[ominous music plays]
[panting]
[twigs crack]
[panting continues]
[ominous music intensifies]
[child groans]
[unsettling music plays]
[groans]
Sister…
Sister?
[unsettling music builds]
DEAR HONGRANG
MIN FAMILY'S GUILD
[music fades]
- [man 1] Young master! - [woman] Young master!
- [man 2] Young master, come home! - [woman] Young master!
- [man 2] Where are you? - [man 1] Young master!
- [woman] Young mistress! - [man 1] Young master!
Something has happened to him. [breathes shakily]
Y-Y-Your brother is gone.
- [gasps] - [woman breathes shakily]
[percussive music plays]
Holy master, save my son.
Are you here?
Hongrang! Hongrang!
[intense percussive music continues]
[mother] Please have mercy on Hongrang.
My boy, my only son, Hongrang. I beg you to let him live.
[cries] Hongrang, my darling boy.
Brother! Hongrang!
Answer!
[unsettling music plays]
Oh, please!
I ask only to see my son again. Please.
[unsettling music continues]
[girl] Brother!
Hongrang? Are you here?
Hongrang!
- [screams] - [bird caws]
- [girl screams] - [music fades]
[all gasp]
[all murmur]
[inhales]
[birds squawk]
[somber music plays]
[weakly] Hongrang!
[Hongrang] Sister, can you see me?
Yes, I can.
And you, brother?
Can you see
me
as I always see you?
[music stops]
[somber music resumes]
[music fades]
12 YEARS LATER
[boy 1] So the boy who went missing is supposed to look like that now?
- [boy 2] He can't because he's dead. - How do you know?
This guy disappeared 12 years ago.
If he's still alive, why hasn't he found his way home yet?
I'll bet you that kid was gobbled up.
- Gobbled by what? A wolf? - By what? A tiger?
His sister.
She's not really his sister. She's some kind of demon child eater.
And they say that demon still lurks in the shadows of the Min Family's Guild.
It's always hunting for kids to eat
because it never forgets the taste of its little brother.
[boy 1] Is that why Deuk-gil disappeared last year?
[boy 3] Yeah. I heard he was gobbled up into that demon's belly.
[tense music plays]
[pottery smashes]
[woman] Yuk-son.
Yes?
Did you find him?
Is my son alive?
I think he is on his way to us.
That is good.
[tense music continues]
[music fades]
[man] And the scar on my foot is from a, uh… Well, a silly accident.
I was playing at my grandfather's one day,
and I snuck into the kitchen… [chuckles]
…where I stepped onto burning coals. [laughs]
Oh, I have grown up. I have changed.
But do you not recognize Hongrang, your only son?
I've come home at last.
[tense music plays]
I would like to hear the story of this scar also.
My apologies, but I have forgotten some things these last 12 years.
Of course. But this is one story you would remember to the grave, son.
[tense music continues]
Things tend to disappear from the grounds of the guild once in a while.
There are petty thieves and charlatans throughout our realm.
But we overlook their deeds and let their crimes go unpunished.
Some things can be left to be stolen and become another's treasure.
[tense music continues]
But my son's name is not one of them.
[man whimpers]
[knife slices]
[screams]
[music fades]
My lord, we must go appease the grand prince immediately.
[tense music plays]
[music fades]
[tranquil music plays]
Do you like it, Yeol-guk?
I find the effect very calming. Dreamlike.
Who could have engraved such a
mysterious pattern on those delicate, wafer-thin wings?
Watching those small creatures flutter tirelessly
brings me instant peace and good cheer.
I can no longer recall the incident that summoned you here
as my cares have floated away on these wings.
[inhales deeply]
[Yeol-guk] I apologize, Your Highness.
I assure you that all of the items you order
will be more thoroughly inspected
and of the utmost quality, befitting your station.
I said I was no longer angry.
[tranquil music continues]
Perfection exists only in nature's own creations.
Man's are full of defects.
