Frankly Speaking (2024) s01e01 Episode Script

FRANKLY SPEAKING
NEWS AT NOON
Good afternoon,
and welcome to JBC News at Noon.
SONG KI-BAEK
It's been four years
since workplace bullying was prohibited
under the revised Labor Standards Act,
which took effect in July 2019.
Some say it has contributed
to raising awareness,
but many people are still suffering
from workplace conflict and harassment.
Kim Seo-jun has more on the story.
Reporter Kim Seo-jun.
Reporter Kim Seo-jun.
Reporter Kim Seo-jun?
Reporter Kim Seo-jun.
REPORTER KIM SEO-JUN
Yes. How are things on Planet Warr?
Yes. I'm here because
I received a tip-off that Tyranno Max,
the one who protects Planet Warr,
forced Agent Harry
to go hunting against his will.
He made an herbivore dinosaur go hunting?
That is wrong and unfair.
That's right. But Harry has to get
a reference letter from Max,
so he's been crying every night.
Hey, behave yourself.
Oh, boy. The situation seems serious.
Pachycephalosaurus and Brachiosaurus
also belong to
the Herbivore Dinosaurs Association.
Has the HDA made any moves yet?
I think it's wrong to order others around,
just because you're strong.
That wasn't in the script, you know.
Dad!
-Hold on. Is that a camera?
-Yes, it is.
Whoa.
Isn't this considered
workplace harassment?
Did he really have to bring his son
to work for his work experience?
I really respect Ki-baek.
He came two hours early
and waited on standby for this.
-God.
-Look at this.
Why would he do this?
He already has it all.
He's going overboard.
He doesn't have it all.
You think it's easy
to get the main news anchor title?
It's not like you guys would do this
if he told you to.
Mr. Kim pesters you until you give in.
Look at that.
And Ki-baek knows to put up with it.
I joined JBC
because of Ki-baek's news show.
What a letdown.
We may be announcers
in front of the camera,
but we're all just employees after all.
Don't come any closer!
Oh, Ki-baek. The closing line.
I sincerely promise you
that I'll only report the truth
and never lie to you.
Song Ki-baek, JBC News.
All right, let's take a picture.
Everyone, gather around.
All right.
One, two, three.
I WANT TO BE A REPORTER!
ANNOUNCER SONG KI-BAEK
WISHING YOU HAPPINESS
All right. Let's get ready!
Be punctual, will you?
Just an FYI.
We changed the opening line slightly.
All right. It's 11:57.
We have three minutes.
Stand by.
Ki-baek.
Be patient, and you'll soon be able
to anchor the main news show.
Kudos for putting up with that
this morning.
Your body reacts to stress right away.
Someone from hair and makeup
bought this from Japan.
It's good for the stomach.
Hye-yeon, your phone keeps buzzing.
Is something wrong?
Yes. What?
Hye-yeon, you don't look so well.
Are you all right?
Let's focus.
-All right, guys. Stand by.
-Stand by.
Stand by.
Ready.
All right. Here we go.
Cue.
EPISODE 1: IT'S A LIE
Good afternoon,
and welcome to JBC News at Noon.
Last week saw the highest number
of new flu cases reported since 2000.
Enjoy.
Thank you.
I'm Kim Joo-ho.
WRITER HYE-JIN:
DID YOU MEET HIM?
YES, WE MET UP JUST NOW
GOOD LUCK
Oh, let me.
I'm sitting closer. Just wait here.
You're very efficient.
Time is precious, you know.
Let me go get our precious coffee.
Sure.
Oh, right. On TV, I've seen writers
working away in fancy studios.
Not variety show writers.
When I'm working,
I don't even have time to sit.
I even have to eat standing up.
You know the office caste system?
Oh, are writers the second caste?
Then I could sit and work.
If there were ten castes,
then writers would be
at rock bottom.
Rock bottom?
We have countless annoying, petty tasks.
From planning, casting, location scouting,
and from editing to comforting the cast.
At times, I wonder
if I'm just an errand girl.
That's right. I am an errand girl.
One who runs all sorts of petty errands.
Well, then you're probably
too busy to date anyone.
Oh, please.
We can always find time to date.
Years ago, we went to go shoot
in Thailand.
Back then, we were so busy.
On the day we were coming back,
a writer burst into tears at the airport.
I got worried and was like,
"What happened?"
All of a sudden,
a handsome Thai boy showed up and…
Was Bangkok's full name in the script?
Or is he improvising?
Improvising, I think.
Song Ki-baek never disappoints.
A city with a beautiful name, Bangkok.
I haven't been to Bangkok,
but to celebrate Visit Thailand Year…
What's with Hye-yeon today?
Did something happen?
I wonder too.
Most people don't know
Bangkok's full name.
You must be very interested in Thailand.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
Ki-baek is on a roll these days.
This show's ratings have gone up.
