Sky Castle (2024) s01e01 Episode Script

1
Wait! Please!
Regardless of how harsh your life is now,
you can change the world.
Your efforts will open the door
to the future.
Dad!
Behind the door is a stairway to the sky.
When you climb up the stairs
and walk through the clouds,
you will see
the castle of hope soaring in the sky.
The Sky Castle
will satisfy your curiosities.
It will fulfill your desires.
SKY CASTLE
Teito Hospital boasts top doctors
from Japan and abroad.
It's a state-of-the-art hospital
with advanced medical care.
The affiliated Teito Medical University
integrates high school and university
education to nurture elite doctors.
The graduates are highly sought after
by hospitals in Japan and abroad,
making it the most attractive school
for aspiring doctors.
Only Teito Medical High School's graduates
can enroll into Teito Medical University.
The entrance exam is very difficult
for even the elite junior high students.
You passed!
KAORI SAEJIMA
Congrats!
You did well, Haruto!
HARUTO SAEJIMA
I'm so happy for you
Thank you.
I'm so glad! Let me have a look.
KOYO GAUKEN JUNIOR HIGH
Koyo Gakuen Junior High, a famous school,
also has many students aiming to get in
to Teito Medical University.
Hurry up!
-You have a mock exam at your cram school.
-I'm not feeling it.
-You need to put your heart into this!
-I know!
The actual exam is next year.
You know that, right?
Yes, I know.
I'm so nervous.
Today's test will determine
their class placement for the third year.
KYOKO NIKAIDO - SAE ASAMI - MISAKI NATSUME
It'd be best if all our children
remained in the advanced class.
Hey, sweetheart!
How was the test?
I wasn't sure about some questions.
Sorry if I don't come out on top.
Placing first would be ideal.
Think you can make it to the top ten, Sho?
I think it will be tough. Sorry.
-Kensaku!
-Don't ask me anything about the test.
Why? Do you know how much
I paid for your cram school?!
Quick, we're going
to be late for cram school.
Director Saejima.
Isn't it about time the results come out?
I'm even more nervous than
when I took it as a kid.
TETSUTO SAEJIMA
NEW MESSAGE
HARUTO PASSED!
HIDEYO ASAMI
Looks like good news.
Haruto passed the exam.
-Congratulations.
-Thanks.
Did he pass? He passed, right?
NOW ENROLLING
We made it in time.
Shall we go then?
Hey, have you heard anything
about the entrance exam?
I heard they are putting emphasis
on school activities
and volunteer experience.
I see
We need to focus on those too then.
Please excuse me.
What's wrong?
Arrange a congratulatory gift
for Director Saejima right away. Now!
Could it be Haruto passed the exam?
No way! Haruto from Class B passed?
I wonder how he passed.
Girls, the guests are about to arrive.
Give me a hand.
Arrange the plates.
Okay.
We bought them a gift,
so why do we need to have this party?
I'll do everything I can to help
my daughter pass her entrance exam.
Getting on your boss' good side
is also good for your career.
You've fallen behind.
I'm sure the Asamis
are trying to ingratiate themselves
to get the secret to Haruto's success.
Why don't you be useful for once?
I don't want to go to the party.
What are you saying? It's a party
to congratulate Haruto and his family!
Hurry up and get changed!
Oh, you are definitely not going
wearing that.
Kensaku!
I don't wanna.
Well then, a toast to Haruto
for passing the exam.
Cheers!
-Cheers!
-Congratulations.
Everyone,
thank you for this party
-and for gathering together.
-Thank you.
As colleagues
who work in the same hospital
and live in the same
Sky Castle neighborhood as you,
I couldn't be any happier!
The person most responsible for this
is my wife, Kaori.
Mrs. Kaori, I heard
Tetsuto gifted you a trip to Egypt
since Haruto passed the exam.
Oh, yes.
Haruto also finally gets to visit America.
-America?!
-The USA.
