Made in Korea (2026)

[bunniefuu]

[birds calling]

[woman] Kolappalur,

even the people of Tamil Nadu

have no clue where this village is.

It's so remote

that there's

no cellphone signal there either.

[serene music playing]

In that very small village,

there lived a girl with a big dream.

You know what her dream was?

To go to Korea.

She wanted to visit Korea

at least once in her life.

[pleasant music playing]

[music continues]

[alarm ringing]

[upbeat music playing]

Every eye is dreamin'

Life keeps something brewin'

[in Korean] One bite, one bite,

just try one bite!

New roads keep appearin'

Heartbeats keep on thumpin'

[in Korean] Take care!

Yes, I'm just walking down. Yes.

I'll be there in a bit.

Okay, see you soon!

Journey callin'

Fervy movin'

Closer to many riz

I need this swirl to chill

Allow to take ma quill

[both in English] Yay! Finally,

we are going to meet Shenba! Whoo!

[woman] So if I tell you

that four people from Korea

are coming to see

that village girl with a big dream,

would you believe me?

My name is Shenba. Shenbagam.

I want to take a flight someday.

I want to fly to my favorite place, Korea.

Do you know why I started

dreaming about this place?

Because of my school play.

While Miss Matilda made us play

Subramania Bharathi, Subhash Chandra Bose,

Mother Teresa

I chose to be her Shenbavalam.

Don't know who I'm talking about?

Even I didn't know her until the play.

It's the story of a Tamil girl

who travels from Kanniyakumari to Korea.

If I told you that the culture

and traditions of Tamil Nadu,

along with the countless Tamil words,

are in use in Korea to this day,

would you believe it?

The reason for that is none other

than Queen Senbavalam.

Everybody saw me as that queen that day

and I got a standing ovation.

You should have seen my father.

He was so happy.

[pleasant music playing]

By the way, Shenbavalam,

yesterday in that school play,

you really k*lled it

with that queen costume.

Well done! [chuckles]

[in Korean] Gamsahabnida.

[in English] Hi, Shenbavalam.

Go, Shenbavalam.

[Shenbagam] After that day, everyone

started calling me "Shenbavalam".

I started learning

a lot about the Korean culture.

I even started learning the language.

[playful music playing]

Uh

[in Korean] Gomavo Gomawoyo!

Mianhae Mianhaeyo.

[in English]

Hey, what the hell are you blabbering?

Shh.

Learning English. [grunts]

Shenba!

-Yes?

-Play it loud

so that we can also hear the song.

You won't understand this song.

Are you listening to hip-hop?

Mm-hm. It's K-pop!

[Shenbagam] This is Mani.

I loved him as much as I loved

the idea of going to Korea.

I have to get to Korea somehow.

Hey, hey, hey, hey!

I'll tell you how to get there.

Okay, tell me.

[Mani] Go to a local railway station,

get a ticket to Korea,

hop on the train, and on you're own way.

Sir, what time is the train to Korea?

[man] Korea go to Platform One.

The train will come in half an hour.

Have you lost your mind?

How can you go to Korea by train?

I don't know, Dad. My classmate Mani

told me to that the train--

Forget what he said.

Don't you have a brain?

Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!

Can I have two more idlis, please?

Listen! Just call me if you need anything.

Don't disturb my daughter.

Shenba, go and manage the counter.

[Shenbagam]

My dad had a very simple dream.

He wanted to hand over his eatery

to me when I grew up,

and turn this place

into a fancy restaurant.

Tenth grade is almost done, guys.

What are your plans?

I'm going to join

a computer science group.

Science. Doctor.

I'm still thinking.

Mmm.

Do you guys know any group I can join

where I can make lots of money?

Why are you staring at me?

I'm going to travel to Korea.

Oh, really? By train?

[all laugh]

[Shenbagam]

Because of my obsession with Korea,

my mom and dad would often have fights.

Dad would say, "Just calm down.

She'll forget about it when she grows up."

[train horn honking]

But I didn't forget anything.

In fact, as I grew older,

my desire to go to Korea grew stronger.

Just like me,

my dad had his own dream, too.

Since he wanted me to convert

his eatery into a fancy restaurant,

he sent me to a college in a nearby town

to study hotel management.

You don't have

a single asset in your name.

What do I keep as collateral?

Sir, I really have to get to Korea.

Please approve my loan.

All right, let's say

I approve this loan for you.

-You will go and settle down in Korea.

-[bell rings]

How will I collect on the loan?

Do you expect me to follow you there?

[chants prayers]

Is there something else I can do?

Well, there is another way.

You could apply for an education loan,

get a student visa, and study in Korea.

Then I'll think about it.

Hmm.

You know what I don't understand?

You're taking such a big loan

to go to Korea.

What's so special about it?

Sir, tell me who's your favorite hero?

Why did you get married to your wife?

Why did you choose

to be a manager in this bank?

Some questions are best left unanswered.

I want to go there, that's all.

[Manager scoffs]

You sure have an attitude.

Who's Shenbagam here?

That's my daughter. What's the matter?

You said our daughter will

support us when we get older.

She went to Coimbatore

to apply for a passport.

We live together, but she doesn't think

it's important tell us anything.

Such double standards.

Do you tell her everything, too? Tell me?

If she gets a job in Korea,

I'm sure they're going to fire her

on the first day.

Mom! If you have something to say,

say it to my face.

Oh, you really think I'm scared of you?

[Shenbagam scoffs]

Look at your father. All he thinks about

is his restaurant and his house.

Exactly. She doesn't

want to end up like him,

that's why she's flying off to Korea.

-Hey, mind your own business.

-[scoffs]

Ask her what she's up to now.

-Just go inside.

-Okay, I'll go.

But instead of just

calling your daughter a queen,

think of finding a suitable match for her.

[melancholy music playing]

Listen Shenba, I'm not as

young and healthy I used to be.