Come over here.
I hear my uncle has grown very weak and suffers nightmares.
I wish him peace and harmonious thoughts.
So I have created a tiger and bamboo painting for him.
I'd like your honest opinion.
Is it worthy of my uncle?
[uneasy music plays]
It is like a landscape painting. Full of particular detail.
My apologies, Your Highness.
My opinion is not worthy of something so profound.
- You think he will like it? - Yes, Your Highness.
Aha.
Then I must finish it quickly.
I will need drawing paper.
And I expect your sheets to be uniform and perfectly smooth.
Diluted a good six times.
I will guarantee they are perfect.
[music fades]
[distant animal cries]
- Hm. - [eerie whooshing]
[hooves pounding]
[horse neighs]
[suspenseful music plays]
Whoa!
- What about that way? - [man 1] We blocked it, sir.
[man 2] We will not let that rat find his way out.
I am Cho Bang-suk. I will not be made a fool!
- [men] Yes, sir! - [man 1] There's a light over there.
- After him! - [men] Yes, sir.
[man 2] Bring him back alive!
[tense music plays]
[hooves pounding]
[horse neighs]
- You will search every inch! - [men] Yes, sir!
[tense music continues]
- [gasps] - Surrender!
- [man 3] Over there! Seize him! - [man 4] Hurry!
[men shout]
[dramatic music plays]
[man 4] Wait! Stop!
[man 3] Stop right there!
[men shout]
[dramatic music continues]
[man 4] Get him!
[music stops]
[suspenseful music plays]
And who might you be?
I asked you a question.
I am Mu-jin.
Of the Sim family.
Ah, Min Guild, then? [chuckles]
You must be the one they adopted to replace their long-lost son.
But tell me, what are you doing in the woods at this hour?
Returning from a round of visits to our merchants.
Not that it should concern you.
And given your actions and rude manner, I take offense at your disrespect.
- [metal scrapes] - The offense is intended.
You're still a lowly merchant, no matter how rich you've become.
- Now, let's see what you have in here. - [metal scrapes]
[man exclaims]
[tense music plays]
Well, I take it there's something in here you don't want us to see?
It would be a grave error on your part to search a member of the Min Guild.
Especially as you have no reason to.
Why would I need a reason
when I have power?
[gasps]
And how do you wish to pay for disgracing my woman?
[exhales] I… meant no disgrace, sir.
I'm only trying to find a lowly renegade.
There is no good reason to hold a member of the guild at sword point.
How are you going to pay for that?
Before I let you decide, I think I will go ask around
and find out what you are doing with armed rogues in the woods at this hour.
[music fades]
I owe you an apology, sir. [chuckles nervously]
You… you see, I've had too much to drink.
I only wanted to impress my friends. That's all.
[laughs awkwardly]
We really must be going now.
Search is over. Move out!
- [man 3] Move out! - [men] Yes, sir!
[somber music plays]
[Mu-jin] How could you be so reckless and nearly get caught by that scum?
You are not safe out here.
It is pure luck that I found you before he did.
Imagine what would have happened to you.
I did panic, thinking he could use the shin-twisting torture.
But considering that he is nothing more than a filthy dog,
I think he probably would have just ripped my limbs off.
And I am grateful that you were out here.
What a great way to greet your brother who has been on the road for three months.
Ninety-five days.
[gentle music plays]
[music fades]
You did well.
You sold all of the excess inventory in our shops in record time.
You have done impressive work.
I only follow the lessons you have taught me, Father.
We have a ceremony in three days, signing with the Man Merchant Guild.
I congratulate you.
You will be the one to represent us.
- Sir? - You will sign for your household.
- And put our stamp on the agreement. - Father…
Our Ladyship stamps silver transactions. I cannot take her place.
Only you can do so.
And I am doing so.
Do you know why I adopted you against my wife's wishes?
Why I took you in and taught you everything about our business dealings?
