Love in the Big City (2024) s01e01 Episode Script

1
[Love in the Big City]
Are you asleep?
Yes, I'm asleep.
Let's go again.
Didn't you say you had an early start today?
Get washed up and go.
Come on, let's go again.
Just let me sleep.
I need to edit and upload a vlog
and stream later tonight.
My fans are waiting.
Fine, I'm going.
You'd think I forced myself on you.
Hey, don't be like that.
Fine, let's do it.
- Shall we do it on the sofa?
- Shall we?
Babe, are you asleep?
I got special leave!
I danced to a Miss A song
at our battalion social and won.
I ran here to surprise you
I'd better leave.
Enjoy yourself.
- You said you were broken up.
- It's a process.
What if he deserts because of me?
Are you for real?
I'm going to end it, I am.
It's tough to reach someone
who's in the military.
Ever heard of a phone?
You could have easily reached him.
- Please sit down.
- Let go of me!
I'm late thanks to your excuses.
Are you really going to leave like this?
You're far too emotional,
you should learn to be calmer.
Just go and upload your stupid vlogs.
I'll leave a comment
about how you're a cheat.
Young.
Publicly posting factual information
that damages someone's reputation
can lead to consequences.
Reputation, my ass.
I will sue you.
I'm sorry to burst your bubble
but you have no grounds to sue.
Nonetheless, I truly loved you
during the week we shared!
Yes, I'm on my way now.
Yeah. I'll be there soon, sorry!
That douchebag!
[Episode 1]
Young?
Why are you so late?
You could have at least washed your hair.
I really meant to get here on time
Quick, let's get you dressed.
Mr. Nam, this here is today's model.
Say hi.
I'm sorry for being late.
How can a rookie model
be late to a photoshoot?
He's not technically a model,
he's my brother's friend who's helping out.
It seems the traffic was bad.
Whatever the reason may be,
being late is absolutely unacceptable.
Time is gold.
- I apologize.
- Let's get you in makeup.
- Hello?
- You didn't even wash your hair?
My sis had a go at me.
I didn't have a choice.
My morning was a total shitshow.
What happened now?
Don't get me started. The pay's good, right?
I already put in a word to my sister.
It's an important shoot so be good.
I think the photographer's
a bit of a pervert, though.
- He talks strange, too.
- Just get to work!
Jeez
Splendid.
Now can you try looking down?
That's splendid.
Can you gaze far out,
out of the window, maybe?
Spectacular.
Now look into the camera,
as if you're looking
deep into the eyes of a lover.
Truly splendid.
Can you tie a tie?
No.
I'll retie it for you.
Is it uncomfortable?
Yes, a little.
Just power through.
Sorry?
One, two
Can you turn your body
to face the camera?
- Like this?
- Splendid.
That's splendid.
Turn your face to the right slightly.
A centimeter more.
Actually, half a centimeter back to the left?
Lift your chin up a smidge.
A smaller smidge?
Sorry, you're making me laugh.
Your smile was splendid.
A big smile this time.
The pants and shirt are a gift,
and the cardigan is a bonus
for your hard work.
Wow, thanks.
Just one thing
Could I have the shoes, too?
They're just my size.
The shoes, too?
Okay, wait here.
Was it
your first time modeling?
Yes.
Were the photos bad?
Not at all.
Although you caused some problems
before the actual shoot,
the results were quite splendid.
Good job today.
Thank you.
My name is Kim Nam Kyu.
I'm Go Young.
Go Young
Take this.
Wow, thank you.
I'll get going, then.
[Itaewon]
This big city is ruthless.
Countless men gather
at this club every weekend
but hoping to meet someone good
to have a loving relationship with
is a facade.
That stuff only happens in the movies.
Becoming an adult changed nothing.
All I can do in this ruthless world
is getting hammered like there's no tomorrow,
and rating the guys here
while I waste away my youth.
