Original subtitles

You, there!

Move it along!

What are you looking at?

Put your back into it.

Musang…

- Musang! - Stop.

Musang!

Get her back here!

Musang… Musang!

Musang…

Musang!

- Musang… - Wola…

Musang…

Wola.. Wola…

Musang…

Wola!

Wola!

- Musang! - Wola!

- Musang! - Wola!

Move out.

What are you doing? Move it!

Think this is your playground?

Wola!

Musang… Musang…

- Come on, don't… - Musang..!

You've gone insane.

Who was that ugly mutt, anyway?

Well, who was he?

No lunch or dinner for you.

And you're in for a beating.

Well? Move it out.

Ma'am.

- Well? Come on, hurry. - Musang.

What's the hold up? Move it along!

Move!

Worthless! Get up! Get up!

If we don't make our quota we're all in for it.

Move, I said!

Move!

What are you doing? Move!

We can't. It's too dangerous.

What? Whiny little..!

They're doing it, aren't they?

Move. Go on! I said move!

That's what they get.

What about them?

It happens every day.

Get up. Back to work.

You..! Now!

You want to join them?

We're going, we're going.

Come on.

Hurry it up!

Go!

Move it, hurry!

I said move!

Go, go on!

Well? Move it along!

Look… look!

What..? It's dangerous! Come back!

Morons! We're building here, not tearing down!

Move those rocks. Lift the debris.

Get the stones back in place, move it!

We have to help the wounded first!

What?

Take that! Don't you get it yet?

You're slaves, get that?

So you're a hero, huh?

Who told you to get involved?

What? People are hurt and dying. People!

So what?

How dare you mouth off to me?

I haven't liked you from the start.

Today you die.

Enough.

Sir. We got a mouthy one here.

Clear away the bodies.

Yes, sir.

I want every stone back in place by nightfall.

Or it's your heads.

- Don't boil it too long. - Ma'am.

I want them clean.

If they're not, no meals again tomorrow.

No one will think twice about one slave girl more or less.

Finish this and take those over the fire to the storehouse.

Understand? You deaf?

Yes, I understand.

You know the special forces has lots of guests today?

No loafing. Get the tables ready!

Ma'am.

Those…

What's this supposed to be?

Radish porridge? No radish, no rice, nothin'.

Those…

This is hell. We'd be better off in prison.

Here we're prisoners and slaves, both.

It's hell… We've got to get out of here.

If you've eaten, stand up.

You'll freeze to death sitting there. Keep moving.

Get up!

Hear that? Not even a breather.

- Not worth spit… - See that guard?

He's the worst. He never lets up.

And him… Uga…

As strong as an ox, that one.

They're just like the rest of us.

Slaves.

Slaves? They're slaves?

Slaves, just like us.

But they survived the games.

Right, back to work.

Get up if you know what's good for you!

Let's go.

What's your name?

Slaves don't have names.

But they used to call me Gap.

You?

Me?

They called me… M-Musang.

But my birth name is Kim Jun.

Which is it, Musang or Kim Jun?

Just Kim Jun.

There's no reason to call me Musang anymore.

But tell me something.

If those two are slaves, how did they get to be guards?

What are the games?

Enough chit-chat. Back to work!

All right, all right, we're going. Come on.

What are the games?

They used to be a tournament for the nobles.

But now they use them to find warriors.

You really never heard of them?

Anyone can enter. I plan to myself.

If we survive, it's our ticket out of this place.

We can be guards or better.

Or like Commander Choe Yangbaek.

Commander Choe?

Yes, he commands the slave brigades.

So, “Commander.” He's got a Deputy Commander under him.

Choe Yangbaek is a real terror.

He's been the last man standing in all the games to date.

The slaves worship him.

Hurry it up. Put your backs into it.

Move it!

The games are almost here. Just three more days.

Exactly.

“Honor to the bravest of the brave.”

That's what I'm talking about.

So is everyone else.

- Make way! - Come on.

That's… isn't that Jeong Sukchom?

Of course. He was recalled cause of the recent monk rebellion.

Rumors are flying.

Rumors..?

[Traitors]

Sir, if you please?

Make way!

Sir, Jeong Sukchom has entered the capital.

