Stove League (2019) s01e05 Episode Script
Episode 5
1
THIS DRAMA IS FICTION,
AND THE ELEMENTS OF THE STORY
HAVE NO RELATION TO REALITY.
It's a team that's bad at baseball
and has no future.
The Dreams might be ranked last
for over ten years,
even with new teams.
This is ridiculous. That lunatic.
How much would he know about baseball?
This is Baek Seung-soo,
our new general manager.
I've helped handball, Korean wrestling,
and ice hockey teams to win.
I'm not entirely well versed
in baseball, but I'll learn.
He's a strange person.
I'll be trading Lim Dong-gyu.
He's the outfielder and fifth batter
of the national team.
Do you leave home
when your housekeeper says?
Why'd you trade a batter
as strong as Dong-gyu?
His average is .330,
but he has fewer game winners
than a player averaging .270.
He's not a hero when it comes to winning.
Fans won't let that happen.
Do you want to see everyone up in arms?
Why would they be?
Everyone was happy to have Kang Doo-ki.
-Kang Doo-ki?
-Doo-ki is the national team's pitcher.
Is the trade even possible?
The Dreams.
I've come!
You disappointed I managed
to do something difficult?
Why do you think I hired you?
Win and disband. Win and disband.
Just do what your experience says.
That's why next season,
look at the big picture.
Whose responsibility is it to choose
the ten new players?
I think I need to find out.
You're only messing
with the stones firmly set in place.
I'm sure stones set in place
have more moss.
Why couldn't we ever pick
the Rookie of the Year?
That kind of hurt.
Do you trust Mr. Ko?
Yes, I do.
You're just being vague
and remaining a spectator.
You know Mr. Ko Se-hyuk, right?
How should I know him?
How much did you give to Mr. Ko?
I don't know. Just go!
Let's say I do something that tarnishes
the reputation of the Dreams.
I came to report something.
I think it's an unprecedented
pro team scouting scandal.
Mr. Ko, you're fired.
If you're a fan of the Dreams,
this news report
might make your heart sink.
Andy Gordon has been the ace of the team
for three years.
Mr. Baek.
Did you see the news about Andy?
We will give up Andy.
I'm going on a business trip.
Let's go.
It's 146.
It's 149 this time.
He's way better than Andy.
Awesome.
He's like Kang Doo-ki.
He says the price went up overnight.
It's 152.
Double the price all of a sudden?
No way.
It's 155 km/h.
Which team is it?
He says he won't tell us.
Tell him we'll be reconsidering
the conditions of the contract.
Tell him it'd be great if he
can state conditions they offered.
-What a jerk, that man.
-Seriously.
General Manager Kim Jong-moo.
Did you get in contact with Miles?
You didn't?
I understand.
I wish you the best of luck.
I'll see you in Korea.
Yes.
And so
how much do you need?
A million dollars?
That's the maximum.
That's a bit too much.
Is he that good of a pitcher?
Okay.
I have to discuss it with the director.
Keep up the good work.
Please eat.
Yes.
We have to eat and cheer up
so that we can force Miles
to sign or something, right?
Seriously.
Try to lighten the mood.
Yes. Let's eat.
Excuse me.
Are you Korean? What is it?
Hello.
Have you been well, Ms. Lee?
It's our first time meeting.
I'm Oh Sa-hoon,
general manager of the Pelicans.
I see.
What do you say we join tables?
There's not enough space.
Did you get in contact with Miles?
Yes.
It would be frustrating
to eat with someone
who made Miles double his price.
No, that's being too selfish.
To speak from my perspective,
we'd be taking Miles at the proper price.
The Dreams don't need to pay
the amount Miles is worth.
We'll be taking Miles.
You haven't signed the contract yet.
I think having an attitude
of not giving up is great.
But how did you learn about Miles?
I didn't even expect any competition.
I could have missed him
if we'd taken our time.
Mr. Oh.
Does the field like your moves?
Pardon?
How do you recruit members?
Do you find the puzzle piece
that your team needs,
or do you just pick good players
regardless of position?
I do whatever I please.
Your first pick is right-handed.
Your second pick is right-handed.
Your fourth and fifth picks
are also right-handed.
Miles is also a right-handed pitcher.
If we take Miles,
that's a problem for you.
Mr. Oh Sa-hoon, do you want to make a bet?
Let's see who is laughing
when we are on the way back.
I am
frustratingly detailed and meticulous.
Well
we have no choice but to take Miles.
Let's proceed with that bet.
Is that the name of the player
that Oh Sa-hoon looked up?
How much did you work out as your budget?
You think I'm going to harm you
with this information?
Don't be foolish and hang up.
Let's support him
when we can.
Let's go big, $900,000.
Okay. I'll make the call now.
INCOMING CALL
Gosh.
Do I need to excuse myself
for you to pick up the phone?
We were actually hoping
to bring Kang Doo-ki on to our team.
So I wanted to meet you in person.
Enjoy your meal.
Hello.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes, I understand.
Let's eat.
How did it turn out?
They said a million would be hard.
But, Director
we allowed for $900,000.
If we allow 100,000 more,
won't General Manager Baek
be able to bring that player here?
Mr. Ko
what you're saying is problematic.
You seem to be implying that
we're hoping for Mr. Baek to fail.
We are
using a lot of money
to actually support Mr. Baek.
Yes.
Right.
He's a player from abroad.
The 100,000 seems small, doesn't it?
But for foreign players,
it's all about money.
Then should I give Griffin a call?
Ms. Lee.
Would you be willing to move
to another team if they called you?
What?
No.
Even if they offered a higher salary?
Of course not. The Dreams to me is
-Oh.
-Right?
Not all of us are obsessed
with higher salaries.
But foreign players don't have
any contacts in our country,
locally or from school.
So, isn't the pay all they care about?
That would be the case
if it were way higher.
He says he can take up to $900,000.
I'll get in contact with Miles again.
YOO MIN-HO
Hey.
Step on the mound with your heel.
Stop shrugging your upper body.
The force
The force from your waist
is delivered to the ball.
Try again. I have to take this.
Keep practicing.
Yes.
Hey.
Don't step down on the plate.
It's not going to help your precision.
And maintain your axis around your head.
I'm worried you might be injured again.
What are you doing?
What?
Why are you shaking him up
when I just fixed his pose?
What do you want?
Are you the pitching coach?
You coach if you're gonna keep doing this.
I'll be the bench coach.
Hey.
I've studied longer than you have.
I've been pitching coach
way longer than you!
Just concentrate on managing
the team if you're the bench coach.
Or switch with me!
That little brat.
You!
Come here.
KANG DOO-KI
"Jang Jin-woo's pitches
are too messy to hit."
"I have not once hit his pitch
straight this year."
Yes.
Kim, the third baseman
of the national team, told me.
Pitching a ball fast doesn't mean
it's well pitched.
There are pitches that are too fast,
even when the batter sees it coming,
so he swings and misses
three times to be struck out.
There are also balls
that roll across the field
because the batter thought
he could hit it, but missed.
After Doo-ki takes seven innings,
you step out there
to save the eighth, Jin-woo.
You can't pitch faster than Doo-ki.
