All language subtitles for The Elegant Empire E02

(All people, organizations,
locations, and incidents...)

(in this drama are fictitious.)

(All child actors were shot
under supervision.)

(Episode 2)

- What?
- I'm sorry.

Lend me your cheek for three seconds.

She's not here.
Maybe she took a different route.

Search thoroughly.

Excuse me.

Right.

Goodness.

What?

What do you think you're doing?

- Let's go.
- What?

Let's go. Do you not understand Korean?

All right.

- Hey.
- Give it to me.

- Gosh.
- Okay.

- Place the spoon and chopsticks.
- "By myself..."

Quiet. It's my mom. Hold on.

My sweetie, what were you doing?

Are your studies going well?

Oh, yes. It's all right.

I made some side dishes.
Where was your dorm again?

I'll go get it.

I've only been at my desk studying.
Going home will be my workout.

- Try it.
- Stop it.

- I'm telling you to try it first.
- It's good.

- What's all that noise?
- Try it.

- The drunks are passing by outside.
- Come on.

- This dorm has bad soundproofing.
- No, you try it.

- Please.
- Okay.

- It's good.
- Seriously?

It's delicious.

How much longer
are you going to lie to your mom?

She'll find out I'm an actor
once people start to recognize me more.

You better become a celebrity
that people recognize soon.

He will if you stop causing trouble,
Bong Mi Rye.

- Right.
- That's true.

Here.

I've already sent the money.

Yes. I checked.

By the way, I could've delivered it
to your house.

Why do you always come outside
and get it yourself?

There are many eyes watching me.

I can't get busted.

Bear this in mind.

Our business is a secret we must take...

to our graves.

Yes. Of course.

Gosh, I'm so sick and tired of this.

Why does he always want to eat at home...

and make my life this tiring?
I'm so sick of this.

Hey, this smells great.

- You're home.
- Yes.

Of course, it does.

You suddenly said
you were craving codfish stew,

so I put in so much effort
trying to make this.

What's this?

This?

Honey! I think I'll star
in a spy film very soon.

That's why I'm practicing.

Do I look like a spy?

No, you look weird. I'll get changed.

My gosh.

Gosh, he almost got me.

Goodness, such a slow man.

You probably had no idea...

I had been ordering
every single meal we ate.

Drop me off at New Tree Saint Hotel.

Hey, this isn't a taxi.

I'll pay you.

Dad? I'm not going back
even if you send people here.

So stop sending them here to look for me!

I don't want to take over your business!

I'm worth a fortune.

So look straight ahead and drive
to avoid accidents.

I think my neck hurts.

This is a work of art.

Honey, you are one great cook.

Do you remember that restaurant
we go to for codfish stew?

What about that place?

Your stew is far better than that place's.

Really? Eat up.

Anyway, have you talked to Bit Na?

She won't pick up my calls.

She refused to continue studying,
but you urged her to go to the US...

and kept pestering her to do so.

Why would she want to talk to you?

She still won't come back this break
because of you.

I'm glad I won't have to pay her airfare.

Tell her to stay there and save time...

to study until she graduates.

And why weren't you there
at Chairman Jang's memorial service?

If you wanted to claim that
Gi Yun was like one of your own,

you should've been there.

Honey, I didn't go there on purpose.

If I, a prominent politician,
stood there next to Gi Yun,

what would the media babble about?

Did you just call yourself
a prominent politician?

Hey, Mr. Prominent Politician,
while we're on the subject,

let me tell you that your wife is old...

and aching all over her body.

Why don't you let her hire a maid?

Listen to yourself.

Bit Na is no longer around,
so it's just you and me.

Why would we need a maid?

We're a prominent politician
and an actress couple.

We can't let a random person work here.

What if that person goes out
and shares our private matters?

Goodness, don't be like a child.

That was a great meal. You're the best.

Goodness, he won't even budge...

after hearing his wife is aching all over.

Let's see. I hear
marriage graduation is a thing now.

Should I just graduate from him?

For three seconds of your cheek...

and the ride.

I probably have more money than you.

It looks like you're on the run.
Save your money,

and buy me a meal later.

I don't eat with strangers.

And you...

aren't my type.

- What?
- I'm sorry.

Lend me your cheek for three seconds.

What's on your mind?

Oh.

That I want to be with you?

Oh, my.

My car has to undergo inspection,
so let me use your car, honey.

Sure, do that.