No doubt he'll go straight to see the Overlord.

Shouldn't you go to meet him?

The tournament is in three days.

You can use that as a pretext to call on the Overlord.

And see Jeong Sukchom while you're at it.

You can plead for mercy.

Mercy?

Mercy…

Where is my father?

He just entered the city.

And my husband?

On his way to the Overlord's residence.

Good.

What do you think?

A tiger riding the clouds.

The kind of ambition a real man should have.

The kind of man that's hard to find.

Thank you, Yonsim.

There's something lonely about a brazier.

Yes, Miss.

Chunsim here likes Choe Yangbaek's type.

Yonsim, what about you?

Oh, I wouldn't know.

No?

Look here, you think I don't know you're sixteen?

I know what it's like.

Like she doesn't know?

She's just being coy.

Oh…

Aren't you worried? About your Grandfather Jeong?

The whole house is frozen with worry.

It will be all right.

Miss? But everyone--

They're saying he's sure to be punished.

I know.

But he won't be.

I know my Grandfather Choe.

He's not the type.

Miss?

It's just not in him.

[Anheungni - Choe Chungheon's Residence]

Attention!

Welcome.

Long time.

Too long, sir.

Is my father in?

Yes, sir.

The Overlord insisted on dealing General Jeong himself.

Is that so?

But why all the troops?

The Overlord insisted General Jeong have an escort befitting his station.

Let's go.

Yes, sir. This way, if you please.

I didn't send for you.

Yes, Father.

I'm here to report on the tournament that you enjoy so much.

The tournament?

Very good.

There's nothing else quite like it.

Nothing is as exciting… as invigorating as military games.

Yes, Father.

Is it hard running the security forces?

No, sir, not as long as I'm protecting you.

I'm glad.

May I ask why you're alone today?

Your father-in-law is here so I sent everyone to meet him.

We're in-laws, aren't we?

In-laws.

What's between us…

is between us.

Oh, about that girl of yours.

Songi.

Yes, sir, we're trying to find a suitable match for her.

That won't be easy, not that I can see.

Manjun and Manjong are both lecherous colts.

You only have the one daughter. You need a son-in-law that's worth something.

He'll be family, too.

Yes, Father.

Think about Kim Yakson.

Sir?

All his brothers are clever.

Kim Kyongson's the same way.

A talented family, wouldn't you say?

I'm told Kim Yakson has always been a genius.

He knew the 1,000 Characters by age three.

Ah, yes, Father.

What, something else on your mind?

You don't have to say it.

There's nothing to talk about.

I'm not long for this world.

You know the old saying?

A tiger should toss his litter off a cliff.

If they live, they fight over the milk.

It's the same with power, taking it and keeping it.

Remember this.

You're my firstborn, that's all.

No more, no less.

Being born first gives you no special privileges.

Only the strong can rule this country.

I built this dynasty.

I worked too hard…

to tolerate weakness.

Choe U… Can you prove you're the strongest?

Father…

Time is short.

So short…

You must be tired from your journey.

Not at all. Those presumed guilty have no right to be tired.

Why are you all here to greet me?

Father sent us to escort you.

Yi Kyubo, sir. It's been too long.

Oh, Chancellor Yi, you're right.

Far too long.

Let's go.

- Move out. - Yes, sir.

- Escort the general. - Sir.

Well? My father is at Anheungni?

Yes, he'll be there soon.

What will happen to him?

Oh, dear…

Attention!

General Choe, escort him in.

Yes, sir.

If you please, sir.

Father, I've brought Jeong Sukchom.

Sir…

Overlord, Jeong Sukchom reporting as ordered.

Welcome, Sukchom.

I appreciate you're coming from the front.

Not at all, sir.

How goes it at the front?

Advance, retreat, advance, not much to report. Your pardon, sir.

You've worked hard.

You, there.

Give him the warm drink we prepared.

But, Overlord, I thought I was here to be disciplined.

Liquor?

Drink.

Now.

Sir, if you insist…

You drink it all?

Yes, Overlord.

Take it away.

Listen to me.

We've observed the proprieties as in-laws.

Now we'll deal with your crime.

Jeong Sukchom.

Overlord.

You!

Traitor!

You incited the monks to kill me.