How should you pitch
to torture the batters?
Manager Yoon.
Put Chul-min in the pitching coach's spot
and make me bench coach.
Seems like he wants to be pitching coach.
It's about time you two got along.
We all have our own role.
Did the general manager go somewhere?
We need a pitcher
after the day Doo-ki pitches.
Player from abroad?
But can we even afford one?
It'll be good enough
if he can pitch down the middle.
Let's get back to training.
Miles.
The money we can offer you
is $900,000.
That's $100,000 short
of the million dollars offered to you.
He says he doesn't have
that much experience
in Triple-A, but a million isn't too much
compared to his abilities.
The Pelicans replaced
foreign players twice last year.
Were you aware?
We, the Dreams,
haven't replaced our foreign players
once in the last three years.
We give them enough time
to get used to the league.
If you want, I'll add that article
into our contract.
It's not about whether we have the money.
I'm talking about how it can affect you.
Well
You must be familiar with Mac Miller.
He had a great career in the MLB,
but in our league,
he was replaced in four months
to come back here.
Also, other teams
don't hesitate to make foreign players
the middle relief pitcher
if they fail to adapt.
Of course.
Our league's rule states
a million dollars as the limit,
but you'll be free from that article
if you re-sign with us.
When you finish a season well,
the teams in Japan will notice.
There are a lot of teams in Japan
that do not spare their money.
You could think of the one year
guaranteed on our team
as a showcase
for the best pitcher, Miles.
Being paid $100,000 more now
won't matter at all in your future.
I bet 100 percent.
But
on the condition you have the opportunity
until the end of the season.
If you have old friends
who still play in our country,
call them to check.
The Dreams recommend our players
autonomous training.
But it's different for the Pelicans.
They still follow team training
that also applies to foreign players.
I think I've told you all the facts
that can easily offset
the difference of $100,000.
Haven't I?
You've got quite the translator.
I prefer handling things gentler.
Since we're not strangers.
Nothing forceful happened.
You work pretty hard.
Let's go.
No wonder I wanted to sign a contract
in the middle of the night.
You're signing with me?
Mr. Baek.
You made quite an effort.
I thought what you told him
sounded like wise words.
So, we promised him
to add those to the contract, too.
Can you also guarantee your manager
will let him train on his own?
-Mr. Baek.
-Can you?
Whether that's true or not,
if Miles believes us,
then he's our player to manage.
Think about it.
Why would he say he'd think about it
when you talk to him,
but say yes right away when I talk to him?
It's probably a dual contract
that promises him a higher salary.
We'd rather get back to business
than agonize over a little money.
I'm giving you this advice
out of good intention.
Shouldn't you look for another player?
So, they are giving him a commercial
with the contract.
What?
So, they've admitted they offered
more than a million dollars.
Let's report them for the dual contract.
It will be meaningless.
What? Why?
There's no such regulation
that prohibits any payments
in the form of ad fees.
It was our mistake to simply think
there was a $100,000 difference.
It was a losing game in the first place.
We lost because we didn't have
enough money?
"I couldn't go to college
as I didn't have tutors."
"I lost because I was sick."
Everyone can't be in the same environment.
They are fighting with what they have.
If we make excuses,
we'll lose in the same way again.
It's not that we lost to Mr. Oh.
We lost to the given situation.
Why don't we watch a video of Griffin?
His performance isn't so flashy.
He's the type of player
who enjoys a battle of wits,
so he will get used
to the new environment quickly.
Taking that into consideration,
we can't say he's absolutely
less skilled than Miles.
He seems to have a good mentality
the more I watch his videos.
See you tomorrow.
See you.
Robert.
-Yes?
-Thank you for today.
I hope you keep up the good work.
Just like a veteran player,
he has his own stable routine
even for training.
He's pretty good
at painting the corners, too.
THE TECHNIQUE OF THROWING STRIKES
AT THE CORNERS OF THE PLATE
Mr. Baek?
Mr. Kim.
What are you doing here?
I told you I was going to California.
Who are you here to see?
By any chance, is it Griffin?
Darn it.
Mr. Baek.
I haven't known you for a long time,
but let me tell you this
out of good intention for you.
Go check your third candidate.
I'm not telling you we have priority.
We'll be left with no options
if we lose him,
so we are going to scout him for sure.
I'm telling you how determined we are.
I understand.
You wouldn't have wasted your time
if you shared all this beforehand.
Why didn't you tell me
when we counted to three?
Right.
I will see you back in Korea.
The Vikings will not lose Griffin
no matter what.
So are we leaving without getting
to talk to him even once?
He beat around the bush and kindly
told me that we don't have money.
We can't take him away from them,
so there's no use swaying him.
Don't you think
it's a $100,000 difference now?
Did you give up?
I mean, his pitches are weaker
than expected.
We won't often see him
do the same as in the video.
He may not strike the players out,
but still
Right, he makes ground balls
by throwing cutters,
but we're weak
in terms of infield defense.
The Vikings don't mind it
since they're strong in that regard.
I'm sure Mr. Kim knows it, too.
Let's call it a day.
Hello?
Are you feeling a chill?
Did you take medicine?
Oh, right. You can't take any.
What should we do?
The situation isn't so good right now.
Okay.
It's around this time you get demotivated.
Of course not.
Picking foreign players is like farming.
I'm going to go at this with persistence.
I'm still full of energy.
That's good to hear.
What about our dinner today?
I've found a restaurant.
What's on the menu?
It's Mexican food.
Let's eat Korean.
Okay. Fortunately, there's
a Korean restaurant nearby.
It specializes in stew.
I don't feel like eating stew either.
Well
you know.
What?
You know what.
What?
Is he here to write a food column?
Isn't it hard driving?
No, it's okay.
Thank you.
So where are we having dinner today?
What on earth is it that you want to eat?
You know, something spicy
that you have to boil at home.
You mean ramyeon?
Oh, gosh.
Where can we eat ramyeon?
My house is near here.
What are you doing?
You're not feeling well.
I was doing it for a short time
to forget about the pain.
We have guests. They're outside.
Now?
Thank you.
It must be hard for you.
I'm worried.
Thank you.
Why don't you join us?
No, it's okay.
Thank you for the food.
You should take a picture.
Right.
-Oh, the bowl is Excuse me.
-No.
Don't bother.
It won't be a problem eating.
Why don't you join us?
I don't think
we need a meeting with Herbert.
But, actually, the other candidates
are worse than Herbert.
I see.
Let's move.
Is there a problem?
The car's out of fuel.
The engine might stop soon.
What?
It's okay. It happens.
Nothing ever goes right.
Where are we?
What do we do now?
Mr. Baek.
THREE DAYS AGO
Boo.
Gosh. We're on a date here,
which we haven't done in Korea.
What nonsense is that?
Push off, you punk.
Come on. You can't walk around alone
like this in a foreign country.
Aren't you tired?
And you? You didn't go to bed yet.
I just can't sleep.
I guess we must've persuaded Andy
more instead.
But this is what Mr. Baek decided.
It'd be worse if Mr. Baek
thought the same.
He already has a lot
to straighten out now.
-What?
-Nothing.
By the way, I guess Robert Gil
likes baseball a lot.
