Even with seemingly endless, dark tunnels,
there is light at the end.
The light in the darkness.
That's what movies were to me.
Inside a simple square-shaped light, anything was possible.
It made me feel as if I could do anything.
But the world outside of movies…
was always harsh and burdensome.
There were no well-crafted plots
or heartwarming lines.
Life was just lonely
and desolate.
That's when someone showed up.
Kim Mubee.
I don't know if she's walking through the same darkness as me.
But what matters is…
it's no longer the square-shaped light that I love…
I love Kim Mubee.
If I share my secret with you, will you still like me
and not leave me?
I think I'm the reason my dad died.
I think some things are only realized when you say them out loud.
I thought I had escaped my past, but I was mistaken.
All things begin with something insignificant and simple.
I was just a kid…
Mom, is Dad home?
He sent a present for your birthday.
You should open it.
…who wanted to be loved. That's all.
That's not too much to ask for, is it?
-Whoever unties more wins! -Okay.
Wait for me.
He should've at least tried not to get caught.
Dad, at the end of the movie…
-You must be Director Kim Seong-hwan. -Yes.
I'm a huge fan.
I didn't expect to run into you here. May I shake your hand?
Actually, I'm a filmmaker too.
-Is that so? Thank you. -Yes.
I very much enjoyed your new movie. How did you come up with such a…
Because a child who was never loved…
It blew me away.
Are you here to see the movie by yourself?
No. I came with my daughter too.
…will spend their whole life thinking it was all their fault.
Mubee!
But then I realized that hating Dad would be the better thing to do.
So I hated him as much as I could.
It wasn't easy
to hate someone who only showed up occasionally
and was nothing but nice to me.
But I wasn't going to back down either.
Mubee, where's your dad?
I don't have one. He died.
I'm serious.
Mubee!
Mubee, is that your dad?
No, I don't know that man.
I wonder what young Mubee was like.
She'd be more difficult to manage than I am now.
But I guess you get used to hating someone.
I grew less and less eager to see him.
We were growing apart…
and I was fine with it.
But then…
I didn't want to see him like that.
FOUR-LEAF CLOVER
It felt weird.
As if my insides were churning.
Stop it already!
Nobody's going to help you in return.
The director said he'd help with mine after we finish this project.
He means it this time.
And you believed him again? Whenever you do this, I…
Just spend the rest of your life chasing movies.
Don't force yourself to be a dad.
I really don't care.
I'll be home tomorrow
for my little girl's birthday.
I'm not a kid anymore.
I just feel bad I wasn't there for you when you were younger.
I better get there before you start another rumor that your dad died.
I used to pull that trick because I thought you might show up,
but not anymore.
It's been a while since I considered myself fatherless.
Mubee, I'm sorry.
What can I do to make it up to you?
Really?
Stop shooting the movie, and come home now.
Can you do that?
Hello?
Yes.
Mubee.
Dad
got into an accident.
I was really mean to him.
I thought he was pathetic, and I was ashamed of him.
I knew it would hurt him, but I still said those words.
I was suffering, too, so I thought I had the right to act like that.
But I didn't want him to really die.
I mean it. I just…
I just wanted him to love me.
LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL, MAGNIFICENT THING, EVEN TO A JELLYFISH
I thought something incredible would happen if I confessed all that.
But it wasn't a big deal. How lame.
You're right.
It's a good thing.
Strangely, that's how I feel when I'm with you.
Everything feels okay.
Then continue to stay by my side like you are now.
What's on your mind?
Not much.
You and me.
Thoughts about us.
It's nice being out here.
Should we stay until sunrise?
I'll get on your mother's bad side if I keep making you stay out all night.
This car may be beat-up, but I'm glad we get to do this.
My beat-up car can hear you.
Why are you driving such an old car?
Because it's cool. They drive cars like these in the movies.
People like movies way too much.
Why in the world do you like them?
At first, it was because I was scared to be alone.
After that, because it was something I could do with Jun.
Gyeom.
What's your secret?
My secret?
Well…
It's dark.
It's hard to bear and depressing.
It's not a fun story.
I still want to hear it.
As a kid, I was always afraid to be left alone.
I was sick of watching movies waiting until Jun got home.
It was hard pretending to be all nice and smiley.
You were young. You were allowed to complain.
I was worried Jun would vanish if I did.
It was clear, even to a kid like me,
that Jun seemed like he could disappear at any moment.
You were way too kind, Gyeom.
I wasn't kind.
When I realized he'd tried to end his life,
I pretended like I had no idea.
