Original subtitles

[enchanting song playing]

[squealing]

[all cheering]

QUEEN OF TEARS

EPISODE 1

["The Reasons Of My Smiles" by BSS playing]

[man] They said it was the wedding of the century.

The daughter of Korea's biggest business magnate

marrying a new employee.

[man] It's already been three years,

but it still feels like yesterday.

I'm often asked, "What's life with this new family like?"

"Tell us what it's like being married to one of the Queens."

[chuckles]

So, would you believe me if I said,

I'm just...

just a lucky man, and I'm fortunate

to live with the woman that I love.

I know everyone is very curious as to why Baek Hyun-woo married me.

"Oh, he only married her for her money and her family's connections."

[chuckles]

[tense note plays]

[whimsical music playing]

Those rumors were all started 'cause I didn't reveal my face

to the public for various reasons.

Well, obviously... [scoffs]

...there wasn't anything to them.

Now, you can see, as far as looks go,

I have nothing to hide.

[crew laughing nervously]

-[tense note plays] -[laughter stops]

-[whimsical music resumes] -[both sigh]

[music fades]

Married life, for the most part, it's like everyone else's.

[alarm rings, stops]

[intriguing music playing]

[sighs]

I wake up in the morning with her.

We have breakfast together.

And, of course, we go to work together.

Ah, hello?

How does it feel to be together from morning to night?

[music fades]

Every day is bliss.

As some of you are aware,

when I got back from studying abroad five years ago,

I became an intern at Queens Department Store,

where my father was CEO at the time.

It was kind of like being undercover.

[whimsical music playing]

[thudding]

[music fades]

[photocopier beeping, whirring]

[quirky music playing]

You know how it is.

"Ah."

[delicate tinkling]

"This man is into me, and... this is how he's letting me know."

-[tings] -[Hyun-woo] No.

I wasn't.

It's just she kept on kicking the photocopier.

[thudding]

I was worried...

Whoa, what are you doing?

...for the machine.

What is it?

[Hyun-woo clears throat]

But after helping her out a few more times,

I started to worry about her.

-[beeps] -[Hyun-woo] Hmm.

When you want to send a fax...

At the time, there was a lot of buzz at the company

about the new intern being terrible at her job.

So I was sure she'd get fired soon.

[music fades]

Ms. Hong, you need to take this job seriously.

I've been a part-timer many times,

and I think you're probably gonna get fired.

I don't really care if I get fired.

I understand. You can work somewhere else.

The thing is...

I think you'll get fired anywhere you go.

It's just, I...

I worry every time the manager yells at you for messing up.

It's like you're trying to set the record for getting yelled at.

Why are you worried?

[whimsical music playing]

-What? -Why worry?

I mean, I'm the one who's getting yelled at.

Right?

How about you think long and hard about this?

[rain pattering]

[music fades]

[line beeps]

Come pick me up now.

[line disconnects]

No umbrella?

Oh. Afraid not.

Take this.

You seem to forget stuff like this, and it keeps you...

in my thoughts.

What?

First I'm worrying you, and now you say I'm in your thoughts?

[Hyun-woo exhales]

Ms. Hong Hae-in.

I have something I'd like to say.

I didn't... say it earlier. I didn't want to pressure you.

But I attended

Seoul National University.

I was a law major.

[quirky music playing]

My family, from the countryside,

but in our village, we have influence.

We have over 30 cows just as one example.

A new calf was born just two days ago,

so we have almost 35.

I don't pay monthly rent for the studio I live in.

It's an annual residential lease.

So I have more than enough saved.

What exactly do you mean by this?

I mean, if you get fired, and you can't find employment,

I can take care of you then. All right?

I'd hoped for a double-income household.

Still, I'd be

willing to be the sole earner for you.

I hope you don't feel pressured.

It's just...

I like you.

[clears throat]

So...

what do you think?

["Tell Me It's Not a Dream" by 10CM playing]

I... I mean, you don't have to answer me today.

Don't get rained on.

-You... -I'm fine without it.

-You take it. -Mr. Baek, I...

-It's fine, don't worry. -It's just that...

[door opens]

[Hae-in] I...

I have a driver.

[fireworks whistle]

[fireworks bursting]

[Hae-in] Isn't that so funny?

-[chuckles softly] -[song fades]

[laughing]

Gosh, it's hilarious.

Anyway,

he always had so much love for me, even at the beginning.

That's how we started dating.

However, when he found out who I was and who my family really was,

he was so shocked,

he quit his job and ghosted me.

So...

[cell phone chimes]

[Hae-in] Baek Hyun-woo, come outside.

[helicopter approaching]

[objects rattling]

["The Reasons Of My Smiles" by BSS playing]

[helicopter whirring]

[woman exclaims]

[laughs]

[people chattering]

Are you just gonna keep standing there?

She was like an angel from heaven.

A goddess.

[chuckles softly]

In that moment.

You mean you don't feel that way now?

[song stops]

I do. [hesitates] Absolutely. So much.

I believe I have made it clear

that I... am happy.

-[tense music playing] -Uh...

We're... really living our best lives right now.

And we feel the same way as we did back then.

[man] Baek Hyun-woo is getting divorced.

Seriously?

-Top secret. -We know each other. You can trust us.

Anyway, Hyun-woo wants one of us to act as his attorney for his divorce.

[sighing] Right. Yes, of course.

Yang-gi, you're Korea's number-one divorce attorney.

-I think it should be you. -Yeah.

Gosh, I just really wanna do it,

but I've too much on my plate right now.

Right.

With a success rate of 90%, Choi Cheol-seung is the man for this.

-[gasps] -You'll be Hyun-woo's attorney, hmm?

I'll be your backup, in case you need it.

Why? I mean, you should lead this,

unless you're afraid that Queen won't like you.

Then you won't be able to work again, you piece of...

[laughs]

Oh, I'm afraid, yeah. That's totally the reason.

Why else would I do such a thing?

Hyun-woo's wife's aunt is a three-time divorcée.

You know how the ex-husbands' attorneys all ended up each time?

They were ousted from the community.

Right, that prick. Why would Hyun-woo ask us to do this?