Your son is gone. You needed someone to replace Hongrang.
I needed someone to replace his father.
To take my place and ensure our legacy lives on.
Since Hongrang's mother is currently unwell,
and in no position to oversee anything,
this is the time to show everyone
who is the new heir.
I want it!
I want it now! [grunts]
I have strict orders and limited access to your medicine.
You're under my orders.
And I order more medicine.
Now get me some more of it this second! [breathes heavily, grunts]
- I beg you, my lady, please calm down. - [woman 1] Bring it to me!
- Please, mistress, I can't. - Do not touch me! Get it! That's an order.
- Bring it this instant! [cries] - [Yuk-son] Please, you must calm down.
[woman 2] What a weak, undutiful mother.
Let us leave.
I should not have come here. I doubt she can think straight.
She probably would not recognize her son if he stood right in front of her.
[woman 1] Madam Gwigokja? High Priestess!
M-M-Madam Gwigokja, wait!
[breathes heavily] Wait, I beg you!
[panting]
Ah! Ah, don't go! Have you seen my son?
Is he coming home at last?
Do you truly care what has happened to your son anymore, Yeon-ui?
A true mother would not have become a spectacle such as you.
The longer your son is gone, the stronger the household he comes back to.
Maintaining your composure is essential.
You cannot continue to lose yourself in clouds of smoke and delusion.
I just wanted my son by my side,
to see him again. [breathes shakily]
And when I take enough, I can do that.
I can see my little boy's face again.
[inhales] When I see Hongrang's face, it makes the sadness disappear.
[Yeon-ui cries]
I swear to you, I can be strong for my son again.
[whimpers] With your mercy, I will rise to my duties once again.
Please help me.
Bring Hongrang home to us.
I can't go on without my son any longer.
[somber music plays]
[Yeon-ui cries]
I came here
to tell you to be ready
for the long-awaited arrival of a very distinguished guest.
You saw it?
[dramatic music plays]
[inaudible]
[Mu-jin] You cover yourself,
but still my eyes see all of you.
[gentle music plays]
[Yuk-son] Step aside!
[music stops]
[crowd murmuring]
- [gasps] - [eerie music sting]
[uneasy music plays]
She was young and strong and healthy.
The woman they chose to be your mother.
They would not have selected just anyone to bear the guild master's heirs.
And yet,
your evilness ended her life the minute you came into the world.
But that's not all, is it?
That same year, the illness in my father's bowels mysteriously came back.
And later, your maid was found dead with her head bashed in.
When you asked for chickens in your quarters,
they were found with legs and wings torn off.
The evil oozes out of you.
[gasps] No, it doesn't.
I allowed you to stay here as you are the master's spawn,
but I told you to stay away from Hongrang.
That your sinister powers would bring darkness upon him!
It has been so long since I attended such an important ceremony
that I felt the need to prepare with extra care.
[music fades]
- [man 1] Oh, my lady! - [man 2] My lady!
- [man 3] My lady is ill! - [crowd murmuring]
[tense music plays]
Today is for us.
Now show your place…
and kneel.
[uneasy music plays]
[woman groans]
[uneasy music builds]
[Mu-jin] Step into your carriage, my lady.
[inaudible]
[dramatic music plays]
- [music stops] - Why did you not resist?
That was humiliating!
People saw you bow down to her like a servant!
You were supposed to represent the Sim household.
But you allowed that woman to reassert the Min household's dominance.
You do not kneel to anyone.
What do you intend to do now?
I shall make amends
by respecting my filial duties to Her Ladyship.
What?
There will be complications, Father.
The mistress will not finalize the transaction.
[Yeol-guk scoffs]
I intend to take full responsibility for what happened out there today.
And for what is to come.
I will be loyal to Her Ladyship,
who is obviously not in her right mind for important decisions.
And who is gonna pay when her transaction fails?
That will be for you to take care of.
But what you spend now
will earn you much more in the future.