With men and alcohol,
and my friends who share
a common love for Korean girl bands.
Jeon Eun Soo.
He majored in dance but is a nomad at heart,
preparing to become a flight attendant.
Eun Soo has an eagle eye.
Give him five seconds
and he scans all men in the vicinity.
I often go to him for relationship advice.
Park Ji Tae.
He's known as a gym rat among gays
but in reality he's a princess,
both warm and sensitive.
Like a debt collector,
he's relentless when seeking out a man.
Han Ho Min.
He quit cosmetology school
after three months
because it was too hard on his hands.
He currently manages a cafe in Hongdae.
When it comes to love,
he's very devoted and pure of heart.
1 o'clock. Hot bod and a sculpted face.
Come on, you're meant
to take turns to look.
Not for me, he looks like a donkey!
- I don't get your flavor.
- You're playing coy, aren't you?
I know you like horsefaces.
There's a sea of men,
and yet our flavors overlap?
What are you on about?
Let's stop talking and drink up!
Cheers.
Cheers!
Hey, this is our song!
Let's go!
♫ Stop right there, my sexy love ♫
♫ I see your deep gaze, my sexy love♫
♫ You're shaking my unyielding heart ♫
♫ You're tearing all my icy walls apart ♫
♫ On this electric night♫
♫ Your gaze calls my name just right ♫
♫ Stop right there,
come to me, I dare♫
♫ Come and listen to this confession I now declare ♫
♫ Your have such sexy eyes,
sexy nose, sexy lips, sexy love ♫
♫ Everything about you is so sexy ♫
♫ Sexy eyes, sexy nose, sexy mouth♫
♫ Don't you know?
I find you incredibly sexy ♫
♫ No, no, no, no, can't you feel my love? ♫
♫ Do you feel what I feel? ♫
♫ No, no, no, no,
can't you feel my heart? ♫
♫ Come to me, tonight ♫
Mr. Kim.
How have you been?
Good.
What a surprise,
seeing you in this sort of place.
This sort of place?
I didn't think you were like me,
I'm a little embarrassed.
Embarrassed?
Don't be embarrassed!
Are you quite drunk?
I I must be.
I'm too drunk to get home.
Young, that's not good.
Mr. Kim.
You remembered my name?
Of course.
You were a splendid model.
I'm touched, Mr. Kim.
I'm
My name isn't Mr. Kim,
it's Kim Nam-
Mr. Kim, wait here.
Just eat him, why don't you?
Choi Mi Ae.
Why are you here?
Why shouldn't I be?
That guy, he's
He's my older cousin
Oh, really? Are we all
kissing our cousins now?
So you clearly saw that
Why don't you come to class?
I thought you were dead.
Not dead.
I've been fine
Mi Ae,
can you please not tell anyone at school?
Sure.
I might be broke but I sure am loyal,
your secret's safe with me.
Don't worry and take care.
And don't skip class.
For this exam, please refer
to the classic "Madame Bovary,"
to write an essay
on the meaning of love and longing.
[Love is Fucked]
What an antiquated essay topic.
I hope she won't tell people.
She doesn't appear studious
I don't have one.
Hey, Go Young!
Got a light?
Light. A lighter?
I don't smoke.
You're a shit liar.
I rarely smoke.
Got it, I'll keep this secret too.
I told you I'm loyal.
Go home, kid.
What's with her?
Young.
Don't you know who she is?
She's famous in our department.
Famous for what?
Let's talk over lunch.
She's the department slut.
A whore.
Everyone knows.
It's not very implicit.
She dresses like one.
She came onto me at term start.
So, did you do it?
- Are you mad?
- Idiot.
She must have no standards
if she came onto you.
- Want a smack?
- Jeez, I'm scared.
I swear, I'll kill you.
She was hitting on you, right?
Not at all.
Come on, don't deny it.
I saw her touching your shoulder.
This is why I hate tall and handsome dudes.
