Moon River
Episode 9
Golden Plum Blossoms
Seventy-seven. Seventy-eight.
Seventy-nine.
ty-four. ty-five.
ty-seven.
Where did you learn the skill...
to make things like these?
They look good?
Sure, but your skill is better still.
I'll give you one.
What? You made so many and I just get ?
Have as many as you like then.
A golden plumb blossom isn't what I need.
For me,
there's just one thing I've got to have.
W... who's there?
Where is the gold?
W... what gold?
I know you're the leader of the Bongseoni gang in Hanyang.
This place and the teahouse in front are your hideout.
Not even the police know that, so how could you?
Stealing that gold without knowing its owner
was very rash.
O... owner?
You don't mean?...
Talk less and you'll live longer.
So shut it! Just give the gold back.
B... but that...
He stepped to here, then turned...
and struck!
One down, then...
Wham!
Two down.
Jumped up high, spun around,
*Ninja throwing stars
and threw the shuriken*.
That's right!
It was right here that he hit me!
Just ri... But you weren't there!
How come you know what happened?
These footprints point to a master of Qing Gong technique.
Iljimae?
But he wouldn't know how to use a shuriken.
- What is he muttering about? - Hey, hey. That boulder over there...
We'll be on our way soon.
- Get ready. - Yes, Sir.
The Bongseoni and Haedongcheong gangs were fighting?
They were!
But suddenly a man in a black mask appeared and
Chop! Wham! Baam! Took care of them all!
Didn't he?
That man couldn't be anyone but Iljimae!
Where did you hear all this?
I've been a street kid for 5 years. People respect me. 57
I just say the word and
my sources will find out anything I want to know.
Get on with telling him the tale.
Last night, there was a fight
between the Bongseoni and Haedongcheong gangs. There were a lot of serious injuries. 63
I learned all this from the servant boy at the doctor's house.
Fine. Where did all this happen?
- Wait! - Wait!
Before we tell you...
you've to promise us something.
You really do.
So what is it?
Tell us about Iljimae's early life.
Or else we won't say another word.
1, 2, shut!
I'll tell you when we get back.
Answer my question now!
It was on Umyeon Hill!
Let's get moving to Umyeon Hill!
Yes, Chief.
Don't forget your promise!
We already knew that and were heading there.
What we didn't know was that Iljimae was there.
Thanks for telling us that.
How could you give that away!
He really frightened me.
You make me so mad!
You're driving me insane!
I thought after we caught Bulgasari, things would quieted down.
The Haedongcheong and Bongseoni gangs...
are still active.
We need to find where the thieves have their base.
So we can dig them up by the roots.
But so far...
we haven't even managed to pluck a single leaf.
Whatever can we do?
If we could just hit on a good idea of some kind.
These clothes...
I've a really bad feeling about them.
Where are you going at this hour?
There's someone I have to see.
Lock the door.
I don't know when I'll be back.
You can lock it yourself from the outside.
Since no one else lives here...
The lock comes in handy when I go out.
Here. Lock and key.
You mustn't tell anyone else where it's hidden, okay?
Right, let's begin.
I can guess who did it.
Who was it?
A man called Iljimae.
Iljimae?
Wasn't he the one...
who put Bulgasari out of action?
Surely it was the police that caught Bulgasari?
Someone had taken him out before the police arrived.
That someone was Iljimae.
Could that really have been Iljimae?
Let me think. How old will he be now?
20... 1, 2, 3.
That would make him 21.
Young, but old enough and strong enough too.
Still, could it really have been Iljimae?
Now!
That's the villain that stole the gold!
- Catch him! - I'm the only one who can catch him!
Out of the way!
I can do as good as that!
I can't believe there's anyone faster than me.
He was here, but I blinked and he's gone.
Look over here!
Here? Where's here?
The bastard!
Wang Hweng Bo.
Why did you join the Bongseoni gang?
You know my handsome face, so you must be Iljimae.
Is the Bongseoni gang...
really right for you?