Also, I heard he was born
into a wealthy family.
He's from a good family
on top of being competent and kind.
He has it all, which is clearly why
he's always so relaxed.
I'm jealous.
That's why we call him
the blue-chip stock.
The main anchor position always goes to
the young and rich, the tall and handsome.
He'll be the main anchor
of the nine o'clock news.
He'd be the first male announcer to do it.
-Really?
-Yes.
Must be nice to be that successful
at a young age.
Way to go.
So what's happening now?
Just keep him there a few more minutes.
I'll be right there. Okay, I have to go.
Was that one of those "annoying" tasks?
That's right.
If someone you know
wants to be a variety show writer,
talk them out of it.
Variety shows are really fun
when you're watching them.
I'm a huge fan of Men on the Run.
I rush home from work
to watch it and enjoy a solo drink.
-You're a Men on the Run fan?
-Sorry?
It's why I can put up with my job.
Falling asleep, laughing after eating
in the comfort of your own home.
It feels so awesome.
That's why I can't run away
from this hellhole.
-Oh, boy.
-Right.
Yes.
I see.
Email me the details, and I'll go over it.
As you already know,
the show is quite popular.
Appearing in it is great marketing.
The doctor on the previous team
opened a new clinic in Gangnam.
I see.
Oh, you can get going. You seem busy.
Variety show writers have
such a tough job.
Being unfunny is what's stressful for us,
not being busy.
Anyway, I really have to go.
I'll be in touch.
All right. Bye.
Yes, I'll be there shortly.
I told you I'd be right there.
About 20 minutes?
Hold on. No. Ten minutes.
I bet she really has no time to date.
ON WOO-JU
MEN ON THE RUN WRITER
It's such a shame.
The system must be expanded
so children in need
will no longer be left out.
Hye-yeon, your phone keeps buzzing.
HUSBAND: I'LL TEACH YOU TWO
A LESSON, JUST WAIT AND SEE
Hye-yeon, aren't you
going to say your line?
As adults, it is our duty
to protect children.
It's important to pay attention
in your day-to-day life.
VCR, cue.
-Hey!
-Yes.
Are you insane?
The director is watching this.
Another reshuffle is coming.
Get it together!
Hye-yeon.
Let's focus, okay?
Camera three, show Ki-baek.
Here's today's weather.
-Hello.
-Where is he?
Oh, the producer told us
not to call you, but--
Then you shouldn't have called me.
He said no female guests.
Why? Yesterday, he even said he'd go
to the salon early to prep for the shoot.
Well, the thing is…
What's the problem?
Well…
-His girlfriend won't let him.
-Quiet.
What?
He can't even make eye contact
with other women.
No, that's…
It's fish sauce. She drank it.
It's weak. Put in more fish sauce.
This won't do.
-What?
-Isn't this fish sauce?
Yes, it's strong enough.
Jesus.
Listen, trust me on this.
I'll make you look like Chae Chi-su today.
The team captain who only thinks about
basketball and his team. What do you say?
I can't be in the same frame
with the female guests.
Can't you just say
I'm not feeling well today?
I mean, I could.
But the show's called Men on the Run.
You need to actually run.
I'll tweak things
so you'll have no issues.
Who is she?
Who is it this time? Tell me.
I'll go and persuade her.
What? Cut it out.
Because of her,
you can't think rationally right now.
Punch in her number.
It's because
I'm really not feeling well today.
Hey, Kim Seong-hun! Who is she?
Isn't that your husband?
-What are you doing? Get out!
-Honey?
Director!
Kim Seong-hun, you son of a bitch!
Kim Seong-hun should be punished
for destroying my family.
He slept with my wife. That…
Wait, I-- Hold on.
You all need to know the truth
about that bastard who slept with my wife!
Please don't do this. We're on air.
-Why not?
-Get out!
I'm doing this to get you guys in trouble.
I apologize.
That was an unexpected--
I apologize for the interruption.
Please understand--
Kim Seong-hun, you scumbag.
Do you know who I am? You bastard.
You'd better come here now. Right now!
Please…
What are you waiting for?
Switch on the ending signal!
Call the police. Dial 112.
Hey! What is going on?
What is happening?
Let go.
What are you waiting for? Switch that off.
Hurry!
The ending signal!
Someone barged into the studio.
At noon…
WHO WATCHES THE NEWS THESE DAYS?
ISN'T IT ALL FAKE NEWS ANYWAY?
I sincerely promise you
that I'll only report the truth
and never lie to you.
NEWS AT NOON
A NEW BEGINNING FOR KOREAN NEWS
Security!
Security!
You're just going to leave?
-Woo-ju!
-Woo-ju!
What now?
We have a big problem.
Seong-hun's name is all over the news.
-What do you mean?
-Woo-ju, look.
KIM SEONG-HUN HAVING AN AFFAIR?
-I'm screwed. Hey, let's go!
