Back in the present, Soon Ae has arrived at the restaurant with Myung Ho carrying the passed out Kyung Mo home. She’s having a hard time not crying as she stands in the place that she used to live.
Myung Ho makes her food and, when she looks at the spoons, she thinks that she told her father to dry the utensils before putting them in. There'll be water marks. She sighs and wipes away more tears. It’s hard for her to eat. She notices the turnip kimchi and thinks, “Abeoji, you have to put a saran wrap on the turnip kimchi container. It'll dry up and won't taste good. More tears.
Myung Ho comes out and asks if the food is okay and then says that he’s been thoughtless. It's so hot out and he didn't even turn on the fan. The fan doesn’t want to turn on. Soon Ae gets up and pulls the chain at an angle and the fan starts right up. Abeoji asks how she knew what to do. She replies that she just pulled it and it worked. She sits back down. Myung Ho tells her that he’s just so grateful. He brought her there because he wanted feed her, but he’s not sure if it's to her liking. She forces a smile as she says that it’s good.
Soon Ae can’t take anymore and announces that she has to get going. Myung Ho asks her to wait and as he strips off the plastic gloves that he was wearing, she notices a rubber band around the thumb of one. Abeoji is so poor that he can’t afford to get new gloves. He wants to give her taxi money. She refuses but Myung Ho says that the way the world is today... Kyung Mo would be in trouble if not for her. It's his gratitude, so please accept it. She reluctantly takes it and hurries out of the store.
Outside, memories of the place come back. This is the neighborhood where she lived. And was well liked. All the shop owners know her and her family. She sees one of them and asks about her back. The woman asks who she is. Soon Ae covers that she was a customer who heard her say her back was hurting. She quickly excuses herself and woman remarks that she had surgery on her a year ago. So Soon Ae’s been gone for probably two years. Wow, and her family hasn’t recovered. So sad.
Soon Ae arrives at the local police station – the one where Sung Jae works – and remembers bringing them food for lunch… with a special treat for Sung Jae, who she has a crush on. She hurries out as Sung Jae looks at his treat – an egg on his rice – and all the other officers make noises of appreciation. He doesn’t seem to mind either. In fact, he looks encouraged. Aw, did he like Soon Ae, too? As she walks away, she is very encouraged.
Back in the present, she thinks that her one-sided love with Officer Choi... no, he’s Commander Choi now. He seems to have remained warm and handsome, as always. As she looks at Sung Jae and Hwang from afar as they talk inside the station, she thinks that everything else is still just as before... But, why is she the only one that's missing? As she starts to walk away, she wonders why she left all these memories behind and die? Good question. She remembers everything, except for that moment. What was it that happened to her? Sung Jae comes out of the police station and sees her. He looks at her thoughtfully and then goes about his business. Does he think she looks like Soon Ae because of how she walks?
Myung Ho is sitting in his empty restaurant. The television is on and Soon Ae is on the cooking show (in the same clothes that he met her in) . Abeoji is drinking soju, alone. That’s not good. Abeoji, why did you become an alcoholic? He notices her and that she’s a chef. Wow, she's even been on TV. They announce the dish: Burnt Rice Pollack Soup. Myung Ho pauses from taking a drink because his Soon Ae used to make that. A young person like that knows how to make it? He goes back to drinking.
At the restaurant, the chefs are watching the competition and marveling at how Sun Woo must be a genius. He doesn't even like rice. How did he think of this? Ji Woong tells Soon Ae that she’s a natural. She smiles. It doesn't seem like this is her first time on TV. Behind him, sour-lemons Min Soo is muttering about how Soon Ae isn’t a natural. Is it natural to stand there eating nonstop? What an embarrassment. Others would think they starve her.
Eun Hee, who is also there, tells him that eating is a lot more natural than just standing around. Min Soo says that being natural is good, but she just keeps eating and eating. Ji Woong wonders what Joon’s doing? This is almost over. He comes out – with a bandana tied around his head like a head band – and says that he was organizing the new rubber gloves that they got from the sponsors. Rubber gloves need organizing? He remarks that maybe it's because they're expensive, but they feel very good on the hands. Two boxes should last them a long time. Soon Ae hears rubber gloves and sneaks away.
Joon wonders where Sun Woo is. He’s outside, watching it on his phone, grumbling about the camera work. They should've done a close-up here. He even smiled on purpose for his charm explosion. Charm explosion? Wow, Chef, that’s cheesy. What's with the camera director? Camera long shot to reveal that Sun Woo isn’t even at the restaurant. He’s gone out for a bike ride and is sitting under a bridge, watching the show. Pride dog. Can’t watch it with his men. A woman walks up and starts to say something. Sun Woo immediately acts like he’s so embarrassed. Even though there’s a huge grin on his face. Oh, yes... he is. He searches his jacket pockets, asking what to do. He doesn't have a pen. But, no, lovely biking lady just wanted directions to Mapo Bridge. Heh.
Soon Ae has gone by Myung Ho’s shop. She’s brought him a pair of those expensive gloves, under the ruse of asking for his opinion about them. Myung Ho wonders why his opinion would be important and Soon Ae says that, of course, it is, because he uses them on a daily basis, so it counts the most. That's why she’s giving him this *sample.* So, he shouldn’t feel burdened. Myung Ho smiles and thanks her. He was thinking of buying a pair.
As Soon Ae walks over to the trash, Myung Ho says that since she’s been on TV, they must give her all kinds of free products like this. She protest that she’s just an Assistant Cook and throws the old one away. Myung Ho is happy to be rid of the old pair. Although they look like the exact same pair of rubber gloves. He asks her to taste the kimchi turnips that he’s making. She frowns and heads into the kitchen. She finds what she’s looking for: lemon-lime soda.
Before Myung Ho can stop her, she pours it into the kimchi. He asks why she did that! She replies that it’s different than sugar. It gives a different savory flavor. Myung Ho tastes the new kimchi and likes it. He says that it’s just like the kimchi his daughter used to make. He sighs and says that he didn't even know anything and just poured sugar in there.
Soon Ae can’t help herself. She asks if he has a daughter. Myung Ho smiles and says that he used to. She's gone far away now. She was a daughter that was like a son to him. He asks Soon Ae her name, and even though Soon Ae thinks “It's Soon Ae, Abeoji,” she answers that she’s Na Bong Sun. Myung Ho likes the name. There's a good feeling to it.