-It's unfair to us. -Oh, yeah.

Hyun-woo has the best grades.

He entered school at the top of the class, graduated summa cum laude.

-Why can't he just represent himself? -Good idea.

-Great idea. -I believe in him.

But why is he even thinking about getting divorced?

[Cheol-seung] Every guy in Korea must be jealous of him.

I mean, God, talk about an easy life.

His wife is Hong Hae-in, daughter of Queens Group.

So what is it? What's the reason?

[Yang-gi] She is

crazy.

Crazy.

[intriguing music playing]

Oh, I almost forgot. The One Trillion Won Club group chat...

Oh. Why haven't I been invited to that?

We're hovering at 880 billion won in sales.

We're right there.

-We just need another 100 billion. -[woman] That's what I said.

I said 880 billion won

is basically one trillion won if you round it up.

It didn't work.

Wow, they're very picky.

By the way, the guys at Royal Department Store

keep saying their CEO

will join the One Trillion Won Club by the end of the year.

-[chuckles dryly] -And that they'll have a Hercyna store

right next to the fountain on their first floor.

-Well, they're all crazy. -[woman] I know.

Stores are divided between ones with or without Hercyna.

And Hercyna is saying they'll only enter department stores

if their total sales exceed one trillion won.

[intriguing music continues]

[Hae-in] Then it's time

for us to eliminate the parasites

that are eating away our sales figures.

[music fades]

This is our regular evaluation report.

Below we organized a list of brands in the bottom 20% of sales.

How many of these can we close down?

The ones underlined in red have been in the bottom 20% at least twice.

So technically, they're eligible for departure. However...

"However"?

Why does "however" mean?

If you can make them leave, then why don't you?

Actually, we spoke with the Law Department about this.

They said no.

[sighs softly]

Who said?

Mr. Baek said no.

[sighs softly]

Team Leader Yu, please reconfirm the fees and finalize the contracts by end of day.

Yes, sir. We also received a case from the second-floor manager.

A client in high heels fell while visiting the department store and was injured.

[knock at door]

Director, the CEO would like to meet with you.

-[sighs] I'm in the middle of a meeting. -Uh...

She's pretty upset. She wants to see you immediately, sir.

[exhales deeply]

Mr. Baek Hyun-woo,

is there a problem with kicking out low-performing brands?

Well, several stores have invested about 500 million won with our facilities.

So we can't just ask them to leave.

File for an eviction.

There's a low chance of winning.

The law has been changed to curb the practice of large retailers

abusing their power over their stores.

So, are you saying

I'm abusing my power then?

-Is that right? -That's not what I...

But is this department store nonprofit? Are we all doing volunteer work?

We've given them expensive locations

and they're failing to perform. Is that supposed to continue?

Sales has been excluding brands with poor performance

from inviting clients and getting discount support,

so they can't even make additional sales.

Brands that have been evicted can run to the media or even take us to court

where we'd have a real disadvantage.

I think it would be more advantageous for us to help them activate normal sales.

[sighs softly]

Mr. Baek Hyun-woo,

does it look like I want your opinion?

I am telling you to kick them out.

You will sue them and win if they try to hold out on us.

Isn't that what the Law Department does?

-Yes, ma'am. -We're done.

[pensive music playing]

[elevator dings]

[elevator button beeps]

Are you trying to start a rumor that we're not on good terms?

This is about work, not us.

Ah.

Since you can keep public and private matters separate,

is that why you informed the owner of his violations

and helped him market his store, so I couldn't get rid of him?

He's been with the department store since we first opened.

-He works harder than everybody. -All right.

You're being so warm, compassionate and respectful of the needs of others.

Are you trying to be a hero or something?

How about you try to be good to the person by your side instead.

You mean yourself?

Is that it?

What?

Are we

even by each other's side?

[elevator dings]

We need to talk.

In the lounge in an hour.

All right, then.

[pensive music continues]

DIVORCE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

[cell phone vibrating]

[music fades]

ARE YOU ON YOUR WAY? I'M HERE.

WHERE ARE YOU? FORGET IT. I'M LEAVING.

-[Hae-in] Family room. -[sighs]

DIVORCE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

[elevator beeps]

Why are you so late?

I texted late.

You shouldn't have to text.

Don't you know you need to be here now?

I apologize.

-You said they did an interview? -Yes.

It's for the culture section of the Hanyang Economic Daily.

It reveals the homes and families of CEOs and politicians.

So we interviewed both of them.

Do we really have to show where they live?

They're not celebrities.

We can't let those gossip magazines just circulate stories about them.

I heard a rumor about them separating.

It's 'cause those two are always [softly] arguing at work.

-You argued? -[man] Yes.

And it wasn't just an argument. It made everyone feel uncomfortable.

It got real tense in there.

One more thing. The KFTC issue.

They're going back and forth

with things that won't even stick. You can handle that.

That's for the Queens Mart Law Department.

Those boys aren't really the brightest. You're great at your job.

And you're a sharp enough guy.

Also, they love you over at the KFTC.

There are boundaries that I cannot cross...

If he asks you for something, you oblige. Simple as that.

And you two should have a child.

You can't be the talk of the town forever.

Did you talk to Dr. Joo yet?

Yes, I set up an appointment.

After the prenatal examination, they'll start the procedure right away.

And once the baby is born, you'll go to Boston for your MBA as planned

sometime next year or the year after.

I believe I told you last time

I have no desire to study abroad.

And I believe I said that you don't get a say on this.

[father] Hey, you can't just demand that he has a baby.

Stop badgering him.

Have some more tea, Baek.

However... [inhales sharply]

...if we're going to meet Su-bin, then I'd rather do it next May.

[curious music playing]

[whispering] Who... who's that?

Su-bin? Who's that?

Your future child. And our future granddaughter.

Excellent "Su," and shining "Bin."

Don't you think that's nice? Hong Su-bin.

Uh...

Instead of Baek Su-bin,

Hong Su-bin, then?

What?

She'll be named after her mother.

The head of the family doesn't have to be male anymore.

And children don't always take the last name of their father these days.

-[cup clinks] -Father, when I asked you

how you felt about our Geon-u taking his mom's last name...