-But…
What? Wait, Seong-hun!
Oh, no.
My gosh. They're 12 years apart.
Seriously.
My apologies. It's all my fault.
I should've handled it better.
Of course. Clearly, it's not my fault.
How was I supposed to know in advance
that the announcer's husband
would cause a scene
because his wife was having an affair
with Seong-hun?
I'm sorry. I understand I should
take responsibility as the head writer.
Why are you sorry?
Those cheaters owe us an apology.
Why are you always apologizing?
KIM SANG-JIN
Damn it.
How dare they bring an abominable
personal matter into the news studio?
This happens when people don't separate
their personal and professional lives.
You know?
-Right?
-Yes.
You're absolutely right.
But we do have to follow the protocol,
so we'll need to submit a report.
It's really embarrassing though, you know?
So you take care of it
and get it sorted out.
Sure.
Ensure uninvolved parties aren't affected.
Especially people like…
Like me.
Yes, sir.
You can go now.
Oh, about the audition
for the main anchor position.
Yes. You said you'd give me
an update today.
I got your name on the list of candidates.
I see.
But the thing is,
I'm not sure if it's a good thing
or a bad thing.
What do you mean?
You know, your face is everywhere
because of the incident on the news today.
Everyone in the country
knows your name now.
You see, I think it could help you out,
but at the same time…
So it could give me a competitive edge
over the other candidates?
That's right.
So don't be discouraged.
Go and get ready for the audition.
I'll prepare thoroughly and do my best
so I won't miss this opportunity.
Oh, Seong-gyu! Mr. Superstar.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
What? You can go.
Hey, well…
Can I get your autograph? Just a couple.
CHEATING AND PUNISHMEN
BIZARRE TV NEWS BLUNDER
Guess your shoot ended early.
Yes.
Tantan had to attend an event
in the countryside, so we ended early.
Hey, are you all right? I read the story.
Your face looked awful in that photo.
Who cares about my face?
It destroyed the news program's dignity.
Spoken like a true anchorman.
Oh, right. I heard you
turned down Golden Family.
For the episode featuring announcers.
Everyone wants to be on that show.
Do you even visit your family these days?
Your mom's been calling me.
She said she couldn't reach you.
God, you scared me.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I see that you're working hard.
Man, you handled that so well.
I would've peed my pants, for sure.
Are you really going to
turn down Golden Family?
They said they'd contact me
if you said no.
Oh, it doesn't work with my schedule.
You should do it.
Heard your family can't do it.
Do they live far away?
Yes.
Do they live abroad?
Oh… Hey, I'm off.
Well, they live far away.
So you live alone in that big house
in Seongsu-dong?
Rumor has it you'd make headlines
in the finance section
if your house were to be revealed.
Is it true?
It must be true.
No wonder Mr. Kim always has your back
and no one else's.
What do you mean, he has my back?
All he does is dump work on me.
You know how he is.
He's keeping you by his side
because he knows he can benefit from it.
Will I really be all right?
Mr. Kim, please put in a good word for me.
It's the stress.
Cancel the show?
Are you really going to do this to me?
When you asked me to help
a program pulling in 3% in ratings,
I pulled all-nighters for three months
without complaining.
Now, the ratings are at a whopping 18%.
All right, I heard you.
Then persuade the no-show first.
Sure thing.
You cannot cancel the show, ma'am.
Woo-ju, you'd better step up your game.
I heard your rival show on tvM
might cast Kim Jeong-heon.
-Who?
-My goodness.
You don't know who Kim Jeong-heon is?
Everyone's ideal son-in-law.
Mr. Honey Bunny.
The doors are closing.
Hello? Hey.
CLOSED FOR INSPECTION
When people get off, you can get started.
…get started.
Has he lost his mind?
How dare he say he'll drop out?
Hey, make sure Mr. Kim doesn't leave.
I'll be there in three… No, in one minute.
Make sure he doesn't leave
until I get there.
Do whatever it takes.
Well, lock the door or cause a scene.
I'll be there shortly, okay?
What? I can't hear you.
I'm in the elevator now.
I said, I'm in the elevator now.
What?
What is this?
Nothing's going my way today.
Mr. Song Ki-baek?
Can you give me a hand?
It's dangerous to force open the doors
when the elevator's not working.
I know that because I worked on
Emergency Escape Number 3,
but I don't have time for this.
Maybe they're doing a routine inspection,
so let's wait a bit.
Did you fart?
Did you poop?
No, I did not.
Also, the official medical term
is "flatulence," not "fart."
Okay. So it was a wet fart.
Ouch.
Hurry up and help me open this!
It was just a fart this time,
but if it happens again,
you won't be able to hold it in.
I can't really move
or use my physical strength right now.
Seriously.
I guess I've been under a lot of stress.
And I think I have indigestion.
Don't care, didn't ask.
Just don't poop in here.