Wow, you're so lucky.
You can just ask for it next year.
Next year will finally be
everyone's else turn.
Do you mind if I ask?
What's the secret behind Haruto's success?
It was
because of all his hard work.
What motivated him?
I believe it was our dream
of wanting him to become a doctor.
And he made our dream come true.
Well, of course. But we would like to know
the details such as learning methods, etc.
Well, we can talk about that later.
First, let's enjoy the food.
You're right!
It all looks so appetizing!
Hey, don't do that!
I prepared it with all my heart.
It's all for Haruto.
-I appreciate it, Mrs. Sae.
-Thanks.
Let's dig in, shall we?
I feel sad when I think
about the exam next year.
I'm looking forward to it.
I can imagine myself
with a big smile a year from now.
Why is everyone trying so hard
to become doctors?
KENSAKU NATSUME - SHO NIKAIDO
I really don't wanna be one.
I can't stand the anatomy practicals.
Just follow your passion, Maju.
I don't want to hear that coming from you.
She has a point.
Exactly!
Haruto's party is over.
Will the next party
be for your promotion, Chief?
After all, you are a candidate
to be the future director.
Actually,
the director did talk to me about this.
-Oh!
-Is that so?
The director's seat
is finally within your sights then.
For my successor,
I plan to nominate you as the chief
of the neurosurgery department.
Thank you very much.
Nikaido and Natsume,
I'm counting on you guys to assist him,
so that he can perform like me.
I want to follow in his footsteps.
Let's have another toast, shall we?
Mrs. Kaori,
isn't it about time you told us?
What did you do
so your son could pass the exam?
How can I, whose son is in Class B,
be teaching you,
whose kids are all in Class A?
Their current grades mean nothing.
What matters is
the year prior to the exam.
I heard Haruto ran
for student council president
and volunteered a lot.
And starting this year, they are
emphasizing those areas in the evaluation.
Did you have access to information
beforehand?
Okay, I give in.
I will confess.
I didn't want to say it at first
because it's like bribery.
You bribed someone?!
Have you heard
of the term "exam coordinator"?
Who is that?
They are special exam tutors
who will pull out all the stops
to make sure
your child passes the exam.
They guarantee it?
I paid quite a hefty sum,
so I didn't really want to recommend it.
How much, roughly?
Where can I find such a tutor?
There's an educational seminar
that only those with strong connections
to Teishin Bank can attend.
It's a secret meeting
that connects parents
with the coordinators.
Secret meeting?
That's all I can say.
It's getting late.
I'll help clean up.
It's fine! We can do it.
You should rest. You're the star today.
SAEJIMA FAMILY
Haruto, how do I look?
Both of you.
Your trip is next Saturday, right?
Don't go too wild while I'm gone, okay?
I wish I could,
but my schedule is full of operations.
-Mrs. Sae?
-I forgot to give you something earlier.
You should bring this with you
for your trip to Egypt.
I prepared for you a list of Korean dramas
that you said you wanted to see.
I heard Wi-Fi availability
is poor in Egypt.
Oh, my!
You really didn't have to do all this.
There may be times when you get bored.
-Oh, hello, Haruto.
-Good evening.
-Is something the matter?
-The PC broke down,
and I need to look up information
on Dodger Stadium.
Is it okay if I borrow that tablet?
-Go ahead.
-Thanks.
I heard Egypt's sunlight is harsh,
and its climate is extreme.
You should prepare for it.
You can have this, if you'd like.
For me?
You're the best, Haruto!
-It's beautiful.
-Thank you for having us today.
-Enjoy your trip to America.
-I will!
The two of you are very close!
I've devoted everything to him after all.
This is the ideal family.
Your son got into the best medical school.
Your husband is a future director.
You're a winner in life.
You don't have to go that far.
I mean it from the bottom of my heart.
Mrs. Kaori
you are my idol.
You have a way with words.
You've won me over.