What are you talking about?
He seemed to know a lot
about baseball yesterday.
You don't know
Gil Chang-ju, the baseball player?
Robert Gil is Gil Chang-ju.
Sorry?
You still have a long way to go.
Come on.
I just forgot for a moment.
I know who Gil Chang-ju is.
If you're going to go talk to him
as if you know him,
you'd better get back and sleep.
Why?
He hasn't retired yet.
It seems like he's training
to play as a professional player.
Don't interrupt him.
You must be exhausted.
You didn't go to bed yet.
Hello, Mr. Baek.
You're out for a stroll too?
Yes. I just couldn't fall asleep,
so I came out here.
I see.
-Wait.
-I'm on the same page.
GIL CHANG-JU
A young pitcher with a promising future.
The man who betrayed his nation
is on the decline.
The pitcher with nine wins
in the MLB has been released.
He played for the national team
four times.
His pitches are
The best we've seen in the States.
Hold on. I need to go to the hotel.
Hey, where are you?
Have you known from the start?
I was going to tell you
but I thought it had nothing to do
with his job as our guide, so I didn't.
How did you know?
Well
his analysis was quite impressive.
He knew too much about baseball
for a non-player.
So I shook his hand,
and he had the hand of a pitcher.
Mr. Gil!
Hello.
Please throw with all your might.
Hey, come on. You are--
It's okay. I'm fully equipped.
-If I throw with all my might
-It's all right!
I'm ready!
Now I feel great.
Are you okay?
Can you catch more?
No, I can't.
I'm sorry for interrupting.
It's okay.
How is your elbow?
Sorry?
You had surgery on the ligament.
Well
I do pitching training
because I feel anxious.
I just want to check if it's okay
like the doctor said. I'm fine.
I see. It's good to hear that.
You really work hard.
This is all I've got.
My hand never lies.
You know I caught the balls Miles threw.
Thank you.
You didn't pitch with your utmost effort?
I did.
You really did your best
even though I'm not a player?
Hold on a second.
You can't retire like this.
What about playing in Korea?
Hey.
What?
That's so kind of you.
But you know I'm legally American now.
What about becoming naturalized
in Korea again?
It's not that easy.
And even if I do so,
I can't play, since the KPB
plans to impose a punishment on me.
Who would recruit a player like me?
Did you say punishment?
When I came
to the States, things got complicated.
I didn't know about it,
but my team didn't inquire
about my status as a player
to the KPB back then.
I also heard the contract I made
in high school was against regulations.
So, currently, I'm suspended
from playing in the league.
Didn't you request the KPB
cancel disciplinary action
while playing in the States?
If you've ever thought
you'd go back to Korea someday
Even if the suspension is lifted,
people would see me
as a bad guy who evaded
my mandatory military service.
You finally became
a promising rookie pitcher
in the MLB after such hardships.
Enlisting in the army so suddenly
must've not been easy.
But many people said
they would understand even if you
chose to become American.
Actually
my wife was really sick back then.
She needed a heart transplant
as she had a tumor in her heart.
But the waiting list
was too long in Korea.
I couldn't leave my sick wife alone
to go back to Korea
and enlist in the army.
If I went back then
my wife wouldn't be here with me.
Why haven't you tried to explain it
through the press?
Being there for my wife was my choice.
I couldn't let my wife be criticized
for what I chose to do.
Fortunately,
she's much healthier now.
I have no regrets,
but I should still be blamed.
It must have seemed selfish.
No, I am selfish.
I don't expect to be forgiven.
I also shouldn't tell people
I'll make up for it with baseball.
I let others feel deprived.
I can't make up for something
like that with what I love.
It's just absurd.
Then are you planning
to play baseball in America
while remaining unforgiven?
At times,
the Korean players who play in the MLB say
that they want to retire in Korea.
But I don't deserve to even say that.
Well,
you can always dream about it.
You were injured and weren't playing well
before you were released, right?
But still,
I haven't quit or anything.
My wife is expecting.
I have one more person
to take responsibility for.
Though I've got a lot on my shoulders,
when I think about my wife,
who has been believing in me
and the baby that's coming
it gives me strength.
If you called beforehand,
you wouldn't have wasted your time.
I'll see you in Korea.
Sure.
I'm sorry.
No.
You don't need to be sorry.
I don't think
we need a meeting with Herbert.
Let's move.
I shouldn't have watched
Chang-ju pitch that day.
It only raised the bar.
If a player doesn't live up to
your expectations, we shouldn't sign him.
What do you mean?
So, where are we having dinner today?
What on earth is it that you want to eat?
You know, something spicy
that you have to boil at home.
Do you mean ramyeon?
-Thank you.
-You're welcome.
Please join us.
No, it's okay.
Thank you for the food.
According to the rules on signing
international players
I've looked into Articles 9, 10,
and Chapters 9, 10,
regulations
on signing international players.
But I couldn't find
any significant problems.
Yes.
Regarding the indefinite disqualification,
I request a disciplinary discharge.
Mr. Baek.
There's a gas station
five kilometers from here.
Really? That's a relief.
I'll be back.
Get some rest where it's safe.
Are you going alone?
It sounds like you want me to go with him.
No, I will run myself to death.
I'll go.
I'll feel sorry if you can't keep up.
I'll go by myself.
Some people still confuse me
as an athlete.
Let's go.
He's an earnest person, isn't he?
When men get married,
they must
feel a sense of responsibility like him.
Some people do, and some people don't.
Sure.
Whether you're married or not,
if you become weak,
people around you suffer.
So he must have abandoned the illusion
of him being the best already.
He only hopes to be someone
who can do well enough
to protect the people around him.
The president?
No.
Then
Yes, this is
General Manager Baek Seung-soo.
Yes.
Really?
All right.
Yes.
You should get to work, Ms. Lee.
He wanted some quick feedback
after watching the pitching video
as soon as it was sent.
Is it Miles?
We could always take him
if he's not injured.
Wait.
Who is that?
Isn't that Gil Chang-ju?
Why did he send us this video?
Our second-string pitcher.
I thought we were signing
a foreign player.
He's an American.
But still, is that even possible?
He said the association
already approved this.
Even if it's been approved,
it's morally wrong.
Don't you know
obeying the law is what's right?
You finally said it right.
This is just wrong!
He's back in shape.
His center of gravity shift
is more natural.
His pitching looks powerful.
We can't even guarantee
that he'll adapt well.
He's just pitching without a hitter.
You trying to be criticized
the whole season?
Has that general manager gone crazy?
Aren't you afraid of
being criticized for not playing well?
What did you say?
Listen.
Let's stop being criticized
for being bad at baseball.
Let's be criticized
for something else for a change.
Yong-gu and Chul-min.
Yes.
Watch carefully.
Do you think we can sign
a better foreign player
for $500,000?
No.
I don't think so.
I'm sorry I'm late.
We can fill this up
and get to the gas station.
Then we can go.
No, I don't think
we're in that much of a hurry.
We have a long way to go.
I have a question, Chang-ju.
Okay.
Were you aware your disciplinary action
had been discharged eight years ago?
No.
I also found out about it just now.