Don't you worry.
They're under inspection.
Use that elevator.
-It's over there.
-Hello?
Hello? We're trapped in here!
We're in this elevator.
What do we do?
Hello? We're trapped in here!
We're inside!
You're in the elevator?
Yes, we're trapped in here!
One moment!
-Are you okay?
-Yes, I'm all right.
Okay, just one moment.
Okay.
Can you move?
Well, I'm in a rush too. Cheer up.
Pull me out, please.
-Are you all right?
-Thank you.
Yes, I'm coming.
Are you all right?
What are you doing?
You don't want to come out?
Hurry up.
Come on out!
Keep out!
Is he okay?
What should we do?
Are you okay?
Did something bad happen?
Man, it's only 3:00 p.m.
JBC, WE CAN DO IT!
SMOKE-FREE FOR 87 DAYS,
ANNOUNCER SONG KI-BAEK
How about a beer after work?
-I'm supposed to see my friends today.
-Damn.
Oh, right. The audition for main anchor.
I heard some announcers were applying too.
I heard Song Ki-baek was doing it.
Hey, buddy. We have to bring our A-game.
The main anchor is like the face of JBC.
We can't let an announcer take the job.
Why not? Because it has never happened
in the history of JBC.
Come here.
When the CEO is finalizing his decision,
he collects the employees' opinions.
He asks all the producers and directors
what they think about the candidates.
Oh, I see.
Hello, Mr. Song.
Ki-baek!
Director Kim, why…
Hey, are you free now?
I have a no-show for a live show.
Can you spare me an hour…
No, half an hour.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I really want to help you, but…
When the CEO is finalizing his decision,
he collects the employees' opinions.
He asks all the producers and directors
what they think about the candidates.
I mean, I want to help you, so I will.
Let's go.
This way.
THROW OU
Guys, we have to do the shoot this week.
If not, we'll all be screwed.
-Let's make it happen.
-Yes, ma'am.
I-na, that profile I printed earlier…
It's removable, right?
Last time, you used waterproof…
I threw out
those waterproof face markers right away.
This is a PPL product,
so I want to test it--
Okay.
I just want to test it.
Keep your eyes peeled.
The pay…
Announcers are our only option if we
consider the pay and the tight schedule.
Do we really have to play
this game right now?
Woo-ju said we should try things ourselves
to make sure they'll be successful.
Yes, it could help us come up
with useful ideas…
Here. Go for it.
-I'm sorry.
-Do we really have no one else?
EMPLOYEE RECORD, SONG KI-BAEK
Damn it. What's "announcer" in Korean?
Ki-baek! This way.
-Quick!
-Go inside and get ready!
We're good now. He's here.
Get ready! Ki-baek, go inside. Get ready.
We can do this.
Just change the opening line.
I trust you'll do great!
Calm down. Okay, ready.
Now, we're on.
Hello. I'm Song Ki-baek, the special DJ
for The Man Who Reads Poetry.
I-na. Hey, I-na.
I-na.
I-na!
How many days have you not changed?
Nine days.
Don't go to the sauna.
Use this to cab home.
Go home and come back.
-Thank you.
-Thank you.
No, not for you.
-Ouch.
-What's so interesting?
I want in on it.
This is the real-time chat
for a radio show.
A radio show? Is it funny?
A close friend of mine is one
of the show's writers.
They have a special DJ for the day,
and the regular listeners are teasing him.
Want to take a listen?
You're monitoring someone else's show?
Way to go, I-na. Let's hear it.
In this segment,
the poems you requested are read.
The next poem is…
I'M SORRY
"Upo Wetland" by Kim Ba-da.
"The Upo Wetland shrouded by fog
Is where the birds live
Waek, waek, waek, waek, waek, waek
Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack
Qua-quack, qua-quack, flutter, flutter
Aeck, aeck, aeck, aeck, aeck, aeck
Aeck, waek, aeck, weak, aeck, weak
Aeck, aeck, aeck, aeck
Aeck, aeck, aeck, aeck, aeck
Caw-ak-ak, caw-ak-ak-ak, caw
Du-du, du-du, du, du-du
Cheep-cheep, cheep-cheep
Croon, croon, croon, croon, croon, croon
Du-du, du-du"
This is an actual poem?
His diction is so good. Who is this guy?
Song Ki-baek, the announcer.
Song Ki-baek?
Oh, the poopy pants.
He's got a really nice voice.
Right? Everyone in the chat room
is going wild.
He hasn't gotten a syllable wrong.
"Qwock, qwock, qwock"
That was "Upo Wetland" by Kim Ba-da.
"UPO WETLAND" FROM COW DUNG
BALLS ARE THE BEST! BY KIM BA-DA
I've never seen Song Ki-baek appear
on a variety show.
He doesn't have to do what he doesn't like
because his family is well-off.
He only does what he wants to.
Namely, news programs.