I thought after getting you married

I would hand over the restaurant

to you and retire peacefully.

Then two random people walked in,

asking me if you were my daughter.

Do you know how much that scared me?

-Dad--

-Whatever you want to do,

at least tell me.

Think about it.

[upbeat music playing]

[cell phone buzzing]

You're welcome, sir.

[automated voice]

The person you have called

[cell phone buzzing]

The person you have called

What the hell is wrong with this man?

Hello?

[man] Hey, Mani, when the hell

are you going to pay me back?

I can't pay you back right now, sir.

You came to the bank

begging me for a loan--

Yeah, I made a mistake.

Taking a loan from you was a mistake.

If you don't pay up what you owe,

then I'll make sure to come there and

I'll humiliate you in front of everyone.

[clicks tongue]

Sir, sorry, sir.

I'll try and pay you back

in a week anyhow.

Now I want the entire amount.

Hang up now!

[melancholy music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

Hey.

What is it?

How long are you going

to keep avoiding me, Mani?

You really think I'm avoiding you?

Can't you see I'm busy working?

Oh, is that so?

[sighs] Never mind.

When are you going to come

talk to my father?

[Mani sighs]

What do you want me

to come and tell your father?

That I serve drinks and sing

in a bar for a living?

All my friends have made it big in life.

Just look at me.

I'm struggling. I'm stuck over here.

And my father's debts

they just keep piling up on my head.

And you expect me to forget about it?

Listen, I'm sorry.

Please give me some time.

I'll talk to your father soon.

I'll fix everything and come get you.

Whenever I'm mad and come talk to you,

you say something like this

and I just forget about everything.

[sighs heavily]

We fought about this a hundred times.

More like a thousand times.

[Tamil song playing]

[Mani] Remember I told you

about a friend in Mumbai?

I've been planning

to start a business with him.

If it goes well,

it will all work out fine.

-[cell phone buzzing]

-Look, that's him. One second.

Hey, are you hungry?

-I'll call you when it's ready. Relax.

-Bloody stupid.

[clicks tongue]

It's boiling, it's boiling.

Be careful, careful.

Listen. Boys your age

have all found good jobs

and settled in Chennai and Bangalore.

Why don't you also look for a job there?

Sir

with all due respect,

I know what I'm doing with my life.

Shenba, you haven't taken your eyes

off your phone even for a minute.

You so disrespectful.

She doesn't really care.

Mom, what the hell is your problem?

Every time we come here

you keep saying that you're

about to get your daughter married.

But it doesn't seem

like it'll ever happen.

-Aunty.

-Huh?

You're here for the festival.

Have a good time,

enjoy the food, and leave.

[scoffing]

Listen to me.

Look for a nice boy for her

and get her married.

[Shenbagam scoffs]

[quirky music playing]

Mom, why are you doing this?

You know I don't want to--

Why, what's wrong?

They're just here to see you.

They'll meet you and then leave.

We'll talk about all of this later.

Right now, I just want you to put on

some makeup and get ready.

Just wants to argue all the time.

The weather is really nice.

Just like Bangalore. But it's colder here.

I studied in Ooty.

Engineering, IT job, monthly 90k salary.

I have a car, too.

You don't care about all this. I know.

Two days ago at the festival,

your father saw you with some other guy.

He told me this yesterday

because he wanted me to know

everything about you.

And I have no problem with that.

He also told me that you love Korea.

No problem.

I'll take you to Korea for a honeymoon.

Only if you say yes to me.

Okay.

I get it. I'll go down and figure out

how to put an end to this.

[Shenbagam]

He said he'll put an end to this.

Told me not to worry about anything.

But instead, he said yes to the marriage.

[melancholy music paying]

Hey, what do you want now?

What the hell's wrong with you?

You really don't know

what's wrong with me?

How would I know?

I thought my family

was just messing with me,

but they're serious about my marriage.

How long are we going

to meet each other like this, Mani?

You wanted to go to Korea.

Where did marriage come from?

Korea is my dream and I will get there.

That doesn't mean that

I'm never going to get married.

Listen to me.

Give me some time.

All I'm asking for is time.

I'll sort everything out.

-Please, just come and talk to my father.

-Just try and understand.

I'm sure if you talk to him

things will work out for us.

Please.

-Please-- [gasps]

-Shenba!

[dramatic music playing]

-What are you doing here?

-Dad?

-How dare you!

-[Shenbagam gasps]

-Dad!

-I saw you at the temple and I knew it.

But I never thought that

it would come to this.

Dad, just listen to what

he has to say. Please, Dad.

Let's hear it, then.

What you want to say?

You work in a bar,

and you want to marry my daughter?

-You have nothing to your name.

-Dad.

You're crossing the line, sir.

Where will she live?

On the streets, like you?

Dad, let go of him, please.

Just hear him out once.

-Shenba, come with me. Let's go.

-Dad!

[melancholy music playing]

-Dad

-Am I nothing to you?

Please don't say that, Dad.

-So you don't care anymore.

-Dad, it's not like that.

Dad!

You're going to regret this.

Take my word for it.

Are you happy now?

You wanted him to humiliate me?

Shenba, you want to be with me, right?

Then listen to me carefully.

Just come with me.

But you can't ask where I'm taking to you.

You understand?

You will never question me again.

Do you get it?

[Shenbagam] I went along with

whatever he said, no questions asked.

That's the kind of trust I had in him.

[train honks]

[pleasant music playing]

It was a new place.

I didn't know anybody there.

Except for him.

[inaudible]

Now go and get ready. I'll be back soon.

We both didn't know

what the future holds for us.

We had no clue what would happen next.

For the first time I was away from home,

away from my dad.

I felt lonely.

But I knew in my heart

that Dad would only be thinking about me.

[gentle music playing]

[gentle music continues]

[waves lapping]

[enbagam] I think I should go back.

We're in this because of me.

But I don't know how I'll face my dad.

Why do you want to go back?

Now listen to me.

