GYEONGSEONG CREATURE
1 YEAR AGO ONGSEONG HOSPITAL, GYEONGSEONG
Ah, Sachimoto Ryu, Tokyo University of the Arts.
You applied on your own?
Uh, yes.
I wanted to serve. I wanted to serve the Empire of Japan.
Well, the pay is not too bad either, huh?
What is this book for, sir?
The New Text on Anatomy.
Oh, I haven't seen this one yet.
Books like these have been around in Germany since 1722.
Though our own empire is lagging behind,
we are striving to elevate our medical standards for the future
here at Ongseong Hospital
through study and research,
and, of course, future experiments.
Your job is to record everything we do here. Understood?
So you want… me to
draw what exactly, sir?
Now, which part shall we work on today?
Since we have a new artist with us,
let's begin with the abdomen.
-Let's cut the middle. -Yes, sir.
Scalpel.
Doctor, I don't wanna die!
Please don't kill me! Please, Doctor, let me live!
Oh, please!
Please don't do this! Please don't kill me! Cu--
Sachimoto?
Sachimoto!
Get back in here right now!
I was merely a starving artist struggling to survive.
I needed money,
so I chose Joseon after hearing about the high pay.
But…
No need to cry.
You'll get used to it soon enough.
You'll grow numb to it, just like everyone else here.
That seems to be human nature.
It seems we all have the ability… to adapt pretty quickly to anything.
Whether it's horrible pain…
or disillusionment.
Hey, you. Time's up. Hurry up.
GYEONGSEONG CREATURE BETWEEN LONGING AND ANGUISH
EPISODE 2 MOTHER
Why did you ever agree to work with him?
There wasn't a particular reason to turn him down
We'll help him find the missing girl, and he will get information on Sachimoto.
But the man's selfish and shameless.
Don't be so quick to judge Master Jang.
The way he speaks is so crude,
and he brushes off other people's issues so lightly.
Chae-ok, you have to understand we're just a couple of sleuths to him.
We've already agreed,
so now we'll just focus on benefitting each other.
I'm not sure.
I've got a bad feeling about this.
Like when we were on Manwol Island, I had a hunch,
then you were injured, and it turned out I was right.
This will be our final case together, got that?
After we find the missing girl, I think you should go home, all right?
What about Mother, then?
From now on,
the burden of finding your mother is mine alone to bear.
She wouldn't have wanted this life for you. You need to stop.
-Father, listen-- -You should live your own life.
This is where the road ends for us.
Till the cherry blossoms
lose their flowers.
So, what did you think… about these sleuths we talked to?
Think they'll be able to find Myeong-ja?
The way they carry themselves,
I think they know what they're doing.
-Who's taking the next shift? -I think it's Kinoshita, sir.
-Oh, he's the new kid, right? -Yes, he is, but he's no good.
-Let's go. -Yes, sir!
How is it that we can't find a single lead?
I combed through Myeong-ja's favorite tea shops,
restaurants, boutiques, shoe stores, and any bar she would frequent,
and no one has any idea where she is.
No one has seen her at all, huh?
Out of desperation I even went to the rickshaw offices over there.
They knew nothing at all.
They said no one has seen Myeong-ja or given her a ride.
Ah, jeez. What do we do now, huh?
She is nowhere to be found, yeah.
It's like she evaporated into thin air. Disappeared, up and gone.
Everybody leaves a trace.
Doesn't matter where they run off, there's always a clue.
We just have to find what that clue is.
By the way, is that really how Ishikawa told them to tail us? Huh?
They must think we're fools!
That's probably the most obvious tail I've ever witnessed in my life.
It's so obvious that it's difficult for me to pretend that I'm oblivious.
-What's going on? -Why are they fighting?
-Anyone see what happened? -Has he lost his mind?
Answer me now, kid!
What color is the pot I'm holding right here?
It's, um,
the color white.
And what do you call white porcelain in Joseon, huh?
Baekja, sir.
All right. So, then…
what is this?
It's baekja! So, are you going to let me sell this, huh?
Let's see.
How should I put this?
This looks a little too shoddy to be called fine porcelain.
Seems to be just some regular, old, ordinary pottery to me, not baekja.