He was the one
who got attacked on the news.
I heard it was a hot mess.
Can he still anchor news shows?
I guess we could try asking him.
I think he stays away from variety shows
because of his image as an anchor.
It's our job to pull down
the likes of him off their high horse.
My gut's telling me to go for it.
CHINESE CRASH COURSE
FOR BEGINNERS
The Seoun Metropolitan Office of Education
has decided to close
Dorang Elementary School.
This is the fourth elementary school
to shut down in Seoun since 2018.
The Seoun Metropolitan Office of Education
also implied that they might
close more schools…
"HEY, LET GO"
THE JBC NEWS STUDIO INCIDEN
…that do not meet the minimum requirements
to stay open.
They also stated
they had more plans to help
small schools stay open,
such as allowing students
to transfer out of their school districts.
According to Statistics Korea,
the low birth rate among…
There are only 406,000 children
born in 2016 entering school this year,
and the total number of children
born in 2020 is 272,000.
Next news.
I sincerely promise you
that I'll only report the truth
and never lie to you.
Song Ki-baek, JBC News.
We're screwed.
We have no one left to call.
I've got one left.
Let's ride on his coattails
while everyone's talking about him.
Like discovering a new dark horse.
-Am I going overboard?
-Yes, you are going overboard.
We have nothing to lose anyway.
Let's do this and see
where it takes us, Song Ki-baek.
Why am I so cold all of a sudden?
He's so handsome.
And he has a heart of gold.
He's good-looking and kind,
and he's a good singer.
The star we'll meet
on Real Entertainment News today is
the charmer and Mr. Popular
who has won all the ladies' hearts.
It's none other than Kim Jeong-heon,
the ideal son-in-law.
My god, what's with that hideous costume?
What's wrong with the way I look?
Jeong-heon, can't you see
how awful you look right now?
I told you to go straight home
after yesterday's shoot.
I went straight home.
With the whole crew?
Either way, I did go straight home.
How much longer
are you going to wear this T-shirt?
That show's director must be retired now.
He retired last year.
So as his retirement gift…
Hyeong-taek, what did I send?
Oh, the full fishing set. That's right.
And why did you agree to do this show?
Your schedule is full.
I told them you'd join next season.
You should've played dumb.
Why did you have to step in?
We'll start at 1:00 p.m.
Got it.
I'm so hungover.
Oh, I'm still drinking that.
KIM JEONG-HEON
WE LOVE YOU
You're my adorable honey bunny
And I'm your raccoon
Even if you call me sly
No matter what you say
I'll always be right by your side
Director Jung, you promised
you wouldn't make Jeong-heon sing.
What? I didn't ask him to sing.
This was Jeong-heon's idea.
He hasn't sung in years.
Hop, hop, my adorable lady
Come to me, softly and quietly
-Come to me!
-Come to me!
Shyly profess your love to me and run away
No, no, don't go that way
-Don't go!
-Don't go!
That's where the wolves live
Make way, all of you, here I come
The raccoon that keeps his bunny safe
I'm your forever soul mate
The Best Trot Singer, Season Five!
THE BEST TROT SINGER 5
It's good to be here. I'm Kim Jeong-heon.
-Kim Jeong-heon!
-Kim Jeong-heon!
That was my first time singing
on stage in years.
I was so nervous.
But the contestants must be
even more nervous than I was,
so please show them lots of support.
All right.
The Best Trot Singer, Season Five.
It begins now.
Let's get our act together and focus.
The junior writer is broke,
the subwriter doesn't have time--
The head writer has lost her touch.
Let's go.
Where are we going?
Garak-dong.
Garak-dong? Why?
Let's go to the fruit market.
I need some inspiration. Tons of it.
What? Cut it out.
Hey, you know I have a knack
for discovering new variety show stars.
Song Ki-baek, there's something about him.
He looks like a perfectly ironed shirt,
but I can sense his inner loser.
He's perfect variety show material.
Man, I'm tired. Let's go home.
Let's get some sleep
and talk again tomorrow.
Good night. I mean,
have an inspiring night.
All right.
Nice. A new car!
What?
Look at that scaredy-cat acting all tough.
Let's go.
A variety show?
You told me to prep for the audition.
I did? When?
Oh, come on. Then what?
Should I tell you to sit around
and do nothing as your manager?
You said everyone knowing my face
was a good thing.
Everyone does indeed. Look.
Your face is everywhere.
But in a ridiculously embarrassing way.
What are you going to do?
You call this an anchor?
Look. Isn't this Comedy Big League?
Did he get an earful from the higher-ups?
He recommended Ki-baek for main anchor
and got chewed out
for disgracing the network's reputation.
The way he changes his stance
is as swift as Son Heung-min's footwork.
I do want to participate in the audition.
Please just listen to me, okay?
I'm only suggesting this
because I know you can do it.
You excel at everything.
Why are you being so stubborn?