Your life must be complicated after you stole that gold.
Involvement with that gang of hoodlums,
look where it's gotten you.
Isn't all that...
a waste of your precious talents?
How long are you going to stick with the Bongseoni gang
committing petty crimes?
I'm not a member of the gang.
I can't go back to my homeland without accomplishing anything.
I can't settle as a normal citizen of this country.
So being a bandit suits me just fine!
Listen carefully.
Tell the police all you know about the Bongseoni gang.
I'm not on such good terms with the police.
Help round them all up and in return, your own crimes...
will be treated more leniently.
I'm not interested in leniency.
But I am getting really angry.
Come on, then!
Iljimae, your fighting skills have grown a whole lot stronger.
How did you get to be such a match for me?
At times like this, there's only rule to follow.
Rule 36: Run!
In that case...
I'd better just hand you over to the police.
I'm unarmed. Lift it up.
You... Just who are you?
Wang Hweng Bo. Wang Hweng Bo, where are you?
Over here! Over this way!
Iljimae?
Where did Iljimae go?
But tell me...
Who might you be, Wanderer?
Iljimae.
It seems your skills are astounding.
In all Joseon,
they say no one has ever yet escaped your sword.
Without fail. I shall capture him.
Make very sure you do.
And now. What news of the gold?
W... we know who took it.
So we'll find its whereabouts before long.
The Bongseoni gang... had a fierce warning from me.
We'll certainly be hearing from them soon.
And so, as the hostilities between the two gangs
are having repercussions in Joseon's highest circles,
Gu Ja Myeong is pondering ways to capture the bandits.
That man there, who are you?
Kyeong Cheol! What has gotten into you? 188
- Give that here! - Hey!
Just let me do as I please.
I do a good job of sweeping the back yard,
while the top brass live the good life!
Don't be a fool.
Come to your senses!
Drunken talk revealing thoughts like that
will get you into big trouble!
I'm not scared.
I'm a goner now anyway.
Give it to me, you fool!
Oh! Ch... Chief...
This lout still has no idea what he did wrong
and he's still full of arrogance.
Give him a flogging and throw him out!
Yes, Sir!
Flogging, huh?
Okay, fine. Bring it on!
Do your worse, short of killing me!
What an idiot!
You're really out of line!
I'm Kim Kyeong Cheol!
All of you, come out!
Sober up!
So you got them for me?
Yes, Sir.
Phew, they stink.
That's a real whiff for you.
But what's this prison clothing for?
I need to become a beggar.
What?!
There's a beggar...
with links to the Haedongcheong gang.
If I can infiltrate the beggars,
I can get information about the gang.
If I want to discover their headquarters,
then that's the only way.
You can't do that. It's too risky. 227
Su Ryeong will cover my back.
Don't be worried.
But while this operation is under way...
absolutely no one whatsoever must be told anything about it.
But Chief, it's...
~ Come in ~
~ This way ~
~ Eat ~
~ You have to find the rice for yourself ~
This young lady has gone to the Book Dealer's
without much spring in her step.
She's awkwardly aware she lacks cooking skills.
Kids grumble,
but a real man makes do with what he's given.
Is the owner not in?
He just stepped out.
The owner says a thief has been stealing his money.
He asked me to keep a lookout while he's away.
Have I kept you waiting?
I thought you would let this month pass.
You don't sound very pleased to see me.
Whatever gives you that idea?
Here you go.
I need more than that this time.
Why are you doing this?
I've never ever stinted with you.
This time of the year I have a lot of people to look after.
Otherwise how am I ever going to rise higher?
I may not be able to reach the very top
but I have to get what advancement I can.
But that money isn't really mine. It's money due to my scribes.
It's their wages.
I've been very merciful to you until now. You, a nobleman, doing the work of a commoner.
You ought to be grateful to me for not having turned you in already.
Is there a law forbidding a nobleman to engage in business?
And who might you be?
She's a copyist.
Wol Hee, stay out of this.
In this country,
the classes are strictly distinguished.