I stayed quiet until the end
in case it really was because of me.
Gyeom.
See?
My secret…
is depressing and cowardly.
We're a mess.
Right?
I think dying is really…
shitty.
Yeah.
It is.
Wait, what? Why is the door unlocked…
Hey.
Hey. Did you get enough rest?
You asked for a few days off. Why are you back so soon?
I had nothing to do.
You don't look like you enjoyed your time off.
What's wrong?
Sang-sik.
What?
How did we appear to you?
When Ju-a and I were together.
Come on. I can't tell you that.
You'll sulk again. That's a taboo word, isn't it?
Tell me.
Do you mean it?
Well, I'm only saying this because you're asking me,
but you two were something!
You would strut around with a guitar on your back.
She would pack lunchboxes and follow you everywhere.
I wouldn't say Ju-a was your girlfriend.
She was like a mother to you. No.
I think she might have been more like a fangirl.
Anyway, she would never get tired. I'll give her that.
Is that so?
I mean, you know…
I meant that's how it seemed on the outside.
Hey, do you know how terrible you were?
All you ever talked about was, "Son Ju-a this, Son Ju-a that."
"I'm gonna eat with Ju-a. I'm gonna hang out with Ju-a."
Other than the time you spent here working and working on your music,
you were literally glued to that girl all the time.
I even thought, "How can a guy be like that?"
You two made a great couple.
That's what I'm saying.
That's something you can only do at that age.
Do you think you'll ever be in love or have a relationship like that again?
The way I see it, you two were very lucky to have met each other.
You nutty young'uns were wild and crazy. Goodness gracious.
I see what's going on. Hey.
You met Ju-a yesterday, huh?
I wanted to see if there was still a chance for us…
but I don't know anymore.
Si-jun.
What do you think completes love?
Marriage?
Passing away together?
No, you're wrong.
Love is already complete as is.
Do you understand?
If your love was great, you should be happy with that.
How many romance movies do you think I watched while running the video store?
I'm an expert on love. That's why women are all over me.
You finish cleaning up. I wonder how the kitchen's looking.
I LOVE YOU EVERY MOMENT LET'S ALWAYS BE HAPPY
JU-A, IT'S ME, HONGSI HAPPY BIRTHDAY
THANK YOU FOR COMING INTO MY LIFE AND STAYING WITH ME, I LOVE YOU!
I LOVE YOU!
Hello, ma'am.
What are you doing here?
I was about to ring the doorbell.
Mubee is still asleep.
I know. I came to see you.
This is for you.
Flowers? That's random.
Did you come to give me these?
What's all this?
I heard you liked flowers.
So I prepared only the kinds that are easy to grow as a small gift.
Are you mad?
What will I do with all this? Who's going to plant them all?
Oh, I didn't know you were still here.
I almost couldn't tell you apart from the flowers.
Be quiet.
Yes, ma'am.
Do you know what the neighbors might think
if Mubee frequents your house?
Then how about I frequent this house instead?
What do you think?
We'll meet outside.
Hey, make sure you space them out.
Maybe you could show me how it's done.
Maybe not.
You can go inside.
You said you tend to have too much on your mind
but have trouble opening up about it.
Are you still like that?
I decided to change.
Good. You should say all the things you want to say.
Some things only end when you do.
What if…
the one who has to hear it isn't here?
They are here even if we can't see them.
I hoped Mubee would date someone more simple,
but it seems like she's met someone just like her.
I'm simple when I'm with Mubee.
Then please listen to what's on my little girl's mind.
She has no one else to lean on.
Is that right?
She probably depends on you more than you think.
I have to open for business, so make sure you finish what you started.
Mother likes me again!
Why are you sitting out here?
He's done a pretty good job.
Isn't Gyeom cute?
Not in the slightest.
But he seems like a good guy.
What kind of person was Dad to you?
He was a pitiful and foolish man.
Someone miserable for much longer than he was ever happy.
But that's just how
some people in this world are.
People who are never quite good at what they love
yet are foolish enough not to know when to let go.
But he would've given up much earlier if you weren't around.
He always wanted to show you
how wonderfully he could tell his story…
and how he would never give up.
What a fool.
But you know…
you take after your dad more.
What? What are you talking about? I take after you.
You don't know how sweet you are.
I can see that in your movie.
You're so warmhearted, like your dad.
That's why I'd like to see more movies made by you.
Mom.
You know…
I have something to say.
Mubee.
I'm sorry…
that I was never kind to you.
I realize I'm still just a child in moments like these.