Please keep this a secret
from Mrs. Kyoko and Mrs. Misaki.
This
is the invitation ticket to the meeting
we talked about earlier.
They have a policy
where successful parents
can invite one of their acquaintances.
But it felt unfair,
so I was hesitant to give it out.
But you went out of your way
to hold a party for Haruto,
and it would really be a waste
if I didn't give this to anyone.
Here you go.
This means a lot, Mrs. Kaori.
You must be Mrs. Sae Asami
from Mrs. Kaori Saejima's recommendation.
This is your registration number.
Please fill out your profile
when you are inside.
Thank you very much.
Aren't you excited?
Mrs. Misaki?! How did you get in here?
My husband did everything he could.
Both Mrs. Kyoko and your husband
must have done a lot to be here.
Mrs. Kyoko is here too?
Now then,
I'd like to introduce you to the tutors
who will be guiding
your children to success.
Tutor number one, a law graduate
from the University of Tokyo.
The number of students he helped
get accepted into schools
with low acceptance rates
-is 16.
-Sixteen?
-He has a success rate of 80%.
-That many passed?
He charges five million yen annually.
Please keep me informed.
I will decide which tutor to select.
Don't be fooled by the success rate.
Haruto's tutor is a select few.
That's why he was able to receive
tailored guidance on volunteering
and student government,
the areas that matter.
Moving on to the next tutor.
Tutor number seven is
a graduate from Oxford University.
Two of this tutor's students got
into schools with low acceptance rates.
She has a 100% success rate.
-100%?!
-She charges
30 million yen annually.
30 million yen?!
Only two students
30 million yen
Haruto's tutor has a 100% success rate.
But her fees are also sky-high.
Now, I would like to ask
all of you to select on your card
your preferred tutor's number.
Time is almost up. Please hurry.
ONE NEW MESSAGE
Please wait a moment.
-Mrs. Kyoko.
-Mrs. Sae.
Are we the only ones here?
Looks like it.
Pleased to meet you. My name is Kujo.
Pleased to meet you. My name is Kujo.
AYAKA KUJO
Please have a seat.
Firstly, let's talk about the fees.
After the contract is signed, please make
a lump-sum transfer immediately.
Fret not.
It's my job after all to ensure your child
gets into the school of their choice.
In the unlikely event your child fails,
I will refund the full amount.
I only accept two students per year.
I already have one student
under my tutelage,
and as such, I will have to ask
one of you to take your leave.
-Mrs. Nikaido.
-Yes.
What are you doing
regarding your son's education?
My husband, who is passionate
about education, pours his heart
into guiding my son
to follow in his doctor footsteps.
If you sign a contract with me,
your son's education
will be left entirely to me,
and your husband
will not have any say in this.
Is that possible?
I will discuss it with my husband.
What about you, Mrs. Asami?
As a graduate of Harvard University
and a former teacher,
I have been educating
my children since birth.
I could tell my daughter has ability.
-In what?
-She is extremely competitive.
When she was five, she was so bothered
with losing to her dad in Othello
that she challenged him nonstop.
Even now, when she doesn't come out on top
in school, she cries her eyes out.
Of course, I will leave
my daughter's education in your hands,
and as a mother myself,
I am prepared to do whatever it takes
to ensure my daughter's success.
If it's determination we are
talking about, I have it as well.
Regarding my husband,
he'll be fine with it.
-Mrs. Nikaido.
-Yes!
Let's just say we weren't meant to be.
Mrs. Asami.
Yes.
It will be a pleasure to work with you.
Mrs. Asami, do you know
why you were chosen?
No. Please tell me.
You will fulfill your desires
even if you have to push people away.
That is the kind of impression
I got from you.
This is an important factor
in passing the entrance exam.
May I ask you something as well?
Was one of your students
Haruto Saejima?
I can say that I achieved results.
I'm glad to hear that.