For the time being,
you should focus on variety shows
and culture shows.
I mean, you've got an offer.
How nice is that?
Others are dying
to appear on variety shows.
I want to do it too.
I'd say yes right away.
You know I can't go back to news programs
once I start appearing in variety shows.
Come on, these days, everyone…
You can do it, Ki-baek.
-Sorry?
-I have high hopes for you.
But…
Oh, Ms. On.
Hello.
Hello. She's the head writer
of the variety show I told you about.
Have a good talk, you two.
You remember me, right?
We escaped from that elevator together.
ON WOO-JU
Let me introduce myself.
I'm On Woo-ju,
head writer of Men on the Run.
I'm Song Ki-baek.
Have you ever watched Men on the Run?
Yes. Of course I have.
The "men" on the show get together
and travel all over the country…
-Running around together.
-They race.
"My bro's leg is"?
"Worth a million dollars."
No, you got it wrong.
The regular cast members
and the guests split up into teams
and play indoor ball games.
Yes, that's right. I know the show.
I must've confused it
with a different show. Sorry.
If you're sorry, join us
and learn more about the show.
I really want you on the show.
People trust you,
yet you'd be a new face.
You're perfect.
Thank you for the offer, but…
It's not that I don't trust you.
We're headed in different directions.
I believe I'm better suited for programs
that have depth than lighthearted shows.
Those who make variety shows cry
a hundred times before a show premieres.
It hurts my feelings
to hear variety shows lack depth.
Also, I was in an accident years ago,
and my ankle never fully healed.
I haven't been able to play
strenuous sports for a long time.
I see. You have a bad ankle.
Well, it's too bad.
You scored the most goals in last year's
staff basketball tournament.
You set a record.
JBC STAFF BASKETBALL TOURNAMEN
TOP SCORER, SONG KI-BAEK
The tournament was organized
by the company,
so I wanted to do well.
I guess I'm getting old.
My legs are getting weak.
Don't tell me you hate variety shows.
Or is it because
you want to protect your image.
No, that's not the case at all.
Oh, I have a shoot.
I wish you and your show all the best.
There's a cockroach.
-Where?
-Oh, no. Right there.
It's moving toward…
Careful not to hurt your ankle again.
Right. Thanks.
How dare he lie to my face?
I FAILED TO PREVENT MY
CO-WORKER'S EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIR…
Damn it.
I mean, I am the victim.
Oh, there you are.
Oh, yes. Hello.
What is this?
Man, just get it done quickly.
Hey, can you take care of the dubbing
for World's Table?
Mr. Kim said you weren't busy.
By when?
Well, take your time
to finish this up first.
Come to the recording studio
on the tenth floor in half an hour.
What? Half an hour?
I think Mr. Kim and Mr. Heo are going out
for drinks even though it's still early.
They invited me all of a sudden.
Hey, I'll put in a good word for you.
I should vouch for you
so you can get your show back.
Thank you.
I'll count on you, then.
-Is Ki-baek in there?
-Yes.
Heard you're writing a report.
It must be stressful.
You like green juice.
The day after tomorrow,
do you have any plans for the evening?
No, I'm free.
For the evening?
Can you cover my night shift?
I was asked to host
a pre-production press conference
and can't turn it down.
Mr. Kim said you weren't busy these days.
Sure, but aren't those press conferences
normally held in the early afternoon?
The director invited me
to their team dinner.
Cover my shift, please.
Right, I only have 30 minutes.
Why didn't you erase it?
I can see it clearly.
Well, Sol likes this.
What are you going to do
about the variety show?
Did you say you had a bad ankle?
Do they not care?
Thought they'd give up if I made excuses,
but they even called Mr. Kim.
They even know I went hiking last week.
Then try and persuade Mr. Kim.
No, just go ahead and rebel.
Have it out with him.
Tell him you want a news show.
Hey, that's crazy talk.
If you don't think you can persuade him,
then just accept it.
Everyone is supportive of the idea.
Gaining variety show experience
wouldn't be bad.
Being supportive?
They're trying to push me out.
You took on Pyororong Witch School
thinking it'd be a one-off appearance,
but it's been five years.
I'm doing this because Sol likes it.
You know how hard I worked to become
the first male announcer
to get the main anchor title.
My efforts are about to go down the drain.
Then keep acting up and tell them
you'd rather die than do it.
What will happen to my image, then?
For God's sake.
You figure it out.
MR. KIM: I TOLD THEM
YOU DECIDED TO DO MEN ON THE RUN
IT'S ON WOO-JU, THE WRITER
PLEASE SAVE MY NUMBER
NATIONAL DODGEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
A STEP TO VICTORY
MEN ON THE RUN
LET'S PLAY TOGETHER
AND HAVE FUN!
PN!
PN, look here and strike a pose.
Oh, hey. Careful.
-You have something on your face.
-I do? What?