You wouldn't have had such a tough time
if I had been kinder to you,
but I couldn't be.
I was not even close.
I'm sorry.
I got too caught up in my pain and failed to see those around me.
FROM YOUR LOVING DAD
I'm not late, am I?
I had to close the store.
Dad left again?
What were you going to see? You can see it with me instead.
I can just see it alone. You never come to the movies, Mom.
Do you even know who Batman is?
Of course I do. He's one of those guys who fly around in their underwear.
He's not just one of those guys.
And you haven't seen the previous movies, so you won't understand a thing.
I'll know when I watch it. Where is it? Let's go.
That way.
Let's go.
Why did I not see that I was never alone and it was always the two of us?
It's okay.
It's okay, Mubee.
It's not your fault.
Don't you hate me?
How could I hate you?
Why am I so stupid?
I'm sorry I complained about never being loved.
I'm sorry I acted like a kid.
I'm so sorry for taking your love for granted, Mom.
I'm sorry I didn't show you more love.
You gave me everything.
I'll try to be
a better mom to you.
So you can stop being in pain.
Do you think you and I can live happily now?
Yes.
Mom…
Why do you want to sell these to me?
Hey, these are valuable.
-They don't look valuable at all. -They suit you.
Who watches VHS tapes these days? I don't even have a player for this.
Hey, think of these as shelf decor.
-You're forcing me right now. -They're freebies.
But you want me to pay?
These are as good as freebies. Just pay me the trip charge.
So I have to take these home and pay you the trip charge?
Hey, don't be smart and cold-hearted.
-What are you saying? Forget about it. -Hey!
Hey, man. You're so clumsy.
-What is this? Lift your leg. -Why?
Screw this.
All good. Get in.
Hey, it's okay. Just go now. You can pay me later.
I'm gonna look ridiculous.
It suits you perfectly. Go already.
After you take those, I need to sell the next wagon to a big client of mine.
-Bye. -Okay.
Wait. Why did you take that back?
Hey, you already have too much.
Seriously, man.
Director Ma, where are you? I told you to get here quickly.
Oh my God!
You surprised me.
What brings you here, Ms. Son?
Wait, how did you know I lived here?
"I'm sorry. We won't be able to move forward with this project."
That's it?
Then you just go off the grid? Have you lost your mind?
I think I elaborated a little more than that.
Whatever.
I don't understand how you can back out like that
without looking for a solution.
Is it because you can always work on another project?
You're just going to bail on everyone else on board?
Wow, I didn't think you were like that.
You knew I didn't want to do this project, but you insisted.
To put it more accurately,
you were too embarrassed to turn it into a movie.
Seriously?
Anyway, you need to figure out a way. We can go to the production company.
No.
You're not running away until you give me an answer.
I wouldn't have come if I was the only one in on this.
But there is someone who put all he had into this project.
You'll have to walk over me to go.
What, are you going to lie down on the ground?
Hey, Kim Mubee!
What did you just call me?
You heard. The movie's canceled. You're no director to me.
I knew you were the annoying type when I met you,
but you're actually worse than I imagined.
You said I looked like a civil servant.
As if. You looked like any other drunkard.
"Drunkard"? Look who's talking. Hey!
What?
I'm on my way to find a solution. Either come with me or stay there.
Right now? A solution? Where are we going?
Director Kim, wait for me, please!
I didn't think we'd meet again.
Are you here to talk about the contract or something?
I didn't think so either.
The production company will probably contact you about that.
Then why are you here?
To tell you that I listened to the song you sent me yesterday.
Song? What song?
That was just--
Did you send it so I'd reconsider?
No.
Then why did you send it to me?
Making that song…
made me feel good.
I can't remember the last time I felt that way.
It felt so good.
I accepted this project in the first place to mark the end of everything.
It was going to be my excuse to give up on…
what I'd been holding on to for too long.
Well, it ended here anyway.
But thanks to this, music made me feel something again.
I got excited.
I sent it to you
because I didn't think it belonged to me anymore.
Then why don't you hold on to that feeling just a little longer?
You need real closure to end things properly.
I'm saying that I won't give up on this just yet
because the music you sent me was so good.
Of course there are other reasons,
but listening to your music last night was the biggest.
You're saying you'll give this movie another go, right?
Now I'll have to figure out a way.
Whether I look for an investor myself, protest at the production company,
or cut the budget beyond what was deemed possible,
I'll manage somehow.
Thank you in advance for the support.
So badass.
I'm not sure it's okay for the music to top the script though.