Myung Ho decides to go get her something to drink, even though she protests. She decides to grab the kimchi container… but wanders into her room instead. She sighs and says that Abeoji is truly the best. It's been over two years and things are just the same. She sees a smiling picture of herself – next to this adorable picture of her as a little girl. So cute! – and asks the picture if it’s happy. Soon Ae sighs and says that who knew it would turn out to be her last portrait. It’s a nice one. So pretty.
Soon Ae notices her diary and starts to look through it. To get interrupted by Kyung Mo, who demands to know who she is. She pretends that she was looking for the bathroom. Kyung Mo is annoyed that some random girl was in his noona’s room. Since sitting at a vanity looking at a diary is *not* looking for the bathroom. He harps at her about not being able to tell the difference between a bathroom and a room? Is she blind? She answers with sarcasm that she has astigmatism. Her face says that she’s annoyed as Soon Ae thinks, “What's his problem?” He usually sleeps till the sun goes down and then he drinks. What's he doing up? She glares over at him, disgusted at what a slacker he is, and he asks why she’s looking at him like that? If he knew it was his noona, he wouldn’t ask. Heh.
Myung Ho arrives, surprised the Kyung Mo is up. He asks if the pair had said hello already. Kyung Mo wants to know why he would give a customer a ‘hello’? Myung Ho explains that she’s the one that rescued him last night. Kung Mo should thank her. Myung Ho asks, in a disapproving tone, why Kyung Mo always sleeps on the street when he drinks. Kyung Mo doesn’t know what the big deal is. He mutters that he’d wake up when the sun comes up. Why bother? But he gives her a perfunctory ‘thanks, anyway.’
Soon Ae can’t believe his manners, or lack of them. She wonders, out loud, why she bothered to take him to the station. By the looks of him, he’s been unemployed a long time. It doesn't look like he helps his father. Whether Kyung Mo slept there till morning or got attacked... She should've just ignored him and gone on her way. Her tone is definitely Noona talking. He wonders what it’s to her. It's none of her business. Soon Ae thinks that that’s the problem. It is her business. That's the problem. But she replies that that’s true.
Kyung Mo points out that since she’s there at this time of day, she must be unemployed too. Good dig! Triumphantly, she replies, “Ha!” She was actually working when... She realizes the time and hurries out of the restaurant. Kyung Mo is happy to see her go.
Various scenes of Soon Ae bringing Myung Ho supplies. When he protests, she says that her restaurant has so much of it, it’s not big deal.
Restaurant kitchen. Sun Woo is yelling at Min Soo for not cooking correctly. He put too much oil on and won't be able to season it correctly. Min Soo protests that it's very difficult. Sun Woo replies that it's super difficult. Once cooking becomes easy for someone, they’re losing their skill. Sun Woo asks about the pollack roe for today's special. Interesting side note: Alaskan Pollock is the fish primarily used in McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish sandqiches. Dong Chul gets it and Sun Woo inspects it. He doesn’t like how mushy it is. They brought them some crappy stuff. He holds out his finger and Dong Chul wipes it off. Wow, he certainly rules this kitchen. He yells at Min Soo to return it and tell them, 'you guys can eat this crap.' Min Soo says that he’ll deliver the message, just like that. Heh.
Ji Woong asks what the special will be then. Sun Woo thinks and remembers that there was caviar leftover from before. As Ji Woong goes to get it, Dong Chul mentions that caviar pasta will cost them more per plate. Sun Woo replies that he’s not taking the cost from their pay, so Dong Chul shouldn’t worry. Ji Woong can’t find the caviar. Sun Woo says that it’s there on the left and goes to get it himself. But it’s not there. What happened? It was there just yesterday. Dong Chul decides to mention – even though it might not be the right time – that things have been disappearing from the kitchen for the past few days. It's been small amounts, so he didn't bother telling Sun Woo about it.
Soon Ae says goodbye to Myung Ho – who is smiling widely at the girl who reminds him of his daughter. As she starts walking, she comes across Sung Jae – and immediately starts acting awkward because of her crush. Sung Jae recognizes her from the restaurant and, with a big smile on his face, asks what brings her there? She says that she was visiting the restaurant owner while passing by. Sung Jae makes an ‘Ah!’ sound to indicate that he gets it. Soon Ae smiles up at him bashfully.
Sung Jae and Soon Ae are walking. Rather slowly. What is he doing? Isn’t he married? That’s how you walk when you’re with someone you like. He says that she must've become very friendly with that owner, after that day... She covers, saying that Myung Ho is a very good person and he feels like a father to her. He says that she’s much more outgoing than he thought she was. She seemed to be very introverted. She replies – totally fully of aegyo – that she is a little.
Soon Ae thinks that ending up in Bong Sun must be fate. She met her father and Officer Choi. He notices her adoring gaze and gives her a friendly smile. She smiles and looks down and spies his hand. Oh, how could a man's hand be so beautiful? She wants to hold it. She’s so enthralled with the thought of holding Sung Jae’s hand that she misses him mentioning seeing her on TV. She wasn’t nervous at all. Awkwardness as she realizes that he’s looking and she walks ahead, saying that she wasn't as nervous as she thought she'd be. Sung Jae says that he doesn't think people know the real her, Bong Sun. That includes him, of course. Why should it include him? Married. But he’s smiling so friendlily.
Sung Jae says that he has to go meet his senior. Soon Ae thinks that next time they should walk together again and hold hands. He tells her to get back safely. She walks away, aglow with joy that he told her to go back safely! Yes, yes. She will be safe. Oh my, why is the sky so beautiful? People are beautiful. The flowers are so pretty too. Oh, her face is turning red. She’s so shameless! It's been a while since she’s gotten all hot and bothered. Soon Ae skips and twirls, giddy.
Myung Ho is looking at all the stuff Soon Ae has brought him. What to do! He feels bad using it, but he can't just leave it. Kyung Mo arrives home and Myung Ho asks where he’s been. He replies that he went to Cheongdam-dong. He can't get my hair done just anywhere. And for those who don’t know, that area of Seoul is synonymous with the wealthy. Gangnam style, indeed. Kyung Mo notices all the stuff and asks if Myung Ho is donating it. Myung Ho replies that he got it from that young lady from the restaurant.