Did you think you could get away with it?

I heard about it on the way here.

But I have no shame under heaven.

You're the prime minister, the overlord, my in-law, how could I be any different?

Enough!

I've been hearing about you since before you left for the front.

The monks that marched on Kaegyong were your responsibility.

Aren't you in charge of the front line forces?

True, but they were deserters.

Why would I bother inciting them?

If I wanted to rebel, I would have mobilized all my men.

Why would I waste time with 1,000 or so monks?

Enough!

You were entrusted with the fate of Koryo.

It went to your head and you got greedy.

I called out the security forces as befitting a man of your position.

- Men! - Overlord!

Execute this traitor and display his head at the city gate.

Overlord.

You have your orders.

Take the traitor away.

Father.

What is it?

I beg you.

Please spare his life.

Please, Father.

Overlord, we have yet to confirm the monks' statements.

It reflects poorly on the Prime Minister to execute a general in haste.

Please reconsider.

Pak Songbi, how dare you request anything in the Overlord's presence?

Overlord, he's the father-in-law of your son, Chae U,

who heads the Royal Secretariat.

Punish him, yes, but don't execute him.

That's enough of that.

How dare you?

Father, think of my family. Please show leniency.

I'm ashamed that I didn't foresee this and stop it happening.

I bow before you in contrition.

Look at your son and offer leniency.

Spare him, Father.

Pathetic.

To think the head of my security forces, acting in my interests…

would kneel and beg like this?

- Men! - Overlord!

Still, there's something to be said for old times' sake.

Old age is like the turning of the leaves.

Choe Junmun.

Overlord.

All right, his life is spared.

But he is to be stripped of rank.

And all his property is forfeit.

And he is to be exiled to distant Hapdong…

so I never have to see his face again.

Yes, Overlord.

- Take him away. - Sir.

Thank you, Father.

Father…

Move it!

Move, move, move!

Hey, move it! Go on!

Move it along!

Musang… Musang…

Move it!

Move!

Welcome.

You and I are well out of it, Abbot.

We can raise our heads, have a drink.

Forget Musang.

Wola, too.

They were born slaves. They're back where they belong.

What? Where they belong?

They were my children. How can I forget?

Before I'm a monk, I'm a man. A human being.

Can a father forget his own?

In the end we're all in this together.

Well? Take one each and get to cleaning.

Yes.

Hungry?

Eat this. We stashed away a cake.

Go on.

It's all right, eat. Go on.

Dear, dear, wasting away.

How you'll last as a slave I'll never know.

Who was that young man this morning?

Do you care for him that much?

Who is he? Were you captured together?

Oh, dear.

I only caught a glimpse, but he's a looker.

You need to see him that bad?

Then we'll have to find a way.

We can't have you rushing off again.

Psst, Kim, Jun.

Comrades. Doksam here is all right, a good man.

He used to be a butcher.

And Byong. They both can fight.

Doksam.

Byong.

Oh…

I told you about the games?

We're signing up.

So… are you with us?

Why don't you answer?

I don't know how.

- Neither do I. - Nor me.

Then why sign up?

It's just a game with horses and a ball, but it's bloody work.

It's so rough, most are killed or maimed first thing.

Most of the maimed end up dead, too.

But if you make it through…

you can get out of this public service hell.

Well, what do you say?

Lots of other slaves are signing up.

You're the quickest of our crew here.

Think it over. It's your only chance.

Let's do it.

What do you think, sir?

We could use all of them.

They're a wild bunch.

Cutthroats, condemned men, country toughs, military men.

Quite a crowd, sir.

They would be.

The Tournament.

A form of polo using a long-handled mallet...

to drive a ball into the opponent's goal.

Originating in Persia, it spread to India, China and Koryo.

The teams are divided into Riders and Runners.

In Koryo, especially during the Choe regime, they favored Riders.

Records indicate the games were used to recruit to the military and court postings.

It is impossible to overstate the violence and danger of the games.

Sir, that was something at Anheungni today.

To see the high'n'mighty groveling and ground to the dirt.

Enough.

Doesn't it follow that you'll be the next head of the security forces?

I doubt it.

It may be the Overlord never planned on killing Jeong Sukchom.