Even though there's no law against it,
a nobleman caught engaging in business
will immediately be demoted in rank.
And his descendants will be
permanently barred from government posts.
Now do you understand?
But on whose authority?
Did Confucius or Mencius forbid business activities?
It's a social convention with no legal basis.
It lets so-called nobles interested only in government posts
go around all the time acting like insane idiots.
Insane idiots?
Was that meant to refer to me?
I'm just a simple girl with no such thoughts.
If you think it applies to you
that must be your conscience speaking.
Wol Hee, that's enough!
Are you defending this man?
This girl's impertinent, but she's cute with it.
Tie her up!
Yes, Sir.
No, please don't. She has not done anything wrong!
Mind your own business!
Take him outside first.
Yes, Sir!
Get outside!
What do you think you're doing?
Why are you acting like this?
You came to his defense.
That's why you're tied up.
Since you talk about the law,
suppose we start enforcing it?
What are these?
You can see, stories about Hong Gil Dong*.
*Korean's Robin Hood
And this? What about this?
It's the Story of Seol Gong Chan.
In the eyes of the law, these Tales of Hong Gil Dong
were written to incite the population to violent revolt
and to stir up conspiracy and rebellion.
And this Story of Seol Gong Chan was banned because
under the guise of a ghost story, it criticized the King.
Distributing such books
to the public is a serious offence.
If I report that man to the authorities,
do you realize what will happen to him?
Is that what you want me to do?
Things like these...
This sort of thing,
pornographic drawings undermine morality.
You know what you have to do now, don't you?
No. What's that?
You still don't understand?
Hey! How the hell...
Who are you?!
Guards!
No!
Out of the way! Move out of the way!
Hey!
Are you all right?
Sir, what happened?
Do you want me to tell the police?
You've been extorting cash from merchants
and you tried to molest a noblewoman.
If that gets out,
you won't look very good, will you?
Just leave him be.
Attend to the guards first.
Yes, Sir.
I'll send the guards away.
Today's events...
please keep it a secret.
In that case...
never come back here again.
Very well.
And give back the money you took just now.
It's needed for my wages.
Wol Hee, are you all right?
Aigoo!
Ahjussi.
Right, I almost forgot.
Here, good work.
Okay.
How long have you been here?
You didn't come home, so I came to check.
But hey, did something happen?
You could say that.
My heart's still racing.
By the way...
Have you been to the house?
Yup.
Have you eaten?
Yeah.
Did you see my notes?
Yeah.
You're not much fun.
Let's go.
They're baby shrimps.
Good, aren't they?
Candy! Candy!
Candy!
If that masked man hadn't come along...
I'd really have been in big trouble.
Bastard.
Will there ever be a world where people like that get what they deserve?
Even if there was, would that really stop them?
Shall we look round the stalls?
I hear they've got new goods in.
What's the point, if we're not buying anything?
Even if that's the case, just looking is fun.
Even if you're not buying me anything.
Come on. Let's go see.
On your feet!
Scum!
Jerk!
Bastard!
You villain!
How dare you steal someone's hard earned food?
Let's break his bones.
That's enough!
Bring him over here.
Move it!
Sit!
You!
Did you steal this man's food?
Yes, he did!
I'd mixed rice and red beans all ready to eat.
Then this guy came along
and took the whole lot.
I'll ask you one more time.
Did you steal this man's food?
Come on, answer me!
Answer him!
Come on!
Yes.
I stole it.
Oh... You did?
You've got some nerve.
Do you even know who I am?
You're no one, but a beggar!
Don't mess with me,
or you'll come to regret it.
You don't say!
He's just a lame beggar and he thinks he can threaten us!
You bet I can.
Are you done talking?
Yeah! So what?
So who are you exactly?
Me?!
I'm a member of the Haedongcheong gang!
Take your time eating.
Why didn't you say so earlier?
We almost made a huge mistake.
I messed with the Haedongcheong gang.
I'm dead meat.
You there.
Yes.
Come over here.
I'll let it pass this time.