CLASS PLACEMENT TEST RESULTS
ADVANCED CLASS 3A
NUMBER 1 - RURI ASAMI - 497 POINTS
I did it! I am the top scorer
and will stay in Class A.
You did great, Ruri!
I'm so proud of you.
I found you an excellent tutor,
so that you can reach even higher levels.
Thanks, Mom!
I'll try even harder next time.
-Aoba, wait.
-What's wrong, Ruri?
I have good news to share with you.
-Sorry, I have plans today.
-Plans?
I have a talk with Miku.
Sorry, Ruri.
MIKU YAMADA
You have bed hair.
What?
Let's go, Aoba.
See you later.
You really are incompetent.
Do you know how much effort I put in
for you to get into that seminar?
And you dare come back empty-handed?
It's okay, Dad.
I got into Class A.
I will try my best to
You weren't even in the top ten.
Who are you to speak?!
I'm saying this for your own good.
If you really want the best for him,
do something about this room first.
Mom's right.
It's suffocating to be
in a room with no windows.
To improve concentration
and learning efficiency,
I thoughtfully designed this room.
A test-taker has no need for windows.
Next question.
Okay.
F five million a year for tutoring?
-Yeah.
-You don't seem shaken.
-That's way too expensive!
-Can't you borrow from your parents?
-It's for Kensaku's sake.
-Don't waste money on me.
Why? You barely escaped bottom of
your class, and you're still in Class A.
Your current grades are better than
Haruto's, and he passed the exam.
Try your best, okay?
Okay.
What kind of tutor charges 30 million yen?
Are you sure it's not a scam?
Director Saejima's son passed
the entrance exam after hiring her.
If my daughter fails, she will fully
refund it. You may see the contract.
-What did Hideyo say about this?
-He said to discuss it with you.
I beg you!
I want to make Ruri
a great doctor as I promised you.
Dad wished Ruri could continue
the family's doctor lineage that has
-continued from generation to generation.
-I will transfer it tomorrow.
I'm doing it for Ruri, not for you.
-Thank you so much.
-However!
If she fails the
Teito Medical University affiliates' exam,
I will not recognize you
as part of the Asami family.
This is your last chance.
I hope you do not forget
the fact that I
still have not forgiven you.
I would like to talk to you about
my teaching policy for your daughter.
A top scorer like Ruri should first aim
for admission through the recommendation
process, which will be in the fall.
But her school can only recommend
one person, am I right?
Yes.
Her biggest rival is Aoba Minamisawa,
who's vying for the top spot.
For someone who hates to lose,
I believe he will be a great motivator.
You even researched her classmates?
I thought it was natural
to do so, if we want to win.
He's self-taught and contends for the top
spot even without attending cram school,
so we can consider him as superior
to your daughter at this point in time.
I am very interested to know
what kind of education
he is receiving at his home.
AOBA MINAMISAWA
IZUMI MINAMISAWA, 090-361-763
Dear Izumi Minamisawa,
I am the mother
of your son's classmate, Ruri Asami.
My name is Sae Asami.
As parents whose children will both
be taking the test, could we meet?
You're not going to reply?
I don't really like to deal
with your classmates' moms.
IZUMI MISAMISAWA
-She's not picking up?
-She's ignoring me.
I'm so mad.
-Huh?
-Mrs. Kaori?
She's already back from Egypt?
-I'll leave it here.
-Thanks.
My mother who went with me
suddenly became ill,
so we decided to fly back.
MEDICATION
31ST MARCH 2024
I'm so exhausted from the flight.
Your trip went to waste.
Things happen. What can I do?
Oh, yes. I want to thank you
regarding the exam tutor.
Kensaku seems to be
a little more motivated now.
Sorry, I need to head to my mom's house.
Can we have this talk another time?
We'll be taking our leave then.
-You can do it.
-Shh!
Haruto
returned from America in a hurry.
Who would have thought
something like this could happen?
I can't imagine the pain her husband
Tetsuto is going through.