We can't guess his intentions.

Your elders are talking here. Butting in..!

How are my brother's participants?

Nothing to worry about.

Nobody of any special talent.

He's just going to enroll the usual slaves.

Chancellor Kim.

Sir.

Is Choe Sanbo doing all right?

Yes, sir, I've prepared a house for him as ordered.

His reputation is such he already has many callers.

Oh?

Good.

Your coming…

was foretold to me.

This is my first time. How can that be?

Now, now, when one is in tune, one sees all.

I see.

I understand you have miraculous powers.

Sabaha, sabaha, sabasaba sabaha…

Keumgang, Myohyang, Tamna, Sampo, Keumgang, Myohyang, Tamna, Sampo.

Om Mani Padma Hum.

One!

Well, well, tsk-tsk-tsk.

Try as you might, no child shall you bear.

Oh, sir.

Sir, please, spare me.

If I don't produce a child, he'll leave me.

Your hand. I'll examine your palm.

Now.

Obey me and your troubles will be gone.

Well? Will you obey?

Ah… All you really need is to get pregnant, right?

Move out.

C'mon, quick.

Where to?

I know a place with the best fresh fish in town.

Oh? Then let's go.

You endure today's indignity with grace.

- Here, drink. - Thank you.

You spared Jeong Sukchom from the tiger's jaws today.

Was it that bad?

It could have been.

But as things are, it's difficult to predict what the Overlord might do.

How do you mean?

Choe U, trust the Overlord.

His intentions are never quite what you or others might think.

I'm not so sure.

Father has tied my hands.

And offered the sword to Choe Hyang.

Trust him with what?

I head the security forces, but I have no real power.

That's not how I see it.

Think about myself and General Kim Yakson.

They already know he and I are your men.

But the Overlord keeps us close.

He wants you to know what's going on around him.

Like tonight, for example.

The Overlord has used them over the years.

And they've grown stronger.

It's not something that can be stopped overnight.

They're strong and well-known.

The problem is being wary of the danger one cannot see.

How so?

We need to get the attention of their youngest member, Yi Jangyong.

It's true.

He's clever, well-trained, inventive.

And known for his brilliant strategies.

I'm sure you've noticed the Overlord isn't well.

He's only kept alive with rare herbs.

No one dares act while he's alive.

That's your window of opportunity. As long as he's alive.

But there's not much time.

You have to find a way in the time remaining.

Uga, where's Yangbaek?

You little… Saying his name like?

YOU little..! To you he's “sir,” but not to me.

Chunsim, have you no self-respect?

Why?

You have to ask?

He never even looks at you but it's always,

“Oh, Yangbaek, hee-hee, Yangbaek.”

What's all this?

- Sir. - Sir. This little--

Yangbaek, Yangbaek, I made you some punch.

Perfect for the cold. Here.

- Um, no… - Try it.

Commander, the General wants you.

Oh? Let's go.

Chunsim, isn't punch better cold?

This is hot.

You've been drinking.

It's all so frustrating.

You know as well as I… Choe U disgraced himself today.

It broke my heart.

Kneeling and begging in front of everyone.

Did you find out? About the tournament.

Generals Choe Junmun and...

Ryu Songchol hide away anyone we could enter.

Those two. I'd like to wring their necks.

What does it matter?

Choe U is so despondent.

We've got to find a way to rouse him.

Yes, sir?

I sent for you.

Sir.

You've done well with the public workers.

Tomorrow report back to special forces.

The tournament is upon us.

Yes, as you say, sir.

Yangbaek.

General.

I'm told we have a lack of volunteers.

None like you, anyway.

You see anyone?

We can't lose to Choe Hyang's men.

You've been overseeing the slaves. Any hopefuls?

Some of them are all right in their own way--

Yangbaek… What good is that?

Oh, Yi Kongju.

Sir.

What about that monk?

The one from Chungnyong Temple.

Kim Jun, sir?

That's his name?

Yes, sir.

There was a little trouble at Chungnyong.

I suspect he may have had some martial training.

Does he? Good. Get him.

But sir, he devoted his life to Buddha.

Will he participate in games where people may die?

Don't be ridiculous.

Some 1,000 monks tried to kill the Overlord. Where was Buddha then?