But in future you share your food with me, okay?
You really mean that?!
Sure I will!
Thank you!
Thank you. Thank you, thank you.
Where are you going?
To take a leak, you idiot.
Get up you fool.
Walk slowly.
We've seen this villain, Sung Kae, before haven't we?
That's right! At the seaside village where he killed a girl, Bong Yi.
Hey, you!
What?
You said, you're a member of the Haedongcheong?
I am.
Mess with me...
and you'll be in trouble.
Sure thing. Hey...
Why are you bugging me?
Bastard!
You punk! Why did you try to stab me?
You're messing with Haedongcheong.
You have some nerve!
I'm a real member of the Haedongcheong gang!
What?! What did you say?
I actually do belong to Haedongcheong.
Really... Is that the truth?
Yeah. Your turn to be scared, eh?!
Yes, I'm sorry.
And you dare pretend to belong to the Haedongcheong.
I said I'm sorry, but I had no choice.
What?
Should a man with my strength...
be content with the life of a beggar?
That's what I asked myself.
I want to join the Haedongcheong gang...
and aim for something big.
You're really are an idiot.
Do you think it's that easy to join the Haedongcheong?
You really seem to be a member. Can you put in a good word for me.
Please put in a word for me and get me into the group?
Please. Please, I beg you.
Greetings to you!
More urgent than finding the gold is another matter.
More urgent?
The word is that the second in command...
of Haedongcheong was involved in the fight.
Is that so?
He was injured and played dead.
But later he died of his wounds.
That bastard.
His funeral is tomorrow.
You surely aren't suggesting...
that we go and offer our condolences?
Come on, use your brain!
Use your brain!
Most members of the Haedongcheong gang will be at the funeral.
This is a great opportunity.
Oh! Great opportunity and timing.
Tomorrow we'll mount a surprise attack at the funeral.
This is a wonderful opportunity.
Eliminate the Haedongcheong gang
and take over Hanyang.
We'll let them see our strength.
Thanks to Iljimae, I lost my self-confidence.
But this will get it back.
It's those two.
Hello.
The Chief isn't here right now.
What? The Chief isn't here?
No.
Where did he go?
I don't know that myself.
When will he be back?
I don't know that, either.
Did he go on vacation?
- No, he didn't. - So where is he?
He's a government employee!
He can't just disappear like that!
Vanishing without a word to anyone!
That is not how it is.
So why keep insisting he's not here?!
The Chief promised us
he'd tell us about Iljimae's early years!
He can't treat us like this.
- Chief! - Chief! Where are you?
You don't understand!
The Chief...
is on an undercover mission.
Undercover mission?
What kind of mission?
Even with a knife at my throat, I couldn't tell you.
The Chief ordered us not to tell anyone.
Is this for real?
Why would I make up something up and tell you what is untrue?
Come with me.
Master Seon Dal?
What, brat?
So when will we get to hear about Iljimae's early years?
You've got a point.
Seeing how he's working undercover.
We can't ask the Chief.
Alas, Oh woe. Farewell. Farewell!
Go to a better place.
Looks like a funeral.
Let them pass first, and then we'll go.
Thank you.
Aigoo. How unfair is this?
Farewell. Farewell
Aigoo. This is unfair to me.
Master Seon Dal, that's...
Chief! Chief!
Looks like the Chief's secret mission...
has something to do with the Haedongcheong.
What makes you think that?
Look, all the mourners are men.
They're either the Haedongcheong or the Bongseoni.
A... are you saying those men are bandits?
Yes, I believe so.
I've a strange feeling about this.
Doesn't this procession strike you
as different from a normal one?
What? What do you mean?
Look, the guy at the back of the procession.
There's something protruding there inside his sleeve.
I... is that a sword?
He's definitely hiding something.
Looks like something big is in the offing.
You're right!
That means...
Come on.
Master Seon Dal, l..l...look up there!
It's an ambush.
Looks like there's going to be a fight.
Do you think Iljimae will appear?