Director Kim!
So I'm your director again?
You're my favorite director now.
Let me ask you.
Do you two have any large sums of money saved up?
Just joking.
You should've seen your faces. I feel hurt.
You should give yourself more time to think about
quitting music after this, Si-jun.
Okay.
But I hope you don't quit.
I mean it.
Bye.
I'm going to end it after this.
You said you'd take your time.
Oh, you weren't talking about your music.
No.
Okay.
I think I've been holding on to the past for far too long.
I guess we're really going to break up, then.
Yeah.
After we do…
let's not see each other again.
No matter what excuse you bring, it won't work.
We can't be friends either.
If I hear something about you, I'll pretend I didn't.
We'll disappear…
from each other's lives completely.
But, Ju-a…
that means we won't be able to do any of those things.
Have fun conversations, make silly jokes,
and chat all day until we fall asleep.
That's what we both do best.
Si-jun.
Can you live the rest of your life without all that?
You'll miss it all so much.
Waking someone up from their sleep just to have them chat with you?
Not everyone can put up with that.
How do I get through this?
It'll pass.
Well…
If, by any chance, I hurt you a lot…
We were great together.
We were really great, Si-jun.
Weren't we?
That's not how you do it. Look.
It's just like breathing, yeah?
Breathe in naturally.
You like that?
You're such a good role model.
How did you manage to never get caught smoking?
There are lots of things you don't know about me, kiddo.
Jun.
Yes?
Could you do me a favor?
What is it?
I still don't know much about you,
so visit me in my dreams from time to time.
I won't get mad or nag you.
I'll let you do whatever you want.
Why did you drink this in secret?
You should've counted me in.
I want to drink with you too.
The same goes for smoking. I'll smoke with you if you want.
So…
sometimes…
just sometimes, visit me in my dreams.
Let's hang out.
What's so funny, man?
Right?
I'm laughing like this.
So why are you crying?
Why don't you call out to me like you used to?
Because you won't come anyway.
-Jun. -Yes?
There is something
I haven't been able to tell you yet.
I'll be all right.
I'm going to be fine.
So you don't have to worry.
I've lived such a happy life thanks to you.
So I'll try to live the best I can.
It's not like you to look so down.
I was just at the production company.
I talked a big game about how I'd find an investor,
but what am I going to do?
I don't have anywhere to get money from.
What was that?
See? I knew you wouldn't give up.
I watched my dad's movies again.
They're still lousy and as boring as ever.
But it was heartwarming.
I'm not sure what he was trying to say though.
So I plan to give it a shot first. I might find out along the way.
Attagirl.
But how will I make it if I don't have the money?
Where am I going to find an investor?
I'll sell all my VHS tapes and invest in your movie.
I know how cheap they are.
Hey, every little helps.
But why are you selling them?
I just think I've watched enough movies.
My goal was to watch every movie ever made.
But now I'm more curious about the world.
That sounded… somewhat philosophical.
Cool, huh?
Ew!
Speaking of which,
I'm going to quit being a movie critic.
What?
I don't feel like watching movies anymore.
Hey, since we're on the subject, why didn't you review my movie?
-I did. -What?
When? Where? I didn't see it.
Do you want to see it?
Oh, it's at home. Should I just tell you now?
No, thanks. I don't wanna know.
-No, let me tell you. -No, it's okay.
-Look. -I'm really fine.
-So, at first… -Stop it.
When I first saw the movie…
-Wow-- -Stop. It's going to upset me.
-I'll only tell you the good parts. -Really?
Yes, only the good parts.
When I was young, I hoped to become a 20-year-old overnight.
Just like in the movies.
Because being young didn't help me overcome hardships in any way.
Then, when I turned 20, I quickly wanted to become 30.
I thought I needed to get through
those amateur years to numb myself from pain.
But even in my thirties, nothing really changed.
I only began to miss the moments I once hoped would pass quickly.
That's when I realized
that every moment I experience makes my life last longer.
So now I'm going to live every moment to the fullest.
Because life isn't a movie but reality.
1 YEAR AND 6 MONTHS LATER
And so, that's the reason I'm here.
I had to get a job.
What was the question again?
Mr. Ko, you applied knowing what our company does, right?
Yes, this is a travel agency.
-You're a high school graduate. -Yes.
But I'm confident I have more experience than other applicants.
-Do you speak any foreign languages? -Whoa, no.
But I've watched many foreign movies since I was a child…
so I probably can.
Such as Chinese, English, and…
Thank you.
Hey.