Kyung Mo is not happy. She came again? She's really weird. Why is she bringing this stuff? They’re not beggars. She's up to something. He’s sure of it! Myung Ho says that she hasn't said anything about insurance. Which proves to Kyung Mo that she must be a con artist who thinks Abeoji’s a rich, old man. When Myung Ho protests that she doesn’t look like a con artist, Kyung Mo asks if she’s going to have ‘Con Artist' stamped on her forehead? Young people these days are scary. Doesn’t Abeoji know what's scarier than a ghost? It's a human woman. Heh. Combination platter.
Soon Ae gets back to the restaurant, still skipping. Sun Woo has lined all the chefs up. His voice low, he talks about the items that have gone missing from the kitchen. It means that it's someone in this group. It's not him, so it's one of them. Right? Soon Ae sneaks into line as Sun Woo asks how something so distasteful could happen. She tries to ask Joon what’s going on, but he signals for her to be quiet. Sun Woo says that if it was money they needed, he would've given it to them, because they would've worked harder afterwards. Or if they used it to practice their cooking all night, then he would praise them. How could he fault them for working hard?
Sun Woo starts to laugh at how pathetic it is. Caviar? At most, it's 300,000 won. It's such a waste, he can't stand it because the most fundamental trust has been broken. Soon Ae whispers at Joon again, trying to find out what is going on. Joon and Ji Woong motion her into silence, but Sun Woo has noticed. He says that their immature Bong Sun is very curious. He has Dong Chul list the things that are missing: Caviar, the sample rubber gloves, a bottle of soy sauce, a bottle of sesame oil, whole sesame seeds. Soon Ae realizes that they’re all things that she’s taken from the kitchen (except the caviar). She makes a face.
Sun Woo says that the level of the items stolen is shockingly pathetic. Even if they sell these things, they can't make money. What is this? He encourages them to turn themselves in. Why is Min Soo looking shifty right now? It’s not like he took the stuff. With that low tone he takes when he’s being patient but is really angry, Sun Woo says that of course, they'll hear crap from him if they turn themselves in. But isn't it better than keeping it to themselves and being burdened by it?
Soon Ae starts to say something, but Min Soo speaks. What is he doing? He asks if he can say something. Sun Woo tells him to go ahead. Min Soo says that honestly, he’s very upset that such an unfortunate event occurred in their kitchen. He takes partial responsibility, too. Well, that’s quite selfless of him. And unexpected. He says that as someone who spent more time with the cooks than Chef, doesn’t Chef think that trying to find the culprit like this does more harm than good? Sun Woo looks down and smiles.
Min Soo steps forward and says that Chef may succeed in finding the culprit, but, their doubts and distrust of each other will deepen. And because Min Soo was feeble and weak, he worried about the bond of their team... Wow, he’s being pretty passionate. This is really weird and not like him. He feared that they would break, and has pondered that. Sun Woo nods and purses his lips like he’s considering Min Soo’s words.
Min Soo says that they can buy these things with money. But, you cannot buy their teamwork with money. So, why don't they tie things up? Why don't they all take on the responsibility? They can work extra hard to make up for the amount that went missing. They should do it like that. That’s just what he was thinking, Chef.
There’s a pause. Chef smiles at Min Soo and Min Soo smiles back. Sun Woo looks at Min Soo and says, “It was you.” Min Soo looks surprised. And so am I, since Soon Ae’s the one that stole most of it. Min Soo says that it wasn’t him. Chef looks down, controlling his anger, and says that he’s right. It is Min Soo, isn't it? He tells Min Soo to look him in the eye. Min Soo doesn’t want to. Wow, why is he acting guilty? Sun Woo tells Min Soo to look at him and Min Soo refuses to meet his gaze, looking everywhere else. It is him, Min Soo.
Min Soo nervously laughs and steps forward, saying that that’s not it. Wait, wait, wait. And this sounds like Min Soo. Why I didn’t see it before: his magnanimous, altruistic suggestion all a cover for his own shortcomings. That’s definitely Min Soo. And Sun Woo has his number. He pulls Sun Woo a little to the side – while the other chefs react because they can’t believe that it was him – and says that what happened was, a girl he’s seeing wanted to try his food and she came over late at night, so he was just borrowing it and was going to replace it. He just forgot. Min Soo’s response? Hey you @#&* bastard! Shouted loud enough that it’s heard outside the restaurant.
Min Soo starts to stutter as he protests that he was really going to replace it. So then why not just own up to it instead of trying to weasel out of taking the blame? That rebuke in the first episode was so on target. Min Soo asks for Sun Woo to please trust him. Once he was paid, he was going to buy more. Sun Woo asks if Min Soo is starting a restaurant? Why is he taking soy sauce? Min Soo says that that's not right. The caviar was him. The rest isn't him. He’s telling the truth, please. Soon Ae bites her lip, because she knows that she’s the one that took the rest.
Sun Woo asks if Min Soo thinks he’s stupid. Why would he believe that? The last part is in a yell again. Soon Ae starts to say something, but they ignore her. Min Soo asks why Sun Woo even works with him. If Sun Woo can't even trust him and can't stand him, why work with him? Sun Woo asks what Min Soo thinks. Min Soo had some cooking skills so he kept Min Soo around hoping that he’d shape up. Sun Woo calls Min Soo a punk! He says that there are things someone can do and can't do. He yells, asking if Min Soo is a thug?
Min Soo can’t believe that Sun Woo called him a thug. Isn’t he being too harsh? Soon Ae tries to speak again, but they ignore it, because they’re too deep in their argument now. Things are coming out that have been festering for a while. Sun Woo yells, asking what Min Soo means, ‘harsh’? It's not worse than what he did. The force of his voice make Soon Ae step backward and chicken out. Min Soo grabs his forehead, frustrated. He protests that the caviar was him, but the other stuff wasn't. He really... Does Sun Woo think he doesn't have his share of things to say? Sun Woo can’t believe Min Soo just said that.