What happened to you? Your face is swollen.
It is nothing. How is your ankle?
[gentle music plays]
I think you have a light sprain. It should heal quickly.
I hope I can at least walk on it by morning.
Why? Do you have somewhere to be tomorrow?
I wish you would stop now.
What? Searching for Hongrang?
No. Trying to leave.
I have known what you have been up to with those strays for a while.
And that you earn money through deceit.
I also know that you use your profit
to continue searching for your little brother.
You have gotten bolder, too, which is why you were in the woods that night.
- It is just that I cannot stop looking. - Your dedication is honorable.
And you must expand your search beyond Joseon
as you have turned over every stone here.
You need more money to travel to Yanjing, do you not?
[exhales]
You know all my secrets.
[gentle music continues]
You need not do that, Jae-yi.
I can do it.
If you can manage to wait a little while longer,
we will search together.
When I take over from our father, I will have you open a shop in Yanjing.
You can go then, and I will meet you there.
I could never ask that of you.
Your chances of finding a wife would be ruined if you left here.
[music fades]
What family would want their daughter
to marry a man who followed his deranged sister around?
Imagine if they found out we are not related by blood.
One little slip or misunderstanding
and you could lose your hard-earned reputation.
You are sweet. But I truly do want a sister-in-law.
And a little niece.
[sighs]
[Yeol-guk] You were bold enough
to ask three times the reward for finding the child alive
and twice the price for a body,
and you were paid that princely sum of earnest money 12 years ago.
It has been reported to me that you have been using
the grand prince's royal decree as a means to feather your nest.
I find it suspicious that you are here before me today
as I consider how to administer your punishment and early death.
Your words are like a knife to my soul, master.
You know not of all the hardships I have endured.
And it brings me great sadness and worry.
I have searched all eight provinces.
I scoured the country like a madman, barely sleeping or eating for days.
People thought I must be searching for my own son.
[gasps]
Why are you back here, then?
Because I found him.
Do you know how many others have tried to pretend they were my son,
and what fate they suffered?
You were right to show what happens.
I hear some were burned alive, or had their bones crushed from the feet up,
or some had their fingers chopped off one by one.
But you were right to punish them. They showed you great disrespect.
Are you certain you will not suffer any of their fates, Dok-gae?
I'm telling the truth.
Where is he, and what do you know of his life?
It would seem that…
that the unfortunate circumstances
led him to grow up in a kisaeng house in Gangneung.
And later on, he became a wandering soldier.
It seems that your precious young master
had to become a swordsman to earn his keep. [chuckles]
Why did he never find his way back to us on his own?
I asked myself that same question.
He must have either been struck by a severe fever
or experienced a very serious head injury.
He says he has no recollection of his younger years.
The only thing he does remember is being told that he was an orphan with no family.
You can tell no one about this.
I need to send someone to confirm this story at once.
[door opens]
[Yeon-ui] That is most unthinkable, my lord.
Such a task
would certainly be too great of a burden for you to shoulder.
If you were to keep this search secret,
you could also refuse to bring my son home.
Your perverse delusions have unleashed your tongue.
I want to ensure that your condition does not worsen if this man is another imposter
and not our long-lost son.
I will not be made a fool on the words of a lowly bounty hunter.
How dare you say such words?
[ominous music plays]
This man
is our distinguished guest.
Sister!
[Hongrang screams]
[gasps]
[breathes shakily]
[ominous music continues]
[Mu-jin] Jae-yi!
Are you all right?
[Jae-yi breathes shakily]
[Mu-jin] I am here. You are safe.
[gasps for air]
[Jae-yi] I did not want to sleep
because I knew this would happen.
[woman] Young mistress!
He's coming!
Hongrang has entered the gates. Your brother's come back to us!
[dramatic music plays]
- [gasps] My son! - My lady! Mistress!
[music fades]
[man] Shoulders…
26 inches.
Left arm,
27 inches.