Your life will be ruined

if you stay with me,

keeps playing again and again in my head.

That's why we're going to move to Korea.

We'll find jobs there,

and we'll live there.

What are you talking about?

I don't get it.

Listen, financially you're

struggling a lot, I know.

I know Korea is my dream,

but let it be for now.

At the moment we need to pay our bills.

You need to find a job. I need a job.

If we work over here,

then all we'll do is survive.

You don't need to worry about the money.

I'll manage.

I've applied for our passports.

It's a good agency.

All legal formalities are complete.

We'll get the passport soon.

And over there,

there's a job waiting for you

at a five-star hotel.

The agency said they'll take care of it,

and that you'll get an official

job offer letter.

At least your job is confirmed.

I'll find a job too.

It's so hard living here without my dad.

I don't know how I'm going to live

without him in Korea. Please.

Look, Shenba.

We've known each other for nine years.

Just trust me.

[Shenbagam] If he said something,

I just believed him.

I really don't know why.

Just as he had said,

25 days later, we left for Korea.

[siren wailing]

-Hello, are you done with your work?

-Hello.

It's going to take little longer.

I need to exchange money.

I'll be there soon.

[gentle music playing]

I'm almost there. Coming.

You go ahead and check-in.

I'm almost there.

[female announcer] Dear passengers,

as we prepare to head towards

the Korean Peninsula,

please ensure your seatbelts

are securely fastened.

and your seats and tray tables

are in their full upright

and stowed position.

-Hello?

-[Mani] I'm coming. Just two minutes.

-Where the hell are you?

-I'm in the airport. Just hang on.

I've already boarded the aircraft.

Okay, okay, relax. I'm coming. I'm coming.

[phone beeps]

[suspenseful music playing]

[cell phone ringing]

Hello?

Uh Look,

I know that you're really upset with me.

Just get to the point.

I just wanted to say that I--

What do you want to say?

I'm on my way to Korea.

What's the point now?

You humiliated you dad

when he came to see you.

Dad came to see me?

[thunder rumbling]

You insulted him

and then you had the audacity

to take money from him?

Mom, what are you talking about?

Sir, what are you doing here?

What the hell do you want?

She had applied for a loan at the bank.

I have got the money

and I don't want her money.

Just call her, I'll give it to her.

She doesn't want to see you!

Don't create a scene here.

For God's sake, just leave.

Listen, there's no need

to tell her all this.

She needs to know what happened.

[thunder rumbling]

Sir, why the hell are you still here?

I don't have time for this.

Tell her to come out and take the money.

I told her that you're here,

but she doesn't want to come and see you.

It's her money, give it to her.

[Shenbagam's mom] You really think

you got a loan from the bank?

Who would give you a loan?

That was his own money.

All his life savings.

[pilot] We are lining up on the runway.

Cabin crew,

please take your seats for take-off.

Please ensure your seatbelts are fastened

Oh, I'll just call you back.

[dialing]

[sighs]

[cell phone vibrating]

[pilot] Our flying time to Mumbai

is one hour and forty minutes.

The weather in Mumbai is clear and sunny.

[operator] The number you are calling

is either switched off

or not reachable at the moment.

Please try later.

[pilot] Thank you

for choosing to fly with us today.

Enjoy the flight.

And my father's debts,

they're piling up on my head.

Just give me some time.

Remember I told you about

a friend in Mumbai?

I've been planning on starting

a business with him.

Tell her to come out

and take the money from me now.

She doesn't want to see you!

You don't need to worry about the money.

I'll manage.

Just come with me, but you can't ask

where I'm taking you, you understand?

You will never question me again,

do you get it?

[Shenbagam's dad] He is going to

abandon you one day.

It's only a matter of time.

Good evening, ma'am. What's your name?

Uh, Shenbagam.

What are you doing in Korea?

Well, I'm here for work,

uh, for 12 months.

And this this is the visa.

[officer in Korean] Next.

[Shenbagam]

My first ever international trip.

Seoul, Korea.

I used to dream about coming here.

I thought I'd be happy when I come here,

but today, I have no reason to be happy.

-[performer in Korean] Ready?

-[crowd] Yeah.

Wow! That's so cool.

[shivering]

Wow!

Wow! Thank you so much.

[gasps]

[effort grunts]

Sir, Hotel Niagara?

Uh, Hotel Niagara?

[in Korean] Sorry, I don't know.

[in English] Hotel Niagara. Can you?

Booked, booked, already booked.

Hotel Niagara?

-Okay, okay.

-[effort grunts]

[effort grunts]

Hello.

Passport.

[cell phone beeps]

[Mani] What I did was wrong

and I know that.

I had no other choice.

I wish it wasn't like this.

I did what I did

because I thought it's best for you.

And whatever happened,

you're in Korea now.

Otherwise,

your dream would never have come true.

I am not in a position to think

whether I was right or wrong

but you're finally in Korea

and that is all that matters.

Hope you have a good life.

Wish you all the best.

-[scoffs]

-[cell phone thuds]

[in Korean] Excuse me,

do you not see a queue?

Please stand at the back of the queue.

[thunder rumbling]

[device beeps]

[device beeps]

Scan your bus card here, please.

[in English] Um, money?

No.

[in Korean] Scan your bus card here

or de-board the bus, please.

[train horn blowing]

[rain pattering]

-[distant siren wailing]

-[clicks tongue]

[door bell jingling]

[in Korean] Welcome!

[in English] Uh, one soju.

Ah, one soju?

No! Somaek, Somaek. Two.

[grunts]

-[grunts]

-[line ringing]

Mani, come on, answer the call.

Answer the call. I want to talk to you.

Pick up the call!

[line ringing]

[line disconnects]

Call me!

I want to talk to you right now. Call me!

If you don't call me now,

I will never speak to you again.

Answer the call!

[sighs, grunts]

[wearily] Answer my call.

[sobs softly] Please.