Min Soo yells that Sun Woo always puts him down in front of everyone. But, he still tries to get the team to bond and even buys everyone drinks. Rose-colored reality, there, Min Soo. He’s put his body and money into someone who looks down on him like this. He’s crazy. He slaps the side of his head hard. Sun Woo answers that that’s a joke! Blood and money. Min Soo says that it's not funny and it's not a joke. He’s not working for Sun Woo because he has nowhere to go. He has lots of offers.
Loudly, Sun Woo yells at Min Soo to leave then! He gestures towards the front door. He’s not going to stop Min Soo. Min Soo answers that he will! As he fights to take off his apron – yelling ‘Seriously!’ when it won’t untie easily and making me laugh – and as he finally does, he tells Sun Woo to stay healthy. He throws the apron at Sun Woo’s feet and tells him to please find some humility. He walks away to get his stuff.
Eun Hee immediately asks Sun Woo what he’s doing. He should go get Min Soo. Sun Woo practically yells as he asks why he should. Min Soo wants to leave. Let him. Sun Woo walks to the back of the restaurant, with Soon Ae running after him. She grabs his arm, which Sun Woo notices, and says that it's not necessary for him to get so worked up like this. People can make mistakes in life. So, they should get the Sous Chef to come back. Okay? Should she go get Min Soo and say that Sun Woo told her to? Sun Woo answers for her to forget it. She better not dare to do it.
He starts to walk away, but she grabs him again and say that mistakes happen often enough. And Koreans have three times as the established social courtesy of forgiveness. So, they should just let it go this once for the Sous Chef. Sun Woo tells her that she can be the owner then and give him his salary. He pulls his arm free again and walks away. Frustrated, she grabs a shelf and leans on it, asking why everything is getting so twisted. Seriously, she’s going crazy. She bangs her head on the shelf several times.
Bing Go has gone to see a medium. Medium’s very theatrical, but a complete fake. As Bing Go leaves, she mutters about how these fakes started taking over all the spots in Gangnam, leaving true Bodhisattvas like her no place to stand. And she literally bumps into Mom on the way out. Mom tries to pretend that they haven’t met, but Bing Go definitely remembers her.
They end up going to a restaurant. Mom says that she was going to that other medium, not because she didn't believe Bing Go. So, she’s worried Bing Go’s going to be mad for Mom seeing the competition. Bing Go’s not upset. Even when buying a cabbage, you should shop around a few places. Of course Mom should check out other places. That way, Mom'll realize that she’s truly enlightened.
Mom mentioned how Bing Go must have been very hungry. She finished everything. Bing Go says that she was trying to find someone today so she didn't get to eat. Mom chuckles and says that even Bing Go doesn’t get to see everything. Bing Go gives her the stink eye for a moment. Bing Go explains that she’s not looking for a person. It’s a ghost. Mom is intrigued.
Sun Woo is out feeding the dog. Who needs a name. Of course people say things they don't mean when they're angry. Or he shouldn't have made a mistake. How long has it been since they've worked together? He can't even deal with that? He asks Dog if he’s at fault. Dog just eats. “Are you listening? Look at me. Don't just eat.” Sun Woo reaches over and pets Dog and says that he’s better than humans. At least Dog won't betray him.
Sun Woo gets pensive for a minute and then curses. He doesn't care. Whatever. So not convinced right now. It’s not like the kitchen won't run without a Sous Chef. He says that last part, like it’s meant for Min Soo to hear it.
And the kitchen doesn’t run without the Sous Chef. During dinner service, Sun Woo discovers just how much Min Soo did in the kitchen. The customers are unhappy because it’s taking forever for the food. Sun Woo goes outside and tries calling his friend. Does hyung know anyone who could work as a Sous Chef? He’s in a rush. Hyung isn’t sure. Chefs at that level are too high in demand. Plus, Sun Woo’s famous for being picky and people call him the critical chef and don’t want to work for him. Kids these days prefer comfort over learning.
Sun Woo can’t believe that. Wow, that's insane. He only critiques for their own benefit. Forget it, forget it! It's their loss. Hyung asks if Sun Woo’s getting mad at him right now? A little scolding. Sun Woo says that he’s not yelling at Hyung and apologizes. He gets off the phone and mutters that he’s going nuts. Where is he supposed to find a Sous Chef?
Kyung Mo arrives with a box of stuff – the things that Soon Ae brought to the restaurant. He asks if it’s where Bong Sun works and then tells Sun Woo that he’s the son of the small restaurant owner. He shoves the box in Sun Woo’s direction. If Bong Sun thinks they’re beggars, they don't need her sympathy. And if she's after his dad, he's completely broke. She won't get anything out of seducing him. Tell her not to bother. He'll remember that? Sun Woo is distracted because it’s all the stuff that went missing (minus the caviar). Kyung Mo adds that they haven't touched any of this stuff, so Sun Woo better not say otherwise later. He walks off. Kyung Mo cracks me up, how crotchety he is.
Sun Woo wrist grabs Soon Ae and drags her outside to stand by the box. She, of course, protests. He kicks the box, asking what it is. She looks and realizes it’s the missing stuff. What is all this... doing there? Calmly, Sun Woo says that by the looks of her reaction, it is her doing, right? The restaurant owner's son brought it. Explain all this, so that he can understand. Soon Ae stumbles over any words. Sun Woo squints and asks that she’s not really trying to get together with that old man, is she? Soon Ae can’t believe that her dongsaeng said that. That punk. She ought to sew his trap together.
Sun Woo looks at her with real concern. She’s very sick, isn’t she? She weakly answers that she wouldn't say that she’s sick... just a bit confused. Sun Woo points at her and says that she is. It's serious. What's with her lately? Huh? Soon Ae doesn’t say anything. Sun Woo asks what her relationship is with the man and his son. Why would she give them this? Soon Ae says that it’s not that she has anything to do with them. She just felt bad for them. Sun Woo would understand if he went there. Nothing there is set up properly and she wonders how they can run at all. Sun Woo crosses his arms and closes his eyes as she talks, trying to control his urge to scream at her.
Soon Ae says that the man’s daughter died and the owner is working hard on his own. That son of his is absolutely no help at all. Sun Woo doesn’t understand her logic. These are the store's items, not hers. Chef marvels. Wow, he’s going to lose it. He’s laughing instead of yelling. Wow, he just can't understand her thought process. What's wrong with her? She couldn't even look him in the eyes before? What's with her now? Soon Ae says nothing. Sun Woo mutters that she’s crazy. He sits, frustrated.