-[imperceptible] -...you said that was nonsense.

-That's entirely different. -I don't think it is. Is it?

[music fades]

[solemn music playing]

[cup clinks]

[music fades]

Wait a minute.

You wanna have a kid right now?

-And then I just go abroad all alone? -Well?

Isn't it better that way?

[scoffs]

You want me to go with you abroad?

Of course not.

[somber music playing]

Right.

You better do what they say and study.

Other people will raise our kid anyways. So what's the problem then?

-It's convenient. -"Convenient"?

This is nice to you? Really?

You... want to have a baby?

If it's necessary.

[cell phone vibrating]

Mmm.

They know they need our go-ahead before the article's published, right?

Yes, of course. Also...

Make sure they introduce Hyun-woo as a law graduate

from Seoul National University.

They better not leave that out.

[line disconnects]

What?

Don't get me any more interviews like that.

Otherwise do it by yourself, okay?

It's couples interview. I can't do it alone.

You can tell them on your own. That I'm a perfect husband,

that we're infatuated with each other,

and how happy we are together.

Tell the whole story.

It's all just made-up anyway.

[line beeps, rings]

Mmm. Tell them to send the pictures.

I'm gonna choose the ones that end up in the article.

-[gate buzzing] -[somber music continues]

The articles about me are all bad.

Why don't I see any about the secret 200 million won donation I made?

Listen. I gave the money secretly.

And it was intended as a secret, but it should've gotten out anyways.

All right?

Well, if we're not gonna use it, why do we have our own PR department?

[grunts]

What was that?!

What? Hey, wait.

What is this?

All right, that's close enough.

Wait a minute, use your words now. Whoa! [grunts]

[gasps]

-Soo-cheol. -Yeah?

Why are you running? Don't try to avoid me.

You know that never ends well for you.

[sighs]

[whimpers, grunts]

[groans] Are you completely insane?!

What was that for, huh?

Baek Hyun-woo, is he your friend, your brother, huh?

Who do you think you are?

-You jerk, you lunatic. -[gasps]

[sighs]

If you talk to my husband like that again,

just know that I'll kill you.

-[sighs] -Are we clear?

Yeah, I know. I heard you!

Oh, that witch. Evil witch.

She's always badgering her husband, and now she's talking about how I act?

She's the one that's actually insane!

-[deep growling] -[dog whimpering]

That wasn't about you.

-[machine clicks] -[bat clangs]

[ball thuds]

[clicking and clanging continues]

[train horn blows]

I talked to the guys and they all want you to stay married

instead of going through with your divorce. [clicks tongue]

They said I should tell you... Are you crying?

What? Are you drunk already?

You're giving lovey eyes right now. You know that?

Oh, really?

I act cuter when I'm drunk.

So they say.

-That's my signature. -Who said?

Hong Hae-in.

She said that...

that I...

was cute.

-You showing off, man? -[sniffles]

[crying] Why'd I do that?

Why was I cute?

[whimsical music playing]

Why was I cute? I used my signature.

Hong Hae-in... Hong Hae-in was blushing,

and then, I... ruined my own life.

If I hadn't... [sobbing]

...I wouldn't be in this awful situation now.

Wow! You're completely drunk, aren't you?

Hey, let's go, huh?

Come on. I keep getting phone calls about not having diapers. Let's go.

[sobbing] No, I don't wanna go.

Why would I go there?

Really?

I'm too drunk!

I'm just too cute when I get drunk.

I can't go.

In Yongdu-ri's pear tree family, I'm the youngest, so naturally I'm cute.

It's a built-in feature.

-[sobs] It's just how I was created. -[baby laughs]

What do I do?

[Hyun-woo sobbing]

[music fades]

[sighs] So you're not gonna go back?

[sniffles]

Just leave me here.

I'll get back home just fine.

Oh, yeah?

In case there's a scandal.

[scoffs] Come on.

[sniffles] Wanna see?

[amusing music playing]

[sighs]

[gasps]

Oh.

[Hyun-woo sniffles] Now...

I'm asking these petals if I'm

getting a divorce or not.

You really do that?

It says "no divorce." [sobbing]

It always says that whenever I do this.

That means you'll stay.

I'm all alone.

It's so sad

that there's nobody by my side in this world.

I mean, not even a single petal is by my side.

[clicks tongue]

I just wanna own my own house. I don't need anybody on my side.

'Cause a house will take my side forever.

Even my wife changes sides, man.

She's happy in the morning and then angry at night.

I mean, it's not my fault that we're out of diapers again, you know?

All I need is a house.

Concrete doesn't nag me or get angry for no reason whatsoever.

Go on.

Get those diapers and go home.

You better go! [sobbing]

[gags]

[coughing]

[Hyun-woo sobbing]

[in Korean] ♪ Who said ♪

♪ Love ♪

♪ Was beautiful? ♪

[sighs deeply]

[in English] Go away! Go home!

You just gonna watch me cry?

I'm going home. What are you watching me cry for?

-[muttering] -[car honks]

[hesitates] Where are you going now?

[sighs, sniffles]

[sighs]

[in Korean] ♪ Put me to sleep ♪

-♪ With your fair hands ♪ -[melancholic music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

[music fades]

["Hold Me Back" by Heize playing]

[door slams]

[keyboard clacking]

[song ends]

LAWYER IDENTIFICATION CARD BAEK HYUN-WOO

[man in English] Hey. That's the Queens' son-in-law, right?

-Son-in-law? More like butler. -Huh?

All he does is go around fixing problems for them.

He's got no pride. Gosh.

[men clearing throat]

If he had any, he wouldn't have married for money.

What a disgrace of an attorney.

-[man 2 laughs] -[man 3 gasps]

[woman breathing shakily]

["Nearer, My God, To Thee" instrumental playing]

[gasps, laughs]

Ah!

Goodness!

Hallelujah, Baek.

[whimsical music playing]

I have 2.5 billion won and yet I can't get a single piece of floss.

-How do you think of such great ideas? -[grunts softly]

I really shouldn't be helping you like this.

[music fades]

[sighs] Nephew-in-law,

how long do I have to stay here?