Iljimae?
When Bulgasari was present, Iljimae showed up.
When the Haedongcheong and Bongseoni gangs were fighting...
He showed up then, didn't he?
Maybe he's here already.
Hey! Get down!
Is everything ready?
Yes.
All right.
Don't look around! They mustn't see that we know.
You know what to do?
As soon as the Bongseoni attacks out with our weapons right away.
Got it.
If you want to join the gang, you have to prove yourself.
This is a great opportunity.
When the fight starts,
get into the thick of it.
You got that?
Yes, I understand.
Attack!
Let's go!
Now!
It's started!
Get the weapons out of the coffin now!
What's going on?
How did this happen?
It's a trap.
Let's fight to the death.
Kill them!
- You'll be the ones to die! - Kill them!
Time for me to dive in.
In the 9th year of King Injo's reign*
(*year of 1631)
an event took place which was symbolic
of the lack of public order prevailing in those days.
It was referred to as, 'the Kundo-Nando Affair'
and was apparently a similarly serious matter.
Wow, his Kung Fu kicks are amazing!
There's actually someone in Joseon who uses the Chakgak move?
Chakgak move?
Our opponents are much stronger than we thought!
Fight with all you've got!
That fellow seems to be the top leader.
If we kill him, it'll all be over.
Thank you! I won't forget this.
Make sure you remember it for a long, long time.
Do you want me to beat him to death?
Leave me be, or I'll kill you too.
For someone facing death, you're a bit insolent.
What is it? What's wrong?
That's Chief Gu... Chief Gu Ja Myeong?!
Can that really be Gu Ja Myeong?
Yes, it is indeed.
That's a face I'll never forget.
Quick! Run for your life! Right now!
What happened?
How come they're running away?
All of you retreat now!
Retreat!
Don't give chase!
Gather around everyone!
If we give chase, the Police Bureau will get wind of it.
We have lost a number of men.
Let's call it a day.
We'll disperse and regroup later at headquarters.
Looks like Iljimae did not come.
Even Iljimae can't know everything.
Maybe he is sick today.
You are a truly excellent fighter.
Yes, he saved my life.
It was nothing, really. You're embarrassing me.
Though I sometimes surprise myself with my amazing skills.
But, why was Chief Gu involved with them?
Let me think it through carefully.
I've a strange feeling about this.
Without Bulgasari, there was no one special in the Bongseoni gang.
But now that strange fellow has emerged.
Are you talking about that fellow with the really strong kick?
Yes. With him around, our strength is of no avail.
We have to get rid of him first.
Let me do it.
Sung Kae?
Give me a partner and we'll get the job done.
Partner?
Who would you choose?
That new recruit over there.
He's the man.
Sung Kae. Are you sure you can do this?
Just leave it to us.
Very well, then.
Tonight, both of you go together and do the job.
Thank you.
You and I are going together, got it?
Got it.
Let's us leave.
Sir, whatever happened?
Please be patient a moment longer, Sir.
What are you doing?
Hurry! Hurry!
Hey, isn't that the official who knifed you in the back?
I... is it that bastard?
- It sure is, it's him! - Hurry it up!
Bastard!
I am dying.
How did that jerk get tied up and hung up there in the first place?
No idea.
The heavier you are, the more it hurts.
I wonder how long he's been hanging up there?
Oh my! That's...
Like some water?
No, thanks.
Is my skin showing signs of aging?
No. It looks fine.
Do you know what happened at the market today?
What?
It was really busy today.
But what happened?
Remember the government official I told you about?
The one who harassed me at the Book Dealer's, but ended up getting humiliated. 683
Yeah.
Well, someone tied him up and left him hanging on a tower in his official robes. 686
But more humiliating still. There was something hanging at his feet. 688
A ledger with all the names of his merchant victims.
He was arrested and brought to the authorities.
Everyone witnessed it.
And there should be enough evidence to convict him.
Really?
But who did it?
Thinking it over...
I believe it was
the same man that rescued me.
I'd say they were one and the same.