Right arm,
also 27.
Ah. There's scaring on his left foot.
So this one's not another fake?
I don't think so.
An impersonator would be chopped to bits by now.
What if it really is Hongrang? What becomes of Master Mu-jin?
Obviously he has to give up his position, you idiot.
Think they'll make him work in one of the shops?
No, they must confirm who he is first.
The chief master doted on him so.
[woman] But nothing competes with a blood heir. Come on, let's go.
[gentle music plays]
In every case,
when a new charlatan has arrived acting like Jae-yi's little brother,
she has reacted the same way.
Running desperately to meet him
the second she heard that he might be found at last.
And things go back as they were.
It never made me nervous.
But this feels different.
[gentle music continues]
He is not my brother.
[music fades]
Another imposter.
A fake.
Young mistress, we have confirmation.
His scars and features match the ones--
Every candidate before him had the matching scars as well.
But that is not all. The shape of his features and other factors are true.
We performed the blood conglomeration test
and his combined with His Lordship's blood.
He has a weak respiratory system and the Soyang body type.
This young man is young master Hongrang.
You do not actually believe this? That does not prove anything!
- Jae-yi. - He is a fraud.
Take another look.
How about you take a closer look? And maybe ask a few questions.
I am asking you to set aside your skepticism and observe.
You know these men are experts and their tests are thorough.
You can't simply refuse to believe the results.
But others have had those results.
I can tell
that this man is not my brother.
You must remember something of your life here?
Unfortunately, it is all a blank.
[scoffs] That is very convenient.
I had a sister. We used to play together in the hills.
Which is very common.
All siblings in Joseon have memories like that one.
Yet I am sure you have no idea where our favorite place to hide was.
Or any other place.
What about the puppy you were given? What name did you choose?
I have no idea.
You do not remember the name of the only dog you ever had?
Tell me what you were most afraid of, then.
The number one thing you hated getting teased for.
What was in the sachet I gave you?
Can you name one thing that was in the thing you slept with every night?
What about the friends you played with?
I do not need a name. Just describe even how one of them looked.
You have never lived with us.
That is why you remember nothing.
How can you have forgotten a life that you never lived?
You are not Hongrang.
He would not forget.
No.
But this is what I suspected.
I wondered about this very thing on the long journey.
I expected that upon seeing the places I grew up
and all the people who are supposed to be my family, I would remember them.
Unfortunately, nothing about your household feels familiar.
But hearing what your daughter said
truly confirmed my doubts.
My aide and I will be going now.
With your blessing, master.
This is very strange, but he was just a boy of eight when he was last with us.
It's not surprising that his memories were washed away with his need to survive.
I disagree. The memories of his childhood should be what helped him survive.
I did not ask for your opinion.
- [gasps] - Now leave us.
[inhales]
Her Ladyship is here, my lord.
[eerie music sting]
[gasps]
It is you.
[Yeon-ui gasps]
I have failed
to do my motherly duties.
I am ashamed. I failed to stay strong.
I am asking for forgiveness.
He is not your son.
Huh?
He is not my brother.
[uneasy music plays]
He is not Hongrang.
[chuckles]
[laughs]
Of course he is.
My son.
Your sister's reaction only confirms to me that my son has finally come back to us.
She knows that your return threatens her position,
rendering her useless to this household, speechless with fear.
So…
hold your tongue,
and keep your mouth closed in our presence.
Swallow that putrid breath of yours
so that my son is never again exposed to your demonic air and evil presence!
[uneasy music continues]
You should observe him a little longer. Your emotions are clouding your thoughts.
He's been gone so many years.
How could you recognize him 12 years later?
Because
not for one second
has our connection ever disappeared.
- [Hongrang] You can't catch me! - [woman] Little rascal!
Young master! You need a bath!
[Jae-yi] I wondered how much he would grow and change each day.
Every single day,
I have pictured him in my mind.
[woman] Come here!
