(Episode 11)
Yong Goo!
What do you want for dinner tonight?
If I tell you I want something, my mother will scold me.
She tells me I need to eat what's served.
Still, do you have any ideas?
In that case, on a day like this,
I could go for octopus geotjeori and braised cutlassfish.
I guess they're cheap today!
I'll make a tasty dinner, so don't be late!
Instead of cutlassfish, take this. I'll give you a good price.
They have a few legs missing, but they're fine to eat.
It doesn't matter how they look, but I need something fresh.
You talk just like young man Gyung Soo!
You used to follow him around saying "Young man Gyung Soo,"
and now look at you all grown up!
I don't think this will do. How much for cutlassfish?
Radish is pricey today. Just use potatoes.
Yong Goo asked me to use radish.
He's so picky.
He has the best taste in the village!
When he complains that the food I make is salty or plain,
I wonder if he really is disabled.
If I'm disabled, it's my brain that's disabled.
Why would it affect my taste?
Doesn't he seem so normal in times like this?
There's nothing wrong with him.
Da Jung, are you having fun at school?
I don't go to college for fun.
Oh, my, then why are you going?
Should I say I'm looking for my lost sense of self?
So you had a sense of self to lose?
She's going to college to show off her looks.
If her hair isn't right after drying it, she takes another shower.
She doesn't care about learning.
Leave her be.
She should be dressing up at her age anyway.
She should dress up while she can.
Because of rumors that Jung Hoon and I are CC...
I can't even go out on blind dates.
What fun would college be if I couldn't even dress up?
What's a CC?
Campus couple. Students at the same school who are dating.
Jung Hoon, how about you? How are your medical studies going?
Half of my classmates graduated from science high schools,
and those from normal schools were all class valedictorians.
What's more, 22 of the 60 have parents who are doctors.
Studying isn't the hard part. It's discouraging.
He's always thought he was the best since elementary school.
Now that he's in college, everyone's better than him.
It's no wonder he's discouraged.
Young Shin, I heard you're applying for jobs. Have you heard back?
I've applied everywhere I could think of,
but I haven't heard from anywhere.
This isn't a big hiring season, after all.
Still, there would be a job out there for me somewhere.
I'm trying my best!
Are you going to school?
I guess you're heading to the market early to make kimchi.
Let's have a spicy geotjeori and chicken kalguksu for dinner.
Okay, see you tonight.
Park Jung Hoon.
Are you going to go without saying goodbye?
Yes, I am.
He's sleepy from staying up all night studying.
See you later!
- Is there anything for us? - Some bills,
and this!
(Royal Palace)
It finally came!
- What is it? - The application results!
I passed the practical test, so they mailed me for an interview.
Really?
- Where is it? - Have you heard of Royal Palace?
It's the biggest Korean family-style restaurant in the city!
Royal Palace?
How did you go for a practical exam without me knowing?
I didn't tell you in case I'd be embarrassed by failing.
I need to tell Da Jung about the good news.
That's amazing!
Congrats, Young Shin!
Hey, did you really skip class to come here?
How could I study after hearing the news?
I guess you have a lot of reasons why you can't study.
How did you beat all the competition and get an interview?
In my cover letter,
I said I want to carry the legacy of Korean food.
Great!
That's how you write a cover letter!
But what if they ask me, who are you to carry on the legacy?
Well, you should say you'll do everything in your power to do it.
What should I wear to the interview?
What do you mean? You have to dress up as pretty as you can.
What if they fail me for being too pretty to be stuck in a kitchen?
Geez.
I don't really think...
you're pretty enough for that.
I'm so happy for you!
This is real life. You have to answer me seriously.
What's your opinion on the globalization of Korean food?
I'm fed up.
This is an awful question.
Isn't it?
No matter what they ask, tell them you'll do your best.
Hey, who would say they won't try hard?
There's no impact in that!
Then answer with conviction!
Conviction is your middle name.
If I'm too confident for a simple line cook...
won't they fail me for having no sense of social skills?
That could happen.
If you don't read the room and just answer confidently,
they'd think of you as a liability.
Whatever!
I'll just say it's their loss if they fail me!
That's right!
You already passed the application and practical exam.
As long as you don't look too weird, they'll pass you for sure.
What if...
they fail me for looking weird?
I guess you have a million reasons for failing.
You can just apply to another place, then.
I really want to work there.
I saw in a column...
that their owner is the top chef of Korean cuisine.
I really want to learn from her.
Do you?
(Royal Palace)
Are you feeling confident?
I'll wait for you right here.
Why am I so nervous?
I'll go in now.
Young Shin!
What?
Come here.
I'll give you a hug.
You'll do great.
Are you crying?
If you'd gone to college, you'd be at Seoul National University,
but you're so worried about failing an interview at a place like this.
It makes me so sad.