I'm so jealous of your height.
When did you first do it with a girl?
Can we just eat?
Why all the chit chat?
Why are you getting riled up?
He thinks he's all that.
You're not interested in her, are you?
His face is giving it away.
She's not worth your time, seriously.
I really didn't want to say this
but when term started
she was dying to get in my pants.
So I let her just once, and damn,
she's a fucking pro-
For fuck's sake.
I've lost my appetite.
Hey!
What's his fucking problem?
After that day, I become a certified loner
just like Mi Ae.
[Unknown: Hello. Did you get home safely that night?]
[Go Young: I'm sorry, who is this?]
[Unknown: I'm Kim Nam Kyu.]
[Mr. Kim?]
[If you have some time, could we perhaps meet?]
Guess what? He's a total catch!
He's a cutie.
Mr. Kim.
I'm sorry about that night.
It's alright.
Honestly, it was good to see you again.
Although I was a little shocked
when you dragged me outside.
I'm so sorry, I was totally wasted.
By the way,
did you sort things out
with that friend of yours?
- Friend?
- Your female friend.
She's not really a friend,
just a university classmate.
There was nothing to sort out.
Everything's fine.
I thought you two were having
a serious conversation.
I didn't mean to just leave you.
I apologize.
Not at all, I should apologize
for the sudden kiss.
If I'm honest
I quite liked it.
Sorry?
It was
rather splendid.
Was it bad for you?
No.
I liked it too.
Mr. Kim, would you mind
if I changed the music?
It would be wrong to cut off such a classic.
I guess you really like this song.
It's quite a splendid song.
You're a very conservative driver.
Our current speed is the legal maximum for this road.
50 kilometers per hour.
Any faster would be dangerous.
Are you from Chungcheong, by any chance?
It is wrong to hold prejudices about certain regions.
I didn't mean it that way,
I'm sorry.
But really, where are you from?
Chungcheong.
Mr. Kim.
Where are you taking me in this cold?
Somewhere I like.
Please follow me.
Whoa
I always dreamed of becoming a bird photographer
who traveled to the seaside
and hiked up mountains.
Ever since I was young,
I've always looked up at the birds in the sky.
Did you not have many friends?
I'm just kidding.
You're right, I don't have friends.
When I saw you at the club,
I was jealous.
You and your friends were having so much fun.
Let's not talk about that embarrassing night.
Young.
You have such a pure soul.
It's something you get to see
when you take photographs.
I can read what's on the inside.
Why can't I read you?
"If your pictures aren't good enough,"
"you're not close enough."
Robert Capa.
Sorry?
He's a famous photographer.
For portraits, you're meant
to get close to your subject.
More importantly,
you should look into their eyes.
Their eyes?
Like a car cruising under the speed limit,
his love was earnest.
Being with him gave me butterflies,
both from thrill and anxiety.
We were so transparent.
Hey!
Hey, Lippy!
No one's here, is class cancelled?
I'm not sure.
Ask someone.
[Go Young: Hey, Why's there no one in the lecture hall?]
[Course Rep: Class was cancelled, check the group chat.]
Apparently class was cancelled
in the course group chat.
Did you know there was a group chat?
They must have one without us, those fuckers.
I get why I wouldn't be invited
but why you?
Really need to ask?
Probably not.
If it's cancelled, let's get out of here.
Go.
Sit down.
I guess college has outcasts, too.
You didn't tell people about me, did you?
Who would I tell?
Is your flavor tall guys like you?
Flavor?
How do you know our slang?
I've spent my share of time in Itaewon,
I inevitably have gay friends.
That makes sense.
But why do you ask?
The guy you were smooching
was pretty tall.
I'm not that picky,
he doesn't have to be huge.
Not in height anyway
And you, what's your type?
My type
is male.
All men make me curious.
You must have standards, though.
If I have to specify,
I guess what matters most is
- Size.
- Ditto.