Just grab a taxi. Why would you
take a busy businessman's car?

I'm also busy with business.

Jacklyn, let's go to a masseuse today...

and shop at the department store too.

Going to a masseuse and shopping with you?

I'm not free enough to do that.

I told you that I was busy
getting ready for the exhibition.

You're always pretending like you're busy.

Soo A.

You still have nothing to say?

Are you still unable to talk
because of your selective mutism?

Why won't you eat? Does it taste bad?

Why do you never eat well?

- Ms. Kim.
- Yes?

I told you to make something
that would make her want to eat!

I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman.

Make something for Soo A right now!

Yes, Mr. Chairman.

Gi Yun, you're a bit too harsh on her.

She's still a kid, yet you make her
talk in English when she eats,

and you control her calorie intake too.

That could make her feel suffocated.

Soo A is...

my daughter.

As Jang Gi Yun's daughter,

she must receive
the best education and management...

as I bring her up.

That's right. I agree with you.

We'll bring her up in high luxury
as a strong woman.

What about yesterday?

That rude jerk isn't here today.

Hey, you need to pay us
for what you destroyed yesterday.

We'll discuss Ju Kyung first.

- Pay us back first!
- She died.

Director Shin Ju Kyung died.

She died?

Wait, what's wrong with the brakes?

It was a car accident.

Quite horrible.

It's been a year already.

It's such a shame.

She left behind young Soo A too.
How did she die like that?

How can this be? Ju Kyung is dead?

She wanted me to come to Korea
and work with her.

This agency wasn't so bad
while Director Shin was here.

After she passed, we didn't have
enough money to pay the new staff.

Where is her resting place?

Ju Kyung.

I got a supporting role in a drama,

but I got kicked out.

I always miss you,

whether things don't go well...

(Late Shin Ju Kyung)

I always miss you, Ju Kyung.

What?

Whose is this?

(Late Shin Ju Kyung)

Shin Ju Kyung.

I kept you waiting, didn't I?

I finally came...

to meet you.

(Late Shin Ju Kyung)

I am...

finally here.

Kiddo.

Don't call me that.

It's patented.
Only one person can use that.

Ju Kyung once mentioned it.

That there was a guy
who was good at acting.

And that she wanted to make him
into a real actor.

Not only good at acting
but also gives hope to people.

A real actor loved by people.

The one Ju Kyung wanted
to turn into a real actor...

must've been you.

Betrayer.

And yet, she just left.

She left alone, leaving me behind.

Don't shed tears in front of others
because of Ju Kyung.

If you truly think about her,

become a real actor.

Your cheap longing is an insult
to Ju Kyung's death.

What do you know to say that?

Don't run your mouth
when you know nothing.

It may look like
some cheap longing to you,

but this longing
is what keeps me going in life.

You didn't drive here, did you?

I don't have a car yet.

Kiddo.

Get in.

Are you really not getting in?

- Oh, my gosh.
- That little... You!

Hey!

What has gotten into you, ma'am?

To ask and invite me to such a shop.

You're WJ Entertainment's figurehead
and main actress, Na Hee.

I felt bad for not taking care of you
until now.

By the way, aren't you older than me?

Anyone wealthier and in a higher position
than me is a ma'am.

Did you get some rest
after my father-in-law's...

memorial service?

Rest, my foot.
I had a movie shoot all night long.

It had to be taken at night,
so my skin felt dry.

You're giving me a treat, ma'am.

It's not Oh Na Hee.

Then who is the owner of that earring?

What? Appear in the same work
as that punk Hwang Sung Il?

Yes. A divorced couple appears
in the same drama.

- It'll be a useful hot topic.
- Forget it.

Bumping into him in this very building...

already makes me repulsive.

Ms. Woo.

Did you ever pick your works
based on the director, script, or actors?

You picked them based on money.

Just do it.

Nobody will use you once you grow older.

Listen, Director Cho. I...

will change entertainment companies.

Go ahead.

Our staff told me serving
an old actress makes no money.

It only tires them out.

What was that?

"Makes no money?"

That little...

Are you mad?

You want me to see that hag
at the shooting site?

You two have minor roles
and don't appear much.

Gosh. You haven't been
in any shows for years. Just do it.

Forget it.

Keep this up, and I will change
entertainment companies.

Is there one you can go to?

Welcome. What name did you book under?

It's Hong Hye Rim.

Mother.

Ms. Hong. Are you here to get a facial?