The police deemed her death to be suicide.
But why?
I have no idea.
Why
SAEJIMA
So they really did move.
I heard they already sold their home too.
I wonder if they just wanted
to leave the sad memories behind.
Please wait.
Don't tell me you're going to quit.
I know it's painful,
but isn't it your role to encourage Haruto
to become a successful doctor?
That is no longer necessary.
What do you mean by that?
What? Director Saejima quit?
Then what is going to happen
to Hideyo's promotion?
Back to square one probably.
With Saejima gone, people will likely want
someone who is less ambitious than Asami
and an ass-kisser at that.
The director is the kind of old dunce
with an outdated Showa mindset
Good morning, Director Okochi!
Morning.
-I will be counting on you guys.
-Yes.
That was a close call.
BELOW FACILITIES ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.
GYM, PARTY ROOM, MEETING ROOM
WE APPRECIATE YOUR KIND UNDERSTANDING.
He quit?
Then what's going to happen to Haruto?
That is the strange part.
He wouldn't have quit
if he was thinking of his son.
Perhaps there is something
we don't know about.
Like what?
The move and the sale of their house,
it all happened too fast.
You're right. They didn't even say bye.
It's as if they were running away.
I
-remembered something.
-What?
The medicine Mrs. Kaori took
when she came back from Egypt
It was prescribed on 31st March.
That was the day after she left for Egypt.
Then that means
Mrs. Kaori didn't actually go to Egypt?
She lied to us.
But why would she do that?
Maybe she was trying
to spy on her husband.
Weren't there many rumors
about Tetsuto cheating on his wife?
Maybe she found definitive evidence
and couldn't take it anymore
But that's not a reason to kill yourself.
It's unthinkable that Mrs. Kaori would
kill herself and leave Haruto behind.
She had everything
at Sky Castle.
If I were her
I would never want
to leave that life behind.
Did something happen
between you and Haruto?
The one who killed my wife is
The desk and the window arrangement
are all ideal for learning.
Your mother really knows her stuff.
Her learning method is wonderful too.
I'm excited to see how far you'll go
under my guidance.
Thank you.
This is a gift from Ms. Kujo.
This is a light stand
that improves concentration.
You may use different lighting colors
for science, math, and memorization.
Additionally, Mondrian's paintings
promote brain activity.
To raise your internal scores, which
is key in the recommendation process,
I will prepare and provide you with
the questions for on-campus examinations.
I will propose the campus and volunteer
activities that Teito Medical University
so emphasizes in due course.
Here is a list of meals proposed
for your child during the exam period.
-To think you'd go to such lengths.
-That's so cool, Mom!
Taking care of your daughter's health
is also an important task as a mother.
It's so reassuring to have you as a tutor.
I am merely doing my due diligence
to assist your daughter in passing.
By the way, did you manage to find out
anything about Aoba's learning methods?
About that
I tried contacting his mom several times,
but she has not answered.
And it just so happened that a good friend
of mine just had an accident
Please spare me your excuses.
Regardless of what happens to your friend,
the date of the exam will only get closer.
Perhaps you're still not aware of it yet?
What is it?
It's about Haruto Saejima's mom.
My job is to assist your child
to pass the entrance exam.
Our business relationship ends after that.
Mrs. Kaori committed suicide.
Her death
remains a mystery to me.
Do you by any chance have
any idea why she killed herself?
We talked a lot about entrance exams,
but I am not aware of her family issues.
Well, of course.
HARUTO SAEJIMA
Big news!
Saejima's replacement
is from outside our hospital.
An outsider was selected
over someone in-house?
I have his details.
His name is Kohei Minamisawa.
He's a Hokumon Medical College graduate.
A doctor from such
a shitty, third-rate, rural medical school
-is coming to Teito Hospital?
-Did you say "shitty"?
He could be an acquaintance of
the director or related along those lines.
Dr. Minamisawa being
the next chief of our department
is the exclusive rumor.