I've looked into Articles 9, 10,
and Chapters 9, 10,
regulations
on signing international players.
I couldn't see a problem,
so I requested it be discharged.
Why would you do that?
I'm trying to make you an offer.
INTERNATIONAL PLAYER EMPLOYMENT, CONTRAC
I'll propose a salary
of $500,000 a year.
There are many reasons.
One,
you haven't gotten any offers
from other teams yet.
I know it sounds harsh,
but the unfavorable party
must risk any damage.
Two,
I expect we'll have to cope
with critical opinions.
Everyone will understand why we signed you
as the season begins.
But until then,
we have too much time left on our hands.
If we tell them we've signed you
for 500,000,
it'll be more justifiable.
Three,
our goal was to sign a pitcher
who can get us 15 wins
for $500,000 in the first place.
I'd like to go back
with that goal accomplished.
I
I don't
I don't know what to tell you.
I'm not sure if it's right to say
in such an unbelievable situation
but it's hard for me
to sign the contract easily.
Is our offer too small?
I'm worried what people who've served
and their families might think of me.
Whenever I wanted to return to Korea,
I stopped myself with this thought.
But now that it's stuck in my head,
I don't think I can go back for real.
If I go back as a foreign player
I will be playing with the name
Robert Gil.
My parents will not be
happy about it either.
People might consider my return
a result of my failure, too.
That scares me the most.
My goodness.
Then tell me.
What did you train yourself that hard for?
To return to the Major League?
Once I give
an acceptable result
in the Major League
I'll be welcomed then.
Do those people hate you
because of poor results?
No.
It's because you haven't fulfilled
your military duty.
It's not because of
your results or ability.
If a part of you still doesn't want
to be hated by anyone,
then I can't say
you're desperate for real.
Well
I offered you a contract with us,
expecting you to be desperate.
Do you think it was easy
for me to decide this?
Mr. Gil.
Do you really not have any reason
to be desperate?
What's wrong?
What is it?
I can play baseball again.
Mr. Baek wants me to join his team.
I was so scared
you might not be able
to play baseball anymore because of me.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have landed
at Incheon International Airport.
Please remain seated
until the plane comes to a complete stop
and the seat belt sign is turned off.
Be careful when opening the overhead bins,
as items may fall.
We're going to keep
trying our best to help you travel
safely and comfortably.
Thank you.
It's Gil Chang-ju!
-Mr. Gil!
-There he is.
-Mr. Gil Chang-ju!
-Please look here.
I told you I could bet
that we would be the ones to smile first.
Do you think the reporters
are welcoming him with flowers?
I think they're here
to gnaw at his remarks instead.
Right, so we've arranged
a press conference.
So you can leave first.
I guess you enjoy buzz marketing.
Please come to the center.
How do you feel now?
How do you feel coming back
to Korea as a foreign player?
Do you think you can be back
on the field as a pitcher?
Chin up.
You've come here
to throw a ball on the mound
in front of millions.
This is not even a big deal.
Let's go.
Okay.
-Mr. Gil, please look here.
-Mr. Gil.
How does it feel to be in Korea?
PRESS CONFERENCE 2019
ON ROBERT GIL JOINING THE DREAMS
I'm Kim Jung-gu of Financial Modern.
Let me make my question
short and straight to the point.
Why Gil Chang-ju?
Well, he can throw a strong fastball
wherever he wants.
That's the kind of player he is.
I'm Lee Jin-soo of Jonghap Daily.
They say the year depends
on which foreign player you scout.
I'm curious if this was your best choice.
Yes, of all the options we had.
Did you consider
what the Korean people would think?
We brought the best player
we could choose,
although his past isn't so ideal.
Does that mean you don't care
as long as he's good at baseball?
We brought him with the expectation
of seeing him play well.
And
"It doesn't matter
as long as he's good at baseball"?
Is there anyone who thinks so?
I'm Lee Se-young, operations manager.
We've seen him from up close,
and he's the responsible head
of his household
who doesn't look back on his flashy past.
He's ashamed and regretful of his past.
That is why he didn't have
the courage to come back to Korea
from the States,
where opportunities are scarce.
We persuaded him to join us.
I'm Jung Soon-geun of Jungdong Daily.
Mr. Gil became a US citizen
to avoid his military duty.
If he gets to play baseball again
in this country,
other Korean men
will most likely feel deprived.
What will you do about it?
Jungdong Daily?
I won't deny that Mr. Gil played
a role in that sense of deprivation.
I'm aware of it,
and he's aware of it, too.
Right, he will have to bear with criticism
that's much harsher
than that against people
like the heir of a press company
or son of a politician
who has been exempted from military duty
for excuses like essential hypertension.
But you know what?
There was a young baseball player
with a promising future.
He was selected as the ace player
of the national youth team.
He played in a total of four games,
two preliminaries.
He was the winning pitcher for
the semifinals, and for the finals,
he was the relief pitcher.
His team won the championship,
but unfortunately, he injured
the ligament of his elbow.
He went to the States for surgery
and focused on rehab.
GIL GETS SURGERY IN THE US
After the rehab, his results came out.
NINE WINS THIS SEASON
Then he finally got recognized.
However,
he was faced with the time
to join the army
when he finally became
a promising rookie in the Major League.
Around that time, there was a survey
for which 70 percent of answers
were favorable to naturalization.
Are you saying
his naturalization was just?
I do not think it was just,
and that is why
I'm making it a long story.
-What?
-Goodness.
Perhaps he trusted
the survey results too much,
but he made a mistake
in becoming naturalized.
But then he injured his elbow again.
In the end, he was dropped from the team.
His baseball career was put to a stop.
Are you saying he sacrificed
his elbow for his country?
It sounds like he needs
to be compensated or something.
No, I'm just saying that man
wishes to keep playing baseball.
He wants to continue his career
even as a foreign player.
Will that move baseball fans?
Even if it's your first time
joining the Asian Games,
winning a gold medal once
exempts you from your military duty.
Recently, the National Assembly
has been discussing
whether to change this system
into a mileage system.
Mr. Gil here was on
the youth national team for two games
and participated in the WBC two times.
That's his record as a national athlete.
Are you degrading
an Asian Games gold medal?
Miles. Griffin.
Those players have never been
to Korea before.
They will be playing on the mound
as foreign players
while Mr. Gil has the record
of being a national athlete four times.
I'd like you to give him
a chance to play baseball
at least like them.
It's not Gil Chang-ju,
but Robert Gil who will be on the mound.
Can I ask you one last question?
I'm Kim Young-chae of Baseball Is Life.
There might be a way
for him to be forgiven.
What do you think about him
serving in the army now?
Did you bring a troublemaker?
If he were that great,
why would he come for only 500,000?
The reporters wouldn't want to come.
I have a lot of questions.
You're right. We're running away.
She'll keep hitting our sore spots
and think it's journalism.
I don't know why you scouted me.
Who would assist whom?
Please just do as much work
as others in your position.
You crossed the line earlier.
Do you think you'd be able
to not blame yourself if you were me?
You're good at your job
because we're related by blood.
How can you make such a decision
without a proper reason?
-Hey.
-I wonder why a smart man
would oppose me. Let me tell you.