He asks her how she’s going to take responsibility for this? Especially since Min Soo is gone. She asks him why Sun Woo just fired a person like that? She went after him to stop him but Sun Woo just kept getting angry. Sun Woo yells, “Aigoo! Really!” because he’s reached the limit of his frustration. She stops talking. Sun Woo grabs his forehead and says that his head hurts. He exhales and tells her that for now they’re going to keep this between the two of them and he’ll take care of it. He tells her to go inside. She asks about the Sous Chef. Through his teeth he says that he’ll take care of it. Go inside.
She apologizes and says that she was wrong. Please deduct the cost of these items from her pay. Small nod from Sun Woo like that’s a given. The sinner will be heading back in now. With still clenched teeth he tells her to go! She does, quickly.
Car wash. The man with lots of other offers is working there, wiping down the finished cars. His brother-in-law comes out and yells at him for putting diesel in a gasoline car. That’s bad, really bad. Ruin an engine bad. He calls Min Soo a dummy! Doesn’t he know how to read English? He’s driving BIL crazy. Why is a chef coming to him and creating a nuisance? Min Soo’s such a pest. Wow, this sounds familiar, but Sun Woo is much nicer.
Min Soo snaps at BIL to stop it already. Just take it out of his pay. BIL is annoyed by that. Does Min Soo know how much it is to replace an engine? It's 4,500,000 won. BIL tells Min Soo that he makes 40,000 won a day. Min Soo throws down his towel, saying that his noona told him differently. She said it's 100,000 won. That’s still 45 days worth of work, not counting his rent and expenses. BIL tells him to talk to noona about that. Just wash the car. Min Soo apologizes to the car owner and starts wiping again. Immediately BIL starts yelling at him about how he’s doing it. Is he stupid? Is he an idiot? Gosh! BIL walks off to leave Min Soo wiping and muttering. BIL’s going too far when they're family.
Car owner rolls down the window Min Soo is wiping. Min Soo starts to say something until he realizes that it’s Sun Woo in the car. So Sun Woo’s just watched that whole thing. Heh. Min Soo knows that, too. Sun Woo asks if Min Soo made a scene and leave just to do this? What about all those offers? Min Soo, subdued, asks why Sun Woo is there. Sun Woo chuckles, annoyed, and says that he came for a car wash. Min Soo nods and starts wiping down the car again.
After a quick moment, Sun Woo yells at him, asking what he’s doing. Isn’t he getting in? Is he going to continue holding a dirty rag instead a knife? Min Soo asks Sun Woo to wait a moment. Then he flings the rags he’s holding at the building, muttering about gasoline. He climbs in the car and immediately apologizes and starts to cuddle Sun Woo’s arm, promising to do better. That cracks me up. He is a dork. Of course, that annoys Sun Woo. Gross, what's with Min Soo? Was Min Soo really never going to see him? Min Soo cuddles that arm again, saying that he was going to keep seeing Sun Woo. Sun Woo laughs and they go.
Back at the restaurant, Sun Woo assembles the group and says that Min Soo is back. Soon Ae enthusiastically claps and Eun Hee smiles and joins in. Sun Woo says that he brought Min Soo back and from this point on, they shouldn’t bring up that unfortunate incident again. It's not a good memory so they should forget it. Like it never happened today, okay? Soon Ae eagerly answers, “Yes, Chef!” with the other cooks muttering it.
Sun Woo suggests a team dinner. It doesn’t look like he’s paid enough attention to them, lately. Min Soo chimes in and says that that's not true. That kind stuff is his duty as the Sous Chef. Joon scratches his nose because he has to deal with Min Soo again. Not happy. Min Soo says that it’s because he’s unworthy. He holds out his face and asks Sun Woo to please, just hit him. Sun Woo laughs uncomfortable and says that there’s no need for hitting. He asks the group what they want. Beef ribs? Min Soo says chicken. Sun Woo agrees to chicken – since no one’s objecting. He tells them to tidy up and leaves the kitchen.
Everyone gets to work. Except Min Soo, of course. Min Soo says that they were all very worried, right? No need to worry anymore. Don't frown. They should clean up and everyone has to come out to dinner today. If anyone misses out, Sous Chef will be mad at them! Is there anyone who wants to make Sous Chef mad? He almost crows this last part, like he’s totally back now. Soon Ae cheerfully says that there isn’t. Min Soo and Soon Ae walk off, arm in arm.
Back in the kitchen, the other cooks are reeling. They can’t believe they’re going to have to live with that again. Joon sighs and marvels at Sun Woo. Chef really is the bigger man. If it was him, he wouldn't let him back. Sadly, Dong Chul moans that today was just one day of springtime fantasy. Ji Woong stoically says that Min Soo’s like a zombie that keeps coming back even though you keep killing him. He just doesn't drop dead.
Eun Hee isn’t joining the dinner. She’s tired and Sung Jae's coming to get her. The group boisterously starts to leave the restaurant, when Mom and Bing Go appear. Mom is especially drunk. Soon Ae immediately hides from Bing Go’s line of sight. She grabs her neck so that the bells won’t jingle. In his ‘I’m being calm but I’m really angry’ voice, Sun Woo asks if Mom drank again? Mom breathes that it was just a little bit. She introduces Bing Go and says that she's famous in Seoul and known to be very enlightened. They became friends today. Mom says that Bing Go is there to see him.
Annoyed, Sun Woo says that they’re about to go for dinner. He tells the group to wait outside. Soon Ae tries to sneak out with them, but Mom spots her and yells, “Hey, you... young lady who doesn't greet people.” She gets Bong Sun’s name and then asks for her to get them two cups of water. They’re so thirsty. Soon Ae says that she will and starts to creep away. Bing Go stops her. Soon Ae is sure she’s caught, but Bing Go just wants lukewarm water. She doesn't have very good teeth. Soon Ae smiles and slowly goes, so that the bells don’t jingle.