[Jae-yi] His image has never faded.
[children giggle]
When I close my eyes to go to sleep, I see his face. When I wake, I see him.
I have never gone a day without seeing Hongrang.
And you're sure you don't see him in the eyes of that visitor?
[music fades]
[foreboding music plays]
Not at all.
[music fades]
[pensive music plays]
[sighs]
[Jae-yi] Hongrang,
I wish you could come back
right now.
[sighs] Then we could send the imposter back where he came from.
And return to how things were when we were inseparable.
[music fades]
Sister.
[intriguing music plays]
[gasps]
[exhales]
That idiot cannot be my brother.
- [whooshing] - [gasps]
[intriguing music continues]
[exhales]
- [scoffs] - [music stops]
That snake. How dare he do such a thing?
Who would not want to forget having an older sister like that?
[pensive music plays]
[music fades]
[Yeon-ui] My son.
So good to see you. Please, sit.
Perhaps your aide cares to introduce himself?
You show us great respect, but In-hoe is mute,
and I always speak for both of us.
That is quite an unfortunate defect. Does it not impede his ability to protect you?
The blind inherit a heightened awareness of their other senses.
In-hoe's case is similar.
He can read the atmosphere of any room,
and his instinct registers things my ears do not.
Such as bloodthirst.
And well-disguised hatred.
Forgive my mentioning this, but as you know,
I have spent many years as a soldier.
So I am capable of defending myself quite well.
Your worry is unfounded, sir.
Can you tell us what household he was raised in?
If we are to share the same roof, I would prefer to know his ancestry.
In-hoe's ancestry
is an even greater mystery than my own, and I cannot answer.
But if it remains a concern for the mistress of the household
that we do not know his heritage, I will send him away
and follow in his footsteps.
My curiosity was misunderstood.
My apologies.
He is welcome to our finest hospitality, of course.
Now let us enjoy our family meal.
[door opens]
[door closes]
How dare that worm come here? I refuse to have him eat with us.
I invited him, of course. Mu-jin, sit here.
[utensils clatter]
[Yeon-ui scoffs]
I think a greeting is in order.
Mu-jin is your older brother
and a respected member of our merchant guild.
[scoffs] He is not your brother.
He is a mere stake, set to mark your place awaiting your return home.
Meant to be pulled up and thrown aside.
You may ignore him as you choose.
[Yeol-guk] You may not. Mu-jin is responsible for managing the guild
and overseeing operations.
He has a distinct understanding of our trade routes,
which has reinforced our partnerships. His insight is invaluable.
Ignore my wife's ill-conceived notions and learn.
He is to learn
so he can be the head of household?
That is possible, yes.
[somber music plays]
[sighs]
Do you think he believes it?
That he lost all of his childhood memories
and that he really could be our long-lost little brother?
Or is it possible that this man is willing to risk his life
just like all the other pretenders?
Which
I never understood.
Becoming the heir could be worth it when you know everything that comes with it.
It seemed to be worth the risk for all the other imposters.
Yes, but this time seems different.
The others were here, prepared with their lies,
acting like they'd rehearsed their lines for years,
telling us everything we wanted to hear.
And this one does the opposite and claims he remembers nothing.
He has no recollection of us, but everyone here believes he is back.
And now my search will suffer.
The news of Hongrang's return will spread like wildfire.
The government offices, the peddlers, the sailors,
and everyone who's been searching will stop looking.
I will be alone on my search.
I have to keep it going.
[tense music plays]
I will find him, brother.
I will bring the real Hongrang back to us and expose that fake one for what he is.
I will find my little brother. And I will protect my older one.
[tense music continues]
[music fades]
[intriguing music plays]
[exhales]
[music fades]
[bell jangles]
[rooster crows]
[dog barks]
[barks]
[dog growls]
[dog barks]
[dog growls]
I was always told dogs never forget a smell.
- Is that true, Goldie? - [Goldie barks]
So you would never bark at someone who loved you.