Size is the most important.
Bring it here.
Do you want to go clubbing this weekend?
Clubbing? Together?
Yeah, why not?
I want to, but I'm trying
to discipline myself these days.
Discipline
Do you think that will work?
Should we write a wish
for our eternal love?
No, let's just lock it.
But I want to love you forever.
Don't you?
Alright, do it.
[Kyu and Young
Let's Love Forever]
I hope this hangs here forever.
People will see us.
Hurry up.
The pork katsu was good.
Wasn't it splendid?
Yes, very splendid indeed.
The cable car was fun too,
but it was a little short.
Nam Kyu.
Have you been reading dating advice
to help with our date plans?
I actually put this together
to go on dates with you.
[Top date ideas in Seoul]
You should be a tour guide,
not a photographer.
Surprise.
- What is this?
- I bought it on the way here.
Our first promise rings.
Give me your hand.
It's a perfect fit.
It's 24 karat white gold.
I wanted it to be special.
This must have been expensive.
You always pay for our dates, too.
You're still a student.
You can buy me a nicer one
after you get a job.
- What is that?
- A white gold promise ring?
- 24 karat? Looks expensive.
- Give me a closer look.
It's a nice design.
When's the wedding?
It could be an engagement ring.
Wouldn't that make me your cupid?
Thank me with a designer purse.
- We could be his best men.
- You should be a bridesmaid.
It's too big on me.
They say a gold ring signifies eternal love.
Oh my god, I think I'm going to cry.
You absolute drama queen.
I'm not too sure, myself.
Doesn't eternal love sound daunting?
- Shall I give it back?
- God no!
And they say the grass is always greener,
you can't give it back!
Or just wear it when you meet him
so you don't hurt his feelings.
How dare you,
dangling a ring in our faces
when we're leaving for the army soon!
Cut him some slack.
Let's have a drink.
Cheers.
- That hit the spot.
- I'm so jealous.
- Worry about shaving your head.
- My head's shaped so ugly.
- Who cares, you'll be in the army?
- You never know.
[Mi Ae: Are you coming to the club?]
[Let's just go dancing.]
[Don't think about it, just come.]
[You're in right? Let's go.]
With loud music and drinks,
and surrounded by all these men,
I felt my pent-up frustration melt away.
It was like returning home.
You're not drunk, are you?
No, I'm totally sober.
Who was that guy
you were clinging to earlier?
He approached me
when I was dancing alone.
I vaguely recognized him
and turns out he's insta-famous.
What about you?
Are you moving in with Mr. DJ?
Shocking, isn't it?
Who knew there'd be a hetero here?
And the DJ no less.
You know what? This won't do.
Let's go to my place.
Your place?
I don't have a change of clothes.
I need to shave and do my hair.
My skin's sensitive
so I can't use any old cream.
Shut it and let's go.
- Taxi's on me.
- On you?
Oh yeah, deal!
Taxi!
My cozy bedroom
comes with a bathroom
and that's about it!
Have a look around.
You have so much stuff.
Isn't my place clean and quaint?
You're my very first guest
so you should feel honored.
You rascal!
How dare you sit on the master's bed!
I'm kidding, just sit.
I met this guy last summer,
he worked at a hiking gear company.
I'd rate his kissing 80, sex 70.
I ended things because he took me
hiking every weekend.
He looks slimy.
He begged me to meet him
so we slept once
but he was a massive two-timer.
His partner was in the military.
A total douche.
An undeniable douche.
This one's a real prick.
He tried to take a photo up my skirt
so I smashed his phone.
What a prick!
Hey, do you know Cheol Woo from our course?
He recently asked me to sleep with him.
He did?
Do you know he told everyone
that he slept with you?
Yeah, I know he was bullshitting
behind my back.
From the way he thinks
to the way he talks,
he excels at being a prick.
Who is it? Why did you skip over him?
- He looks the nicest.
