Do movies reflect life?
Or does life resemble movies?
I was born in the year
when the movie starring the most famous kid in the world hit theaters.
That was probably when it all started.
Movies have accompanied my life ever since.
One wonderful thing about movies is that anything is possible in them.
They made me feel like I could do those things in real life.
But by the time I realized some things were only possible in movies…
Well, it didn't matter.
They had already brought so much joy to my ordinary life…
though they may also have made me miss out on some things.
I admit I was a bit regretful when I had to drop out of college.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FORM
Because I've always wanted to make the most of college.
But it was all right.
All those things were in movies as well,
and movies have always been part of my life.
That just might be how my life came to resemble movies.
I'm here to meet…
the director.
Hello there. Who wants some chocolate?
Me!
But it was no Western action movie or a movie set on a college campus.
I knew you were the shoe thief.
Hey, let go.
Sir, please give me a role.
What are you on about?
I could even be an extra.
I'm really talented at standing still.
-I don't need any lines. -Seong-tae!
It wasn't a comedy either…
but a melo movie.
And if this movie had an ending,
it would surely be…
What is it this time?
Oh my God. What's all this?
You're always like this.
You hold it in until you explode and can't control yourself.
Is something stressing you out?
If you keep acting like this--
Mom. Why did you date Dad?
Where is this coming from?
I just want to know why you went out with a guy obsessed with movies
only to spend the rest of your life in boredom.
You think he was the one who did all the pursuing.
Actually, I pursued him more later on.
What? Why on earth would you do that? What did you see in him?
Well…
It's a secret.
I want to keep some sides of him to myself.
Whatever. I don't even wanna know.
I'm hungry. Let's have breakfast.
So you like the guy next door?
What? Who? No, I don't.
That's your thing. You pretend to hate what you like.
I do? Hey, that's not true--
I know you. You take after me.
It's not like that.
Don't leave a decent kid hanging. If you like him, just go out with him.
He might get tired of waiting and leave you.
What, do you think I'm a kid or something?
What is it?
Huh? What do you mean?
Oh, don't mind me. Keep working.
Hey, get out of here.
You were the one who got it wrong. Don't take it out on me.
Please get lost. I'm begging you.
You have five minutes.
If you have something to say, spit it out, then beat it.
Hey, Mubee and I--
Hey, how old do you think we are?
-In the international age? -What…
Are we teens? Are we in our twenties?
When are we ever gonna stop talking about girls?
Yeah, you've got a point.
But what's this?
TWO SEASONS
Hey!
I just wanted to check it out.
Hey, Hongsi.
You're too old to be embarrassed by these things.
Just say it loud and proud, "I got curious and watched the movie my ex wrote."
No, I was checking to see if she wrote about me.
So? Did she?
Well… I guess she also had stories to tell that weren't mine.
What?
Man, are you that stupid?
What?
Don't you think she might've tweaked it a bit?
What an idiot.
Everything she wrote is about you and her.
You didn't know that? Unbelievable.
I'm ashamed I almost shared my concerns with you.
I'm gonna go.
How could you not know any better than me? You're hopeless, man.
Hey, explain yourself before you go.
Forget it.
I can't hang out with an idiot like you. I'm off.
You better work hard and earn yourself that job on Kim Mubee's movie.
Idiot.
Finish what you were saying!
Hey! Don't come back!
You always show up whenever you want. Don't you ever come back!
He can't be right.
STUDIO BE
Compared to the budget I had in mind…
this is only half.
I know.
But I believe we can overcome this poverty… I mean, adversity.
How, you ask?
-By cheering each other up! -Let's go!
We've got this.
The music is the biggest problem.
Music royalties are expensive,
so we're going to need as many original songs as we can get.
You're right.
Music is the heart of our movie, so let's pour a good chunk of our budget--
I wouldn't use the word "pour" with this budget.
Where are we gonna find
a talented, affordable, fresh producer with immense potential?
For now…
-Look. -Oh my.
The two of them are besties now.
Han-sol, let's set the record straight.
I'm swamped,
but she keeps showing up uninvited.
God, you startled me. What are you doing here?
You're awfully late to work. Why didn't you answer your phone?
Hey, is everything okay?
I was at a funeral.
Oh, someone passed away?
This kid who did sync sound.
He died yesterday.
I heard he collapsed on his way home from a shoot.
That punk said he'd show me a script he wrote.
Damn it.
My goodness, why is everything so futile?
Were you two close?
We're all pretty much family.
What was the cause of death? Was it from overworking?
I thought things had improved a lot on movie sets. Is that not true?
Come to think of it…
You know Director Kim, right?
I'm talking about Kim Mubee.
Her father was in the industry too. He passed away from overwork.
The industry had a lot of issues then. His death gained a lot of media coverage.