I nailed it. I'm on my way home now.
Yeah, I'll see you at home.
MOVIE MELODY
MELODY, 2024
Kim Mubee's movie managed to get made.
And it flopped miserably.
No, I wouldn't say it's a flop. How should I put this?
Mubee created quite an artsy movie, which was very unlike her.
Thank you.
But what's more surprising is…
Lastly, please say a word to your fans.
I believe that persistence is my only strength.
…that Hong Si-jun made it real big.
Thank you very much for your love and support.
It's rare for the soundtrack to garner more fame than the movie.
-I'm Hong Si-jun. -Thank you.
But Si-jun managed to achieve just that.
Shall we go now?
Goodbye.
Man, what an eyesore.
Is this your idea of a successful but anonymous songwriter?
You're what they call an attention seeker.
Why are you here?
Are you really not coming later?
We're gonna grill a ton of meat, and you have to handle the grilling.
Not a chance, you crazy bastard.
Why not? Because of Ju-a?
Do you want me to put up a partition between you two?
Shut up. I can't go because I have plans.
You two make me uncomfortable. Can't you just get back together?
Whoa, my hands are slippery.
I have to go. Lock the door when you leave.
Hey, Sonju.
Hey, I can't be there today. I have to meet a deadline.
What? Why can't you come?
Wait. Are you still writing scripts?
Does anyone want it?
Get lost. This time, I'm doubling down on my writing.
Hey, are you perhaps avoiding your ex as well?
What do you mean? I really have a deadline to meet.
Can I invite Hongsi over, then?
Just be impartial and don't invite either of us, okay?
Hey, he wouldn't come anyway. He's a busy bee.
What's it like to see your ex make it big? Do you feel bitter?
Yes, I feel bitter as hell. Bye now.
Ju-a was green with envy because the music overshadowed her story.
Life can be so amusing.
Oh yeah.
And I've got someone bothering me at home now.
Gyeom!
What took you so long? We have so much to prepare.
Here, take this.
Not a roommate. He's more like a homestay student.
I let him move in because I had a room to spare,
but now I regret it.
Hey, you've done all the work.
Gyeom, do you know how hard it was to do this all by myself?
Hey, we're here.
Did the interview go well?
Yes, of course.
Ma'am, I think I'll get the job.
You study at night. Why make it tougher on yourself?
I know. I'm just that diligent a guy.
Did Mubee push you?
-No, I-- -Yes.
No.
Yes!
When did I ever do that?
It's your life. Do what you want with it.
I got the meat that came in today.
If you are looking for someone to take over your butcher shop,
what about me?
-Get a job already. -Yes.
And one important thing.
May I have your attention, please?
Everyone, please welcome Mr. Investor.
Mubee's movie miraculously got made
thanks to a rich movie director who had nothing better to do.
It's so wonderful to see you.
What's with him?
I'm here today to celebrate Director Kim's success…
He suddenly announced that he was a producer
who supports the dreams of young directors. Whatever.
Anyway, he's starting anew in his own way.
Now, let me share a word of congratulations.
-Sir, you're good at grilling meat. -I am?
-Jeong-hu, follow me. -Okay.
-We have to wash the lettuce. -Lettuce, it is.
Mr. Ma, here you go.
-The woman of the hour! -Thank you.
You're welcome.
Cheers.
Thank you. Congratulations.
-It's so good. -Right?
It's good.
The meat is great.
So good.
MELODY SOUNDTRACK LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE
THIS SUMMER'S SWEETEST ECHO MELODY
I knew I had an eye for talent.
Hello?
DIRECTOR KIM MUBEE
Ko Gyeom doesn't watch movies these days.
But he sometimes follows me around the set and bothers me like he is now.
According to him, Kim Mubee is the only movie in his life now.
What are you doing?
Hey, this is my storyboard.
Mubee, when the female lead cries,
you should do a wide shot instead of a close-up--
Hey, I told you not to mess with my projects.
I mean, your previous work was excellent,
but emotionally, you should try a more subtle approach--
-Do you have a death wish? -What?
What are you, a movie critic?
Whenever I'm with Gyeom, we still switch between genres.
At times, it's a tearjerker.
At other times, a heartwarming family movie.
And the rest, a completely nonsensical action comedy.
I'm just providing my humble opinion as an audience member.
What are you talking about? Give it back!
Hey, wait!
Hey there,
lady who pretends to be mean but is actually kind as hell.
But still, the best one of all is…
melo.
MELO MOVIE
Subtitle translation by: Daham Yoon