You. Didn't you tell me
the exhibition opening...

kept you too busy to get a facial?

You're really too mean.

Do you really hate
going on a date with me?

Yes.

What? How could you say that
to your mother-in-law?

There's no reason I can't.

Did you like going on a date
with your mother-in-law, Mother?

I did. So what?

Goodness, what a lie.

I'm busy, so excuse me first.

See you at home.

- That little...
- Gosh.

That American-style daughter-in-law
sure is wild.

What a girl.

- I won't do it.
- I can't return to Japan like this.

I'm going to work here.

I will work hard as a manager
on behalf of Ju Kyung.

Excuse me. You have zero experience
in this field.

Say that after you realize
how tough the work is.

In this industry,
you must put everyone before yourself.

I returned to Korea because Ju Kyung
promised to give me a job here.

Why not test her out?
We don't have enough staff.

We need a manager
only if an actor or actress has a job.

We only have two actors,
but one was fired.

And the other is refusing to work.

Seriously, look at this mess.

Why are you here, Ms. Seo?

I'm going to work here.

Says who?

- I'm against it, period.
- Me too.

You must think anyone can work here.

Mr. Na. Shouldn't you judge me
after seeing my abilities?

Then why don't we do this?

Woo Hyuk got kicked out of the drama.

Get him back on the show,
and we'll hire you.

- Will you give it a shot?
- Yes.

How could you decide that by yourself?

Hey, I'm the CEO. I have the right.

And you weren't hired
through an official process.

Director Shin Ju Kyung gave you this job.

Give her a chance.

But she won't succeed.

You must leave voluntarily if you fail.

It's a promise. Got it?

Okay.

I just need ten minutes.

Tell him I'm Director Seo
of NA Entertainment.

No visitors are allowed.
His mind and body need rest.

- Sir.
- What's going on?

- For real?
- Seriously.

What do you think you're doing?

Yoon Ji Tae's fine.

He's just drinking and playing cards
in his room.

- Do you have proof?
- My eyes are proof.

How can a headbutt
cause a four-week injury?

Should I have the police investigate
if the diagnosis is fake or not?

Who do you think...

Director Shin?

I'm Director Seo Hee Jae
of NA Entertainment.

You scared me.
I thought you were Director Shin.

Gosh. That teeny tiny entertainment
even had a director?

Be my guest.

We'll file a claim for damages
due to the break from the drama...

and sue you for assault.

If the production company
also claims damages...

due to the filming suspension,

your company will have to close.

(To become someone's dream!
WJ Entertainment)

(WJ Entertainment)

(To become someone's dream!
WJ Entertainment)

You must've failed.

I told you it was going to be hard.

- Are you heading to the 20th floor?
- Yes.

What for?

I will...

destroy WJ.

(WJ Entertainment, Oh Na Hee)

- My gosh!
- No.

You! Go away! Go!

What's going on?

Go!

(Oh Na Hee)

Darn it.

(WJ Entertainment, Yoon Ji Tae)

No, wait! One second!

What are you doing?

You can't make a scene here.

Everything in our office was cheap,
so you could tear down the place.

But this place is full of expensive stuff!

If you destroy this place or make a scene,

you're going to get in trouble.

Then should I sit around
and let them do this?

They didn't do anything to you!

If anything, I suffered, not you!

Let's go.

Please don't cause trouble.

- Let go of me!
- Please!

Let go!

Are you dating someone?

You've been texting someone all along.

I have to be somewhere. Goodbye.

Hey, aren't you going to wait
for Seo Hee Jae?

Don't you want to know how it will go?

You can stay if you're curious.
Let me know how it goes.

Gosh, that man.

Let go. Let go of me!

It's really bad to cause damage
to other people's property.

And if you do that at WJ,
you'll lose all your money!

Let go. I don't let people do this to me!

Ms. Seo!

(WJ Entertainment)

Hey, who's the boss here?

Tell your boss to come out!

How may I help you?

- Are you the chairman?
- No.

If you aren't, get lost.

What's with her?

Ms. Ko, call the security office
and have her dragged out.

Where's the chairman's office?

Who's the biggest shot here?

Gosh. Where did that tyrant come from?

Let go of me!

Let go of me.
I need to see the highest authority!

Let go!

Darn it.

We've met before, right?

Sure.

And?

Do you work here?

Yes.

I need to see the chairman.

The chairman?

Hey, look.