It's a decision.
And the resolution of our group.
THIS DRAMA IS FICTION,
AND THE ELEMENTS OF THE STORY
HAVE NO RELATION TO REALITY.
It's a team that's bad at baseball
and has no future.
The Dreams might be ranked last
for over ten years,
even with new teams.
This is ridiculous. That lunatic.
How much would he know about baseball?
This is Baek Seung-soo,
our new general manager.
I've helped handball, Korean wrestling,
and ice hockey teams to win.
I'm not entirely well versed
in baseball, but I'll learn.
He's a strange person.
I'll be trading Lim Dong-gyu.
He's the outfielder and fifth batter
of the national team.
Do you leave home
when your housekeeper says?
Why'd you trade a batter
as strong as Dong-gyu?
His average is .330,
but he has fewer game winners
than a player averaging .270.
He's not a hero when it comes to winning.
Fans won't let that happen.
Do you want to see everyone up in arms?
Why would they be?
Everyone was happy to have Kang Doo-ki.
-Kang Doo-ki?
-Doo-ki is the national team's pitcher.
Is the trade even possible?
The Dreams.
I've come!
You disappointed I managed
to do something difficult?
Why do you think I hired you?
Win and disband. Win and disband.
Just do what your experience says.
That's why next season,
look at the big picture.
Whose responsibility is it to choose
the ten new players?
I think I need to find out.
You're only messing
with the stones firmly set in place.
I'm sure stones set in place
have more moss.
Why couldn't we ever pick
the Rookie of the Year?
That kind of hurt.
Do you trust Mr. Ko?
Yes, I do.
You're just being vague
and remaining a spectator.
You know Mr. Ko Se-hyuk, right?
How should I know him?
How much did you give to Mr. Ko?
I don't know. Just go!
Let's say I do something that tarnishes
the reputation of the Dreams.
I came to report something.
I think it's an unprecedented
pro team scouting scandal.
Mr. Ko, you're fired.
If you're a fan of the Dreams,
this news report
might make your heart sink.
Andy Gordon has been the ace of the team
for three years.
Mr. Baek.
Did you see the news about Andy?
We will give up Andy.
I'm going on a business trip.
Let's go.
It's 146.
It's 149 this time.
He's way better than Andy.
Awesome.
He's like Kang Doo-ki.
He says the price went up overnight.
It's 152.
Double the price all of a sudden?
No way.
It's 155 km/h.
Which team is it?
He says he won't tell us.
Tell him we'll be reconsidering
the conditions of the contract.
Tell him it'd be great if he
can state conditions they offered.
-What a jerk, that man.
-Seriously.
General Manager Kim Jong-moo.
Did you get in contact with Miles?
You didn't?
I understand.
I wish you the best of luck.
I'll see you in Korea.
Yes.
And so
how much do you need?
A million dollars?
That's the maximum.
That's a bit too much.
Is he that good of a pitcher?
Okay.
I have to discuss it with the director.
Keep up the good work.
Please eat.
Yes.
We have to eat and cheer up
so that we can force Miles
to sign or something, right?
Seriously.
Try to lighten the mood.
Yes. Let's eat.
Excuse me.
Are you Korean? What is it?
Hello.
Have you been well, Ms. Lee?
It's our first time meeting.
I'm Oh Sa-hoon,
general manager of the Pelicans.
I see.
What do you say we join tables?
There's not enough space.
Did you get in contact with Miles?
Yes.
It would be frustrating
to eat with someone
who made Miles double his price.
No, that's being too selfish.
To speak from my perspective,
we'd be taking Miles at the proper price.
The Dreams don't need to pay
the amount Miles is worth.
We'll be taking Miles.
You haven't signed the contract yet.
I think having an attitude
of not giving up is great.
But how did you learn about Miles?
I didn't even expect any competition.
I could have missed him
if we'd taken our time.
Mr. Oh.
Does the field like your moves?
Pardon?
How do you recruit members?
Do you find the puzzle piece
that your team needs,
or do you just pick good players
regardless of position?
I do whatever I please.
Your first pick is right-handed.
Your second pick is right-handed.
Your fourth and fifth picks
are also right-handed.
Miles is also a right-handed pitcher.
If we take Miles,
that's a problem for you.
Mr. Oh Sa-hoon, do you want to make a bet?
Let's see who is laughing
when we are on the way back.
I am
frustratingly detailed and meticulous.
Well
we have no choice but to take Miles.
Let's proceed with that bet.
Is that the name of the player
that Oh Sa-hoon looked up?
How much did you work out as your budget?
You think I'm going to harm you
with this information?
Don't be foolish and hang up.
Let's support him
when we can.
Let's go big, $900,000.
Okay. I'll make the call now.
INCOMING CALL
Gosh.
Do I need to excuse myself
for you to pick up the phone?
We were actually hoping
to bring Kang Doo-ki on to our team.
So I wanted to meet you in person.
Enjoy your meal.
Hello.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes, I understand.
Let's eat.
How did it turn out?
They said a million would be hard.
But, Director
we allowed for $900,000.
If we allow 100,000 more,
won't General Manager Baek
be able to bring that player here?
Mr. Ko
what you're saying is problematic.
You seem to be implying that
we're hoping for Mr. Baek to fail.
We are
using a lot of money
to actually support Mr. Baek.
Yes.
Right.
He's a player from abroad.
The 100,000 seems small, doesn't it?
But for foreign players,
it's all about money.
Then should I give Griffin a call?
Ms. Lee.
Would you be willing to move
to another team if they called you?
What?
No.
Even if they offered a higher salary?
Of course not. The Dreams to me is
-Oh.
-Right?
Not all of us are obsessed
with higher salaries.
But foreign players don't have
any contacts in our country,
locally or from school.
So, isn't the pay all they care about?
That would be the case
if it were way higher.
He says he can take up to $900,000.
I'll get in contact with Miles again.
YOO MIN-HO
Hey.
Step on the mound with your heel.
Stop shrugging your upper body.
The force
The force from your waist
is delivered to the ball.
Try again. I have to take this.
Keep practicing.
Yes.
Hey.
Don't step down on the plate.
It's not going to help your precision.
And maintain your axis around your head.
I'm worried you might be injured again.
What are you doing?
What?
Why are you shaking him up
when I just fixed his pose?
What do you want?
Are you the pitching coach?
You coach if you're gonna keep doing this.
I'll be the bench coach.
Hey.
I've studied longer than you have.
I've been pitching coach
way longer than you!
Just concentrate on managing
the team if you're the bench coach.
Or switch with me!
That little brat.
You!
Come here.
KANG DOO-KI
"Jang Jin-woo's pitches
are too messy to hit."
"I have not once hit his pitch
straight this year."
Yes.
Kim, the third baseman
of the national team, told me.
Pitching a ball fast doesn't mean
it's well pitched.
There are pitches that are too fast,
even when the batter sees it coming,
so he swings and misses
three times to be struck out.
There are also balls
that roll across the field
because the batter thought
he could hit it, but missed.
After Doo-ki takes seven innings,
you step out there
to save the eighth, Jin-woo.
You can't pitch faster than Doo-ki.
How should you pitch
to torture the batters?