A round in the arena will give him a real shiver.

Go get him.

It's better than nothing. Don't you think?

Yangbaek, bring him here.

Yes, sir.

Oh, don't worry. Just have some.

It's no problem, none at all.

This is the good stuff, only for the senior officers.

Give it a try.

Well, why not..?

There's an old bachelor friend of mine here.

You don't mind if we take a peek?

Smells great.

I figured you had a reason.

Who is he? I'll call him.

His name is Musang.

Oh. There he is, there.

Ah, him.

I saw him in the quarry. Nearly killed in a rock slide.

You there.

Not you. You, you, c'mere.

You have visitors. Come on.

Move it.

Hurry, hurry.

Go on, go on.

Wola.

How are you? All right?

Yes, Musang, I'm fine.

You don't look fine.

Don't give up.

We'll get through this if we don't give up.

And you?

I'm doing fine.

It's great. Lots of fresh air every day.

What's..?

Cake?

No, I'm full. They feed us plenty, I'm fine.

It's fine, Wola.

I'm fine.

Wola, have you seen the abbot?

- No. - I see.

But he'll be worried about you.

He'll come to get you when he can. Have faith, all right?

Attention.

What's she doing here?

Just the man I'm looking for. Now then.

Kim Jun, the general wants to see you.

Come with me.

- Open up. - Sir.

Follow me.

Where you going?

Oh, dear me… Whew, took 10 years off my life.

That Choe Yangbaek gives me the vapors.

What a man.

And how the other girls go on?

To think he was here.

Come on, we should go.

As you may have heard, we hold an annual tournament.

Volunteers fight three times.

Make it through the first round and you'll be rewarded.

Taken off the work detail, of course. Perhaps even given a commission.

If you make it through the first round.

But most men die.

I heard.

If you make it through the second round…

you'll be one of the half dozen deputies under the commander.

It's highly unlikely, but if you make...

it through the third round like Yangbaek here…

we'll grant you a single request.

Perhaps even a commander post.

Will you do it?

Why don't you answer?

To survive… I have to kill others?

What did you think?

You kill to stay alive.

Listen, I heard your story.

But you're not a monk now.

You're an indentured servant. A slave.

You'll never be a monk again.

Understand?

Well? Will you or won't you?

Well? Yes or no?

Forget it. Yangbaek, take him away.

He was a waste of time.

- Take him away. - Yes, sir.

Let's go.

I thought more of you, I'm disappointed.

Is that all you can be, a monk?

You could have been off work detail.

Well? What did they want?

To send me to the games.

The games?

Wait, they called you out for that?

They know you can fight?

Come on, spit it out.

How did they know to send for you at all?

Look, Kim Jun, say yes, absolutely.

Don't go back to this.

If you make it through the third round like Yangbaek here…

we'll grant you a single request.

The path to enlightenment requires much of you.

First, do not kill.

All life is sacred.

To survive… I have to kill others?

What did you think?

You kill to stay alive.

Right, that's it. Hurry it up.

Move it along, you.

Sir, this is your last day, someone else is taking over?

Correct.

I hear you had a few words with that slave last night. What about?

Never you mind. Back to work.

Yes, sir.

Move it along.

Yi Kongju, is this the best we've got?

Still, with work we can make something of them.

Where did the scruffy ones come from?

Volunteers from Yanggwang and Kyoju.

- Let's see them ride. - Sir.

That flag is like the one in the arena.

Ride through the enemy defenses.

Move.

- Move out! - Yeah!

Argh! Worthless!

Again. With the others!

Stand aside.

You two, storm the breach.

Argh!

Move it!

Back to work, you!

Move it!

And you! No pretending!

Faker! Fake THIS!

Get up!

Now you're asking for it!

Just my luck. Three dead today already.

You.

Load them up and drop them in the ravine.

Move it!

Kid, listen to me.

Get away. Better to die trying to escape.

You're not a monk now.

You're an indentured servant. A slave.

You'll never be a monk again.

Musang, Musang… Musang!

Yes, I'm a slave. I'll never be a monk again.

Now I've got to save Wola.

I've got to fight. To live.

I've got to live.

Commander!

Commander!

I'll enter the games!

I'll fight in the games!