How come I paid over a hundred won for that thing, then?
No idea.
Then how much will your little pawn shop
let me sell it for?
Can you prove its authenticity? A receipt or certificate would work.
I don't have either.
So you just paid 100 won for a pot that hardly holds people's urine,
but you did not get a certificate?
Well, then, I guess it's clear that you have been properly scammed.
This is a matter for the police bureau, not a pawnshop. Sorry I can't help you.
Listen, Master Jang.
How about you just do me a favor and take this thing?
We all know that Commissioner Ishikawa is planning to confiscate everything.
We'll see about that.
All the rumors suggest otherwise, so you better reconsider.
We all suspect your golden pawnshop will be getting a new owner.
If you're losing everything anyway,
why do you care if there's an extra piss pot in here, huh?
Listen, you little shit, what's your problem?
-Who are you to talk to me like this, huh? -What? Who you calling "little shit"?
How about you stop disrupting my business and leave now?
You're gonna get hurt if you keep this up.
Oh, and your stupid little tough guy way of speaking?
I'm embarrassed for you. Worst I've ever heard.
Ah, you jackass!
You're dead!
Hey!
I am the owner of the House of Golden Treasure.
That will always be the case. You got that?
So if you're gonna come in here and cause a disturbance,
or if you're even gonna think of robbing me,
get ready for one of the following two things.
You're gonna die or get very close to dying.
Ah…
What's it gonna… be, samurai?
Huh? I don't have all day. My arms are shaking.
My arms are feeling a bit heavy, see? See? Look, look, look. Look.
Hey.
You might wanna leave now.
-Move! -Outta the way!
-Move out of the way! -Move!
Let's go.
Out of the way. Get out of here!
From now on, we must all stay vigilant, okay?
What?
What do you mean by that?
He means if we don't find Myeong-ja,
thugs like that samurai bunch are gonna keep coming around
and causing trouble for us.
Which reminds me.
They found the place Myeong-ja is thought to have last visited.
What?
So we found the rickshaw puller who gave Myeong-ja a ride last week.
What?! No way. That can't be. That's not possible, huh?
I… I already told you,
I went to the Spring Moon Hall offices and spoke to every guy!
None of the rickshaw pullers saw Myeong-Ja.
I double-checked with all our sources!
Well, he doesn't work for Spring Moon Hall, Mr. Gu.
What did you find out?
You said that there's a chance she could be dead.
So we looked around to see who the killer might be.
There was one person we thought of.
Where's Dr. Takahashi?
He's ill and says he needs three to four days to rest, ma'am.
Lady Yukiko Maeda.
You're saying she was the last person to see Myeon-ja?
Yes, Myeong-ja was called over to Ishikawa's house.
She stayed half an hour, then she was sent somewhere else.
Where'd she go?
Ongseong Hospital.
Ongseong… Ongseong Hospital?
And you're sure of that?
Please stop! Let me down!
You are certain she was sent to Ongseong Hospital, then?
Yes! That's where she is!
It was Ongseong Hospital, I'm positive!
I swear on my father
and on my mother!
The woman you're looking for is there, I swear to you, okay?
I swear that's where she is. That's where I took her!
Since Myeong-ja disappeared
after the rickshaw puller dropped her off at Ongseong Hospital,
it's possible that she might be held captive somewhere inside of there.
Seriously, that is ridiculous, okay? That makes no sense.
What about it doesn't make sense?
You must not know it's almost impossible to get admitted. Japanese only.
If you aren't part of the Japanese military, the police,
or the government-general's office, you're not getting in.
And you think a Joseon courtesan was let inside?
She would've needed a powerful connection to even get past the front gate, okay?
What if Lady Maeda arranged it? What if she has something to do with this?
And why would she do that, huh?
You really believe Lady Maeda would help out a girl like Myeong-Ja?
Why would she? For what reason?
We'll figure it out once we're in the hospital.
What's the matter with you? Did you not hear me?
I just told you all that we can't get in without a connection.
Well, I heard that Master Jang has quite a few connections.
Would a hospital visit be too hard for you?
Well, I am in contact with a few Joseon folks
who can pass through no problem.
Can you get us in or not?
You'll just have to wait and see.