Manager Yoon.
Put Chul-min in the pitching coach's spot
and make me bench coach.
Seems like he wants to be pitching coach.
It's about time you two got along.
We all have our own role.
Did the general manager go somewhere?
We need a pitcher
after the day Doo-ki pitches.
Player from abroad?
But can we even afford one?
It'll be good enough
if he can pitch down the middle.
Let's get back to training.
Miles.
The money we can offer you
is $900,000.
That's $100,000 short
of the million dollars offered to you.
He says he doesn't have
that much experience
in Triple-A, but a million isn't too much
compared to his abilities.
The Pelicans replaced
foreign players twice last year.
Were you aware?
We, the Dreams,
haven't replaced our foreign players
once in the last three years.
We give them enough time
to get used to the league.
If you want, I'll add that article
into our contract.
It's not about whether we have the money.
I'm talking about how it can affect you.
Well
You must be familiar with Mac Miller.
He had a great career in the MLB,
but in our league,
he was replaced in four months
to come back here.
Also, other teams
don't hesitate to make foreign players
the middle relief pitcher
if they fail to adapt.
Of course.
Our league's rule states
a million dollars as the limit,
but you'll be free from that article
if you re-sign with us.
When you finish a season well,
the teams in Japan will notice.
There are a lot of teams in Japan
that do not spare their money.
You could think of the one year
guaranteed on our team
as a showcase
for the best pitcher, Miles.
Being paid $100,000 more now
won't matter at all in your future.
I bet 100 percent.
But
on the condition you have the opportunity
until the end of the season.
If you have old friends
who still play in our country,
call them to check.
The Dreams recommend our players
autonomous training.
But it's different for the Pelicans.
They still follow team training
that also applies to foreign players.
I think I've told you all the facts
that can easily offset
the difference of $100,000.
Haven't I?
You've got quite the translator.
I prefer handling things gentler.
Since we're not strangers.
Nothing forceful happened.
You work pretty hard.
Let's go.
No wonder I wanted to sign a contract
in the middle of the night.
You're signing with me?
Mr. Baek.
You made quite an effort.
I thought what you told him
sounded like wise words.
So, we promised him
to add those to the contract, too.
Can you also guarantee your manager
will let him train on his own?
-Mr. Baek.
-Can you?
Whether that's true or not,
if Miles believes us,
then he's our player to manage.
Think about it.
Why would he say he'd think about it
when you talk to him,
but say yes right away when I talk to him?
It's probably a dual contract
that promises him a higher salary.
We'd rather get back to business
than agonize over a little money.
I'm giving you this advice
out of good intention.
Shouldn't you look for another player?
So, they are giving him a commercial
with the contract.
What?
So, they've admitted they offered
more than a million dollars.
Let's report them for the dual contract.
It will be meaningless.
What? Why?
There's no such regulation
that prohibits any payments
in the form of ad fees.
It was our mistake to simply think
there was a $100,000 difference.
It was a losing game in the first place.
We lost because we didn't have
enough money?
"I couldn't go to college
as I didn't have tutors."
"I lost because I was sick."
Everyone can't be in the same environment.
They are fighting with what they have.
If we make excuses,
we'll lose in the same way again.
It's not that we lost to Mr. Oh.
We lost to the given situation.
Why don't we watch a video of Griffin?
His performance isn't so flashy.
He's the type of player
who enjoys a battle of wits,
so he will get used
to the new environment quickly.
Taking that into consideration,
we can't say he's absolutely
less skilled than Miles.
He seems to have a good mentality
the more I watch his videos.
See you tomorrow.
See you.
Robert.
-Yes?
-Thank you for today.
I hope you keep up the good work.
Just like a veteran player,
he has his own stable routine
even for training.
He's pretty good
at painting the corners, too.
THE TECHNIQUE OF THROWING STRIKES
AT THE CORNERS OF THE PLATE
Mr. Baek?
Mr. Kim.
What are you doing here?
I told you I was going to California.
Who are you here to see?
By any chance, is it Griffin?
Darn it.
Mr. Baek.
I haven't known you for a long time,
but let me tell you this
out of good intention for you.
Go check your third candidate.
I'm not telling you we have priority.
We'll be left with no options
if we lose him,
so we are going to scout him for sure.
I'm telling you how determined we are.
I understand.
You wouldn't have wasted your time
if you shared all this beforehand.
Why didn't you tell me
when we counted to three?
Right.
I will see you back in Korea.
The Vikings will not lose Griffin
no matter what.
So are we leaving without getting
to talk to him even once?
He beat around the bush and kindly
told me that we don't have money.
We can't take him away from them,
so there's no use swaying him.
Don't you think
it's a $100,000 difference now?
Did you give up?
I mean, his pitches are weaker
than expected.
We won't often see him
do the same as in the video.
He may not strike the players out,
but still
Right, he makes ground balls
by throwing cutters,
but we're weak
in terms of infield defense.
The Vikings don't mind it
since they're strong in that regard.
I'm sure Mr. Kim knows it, too.
Let's call it a day.
Hello?
Are you feeling a chill?
Did you take medicine?
Oh, right. You can't take any.
What should we do?
The situation isn't so good right now.
Okay.
It's around this time you get demotivated.
Of course not.
Picking foreign players is like farming.
I'm going to go at this with persistence.
I'm still full of energy.
That's good to hear.
What about our dinner today?
I've found a restaurant.
What's on the menu?
It's Mexican food.
Let's eat Korean.
Okay. Fortunately, there's
a Korean restaurant nearby.
It specializes in stew.
I don't feel like eating stew either.
Well
you know.
What?
You know what.
What?
Is he here to write a food column?
Isn't it hard driving?
No, it's okay.
Thank you.
So where are we having dinner today?
What on earth is it that you want to eat?
You know, something spicy
that you have to boil at home.
You mean ramyeon?
Oh, gosh.
Where can we eat ramyeon?
My house is near here.
What are you doing?
You're not feeling well.
I was doing it for a short time
to forget about the pain.
We have guests. They're outside.
Now?
Thank you.
It must be hard for you.
I'm worried.
Thank you.
Why don't you join us?
No, it's okay.
Thank you for the food.
You should take a picture.
Right.
-Oh, the bowl is Excuse me.
-No.
Don't bother.
It won't be a problem eating.
Why don't you join us?
I don't think
we need a meeting with Herbert.
But, actually, the other candidates
are worse than Herbert.
I see.
Let's move.
Is there a problem?
The car's out of fuel.
The engine might stop soon.
What?
It's okay. It happens.
Nothing ever goes right.
Where are we?
What do we do now?
Mr. Baek.
THREE DAYS AGO
Boo.
Gosh. We're on a date here,
which we haven't done in Korea.
What nonsense is that?
Push off, you punk.
Come on. You can't walk around alone
like this in a foreign country.
Aren't you tired?
And you? You didn't go to bed yet.
I just can't sleep.
I guess we must've persuaded Andy
more instead.
But this is what Mr. Baek decided.
It'd be worse if Mr. Baek
thought the same.
He already has a lot
to straighten out now.
-What?
-Nothing.
By the way, I guess Robert Gil
likes baseball a lot.
What are you talking about?