[sniffles]

Hmm?

-[grunts]

-[man] Oh.

[couple quarreling]

[in Korean] Stop!

[both continue quarreling]

-[man] Uh

-[gasps]

[in English]

I left everything behind for you.

How dare you break my trust like this?

Huh?

We have been together for eight years

and you just abandoned me?

How could you do this? [sobs]

[sniffles]

You're a cheat.

What? What?

Get lost!

Come on.

Sit down.

He asked you to come along

so you just went along? Are you stupid?

Serves you right. You deserve it.

You hurt your parents

and that is why he hurt you.

Karma! Karma!

Wipe your tears.

Hmm?

[clicks tongue] Stop crying.

[sighs]

[cell phone ringing]

[clicks tongue] Not this idiot.

What?

Didn't I tell you

the moment I saw that guy

that he's good for nothing?

But you didn't listen.

You did what you always wanted to do.

Now pack your bags and come back.

I can't. Why should I?

What will do there? Tell me.

"Oh, Dad, please forgive me."

You want me to come and apologize to him?

Why not?

You don't know anyone in that country.

What the hell are you gonna do?

I will figure it out.

This is my favorite country.

I can live here. Just leave me alone.

-Why are you still here?

-Hmm?

He's left already.

Hmm?

[officers singing in Korean]

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

[all cheering]

[hiccupping]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[woman in Korean] It's done.

[in English] Oh, no.

I forgot to pay for the drinks.

[grunts, sighs]

[officer in Korean] Oh, who bought this?

[imperceptible conversation]

[sighs]

[in Korean] No, give it to her first.

[woman laughing]

Okay, okay, okay, here.

Tell me something.

Who the hell goes around town

slapping people randomly?

Don't you know that it's ill*gal, huh?

[in English] I don't get it.

Why am I here?

For drinking or hitting someone?

[in Korean] Someone's here

and they're asking about this woman.

-Really?

-Yes.

[in English] What is going on?

[in Korean] How can I help you?

Is there a foreign lady

who was brought in here?

About this tall?

You her guardian?

Yeah, sure.

[sniffles]

So, you're telling me that

this man was hitting his girlfriend?

-Yeah, yeah.

-And this woman slapped the guy

to save her?

Sorry for all the trouble.

[officer] Bring her.

Here you go. Sign on the dotted line.

-Get this signed and she can leave.

-[in English] Sign, sign.

Who are you?

I should sign because you are saying so?

[sighs]

"If you sign, you can leave.

If you don't sign,

you will stay here, I will go."

I'm ready to sign.

Where Where do I sign? Where?

-[in Korean] You can take her now.

-Thank you, thank you, sir.

Let's go.

Thank you.

[in English] If a man had harassed

a woman like this

on the side of the road in my village,

I would've slapped him across his face.

[in Korean]

What in the world is she saying?

[scoffs]

-It sounds like she's cursing at me.

-Nothing at all, sir.

Just that she is grateful. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

[sighs]

[in English] Who are you?

I am Heo Jun-Jae.

Heo Jun-Jae what? Hey, you!

Why did you help me?

Who are you? What are you doing in Korea?

-I am Shenbagam.

-Mmm.

I am here for a job

at a big hotel, actually.

-Hmm.

-Azira Hospitality.

-Hmm.

-Mapo-gu area.

[clicks tongue] Be safe in Korea.

I'm okay.

[in Korean] Thank you.

[in English] Hey! Who the hell are you?

I see what you're doing here.

Why are you following me?

Do you know who I am? Huh?

Why are you following me?

What the hell do you want from me?

No, no, listen.

What is it? Speak up.

[in Korean] You see that?

[in English] My mom's house.

[in Korean] My mother lives there.

I come for kimchi.

[in Korean] Green onion kimchi.

[in English] Okay, so, I go.

-[clicks tongue]

-Oh! Wait, wait.

What is it?

Here you go. Your soju bill.

Next time you that you drink soju,

[in Korean] make the payment.

[in English] Must pay, huh?

This time I paid.

You don't pay this. This is ill*gal.

Okay? Bye.

[store assistant in Korean] Thank you.

-[in English] Card?

-What?

Um, bus card?

Ah, okay.

Where's this company? Can you help me?

Uh, is this the same?

[in Korean] Yeah, it's right over there.

Uh

[in English] See the logo. Where is it?

[gasps]

Same.

Not this. It's supposed to be a big hotel.

This one is small.

-[gasps]

-Same.

Same!

[teasing laugh]

[whooping]

I know it's fake letter.

If I tell you yesterday,

I told you, you don't believe me.

[in Korean] Look at this.

It's a fake company.

Fake letter. This is a scam.

Scam. Scam.

You got scammed.

Don't laugh at me!

I came here because of that letter.

There's no way I can go back home now.

I need a job, I need the money

and I [sighs]

I need a job.

I need money, cash.

Please, please help me.

In here,

Koreans themselves struggle find job.

Why do you think they would hire

Indians here?

[clicks tongue]

Okay, forget about it.

Do you have a job?

I told you. Vlog. YouTube.

Food, travel.

'Travel with Jun-Jae.'

-Everyone nowadays is a vlogger.

-I have 3,000 subscribers.

Hmm.

I want a real job.

I need to get paid. You understand?

[clicks tongue, sighs]

-See? Job, job, job.

-Jobs?

Um, uh, what do these What do these say?

Can you help me?

This one, this one.

Driver. Okay?

I don't have a licence.

Pets?

Hmm. It's okay. Give it to me. I will try.

Oh. Oh! This one, tour guide.

Who is going to guide me?

[imitates sweeping]

-Cleaner?

-No.

Gift packing.

Okay, give!

I'll come with you.

No need.

I-- I will handle it.

It's okay. I'll go on my own.

Wait.

[speaking Korean]

[automated voice in English]

Take this with you.

If you have this, it will help you.

What is this?

Translator.

Thank you.