I mean, it's not like it was serious. I grabbed Moh Seul-hee by the hair

'cause I thought she ratted on me for embezzlement.

[scoffs] Nothing wrong with that, is there?

She was in the hospital for four weeks after...

Shit! If I knew I was going to jail, I'd have put here there longer.

My mom's dead because of that snake. Just wait.

I'll get my revenge on Moh Seul-hee soon enough.

Baek Hyun-woo...

Revenge is... so great.

As you've told me before, Ms. Beom-ja.

The three jerks who divorced me have already left Korea.

I ruined their whole lives, distant relatives included.

[hesitates] Uh, Auntie.

People can get sick of each other and just leave.

Why do you have to do all that?

Please, Baek.

Divorce is cruel and can be incredibly messy.

There are no goodbyes in divorce.

Death is the only true goodbye.

If I ever get married and divorced again,

I'll have you represent me.

Uh, why would you

think of divorce before marriage again?

I don't know.

Strangely enough,

I feel like divorce and marriage go hand in hand,

better than marriage and happiness.

I agree.

Hmm, what's that?

Uh, it's nothing.

Look at this. I've lost a lot of hair on the top of my head, haven't I?

[sighs wearily] I have to get out.

The women are crazy in here.

If I stay, I'll go completely crazy too.

My mom's memorial is coming up.

If Father has any compassion,

he'll let me attend, right?

[reporter] I'm currently standing in front of Queens Town

in Hanil-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul,

where the service for the late Yang Mi-suk,

wife of Chairman Hong, is being held.

The Beom family of Queens Group are arriving one by one.

In particular, Hong Beom-seok, the eldest son of Hong Man-dae

and former head of Queens Distribution has returned from Hawaii.

People are paying attention to whether Hong Man-dae and Hong Beom-seok,

who have been in a long-standing feud, will come together.

Hey, could you check if this jeon is cooked enough inside?

Why would you ask me that?

You majored in chemistry at Harvard, so I figured you'd know.

Uh, it looks like it's cooked all the way through.

-It's golden on the outside. Flip it. -Right. Here we go.

[sizzling]

Kim, you went to Parsons School of Design, right?

Oh, I did, actually.

He comes from a family of architects.

The huge sculpture in front of the Louvre was built by his family.

I think I've found my true calling.

-[man laughing] -[men] Oh!

Such a waste of talent.

Brothers-in-law.

This is Choi. He married my cousin Min-hee last month.

Come on, say hi.

Hi, everyone.

-Hmm. -Hello.

They say that in houses of old royal families and distinguished aristocrats,

the men prepare for a memorial service from start to finish.

And Chairman Hong loves traditions,

so this is how we've been doing it for quite some time now.

[Choi] Ah, I see.

Yeah. That's why they say traditions and the future are one and the same.

Instead of old-fashioned, it's innovative and fresh.

-And it fits in with today's trends. -Ah!

If this is so trendy and innovative, why don't you join us?

[chuckles] I became a Christian last year.

For me to prepare for a service like this is inappropriate, you know?

I was born a Christian.

Ever since I was little, I've had this terrible affliction... Ugh.

I can't stand the smell of oils. It really sucks.

Anyways...

Well, keep up the good work, guys.

-You got it. -Uh-huh.

All right.

-[men sighing] -Ah, that guy.

Memorial for the Hong's ancestors, but who's preparing it for them?

A Kim, a Yu, a Cho, a Baek.

They should be preparing this. It's their ancestors. Grr!

Me? I'm descended from the Paechon Yu clan and a line of... of only sons.

What would my mother say if she saw me doing this?

Let's not talk about how precious we were as sons in each of our families.

Welcome to Queens.

[men] Welcome.

Here's some advice.

Run while you still can.

It's still not too late for you.

How does this color look? Isn't it a little too dusty?

Well, jade is a difficult color to look good in.

I've only ever seen two people wear the color jade perfectly.

-The first one is you. -Hmm.

And the second is Kim Yun-a at a London fashion show.

Ah, Kim Yun-a.

She looked really nice.

You look as pretty as she did.

Well, I really appreciate that.

[both chuckle]

Oh, Ms. Moh.

I had your hanbok prepared. Why aren't you wearing it?

This service is unusual. I don't think I should go.

Having the family together is more important.

You've lived in this house for over 20 years.

If you're not family, then who is?

Well, I do appreciate that. But still, I'm going to have to decline.

People always talk though. They'll say all I do is push you around

and make life difficult for you.

[Man-dae] Push around? Who's pushing who around?

[dramatic music playing]

[grunts]

Are you the one who's pushing her around?

Not at all.

Never with Ms. Moh.

No, Father, of course not. No.

What did you mean then? You'd only say that kind of thing

if that was on the top of your mind.

That's not true.

It's just...

She decided not to wear her hanbok.

That's all this was.

-Why not? -That's what I want to know.

Are you going to wear it?

Absolutely.

[amusing note plays]

[chuckles]

It's settled then.

[whimsical music playing]

Let's go.

[chuckling]

[gasps] I can't believe that bitch.

[inhales deeply]

Oh, the stress! Oh.

Oh. She is very quick-witted.

She won't let anyone get in her way.

She's gonna proudly stand there at the memorial service

with Chairman Hong holding tight to her.

You see what she's doing?

[sighs]

You thought a mother-in-law was scary?

Try a girlfriend-in-law.

[sighs]

-[groans] -[woman] Oh.

[music fades]

-[Beom-ja] Beom-ja's here! [echoes] -[door opens]

[wind blowing]

[thunder crashing]

[suspenseful music playing]

-[dramatic music playing] -[tiger roaring]

Baek.

[people whispering]

Why is she out today?

You told me to get her out so she wouldn't get sick locked up in there.

Ah. Yes, I did say that.

Still, you should have waited until the service was over to get her out.

Uh, is she drinking the... Look at that brat.

I can't.

-[sighs] -I... I apologize, sir.

[sighs]

[music fades]

[Man-dae] Goodness.

Mom, your Beom-ja has been locked up in jail.

Just because she grabbed her father's girlfriend by the hair

and kicked her a little.

The man I call my father had his only daughter imprisoned in a jail cell.