I've had enough.
If you can't figure it out, we'll find a way to get in.
Oh, you're impatient, aren't you? Who said I couldn't figure it out?
That's not what I was saying.
I'm saying we just… we plan it all out, that's all.
You gotta plan things, not just improvise. Always plan things out.
Do I got something on my face?
Huh? Oh.
Now what are you doing?
Ah. Give these clothes for them to change into.
Why? What are you planning?
How dare those sleuths doubt me.
I'll show them how shrewd and meticulous I am.
I'm gonna show 'em, just watch.
What is the money for? What are you up to now?
What do you think?
There's nothing that money can't do, hmm?
-What's this? -Money.
That's what it is.
I don't care if you use it for the independence movement or whatever.
Spend it how you wish. Do what you want with it. It's your money.
You better tell me what you're up to.
-Can I be you for a minute? -What do you mean?
I'm going to Ongseong Hospital. I need to borrow your ID so I can get in.
I know your family's some of the only Joseons allowed to go in.
Why?
You feeling sick?
No, I feel good, thank you.
Oh.
If this is concerning Ishikawa, I'm out. No, thank you.
Just do me this favor as… a close friend.
That is, if you still think of me as your friend.
I wanna know who you're helping out, Tae-sang.
If I'm lending you an ID, I need to know what's going on.
I'd worry about what could happen if you become involved.
You come here wanting to use my ID, yet you're the one worried about me?
Can I borrow your ID?
I wish you could use at least some of that passion to help our cause.
I'm sorry,
but I don't hope or daydream about independence
when this is all we've ever known.
The king couldn't stop Japan from taking over.
What makes you any different?
There's only one thing I'm concerned about.
I only wanna survive all this.
Making it as long as I can, preferably in one piece.
So, uh…
help me do this, okay?
Return it as soon as you're done.
I will indeed.
So how'd it go?
The sleuths, where are they? Are they coming yet?
Ah…
-Oh, they're over there. -That one's pretty too! Right?
Thank you. They're so colorful!
-Shall we go now? -What? Oh!
-We don't have all day. -Yes. Right.
Let's go. Please get in.
Ah, so helping a lady into the car is just good manners here.
Well, I don't need it.
All right, everyone, let's go.
ID, please.
This is my master.
Sir, do you know the, uh, the Bugang Company?
Sure you do. His father owns it.
Are they all with you?
Uh…
The other two in the back? Both are family.
They are my master's fiancée and her father.
Oh, it's almost time for our appointment. Oh my!
Can we go ahead, please, sir?
Dr. Takahashi absolutely hates it when we're not on time,
so just let us through or we'll be late, huh?
That's not my concern, dirty Josenjing.
Okay, let them through.
Thank you, good sir.
Wait! Hold on!
-Here you go. You forgot this. -Ah, the ID! I almost forgot!
I'm really thankful for you, sir.
Almost there. Any minute now.
Ongseong Hospital?
Yes, sir. He's been seen entering the facility with a few other Josenjings.
Tell me, sir. Should we follow them around?
RECORDS ROOM
I'd like to see Dr. Takahashi, please. Thank you.
Did you say Dr. Takahashi?
Our family physician is Dr. Takahashi.
I don't think he'll be there today.
He has tennis lessons every Thursday afternoon.
It'll work out, then.
Sorry, sir. I don't think that he's in today.
Oh, are you certain that's true? He told me I could see him today.
Would you mind checking again for me?
-Yes, sir. I'll check for you. -Thanks.
Oh, my stomach!
Oh!
Sir, are you all right?
Sir? Are you all right?
What happened, sir?
-Tell us what happened! -My stomach!
-What happened? -What did you do?
Get him on the ground.
-Where does it hurt? -Just hang on!
It's coming out!
What's coming out of your bottom?
-Oh, it hurts! It hurts so much! -What's coming out?
-It's coming out! -What is?
-Help me! -Sir, just relax!
Is there anyone that can help us? Help us! Doctor!
They're getting help!
Akiko…
where are you?
Akiko…
Who are you?
What are you doing in here?
Sorry, sir.
I must've taken a wrong turn.
You must have taken a wrong turn,
so you started flipping through the records?