That is Goldie?
Why? Are you starting to remember something?
- Why is it named that? - You are the one who chose it.
I suppose it was because of its color.
It must have been more golden when it was young.
[barks]
Or maybe the sparkle in its eyes.
- Clearly that has faded with age. - The color may have faded.
- The spirit never has. - Good for him.
But you've changed, sister.
Do not dare use those words.
If you do not remember me, how can you know I've changed?
[Goldie barks]
I still remember nothing about this place.
But I get the feeling
that you were not like this.
Like what?
Hm.
So despicably rude and unlikable.
Do you think I will let you get away with this?
You… are nothing.
You have no power here.
You have been living inside these walls for your entire life.
And you have no idea what your status is.
After five minutes, I knew where you stood here.
[breathes shakily]
- [Goldie barks] - [Yeon-ui] There you are.
[eerie music sting]
[Hongrang] Hello, Mother. I was on my way.
I was wondering why you were taking so long.
May I ask what you were doing just now?
I was… talking to the dog.
- [Goldie barks] - It was an interesting conversation.
[Goldie whines]
[young Hongrang whines]
[gentle music plays]
Goldie doesn't understand words,
so I thought making dog noises would work, only he still doesn't answer.
[Goldie whines, barks softly]
[laughs]
- [gasps] - [Goldie barks]
I remember. You talked to that dog all the time.
Goldie was your very best friend.
You were so happy when you got him. Your memories must be coming back.
He looked familiar. And I have always been good with animals.
I think he recognized you.
He's getting on in years, so we have gone to a great deal of effort to keep him.
We wanted Goldie to be waiting for you when you came home again.
- [chuckles softly] - You should go now.
- You have a busy day with your father. - Yes.
[gentle music continues]
[Goldie growls softly]
I do not like him either.
We both know that is not Hongrang.
And as much as you want to bite him, you cannot,
or you will be killed.
So… I will do the biting
for the both of us.
[dramatic music plays]
[Yeol-guk] This street also belongs to the Min Family's Guild.
I suggest you take a look around on a regular basis.
[Hongrang] Yes, Father.
Incredible.
The more you look around, the more impressive it is.
Can you imagine if I had actually grown up in this place?
[music fades]
I would have had a completely different life.
Which also means…
we would never have crossed paths.
[exhales] What is this place?
[scoffs]
How fitting.
But clearly this was not left to rot here without being consumed.
[footsteps approach]
[eerie whooshing]
Wait.
Your neck
has a birthmark.
Did your brother have one there?
- You have to let me see it. - [Hongrang] It is a scar.
When you have no family or household to protect you,
it is likely you'll earn a few scars.
That is an unusual one.
As to how I got that unusual scar,
I would be more than happy to tell you.
Or I could just show you all of the hardships
that I was made to endure these last 12 years.
You choose.
Let go. Now!
Let go!
Take your hands off my sister.
I think I am meant to say that.
Respect Jae-yi. I do not intend to repeat that order.
Save your breath.
I do not take orders from you,
brother.
[scoffs]
[laughs]
Enjoy this.
Because I will not call you that for long.
I have no reason to challenge your status as I will regain my rightful position.
In good time.
For now, I want to thank you for your dedication, brother,
to ensuring my seat stayed warm.
I will remember that when the time comes to pull up stakes.
There is no need to confront me.
[tense music plays]
You think I will bow down?
But after 12 years, a stake can grow very strong roots.
I see. [chuckles]
Understood. My right is challenged.
In a way.
A stake is put into place to mark something important.
I will put it aside for the real Hongrang myself.
Not for a filthy imposter.
Are you certain
that I am an imposter, sir?
[scoffs]
[tense music builds]
Are you all right?
[music fades]
[tense music plays]
[eerie whooshing]
[uneasy music plays]
[screams]
[dramatic music plays]
[music fades]
[gentle ballad plays]
[music fades]