- It's nothing.
Who is it? Show me.
Do you fancy him?
- Do you love him?
- Get your feet away.
They're clean, fancy a smell?
In life, you meet friends
that you instantly click with.
Mi Ae was one of those friends.
What are you doing?
Let's eat.
- Fuck!
- What?
It's fucking delicious!
Splendid.
You scared me.
And don't say splendid.
I hate the word thanks to someone.
You sure bitch about nothing,
but you're a good cook.
We soon decided to live together.
- Super stretchy.
- Hey, give that here!
Shall we try this one, too?
Super stretchy!
I'd already had plans to leave home
due to my mom's escalating hysteria,
and Mi Ae had grown wary
after a series of burglaries,
targeting lone females near school.
Is this the one you mentioned?
Check that it's from the USA.
American ones are big and juicy.
- Maybe they're bio-engineered.
- Everything's big over there.
I think you've run out
of cigarettes in the freezer.
Yes, remind me at the counter
to get some Marlboro Red.
[Mom]
Who is it?
Aren't you answering?
It's my mom, I don't need to take it.
I'm buying cigarettes.
Hey, are you okay?
I wasn't alone in my struggle
with my mother.
The word "mother"
was off-limits to Mi Ae.
Soon, Ji Tae and Ho Min
were due to leave for military duty.
On our last night out
before they had to shave their heads,
they asked me to bring Nam Kyu.
You've lost your sweetness,
you've gone sugarfree
Everything's sugarfree,
you've made me hit rock bottom
That special something's
missing, sugarfree
You're all such
great dancers, honestly.
- Thank you.
- You have a really sharp nose.
Have you picked a song?
No, I'm quite alright.
Why not? Sing one.
Sing for us! Sing for us!
I honestly don't know any songs.
Especially recent songs
Then just sing a song you like.
- A song I like?
- Yeah.
- Your favorite song.
- A round of applause!
[My reason for living]
Eventually, I shall be together with you ♪
Even though, right now we are apart ♪
Even though I miss you so ♪
I merely hold it in ♪
Because the day we reunite will surely come ♪
Don't fret, not everyone
vibes the same way.
Reason for living?
More like reason to break up.
Maybe he's drunk.
You're going off to the army
and he's singing a bloody ballad.
What's karaoke without a good ballad?
Let's drink up.
Here, cheers.
Cheers.
An alternate future of mine
that I will never know ♪
pains me and keeps me up at night ♪
But your mere existence
keeps me alive ♪
I still live on thanks to you ♪
[Club Cutie: Are you at Jong Ro right now?]
[Go Young: Yeah, how did you know?]
[Club Cutie: Your friend tagged you.]
[Come to the club with your friends.]
That's right, we'll start again ♪
[Go Young: Now's not a great time]
Tonight was so much fun.
Your friends are all so great.
Yeah.
My song wasn't great, was it?
I should learn some pop songs.
I'm sorry.
There's no need for that.
Are you in a bad mood?
Is it my fault?
I'm sorry.
Stop saying you're sorry.
Nam Kyu.
We should end things.
What do you mean?
Because I sang "My Reason for Living"?
I know I'm old-fashioned
but I'll love you even more-
Love?
Is this love?
Being with you is dull and frustrating.
You didn't even know
I felt like this.
You don't care about what I like.
I'll try even harder
to match your tastes
Don't. Why should you?
There's no need.
Wouldn't it be easier
to meet someone that's more like you?
Why do you have to be so cruel?
I told you I'll try harder,
don't you believe in me?
My entire life,
I've never been a burden to anyone.
Cut it out!
Why don't you get it?
That's not the issue here.
Nam Kyu.
We're just not a good fit. I'm sorry.
What am I to do?
I can't live without you.
I can.
Don't call me, alright?
Goodbye.
- Mi Ae?
- Young!
- You, come right here.
- What? Go where?
- You're going where?
- The police station.