Hey!

I'm just being honest.

It's one thing being head over heels for a woman.

It's another to side with the woman who caused your wife to die

from a broken heart and send your daughter to jail.

That's a... monstrous thing to do.

This is Mom's service. Let's do this later...

Oh, please, you're no different. Did you forget who that bitch is?

-Our mom died because of what she did. -She had a heart attack.

-That's what happened. -Yeah, exactly!

And why do you think her heart stopped beating? Do you know?

Because she was angry Moh Seul-hee stole Dad!

[thunder crashes]

But you greet her day and night and show her respect.

-How cowardly! -[inhales sharply] Beom-ja.

-I think... -Mother, help me!

Your son is completely useless.

Thornback ray was her favorite dish and you don't even have it at her service?

Auntie, the fish is there. I can smell it all the way over here. [chuckles]

Who the hell does this kid think he is?

Not once did you visit me in jail.

I raised you better than that!

What? You didn't raise my Soo-cheol.

-That's complete and utter nonsense. -[scoffs]

Excuse me.

-We were circling the alcohol. -Oh, I see.

Well, I guess it has to be done. Circle it.

[gasps softly]

[sighs]

[sighs sharply]

[clears throat softly]

[Soo-cheol sighs]

-Beom-ja, what was that? -Oh, jeez!

Hey, don't rush. Circle it slowly.

Mom can't take her alcohol. So be careful with it

-or she'll get too drunk. -Beom-ja.

Mother was a heavy drinker. Come on.

You and I are both perfectly aware that she liked to drink.

But why did she start drinking like that? It's all that bitch's fault.

She stretched her out. [sobs]

Uncle, please.

Just think about how my mom passed away because of her.

Isn't it heartbreaking?

-Say something. -Beom-ja, she didn't die of heartbreak.

She died from a heart attack. It runs in the family.

-You should be careful too. -[Man-dae sighs] Goodness.

[whimsical music playing]

-Beom-ja, please. -[sobbing]

[chuckles dryly]

[sighs]

Ma, you'd be surprised to hear

this family is full of bullshitters.

Don't bother coming to this service.

I'll drink the alcohol for you.

-You can leave us now. -[thunder rumbling]

Hong Beom-seok, this is your first time in Korea in 19 years...

Will you be involved in the memorial service?

Are you meeting with Chairman Hong Man-dae? Did you reconcile?

-Give us a comment. -Will you be participating

in your mother's memorial service?

Why don't you sit down? He'll leave after a while.

I hate him standing there.

That jerk didn't come here to see his dad.

He came here to get his picture taken by the reporters.

See? Look. Just look, standing there.

All dramatic in the rain in front of the cameras.

[grunts] What an asshole. [scoffs]

[animal cackles distantly]

I mean, we slaved away and made jeon. Look at how my hand is shaking.

Look, we don't even get to circle the alcohol.

All I do online these days is read forums for moms.

There are a whole bunch of super-relatable posts.

[sighs] I haven't seen my family yet.

-'Cause I got to be here instead. -They said we'll get to go home

-once the service table is cleared. -Yeah.

But then, "We have to see Auntie."

-"Get the food ready. Hand out the jeon." -[both] Yeah!

I mean, we have family as well.

Like a birthday. Hyun-woo father's 60th birthday is today,

but he can't leave because it coincides with the memorial.

[all sigh]

Anyway, it's really sad.

[men, dejectedly] Right.

And he's married to the direct descendant.

[sighs] This family,

-it's terrifying. -[men murmur in agreement]

Director Jo...

It's the 20th year you've come to this memorial service.

I honor your mother.

When Ms. Yang was alive, she was always good to me.

I saw your resignation on my desk.

I really don't want that to be so.

I've thought about it for a while and it's what I have to do.

I have to take this chance I was given and start anew.

[sighs]

So be it, then.

I wish you the best of luck.

I appreciate it, Vice-Chairman.

[vice-chairman] It's strange he'd do this out of the blue.

-Dig up whatever you can on him. -I'll keep tabs on him.

[pensive music playing]

No, no.

You have to spread rumors for something like this.

Get him charged, so he'll continuously be wrapped up in court.

Punishment isn't the goal here.

Shame is the goal.

Is there a reason you have to do all this?

[sighs]

I can't let those who used to eat from my house just leave whenever they want.

They have to know there's a price to pay

for walking out of here, so they don't cause any trouble.

What's that look for?

Do you have something to say?

Well, you've been partners for a while.

So I am not sure if this is

the best way to handle this.

[suspenseful music playing]

While that's one way to handle it,

I believe the company should stand by a certain set of principles.

That's what I'm trying to say.

When I go after one of them, it's not just him I'm squashing.

I'm also squashing the dreamers who are getting ready to stab me in the back.

This is a warning.

-Sir... -Best to keep that in mind for the future.

-What? -The ones who leave you behind...

You don't just wave as they go.

You stab them right in the back.

Yes.

[music fades]

That's all for now.

Go and get some rest.

[pensive music playing]

Sir.

Yes.

[whimsical music playing]

[Hyun-woo] I'm not eating.

OVERCOME DEPRESSION TOGETHER

TREATING DEPRESSION

It's as if my appetite just disappeared completely.

It's like I'm suffocating whenever I go out.

It sounds like you're quite stressed out.

If we take a look at your sentence completion test,

you wrote, "What I want to do most right now is get divorced."

Is that right?

-Yes. -Right.

Why, may I ask?

I...

live with my father-in-law and mother-in-law.

And grandfather-in-law.

And your grandfather-in-law.

And my aunt-in-law, who recently got out of jail,

and my brother-in-law and his family. We live in one house...

All together.

[sighs] Huh.

How blessed to have a multigenerational family all living together, hmm?

We're so blessed that all of us have meals together every day.

And at 9:00 p.m., we all meet and talk like how teachers end the school day.

Weekends, vacations, anniversaries, Christmas...

We do everything all as a family, and that means I don't have

any time for myself during the year.

Huh.

We have 15 memorial services a year.

And we do all of the work.

Everything. The sons-in-laws prepare everything.

That's how the nobility used to do things, they say.