Don't worry. I'll do well.
We only hire people with a Korean cuisine license...
and at least a two-year degree.
At first, new hires are brought on as interns and assist the chefs,
but later they will be promoted as official cooks.
Looking at your resume, I see you only have a high school diploma.
Yes.
Of course, high school graduates are eligible to apply,
but most applicants like that have won prestigious cooking awards.
You don't have any awards, do you?
No, I don't.
We let you interview because of your marks on the exam.
If you're hired, what kind of cook would you like to be?
I...
Ever since I was little,
I've grown up only with my grandmother.
When she passed away, I became an orphan at eight.
I grew up in a run-down diner in a rural town.
From when I was young, I've seen hungry people...
get comforted over a warm meal.
Growing up, I've wanted to repay those who brought me up...
even though we were not related.
I've wanted to provide warm meals to the hungry.
If you let me have this opportunity,
I would like to walk the path of a cook with such a mindset.
You could make a good writer.
You're very good with your words.
Are you going to cook by talking about it?
Pardon?
How did it go?
Did it go well?
I don't think I'll make it.
Why not?
I guess all the applicants are graduates.
I didn't go to college and never won a prize in a cooking contest.
They asked me why I applied. And they were straight about it.
They did?
I said a few things so I won't feel small.
But they said I was all talk, so I was embarrassed.
You don't have to be.
This is not the only Korean restaurant in the world.
Tell them you won't go even if you make it. They're acting cheap.
This place just looks fancy. Everyone knows the food is awful.
When did you hear this rumor?
I'm going to spread the word.
Let's go.
Goodbye. Please come again.
Thank you.
Sook Jung.
Did the interview go well?
I'm thirsty.
It's a tough job.
Which is why I prepared this.
Here's a cold omija tea.
Oh, my. Your skirt is wrinkled.
Let me see. Goodness.
- That's not necessary. - But wait.
- Let me smooth it out. - That's enough.
- Let me. - It's fine.
- The soup has gone cold. - Let me get that for you.
I can leave Sung Chan to take care of the kitchen,
so I'll get off work earlier unless we have a special guest.
I can work at the cash register when Min Gyung gets off work.
It won't be good to leave it to someone less.
Don't even think about going near the cash register.
Okay. I will look back on what I've done.
Here you go.
- Pepper. - Oh, pepper?
I know how you like pepper.
Right.
- Enough. - Sure.
Why would you grovel at her?
Isn't it all thanks to your wonderful father?
He lost all the tax money by gambling.
He made an excuse about his family.
We were kicked out of the rent house when the truth got out.
But he gambled with the deposit again.
He's unbelievable.
I came back here expecting to work as a maid.
Of course, I should grovel. Do you expect me to put on airs?
Why did you marry a guy like Dad?
What?
So you shouldn't chase wild dreams and get a grip.
I live for your sake. If it weren't for you,
I would've buried my face in the water and parted this life.
Jong Gwon.
How about having Jun Young work...
at the counter when I get off work?
He can do it as a part-time job after school.
Mom, are you out of your mind?
That's a good idea.
Learning that will be helpful in running the restaurant later.
I don't want to.
So, do you want me to pocket money like Dad?
How could you pocket it when everyone pays with cards?
They want to know the size of the sales.
Jong Gwon doesn't care about how much we have in earnings.
You're the only one who knows.
She wants her son to get his feet in the business early on.
Can you make me a ramyeon?
Da Jung told me that you blew your interview.
They ask for your resume even to work at a convenience store.
I see you can't get a job like that without a college degree.
Kimchi ramyeon or tteok ramyeon?
Young Shin.
What would you call me in a mellow tone?
It's gross.
It must've hurt your pride.
I don't need to stand on my pride for that.
Don't worry. I'm okay.
Are you sure about that?
Of course, I am.
I can apply to another one.
You say you're all right, but I don't feel good.
Don't worry.
I'll say I'm not close with you.
You're such a hot shot,
so you can't have lame people being around you.
Young Shin. How could you say that?
It must be really nice.
What do you mean?
Because you're so full of yourself.
- What? - My ego is not hurt, it's crushed.
I'm barely hanging in there.
Do you think asking about my pride would cheer me up?
You're rubbing it in.
Make your own ramyeon.
Did you wrap up?
Good job today.
I should close up when Jung Hoon finishes his ramyeon.
Did you guys fight?
He's rubbing it in.
Jung Hoon must've felt bad.
Why would Da Jung go around telling everyone?
They could've just said you didn't make it.
Why did they have to embarrass you?
Things are never going to work out for her.
Who? Do you know the boss there?
What?
How would I know her?
I'm just upset.
Don't be too sad, Mr. Jung.
(List of successful applicants for an internship at Royal Palace)
I'll write that it's a rip-off and tastes awful.