His name still comes up every time something like this happens.
So she must be exhausted.
God, I have a feeling this time won't be any different.
Get some rest. You look like you're having a hard time.
Do you like pizza?
Why do you ask?
Just tell me. Do you?
Yes, I do. Why?
Pepperoni or Hawaiian?
Hawaiian.
That's a bit disappointing.
Cooked pineapple should not exist in this world.
I don't have time to listen to your nonsense.
So, you know the pizza joint at the three-way street, right?
I'll be there.
And?
You can avoid me if you want.
But if we do bump into each other, let's grab a slice.
What was that?
This is getting really awkward as I think I know who you're dealing with.
Sorry?
No, never mind. You'll find out sooner or later.
So why are you here today? Don't you have anything else to do?
Here's the thing.
When someone asks you to give them some time,
how much time does that mean exactly?
A week? A month?
If this is about your personal life again, I want no part of it.
Anyway, can I meet with that songwriter?
I want to hear some of his music.
He should have a few songs ready.
Don't worry. I'll set up a meeting right away.
Are you sure about that?
If he asked you for some time, I'm guessing you two had a big fight.
God, you're so annoying.
Let's grab something to eat. I have more to say.
Are you busy?
No.
Excuse me.
May I have another Coke?
I'm sorry, but are you going to order any food?
Okay.
I'll get some pizza to go.
It looks like I got stood up after all.
Was someone going to join you?
No, she didn't say she was coming.
Which pizza would you like?
One slice of pepperoni and…
And a slice of Hawaiian with a lemon and lime soda, please.
We'll eat here.
Sure.
What a coincidence.
Tell me about it.
Seriously,
what a small neighborhood.
The pepperoni pizza is good here.
What?
Nothing. I just hope we run into each other more often.
Ms. Kim!
What?
-What is it? -Come on already.
But…
Hello.
-Good? -You cooked it well.
Yesterday, you said…
Bye!
Here.
What? But it's…
You're running late. Hurry along!
Have a great day!
Huh?
Thank you.
Enjoy.
You're a little later than usual.
I had fun. See you tomorrow!
Ms. Kim?
What are you doing here?
You got off a little late.
I did.
What's next?
Where are we going to run into each other next time?
Please. Who knows? Everything's purely coincidental.
Ms. Kim Mubee.
Do you want to run into each other again tomorrow?
At six o'clock,
in front of the takoyaki place
by chance.
SERIES OF ACCIDENTS STRIKES MOVIE SETS THE RIGHT TO LIVE AT RISK
KIM HUN-DONG'S DEATH BY CAR ACCIDENT DUE TO LONG HOURS OF WORK…
I got home safely. I'm going to sleep well, so don't worry.
That was good. Come out. Let's go grab some coffee.
I really like this song.
What? Why won't it open?
I told you to fix this door.
It's okay when you close it gently.
Let's talk about what on earth you've been working on over coffee.
Did you unblock me?
Where are you going?
Oh, funny seeing you here.
Are you here for coffee?
Yeah. My studio's here, so there's nothing funny about it.
Right. Your studio is nearby, isn't it? I just have some business in the area.
Really?
You're not here for me?
No, I really have something to do.
Sure.
I need to take this call.
I unblocked you. Wait here if you want to talk.
Hello?
Yes.
You must be Son Ju-a.
Do you know me?
You know, everyone has that one name that follows them around.
A name that everyone around you would know.
What?
For Si-jun, that name is Son Ju-a.
I'm going.
You're not going to finish up today?
Next time.
Why are you here again? Are you going to keep spying on me?
Let's go to the studio. I wanna hear your songs.
-I'll manage on my-- -The director wants to see you.
I wanna check them out first. Is that a problem?
Not exactly, but…
Hey.
Come on.
It's not finished yet.
I'm going to add some piano here.
And drums from here.
I'm going to build it up and leave just the vocal in the end.
The rest isn't done yet.
Hongsi.
You really are a genius.
How did you come up with a melody like this?
You're amazing, Hongsi. I love the song.
You can go if you're done listening. I have to get back to work.
Why don't you get a male vocalist to sing this song?
I thought it'd work well as the female lead's theme.
It'd be nice to have the male lead sing this himself.
I'll think about it.
Just sing it yourself now.
No, thanks.
Come on. Just do it. You sing the guide track anyway.
-What are you doing? Don't touch me. -Get up.
-What the hell? -Let me hear it.
-Stop touching me. -Hurry.
We'll just see how it sounds, so relax.
I'll play the track. You can start singing.
Why can't I hear him?
Something's wrong. I can't hear your voice…
That is so childish!
Hey, let's stop here. I'll do this alone later.
Why do it later? Just get it over with right now.
What's with this?
Hey, did you slam the door?
It just closed on its own.