None of their sons... do a minute's worth of work, though.

Well, it... [sighs]

It seems like you need a bit of a breather away from all that.

Are you working these days?

-Yes. -That's good.

How's everything at work?

My wife is my boss.

[sighs]

My father-in-law oversees her

and my grandfather-in-law is his boss.

[whimsical music playing]

When my in-laws pop up on my phone, my heart starts racing

and my hands start shaking.

I get stressed out about what I'll have to do for the family.

Thought about getting away from this environment that's stressing you out?

-The only way would be to get divorced. -What about moving out?

I hate my in-laws, of course, but honestly,

I hate my wife even more.

Why is that?

It's like

she doesn't care how hard I've been working or if I'm able to eat.

It's all about her. She's really selfish.

I chose this family when I married her. I've been kicked around for three years.

-That doesn't matter to her. -[sighs]

When we got married, she told me to trust her.

[Hae-in] Keep your eyes on me.

Trust me.

I'll never...

[gentle music playing]

...let a single tear fall from your eyes.

[music fades]

I guess I'm the idiot for believing that.

And do you feel hurt by your wife?

[sniffles]

I don't.

I'm not even hurt.

Not anymore.

I just hate her.

I absolutely hate her.

-And that's why you want to get divorced? -If I want to live, I have to.

What's stopping you from divorcing her?

I think I could die if I do.

What?

My father-in-law absolutely hates it when people that have been...

[suspenseful music playing]

...living off his good graces turn on him.

I'll have a knife in my back as soon as he finds out.

A knife?

Well, not a real knife, of course.

I'd rather have a real knife.

[clock ticking]

[thunder rumbling]

[music fades]

-[door closes] -[psychiatrist sighs]

I will prescribe something very strong.

Try them out.

Best of luck.

[solemn music playing]

Okay,

WIFE

[sighs softly]

[line clicks]

Honey, I love you.

And I am so lucky.

What do you mean did I get into trouble?

-I think I'm just grateful... -[line disconnects]

Hello?

[music stops]

[music resumes]

[sighs]

This is so nice.

[music fades]

Hold on, Grace, please finish what you were saying.

Okay? If you said the third-born has the real power at Jinseong,

then stand by it.

[scoffs] Why should I take responsibility for that?

You're setting up a blind date with the firstborn son. Go for it.

You said the Jinseong Group chairman pushed him aside.

How can I set up the blind date after hearing all this?

That the third-born will get it all.

That's why you should have come to me first.

But you already made your choice with the firstborn.

There's nothing I can do. Talk to the person who set you up with him.

I thought about coming to you, but people have been saying you've lost a step.

So what was I supposed to do?

What was that?

What's the point of being around women of Queens?

I take care of everyone else's problems, yet I can't marry off my own daughter.

Listen.

It's best that I'm consulted on this. Hong Hae-in got married on her own

-and now regrets it. -Really?

Well, is she getting divorced?

A marriage is scientific.

Three years with Baek is a long time.

Just you watch.

The Queen Hong Hae-in will kneel before me when it's time for her to get remarried.

-[chuckles] -[elevator dings]

[Grace chuckles nervously]

Ms. Hong!

[Grace chuckling]

Your mother just stopped by my shop earlier today.

How come you never stop by like I ask?

Oh, is something stressing you out lately?

Your skin isn't glowing like it used to.

We have an amazing new serum and face mask at the shop.

I'll make some time for you. You should try it.

Well, there's no need. You must be busy.

I'm not busy.

Oh! How sweet of you to think about me! [laughs]

-No, I don't think about you. -Huh?

I will not be going to your store. You understand that, don't you?

Uh... [chuckles]

Always so cold, Ms. Hong. [chuckles]

There's such a distance between us too.

[tense music playing]

Well, you should... feel distant.

But I don't think you do,

which is why you're speaking informally to me and touching me.

It makes me feel uncomfortable. You should be careful.

[hesitates]

[gasps]

[music fades]

[woman] That woman has quite a temper.

I mean, she's so arrogant.

You know? [huffs]

The third-born son of Jinseong Group is into vegan food, I've noticed.

Next Friday, there's a vegan forum at Jinseong Hotel.

-Have your daughter go. -[gasps]

-I'll put the word in. -Are you serious?

We're finished here.

I have some errands to run now.

[woman gasps] I knew I could count on you.

You have my trust, Grace.

[tense music continues]

[music fades]

Listen, I was in the, uh, beauty business my entire life.

And I match the children of good families together, that's it.

The law and filling out paperwork are things that I hardly understand.

-What can I help you with? -[sighs]

Have you heard?

The Daegyeong Group's youngest son was killed in a car accident.

-Yes... -But his wife might not be able to inherit

any piece of her husband's fortune.

Here's the thing.

Before the two of them even got married,

he actually wrote it out in his will

that the entirety of his fortune be given to his kids

or his nephews instead of his wife.

However, they haven't even started a family yet.

Hmm. Yes. In this case, I think it could be possible

to claim a legal reserve of inheritance and file a lawsuit.

If you need, I can call an attorney who specializes in this.

Why?

You're the expert, aren't you?

Given your history.

-What? -Before getting married,

Hong Hae-in also wrote it out in her will.

[pensive music playing]

But didn't you know?

You thought the prenup was it?

You didn't know? She didn't tell you about this in your three years together?

Ms. Hong is a scary person.

Should anything happen, all of the cash, all of the stocks,

all of the real estate and any other assets will go to Queens.

Baek Hyun-woo will get nothing.

Oh! She wrote it so clearly that, well... [gasps]

...we compare it to the Bible in our circle.

You look surprised.

Did you really think your marriage

was the love of the century that ignored class?

Just like they said in the newspapers?

How very naive of you.

She said, right from the start,

that marrying for love wasn't the goal.

She wanted a servant to put on her register.

But that's when you caught her eye.

You're good-looking and a Seoul National University graduate,

and you'd have a love story that's good for publicity.

You listen to her so you're perfect to push around.

Her one concern was the possibility of a property dispute,

but she took care of that when she wrote the will.

That's quite enough.

Mm-hmm.

[Hae-in] Yes, Doctor.

Uh, just email it.