Actually, I'm looking for a friend hospitalized here.
But I don't know where she is.
I know you're from Joseon. I can tell.
Let's not make a scene.
So I'll just leave quietly, okay?
Is that all right?
Reveal who you are first. Tell me who you are, and I'll let you go.
Listen, it's better to be alive than dead.
By chance, are you two from Manchuria?
Got a name, sir?
The doctor will be here soon. It's gonna be all right
I think the doctor's here. The doctor's here now.
Uh…
This will help alleviate some of the pain for now.
-Take off his jacket. -Yes, Doctor.
-I can't! I can't! No! No! Let me go! -No.
No, stop! Stop! No!
No, stop!
Please, don't let him do this!
No! No!
Please, Master!
-Come on! Quickly! -Yes, Doctor.
It'll make you feel better.
I can't! No! No!
-Mr. Gu! -Stop! Stop it!
Come here, you bastard!
Don't let him do this!
-Why, huh? -Huh?
Oh! Oh, hold on. It's okay. Just hold on a second.
Hold on! Just hold on, huh?
Oh…
-Huh? -What?
The pain suddenly disappeared!
-Are you serious? -Yes.
How is this possible?
-It doesn't hurt at all anymore! -Well, are you sure?
I'm suddenly healed because of what the doctor did!
That's amazing!
How can we ever thank you? You're an amazing doctor.
Great visit.
Were you gonna let him actually give me the shot?
What matters is he didn't do it.
What was that?
-What's going on? Where did it come from? -Please don't be alarmed.
The military base nearby must be holding a target practice.
-Whoa, that was scary. -That's strange.
It came from under the building. I wonder what's down there.
Let's just keep moving. This way.
-Why did you open fire? -We couldn't capture it.
Two of our soldiers were attacked before we even got to the door.
One corporal is still alive on the floor. What should we do?
Please help me!
Please help…
Should we open fire?
Sir, should I go rescue the corporal or not?
Remain still. Remain where you are.
If I don't get him, he could die!
Shh! Do not shoot the creature.
I need that creature alive. Do you understand?
This experiment is important to us. This creature is vital for us.
You got that?
Lt. Kato, what is that?
What is that thing? What do we do?!
Please save me.
Please save me!
Please help!
Please help me.
Please save me…
Please, I'm begging you! Please!
Please help me!
-Let him go! -Stop, soldier. Hold your fire!
Magnificent.
What a magnificent goddess you are!
What's this? What are you doing right now? Why do you have extra clothes?
My father and I are spending the night at the hospital.
What?
Uh, wait. Are we staying with you too?
You two will just be in our way, so you should leave now while you can.
I'm not leaving until you tell me what you're planning to do.
Behind the hospital is a military ward.
I also heard the basement is more of a prison.
I've also been told
that they transfer Joseon people from Seodaemun Prison to here.
But those who are sent to the basement…
Well, I heard they never come back.
Wait, is Myeong-ja down there?
Well, that's what we're planning to find out.
Excuse me?
When, might I ask, did you happen to learn all of this?
There's some unusual movement in the military ward right now.
You should come back and try this another day.
We don't have time to come back.
So you just show us the way, and we'll do the rest.
Wait, I--
Just…
Just what is going on right now? The plan was to go in and get out.
What did this janitor say to make you change your--
They took my brother a year ago.
He was at Seodaemun Prison when they transferred him to Ongseong.
I was told he was brought here for a fever.
That's when I lost all contact.
I looked everywhere for him, but there's no record of him anywhere.
My goodness. So you got a job here to look for your missing brother?
Why should I believe you? You're a complete stranger to me.
What does that mean?
It's the symbol for the Patriotic Society.
It's a resistance group. Did you really not know that?
You should head out while you can. We'll send a message
on whether or not Myeong-ja is being held captive in the basement.
-But I thought-- -Okay, I'm ready.
Then follow me.
Hey, wait a minute.
Oh, um, thank you for the clothes.
That's not what I meant when I asked you to wait.
Well, did… did you have something else to say?
What is it?
Just say it.
Well…
I, uh, I just, um…
This plan of yours is completely reckless. In fact, it's a bad idea.
Let's be a little more reasonable. You should really think this through.