[automated voice speaking Korean]

[chuckles]

Whatever I say,

will you translate it correctly?

I'm really, really hungry.

[automated voice speaking Korean]

I need a job right now!

[automated voice speaking Korean]

[speaking Korean]

[gasps]

Oh, sorry!

[Indian pop music playing]

You have to clean it.

Oh, no, no. No.

Don't worry, this is my house.

[playing traditional

Indian music on violin]

Hi. Hi, Shenba!

Job, job.

Ten minutes, come down. I'll pick you up.

Hello? Where are we going?

A job.

-Huh?

-Job. Job for you.

Mmm, if we ever get there on time.

-People are walking faster than us.

-What?

-Nothing, nothing. Keep going!

-Oh!

[in Korean]

Don't worry, I'll be there soon.

[in English] Okay.

[in Korean] How are you doing?

I'm fine, thank you. I had spoke to you

on the phone. I'm Heo Jun-Jae,

and her name is Shenba.

[in English] Hi, I am Hung Swa.

Oh, nice to meet you.

My mom is sick.

She can't move, walk or talk.

Only gestures.

She is You understand?

Yes, I understand.

Just do your best to take care of her.

-Oh, okay.

-That would be enough.

Okay, uh, but what's the job?

Caretaker. Ah, like, maid.

A maid?

Maid. Clean, clean, clean.

Oh.

He wants me to be a housemaid?

I've never ever done chores

in my own house.

You okay?

Sure, sir!

It will do it. I will take care of her.

At my own place,

I do all the work, you know.

This is my address.

-Oh.

-Morning, 10:00 a.m., come to my home.

Thank you.

[both in Korean] Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

Don't be late.

Omma.

Omma?

[in Korean]

I've found so many caretakers for you.

But I don't understand

why they all keep quitting.

I've managed to find another person,

but she can't speak Korean.

Try to work it out with her please.

[in English] Shenba.

Calling you.

She is my mother. Omma.

Always keep her clean, feed her on time,

and take care of her.

Okay, sir. Okay.

Keeping her clean is not your only job.

Keep the kitchen and floor clean.

We will come around eight o'clock.

Before that, do the work and leave.

Okay.

[clatter in distance]

[gasps]

-Kitchen, floor clean?

-Yeah.

-Omma is fine?

-Yeah, yeah, she's fine.

Okay, you can leave.

Come tomorrow morning.

-[clatter in distance]

-[gasps]

[gasps]

[gasps]

[distorted metal guitar playing]

[heavy drumbeat playing]

Stop!

Stop making noise.

[in Korean] Hey. Let's go.

Sure.

She's scary.

-[cymbal crashes]

-[both] Oh!

Muruga.

I've got this.

Food.

[gasps]

[in Korean] Don't ask me why I pretend

to be sick, because it's personal.

[in English] Ah, one minute.

[in Korean] Don't ask me why I pretend

to be sick, because it's personal.

[automated voice in English]

Don't ask me why I pretend to be sick,

because it's personal.

If you don't want

to be fired from this job,

you must do as I say.

Usually it takes ten days

for my caretaker to find out,

but you figured it out in three days.

I must say, you are way smarter

than you look.

You will not tell anyone about this.

You must keep your mouth shut.

Open your bag.

My bag?

[in Korean] Your bag!

[mother speaking Korean]

[automated voice in English]

This is my son's watch.

If you ever tell anyone about me,

I will tell everyone that you stole it.

And then I'll get you fired.

You get that?

Me?

Now

good girl.

Come tomorrow.

Okay?

Okay.

Oh, yeah!

[in Korean] It has been a while!

[in English] Huh? Nice? Nice?

Mmm, okay.

Thalaivar style!

Korean Sauna.

[in Korean] For two adults please.

[Tamil pop music playing]

[in English] Bye.

You enjoyed?

I did not, you sure did.

Come tomorrow.

Yeah, yeah.

-Bye!

-Bye!

The sky will guide you

As you rise up, it will hold you

The sky will guide you

To make you reach

It will stretch out its hand

The journey is big

[Saami on phone]

Yeah, we just came back from the hospital.

What did the doctor say?

Nothing much. He said everything is fine.

Listen, I know

what my father must be thinking about me.

You want to talk to him?

I'll give him the phone.

Hey, no, no! Stop it, Saami.

Why don't you just talk to him?

Just let it be, Saami.

I'll talk to him when I'm ready.

How long are you going to do this?

-Listen, I'll I'll talk to you later.

-Oh, hello! Hello?

What are you looking at?

I know you don't understand

a word I'm saying.

When my dad used to fall sick,

I would always be by his side.

But I'm not with him today.

I will pay him back one day.

And that's a promise.

I need to make money for that, you know.

To make you reach

It will stretch out its hand

I feel terrible for leaving my parents

behind. It's been very difficult.

I truly miss them.

The season of rain is ending

The journey is big

SOUTH GATE

Indian Queen.

Ah!

Good things are coming to you

Learn to forget the past

Start to realize your dreams

A wing sprouts to graze the heavens

One, two, three, four, five, six.

Six stones from India.

Truly, see the joy

Of fulfillment in your eyes

The sky will guide you

As you rise up, it will hold you

The sky will guide you

To make you reach

It will stretch out its hand

[Shenba] I had always dreamed of being

here in my favorite place one day.

I'm finally here, and I'm so happy.

[in Korean]

Do you realize that I saved you?

[in English] Ah, one minute.

Can you repeat that?

[in Korean]

Do you realize that I saved you?

[automated voice in English]

You haven't saved me.

-I don't understand.

-In fact, I saved you.

Three days after you started

working for us,

my son wanted to replace you.

But I told him not to do that.

[speaking Korean]

[automated voice in English]

So that's how I saved you.

I told him I want you and nobody else.

Thank you.

[automated voice]

I have a question for you.

Why didn't you tell my son

and his wife about me?

[laughs]

Are you kidding? I would have lost my job.