You sly devil! Come clean!
What about?
Tell me!
What? Wol Hee!
Okay, this guy, where do we find him? 704
Just follow me. I know where. 706
Here it is. This is the way in.
We have to go in there?
This tunnel...
leads to his back yard.
What's wrong? Don't you trust me?
Of course I do.
I'll go in first.
Make sure you follow.
You jerk!
What are you doing?
You almost had me fooled.
Do you think the Haedongcheong is that naive?
I'm going to kill you with my own hands!
Who the hell are you?!
Punk!
It's me, Kim Kyeong Cheol! Are you okay? 723
You came just in time.
You jerks!
Bastard!
Hey! Look here, look here. Look at me here. Kim Kyeong Cheol.
Look here, are you alright? Kim Kyeong Cheol. Stay awake! Stay with me!
I'm going to kill you too.
You bitch!
A moment later, and things would have been bad.
Take him back to the Police Bureau.
I'll look after Kim Kyeong Cheol.
Yes, Sir.
You caught me this time, but just wait.
One day, I will kill you!
Hey, Kim Kyeong Cheol. You've to stay awake!
Don't pass out, Kim Kyeong Cheol!
So, how is he?
His wound is too deep. His lungs were punctured.
Then, will he live?
It will be very difficult. But, I will do my best to save him.
Please. Please. Wake up! Wake up!
Chief.
The Bongseoni headquarters is in the teahouse at the market.
H... Haedongcheong headquarters is...
Come on! Keep talking. Please!
It's too late. He's dying. 751
No, Kim Kyeong Cheol!
Just say one more word, Kim Kyeong Cheol!
Where's Haedongcheong headquarters?
Where's Haedongcheong headquarters, Kim Kyeong Cheol?
Is there nothing else you can do?
I'll try acupuncture one last time.
Perhaps, it'll revive him.
K-Kim Kyeong Cheol, where is Haedongcheong's headquarters?
Where is Haedongcheong's headquarters?
H... Haedongcheong headquarters is...
The Haedongcheong, Haedongcheong headquarters...
... is at Bulam Mountain.
Well done.
A splendid job.
It's over now.
Sleep now and take your rest.
Once the bandits are eliminated...
I'll tell everyone
about your great achievements.
All of us...
we'll give you our gratitude together.
Is everything ready?
Yes. Aside from those who have stay on post...
the entire force is gathered here.
Deliver this message to the Right Police Bureau.
Yes, Sir.
We will attack the Haedongcheong headquarters.
While the Right Police Bureau will attack the Bongseoni headquarters.
Haedongcheong's headquarters is at Bulam Mountain.
We must form into groups and move in quickly.
- Understand?! - Yes, Sir!
We're ready.
Those huts are Haedongcheong's headquarters.
When we move on the bandits,
innocent people must not be harmed.
Kim Kyeong Cheol gave his life to find Haedongcheong's headquarters.
It's where the Dangogae subway station, Line 4 terminus, now stands.
Then, it was a herdsman's village.
We must capture every single one of them.
Yes, Sir.
Let's move in.
Everyone in there, come out!
Didn't you hear us? Come out now!
What are we going to do?
We're surrounded!
Everyone stay alert!
They're going to make a last stand.
Do we force our way in?
Get out!
Kill them!
Despite the bandits' strength
they were no match for the well-trained elite police officers.
And besides, the Haedongcheong gang...
had never expected their headquarters to be found.
- Arrest them all! - Yes, Sir.
Return of Iljimae ~ Volume 10 The Man on the Rooftop
Iljimae, wait!
You're just as animals...
...with human masks
so what do you need clothes for?
- Aigoo... - Aigoo, what? Our clothes!
Over there! Over there!
Eyes wide open and wait!
The place that I'm dreaming of
is the place where my love is.
When I look into his face full of affection
I will smile to my heart's content.
My love, the one I love
don't let me go.
My love, the one I love
whisper into my ears.
Loving me the most
and laying everything down.
My love, the one I love.