You gave us the time frame.
We have till the cherry blossoms lose their flowers. That's what you told us.
With cherry blossoms, they bloom quickly, but just as fast, they're gone.
So we have to act now. That's my plan here.
I'm not okay with this. There's no reason to deviate from the original plan.
You change your principles on the situation.
A change in plans shouldn't be too hard for you.
It's like… what did you call it again? Having flexibility?
We'll execute on our end… and you do the same.
Find Sachimoto for me.
Will you do that?
Chae-ok.
I'm coming.
Wow, they sure are quick to take initiative, don't ya think?
Huh? Don't you think so?
Hey, you!
Visitors are not permitted to be in this area.
Who are you?
Ah! I'm so sorry, sir.
We were looking for the restroom and got lost.
-We should go now, Master. -Yes.
Wait a second.
Oh, there you are. I was looking for you.
So I double-checked.
Dr. Takahashi is unfortunately out of the office today.
Ah, he's not here, then?
I guess I got the date confused for today.
I'm so embarrassed.
Is he a patient?
Yes, he is. He's Dr. Takahashi's patient. I checked.
You better leave now, sir.
This is an emergency.
All visitors and outpatients who have come in for appointments today
must exit the premises.
-What is going on? -I repeat.
All visitors and outpatients who have come in for appointments today
must leave the building.
Everyone, please leave the building.
Lt. Kato, please give us an order.
What do you want us to do? The door will break any minute now!
Lt. Kato!
We will proceed to Level 4.
Retrieve the nitrogen.
Yes, sir!
The nitrogen, go grab it now!
Yes, sir!
I'll protect you. Don't you worry.
We're gonna move you to a place fit for the queen that you are.
What was that all about?
I'm sure everything will be fine.
They did say they were experts at this.
Once they can confirm Myeong-ja's in the hospital,
they'll come back out.
-Speaking of which… -Yes?
It looks like they are as devoted to their work as I am.
NO ENTRY
Any movement?
None, sir. It seems to be fully asleep for now.
What is that? What is all that?
Well, they look like they're… spores of some kind.
It's anthrax.
It's protecting itself, even while it sleeps.
-We've finished moving it, sir. -Close the door.
We will proceed to Level 4.
Don't forget to continuously inject nitrogen during transportation.
It's in a trance state and can wake up in seconds.
Let's all be careful.
-Yes, sir! -Let's move!
Hmm? It looks like a snowflake.
It melts so quickly.
Is someone there?!
Amazing.
Didn't you say the military ward only held injured Japanese soldiers?
Yes, they're kept on the second and third floors, mainly.
The first floor is usually for administration,
communications, and liaisons.
It looks more like a military base than a ward.
The security is so tight that I'd never dare to go near that area.
I'm only allowed into the ward once every two days to clean.
Why is that watchtower over there empty?
A man fell to his death once because the watchtower wasn't stable.
They keep talking about renovating it, but so far they haven't.
Can you make it to that watchtower?
Looks like it won't be easy… but I can make it.
-Be right back. -Hold on.
Wait, don't--
She disappeared.
-Hurry, move! Quickly! -Yes, sir!
-What should we do, sir? -What are you doing? Get ready to move!
-Move out! -Sir!
Move quickly! Hurry!
Be quick about it. Go!
-Load everything into truck four. -Yes, sir.
Move to the basement! Move!
Move quickly! Let's go!
You are still here, Master Jang?
Goodness. Well, talk to me. What is it?
I really don't understand it at all.
What don't you understand?
Why do I seem to be so worried?
What are you worried about, huh?
I mean, if we look at the situation right now,
Ishikawa basically has my life in his hands.
So if I cannot find Myeong-ja,
then everything I own will get completely confiscated.
So it's very likely that I could get dragged off into war.
Oh, and not to mention
the vultures and hyenas circling the House of Golden Treasure,
trying to pick off whatever they can.
So why am I so…
worried about her?
Are you talking about the sleuth girl?
Who?
The woman you mentioned just now.
Oh, her?
Did I mention her just now?
Oh, how unfortunate.
This man is so hopelessly in love.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! In love? Those are some strong words.
I am Jang Tae-sang.