Bing Go says that there’s something very strange about this place. There's a mysterious mix of chill and vitality there. It's strong, very strong. She messes with a table setting. Sun Woo comes over and straightens the setting back. Bing Go realizes that it’s him! Mom is totally hanging off of every word. Bing Go says that if she can feel it even though she’s tipsy, it means that Sun Woo will have many ghosts surrounding him. Eun Hee puts her head down to stifle a smile. Mom is adamant. Ghosts! She told him. She told him! Bing Go says that there are lots of ghosts in this place too.
Unphased, Sun Woo says that he doesn't believe in ghosts and his employees are waiting outside, so he’ll be excusing himself now. He tells Mom that they’ll talk later and even though she protests, he leaves. Mom stops when Bing Go tells her to let Sun Woo go. If he doesn't believe, fortunes and talismans are all useless. Soon Ae has brought the water and tries to sneak out. Bing Go yells at her to wait. Fearfully, she turns around, but Bing Go just wants to thank her for the water.
At the restaurant, Min Soo has had a lot to drink (he’s slurring his words). He announces that they should forget about age and rank today and relax, okay? And Korean for relax is ‘relax.’ Loudly, he drunkenly says, “Cheers!” And Soon Ae is the only one who turns to the side when she drinks. Even Joon, which means he’s embracing this no age and rank thing. Min Soo asks Sun Woo to do a love shot with him. Sun Woo doesn’t want to, because they’re guys. Dong Chul says that Sun Woo should do it. Ji Woong adds that Min Soo loves him a lot. The group loudly starts cheering for a love shot! After glaring at Soon Ae, he asks why he should do it with a guy? He knows he can’t win, so he tells Min Soo to hurry. He tries to link arms but Min Soo makes him hug as they chug over each other’s shoulder. Everyone cheers and Sun Woo grabs Min Soo by the hair to pull him backward and end the hug. Hehe.
Min Soo grabs a piece of meat and dips it in the cheese and wants to feed it to Sun Woo. So romantic. I never realized what a man-crush Min Soo has on Sun Woo. Sun Woo reluctantly takes it. Min Soo grabs that arm again and says that he spent all day thinking quite a lot, Chef. He thought about what human relationships are and about what life is. He really likes to snuggle Sun Woo’s arm. Heh. He thought a lot, Chef. And honestly, he’s really thankful that Sun Woo reached out to him first. Pause. But, he really only took the caviar and nothing else. Awkward look from Sun Woo and Soon Ae. Sun Woo says that they weren’t going to talk about it anymore. Min Soo says that his heart was so broken. Soon Ae distracts Min Soo by handing him a drink and loudly declaring that they should drink to a new start! Everyone drinks.
Later, a drunk Soon Ae and sober Sun Woo run into each other in the stairwell. She falls toward him and he catches her, so that she leans again his chest. She sighs and leans in more, saying that it’s so nice. Pushing her to arms length, he asks why she drank so much. Is she drunk? She says she isn’t. But she is. He tells her to stop drinking. Smiling, she playfully pokes him and says that he’s in a good mood too, right? Sun Woo holds up his arm – like he’s expecting her to molest him or something – and asks what she means.
She pokes him again – which makes him step backward – and says that he’s happy about bringing the Sous Chef back. Poking and stepping back as she says that he did a really good thing... a really good thing! He sputters, asking if she’s trying to catch a rat? Why is she cornering him? Soon Ae leans in and says that it’s because she likes it. And she stays there, grinning up at him. Sun Woo stops looking at her and looks up instead. He says that he’s got it. She says his name (Chef) a couple of times. The phone rings and he quickly answers it. He’s immediately concerned when he hears So Hyung’s voice and shoves Soon Ae out of the way.
Sun Woo quickly *takes a taxi* to where So Hyung has had a one-person accident. He didn’t have his car? Or did he leave it at the restaurant because he was expecting to get drunk? He’s quite concerned. She apologizes and says that she didn't have anyone else to call. A cat jumped out in front of her and she turned the wheel. She might have grazed the cat. She was just so scared. Full of concern, he puts his hand on her arm and asks if she’s okay. She nods and says that she is.
Back at the restaurant, Min Soo is even more drunk. You can barely understand him any more. He asks if they know why he crawled back there? Don't they think other places heard about him and asked him to come in? At the car wash, right? He told them to forget it. Min Soo says that he just kept picturing them (you kids) and he just couldn't bear to go. The only one who isn’t fall over drunk is Joon. Dong Chul laughs, calling Min Soo a crazy bastard and a liar. Holding up a fork, he emphasizes his words as he says that he’s planning on being with them all till they're buried bones. Dong Chul and Ji Woong hear bones and put the eaten chicken bones in the pail where they go.
Joon tells Min Soo that Bong Sun was the only one who was truly thinking of him. She spoke to Chef multiple times, asking to bring him back. After confirming with Soon Ae, he tosses the fork aside and cradles her hand. He calls her his Bong and thanks her, saying that she’s really the best. She says that it’s nothing. She had her reasons. He tells her that she’s really cool. From now on...she can call him Oppa. From now on, she'll be one of Huh Min Soo's people. They’re family... family, okay? And family in Korean is ‘hamily.’ At least in this conversation. She’s totally excited that she now has an oppa. She likes it. She likes it a lot! She leans forward and, propping her chin in her hand, asks where he lives. Does he live alone?
Now the group is staggering arm in arm down the street. Soon Ae says that she wants to go to Oppa’s house! Min Soo declares that they’re family so she can't. Why is she so open when she’s drunk? I laugh because he got the horny implication of her question. She whines that she wants to. Ji Woong moans that she can't come over. His place is really small. She says that that’s why they have to go. Because it's small. It's no fun if it's big. Min Soo declares that their Bong Sun is so aggressive!
Joon groans and asks if they can stop walking arm in arm. It’s so uncomfortable. Min Soo yells that they can’t, because they’re family. He also calls Joon a punk. Dong Chul yells at the punk, too, saying that he has to listen. And he calls Min Soo a punk. Min Soo asks if Dong Chul is cursing him because he’s drunk? He gets loose and yells for Dong Chul to catch him if he can! Dong Chul chases him.