Man, it's doing this again.
What is it? Is it broken?
Damn it. I was really gonna get it fixed today.
You've been leaving this unfixed?
You should've fixed it right away. Who knows what might happen?
Try calling up a local locksmith.
You do it. My phone is out there.
You're still as hopeless as ever.
My jacket!
What are we going to do? Help!
I think we're stuck in here!
Someone open the door! Is anybody there?
Hey. Are we going to just stay here?
Gyeom might stop by later. He comes by almost every day.
Really? Around what time?
That I don't know.
He doesn't follow a schedule.
Gyeom, you're our only hope.
Hey, it's starting to feel stuffy.
Just say anything at all.
Was the song bad?
What?
You didn't say anything. I was embarrassed.
No, it's not that it was bad.
It's just that the vocal…
The girl I met earlier. Did she sing it?
Yes.
You two must be quite close.
Why do you ask?
I mean, you two must be very close if you shared all those things.
What are you talking about? Say it so I can understand.
Do you know what she did when she saw me?
"Son Ju-a"?
That's what.
Yu-rim never makes faces like that.
She really did.
What in the world did you tell people about me?
Why could she say that my name follows you around?
Hey, answer me.
You already know what it means. It's one or the other.
I either constantly bad-mouthed you
or constantly missed you.
Or both.
It must be frustrating to be locked up when you want to storm out like always.
Yes, it bugs me.
I always hated you storming out after blurting out what was on your mind.
It serves you right.
You said this was our story.
Yes. What about it?
So why'd you make the woman look cool and have her ask the guy out first?
I asked you out.
Go out… with me.
Okay.
Hey, think before you answer. I'm really serious about this.
I'm serious too.
I mean…
This is frustrating.
You and I are friends. We can't get together this easily.
You just asked me out. Why can't we get together?
If we start dating now…
Then what?
I won't break up with you, ever.
So think it over.
Stop smiling.
I said stop smiling.
Don't be ridiculous.
You only asked me out because I followed you around first.
What kind of nonsense is that?
I liked you and followed you around way before you asked me out.
Shut up. I liked you first.
The whole school knew that I liked you first.
You were only into music and couldn't care less about me.
Hey, I played the guitar every day just to impress you.
I went to that school because of you.
You know I…
What? Wait a minute.
The school?
Yes, it was far from my home, but I went there just for you.
See? I liked you first.
Wait.
Then when did you start…
Gyeom! Ko Gyeom!
-Hey! -Gyeom, open the door!
Right.
I wonder how you two got locked in there.
I wanna find out so badly.
Don't let your imagination run wild.
I'm going.
Record the guide track with your voice. I'll schedule a meeting with the director.
What? Kim Mubee is coming here? Hey, invite me over.
Why should I?
I want to listen to Hongsi's new song. I deserve to do so.
Please. Just tell me the date. I'll behave.
Hey, it's a work meeting, not a playdate.
What did you two do in there?
Shut it.
Do you have to fix that door?
What do you mean?
I just thought you could put me in there with Mubee later--
Can you just go?
I'm going to even if you tell me to stay!
I have important plans today.
Don't care, not gonna ask.
I have to go and run into someone by chance, so bye now.
Hi. How can I help you?
Is this too much?
If she freaks out, I'll just say I got them for Jun.
Gyeom.
Jun.
Were you on your way home?
What?
Let's go home for now.
Thank you.
Hello. How many would you like?
-Seven, please. -Seven, it is.
I'll really be careful. Okay?
I must've been lost in my thoughts for a moment back there.
Nothing happened, so it's all good.
Hey, Gyeom.
I know I'm in your care, but aren't you being too harsh on me?
Why aren't you surprised?
What?
You have everyone around you frightened,
but you never get surprised and always stay calm.
You're right.
I guess I wasn't aware of my surroundings.
I'm hungry. Let's have dinner.
Do we still have some bulgogi left?
Even when you woke up after the accident…
Even then…
you weren't surprised one bit.
I don't get how you could remain so calm after waking up from such an accident.
I was?
Jun.
Why do I feel like you're…
I'm home.
Good day?
Yes.
He said we should run into each other. What is he playing at?
Don't show up in front of me ever again.
You can have this neighborhood. I'll leave instead.
Stop talking nonsense and keep your distance.
I'm done with all that.
I was pretty shitty to him.
Don't leave a decent kid hanging. If you like him, just go out with him.
He might get tired of waiting and leave you.
Fine, then. Be my guest.
What?
What's what?
It's nice to sleep next to my brother after so long.
You slept here?
Why? Don't you like it?
You seemed to like it when you put your arms around me.
Did you think I was Mubee?
Don't be so gross.
"Gross"?
Hey. Up until middle school,
you slept next to me because you'd get scared.