Handsomeness!
Thank you. You have something here.
Would you take a picture with me?
No photos, please.
It's all right.
All right, I love you all.
Don't wait for me out in the cold.
No, we will wait for you!
-We love you, PN!
-We love you, PN!
Ditto!
I love you!
LET'S PLAY TOGETHER!
SOLOMON'S SEAL TEA
LET'S PLAY TOGETHER!
MEN ON THE RUN, LET'S HAVE FUN!
Oh, hello.
Yes, hello.
-Hello.
-Hello.
-Hello.
-Hello!
Wait.
Oh, we're wearing the same shoes.
Great minds think alike.
-We'll catch up in a bit.
-See you.
A MEN'S BALL GAME
AND THEIR SHOWDOWN!
MEN ON THE RUN
You said it was a limited edition.
You said there were
only three pairs nationwide.
Yeah, I know.
Who knew we'd see two of them here?
Do you want to wear something else?
Why should I do that?
Go tell that idiot
to wear different shoes.
I'm barefoot.
I'll have a talk
with his stylist, all right?
Don't blame it on me. Be diplomatic.
He promised to sing on my new single,
so don't make me look like a jerk.
-All right.
-Oh, PN. Here's your milk.
-What the hell?
-What's wrong?
I wanted soy milk!
Soy milk?
I get diarrhea when I drink milk
on an empty stomach.
I drink lactose-free.
Oh, I thought I heard you say
you wanted milk.
I never said that, you little--
Hello, PN!
-You're here.
-Hello.
Did you practice playing dodgeball?
Oh, I took the ball.
I took it with me when I went
to record the music show.
Oh, my.
Anyway, are you the only cast member
in this room?
Where did he go?
What are you doing there?
Oh, I had a nap on the couch in the back.
I conked out.
You should meet everyone.
Come out and say hi.
Say hi.
I bet you've never worked with
a K-pop idol on a show before. Right?
Hello. I'm PN.
I can call you "bro," right?
Oh. Yes, PN.
Please talk casually
once the shoot begins.
All right, Men on the Run.
And we're rolling!
Hello, viewers of Men on the Run.
It's nice to meet you.
Today's game is a big match.
-Yes.
-I'm really excited for it.
Men on the Run versus
Donkeys the Dodgeball Kings.
-It begins now.
-Yes, so it begins.
Ki-baek and PN are getting ready
for the jump ball.
Yes.
It's in their court now.
Song Ki-baek got the ball.
Then it went to Kim Chan-u.
Pass it over.
It's passed back to Song Ki-baek,
and Song Ki-baek throws it!
PN dodged it!
Oh, Chan-yeong got hit. Chan-yeong is out.
-Out!
-Nice one!
-They weren't ready at all.
-That's right.
-That's the first punch tactic.
-Land it to win.
Ki-baek seems to be
in good spirits today.
Yes.
I'M THE TEAM'S ACE!
PN caught the ball. And shoot!
-Ki-baek dodged. Dong-hyeok is out.
-Out!
-Yes!
-Team Men on the Run has scored a point.
It's not looking good for Team Donkeys.
Oh? What?
He looked at the camera.
That finger heart.
That's why he's the team's ace.
Let's go!
KEEP THE MOMENTUM
LET'S GO
Song Ki-baek has the ball.
Hold on.
What's with that look on his face?
Hang on. He has crazy eyes right now.
Hold on.
The ball left Crazy Eyes' hands.
-Shoot!
-Shoot!
Save!
Wow, I survived.
Kim Ung-min throws.
Is he after Song Ki-baek?
Not a chance. Song Ki-baek looks around
and selects his target.
Hold on. Song Ki-baek jumped.
He's floating in the air!
Kang Ho-jun, Kang Seung-beom. Oh, PN!
That's the second headshot.
Oh!
-Save!
-It's a save.
Damn it.
PN looks very upset right now.
Is he all right?
Relax. Easy.
Right. Sure thing.
"Hey, relax." He lectured him.
He only did that to throw him off.
Oh! Song Ki-baek got the ball again.
That's…
-That is the deadly fire shot!
-Wait.
PN is knocked out!
Line crossed. Switch turns!
-Hey, don't worry about it.
-Too bad. All right.
Let's go get them.
-All right.
-Okay.
I told you to bring a variety show star,
not the Dodgeball King.
He's done three headshots
just today alone.
What's with him?
No, I'm good. I don't need it.
The cameras are rolling.
Why won't he drink the tea?
Did you give him the sponsored products?
-Well, I did.
-Okay.
He thanked me and took extra products.
Why? So he could have them at home?
-What's his deal? Min-gu.
-Yes.
Can we take a break?
We'll take a short break.
I'll talk to him. Tidy up here.
-We're doing pretty well.
-Did that hurt earlier?
Ki-baek.
Can we have a chat?
-Sorry?
-Just a chat.