Now free of the boys, Soon Ae heads over to Myung Ho’s and almost misses him. But she doesn’t. He notices that she’s drunk and she slurs that it’s a work thing. A good time. She was going to head home, but then she thought of him. Holding up Soju, she says that he likes it, right? Myung Ho laughs – like he would if his daughter was talking to him, even though he doesn’t realize that it’s his daughter talking to him and not a young girl sounding like she’s propositioning him. Aw, he’s looking at Bong Sun as his daughter. Aw.
Soon Ae asks why Myung Ho sent back everything. She was really upset. She had no agenda when she gave it to him. He apologizes and says that Kyung Mo is very wary of people. Myung Ho says that he has to go, because Kyung Mo wants to go eat blood sausage. Soon Ae says that she likes blood sausage, too. Myung Ho says that his son is not so good with new people. And he’d prefer if she didn’t bring him things anymore. He knows that she has good intentions, but he feels a little burdened when she does. He tells her that she’s welcome to come for a meal whenever she wants. He’ll be going now.
As Soon Ae watches him walk away, she sighs. Walking now, she says that Abeoji could find it burdensome. He doesn't know who she is. Of course, his son comes first. Why would he want to eat blood sausage stew with her? She tells herself that she shouldn't have gone there at all and just drank by herself. She’s ended up at the police station. She sees Sung Jae and then notices Eun Hee. She doesn’t know why they’re together. Hwang comes out and thanks Eun Hee for the rice rolls. He tells her to make him some more. Sung Jae says that he’ll take his wife home. Soon Ae hears that and reels.
Sun Woo and So Hyung are walking to her place. She thanks him for coming. She wouldn't have called if she knew he was out with employees. She would've called for a driver, anyhow. He says that he wasn't going to stay long. So Hyung says that she must be sensitive about things like this. She doesn't even like receiving plants or flowers as gifts. She doesn’t like something coming to her and dying. Aw. That’s hard. Almost 11 years later.
Now outside her building, she invites Sun Woo in for a cup of coffee? He says, half-joking, that he won’t. What if she jumps him and tries to have her way with him? She laughs – like that’s the most ridiculous thing she’s ever heard – and tells him that he’s crazy! Yes, she’s been starving, but she’s still picky about what she eats. He's smiling. He asks what's wrong with him? Is he rotten or something? She replies that people don't only avoid rotten food. There's also a thing called taste. They both laugh. She pats his arm, tells him to just know that and go home. He tells her to have something warm to drink and sleep. She did have a scare, after all. He’ll be going now.
She watches his walk away, a small smile on her face. She mutters that he’s not even turning around. Cold jerk. She laughs to herself and goes inside. She misses him turning around and watching the light of her apartment turn on. It starts to rain as he thinks about how they first met.
In school, in the library, as she falls asleep while studying. Later, he comes in and she’s not in her usual spot. And he’d brought her something to drink. Switch to his job, working as a waiter. His friend – Chang Kyu – comes rushing in and grabs him, saying that he’s gone and done it. Sun Woo has to help him. It’s the girl in his program. The one he told Sun Woo about. He made up an excuse and asked her to meet him there. He pulls out couples rings from his pocket. Sun Woo laughs and, in English, says, “Something like that?” Chang Kyu replies, in English, “Just like that.” They laugh.
Later, Sun Woo has a cake that he’s hidden the rings in. He asks Chang Kyu if it’s too old-fashioned? Will it work? Chang Kyu replies that when you don't have a method, traditional is best. That's his opinion. Girl arrives and Sun Woo’s face falls as it’s So Hyung. Chang Kyu introduces them. Sun Woo tries to act casual. His voiceover says that that's when he knew. The reason why love is sad isn't because two people are amiss. It's because the timing is amiss. And once you miss the timing, you can't turn things back. That's just natural. Switch to him walking with them. Chang Kyu has his arm around So Hyung and they’re holding hands as it rests on her shoulder. The couples rings are on.
Switch back to Sun Woo sadly walking in the rain. And then to Soon Ae sadly walking in the rain. Her voiceover says that Officer Choi is married and his wife is Eun Hee. She died and this body isn't hers. Yes, it could happen. Three years isn't a short amount of time. Many things could have happened. Some people marry. Some people lose a child, but live on because they can't die. And some people...
She looks over at Bong Sun’s reflection and says that she was briefly mistaken. She’s not Na Bong Sun and she’s not Shin Soon Ae, either. She’s just a ghost… a virgin ghost possessing the body of another person. Making me feel sad here. More walking in the rain. They pass each other on the opposite sides of the street.
Soon Ae arrives at the gosiwon and discovers Bong Sun’s stuff out in the hall. She opens the door and there’s a half-dressed man inside. She apologizes. She shuts the door and checks the room number. It’s Bong Sun’s room. She opens the door again and asks what he’s doing in her room. He says that it’s his room. Because that manager rented it out from under her. She asks if he might be mistaken and he asks if she wants to come in. She shuts the door.
Soon Ae is now on a park bench, with all her things. Including that huge sword. She can’t believe that they rented her room just because she missed the payment by a few days. She doesn’t know about the previous conversation. They didn't even tell her. It really is too much. What is all this stuff anyways? She looks in the luggage and finds Bong Sun’s wallet… with no credit cards. Soon Ae sighs and says that Bong Sun is strange.
Halmeoni calls. Soon Ae makes a face and acts chipper as she answers. Halmeoni asks why she hasn’t been calling? Is something going on lately? Soon Ae says no. Halmeoni says that she received the money Bong Sun sent, and she sent money for her back surgery too. Halmeoni worries because Bong Sun doesn’t have much. She doesn't need to send it monthly. Soon Ae tells her not to worry and to spend it as Halmeoni wishes.
Halmeoni asks why Bong Sun is suddenly speaking so formally to her? Soon Ae gets flustered and quickly says that it's nothing really. She just thought she should grow up already. No response from Halmeoni. Soon Ae checks to make sure Halmeoni is still connected. After a significant pause, Halmeoni tells her to eat well and not to forget to light the incense. Soon Ae says goodbye. And I think Halmeoni knows that this isn’t her granddaughter she’s talking too, since Halmeoni’s a shaman and all.
Soon Ae sighs and says that Bong Sun was a good granddaughter. She gave all her money to her halmeoni. Soon Ae continues to look through Bong Sun’s things and, thinking about how she used to care for her skin, she sighs and says that Bong Sun doesn't need to live this way. You're born once and you die. You should use everything you want and do everything you want. You have to date guys and date two... no three at a time. If she waits, it'll all turn to crap. She wonders where she’s supposed to go now anyways? It's not her body. She can't just sleep anywhere. Plus, she has so much luggage, too.