But more importantly,

I really love this job.

And I love this place too.

I don't want to ruin what I have.

Tell me, how did you know

that I wouldn't tell on you?

[automated voice speaking Korean]

Ah!

[speaking Korean]

[automated voice in English]

The moment I saw you,

I knew for a fact that I could trust you.

Tell me, how did you let

that boy deceive you,

and how did you land up here?

Same. Trust!

But why don't you trust your own son

and tell him the truth?

[automated voice speaking Korean]

[in Korean] When we were younger

[automated voice in English]

When we were younger,

my husband and I used to run a restaurant.

We were doing really well.

Our children had everything.

After our children grew up,

we thought that we should enjoy our lives.

Our children got married

and had their own children.

After my husband passed away,

my children shut the restaurant down

and asked me

to take care of their children.

On that date, I lost my identity.

I forgot who I was,

what I wanted in life,

and I let my dreams go.

So one day, I made the decision

that I will pretend to be unwell,

so that they can figure out

how to live their lives without my help.

But circumstances were such

that I was forced to rely on them forever.

And I did not like that at all.

I want to live the last days of my life

not being a burden on others.

I want to build something

that I can call my own.

[Shenba] Remember you said you want

to live the last days of your life

without depending on other people?

Those words keep echoing in my head.

The garlic rice and garlic pickle

at my father's eatery were really famous.

All his customers would advise him

to expand the space a little,

so that there's more place to sit.

My father wanted me to turn his eatery

into a fancy restaurant one day.

"It's all for you, not for me,"

he would say.

"After I'm gone, you shouldn't

be dependent on anyone.

You should have your own business."

He just kept saying that.

I never understood it. But now I get it.

Everything my father had dreamt

of doing with me,

I feel like I want to do that with you.

Should the two of us

start a small restaurant together?

[in Korean] I also

wanted to say the same thing.

[in English] Same idea.

This is all I have to give.

Take it.

First, we need a place.

ON SALE

[in Korean] Ah, doesn't this look

a little expensive to you?

We can at least check it out,

it's not going to cost anything.

Let's go.

What are you doing there? Come on!

Oh!

Thank you, have a nice day!

Ah, we will find another place.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

TO LEWe've seen a lot of properties

hope this one works out.

Absolutely.

Thank you, have a nice day!

[in English]

Why so much struggle for this? Leave it.

I'm not doing this just for her.

[Heo Jun-Jae in Korean] Yes?

Yes, but that place is very cramped.

Look, show me something

which has a low deposit.

All right.

[in English] Everyone is rejecting.

No space!

[in Korean] Can I have the check now?

You don't have to pay

any money today. It's free.

Why is it free?

Today is our last day here.

On Monday, we are opening

in another location.

Since you're our last customer,

we thought we'd treat you.

Sir, just a minute, I'm coming.

I found it!

They are closing today.

They are moving to another location.

-Isn't this place nice?

-Yes.

[exclaims]

Excuse me, sir.

Listen.

We were looking for a place

to open a restaurant.

Can you share the contact details

of the owner, please?

I need to call them. Thank you very much!

Oh, yes.

Shenba! Shenba! Shenba!

I think we'll get this place.

[in English] We can start restaurant here!

[exclaiming]

[laughs]

[siren wailing]

[in Korean] This is the same

police officer that arrested Shenba.

Who is responsible here?

[in English] Who will pay rent?

[in Korean] I, I I'll pay.

I'll pay it too.

What do you do for a living?

I do something like this,

I make vlogs and stuff.

[in Korean] I know you'll pay

the rent on time.

Mmm?

Even if you have to beat the hell

out of four people for it.

You look like a brawler.

She really does.

-Thank you!

-Have a nice day!

I think we got it.

-Right?

-Yes.

[exclaims]

[clicks tongue, in English]

Hey, what is it?

What's happening?

-[singing in Tamil]

-[soft music playing]

[translator on phone] You will pay

the rent even if you have

to beat people up to do so.

Yeah, yeah, don't worry.

I'll do it for sure.

[soft music continues]

[in English] Shenba, let's cut the ribbon.

Wait, my friends are coming.

In entire Korea, I am your only friend.

Just look at that group.

Everything is gonna be all right

Everything is gonna be all right

[singing continues in Tamil]

Everything is gonna be all right

Everything is gonna be all right

[singing continues in Tamil]

[all in Korean] Cheers!

[in English] What is this?

Makgeolli. This is a traditional

Korean drink.

Made with rice.

Kanji?

Rice kanji?

-Kanji.

-[chuckles]

Very nice.

[in English] Granny's Kitchen

is officially open!

[all cheering]

[soft music continues]

[in Korean] Hello!

Are you hiring a part-time worker?

Shenba. Part-time worker.

Kimchi fried rice is ready!

Here you go. Enjoy.

[in English] Please, sit.

Menu.

Everything's gonna be all right

-Would you like to pay?

-Welcome.

-Did the food taste good?

-Yes. It was very good.

-[in English] One kimchi fried rice.

-Kimchi?

[in Korean] We're out of kimchi.

This? Garlic rice? Sorry, we're out.

I can make some for you though.

I have an idea.

[in English] What is this?

[Shenba] Indo-kimchi fried rice.

Indo-kimchi?

[in Korean] So good.

It's really good.

I'll have one of those too.

We just got another order of that dish!

[gasps]

Everything's gonna be all right

[in English] May God help me.

Ah.

[in English] Shop opening video very good.

Uh, can you tell me how much money

do you make?

Honestly, very less.

Who will watch if you put

the same bullshit content?

Think of a new idea.

Ah.

Music. Music is famous.

Music! That's really good.

Everyone is doing music content.

What's new?

Simple.

Don't target your country's audience.

Target other countries' audience.

Everybody listens to Korean music.

A lot of people in my village

listen to Korean music.

A lot of people even travel to Korea

just like me.