I can't go there myself.

[suspenseful music playing]

[music fades]

Why won't you answer my calls?

You need to come with me.

Your schedule is open.

I checked already.

The car's waiting.

I can't.

You don't even know where we're going.

I don't think that matters.

Because I'm not going to go anywhere with you.

[melancholic music playing]

[sighs]

YONGDU-RI'S PRODIGY HYUN-WOO PROMOTED TO LEGAL DIRECTOR

Promotion? That was so long ago.

[grunts] Uh, well,

the public sentiment of Yongdu-ri is that there is no issue with Baek Du-gwan

serving a second term as the village foreman.

You should stop by the store soon. The new rice wine we got is pretty good.

What's with you? [sighs] Every time it's...

Ah! I'd have something better for you.

However, unfortunately, I have to be careful.

It could be seen as bribery.

Being the village foreman is a state position.

So there's a limit to what I can actually give.

Yes, I really appreciate it, I do. I'm grateful every time.

-Is that right? Huh. -Yes, sir. Oh.

Bong-ae.

You're, uh, here.

-[Bong-ae] Hey. -Oh. You're here?

Stuck in the mud again?

I don't know why you two keep pretending like you're real farmers.

Every time you bring the cultivator out here,

you drive it right into the ditch.

Well, what took you so long?

-We were just trying to... -Tell me.

Do I look like 911 one to you?

[upbeat music playing]

[Du-gwan] My wife used to catch small octopus

while driving a cultivator just like this one

in the mud fields of Beolgyo-eup, Jeolla-do.

She's amazing at this.

[engine starts]

What?

-Ah, nice weather today, huh? -[music fades]

Hey. Hey, Yeong-cheol!

How're your mother's knees? Are they all right?

-Oh, about the same. -I told you!

-Give her glucosamine for her knees. -Come on, sit down!

All right.

Hey, isn't your son taking his midterms in, like, a day or two?

-I don't have to be there. He's got it. -Oh, don't give me that.

You should be there to help him study. You're his dad.

When our Hyun-woo got into Seoul National University,

I had to study and night... [yelps]

[grunts]

[groans]

Oh, why are you speeding all of a sudden?

I told you to sit down, didn't I?

All of this land might just look like garlic and corn fields,

but I see other things too.

I see fields of people who could vote for me.

The reelection is happening soon. Do you understand?

I don't care about any of that.

We have enough to handle already.

There's the store, plus the orchards.

Listen, it's time for you to quit being the village foreman.

Honey, sweetie, I'm doing this to keep the balance here.

-What balance, huh? -What balance?

Hyun-woo's wife's family is the pillar of the entire economy,

yet their political foundation is weak.

And since I have such an essential role in the countryside,

-maintaining the balance... -[brakes grinding]

[grunting]

Now, why would you hit the brakes like that?

-[Bong-ae] Hyun-woo! -[Du-gwan] Oh.

Oh! Oh!

[grunts, pants]

Oh, why didn't you call?

-[Hyun-woo] This was last minute. -[Du-gwan] Hey!

Where's my daughter-in-law? Are you here on your own again?

[chuckles softly]

Well, have you eaten?

No, I haven't yet.

Mmm. [chuckles]

-[rooster crows] -[dog barking distantly]

[cows mooing distantly]

[chicken clucks]

It's nice and ripe.

Let's go.

Let's see. Let's see. [chuckles]

Ay, ay, move.

My youngest son is here.

[mellow music playing]

-Wow. You must have been hungry. -Hmm.

It's not a race.

Pretty good?

[chuckles softly]

[birds chirping]

[cow mooing distantly]

[sighs deeply]

[music fades]

[woman] Yeah, I'm busy. Why?

-Hyun-woo's here? -[whines]

Just a minute.

QUEEN'S HAIR SALON

Baek Hyun-woo, that asshole.

He missed Father's 60th birthday.

Keep him there so he can't run off.

[barks]

I've been wanting to say my piece to you for a while now.

I don't get how you and Hae-in could do this.

Sure, I guess it's fine

-you don't visit even during holidays. -Ah.

But this was Father's 60th birthday and you didn't come.

-That's crossing the line. -Yeah, you're right.

-It was too far. -At least he's aware it was disrespectful.

That's why I'm getting divorced.

[both gasp]

-What? -Father, Mother,

I'm going to divorce Hae-in.

-Uh... -[exhales]

Oh, uh...

And I'm sorry.

Wait, hold on.

Hey, is this because

you couldn't take time to come to Dad's 60th birthday?

Seriously? 60th birthdays aren't actually that big of a deal.

Uh, right, yes. No one celebrates turning 60.

They don't even celebrate their 70th birthdays now.

-It's not about that. -Tell us, please.

There must be some sort of reason for this, Hyun-woo.

[inhales sharply]

Wait. Is there another woman?

That's not it.

-There's not. -Is my daughter-in-law seeing someone?

-Oh, keep quiet! -[clicks tongue]

No, that's not it.

I need a break from it all.

I don't like my life.

Wait a minute. What... what... what kind of reason is that?

-Do you think I'm happy every single day? -He's right. He's right.

I mean, your father isn't exactly happy every day either.

Do you think I feel good? Actually, it's rare.

It's only every once in a while that I'm happy.

But that's what makes me want to keep going in life. That's marriage.

-It's just how life works. -You tell him, honey.

You think your mother and I live together

-because we love each other? -[Bong-ae] Huh?

[tense music plays]

What did you say?

Let me finish what I was saying.

I do love you, but if all I did was love you, no eating, no breathing,

then I'd be six feet under.

Then I guess you'll live to be really old.

[amusing music playing]

See? Marriage is hard.

Your mom and I have been together for about 40 years,

-and we still aren't on the same page... -Not at all, you idiot.

Ah, Jesus.

[music fades]

I know what you're saying.

However...

I put a lot of thought into this decision... before telling you.

I am getting divorced.

[Du-gwan sighs]

So, I'm sorry.

-Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop! -[whimpers]

Get out, now! Right now!

You only care about yourself.

Don't you think I made sacrifices so you could end up where you are now?

What sacrifices?