Soon Ae heads to Sun Restaurant and sneaks inside. She sneaks upstairs and spots Sun Woo with his shirt off. She notes that he has a nice body. She creeps back downstairs and is startled by an old woman’s ghost. It slowly creeps toward her as Soon Ae asks is she’s an evil house spirit? Soon Ae shrugs and says that it’s probably the time for spirits to enter. Clock says midnight. She whines at the ghost that she’s really tired right now. She doesn't have time to deal with the ghost. Can’t Granny go somewhere else? Does Granny have to be there? She’s just saying...
Granny lurches at her and growls. Soon Ae says that she’s got it. Granny frowns. I seriously am wondering if this is Halmeoni. She looks old enough to be Halmeoni and she’s frowning like Bong Sun’s reaction isn’t what she was expecting because Bong Sun’s not scared. Soon Ae tells Granny that if she wants to stay there, she should just stay. She’s not very shy. Whether Granny’s a ghost or an evil spirit, just don't bother her and she won't care. Granny answers that with a growl and a lunge.
Soon Ae smiles at Granny and says that she’s a peaceful person, okay? Peaceful... She then whines, asking Granny why she’s being like this? She’s really tired. Okay, fine. Bong Sun picks up the big sword. She tells Granny that if she wants to start something, what can she do? She’ll fight Granny. Granny’s face says that she wasn’t expecting this.
Soon Ae tells Granny that she better prepare herself. She tells Granny to come at her and then swings at Granny with the sword. Granny shoves the sword away and makes it knock over a bunch of stuff, very loudly. Granny dissipates and Soon Ae looks in the direction of upstairs.
Upstairs, Sun Woo hears it. He remembers Bing Go’s words: He’ll have many ghosts surrounding him. This place will have lots of ghosts, too. Episode ends.
Americanese
- sour-lemons - I'm referring to two things here: the saying that 'If life gives you lemons, make lemonade' and the Aesop's Fable about the fox and the grapes. In that fable, a hungry fox desperately tries to jump up and grab some grapes to eat. He isn't able to, so he walks away, saying that he didn't want to eat the grapes anyway, since they were probably sour. I'm describing Min Soo like this because he's jealous of Soon Ae being on television and is complaining about things that aren't bad because he missed his chance.
- pride dog - as in prideful dog. Someone very prideful with a high opinion of self. And like stray dogs, you want to stay away from them.
- to harp at (someone) - to dwell on in an complaining way
- slacker - (1) someone capable of doing work, but too lazy to do it correctly, (2) someone who does the least amount of work as is possible because they are lazy, (3) someone who is intelligent and can achieve, but doesn't want to work for it so achieves nothing. Here's my favorite of the Urban Dictionary's definitions:
A person, usually a young one and frequently of the X-generation, who lives life at the minimum and is desirous of only enough cash to squeak by, working only to the degree necessary to achieve that dubious objective. Slackers are generally viewed as lazy and unambitious parasites on society in general, especially by older generations, including former hippies who were notably more noxious in their own youth. In the 1950s and before, the people who would nowadays be commonly characterized by the term slacker would have then been the individuals who necessitated innumerable red-lettered signs which pronounced No Loafing, signs which were prominently posted nationwide at nearly every gas station of the era and which were ignored on an equal magnitude by the people whom they specifically targeted.
- dig - as in 'good dig' - a poke at someone's pride, a verbal assault that is like digging an elbow into someone's rib cage.
- chicken out - to lose courage and run away
- rose-colored reality - as in 'rose-colored glasses' - to look at reality with an overly optimistic or positive attitude, ignoring obvious negative things; to see only the positive in a situation and ignore the negative and unpleasant. The actual origin of the phrase has been lost, but there are some interesting theories as to how it might have emerged. The phrase first appeared in print in the mid-1800s, but the idea of rosy and rose-colored being used to describe something hopeful or optimistic goes back to the 1700s. Additionally, in the 18th century, tinted glasses were thought to help against a number of maladies and rose-colored glasses are supposed to help chickens not attack each other.
English Language and Usage blog post about the origin of rose-tinted glasses
Wikipedia article on Chicken Eyeglasses - man-crush - when a man has affection towards another man like a girl would have on her crush. It's not in an amorous way, since they both desire women, but it's weird just the same.
Thoughts
So we got to know the people more. Min Soo got fired and was hired back. Soon Ae discovered that her crush is not only married, but married to Eun Hee. And she was so hoping to hold his hand. Although why he walked slowly with her like that. What was he thinking? That’s how fast people who like each other walk – they stroll. He was still super pleasant, though.
That was hard to watch, Soon Ae crying over her father’s cooking. And Soon Ae seemed like a very sweet girl. Filial. It’s sad that she’s dead. Why did she stick around though? Because I don’t think it was because she was a virgin.
Joon we’re meeting in bits and I’m wondering if he doesn’t like Bong Sun. He seems to notice her a lot, but then again, he notices everything. And he’s the one that got drunk the least. Like, I have the feeling that if they weren’t drinking, he probably wouldn’t have gotten drunk at all. He was not happy to have Min Soo the blowhard back. He must really respect and like Sun Woo to put up with Min Soo.
We found out what the deal is with Sun Woo and So Hyung. He’s nursed a crush on her for *years* and never done anything about it. Because it wasn’t the right time. I mean, it’s been over 11 years that he’s liked her and always just been the good friend.
I also think that he’s attracted to Bong Sun, which is why he kept her around even though she was so timid. When Soon Ae was hanging all over him in the stairwell, he really acted like he was trying to avoid getting in a position where he would give into those feelings. I mean, creeping away backward and avoiding eye contact. If he really didn’t have any attraction for her he would have just held her at arms’ length and told her to wake up.
I really wonder if that Granny ghost was Bong Sun’s Halmeoni. And it’s interesting to me that Bing Go couldn’t tell that Soon Ae was in Bong Sun, even when she was talking to her. That must be important for later.
Does anyone know the song(trot song) that Shin Soon Ae sings at beginning ?
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