book containing personal details

and descriptions of the finest men in this country.

Why are you giving me this?

Take your pick.

I'll bring him for you no matter what.

What?

It's a big world out there

and there are plenty of men.

You call that skinny thing a man.

His Highness is entering the palace!

You'll need to brace yourself.

After a simple test in the morning,

they'll train you hard right away.

What test?

The penile test, of course.

It's only to check if it's cut off clean.

But don't you worry.

You know how good I am.

Who are you?

Silver Spoon?

Jeong Deok-ho?

You think you can get away with this?

If I ever see you again,

I'll do whatever you ask me to do.

Should you want me to be your dog, I shall!

Good to see you again.

Puppy.

-The physical exam shall begin. -I can't live like this.

I can still recognize a woman's figure.

Puppy?

What on earth is your identity?

Look at what he goes around doing.

Dethroning him will be easy.

After him!

Isn't it a brilliant coincidence?

The Crown Prince made an appearance soon after an assassin shot an arrow.