Why? Oh, because I did so well.
I'll be right back.
Hello.
HIGH VOLTAGE
KEEP OU
HIGH VOLTAGE
DO NOT TOUCH WITH BARE HANDS
Ki-baek. Are you the Dodgeball King?
Do you know the main theme of the show?
A men's ball game, a showdown.
"Let's play together and have fun."
Yes, exactly.
Ball game, a showdown.
I think I'm doing a good job.
No. What you said after that is
the most important part.
"Let's play together and have fun."
You're doing it all by yourself.
Nothing's more important than chemistry
between cast members on a variety show.
Oh, team play.
I think I'm doing well on that front too.
Forget it. Why do you keep targeting PN?
His head, at that.
We usually show PN's close-up
before the commercial break.
At this rate, it'll begin
right after the headshot.
That's because he's usually in the center.
That's right. Why do you think that is?
From the uniforms
to the lunch you guys had,
PN's fans and the advertisers
prepared everything.
Oh…
I guess I didn't know
how things worked on the show.
Oh, please. You know enough about showbiz.
If you keep doing this,
people will call you an amateur.
Even so, I am not an amateur.
You excel at everything.
You call this a news anchor?
Can you cover my shift? Mr. Kim said…
What is this? What's going on?
What's going on?
Is the power out?
What? Why would the power go out?
Mr. Song Ki-baek.
Please wake up.
Mr. Song!
Yes?
Ki-baek, are you all right?
My God. Are you okay?
Yes, I'm all right.
Are you really okay?
There were electric sparks everywhere.
Who knew I'd see someone get
an electric shock?
Are you really all right? You're okay?
No, I'm not okay!
What are you doing here?
The power's out in the whole building.
Come out. Hurry!
Shouldn't you go see a doctor?
I think you just had an electric shock.
No, I feel fine physically,
but I'm getting a headache
because you're so loud.
I mean… Ma'am?
You're not getting out?
Ma'am? You're not getting out?
Why did the power suddenly go out?
Well, some stuff happened.
-Did you call Facility Management?
-Yes.
-I called them.
-It's so damn hot today.
Do you want something to drink?
Took you long enough.
Are you messing with me?
Don't you have something cold?
And what are you waiting for?
I feel so hot! Go get the umbrella.
I'll get a sunburn on my face!
Okay.
Jesus Christ.
PN is so cranky right now.
What if he loses it
and throws a crazy tantrum?
And here I thought
he was behaving himself.
Oh, Ki-baek.
Over here.
I knew you'd cause trouble.
What the heck did you do
to make the power go out?
It's always a nobody who causes trouble.
Loser.
Loser.
What? Why is that loser standing there?
Are you trying to get my attention?
Then you really are--
No, I'm not.
Hey. You can't stand me, right?
Yes!
No.
I mean, no.
Oh, this guy is funny.
Oh, I see. You want to be my friend
because you want the spotlight.
I could help you if you'd like.
Then how about…
you do as I say? All right?
That's how it works here.
There are many eyes watching,
so don't fight here.
-I-na, take Ki-baek.
-Just avoid him.
Come here, PN. Let's talk.
Talk about what?
Let's just go.
No, I don't want to.
I'll chew that jerk to pieces today…
Please calm down.
He keeps provoking me.
-Calm down--
-Damn you! What are you doing?
I did nothing wrong, okay?
Min-gu!
No, it's not that.
I'm sorry, PN. My apologies.
Loser. He's apologizing again.
Park Jin-bok!
Park Jin-bok?
He hates it when someone
says his real name.
We're screwed.
Why did you apologize?
Have you lost your mind?
I thought you were a clown,
but are you just plain crazy?
Hey! Forget about the shoot.
Get this psycho out of my sight!
Get your act together!
Everyone you see right now
is here to work.
No one came here to be harassed
by a crazy bastard like you!
Do you think everyone's a joke
because they let you have your way?
-Let go, okay?
-Park Jin-bok!
What should we do?
Jin-bok can't fight. Just leave them be.
You!
You're successful because of your fans.
If you remain such an ingrate,
someone will screw you over.
You deserve to get screwed over, big-time!
Just one slap in the face from me,
and you'll turn over a new leaf.
You rude bastard!
Mr. Song Ki-baek!
-What?
-Oh, no. Woo-ju!
-What is this?
-Have you lost your mind?
What… What's happening?
What?
No, no way. Trust me.
This can't be.
No, no. No way!
This has got to be a lie.
This is all a lie!
FRANKLY SPEAKING
You've changed. You're acting strange.
So I can't say what I don't mean.
Does this even make sense?
I respect you? No, I don't.
This is so damn stressful.
-Get out, moron!
-Apologize!
Song Ki-baek. I'm worried.
Are you all right?
It's dangerous!
-Get out of my sight!
-Stop!
I'm sorry!
Subtitle translation by:
Liya Choi