I'm being cheap,
but how dare they look down on her for not going to college?
"List of successful applicants"?
Let me check this though.
"Ko Sang Soo, Yoon Jin Hee, Park Gyung Ah, Kim Young Shin."
Kim Young Shin?
What's this? Is this someone else with the same name?
There's a registration number. I should ask her.
My hands are shaking.
My registration number?
Why do you ask?
They said they'll put the names on the website and send a mail.
Hey, I know you have things to do.
Why did you check that?
What? You found my name?
Really?
Hold on. Don't hang up.
Stay on the line.
Good work today, everyone.
It's nothing much, but please help yourself.
Young Shin, Congratulations.
Thank you.
I'll buy you a two-piece suit. I can do that.
You're actually touched, aren't you?
When I first saw her, she was so small and weak.
I didn't think she would grow up and play her part.
But she did all grow up and can earn money for herself.
Are you crying?
I guess I have aged.
Just listening to the national anthem makes me tear up.
Gyung Soo must be happy.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
It doesn't feel like reality yet.
They say she'd be an intern but it's practically chef's assistant.
Don't be so flattered.
It's rather cold to be a congratulatory speech.
When will you start working?
Next week.
Then I guess I won't be seeing you at the Diner.
I'll be off twice a week.
Now everyone is all grown up and out to the world.
Why don't you say anything?
I'm too glad to say.
He's thinking of Oh Bok, that's why.
Da Jung and Jung Hoon have become college students...
and Young Shin has got her job.
But we wouldn't know even if he's beaten to death on the streets.
Hasn't he called you to this day?
What a heartless punk.
He'll come back eventually...
since you guys are waiting for him.
Yong Goo.
What are you doing here?
What brings you here?
Are you waiting for Oh Bok?
You can't wait for him here so recklessly.
But you also said he's going to come back...
when there are people waiting for him.
Aren't you cold?
I'll wait for him here. You should go inside.
No.
I should wait for him. He's my nephew.
You'll catch a cold.
Young Shin.
Yes?
You do know that Oh Bok wanted...
to stay close to you guys, right?
Of course.
Da Jung has all her parents...
so she has nothing to envy.
You and Jung Hoon are bright and smart.
So Oh Bok had...
a pretty hard time being around you guys.
I didn't realize you were thinking of it that way.
I did live my life long enough to notice such things.
An elderly grandmother and stupid uncle...
He had no one to rely on.
- Young Shin. - Yes.
I have a favor to ask.
No matter what he becomes when he's back,
will you be as nice to him as you were before?
Da Jung and Jung Hoon might not...
even have time for Oh Bok later on.
Then I wouldn't let them be.
So let's get inside.
But he might get off...
the next train.
Did Oh Bok go home already?
How should I know?
You and Oh Bok live under the same roof...
but why don't you guys go home together?
He doesn't even let him speak to him at school.
There's no way he'd go home together.
We're friends. Why won't you let him speak to you?
Are you that full of yourself?
We both don't have mothers.
Other kids will talk behind us if we hang out.
I also don't have a mother.
Do you want me to never speak to you?
But you get high grades at least.
Gosh, you're such a mean person.
What are you guys having?
Oh Bok, join us.
I don't have money though.
Didn't grandmother give you an allowance?
I spent it all on the game.
Then just go home.
Da Jung, don't be too cruel.
Then can I have a sip of that soup?
Whatever.
Don't just sip soup. You should have some fish cake too.
It's all right. I'll just have some soup.
Just enough to get warm.
It's hot!
You should've used your spoon.
You can't just spit in the soup!
It's disgusting.
You have that all.
Are you sure?
Thank you for the food.
Are you enjoying it?
Yes, It's so good.
Sure, help yourself.
Do you still wish to be close to him?
We still have tteokbokki.
Let's eat.
Can I try tteokbokki too?
What are you planning to do this time?
You can't have it.
Just have your fishcake.
Here.
What is this?
Buy yourself a pair of shoes to work.
I have my shoes to wear to work.
I know you do.
You've been treating us delicious meals at a really cheap price.
A decent person should know to return the favor.
Oh, dear. There's no need for this.
Take it back now.
Just take it and go.
Jang Oh Bok?
Stop right there, Oh Bok!
Wait!
Oh Bok is here? Where?
- Oh Bok! - Where is he?
Hey!
Oh Bok!
Stop running, Oh Bok!
You're dead meat when I catch you!
I said stop! Don't move!
(A Good Supper)
Are you serious?
Are you going to cry again?
My poor baby.
Still, she goes to work happily.
Don't ask.
Everywhere I look, I just see Young Shin.
Thank you. It's an honor!
I'll do my best.
Was your name Kim Young Shin?
I'm flattered that you remember my name.
Whether decent or not, no woman will...
just sit back and watch her child getting messed with.