What are you talking about?
Why are you suddenly bringing that up?
You wet your bed back then.
-What? -After watching that movie--
I did no such thing!
You got scared and wet--
I did not!
You can't beat up your big brother.
Think about what you did wrong.
Gyeom.
I'm sorry.
You're lame.
Get up. Let's eat.
Come and eat.
Okay.
Going out this weekend?
Yes, to work.
You are?
Why?
Nothing.
You're pretty done up for work, that's all.
Jun, why was the front gate open?
There was a bit of a battle last night, so we forgot to close it.
-Come on in. -Sure.
What? Is the little potato walking in with a bowl of potatoes?
You keep calling me "potato."
So I always end up buying them at the market. I've been potato-lighted.
So why are you here today?
You're so sly. You only call me when you need me.
I was bored, that's why. Mubee said she was busy.
You must be doing well by yourself. Don't need my help anymore?
When did I get your help?
Gyeom, you'll pay dearly for that.
I know Mubee very well--
Hey, you only know her history up until middle school.
You useless punk. This guy is totally useless.
Hey!
-Mubee will never like you. -Sure.
-Not when she sees your true colors. -Sure.
I'm sorry for not showing up yesterday.
Something came up…
About our coincidental plans yesterday…
You're even eating the skin?
I heard that the skin is more nutritious.
Are you busy right now?
Wow, we have so many visitors today.
Are you busy right now?
I have never been busy in my life.
Then,
will you come with me?
I have to go somewhere for work,
and I need to carry some stuff, but Jeong-hu's busy.
If you have time--
I guess I have no choice but to help out. Give me one moment.
Hey, you can eat my food.
Gyeom!
Did she say I was busy? Did she--
Drink up. You're choking.
Hey. I can drive.
-You don't even know where we're going. -Wherever it is. Just hop in.
Do you have sunglasses?
I do.
Okay.
What is this?
Okay.
Here we go.
Man, I'm stuffed.
They're supposed to be grown-ups, and they're using me as an excuse?
Isn't that silly?
Even little kids would have more mature relationships than theirs.
They're both cute.
I'm disappointed in Mubee.
At least, she should've acted like a grown-up.
Jun, do you want to watch a movie?
Are these all Gyeom's picks?
He must've been cooped up at home all the time to watch this many movies.
Is that why he still acts like a kid?
How about this one?
-Jun. -Yes?
Jun, you've been drowsy a lot lately. Are you tired?
Yes, I'm a bit tired.
Let me take a quick nap.
Well, I'm sorry for not showing up yesterday.
Yesterday? For what?
We were supposed to meet by chance… Oh, did you not go?
We were? I didn't go.
That's a relief.
-This can't be happening. -What?
Man, I have a guest with me today. This is way too embarrassing.
Hey, hang in there!
Please, no. Hang in there, you fool.
-Well, this is a very old car. -Wait, so…
Did the car just stop here?
Yes.
This is bad.
We should've just taken my car.
Yes, okay.
Hey, don't say that in front of my car.
I wanted to get there before sunset, but I guess that's not happening.
We can come back out tomorrow.
Excuse me?
I'm busy, you know. Do you think I'm here to hang out?
Aren't we here to hang out?
You said you needed to carry some stuff, but you were empty-handed.
And you said Jeong-hu was busy when he was eating potatoes at my place.
Wasn't that your way of asking me to hang out?
It's the first time you have proposed that we do something together.
Five years ago, when you disappeared…
You're really good at bringing up subjects that put me on the spot.
Was it something…
to do with your brother?
I've thought about it
since you moved next door and I met your brother.
You used to love talking about your brother.
But your brother was different from what I heard in your stories.
So I took a wild guess.
Then… what took you so long to ask?
I don't like complicated things.
I don't like getting close to someone.
I prefer not to go deeper into a person's life.
I know myself.
Once I find out one thing about someone, I'll want to know more.
Then I won't be able to help myself from falling deeper.
In the end, I'll become an idiot who fails to realize
that the person is about to leave me.
So I didn't want to know more about you.
You seemed to have an exceptionally complicated side to you.
Then what changed?
The thing I hate the most is when someone disappears without a word.
Even though you did what I hate the most, I'm finding that I still like you.
That can only mean I can't find a reason to hate you.
So I just decided…
to let things get complicated.
If I understood you correctly…
I like you.
It's clear that this time…
my life has become a melo movie.
No matter what kind of person I am?
No matter what kind of person you are.
And I know for sure that this movie will have a happy ending.
But life goes on far longer than any movie.
Oh man.
Thank you for the food.
We all have to carry on with our lives.
Gyeom.
Yes?
But for some people…
There is…
something I have to tell you.
…life is much shorter.
MELO MOVIE
Subtitle translation by: Daham Yoon