What? Police station?
I said let go of me!
- Do you know who I am?
- Who the hell are you?
- Please, let go.
- It's you or me!
Get your damn hands off me!
Wait, let go of me!
You fucking whore, you hit me first!
And you're the dickhead
who touched me up first!
Even my mom's never hit me,
how dare you!
No wonder you grew up a prick,
I should have snapped your wrist!
You're the one dressed like a slut!
You piece of shit, I'll-
Are you okay?
Did you meet your mom?
Let's not talk about family,
it'll piss me off.
Still,
you shouldn't get hammered like this.
Alone, too.
Yeah, babe?
I don't think I can see you tonight.
No, you can do great without me.
You just need to get into the zone.
Alright, good night.
Aren't you just a busy bee?
You're dating in this madness?
What must be done
He's that DJ from the club, right?
Why are you dating him?
You said he only wants sex.
He says I'm his muse
and that having sex with me
inspires him.
Gross.
Be honest.
His dick's big, right?
Yeah, how did you know?
Let's just say I'm gifted.
You kept such a precious gift
hidden from me?
I say this because I care about you.
Even if his dick's big,
he won't be of any use to you.
Okay, then you should
vet my dates from now on.
Hallelujah.
Amen.
Heavenly father who art in heaven
That day, Mi Ae firmly cut ties
with her parents
and I put an end to
my confusing romance with Nam Kyu.
We became even closer
while comforting one another,
helping each other forget our pain
and return to normalcy.
Stop!
Mi Ae spent all her savings
paying for a settlement
so she went from raging alcoholic
to unstoppable part-timer.
She took several tutoring jobs
and even Ho Min's job at the cafe.
Is your shift over?
Yes.
I've seen you a couple of times,
you have a kind face.
Do you have a boyfriend?
No.
I'm totally not a weirdo.
I create my own stuff.
- Not music, is it?
- No, not music.
I majored in art and am a tattoo artist.
A tattoo artist
If you have some time,
would you like to grab a coffee?
I made coffee all day,
could we go for drinks instead?
Aren't you hungry?
We can get snacks.
Shall we go to The Squid Shack
and drink soju?
That sounds great.
Shall we?
Young.
That novel in your notebook is good.
Are you mad?
Why would you read that?
You write a lot, don't you?
It's not half bad.
How long have you been writing?
I don't know, I can't hear you!
If nothing works out, be a writer.
You should write about a gay
who lives with a crazy bitch.
What would you know?
You don't even read.
Have you decided
to date the tattoo guy?
He's not a tattoo guy,
he's a tattoo artist.
Always with a string of guys.
You can talk.
You break up with "Reason for Living,"
and now you're dating an influencer
with thousands of followers.
12,000 followers.
Who cares.
Are you officially dating?
We've been on several dates
but I'm getting nowhere with him.
I say it will be over in two weeks.
- Worry about yourself.
- Fuck you!
- Double fuck you.
- Two weeks is being generous!
You wish.
Where are you looking?
Come to me, sugarfree.
Isn't this song a bop?
Sure.
I know the whole routine,
want to see?
Young.
Young?
Let's go there for another round.
I have something to say.
We should end things.
I like you but I can't stand it
when you sing in the streets.
And how you kiss me in public
when you're drunk,
and how you start crying,
it's exhausting.
- Okay, I won't do all that.
- There's no need, it's over.
Then let's stay friends.
I have too many friends
so don't call me.
Dickhead.
You cant stand it
when I sing in the streets?
You filter-abusing monster!
Only in the agony of parting
do we look into the depths of love.
George Eliot.
After our breakup,
Nam Kyu kept sending me sentimental quotes.
Insistently.
Mi Ae, let's drink.
Choi Mi Ae?
Are you in there?
What are you doing?
Are you ignoring me?
Or taking a dump?
I feel like crap today
so you have to drink with me.
Fuck!
I'm fucked.