He seemed to know a lot
about baseball yesterday.
You don't know
Gil Chang-ju, the baseball player?
Robert Gil is Gil Chang-ju.
Sorry?
You still have a long way to go.
Come on.
I just forgot for a moment.
I know who Gil Chang-ju is.
If you're going to go talk to him
as if you know him,
you'd better get back and sleep.
Why?
He hasn't retired yet.
It seems like he's training
to play as a professional player.
Don't interrupt him.
You must be exhausted.
You didn't go to bed yet.
Hello, Mr. Baek.
You're out for a stroll too?
Yes. I just couldn't fall asleep,
so I came out here.
I see.
-Wait.
-I'm on the same page.
GIL CHANG-JU
A young pitcher with a promising future.
The man who betrayed his nation
is on the decline.
The pitcher with nine wins
in the MLB has been released.
He played for the national team
four times.
His pitches are
The best we've seen in the States.
Hold on. I need to go to the hotel.
Hey, where are you?
Have you known from the start?
I was going to tell you
but I thought it had nothing to do
with his job as our guide, so I didn't.
How did you know?
Well
his analysis was quite impressive.
He knew too much about baseball
for a non-player.
So I shook his hand,
and he had the hand of a pitcher.
Mr. Gil!
Hello.
Please throw with all your might.
Hey, come on. You are--
It's okay. I'm fully equipped.
-If I throw with all my might
-It's all right!
I'm ready!
Now I feel great.
Are you okay?
Can you catch more?
No, I can't.
I'm sorry for interrupting.
It's okay.
How is your elbow?
Sorry?
You had surgery on the ligament.
Well
I do pitching training
because I feel anxious.
I just want to check if it's okay
like the doctor said. I'm fine.
I see. It's good to hear that.
You really work hard.
This is all I've got.
My hand never lies.
You know I caught the balls Miles threw.
Thank you.
You didn't pitch with your utmost effort?
I did.
You really did your best
even though I'm not a player?
Hold on a second.
You can't retire like this.
What about playing in Korea?
Hey.
What?
That's so kind of you.
But you know I'm legally American now.
What about becoming naturalized
in Korea again?
It's not that easy.
And even if I do so,
I can't play, since the KPB
plans to impose a punishment on me.
Who would recruit a player like me?
Did you say punishment?
When I came
to the States, things got complicated.
I didn't know about it,
but my team didn't inquire
about my status as a player
to the KPB back then.
I also heard the contract I made
in high school was against regulations.
So, currently, I'm suspended
from playing in the league.
Didn't you request the KPB
cancel disciplinary action
while playing in the States?
If you've ever thought
you'd go back to Korea someday
Even if the suspension is lifted,
people would see me
as a bad guy who evaded
my mandatory military service.
You finally became
a promising rookie pitcher
in the MLB after such hardships.
Enlisting in the army so suddenly
must've not been easy.
But many people said
they would understand even if you
chose to become American.
Actually
my wife was really sick back then.
She needed a heart transplant
as she had a tumor in her heart.
But the waiting list
was too long in Korea.
I couldn't leave my sick wife alone
to go back to Korea
and enlist in the army.
If I went back then
my wife wouldn't be here with me.
Why haven't you tried to explain it
through the press?
Being there for my wife was my choice.
I couldn't let my wife be criticized
for what I chose to do.
Fortunately,
she's much healthier now.
I have no regrets,
but I should still be blamed.
It must have seemed selfish.
No, I am selfish.
I don't expect to be forgiven.
I also shouldn't tell people
I'll make up for it with baseball.
I let others feel deprived.
I can't make up for something
like that with what I love.
It's just absurd.
Then are you planning
to play baseball in America
while remaining unforgiven?
At times,
the Korean players who play in the MLB say
that they want to retire in Korea.
But I don't deserve to even say that.
Well,
you can always dream about it.
You were injured and weren't playing well
before you were released, right?
But still,
I haven't quit or anything.
My wife is expecting.
I have one more person
to take responsibility for.
Though I've got a lot on my shoulders,
when I think about my wife,
who has been believing in me
and the baby that's coming
it gives me strength.
If you called beforehand,
you wouldn't have wasted your time.
I'll see you in Korea.
Sure.
I'm sorry.
No.
You don't need to be sorry.
I don't think
we need a meeting with Herbert.
Let's move.
I shouldn't have watched
Chang-ju pitch that day.
It only raised the bar.
If a player doesn't live up to
your expectations, we shouldn't sign him.
What do you mean?
So, where are we having dinner today?
What on earth is it that you want to eat?
You know, something spicy
that you have to boil at home.
Do you mean ramyeon?
-Thank you.
-You're welcome.
Please join us.
No, it's okay.
Thank you for the food.
According to the rules on signing
international players
I've looked into Articles 9, 10,
and Chapters 9, 10,
regulations
on signing international players.
But I couldn't find
any significant problems.
Yes.
Regarding the indefinite disqualification,
I request a disciplinary discharge.
Mr. Baek.
There's a gas station
five kilometers from here.
Really? That's a relief.
I'll be back.
Get some rest where it's safe.
Are you going alone?
It sounds like you want me to go with him.
No, I will run myself to death.
I'll go.
I'll feel sorry if you can't keep up.
I'll go by myself.
Some people still confuse me
as an athlete.
Let's go.
He's an earnest person, isn't he?
When men get married,
they must
feel a sense of responsibility like him.
Some people do, and some people don't.
Sure.
Whether you're married or not,
if you become weak,
people around you suffer.
So he must have abandoned the illusion
of him being the best already.
He only hopes to be someone
who can do well enough
to protect the people around him.
The president?
No.
Then
Yes, this is
General Manager Baek Seung-soo.
Yes.
Really?
All right.
Yes.
You should get to work, Ms. Lee.
He wanted some quick feedback
after watching the pitching video
as soon as it was sent.
Is it Miles?
We could always take him
if he's not injured.
Wait.
Who is that?
Isn't that Gil Chang-ju?
Why did he send us this video?
Our second-string pitcher.
I thought we were signing
a foreign player.
He's an American.
But still, is that even possible?
He said the association
already approved this.
Even if it's been approved,
it's morally wrong.
Don't you know
obeying the law is what's right?
You finally said it right.
This is just wrong!
He's back in shape.
His center of gravity shift
is more natural.
His pitching looks powerful.
We can't even guarantee
that he'll adapt well.
He's just pitching without a hitter.
You trying to be criticized
the whole season?
Has that general manager gone crazy?
Aren't you afraid of
being criticized for not playing well?
What did you say?
Listen.
Let's stop being criticized
for being bad at baseball.
Let's be criticized
for something else for a change.
Yong-gu and Chul-min.
Yes.
Watch carefully.
Do you think we can sign
a better foreign player
for $500,000?
No.
I don't think so.
I'm sorry I'm late.
We can fill this up
and get to the gas station.
Then we can go.
No, I don't think
we're in that much of a hurry.
We have a long way to go.
I have a question, Chang-ju.
Okay.
Were you aware your disciplinary action
had been discharged eight years ago?
No.
I also found out about it just now.
I've looked into Articles 9, 10,
and Chapters 9, 10,
regulations
on signing international players.