He's been doing medical volunteer work
in Nepal for years.
He's a humanitarian physician.
And at the
neurosurgical conference last year,
he won the Best Thesis Award.
This goes to show that he's promising too.
I look forward to him bringing new life
to our long-established Teito Hospital.
Hello, my name is Kohei Minamisawa.
KOHEI MINAMISAWA
I intend to dedicate myself
to the future of healthcare.
I look forward to working with you all.
If any of you have any questions,
feel free to ask.
There's no need to hesitate.
Go ahead.
-Are you referring to me?
-Natsume,
ask this outdated Showa
old dunce any questions.
So he did hear it.
Nikaido. Do you agree with your friend
that I'm outdated?
Not at all.
How about you, Asami?
Director Okochi, you, being devoted
to the introduction of advanced medicine,
are one of the most progressive doctors
in our country,
and we strive to be like you.
Thanks for the exemplary answer.
We will now move on
to this week's conference.
Your husband might not
be promoted to director?
The director's favorite transferred in,
and people seem to have turned
their backs on Saejima's group.
Worst case, they will be relocated
to an affiliate regional hospital.
That's not good.
I will never let that happen.
Right! If you are willing,
you could always ask your mother-in-law
to talk to the higher-ups.
I have no plans of letting my husband
miss this promotion opportunity.
Thank you for using our service.
Let's unload these.
It's the Saejima's house.
Someone's already moved in?
I've heard this is
a residential area for celebrities,
but I'm at a loss for words.
This place is convenient
for both your school and my workplace.
SKY CASTLE
It's your mom's book.
Izumi.
-What a spacious backyard.
-It's all yours.
-You can grow as many plants as you like.
-Thanks.
I wonder what the new neighbors are like.
-Who might you be?
-I just moved in across the street.
I came to say hello.
Hello.
This a small gift from us to our new
neighbors. They are tomatoes that I grew.
Thank you.
Oh, and this I believe the previous
owner left it behind. What should I do?
That is
the tablet I lent to the previous owner.
Do you mind if we come to say hello too?
They're my friends
who live in Sky Castle too.
What's it like moving to a celebrity city?
It's too beautiful a town for me,
but I heard there is a resident's gym
and a library which both interest me.
The common facilities in the clubhouse
aren't available right now.
Something happened. That's why
Could it be that you moved in
without knowing anything about it?
-Is something wrong?
-Have we met somewhere before?
I think you must be mistaken.
My apologies.
Sorry for the delay in introducing myself.
My family name is Minamisawa.
Minamisawa
Don't tell me
you're Aoba Minamisawa's mom?
Yes, I am.
Did you not receive a message from the mom
of your son's classmate, Ruri Asami?
Dear Izumi Minamisawa,
I am the mother of your son's classmate,
Ruri Asami. My name is Sae Asami.
I am her mother, Sae Asami.
My apologies.
I am not good at socializing.
I have many things I want to ask you.
I look forward
to being neighbors with you.
It will be my pleasure.
I'll take my leave now.
Soon, I'll come to learn
about the tragic incident
that happened at Sky Castle,
the dangerous truths behind
what seemed like a happy family.
KOREAN DRAMAS
I can't believe I wasted so much time
downloading and adding these.
Haruto's diary?
My dad beats me when my grades go down.
He would tell me to go kill myself.
I'm on the verge of collapse.
My mom pretends not to see it
and just forces me to study.
All she talks about are exams and grades.
She never listens to me.
This house is hellish.
My parents should just die.
THIS HOUSE IS HELLISH.
MY PARENTS SHOULD JUST DIE.
That tragedy
was linked to our reality.
What happened between you and Haruto?
You don't want anyone
to know about your past?
Just who do you think you are?!
Please reconsider!
She moved into the house of a woman
who died mysteriously.
-There must be some meaning to this.
-What I hate the most
are hypocrites like you.
Subtitle translation by : Jeffery