Doesn't she look
exactly like the late Director Shin?

She does. I thought she came back
from the dead with an attitude.

Why do you need to see the chairman?

Yoon Ji Tae, an actor here,
is such a big jerk.

He said he was hospitalized
for four weeks...

after getting headbutted
by Jung Woo Hyuk's manager,

but he was lying.

He was drinking
and playing cards at the hospital!

- Really?
- Yes.

This is wrong, don't you think?

How can WJ Entertainment...

try to bury a rookie actor
from a small agency...

like NA Entertainment, a guy
who has never seen his better days?

I believe Jung Woo Hyuk must
return to the production,

for he was kicked out unfairly.

May I ask what your relationship is
with that actor?

You won't be safe if you know too much.

So let me see the chairman here,
the man who makes the calls.

My livelihood depends on this.

Let's say I give you a hand...

and get Jung Woo Hyuk back in the drama.

That means I won't be a stranger anymore.

Well, of course, I'm not your type either.

Will you buy me a meal then?

Do you have the power to do that?

Stop talking big
if you can't make that happen.

Get me the chairman now.

Sure.

Goodness.

- Director Cho.
- Yes?

- Call Yoon Ji Tae.
- Sorry?

Are you deaf? Call Yoon Ji tae.

Yes.

Hey, Ji Tae?

Yes, Director Cho.

Yoon Ji Tae, it's me, Jang Gi Yun.

Jang Gi Yun? Who the heck is that?

The chairman of your agency.

Sure, and I'm the President.

Who the heck do you think you are
to joke around like this?

Hey, listen to this guy.

He's claiming to be the chairman.

Seriously?

He's driving me insane.

Jung Woo Hyuk will return
to the production. That's all.

What? What did you say?

Who the heck are you?

And you must...

get discharged now.

Stop wasting our money
by drinking and playing cards.

- My gosh!
- Come on.

- Darn it.
- What are you doing?

Hey, are you... No.

Are you really the chairman?

Ji Tae, he was the chairman.

Darn it.

Excuse me, Mr. Chairman. I'm sorry.

It's not that. I was...

Hello?

Darn it! It's over!

Did she meet Yoon Ji Tae at the hospital?
Why won't she return?

Who?

This woman. A potential new manager.

Is she young? And cool?

You need to recruit someone younger.

The mean age in this agency
has to be over 40.

Gosh, so tacky.

Hyunta, are you not streaming today?

I craved a drink, so I got off early.

Who wants to have a drink with me?

- Me!
- Me.

My craving is all gone.

Everything is resolved.

It hasn't been ten minutes.
That's ridiculous.

You can call Na Entertainment
and find out.

Hey, either pick up your phone
or turn it off.

It's very distracting.

I'm busy. I'll call you later.

No, I need to see you today.

- The line is busy.
- He's still on the phone.

Please leave a message after the beep.
You will be charged...

I'll run to NA Entertainment and check.

What?

Hey, it's the assistant director
of the drama Woo Hyuk was in.

Hey, pick it up already.

Okay.

Hello, Assistant Director.
Have you been well?

What? Woo Hyuk can
return to the production?

What?

Are you serious?

- Okay. Thank you!
- What?

Woo Hyuk, I can't believe this!

Did anybody call?

Did you really get me back on the show?

- It really worked?
- Excuse me.

Ms. Seo, how did you do this?

Does this mean I can work here?

Of course, you can!

You just did something so amazing!

Who are you? Ju Kyung's doppelganger?

You look exactly like her.

Wait, is this lady the new manager?

Our agency is so old.

How is this possible?

- Ms. Seo, you're amazing!
- You're amazing!

I did it!

Goodness.

My gosh.

I'm in the parking lot.

If you won't come, I'll be there.

The person you have reached is...

Who's here at this hour?

I'll get it. You can get to work.

Thank you so much. You're my savior.

Mr. Chairman, should I get some tea?

"Mr. Chairman?"

You're the chairman?

Would you like some tea?

No.

I'm Jang Gi Yun.

Jang...

Ju Kyung's husband?

Do you know...

my wife?

Ju Kyung.

(VK Media Culture Valley Blueprint)

Are you all right?

(The Elegant Empire)

She's that woman I saw at the hotel.

Where are they right now?

I'm with Assemblyman Yang.

How dare he disappoint me?

Don't tell me you're jealous or something.

That woman even comes in and out
of this place?

(Subtitles are provided by KOCOWA.)