Well, Mom and Dad sold a cow for you to be at Seoul University,

so I didn't go to college. I couldn't go 'cause of you.

No, Mi-seon. You didn't go to college because you didn't show up to classes.

[scoffs]

-[bluesy guitar music playing] -[chuckles]

That's, uh, pretty one-sided, don't you think?

Hey.

Why do you think Grand Prince Yang-nyeong went astray?

-Oh, here we go. -Yang-nyeong.

He set aside who he was for King Se-jong and turned into an asshole.

You think I want to set myself aside?

Our parents' expectations, their hope, and the cost of a cow?

I wanted my brother to be given all of that.

-You did? -Oh, of course.

That's me! The Korean eldest daughter.

[dog barking distantly]

Oh, I see. You're the Thumbelina

-of the Yongdu Carriage Clique. -Hey!

"Yongdu Carriage" hasn't been a thing in forever. Jeez.

[music fades]

I gotta go.

YONGDU-RI SUPERMARKET

-I don't want to put this burden on you. -So don't burden me then.

-Ah! I'm saying this 'cause of your dad. -What do you mean?

Ever since you married into that family, he's been so happy.

He used to hardly eat, but when Queens' stock prices went up,

he'd mix a bowl of rice into soup just to celebrate!

Well, he's always prepared soup and rice. That's not new.

Mmm.

-Yeah, he's right. -Sure.

But still, having a divorced son in this tiny neighborhood?

You'd be the disgrace of the neighborhood. Such a disgrace!

This isn't Seoul or Hollywood.

This is Yongdu-ri.

Your friend Chang-sik's divorce is still a hot topic here,

and it was two years ago.

Hey, pay attention.

Huh? The ladies gather at the salon and gossip all day long

about why they think Chang-sik's wife divorced him.

Yes! Look, if you get divorced,

then nobody will talk about Chang-sik's divorce.

Is this about rent for your boxing studio?

And for Gyeong-jun's tuition to study abroad?

Is this about supporting your kid?

So you'd sell me out just like the father who sold his daughter

-for 300 bags of rice? -Uh...

Hey, I wouldn't sell you out for just 300 bags of rice.

-But this is way beyond that. -Ah, Jeez.

Hey, Hey. Hyun-woo! Hyun-woo!

Hey, wait. Hyun-woo!

-[Mi-seon] Baek Hyun-woo! -[man] Hyun-woo!

[Mi-seon] At least stay the night!

[gate buzzes]

[melancholic music playing]

[beeping]

-[mechanism whirs] -[lock clicks]

[beeps]

[safe shuts]

DIVORCE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

[melancholic music continues]

[music fades]

[thunder crashing]

[intriguing music playing]

I...

have something to say.

I'll go first.

Huh?

I have something to say as well, so I'll go first.

All right.

Go ahead.

I...

[music fades]

I'm going to die.

[thunder crashing]

[somber music playing]

I only have three months left.

[intriguing music playing]

What are you saying?

Remember I asked you to come with me?

I went to the doctor's.

And they said that I'm going to die soon.

I only have three months left.

Um...

Does that mean...

It means literally what I just said.

The doctor...

They told me I have three months left to live.

That's everything.

-What did you have to say? -Huh?

You had something to say.

Well, what is it then?

[Hyun-woo] It's...

not all that urgent right now.

[music increases in tempo]

Tell me.

-Come on, what is it? -Uh... I...

Um...

What... I was...

Yeah?

...going to say was...

that I...

Oh!

...feel sorry.

About what happened today.

And I'm sorry about a lot of things that have happened

between us and it won't happen again.

I'll treat you right, Hae-in.

That was what I was

going to say.

And now you say that you're dying and all you've got is three months left?

So you're saying... that I'll be alone?

Is this for real?

I'm so stunned right now...

[sniffles] ...that I don't know what to say.

-[Hyun-woo sniffling] -[whimsical music playing]

-Seriously? -Yes.

Believe me.

[gentle music playing]

I love you, Hong Hae-in.

I... I love you.

[intriguing music playing]

[all cheering]

[emcee] We'd appreciate it if you all could give

another warm round of applause for these two newlyweds.

[guests whooping and cheering]

[emcee] Ha! Let's give 'em an even bigger round of applause

so they can live an even happier life together.

[guests cheering and clapping]

[photographer] All right. Look at the camera.

Now, on the count of three, give me your best smile.

-One, two, three! -[all laugh]

[camera shutter clicking]

[sighs]

[Du-gwan] Where... where are you going?

[all cheering loudly]

["The Reasons Of My Smiles" by BSS playing]

[photographer] Mister, uh... Groom.

Congratulations.

Wanna leave a message for your future self in ten years?

Wow. Ten years in the future.

How are you? Well, I hope you're not divorced.

[laughs]

Uh, do you have any kids? One? Two?

Oh, well, I don't really care if you don't.

All I need is Hae-in by my side. That's it.

Try to remember,

no matter what, you made the decision to stand right here,

and it's 'cause you love this woman.

Try not to make her cry.

Just make her happy.

Why do I have to do all this?

[photographer] I thought it would be nice for you to watch it back in ten years.

I'm not gonna watch this ten years from now. I'll be busy.

Do I have to?

[clicks tongue] I'm sure in ten years,

you'll be too busy to be wasting time watching a video of me.

Why don't you get back to the office?

I won't ask you how you've been doing. I know you'll be doing great.

You'll still be attractive and healthy and at the height of your career.

And with... Baek Hyun-woo, obviously.

QUEEN OF TEARS

[Hyun-woo] Now you say you're dying and you've got three months left?

[Hae-in] If you can't live without me, how about we die together?

[Hyun-woo] Just happy to escape.

Three months' time, I'll be out of that family without any major repercussions.

[Yang-gi] Love this woman with all your might.

-[imperceptible] -That materialistic?

I want to eat by your side.

-[coughs] -Are you okay?

[woman] I prefer them when they fight.

[Hyun-woo] We've been living as strangers for so long, it's too late to change.

Be careful!

[man] I've thought about Hae-in a few times over the years.

It feels odd meeting her, uh... husband.

[Hyun-woo] I don't even like Hong Hae-in. Why would I be jealous?