Here in Gyeongseong, all the women throw themselves at me, huh?
Right now I'm Bukchon's hot guy. And I'm not phased one bit.
You sure about that?
Usually you act like you're above the women in Gyeongseong, but now
something's changed, hmm?
The first woman to ignore you, and now you're in love.
Ah, no, no! It is not like that.
Okay, then please explain.
Um, you know…
it's called… How do I put it? Humanism?
Humanism? Really?
Yes, that's right. It's humanism.
Love for all, uh…
all of humankind. That's it.
I often ponder and worry for everyone. I care a lot more than you think, hmm?
-Now you know. -Wow, how refreshing.
Okay, I shouldn't have left her and her father alone.
I should've made her leave that hospital with me. Now she's in danger.
Then how about you go find this Sachimoto?
Instead of complaining, why don't you make use of this time?
If you really want to help her, do something about it!
How about you be the man I know you are and find a way to fix all this?
Okay, then.
I'll fix this.
Where are you off to?
To do what I have to do, in my own way.
Why does he do this?
There's no way I'm driving you around, you got that? So leave me alone.
Whatever. In that case, just write this down.
Sachimoto. He's a Japanese man, about 35 years old.
-I told you to write it down. -Oh.
He's a painter, an artist.
I need you to tell Commissioner Ishikawa to tell his men to search for him.
Search all over Gyeongseong for this Sachimoto guy.
Tell him this guy is crucial in helping us
locate the whereabouts of his dear Myeong-Ja.
-Yes. -Okay!
Here you are.
Mm-hmm.
Who is that you're drawing?
Oh, uh, I'm sorry, sir.
I didn't mean to pry. Just she looks like she's from Joseon.
How could you tell… she was?
It's the parting of her hair.
I didn't know that.
You know, you're quite talented at that.
Are you employed as a painter?
Breaking news! Breaking news!
Ongseong Hospital will be closed indefinitely!
Ongseong Hospital closed due to an unknown contagious disease!
Mr. Chae was right.
He told me they took a truckful of corpses from Ongseong Hospital
and buried them in a pit!
-Oh my, truckfuls of corpses?! -Breaking news!
ONGSEONG HOSPITAL CLOSED INDEFINITELY POSSIBLY DUE TO CONTAGIOUS DISEASE
Let's go!
Hurry up! Quickly!
Faster! Go, hurry!
Bring it over here! I told you to hurry up!
Let's go! Move! Move!
CLOSED
Did something happen yesterday?
They closed off the road!
What are you saying?
The Japanese military barricaded the hospital?
Um, yes. No one can go inside the hospital.
Anyone who was still inside isn't able to leave.
The Japanese soldiers had machine guns and rifles,
and it looked scary to me.
Have you heard from the sleuths?
They might still be stuck in the hospital.
Master Jang, wait. Where are you going?
Hey, do I need to go too?
Don't just stand there, go!
Yes, I know. I was about to go with him.
So I double-checked.
Dr. Takahashi is unfortunately out of the office today.
What can I do for you?
WE FOUND MYEONG-JA
Where's the person who gave this to you?
Still trapped inside of the hospital.
I managed to escape
right before the soldiers got there and barricaded it.
It's shut for good.
And those still trapped inside, will they be safe?
I don't know, sir.
Is it true that there's a disease spreading inside of that hospital?
I don't know. I'm sorry.
Why won't you give me a direct answer?
Tell me what the hell is going on inside of that hospital!
I'm sorry, I don't know either!
So many people died last night.
So many innocent people died there!
There were so many bodies. Too many to even count.
I don't know why.
There's no way to find out either.
Why was it you?
Why were you the one who delivered this note to us?
Go ahead, tell me.
Some horrible things are happening in that hospital right now.
So many people have died in there. We don't know why.
My comrades tried over and over to find out what's going on, but…
nobody ever comes back alive.
Whoever is in there
won't make it back out.
WE FOUND MYEONG-JA
-Mr. Gu. -Yes, what is it, sir?
It seems as if I'll have to go inside.
Go inside? Huh?
-Inside the hospital. -You can't, sir!
-Think about it! -You can't!
Get my things ready.
It's happening. I'm going inside.