Try to add Tamil lyrics

in your Korean music.

It's different. Come. Let's go.

[in English] Why are we here?

Um, to help make the kimchi.

-Help.

-Help.

[whispers] Ask them.

One minute. I'll ask.

Granny? Um

All of them are very talented.

Drums, oh, he's amazing with drums.

He's too good.

Violin He is [exclaims]

[all humming]

Oh, I'm blown away, I love it.

Too good. Too good.

So why don't we make

a band

Like K-pop?

Only if you guys are interested.

Otherwise, no problem.

I think it's a great idea.

We can upload the videos on YouTube.

Ah.

I have a separate channel.

I will sh**t and edit.

I will do everything. Heo Jun-Jae TV.

But we need

-Practice.

-Practice.

We need a space to practice.

Is that okay?

-Shenba

-Huh?

Seven o'clock, use this restaurant. Huh?

Yeah. Uh

So, seven o'clock, the kitchen closes.

So, you can practice

after the kitchen closes.

[all in Korean] Thanks!

[cell phone ringing]

-Hello, Shenba.

-Hello, sir?

You are taking good care of my mom.

I think she seems happy.

Actually, me and my wife were talking.

We're planning to visit our kids in Busan

this weekend.

Would you mind staying here

with my mom just for this weekend?

Okay, sir, I'll take care of her.

Don't worry about her.

Thank you so much, Shenba.

[exclaims] Yes!

-What are you doing?

-It's for our safety.

Move aside.

Safety?

Safety, what?

-[soft music playing]

-[singing in Tamil]

Listen, can you guess where Mani

is right now?

He's in jail.

Remember the guy who he went to

after betraying your trust?

That guy complained about Mani

and got him arrested.

You just say the word.

Even we'll file a complaint,

and put him behind bars forever.

Just let it go. How's dad doing?

He stole your dad's money.

He betrayed your trust as well.

And you're asking me to just let it go?

[sighs] You take care.

I'll call you later.

[upbeat music playing]

Let's go where the road takes us

Travel time to

Lost in the city to find ourselves

Let's go with the flow

You've got me crazy

Come, live it up

Let's show the world

You're on the groove

Show us the moves

We don't know where we're going

We are on our way

[singing continues in Tamil]

[gasps]

[in Korean] Excuse me!

Yes.

This and this.

-Kimchi fried rice?

-Yes.

Okay.

Enjoy your food!

-Excuse me.

-Yes?

-May I know who prepared this food?

-It was me.

-Is there anyone else working for you?

-No, only me.

It was tasty.

Thanks.

[upbeat Tamil folk music playing]

[imperceptible]

[in Korean] Guys! Listen to this.

"Hello! We are the ANI Team at Dream Hive.

About the short video which you sent us,

we appreciate your band's teamwork,

music, and talent.

It grabbed our team's attention.

We are eager to meet you all soon."

-[exclaims]

-[all cheering]

[in English] What?

Shenba big music label.

So many music videos.

-Meeting, meeting.

-Oh.

[all cheering]

Congratulations!

Congrats!

[in Korean] Thanks a lot, Shenba.

It's really a miracle.

So, what should we do now?

We should start working

to make a music video immediately.

We need to finetune our music,

visuals, and singing.

For that, we need a director to help us.

I know someone.

Who is that?

My ex.

That boy who I slapped?

Is he a director?

-Your ex?

-We are done for.

Jun-Jae.

Are they okay? They look sad.

Are they okay? Is everything all right?

[in English] Because we don't have money.

We don't have money to make the video.

I called up Granny that night.

I wanted to pay my dad back.

So I'd saved some money

and given it to her for safekeeping.

I asked her if I could have it back now.

She laughed and said, "It's your money,

you can do whatever you want."

Then I told her, "I'm not taking

this money back to give it to my dad.

I want to give it to the band."

She said nothing is more important

than my dad and hung up.

If I were to return the money to my dad,

it would have made me happy.

But if I were to give the money

to the band,

it would have helped them

to get to the next stage of their lives.

But the truth is, I was not demanding

that she give my money back.

I just wanted her to know that

there is nobody else here

that I can depend on.

Besides the money problems, my father

and everything else

that's happened with me,

the only thing that mattered

is what she thought of me.

I'm proud of you.

[sniffles]

Why are you crying?

My dear, don't cry.

[gasps]

It's them. Go!

Money!

Don't forget the money, it's here!

Keep it safe!

[gasps]

Shenba.

Sir.

-Hi, ma'am.

-Shenba.

Hot water, please.

Okay.

-Okay, sir. Okay, ma'am. Bye.

-Shenba.

Yeah.

What's in your bag?

Let me see your bag.

Let me see your bag.

Ma'am! Ma'am!

-Ma'am.

-Whose money?

Whose money? [in Korean] Honey.

I knew it. I told you something felt off.

[in English] Ma'am, this is mine.

This is mine, ma'am.

-You steal this from my house?

-No, sir.

[in Korean] She's such a thief.

A complete thief

-Sir, is this my money.

-Whose money is this? Whose money?

-Sir, sir, it's my money.

-Thief.

[in English] What's this?

-Ma'am.

-[yells] What's going on?

[in Korean] Shut up!

This is Shenba's money.

Give it back right now.

What the heck?

What do you think you're doing?

Eh?

Mom, have you been deceiving us

this whole time?

You've acted like you couldn't move

while planning this behind our back?

Who gave you the right

to talk to me like that?

Have you ever treated me like your mom?

What do you mean,

I didn't treat you like my mom?

Think carefully.

-Think carefully.

-Whatever.

Pack your things now.

Get out of my house.

You're going to Busan.

Shenba! [in English] Get out, now!

Get out now!

Shenba.

Take your money.

It's your money. Go.

Go!

[in Korean] What are you doing?

Why would you give that money to her?

That's Shenba's money. She earned it!

Ah.

So that's why

you lied to us

while running this restaurant.