I couldn't see a problem,
so I requested it be discharged.
Why would you do that?
I'm trying to make you an offer.
INTERNATIONAL PLAYER EMPLOYMENT, CONTRAC
I'll propose a salary
of $500,000 a year.
There are many reasons.
One,
you haven't gotten any offers
from other teams yet.
I know it sounds harsh,
but the unfavorable party
must risk any damage.
Two,
I expect we'll have to cope
with critical opinions.
Everyone will understand why we signed you
as the season begins.
But until then,
we have too much time left on our hands.
If we tell them we've signed you
for 500,000,
it'll be more justifiable.
Three,
our goal was to sign a pitcher
who can get us 15 wins
for $500,000 in the first place.
I'd like to go back
with that goal accomplished.
I
I don't
I don't know what to tell you.
I'm not sure if it's right to say
in such an unbelievable situation
but it's hard for me
to sign the contract easily.
Is our offer too small?
I'm worried what people who've served
and their families might think of me.
Whenever I wanted to return to Korea,
I stopped myself with this thought.
But now that it's stuck in my head,
I don't think I can go back for real.
If I go back as a foreign player
I will be playing with the name
Robert Gil.
My parents will not be
happy about it either.
People might consider my return
a result of my failure, too.
That scares me the most.
My goodness.
Then tell me.
What did you train yourself that hard for?
To return to the Major League?
Once I give
an acceptable result
in the Major League
I'll be welcomed then.
Do those people hate you
because of poor results?
No.
It's because you haven't fulfilled
your military duty.
It's not because of
your results or ability.
If a part of you still doesn't want
to be hated by anyone,
then I can't say
you're desperate for real.
Well
I offered you a contract with us,
expecting you to be desperate.
Do you think it was easy
for me to decide this?
Mr. Gil.
Do you really not have any reason
to be desperate?
What's wrong?
What is it?
I can play baseball again.
Mr. Baek wants me to join his team.
I was so scared
you might not be able
to play baseball anymore because of me.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have landed
at Incheon International Airport.
Please remain seated
until the plane comes to a complete stop
and the seat belt sign is turned off.
Be careful when opening the overhead bins,
as items may fall.
We're going to keep
trying our best to help you travel
safely and comfortably.
Thank you.
It's Gil Chang-ju!
-Mr. Gil!
-There he is.
-Mr. Gil Chang-ju!
-Please look here.
I told you I could bet
that we would be the ones to smile first.
Do you think the reporters
are welcoming him with flowers?
I think they're here
to gnaw at his remarks instead.
Right, so we've arranged
a press conference.
So you can leave first.
I guess you enjoy buzz marketing.
Please come to the center.
How do you feel now?
How do you feel coming back
to Korea as a foreign player?
Do you think you can be back
on the field as a pitcher?
Chin up.
You've come here
to throw a ball on the mound
in front of millions.
This is not even a big deal.
Let's go.
Okay.
-Mr. Gil, please look here.
-Mr. Gil.
How does it feel to be in Korea?
PRESS CONFERENCE 2019
ON ROBERT GIL JOINING THE DREAMS
I'm Kim Jung-gu of Financial Modern.
Let me make my question
short and straight to the point.
Why Gil Chang-ju?
Well, he can throw a strong fastball
wherever he wants.
That's the kind of player he is.
I'm Lee Jin-soo of Jonghap Daily.
They say the year depends
on which foreign player you scout.
I'm curious if this was your best choice.
Yes, of all the options we had.
Did you consider
what the Korean people would think?
We brought the best player
we could choose,
although his past isn't so ideal.
Does that mean you don't care
as long as he's good at baseball?
We brought him with the expectation
of seeing him play well.
And
"It doesn't matter
as long as he's good at baseball"?
Is there anyone who thinks so?
I'm Lee Se-young, operations manager.
We've seen him from up close,
and he's the responsible head
of his household
who doesn't look back on his flashy past.
He's ashamed and regretful of his past.
That is why he didn't have
the courage to come back to Korea
from the States,
where opportunities are scarce.
We persuaded him to join us.
I'm Jung Soon-geun of Jungdong Daily.
Mr. Gil became a US citizen
to avoid his military duty.
If he gets to play baseball again
in this country,
other Korean men
will most likely feel deprived.
What will you do about it?
Jungdong Daily?
I won't deny that Mr. Gil played
a role in that sense of deprivation.
I'm aware of it,
and he's aware of it, too.
Right, he will have to bear with criticism
that's much harsher
than that against people
like the heir of a press company
or son of a politician
who has been exempted from military duty
for excuses like essential hypertension.
But you know what?
There was a young baseball player
with a promising future.
He was selected as the ace player
of the national youth team.
He played in a total of four games,
two preliminaries.
He was the winning pitcher for
the semifinals, and for the finals,
he was the relief pitcher.
His team won the championship,
but unfortunately, he injured
the ligament of his elbow.
He went to the States for surgery
and focused on rehab.
GIL GETS SURGERY IN THE US
After the rehab, his results came out.
NINE WINS THIS SEASON
Then he finally got recognized.
However,
he was faced with the time
to join the army
when he finally became
a promising rookie in the Major League.
Around that time, there was a survey
for which 70 percent of answers
were favorable to naturalization.
Are you saying
his naturalization was just?
I do not think it was just,
and that is why
I'm making it a long story.
-What?
-Goodness.
Perhaps he trusted
the survey results too much,
but he made a mistake
in becoming naturalized.
But then he injured his elbow again.
In the end, he was dropped from the team.
His baseball career was put to a stop.
Are you saying he sacrificed
his elbow for his country?
It sounds like he needs
to be compensated or something.
No, I'm just saying that man
wishes to keep playing baseball.
He wants to continue his career
even as a foreign player.
Will that move baseball fans?
Even if it's your first time
joining the Asian Games,
winning a gold medal once
exempts you from your military duty.
Recently, the National Assembly
has been discussing
whether to change this system
into a mileage system.
Mr. Gil here was on
the youth national team for two games
and participated in the WBC two times.
That's his record as a national athlete.
Are you degrading
an Asian Games gold medal?
Miles. Griffin.
Those players have never been
to Korea before.
They will be playing on the mound
as foreign players
while Mr. Gil has the record
of being a national athlete four times.
I'd like you to give him
a chance to play baseball
at least like them.
It's not Gil Chang-ju,
but Robert Gil who will be on the mound.
Can I ask you one last question?
I'm Kim Young-chae of Baseball Is Life.
There might be a way
for him to be forgiven.
What do you think about him
serving in the army now?
Did you bring a troublemaker?
If he were that great,
why would he come for only 500,000?
The reporters wouldn't want to come.
I have a lot of questions.
You're right. We're running away.
She'll keep hitting our sore spots
and think it's journalism.
I don't know why you scouted me.
Who would assist whom?
Please just do as much work
as others in your position.
You crossed the line earlier.
Do you think you'd be able
to not blame yourself if you were me?
You're good at your job
because we're related by blood.
How can you make such a decision
without a proper reason?
-Hey.
-I wonder why a smart man
would oppose me. Let me tell you.
It's a decision.
And the resolution of our group.