You became a kitchen worker again

and wore this around?

I raised you by working in the kitchen.

That "kitchen worker"

gave you an education!

That's why you should rest!

Just take care of the kids and rest!

I don't want to!

I have my own things I want to do!

[breathing heavily]

[sniffles, sobs]

We also

have things we want to do.

We have to work too, you know.

Why do you keep working

[exclaims] Mom!

[siren wailing]

[somber music playing]

Yeon-Ok

Can you please help?

I need to see Yeon-Ok.

-Yeon-Ok? Okay, wait.

-Yeah, Yeon-Ok, yeah.

Please.

-Just there.

-Thank you.

-Sir, please.

-Why you come to here?

-Sir, please, sir, one minute.

-Go! No, no!

-Can I just see her once, please, sir.

-Get out, now!

-Get out!

-Sir, please.

-Ma'am, one minute, ma'am. Please.

-Shenba. Get out!

-Sir, don't do this, please.

-Get out now.

If I see you here again,

I will call the police.

Sir!

[sobs]

Shenba.

[sighs]

This is how I saw you for the first time.

But I didn't feel like crying then.

I can't see you like this.

I'm very scared.

I don't want anything to happen to you.

Nothing.

Please forgive me

if I've ever wronged you.

[soaring Tamil music playing]

Without knowing if I'd ever be able

to see her again,

I left the hospital.

Sometimes, you just can't express

the pain that's inside you to anyone.

And that's the greatest pain.

[bell rings]

Shenba

are you okay?

Here's the money for your music video.

[both cheering]

[in Korean] I think we can film it now.

[in English] Thank you so much, Shenba!

I know this money is

very important for you.

But you helped us, thank you.

[upbeat K-pop music playing]

Quick make-up touch up.

Ji-min!

Okay!

[cell phone chimes]

[intense music playing]

[female news announcer] Massive landslide

strikes Kolappalur after heavy rains.

Several homes destroyed.

Rescue operations intensified.

Kolappalur was severely affected

by a massive landslide

triggered by continuous heavy rainfall,

causing widespread destruction to homes,

roads and agricultural land.

The landslide occurred in the early hours,

catching many residents off-guard

and forcing families

to flee their homes in fear.

Local authorities reported that several

homes were either completely destroyed

or partially damaged,

leaving many families homeless.

Roads connecting interior villages

were blocked

due to fallen debris,

mud and uprooted trees,

disrupting transportation

and emergency access.

What's going on? Stop faffing around.

Come on, hurry up.

I've been noticing something

since you're back.

You look quite unhappy. What's wrong?

Mmm.

[sighs]

I've been wanting to tell you something

for a very long time.

You don't file a police complaint

against Mani.

He's not been the same since.

He's a changed man now.

He was begging me to give him

your phone number, so I

I thought you would give him

a piece of your mind, so I gave him.

[clicks tongue]

And not just that,

when the landslide happened,

I wasn't there to help your parents.

He was the one who made sure

that they get to the relief camp safely.

I mean, I'm not saying

that you forgive him.

Just talk to him once.

[cell phone ringing]

Who is it? Is it that jerk?

Who else?

It's from Korea.

Then why didn't you just answer the phone?

-I didn't want to answer.

-Why?

If I speak to them,

I'll feel like going back.

With what's happened here,

[clicks tongue] I can't.

[automated voice]

The number you are trying to call is busy.

Shenba.

Can I talk to you for a minute?

Shenba

I tried to get in touch

with you many times.

And I just wanted to say that I'll return

your dad's money somehow.

But you didn't talk to me.

I was not calling you for your forgiveness

or for you to take me back,

even if you forgive me.

I'll never forgive myself.

I wanted to

meet you and apologize.

Sorry.

[soaring music playing]

Say whatever you want to,

but I have just one thing to say.

Thanks.

It's all because of you.

Thanks.

Hi, Shenba.

Without saying anything,

you went to your hometown.

The first time I saw you at the airport,

you were standing there

with tears in your eyes.

I don't know why, but something

made me want to reach out,

to talk to you,

to help you.

Now I find myself missing you deeply.

See you soon.

Bye.

[violin playing]

[upbeat music playing]

What's on your mind?

Don't over think.

Whatever your heart says, just do it.

Your Korean friends keep asking me,

"Sir, can you send Shenba back with us?"

I told them to talk to you.

And yeah, what did you say to your mother?

"The money I took from Dad,

I'll pay him back one day."

You said you don't have it right now?

Even if you managed

to pay me back the money somehow,

it wouldn't make me so happy.

I'm very happy today, you know why?

Four people just came to see you,

that too from across the world.

This makes me really happy.

Why don't you do one thing?

Go back to Korea.

Call me and then I'll come

with your mother.

You don't mind that, do you?

Go ahead and live your dream life.

[plane engine whirring]

[soaring music playing]

HOUSE FOR REN230 MILLION WON

[bell tinkling]

How is she?

Um

She want to you hear this.

[automated voice]

Hi, Shenba, how are you doing?

I wanted to talk to you

and share my feelings with you.

The time I spent with you was beautiful,

I laughed a lot

and I could be myself with you.

The best thing

was that my dream came true,

my dream of opening a restaurant

which became possible only because of you.

After a long time,

I felt a connection with someone.

And that was with you, Shenba.

You are like my own daughter.

I'll always be there for you.

[continues speaking in Korean]

I hope we meet again soon.

I want to talk to her.

[ekg beeping]

[rapidly beeping]

She is no more.

[bell tinkling]

I've always dreamed of visiting Korea,

and that dream was the only connection

I had with this country.

A few days ago,

if anyone asked me who I was,

I wouldn't know what to say.

But today, I'd say I'm from Shenba

from Granny's Kitchen,

this is my identity.

They say where you think it ends,

it begins.

Just like that, when I thought

everything was over for me here,

everything was actually just beginning.

[soaring music playing]

[K-pop music playing]